Sisters and Brides and Packing...oh my!

My sister is here visiting. She came without her husband and the Stair Steps because my niece's bridal shower was yesterday. Which, by the way, was loads of fun.

Now I'm not particularly a "shower" type of person. Generally speaking I can think of no worse torture than being trapped somewhere and having to play bridal/baby shower games. My only solace is knowing that most women feel the same way and we all secretly agree to endure the ritual for someone near and dear to us to have her rite of passage.

The theme at this soiree was BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. Yours truly won the BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S movie trivia game. My prize? A truly awesome set of dessert plates which helped mitigate the torture aspect of the event immensely. Truth be told, we had a lot of fun which was helped along with some tart and spankin' raspberry martinis. And, more importantly, it was great watching my niece's enjoyment of the event. That says everything.

Now I'm off to run a couple of errands with my sister and then it's cramming my stuff packing for me. It shouldn't take long. Hopefully. I'm pretty organized. Then it's early to bed.

The adventure begins tomorrow. I'm up at the butt crack of dawn to catch my plane to Washington DC and RWA.

The plan? See everyone. Do everything. Miss nothing. I'll be blogging. I also plan to have my tweets on my sidebar like last year.

Any last minute advice? People you think I should see?

What every traveler needs...

...an ear infection before they get on a plane. I'm on ear drops and antibiotics and can't hear squat out of my left ear. If you see a woman with an ear horn at the conference... be kind.

June 2009

It's too ridiculous to be noted, but I honestly can't believe we are halfway through 2009. Crikeys I've just started remembering to write 2-0-0-9 instead of 2-0-0-8.

June wasn't quite the reading month that May was. Not so much in reading numbers, I read 17 books in June, a respectable number, but I didn't have as many reading "highs" in June as I did in May.

Life continues to move at warp speed. June, June, June... I hardly remember ye!

June Reading List

TO WED IN TEXAS by Jodi Thomas

Yep, that's right Ms. Thomas makes an appearance again this month. I read this early in the month and it's my TBR Challenge read. This month's theme was tortured heroes or heroines.

Orphaned at a very young age and shunted from relative to relative Karlee Whitworth certainly qualifies as tortured. When her maiden aunts ship her off to be a nanny, Karlee is just hoping for a place to fit in and feel worthwhile. When the meager funds the aunts provided for travel run out, Karlee impulsively puts herself in her trunk for the last leg of a trip. While the book has its humorous moments, this is mostly about a young woman trying to find a place for herself. Although this book was first released in 2000, and I think Ms. Thomas' is a better writer today, it fit the bill for both the TBR Challenge and my need for a good western.
My Grade = B

THE HOB'S BARGAIN by Patricia Briggs
I didn't finish this book, BUT NOT BECAUSE IT WAS A BAD BOOK. This was absolutely a case of the book not fitting a reader. I should have been more careful when I purchased it, but I enjoyed Ms. Briggs Mercy Thompson so much I decided to give this re-release a try. Too much fantasy for me.
My Grade = DNF

SWEET PERSUASION by Maya Banks
I really liked the realistic way Ms. Banks handled the issues of a person pursing their fantasies. At one point heroine Serena James asks herself if some fantasies are better left in our imaginations. Good question. What do you think?

Serena's fantasy is to be a sex slave of sorts. She basically wants a dominant partner to try out the lifestyle to see if it fits. Serena can't imagine being a sex slave as a full-time lifestyle choice. I would have liked there to be a bit more character development, because I think this was a great story premise and probably something we've all wondered about.
My Grade = B-

THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
Whoever you are that recommended this book, thanks for a good read. This book had one of my favorite things... a tortured hero. Lord Ian Mackenzie is indeed mad. He spent years locked up in an asylum. Committed at a young age by his violent wretch of a father, how much of Ian's madness is real and how much is induced by the asylum? When his father dies, his brother gets Ian released. What does one do with a gifted and slightly mad brother? Ms. Ashley's website notes that this is the first of the Highland Pleasures series. I, for one, can't wait for the rest of them.
My Grade = B

THIS DUCHESS OF MINE by Eloisa James
Okey dokey. This was a skimmer. I admit I wanted to know the ending so I skimmed thither and yon and got the gist of the book. Again, this is a very competent writer with some interesting plot elements, but I just didn't get sucked in.
My Grade = C

WATCH OVER ME by Lucy Monroe
I've read Lucy Monroe before with mixed results, but this grabbed my attention in the book store. Unfortunately I again had a tough time connecting with the characters.
My Grade = DNF

THE SPARE by Carolyn Jewel
I really enjoyed this book. I even did a review.
My Grade = B+

A WESTERN WINDER WONDERLAND ANTHOLOGY by Cheryl St. John, Jenna Kernan, & Pam Crooks
This western anthology had two of my favorite western writers Cheryl St. John and Jenna Kernan. This too came from my tbr. Don't ask me why I was in the mood for winter and Christmas stories in June, just love me anyway.

