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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year 2014!!!

I have really fallen behind on posting new updates, events and such this past month but of course the holidays are usually one of the busiest days of the year.  This past year 2013, I have been faced with some set-backs, but they have not altered my plans as a writer and I intend to make the upcoming year my year to truly shine.

 
I hope everyone can say they had a wonderful holiday season but I know many have suffered through hardships, break-ups and or a loss of a loved one so for them I pray the New Year brings them hope for a brighter and better year.

I want to thank everyone who has followed me either here, on FB or my affiliated Blogs such as Satin Sheets Romance and The Romance Troupe.  We have had many successful Blog Hops, met new authors and anticipate getting to learn about many others who have come to us later in the year.  2014 will undoubtedly bring us a lot closer to our goals and dreams for sure.  Let's make these resolutions a reality and if you can't,
never give up trying, it shall soon come to pass.


HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!!


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Blessings!!!





When we count our many blessings
It isn’t hard to see…
That what we value most in life
Are the treasures that are free...
For it’s not the things
that we possess that signify our wealth
But the blessings that are priceless…
Like our family, friends and health...


Wishing you a very warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Holiday Hop Officially Over!!!

Our latest Holiday Hop is now over.  It was great seeing the many recipes and winners will be announced via The Romance Troupe page, so please click on banner for main drawing winners selected.



THE WINNER OF THE EARRINGS
HAS BEEN SELECTED
VIA RANDOM.ORG AS...

Crystal Gregory

Congratulations Crystal & hope you truly enjoy them!!!


Thank you for your participation one and all and Happy Thanksgiving!



Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Holiday Blog Hop & Giveaway

Welcome Authors 

and Bloggers!




November 13th - November 18th

Title: Home for the Holidays Hop

Hosted and Sponsored by the authors and bloggers of: THE ROMANCE TROUPE

Grand Prize Shopping Spree: $300-600 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Second Place Grand Prize: (1) E-Book from every participating Author
Details:
about Hop can be found by clicking on sidebar banner on right.
Don't miss out on this one, gonna be a delight to sink into some or all of these recipes.


Please spread the word...







Pumpkin Flan Recipe 



Ingredients: 

Flan


4 eggs

1 can condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

8 oz Cream Cheese

12 Ounces of Pumpkin Puree


Caramel

1 cup of sugar

2 ounces of water




Directions

Step 1
To make caramel: In a dry sauté pan over medium heat, melt sugar slowly until golden brown. Sugar will become extremely hot so be very careful not to touch it with your hands.
Step 2
Once the sugar is completely melted, add 2 ounces warm water. Stir till blended and remove from stove.
Step 3
Blend ingredients for flan in a blender till smooth.
Step 4
In an 11' Flan mold  place  caramel  in the bottom of the mold. Add flan mixture.
Step 5
Bake in a water bath at 300°F for approximately 45-90 minutes or until flan has set firm. Cool & Serve.









Anyone who participates, and leaves their email within comment section below will be added to my personal giveaway of a beautiful set of earrings.  




 Winner will be determined at the end of the hop via random.org

Don't wait! Join the Hop and Visit all participating Authors & Bloggers, you'll be pleased with all they have to offer.  




THANKS  FOR STOPPING BY, FOLLOWING ME, PARTICIPATING IN THE HOP & YOUR SWEET COMMENTS.  I ENJOY WORKING  WITH THE ROMANCE TROUPE GROUP & ALWAYS HAVE EXTRA FUN WITH THE HOPS.  I AM VERY GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE RECIPES SHARED & WISH YOU ALL A TRULY HAPPY & WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!!!   BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL & BELOW ARE THE EARRINGS I WILL BE GIVING AWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER.  HOPE YOU LIKE THEM & MANY, MANY THANKS TO YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN, YOU ARE ALL WINNERS TO ME!!!






Friday, October 4, 2013

Love is Always Required

Relationships these days can be very tricky, many go into it because they are tired of being alone and want to believe their love will last, and then there are the few who are very lucky and finally find what they always desired or wanted from their mate.

All relationships need commitment, dedication, devotion; trust and respect if you want it to succeed.  In addition to the above you also need to have loyalty, trust and communication open at all times.  If anyone of these things is missing there is no way you can expect to find a lasting and meaningful relationship. Every relationship needs these key elements to survive, and ignoring any can be fatal. 

It is easy to fall in love with someone if you have a bit of chemistry and enjoy being with one another, but your main focus if you want it to be real. To continue to grow stronger as a couple you must be in it wholeheartedly.  You must not only think of your feelings but that of your mate.  Don't let bad judgments or insecurities put a damper or strain on your relationship. 

There will be some downs and with that disagreements but they are just that and can always be worked on together, so keep loving, keep appreciating and keep improving as all good things get better with time and most importantly never forget to always love every step of the way. 



