Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happeeee


Clara said it all week. We made several attempts to see Happy feet at the theatres and finally succeeded at the IMAX yesterday. The movie was full of energy and life. The IMAX experience was amazing... as it always is. One thing jumped out at me. The fundamentalist, religious themes and the way the "elders" and the "old guard" utterly rejected the newcomers' ideas with no consideration. I know I am pushing it to look deeply into a family cartoon but I think the religious theme was there along with the "save the earth" undercurrent of the entire flick.

Strangely, watching this film reopened wounds created by Branch's baptist's "group of elders" 2 years ago now. The ideas of inclusion versus exclusion cut deeply then and remain in my heart now. Tolerance, compassion and the battle between a desire to seek new ways or entrench in the old are central to everything I do now. Even Alyssa, somehow made the subliminal connection to Branch's from this movie. There was something about the connection to singing, our "heart songs" and music being a unifying force that struck home for all of us. She asked about returning their to worship and see friends on the way home. I am not ready to do that yet, but perhaps soon.

This was a good family film, entertaining and thought provoking. The polyvalent story was beautiful and thought provoking. Ultimately, the look on Clara's face as she said Happeeee when she saw the poster as we left... made it worthwhile all around. I do wish it was easier to sustain the Happeee emotions.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Saddam has been executed...

...I'm not an advocate of the death penalty, I don't believe that is our decision to make. I think it's arrogant...but then I read about what he has done and it's kind of hard not to think he got what he deserved...but there is a difference between Justice and Revenge...so I've been told.
It's finally done though...
finally...for the thousands that lost their lives under his regime...I hope their families feel better...at least relieved. Now lets get our troops out of there!
;-) peace

The hills are alive with the sound of music

2007 is almost here. So what are my plans for New Years Eve? Ab-so-lute-ly nothing. Huh! Isn’t that a line from a James Brown song?

I’m still here in my hometown of Athens, TN. Me and Guapo got tired of jogging the hilly streets, dodging traffic, getting honked at, and generally being a nuisance to the locals. So my dad recommended I check out the new regional park. I loaded up my dog and drove the couple of miles, pulled into the new park, and you’d think I’d just opened a really awesome present.

Hiking trail, I read on one sign. Walking trail, I read on another. Mountain bikes, on another. 3.1 mile loop, on this sign. Expect incline, on that sign.

I squealed, I actually squealed I was so excited. Being 7 in the morning and freezing cold, no one was there. I had the whole place to myself. Me and Guapo jumped out, buckled into our jackets (yes, my dog has a jacket), and we took off.

“The hills are alive with the sound of music….laaa, la, la, la” That song played in my head as we ran like crazy people onto the first trail. It cut through the woods, climbed some hills, went down others. There was a creek on one side and downed limbs we had to hop. We had so much fun, I swore I saw my dog grinning. We were gone for an hour before I even realized 60 whole minutes had gone by. Needless to say, we’ve been back nearly every day since.

Now I know those of you out there who live in the mountains and are reading this are probably rolling your eyes. But I’ve been living in Florida for over ten years now and although I grew up here in the hills of TN, it’s easy to forget how fun they are.

Oh, by the way…I found out my latest suspense, DESCENT INTO DANGER, is up for a CAPA award. Woohoo!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Dieux Du Stade 2005

Hmm..this may be considered a classic. ;-) I like posting videos 'cause I don't have to write much (like you all wanna hear me anyways!) I just post something hot...and I'm through and I appease the guilt I feel about not updating my blog that often! LOL
enjoy... ;-) peace

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas!

Dear Blogger Friends and Blogger Readers...I hope each and everyone of you have a great Holiday and all your wishes come true! Thank you for stopping by my lil blog and checking it out and thank you for the emails I've received also. As we head into a new year, I want to say I have great and exciting things in store for this blog...but if you've been reading...you know I'm just to damn lazy!! Have a great one!!
;-) peace

Sunday, December 24, 2006

This is so F*in adorable!....

...I love this, cute straight boys acting gay to a really cool song!!
;-) peace!

