Abra Ebner

Books, Babies, and Bad Health...

2011-11-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

Books . . .

So, I've commissioned a short run of my children's book in hardcover for a special early proofing. I wasn't going to sell them originally, but a lot of people wanted a copy, so now I am! If you want to get your signed hardcover, head on over to www.crimsonoaksports.com to buy yours! I only have so many copies available and I'm not sure how long it will be until more are printed, so if you want it, act fast!! I will sign it and ship it to you personally!

Babies and Bad Health . . .

Well, Halloween came and went and already I've seen the first snow. I feel time whizzing by this year and it's all because of one little girl. Parenthood changes everything for the better, and in my case maybe brings out some unknown health problems as well. All my life I was an easy bruiser buy never thought anything of it till I started getting CBCs during pregnancy. Apparently I have low platelets which plummeted pretty bad after birth (they make your blood clot) It got to a dangerous level but luckily there are drugs to try and fix it but it will never go away. Having that second child will be a miracle. But, I cannot be more in love with what I do have. Little E is the most entertaining, spirited baby whose endless humor and smiles gets me through the most fatiguing days.

My newest little storyteller...

2011-09-10T08:20:00.001-07:00

Amidst my book release for Ladybird, Ladybird I get my own little story in the making. Erinn Ember J.

Also be sure to check out my new book, website, and book trailer @ Www.ladybirdbook.com

Long Time, No Post . . . I Know! But Baby Is Due This Month!

2011-08-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've been busy busy trying to finish the third Knight Angels book amongst dealing with pre-term labor and false labor and working with my publisher to publish Ladybird, Ladybird (Which was due to release in July but got pushed back because of my pregnancy issues.) Anyway. So, this month I will become a mommy, and that's one of the best things EVER!

So, let's play a game. I've made this poll for you to guess what day you think my little peanut will arrive. My official Due date is August 28th. The facts are that she's measuring two weeks big, and I have Gestational Diabetes in case that sways your opinion on date. So, take a stab at it and have fun!

Darkness too visible? It's not our fault... #YAsaves !

2011-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal came out with an article yesterday titled, "Darkness Too Visible: Contemporary fiction for teens is rife with explicit abuse, violence and depravity. Why is this considered a good idea?"

LINK

Basically, if you read the article, it attacks the Young Adult culture written into the popular teen books of today. It's no doubting that the YA Paranormal Romance section has exploded with books since the popularity of Twilight, but what they should really be asking themselves is why?

In my opinion, it's not the fault of the teen or the writer, but the fault of the economy and world. In down times, adults are faced with more stress and unfortunately they bring that home with them, ripening the already volatile and uncertain lives of our teens. If struggling to fit into High School isn't enough, there's the ugly truth of what to expect of their futures. Adults with degrees from top universities are having a hard time finding jobs, how does our youth expect to find their niche when it comes time? Then there's the reality of the forclosure market. Many American families are dealing with this and teens simply refuse to adapt to the change.

In my opinion, Contemporary Young Adult Fiction is actually trying to help by relating. Sure, there is a lot of violence, abuse, and horrifying overtones in our books these days, but that's because we are reaching out to a youth inundated with the real horrors of it in their everyday life. What The Wall Street Journal forgot to address was the heroes and heroins of the story that teach us how to overcome this adversity, how to deal with the pain and despair.

I personally can reflect on the fact that the novel Go Ask Alice changed my life as a teen. I wish there had been more dark novels like it. In High School I dealt with the loss of a boyfriend, but in a world where death wasn't dealt with at all, I was left in utter darkness. Books like the ones I write today are finally helping me to face these fears and struggles and realize that life is worth living--ten years too late.

I've had a number of fans write telling me how my books have changed their lives. One recently, a boy from the Philippines, wrote to tell me how Feather changed everything for him. In a country where he simply could not afford to read, I was able to send him a copy of my book. The story was one of triumph over the end of the world, rising to the occasion and being the hero while maintaining a moral life of truth and power.

Another fan of mine, in her mid-twenties, also read my Feather Book Series only to realize that she was in a bad, loveless marriage. As a fan of mine on Facebook, I can say with confidence that she took the leap to get away and is happier than ever and in the deepest love of her life with a new man, "Her Edgar," she tells me. Her story touched me so deeply, I published her poem in my latest book, Knight Angels: Book One:

Killing Truth

By Tessa Rei

Your face blinds me from the truth that fallows

That wretched, annoying, nagging truth that swallows

Swallows me whole in its dark mouth as I fighting for air

Searching everywhere for the way out but finding it nowhere,

Blind in this colorless monster of guilt I see your face

Pulling myself closer to you as I pick up this shameful pace

I’m in this lonely pit with or without you, and there is no sound

Only this shit in my blasted head spinning all around

I call out to you; oh please can you hear me?

Echoes in this darkness are all I hear, nothing is what I see …

Placing my hands in front of me to brace my fall

Calling out to you again but hearing nothing at all

I scream as long as these lungs will hold this breath

Feeling something beneath me break, I’m falling closer to death

I will remain here dying until I find you

This truth is killing me, why? What will I—or can I do?

As my last breath escapes me there is a comforting voice

Hello … it’s you … now you have left me with no choice

I cry out quietly for you once more

Opening my eyes I can see you more colorful than before …

It's not that teens are darker than they were before, it's just that they're finally lashing out about it. Teens have learned to deal with their depression in a healthier way than bottling it up. If reading a dark YA novel is their way of doing that, then I say that's far better than turning to drugs, alcohol, or self-mutilation. Reading about it helps them to see and live the pain of the character, ultimately encouraging them not to do it as the character almost always learns to overcome. Many of us, like the 46 year old mother-of-three in the The Wall Street Journal article have forgotten what it's like to be a teen.

It's hard!

The problem here is that parents are just looking for another thing to blame for a lack of parenting. It shouldn't matter what your child reads, watches on TV, or is exposed to. No matter how hard we try, we aren't going to be able to protect them from everything--they will always find a way to watch it or do it behind your back. Trust me. I know I did. The best approach in this case is to address the child and their problems directly. Take time out of your day to make sure they feel secure and loved. Take time to notice if they're slipping into depression, using drugs, or sneaking alcohol. We live in an entitled world where it's easier to blame than accept blame onto yourself.

Get over it! Be the parent!

These books do nothing but teach our youth how to overcome pain, depression, and evil. It's the state of the economy and the mindset of the adult culture that is to blame--just switch on Glenn Beck on CNBC for a few minutes and tell me that's not depressing--and until it gets better, darkness and our personal demons are going to be something we all deal with as we always have, just not so outwardly.

YA hopes to help that. YA hopes to give teens a light in the darkness and relate to them in a time when they need our support and understanding more than ever.

If you support YA reads, yell it out on Twitter using the topic #YAsaves

Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer: Long Theatrical Cut

2011-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Book Trailer process is an ongoing thing but this cut is a good one and I want to share! Thank you Brad and Kolbi and everyone else for amazing shots! Makes me wish I could spend time in Georgia because it's still not as green here as it is in the video!

. . .

Pics From The Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer Shoot...

2011-05-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share some more of the fun that went on this week in Cumming, Georgia. Our team was even allowed access at a high school there where the drama group was happy to join in the fun (I don't have pics from that just yet)! As a drama geek myself (once upon a time) I thought this was great! After all, it is their last week of school and what the heck else do they have to do!? So thank you all that participated, I can't wait to see your work on screen!

If I weren't seven months pregnant, I would have been there!

STEVE! Our Operations Manager.

...

Brad in the river!
My horse would have never gotten that close to the water...

...

Leith and Sam the main characters.

...

Book Reviewers! Come here...

2011-05-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we are finally (finally...(finally...)) getting ready to begin releasing info for Ladybird Ladybird as well as send out the many many ARC (review copy) requests we received a few months back. As we do this, however, we are also going to be sending out release info, trailers, and other fun things for your blog.

To make our list keeping easier, we'd like to collect you all in one place as the marketing, editing, and me side of things all have different lists going (very unorganized! But we're trying!!).

So, even if you've emailed us in the past SIGN UP (because we love you all to death!).

SIGN UP IN THE RIGHT BAR OR IN THIS POST BELOW

Some fun promos we are planning to do:

Giveaways: Money! Not just books but gift certificates, music CD's, and more, all having to do with Ladybird Ladybird (and you as a blogger are entered in a freebie contest, too! Just for being a part of it!). We are also offering a free prelude download of The Key: A Short Prelude to Ladybird Ladybird for free and we'd love to send you the info for your fans!

Exclusive Book Trailer Releases: The book trailer is almost done and we are planning on three different versions. A teaser (longer than the one I posted last week), a 30 second version, and an extended version (2+ minutes). You want to be a part of the club and get this exclusive content for your blog before YouTube does, trust me!

Actress Trial Shoot: http://youtu.be/QwaL_hOZAk0

Pre-Made Blogger Posts: We are making this easy and fast for you, pre-making the HTML for you to copy/paste and customize for your blog! Instead of minutes spent pleasing your followers, think SECONDS.

Other Announcements: Along with this we are going to send out other announcements on books from Crimson Oak Publishing that meet your blogs interest and criteria (but we're not spamming you! You are our most valuable asset and we don't want to piss you off!)

No Spamming: As I said above, you are our most valuable asset and we will never sell your address or hit you with emails that are irrelevant to books and the utter love of them. All you'll receive is useful content for your blog. If you decide you hate us, unsubscribing is a breeze with a link in each email.

So, at last. If this all sounds good to you then sign up!

Ladybird Ladybird Teaser Trailer: Shooting Full Length Trailer This Weekend.

2011-05-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak into the Ladybird Ladybird book trailer by my video guy Brad (such a video guy name, right??). The full length video will be shot this weekend. More to come!!

Sneak Peek Wednesday!

2011-04-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek into Knight Angels: Book of Life (Book 3!)

JANE:

Ariel and I had walked quite a ways down the river. She urged me to leave the bank, but I was afraid that if I did, I’d miss Max if he were to appear in the In-between. Ariel had tried to convince me that leaving the water’s edge was alright, that I wouldn’t miss anything, but how did she know?

“I’m a Seer, but also a bit of a prophet. Just like the prophets of Winter Wood.” She reminded. “Not all Seers are prophets, but only Seers can be prophets. Part of my struggle in my last life was escaping the Black Angels. I was a very rare breed as a prophet, and as such they wanted me for their side. They hunted me like game. Finally, I just couldn’t deal with it anymore. I took my own life.”

I stopped walking, not able to picture how such a young girl could ever feel so lost, so tormented that she would take her own life. Girls her age were supposed to worry about simple things and not chased down like a fugitive. “How could you kill yourself? How did you do it?”

