Welcome to my domain...if you dare...

Welcome to my blog about life as a writer and the craziness it involves with struggles of daily life. Make yourself at home but only if you don't mind a little messiness from time to time. This isn't the Home and Garden blog or Martha Stewart so don't expect cute little crafts with homemade goodies. That's not happening in the world of vamps, weres, and other things that go bump in the night...well...maybe homemade blood cakes topped with 'scream a la cream' sweetness along with the sexy alpha males who serve it up.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday... A New Year with Self Growth and Goals.



With the end of one year and the approach of 2011 rapidly coming upon us, it's no surprise that many people reflect on set goals and accomplishments.  The thought of a new year can bring the aspect of new and exciting endeavors.  Some call these 'New Year's Resolutions'; yet, I like to view them as self improvement goals whether they are for my personal or professional life. 

I've learned over the years to not set some unrealistic goals; such as being a size 2, writing the perfect manuscript the first time around, or having a perfect hair day every day.  It's just not going to happen.  Dreaming is good and setting goals is fabulous but let's be real.

However, it doesn't mean that I stop working out and constantly eat junk food with the idea of no possibility of reaching a size 2.  It just means that I continually strive to reach the best I can be in a healthier body.  That healthy body for me may be a size 8 or size 10 and that's ok.  It also means that when it comes to my writing, I continue to work on improving my craft by taking writing courses, challenges, and attending workshops and writers' meetings.



I learn by doing and I improve by being consistent with my goals.  I don't give up.  I may become frustrated and overwhelmed at times, but stopping and giving up is not an option.  Instead I take one day at a time with constant and continuous baby steps.  These never ending steps forward will lead to a giant and wide span of growth and improvement over a expanded period of time. 



So I urge you all to push forward and be positive.  Don't reflect too long on the negative but learn from it and make adjustments to what you want different in your life.  Remember to be consistent with your goals and continue to strive for them but don't berate yourself too badly when you fall short on a particular day.  Pick yourself up and start it again because eventually the goal will be reached if you don't throw in the towel and give up. 

May you all have a glorious and prosperous new year!

HUGS,

JD  :)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tempting Tuesday...Game on!






Awwww David Beckham, do I need to say anything more?  I didn't think so.  Enjoy everyone!  :)



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday...You can't limit GOD's love.



Every Christmas I enjoy watching my favorite Christmas movies and discovering new ones.  Some are comedies, dramas, or even musicals.  Although they may differ in their genres, they all convey similar messages of faith, hope, and love.

These movies make me laugh, cry, and replace my hope in others.  Yet, the thing is I don't need these movies to remind me of the goodness in people.  Goodness is around me, I just have to choose to look for it and grasp it.





I realize there are terrible and evil events which occur within the world but allowing them to destroy my faith in humanity and doubt GOD's Sovereignty gives despair and hopelessness a strong hold within my life.  I refuse to submit to fear and hopelessness.  I also choose to believe in faith, hope, and continual love throughout the year not just at Christmas time.  You see, GOD's love isn't contained within a religious holiday, or church building.  HIS love has no limits because HE is Omnipotent and that means not being limited within a movie reel as well. 

So as you go out this holiday season and celebrate with loved ones, look around and reflect on GOD's love and hope which HE's lavished upon us.  Then continue to look at the world through GOD's eyes when the holiday season ends.  Seek out the good which is in others and know that GOD is always present.  Remember to love others as GOD loves them not how you think they should be loved.  Don't try to keep HIS love contained within the confines of a church but extend the faith, hope, and love throughout the ends of the Earth.

Merry Christmas and GOD bless you all.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tempting Tuesday...Look what I found when shopping!



When I was at the mall the other day, I caught this gorgeous male just lounging about in the Perry Ellis men's wear.  Well, there was a poster board sign and wall to help with his demeanor but I oh so loved it.  I hope you do too!   BTW, his name is Tommy Dunn and he's also the model for the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle commercial which also features Keira Knightley. 




Thursday, December 16, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday...Give a little?



