Hump Day Humor....

Why he fired his secretary.....


Today was my birthday and I didn't feel very well waking up on that morning.

I went downstairs for breakfast hoping my wife would be pleasant and say, "Happy Birthday!", and possibly have a small present for me.

As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone "Happy Birthday."
I thought... Well, that's marriage for you, but the kids.... They will remember.

My kids came bounding down stairs to breakfast and didn't say a word. So when I left for the office, I felt pretty low and somewhat despondent.

As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, "Good Morning Boss, and by the way Happy Birthday! "It felt a little better that at least someone had remembered.

I worked until one o'clock, when Jane knocked on my door and said, "You know,
It's such a beautiful day outside, and it is your Birthday, what do you say we go out to lunch, just you and me."

I said, "Thanks, Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go!"

We went to lunch. But we didn't go where we normally would go. She chose instead a quiet bistro with a private table. We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.

On the way back to the office, Jane said, "You know, It's such a beautiful day...
We don't need to go straight back to the office, Do We ?"

I responded, "I guess not. What do you have in mind?"

She said, "Let's drop by my apartment, it's just around the corner."

After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, " Boss, if you don't mind, I'm going to step into the bedroom for just a moment, I'll be right back."

"Ok," I nervously replied.

She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes, she came out carrying a huge birthday cake ... Followed by my wife, my kids, and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing "Happy Birthday.

And I just sat there...


On the couch...


Naked.


That's a birthday that poor fella will never forget!!

Have a great Wednesday!
Peace and love,
Alannah

"When you speak of someone or about someone, you should speak as though they were in the room with you. The ears that you speak to today are attached to the mouth that could relay the message tomorrow."

William 'Biddy' Allen
1903-2001, Bus Driver - Loving father of 7 children

This saying reminds me of something a friend once told me. Her father always said, "Never say anything you wouldn't want told on the evening news."

Great advice!!

I'm off to Raleigh to test drive a car for Son #1. He wants this car, but it's a stick and he doesn't know how to drive it. Ummm...not sure what he's going to do once he actually gets the car but it could be interesting. LOL

Have a great day!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Let's Talk Brothers

Sorry, Lu, I know this isn't a conversation you'll want to take a part in because you're a freak and don't like vampires. ROTFL I'm just kidding, to each his own.

But I'm not reading anything new and this has been on my mind a lot this past week. For those who do like JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, which brother is your favorite?

Wrath was pretty hot, but for some reason I had a hard time really falling for him. I mean, he's old! And Beth was so young. LOL For some reason, that just sort of hung in the back of my mind, and while I liked the book, it kept me from really falling in love with him.

Rhage...aka Hollywood....Or, Hal E. Wood (lol...that was priceless!). Good looking, terrible curse, funny. What's not to love? I was hooked on this series at this point and had to learn more about these brothers.

And then came Zsadist. Wow!! To be such a tortured soul, he had so much depth and his love for Bella was amazing. Instantly, I fell in love with him and then I had a hard time deciding...was Rhage my favorite or Z?

Well, Butch O'Neil settled that problem for me. I love his personality, he makes me laugh and he's just damned sexy! He became my new favorite, hands down.

But then came V's book. I know he can be a real ass but there's just something about him that makes me really, really like him. He's so honest with his feelings...I guess honest in general, which is what makes him such a PITA. But that's also endearing. And I really want to know what the WARDen lied to him about! LOL

Phury is an important part of the Brotherhood, but he's overly heroic IMO and I never really did get into him. I'd like to have his hair though!

I have to admit I wasn't real excited about Rhevenge's book, I hadn't particularly liked him in the previous books. But as a writer, I'm in awe of her ability to take this anti-hero and turn him into such a wonderful hero. I liked the book, but he didn't threaten Butch or V in my mind as a favorite. hehe

Coming next is John Matthew. I've been waiting for this book since I flipped the last page on Rhevenge's book. I really like him. A lot! And I can't wait for him to kick ass. I'm also curious as to whether or not he'll realize he's Darius reincarnated.

So what about those of you who love these brothers as much as me? Who's your favorite? Can you pick just one? Are you as excited to read John and Xhex's book as much as me?

I hope it's a fantastic weekend for everyone!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

A peek at my iPod - umm....Rap? WTF

Okay, if you asked me what kind of music I listen to, I'd tell you I like all kinds of music. But that I can't stand rap.

Well....I guess that's not entirely true. Here's a few songs from my iPod that probably fall into the rap category. Or maybe hip-hop. At least the artists fall into that category. But I do love all of these songs. And even a few more by each of these artists.









