Howl For Me!

My HOT fall flasher HOWL FOR ME is posted on the Midnight Seductions blog. Check it out! www.midnightseductionsauthors.blogspot.com

New gadget

I'm not a gadget person. I hate shopping for anything electronic. I just want my stuff to WORK and I want it to be easy to use. I don't want to hear about all the bells and whistles. I don't want to compare different models. Don't utter the words service plan or extended warranty, please! Going to the dentist doesn't bother me. Going to Circuit City will throw me in a tizzy. Don't ask me why. It's just the way I'm wired. Ok. That was bad. LOL!

This weekend my husband gave me a new toy, and I have to admit I was skeptical at first. Not of the gadget, just of how much I'd actually use it.

Now I'm hooked!


It's the ipod touch. It's got the really cool new touch screen and amazing clarity. You can watch movies, listen to music, check email, go to Youtube, play games. It's even got a gps, weather, clock and calculator.

I'm working on a playlist right now to go along with the book I'm working on. Ok, so I'm having fun with a gadget. I even read the instruction manual, which was written for people like me. Short and to the point. :)

Take Two!

Ahhhh...today is much better than yesterday. (Knocking on wood!) My little angel woke up with his halo securely in place. He got to school on time. First thing this morning, I ran a few errands which included buying some pretty new flowers to go in the planters on either side of my front doors. Ummmm. A well-behaved child and pretty flowers. Doesn't get much better than that.

I hope you're all having a great day!

Busy Monday

What is it with Mondays? I got off to a great start. I finished my last load of laundry, baked cinnamon rolls, made my bed, walked the dogs and packed my son's lunch all before he woke up. And then it all went to hell. The little devil woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. He was such a little pistol, I needed a drink by the time I got him to school.

Instead, I made a cup of tea and sat down at my desk. No sooner had I begun tapping away at my latest novel when the wiener dog started pawing my leg and whining. He wouldn't stop until I picked him up. As soon as he settled into my lap, he fell asleep on my arm. I kept typing...one-handed. I AM NOT KIDDING! What is wrong with me? You'd think I'd put the dog down and work, right? Wrong.

I pecked away with one hand until my landscaper showed up with the new palm trees we're putting in front of our house. I spent the next two hours deciding exactly where everything was going to go and what the shape of the new beds would be. Now, the trees are planted, the dirt is mounded and the beds are marked off. The yard is still a mess, but I'm sure my neighbors are relieved to see progress being made. Wednesday, the smaller plants will come in, along with sod to fill in the old beds and mulch. Maybe the landscape lighting too. I'm not sure. There's always something I forget to ask about.

So now it's noon. I'm off to take a shower and if I'm lucky I'll have an hour and a half to write before I go pick my son up from school. Keep your fingers crossed he comes home in a better mood than when he left. If not, I WILL mix a drink.

Is it Tuesday yet?

Morning Rescue

The excitement of the morning in the Darlin household was this little blue-tailed skink in distress. We're a house full of animal lovers. I tend to shy away from the slithery ones, but my husband and son rescue every snake and lizard they can. And believe me, we have more than a few down here. To date, two snakes have made it into our house, and I've stopped counting the frogs and lizards. Ain't Florida grand?

My son discovered this little skink just before breakfast. Apparently he'd fallen into our pool or chased some insect into it. He's safe now, but he was in such shock, he didn't even try to run when my husband caught him and carried him off the lanai. He's pretty from a distance, but I'm glad he's outside again where he belongs.

El cheapos worth their weight in gold

Economic times have definitely been better, so I've been inspired to give a SHOUT OUT this morning to great things that don't cost much money. While I've been here at my desk Sparky, the little wiener dog, has been having the time of his life playing with a plastic water bottle that he begged from me yesterday afternoon. Nevermind all the little dog toys he's got scattered around my office. He wants the plastic bottle. It's like with kids and the cardboard box their giant toys come in. Proving once again, happiness doesn't necessarily have a price tag.

What's your favorite thing in the world that doesn't cost anything - or much of anything. And don't say family or love...those are givens. I mean what cheap-o object adds joy or makes your life easier?

Tough question, isn't it? I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer myself. The first thing that comes to mind is my tea maker. I love my cup-at-a-time tea maker (Black & Decker). I think it was $20 when I bought it 15 years ago. I use it every day and take it with me when I travel. My biggest travel fear is that I'll forget it when I pack to come home. If you've ever seen me before I've had my morning caffeine you would realize the true value of this little appliance.

Rough & Ready was Joyfully Reviewed!

"...In a novella that provides a huge bang for the buck, Rough & Ready is a simple tale of a love affair that comes with more questions than answers. Taima and Hollis are victims of a career that is surrounded by mystery and change. Not known to stay in one place longer than his assignment deems Hollister finds in Taima a reason to rethink his path. A woman who loves it rough and brings it just as deep; she has ensnared his heart and made him long for something concrete. Wendi Darlin does a great job of enticing and rousing the reader and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next." - Indy, Joyfully Reviewed

To read the full review, click here.

Buy link

BARB YOU WON! You are the winner in my hidden contest this week! Contact me and I'll get your prizes to you. :)

Nice n' Naughty Day!

Thursdays are my day to blog at Nice n' Naughty. Today, I'm talking about bad apples and why I need lovin'. Come over and join me. And since it's Nice n' Naughty day around here, feel free to tell us if you're in a nice or naughty mood today...and why! We're nosy! LOL!