Hot Southern Lovin'

My new photos

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:50:00 +0000

I finally had some real photos taken to use on my website and for promo stuff. I was dreading the whole process, but the photographer was a sweetheart and I ended up having a lot of fun. Here are a couple of them:

Gettin' my kicks

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:52:00 +0000

I'm back from Vegas and my tour along Route 66 into Arizona. I had a fabulous time - already wishing I could go back. But trust me, the two hour speedboat ride up the Colorado River sounds better on paper than it does an hour plus into the bumpiest ride of your life.

One nice bonus they don't mention in the tour brochure: people in Arizona have very nice derrieres (at least the ones who stand around on party boats mooning the tourists.) Sorry I didn't get pictures of those for you. :)

Hope you're having a great summer. I'm leaving at the end of this week to spend some time on the beach in Destin and then things will fall back to the normal routine in the Darlin house. The first photo is me with my tour guide, Rick, just outside Oatman, Arizona. The bottom photo was taken in front of London Bridge at Lake Havasu.

Extending Summer Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:18:00 +0000

I hope everyone's having a great summer! I was planning to get back to updating my blog at the beginning of August, but that's not going to happen. :)

I'm spending next week in my old college town of Wilmington, North Carolina to visit my sister and her family. The following weekend I'll be in Las Vegas doing some research for my newest novel. Seriously! It is a work trip, but I'll try to squeeze in some fun too.

The week after that, I will be on the beach in gorgeous Destin, Florida - a place that is really close to my heart. Then I'll have one quiet week at home shopping for school clothes and supplies.

And then all hell will break loose -- I hate getting up in the mornings to get my little darlin off to school, and I hate the homework session in the afternoon even more. I really don't know who hates the school routine more, me or him. But, the school year does allow me to slip back into my routine. I can write and keep up with blogs and such.

I hope all of you are having a fabulous summer and that the Lovin' Our Bodies ladies haven't fallen off the wagon too hard. (Don't worry if you have, that's why we banded together - to help each other.) I'm ready to start checking in again the first week of September if all of you are.

Lots of love!

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Happy Monday, ladies. I hope you're all off to another good week. I'm back in town from my visit with family and heading out for my walk as soon as I post this. Already the outdoor thermometer is reading 93 degrees. It's going to be a hot one.

How is everyone doing? Is the summer taking a bigger toll than you expected or are you managing to stay on track? If you're having trouble staying motivated, let us know how we can help.

Today's quote is a mental kick for us all:

"It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head." Sally Kempton

If you're defeating your own ambitions and the reasons you joined this group to begin with, let us know, and take a few minutes today to force yourself back on track. Baby steps are better than no steps at all, at least you'll be heading in the right direction.

Also, I want to check in with the more serious health issues. Ann and Cindy, are you two doing ok? Raina, did you kick that bug you had?

Romancing South Tampa

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Here's an article about some of my favorite authors and much to my surprise, I'm even mentioned in it. Check it out, you can see how I spent my Saturday. http://tinyurl.com/m4fy53

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:40:00 +0000

I think summer is officially taking its toll on everyone. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. We need to step out of the groove and enjoy this time of year when we can. I will be leaving in just a little while to go spend a week with family. I'll find a way to fit in my workouts, but my normal schedule won't exist.

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and if you're off schedule too, I hope you find a way to fit your personal goals into your day. I'll check in when I can while I'm out of town, but it won't be as frequently as usual.

Here is a quote I thought you might like this week:

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." - Elinor Smith

I love this because we know how this applies to our lives and careers, but it also applies to our health. To be healthy and fit is to be proactive about taking care of yourself, making time when you don't want to or it's easier not to - which is more often than not for most of us.

So how are you doing this week? Are you making progress? Have you fallen into a rut? That happens!! Have you fallen off the wagon altogether? That happens too! Tell us how you're doing and know that we're in your corner, even if you're not meeting your goals. And if you are meeting your goals, inspire us! We love to cheer you on.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:24:00 +0000

It's another Monday, ladies, and you're stuck with me again! I think I've got another guest motivator lined up for next week. I'll keep you posted. Today's the day my routine gets shifted and becomes a little more challenging. School's out for summer!