What about you? Any genre of music that you adamantely proclaim you can't stand but yet, there's at least a few songs that you do like?

Happy Thursday!!
Peace and Love,
Alannah

Food for Thought...

"Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you're ready or not, to put it into action."

Napoleon Hill
1883-1970, Author

Boy, that is so much easier said than done! I wonder if he did as he said? LOL

Have a great Tuesday!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

What I'm Reading....

COVET
by J.R. Ward
October 2009

Redemption isn’t a word Jim Heron knows much about—his specialty, both personally and professionally, is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. His weapon: the power of love. His enemy: the darkest of evil. And failure is not an option.

Vincent Di Pietro has surrendered himself to his business—until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior, and a woman who will make him question his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over…but to redeem his very soul.

I started reading this the week it came out. But, for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. I guess it just wasn't the right time. I've had it laying on my bedside table and I picked it up the other night and started it again. This, after I got specially ordered the latest Troubleshooter book - which has now been relegated to the bedside table. Unread!! *gasp*

Anyway, now I can't put this book down and have actually taken two evenings this week to not do anything but lay on the couch and read. I never do that!

The weather is supposed to be in the lower 70's this weekend. Hubby is off and boy do I have a huge to-do list for him!! hehe

Hope ya'll have a great weekend!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

Cinnamon and Honey

Hi. Sorry I'm so late in posting (and that I'm not keeping with my normal schedule and giving you a peek at my iPod). I'm feeling a little under the weather today, and have just gotten out of bed. I thought this might be a good day to post the following uses for Cinnamon and Honey.


Cinnamon and Honey
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing". When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

Have a great day, only 1 more get-up this week!!

Peace and love,
Alannah

Happy St. Patrick's Hump Day!!

Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while one looks at the other and says, 'I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Ireland .

The other woman responds proudly, 'Yes, I sure am!'

The first one says, 'So am I! And where about in Ireland are ya from ?

The other woman answers, 'I'm from St. John's , I am.'

The first one responds, 'So, am I!! And what street did you live on?'

The other woman says, 'A lovely little area it was in the west end. I lived on Warbury Street in the old central part of town.'

The first one says, 'Faith and it's a small world. So did I! So did I! And what school did ya go to?'

The other woman answers, 'Well now, I went to Holy Heart of Mary, of course.'

The first one gets really excited and says, 'And so did I. Tell me,what year did you graduate?'

The other woman answers, 'Well, now, let's see. I graduated in 1964.'

The first woman exclaims, 'The Good Lord must be smiling down upon us ! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same pub tonight. Can you believe it, I graduated from Holy Heart of Mary in 1964 me self.'

About this time, Michael walks into the bar, sits down and orders a beer.

Brian, the bartender, walks over to Michael, shaking his head and mutters, 'It's going to be a long night tonight.'

Michael asks, 'Why do you say that, Brian ?'

Brian answers, 'The Murphy twins are drunk again.'


LOL...A little lame but I was short on time to come up with anything better.

Happy Hump Day!
Alannah

Food For Thought...

"You gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. You must do that which we think we cannot."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was a remarkable woman. Someday, when I have some spare time on my hands (LOL) I'd like to read and learn more about her.

Thanks for hanging out with me here and at Plotmonkeys yesterday. I had a great time.

And, Liza! Wow!! Thank you for the fantastic review!! That was awesome and I really, really appreciate it!!

I'm off to Raleigh to spend the day with Son #1. One of the greatest things about a virtual book tour, is that you can be in two places at once. I'll also be visiting with Rachel Brimble today! Drop by and say hello if you have a second.

I hope all of you have a great day!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

What I'm Reading....

I'm back to the Troubleshooter series, although I just started this book last night so I can't really say anything about it.


Alyssa Locke is no stranger to dealing with danger. As team leader of the nation's number one personal security company, Troubleshooters, Inc., she's seen more than her share of action, survived plenty of close calls, and holds her own with the best of them--and against the worst of them. Guarding lives is her game, and no one plays it better. But her toughest challenge will be protecting herself from a serial killer she’s been after for years -- known only as “The Dentist” -- who is determined to make her his ultimate trophy.

The assignment was supposed to be an easy one: teach self-defense techniques to a newly-elected New York State Assemblywoman and her chief of staff, after a political controversy generates a blizzard of hate mail – including some death threats -- from hotheads and cranks. But as soon as she mobilizes in New York City with her squad of moonlighting Navy SEALs, Alyssa begins butting heads with the hard-case cop who thinks they’re chasing shadows.