Ariel plucked a flower and spun it in her hand. “I poisoned myself. It was a painful way to go. If I were to do it again—”

“Don’t do it again.” I shuttered. For whatever reason, it reminded me of Emily and how I used to fear the direction she was headed in. I wondered how she was doing now, without me there for her. Despite the fact that we’d never really gotten along, I felt a loss of control toward the fact that at least I had been there to keep an eye on her. I had to take refuge in the fact that Wes would never let anything happen to her. She was so new to the moral lifestyle she had transformed into before my death that I feared a relapse back to her old ways. I grew irritated with the subject and changed it. “So, as a prophet can you still see what’s going on in the world?”

. . .

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Final Pieces!

2011-04-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

It felt like a relaxing weekend, right? Where I live the tulips are FINALLY starting to bloom and the weather is finally starting to change away from frost every morning.

So, here is the eleventh and twelfth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first TEN pieces

(ninth and tenth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 9 & 10

2011-04-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Tues-day...

I finally plucked my eyebrows today! YES! I did it, it's been way too long. Too personal? Naw, I have nothing else to talk about, anyway *smiles*. I knew there was something special about Tuesday!

So, here is the ninth and tenth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first EIGHT pieces

(ninth and tenth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 7 & 8

2011-04-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

!!Saturday!!

Finally starting to feel like myself again after the flu. Apologies for slacking on the puzzle, so I'm going to give you two pieces to make up for it. I could barely count to three the last couple days let alone blog.

So, here is the seventh and eighth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first SIX pieces

(Seventh and Eighth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels - Book Three - Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 6!

2011-03-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Blah Monday...

UGH, I'm sick today. I have a doctor's appt. in about 30 min, thank goodness. Guess I gotta go find out if it's the flu or not (Everyone, pray it's not!). Anyway, hopefully the lemon water and vitamins will get me over it soon!! Think HEALTHY for me!

So, here is the sixth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first FIVE pieces

(Fourth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels Book Three Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 5!

2011-03-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday is a good day! Hump day! he he, that term has always made me giggle. Anyway, the week is already half over, how painless!

So, here is the fifth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

And here is the last puzzle Piece put into the puzzle in case you've been slacking. If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first FOUR pieces
(Fourth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 4!

2011-03-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Manic Monday!

I know Mondays suck, you don't need to say that twice. But let's look forward to the good things this week. Maybe there is at least ONE stinkin' sunny day in there (I hope). And perhaps a cookie. And of course this puzzle. I guess that makes it all okay.

So, here is the fourth piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

And here is the last puzzle Piece put into the puzzle in case you've been slacking. If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first THREE pieces

(Fourth above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

New Knight Angels Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 3!

2011-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!

I hope everyone is taking advantage of the end of the work week, or if you are working, I hope you have something fun planned for later!

So, here is the third piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

And here is the last puzzle Piece put into the puzzle in case you've been slacking. If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far with first TWO pieces

(Third above you have to include yourself!)

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Book Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 2

2011-03-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!

So, here is the second piece in the puzzle that will soon be the official Knight Angels: Book of Life, Book Three cover! Just print, cut out, and add to the Master Puzzle I gave you with the first puzzle piece (in case you missed that there is a link below).

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

And here is the last puzzle Piece put into the puzzle in case you've been slacking. If you missed the first blog post, just follow my link:

Puzzle Piece One

. . .

Puzzle So Far

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE)

. . .

Knight Angels 3: New Cover Artwork!

2011-03-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Master Puzzle Game

So now that I got you here to look at the new cover artwork for Knight Angels: Book of Life (Book Three) there's a hitch. I'm going to be releasing a puzzle piece of the cover, one piece every couple days, that you can copy, print, cut out, and follow along!

This is the full wrap cover, and first things first, you're going to need the Master Puzzle diagram:

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

And then you're going to need your first piece!

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO RETRIEVE FULL SIZE)

. . .

Nothing To Do But Write...

2011-03-01T07:08:00.001-08:00

So it seems I'm trapped in the house today after a band of rain sat over our small town dumping what seems about two feet of snow (up to hubby's knees!).

The worst part it that that band of moisture is STILL sticking around for what looks a while. It's going to warm up a tad, at least.

STILL!!!!!

I just hope the power doesn't go out (it did last night but only for about 30 min.)

Gives me lots of time to work on writing and my project for my other blog Love & Domestication

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Come Follow Me On My New Blog!

2011-02-23T13:10:00.001-08:00

Love and Domestication

Adventures In Domestication...

2011-02-22T07:54:00.001-08:00

Feeling creative, I decided to try my hand at sewing. Let's face it, I've been to art school, I have my BFA. I can so absolutely totally make my own Boppy, and who needs a stupid pattern!!! Luckily for me, and about thirty minutes of feverish working, I think I did it!

Bopperific, and apparently machine washable... <3

Like A Reviewer Giveaway!

2011-02-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Ladybird, Ladybird

by Abra Ebner

Giveaway ends March 14, 2011.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

I Smell A Book For You To Review!!

2011-02-04T09:08:00.001-08:00

It's that time again, review time, and I'm inviting all my favorite (and new) reviewers to come sign up to review Ladybird, Ladybird. Even if I know who you are (and love you!) please re-apply as I'm horrible at keeping addresses. He he.

The book comes out in hardcover this spring. ARCs are paperback editions. Also note that it's a "novella".

Here's what you need to do:

- Email me at abraebner@live.com

- Title your email "Review Request" so I don't lose it to other emails :)

- List your BLOG, name, ADDRESS, and whatever you like or nothing at all (it's not a contest!) but def. your blog and mailing address.

- Hit send and wait for my reply confirming you're on the list!

For now we're open to English speaking countries for review as it will still be some time before translation rights are sold and underway.

Thank you for your interest!

Abra Ebner and Crimson Oak Publishing
www.crimsonoakpublishing.com

A Great Movie Pick For This Time Of Year...

2011-01-25T09:00:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I took my new DVD/Blu Ray player with Netflix for a spin and downloaded The Spitfire Grill. I watched this movie a lot when I was younger, but it had been a while. Best movie ever, though. Seriously, if you're feeling a little blue this time of year, take the time to watch it!

I've Invented A New Season And It's Called Werpingsnirt...

2011-01-18T08:50:00.001-08:00

I'm sick of the four seasons and the idea that winter is snow, spring is blooming flowers, summer is hot and happy and fall is beautiful leaves. I don't know about you, but for me there is a huge gap between the beautiful snow and blooming apple trees for me. This is why I've invented werpingsnirt (an anagram of spring and winter). It's a nasty season, an exiled season, a season that doesn't look pretty knitted into a quilt. I hate this season most, as we all probably do. So, now it has a name that you can curse at and grumble under your breath when you find yourself trapped at the bus stop in a sudden werpingsnirt downpour.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ode To Rainy Days And Mondays...

2011-01-17T08:47:00.001-08:00

It seems predictable that sadness and boredom inevitably fall right after the holidays. I guess most find refuge in the typical routine of exercise, but I'm not too into that this year, I didn't much indulge over Christmas, and I'm in the mindset of weight gain ATM. To top it off, it's been rainy and windy for days...

But I guess this is the hump before spring, it's just so hard! Even the cats are fighting...

But my friend made me a loaf of bread yesterday... And I ate half...

And my Seahawks lost...

Come fast spring!!!!!

Almost A New Year!

2010-12-29T07:36:00.000-08:00

So, congratulations to the winner of the Christmas Giveaway, Sabrina Rutter. I swear I will send the books out as soon as I can make it through the snow to the post office :)

Aside from that, I've been working hard on some very fun fun things for the new year. At last I'm starting my first Children's/Young Adult book that fits into the Harry Potter/Percy Jackson genre. So far the outline is nearing 10 pages, with many more to go.

It will be named the Jack Scar Series.

This spring I will be releasing my two children's books, one aimed for boys and one for girls. They are Grumpy Lumpy, and Dream Dance Prance (though that is just the working title)...

And then of course I will be releasing the third book in the Knight Angels Series this fall (Hopefully September!) I haven't decided on a cover yet, but I will :)

And THEN! I have another book coming out this spring called Ladybird, Ladybird, and I promise you it is and will be the sweetest, most mysterious paranormal love story you will read this year. It's a short read, more of a novella...

Busy, BUSY!!!!

Special Christmas Giveaway!

2010-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm giving away a signed copy of Knight Angels: Book of Love and Knight Angels: Book of Revenge in a bundle this holiday season! And as a special gift, I'm throwing in a signed review copy of my new, self-illustrated children's book! What a treat!!

Hurry now...

ENTER HERE

I Never Knew Cooking Seafood Could Be So Dangerous...

2010-12-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

So, here I am, all excited to simmer my beautiful two pounds of fresh mussels in a delightful white wine sauce. I was ecstatic, following the recipe to a "T" because I knew just how good these puppies could be. So I begin...

Simmer...

Simmer Simmer...

Simmer down now!....

...

Hmmm... Lets check them! BAM!!!!!

...

Um...

eeerrrrrr............. ummmmmm....... ooooooohhhhh-KAY!

My husband nearly fell off his chair, and upon looking at me, his eyes got wide. "Babe... your bangs..."

Hand to head, crispy southern bangs... then I smelled burnt hair... "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

I guess I didn't expect the explosion. I had tipped the lid and the alcohol that had condensed on it must have dripped into the gas flame. This had never happened to me before. I have a Christmas party to go to, and I have curly, smokey, crispy fried bangs.

CRISPY FRIED!!!!

But...

The mussels turned out good :)

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter 'I'...

2010-12-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Like ICE, and INSTRUMENTS...

We got record snowfall this November. Already amounts of up to two feet. I love the snow, don't get me wrong, but after a while, shoveling loses it's sparkly glittery glow (if it ever had one).

Seriously, church parking lot, shovel the stairs. I see this and I think of all the little church-going old ladies. Not Cool.

Then lastly, I pulled this out the other day. I haven't played the guitar in ten years, and I'm a bit rusty, but I forgot how good it was for thinking. I learned a Taylor Swift song, cause I'm super cool like that...

Lol.

Even though I had to use a sandwich bag clip 'cause I couldn't find a pick...

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter, 'D'...

2010-11-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

Like DRAW, and DECORATE...

Working on another children's book! The first was just so addicting!! This one is about a ballerina mouse who learns how to fit in by simply doing what she loves, DANCE! (another word that starts with the letter 'D')

Began the Christmas festivities with my DICKEN'S Village (Another 'D'!) collection. I own 8 houses so far.