Here are a couple of quotes I found for today. I like these because they are super short but pack a big punch, both in our quest for a physically healthy lifestyle and for our emotional well-being.

"All serious daring starts from within." - Eudora Welty

"Action is the antidote to despair." - Joan Baez

Let us know how you're doing. And remember, if you haven't been doing as well as you like, that's ok. If this was easy, we wouldn't need this group.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Wow, another week has flown by. Congratulations on all your hard work this week. Give yourselves a hand and do something rewarding this weekend. Ann, let us know how that appointment goes.

Yesterday was the last day of school here so I'll be changing my routine up. The first fun movement I've got planned is Wii sports. I kick butt at bowling...the others, not so much. LOL I probably should use the Wii Fit more than I do. I just never think about it. I'll also have company now on my walks and I'm sure I'll be throwing in more bike rides.

So what are you planning for the weekend? Anything fun?

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Hump Day

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:57:00 +0000

I hope all the Lovin' Our Bodies ladies are feeling a little better, especially Ann and Raina. It's the middle of the week again. A day to remind ourselves to stay on track or to get going.

Since summer is upon us...at least it is here in Tampa...I thought this quote would be fun for today.

"If you want a place in the sun, you've got to put up with a few blisters." - Abigail Van Buren

Ain't that the truth! LOL I can't think of any part of life that doesn't apply to.

Feel free to check in if you want. Let us know if you need some encouragement. There will be times when we all need it.

Mark Your Calendar!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:20:00 +0000

Join Leah Brooke, Sofia Hunt and yours truly Monday, June 8th in the Midnight Seductions Chat Room for fun and prizes to celebrate the release of our new Tasty Treats Vol. 2 anthology from Siren Publishing.

Lovin' Our Bodies Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Happy Monday, ladies! We have another guest motivator today to get our week started off on the right foot.

Today's quotes come from actor/host/model, Billy Freda. You may have seen Billy on some of your favorite romance novels. You can check out his website here: www.billfreda.com I'll venture a guess and say he's been to the gym once or twice. Hmm, what do you think? Maybe three times?

So here's the motivational quote Billy sent:

"What the mind can perceive, the body can achieve."

I like that. Short. To the point. And very, very true.

But wait folks, that's not all.

Here are a few more words of wisdom from our guest motivator. "Exercise & sex are proven to be the two best stress relievers. Hence, ride your trainer for an hour a day!"

If you've ever met Billy, you're not surprised by this at all. LOL I thought you might enjoy the laugh.

I hope everyone gets off to a great start this week. How was your weekend? Any new plans heading into this week? Anybody need us to get out the pom poms?

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Woo Hooo! Another week is coming to an end. Does anyone have anything fun planned for the weekend? I'll drag the family out for another bike ride, and if it ever stops raining I'm sure we'll play in the pool.

I still haven't found anywhere to take line dance lessons. I think my husband's secretly relieved. He just loves the idea of me running off to dance with a bunch of boot scootin' cowboys every week. He's not buying the whole "research" excuse either. LOL

I've started doing David Kirsch's leg and butt routine three days a week. It totally kicks my bootay, but I love it. After the first workout, I had to go buy a new medicine ball because the naughty little wiener dog chewed a hole in the one I had. Now if I don't lock him out of the room, he stands on me trying to get the new ball while I'm working out. Anybody want a wiener dog? :)

So how are you playing this weekend?

Lovin' Our Bodies Hump Day

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Ok, today's the day I remind you that you're in a magic place. If you've been strong all week, keep going! If the week didn't start off the way you wanted it to, you can still turn it around.

Here's to success all around for a fabulous group of ladies!

Does anyone need a boost? If you do, just let us know. That's what we're here for.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:34:00 +0000

I hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day. It's the beginning of another week around here. Isn't it amazing how time flies?

I'm going to keep it simple today with just a couple of quotes that I like, and that will hopefully give you a little motivation this week.

"I think it's the end of progress if you stand still and think of what you've done in the past. I keep on." - Leslie Caron

"Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win." - Bernadette Devlin

Keep checking in. You're doing great, and remember the occasional setbacks are part of the journey. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Look at what Cindy made me!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:18:00 +0000

How cool is this? Thank you, Cindy. You're a sweetheart!