Until they discover a dead body. And then another. Now Alyssa really has her hands full --.bodyguarding two independent, busy women, managing a murder investigation, and trying to find time for her husband, Troubleshooters operative Sam Starrett, and their infant son. Meanwhile, it wouldn't be a Troubleshooters operation without romantic sparks and heated rivalries--and any time the SEALs of Team Sixteen are involved, there are plenty of both.

But then, in the middle of investigating a suspect, Alyssa is ambushed, and suddenly finds herself imprisoned by The Dentist. Now cut off from everyone she loves and relies on, Alyssa must call upon all of her strength and skill to survive this final confrontation with the sadistic monster, and trust that her Troubleshooter teammates, led by her beloved Sam, will reach her before it’s too late.


I hope everyone has had a great week and that enjoy your weekend!!!

Peace and love,
Alannah

iPod - My Victor Playlist

We have a friend (a guy my husband grew up with) who plays at local bars and restaurants. He used to only play at the bars downtown and never started before 11:00 pm. Thank goodness he's aged along with us, and now he mostly plays at restaurants with bars, and he usually starts around 8:00 pm! LOL A lot of that has to do with the fact that he has kids now and he can't sleep the entire next day away.

Victor has a wide and varied playlist but these three songs are my absolute favorites. He's made them his own, and everyone loves to sing along with him. Especially the last one!!!

Never Been to Spain by 3 Dog Night - Victor rocks this out much more than they do, but this version is great too! It was especially fun when my friend, Lee, was visiting and we went to hear Victor. Lee was born in Arizona, not Oklahoma, and it DID matter! LOL



Otis Redding - Sittin' On The Dock of a Bay


And one of the most fun moments of the night come with this song. Usually it's later. Usually everyone has had a fair amount to drink. And ALWAYS I sing as loud as I can!! LOL Please feel free to sing along from where ever you are. Bring your co-workers over to your office and all of ya'all - scream like a witch!!

Marie Laveau - Bobby Bare


I hope you've enjoyed my Victor Playlist!!!

Have a fabulous day!

Peace and love,
Alannah

It's Release Day!!!

Savin' Me is officially on sale from The Wild Rose Press. Instead of a couple of hot hunks for my release party, I've got a really funny...funny!!

Senior In A Sex Shop

A little old lady, well into her eighties, slowly enters the front door of a sex shop. Obviously very unstable on her feet, she wobbles the few feet across the store to the counter. Finally arriving at the counter and grabbing it for support, stuttering she asks the sales clerk, "Dooo youuuu have dillddooos?"

The clerk, politely trying not to burst out laughing, replies, "Yes we do have dildos. Actually we carry many different models."

The old woman then asks: "Doooo youuuu carrryy aaa pppinkk onnee, tttenn inchessss lllong aaandd aabboutt ttwoo inchesss ththiickk...aaand rrunns by bbbbaattteries ?"
The clerk responds, "Yes we do."
"Ddddooo yyoooouuuu kknnnoooww hhhowww tttooo ttturrrnnn ttthe ssunoooffabbitch offfff?!!"

ROTFL!!!

I hope it's a happy hump day for everyone!!

Peace and love,
Alannah

"Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose."

Lance Armstrong
7-Time Winner of the Tour de France

I read that yesterday and it was a huge WOW moment for me. I had to share it here, today.

I hope it's a fantastic day for everyone!!
Peace and Love,
Alannah

Savin' Me Excerpt

Good morning - here's the second half of Chapter 1. I hope you enjoy it!!!

Here's the link for the first part of Chapter 1 from last week, if you need a refresher on where we left things.

Kat Owens took in the scene surrounding her.

This is it.

Her new life. A new town, new job, new friends, new everything. All for the opportunity of becoming Vice President of Client Services for Sinclair Marketing Group. Funny, but standing within striking range of the ladder’s top rung didn’t feel like she’d thought it would. Somehow she’d pictured herself being light as a feather and floating on air. Not weighted down and miserable.

Maybe it was the stuffy clothes and uncomfortable shoes. Maybe it was the pantyhose cutting her lu-lu in half—it was difficult to feel light and airy when important body parts were at risk of permanent damage.

It might be those things, but deep in her heart she knew it was more than all of that.

