Duchess of Depravity

Recipe: Candy Crunch

2011-12-01T01:58:00.000-05:00

Candy Crunch

Yield: About 1 3/4 pounds
Nutrition: See Below
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Recipe Tools

Ingredients

4 cups (half of 15 oz. bag) pretzel sticks or pretzel twists
4 cups (24 oz.) white chocolate chips
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup dried fruit (dried cranberries, raisins or mixed dried fruit bits)

Instructions

LINE a 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan with foil. Place pretzels in large bowl.
MELT chips with sweetened condensed milk in large saucepan over low heat. Cook and stir constantly until smooth. Pour over pretzels, stirring to coat.
SPREAD mixture immediately into prepared pan. Sprinkle with dried fruit; press down lightly with back of spoon. Chill 1 to 2 hours or until set. Break into chunks.

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

Holiday Recipe: Impossible Hot Toddy Pie

2011-11-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

Who can resist a Hot Toddy on a cold night? Not me!

Impossible Hot Toddy Pie
1 1/2 c. canned eggnog
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. Bisquick
4 eggs
2 T rum OR 1 tsp rum flavoring
ground nutmeg
Spiced Whipped Cream (optional)
Heat oven to 350F. Spray a pie plate with non-stick cooking spray, butter flavored is best. Place all ingredients except nutmeg in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high 15 seconds. Pour into prepared pie plate. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes. Serve with Spiced Whipped Cream if desired.
Spiced Whipped Cream: Beat 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream in a chilled bowl, adding 1 T. sugar and 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg until stiff peaks form. Do not over beat.
Note from Lena: I'm not kidding on the chilled bowl for the whipped cream. Place your mixer bowl in the refrigerator before you even make the pie. The colder your bowl is, the easier the whipping of the cream becomes and you're less likely to have it "break" if you're unfamiliar with beating whipped cream to stiff peaks.
As an alternate, please feel free to use Cool Whip Free or other product of a similar nature.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com
Writing blog: http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com
Recipe and Pagan blog: http://third-infinity.blogspot.com
Low Carb Diet blog: http://fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

Recipe: Tres Leches Cake

2011-11-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tres Leches Cake

Makes 12 to 15 servings

One package (about 18 oz.) white cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix

one can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

one cup milk

one cup (1/2 pint) whipping cream

one container (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed

fresh fruit

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 by 9 by 2 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Bake about 35 to 40 minutes or until cake is firm to the touch. Remove cake from oven; cool five minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine sweetened condensed milk, milk and whipping cream in a four cup measure. Poke holes all around the warm cake, using a wooden skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour milk mixture evenly over top of holes on cake. Let cake cool 10 to 15 minutes more to absorb all liquid. Cover and refrigerate cake in pan at least one hour.

4. When cake is completely cool, spread whipped topping evenly on top. Cut into pieces and serve with fresh fruit. Keep cake covered and refrigerated.

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Halloween Soup made easy

2011-10-30T04:11:00.000-04:00

Halloween Soup

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Need Halloween supper in a flash? Use a cookie cutter and a slice of cheese to give instant character to a bowl of hot soup!

Prep Time: 15 Min

Total Time: 15 Min

Makes: 2 servings (1 cup each)

User Rating (4)

Hide Ingredients

INGREDIENTS:

slice (3/4 oz) American cheese

can (19 oz) Progresso® Vegetable Classics hearty tomato soup

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DIRECTIONS:

With cookie cutter or knife, cut cheese into desired Halloween shape. Set cheese aside.
In 1-quart saucepan, cook soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Top individual servings of soup with cheese cutout and remaining cheese slice.

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Nutritional Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving)

Calories 160

(Calories from Fat 40),

Total Fat 4 1/2g

(Saturated Fat 2g,
Trans Fat 0g),

Cholesterol 10mg;
Sodium 270mg;
Total Carbohydrate 25g

(Dietary Fiber 2g,
Sugars 10g),

Protein 5g;

Percent Daily Value*:

Vitamin A 25.00%;
Vitamin C 20.00%;
Calcium 8.00%;
Iron 6.00%;

Exchanges:

0 Starch;
0 Fruit;
1 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
2 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
1 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choices:

1 1/2;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Drink Recipe: Fuzzy Ghoul

2011-10-29T01:00:00.000-04:00

Fizzy Ghoul

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Blogger Jessica Walker from Little Miss Bossy shares a ghoulish cocktail recipe. This super easy cocktail takes just two ingredients and will be a sweet and spooky treat for your Halloween guests!

Prep Time: 5 Min

Total Time: 5 Min

Makes: 1 serving

User Rating (0)

Hide Ingredients

INGREDIENTS:

black licorice wheel

1/4

cup (2 oz) melon-flavored liqueur

1/4

cup (2 oz) lemon-lime carbonated beverage

Ice

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DIRECTIONS:

Place licorice wheel in bottom of martini glass.
In chilled cocktail shaker, pour liqueur and carbonated beverage; add ice. Shake; pour into glass. Serve immediately.

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Recipe: Creepy Crispy Rice Treets

2011-10-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Creepy-Crispy-Rice-Treats

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Drink Recipe: Candy Corn Cocktail

2011-10-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

Candy Corn Cocktail

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Blogger Jessica Walker from Little Miss Bossy shares a fun Halloween cocktail recipe. Sweet candy corn makes this cocktail a delicious addition to your Halloween get-together.

Prep Time: 5 Min

Total Time: 4 Hr 5 Min

Makes: 3 servings

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INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2

cups vodka

cup candy corn

3/4

cup pineapple juice

Ice

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DIRECTIONS:

To make candy corn-infused vodka, mix vodka and candy corn in jar; seal tightly. Let stand at least 4 hours.
Strain vodka to remove candy.
For each serving, in chilled cocktail shaker, place 1/2 cup infused vodka and 1/4 cup pineapple juice; add ice. Shake; pour into martini glass. If desired, garnish each glass with additional candy corn.

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2011-10-26T01:00:00.000-04:00

Creamy Candy Corn Puddings

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Whip up this layered dessert, made with easy instant pudding and topped with Halloween sweets.

Prep Time: 30 Min

Total Time: 1 Hr

Makes: 6 servings

User Rating (2)

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INGREDIENTS:

box (4-serving size) butterscotch instant pudding and pie filling mix

cups milk

drops red food color

drops yellow food color

box (4-serving size) banana cream instant pudding and pie mix

cup whipping cream, whipped

pieces candy corn

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DIRECTIONS:

Make butterscotch pudding as directed on box, using 2 cups of the milk. Stir in 20 drops red food color and 25 drops of the yellow food color. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Make banana cream pudding as directed on box, using remaining 2 cups milk. Stir in remaining 20 drops yellow food color. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To assemble, place about 1/4 cup banana cream pudding in bottom of each of 6 (8-oz) martini glasses. (Cover and refrigerate remaining banana cream pudding for another use.) Top each with about 1/3 cup butterscotch pudding and about 1/3 cup whipped cream. Garnish with candy corn.

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Nutritional Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving)

Calories 310

(Calories from Fat 140),

Total Fat 15g

(Saturated Fat 10g,
Trans Fat 1/2g),

Cholesterol 55mg;
Sodium 490mg;
Total Carbohydrate 37g

(Dietary Fiber 0g,
Sugars 33g),

Protein 6g;

Percent Daily Value*:

Vitamin A 15.00%;
Vitamin C 0.00%;
Calcium 20.00%;
Iron 0.00%;

Exchanges:

1 Starch;
0 Fruit;
1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
0 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
3 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choices:

2 1/2;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe: Jack-o-Lantern Gelatin Salad

2011-10-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Jack-o'-lantern Gelatin Salad

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Cool and fruity, these colorful Halloween treats can be served as a salad or dessert.

Prep Time: 15 Min

Total Time: 2 Hr 15 Min

Makes: 8 servings

User Rating (1)

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INGREDIENTS:

(6-oz.) pkg. orange flavor gelatin

cups boiling water

(8-oz.) containers low-fat vanilla yogurt

(11-oz.) can mandarin orange segments, well drained

(8-oz.) can pineapple tidbits in unsweetened juice, well drained

Orange and lemon slices, cut into triangles

Black gumdrops, flattened and cut into triangles

Spearmint leaf gumdrops

Hide Directions

DIRECTIONS:

In medium bowl, combine gelatin and boiling water, stir until gelatin is dissolved. With wire whisk, beat in yogurt until mixture is smooth. Refrigerate 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or just until slightly thickened. Stir in orange segments and pineapple.
Spoon and spread mixture into ungreased 9 1/2 or 10-inch deep-dish glass pie pan. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set.
Just before serving, arrange candies on gelatin to resemble jack-o'-lantern.

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Nutritional Information:

1 Serving (1/8 of Recipe)

Calories 180

(Calories from Fat 10),

Total Fat 1g

(Saturated Fat 0g,

Cholesterol 3mg;
Sodium 95mg;
Total Carbohydrate 37g

(Dietary Fiber 1g,
Sugars 36g),

Protein 5g;

Percent Daily Value*:

Vitamin A 6.00%;
Vitamin C 25.00%;
Calcium 10.00%;
Iron 0.00%;

Exchanges:

2 Fruit;
2 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;
1/2 Skim Milk;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Hot Spiced Cider

2011-10-21T01:32:00.002-04:00

Hot Spiced Cider

8 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar
6 inches stick cinnamon
1 tsp whole allspice
1 tsp whole cloves
8 thin orange wedges or slices (optional)
8 whole cloves (optional)

In a large saucepan combine apple cider and brown sugar. For a spice bag, place
cinnamon, allspice, and 1 tsp whole cloves in a double thickness of cheesecloth.
Bring up corners of cheesecloth and tie with string. add spice bag to cider
mixture.

Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile,
stud orange wedges with whole cloves. Remove and discard the spice bag. Serve
the cider in mugs with a studded orange wedge in each. Makes 8 (1 cup) servings.

Note from Lena-- Use the crock pot and don't bother with the boiling. Set it all
up and let it simmer on Low at least 4 hours. No peeking! Serve it up with the
orange wedges.

Source: 1989 BHG cookbook
Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

2011-10-20T01:00:00.000-04:00

S'mores Apples

Rated:

Submitted By: Allrecipes.com Staff

Photo By: Allrecipes

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 35 Minutes

Servings: 6

"Caramel apples are studded with graham crackers and marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate for a treat you can't get enough of."

Ingredients:

6 Granny Smith apples

6 wooden sticks

1 (14 ounce) package individually

wrapped caramels, unwrapped

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1.	Insert wooden sticks 3/4 of the way into the stem end of each apple. Place apples on a cookie sheet covered with lightly greased aluminum foil.
2.	Combine caramels and water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring often, until caramel melts and is smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Dip each apple into the caramel and gently run apples around insides of saucepan to scrape off some of the caramel. Scrape excess caramel from the apple bottoms using the side of the saucepan.
3.	Combine the miniature marshmallows and graham crackers on a dinner plate. Roll the apples in the mixture to coat. Place on the aluminum foil and chill.
4.	Put the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the apples and return them to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 9/19/2011

Recipe: Snowballs

2011-10-19T01:00:00.000-04:00

I first made this recipe when I was a mere seventeen years old. A neighbor got a cookie tin full as a gift, took them home, and made himself sick on them.
If you do store them in a tin, pack them in more powdered sugar. The sugar will cushion these little gems.
For the past thirty-two years, these cookies have been a tradition in our home. That is, when I could find the recipe. (Yes, I once was that disorganized.) I do recommend that all mothers and grandmothers make use of the small hands they have available to form the little cookie balls correctly. Adults have a tendency to make the balls too big. At least, that's what I told my children and now my grandchildren. (grin)
I'm sharing my most famous and beloved recipe with the world, so it will never be lost again.
Lift a glass of eggnog and wipe the powdered sugar from your lips long enough to salute. Let the holidays begin! See you after Thanksgiving!

White as a Ghost Pops

2011-10-18T01:40:00.000-04:00

White-as-a-Ghost Pops

Makes: 16 servings

Prep: 50 minutes Stand: 2 hours

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter
2 10-ounce packages marshmallows or 4 cups tiny marshmallows
12 cups crisp rice cereal
24 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating
8 lollipop sticks
Small black candies
1 16-ounce can vanilla frosting
Green food coloring
2 cups shredded coconut

Directions

1. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan and an 8- to 9-inch diameter mixing bowl with foil, extending foil over edges of pan and bowl. Butter foil; set pan and bowl aside. Melt butter in a 6-quart Dutch oven over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal; stir until well-coated. Divide mixture between prepared baking pan and mixing bowl and press evenly and firmly into pan and bowl.
2. Set cereal mixture aside to cool completely, about 1 hour. Lift cereal mixture from baking pan with edges of foil. Use a 3- to 4-inch ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out ghost shapes. Insert lollipop sticks into ghost shapes through the bottom of cutouts.
3. In a medium saucepan melt candy coating over low heat. Place ghosts on a slotted spatula and spoon candy coating over ghost shapes, turning carefully using sticks to coat both sides and letting excess candy coating drip back into the pan. Carefully place ghosts on a sheet of waxed paper. Decorate face with candies before coating sets up. Let stand until coating is completely set, about 1 hour.
4. Stir together frosting and a few drops green food coloring; set aside. Place coconut in a resealable plastic bag. Add a few drops of green food coloring; seal bag. Shake and knead bag lightly to tint coconut.
5. Lift cereal mixture from mixing bowl with edges of foil and invert onto a serving platter; remove foil. Frost with the green frosting. Sprinkle with coconut. Insert lollipop sticks with ghost shapes into frosted cereal mixture.
6. Note: After cutting ghost shapes out of the cereal mixture, reserve your scraps for more fun shapes. Try rolling some scraps into balls and dip balls into melted vanilla- or chocolate-flavored candy coating. Sprinkle with desired candy decorations and let set on waxed paper.