Copyright (c) 2013~Susan B. Anna


1199 SEIU Views and Comments on Government Shut Down

1199ers in New Jersey Speak Out Against Government Shutdown, Urge Congress to Pass Spending Bill

Oct 02, 2013





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Just one day after the federal government shutdown began on October 1st, thousands across New Jersey were already feeling its devastating effects. From furloughed workers who don’t know when they’ll be receiving their next paycheck to low-income families now unable to apply for emergency benefits, the closure of the federal government is affecting people in real and immediate ways.

On October 2nd, 1199ers partnered with concerned community members to hold an event outside of the Social Security Administration office in Newark, NJ. Participants highlighted the impact that the shutdown is having on working families and urged Tea Party members in Congress to end their blockage of a federal spending bill that’s needed to keep vital services in operation.

“It’s sad that Tea Party Republicans don’t seem to care about the innocent people who are being hurt and can’t get the benefits they need,” said Gracie Parham, an 1199SEIU member who works as a certified nursing assistant at Windsor Garden Care & Rehabilitation Center in East Orange. “We the people are not going to stand for this, and we will fight to make sure that our representatives in Congress do the right thing!”
Throughout the day, Newark residents were stopping by the Social Security Administration office hoping to complete important tasks, but were stunned to find the building closed.

Among those turned away were:

     · Charlotte, who has a heart condition and cannot to go back to work until December, couldn’t apply for temporary disability benefits.
     · Patricia, whose son is disabled, was unable to get the paperwork necessary for applying for welfare benefits for her and her child.
     · Chanelle, a security officer and mother of two girls, aged 2 and 5, was unable to get the documents she needs to apply for food assistance for her daughters
     · Georgia couldn’t get the proof of income that she needs in order to apply for supplemental nutrition assistance for her family.
     · Fred, a 75 year old retiree, couldn’t get the information he was seeking about applying for Medicaid.
     · Kim, an unemployed mother of four who was recently offered a job at the airport, couldn’t get the paperwork she needs by Friday for a background check so she can start work.

Milly Silva, 1199SEIU Executive Vice President who is running for Lt. Governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono, spoke to the crowd about the broad impact that the shutdown is having on communities across the nation. “So many of the rights and privileges that we as Americans take for granted exist because of the dedication of our federal employees,” she said. “Without them on the job, vital services come to a grinding halt and all Americans suffer—from veterans awaiting disability benefits to low-income mothers in need of nutrition assistance for their children.”

Silva also stressed that the Tea Party’s attempt to derail the Affordable Care Act by forcing a government shutdown cannot be allowed to succeed. “Millions of Americans are already benefiting for the reforms of the Affordable Care Act. We are not going back to a time when people could be denied coverage due to preexisting conditions or when insurance companies could spend all they want on executive salaries and bonuses instead of delivering medical care.”

“The caregivers of 1199SEIU are ready to stand with the families in New Jersey and across the nation who are being victimized by this government shutdown, and I’m confident that together we’ll win justice for those who are being affected and bring sanity back to our political process,” Silva said.

 

  Please feel free to comment!!!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Here Kitty, Kitty Giveaway

"Here, Kitty Kitty" is a paranormal romance anthology of 6 stories about big cat shifters. All proceeds benefit the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC). The 6 authors making up the anthology team are Mia Darien, A. Star, Dariel Raye, Abigail Owen, Jessica Nicholls, and BR Kingsolver. No games, just an awesome giveaway, shares, and teasers from our new release stories and prize books. Here's the Rafflecopter giveaway"... a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Kaden's Reprieve by Dariel Raye



 Kaden's Reprieve by Dariel Raye 

She needs a safe haven, he wants his freedom. Add a supernatural matchmaker and an unexpected mentor, and their lives will never be the same.

Tanya has been running for her life for two years, but when Ms. Lillian, owner of the exclusive “Heaven’s Touch” match making service, graciously gives her a week’s stay at her private bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, FL, she seizes the opportunity to escape to a possible hideaway.

Kaden is of a rare and precious race prized for extraordinary abilities. He is also half-demon, remanded to Kushiel’s custody centuries ago. Allowed to leave Hell twice a year, three days each time – Beltane, and Samhain, his life thus far has been filled with slavery, torture, and despair, and he is nearly convinced that his soul is beyond redemption. Still, he longs for freedom. Can Tanya redeem him? Can Kaden dare hope for a reprieve?



Book One
As a true fan of Dariel Raye's work I am very happy to assist in showcasing not only her latest novella, but her as a whole.  I have read and reviewed her past books and always anticipate getting my hands on her next.  Whether a full book, series or novella, she never ceases to amaze me or keep me from asking for more.  With all she has going for her, her own blog at Musings of an Independent Artist, her reviews and participation at fellow Author's pages I am always surprised by her spirit and flair and am so very honored to call her a friend and loyal artist that is not afraid to spread herself thin, she always delivers.