She looked around at the various mix of agency staff, clients and vendors. All of them here for the supposed purpose of celebrating SMG’s move into their new offices. It looked nice, neat and polite on the surface. Regular people playing nicely, shaking hands, telling jokes and laughing. Sharing a few—but not too many—personal stories.

But if one looked at these interactions with a microscope, they’d see the ugly truth of advertising life. She supposed all businesses were competitive and cutthroat, but few reached the pinnacle of advertising. In advertising, your best friend would set you up, cut you down and steal your job. That was tough to beat.

Sure, handshakes and nice-to-meet-ya’s took place in most polite circles. But not much about this job included any real sincerity or concern for the people you met.
It was all about getting what you wanted, and to hell with everyone else.

The hardest part of her job was the suck-up-ass-kissing required to get and keep an account. That’s where the laughing and joke telling came in. And the personal stories…those were told to prove you were a human being. Sometimes in this business it was difficult to know for sure.

Right now, she wanted nothing more than to go home, shed the office armor and crawl into bed. But as the future VP of Client Services, it was critical she familiarize herself with all the agency’s clients. This event had coincided perfectly with her move to the agency, giving her the opportunity to meet most of the clients in one fell swoop. So, until the last guest had had their fill of food and drink and headed out the door, she was stuck.

Rusty Sinclair, President of Sinclair Marketing Group, had spared no expense in throwing this open house celebration to show off his pride and joy—the restored Victorian that now housed the offices for SMG.

And nowhere was it more evident than in the overflowing food tables. Shrimp, every colored vegetable known to man, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and fruit galore sat awaiting a taker. What appealed to her most were the chocolate-covered strawberries. Actually, it was the chocolate that had her mouth watering, but she couldn’t run her finger along the inside of the bowl and scoop out the chocolate, so she had to take the strawberries too.

Since leaving this shindig wasn’t an option, she’d have to settle for a few quiet moments in a secluded corner. She wanted to shed the high heels, relax her face muscles before the pasted-on smile became permanent, take a few deep breaths and grab a quick bite to eat.

She picked a few of the larger berries—because they held more chocolate—and stacked them on her small plate. Settling into an empty corner of the conference room, she kicked off her shoes and sagged in relief against the wall. She picked up a berry, licked her lips, then slid the fruit into her watering mouth. Her eyes drifted shut as she savored the mixture of sweet, smooth chocolate and tart strawberry.

However, her moment of delectable bliss was short lived, as the hair on the back of her neck prickled. She’d had the strangest sensation for the past thirty minutes of being watched, and the feeling was too strong now to ignore.

She grabbed another berry and casually scanned the crowd. She’d just bitten down, once again enjoying the near-orgasmic feeling of the thick chocolate rolling across her tongue, when she stumbled across a brilliant blue gaze boring straight into her.

Oh. My. God.

Her heart skipped a few beats, and her stomach plummeted. Startled, she gasped. Chocolate and strawberry juice shot to the back of her throat, and she started to choke. She yanked the stem from her mouth, stifled the coughing as best as she could, then grabbed her glass of water. After a few sips she had the coughing under control, her heart rate had slowed and her breathing was somewhat normal.

What she wouldn’t give to convince herself it wasn’t him. But she’d never forget or mistake those eyes. She saw them every night in her dreams, and often in daydreams. Even on a cellular level her body recognized them, and everything feminine within her screamed and responded.

Maybe he doesn’t recognize me.

Just because she’d spent the last thirteen months reliving every second of their incredible night together didn’t mean he had. However, as she flicked her gaze back to him, that tiny fragment of hope slipped away and was replaced with dismay. The million-watt smile that had played so easily on his mouth the night they’d met was gone, a severe scowl taking its place.

Oh yeah, he recognized her. And he was pissed.

She didn’t know which was worse. Him not recognizing her, or him recognizing her and not being happy to see her. A heavy sadness settled over her as she dropped her gaze to the floor, righted her shoes and slipped her feet into them.

What’s a girl gotta do to catch a freakin’ break?

The last two weeks had been hell. Between quitting her old job—the only job she’d known since college—packing her apartment in a heated rush, and moving from Charlotte to the small, coastal North Carolina town of Riverside—where she didn’t know anyone besides her new boss—she was operating on a tightly stretched rope. And at this moment, she heard the faint tearing as a few more strands unraveled and gave way.

She spotted Maggie and Seth, two of her coworkers, talking with a sales rep from a local radio station. Needing to know Erik’s association with the agency, she casually strolled in their direction. If luck was on her side she’d find that no one knew him. He’d be a lost soul who had wandered into the wrong party.