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:15:00 +0000

It's Friday! Maybe we can all check in today and just catch up a little. I know it's been a hectic week for me, and I'm sure it has been for some of you too.

My fun exercise for the weekend is walking. I know, I know, that's what I always do, but I haven't been able to walk at all this week because of the non-stop rain we've been getting. I've been stuck doing the elliptical every day.

So what about you? How has your week been? Any accomplishments or setbacks you want to share? Any big plans for this holiday weekend?

Ann, can you please email me at wendi@wendidarlin.com? I don't have your email address.

We're on Twitter: #lovin'ourbodies

1st Review for Devil's Advocate!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Thu, 21 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

I got my first review for Devil's Advocate!

5 Blue Ribbons "...Wendi Darlin delivers a steamy romance and heart-pounding suspense that will only leave you wanting more. She paints a grand story about tightly knit friendships, true love, and healing old wounds. She describes the setting beautifully and in accurate detail, and her selfless hunky hero had me wishing for a devil of my own. DEVIL’S ADVOCATE is a must read and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other HELLS BELLES releases." - Pamela Denise, Romance Junkies

To read the whole review, click here.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Hi, ladies! It's Monday again. There's no special guest this week, so you're stuck with me. :)

I have THE ULTIMATE NEW YORK BODY PLAN by David Kirsch. I've never strictly followed the "plan." But I like to use some of the exercises illustrated in the book, and I do see results from them. I also like the way Kirsch takes a three-pronged approach to making-over your body: Diet, Exercise, and Empowerment.

The cover of the book touts "Just 2 weeks to a total transformation." I know there's no such thing as a true quick fix, but I also know that seeing results quickly will motivate me to keep working. If you're like me, you might like this book.

From Chapter 1: "I believe that total transformation is possible by adhering to certain tenets. Self-acceptance and self-love are paramount and help contribute to a sense of wellness and, if you will, soundness of mind and soundness of body...We can embrace our life and the circumstances surrounding it. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing, although it can be scary. Choose to change the things that truly matter. Learn to focus on the positive, and be grateful for all your blessings."

One of the things I take from this: Remember why you're working so hard to improve your body. Health, first and foremost. But also, quality of life. The better you feel, the happier you and everyone around you will be. And the people who love you just might have you around a little longer. Also, I can admit, when I look better, I feel better. I'm too vain to not let my appearance affect every other part of my life.

Here's a motivational quote that I love:

"If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." - Mary Kay Ash.

Truer words have never been spoken.

How was your weekend? Do you have anything new planned for this week? Are your goals changing? (Not that they need to.) Are you happy with the strides you made? Do you need us to help you in any way? Remember that's what we're here for.

Twitter trending topic: #lovin'ourbodies

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Fun Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

So Friday is fun day! We've earned it, right? Exercise doesn't always have to be tedious. And the more we exercise, the higher our energy level becomes. So as we get in the groove with these great habits we're developing we'll probably catch ourselves doing things we haven't done in a while or just haven't been in the habit of doing.

Does anybody have any fun movement planned for today or this weekend? I think I'll take the wiener dog to the park. He loves to run. I don't necessarily like chasing him, but then I don't really have a choice do I? :) I'm also planning to play in the pool with my son. Who knows that might inspire me to swim laps. I haven't done that in a while.

Ok, now 'fess up. Who's going to be dancing in front of their computer? Or doing the tango while folding laundry? Or signing up for line dance lessons? Oh wait, line dance lessons...that's me! As soon as I can find a place that offers them that is.

Come on, inspire us! It'll put a smile on your face and ours. :)

Nice n' Naughty Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:56:00 +0000

I blogged over at Nice n' Naughty Authors today about the little Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater in my house. www.nicennaughtyauthors.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/wendidarlin

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Hump Day

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Hello, ladies! Wednesday is kind of a magic day if you're struggling to stay on the wagon. If you got off to a rough start at the beginning of the week, you can begin today and still end with a successful week. If you've managed to meet your goals so far this week, you can pat yourself on the back and keep cruising toward the finish line. See, it's magic!