Then of course the ornaments. Most of my ornaments were given to my by my grandmother, who has had some of them for over 50 years. Now that's DETERMINATION!

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter 'M'...

2010-11-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

Like the word, MANAGEMENT: as in, ...'of time'...

I just bought this clock the other day at a local antique store. Where I live there are TONS, and being that Mother was in town, I needed to entertain ...let's face it, mothers need entertaining. Not only was it important to get a clock, but spending a week with her reminded me of her own very flawed sense of time. I knew I needed to combat the inevitable inheritance of this flaw by making it as avoidable as humanly possible...

...so...Viola! My Alice In Wonderland-ESK clock, just like the White Rabbit!

Dear November...

2010-11-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Another month has gone down the drain and I find myself ashamed of how long it's been since I've posted anything. I assure you, I've been busy. Granted the blog tour last month kept enough blogging out on the Internet to carry me for all this time, but now I need to get back in the saddle and pony up.

SO!

Lets talk about what I've been up to!

I've been drawing. It's nice getting up early and drawing all day. Makes me feel like I'm five again! I'm making a children's book, as I think I've mentioned before. This is something I've wanted to do for a long while but never had a story good enough until I looked at my own family and came up with a story about my brother.

It's called Grumpy Lumpy, and it's a book about overcoming learning disabilities and finding that in the end you can do whatever you set your mind to, no matter the obstacles. My brother had a few basic disabilities as far as reading and math were concerned, but still managed to grow up and become a pilot because that's all he ever wanted to do. In a world where many kids fall victim to laziness, it's nice to see a story where a boy, with every odd stacked up against him, can still prevail and become something great. I think stories like this help to encourage those blessed with ease of learning to take advantage of the abilities they have because they see someone with harder struggles doing the same.

I'm in love with it, and it makes me cry every time I read it... I've read it a lot!

Fun, Fun Cover Winner!!!

2010-10-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

So, I lack the ability to be patient, but most of you gave me some really great feed back for the cover idea of my Novella, coming out this spring, Ladybird, Ladybird.

So excited about the cover, and given the lack-less sleep, I came up with a great twist of an ending. You are all going to think you know what will happen, but I lack the ability to allow you to be so presumptuous... sorry! I've already found my song that will drive the whole thing. (I like to pick a song for motivation!)

And though this is not the main synopsis, I may as well let you in a little of what it's all about...

Setting: The Country, Wheat Farm

Main Character: Samantha (Sam)

Genre: Teen Romance and Paranormal

Edition: Hardcover! (My first!)

Synopsis:

Samantha was born on a full moon to a mother already dead. Revived by doctors and given to her unloving father, Samantha was raised a cursed child, her only friend the ghost of her mother who speaks to her through keys. From the inside out, Sam burned with life, a fire so vivid it kept her peers at a distance, all except one. Leith, a quiet farm boy with a broken heart and demons of his own, enjoys the seclusion his classmates grant him, but the seclusion is all too familiar to Sam.

When their worlds collide... fires burn.

Release Date: Spring, 2011

Add to your Goodreads 'To-Read' list!: Ladybird, Ladybird

Playing around with cover ideas...

2010-10-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

I have this new little book I've been feverishly working on, and I always like to have a cover ready to share, so I've been working on it... I like both, so one will be the front, one the back, but I can't decide which to use for the front...

Let me know what you think...

(I know they're small, but bear with me, they're tiny images to begin with)

Knight Angels: Book of Revenge GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ok. This time I swear the link actually works, lol. Ends Halloween night, and includes CANADA, US, UK, and AUSTRALIA. I promise to do my next giveaway to include ALL countries. I realized I should have expanded it, eek!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Knight Angels

by Abra Ebner

Giveaway ends October 31, 2010.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Knight Angels Blog Tour! The First Book of Revenge Review!

2010-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Yay! I'm really excited about this review.

I ♥ Katie !!!

SEE THE REVIEW HERE

Knight Angels Book Giveaway!

2010-10-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away a signed copy of Knight Angels on Halloween!! Enter now!

Countries Included:

Canada
UK
US
Australia

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Knight Angels

by Abra Ebner

Giveaway ends October 31, 2010.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Blog Tour Madness!!!!

2010-10-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

So here are out first two stops on the madness that is the new Knight Angels: Book of Revenge blog tour!!!

Go check them out!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Interview with Max, Main Character of Knight Angels.

GO NOW!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Book Excerpt Featuring Emily, Another Main Character of Knight Angels.

GO NOW!!

My Cat, On Prozac: Part Deux!

2010-09-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

So as we truck along with drugging the cat per the vets advice I have noticed quite a few fun side effects but most recently I've noticed his Giant, global looking eyeballs. It's like all of a sudden he is seeing the world differently, and finds it surprising...

Here is a visual reenactment:

Blog Love!

2010-09-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I wanted to say today and I'll get off your back...

: : : : : : : : : :

Congrats to Windowpane Memoirs for their new blog look, it is surely one of the most creative ones out there, though most of you truely blow me away when it comes to blogging. I just can't keep up!

: : : : : : : : : :

AND THEN!

My friend, Lindsay, shared this blog with me when we were at bowling last week. I couldn't stop laughing! If the day finds you bored, go read some of what she writes! She tells the funniest stories and draws pictures with a simple paint bucket program, but they're great. Considering her 25000+ followers, you know it's good.

GO HERE!!!!!

October: Knight Angels Book/Blog Tour!

2010-09-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

October is the release month of the new Knight Angels book! Book of Revenge is touring the blog-o-sphere with character interviews, Excerpts, Reviews, and Scenes! Each day I will post a link of where to go, all you have to do is follow and comment, if you so desire.

Lets all thank Kari for putting the whole thing together (clapping).

Want a copy? CLICK HERE

http://www.crimsonoakpublishing.com/

Thoughts From My Husband...

2010-09-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

In an email sent to his friend, and a point everyone should know...

Steve,
I was re-reading the book the tipping point today. If you haven't read it before, it talks about epidemics and their tipping points. When does something hit epidemic levels. One idea that it spoke of was the idea of the broken windows effect. In New York during the 1990's the city and subway were made safer using this broken windows plan. The idea is that if you want to decrease major crimes you need to take care of the little things like graffiti and toll skippers. The idea is to change the environment, so it appears that someone cares. The idea is that criminals will brake the law in places where it seems like it is acceptable. I was reading the end of the chapter and something hit me. Everyone says do what you are passionate about and the money will come. Or, share what you love with others and the money will come. It just made sense, when you are passionate about something, you enjoy what you are doing, so you do the little things. These little things are the difference maker. They dictate whether you are going to be successful or flounder after a few months. I feel like this is the reason why some are successful and some aren't. It is the little things.
I just wanted to share this profound idea that popped up today.
Erik

First Comment I've Seen On New Book...

2010-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

"HOLY CRAP - what can I say other than, when is the next one coming!!! EAK!"

from Jennifer S. on Goodreads. Owner of the blog: http://www.book-crazy.com/

♥ That's always a good sign... ♥

My Cat... On Prozac...

2010-09-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Kitty went to the vet again since he supposedly has Kidney failure...

He's been ripping apart doors, floors, and peeing everywhere but in his litter box, and I'd finally had enough!

I took him, this time, up to the university where our vet school in nationally awarded. Turns out he's fine! He's just anxious and depressed.

"Here. Give him these." They said.

"What are 'these'?"

"... well ... Prozac. That cat needs something." All the while she staring at me bleary eyed as they had kept Chandler overnight for testing. I could tell he must have drove them as nuts as me...

I took kitty home and forced a half of a pill down his throat and this is a re-enactment of the following 48 hours of his life...

Life is good now.

Trying Out A New Genre...

2010-09-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

For the last week I've been indulging my college talents and have been trying out a new genre! My brother was the inspiration for my new story, and where word count is hardly the main factor, illustration certainly is. I stayed up late one night (my husband was snoring, sleepwalking, and standing in the closet talking to himself...) and I wrote the story all in one sitting. Unfortunately, illustration is a bit more time consuming...

My brother struggled with school but having worked hard with the constant support of his little bear Grumpy Lumpy, he managed to overcome his struggles and is now a commercial pilot, not a feat easily mastered given his obstacles, especially when most would have given up long ago...

New Website For Coming Release...

2010-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today we launched our new website for Knight Angels pending the coming release of Book Two: Book of Revenge. We made the website more interactive and simple, clearing out the clutter while keeping it exciting. You'll need Flash to view it on your computer, but most computers have that these days, just not those pesky iPhones.

So roll on over and check out the new Knight Angels website!

www.knightangels.com

A New Week!!

2010-09-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sciatica contained, I can now start a new week! Let me tell you, lately I have been majorly slacking! I got addicted to this Facebook game called City of Wonders and I can't seem to focus anymore. And I thought Farmville was bad...

But now I've nearly conquered the game and I can focus back on what's important cause the holiday weekend is over and I have to, or is it want to?

The weather sure sucks lately, huh?

Then again I was growing tired of the hot weather. My husband and I were discussing candles last night and how wonderful they are when it gets cold because muggy + candles doesn't mix. I'm just happy to have a reason to mask the smell of his dirty clothes again, but that's just me...

Book tour for Knight Angles: Book of Revenge starts October first. We will be visiting a whole ton of blogs in October. I will post the schedule as we get closer.

I love my bloggers :)

The sequel toy Book of Love is shaping up well. Looks beautiful so far. I love the actual page elements and layout, not to mention the ending! Gets me all excited for the third book and I think it will get you excited too.

What else????????

I made some cookies. It's my famous Choc. Chip cookie recipe which isn't much different from Toll House except the egg part:

Two sticks of salted Butter, room temp

One Two Tablespoons Vanilla

3/4 C. Brown Sugar

3/4 C. Sugar

1 tsp. Baking Soda

pinch of Salt

Whip furiously. And I mean furiously...

ADD:

One egg and one egg yolk.

Whip furiously some more. Think submission.

ADD:

2 C. Flour

One bag choc. chips (not the huge bag unless you're nuts)

Bake 350 for 12-15 min.

Swear they keep you full for hours. Keeps my pregnant bestie pretty happy too.

Flat On My Back...

2010-09-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

I feel old today...

http://tinylittlesandra.blogspot.com/2008/12/so-i-guess-its-about-time.html

I feel old because I hurt my back doing something, who knows what, maybe golf, gardening, sitting and editing too much. Either way now I'm on my back in bed with a cat that kicks me in his sleep and a back brace. I guess it's called Sciatica and with this kind of pain, giving birth without an epidural is starting to sound good in comparison.