Wendy reviewed this back when it came out and liked it a bit more than I did. While I agree the stories are heartwarming, they were a little too saccharine for me.
My Grade = C

THE MAD, BAD DUKE by Jennifer Ashley
I didn't realize when I started this that it was part of a series. I also didn't realize it had paranormal and "magic" elements. I started with high hopes but was ultimately disappointed particularly after such a good reading experience with the THE MADNESS OF LORD MACKENZIE.
My Grade = C

DEEPER by Megan Hart
It's always tough to grade a favorite author. This book has many of the elements of the things I like most in a Hart book, in particular emotional depth. Alas it contained one element, and in this book it's a biggie, that I really struggle with in any book. I can't mention what it is without it being a spoiler, but I what I can say it that it's personal preference and not the book itself.
My Grade = C

LORD RUIN by Carolyn Jewel
While reading this book there were actually times when I thought I probably shouldn't be enjoying it so much particularly considering how the H/H came to be married. It's also the best example I've read, maybe ever, of what the saying, "Reformed rakes make the best husbands" really means.
My Grade = B+

A DARKER CRIMSON by Carolyn Jewel
This is part of the Crimson City series. The only previous book I read in this series was by Marjorie Liu years earlier when the series first started. I bought this one as part of my Carolyn Jewel glom and had no problems reading it as a stand alone. This is a good solid urban fantasy read.
My Grade = B

HIDDEN CURRENTS by Christine Feehan
This is the last book in the Drake Sisters series about seven sisters with paranormal powers. This is Elle, the youngest sister's story. Everything is tied up in a neat bow, and I'm imagining Ms. Feehan will be doing a series about the 7 Russian brothers, one of whom married a Drake sister, who have powers similar to the Drakes. I have to admit I had high expectations for this one as I'd been looking forward to reading Elle and Jackson's story. Maybe too high of expectations as it only rates as an average read for me.
My Grade = C

BRANDED BY FIRE by Nalini Singh
Interesting dynamics between Riley of the Snowdancer Wolf pack and Mercy the DarkRiver sentinel. Both are shapeshifters (different species) and both very strong leaders in their own right. This didn't pack the same emotional punch the previous psy-changeling books did for me, but it's worth your time if you like the series.
My Grade = B

REAL MEN LAST ALL NIGHT Anthology by Lora Leigh, Lori Foster, Cheyenne McCray & Heidi Betts
This anthology does as advertised. It delivers short sexy stories to be read on the beach during the summer. It's okay for what it's meant to do and be, but if you are looking for depth, this ain't it.
My Grade = C

FINGER LICKIN’ FIFTEEN by Janet Evanovich
I didn't hate it. No new ground broken here, but an entertaining and enjoyable chapter in the series. We need some character growth and change, Ms. Evanovich. I'm beggin' ya!
My Grade = C

TWILIGHT IN TEXAS by Jodi Thomas
This book is loosely related to her McCain brothers books but is fine to read as a stand alone. This is McCain family friend Wolf Hayward's story. Wolf is a character with lots of potential and so many directions for Ms. Thomas to take him. For me personally, the way in which Ms. Thomas chose for him to rediscover his one true love was unsatisfying. The big reveal wasn't believable and was too long in coming.
My Grade = C-

I didn't do the Re-Read Challenge in June. I ran out out of month. Father's Day weekend I made a stop at New and Recycled Romances in Orange County. I ended up with a pretty nifty haul of books and started reading some of those. Next thing I knew it was July.

July looks to be busy as well with the RWA Conference smack dab in the middle of it. Time will tell. Speaking of which, I got lots to do and now I can cross this post off my 'To Do' list. Yay!

Making a List and Checking it Twice

...Gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Yeah, I got no where to go with that I just had to finish the line. Now that I'm taking a deep breath with the first wedding under my belt, I feel sorta liberated. I feel better able to concentrate on other things like packing and planning for RWA for instance.

I'm so glad I'm off today. It's my 4th of July holiday. I've got a bunch of stuff to do since we'll be out at the park working for the community 4th of July festivities tomorrow. The fire department I work for is very involved with the town. We have a booth every year and stuff for the kids, etc.

Fun WILL be had by all as we cook in the sun and wait for sundown and the fireworks extravaganza.

1. Finish business card design for a certain special somebody.

2. Grocery shop so we don't starve for the next week.

3. Order some prescriptions for vacations (GG & Shmoo are going on a trip too)

4.

5. Dry cleaners

6. Finish June Reading List post for blog.

7. Catch up blog hopping.

8. Finish ceremony book for niece's wedding.

9. Write and mail birthday cards for two of the Stairsteps.

10.

11. Go to movie with GG because I promised him I would.

What can I say, it's a full day.

Let's Clear the Air

I've been a very bad blogger for the last couple of months. I do however see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm actually hopeful. Of course that might just be the glass of wine I had with dinner so we will have to see what the future holds.

For instance, I plan to do my June book list. Soon. However, first I had to finish a post I have up over at Access Romance Readers Gab. I'm palavering about going to RWA. Yes, I've condensed RWA to THE ESSENTIAL 3 E's. Makes you wonder why I'm not writing books, doesn't it? Har-har.