Halloween Recipe: Bloody-Rimmed Martinis

2011-10-18T01:23:00.000-04:00

Bloody-Rimmed Martinis

Start to Finish: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Red decorating icing writing gel
3/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
1/2 cup coconut-flavored rum
1/4 cup vanilla vodka or vodka
1/4 cup cream of coconut
Ice cubes

Directions

1. Carefully pipe red gel around the rim of 4 to 6 martini glasses, letting it drip down the sides. Set aside.
2. In a pitcher stir together the half-and-half, coconut rum, vanilla vodka, and cream of coconut. Place ice cubes in a martini shaker. Add coconut mixture. Cover and shake. Divide mixture among prepared martini glasses. Makes: 4 to 6 drinks

Recipe: Ham Breakfast Braid

2011-10-10T07:53:00.000-04:00

Ham Breakfast Braid

Rated:

Submitted By: MHFAB1

Photo By: Kelly Krocker

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ready In: 1 Hour

Servings: 6

"Crescent roll dough is covered with ham, eggs and cheese and then the ends are brought together to form a braid shape."

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

8 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated

crescent roll dough

4 ounces cooked ham, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.	Beat milk and cream cheese together until smooth. Mix in eggs, and season with salt and pepper. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat and cook egg mixture until eggs are almost set.
3.	Arrange the crescent rolls from one package into a rectangle shape on top of a lightly greased cookie sheet. Place rolls from remaining package along the edges of the two long sides of the rectangle, with the broad half of the rolls on top of the first layer of rolls, and the pointed ends extending over the sides of the pan.
4.	Arrange the ham in a layer down the center of the dough. Spoon the cooked egg mixture on top of the ham and then sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the eggs. Bring the corners of the rolls together over the cheese to form a 'braid' shape.
5.	Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 10/10/2011

Note from Lena: There's a new crescent "roll" dough available that is one sheet. You could put the filling on the sheet, roll it up and flip so the seam is on the bottom, then slit the visible dough with a sharp knife. This might be easier than creating the braid effect.

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Oktoberfest Contest at Changeling -- Win Free Books!

2011-10-06T11:24:00.001-04:00

Oktoberfest -- Changeling style!

No, there's no free beer. And we decided to spare you the Cabana boys in Lederhosen. What we do have is over 1000 great books! So come on over to our house and play, and we'll give you the best Trick or Treat we can think of -- free books!

Shop at www.ChangelingPress.com during the month of October, use the discount code Octoberfest at checkout, and not only will you get an extra 5% off your entire order, but you'll also be eligible to win free books! (Sensing a theme here?)

On Halloween, we'll give away 31 books -- one for each day in October -- to 31 random winners from our Octoberfest contest. And the best part -- all you have to do is shop -- and save money! Each order using the discount code Octoberfest counts as a
contest entry. Enter as many times as you wish between now and the end of October. Enter before the contest is over (I know. Duh. But it makes the legal people happy). No other restrictions apply.

Shop. Save. Win. Octoberfest!

Margaret Riley
Publisher
www.ChangelingPress.com
www.RazorsEdgePress.com
>

Mabon Recipe: Apple Pecan Crisp

2011-10-06T11:24:00.000-04:00

Apple-Pecan Crisp
Looking for a fruit dessert using Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix? Then check out this great apple-pecan crisp recipe.
Prep Time
25
Minutes

Total Time
1:20
Hr:Mins

Makes
12
servings

2/3
cup maple-flavored syrup
1/4
cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1
teaspoon ground cinnamon
8
large baking apples (about 5 1/2 lb), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 12 cups)
1/2
cup cold butter or margarine, cut into pieces
1
pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
3/4
cup chopped pecans
Heat oven to 375°F.
In large bowl, stir together syrup, flour and cinnamon until blended. Add apples; toss until evenly coated. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
In same bowl, with pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives in opposite directions), cut butter into cookie mix until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Crumble mixture over apples in baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes. Very loosely cover with foil; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until apples are tender.
Makes 12 servings

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)
Calories 380
(Calories from Fat 130),
Total Fat 14g
(Saturated Fat 5g,
Trans Fat 0g),
Cholesterol 20mg;
Sodium 220mg;
Total Carbohydrate 59g
(Dietary Fiber 2g,
Sugars 31g),
Protein 4g;
Percent Daily Value*:
Vitamin A 6.00%;
Vitamin C 2.00%;
Calcium 0.00%;
Iron 6.00%;
Exchanges:
1 Starch;
1/2 Fruit;
2 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
0 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
2 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choices:
4;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
© 2011 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Crockpot Sausage n Grits Meatloaf

2011-09-27T01:00:00.000-04:00

Slow Cooker Sausage 'n' Grits Meatloaf

Rated:

Submitted By: Jane Ruby

Photo By: mis7up

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Hours

Ready In: 5 Hours 10 Minutes

Servings: 6

"This meatloaf has the southern taste of grits and sausage, and is made in a slow cooker. There are no bread crumbs; egg whites and grits have the holding power."

Ingredients:

2 16-inch square sheets of heavy duty

aluminum foil

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound bulk pork sausage

1/3 cup liquid egg whites

1/3 cup dry grits

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1/2 cup ketchup

2 dashes liquid smoke flavoring, or to

taste (optional)

Directions:

1.	Fold each sheet of aluminum foil in half lengthwise, then fold in half lengthwise again, to make 2 strips of foil 4 inches wide by 16 inches long. Place the strips into the bottom of a slow cooker in a cross, so that the long ends of the strips come partway up the inside of the cooker (to make lifting handles). Spray the inside of the slow cooker and the foil strips with cooking spray.
2.	Mix together the ground beef, pork sausage, egg whites, grits, onion powder, garlic powder, ketchup, and liquid smoke flavoring until thoroughly combined, and form into a rounded loaf. Gently place the loaf into the slow cooker on top of the crossed foil strips.
3.	Cover the cooker, set on Low, and cook for 5 to 6 hours. To serve, carefully hold the ends of the foil strips, and gently lift the meat loaf from the cooker by the foil handles to place on a serving platter for slicing.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 9/19/2011

Re: Painting the Flag- a must see

2011-09-23T01:00:00.000-04:00

More than awesome.

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and
moral courage of free men and women.'
- Ronald Reagan

An interesting presentation . . . thoughtfully prepared

I guarantee you will watch
spell-bound until the last
drop of paint is put in place.
Make sure your sound is turned up
www.youtube.com/v/QZFkZiwMLZ4

Adult Excerpt: Sex World-- Bodyguard by Lena Austin

2011-09-19T19:25:00.000-04:00

Sex World: Bodyguard

by Lena Austin
Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-679-9

Genre(s): Sci-Fi

Theme(s): Men and Women in Uniform

Series: Sex World

Length: Novella

Page Count: 111

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1673

Blurb:
Former intelligence officer Chance is insulted at the idea of having a tagalong sex engineer "bodyguard" until they get lost in the Hive, a world of insect-humans.
Ex-ranger Dawn, Chance's bodyguard, only looks like a cute, curly-haired blonde. On her world, she's survived monsters. This time, the monsters have human faces.
They'll discover a mystery and an awful truth -- there are things worse than dying.
Excerpt:
Sex World: Bodyguard
Lena Austin
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Lena Austin

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Dawn breathed a sigh of relief when she entered the committee chamber and found she was the first one there. Her role as casual guardian of the members of the committee would soon be over, as the regular guardian had recovered from her wounds after the last assassination attempt.
She ran her hands over the sleek secretarial electronics station in a farewell caress. "I'm going to miss you," she muttered. Strange how she'd grown to like the machine and the work.
Stranger still that a barbarian colonist from a primeval world like hers would find herself here on the UCP planetoid, seeing to the comfort and safety of the elite. Even if she did have to wear the strangest clothes to be in fashion.
Dawn checked her skirt and body paint, afraid she might have smudged the artistry. Who'd have thought she could look like a mermaid? Well, that was the talent of the body-paint artists of the wealthy. The combs in her blonde curls were made with real pearls and worth a year's income even without the special modifications that made them weapons.
Well, that was the point. She looked like some oligarch's fluff-and-feathers secretary, and that was why she ran the station here. Her baby face and outfit made many think she didn't have the brains necessary to find her ass with both hands, despite the intense training necessary to run any secretarial electronics.
Dawn smiled wickedly and checked the rest of the weapons hidden on her person or in the desk's panels. Several assassins had found out the hard way not to ignore her. She was sure all would recover eventually, enough to stand trial.
The doors to the chamber snapped open, and Dawn's jaw almost fell open. She moved to sit on the booth chair and pretended to be busy running a service check while she studied the newcomer.
A male wearing a Spartan military service singlesuit, with dark, shoulder-length hair and blue eyes that matched the pale blue of his uniform perfectly, strode in. In fact, everything about him was perfect, down to the creases in his uniform.
But that was what Spartans were known for -- near perfection. Cool, unemotional intellect that made every female human long to shred the facade and get to the barbaric male beneath.
Dawn kept her grin purely internal. She'd had a few Spartan clients and knew from personal experience there was indeed a primal male beneath the icy Spartan exterior. Their convention that it was improper to show emotions in public meant they were lovely beasts in private.
The man under her scrutiny marched three steps full of feline grace and chose one of the chairs around the massive round table. He pulled a pencil file from his breast pocket and inserted it into the table for the usual security check before display. Then he sat back and stared off into the cosmos.
While her secretarial system warmed up and opened the necessary files for this session, Dawn continued to keep an eye on the Spartan. The security recognitions at the door had passed him, and her query as to his identity returned with a Need to Know flag. Probably Intelligence Corps. Well, there was hope for Ice Man yet if he was I-Corps. Maybe he'd be willing to indulge...
"You're staring."
The low, masculine comment caused Dawn to jump like she'd taken a maser shot. Her cheeks flooded with embarrassment. "Forgive me, Citizen. I cannot find identification authorizing you to attend this meeting. Will you state your ID and business for the record?" She toggled the record button and waited.
His pale blue gaze bore into her. "Voiceprint identification, please. Name given is Chance Hesperus. Stated purpose is to report on missing persons on Elysium."
The secretarial board lit with a green Confirmed. Dawn nodded her satisfaction and turned off the recording. "Thank you, Citizen."
The security committee members shuffled in from either of the two entrances as they chose, greeting Chance like an old friend.
Dawn stifled her wish to invite Chance to a rousing game on the holodeck after the meeting. If he was I-Corps, her best bet was to make her invitation through the UCP computer system anyway, to preserve the identity he was using this mission. With a purely internal sigh, she toggled the recording back on as soon as the members were seated and prepared for a long session guaranteed to cure insomnia.
She was dead wrong. Chance's recording of the killing of his tech assistant at the hands of unknown assailants on Elysium, coupled with the overwhelming documentation, proved at least one thousand hapless tourists had gone missing and the evidence they'd ever been on Elysium had been erased with maximum efficiency.
Chance presented a good case. Something would have to be done, but when he requested authorization to return to the planet alone for further investigation, the committee chairman held up a hand.
The old man shook his head regretfully. "I know what you're going to ask for, Chance. You're going to want a license to kill. You can have that under the usual limited circumstances, but you can't go in alone." His watery gaze slid around until it fell on Dawn. He cleared his throat. "You're too valuable for that. I insist on a guardian."
The war of emotions on Chance's face was subtle, but easy to read for a sex engineer of Dawn's training. Ice Man he wasn't, after all. "My last partner died."
His reminder to the committee ground out between clenched teeth, but didn't faze the chairman. He waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, you made that abundantly clear. You also made it clear that the majority of the missing persons were females of any age from birth to their fifth decade. Males who turned up missing were always in the company of at least one female in that age bracket." He steepled his hands and thought for a moment. "I'm going to hazard a guess and say if you want to find out anything, you're going to need a female guardian to act as bait."
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1673
*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

The beast lives!

2011-09-19T19:06:00.000-04:00

Bo the Mechanic called and my Suzuki can be resurrected! Hooray! It was a clogged radiator. Some soapy substance got in, like a prank played on me by kids. The dog did go nuts barking at something recently, and I do forget to lock my car often. That'll teach me! A $78 lesson in safety.

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

It's definitely Monday

2011-09-19T16:17:00.000-04:00

I have a '97 Suzuki. Or, most likely I should say that I *had* a '97 Suzuki. I've been having trouble with it overheating, and after two trips to the mechanic, I thought it was fixed.

WRONG!

As I'd promised to do, I opened the hood this morning and opened the radiator valve to inspect the water level now that the car had cooled overnight. Yes, that was what I said. The car had cooled overnight. So, when I opened the cap, I didn't expect to get sprayed all over my work clothes with water and antifreeze. I put the cap back on, dried off and took off my apron I'd had the good sense to wear over my work clothes. The sleeves were only a little wet, so I decided to keep my shirt on. I'd call the mechanic tomorrow on my day off. I'd nurse the car through another day, just as I had for two weeks.

The sky was gray and the day blustery, so I threw in my umbrella just in case. I even remembered to bring my travel mug of coffee, freshly topped off and hot. I wasn't going to let Monday get me down! I'd even added money on my Tracfone just so I could have minutes for emergencies and text messaging my daughters. Smug and self-assured, I got in, got gas, and drove off to work in plenty of time.

