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Gracias por visitar www.darragha.com. Darragha Foster es la autora de libros románticos, raros, y paranormales. Muchos de los libros contienen personajes que pueden cambiar sus aspectos físicos. ¡A Darragha le gustan comentarios en cualquier idioma de los visitantes a su sitio!
I'm cooking lunch and my husband is doing dishes...and for some reason we BOTH broke into song, singing a very old cartoon theme song. Something neither of us had thought of for years. I don't recall what precipitated the event...but here's the song...
Hercules, hero of song and story!
Hercules, winner of ancient glory!
Fighting for the right, fighting with his might;
With the strength of ten, ordinary men!
Hercules, people are safe when near him!
Hercules, only the evil fear him!
Softness in his eyes, iron in his thighs;
Virtue in his heart, fire in every part of
The Mighty Hercules!
Wanna here the song? Click here.
I always kind of liked the witch (pictured above). And I vaguely recall thinking the "iron in his thighs" was naughty.
Now...here's the rub...this cartoon first aired in 1963. And I remember it. Oy vey!
Darr
In anticipation of my new website design, I'm going to give away this custom-made 1GB USB key! It will ship directly to the winner (as I am AWFUL about getting to the post office, as some of you are aware---my bad).
Look for the new design announcement soon and enter the contest!
Darr
In the middle of the journey of our life I found myself astray in a dark wood where the straight road had been lost. -- Dante
Chakotay: If you always see the road ahead of you it's not worth the trip
This is what I am pondering today. My road has been bumpy as Hell in 2007 and here I am but hours away from 2008. But where those rises I encountered and seemingly surpassed truly so difficult that I am battle-weary and scarred going into the new year?
- I had major surgery to benefit my health;
- I had two books come out, both of which pleased me greatly to write;
- My husband's kidney disease went into remission;
- My daughter got a horse and thereby, we have driven the road to BB Stable every day since February--sometimes more than once;
- We got to spend time with Thordur Bjorn, my dear Icelandic love (husband of Helga Dis, father of Thula Katrin and Esja)
- 2007 marks the 30th year of friendship with Thordur's father, Siggi, and his wife, Annalisa, also of Iceland. Holy crap I'm getting old! It was the tail-end of 1977 when I first wrote Siggi;
- We remodeled my office and the daughter's bedroom;
- I lost Kitty-Girl after 18 years, but gained Teague, the Hell-cat;
Doesn't seem too adventurous or treacherous, heh? It's the things written between the lines that caused me woe this year. And I am making concerted efforts to amend my personal actions which caused me and mine distress in 2007. Hey! Change is good! It's uncomfortable, but damn...change is soooo good. Here's to embracing the changes of 2008! Come hill and valley and forceful blockade, I am armed and ready. Bring it freakin' on. May those who read this experience boundless joy, peace, security and good circumstances in 2008. Darr
Buy an e-copy of "Mooncusser Cove," a twisted, bizarre, macabre tale (oooo....just like real life!) for yourself or a friend and receive three free tarot readings! Like I said on the Romance Studio drawings and give-aways page...one for you...one for your friend...and one for that male model you have shackled in your closet :)
Gift the gift of Darragha this holiday season. If you aren't hanged, drawn and quartered by your friends, enemies and/or hellatives for sending them a download of an erotic romance, you might just be the hero/heroine of the year! You never know what they're going to like! This truly is the gift for the person who has everything else!
Darr
PS Don't forget to forward your Moonie receipt to me at darragha @ gmail. com (no spaces) with a question for YOUR reading :)
Jodi wins the ebook and reading! Jodi...come on down!
Next question: What's the movie title, buckaroo? Today's winner receives an ebook download from the Darragha collection.
Time counts and keeps countin', and we knows now finding the trick of what's been and lost ain't no easy ride. But that's our trek, we gotta' travel it. And there ain't nobody knows where it's gonna' lead. Still in all, every night we does the tell, so that we 'member who we was and where we came from... but most of all we 'members the man that finded us, him that came the salvage. And we lights the city, not just for him, but for all of them that are still out there. 'Cause we knows there come a night, when they sees the distant light, and they'll be comin' home.
Stephanie wins the two free readings!
Today's question is:
Who said this line, and what movie is it from? And if you like said movie, what's your favorite quote from it? (no post the entire script, darlings!)
Screws just fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place.
Today's winner will receive a free ebook from the Darragha collection AND free tarot reading. It just gets better, huh?
