Happy Independence Day

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States of America commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.




Independence day is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Families use this day to gather together and have picnics or BBQ’s. Fireworks shows are held in many states and some say Summer doesn’t truly begin until the 4th of July.


I have always enjoyed celebrating Independence day, and as an adult especially for having the day off and possibly enjoying it at the pool or beach with friends and family. Today this 4th of July may be dreary as we’ve had nothing but rain for the past few days and our fireworks show will be postponed till tomorrow, July 5th, but rainyor not we will still take the time to enjoy the day for what it truly means, maybe make some indoor smores and cook up a few burgers, pop in a few good movies, or make it a family game day. The day will not be wasted and the festivities shall continue throughout the weekend.

Happy 4th of July, may it be special no matter what the weather may bring you. 

People Magazine's Designated Sizzling Hollywood Bachelor

People Magazine has just named their top Hollywood bachelor to be none other than Joe Manganiello and why not, the man exudes sexiness and is the best featured eye candy on “True Blood,” who will be airing their final season this Summer, and disappointing many happy, and unhappily married women nationwide.

Joe Manganiello

Joe has worked alongside Channing Tatum in “Magic Mike,” where even there he left many women panting and anticipating a lot more.  He has captivated women and yes I'll even say men alike and can you even question why. He is a remarkable specimen of a man. True Blood may be ending this year but lucky for us he is working on the sequel to Magic Mike and I am sure that we will get to see a lot more of him in the future as well.  

After all who would be stupid enough to even consider passing up on such a talented and well proportioned hunk as Joe, but most importantly why is he even single.   Either he is just too picky or hasn’t touched based with just the right woman.  Hopefully it’s the latter but then again I don’t care. He can be as picky as he wants, enjoy life as much as possible and when the right one comes along you will surely know.

I for one wasn't surprised he would be chosen, People magazine knows how to pick em and I definitely will be adding this upcoming issue to my personal collection. 

The following are Joe's precise words on behalf of what he likes in a woman and I have attached a link below that will give you just a little more so don't forget to click.  ;)  

"I'm big into smell," he says. "Its funny I got cast as a werewolf. There's something about the smell on that part of a woman's neck where it meets the jaw, ahhhh! It's heaven." ~Joe Manganiello



Music to my ears… and only makes me wanna drool some more.



What do you think, has People magazine nailed it this year and what is your favorite Joe “Alcide” Manganiello moment? Mine was the sex scene between him and the female werewolf he tossed on the bed from the other side of the room and ravished after pouncing on her. Truly a very hot scene and now can’t wait to get my True Blood box set once all past seasons becomes available.

Copyright (c) 2014 ~Susan B. Anna 

Always a Writer, Always a Tale



Hottest Bachelor Courtesy of People Magazine

Happy Father's Day

Father’s day always brings a smile to my face as I think of my father and all he has provided all of his children with unconditionally.  The love, support and pride in which he portrays every single day, especially on special occasions such as a holiday or our birthday’s has always been a constant, and for that we shall always be grateful for being so lucky.

Our father has taught us how to stand on our own two feet, depend on ourselves, and most of all; to always hold our heads up high.  He has always believed in our abilities and potential to shine and has always motivated us to do and be our very best.  Father’s such as these are truly hard to come by and it takes a very special man and father to be a wonderful dad. 

As far as dad’s go I have been very blessed and this extends to my best friend and husband who has also demonstrated what fatherhood and friendship is truly about.  He has been an absolutely outstanding father and support system for our son and I am so very happy I chose wisely.  It isn’t easy to be a provider and a father these days.  Trying to make ends meet and staying on top of things can be difficult but these two men make it seem flawless. 

I want them both to know how much of a blessing they are and how grateful I truly am to have such fantastic role models in my life and that of my son’s.  Happy Father’s Day to my exceptional men!  May you always know how deeply loved and admired you truly are and may God continue to bless you and all other wonderful dad’s alike.  

Copyright (c) 2014 ~ Susan B. Anna

Quote of the Day

“All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose.”


~ Brian Tracy

We set our destiny, our dreams, our goals and our future. As a parent I want my child to know that nothing comes easy, some needs may need to be altered, but to never give up on his dreams and wants in life; because if you want it bad enough and you focus on the end results alone you are one step closer.


Successes in life come from those who persevere, those who focus and those who work hard at it no matter the cost.



~Susan B. Anna
Always a Writer, Always a Tale

A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

Hopefully I wouldn't be punished much for posting this but it was just too funny to pass up.



One day God came to Adam for a brief discussion. "I've got some good news and some bad news." God said. Adam looked thoughtfully at his maker and replied, "Please give me the good news first."

