Tuesday, December 18, 2007

I'm gonna burn in hell for this one...

How Kids Really Feel About Christmas

































How Santa Really Feels About Christmas





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6 Comments:

At 4:39 AM, Blogger Sam said...

LOLOL!!!
These made my kids laugh like crazy. Brought back memories for me - but it was the Easter bunny, and my son Sebi was screaming himself blue in the face...

 
At 7:32 AM, Blogger Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Series said...

I never wanted to sit on Santa's knee either. I always knew it was some fraud in fake suit, even at a very young age.

 
At 10:40 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

hehehe - I was afraid I'd offended some folks since nobody posted for a while - but these just cracked me UP! glad you liked 'em.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 
At 12:02 PM, Blogger Michele said...

**snicker/snort/chuckle**

Lyn I love these!
I remember my eldest, when he was younger, would pierce ear drums with his displeasure at being faced with Santa.

The looks on those Santa's faces just about had me splitting a gut.

Merry Christmas to you, Lyn!

Me and my family ended up staying home for today. From having two places to go, to none because we could't pass on the cold germs to my BIL, who's fighting cancer, to my other SIL who has many elderly family members coming over.

So, we're here and I'm here, surfing while my kids build lego creations.

Thought I"d pop online and send well wishes and happy greetings to my favorte blog buddies.

HUGS!

 
At 4:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Too funny! I started a riot when I was two years old because I didn't want to sit on Santa's lap. All the little kids saw me screaming and took off running from Santa.

 
At 5:23 AM, Blogger Sam said...

Happy New Year!
May it be filled with peace and prosperity! (and lots of good books!)

 

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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Writing For A Living

I've felt this admission coming on for some time. Someone on one of my loops recently asked for a show of hands of those who write for a living. I raised mine. I commented that I write anytime, anyplace, for anyone who’ll pay me.

Lest you think that’s too mercenary and that I’m a writer whore, I do have my boundaries.

Like my handyman, I consider my profession a business, but there are boundaries. I like that word. It denotes “personal” freedom, self-imposed guidelines, and ethics. At least it does to me. I’ll write under these conditions:

**I must like what I’m doing.
**There has to be a certain level of rapport with whom I work.
**If neither of those conditions exist, I’m usually outta there.

Yes, I’ve written things that didn’t float my boat. I liked them going in, but I didn’t like them coming out (liked what I'd written most of the time - just didn't always agree with the edits). However, a contract is to be honored – another personal thing. I honor MINE, and if the publisher, editor, whoever doesn’t honor theirs…well, we have a come-to-Jesus meeting and work things out.

Have I ever dropped a publisher or an agent? Yes. But I don’t chat it up, and I don’t revisit. That’s not professional.

Like a household, I have my spaces. If we share a space, everyone pitches in. If it’s your space, I stay out of it and how it’s run unless I have to go in there to get something. Laundry is something I do, for instance. I actually LIKE doing laundry, and I’m limited in physical activities. So if I have to scrounge for the laundry – you can do it yourself. If I have to wade through a landmine to get to it – you do it yourself.

Same with writing. Publishers have guidelines – or they should. Publishers have ethics – or they should. If I’m in the dark or not treated fairly, one of three things will happen. Ethics will rule, we’ll find an arbitrator, or we’ll cease to exist as a working unit.

Like my handyman, I set my own hours or we agree upon them. Like him, I must work within a reasonable time frame and with reasonable goals and expectations.

You’ll notice that pay hasn’t come up until now. I don’t work just for the money. I’m quite mercenary, but pay isn’t as important as the relationship for me. I go in knowing what I’m worth and what I’ll do to get what I want. I also take a solid look at the other party. If they’re a new publisher, they won’t have as much start-up as an established company. But if I like them and they like me, if I believe in them, I’ll go with them…and the hell with anyone who doesn’t like it. Same as with people. There are marvelous, wonderful, talented, beautiful people who don’t always get a fair shake. They should.

Of COURSE, I have aspirations that don’t include every publisher I’m currently with. So? Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t still write for them if they’d have me. Would you ditch the friends you’d eaten beans with just because you could afford caviar later on and they couldn’t? And ya know something…those publishers you might consider beans JUST MIGHT have a shot at the caviar themselves at some point. Look at Ellora’s Cave. The company began in the owner’s tiny apartment. Now it’s a globally recognized company. Look at some of the largest corporations you can name – some of their former CEO’s couldn’t find jobs checking at Wal-Mart right now. Ethics, people. Respect. Likeability. Those are the things that are truly important.
Anyway, ‘nuff said. I just felt like blogging.