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Work Life Balance ;)

This past week or so was among the hardest and most rewarding weeks I remember in my life. I am physically and mentally exhausted, but I am proud of every moment. I shouldn't have been able to get through it, but I believe as I have many times in the past years that I was sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Things I want to remember someday
Christmas cantata at HRBC.. didn't love it, learned it, and the living part was beautiful.. as the drama connected with ours and the Hulin's life directly On Tuesday night in Lasker, Kathy read the beautiful testimony of Laurie's and we lived out the some of the story as it was presented in the cantata.

Natale 2006 was overwhelming emotionally, as Bel canto came together to sing beautifully for our first real concert. The simple elegant reading of Matt and Dana on the Weems poetry touched my soul.

Three kings there are come riding from afar.. from Navidad Nuestra is a powerful song that stays in my head. the infant wakes and when he smiles, I see the sun light the skies.

Riding the road, burning up 95, between DC to Richmond, to NC, do it all again tomorrow

Charles' elegant presentation of the simple arrangements of Christmas carol.

Kathy's horn line from the Bruington concert on the Schubert Mille Cherubini

The stunning color of Tracee's voice at the end of Christmas Song, and the spirit and joy in the "swing" section when she and Charles connected with the audience.

VoIP and all that it entails, from dealing with the senior execs to the "manipulation" of customer experience. A more politically correct word is management, but it felt like I was being manipulated, and doing quite a bit of my own. Only two roles in life: a player, or being played

WorkLife balance and the concept of working at Cap1 so that I can do the other things in the world which sustain me.

Actually singing at the Woodland Hts concert through some sort of superhuman, out of body experience. I should have cancelled, but my pride and ego got in the way and somehow my voice held out. I think it mattered to the attendees and I know it mattered to me. Thank you God, for helping me through it.

Understanding and "finding" my limits, physically, vocally, emotionally. I know now, what I can and cannot handle. I am sustained by my communities, family and faith.

The Open door Life group lunch at Ruby Tuesdays where we took over the smoking section for a great time of fellowship together.. 36+ people all in one place, at one time because we chose to spend time together.. It was awesome...

I LOVE making music with the Hulins!!!!!

Perspective is the key to getting through the day.

From Isaiah 40 The Message
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired,gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Home for the holidays

Well, hello everyone. I’m blogging from my hometown of Athens, TN today. I’m here for the holidays with my trusty dog, Guapo. Its rainy and dreary and surprisingly warm. Its been a steady 50 degrees. Its supposed to be dropping down to the 20s this weekend. So here’s hoping for snow.

I went out jogging yesterday and was fondly reminded of the hills east TN sports. Can anyone say sore muscles?

I’ll be going to Gatlinburg today. It’s a great little mountainous town and if you haven’t been you definitely need to go. I haven’t been in years, so I’m excited to see the changes.

Hey, here’s a review that I just got that was posted way back in May for DESCENT INTO DANGER. Funny how long it takes to get things:

“Greenland offers a fun read filled with bohemian characters and nature’s splendor.”
~Booklist

That’s it for now. Talliho!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Happy Thursday...

...it's freezing here in Sactown and it's cold as heck! Then again, praise be the beer gods I'm not in Denver!! So to warm things up...another video from Dieux Du Stade! ;-) peace

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Trans Siberian Orchestra X-mas Lights

I *love* this video...I had it as an attachment last year...and found it on youtube this year (of course) so here it is! Happy Holidays!
;-) peace

Monday, December 18, 2006

Now this is true...

..what I wanted to say, but Kendall put it in to the words that realy hits the nail on the head!

"What Will It Take....

Before I begin let me just say, I know I am going to sound like someone's mother when I write this, but oh well, someone needs to say it. Also let me say these are MY thoughts and opinions, if any information is not correct in the writing I apologize but I am just going on what I have seen.

What has happened to the young entertainment culture?

I grew up in the 70's and 80's. I had a crush on Kristy McNichol (isn't there something freudian in that?) streaking and pot was about as bad as it got. We drank Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill like it was water and when we wanted to go ghetto we would drink Miller Lite Ponys.

Today it is a whole different world and sadly not a better world.
Four of the most popular women in the celebrity culture have proven to be skank whores with little to no redeemable qualities. Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Nicole Richie."

See the rest of the article here!
scroll down, you'll find it...it's good and it's REAL!

It's all about the Eyes...