 

Smiling, God explained, "I've created two new organs for you. One is called a brain. This organ will allow you to be very intelligent, create new things, and carry on productive conversations with Eve. The other organ is called a penis. It will allow you to reproduce your intelligent life form and begin populating the planet.


Eve will be very pleased that you are now equipped with this organ as she will be able to conceive children." Adam, very excited, exclaimed, "These are great and wonderful gifts you have given me. What could possibly be bad news after such great tidings?" God then looked upon Adam, and said with great sorrow, "The bad news is I only gave you enough blood to operate one of these organs at a time."




source: http://www.jokes4us.com

Quote of the Day

Never Giving Up!

Life is going to find ways to test you. At times, you may even feel that life is unfair. The urge to give up and quit at this time are at their highest but don't give in. Whatever that goal/dream may be, if it's important to you then fight for it. Remember that there is more than one way to achieve your goals and dreams. If one way doesn't work, change your strategy. Never giving up doesn't mean you keep doing the wrong things over and over again, it means to be smart and figure out the correct strategy to take and then making them until you achieve said goals or dreams. 

Perseverance, dedication and hard work pays off no matter how many obstacles or bumps come along the way so never give up.

On my Way

These past few years I have started one WIP after another but have yet to edit and submit them to publishers or even shared them with others with the exception to one.  My latest WIP, "Modern Day Love," which I absolutely love will be the first one I will finally finalize and have submitted to publishers soon.  I started this book two years ago and had approximately 12 Chapters written before my son took my flash drive and inserted it in his Xbox last September.

Sample Cover by TJ Thomas

I lost it all.  Book Covers, and the entire 12 Chapters.  Luckily I had a few chapters shared with a friend so I managed to retrieve the first four chapters and started once again from there. I reached my 35,000 word count this week and have been psyched ever since. I am now this much closer to publishing and finally reaching my goal. Too much time has been dedicated to other daily responsibilities and I am now where I should be.  Along the way I have done book reviews, written and published articles and short stories with Online Publishers, but I still haven't jumped over that mark that will give me the rightful title of "Author."

This year I was faced with an issue that made me focus on my writing more and I am now closer than ever.  I want to be that great example to my son. I need to show him that once you have a dream it is never too late to accomplish it, and most of all I want to teach him to never, ever give up. Obstacles may detain you, but sheer perseverance can allow you to accomplish your dreams. no matter how long it may take.

"Modern Day Love" 

Teaser

“Are you okay?” he asked and was now standing in front of me.  I spaced out, damn it.  “Yes, I’m fine.  Sorry, just thinking,” I admitted as I handed him the glass of wine.  “Do I make you uncomfortable?” he asked and placed it back on the table.  “If it helps I’m just as nervous,” he said and cupped my face so I can look at him.  “I want to kiss you so bad too,” he said and smiled.  “I wish you would,” I replied and couldn’t believe I said it out loud.  “Reallly,” he said with a raised eyebrow.  Damn, he was hot I managed to think right before he placed his lips on mine and all sense of thought escaped me.  

His lips were soft and the kiss was gentle until I placed my arms around his neck.  Who this woman was before me I didn’t know but I was literally on fire.  I shoved my tongue into his mouth and gripped his hair as I threw my body closer to him and let out a low moan.  When I realized what I was doing I pulled away and he simply stared at me.  “I’m sorry,” I quickly uttered and he smiled.  “I’m not, he replied and grabbed me.  “I am absolutely going to enjoy you,” he whispered in my ear before he licked my lobe.  If every sense inside me wasn’t heightened before, they absolutely were now.  How do I back out of this when he easily makes it difficult to resist him?  

Copyright (c) 2014~ Susan B. Anna

Cabin Fever

Grateful to Recover

Last month I happened to not only dislocate but fracture my left ankle after getting off the bus.  At first I thought I just took a misstep but when the bus driver got off to assist me I realized it was much worse.  I couldn’t feel my foot and luckily the bus driver and a fellow passenger assisted me back on the bus while the driver called ahead for an ambulance and asked them to meet us at the following stop.  Unfortunately, I live in an area where we have volunteer ambulance techs and firemen so this particular evening the ones located in my area were all in training in another city so I had to sit in the bus with the remaining passengers till they finally arrived. 

Twenty minutes later I was being assisted off the bus by one hot police officer as he was the first on the scene.  I now had to lean against his back as he took a step at a time and then lifted me off the last step and placed me in front of the ambulance gurney.  That was one of the highlights of the evening so I couldn’t complain much then but then on route to the hospital the pain began to set in and I had to be driven to the nearest hospital which was another twenty minutes away and the ride was a bit bumpy due to the terrible winter we've had and the many potholes left behind on its wake . 