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6 Comments:

At 12:04 PM, Blogger Amie Stuart said...

Ethics, people. Respect. Likeability. Those are the things that are truly important.

AAAAAAAAAAAMEN!!!!!! Hugs honey and happy holidays!

 
At 5:51 PM, Blogger Merry said...

What she said.

 
At 6:55 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

Many thanks, ladies!

 
At 6:12 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

I second what Cece said! If you're loyal, people remember that.

 
At 8:50 PM, Blogger Kate said...

Yeah.

 
At 7:31 AM, Blogger Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Series said...

Well said, woman!

 

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

December 13th's Thirteen

Thirteen Things re: December 13, 2007


Lots of things to be thankful for this season, to appreciate...

First...there's family. Love.







Then there's home... I like seeing the plants against the windows because I can see the snow and ice just a few feet away.








Being a stay-at-home writer.


Well-tended streets after an ice storm.


Still having internet after an ice storm!!!


Driveways that aren't COMPLETELY frozen (there are leaves that break your fall on the ice - lol).



Warm boots.


Here's a better shot.











Fresh baked bread.


Starbucks coffees. Daughter-in-law-2-be even bought me a Starbucks ornament this year. It's a tiny snow globe sitting on a starbucks cup.



Neighbors who decorate for Christmas.














Stores that are open 24 hours - lol.





Mother Nature. Even frozen, she's still lovely.











Jokes from Janet, of course.

This guy was lonely and so he decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion he finally bought a centipede, (100 leg bug, remember), which came in a little white box to use forhis house. He took the box home, found a good location for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to the bar for a drink.So he asked the centipede in the box, 'Would you like to go to Frank'splace with me and have a beer?'

But there was no answer from his new Pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked him again, 'How about going to the bar and having a drink with me?'

But again there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask himone more time. This time putting his face up against the centipede's house and shouting, "Hey, in there! Would you like to go to Frank's place and have a drink with me?"


YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS....yes, you will...

A little voice came out of the box: 'I heard you the first time! I'm putting my frickin' shoes on!'


Oh, c'mon! Why are you groaning? THAT WAS CUTE! (and clean...cleaner than the squirrel's balls at any rate)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!





Happy Holidays

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3 Comments:

At 3:51 PM, Blogger Denise Patrick said...

"I'm putting my frickin' shoes on!" Hahahahahahaha!!!!

Seriously, another reason to love December 13 - it's my daughter's birthday!! She's 22 today! And, today I got some great news - but I'm going to make you check out my blog to find out! :~D

 
At 4:21 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

My friend Janet is so warped (she's the woman who sends me those jokes). *grin*

Read your blog - wow, BIG news. Congratulations again!!!!

 
At 8:44 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

How the hell did they make that squirrel pic?

 

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Ice, Tomato Crop, & Writing


The dogs are actually liking a romp in the ice or snow (we've had both), but they sure don't like being out there too long.

Here they are in the back yard this morning. Wasn't long until they wanted their Scooby Snack, though, and they were ready to say bye-bye to the cold.




What is so weird here is that we're having all this ice, and my "tomato crop" is finally taking off - ROFL. Still have just the one Roma tomato, but oooh, she looks pretty now.


On writing. I didn't really have much of a plan last year, and I'm paying for it in 2007. Don't get me wrong, I have had a blast since we moved here. I've had time (once the move was over and we got settled) to bake, to garden a bit (as you can tell, I'm not too good at it, though, if all I can do is get one lousy tomato for my efforts), to write, to walk (the health has been a blessing)



That said, I've been following a self-imposed regimen since September, so I'll have a bit more coming out in 2008. Have an anthology debuting with two dear friends, Alexis Fleming and Summer Devon, on January 7th (more on WHO'S YOUR DADDY?) later. My MOTHER has asked for a copy of this book since she gave us the generic idea for the series. *gulp* I dunno if I've got the guts to go for this one or not.

* * *

Have a novella with Ellora's Cave debuting January 9th (this one is Spies, Lies, & Duct Tape - more on THAT later, too). I'd show you a cover, but I'm still waiting on the art department to get back to me on that one.

* * *

Am back into writing confessions and am having a blast writing for Dorchester Media. I'd forgotten how fun these stories are to write.


* * *

"Yule Eventually Learn", about a Pagan daughter-in-law and a Christian mother-in-law is in the winter issue of True Experience, and "Drunk Every New Year's" about a grieving mother whose son was murdered will be in the January issue of True Story.


* * *

And that's it for today. Stay safe and warm, everybody!

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2 Comments:

At 2:38 PM, Blogger Denise Patrick said...