Guess I pissed Murphy off.

Traffic was unusually light for a Monday. Even when it began to rain, I hummed a jaunty tune and took a sip of coffee. Yep, I was going to handle Monday just fine.

Then traffic stopped. Dead stop. All three lanes of I-95 were a solid wall of taillights.

I hadn't listened to the traffic reporting two accidents and a stoplight out on all three of the major routes to my work. I checked my watch. I still had plenty of time. I took another sip of coffee.

My car's temperature gauge slipped up a notch, then another. Uh-oh.

My heart sank with every notch that needle rose. I knew what was coming, but I was helpless to stop it. I nervously took another sip of coffee and prayed traffic would start moving.

POP! From under my hood, steam hissed out the sides of the hood.

I sighed, put on my blinkers, and pulled over to the emergency shoulder. After all, this was exactly why I paid extra for roadside assistance. I pulled the card out of my purse, dialed, and requested a wrecker. Then I called my work's attendance line and told them I doubted I'd make it in. (Dammit, there went my perfect attendance record.) Then I left a message for Dante, informing him of the trouble, just to cover my bases.

Ahead of me, another pileup snarled traffic even further. The rain came down harder, but I had my coffee and one of my daughters to talk to on the phone.

Three cops and an ambulance worked their way through the traffic and forged ahead. Oh, goodie. Accident with injuries. A big red wrecker from another company than the one I called passed by. The driver gave me a friendly wave, and I waved back. He was probably on his way to the mess up ahead, and I didn't begrudge him. He clearly wasn't my wrecker.

My bladder began to protest. I had gaily drank most of my travel mug, plus the mug I'd had before I left the house. Hmm. Older woman in "good" clothes on a rainy day, with a full bladder and a dead car. Not good. This could get ugly. It was also getting hot in my car, and I began to perspire. "It's Florida," I told myself. "Sweating is what we do." The sweat mingled with whatever the liquid was on my sleeves and began to sting my skin.

The rain let up to a spitting shower, then stopped. A white wrecker pulled up behind me with a cheerful, skinny Armenian guy on a cell phone. It seemed the big red wrecker's driver was a friend of his, and his friend had told him precisely where I was! He set about getting my car loaded on his wrecker bed very efficiently, and asked me to wait in his truck.

I elected to stand in the grass for a few minutes to let my shirt dry in the breeze. The cool air felt marvelous to my stinging skin. I was going to be okay, after all. I'd direct the driver to drop my car off at the mechanic, and I'd walk the mile home. No big deal. I could do it. I had an umbrella, and there was a Wendy's halfway down the road if I needed a rest or the bathroom.

Did you know there were red ant and fire ant nests all over the verge of the highway? Neither did I, but I found out the hard way!

Did you know it was possible for an arthritic and overweight author to scramble up into a wrecker's cab when the first step was almost at the top of her thighs and the seat above her head? Neither did I.

Not only did the wrecker driver help me drop my car off at the mechanic, he even offered to take me home! How sweet is that? Now I'm nervously waiting for the prognosis on my car. Am I going to have to buy a new car? Worse, am I going to have to call Enterprise Rent A Car so I can go car shopping?

Stay tuned...

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Humor: Annual Dementia Test

2011-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Our Yearly Dementia Test-- only 4 questions this year,

the economy you know....

Our Yearly Dementia Test

It's that time of year for us to take our annual senior citizen test.
Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert. If you don't use it, you lose it!
Below is a very private way to gauge how your memory compares to the last test. Some may think it is too easy but the ones with memory problems may have difficulty. Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not.
The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.

1. What do you put in a toaster?

Answer: 'bread.' If you said 'toast' give up now and do something else..
Try not to hurt yourself.
If you said, bread, go to Question 2.

2. Say 'silk' five times. Now spell 'silk.' What do cows drink?

Answer: Cows drink water. If you said 'milk,' don't attempt the next question. Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading more appropriate literature such as Auto World.
However, if you said 'water', proceed to question 3.

3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?

Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said 'green bricks,' why are you still reading these??? If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4.

4. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales ... In London , 17 people get on the bus.
In Reading , 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on.
In Swindon , 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In Cardiff , 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In Swansea , 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven ..

Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver?

Answer: Oh, for crying out loud!
Don't you remember your own age?
It was YOU driving the bus!!
If you pass this along to your friends, pray they do better than you.

6-8 Choose A Flavor Milk Shakes

2011-06-10T01:09:00.002-04:00

You need a blender!
Choose a Flavor Milk Shakes
1 pint each vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, butter brickle, and coffee ice
creams
1/2 to 3/4 cup milk
Blend ice cream and milk together. Serve immediately.
Additions:
Peanut Butter-- 2 T peanut butter with chocolate or vanilla ice cream
Mocha-- Use chocolate ice cream and add 2 t instant coffee crystals
Cinnamon-Apple-- Use vanilla ice cream. Add 1 cut up small apple and 1/2
t cinnamon
Candy Milk Shakes-- Add 6 bite-sized candy bars, cut up. Toffee, peanut butter
cups, M&Ms, Snickers, etc.
Cookie Milk Shakes-- Add 4 sandwich cookies or 4 chocolate-covered graham
crackers.
Use Torani or DaVinci syrups (see websites for selection) for truly unique milk
shakes

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

You Gotta Read Reviews and Affairs of Dragons

2011-06-07T06:43:00.001-04:00

I'm pleased to announce You Gotta Read Reviews liked "Affairs of Dragons."

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-affairs-of-dragons-by-lena.html

Thank you, Janelle!

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "lcmcsr@aol.com" <lcmcsr@aol.com>
To: voiceomt2002@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, June 6, 2011 9:30 PM
Subject: Review Posted on You Gotta Read Reviews

As a representative from You Gotta Read, I would like to let you know that your book, Affairs of Dragons, has been reviewed by Janelle, one of our reviewers. The link below will take you there. We look forward to reviewing more of your books in the future.

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-affairs-of-dragons-by-lena.html

Please feel free to leave a comment on the review that was written as it means a lot to the reviewer.

We would also like to extend the offer for you to guest blog with our site. If you would be interested, please feel free to send an e-mail to ygrguest@gmail.com with a tentative date.

At the bottom of your review, you will find a Tweet This button. Feel free to click on this to add a URL back to your review post for your Twitter friends to see!

Thanks and have a great day,

Laura

　

Level Up gets a Review!

2011-06-05T07:08:00.001-04:00

My thanks to Donald for this lovely review!

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/paranormal/Level_Up.shtml

::Whispers to my readers:: Told you this was hotter than my usual.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Preparing for Memorial Day...

2011-05-06T19:50:00.001-04:00

American's tend to forget what Memorial Day is all about. The attached will help us all to remember, please forward and keep it going.

God Bless America !

MEMORIAL DAY

Keep it
moving, please, even if you've seen it before.

It is the
VETERAN ,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN ,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN ,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN ,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.


It is
the VETERAN ,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN ,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is
the VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

It is
the VETERAN
Who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL
REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.

I'd be EXTREMELY proud if this email reached as many as possible. We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

God
Bless them all!!!

Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!!

Re: Phyllis Rainone Hader also commented on Lena Austin's note "Mother's Day".

2011-04-11T19:40:00.001-04:00

@Phyllis RH-- Mom works in a spa. She gets pedicures free. However, the picture idea is pretty good. Thanks!

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

From: Facebook <fbmessage+mdphipmd@facebookmail.com>
To: Lena Austin <voiceomt2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Mon, April 11, 2011 1:22:15 PM
Subject: Phyllis Rainone Hader also commented on Lena Austin's note "Mother's Day".

Phyllis Rainone Hader also commented on Lena Austin's note "Mother's Day".

Phyllis wrote:
"how about brunch and a pedicure? and a pic of the two of you?"

Mother's Day

2011-04-11T07:30:00.001-04:00

I have a dilemma. It will soon be Mother's Day, and I'm clueless what to give my
mother other than a whole day of togetherness. I haven't been able to see her
much since my DH died, and part of my gift will be a day of "girl time."
However, I feel like I should give her at least a token gift.

She has too many cosmetics and perfumes because she works in a spa. She doesn't
like knickknacks because she's a minimalist when it comes to decor. Flowers and
plants won't do because she despises gardening with a passion. The only cliche
left is candy, and that's not a bad thought, but it is cliche.

I know, I could just give her a gift card and take her shopping, but it seems
like I didn't even try to find a good gift. While I personally love gift cards
so I can shop guilt-free, she's my Mom. I want to show her some love, even if my
budget is tighter than a virgin's ass. (sigh) Any ideas?

What would you like to get on Mother's Day?

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Make the Yuletide Gay has been reviewed by Whipped Cream Reviews.

2011-04-03T07:19:00.001-04:00

They said super nice things! I'm feeling the love!

http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-yuletide-gay-by-lena-austin.html

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Spring Fling with Night Owl Romance!

2011-04-01T01:22:00.002-04:00

You know I had to get in on this! Try to find my graphic on my website, http://www.lenaaustin.com/ !

The Ten Commandments of Writing (from another blog)

2011-03-31T06:59:00.000-04:00

This was so true, I had to give praise to this author for articulating what perhaps has not been said before with such clarity.

From FictionGroupie.blogspot.com:

So as I go through this whole writing journey, I spend a lot of time observing other authors--be it in person or, more likely, on the internet. I want to know what makes one so successful and the other not as much. What makes one likable and another unapproachable. In other words, what separates the good from the great. And so, based on my very unscientific observations, I've come up with my own Ten Commandments. These are the things I've seen successful authors do and the things I strive to emulate. So here we go...

The Ten Commandments of a Successful Author

1. I will always strive to make the next book better than the last.

This is one that keeps me awake at night sometimes. The desire to make this next book better than the first one, to improve on every new project. We put so much effort into THAT book, you know the one to get the agent and the book deal. It's the best we have to give on a page. Then the dream happens and you're faced with book two and oh, you have a time limit this time, and oh if this one tanks, there may not be another book deal. *breathes into paper bag* The best authors out there manage to do this, even on tight deadlines, even when the check is already in the bank. They keep topping their own work.

2. I will not fear risk.

It's tempting to be safe, to stick to what you know and what you know works. But the best authors don't just put out book after book that follow the same formula. They take risks, they push boundaries, hell, some of them even test out different genre waters. With no risk, there's no challenge. Write the stories you want to write. If some don't work out, that's okay.

3. I will never believe "I'm the sh*t." Well, at least not for an extended period of time.

We've all seen it. The author that hits whatever level and now seems to wear the "I'm the sh*t" tiara. Don't do it. No matter if you top every bestseller list. It's okay when you get a good review or hit a list or write a passage that rocks to think to yourself--yep, I'm the shizz nizz, baby. But keep it to yourself--please--and don't let it go to your head. No one's that awesome.

4. I shall not wallow in a pool of self-pity and doubt when someone doesn't like me or my writing.

Someone, probably many someones, will absolutely hate your writing. It's inevitable. You can't please everyone. If you let negative feedback get in your head, it will eat away at your confidence like cancer. This goes for rejections too. Feel the sting, eat a piece of chocolate or take a shot of whiskey--whatever you're preference--and move on.

5. I will never respond to a bad review.

I said never. You hear? Never. Unless to say, "Thank you sir, can I have another?" I'm sure most of you saw the brouhaha on Twitter/Facebook/message boards the other day over a writer who lashed out at a reviewer online. At some point in your career, you will want to do this. It's human. You will want to yell, scream, insult, bestow your wrath upon someone who said something bad about your book.

Don't do it. This is what friends and spouses are for--call them, let it out, cuss the jerk who gave you the negative review. But never lash out publicly or at the reviewer. This will only serve to make you look petty and childish, which will make people not want to deal with you or buy your books. (And remember, lovelies, the internet is viral. One untoward comment can make the rounds faster than a case of croup at a daycare.)

6. Covet your neighbor's success. A dose of envy does a writer good.

There are all these posts out there about writer envy and jealousy telling you how you shouldn't waste time being envious of other writers and what they have, their level of success, etc. Yes, that's true. If you spend all your time burning green, you won't get anything else done. BUT, a little bit of this can be helpful. So and so got an agent and you haven't yet? Your crit partner hit the bestseller list but you can't seem to? Feel that envy and USE it. Use it as kindling under your butt and light a fire to keep going, to get what you want, to grab that success too. Envy with motivation can be very productive. Envy with whining and no action is what you need to avoid.

7. "Good enough" will never be good enough.

The best authors don't settle for good enough. If you've sold a bazillion books and you already have a deal for the next and everyone is lining up just for the privilege of sharing your air, it could be tempting to just write something that's "good enough". But the best authors don't. They put as much heart and guts into every book they put out every time.

8. I will not apologize for what I write.

Do not apologize for your passion. There are stigmas against all kinds of genres, not just romance like I talked about last week. But this is your writing, your story, and your blood on the page. Playing down what you write is playing down who you are. I know this one will be tough for me because once my book comes out, people in my life will know exactly what I write. I know some will judge me for it. I do not want to apologize for it. I'm proud of it.

9. I shall pay it forward.

The best writers give back. If any of you stopped by the blog Monday and saw the Operation Auction information, you know this is true. No we can't help others all the time. If Stephen King answered every email from a newbie on how to be a writer, he'd never get anything done. But he did write On Writing, which is a way of giving back what he's learned (even though, granted, he did make money writing that book.) So no matter how busy you get, try to find time to help others out. Maybe it's to offer a query crit to someone who hasn't queried before, maybe it's having a blog that gives information that everyone can benefit from, maybe it's volunteering your time at conferences or judging a contest. Whatever it is, find something. Think of those who've helped you in your journey. Don't you want to be one of those people another writer can think of?