She slipped into a space between Seth, the very talented and very gay art director, and Maggie, the equally talented and very northern copywriter. She patiently waited and when the opportunity presented itself, said, “I think I’ve met almost everyone. But there is one gentleman I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I wondered if anyone could tell me who he is.”

“I’m sure between all of us,” Maggie said, gesturing to the three of them, “we know everyone here. Riverside’s not that big a place.”

“I don’t want to turn around and be obvious, but he was standing with Elise a minute ago. Around six feet tall, dark hair that’s kind of curly and unruly—”

“Rock-star stubble covering a strong jaw line and gorgeous blue eyes?”

Kat bit her bottom lip and cut her eyes to Seth, shocked by his astute and detailed description of Erik. Seth didn’t hide his sexual orientation, but never had his excessive gayness been more evident.

“Damn, Seth,” Maggie said, sounding in awe. “I didn’t know even men thought Erik was hot.”

Seth looked offended. “Why the hell not? He’s one of the hottest men ever. And every gay man in town has a goal of being the one who turns him.”

Kat burst out laughing, then threw her hand over her mouth. Erik was as hetero as they came, and there wasn’t a chance in hell of turning him. Thank God.

Sexual genius like his couldn’t possibly play both sides of the fence, and what a shame it would be for womankind if he did. He had long fingers and strong, capable hands. She’d expected the jagged scars on his palms—the ones he refused to talk about—to be rough, like calluses. But his touch was soft, and he knew exactly where, when and how to stroke a woman’s body to elicit sensations and feelings never before discovered.

At least that was what he’d done to her. Just thinking about it caused the hammering in her chest to increase and her breathing to grow shallow.

Get a grip. Now was not the time to remember or react. Bothersome information had been revealed—Erik was an equal-opportunity sex magnet—and she still didn’t know his relationship to the agency. “Who is he? Is he a client?”

“His name is Erik Monteague,” Maggie said. “His family owns Monteague Boats. They’re a client—”

Damn, damn, damn.

“—actually one of our larger clients, and he’s our contact.”

“Mmm…hmm… And don’t I wish we had more contact.” Seth had taken on the stereotypical gay man pose—hip cocked to the side, one arm crossed over his stomach while the other arm held a glass of wine to his lips. His eyes were hooded and appreciative as he stared at Erik.

“Life offers few guarantees, Seth, but one thing I can guarantee is that you’ll never have that opportunity,” Cara, the radio station rep, jumped in. Turning her attention to Kat, she explained. “Erik’s pretty wild and crazy. And he loves the ladies.” The last was said directly to Seth, emphasizing the point that he lived in a dream world that would never, ever come to fruition.

While Cara’s words were intended to make a point to Seth, they settled in Kat’s gut like a heavy weight. The night she’d met Erik, she’d suspected one-night stands were a way of life for him. That had been part of the reason she’d left like she had. But knowing that, and hearing details of his sex-capades, were two different things entirely.

Jealous feelings were ridiculous and immature. She’d been lucky enough to have the experience of one night with Erik. The memories were hers forever, and she could pull them out from time to time and relive the passion they’d shared.

But now would not be a good time to walk down memory lane. The whole situation was surreal and like bad déjà vu. What would happen to her job if anyone found out she’d slept with Erik? Even though their night hadn’t involved a whole lot of sleep.

It was before you took this job—relax.

She couldn’t relax, not when the past rushed at her like an out of control freight train on a course destined to crash. No way would she let another promotion slip away because of a lapse in judgment. She’d just have to remind him what happened at her last job and ask him to keep their night together private.

But that made it sound like she was ashamed or regretted it. She was sure to him it had been just another one-night stand, but to her it had been more. Much more. And she didn’t like the idea of lessening it by treating it as a dirty secret.

“His nickname is ‘The Full Monty,’” Cara said, interrupting her thoughts. “No one works harder than Erik. But he plays equally hard. He’s wild and untamed. Many have tried, but most believe he’ll never settle down.”

Kat studied Cara’s expression. She wondered if she was being warned off of Erik for her sake, or if Cara had personal motives for warning Kat away from him. Whichever, it didn’t matter. Erik was off-limits regardless of his settling-down tendencies.

“You said the name of his company is Monteague Boats?”

Maggie nodded.

Kat did a quick mental rundown of the client list Rusty had passed on to her. That name didn’t ring a bell, and she felt confident if she’d seen it listed anywhere she would’ve taken notice. She’d known Erik’s last name and that he lived somewhere along the North Carolina coast. And although his name hadn’t been what she’d spent the majority of her time remembering, she was certain it would have caught her attention had she come across it on her client list.