Monday, Ann said it's been easier for her to stick to the plan she laid out for a successful career than it has been for her to dedicate the discipline required to exercise the way she wants to. She said it much more eloquently than that, but I believe that was the gist of what she said. I think that's true for a lot of us. We're pulled in so many different directions, the easiest things to let slide are the things we're doing for ourselves. But think about it, when we're happy with ourselves we're easier to be around and we have more to give to the ones we care about. Being healthy and happy isn't selfish, but sometimes we have to be a little selfish to protect the time we set aside to do that for ourselves.

Here are a couple of quotes I found, that I thought you might like:

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." - Lucille Ball

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." - Joan Baez

Are you feeling good about your progress this week? Do you need us to give you a little boost?

Release Date Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

I just found out BACK AT THE RANCH, Cowboy Games 2, will be released next Wednesday, May 20th. I'm a little excited and a lot nervous about this one. This is my first m/m romance, and even more nerve-shattering it's my most requested sequel. I'm hoping it's the story all the readers of Cowboy Games want it to be.

BACK AT THE RANCH is for everyone who fell in love with Garrett and Clayton. Thank you all for asking me to write this story.

LOVIN' OUR BODIES Motivations

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Hello, Ladies! Happy Monday! This week's motivational quote comes from Mr. Romance 2009 1st Runner Up, Stefan Pinto.

Stefan passes this along to you all:

"Successful people turn dreams into goals. They stop dreaming about what they would like to do, and start on how to get it done. And this takes determination, discipline, patience and perseverance."

I'm posting that on my bulletin board.

Stefan writes fitness articles for the Miami Fitness Examiner, and he sent this link to one he thought you might enjoy. http://bit.ly/4ytiRT

I recommend signing up for his newsletter too. It's packed full of great, informative stuff. And whip over to his website, www.pintofactory.com when you get a minute, the man obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to fitness. But believe it or not, he wasn't always built better than Adonis. You can read about his personal fitness journey here: http://www.stefanpinto.com/hello/?p=1271

So how is everyone doing? Any successes or not-so-successful moments anyone wants to talk about?

For anyone just joining us, we can also keep in touch on Twitter via trending topic #lovin'ourbodies

Group Motivation Starts Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Welcome to Lovin' Our Bodies! Most of you already know this group was inspired by some of my author friends who have recently decided to increase their fitness level and/or lose weight. Lovin' Our Bodies is a motivational group to offer encouragement and support as we all work individually to keep ourselves healthy. Anyone with similar goals is welcome to participate.

To keep us organized, I'll post an update here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can feel free to check-in any time on any day. Share what's working for you. What isn't. Anything at all about your journey. This is your group. We're in this together - GROUP is the keyword.

Here's our new post schedule:

Monday - Lovin' Our Bodies Motivations. I will share some motivations I've found, and from time to time I will invite some fitness experts to offer advice and encouragement for all of us. All of you are always invited and encouraged to leave comments for one another.

Wednesday - Lovin' Our Bodies Hump Day. This is the day we help one another keep up the momentum. The better half of the week is behind us and we're on the downward slide for a really successful week.

Friday - Lovin' Our Bodies Fun Friday. This is a day we make an effort to do something fun that will also get our hearts pumping. Dancing, playing, taking the dogs to the park, whatever you want to do for however long you want to do it. This will remind us to enjoy ourselves and our bodies and put a smile on our faces. And it will be great to share our antics with each other, don't you think?

This group is a work in progress. I'm sure we'll find things that don't work and new things that do, and we'll go with the flow. We'll discover our way together. Suggestions are always welcome and encouraged.

I am not a fitness expert and I don't pretend to be. So the focus of this group will be on encouragement and support. Any advice that I post here will be from expert sources. I may share personal experiences with you, but always listen to your own body and of course, follow your doctor's advice.

Are you ready??? Introduce yourself if you want and feel free to say what you're hoping to gain from this or where you need the most encouragement. Anonymity is ok, but I think you'll get more out of the group if you comment, even anonymously.

On Twitter, we're #Lovin'OurBodies and I'm twitter.com/wendidarlin

RT Gift Basket Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendi) — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:20:00 +0000

I had the honor of meeting some fabulous people at the Romantic Times convention in Orlando. Two of the absolute sweetest were the winners of the gift baskets I gave away. Congratulations again Marriette and Yolanda! It was such a pleasure to meet you both.

Yolanda Smith

Mariette Gonzalez

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/wendidarlin