Anyhow, this really BITES.

Already Off To A Good Start...

2010-08-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Can't believe my editor is already done with Knight Angels: Book of Revenge. And from the text, email and second email all containing the term "OMG!!!!!!!" I think it means she really likes it. It's always tricky when you're writing a book to know if it's still good after having read and re-read it a million times. So, hopefully once we get it into circulation this fall, you'll be able to tell me what your opinions are!

www.KnightAngels.com

THE GREAT DIGITAL VS. PALPABLE GAMBLE...

2010-08-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Setting...

BUNCO NIGHT

(and lots of sangria)

The Debate...

The Split...

50/50

As a writer, I can't help but love a book... a palpable, paper filled, good smelling, one pound miracle with a raised color cover. BUT there are those out there that LOVE their new Kindles all the same. I see nothing wrong with loving either because each has a slew of valid arguements, of which I won't begin to list because by now, we all know what those are.

What I'm interested in is a vote!

I've seen what direction my books sales weight in, and I know what most people are buying these days, but I'm not telling which is more popular: The Book, or the Machine. I just want to know what you think...

More International Interest - Turkey

2010-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was made an offer to bring the Feather Book Series and Knight Angels Series to Turkey! I was very excited, and find the opportunity another unique advance in reaching the world with my stories! I haven't yet signed any contracts, but plan to. The publisher is Artemis:

http://www.artemisyayinlari.com/

They have a lot of great titles, a beautiful site, and the chief editor is very nice!

Just another exciting opportunity!!

Knight Angels II Book Cover

2010-08-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

A Few Changes

I changed just a few things as I always do when I get close to publishing the book. I added interest to the cover with butterflies and blood. Who doesn't like the combo?? There's a deadly innocence about it, and that's exactly what this book is going for.

The back cover reflects that as well, but I'm keeping that as a surprise!

Flash Website at Wix.com

Knight Angels: Book Two - PREVIEW!

2010-08-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

- BOOK OF REVENGE -

By Abra Ebner

2010 © Abra Ebner

Prologue: 1942

“Max, I’d love a rose.”

Avery’s voice was distant. I turned to her, wondering what it was she’d said. “Hmm?”

She sighed, her brows pressed together with annoyance. “I said: I’d like a rose.”

I snapped out of my trance. The sensation of her arm hooked with mine flooded back to me, sending a tingle of warmth over my skin. The wind blew, tickling the white fur on her lapel. Her frosty blue eyes shimmered in the moonlight, so full of light and beauty. Taking in surroundings I had all but forgotten, I saw there was a street vendor beside us that I hadn’t noticed before. He was selling roses.

“See, aren’t they lovely?” Avery protested.

I glanced at the blue roses, powdered with wintery frost. I felt a pang in my heart. I should want to buy one for her—I should want to shower her with gifts, with love, but something wasn’t right.

Avery jerked at my arm, forcing an answer from my lips. I looked at the vendor. “One, please.”

The vendor eyed me with a flash of pity. Avery swooned at my side, happy with the fact she’d coerced me into buying her a rose. Why hadn’t I thought to do so myself? Why hadn’t I seen the vendor earlier, thinking of nothing but the way Avery’s pouty smile would warm my heart with their purchase? But there was nothing. It hadn’t even occurred to me to look.

“Max, you’re such a wonderful fiancé,” she gushed.

Another gust whipped through the streets of Winter Wood, a town so human, yet locked within a purely magickal world. It was a place our kind came to mingle, to live, and to feel some sort of belonging. Here we could be free—here, we didn’t have to hide.

My eyes traced the distant walls of the town that protected us and kept us invisible. The human world outside these walls was tainted with war and destruction. Winter Wood was the only place to escape their horrors and to live as though all that was a simple, yet horrible dream.

“Here you are, Miss.” The vendor handed her the rose, swirling his fingers over the petals as the bud opened before her eyes. She gasped, a silly childish gasp that told me she’d seen this trick a hundred times, but it never tired her.

It tired me.

How long would my life go on? Soon there would be nothing to surprise me, no wonders as there once was. I was only thirty-three, though I didn’t look a day past seventeen. How many more years would I live? One hundred? A thousand? The thought alone made my throat tighten. I coughed.

“You’re not catching a cold are you?” Avery squeezed my arm, the rose now tucked into her hair, perfectly placed in a way that complimented her eyes. We had walked on past the rose vendor, moving street light to street light.

I looked at her sideways. “A cold? Really?”

She giggled, looking down at her feet in the snow. “Sometimes it’s just fun to ask, even if it’s never true. Human novelty, I suppose.”

I shook my head, still unable to enjoy her light-hearted chit chat. My attention continued to pull away from her, finding any means of escape. That’s when I saw the apothecary up ahead, the windows warmed and inviting. “I may not have a cold, but do you mind if we stop in to visit the alchemist?”

I saw the joy on her face fade. She didn’t have any interest in alchemy, as an Element Pixie she had no need to. A pixie’s powers of alchemy came naturally. Potions were useless trinkets, nothing but clutter to their efficient ways of living. Their powers so far exceeded all others that most of us could not fathom their extent, and yet they did not abuse them, only the Shadow Pixies did.

“Fine,” she answered with a sigh and fluffed her long platinum hair, the ringlets spraying a glittery plume into the air behind her—she smelled like cinnamon.

We reached the shop a few paces later, ducking inside and escaping the cold. Avery released my arm, the warmth of her fading to a bitter tingle lingering on my skin. She floated directly to the shelf that contained the perfume, finding it the only thing of interest. She hummed to herself as she began to test each one, her melody as intoxicating as the fumes she was surrounding herself with.

The alchemist came out from the back room, hearing the ding of the bell on his door. His eyes grew light with joy when he saw me. “Max! Good to see you! How are you doing?” He invited me into his arms, not caring about personal space.

I pat him on the back. “Doing well, Patrick.”

Patrick pulled me away from him, seeing through my strained happiness. “Something about the way you say that makes me think differently.” His hands were firmly latched on either shoulder, his clear, blue eyes seeing to the soul of me. He was more of a father to me than my own, helping me acclimate to my new life in this world since my death many years ago. Even before that, he had been a teacher to me, though his magickal secrets had remained hidden because of the affair that my mother and he shared.

I tried to smile, but I was certain that smile gave everything away. Patrick nodded slowly, as though he knew just what I was thinking.

He glanced over my shoulder. You’re engaged to the Crown’s daughter. How can you not be happy? He asked with his thoughts.

I shrugged.

He gave me a pat on the arm. I look forward to each day I draw closer to death, because each day is a step closer to your mother once again. His words were wise, and I knew he was trying to tell me something.

I nodded, understanding what he was getting at—true love, not arranged as my real mother and father’s marriage had been, as my engagement to Avery felt.

Patrick broke his silent speech. “So, what brings you in? In need of a potion? A remedy perhaps?” He was trying to avoid raising Avery’s suspicions, asking me a practical, contrived question.

I looked over my shoulder, calmed to find that Avery was still content with the perfume and not at all sensing my apprehension. I turned back, leaning close to Patrick and whispering in his ear. “Actually, I’m in need of a spell.”

“A spell!” he laughed loudly.

I frowned at him, encouraging his discretion on the matter.

Patrick settled himself, leaning into me. “Well, then step into my office.” He winked.

I turned back to Avery. “Are you okay here for a moment, darling?”

She twisted a piece of perfumed balsa near her nose, looking annoyed that I’d distracted her from the scent. “Of course.”

Standing there, I tried not to act irresolute about us. Her eyes narrowed, contrasted only by her smile. From that simple gesture, I knew insecurities were indeed lying behind those eyes. I knew her well enough to see that inside her, but often her tough exterior was too thick. I was naïve to think she couldn’t sense the reluctance in my love for her. I couldn’t blame her, though. She’d already given me everything of her soul—her light. Changing my mind now meant destroying her and handing her to the shadows.

I forced a reassuring expression. “It’ll just be a moment.”

She grinned hopelessly. The guilt of it stung.

Patrick led me into his office in the back of the shop, shutting the door behind us. I settled into an oak chair that sat in front of his desk. He rounded in front of me, leaning two hands against the surface, staring down.

“Are you really looking for a spell?” He looked curious with one eye narrowed, suspicious because I had never asked for one before.

I nodded apprehensively. A spell was the only thing I could think of to fix this.

“What kind of spell are you looking for?” He took a seat and his chair groaned.

I leaned forward, folding my hands on the edge of his desk. “I’ve been thinking about the future, Patrick. I fear what will become of me if I marry Avery. Most of all, I fear that life has already grown old. I want to know if there will be more for me, or if my time here was ill decided.” I paused and diverted my gaze. “A part of me questions if I should have passed on when the chance was presented.” I was ashamed to admit it. “Is there a spell that can tell me whether I’ve made the right choice?”

Patrick sighed long and hard. “I have seen a growing darkness in you. I’ve seen it for the past few years now. I know you long for more from your life—for meaning.” He sat up, lifting his hand where a key hung from his wrist. He unlocked the drawer before him, contemplating what he was about to show me. Committing to his task, he reached inside. When he pulled his hand out, I saw that he’d retrieved a simple clump of fabric. He placed it on the desk between us. “I should have destroyed this long ago, but I knew that one day you would come asking me just such a question, because that’s what it told me.” He pressed the clump of fabric across the desk. “Inside this fabric is a Truth Stone. It cannot tell you the future in detail, but it will tell you the truth of your deepest desires, which in your case may contain the future. Touch it, and I believe you will leave here a happier man.”

I gazed upon the fabric with apprehension, noting the delicate way in which he’d handled it, despite is obvious wear. “Have you ever used it yourself?”

Patrick’s lip curled, his thoughts wandering to a place where he was happy. “A few times. Yes.” His cheeks deepened in color. “There comes a moment in every man’s life when the answers we seek are buried deep within, too deep to reach on our own.”

I hung on his words, wishing I could read his thoughts, but his mind had been washed by a potion that blocked it long ago. Only the thoughts he wanted me to hear came through—right now, he wanted to hide everything but his emotion.

“Don’t be afraid. The truth cannot hurt you,” he reassured.

I clenched my jaw and timidly reached forward, clasping my fingers around the cloth. There was an instant tingle emanating from the rough canvas fabric, warming my hand. I wanted to giggle. I wanted to be a child again. It was a feeling I’d almost forgotten—a feeling of life. I was surrounded by a sudden sense of confidence, of reality and truth. I unclothed the stone and saw nothing but a dull grey rock, a fraction of the brilliance I’d expected. I lifted one brow and looked at Patrick.

“I know it doesn’t look like much, but trust me.” He grinned.