That'll teach you to let your mother come up with ideas for your writing!

Hey, you won a prize on my blog and I'm still waiting for an addy to send it to. At this rate you won't get it by Christmas!

 
At 4:24 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

:) Sent you an email to your email account, Denise - THANK YOU!!!

And ain't that the truth? - lol

 

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Thursday, December 06, 2007

First snow of the season

I am not a true midwesterner, despite my genealogy. I still freeze from early October through March, and I'm still amazed at the amount of snow we get here.

I'm starting off today's post by stealing Heather's O' Christmas Tree photograph - lol. Light it UP.

***

Her photos of snow are so much better than mine, which I’m putting up anyway, that I don’t feel too bad for “borrowing”, sorry, not stealing, this one.

* * *

We obviously know who shaves, right? I mean, wouldn't that sh** catch fire if he didn't? *blinks* Innocent here. I've not had lights that close to the girls or the...hoo-ha.

* * *



I AM sorry for those doors fleezing shut, though, Ms. Heather - ack.

So to the left is a photo of what the patio looked like after about 2 minutes of snow.


Same porch railing and bin 90 minutes later.





<<~~~ House across the street a couple of hours after the snow began. The family with five kids moved, along with their blow-up Halloween and Christmas decorations. It looks weird seeing that yard mowed, flowers on the front porch or in the yard, and nothing eight feet tall with lights. *** I liked the other folks - don't get me wrong. Well, I liked the husband and the kids - lol. The woman was a heifer. But I got a kick out of watching that little boy move his 'tombstones' around the front yard at Halloween and see him kicking about the snow during winter. He was a hoot.


***


Something to make you smile and maybe laugh out loud. Could this be
a true story? You be the judge.


The Buttocks


A married couple was in a terrible accident where the Mans face was severely burned. The doctor told the Husband that they couldn't graft any skin from his body because he was too skinny. So the wife offered to donate some of her own skin. However, the only skin on her body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from her buttocks.

* * *

The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and they requested that the doctor also honor their secret. After all, this was a very delicate matter.

* * *

After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the man's new face. He looked more handsome than he ever had before! All his friends and relatives just went on and on about his youthful beauty!

* * *

One day, he was alone with his wife, and he was overcome with emotion at her sacrifice. He said, "Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?"

* * *

"My darling," she replied, "I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek."



***



One more thing. That frickin' tomato plant that I've been nursing? The one I was determined to get at least one tomato off of??? Well, here's how the tomato crop is doing...



Have a nice evening, everybody! Thanks for stopping by.



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3 Comments:

At 3:05 AM, Blogger Lyvvie said...

I love the picture of the hot guy in lights! but can't stop worrying if those lights are hot - they're LED right?

We keep being threatened with snow, but it's just rain so far. The kids are desperate for a good romp in the snow. With Scotland being near the Gulf Stream, big snow is rather rare. I still can't look at the stuff without thinking - shoveling? Again?!

Love the joke. Deeply.

 
At 8:33 AM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

1. I want HIM under my tree.

2. Loved the joke about the arse on the face, and the MIL kiss. I can SOOOOO relate. ;-)

 
At 4:11 PM, Blogger Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Series said...

Haha! Nice pic! We've been getting freezing rain here. Nothing today but damp! Yuck!

 

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Monday, December 03, 2007

It's Funny How Writers' Minds Segue

It’s been a good day. Thought I’d share some news. A friend of mine is a writer in Oklahoma, and one of her many grandchildren is Cowboy Kenny Bartram, a BIG TIME motorcyclist. His website has some errors, for some reason, so if you can’t read much about him on his home site, try this link.

On CMT, there’s a new music video called IT'S GOOD TO BE US sung by Bucky Covington. It starts off with m/cycle racers lined up and while he's singing there is racing and some shots of Kenny doing freestyle stunts and at the end Kenny In his cowboy hat is clearly seen in the crowd. Also, Kenny is in Chris Cagle’s latest video called “Chicks Dig It”. When you click on the link, watch for the sky-high jumper on the bike, and that’s ole Kenny. I’ve known that boy since he was about 9 years old. *shaking my head here – ack – makes me feel old*

Kenny comes by his love of cycles naturally. One of his mom’s brothers is Guy Cooper, twice named the World Motorcross Chamption. Guy is out of the racing circuit and is a businessman now, but he sure was a lot of fun to watch ‘back in the day’. Now Kenny is the family’s celebrity biker. Not that he’s the only one – lol. I remember when Kenny’s grandparents had a horrid auto accident and were nearly killed. They were in intensive care for months and hospitalized from like February through May of that year. Once they were home, his grandpa couldn’t wait—casts and ALL—to get back on a cycle. And there that old man was, in his eighties, barely able to hobble out to the bike, wrapping his legs around that hunk of metal and firing it up. It was awesome to watch. But then the whole family is inspiring to me.