Book Two
I was recently asked to join her at her latest rafflecopter and giveaway and of course could not turn her
down, nor ever plan to.  The woman is just too strong, talented and versatile that her energy pops out at you and makes you feel just as energized.  Raye's Raver's Rafflecopter and Giveaway is going on till the end of September and the prizes are amazing.  Take a look for yourself, and if a blogger yourself there is still time to join in on the fun.  Have your blog featured and maybe win a prize or two of your own.  Direct Links will be noted below and I as well am giving away an amazing set of earrings, and a separate prize of my own for one lucky reader that follows, adds a comment and leaves me a personal email.  Drawings will be separate for both rafflecopter giveaway and my own and lucky winner will be chosen by using Random.org.  Don't forget to click on Raye's Ravers Giveaway below... 









One lucky person who joins Rafflecopter above and leaves a comment with email here will have a chance to win.  My separate giveaway is a $15 iTunes or Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts Gift Card.  Your choice, but, you must leave your comment here in order to be entered.  Thank you for joining us and happy blogging. 



Friday the 13th Horror Story

Usually on Friday the 13th I curl up in front of the TV, watch horror movies all night and pig out, but this September the 13th I managed to experience first hand what it is like to work so very hard on something and then have it quickly taken away.  My son who is an avid Xbox player decided to take my flash drive and place it inside his Xbox so he can save his games. This may not have been a big deal, but all of my hard work was wiped out or hidden from said flash drive and my graphic covers, and book I've been working on diligently for the past year is now out of sight.  The only thing I can hope is that my IT guy at work can retrieve all hidden docs and I wouldn't have to start over from scratch. 

Needless to say at the time I was outraged and my son for the very first time saw and realized how important it is and shall be to stay clear of my writing tools from now on.  That night I couldn't look at him without wanting to cry, and even though we both did enough crying over it as he felt guilty and I felt lost, I couldn't forget it as easily as I could forgive him for it.  He is after all only eleven, but smart enough to have known that all flash drives in the house belong to me and have either my reviews, pictures, short stories or past and present books stored in them. I remember one evening he even asked if he can take one and I had specifically told him he couldn't as they were all in use. 

I managed to find the first five chapters but the sting of having to start even from there is frightening to say the least.  I was after all two to three chapters away from finally completing a full length manuscript, close to 60,000 words gone and plots and twists although still fresh in the mind will never come out the same again.  Today, my IT guy picked up the flash drive and said he would do his best but of course I am still unsure anything can be saved.  It is all in the hands of the one above and hope he can allow my IT guy to manage a miracle.  If he does I'd say this book was definitely meant to be released, and I will undoubtedly be a very, very happy writer, that continues to be extremely blessed. 

As for the kid I will have to buckle up and get him his own flash drive and wish the child that shared the amazing secret of being able to save your games if you had a flash drive an Xbox system malfunction.  Well maybe not, but the thought did make me smile a bit during the now dreadful waiting period before I hear back from IT. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Dariel Raye Spotlight & Rafflecopter Giveaway

Stop in and join our latest giveaway by visiting us at Raye's Ravers, we have some amazing prizes and other participating Authors/Writers with plenty to offer as well...  





First Up...  
Sable, a sentinel wolf shifter, is captured and locked in his wolf form until Akila, a veterinarian, tries to tame him and unleashes a 6'5" baby blue-eyed surprise.
Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…
Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.

 Second Up... 


Publisher: Dariel Raye Publishing
Publication Date: February, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Word Count: 40,081

“Dark Sentinels Book Two: Torin” by Dariel Raye
 

When greedy land developers set their sights on Dark Sentinel land, Torin turns to attorney Stephanie Bates for help, but she’ll need his protection to stay alive long enough to save his land.
Real estate lawyer, Stephanie Bates, has risen to the top of her field through meticulous sacrifice and goal setting. She has no time for distractions – and that includes pets, messy relationships, and loose ends.
Torin DuMont is a forensic scientist who chose the profession to avoid dealing with people as much as possible. Raised by a stepfather who hated him, he’s been forced to live a life of solitude, fueled by anger and distrust. When wolves and shifters start turning up dead, Torin must battle an enemy bent on destroying those he was born to protect. His greatest challenge, however, is Attorney Bates and the surprising affect she has on his heart.