Darr
Lesliejane wins the free ebook for answering Wednesday's trivia correctly!
Today's trivia is:
What's the name of the historical romance novel that featured a heroine with three arms (gotta love an art department kicking coffee, huh?)
Today's winner will receive two free tarot readings. One for you and one for a friend! Or two for you. :)
Darr
Post which movie the quote is from to win a cookie. Don't want a cookie? All right...I'll choose one winner from all the correct answers to win an e-copy of one of my books. Really soon! So, what movie is this from:
Dr. Ngegitigegitibaba: It has won the Poo-litzer Prize and it hasn't even been poo-blished yet!
Elliot Richards: Thank you, Dr. Ngegitigegitibaba!
At an environmental/women's action meeting last January in Anacortes, Washington, an official for the town informed us that the most prevalent compounds in the sewers of Anacortes for November and December were cinnamon, vanilla, caffeine and Prozac. I would not want the job of determining what, besides what's expected to be in the sewers, is down there. But it's good to know that more holiday baking is going on than the consumption of Prozac!
Now, where are my cookies?
Darr :)
I just found what I want for Christmas! New Buddhist prayer beads. Oh, my goodness these are pretty beads...
I want the cobalt blue beads. Where's Santa?
Wow...if I could do a handful more readings today, I'd make the money to buy them myself....any takers?
Darr :)
I do not relish our American Thanksgiving for the sole fact that my household is torn between four families all wanting us to "join them for dinner." It is insane to eat several Thanksgiving meals on one day! Insane! Even when I could gorge myself (which I can no longer do thanks to weight loss surgery) I couldn't understand why the EAT EAT EAT mentality pervades the Thanksgiving Holiday.
I love spending time with my mother and step-father, father and step-mother, my wonderful cousins on my dad's side, my husband's family members and my step-father's family---but not all of them on the same day! This year, I'm thinking we have a dinner at noon, a dinner at 3 and a dinner at 7. I'm afraid to check to confirm this, however!
Food should not be the focus of Thanksgiving. But alas, for many it is. Food=love is a mindset that I appreciate, fear and embrace all at the same time.
That said, I'm going to celebrate Thanksgiving my way, right here.
Thanks giving. Giving thanks. Showing Appreciation. It starts with your attitude. One of my favorite quotes from Ikedaquotes.org is:
When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, “This is never going to work out,” then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure.
Welcome to Darragha's Thanksgiving dinner table. We're all going to take a turn, in fine holiday tradition, sharing those things in our lives for which we are thankful. The day after Thanksgiving, I'll draw one winner from the posting thankful to receive a lovely prize--but I need to check with an artist friend of mine first to make sure she can have "the lovely prize" ready by then. If not, I'll provide a reasonable facsimile. I get to go first! - I appreciate my sufferings as they propel me forward;
- I appreciate my parents, for they gave me the gift of life--twice! (My parents and step-parents paid for my weight-loss surgery);
- I appreciate my loving husband and daughter--even when they're making me crazy;
- I appreciate having a day job. It is a daily source of inspiration for my career as a novelist;
- I appreciate every twist, turn, corner and dead-end in my personal labyrinth. I am blazing my own way through it!
- I appreciate my readers, without whom my characters would surely starve;
Your turn! Darr :)
Scroll down to the bottom of his page, or go here. :)
Darr
Anita, Sarah, Aimee, Carolyn, Jean, Beth, Jill, Diane & Catilin...
Your sticky note pads, etc., are in the mail!
Darr :)
Whoohoo! Thanks to all the visitors clicking in from Barb's sign, Visit Bellinghamauthor.com!
My official author page is: www.darraghafoster.com. This blog is updated all the time with contests, new book blurbs and more. Thanks for visiting and thanks for supporting Bellingham's Romance Novelist!
I'd like to offer all those visiting my site a treat! If you email me at darragha @ gmail. com (no spaces) with the subject heading: I SAW BARB'S SIGN, and give me your name and mailing address, I'll send you some bookmarkers and/or sticky notes gratis!
Here's where to buy my books: (and thanks!)
Love's Second Sight (ebook and paperback)
The Orca King (ebook only [for now] named in the top 25 of the most unusual paranormal characters in the last 25 years by Romantic Times BookLover's Magazine)
Cold, Hard Kash (ebook only. my mother liked this one!)