With my other hand, I pulled the cloth out from under the rock, tumbling it onto my palm. The tingle grew intense and shot up my arm, like a surge of electricity. I gasped as a sense of falling caused my whole body to tense.

The room around me went dark, my lips sewn shut as my breathing ceased.

***

A girl giggled in the darkness.

I blinked, but saw nothing.

She giggled again, the sound growing crisp.

My lips released and I gasped for air, listening to the sounds. “Hello?”

The laughter stopped. “Max!” the girl yelled. “Max, I’m over here!”

The lights suddenly came on. I was no longer in Patrick’s office but in a forest, the sun filtering past green leaves.

“Max!” the girl’s voice yelled again, this time closer.

I felt soft hands grip my shoulders from behind. I heaved, thrown forward as I tumbled over the forest floor. I felt the girls legs wrap around my middle, her lips against my ear. I landed face first, but my typical instinct to attack didn’t take over. Where the need to be defensive should have been, happiness lived instead. A surprising laugh escaped my own lips, ignoring the uncomfortable position I found myself in. Turning over, the girl that had attacked me shifted until she sat straddled on my stomach.

The beauty of her eyes knocked the breath from my lungs. She was about eighteen, her face alive—her life alive within me. She tucked a long strand of dark brown hair behind her ear. “I found you,” she breathed hard, her smile never fading.

I was speechless as I stared at her, my senses drinking her in, wanting to be near her. She wore tattered jean shorts and a white top, a bit of mud smeared across one cheek. She wrapped her fingers into my hair, leaning down until her lips grazed my forehead. I breathed deep, smelling rose and tea leaf, riding on air that was warm and refreshing.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

Her words were so enticingly that it caused me to shudder. I couldn’t blink, I couldn’t move, the desire to kiss this beautiful being was all I could think of. I grasped her around the waist, my fingers sensing the reality of her within my grasp. This was my future, and she was as real as the fabric of her shirt between my fingers.

But the fabric began to unravel.

The dream began to fade.

Just as quickly as the vision had come, it was gone. I was left in the dark grasping nothing.

I had lost her.

***

Everything was black, the tingling in my arms retreating. Slowly, the room around me came back into focus, my head tight and pounding. Patrick grinned as he sat across the desk from me.

“Well?”

I found that though my body was taxed and tired beyond reason, I was still smiling. The sweet smell of the girl was lingering in my senses, a smell I would hold close until I found her again.

“It worked, didn’t it? I haven’t seen you smile like that since you came back from the dead.” Patrick was being dramatic.

I nodded, still at a loss for words. “It did work. I—I just…” There were so many new questions. “When? How do I know when this truth will take place?” I gushed.

Patrick smiled, lifting the cloth from the desk and plucking the rock from my hand, careful not to touch it to his skin. He dropped it back into the drawer and locked it away. “That’s the beauty, isn’t it? You don’t know when, you just know that someday it will.”

I grinned wider, finding the mystery of it intriguing.

“I once saw your mother in the truth. I knew then that there was a future for me—a purpose.”

I looked at Patrick, tears of happiness and relief threatening to form though they couldn’t.

“Go, Max. I think you know what you need to do.”

Patrick stood and walked me back toward the front of the shop. Avery spun as she heard us, her face alive.

“Oh, Max! Come smell.” Avery beckoned me toward her, thrusting a balsa stick under my nose—cinnamon.

I nodded, finding the act of pretending to be cheerful now worthless—she was not my destiny. Though I would destroy her light, I had no choice. I refused to live a false existence.

“Don’t you like it?” Her face sank, her comment meaning so much more than she could understand in this moment.

I shrugged, turning my attention toward the shelf. Drawn to a particular vile, I lifted it and read the label. It was perfect. Rotating it in my hand, the anticipation for the smell that was contained behind its glass walls became palpable. I had to smell it once more. Uncorking the top and placing a balsa stick through the neck, my body shook as I brought it to my nose—tea leaf. I exhaled slowly, allowing the scent to sweep over my senses and roll across my tongue. I could almost taste her. Ferociously driven, I reached for another vile, not bothering to smell, already knowing it was exactly what I wanted.

I turned on my heel. “Patrick, I’d like to have a mix of these two, please.”

Patrick’s lip curled, trying to understand what I’d seen in the truth but conceding. “Of course.”

“For me?” Avery swooned.

I looked into her beautiful, powdery blue eyes, round and innocent like a doe. The light of her soul was still there, wavering and afraid, though not for long. “Sorry, Avery.” I paused, looking down at the bottles in my hand. “But this one’s for me.”

The light in her eyes leaked away like ink draining from a bottle. The shadows descended in its place.

The game had begun.

Vegetables As Creative As Me!

2010-08-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about having your own garden is the way the vegetables turn out! I got a curly bean yesterday, and a carrot with legs! We ate them, of course, horrific as it seems. I had to fight my husband for the curly bean off his plate...

it was good.

Off to a wedding this weekend. Back to Bremerton and yet another horrifying ferry experience (not a big fan of cars over water). My best friend is pregnant, so I get to go visit her, too. The best part about that is that it keeps me away from the wine.

I should have more pregnant friends.

And the best news yet is that Knight Angels: Book of Revenge is just about done, and heads off to the editor today! I'm happy to be done with it, for the next month at least (gives me time to do my taxes I had to get an extension on. Writer's taxes are complicated).

Hitting The Green...

2010-07-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

So. I've been working really hard to learn how to golf for a while now. My wonderful husband tries his best to teach me, but needless to say it's difficult - I'm stubborn.

He video tapes my swing then tells me what to change. I have no clue whether it's a good or bad swing, or what a good or bad swing even looks like. All I know is that on the golf simulator at the golf shop, I supposedly hit 80mph, and that's 15mph more than most women...

weird.

Told my friend that, and being that we're both German, she says,

"Using your muscles from Brussels!"

I just think I look like a major nerd... Seriously. But still, once you get all the nice golf clothes on (unlike below) Then I suppose I at least look the part...

And yes, I get it. I'm pale, but give me a break. I just had skin cancer burned off yesterday..

Throwing Magick Around Manhattan...

2010-07-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

I went to see The Sorcerer's Apprentice last night, and I loved it. Really, I liked that Nicolas Cage, as much as I love the man, didn't have a 'too' major role (as in, wasn't the main character). I loved the main character, Jay Baruchel. I loved him in Out of My League, and I loved him here. He makes a good nerd, and for some strange reason, I actually think he's cute!! It was classic Disney all the way with the mop scene and all, but they did it well.

Definitely recommend you go see it!

Dreaming in Color... Why I Won't See a 3D Movie & Why You Should Go See Inception.

2010-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday I went and saw the movie Inception and loved it, just didn't love the seats at the theatre - Bum Breaker!

I think about dreams a lot, and I myself dream almost every night. I dream in color, but I've come to understand that not everyone does. I always remember my dreams because of a certain color, like last night it was red for blood. My cat is dying from Kidney failure, and sad as it is, that's what I dreamt about.

In Inception, a person is loaded into their dream world where to them it feels like they're really living it, the problem with this is that in the real world, they can no longer dream. The only way they can is to be attached to this machine that makes them.

I want to correlate this with 3D movies. I've seen one movie, but after understanding just how 3D works, I'll never see another one. When you're watching one of these films or TV shows, you're brain is actually being tricked into thinking it sees these objects, some close, some far. To me, it's like having the natural make-up of your brain altered, and personally, I'd hate to walk out of one of those movies one day, or with the new TV's too, and no longer see the world in 3D.

Could you imagine?

Just saying...

Anyway. The movie was great, and you should really go see it! Hopefully NOT in 3D.

ha ha.

So Excited! I'm Done... Well... Sortof...

2010-07-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm elated...

...Because yesterday I finished Knight Angels: Book of Revenge! This is the second book, and I've been working on it for what feels like forever! I got so distracted with the fun of Knight Angels: Book of Love that I fear I let myself slow down - not good!

Writing is tricky in that it's the one thing you want to do, but the one thing that's super easy to be distracted away from. Take Ste-eve here (above), he was one of my distractions. Being published in Brazil was another. Then the Fourth of July is always distracting, because I like explosives...

and lastly, I really love to cook in the summer time...

So, basically, it was a long road. Now, it's all about editing, editing, editing, for the next few months. It's my fault that the schedule to release it in the summer got behind - so blame me!

Getting a Brazilian!

2010-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

I knew that would get your attention...

But... it's not me getting a Brazilian, it's Knight Angels. Just yesterday we began negotiating a contract with a publisher in Brazil to bring the book into the Portuguese language! If all goes well, the book will be available within the next eighteen months in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and most every other form.

♥

While on the topic of Knight Angels, I want to let everyone know that we are working as hard as we can to get the next book out by the end of this summer, though it seems it will likely leak into early fall. That's just the way things go sometimes! Bummer...

♥

The Weekend Adventures of Chandler Bing...

2010-06-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, I'm not scared of heights," he says...

I say, "Mr. Bing, I know."

♥

"Mommy, but I like the cat grass," he says...

I say, "Mr. Bing, I can see that. You killed it."

♥

"Mommy, I want a nap," he says.

"Thank Goodness," I say.

♥

"Mommy, Chandler Bing is an idiot..."

"I know, Mr. Wee. I know..." I sigh.

♥

I Think I'm Turning Japanese? No, I Think I'm Turning French...

2010-06-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, at least that's what I've been trying to do for the last week. I don't know, you hear one Diana Krall song and you fall hopelessly end over end into the abyss that is french cafe`...

Allow me to elaborate.

Example One:

I made home-made Demi Glace`

Which requires also making Espagnole sauce...

Takes three hours, mind you...

Example Two:

Then, I took the Demi glace and made these delicious, tender little spare ribs with whipped potatoes, nothing better...

Example Three:

Wine

What more can I say? Even has a house on the label, and I've heard wine with a house means it's good ;)

Example Four:

Diana Krall

Do You Goji?

2010-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

There once was an author who'd opened a bottle of wine and got glued to the new cooking channel. Unbeknown to her, the Food Innovators show came on, and with so many delicious options, and a lack of inhibitions, she began to buy the foods they were talking about on TV!

so cliche!

"Goji cookies!" they said. "Healthy, delicious, and light! The best antioxidant in the world!"

A real sucker for health food, and sweets, the author got especially excited about these cookies, and quick, to her computer, she bought a bag of every kind!

When they came in the mail she jumped for joy, they were great! Almond oat was her favorite, but every kind was good...

Long story sort, seriously worth a buy! http://www.gojigourmet.com/

Seriously...

Week At A Glance...