Other distractions include weddings. I'm officiating at my first wedding tonight. Pray. Light candles. Dance naked under the moon. I'm beggin' ya here. Do whatever it takes to send me some good ju-ju... My arms are wide open because my nerves are frayed. It's a small group, but some of them are people I work with. Holy crap what was I thinking?

All of which lends to the realization that I may not be cut out to be the Right Reverend Rosie marrying people thither and yon. This is likely to be an adventure of short duration.

Gotta go. More later...

Lawsy, but I miss you people.

Walk in Mile in Her Shoes

I haven't posted anything from ONE in a long time. We all have causes near and dear to us, but ONE thing about this organization that strikes a deep chord with me is the issue of water. Please read the email that was sent out last Friday and consider signing the petition. Can you imagine walking two miles every time your family needed water?

Dear Rose,

I want to make sure you saw this very important email from a ONE member you may have heard of: Matt Damon. In it, he shares the story of a trip he took with ONE to Zambia, and talks about the impact of clean water and adequate sanitation on the lives of people there. Read on to find out how you can make a difference for the 884 million people worldwide who don’t have access to clean water, by signing the petition below and asking your senators to cosponsor S.624, the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009.

Please cosponsor the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 (S. 624), and help provide 100 million people with first-time, sustainable access to clean water and sanitation by 2015.

Thank you,
David Lane, ONE.org


---Original Message---
Subject: Well
Date: Friday 12 June 2009 11:08:17 AM
From: Matt Damon, ONE Member

Dear Rose,

On my trip with ONE to Zambia, I walked two miles with a 14-year-old girl to a well—the closest water source to her village. I asked if she wanted to stay in her village when she grew up, and her face exploded into a huge smile. The translator said, "she is being very shy...she says that she wants to move to big city, Lusaka, and that she wants to be a nurse." Women and girls, like the one I met in Zambia, bear most of the burden of lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to be responsible for water collection, and on average, women in the developing world walk three and a half miles each day to collect water—time that could be spent in school or at work.

Right now there’s a bill, the Durbin-Corker Water for the World Act of 2009, that will enable us to help 100 million people gain access to clean water and sanitation by 2015. But it needs at least 15 more cosponsors to move forward.

Join me in signing ONE's petition and asking your senators to cosponsor this critical legislation: WATER FOR THE WORLD

Here's the text of the petition:

Please cosponsor the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 (S. 624), and help provide 100 million people with first-time, sustainable access to clean water and sanitation by 2015.

Economically, water is one of the smartest poverty-fighting investments we can make.

My friend Ben and I met with the World Bank and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Tanzania, and we saw how a lack of good water infrastructure is holding back businesses. We talked to Prosper Mbarewoai of Allied Chemicals, who estimated his detergent-production business is operating at only 60% capacity because he spends anywhere from two hours to an entire day just getting water.

The MCC in Tanzania is working to revamp the water treatment and supply infrastructure in two major cities, decreasing the risks of water-borne illness and enabling business productivity. In fact, every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates a return of $8 in saved time, increased productivity and reduced health costs in Africa.

Improving access to clean water and sanitation is also an investment in women, making possible the dreams of young girls in Zambia and beyond. To help make this change happen for her and 884 million others worldwide who live without clean water, please ask your senators to cosponsor the Water for the World Act.

Please join me.

Thank you,

Matt Damon, ONE Member

The beat goes on...

Just a bunch of miscellaneous and unrelated thoughts...

You may have noticed I still don't have any groove, rhyme or reason to my blogging or commenting. What's up with that?

I work with someone who's the MIL to author Rebecca Goings. When said co-worker came home from vacation she brought me FOUR (count 'em 4!) of Becka's books all personalized and signed to me. Is that cool or what? You can find Becka's books at Samhain.

One of the guys at work is getting married July 2nd. Guess who he asked to marry him? Is that just wild or what????

It's Father's Day weekend chiquitas... Can you believe we are six months away from Christmas? I can't. GG and I are spending the weekend with the boys and GFs. Can't wait!

I'm off today!! Vacation day and long weekend. Of course, this 15 minutes is probably the only time I will get on the computer, bummer that. OTOH, we are off to Disneyland!

My weight is stuck. I'm not gaining, but not losing either.

How many hours do you sleep? Or, maybe I should ask... How many hours do you have to sleep to feel rested?

I'm not blazing any trails reading this month. You may have noticed I didn't post a TBR Challenge review again. Read one, just no review.

Hey! Did any of you guys see this? Carolyn Jewel mentioned my mini reviews of her books on my May reading list. Does that rock or what? I'm starry eyed, what can I say?

Oh, and day before yesterday I got a surprise in the mail. I entered the Megan Hart contest for a copy of DEEPER and apparently was one of the lucky winners. That was a very nice surprise.

Guess that's it for now. I'm off to the races and looking forward to a relaxing weekend with the boys.

Wait...relaxing AND boys... That's an oxymoron.