Teaching Old Gods New Tricks (ebook for now...soon to be in print! a trilogy in one volume)
A Witch in Time (ebook. a "witchy" anthology. My tale is "Spell-Crafted for Pleasure")
Mooncusser Cove (ebook. will go to print depending upon e-sales)
Of Flesh and Blood (a vampire anthology. My tale is "Polishing Saber." ) Blurb:
Polishing Saber is not your average vampire tale. These ain’t your mama’s Carpathians. In Iceland, the vampires are tall, blonde and environmentally-minded. Vampires in the land of fire and ice is nice!
Hell! I feel pretty damned good! Thanks to Barb H. for the sign!
#15! My daughter drew number 15 from the pile. And that is Mary Lou, the lurker!
Thank you for participating today! The "Of Flesh and Blood" contest will continue for awhile longer, so check back!
Darr
In honor of my favorite holiday, I'm going to give away a free download of my Viking romance, "Love's Second Sight."
To enter, please wish me "Happy Holidays!" via email to darragha @ gmail. com (no spaces). One winner will be drawn after my nap!
Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
Darr
Britney vs. Darragha
Britney is talented.
Darragha is talented.
Britney needs to lose weight. Maybe. Ok...Not really.
Darragha is losing weight.
Britney has some substance abuse problems.
Darragha's substance has problems. That's why she's losing weight.
Britney lost custody of her kids.
Darragha has a very good relationship with her daughter and made her French toast this morning before sending her off to work at the stable.
"Gimme More” debuted at number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Digital Songs charts, with 179,000 downloads.
"Mooncusser Cove" has sold 10 copies.
Does Darragha need to become a head-shaving, snatch-showing bad mother for people to buy her book?
If Britney cleans up her act will people stop downloading her music?
Gimme More, says Britney.
Please visit Mooncusser Cove! pleads Darragha
We all have our soapbox to stand upon and shout into the crowd, about our cause. I have a personal cause, brought to life in my upcoming tale, "Polishing Saber" included in the vampire anthology "Of Flesh and Blood."
The destruction of Iceland's wilderness areas frightens the living daylights out of me.
Take a look at what will be destroyed in the name of "progress." http://www.inca.is/show/
My heart is bound to Iceland by the same unbreakable, magical fetters that subdued the Fenris Wolf in Norse Mythology. I cannot sit back idly and watch as the land I named my daughter for is destroyed and plundered. It is the last frontier of Europe. It is one of the few countries left in the world where belief in magic exists hand-in-hand with daily life.
I can't toss myself in the path of a bulldozer, but I can support those who are actively seeking non-violent measures to convince the developers and the Icelandic government to preserve, not destroy. There are solutions apart from strip-mining and raping of great tracts of land. Jobs will not be lost. Lives will be saved; generations will rejoice.
Thereby, I wish to donate 1/2 of all my royalties received for "Of Flesh and Blood" 
to a group that will help support and save Iceland's wilderness areas.
You can do your part by buying the book when it comes out on October 8th! Who knew? Maybe ebooks can help save the world. Or at least some of it!
In addition, I will be holding a drawing for items related to my story, "Polishing Saber." No, I'm not giving away necropants. But I am giving away the magical stave to attract money to the user! In the form of a coffee mug!
I'm also going to give away a Runic necklace bearing the Helm of Awe (featured in my story "Spell-Crafted for Pleasure" in "A Witch in Time" anthology).
ENTER THE DRAWING BY POSTING ANYTIME BETWEEN 9/27/07 AND 10/31/07! BE SURE TO POST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS (example: winner @ gmail. com) or EMAIL YOUR ENTRY TO darragha @ gmail. com (NO SPACES) USING THE SUBJECT HEADING: POLISHING SABER DRAWING.
Thank you for your support. I hope reading Polishing Saber inspires you to A) find your own 18 year old Icelandic boy to roll in the hay; B) take a trip to visit the land of fire and ice for yourself; C) buy my other books because damn! they tickle your fancy; Darr :)
Robyn (yourstrulee@sasktel....) please contact me! You're the winner of the Mooncusser Cove handbag!
Thank you to all who participated. Look for another wonderful contest soon, in honor of my October 8th release: Of Flesh and Blood.
Darragha
Buy your copy here.
Now. Please.
In lieu of cyber-flowers and well-wishes for my speedy recovery from tomorrow's surgery, please feel free to rock my world and yours, by buying my new release!
Thank you,
Darragha :)
I know a lovely lady who recently showed me a handmade purple and amber colored handbag. My favorite colors! I like handbags. They always fit when I try one on. I bought it, of course, and asked her to make me a special bag as a give-a-way item for "Mooncusser Cove."