10. Don't forget to have fun--you love this, dumbass. (Even when it's hard.)

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day--this chapter is so hard, I have a saggy middle, why won't these agents answer my queries--rut. But never forget, this is your dream. Enjoy the act of writing. And good Lord, if you do get the elusive book deal and become published, don't spend your time whining about the minutiae. It's okay for authors to tweet if they're struggling with an edit or whatever, but too much of that sounds like a whole bunch of whine. So many people want this. If you get it, be thankful and for heaven's sake, enjoy it! You get to make stuff up for a living.

So those are the ten writing commandments I'm working toward, what are some of yours? Which would you add? And which authors do you think emulate these things?

Drink Recipe: Irish Tea Hot Cocktail

2011-03-17T17:41:00.001-04:00

This seems like the perfect drink for a rainy day.
Recipe Link:
http://www.fineliving.com/fine/entertaining/article/0,2498,FINE_22197_5799745,00.html

Recipe:
Irish Tea Hot Cocktail

Hit hot tea with some Irish whiskey!

A favorite of the Spirits of Gillet caterers in "brrr, I'm cold" Gillet, Wis.,
the Irish tea habit is also alive and well on the Emerald Isle. Super simple if
you use tea bags, but why not make this cocktail extra-special by brewing up a
pot of loose-leaf Irish tea before adding the whiskey?

Ingredients:
1 sugar packet or teaspoon granulated sugar
1-1/2 oz. Jameson Irish Whiskey
Fill mug with hot tea to 1/2-inch from top, leaving the tea bag in the mug.
Garnish with cinnamon stick.

St Patrick's Day Recipe: Slow-Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage

2011-03-17T10:03:00.001-04:00

Slow-Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage

3 1/2 cups Swanson® Beef Broth or Swanson® Beef Stock

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 medium onions, cut into quarters

5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters (about 5 cups)

5 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)

1 corned beef or beef brisket (about 3 pounds)

1 head green cabbage, trimmed and cut into 6 wedges (about 2 pounds)

Bouquet Garni

Stir the broth and vinegar into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the onions, potatoes, carrots, beef and cabbage. Submerge the Bouquet Garni in the broth mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. Remove the Bouquet Garni.

RECIPE TIPS

Bouquet Garni: Lay a 4-inch square of cheesecloth flat on the counter. Place 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon pickling spice and 2 bay leaves in the center of the cloth. Bring the corners of the cheesecloth together and tie with kitchen string into a bundle.
Time-Saving: Or you may cook the recipe on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
For thicker sauce: Remove the beef and vegetables from the cooker. Stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth. Add to the cooker and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Recipe: Pistachio Cake

2011-03-16T03:46:00.000-04:00

Pistachio Cake III

By: MACC

"A green tube cake made by altering a cake mix with pistachio pudding and green food coloring."

iendly View

Prep Time:
20 Min

Cook Time:
50 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 15 Min

Servings (Help)

US Metric Calculate

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 10 inch tube pan

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
7 drops green food coloring

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan.
In a large bowl mix together cake mix and pudding mix. Make a well in the center and pour in eggs, water, oil, almond extract and green food coloring. Blend ingredients, then beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
Pour into prepared 10 inch tube pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly pressed. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 242 | Total Fat: 9.8g | Cholesterol: 61mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

Promo ADULT Excerpt: Level Up by Lena Austin (Bisexual, Menage, Futuristic)

2011-03-15T07:43:00.001-04:00

Level Up

by Lena Austin

Cover art: Bryan Keller

ISBN: 978-1-60521-605-8

Genre(s): Futuristic

Theme(s): Ménage, Bisexual and More

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1566

Blurb:

Megan's late again, and David is getting tired of waiting on her. However, Megan and her roommates Jared and Michael are going to make it up to David in a big way. They're hoping he'll level up his domestic situation and join them in a never-ending foursome.

Excerpt:

When next he awakened, the clock on the bedside table read ten minutes before midnight. Frustration and anger rose in David, but he didn't know what to do about it. For the moment, they were both stuck in dead-end, poverty-level jobs. He'd been offered a position in The Sphinx Hotel's famous Amarna restaurant after graduation, but he'd still be the lowest chef on the roster for at least another couple of years. There was nothing to be done until they could afford the tax penalties of pairing off. He might as well go home and beat off in the shower.

The vid screen blared a little loudly, playing some Jazz Era hits from the cable company's selection of music channels. Dave wondered if Jared and Michael had come back early. They often curled up on the couch together to read while listening to music and then fell asleep there. No matter what, they'd get a notice from the property manager's office for noise violation if they left the music up that high. Dave tiptoed toward the screen's control panel. He'd just turn down the sound a notch or two on his way out, and then leave. Quietly, so as not to disturb them if they were asleep, Dave crept softly over the carpeted dining area, then froze in his tracks.

On the floor, Michael and Jared were busily pleasuring one another in a mutual sixty-nine. Naked, with the lights of the fractals on the screen reflecting off their bodies, both men were even more beautiful than he'd thought possible.

At first, Dave didn't know what to do. The front door was across the living room, and he'd have to step over them to make it to the door. He could of course return to Megan's room and simply wait there, but he didn't do that, either. His boots seemed rooted to the floor, his eyes glued to the tableau in front of him.

Dave stood fighting his morals and the wish to give the men he'd begun to call friends the privacy they deserved. Instead, he wanted to watch. He licked his lips. Maybe more. He mentally slapped himself.

Sure, they should have been doing the nasty back in their own bedroom instead of out on the floor of the living room, but Dave understood how sometimes location didn't matter when things got hot. Really, how easy was it to forget Megan could be home at any moment and that Dave had been asleep on Megan's bed? Well, okay, maybe they'd never checked the back bedrooms. They were going to have to bolt like a pair of rabbits for the room just as soon as they heard Megan keying in her entrance code.

However, Dave continued to stand right in the entrance to the hall, blocking their way to the bedrooms of the apartment. His gaze remained riveted on the two of them, and his feet refused to listen to the fading voice of his morals demanding weakly for him to go back down the hall. The sight of Jared and Michael giving each other the slow suck, tenderly teasing each other, gave Dave one hell of a woody.

Jared was on top, as usual. He was the more aggressive and outgoing of the pair, cocksure of what he wanted in life and how to get it. His short brown curls winked in the lights of the fractals on the screen, and in time to the slow, moody beat of the jazz. Why hadn't Dave ever noticed how the dude was in shape, with not one ounce of spare fat on him? Even his ass was smooth and firm. Jared lifted his head to suck slowly upward until his lover moaned beneath him.

Michael was almost sleekly feminine, especially when his longer blond hair was spread out on the carpet like a sacrificial maiden or something. Dave felt a kinship with Michael, who was a professional baker. While Michael mainly made the breads for the bakery, at home he often indulged his artistic side with decorated cakes worthy of weddings and events. Even now, his long, delicate fingers kneaded Jared's ass until Dave could see the pink-brown hole pucker before Michael's hands manipulated the smooth globes closed over it again in an erotic game of peek-a-boo.

Hell, Dave wasn't innocent of the games men played. He'd indulged once or twice during those adolescent explorations in school. Girls were more his thing, but Dave couldn't deny that he'd enjoyed himself. Dave's hand crept over to rub his hard-on through his jeans. Megan was good, but even without experiencing the blow job himself, Dave knew Jared was an expert. Michael was no slouch at the sword-swallow routine, either. Dave just forgot one thing. From where Dave stood, his reflection would show up on the glass of the screen, clear as day.

Jared lifted his head from Michael's cock with a soft pop. His green eyes glittered in the reflected light of the fractals as they exploded and changed to the next song before they focused on Dave over his shoulder. "If you want to watch, then you might as well come in and make yourself comfortable." There was no malice or hurt anger in his tone, just a mild amusement, like he'd just invited Dave to dinner instead of a peep show.

Dave's face heated up, so he knew he blushed like a girl. This was worse than being caught by his mother looking at porn on the vid. Mom had laughed at him and cuffed him for not having the protections set higher, but Dave had still been caught literally with his pants down. This time wasn't much better. "I'm ah… well, um… Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I was waiting for Megan and um…"

Michael released Jared's cock from his mouth and gave it a lick before rolling his head back until his chin rested between Jared's balls.

Dave wondered what having a five o-clock shadow rubbing your sack felt like and got harder. Then Dave realized he'd started to rub himself again and snatched his hand away like his zipper was on fire.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1566

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Garfield on the Oil Crisis

2011-03-10T12:56:00.001-05:00

GARFIELD

ON THE OIL CRISIS

A lot of folks can't understand how we came to have an oil shortage here in our country.

~~~

Well, there's a very simple answer.

~~~

Nobody bothered to check the oil.

~~~

We just didn't know we were getting low.

~~~

The reason for that is purely geographical.

~~~

Our OIL is located in:

~~~

ALASKA

~~~

California

~~~

Coastal Florida

~~~

Coastal Louisiana

~~~

Coastal Alabama

~~~~

Coastal Mississippi

~~~~

Coastal Texas

~~~

North Dakota

~~~

Wyoming

~~~

Colorado

~~~

Kansas

~~~

Oklahoma

~~~

Pennsylvania

~~~

And

~~~

Texas

~~~

Our dipsticks are located in DC

~~~

Any Questions? NO? Didn't think So.

Cover Hotness! Level Up by Lena Austin (Coming Soon to Changeling Press)

2011-03-04T21:20:00.001-05:00

Lookee what Bryan made for me!

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1566

Blurb:

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

A new Review for Affairs of Dragons from TRS!

2011-03-04T21:13:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Hollie!!

"...I love dragons -- the magic and the loyalty. There really isn't anything sexier. The first book in Ms. Austin's new Dragon's Mates series has all this an add sparkle that comes from the love only a true mate can bring."

http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/affairsdragonaustin.htm

My Pictures of the Scottish Festival and Highland Games

2011-03-02T21:50:00.001-05:00

Hi y'all!

As many of you already know, like my Facebook friends, I went to the NE Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Green Cove Springs, FL this past weekend. I promised several of you (grinning at Kate Douglas, Cynnara Tregarth, etc) I'd post the URL to the pictures I took. Some I've even taken the time to put in captions and comments.

http://s516.photobucket.com/albums/u323/voiceomt2002/2011%20Scottish%20Games/

Yep, I even got Dante in a kilt.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Tired of Snow?

2011-02-26T06:58:00.000-05:00

Sure, I'm down here in Florida, but I have seen how this horrible winter has affected my friends and family. Hope this cheers you up.

Winners of the Valentine Day Contest

2011-02-17T07:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry I'm late on announcing this, but here are the winners of the Contest:

Copies of the ebook, "Affairs of Dragons" are:

Annette Dupuis
Dawn Roberto
Kendra Quinn
Mary McCoy

Grand Prize winner of the dragon pen: (Drum roll, please!)

Terrie Wagner! ('Bout time you won something, girl!)

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

X-rated Excerpt: Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons by Lena Austin

2011-02-14T20:12:00.001-05:00

Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons
by Lena Austin
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1548

Blurb:

Never meddle in the affairs of dragons…

For over a century, Jon's village has sacrificed a virgin to the dragon who
lives in the mountain. This time, when they find Jon in a compromising position
with a traveling player, Jon's the new sacrifice!

Patch really isn't fond of the taste of human flesh. He's enjoyed sending the
virgin sacrifices off to start their new lives. But when he sees Jon beaten and
trussed to the rock outside his cave, he decides he may just keep this sacrifice
around -- as his mate.

Excerpt:

Again, the human hung his head and hunched his shoulders. "You shouldn't indulge me in my sins. I should not corrupt so beautiful a creature as you with my evil ways. " He reached for the wet remains of his pants. "I should go. Healers and dragons aren't for the likes of me."

"What nonsense is this? What is a sin?" Patch frowned, not understanding the problem. He cocked his head to one side. "Don't you like making sex?"

Jon tried to crawl out of the pool , but without both legs, he could not do more than scramble futilely. One bubble of the soapweed foam slid slowly toward his eye, so he took a moment to duck his head and rinse off. "I liked it very much! That's the problem. The priests say it's a sin for two men to… to… um…"

"Fuck?" Patch supplied the word politely. He tilted his head to one side and squeezed a bit of soapweed into his hand before lathering up. It did feel wonderful, and he reached up with both hands to give his head a good rubbing.

The human moaned and half-shut his eyes. Even his breathing quickened, and once more his tongue flicked out. Goodness, humans certainly knew how to be sexy beasts, for all they lacked scales and wings to flex. "Patch, you have no idea how sexy you are when you stretch up like that and display…"

Patch froze with foam running down his cheek. "Really? Isn't that odd! I thought you were being deliberately provocative, flicking your tongue at me. I've no doubt if you had a tail, the tip would be as erect as your cock, and then you'd be as sexy as any dragon whose company I might enjoy." Patch longed to show Jon what an erect tail could do. "Are you sure I can't persuade you?"

Jon swallowed and trembled for a moment on the lip of the pool before sliding back into the water. His lips twisted upward, but he didn't bare his teeth in aggression. "Well, truth be told, I was given to you as a gift and sacrifice." He bowed his head in submission and looked up at Patch. "I'm yours to do with as you will."