...happy Monday all. Another week starts, bringing us closer to the end of the year. Anybody with any resolutions? I have none, I'm pretty much close to perfect... so it's hard for me! lol, not! It's been a long year for me, living in two states and working two very different jobs, I'm still "adjusting" in a way. Everything happens in three's so I'm waiting for another Colorado church leader to come out...that would be a great way to end the year! Although I'd be jealous as hell if he slept with a guy with Eyes like these!
;-) peace




Friday, December 15, 2006

TGIF!!!

This week took forever to end and now that it did, I'm grateful. Well my Friday night consists of DVD's and the dog and cat laying at my feet. I hope everyone had a good week and an even better weekend. Here is another Dieux Du Stade video (NSFW) enjoy! ;-) peace

No Clue

I don’t have a clue what to blog about, but I like to blog at least once a week.

So I’ll just randomly write for a paragraph or so and see what comes out of me. (This should be interesting)

My dog, Guapo, is cuddled up here beside me with his Snoopy doll. Yes, boy dogs can have dolls. Its okay. It won’t mess with their sexual gender. Although, Snoopy’s a boy. So I guess boy dogs can have boy dog dolls. Then again, Guapo really enjoyed his pink Miss Piggy. He enjoyed it so much he ripped it up. Hmmm…maybe he’s trying to tell me something. Because his Snoopy doll has lasted months. And that’s unheard of around here. He generally destroys a new doll within days. So maybe I should take a lesson and buy him only boy dolls. No girls allowed.

I’m going to get a pedicure today. I don’t normally do the manicure/pedicure thing. But I’m going with my girlfriends as part of one of their birthday celebrations. I’m dreaming more about the latte I’m going to have while the pedicure is going on.

My favorite overalls that I’ve had almost fifteen years busted a clasp. I was heartbroken. These overalls are soft and worn in. Their frayed around the ankles from years of use. So I trucked it down to the local seamstress shop (because I’m so totally not a sewing kind of girl) and handed the prized overalls over. She said she’d call. I just checked my voice mail. It’s been four days. I think I’ll call her.

Okay, that’s it for random thoughts. Lets review. Dog. Pedicure. Overalls. Nothing like staying consistent in my brain patterns.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

I love Goofyblog...

...I do, Porter Venn has the best of the wacky and the goofy! You don't have to search the 'net...it's all right there for you. One of his latest posts...SOY makes you gay!! oh lawd...will they never stop? check out Goofyblog and read about the "rightwing nut jobs" it's great! ;-) peace

This is just not right...

...really...it has to be a sin to be this beautiful!! To see more "revealing" pics go to Bent and see more, oh and yes... I will have a "It's all about the eyes" session of him soon....gorgeous. You look and your breath literally goes away...! BTW he's cuban and his name is William Levy...or Apollo...Narcissus...whatever! (as usual click for larger pics)
;-) peace









Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Tis the season...

...Christmas is almost here and I'm so not prepared, and so behind in bills I may not even reach being prepared! In any case, it'll be my first Christmas with family in a long time, last year I studied...alone...in my office at work...in S. Dakota, so this year should be better.
Some more hot men from French Rugby...actually...French Athletes (like we care) :-) peace

Dieux Du Stade NSFW(I normally don't do NSFW stuff, but these are really good...without being nasty...I think anyways)

Saturday, December 9, 2006

More Dieux du Stade

...ah yes, some more videos from the gorgeous men of Rugby...en Francais! ;-) peace

(may not be NSFW)



p.s. stay tuned... there will be more :)

Friday, December 8, 2006

BFF

BFF: Best Friends Forever

I’m spelling it out for all of you old farts (dad) that read this and don’t have a clue what BFF means.

Friends are something else. Some you have your whole life, some come and go, some you meet later and they stick with you.

My long time best friend, Jill Hockman, I met when I was two. Can you believe it? Two. We’ve been attached at the hip every since. What’s funny is throughout our entire childhood we only went one year to the same school. But we grew up on neighboring farms and managed to always see each other. Even later in life when we each moved to a different place, started careers, etc… we still manage to hook up. Now we live states apart and just yesterday I got the best email from her. Love you, Jill!

Then there’s the people you meet and hang out with day in and day out and then one day you realize its been a while since you’ve seen that person. Before you know it, months crawl into years and you wonder whatever happened to him/her. So Amanda from college if you’re anywhere out there, I had a blast hanging with you all those months, eating fondue and being generally obnoxious. Miss you!

