School has started. That means football season is in full swing at my house. Not only do both of my boys play, but we follow a local college team and I follow the Dallas Cowboys (yeah, I know… don’t judge). Our love of the sport creates an unbelievably crazy schedule for the next two months. By November, I’m always left exhausted and wondering WHY we do this every year.
Thankfully my oldest son started “school ball” last year so it took a little pressure off of us. This year he’s a freshman in high school (OMG!! *gnashing of teeth* *pulling of hair*) so his last period is used for athletics and he stays later to finish practice. Easier on mom and dad since it eliminates the pick up and running across town to get him to practice.
Now, my younger son is the only one that has to be chased down and taken to practice.
Honestly – I don’t know how parents with four (or more??!) kids do it. These two run me in circles.
And I’ve never been one of those moms who could drop her kid off at practice and come back two hours later. It’s that “what if” voice in my head that runs through all possible scenarios. When I’m writing, that’s helpful but when it comes to my kiddos, not so much. I see blood and guts and broken bones and a dead cell phone on my end. Makes me nauseous to even think of it.
So… either I, or their dad, spend a lot of time on the sidelines. Not only does it quell my just-in-case paranoia but It allows us an opportunity to be involved in their lives and lets the kids know what they do matters to us.
On the upside… all those practices make for great writing or reading time!
For those of you with equally hectic schedules, how do you make time for those things that you are passionate about (reading, building model trains, making jewelry, puzzles, etc.)? Inquiring minds want to know! Leave me a comment and I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a copy of one of my ebooks (either Down to Business or Risky Business). And if the winner is friends with me on Facebook, I’ll toss in a swag pack also. The drawing will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 – I’ll post the winner’s name in the comments.
Now… here’s a quick blurb about Mystic’s Touch, my sensual fantasy that came out earlier this year.
When Prince Ceros returns home to take his place on the throne, he falls prey to a mysterious malady that leaves him unable to speak or move, though his thoughts and awareness remain intact. Danet, a talented healer, realizes the prince is alert inside his body. The two are able to share thoughts telepathically. Unfortunately her connection with Ceros may bring unwanted attention to her abilities and result in her banishment from the city.
Their unique bond grows as Danet races to find a remedy for the prince’s condition. Desire turns to love, which makes Danet fear for their future when he awakens. They seek out the villain attempting to take the throne and endeavor to find a way to stay together.
An excerpt:
Danet turned to look at the prince. He was a handsome man. It was a shame to see him trapped in his body this way.
Don’t try to distract me, the prince said.
How was I distracting you?
You were thinking of touching my hair.
I was not.
Yes, you were.
Danet harrumphed. What was your second reason?
My second reason?
You said you had two reasons for asking about my family but only mentioned one.
Ah, yes. I was trying to figure out how your family could be so intertwined with mine, but I don’t remember meeting you before now.
We were introduced once, long ago. As I have already explained, it would have been improper for me to have served you or spent any time in your company. Besides, you have been away from home for many turns of the suns.
Why is it acceptable for you to be in my service now?
I am no longer an innocent maid. I was married for a short time. Besides, completing my apprenticeship allows me a great deal of freedom even though I am not mated. I believe your mother is more concerned with your well-being than any sense of impropriety. Besides, there is little danger of your ravishing me while in this state.
How does she know that you won’t ravish me while overseeing my care?
She shot him a look that would have spoken volumes had he been able to see it. Because your mother knows me better than that.
Does she?
Yes. With one word, she made sure there was nothing to argue.
How unfortunate.
An image flashed through her mind of her straddling his very naked body, both of them sweaty and flushed. Danet tripped over her own feet. She quickly stamped the image down, not knowing if she had conjured it or if he had.
*~*~*
Check out the book trailer for Mystic’s Touch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4rcPumYSe5w
You can find Mystic’s Touch at these ebook stores:
EC: https://www.ellorascave.com/mystic-s-touch.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G6MYL8S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G6MYL8S&linkCode=as2&tag=denagarcom-20&linkId=NY4TL5EL6IX3WJM2
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mystics-touch-dena-garson/1117433039?ean=9781419938023
ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-mystic039stouch-1422106-143.html
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mystic-s-touch
Author bio and social media links:
Dena Garson loves to read romance – the hotter the better. When one of her BFF’s said “one of us should be writing this stuff” she took up the challenge. If she isn’t writing, she’s making beaded jewelry and somehow still manages to make it into the office on a regular basis.
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Ellora’s Cave Author Page | Amazon Author Page
Website: https://www.denagarson.com/
Blog: https://denagarson.wordpress.com/
YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1a-DzYifYaR4vLcauTmJQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson
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I´ve got a somewhat calmer life, I´ve got work, dogs, cats, our garden and the house, so it´s stressful at times, but I´ve come to terms with a house that´s not gleaming, since I rather read and not stress. =)
I guess you can´t have a stressless life and keep on top of everything that needs doing, you just have to accept that to chill and relax there´s things that won´t get done. *nods*
We´ve got a Swedish saying “Hellre lite skit i hörnen än ett rent helvete” that translates to “Rather some crap in the corners than a pure hell” LOL I hope it survived my translation =D
Thanks for the giveaway (and yes, I´m a FB friend)
and Happy Sunday!
//Linda
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Awesome excerpt Dena 🙂
Mystics Touch is one of my keepers, I LOVE the interaction (Mind Link) between Prince Ceros & Danet. The mind link gives new meaning to daydreams!
I work 3rd shift so I have a workbag crammed with books, lunch and a Kindle too so when I get some down time I have a good choice of books to read. I try to fit the rest of my hobbies (singing, crafting, gardening, metal detecting and anything interesting) in as best I can. I don’t have kids or Significant other/boyfriend so I’m pretty much free to do as I choose. I think it’s awesome that you & kids Dad are so involved with your children’s lives.
Mindy 🙂
Birdsooong@comcast.net
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My daughter plays volleyball, so I’m constantly at practice or tournaments, but I stay around at practice simply because I like to watch. Last year I started pulling myself away to go to the gym for an hour, but lets just say it didn’t last the full season. I try to read, but usually can’t concentrate enough. And writing? forget it. I’ve found the only real thing I can do is knit.
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When I worked full time, and my daughter was in grammar and high school, we seemed to make all the events and plugged along and got it all done. Somewhere between her graduating college and me losing my full time job, I can’t seem to find a way to get all things I want done, done! I work two part time jobs, and I’m not overworked, but it seems that it’s harder to get it all done now. Maybe it’s that the urgency to run around like a crazy person is no longer a priority. I think that will change when & if I have grandchildren. 😀
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I’ve recently retired so I have a much less hectic schedule now. It’s wonderful to finally have time to devote to my passions — reading and crafting! When I was till working, the time I had free depended on which shift I worked that day… When on night shift, my free time was between the time hubby and puppy went to bed and time I had to leave. Unfortunately, that didn’t leave me much “me time.” Also, hubby being retired cut into my “me time,” too. 😉
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I live an hour away from my kids high school so when I take the to practices, I stay sitting in the car if it’s a closed practice , or on the bleachers. I am constantly driving for games as well, living in the mountains, most of our games are at least an hour plus away as well. I never had a parent come to one of my games, let alone a practice, so I’ve made it a point to not miss a thing.
I bring a book or my IPad and get reading in while they are hard at work.
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I don’t have any kids, but I have a nephew that I made a point to make most, if not all, of his summer baseball games, jr/high school track meets, baseball and basketball games. When he graduated high school I was lost because I didn’t have anyone else in sports. Luckily, I had friends who have kids so I followed their games. Now, I’m a great aunt who takes time to go see my nephew’s kids games. I admit during ball season(s) life is pretty hectic getting from work to game to feed the kids to home, but its well worth it.
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Thanks for all the comments! We had double header baseball games yesterday. Thankfully the weather was MUCH better than the last set of games and not so hot.
Linda – I totally hear you on the housework. That’s the first thing I let go of during the week. Of course Saturday morning I’m usually doing the flight of the bumblebee to get rid of most of messes that accumulated. LOL. And I LOVE your Swedish saying! I may have to print and frame that!
Mina – thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed Mystic’s Touch. I’ve never done metal detecting but always wanted to try. Have you found anything really cool???
Charlotte – I hear ya on the gym. When the boys have practice someplace suitable and the weather is reasonable, I do try to get in a brisk walk. I’ve found it helps my lower back (from all the time at the computer probably!). But it’s very easy to not do it. LOL
Gail – Those to-do lists just pile up, don’t they?? But we manage.
Diana – Enjoy your retirement! I am looking forward to that day. *sigh*
Galina – OMG. An hour drive on top of it. Uuugg. Bless your heart. But I totally hear you on not wanting to miss out.
Mary Jo – We did the same thing before we had kids. Nephews are fun because, like grandkids, you can play with them and send them home when they get worn out and fussy.
Thanks to everyone for stopping in!! Check back next week for the winner of the drawing.
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Since I retired I have been so busy. I had to go back to work when my partner passed. I am a clown and work part-time as security. After various medical problems I returned to work again and my frantic schedule returned. When I have some free time I read. Your stories are awesome.
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Hi Dena 🙂
I’ve pretty lucky metal detecting, several gold rings, silver rings, medallions & coins dating back to the 1700’s (Connecticut Copper – 1735 is my favorite)
Mindy 🙂
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Even though I have school in the morning I always but aside maybe an hour or two after I finish my homework to read bibbiesparks@yahoo.com
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Thanks so much, Pat! I’m glad my books were able to give you a little time off here and there.
Mina – how cool! That’s even better than seeing them in a museum!
Toni – I use my reading time as a reward sometimes too.
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Hi everyone – I had an unbiased third party (aka Mom) draw a name from those who left a comment. Pat, you’re the winner of my ebook. Woo hoo!! Send me an email to dgarson@cox.net so I have your email addy.
Thanks everyone for dropping by!!