"Oh, there will be none of that!" Patch waded over and lifted Jon's chin until they could see each other eye-to-eye and nose-to-nose. "We dragons do not enslave others and, as a matter of fact, it is said human flesh isn't very tasty. I wouldn't know, of course. You'll be my first."

The soft, earth-brown eyes of the human widened. In fact, now that the healing waters were working their magick on him, he was turning out to be a ruggedly handsome fellow, long of limb and lean of flesh except for his chest and arms. Those were well developed, almost as muscular as a dragon's flight muscles. However, Jon seemed as startled as a deer before a stooping dragon. "First lover? Ever?"

The snort of laughter burst from Patch before he could stop it. He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing aloud. "No! First human, of course." He ducked his own head a bit. "I feel very naughty to step outside my species, but you are compellingly… different."

"And you are incredibly beautiful as a man." Jon lifted a few strands of Patch's hair. "Thank you for healing my sight. I wish I'd been able to see you as a dragon. I'll bet you're magnificent. But for the nonce, I'll just enjoy staring into your fireball eyes. They're strange… and…" His speech slurred, and he stopped speaking, looking as if he'd fall asleep there in the water.

Uh-oh. Patch blinked quickly. The human had fallen under the hypnotic spell cast by every dragon's eyes -- a trick some ancestor had learned to soothe his prey before consuming it.

Jon matched the blink and straightened his spine. "Sorry. I didn't get much sleep last night, I don't think." He squared his shoulders. "I'd love to be your first human, Patch, and I'd love to… um…" The human's face flushed red with warmth.

"Taste a dragon?" Patch offered. He hefted himself to a flat granite rock on the rim of the pool and spread his legs. A wicked plan formed in his mind. He lay on his side, still presenting his cock for sucking as well as his whole body. Dragons fucked on the wing high above the mountaintops, but since a poor human would suffocate in the thin air, such a mating was not possible. Perhaps there was another way?

For his part, Jon stepped forward eagerly and grasped Patch's hardened cock with a sure grip. His large brown eyes twinkled with good humor and lust. "This I know well, though you're quite a mouthful, I'm sure I can manage." He closed his eyes and took the head of Patch's cock into his mouth.

"Can you, now?" Patch growled softly, already aroused by the human's grasp and firm strokes. "Can you handle more?" Already he could feel his tail lengthening behind him and his body growing in strength. His wings manifested, but stayed furled. Could the human accept the half-form of a man-dragon?

Jon squeaked in surprise when Patch's tail wrapped around his waist, and the human's jaw descended slowly in admiration and awe. "Oh, my!" He took in Patch's muscular but scaly human body, wings, and the coils of tail around Jon's waist. "Oh, don't change further, or I shall surely come too soon. You are truly magnificent now."

The tip of Patch's tail parted the human's ass cheeks and teased at the opening all males enjoyed, whether they were dragon, phoenix, or human. "But what if I do this?" Beneath the heated water, the tip entered and caressed.

Only the strength of Patch's tail kept Jon's head above water when he bent and spread himself. "If this is what it means to be a sacrifice, then I'm the happiest man on earth!"

http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1548

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Romance Week Contest Question Six

2011-02-12T01:05:00.001-05:00

Question 6: The most romantic scene in any of Lena's books is:

Repeat of Instructions if needed:

To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.

You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:

1. Paris
2. The Catskills

3. The beach at night

This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.
I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.
What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

First Review of Affairs of Dragons Review Posted from Literary Nymphs!

2011-02-11T20:17:00.001-05:00

Woohooo!! I got 5 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs for Affairs of Dragons!!

Chocolate Minx said, "...The gifted Lena Austin has produced an outstanding and enormously pleasurable saga. I look forward to the next exciting episode."

And I'm "gifted" too...<blush>

http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2011/02/affairs-of-dragons.html

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Romance Week Contest Question Five

2011-02-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Question 5: My least romantic encounter or Valentine's Day was...

Repeat of Instructions if needed:

To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.

You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:

1. Paris
2. The Catskills

3. The beach at night

This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.

I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.

What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

Romance Week Contest Question Four

2011-02-10T01:54:00.001-05:00

Question 4: My ideal Romance Hero/Heroine or Encounter would be...

Repeat of Instructions if needed:
To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.

You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:

1. Paris
2. The Catskills
3. The beach at night

This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.
I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.

What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

Romance Week Contest Question Three

2011-02-09T01:52:00.000-05:00

Question 3: I want ____________ for Valentine's Day.

Repeat of Instructions if needed:

To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.
You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:
1. Paris

2. The Catskills

3. The beach at night
This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.

I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.

What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

Romance Week Contest Question Two

2011-02-08T01:50:00.000-05:00

Question 2: The Most Romantic Thing He/She did for me was...

Repeat of Instructions if needed:

To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.

You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:

1. Paris

2. The Catskills

3. The beach at night

This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.

I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.

What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

Romance Week Contest Question One

2011-02-06T20:08:00.001-05:00

To participate in this contest, you must answer me in some manner, and spamming me doesn't count. You can answer me in my blog (http://depravedduchess.bogspot.com/), the Contact Lena page of my website, or via the Comments in my Notes on Facebook.

You must have Romance Week Contest Question # 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 (depending on which question you're answering) in the subject line. This is how I'll sort the different questions. If there's no place to put it, type it into the top of your answer like this:

Romance Week Contest Question #1-- My top romantic places are:

1. Paris
2. The Catskills
3. The beach at night

This contest in its entirety will run all week, and I'll close it for all answers on February 14, 2011 at my bedtime, EST in America. I'm over 50, so don't procratinate.

I'll post a new question each day of this week, Monday through Saturday. I'll give you Sunday off to catch up, and Monday the 14th is for me to total and sort before I do the random drawings for each question.

All non-Changeling Press authors and all readers are eligible. In fact, to sweeten the pot, let's see how many of you are paying attention. I'll offer a discount code for the entire contest: Use the code Romance to buy any Changeling Press ebook from the Changeling Press website (http://www.changelingpress.com/) and you will get 5% off your total order. I won't even make you buy one of mine to get the discount.

What's the prize? Why, something that ties back to my latest release, of course! I have a beautiful and expensive pen shaped and painted like a red dragon. That's the Grand Prize. In addition, I'll draw a name from each set of answers and each will get their choice of a Changeling Press ebook. Then everyone who didn't win an ebook gets a chance at the dragon pen. Now, just in case the winner is in a foreign country or doesn't want the pen, I'll give them an ebook, too.

Okay, so you've seen the first question: What are your three top romantic places. (Bonus would be to tell me why.)

Good Luck!!
Lena

Get Rich Slowly: “The Cost of Love”

2011-02-05T07:47:00.001-05:00

I don't want anyone to think I'm down on love. I'm not. I write romance, remember? What I don't believe in is dying vegetation and sentiments written on shredded tree pulp. Take me to the zoo, or have a picnic with me on the beach. I'd love to show off my cooking skills.

The most romantic thing my husband ever did was to sweep me into his arms for a slow dance while Kermit the Frog sang, "Why are there so many songs about rainbows?" We danced around the living room of his tiny rental and won my heart forever. Thirty years of marriage later, and that still was my favorite romance scene. I kept the one silk rose he could afford to give me back then. It's still in a bud vase after all these years.

He said he fell in love with me the day he came home to the rental and found me there with a pot of chili, a fresh carafe of coffee, and I was pulling buttermilk biscuits out of the oven. He'd found the girl of his dreams, and she wasn't wearing fabulous jewels and furs. She wore blue jeans and a Harley shirt.

Just keep in mind that romance doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to fit the person you're with. Keep reading.

The Cost of Love

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 03:00 AM PST

This post is from staff writer April Dykman.

Have you ever noticed all of the song lyrics about love and money?

"No romance without finance…"
"My love don't cost a thing…"
"Only boys who save their pennies, make my rainy day…"
"Can't buy me love…"

Whether you side with Madonna or The Beatles on the issue of love and money, courtship can be costly.

When you imagine your ideal partner, you probably think of general characteristics you find desirable, not the financial implications of starting a new relationship. (So unromantic!). But there are usually a lot of dinners, movie tickets, gifts, and flowers involved in the journey from single to happily committed.

To quantify the cost of love, let's look at the typical expenses associated with dating over a one-year period, along with lower-cost ways to woo your sweetheart.

The cost of meeting somebody new
If you've tapped out your real-life social network, you might consider online dating, and you might get good results. A 2005 University of Bath study found that 94% of people who used Internet dating sites saw their partner again after the first date, and the relationships lasted an average of seven months.

If the thought of paying for an online dating service puts you off, Big Think points to a study showing that the time people give to a match depended on how much the dating site cost. Men who paid $50 spent an average of 49 minutes on the date, while the men who paid nothing for the match spent only 28 minutes on the date. You're also likely to receive less spam from mildly interested potential matches on paid sites.

On average, online dating sites cost $35–$50 per month, averaging $510 per year. A more frugal suggestion? Branch out by joining new groups and organizations. Always wanted to take up trail running? Find a group that meets in your area for 5 a.m. runs. Music lover? See if your city has a young professionals membership to the symphony.

Or, consider online social networking, which is the 21st century way of letting your friends hook you up. Facebook, for example, allows you to check out your friend's friends, and your mutual friend can setup a casual group date.

Dinner and dancing
It's Just Lunch, a dating service for busy professionals, surveyed 3,968 singles nationwide about how much they spend on dates. On average, 51% of men in the U.S. spend more than $100 a month on dates, and 29% spend over $150. In bigger cities, those figures are higher. For example, 82% of men in Los Angeles spend over $150 a month on dates.

Women, on the other hand, spend significantly less on dates. About two-thirds of women spend less than $50 a month. Perhaps it's a sign that the Southern gentleman is still around, but 75% of women in the South spend less than $50 a month on dates.

Going on averages, that's $600–$1200 per year spent on dates. But according to an ING Direct survey, most women aren't expecting a fancy dinner and expensive bottle of wine on the first date. The poll found that on average, men overestimate how much is expected of them.

There are plenty of free and low-cost date ideas that don't involve dining on a McBurger and fries, and we've covered many of them at Get Rich Slowly in the past. Picnics on the beach, comedy club improv shows, visiting the local aquarium, checking out a museum, hiking, and wine tasting are just a few examples of fun and memorable dates that won't break the bank. Also be sure to sign up for daily coupon sites like Groupon and LivingSocial that offer deals on activities in your city.

Flowers and gifts
Flowers and gifts are still a big part of the relationship equation. According to the University of Bath survey, exchanging gifts was the best way to ensure commitment in the relationship. In addition, online daters who exchanged gifts before meeting in person reported a "more committed and deeper relationship."

So what does a more committed relationship cost? Business Week estimates that flowers cost the average single $110 per year. Then there are holidays, such as Valentine's Day. (After all, you probably don't want to launch into a tirade about how Valentine's Day is a materialistic Hallmark holiday when you've only been dating someone a few months. Save something for the six-month anniversary.) The average person was estimated to have shelled out $103 on Valentine's Day merchandise in 2010, according to the National Retail Federation's 2010 Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and ActionsSurvey conducted by BIGresearch.

Assuming the average single spends about that much on birthday gifts and Christmas gifts, as well, we'll estimate total gifts and flowers at $419 per year.

Frugal options might include buying flowers at the grocery store, where you can get seasonal bouquets for $5–$10. As for gifts, plan ahead so you have time to be more creative. Your significant other will appreciate something thoughtful, like baking his favorite kind of birthday cake or making her a romantic dinner at home, more than picking up the obligatory (and overpriced) dozen roses, chocolates, and stuffed teddy bear from the Valentine's Day aisle.

So what's the grand total for one year of dating, from matchmaking to flowers? $1,529–$2,129, depending on your gender, it would seem. But then, as New Wave rock quartet The Knack sings, "you can't put a price on love."

---
Related Articles at Get Rich Slowly - Personal Finance That Makes Sense.:

Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps from Amber Kallyn

2011-02-04T16:14:00.001-05:00

From: Amber Kallyn amberkallyn@gmail.com

CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOM CAPS

24 large mushrooms

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

minced garlic

any flavor Philadelphia (whipped) cream cheese

1 can crab meat

Parmesan cheese

6 tablespoons butter

Remove stems from the mushrooms. Carefully trim the mushroom cap back to
expose the spore area. Do this at an angle so that the cap can hold more
mixture.

In a bowl, combine the container of whipped cream cheese, three tablespoons
of Parmesan cheese and the crab meat. Fold the mixture over until thoroughly
combined.

Pour 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil into each mushroom cap. Add a
sprinkle of minced garlic into the oil. Add one tablespoon of crab mixture
into each mushroom cap. Put the mushroom caps into a foil container.

Slice the butter into cubes and add them to the bottom of the container.
Sprinkle minced garlic over butter.

Cover the container with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Switch the
oven to broil and remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of cook time.

Makes 12 servings.

www.AmberKallyn.com

Adult Excerpt: Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons by Lena Austin (Action/Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Magical Creatures, Alternative Univers, GLBT)

2011-02-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

A sneak peek of my upcoming release...very soon, my pretties! Muahaha!!

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1548

Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons

by Lena Austin

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-60521-586-0

Genre(s): Action/Adventure, Dark Fantasy

Theme(s): Elves, Dragons & Magical Creatures, Alternative Universe, Gay and Lesbian

Series: Dragon's Mate

Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1548

Blurb:

Never meddle in the affairs of dragons…

For over a century, Jon's village has sacrificed a virgin to the dragon who lives in the mountain. This time, when they find Jon in a compromising position with a traveling player, Jon's the new sacrifice!