And then there are those you meet later in life and you build a real solid mature (eek-never thought I’d say that word) relationship. You share your joys (marriage, children) and your sorrows (divorce, deaths) and you know the friendship is there to stay. So Britta and Shelly and Tara, thank you for all the years of ‘mature’ and dare we say immature times. Love you guys!

Thursday, December 7, 2006

Christmas time is here again...

..I'm actually kind of in the mood. Usually I could care less, but I'm all into decorating and putting up lights n shit! Last year I studied on Thanksgiving and was by myself for Christmas (insert awwww...here) this year it's cool to have a roomie who is into the season also. Next year, who knows...I may be celebrating in Denver with snow! :-) peace
p.s. I'm not sure about the "new" blogger, I can't control how my photos are laid out...ok let me rephrase...I don't know "how" to control the layout of my photos... :D




Monday, December 4, 2006

Heroes!!

OMG! How good was the episode tonight? Sorry I don't do recaps...but I can't wait for next year!!
















Fast & Festive Fiction Writing Contest

It's the Ho Ho Holidays and you should be looking for new readers in your stocking. What better way to draw them in than by showing them all your treasures and talent?

Looking to get your publishing career moving? Looking for a way to revive characters from books that have been out for a while? Want to introduce new characters for upcoming books? Looking for a way to build your readership? Have we got a promotional opportunity for you!

This month Echelon wants original stories set during the winter holidays! Christmas, Hanukkuh, Winter Solstice...you get the point. Whether your story is a touching romance, a terrifying thriller, or a confusing whodunit, we want to read it! We urge you to think outside the box on this one...holiday stories in...Russia, Germany, Italy...let your creative spirit soar!

So for December, submit your festive original story and wait to see if someone inserts a publication contract in your holiday gift pile.

Echelon Press would like to publish your "Fast and Festive" December story. The fast part means you have until December16, 2006 to submit your story of 3000-6000 words. The winner will be notified by December18, 2006 and have 5 days to edit/revise the story. Echelon Press will publish your story in its e-book division on December 25, 2006. Simple!

Send your submissions to
contest@echelonpress.com. Stories must adhere to the following guidelines.

Standard Manuscript format:
  • File saved in Word format (.doc) or (.rtf) (Send all submissions as an attachment)
  • 8 ½ x 11 page
  • Times New Roman 12pt font/black
  • 1-inch margin on all sides/ 1.5 line spacing
  • Align text left, do not justify (aligning text both left and right)
  • Header containing title, author name and page number
  • Capital letters at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns
  • Show new paragraphs by indenting first line of new paragraph .3. Do not add blank line between paragraphs.
  • Show scene breaks with * * * * centered in the appropriate line.

All cover letters must include:
  • Name (and pseudonym if applicable)
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address (if available)
  • Web address (if available)
Submissions that do not follow the guidelines will be deleted without consideration or notice.

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Superman Returns

I'm watching it now, wow, Brandon Routh is hot!! I won't say I'm a big Superman fan..but I have seen all the movies...tonight I noticed...isn't there something very sweet about Superman? He's very sweet...and honest...and protective. I'm halfway through the movie now...have to go finish it, so far, so good!
;-) peace


Saturday, December 2, 2006

It's All About The Eyes

So I went and saw Kathy Griffin last night! That bitch made me laugh my ass off!! I never laughed so hard. I totally recommend seeing her live if possible! Now...some pretty eyes for ya.. ;-) peace...










Deadlines

Yet another deadline met and gone.

This past Wed I had a deadline for round 3 of edits on book #2 in THE SPECIALISTS series. I made the deadline, skirting in at the very last second (which is very unusual for me. I’m normally days early)

Its funny, and I know its just my personality, but as soon as my editor gives me a deadline, I fa-reak. Here’s an example:

Editor: Here you go. Get that to me in two weeks.
Me (internal): Holy !@#$%
Me (external): Sure, oh editor of mine. No prob.

And then night and day I work, typing, focusing, deleting, rewriting.

Me: All done. Yay! Go Shannon, go Shannon, go, go
Editor: (grin)
Me: Allow me to brag, I am five whole days early after all
Editor: you’re so awesome

And then I stop and think, why did I freak so bad? I’m an excellent time manager. I knew I’d meet my deadline.

Then a week or so later I get another and the process starts all over again. (Sigh)