This custom-made bag was created in a non-smoking home, with love, by Bev! It is shades of blue with silver and black accents, including cute little moon and star dangles and a star-shaped key fob.
The photos don't do it justice! Incidentally, my daughter is the model and not ten minutes before I snapped the photos on our back deck (hence, the mess), she'd been out with the horse, and was a bit grubby.
How to win this fabulous bag? How to win what I'll stuff it with? Why enter my contest, of course!
1) Join my Google Group! (optional...but...please do!)
2) Fill in the missing words: Born in 1863 to a wealthy coastal family, Vesper Highgate-Adaire was well on her way to becoming a first-rate ______ just like her mother. A ______of boots and brass off the bodies of wrecked sailors, in accordance with family traditions—the traditions of the Mooncusser clan. Traditions that changed after the wrecking of a ship befouled by an accursed sea captain—who in his twisted rage, shared his curse with the clan.
(Hint: you can Google the portion of the blurb in red.)
This contest will run September 10-20. I'll announce the winners once I awaken from my lap-band surgery induced painkiller and anesthesia fog :) One entry per email address, please. And don't forget to buy your copy of Mooncusser Cove on September 17th (on sale 7pm Eastern)! Just think how happy I'll be to awaken from surgery on the 19th to happy, happy, joy, joy readers emailing me with well-wishes and praises of my new book! (Hint Hint) Thank you, Darragha
Leave it to April Martinez, the finest cover artist in all of e-bookdom to tweak one of my ads and make it sooooo much better.
I added the web addy. The rest is all April.
Bless her for taking the time!
Darr
he put her down on soft cool moss
at the paling of the sky
the cool morning air
encompassing them
the shifter and his lady
lips pressing
tongues speaking
the sensual language of love
lives fusing on the loom of fate
a thread without an ending
like a distant harp
playing the winds of chance
making the streams of time unite
each stroke, each touch, each gentle caress a symphony of early desires
and lives forever joined
pleasures deep vibrations strong
to rock the very earth
the rhythmical, ancient magic
of the animal passion in us all
she cried aloud as he loosed her soul and stole the treasures there
and with her swaying beneath his weight
they knew each other well
and so it was between them
of love so bold and spirits joined
by flesh and conscious binding
that even time could never
sever the bonds
of their reuniting
I wrote this poem, which my cousin set to music, a literal dark age ago. I wish you could hear Rod play it on his guitar. I must figure out how to upload a sound byte! Anywho..."The Orca King, II" uses snippets of this poem in the story. The naughty snippets. The above-poem has been modified from its original version--which was entitled "The Lady and the Bard" and was heavily tied into an unfinished tale of mine. Someday... Here are some title idea for TOKII. I like the bolded titles best. What's your opinion?
Holding On for Deer Life (I'm kidding)
Magic Happens An Avenue of the Heart Bridging Gaps The Bridge By Her Scent Alone Ruling the King Exposing the Man, the Myth, the King Man, Myth, King, Snark Debunking the King Magic Time The Book Snark (The Orca King, II) The Book Snark: An Orca King Tale Man, Myth, Snark
I'm using a "spoiler font" below to share a naughty excerpt from "The Orca King, II" which still doesn't have a "real" title yet. I'm pretty sure this scene will be re-written a bit, as it's kind of clunky, but what the heck: Enjoy! You do know how to work a spoiler font....right? (scroll your mouse down and highlight the big "white space" -- there's text hidden there)
Rule clenched her fists. I wish I could write! I hope I live to remember this! This would make one hell of a paranormal erotic romance. Tommy encircled his lips around Tavis’ flaccid penis. Rule thought she’d orgasm on the spot. She clenched her legs. It’s like watching Yaoi in the making, and it is freakin’ exciting! But neither of them is gay. Even better! Tavis moaned again and gingerly moved one of his hands to Tommy’s head. Rule could see Tavis’ shaft swelling with each stroke of Tommy’s mouth. Tommy had good technique. When Tavis was fully erect, he pumped his strong right hand around the shaft so that the sensitive penile head could be quickly caressed in this mouth. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? I can see your bulge from here,” Rule said. Tommy lifted his mouth from Tavis’ penis. “It’s not about that—but yes, I am enjoying it.” “Well, I’m enjoying it. Are you going to do him, too? Roll him over and give him what-for?” Rule asked.