Patch really isn't fond of the taste of human flesh. He's enjoyed sending the virgin sacrifices off to start their new lives. But when he sees Jon beaten and trussed to the rock outside his cave, he decides he may just keep this sacrifice around -- as his mate.

Excerpt:

Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons
Lena Austin
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2011 Lena Austin

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Jonndre the Potter knelt before his temporary lover -- one of the traveling players who'd entertained his village for the past two days. Soon they'd move on. What a shame. He'd miss the handsome blond juggler who stood before him, fucking his mouth. That is, until Erond returned next year. But... not so much he'd give up his home and his little shop. He'd be celibate for as long as it took.

"Yes. Like that." Erond wasn't much of a talker. His needs were simple, and all physical. In the years they'd been lovers, he'd never uttered more than perhaps a handful of words at any one time and, to be sure, none had been the three words all lovers wished to hear.

Even though Jon's heart longed for more than a mere physical release, he knew better than to reject what the gods had given him. If a traveling player in a horse-drawn caravan was all he was allowed, then he would be content and thankful. Why couldn't he just concentrate on giving Erond his pleasure? He increased the suction and even used his tongue in a new way he'd thought up, hoping that perhaps Erond might be moved into uttering more than a one-word compliment.

Erond, for his part, put his hands upon his thin hips and buried his cock deeply down Jon's throat without much finesse or care to whether he choked Jon. Jon had returned home after serving his time as a journeyman and set up his shop only months before they'd met. The juggler's low-throated groan signaled his readiness to spew his seed.

Fairly warned, Jon prepared himself to accept and swallow. He willingly took down his throat the salty, slightly bitter, white milk of Erond's cum with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. Then, it was over.

Erond quickly pulled his softening cock back into his trews with a satisfied sigh. "Thanks." He courteously helped Jon to his feet. "Let's finish this in the woods." His head jerked toward the slopes of the mountains where they often made excuses to seek out new mud and clay for Jon's pottery.

Jon shook his head. "We dare not, Erond. 'Tisn't safe to go outside the village priests' protections. The dragon hasn't been fed yet. Like as not, he's hungry."

Instead of fearfully hunching his shoulders as everyone else did, Erond's eyes lit up. "Truly? A virgin?"

The sigh wrenched up from Jon's soul. He felt so sorry for the maids of the village. Once every twenty years, the dragon awakened from his sleep and demanded a virgin maiden to quench his thirst for blood and satisfy his need for meat. He'd been lucky to be born male, even if the gods had cursed him with the unnatural lust for his own gender. As long as he kept his sin secret, he would live.

One other man, the butcher's third son, had been cursed with the lust for men. Though his burning at the stake had been almost ten years ago, Jon still had nightmares. They'd made him watch. Mercifully -- if such could be called mercy -- the village priests had tied gunpowder around Ishmi's neck, so in theory his head would be blown off before the fires consumed him. It hadn't worked well, and Ishmi's screams had been horrible to hear. Finally, one of the hunters had shot an arrow into Ishmi's chest and ended his suffering.

Jon shuddered and turned his mind away from the memories. Suddenly, he wanted nothing more to do with Erond. "Truly. Tonight is the lottery, where the maiden will be chosen from the few who remain eligible." Most of the girls of the village sought to become pregnant as soon as the blood stained their skirts, but the priests had forbidden the marriage rites before a girl's sixteenth birthday, so some suffered four years of terror, praying the dragon would not hunger for human flesh until they were safely wedded and bedded. How the priest knew when it was time was between him and the Gods.

Nearly dancing in place with eagerness, Erond tugged on Jon's hand and pulled him toward the door and the mountains. "Let us make our way to the mountain and find the cave of the dragon! While he consumes the maiden, we might steal a treasure from his nest!"

Jon dug in his heels, his eyes wide with a combination of horror and disgust. "Are you mad? While the priests swear he prefers the tender flesh of virgins, none can be sure he might not dine upon male muscle and bone if provoked. 'Tisn't worth the risk, Erond."

The juggler tugged half-heartedly for a moment before blowing out a frustrated breath. For a brief moment, his blue eyes seemed hard and even angry before his face softened. "Aye, perhaps not. I can dream." Erond reached out a hand and yanked Jon to his chest.

Alarm bells rang in Jon's head. He wriggled, but for all Jon was a healthy peasant, Erond was stronger. The potter frowned. "You take many risks. Why? Normally, you are wary." Jon's tiny cottage was not well hidden from anyone passing by. It was by far the smallest and poorest shelter, and the shutters hung so precariously, anyone walking by could see in. What if someone came by to buy a pot or lamp, or get one repaired?

The wry, almost cruel smile on Erond's face did not reassure Jon. He tightened his grip on his victim. "Because it pleases me." He crushed Jon's lips beneath his own.

Seconds later, there was a shout from outside the window shutters. "Abomination!"

Jon's heart froze, but it was too late.

Light flooded his dark little cottage when the village priest, broken pot in hand, yanked open one of the shutters. Father Sololov's outraged face peered above the sill, for the man was almost as short as a woman. His finger pointed to Jon and Erond. "You have been caught, evil-doers in vile abomination!"

The entire village, it seemed, boiled out of their cottages and shops. Men stomped grimly forward, women gleefully surged out, ready for a good show, and the children followed their mothers.

Erond dove through the back windows into Jon's tiny garden and raced through the field out of sight. Some of the village gave chase, but their enthusiasm was half-hearted at best. After all, Jon had been easily caught.

The beating administered by the men and even a few of the women who happened to have pie rollers or ladles in their hands was thorough enough to ensure Jon could not escape. Even had they not broken his right leg, the horror they made of Jon's face would ensure he would be killed as a woods boggle or other monster.

Jon fought back, knowing this would only enrage his former friends and even family. If he was lucky, he'd make them so angry, they'd kill him outright and save him from the stake. He saw the boot coming toward his head, and welcomed the black hole that swallowed him, hoping he'd never awaken.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1548

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

New and Shiny Website!

2011-02-02T19:15:00.001-05:00

Lookee! Lookee!! My pals Selena, Cynnara, and Lex made me a pretty website!! Come see!

http://lenaaustin.com/

I love rainbows and sexy pictures!!

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Dawg Day!! Dawg Town: Bad Dawg by Lena Austin (M/M) (Paranormal)

2011-02-02T16:24:00.001-05:00

Read an excerpt

Buy Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1182

Dawg Town: Bad Dawg

by Lena Austin

Cover art: Reneé George

ISBN: 978-1-60521-229-6

Genre(s): Paranormal, Humor & Satire, Hot Flashes

Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Gay and Lesbian

Series: Dawg Town

Length: Hot Flash

Buy This Book for $2.99 Choose a Download Format
Adobe Acrobat/PDF files	PDF for PDA files
Microsoft Reader/LIT files	Mobipocket/Kindle PRC Files
HTML (Zipped)/Stanza files	HTML Self-extracting/ zip.exe files
MAC users should -NOT- choose the "HTML Self-extracting" format

Book Summary

One OTR trucker. One leather-clad biker. One very special town...

Finding himself stranded in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas, Loren comes face to face with his favorite fantasy. Hard to say which turns him on more, the '69 Shovelhead, or Bad Dawg -- the bronze god of a biker in the seat.

But can there be any future for men whose livelihoods pull them in opposite directions? And what's with all the Prairie Dawgs all over the place?

Praise for Bad Dawg

"Bad Dawg definitely brings us some erotic moments that would incite bathroom renovations, but it also delivers a message about love, hope, acceptance, and lending a helping hand."

5 Nymphs! --Scandalous Minx, Literary Nymphs

"Lena Austin's contribution to the DAWG TOWN line, BAD DAWG really brought a smile to my face. I fell in love with Bad Dawg in one of the earlier stories in this series so I was thrilled to know that he gets his own romance... From the attraction between these dynamic characters or Loren's shock in discovering that the town of Barkus is full of shapeshifters BAD DAWG is an enchanting read."

4.5 ribbons!--Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

"Bad Dawg is amusing from beginning to end, and it is chock full of comic similes and metaphors that make for very vivid and humorous imagery."

--BD Whitney, Book Wenches

"I like this story because even though it moves fast, you can feel a building passion between BD and Loren."

-- Tiger Lily, Whipped Cream Reviews

Read An Excerpt

Loren stepped out of the truck stop bathroom and looked into the dusky shadows of the parking lot for the rigs park in the back. Shit. No shiny blue truck with the yellow logo of his company anywhere. He walked to the side of the building where the truckwash and diesel fueling station were, far away from the tourists' RVs.

Nothing.

One big yellow and orange truck was refueling, but it was still kind of early for the truckers who'd done their maximum eleven hours of driving to pull in for a rest. The only reason Loren and his trainer had stopped was because they'd run out of fuel. Roy, his trainer, tended to have a heavy hand on the gears.

Apparently Roy hadn't realized Loren wasn't still asleep in the berth, and had driven off. Loren sighed. He and Roy hadn't gotten along well, but they'd gritted their teeth through most of the required hours before Loren got his own truck from the company. Loren tried to give the grizzled, rude bastard the benefit of the doubt that the drive off hadn't been deliberate. Then again, could be Roy had finally figured out Loren was gay after he'd turned down another lot lizard the night before. Roy had certainly taken advantage of the whore's dubious charms in her RV. Right now, Loren hoped the sonovabitch's dick fell off from whatever diseases she'd carried.

Sighing, Loren pulled out his card with the 800 number to the company's trainee liaison and headed into the coffee shop. He knew he was in for a bad night at minimum. Roy wouldn't notice Loren was gone until he'd finished his eleven hours of drive time, and then he'd have to turn around and come back for his lost trainee.

A huge tricked out Harley sat covered in road dust in one of the parking places out front. If it wasn't a 1969 Shovelhead lovingly restored to all its glory and placed beneath chromed fat bob tanks and a custom frame, Loren would eat the damn thing's tires -- without sauce. Loren put his hands behind his back to fight the urge to caress the wide, comfortable seat and permitted himself to drool for a few minutes. He had some serious fantasies about big, bad, leather-clad bikers, and all unfulfilled. Shitpissfuck. Now he had a boner, and he wasn't sure if it was for the bike or the owner. Loren cursed himself and went inside, hoping another lot lizard wouldn't pounce on him as a potential client.

He waited until he had his coffee in hand before trying to find an isolated booth to make his call. After all, sometimes the company liaison left you on hold for half an hour, and never mind that a poor trainee had to listen to the minutes tick off his cell phone for that long.

The biker himself, clearly a rider who knew what he was doing, held the corner booth. His jacket had "Prairie Dawgs" stitched where the breast pocket would be. Weird name for a biker gang, but what Loren knew about bikers would fit in a teacup. The denim was filthy and worn in places that indicated he'd ridden long enough to have laid his bike down a time or two. Long chestnut hair in a braid fell over one shoulder. He was hunched over his coffee, so Loren couldn't see his face.

Loren breathed a huff of frustration at the lack of privacy and slumped into the next booth over, facing the biker. By God, if he had to linger over the phone, Loren intended to have a few fantasies to pass the time. He punched the speed dial. Pretty damn bad when you had your trainee liaison on speed dial. He didn't want a reputation as a wuss, but Roy had driven him nuts with personal questions and lesbian porn on the DVD in the back.

Then the biker looked up. His eyes were huge and brown, rimmed with lashes that would make any drag queen proud, and... holy shit... those peepers were kewpie doll sweet. No biker was supposed to be sweet!

__._,_.___

__,_._,___

Recipe-- Imbolg Glogg

2011-02-01T01:01:00.002-05:00

Glogg
Tradition: Before sipping this potent Swedish punch, toast everyone's good
health.

1 750ml bottle dry red wine
1/2 c raisins
1/2 c gin, vodka, or aquavit
1/3 c sugar
Peel from 1 orange
8 inches stick cinnamon, broken
6 whole cloves
2 cardamon pods, opened
1/4 c blanched whole almonds
In a large saucepan, stir together wine, raisins, gin, and sugar. For the spice
bag, cut a double thickness of cheesecloth into an 8-inch square. Place orange
peel, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom in the center of the cheesecloth. Bring up
the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them with a clean string. Add to the
saucepan with wine mixture. Heat the mixture to simmering, and simmer 10
minutes. Do not allow to boil. Remove and discard the spice bag.

Add the almonds at the last minute before serving this dish warm. Makes 8 (1/2
cup) servings.

Hint from Lena-- Warm up your mugs, wine glasses, or punch mugs first with warm
water. Keep them warm by placing them on a heating pad and cover with a towel
until you need them. This ensures your delicate holiday service won't shatter.

I personally sprinkle a couple of almonds in each mug, then dip the glogg into
the mug. That way every guest gets a bit of the nuts.

You may also heat and serve this in the crock pot. Much more convenient. Just
remove the spice bag and stir in the almonds before serving.

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

ROW Check-In for Jan26

2011-01-26T11:53:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm pleased to say I got some writing done on Monday, but my SAD depression kicked in and I wrote nothing yesterday.

The characters for "Don't Need A Hero" are talking to me at long last, and I'm pleased to say they're ready to do the wild thing by the end of the chapter. Problem is, that's somewhere around Chapter Five. (wince) I may have to cut out certain scenes I'd prefer to keep in the story.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Steampunk Week with Selena Illyria

2011-01-24T04:09:00.001-05:00

You know Madge Majesty and I just can't resist a good party, so we've flown over to Selena Illyria's website for a week long bash! See you there!

http://selenaillyria.com/2011/01/steampunk-week-lena-austin/

Fw: [New post] 1-23 Check-In

2011-01-23T09:08:00.001-05:00

Woohoo!! Success at last! I'll finish up "Level Up" today. It made it over the 8K mark easily to full novella as opposed to Hot Flash. I'm proud!