“Dark Sentinels” Trailer



Publisher: Dariel Raye Publishing
Publication Date: October, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Word Count: 25,939


“The Alerians – Dark Progeny: Jordan’s Wings”
Jordan Taylor is a feisty, take charge, Rubinesque beauty with a tough façade, but after a string of lackluster relationships, her dream of a man who truly loves and appreciates her strength seems impossible…Until she meets Canaan, the man her fiancé claims is his best friend! Instinctively, she knows her neat, if lackluster life is about to change.
Born more than 200 years ago, Canaan looks like an angel but he’s far from it. In his world, the ratio of men to women is 500 to 1, and although he’s a superior being, he’s willing to break the most sacred law of his brothers, even drink human blood, to have one meant for him alone.When he meets Jordan, he knows she’s the one he’s been searching for.  To claim her, Canaan will have to betray his friend, humble himself enough to win her love, and risk his very life.



About the Author

Dariel is a classically trained pianist and vocalist with a degree in piano and vocal performance and a master’s in counseling psychology from The University of Georgia. She also completed studies and passed comprehensives for a Ph.D. (ABD). She loves animals, nature, all things paranormal, and presently lives with 2 large dogs and a passel of black cats. Dariel is currently writing “Dark Sentinels Book Three” and two Nephilim series: “The Alerians – Dark Progeny” and “Children of Cain.”







Monday, September 9, 2013

Restless Moments

As my kid looked a little forward to another school year I couldn't help but let the nerves set in.  This year he is starting middle school and I can hardly believe it.  The years since he was first placed in my arms have flown by and I can't seem to cope with him getting older. 


Pretty soon he will be dating, attending high school for the first time as well as college and most importantly working.  He is a smart boy and honest to boot.  He is not afraid to speak his mind, although sometimes it may not be nice, but he is definitely out right, no holds barred and I love it.

Growing up for me was a bit difficult since I was always quiet, afraid of conflict and most of all deathly afraid of bullies. I focused more on my studies and reading was always my escape route.  I can dive into a book and lose myself in it entirely.  I had friends and wonderful older sisters who stood up for me, but it always bothered me that I couldn't do it for myself.  To date I still let others say and do things, and allow them to get away with it, to an extent of course.  Once you've pushed me too far you will see my wrath and believe it or not I can get ugly.

My top two defense mode mechanisms to really get me going is anyone taking advantage of my kid or being talked down to.  Every offense is counted and once you've reached your third strike then I am officially done.  I try to see all things optimistically, I take into account that you may be having a bad day or worse home life but if you are adult enough to know things aren't going well, than you can also be smart enough to know not to let that spew onto others.

I got a little ahead of myself here, this story was about my son attending middle school for the first time and my having anxiety issues over it.  At the end he had a good day, but this is the start of the school year and all is always good in the beginning.  I can only hope he can continue to defend himself and always keep the communication lines open as far as we're concerned.  The years are creeping up on me and I am missing that innocent little angel that turned my life around, but I am also looking forward to what lies ahead.  

I may have had a restless, no sleep at all night last night but I intend to have a better one today as I now know he can hold his own if ever in a tough situation. 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Safety Alert Tips

PLEASE Share this!!!




WRITTEN BY A COP: Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation... This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, & everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you... Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.  RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy.. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird.. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door..' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby
had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

10. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbors! Please pass this on. This info should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc, you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry... Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Phases of Love and Bliss



This past Friday I was in my very close friend’s wedding.  As a brides maid it was wonderful to be a part of her day from start to almost finish.  It was an incredible day full of love, worries and most of all hope for the future.  Their journey was a long one but they finally made it to this very special stage in their lives and it couldn’t be a truer blessing.  


A few years ago they were tested in so many different ways.  One had let lust and temptation steer them wrong and the other forgave.  They broke up briefly and found their way back and then they taught those around them that true love really conquers all.  It gives you a truly warm feeling to know that you were there to see it all and watch them overcome the obstacles that tried to separate them in the first place.
 
True love does exist, and many are truly lucky to ever see and feel it.  It takes a lot but it is not impossible if the love one shares is deemed special enough to fight for it.  Growing up I only read about such a love in the romance books and movies I was fortunate enough to read and see.  Later in life my own experiences with love and commitment has strengthened my belief in it.  I have loved and lost but never ever gave up on the trueness of it all. 

I am now at a new phase in my life where I can only learn from those around me who have achieved it.  Presently I am very happy but it also took me a while to get here.  I can safely say that it is totally different, joyful and very, very exciting.  The love and commitment I share with this special person has taught me that it is a never ending fight to sustain and keep it but with it comes many rewards.  Maybe someday we can find ourselves happily married but I am in no way rushing it.  

Right now all I can say is how very happy I am for the bride and groom who found their way and never gave up on each other.  They are the true reason why I decided to write this and the ones who deserve the spotlight.  May they forever be blessed with a unity that that can only get stronger and a happiness that will never waiver. 


Copyright © ~ Susan B. Anna

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning


 How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.  ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning