Do you hear He-Man’s voice shouting that? Never heard it? I’ll fix that!
We lost power at 2 AM. I noted it and rolled over to go back to sleep, thinking that like 99% of the outages we have out here in the sticks that power would be back on in a couple of hours. At 5 AM, I woke up again, and the power was still off. Since I was the only one up, I put on some shoes and carried a flashlight down our long driveway to see whether I could see any lights across the road from us. Nada.
So, I called the power company, knowing that someone had to be the first person to notify them when there’s an outage or nothing gets done. I was the first. At hour number seven, I called back to see if they had any idea when power would be restored. They didn’t have a clue because a large pole went down in a swamp due to the storms we’ve had lately, and it wasn’t going to be an easy job to fix it.
Nice. A pole in a swamp. Who does that?
I had a good idea which swamp they were talking about, too. About a mile from us, way down the hill, is a place called Clear Lake. I think something was having fun naming it because it’s anything but clear. It’s a swamp. And it spreads outward every time it rains. Alligators live in it. In fact, about four years ago, a 10-foot gator took a stroll through an adjacent rice field. The kids love to fish there because they can watch the gators swim by when it’s warmer.
Anyway, we had to dig the generator out of the shop and start it up. We ran cords to the refrigerators. We have two. One for storage in the basement and one for the most-used items in the kitchen upstairs. With seven people in the house, we have to keep a lot of food on hand in case, you know, snowmaggedon or floods keep us cut off from town.
I know I sound like a complete hillbilly, but that’s country life. We love it. While the power was out, my SIL and dd headed to the store to buy vegetable plants for the garden they’re putting in. Yesterday, they were working on fencing to keep the horses inside. We had an incident the other day where some old fencing went down during a storm, and the horses ended up running through the ditch next to the highway to get to the green grass in our front yard. They’re penned in a small pasture now until the new fencing is done, but it’s raining today, so too wet to do any more fence work along the lower edge of the property where the ground is, you know, swampy, from the rain.
Anyway, the power is on again. Like a miracle. The day is shot so far is work is concerned, but I thought I’d pop my head in the door and tell you about my day. I’d love to hear about the weather-related issues you face on a regular basis.
The explosion of streaming services—Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, or any of the many others—has changed how we watch shows, miniseries, and movies. With so many options to choose from, there really is something for everyone.
This past year, many of us have been isolating more due to the pandemic. Until this happened, I never really binged on shows. It’s fun to not have to wait to see an entire season, or an entire series.
My Personal Top 5 Picks
The Mandalorian—The Mandalorian is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. We follow the epic adventure of a lone gunfighter—the Mandalorian. When a job goes sideways, he’s left with the care of a baby Yoda. (There are currently two seasons.)
WandaVision—If you’re a fan of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) this series is a must-see. It takes place after the movie Endgame and gives us a glimpse into the life of Wanda Maximoff and Vision. If you’ve watched sitcoms from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, there’s pure magic in the early episodes. If you find it confusing at first, hang in there. It will all make sense in the end. Absolutely brilliant! (There are 9 episodes in total.)
(Both the above series are on Disney Plus. I don’t have this service, but my brother and SIL do. Thanks to several snowstorms and overnight stays, I was able to watch both series.)
The Witcher—This series follows the adventures of solitary monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. In his world, it’s sometimes the people who are more dangerous than the monsters. Henry Cavill is spellbinding as Geralt. (There’s one season, so far, with more to come.)
Bridgerton—Like so many people, I was curled up this past Christmas Day binging on the series that brought to life The Duke and I, the first book in the historical romance series of the same name, by Julia Quinn. I devoured all 9 episodes in two days. Brilliant ensemble cast! I can’t wait for season two!
The Old Guard—This original Netflix movie, starring Charlize Theron, follows a group of immortal assassins who are trying to protect their identity at the same time as a new member is uncovered. Action-packed and original, I can’t wait for the sequel. I love a movie where a badass woman kicks butt.
I’ve watched many documentaries, series, and movies. There really is a lot to explore. I’m looking forward to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney Plus. What have you been watching?
Blood of the Drakon Series
And if you feel like binging on a paranormal romance series, why not check out my Blood of the Drakon series. Drakon’s Promise, the first book in the series, is FREE.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
Hello and bonjour, all, once again. It’s officially spring, and that is always a plus, but especially this year when Canada apparently lost its weather and sent it this way. Us southerners just about lost all our grits, and let me say, honey, y’all can keep that white fluffy and slippery stuff up north. We do just fine without it here, thank you very much. **closed the front door**
Blogging weekly can make coming up with new topic ideas a bit challenging sometimes. I decided to do an internet search for potential topics and nothing few off the screen at me. So, of course, I did the next logical thing and got on the phone and started ringing up my posse of partners in crime who are known to lead me down forbidden paths. They suggested that I write about something that I am passionate about. Well, I love reading. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume that if you’re here reading this, you’re also a reader and lover of books. Therefore, I’m banking today’s topic is one that is relatable to all readers and that is how to create a reading nook.
Now, most readers probably already have reading nooks in their homes. However, maybe you’re considering revamping yours or perhaps you’ve moved and have not had a chance to create one. Or maybe you’ve never had a reading nook and have just plopped down to read wherever was convenient or available. On the other hand, maybe you’re simply curious how others design their nooks. If any of these reasons apply or interest you, keep reading while to get into it.
Dedicate a space. First things first. The first step in creating a reading nook is deciding where it will be located. It can be a corner, a spare room not in use, a converted closet, or even outside under a favorite tree. The location does not much matter as long as it makes the reader happy and is conducive for reading. Areas that are very noisy, have poor ventilation, or have diminished lighting may not be ideal reading spots. And since I brought it up…
Lighting. There are many options available when considering a light source. Lightening can include overheads, lamps, candles (scented or unscented…which scented one may add a bit of ambiance and/or set the mood), string lights (a.k.a., fairy lights), or natural light from a window or skylight. My bestie has his reading nook on his back deck and frequently uses his firepit as light. And then there’s my other friend who uses a bookmark with a pin light because he enjoys reading in the dark. I remind myself here that there are no right and wrong ways to a reading nook and that it is all personal taste. I’ll leave it at that…no judgment. Moving along.
Seating. No reading nook can exist without a place to sit. Well, I suppose some people may want to stand and read for hours, but my guess most people would prefer to curl up with their book. Now, most people know that I’m a pantser when I write. However, when I blog, I research before I begin writing. That’s because when I’m writing novels, I don’t expect to be done in a week and I have time to make notes to research as I go or later when I find that something that I’ve written isn’t jelling the way it should. Blogging, on the other hand, does not afford me that same luxury. I have a set schedule which means I don’t have much time to toy with ideas. The kiss of death to any blogger is beginning a post and getting lost halfway in or realizing there’s not enough material for a post. The latter is the reason I decided to create a list of items that would go into a reading nook before I began writing, and the first item I thought was chair. But as I thought about it more, I realized that not everyone has a chair in their reading nook. Some people enjoy stretching out their legs and would appreciate a bench, loveseat, or settee. A good friend has a hammock in hers. (She calls it a long swinging chair, but it’s a danggone hammock that she has inside.) Whatever one chooses, make sure that it is one that you find extraordinary comfortable.
Ottoman. Many people get comfortable by propping their feet up. An ottoman is a great solution for several reasons. Not only will it serve as a footstool, but it can also add an extra zing to the décor depending on the style selected. It can be a splash of color, shabby chic, electric, retro, new wave, Victoria, or whatever flair floats the reader’s boat. It will personalize the space. Additionally, some have the added bonus of being storage units. The great thing about ottomans is they are relatively inexpensive and are sold in multiple venues. Great deals can be found at outlets, flea markets, and garage sales.
Book storage. On the topic of storage, let’s discuss it. If one is reading physical books, he/she will need a place to store them, hence, shelving units and/or bookcases. This practical area may also be an accent in the nook. Several collection addition books have stylish covers with shiny foiling that will brighten any room or space. Shelves can be adorned with other items such as bookshelf dioramas, figurines (e.g., Funko Pops, Magnolia Lane collections, pieces from literary subscription boxes, travel souvenirs, photographs, vases/jars, etc.). The arrangement of books can also play a role creating a cozy environment. For example, some readers arrange books on the shelves by color to create a rainbow or ombre. In this method, books of the same color or similar shade are grouped together on the same shelf to create a look that is visually pleasing. However, be warned that arranging books in this method may make finding particular books complicated if the reader has a large collection. Another display idea would be to have a mixture of books placed vertically and horizontally to create variety and interest. Storage doesn’t have to be boring. On the contrary, in a reading nook, book displays should be fun, cozy/welcoming, and highlight the reader’s personality. It should be a place that the reader wants to spend the day there reading.
Let me add that there are so many shelving options such as built-ins, swinging shelves, baskets, cubicles, bookcases. For a more custom shelving look, consider mix-and-matching several styles of shelving that have a similar aesthetic. Sites like Pinterest and Instagram have loads of photos that can generate inspiration. Online sites such as Wayfair and IKEA have many affordable options to choose from. I’m a strong advocate of supporting small and local businesses. Etsy and businesses in your community also may stock shelving that may interest you.
Table. If you were wondering when I would get to listing a table here it is. It is not far down on the list due to being unimportant. A table, in my opinion, is an indispensable element in a reading space. First, it’s a great place to have a lamp, but also, it’s where a reader can set his/her snack, beverage, phone, clock, or basically anything that will fit on the top of it that the reader does not want to hold, deposit on the floor, or lay on the seat.
Blankets. Throw (see what I did there?) in a dash of cozy with a swanky or flocculent blanket to snuggle in while reading. Who doesn’t enjoy something incredibly soft and gentle caressing his/her skin? (Uh… I take it back. Don’t answer that question and pretend I didn’t just ask.) Blankets will add color and character to a nook without taking up much room. Versatile in color and size, blankets can be draped across furniture, rolled into a pillow moment, or folded neatly and tucked out of the way. And if you have a pet, they may want to curl up in it, too. Throws and blankets range in price from very inexpensive at the dollar stores to expensive chunky woven ones found in high-end boutiques. One can be found in everyone’s price range.
Plush pillows. Over the years, I have learned that decorative pillows are very polarizing. Either people love them or hate them. There does not seem to much of a “meh” category for them. One thing is for certain and that is that pillows can change to look and feel of a room. Something about them seems to “complete” an area. On interior decorating shows, one of the last items brought into the room as a “finisher” are pillows. They are placed on couches/sofas, chairs, windowsills, and even the floors. Basically, at least in my opinion, if there’s an open space, a pillow can go there. Like blankets and throws, decorative pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, fabrics, colors, and prices. A person may want pillows in their nook solely for décor or for a more functional use and prop their head or feet on. Or perhaps they put it behind their back for support or sit on if the chair or surface in their book nook is hard and/or uncomfortable.
Plants (if you’re earthy). If you’re someone like me who does not have a green thumb, are low maintenance, or have a reading nook located in a space with limited natural light (unless you have succulents) you may want to consider an artificial option. However, plants are a great way to bring color into an area and create a feeling of freshness and homeyness.
Electrical outlets. Recently, a significant ice storm event struck the area. In preparation, one of the things I charged was my e-reader. I get teased sometimes because I’m told that e-readers are passé and antiquated. But let me tell you, it came in handy when the power went out for four days. My e-reader holds hundreds of books, maintains a charge like crazy, allows me to read in the dark, and frees me from having to use power (and space) on my other electronic devices. So, to my e-reader haters, I politely stick out my tongue. On a more practical level note, having an outlet is convenient. It allows readers who prefer to read digital books on devices other than e-readers (e.g., telephone, tablet, laptop, etc.) to keep charged as well.
Storage space. You may want to have things in your reading nook that you don’t want to leave out in the open. A friend who recently began wearing reading glasses stated that she constantly is losing pairs because she leaves them wherever she takes them off. As a result, she has several pairs. She keeps on pair in a desk in her reading corner. She reported that she never takes them from that spot to ensure they are always there whenever she is in the mood to read. However, she does not leave them on the table or on the desk because she does not want anyone to move them or for them to get knocked off accidentally and broken. She also states that it keeps the area looking tidy not to have a lot of clutter on the desk.
Everything else. Reading nooks are personal spaces. Anything the reader wants to put in them is a go.
Time. Understand that creating a reading nook may not all pull together and happen overnight. It may take time to decide how you want your space to look or to find items to put into it. In today’s economy, you may not have the extra cash to purchase the items that you want. A friend decided that he wanted a very classic, retro type of reading nook. He is very particular about what he put in his space, as he likes unique items with history. He finds items to include in his nook from antique shops and estate sells. As a result, his nook has developed slowly over time.
As people grow and interest change, they may want to change the look and feel of their reading space. There is nothing wrong with this. This is especially true with young readers. As they mature, they prefer that their space grows with them.
So, that’s all that I have. I hope the information presented here was helpful. What are your thoughts? Was this post helpful? What advice do you have on the subject? Did I omit something that should have been listed? Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
And also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new steamy romance, Ice Gladiators, guaranteed to melt the ice. It’s the third book in my sports romance Locker Room Love series.
Taz has problems: a stalled career, a coach threatening to destroy him, a meddling matchmaking roommate, and a thing for his other roommate’s boyfriend. The first three are manageable, but the last… well, that’s complicated. Because as much as Taz is attempting not to notice Liam, Liam is noticing him. Grab your copy of Ice Gladiators at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.
Missed the first two books in my sports romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box, where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime, out is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. Visit www.books2read.com/penalty.
Locker Room Love is a steamy standalone multi-protagonist, gay romance/ MM romance series revolving around professional hockey players. Set primarily in the Cajun and Creole bayous of south Louisiana, these love stories have a diverse cast of characters. These sexy athletes are discovering their own voice and the best romance of their lives, even if that isn’t their intention. Find tales of friends to lovers, enemies to loves, billionaires, bad boys, forbidden romance, first times, gay for you, and more. These alpha males are guaranteed to work up a sweat and melt the ice.
For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays (with bonus posts sometimes on Mondays), and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou. I discuss all things Creole, Cajun, recipes, trivia, psychology, mental health, self-help, beauty, writing tips and, of course, romance. There’s a little something for everyone.
I miss men. I miss the rich baritone of their voices, the sturdy brace of their chest and shoulders, the subtle salt of their skin. Men with their sardonic grins and cocked eyebrows, men with their wide smiles and bristled cheeks, their amused expressions. Their innocence in need they can’t quite acknowledge and yet it is there, written on their faces like the eager gleam in a boy’s eyes as he surveys a display of candy.
I miss the strength of men, their physical power to lift heavy slabs of firewood or slam a splitting maul into a length of oak. Men have an energy that warms me as they stride across the ground, as they wrestle an unruly tire onto the axle. Men can do things with their bodies that I cannot, and the difference thrills me.
I miss the force of their sexuality, their straightforward desire to sink into the wet depths of a woman’s body, their unbridled pleasure in fucking. I miss the heat of their soft skin, the roughness of their hands, the smoothness of muscle bunched at their shoulders and across their chests.
At 73, I don’t expect ever again to luxuriate in a man’s bed. I am bereft of the joy of lovemaking, grief-stricken that the wondrous beauty of his private anatomy will no longer be mine to admire or touch or lick. I miss the lovely sight of male buttocks, tight and round, flexing as he walks.
I miss those extended moments of mindless bliss that only a man can give me.
Men in general exert a calming influence on me, steady and solid, a familiar and reliable part of my life. Only lately have I noticed how many of those men are no longer here for me – two husbands, the plumber and electrician I counted on for years, the repairman. Even in cultivating working relationships with a new electrician, a new repairman, I miss the foundational presence of those who came before.
Much as I have sought independence and self-reliance through the years of my life, I have always recognized that men can do things I can’t. I treasure the skill and experience of men who know their trades, how to cut in a straight line with a paintbrush, how to change a light fixture, how to replace a broken pipe. I appreciate men seated in their heavy equipment, a backhoe leveling ground at my barn door, a bulldozer carving a new pond, a bucket truck where, lifted high above the ground, he cuts through massive trees limbs like butter and safely lowers them to the ground.
I miss the other half of my existence.
House of Rae
After sharing those personal thoughts with you, I will explain that this is why I read and write romance. For a time, immersed in a story, I am with a man. This is also why I conceived of a place and future time when women can go to a place and be with a man. That’s what the House of Rae series is all about.
Set in the mid-21st century when climate change has pushed world societies to unexpected extremes, the Houses of Rae stand as islands of refuge, peaceful centers of women’s pleasure. Now franchised around the world, the House becomes a staging ground for the fight between overweening patriarchy and women’s freedom, but also between progressive and reactionary forces amid food shortages, endless fire, and the joy and enlightenment gained through sexual adventuring. These four novels reveal the intimate stories of people willing to break the rules and put them back together in a style more suitable for a new age.
Come meet the men at the House of Rae.
Click on the covers to learn more about the stories!
Today, it is dark and rainy. The perfect setting for the broken-hearted protagonist staring out the window with tears running down their face. Yeah- I am that author. I love to write those scenes that make the tears flow, that make you feel. The ones that make you keep reading but you are hurting. Better known as “The Good Stuff.”
When I need to inflict that hurt upon my characters or I feel the emotions building up—I put on this playlist and I let my emotions flow.
The songs are in no particular order and I limited myself to one per artist.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Live Version from iTunes Festival 2011) by Adele.
To me, Adele is the Queen of Sad. However, there is something about this song being live and the vulnerability that I sense in her voice- instant tears.
“Colorblind” by the Cast of Glee
The words! “I only see gray.” I love the imagery in this song.
“I Can’t Tell You Why” by the Eagles
True story- I listened to this song on repeat when I was going through a break-up in college. It was my first adult break-up and Timothy B. Schmit’s voice is achingly sweet as he sings about the feelings of frustration and helplessness.
“i hate u, i love u” by gnash
Who hasn’t been stuck in this circle? This song speaks to the aggravation that you feel.
“Burning House” by Cam
I saw the artist perform this song on an awards show. It was stark and full of pain. Too little, too late.
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Is this a love song? A tale of drug abuse? Pain set to music? I would answer affirmative to all the above. The perfect pairing of Cash’s roughened voice to the angry, sorrowful lyrics
“Yesterday, When I Was Young” by Shirley Bassey
Such a powerful, smooth voice singing about loss and reflection. Dim the lights, sip your favorite beverage, and remember.
“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
The first time I heard this song, I wrote an entire book in my head that became You Only. A list of the simple regrets that soon become a huge problem.
“Black” by Pearl Jam
Life and love are never simple. We can grow from pain and learn from our mistakes.
“And So It Goes” by Billy Joel
This is a great example of The Piano Man’s skill. The simple words paint a poignant picture of doomed love.
Grab your box of tissues, lock the door, and let go.
To win an e-book copy of one of my books (your choice) please comment below with your favorite sad song.
About the Author
Melanie Jayne has the best life. She spends her days chatting with feisty females, waking up to sexy men, eating chocolate, and wearing pajamas. Her books predominantly feature characters over the age of thirty-five, facing life head-on. They are woman-positive and advocate empowerment.
As M. Jayne she has been tasked with telling the tales of The Novus Pack. Where a human is dumped on a werewolf pack.
She lives a quiet life on a grain farm in central Indiana with her patient husband and their mastiff, Duncan Keith. She loves trashy TV and TMZ.
My sincere thanks to Delilah for allowing me to return to her wonderful blog and share an update of Diana Cosby’s Romance Readers Build A Habitat For Humanity Home.
A bit of background. Romance readers are AMAZING, and SO is Habitat For Humanity, a charity that I love supporting and volunteering for. Several years ago I thought, why not pair the two and help a deserving family receive a home? And, the Diana Cosby’s Romance Reader’s Build A Habitat For Humanity House fundraiser was born.
I contacted the Habitat For Humanity office in Grayson County, Texas, where I’ve had the honor of helping with several builds and spoke with Laurie Mealy, Executive Director. She embraced the project and was thrilled at the thought of pairing romance readers, who love stories where heroes and heroines overcome challenges to make their dreams come true, with making the dream of homeownership for a deserving family a reality.
Goal: Fund an entire home – $55,000.
I kicked off the challenge by donating $200. As I write this, we’ve raised $23,735, and we’re only $3,854 away from having raised ½ the funds needed to build a Habitat For Humanity Home! Romance readers are amazing, and I have complete faith that as the stories they love, they will continue to join together to raise the amount necessary to give a deserving family a home.
How it works:
As readers send donations to Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County for the ‘Diana Cosby’s Readers Build A Habitat For Humanity House of Love,’ the total contributions are updated below the house graphic on the upper right side of their homepage. Donations can be sent via PayPal by ‘clicking’ on the house, which takes you to the donation page, or by mailing a check or money order to:
Habitat for Humanity of Grayson County
901 N. Grand Avenue
P.O. Box 2725
Sherman, TX 75091
*Please note on your donation: ‘For Diana Cosby’s Romance Readers Build A Habitat For Humanity House.’
Again, my sincere thanks to Delilah for allowing me to return to her blog, and another huge thanks to everyone for helping make an incredible difference in a deserving family’s life. For when they walk into a Habitat For Humanity house, it’s more thank mortar and wood, but a place where they can call home.
*Photos used with permission of Habitat For Humanity Grayson County, TX.
About the Author
A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Books in her award-winning MacGruder Brothersseries have been translated into five languages. Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living Magazine.
After her career in the Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. After the release of the bestselling MacGruder Brothersseries and The Oath Trilogy, she released the bestselling The Forbidden Series.
Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.
Contest
***ONE winner will be drawn from everyone who posts on my Habitat For Humanity post on Delilah’s blog between 15 March 2021 – 21 March 2021. The winner will receive a Mug.
I almost forgot to post today! Can I be blamed? Over the past week, I’ve been working on four sets of edits for other authors and trying to wrap up the book I have to have finished and uploaded by next Friday (I know, I’m cutting it close—again!). All that while dealing with my busted tailbone, which is making it hard for me to sit for long periods of time. I’m entitled to whine. I’m getting the work done (while popping copious amounts of Tramadol and Ibuprofen).
Anyway, when I’m searching for topics for this blog, sometimes, I just go with whatever’s on my mind. Right now, I have food on my mind, or rather on my belly. My dd cooked one of our family’s favorite meals—Indian chicken curry with naan bread. I added several large spoonfuls of mango pickle. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a very spicy mix of peppers and slices of mango. It sets my mouth on fire, but I love it. Anyway, we just finished the meal, and I was wondering what the rest of you enjoy for family meals.
Let me know a favorite dish you enjoy for a chance to win your choice of a download of one of my books!
Do you ever need a good cry?