Now to tackle the next challenge-- rewriting for the third time the long-awaited "Don't Need a Hero." I have to admit, I'm sick of this one enough to just wrap a sex scene or two with the characters and toss it. I know, I shouldn't have such a bad attitude, but after three rewrites, I'm utterly sick of this story.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: A Round of Words in 80 Days <no-reply@wordpress.com>
To: voiceomt2002@yahoo.com
Sent: Sun, January 23, 2011 2:28:24 AM
Subject: [New post] 1-23 Check-In

  1-23 Check-In
Kait Nolan | January 23, 2011 at 1:15 am | Tags: Check-in, Round 1, ROW80 |
Categories: Check-Ins | URL: http://wp.me/p1bz5t-1Y

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"Freeze" Identity Thieves in their Tracks

2011-01-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

"Freeze" Identity Thieves in their Tracks

I was impressed with this article. How simple can it be to stop identity theft? I'm telling everyone I know to do this. It's worth $10 for a quick one-time un-freeze if I need to use my own good name, if the point is to protect that good name.

Lena

21Jan2011-- And Hope is Dashed Once More...

2011-01-21T18:26:00.001-05:00

Thursday January 20, 2011

Today I had an orientation scheduled with Remedy Staffing, the same place that found Randy's last job at Harbinger Lighting. It wrenched my heart to see Harbinger listed on their wipe-off board as needing a new employee. I'd been expecting something like that, so hopefully I hid my emotions well enough. After all, this was supposed to be just a "get to know the company, fill out the paperwork, etc" sort of day where I was just a name on a stack of paperwork.

Yes, they knew who I was. That fact was immediately clear. While they were polite enough not to point, it was obvious they were flummoxed I actually showed up ready to get a job.

They treated me normally during the orientation, which pleased me very much. I was impressed with the professionalism they showed. The paperwork, DVD on safety, and the test that followed was –as to be expected—tedious. However, it's part of the process and I was glad to simply be a face in the crowd.

When it was my turn to speak with the Remedy agent, I was again pleased to speak to the same young lady that Randy had spoken so highly of. When Miss T (pseudonym for her own protection) heard I was willing to do data entry, loan processing, and call centers, she whisked me off for a data entry test, which I aced in under 5 minutes. However, I knew I was a tag-end addition. Sure, my heart rose in hope. I was permitted to watch the video, take another test, and go to the drug test. As far as I know, I passed all the criteria.

Apparently, it wasn't enough. I was still a tagalong, stuck on at the end. I got a phone call this afternoon, saying that the company has decided to delay the project by several days or several weeks. The length of delay is unknown.

I hate to say it this way, but I've played temp worker before. I've been lied to with the best of intentions before, and I don't blame the agents trying to find the unwashed and unemployed masses a job. They'd probably slit their own wrists if they had to deal with all the desperate emotions or know their potential employees as more than names on resumes. I've got a soft heart under this leather-clad exterior.

Do I want to believe there's merely a delay, and I'll be employed soon? Yes, because I'm just as desperate as all the other people losing their homes, getting their electricity cut off, and wondering how they're going to live.

I'm more worried for Dante than myself. I can go live with my mother, but he's too young to live in the retirement community. Technically, I am too, but I can officially claim I'm there to take care of my 70-year-old mother. I can squeak by because I'm family, but they won't bend the rules for the daughter AND her much-younger roommate. That won't fly, even if we all shoehorned into Mom's tiny guestroom.

All I can do is keep trying. I'll keep fighting until the day they cut off my electricity and toss my butt on the street. What else can I do?

Nominee for 2010 Best Series-- Protect and Serve: FLASH POINT by Lena Austin (GLBT, shifters, humor, men in uniform, paranormal)

2011-01-21T15:40:00.001-05:00

Blurb for Flash Point:

After fireman Dustin Hardesty saves a scruffy tomcat from a fire and then a neutering at the shelter, he has no idea he just moved a cat shifter named Tigs into his life. Tigs figures he owes Dustin, so he'll hang around to give Dustin some good times. He just never figured on Dustin not wanting to let go of his alley cat.

Buy link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1325

Genre(s): Paranormal, Humor & Satire

Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Gay and Lesbian

Length: Novella

Excerpt:

What was I thinking? I had no clue. My first day back at work after my bereavement leave, and I brought home a scruffy, loudmouthed stray tomcat with massive attitude. Guess I needed more therapy than I thought.

I hauled that heavy carrier up the two flights of stairs to my apartment and set the damn thing down on the floor. My muscles ached even more than my heart at the emptiness of my home, for once. Casey's family had cleaned out everything of value except what had clearly been mine, like my clothes. I'd been so depressed, I hadn't even fought for one stick of the antiques Casey and I had collected over the years. So, I had a fresh start to being a widower at the tender age of 35. I'd raided a thrift store for a few pots and some furniture, but I was still sleeping on a mattress on the floor, at least for now. You'd never know the charm the old furnishings had given it. Now it echoed like a mauso… I stopped that thought and slashed the zip tie with my knife.

I expected the cat to shoot out of the carrier like a rocket and hide somewhere. Instead, the cocky bastard sauntered out calmly and proceeded to give each and every room an inspection. The place obviously didn't impress him much, and I didn't blame him. He sniffed the ratty recliner I'd liberated from a dumpster downstairs with distaste and gave me a look I interpreted as surprise, as if he'd expected better of me.

I followed him around, and maybe it was loneliness that made me explain myself to His Majesty. "Yeah, I know. Doesn't smell great, does it? Guess the former owner smoked. It's temporary until I start getting money in the bank again. I haven't felt much like working or shopping for new stuff."

He seemed to accept my explanation and inspected the TV. That seemed to impress him. I didn't know what he made of the small altar with Casey's picture and a candle on the entertainment stand, but I'd swear he looked at me to ask.

So, I was compelled to answer. I have to admit, it felt kind of good to talk about all this. I was too humiliated to bring it up at work, knowing the guys would immediately have a fill-the-boot charity drive to get me new stuff, or go to my father's executor, who knew Dad had no love for his gay son. "Stupid as it sounds, it's a tribute to my dead husband. He'd always wanted a big home theatre, but we kept putting it off." I got kind of choked up at that point.

Damned if the cat didn't choose that precise moment to bound over and rub his head all over my boots. Either he was one darn smart cat, or I was anthropomorphizing typical cat behavior. No matter what, I felt comforted.

I realized I'd not even stripped off my gear. No wonder I was hot and tired. "Hang on, buddy. Let me get out of this stuff so I can prove I know how to dress like a regular guy, okay?" I shucked out of the suit, hat, belt, boots, and other crap faster than a probie at graduation, ready to party. I piled all my gear by the door and promised myself I'd take it back down to the car later. No one at the station expected me to have a brain yet. "Officially, I'm still on leave. I was at that particular fire only because I drove by on my way home from class. "

The cat actually put his head to one side, just like a puzzled dog. I started imagining the bubble thing over his head with a caption, like a cartoon, like he'd just asked, "Class?"

"Yeah, I'm thinking of changing careers. Firefighting's for the young with a lot to live for. Me, I don't have any spark left. Casey always said I was good at real estate." I caught my breath. I'd gotten his name out without choking up. Maybe I was healing, after all. "I already own a few investment properties from my parents' estate. So, getting a license to buy and sell real estate sounded good. I'll take the test in a few weeks."

Guess that satisfied him, because he started wandering around again. My home office definitely got his attention, especially the paint chips and wallpaper samples I'd put up on a wallboard. He studied them intently, gave me a loud meow and put his paw on the silvery blue that had been my favorite anyway.

I laughed. "I agree, that's my choice for this room too. Casey liked a dark, gloomy English office, but I'm more into Scan Design." I might have said more, but the room swayed. "Damn, I forgot to eat. I'm hypoglycemic and…" Let's just say I never felt the floor hit me in the face.

I awakened to the taste of honey in my mouth, and the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen kneeling over me. Moreover, he was naked as a jaybird, which caused me to blink. Naturally, the most intelligent thing I could think of to say was incoherent, at best.

He had huge, luminescent gold-green eyes and the dark café-au-lait skin that indicated mixed ancestry. Some incoherent part of me acknowledged that the mixed race folks always were spectacular in looks. "Open your mouth, Dustin. Have some more honey from ol' Tigs, man." He pushed a spoonful of the sticky stuff against my lips.

I swallowed the honey and let it slide down my throat. The question burning my mind popped out. "Why do I have a naked man feeding me honey?"

Tigs grinned. "Oh, good. You're back. Don't scare me like that, man. To answer your question, I didn't take the time to borrow some of your clothes. Mine got inconveniently burned up." He dipped the spoon back in the jar of honey I normally reserved for self-indulgent breakfasts. "Freaking cold in here. You mind if I borrow some clothes?"

"I'd rather you stayed naked. You're too gorgeous to cover up." Maybe my brain wasn't really rewired to my mouth yet. I shouldn't have said it, but I did.

He snorted softly and dropped the spoon in the jar with a rattle. "Yeah, yeah. That's what they all say. Back atcha, Grass Eyes. Thanks for the compliment. Upsy daisy."

Tigs was monstrously strong, apparently. He lifted me up from the floor with almost no effort and carried me to my mattress. I have to admit I was ashamed to have such a handsome man anywhere near my less than posh apartment.

Tigs tucked me into my bed like a baby. "Listen, you take a nap or whatever to recover for a few. I'll scrounge up something to keep warm and make a pot of coffee. Mind if I make a phone call?" He held up a conciliatory hand, and I noted calluses and healing cuts. Working man's hands. "Local, of course."

Sleep was creeping up on me. I'd had insomnia, mostly from not wanting to sleep alone ever since Casey's funeral. Now I was going to pay for all that lost time at once, and at the worst possible moment. I mumbled, "Don't leave me alone."

"Not planning on it." Tigs kissed me softly. "Curiosity killed the cat, man. I got questions for you."

"Same goes." I was out like a light.

Slade Wolf
Promotion Manager
Phoenix Rising Promotions
prp_wolf@yahoo. com

Nominee for 2010 Best Publisher: Changeling Press Announces The Shamrock Challenge!

2011-01-21T15:03:00.001-05:00

Are you up to the challenge?

Introducing the Shamrock Challenge!

Hot, Handsome Hunks Wanted!

We're looking for new authors to add to our cast of characters who cause mayhem and amoking wherever they go! Do you have what it takes to write short, hot novellas 10K-28K (or can serialize your longer works)? Can you write a story in any one or more of our thirteen genres and fifteen themes? Are you unafraid to shamelessly promote your work?

Want to win a contest and join our award-winning lineup of authors like Angela Knight, Kate Douglas, Michele Bardsley and Dakota Cassidy?

Then check out our submissions page and start pounding keyboard!

http://www.changelingpress.com/submissions.php

We're holding a contest starting February 14, and you have until March 17 to hammer out and polish your best effort. (Yeah, that's about 1K-plus a day, so get cracking.) Grand Prize Winners will get a contract and free promotions, not to mention some serious fanfare and applause for their bravery for submitting to The Troll. (Okay, that's an inside joke. Bear with us. We have fun, here.)

For all the details you need, click HERE

That's http://www.changelingpress.com/special_event.php if you need to cut and paste.

Celebrity Judges: Kate Douglas, Dakota Cassidy, Michele Bardsley and Angela Knight

Prizes: Grand Prize-- publication with Changeling Press and a year of free marketing with TRS

Note: All rights to the works remain with their authors until accepted for publication by Changeling Press. However, we do ask that you do not do simultaneous submissions for the month of the contest. Give us a fair crack at it, okay?

**Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged**

Questions?

Check the Changeling Press website for submission guidelines first.

After that, email Service @ Changeling Press. com (No spaces)

Share the banner!

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

ROW in 80 Days-- Hitting My Stride

2011-01-19T06:48:00.001-05:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm hitting my stride on meeting or exceeding my daily goal. I originally started with a mere 500 words a day, but I'm easily doubling or tripling that on weekdays. Weekends, I don't even try. I have too much going on to have the peace and solitude I need to write.

I'm definitely using Morgan Hawke's techniques for stripping plots, and that's a huge assist in keeping me and my wayward Muse on track. (Cleo has a tendency to wander unless firmly reined in. I don't know how I developed such a problem child Muse.) In fact, I've done so well that once I wrap up the current sex scene and tie up the loose ends of the plot, I'll have to return to the story I've neglected twice now-- Don't Need A Hero. I really wish I could make this one a m/m, but since "Pete" has already been established as a very female Himalayan cat shifter, I'm forced to go with the less lucrative format. (Dammit.)

I need to get as much done as possible. Thursday I have an orientation at the staffing agency to clear one of the last hurdles before they can assign me to a job. That will break up my day badly, especially since I promised to go to an SCA (Society for Creative Anachronisms) meeting Thursday night. Oh, dear...what have I done?

So, how are you doing on your goals?

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Flashpoint by Lena Austin (adult)(shifter) (really hot!)

2011-01-18T15:46:00.001-05:00

OMG!! OMG!! (Lena tries to do the muppet flail, looks goofy, skids and falls on her ass) Love Romances Cafe just nominated the Protect and Serve series for the Best of Series 2010!! Woohooo!!!