His grandmother was one of my first critique partners, back when I couldn’t construct two sentences that made sense to anyone but me. After that same wreck, in which she and her husband had both broken every bone in their bodies, she’d sit trying to get back into her writing, and the longest she could sit was maybe two minutes, then three, then five, then twenty… When she hit twenty minutes, we threw a party for her.

I remember when Mary Ellen started writing true crime. Her first nonfiction book was based on a double murder that took place not far from us. I looked up the girl who committed the murders, and she’s up for parole in 2009. Doesn’t seem possible.

This from Cindi Myers’s newsletter: Beginning in 2008 Harlequin Presents will release 12 titles per month (up from the current release schedule of 8 books a month.) They are actively looking for new Presents authors. They're currently holding an Instant Seduction contest to help them find new authors. For all the details, visit http://www.iheartpresents.com/.
Anyway, just thought I'd share those thoughts today. Back to writing now for me - just made another sale to the TRUES - will talk about it later. Got asked for a mainstream mystery...okay a chick lit mystery...by another company. Am working on a new smut novella for EC. And it's 1 minute before midnight - lol. I need sleep.
Cheers, ya'll. Talk to you later.

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7 Comments:

At 9:50 AM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

Lynn, that picture makes me not want to drink eggnog anymore. ;-)

Just listened to the video. Didn't like him muck on AI, but Bucky sounds great! Loved that song. It seems all the AI alumni are doing well. Chris. Elliott. Paris. Kelly. Hell, even William Hung! LOL! But where the heck is Taylor????

 
At 10:36 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

wussie :P

hehehe - agree, though

I haven't seen ANYTHING with Taylor lately, but everyone else seems to get around. I like ole Bucky - lol. Cracks me up to see Kenny in their videos.

 
At 9:05 AM, Blogger Melany said...

That's so neat on your friend!

LOL and that picture cracks me up.

Mechele aka Lany of Melany Logen

 
At 9:32 AM, Blogger Sam said...

Sounds like a great family to know!!
Love the egg nog cartoon. I don't actually Like egg nog, so this just makes me more determined not to have a glass, lol!

 
At 10:06 AM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

ha - and I LOVE eggnog - but then I'm a country girl and used to looking at animal butts and fluids - sound gross, though - sorry...

and thanks on the comments on Mary Ellen - she is so dear to me - she's now in her late 70's and still going strong, writes all the time...a great inspiration to me...

 
At 11:25 AM, Blogger Kate said...

you kidding? Makes me want to go out and buy some eggnog RIGHT NOW. That cow looks like she's having a fine time.

 
At 12:43 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

Kate, you are so twisted. Have I mentioned that I really like that about you???

 

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Sunday, December 02, 2007

Halloween Is Over

But...there are still a few things that scare me.

As a woman, what concerns me…

1. not having the right to call my body my own, to be able to decide what I feel is best for me (and if it’s the case, the child I’m carrying) – but then this has been a concern for decades, not only of women but of men

2. losing ground with women’s rights – it hasn’t been all that long since we were even given the RIGHT to vote

3. children and their parents who battle fear of sending those kids to public schools or even DAY CARE – what the hell happened to us that we fear for our lives or those of our children simply because they want/need an education and some nut case can’t (or refuses) to deal with their own problems without involving me and mine – terrorism on any level is just wrong – and this is a global problem, of course, and had been for years



4. it bugs the ever-lovin’ shit out of me that we have the technology to put a man on the moon but can’t come up with a pantyhose that doesn’t run or a cure for AIDS



5. the Republican party candidates for Presidency, especially McCain and Romney

And I’ll stop on that one before I start a laundry list that never ends. Anyway, those are my concerns for the day. Maybe I need to borrow a line (okay, paraphrasing this) from one of my own books (Lethal Lasagna hasn't been purchased yet)...
Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or hump it, piss on it and walk away.


I need to get back to looking for other things that make me happy.
Like this song...a rather sentimental *snort* one that Janet (who else) sent me:
http://fknblazed.com/movies/snow.htm

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2 Comments:

At 8:55 PM, Blogger Shesawriter said...

I'm a cynic through and through. Who's to say those birds weren't inserted after the fact? LOL!

 
At 10:29 PM, Blogger Bobbie (Sunny) Cole said...

oooh - don't do that to me - lol - leave me a FEW illusions!!!!

 

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