At least that was a small consolation. Even though he was a client of the agency, he wasn’t one of her personal clients. Therefore, she wouldn’t have to see him on a regular basis. He might even be one of those clients who did everything by e-mail and fax, and then she wouldn’t have to see him at all.

She thanked the trio for their information and excused herself. After that near freak-out she needed fresh air. Hopefully she could slip out, unnoticed, into the backyard garden for a few minutes and regroup before diving back into the fray.

I'm working on the video - actually, I'm really hoping and praying I'm able to retrieve it from an external hard drive. I'll get up here for you guys to see first, before I put it up anywhere else. Hopefully it'll be at the beginning of the week, since Savin' Me releases on Wednesday!

I hope it's a great weekend for everyone. Our weather is supposed to get a little warmer and that makes me a very happy person. Hope the weather where ever you are cooperates, as well!

Peace and love,
Alannah

iPod - Let's talk concerts

The first concert I attended was Rod Stewart, when I was a senior in high school. Holy cow! What a great concert that was, and not just because it was my first. I was a huge Rod Stewart fan and he put on one hell of a show. I don't like his soft, mellow stuff, but I loved him in his rocker days!



After that came Rick Springfield (which we've already covered) and Quiet Riot with Twisted Sister (which I just deleted all their songs from my iPod).

About the same time as them was John Cougar Mellancamp. From what I remember of that concert is was awesome!! LOL The thing I remember most about that show was drinking the whole 1 1/2 hour drive, getting there and having to go to the bathroom like I'd never had to go before. We stopped at a Wendy's across from the coliseum and the line for the women's room was out the door.

No line for the men's room. Hmmmm...

By the time Sally and I came out of the men's room, the line had split and the line for the men's room (comprised of women) was now as long as the women's.

This song wasn't out in the 80's when I saw him in concert, but it's my favorite song of his and I play it over and and over.... Peaceful World



A much less peaceful concert was Motley Crue. I was stone cold sober for this concert (and a few years older) and it was so freaking loud I had to cut the filters off cigarettes and put in my ears in order to be able to stand it!



OK...I'm ashamed to admit this, but a concert that I slept through - I know!! - needless to say, alcohol was once again involved, was ZZ Top. However, in my defense...they were kind of boring. The stood and sang. That was it. No light shows, no pyrotechnics. It was like listening to my album.

But the Jeff Healey Band opened up for them and I really, really liked them. Here's the only song of theirs that I have on my iPod...Angel Eyes



The guy I was with said, "Why doesn't he get up and move around at all?"

"Ummm...he's blind!!"

I don't know what ZZ Tops excuse was. :)

There were quite a few country concerts along the way too: Alabama with some no-name newcomer to country music named Clint Black.

George Straight. Reba. Toby Keith. And, of course, Keith Urban!!

So how about you? What's your favorite concert of all time?

The snow has melted and kidlet is back in school today. Yippee!!!
Hope it's a great day for everyone!

Peace and love,
Alannah

THREE NUNS WERE ATTENDING A YANKEE BASEBALL GAME.

THREE MEN WERE SITTING DIRECTLY BEHIND. BECAUSE THEIR HABITS WERE PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE VIEW, THE MEN DECIDED TO BADGER THE NUNS HOPING THAT THEY'D GET ANNOYED ENOUGH TO MOVE TO ANOTHER AREA..

IN A VERY LOUD VOICE, THE FIRST GUY SAID,

"I THINK I'M GOING TO MOVE TO UTAH. THERE ARE ONLY 100 NUNS LIVING THERE."

THEN THE SECOND GUY SPOKE UP AND SAID, "I WANT TO GO TO MONTANA. THERE ARE ONLY 5O NUNS LIVING THERE."

THE THIRD GUY SAID, "I WANT TO GO TO IDAHO . THERE ARE ONLY 25 NUNS LIVING THERE."

THE MOTHER SUPERIOR TURNED AROUND, LOOKED AT THE MEN, AND IN A VERY SWEET AND CALM VOICE SAID, "WHY DON'T YOU GO TO HELL... THERE AREN'T ANY NUNS THERE!"

I hope it's a happy hump day for everyone!!
Peace and love,
Alannah

To Be A Champ....

"To be a champ, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will."

Sugar Ray Robinson
1920-1989, Boxer


Peace and love,
Alannah