Read an excerpt

Protect and Serve: Flash Point

by Lena Austin

Cover art: Sahara Kelly

ISBN: 978-1-60521-395-8

Genre(s): Paranormal, Humor & Satire

Theme(s): Shapeshifters, Gay and Lesbian

Series: Protect and Serve

Length: Novella

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Book Summary

When fireman Dustin Hardesty saves a scruffy tomcat from a fire, and then a neutering at the shelter, he has no idea he's just moved a cat shifter named Tigs into his life.

Tigs figures he owes Dustin, so he'll hang around to give Dustin some good times. He doesn't count on Dustin never wanting to let go of his alley cat.

Praise for Flash Point

"Hot Men, Hot sex and Shapeshifters... oh my. Ms Austin has a hot erotic short here guaranteed to steam up any mirror and bring the screen you're reading it on to a melting point."

-- Suki, Got Erotic Romance! Reviews

"Flash Point, a lovely romance with a solid punch of lust! Likeable, engaging characters are set in an entertaining love story readers are sure to enjoy."

-- Lisa, Joyfully Reviewed

"The amazing Lena Austin creates an incredible short story that is hilarious, as well as romantic, with sexy main characters and steamy love scenes."

5 Nymphs! -- Chocolate Minx, Literary Nymphs

Excerpt:

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

My name is Tigs, and I'm a cat shifter. Don't get smart, it's not short for Tigger or anything stupid like that. I don't fucking bounce or lisp my words, and I'm a gray tabby. I usually work construction and home renovation, me and my crew. We're all shifters of one type or another, but we get along most of the time.

I'd let the rest of my crew go home early while I coiled up extension cords, locked up the tools, and cleaned up our work site. The old deli used to be the coolest little place when I'd been a kitten, but that'd been years ago. The guys would be waiting for me back at the warehouse we rented for the equipment, six blocks away -- it also served as our home. The place was "guarded" by two dogs -- a rat terrier and a Rottweiler mix along with three scruffy cats and that didn't mean anything to the absentee landlord. Long as he got his cash, he didn't give a shit.

Speaking of shit, we may look scruffy, but we're good neighbors. We used the litter box or took a walk outside. The dogs "walk" each other, so that's cool, and they curb themselves like responsible citizens.

Anyway, I smelled the stink of burning wood and rubber first. Figured some homeless guy had lit up the contents of a trashcan to keep warm nearby and didn't give it another thought. This wasn't the best neighborhood, but most poor don't foul their own nest, ya know?

So, I finished coiling up the last extension cord and tossed it into the storage locker. Two seconds to snap the padlock, and I was ready for some of Pete's Tuna Steaks on the grill back at our place.

No such luck. The smoke from the fire was coming up the stairs when I opened the door, and I bent over coughing my lungs out before I could shut the damn thing. "Who the fuck set a real fire in this stinkin' joint? It can't be for the insurance." Didn't matter. The entire downstairs -- such as it was -- was engulfed, and the floor was heating up. Damn near burned me through my boots, which meant I had seconds to get my ass out.

I took the easy road and threw a piece of scrap two-by-four through one of the windows we hadn't removed yet. Single pane, painted shut, so it shattered easy as pie. Then I shifted, abandoned my clothes to their fate, and leaped for the limb of a scrub pine just in time. I hit the branches, yowling in pissed off feline at the loss of a perfectly good pair of steel toes.

Naturally, that was the moment the fire truck showed up. How convenient. I'd bet the arsonist called in the fire as soon as he got a safe distance away, after ensuring the place would be a pile of ash. So, a professional job. Not my problem, except some asshole owed me some new boots.

What surprised the fuck out of me was the ladder that slammed up against the tree. Tree wasn't that big, being an inner city volunteer from some bird's ass that happened on an empty lot. The whole thing shook.

I might have backed up a bit, but it wasn't fear. I just didn't want to get grabbed like some wuss who didn't have sense enough to know how to get down.

The human wearing the standard issue fireman's hard hat and a million pounds of gear climbed the ladder with casual ease until we were damn near face to whiskers.

"Well, hello bay-bee!" Okay, so it came out as a yowl loud enough to burst eardrums. Any other tom would have recognized my interest in the biggest pair of grass-green eyes in a tanned face I'd seen in a long time. Okay, so they were red-rimmed and tired. If I'd been human, my dick would have lifted my ass so far I'd have fallen out of the tree. I wanted me a piece of that man!

Once handsome Grass Eyes stopped wincing from my loud mouth, he hitched himself up one more rung. "Hey there, you could replace our siren with that set of lungs, dude." He checked the fire, now close enough to us that I was getting more than a tad warm, ya know? "I really hate to interrupt your serenade, but unless you want to burn down with this tree, we need to go." He reached for me.

On reflection, I realized Grass Eyes didn't have a clue that I was a shifter, nor did he mean to insult Da Tigs. At the time, all I cared about was swatting his hand. Encased in the gloves and shit, he wasn't even hurt, but I'd made my point. I could jump down anytime, if he'd move that fucking ladder.

Grass Eyes shook his head. "Man, I don't want to leave you, loudmouth. Come on! This tree's gonna go, shit head."

Yeah, he had a point. I ignored his hand and jumped on his shoulders. I'd be damned if I'd be carried down like some frou-frou case from Cat Fanciers magazine.

"Okay, if that's the way you want it." Grass Eyes had the sense to know when he'd been elected as the vehicle of my ride down and made his way back to the base of the tree. I kept on riding, even while he helped his buds put the ladder away. Clearly, the old deli was a total loss, so they concentrated on keeping the rest of the local trash-pit buildings from coming down. Not all that difficult, and I couldn't blame them for not working too hard at saving what wasn't worth the effort.

Grass Eyes stood over to the side, talking on his radio and leaning against the big-ass red fire truck. He'd scrub his face with his hand now and then.

One of his buddies came by, lugging shit back to the truck. "It was arson, Dustin. Betcha the dogs sniff out accelerant."

Dustin, which was Grass Eyes' real name I guessed, sighed. "Yeah. This place was being renovated too. I drive by here daily and see the workers. They've been putting their backs into cleaning this place out, and they're clean as a whistle about putting away equipment. I'll tell the inspector the same when I see him. I doubt it was them being careless."

Hey, a compliment. Very cool. I purred and rubbed up against Dustin's ear for that.

"Yeah, I like you too, loudmouth." He reached up and I let him give the backs of my ears a rub. I closed my eyes and purred louder, just to let him know he was doing a good job.

__,_._,___

2011 Roadmap

2011-01-17T15:49:00.001-05:00

HANDBOOK 2011

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2010 .
8.. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits..
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

Digging in my Plot Bunny Hutch

2011-01-16T21:22:00.001-05:00

Oh, dear. The one thing an author should never, ever do is go digging in the Plot Bunny Hutch before she's ready to write a story. Now I'm going nuts, wondering if I'll do "Bunnicula", "The Manny", or a host of others. Or, maybe I should finish "Protect and Serve: Don't Need A Hero." Oh, damn.

My prayer for 2011 is a thin body and a fat bank account. Please God, don't reverse them like you did in 2010.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Round of Words Check-In for 1-16-11

2011-01-16T20:18:00.001-05:00

I wasn't as productive as I'd like in writing something new, but I did the edits on my upcoming release. 19K of edited novella in one day ought to count for something.

I'm close to having 6K on the new story, and if I have my way I'll have it done by the end of next week, definitely by the end of January. Guess I should go dig out a new plot bunny from the hutch. Out of 43 stored, I ought to find something.

My prayer for 2011 is a thin body and a fat bank account. Please God, don't reverse them like you did in 2010.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

What's on your Bucket List?

2011-01-15T22:28:00.001-05:00

Dante and I were discussing our personal bucket lists. Just talking about what we'd love to do before we die made me want to write mine down.

1. Get a degree in something. I just want to be able to say I did it.

2. Go to Disney World and stay for a couple of days in their hotels.

3. Go on a Caribbean Cruise

4. See a Mardi Gras Parade and dance at a fais-do-do

5. Own and ride a motorcycle

6. See the Forrester Family castle outside Edinburgh.

Sure, this list will evolve and change as I do, but what's life without a few goals? So...what's on your bucket list?

My prayer for 2011 is a thin body and a fat bank account. Please God, don't reverse them like you did in 2010.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Conquering a Nightmare Fifteen Minutes at a Time

2011-01-13T12:50:00.001-05:00

I'm crawling out from my mountain of paperwork for a moment. Wasn't my husband supposed to buried, not me? Well, I'm the buried one under the incredible mound. I may not be able to control the ever-expanding list of things a grieving spouse is supposed to do instead of being allowed to mourn in peace, but I can control how I handle it.

For me, this means tackling them 15 minutes at a time. If you're an adult with any backbone, you can handle the most onerous, disgusting task for 15 minutes. Even I can dial the phone and be patient for a mere 15 minutes. I can manage to box up my poor darling's belongings for charity for 15 minutes, even if it's the longest 15 minutes of my life. I can fill out a form for 15 minutes, then give myself permission to sob or do something pleasant for another 15. In this manner, I can accomplish a task in manageable bites, while still rewarding myself for doing the chores.

It's hard. I won't lie. However, like so many things in life, it's ignorance that leads to fear. Sometimes it's not such a bad task after all.

My prayer for 2011 is a thin body and a fat bank account. Please God, don't reverse them like you did in 2010.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

4-12-11 Check In on ROW

2011-01-12T07:13:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a great start to the week. After a terrible first week in January, I'm back on track. Yesterday was a rest day. I darn near blew my hands up Sunday and Monday, and they're still sore today. However, the story is still running hot, and I just got the edits back for Affairs of Dragons. I'm going to be a busy gal today and tomorrow!

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Round of Words Daily Word count-- 1400 plus

2011-01-10T15:43:00.000-05:00

It's almost 4 PM, and I'm taking a break for a few hours. Still, I've managed over 1400 words today. If this story keeps running hot, I'll turn in an extra Hot Flash at minimum before the end of the month!

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Round of Words in 80 Days-- Sunday 09Jan2010

2011-01-09T19:31:00.001-05:00

It's been hard after the death of my husband on January 2, but for the first time since before the holidays, I was able to write. After over 1300 words, I'm well on my way to not only making a daily goal, but perhaps even revising the goal upwards. We shall see at my job hunt continues. Wish me luck!

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Duchess of Depravity

Recipe: Candy Crunch

Candy Crunch

Recipe Tools

Ingredients

Instructions

Holiday Recipe: Impossible Hot Toddy Pie

Recipe: Tres Leches Cake

Halloween Soup made easy

Drink Recipe: Fuzzy Ghoul

Recipe: Creepy Crispy Rice Treets

Drink Recipe: Candy Corn Cocktail

Recipe: Jack-o-Lantern Gelatin Salad

Hot Spiced Cider

Recipe: Snowballs

White as a Ghost Pops

White-as-a-Ghost Pops

Ingredients

Directions

Halloween Recipe: Bloody-Rimmed Martinis

Bloody-Rimmed Martinis

Ingredients

Directions

Recipe: Ham Breakfast Braid

Oktoberfest Contest at Changeling -- Win Free Books!

Mabon Recipe: Apple Pecan Crisp

Apple-Pecan Crisp

Crockpot Sausage n Grits Meatloaf

Re: Painting the Flag- a must see

Adult Excerpt: Sex World-- Bodyguard by Lena Austin

Sex World: Bodyguard

The beast lives!

It's definitely Monday

Humor: Annual Dementia Test

6-8 Choose A Flavor Milk Shakes

You Gotta Read Reviews and Affairs of Dragons

Level Up gets a Review!

Preparing for Memorial Day...

Re: Phyllis Rainone Hader also commented on Lena Austin's note "Mother's Day".

Mother's Day

Make the Yuletide Gay has been reviewed by Whipped Cream Reviews.

Spring Fling with Night Owl Romance!

The Ten Commandments of Writing (from another blog)

Drink Recipe: Irish Tea Hot Cocktail

St Patrick's Day Recipe: Slow-Cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage

RECIPE TIPS

Recipe: Pistachio Cake

Prep Time:20 Min

Cook Time:50 Min

Ready In:1 Hr 15 Min

Servings (Help)

Ingredients

Directions

Nutritional Information

Promo ADULT Excerpt: Level Up by Lena Austin (Bisexual, Menage, Futuristic)

Garfield on the Oil Crisis

Cover Hotness! Level Up by Lena Austin (Coming Soon to Changeling Press)

A new Review for Affairs of Dragons from TRS!

My Pictures of the Scottish Festival and Highland Games

Tired of Snow?

Winners of the Valentine Day Contest

X-rated Excerpt: Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons by Lena Austin

Happy Valentine's Day!

Romance Week Contest Question Six

First Review of Affairs of Dragons Review Posted from Literary Nymphs!

Romance Week Contest Question Five

Romance Week Contest Question Four

Romance Week Contest Question Three

Romance Week Contest Question Two

Romance Week Contest Question One

Get Rich Slowly: “The Cost of Love”

Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps from Amber Kallyn

Adult Excerpt: Dragon's Mate 1: Affairs of Dragons by Lena Austin (Action/Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Magical Creatures, Alternative Univers, GLBT)

New and Shiny Website!

Dawg Day!! Dawg Town: Bad Dawg by Lena Austin (M/M) (Paranormal)

Buy Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1182

Recipe-- Imbolg Glogg

ROW Check-In for Jan26

Steampunk Week with Selena Illyria

Fw: [New post] 1-23 Check-In

Prep Time:
20 Min

Cook Time:
50 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 15 Min