2010-06-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I had a really busy week...

♥

Six hours of driving got me here, wrapping three-ply TP around my friend to make a wedding dress. It was a competition, and I learned that I should have been a fashion designer...

♥

After three hours of that and a few Champagne cocktails (ample time letting it wear off) I then got to the Ferry where it took me two hours (including waiting because of the UW Graduation at Safeco Field) to get to Seattle.

Needless to say, I crashed.

♥

The next day, My friend and I spent ten hours at thrift stores looking for things for her condo. We managed to make this:

2$ worth of furniture and spray paint...

And this:

♥

All the while, Hubby was at home making this:

Happy Garden Shed!

♥

Because he made me this, I bought him this:

♥

And then I went home. It was a good, LONG trip...

The Turtle and the Hare...

2010-06-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

My feet looked at me and said, "I'm tired of being the turtle!"

♥

I laughed, sipping on my hot cocoa as my feet were elevated on the couch. "Too bad!" I retorted, though I felt the same way - I was tired of being the turtle, too.

♥

"Get me some new shoes and I'll show you what we can do," my feet challenged.

♥

A half smile snaked across my cheek. "But I don't like to run."

♥

My feet chuckled mockingly. "How would you know if you've never tried? You've always had an excuse, but what you don't realize is that once you start, I guarantee you won't want to stop!"

♥

Finding I was looking for a hobby, and not one to turn down a challenge, I narrowed my eyes and grabbed my old sneakers. "Let's first give these shoes a try. I'm not buying you new toys if we won't use them!"

♥

My feet frowned, but found they had no other choice. I took them to the track and off we went.

♥

At the end I stopped, breathing hard after only one mile.

♥

"So?" my feet asked, practically dancing with joy.

♥

I didn't want to admit that I liked the feeling, so I just smiled and winked instead. "Yeah, we'll see how I feel tomorrow."

♥

The next day I woke with the most veracious need to run.

♥

My feet chuckled at me. "Told you so!"

♥

"Fine," I broke down. "I'll get you new shoes."

♥

Little did I know that was the beginning of the end - the end of being a turtle, and the beginning of what would become my marathon training regimen.

♥

We now run three miles when we go out and we barely break a sweat (well, can't really say the same for my feet). Biking for and hour and a half seems like a stroll through the park, and weight lifting - a cinch! Life as a Hare is so much better! My feet were right!

♥

It's marathon season, folks! Get out, and get moving!

♥

A Room Fit For A Pixie...

2010-06-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a very lonely room...

♥

It was a basement room where travelers once stayed, but after the travelers left to find a home of their own, the room sighed with loneliness and longing.

♥

"I'll fix you!" I exclaimed. "You will be fit for even the pickiest of guests! Even a Pixie!"

♥

The room frowned, doubtful of my abilities to breathe life back into his lonely walls - his bare, dented being.

♥

I just shook my head, using the room's doubt to fuel my ambitions.

♥

All day I worked, lathering the walls, scrubbing the floor. Soon, soft surfaces began to appear within his bare heart: fabrics, curtains, and plush pillows for warmth.

♥

I saw the room grin, though he did not mean for me to see it. He did not want me to know that I was right - I could fix it!

♥

When the work was done I stood back with a sigh, admiring the beauty of the rooms new heart.

♥

The room caved in. "Thank you," he breathed happily, a glint of a giggle in the voice.

♥

I nodded with satisfaction. It was indeed a room fit for the pickiest of Pixie's...

♥

My mother.

♥

Furniture Makeover: A Tale of Old Clothes and Quick Fixes

2010-05-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

♥

Why was he staring at me like that? I didn't like it...

I shifted my seat on the deflated couch, trying to turn my gaze away. Frowning, I began typing once more. I didn't get very far before I felt his gaze dig holes in the side of my head. I glanced once again in his direction, his stance solid, determined.

I grumbled. "What do you want?"

He said nothing, just stood there in his stupid green outfit that did him little justice. It was an outfit he'd gotten in the ninties, and it showed.

"I'm aware that you hate what you're wearing! What do you want me to do about it?"

He sat silently, showing me what he wanted by the decor that surrounded him.

"You want to wear black? What, are you goth now?"

Another stoney stare.

I sighed long and hard, shutting the computer on my lap and placing it on the bookstand beside me. With him staring at me like this, I was never going to get any writing done. I stood and marched up to him, his four friends surrounding him with their stubburn, spindly legs. His friends came from all over - Pottery Barn, and of course garage sales. They glared at me the same way, all except the Pottery Barn group - they were confident in their clothes.

"And I suppose you want new clothes too, huh?" I addressed two of his friends that were wearing a horrid pumpin pattern.

♥

They gave me the same lip, and it drove me to give in.

"Fine! I'll do it, but beware that I cannot guarantee a good outcome, but I'll try my best."

I marched to the door where I grabbed my keys and purse. When I came back, I had new fabric, and of course a quart of black paint. He was still staring at me. With a clenched jaw, I removed all his jewelry - the vases, candles, bobbles he wore excessively in his attempt to look more modern. It looked trashy instead. I then flipped him over on his back...

♥

...and I removed his friends pumpkin clothes.

♥

He giggled with happiness and I brushed him with a new coat - first a layer to cover the green, then another to cover streaks, then a third to make his new clothes shine like a leather jacket.

His friends watched anxiously, the pumpkin duo patiently awaiting their turn. While he was drying, I took the pumpkins and rehabed their October look. I drove staples into their flesh, but they didn't seem to mind - they were seasoned plastic surgery patients - I could see the two previous scars of old changes on their undersides.

when I was done I sighed, seeing it was almost time for dinner. My day was a waste as far as writing went, but I was glad to see that He and his friends were happy.

"How's that?"

they all stood with pride and thanks.

it felt good to help out...

♥

The Quail Egg and The Garden: A Story of a King

2010-05-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

♥

Growing impatient, Egg fell from the nest, rolling downhill until it came to a rest in a patch of soft grass.

Mother shrieked as she saw Egg roll, fluttering after Egg as branches and vines slapped against her face. "My egg!" she cried. "My egg!"

Father heard Mother and quickly ran from the lawn where he had been snacking, following Mother's voice.

"Mother! Mother! What happened?" Father came upon Mother, the white speckled skin of Egg resting on a bed of old pine needles.

"He rolled right out of the nest!" She screamed.

Father gasped. "But why?" Father then noticed the disturbed Earth around him, the small forest of sweet smelling shoots growing in a precise pattern of rows.

♥

Mother and Father looked to Egg, it's crown still fastened upon it's head. "You found a garden, Egg."

Egg said nothing, sitting there with pride.

"But, Egg, you are too young to claim your first kingdom!"

Egg stood stubbornly on the spot.

Father fluffed his wings in thought before leaning close to Mother. "Mother, shall we allow him to become the King of his own garden?" he whispered discreetly.

♥

Mother's eyes were filled with apprehension, but what could she do? She did not posses the use of opposable thumbs, she could not possibly push egg back up the hill to the nest. Egg's future was already made. "I don't think we have a choice!" she murmured in a harsh, shaky tone.

Father looked back to Egg. "Then the Kingdom of Garden is yours, Egg."

Egg remained silent and proud.

"King of the Garden," father whispered to himself. "I'm so proud."

Mother and Father left Egg to fend for himself, walking back up the hill where they were greeted with a cold, empty nest.

♥

Bread Crumbs: If Only Hansel Had Listened To Gretel, Vol. 3

2010-05-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

In the woods, father led us in a direction we’d never been in before. We weaved over broken land and fern filled valleys where trails did not exist. When we’d walked for close to two hours he set us to work gathering kindling while he walked a ways back with his axe in hand. “I will be cutting over here.”

I waited until Father disappeared, not able to concentrate on the task I had been given. I heard his axe—Chop. Chop. Chop—the sound cooling my nerves.

He hadn’t left us.

Hansel set to work, collecting a large pile of kindling, but as night fell, Father’s chopping never ceased.

“Hansel, something’s wrong,” I at last announced, hearing a wolf’s cry not too far off.

Hansel stopped. His pile of kindling was so big I wondered how he proposed he’d ever get it home. This hadn’t made sense from the beginning, and it angered me that Hansel hadn’t questioned Father as I’d longed to. Why would Father take us two hours from home to collect wood when we could barely haul that wood two hours back? The mule had been sold, and the cart long since rotted.

“Nothing is wrong, Gretel. Keep collecting,” Hansel urged.

Something was definitely wrong, and I refused to let it slide. “No, Hansel. I think we should check on Father.” Dread lingered in the pit of my stomach like the the pebbled that led our way home. I would not quit until Hansel would listen.

Hansel sighed. “Fine.”

He huffed past me, taking big steps in the direction of our father’s axe.

Chop. Chop. Chop.

It was just as steady as it had been all day.

When we came upon the source of the sound I was horrified to see that Father’s axe had been tied to a branch with a yard of rope, the wind knocking it against the trunk until the tree had almost chopped right down.

“Hansel! It was a trick!” I admitted, seeing the obvious.

Hansel’s face crinkled. “No. No. No, Gretel. You’re wrong. Father likely grew tired and tied his axe here until tomorrow. He probably saw us working hard and didn’t want to interrupt, figuring we’d find our way home when we grew hungry.”

My stomach grumbled, but it did not shadow my doubt. Why couldn’t he see it? I rolled my eyes. “I don’t believe you. You’re being naïve,” I claimed, but Hansel had already made his way to the pebble trail and did not hear my objection.

I followed, wondering what his next excuse would be, and what the look on my Step Mother’s face would be like when we showed up—alive.

“Let’s hurry before it gets to dark,” Hansel added.

“We’re going to die,” I mumbled.

Once home, I saw Step Mother and Father through the window of the cottage, already eating dinner.

“They’ve started without us!” Hansel grumbled.

“I doubt they even expected us,” I added.

Hansel gave me a mean glare before opening the front door and we bounded in. Step Mother’s face told no lies. She was horrified. My father on the other hand looked far too relieved, but still, Hansel did not see it!

Step mother rose from her chair and ordered us to bed with no dinner, claiming we deserved none because we hadn’t hauled the wood home.

Yeah, right.

Paco Gets a Haircut...

2010-05-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

♥

Two years I've been growing this Purple Clover, and Paco finally gave up.

♥

He turned to me and said, "Seriously, the cats keep eating me and my leaves are so big I can no longer hold them up! I think it's in our best interest to cut my hair and save the cats their digestive discomfort."

♥

I touched my finger to my chinny chin chin and thought for a moment. "But, Paco, what if your hair doesn't grow back? You came from my grandmother who brought you all the way from Switzerland. You're not an average clover, you're Swiss!"

♥

Paco laughed, his accent really coming out now. "Aft! I am strong! I survived a ten hour flight and a few hour layover in Heathrow, in coach none-the-less! If I can survive that, I can survive the haircut!"

♥

I took out the sharpest sheers I owned, my lips pressed together as I gazed upon the blades. "I promise to cut fast."

♥

He shook his withering petals. "Danke gleichfalls."

♥

I held my breath and cut fast, taking his extra hair and saving it in a vase.

♥

Over the next few days I kept a watchful eye on Paco - he had been silent. Day and night I brought him water, day and night I whispered sweet nothings upon the severed stems, until finally, a single petal emerged and Paco whispered to me...

♥

"I feel much better now..."

♥

Hansel and Gretel: If Only Hansel Had Listened to Gretel: Bread Crumbs Vol. 2

2010-05-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

I looked at Hansel, nervously crumbling the bread between my fingers. "Are we going to die?"

Hansel gave me a half grin. "No, Gretel. We're not going to die."

I ventured my gaze into the looming forest, a set of hungry eyes staring back at me. I wanted to believe my brother, but I couldn't. We were definitely going to die, but I didn't need to tell him that. He may be my older brother, but I was the brains here, not to mention the only rational one of the duo. I dropped the doughy ball of bread on the ground, looking over my shoulder as I saw a fox run across the path, snatching the pieces up behind us - this was pointless, but Hansel refused to listen.

"Um... Hansel?" My voice was shaky as I tried again to tell him.

He hadn't heard me, stopping abruptly. "Look!" He yelled.

His finger was pointed before him, his eyes so wide that I thought for a moment he'd seen our death, if not for the grin decorating his cheeks. I followed the angle of his thin finger, seeing a clearing up ahead. It was dark, and in the middle sat an oddly shaped gingerbread house.

"We're saved!" he yelled.

I pressed my lips together, thinking that this didn't look like 'saved' to me. There was a waterfall of blood, the stench of burning flesh in the air, but all Hansel could see was the candy canes and sugar - a perfectly set trap.

"I don't know, Hansel..."

Again, Hansel hadn't heard me as he took off at a run, the lust for food fogging his already damaged judgement. If only we had eaten the bread, then we wouldn't be in this predicament.

I sighed. We were definitely going to die now...

♥

Well, my bread baking experience yesterday turned out perfectly. If I were that fox, I wouldn't have hesitated for this bread! My first successful home-made loaf!!

Bread Crumbs... I'll keep them for myself.

yum.

♥

Bread Crumbs...

2010-05-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

I used to be a baker but for whatever reason I can't seem to get it right when I bake bread at home. Because of this, I've decided to dive deeper into this world of crumbs, disecting just what it is that always wants to make my bread taste like raw flour. Dense. Rather bland...

     spew...

At the organic bakery where I worked, we used to have a big foamy pot of living yeast that had been hanging around in the fridge for twelve years...

     TWELVE years...

Maybe that's what made it taste so good... Fermenting masses of yeasty-beasties dancing about with a litle sugar and malt....

    malt... yum.

Well, so today I'm experimenting with new flours and I'm going to attempt to make ciabatta bread.

I've never made it before and I think that's a good thing. I found this great website called:

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/

Check it out for yourself, it seems awesome, and the bread looks amazing...

Off I go to get crumby!

I.O.U. Greek Salad Recipe: A Parody About The Economy

2010-05-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

♥

After a satisfying italian meal on the deck last night, my husband turned to me and said:

"Man, I'm craving a Greek salad, and not just any Greek salad, but an I.O.U. Greek salad."

My brows stitched together. "What's an I.O.U. Greek salad?" I asked.

A half smile crept across his face. "What, you don't know?"

I shook my head, feeling dumb for asking.

He sat up, placed his plate on the table and took a sip of wine. "Well, First you take over 100 billion American Tax-payer dollars and put it in a I.M.F. blender and blend until you can't tell its American Tax-payer dollars anymore. Then, you mix it with a couple billion European Tax-payer dollars and you sprinkle it over a mound of Greek I.O.U.'s with feta, tomatoes, and cucumber, then garnish with a toasted pita." He sat back, rubbing his tummy and licking his lips. "Sounds good, doesn't it? Sure to be a global blowout."

My eyes grew wide. "It does! But... it sounds a bit scandalous."

He chuckled. "Well of course. That's what makes it so tart and delicious, but I should warn you, though it looks healthy, it's crammed with fat."

I frowned. "Well, okay then. I'll make it, I suppose." I rubbed my tummy, not wanting to gain the weight of it.

He chuckled again, this time in a darker tone. "It's not like you have any choice."

♥

Death to Dandelion

2010-05-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

♥

The smell of fertilizer taints the air of my front yard, and where I hate the smell, I love that it will kill the hundred-plus dandelion's that have flourished there. It's always too cold to fertilize before the grass begins to grow, so every year we end up with this less than beautiful bed of yellow flowers - definitely not the romantic bed of flowers I was hoping for.

♥

Pre-season herb-o-cidal bouts come in the form of a gas powered Honda, going about the yard like the Queen of Hearts and chopping their heads off while I smile with murderous delight...

♥

I even hear they're edible... but for this bunch, not anymore.

♥

Shrivel little yellow hat ladies... feel the acid burn.

♥

On a better, less herb-o-cidal note, the unnaturally trained apple by my front door is blooming! I bought one that was grown on wires so it looks like a grape vine. It matched the twenty foot tall one in the back yard that has the same flowers all over it.

♥

Massive pink. Massive Hummingbird utopia.

A Chocolate Mousse Kind of Afternoon...

2010-05-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

I love chocolate mousse, and what I love better is homemade chocolate mousse. Its a wonder I still venture to eat it after the butter and cream that goes into it, but when you're looking to indulge, why not? Besides, it's not like I'm going to saddle up to the whole bowl!

I was at the grocery store and saw that Jello came out with the fake sugar 60 calorie B.S. plastic cups of chocolate mousse, and let me just say, what's the point??

For me it's all about the experience! A fancy glass, a good show on tv, and a tiny tiny spoon (or cookie!) to eat it with...

Here's my favorite recipe:

Dark Chocolate Mousse

Courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients

5 1/4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

14 ounces cold heavy cream

3 large egg whites

1-ounce sugar

Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish, optional

Shaved bittersweet chocolate, for garnish, optional

Directions

Place chocolate in a large bowl set over a bain marie or in a double boiler at a low simmer. Stir chocolate until melted. Turn off the heat and let stand.

Beat the cream over ice until it forms soft peaks. Set aside and hold at room temperature. With a mixer, whip egg to soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until firm.

Remove the chocolate from the bain marie and using a whisk, fold in the egg whites all at once. When the whites are almost completely incorporated, fold in the whipped cream. Cover the mousse and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour or until set. Serve in goblets topped with more whipped cream and shaved chocolate, if desired.

What Came First? The Jock... or the Jock Strap...

2010-05-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

That's what they're wondering...

Ha ha.

♥

Well, yesterday I was doing the laundry, and my husband (plays city league baseball) left his Jock Strap on the floor and I almost died tripping over it (I know, ew.) Needless to say I then stood there for fifteen minutes rubbing my toe (which I'd hit against the bedframe) and wondering what came first: The Jock, or the Jock Strap.

♥

Don't ask me why I thought this, but I just did.

♥

Did they name the Jock Strap ofter the Jock, or the Jock after the Jock Strap??

♥

So then last night at bowling I posed the question to my two friends and one of my friends husbands, who is a Sports Equipment Manager at Washington State University.

♥

Needless to say we couldn't formulate a good answer without giggling... Though I did bring up the idea that it came from Jockey, like the underwear brand...

♥

Today, the question still haunts me, so I decided to do some research and here's what I found:

♥

Info Courtesy Wikipedia

"The word jockstrap has purportedly been in use since 1897, a likely contraction of 'jockey strap', as the garment was first designed for bicycle riders, or 'bike jockeys'. The Bike Jockey Strap was the first jockstrap manufactured in America in 1874.[1][2] Jockey itself is the diminutive form of the Scots nickname Jock (for John) as Jackie is for the English nickname Jack. The nicknames Jack and Jackie, Jock and Jockey have been used generically for 'man, fellow, boy, common man'. From the period c.1650-c.1850, 'jock' was used as slang for... (I cut this part out, you get the drift...)

The more recent slang term 'jock', meaning an athlete, is traced to 1959 and is itself derived from 'jockstrap'.[3]"

♥

Ha! There was my answer! So Jock Strap did come first... good to know.

♥

As a woman, it is nice to know that one more mystery of the male world has been solved. Thank Goodness!

A Little Love ♥ A Little Luck ♣

2010-05-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a new review of my book Knight Angels in case you haven't seen it!

♥

Then you should, ya know, go read it! And improve my luck of becoming a best seller!

♥

Windowpane Memoirs Review

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"If by any chance you ever had your doubts against self published books, Knight Angels Book of Love will make you forget them. Knight Angels narrates the story of: Jane, Emily, Wes, Max, Greg, Erik and Sarah. This circle of friends and family is bound by supernatural forces and the secrets among them. The chapters are narrated in different POVs where each character's "voice" shines for their singularity and contrast. Even though the Angel Theme has been recently explored in young literature, Knight Angels breaks the stereotype not only on narration format, but also in the story's structural format that results a little bit darker than what's being considered commercial at such moment. What's interesting about the story is that it is composed by a supernatural world where human characters are key pieces in the story. Angelology in the story is not that complex, but more conventional. However, regarding the mystery where the forces of heaven, earth and hell collapse, it's certainly elaborated. Abra Ebner is an author not afraid to explore taboo topics like drugs, sexuality, hate, among others and I consider this respectable. It's worth pointing that her storytelling skills are excellent. Story's romances are certainly different and maybe one of them a little controversial. Knight Angel Book of Love is the first chapter of a promising series where as a reader you'll be able to look with different eyes self published material and where the supernatural world is not only inhabited by angels or demons, but much more … and way beyond."

♥

Check out other stellar reviews on Goodreads, and let the fans speak for themselves...

Triple Crown: Kentucky Derby Saturday!

2010-04-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, my favorite race fo the Triple Crown! I love horse races, and I have since I was really young.

♥

Horse racing is a sport steeped in tradition and history. It's a blue-blood celebration of good breeding, strength and speed. I grew up riding jumpers, and a few of the horses I rode were once race horses. It's amazing the kind of heart these thoroughbreds have!

♥

A lot of people give it flack, but horses love to run, and when it's the Kentucky Derby we're talking about, those horses are treated like kings!

♥

I'm hosting a Derby party (small, tiny one) this Saturday. I'd love to cook something like this:

Kentucky Hot Browns

Courtesy Bobby Flay

Ingredients

♥ Egg-battered Bread, recipe follows
♥ Maple-Bourbon Roast Turkey Breast, recipe follows, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
♥ Cheese Sauce, recipe follows
♥ 1 cup grated sharp white Cheddar
♥ 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
♥ 8 (1/4-inch) thick slices ripe tomato (from 2 tomatoes), sauteed until lightly browned
♥ 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
♥ Finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat broiler.

Place the egg bread on a baking sheet, place under the broiler, and heat on both sides for 20 seconds just to warm through.

Top each slice of bread with 2 to 3 slices of turkey, ladle sauce over the top, and divide the Cheddar and Parmesan over the top of each slice. Place under the broiler and cook until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and top each slice with 2 slices tomato and 2 slices of bacon. Sprinkle each slice with parsley and serve immediately, 2 open-face sandwiches per person.

Egg-battered Bread:

♥ 4 large eggs
♥ 1/4 cup milk
♥ Salt
♥ 8 (1/2-inch thick) slices 1 day-old white bread, such as Pullman or Pain de mie
♥ 4 tablespoons butter
♥ 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt in a medium bowl. Dip each slice of bread in the mixture and let sit about 30 seconds, or until completely soaked through.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook 4 slices of the bread at a time until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining butter, oil, and bread.
Maple-Bourbon Roast Turkey Breast:

♥ 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
♥ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
♥ 2 tablespoons bourbon
♥ Salt and freshly ground black pepper
♥ 1 (4 to 5-pound) turkey breast
♥ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
♥ Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Whisk together syrup, mustard, and bourbon in a small bowl and season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Set glaze aside.

Rub entire turkey breast with butter and season with salt and pepper. Place in a small roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and continue roasting until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 155 degrees F, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the breast with the glaze. Remove from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Cheese Sauce:

♥ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
♥ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
♥ 2 1/2 cups whole milk
♥ 3/4 cup grated sharp white Cheddar
♥ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
♥ Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
♥ Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and the flour has cooked out, about 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in cheese and cook until melted. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, to taste.

♥

But then again... I was supposed to be on a diet! But it doesn't mean that I can't make a slimmed down version! Egg beaters, low fat cheese, leaner meats...

It's do-able!

♥

Then of course you can't forget these!

Mint Julep

Ingredients

♥ 2 cups water
♥ 2 cups white sugar
♥ 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
♥ 32 fluid ounces Kentucky bourbon
♥ 8 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

Combine water, sugar and chopped mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow syrup to cool, approximately 1 hour. Pour syrup through a strainer to remove mint leaves

Fill eight cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice and pour 4 ounces of bourbon and 1/4 cup mint syrup in each. (Proportions can be adjusted depending on each person's sweet tooth). Top each cup with a mint sprig and a straw. Trim straws to just barely protrude from the top of the cups. Serve juleps on a silver platter.

♥

And may the best horse win!

Re-Living My Childhood: Part 5

2010-04-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Copa Cabana!

My parents have finally made a blog for their Cabana (well, I made it, but still...) I think it's so CUTE! You should go be friends with them now, so that they have followers. I'm trying to walk my mother through the blogging process, hopefully she learns quick!

Visit Their Blog Here

The Story

This is where I grew up: Fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, and of course writing! I was a lucky girl - blessed!

I wouldn't trade anything for the memories I have from this place. I still remember it before it was ever remodeled: Horrid blue glass. Blue. Blue. Blue!!!

My favorite part is the port holes in the floor where you can see through the glass to the fish under the house. The waves at night lull you to sleep, and I love the kitchen!!

This is just the guest house, but to me it was my play house!

Whiskey Demi Glace` and a Diet...

2010-04-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, fishing weekend was great! The first day was rather windy, and the motor in our bass boat stopped working while we were out on the lake, but hanging out in the cabin drinking wine and watching movies was not bad at all! Not to mention the whiskey demi glace` on steak and the cream clams with a salad...

♥

needless to say this week is all about salad and rice cakes... maybe some edimame to splurge.

♥

to celebrate diet week, I'm going to give you a favorite diet dinner recipe!

♥

Citrus-Herb Game Hen

Courtesy Giada DeLaurentis

Ingredients

2 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) Cornish game hens
1/4 cup olive oil
2 shallots, minced
2 tablespoons orange zest, from 2 medium oranges
2 tablespoons lemon zest, from about 3 lemons
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 tablespoons Marsala wine or dry sherry
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/4 cup dried cranberries or currants
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions

Place an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Rinse the game hens and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, shallots, orange zest, lemon zest, thyme, mint, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Rub 2 tablespoons of the zest mixture over the skins of the game hens. Place the remainder of the zest mixture under the skin and into the cavities of the hens. Using kitchen twine, truss the legs together. Place the hens in a shallow 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Add the chicken stock, Marsala wine, lemon juice, orange juice, and cranberries. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the leg juices run clear. Remove the game hens and set aside. Place the flour in a small saucepan. Whisk in the pan juices. Bring the juices to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in the butter and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

To serve, remove the kitchen twine and place the hens on 2 serving plates. Drizzle with the citrus-herb sauce.

Cook's Note: Reserve 1/4 cup of the citrus-herb sauce for the Crouton Salad.

♥

Crouton Salad

Ingredients

1/2 (8-ounces) loaf rosemary bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes* see Cook's Note
Olive oil, for drizzling
3 cups packed arugula
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup Citrus-Herb Sauce, see Roasted Citrus-Herb Game Hen recipe
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the bread on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until toasted. Set aside to cool.

In a medium salad bowl, mix together the cooled croutons, arugula, and pine nuts. Add the Citrus-Herb Sauce. Toss well until all ingredients are coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

*Cook's Note: You can also use olive bread or any plain rustic loaf in place of the rosemary bread.

Re-Living My Childhood ♥ Part 4

2010-04-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

♥

Hook, Line, and Sinker...

♥

You may be thinking: What does this have to do with your childhood?

The truth is: Nothing, I just thought it was funny.

♥

But I suppose I can't say nothing, because clearly there's something. This weekend is Opening of Fishing weekend, and as lame as that sounds.... it's not.

♥

The Background

When I was little, my family and I had friends that lived down the street. Every Opening of Fishing weekend they went to Alta Lake in Eastern Washington State. That year we were invited to go along, I think I was 7. This other family has two daughters and a son. The youngest daughter was Hillary, my best friend growing up:

We're still friends :)

♥

And then there was her older brother, who I always thought was cute!

He's my husband :)

♥

So, the moral of the story is that those little things you do as a kid can actually be your future! My husband and I didn't actually start dating until after we were 21 (I had lots of boyfriends first, too!), but having that history is amazing! I have a picture on my desk of Hillary, Hubby, my brother, and I playing on the swingset together in the old neighborhood :)

♥

So, here's to the Ghetto Fabulousness that will be another camping weekend! 'Course now-a-days the campground has a five-star restaurant and cabins with showers, but it's still the tradition that counts, and the fact that I LOVE fishing...

At least cell phones don't work out there, that's rugged enough, right?

♥

I guess I know a thing or two about romance!

Abra Ebner

Books, Babies, and Bad Health...

My newest little storyteller...

Long Time, No Post . . . I Know! But Baby Is Due This Month!

Darkness too visible? It's not our fault... #YAsaves !

Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer: Long Theatrical Cut

Pics From The Ladybird Ladybird Book Trailer Shoot...

Book Reviewers! Come here...

Ladybird Ladybird Teaser Trailer: Shooting Full Length Trailer This Weekend.

Sneak Peek Wednesday!

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Final Pieces!

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 9 & 10

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 7 & 8

Knight Angels - Book Three - Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 6!

Knight Angels Book Three Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 5!

Knight Angels 3 Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 4!

New Knight Angels Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 3!

Book Cover Release Puzzle: Piece 2

Knight Angels 3: New Cover Artwork!

Nothing To Do But Write...

Come Follow Me On My New Blog!

Adventures In Domestication...

Like A Reviewer Giveaway!

Goodreads Book GiveawayLadybird, Ladybirdby Abra EbnerGiveaway ends March 14, 2011.See the giveaway detailsat Goodreads.

Ladybird, Ladybird

by Abra EbnerGiveaway ends March 14, 2011.See the giveaway detailsat Goodreads.

I Smell A Book For You To Review!!

A Great Movie Pick For This Time Of Year...

I've Invented A New Season And It's Called Werpingsnirt...

Ode To Rainy Days And Mondays...

Almost A New Year!

Special Christmas Giveaway!

I Never Knew Cooking Seafood Could Be So Dangerous...

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter 'I'...

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter, 'D'...

I've Been Considering Things That Start With The Letter 'M'...

Dear November...

Fun, Fun Cover Winner!!!

Playing around with cover ideas...

Knight Angels: Book of Revenge GIVEAWAY!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Knight Angels

by Abra Ebner

Knight Angels Blog Tour! The First Book of Revenge Review!

Knight Angels Book Giveaway!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Knight Angels

by Abra Ebner

Blog Tour Madness!!!!

My Cat, On Prozac: Part Deux!

Blog Love!

October: Knight Angels Book/Blog Tour!

Thoughts From My Husband...

First Comment I've Seen On New Book...

My Cat... On Prozac...

Trying Out A New Genre...

New Website For Coming Release...

A New Week!!

Flat On My Back...

Already Off To A Good Start...

THE GREAT DIGITAL VS. PALPABLE GAMBLE...

More International Interest - Turkey

Knight Angels II Book Cover

Knight Angels: Book Two - PREVIEW!

Vegetables As Creative As Me!

Hitting The Green...

Throwing Magick Around Manhattan...

Dreaming in Color... Why I Won't See a 3D Movie & Why You Should Go See Inception.

So Excited! I'm Done... Well... Sortof...

Getting a Brazilian!

The Weekend Adventures of Chandler Bing...

I Think I'm Turning Japanese? No, I Think I'm Turning French...

Do You Goji?

Week At A Glance...

The Turtle and the Hare...

A Room Fit For A Pixie...

Furniture Makeover: A Tale of Old Clothes and Quick Fixes

The Quail Egg and The Garden: A Story of a King

Bread Crumbs: If Only Hansel Had Listened To Gretel, Vol. 3

Paco Gets a Haircut...

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Ladybird, Ladybird

by Abra Ebner

Giveaway ends March 14, 2011.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

by Abra Ebner

Giveaway ends March 14, 2011.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.