Upon arriving at the hospital I was relieved to see my family there waiting for me and the nurses and doctors assigned to me were absolutely amazing.  They treated, popped my ankle back in place after taking X-rays and then monitored me for a little over an hour before the nurse taught me how to use crutches,  issued my release and handed me instructions and a referral to schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic Specialist in a couple of days.  A couple of days later I was seen and then by the end of the week I was scheduled to have surgery as a plate and screw had to be placed in order to keep my foot intact. 

Having never broken a bone in my life this was all not only an inconvenience because I had to apply for disability at work but also frustrating to say the least.  A week after the surgery I was managing my way around the house with the crutches but my being able to sleep comfortably was out the window.  I had to get accustomed to doing things around the house I could manage, watched a lot of TV and did some writing on my current WIP but was still missing being able to get out of the house.  According to my doctor I would be out of work for three months and although a month and a half has gone by so far I still find my being unable to do certain things or even going to work a bit stressful.  In the interim, pain meds prescribed gave me a severe allergic reaction so I broke out in hives and a rash that targeted certain areas of my body so now I not only had to deal with the uncomfortable feeling a cast brings but an itch and rash that wouldn’t let up. 

Miserable couldn’t begin to describe how I was feeling but thankfully I have a great support system at home I could certainly rely and lean on when needed.  Between my boyfriend and son they helped a lot around the house but since I couldn’t stand up for too long we had to eat out a lot and that alone put a damper on my mood.  I enjoy cooking, cleaning and being able to take long showers and all this with exception to showering had to be done solely by them during the first month.  I didn’t get back into the kitchen until I felt comfortable enough to do so, so now I cook twice to three times a week and feel like I have a little to offer.   

Being independent since I was a child has made my relying on anyone else hard but unfortunately I had no choice, and can honestly say I am glad I have the support I need from those I love.  They have been wonderful from the onset so I am also truly blessed.  I have another month and a half to go and can’t wait to get back to work but know that vacation and days off will have to be limited once I return so I hope we can take a week or weekend off prior to my return to do something fun like a romantic getaway or family retreat.   We so need it and I can hardly wait.  I have certainly learned how important having all your limbs intact is and wish this on no one as it isn’t easy.

 

It is best to take very good care of your health.  Appreciate all you can do and certainly have compassion for those that can’t ever get better.  I will be back to walking soon but there are many out there who will forever struggle with pain and the inability to walk again.  I have much to be grateful for and shall never take it for granted again. 

Copyright © 2014 ~ Susan B. Anna  

BFSA Black History Month Event

As a Union we take others into consideration inside as well as outside of the job with pride.  People, Community involvement and downright helping others being our top priority and we do so  so well it feels absolutely effortless.   This month we focused on gun violence and honored three women who in our hearts will always have a very special place.  These women were mothers who have lost their son’s needlessly and shall forever carry along with them the pain and torment left behind.

Malkia King, President of the Benefit Fund Staff Association in collaboration with the 1199 SEIU, and members of the delegate body organized and pulled off a successful event filled with admiration for our past and hope for the future on Friday, February 21, 2014 at the 1199 SEIU Auditorium on W. 43rd St.  Proclamation awards were given to Trayvon Martin’s mom, Sabrina Fulton, Sean Bell’s mom, Valerie Bell and Jackie Rowe-Adams because their losses were our losses as well, and we hope to prevent other mothers from feeling the same pain and anguish caused by gun violence.

Harry Belafonte

Among the attendees was Councilman Ras Baraka of Newark, NJ.  George Gresham, President of the 1199 SEIU and actor/civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte. We were very happy everything went well and we couldn’t be more proud of being a part of a Union that honestly cares for their own but most of all fairness and justice.  

http://www.harlemworldmag.com/five-questions-with-malkia-king-about-the-mothers-who-lost-children-to-gun-violence-event/#.UwveW8uFdnA.facebook

http://pix11.com/2014/02/21/three-women-affected-by-gun-violence-are-honored-during-black-history-month/#axzz2uO8gelUL

BFSA VP, Adrian Lindsay, 1199 SEIU President George Gresham & BFSA President Malkia King

Trayvon Martin

motherjones.com

Sean Bell

nytimes.com

Love is...

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you"



Author Unknown

Upcoming Release Flash for Taking Nicole by Krystal Shannan

TAKING NICOLE

Vegas Mates, Book 4

By

Krystal Shannan

The last thing Nicole Demakis remembers was getting in the car with Sarah’s kidnapper and driving away. Now she faces the cold hard truth. The kidnapper, an agent of the Council, is her mate. But he refuses to claim her, and the Council may take everything away before she even has a chance to convince him to trust her.

Aaron Katsaros was ordered to deliver Nicole to her grandparents, the Antipas royal wolves. It should’ve been an easy task. Clean. No hiccups. But this infuriating woman, this wolf, his mate…is one hiccup after another and she’s arousing him to the point of pain. With his sister’s life hanging in the balance, he refuses to allow his passion to cost him the only family he has left.

Can he find a way to save his mate, or will he be forced to watch another claim the woman he loves?

RELEASES MARCH 13^th

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Krystal Shannan goes to sleep every night dreaming of mythical realms with werewolves, vampires, fae, and dragons. Occasional a fabulous, completely human story slips into the mix, but powers and abilities usually crop up without fail, twisting reality into whatever her mind can conceive.

As a child, her parents encouraged her interests in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and all things historical and magickal. As an adult, the interests only grew. She is a child of Neverland and refuses to ever stop believing in fairies. She is guilty of indulging in and being a Buffy the Vampire Slayer groupie as well as an Angel fan. For those of you unfamiliar with the world of Joss Whedon, you are missing out!

She also makes sure to watch as many action and adventure movies as possible. The more exciting the better. Yippee-Ki-Yay... If you don't know the end of that phrase, then you probably don't like the same movies.

She enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. Her favorite book is ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon. But really, if it has a 'Happily Ever After', she's on board!

Krystal writes stories full of action, snark, magick, and heart-felt emotion. If you are looking for leisurely-paced sweet romance, her books are probably not for you. However, for those looking for a magickal ride, filled with adventure, passion, and just a hint of humor. Welcome home.

Krystal Shannan

Putting Magick in Romance one Soul Mate at a Time.

___________________________________

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www.krystalshannan.com

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www.satinsheetsromance.blogspot.com

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Online Dating Quest

So you're ready to get out there and start dating again but find it difficult to meet someone in the traditional way.  You've been set up on blind dates by friends and co-workers but they never seem to pan out and you find yourself wanting to put things off entirely.  Maybe your expectations are too high or you mainly focus on their flaws but somehow you seem to find something preventing you from proceeding and possibly taking things to the next level.

He/she is either not attractive, too challenging conversationally, doesn't have a job that interests you, has too much past baggage or the chemistry simply isn't there.  If it's the latter you basically know from the onset that it could never be an exciting or passionate relationship but you may still wanna try things out and see where they lead.

After failing with traditional methods you turn to online dating and see where that leads.  You chat with your potential suitors, get to know them and maybe even exchange numbers.  You begin communicating, texts are sent and once comfortable enough you set up that first meet.  Of course one knows that anyone can hide behind a computer the freaks are everywhere and so are the jerks.  If you pay attention you cans spot this early on and not have to worry about seeing the person again.  

Unfortunately, there are many out there who just want the casual experience.  They don't want commitment and they just simply are out on the prowl of their next conquest.  You also have the loons who either swear they are God's gift to women, wanna be Dom's or simply lack common sense altogether and are basically lost in the stone age.  Yes, dating isn't easy but it can also be very interesting.  For this reason, I will be posting additional material on this subject and share some horror stories and maybe we'll even get lucky with a few amusing ones as well as I continue the online dating quest and gather up material to make this segment a little juicier...  


If you have a story you'd like to share yourself please leave me a comment and email below and we can have your story added as well, who knows this can get really interesting and maybe we can have some  fun with this. 




Copyright (c) 2014 ~ Susan B. Anna


 

The Perfect Love

 Below is a piece of a WIP.   Contemporary Romance, "Igniting the Flame"

All I have ever wanted as a little girl was the fairy tale princess ending.  I couldn't care less about materialistic gain or wealth, all I ever truly wanted was someone I could love fully with no inhibitions and who would love me back with the same intensity and desire I possessed.  As you grow older you realize finding a love like that is highly difficult.  You try your very best to still hold on to the hope of being happy and you may settle down for less but deep down inside you still hope that true love will surface and withstand any obstacle.

It took most of my adulthood but I think I found the one.  Since the beginning I knew he was what I have longed and waited for.  The chemistry was strong before we had our first kiss, and once we did, I literally saw sparks and every hair on the back of my neck stood at attention.  I have never wanted anyone as much as I wanted this man and surprisingly enough he felt the same.  

                         

                            ｡.♦*"•"*♦☆❤☆♦º°▪°º♦☆❤☆♦*"•"*♦☆❤☆♦º°▪°º♦☆❤☆♦*"•"*♦.｡

Without hesitation, you gave yourself to me completely and unconditionally, bringing up feelings I never realized I had or could have for any one man, unveiling emotions and the ability in me to love like I never thought possible.  I love you until the end of time, you are my soul mate and my heart shall always skip a beat for you.  

   

Copyright (c) 2014 ~ Susan B. Anna