I think Anthony Bourdain of Food Network and The Travel Channel fame is freakin' handsome. He is the "bad boy" I'd like to write about someday. He is so deliciously naughty. I DVR "No Reservations." If he didn't smoke, he would be perfect. However, the ciggies only ad to his "bad boy" image.
He is hysterically evil. A snark of cooks.
I loved his No Reservations in Iceland. As an Icelandophile, I relish the adventurous palates of those who try the rather uniquely gruesome traditional dishes of descendants of Vikings.
Left= Ad No. 1
 Right= Ad No. 2
Which ad catches your eye first?
Which ad would make you say, "Hey, I'm going to go buy that book right now!"
Which ad makes you wonder if there are nekkid land pirates ravaging coastal shores?
Please vote in the poll to your right.
Thanks!
Darr
Tommy smiled slyly. "I suppose, beings that I am the perfect romance novel hero, that I should say make love to me, Rule. Make love to me and the world will fall into place as the stars move across the heavens. But that wouldn't really help the situation now, would it? I kind of think an old-fashioned ass whooping is in order, actually." Rule shook her head. "Yeah, no. It wouldn’t help. I am fresh out of magic vaginas. No part of me save my wit and willingness will help you stop the slaughter of deer on this island." "How's your bladder working these days?" Tommy asked. "I need to leave a scent trail that will force the deer onto Mt. Constitution. Where we met, that fire break re-christened Lover's Lane, is where I need to finish, you know, to close the circle I've been making that will force the deer away from the cull-zone.” Tommy paused, the words at the tip of his tongue. “Rule, would you like to urinate in the forest with me tonight?" "I'm not into water sports." Rule laughed nervously. Tommy didn't seem to get her joke. "I don't mean it to sound crass or strange--but human urine will scare away deer. Not all of the deer on this island are magical beasts." “If you’re the alpha stag, why can’t you just order them to Mt. Constitution?” Rule asked. “Because they are deer. You can’t reason with deer. You have to get them to act instinctively.”
Photo caption: Hi. I'm Teague. I'm 12 weeks old and nothing is sacred. And I mean
N O T H I N G.
Coming in October from Liquid Silver Books
A vampire trilogy "Of Flesh and Blood"
From Darragha Foster: Polishing Saber
These ain't your mama's Carpathians, baby!
From Tina Holland: Dealing with the Dead
Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies - OH MY
From Celine Chatillion: Blood Betrayal
One fatal night in Istanbul will change Vlad's afterlife forever. Can he abide a "Blood Betrayal?"
I passed the psych eval necessary as a part of the pre-op scenario before having lapband surgery today. I realize many of you might disagree as to the status of my mental health, but if nothing else, I can share this: NOT telling a psychologist that you enjoy covering yourself in green Jel-O is a good thing :)
I have a tentative date of September 19th scheduled. After tomorrow, after I meet the surgeon and he determines whether or not I need a sleep study, the date will get set in stone.
Darr
I am currently reading Roxy Harte's "Sacred Revelations" the sequel to "Sacred Secrets." Roxy's writings bring out such strong emotions in me. I think that's the point of her books, too.
I'm also reading "Plenty: a year of eating locally." Not sure I could give up coffee, which is far from local unless you live where it is grown. No coffee is the same problem I had with Sacred Secrets. The heroine in that book had to give up coffee, too. I was screaming, "Give that woman her cup of coffee!" at my computer screen. By the time I finish "Plenty" I bet the author's husband will have screamed the same phrase a time or two.
Coffee. The tie that binds.
Darr
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Page one, I was laughing out loud.
By page 33, I was sitting in the bathroom (the only place I ever get a chance to read sometimes) giggling, and my family was outside the door asking "What are you doing in there?" To which I replied, "Reading!"
Reading this book is like eating a rich, delicate pastry and drinking espresso with all the bills paid, the kids asleep and a private butler named "Giovonni" at your beck and call on a fabulous cruise.
I am completely in love with this book. I was turning down pages to mark passages I liked, then gave up on that and grabbed my trusty highlighter. Here's one of my favorites:
"In Venice in the Middle Ages there was once a profession for a man called a codega--a fellow you hired to walk in front of you at night with a lit lantern, showing you the way, scaring off thieves and demons, brining you confidence and protection through the dark streets."
I could write a whole novella about a "Codega." One little passage in this book and I learn something new and run with it. Now that's a good book!
So, darlings, if you don't want to read something I've written (ah, please?) then PLEASE consider Eat, Pray, Love.
The contest days are past. I'm back at the day job. I go for my lapband surgical consult next week.
The Orca King, II is at 20,000 words and is progressing nicely. :)
What's new with you?
Darr
This is it! The final question for July! We made it! I have to go back to the day job now! Good thing I've nearly finished The Orca King, II and turned in my final edits on Mooncusser Cove and Polishing Saber! WOOT!
Today's winner wins a book by Jamie Craig!
What movie is this from?
When I was growing up, I knew I was different. The other girls were blonde and delicate, and I was a swarthy six-year-old with sideburns.
I soooo relate to this quote, being what one of my uncles used to call "a hairy little Arab." My father is Egyptian/Syrian/Irish. Man, all my life I've had enough black hair to wrap three or four kids in.
Enjoy! And check back tomorrow because I've another month-long event starting!
Darr
What movie are these two lines from:
"Friend, some of your folding money has come unstowed."
and
"Oh, George, not the livestock."
Today's winner, on this 30th day, wins Thirty Days by Shayla Kersten!
Name that gangster!
"When I sell liquor, it's called bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it's called hospitality."
Today's winner will receive a book "Gaps in Your Soul" by Shayla Kersten!
Scene: Doe Bay Resort organic restaurant on Orcas Island. Players: Tommy (the son of Big Tom) and Rule Jentry, the heroine. (I also use this photo for "Tommy.")
~*~
"I never joke about the power of an orgasm to disrupt the time space continuem." (Tommy)
"Beam me freakin' up!" Rule laughed and pulled a layer of cheese off her pizza. "Miss?" she called. "Could we get a box, please?"
Today's winner will receive a download of Tina Holland's "The Last Virgin in Vegas."
Who said this: The night before I left Las Vegas I walked out in the desert to look at the moon. There was a jeweled city on the horizon, spires rising in the night, but the jewels were diadems of electric and the spires were the neon of signs ten stories high.
Enjoy!
Darr
Let peace, descending from her native heaven, bid her olives spring amidst the joyful nations; and plenty, in league with commerce, scatter blessings from her copious hand!
Who said this beautiful quote?
Today's winner will receive a download of "The Trouble with Allie" by Lisa Andel.
Okay...they were cute and sleeping for a good hour tonight. However, the 10 week old kitten still does not understand that the 13 year old miniature dachshund does not want to play :(
Today's winner will receive a download of Passionate Destiny! Thank you, Dee S. Knight for stepping up on a day I didn't have filled!
And now for the question! What movie is this line from:
Boy, I got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals.
What movie is this from?
"Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"
Bonus question:
Who are Blondie, Tucco and Angel Eyes?
Today's winner will receive a book by Rhiannon Neeley (but I'm not sure which one yet!) and the bonus winner will receive an e-copy of my first novel, "Love's Second Sight."
Nineteen years ago today I was sitting on a bus, riding home from Portland, wondering what the Hell I was doing with my life. I'd been acting as a "people mover" for a Fife and Drum Corps and Brass Band composed of 600 twelve to eighteen year olds. It was very late at night. The kids were sleeping. All around me the other adults on the bus were chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo softly. I'd been practicing Buddhism for about five years at that point. We'd just held a large festival in Portland. I'm a member of the SGI-USA.
I was sitting next to a young man I'd gone to high school with. He joined the Army right out of school, so we didn't meet up again for for several years. We both showed up at the same SGI-USA meeting a few months prior to the Portland convention. Someone in their infinite wisdom figured Denny and I would make a good team for chaperoning the kids. I thought he was the most handsome man I'd ever seen in my life. Problem was: I was married.
I'd been married to the wrong man for five years. I lived in an abusive relationship, where my husband often chose reckless behavior, alcohol and drugs over our relationship. I'd been chanting for this guy's happiness and protection (to which he chucked shoes at me while I was chanting putting big holes in our apartment interior doors). Our relationship was not unlike Tina Turner's marriage as shown in the movie "What's Love Got to Do With It?"
So, here I was, sitting on a bus, wondering what I'm going to do when I get home. Well, first things first--my ex-husband would want me to partake in his constant worship of the cannabis plant. He'd probably greet me at the door with his bong in hand. No, "Hi, honey, how was the convention?" But rather a, "Wanna get stoned? No? You don't? Well f*** y**." He would often become verbally abusive, calling me, c**t, b**ch, wh**e, when I declined his offers to "worship" with him--if you get my meaning.
Here I am a non-smoker, who married a tobacco and weed addict, who was never more than a few steps away from his ciggies or his bong. Lesson learned: do not marry the first man who says he loves you, especially when the surprise he has for you is pot drying on his dashboard in the sun. I was hoping for chocolate, you know? Like...what was I thinking?
Back to the bus: as I listened to the soft chanting around me, I suddenly realized that I didn't want to be around drugs or the lifestyle I had fallen into any longer, I didn't love my husband, and all I really wanted to do was practice Buddhism with my whole heart. And then there was this big guy sitting next to me who really turned my cookies. But he was in a relationship, too. He, however, I found out later, was just as attracted to me as I was to him.
As I chanted softly, embracing the truth of my situation, a brilliant light filled my life--I don't know how else to describe it. I suddenly understood the phrase, "absolute freedom from the Law of Cause and Effect" and knew what I needed to do. Had I been a Christian, I would have said, "I was delivered from my sufferings" at that moment. I needed to tell the husband that it was the drugs or me and it was time for him to choose.
I returned home and told my husband just that: it was either he go to treatment and save our marriage or he could leave and go live with his brother and they could smoke dope and play video games all day together. He chose to leave. That was quite a blow having a man choose marijuana over me, but hey...it all worked out.
Flash forward from July 24, 1988 to February 12, 1990. I picked up that handsome man, Denny, and gave him a ride as he was walking in the rain. Seems he and his girlfriend had split up and he was living at his brother's house. In the parking lot of the store he was heading for, we kissed. We haven't stopped since.
Two weeks after we officially started dating we were engaged. Six months after that, August 11, 1990, we were married. Eighteen months after that we had a baby. And we're still chanting, still loving and still going strong.
Early in our marriage, we chanted together for the happiness of our ex's and that our relationship would be beneficial for everyone concerned. Denny's ex-girlfriend married a very nice man within a few months of our marriage. My ex husband went to treatment!
I am married to my mate from the infinite past. I survived a terrible first marriage to see the light at the end of the tunnel and now I stay in that light, baby!
Today, July 24th, is the day I consider my personal Independence Day.
So...answer me this:
Who wrote this: True love should be transformative, a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people. It can make us stronger, lift us higher and deepen us as individuals. Only to the extent that one polishes oneself now can one hope to develop wonderful bonds of the heart in the future.
Today's winner will receive a download of my novel, The Orca King.
Please post your replies.
Thank you!
Darragha
No Sword-Wielding, Card-Playing, Therapy-Seeking French Freedom Fighters were deflowered during the production of this motion picture. However, rumors of Custer and Pocahontas remain unconfirmed.
This is an example of a "crazy credit" disclaimer that appeared at the end of just about every episode of one of my favorite TV shows. What's the name of the show?
Today's winner receives a download of Your Desire by Dee S. Knight.
Darr :)
Who wrote:
"Love isn't how you feel, it's what you do."
Today's winner receives a download of "Hey! I'm Hanging with a Time Surfer" by Celine Chatilion.
Please post your reply!
Enjoy--
Darr
Who said this:
Great balls of fire. Don't bother me anymore, and don't call me sugar.
Today's winner receives a download of Wayne Greenough's book, "For the Love of Erika." Did I mention that he's my stepfather? :)
Darr
Today's winner receives a download of Roxy Harte's "Sacred Secrets." I'll tell you, I yelled at this book! It brought out very strong emotions in me. Roxy really, really knows how to write and at least with me, knew all my hot spots. Had it been a paperback, I would have chucked it against the wall because I was so angry with the "hero." Nothing comes between me and my....(you'll have to read the book to find out what he keeps from the heroine that I, personally, refuse to give up under any circumstances)
Sooo....who wrote this line:
"It is easy to tell among girls which are familiar with their condition and which are not. Once a girl truly understands that she is a slave, and there is no escape for her, once she understands it truly, emotionally, categorically, intellectually, physiologically, totally, deeply, profoundly, in every cell in her beautiful body, a fantastic transformation occurs in her. She then knows she is truly a slave. She then becomes wild and free, and sexual, and cares not that she might be scorned by the free either for her miserable condition or helpless appetites; she knows she will be what she must; she has no choice; she is slave.
Which TV character's maiden name was "Lucy McGillicuddy?"
Today's winner will receive a download of my ebook "Cold, Hard Kash" the first in my Shadow Lover Tale series.
It's my husband's birthday, too. Be sure to wish Denny "Happy Birthday!" (I'll show him the posts tonight.)
Thanks!
Darr
What is this?
What do its symbols represents?
(I have several of these, in various designs, nailed to my front and back porch)
Today's winner will receive a download of a Denyse Bridger (but I don't know which book yet!)
Darragha
What is Proxima Centauri?
Post your replies! Today's winner receives a download of Alien Communion by Xandra Gregory (one of my personal favorite books).
Darr :)
Which country has this phrase as it's "unofficial motto?"
Better shoeless than booklessToday's winner receives a download of TA Chase's No Going Home.
Who wrote: I will not send lard through the mail
Today's winner will receive a download of by Lucinda Thorne--Agatha Baine, Undercover Passion!
Who said this? And do you know what bombast means without having to look it up?
How now my sweet creature of bombast?
Today's winner receives a download of "Price of a Tattooed Soul" by Vivian Dean.
What movie is this line from:
You're why cavemen chiseled on walls.
Today's winner gets the Great Wall of China, two pyramids, a 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom and a download of The Pilot and the Pin Up by Tina Holland.
However, the winner is responsible for shipping and handling on all prizes except the ebook. That, will come to you free of charge.
Post your reply :)
Darr
PS If you've won before you can win again. And darlings, please do the poll to your right!
Picture No. 1 was my "concept" for the cover of Mooncusser Cove.
Picture No. 2 was the fabulous April Martinez's first draft.
Picture No. 3 is a done deal. The cover for Mooncusser Cove.
And you're seeing it here first! You lucky people :)
(I'm not even sure the gods of LSB have seen it yet! My bad?)
Darr
What movie is this line from?
Look, Huxley, why don't we just do it the old-fashioned way? [ Huxley stands up, shocked] Eeewww, disgusting! You mean... *fluid transfer*?
Today's winner will receive a download of "Losing It" by Kate Willoughby.
Please post your reply.
 Who is she, and to whom does she make this speech?
Today's winner receives a download of an ebook by Lisa Andel!
Enjoy!
Who said this?
I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.
Today's winner receives a download of The Sword and the Sorceress by Renee Michaels!
Please post your replies!
The remodel of my office is at hand. Under the floorboards* my husband found some 1958 newspapers. So, my question comes from one of them. My question comes, in fact, from the Bellingham Sunday Herald of September 14, 1958.
Who was the NY Yankees catcher-outfielder in 1958? (He was catcher from 1946-1963)
Clue: the catcher-outfielder's name is the same as one of these:
A) a famous cartoon bear
B) a candy bar with a white wrapper
C) a different candy bar with a brown wrapper
*putting up new sheetrock and fixing the floor where it was bi-level. the house was built in 1890 and there are no square walls, even floors or closets. and no, i'm not a huge baseball fan. but if I were, i'd yell GO MARINERS!
Today's winner will receive a download of Tiffany Aaron's book!
What is a male breeding horse called?
what is a female breeding horse called?
What is the common name for a baby horse?
These questions come from my daughter, the horsewoman. Post your reply for a chance to win an ebook by Taige Crenshaw!
Darr
For sh*ts and giggles
I give good readings. Norse Tarot readings. The cards are my own design. I've been doing readings as "party favors" for 35 years. I've been doing readings quite successfully on the Liquid Silver forum for quite awhile, too. When I was 13 years old I could have gone professional, but my mother, in her infinite wisdom, protected me from becoming a local media victim. She is a retired psychic minister. I grew up around this stuff! She taught me to share my gift and never to charge exorbitant amounts. I've been charging $5.00 for twenty years, or just doing that "party favor thing." I'm going to start offering personal, full readings via email to my blog visitors. Not three-card quickies like I do on the forum. $5.00 per question (one question per reading, please). No "life and death" questions. Remember, readings are supposed to be fun! You can pay by paypal or you can buy one of my books, forward me the receipt at darragha @ gmail. com (no spaces) and I'll accept that as payment.If you want a three-card quickie for free, ask at the forum :) Thank you, and I look forward to tossing the cards for you! Darr Love's Second Sight (ebook and paperback) The Orca King (ebook only [for now] named in the top 25 of the most unusual paranormal characters in the last 25 years by Romantic Times BookLover's Magazine) Cold, Hard Kash (ebook only. my mother liked this one!) Teaching Old Gods New Tricks (ebook for now...soon to be in print! a trilogy in one volume) A Witch in Time (ebook. a "witchy" anthology. My tale is "Spell-Crafted for Pleasure") Mooncusser Cove (ebook. will go to print depending upon e-sales) Of Flesh and Blood (a vampire anthology. My tale is "Polishing Saber."
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