With Christmas approaching quickly upon us, people feel the pull of many charities to either give of their money and/or time.  Giving back to others has an important quality to both the recipient and the giver; however, when does someone know when to contribute and how much to contribute whether it's by monetary funds or by volunteering time towards a cause.

I believe it starts months before the holidays even start.  In order to truly benefit others and yourself, research needs to be done on what charity or organization which you and/or your family would want to participate or contribute in during the holidays and throughout the year.  I say this because as much as a person may want to help out with every group which approaches him/her, in reality it just can't happen; not with having dire consequences on the person and the charity.

Just like buying a new car or home, giving towards a charity calls for a budget. I mean, contrary to what so many in this country may think, 'money most certainly does not grow on trees."  So planning is needed.  There are things to consider besides the 'heart' of the matter because no matter how much you may want to give, you can't let your emotions alone lead you; logic needs to be among the factors as well. 

When giving of your time with helping out a charitable cause, one must think about the well being of the whole family unit too.  With so many activities surrounding school, church, communiy, and family, it's no wonder that there's a strain placed upon the guality of family time. Yet, volunteering can bring a family together when it is done with the whole family in mind and not just an individual.  Giving back to charitable organizations can also be an invaluable teaching resource for parents.  Children can learn the importance of helping others less fortunate than themselves and it gives children a sense of gratitude for what they have in their lives; whether it's their family, food, stable home environment, health, or material things.



When a person wants to help a charitable cause, there are certain questions which need to be answered before anything happens.  Things to consider are:

1)  Can the family afford it?
2)  How much can be given?
3)  How much time can be spent on the charity?
4)  Will the time spent hurt or help the family?
5)  Will the money spent towards the charity hurt the  basic needs for the family?
6)  What extra stuff (non essential things) can the family do without in order to contribute towards a charity?
7)  Are you and/or the family willing to give 100% of effort/attitude when volunteering time?
8)  Is there truly a giving attitude or is it 'just for show or need to please others'? (don't do it unless you want to; the charity, you and the family will suffer because of it)

These are just a few of the questions which you may consider before sending in a check or serving a Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter.  The point is, please consider all factors before you 'jump in' and yell, 'sign me up'!  'Cause if you don't, not only does the charity suffer but so do you and your family and isn't the whole point of giving back is to help not hurt. 

HUGS and happy charity hunting,

JD  :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tempting Tuesday...Gonna go Lenny's way?



Woke up today in the mood for some Lenny Kravitz.  Hey, what woman wouldn't...hell, what man wouldn't for that matter!  Kravitz can rock it and flaunt it like no body's business.  This man can melt the butter off a cold slab of concrete in a Arctic ice storm!  Yeah, he most definitely sends out an electric and intoxicating vibe.  This man creates some rockin' songs that are sensual and hypnotic.  The sexuality of his voice, the lyrics, and rhythm of the music can send a tingling sensation down my spine.  And let's not forget the almighty alpha male stance, head swinging, and hip gyrations he performs all so well.  That man owns the stage!  WHEW!  I think I need a cold shower now.  Anyway, enjoy some of my favorite pics of him. :)

                  
Beautiful smile. :)
   
Love those eyes!

I imagine Vishous from JR Ward's BD Brotherhood kinda like this. :)


Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday....'Christmas Bells'



Here's a classic Christmas poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  He wrote it during the American Civil War. Longfellow tragically reflects his anguish over the war and the harsh realities of it; yet, this poem brings a sense of hope to all for a better life and future of no hatred and no wars.

Christmas Bells
by:  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
And thought how, as the day had come,              
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


Then from each black accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!


And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"


Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

May we all find peace this Christmas holiday season and throughout all the days of our lives.  May we all embrace each other and lift each other up in prayers and continuous love.  May our Almighty GOD continue to guide and direct us and most importantly, may we all surrender to HIM and not follow the paths of judgement, hate, and ridicule but love one another with open hearts. 

HUGS and GOD BLESS,

JD  :)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Tempting Tuesday...Swiss dish, Marc Schenkenberg!


Sweden has some yummy treats; such as spitzbuben and baumkuchen.  But I have to say that my favorite one is Marcus Schenkenberg.  Anyone would love to take a bite out of this delicious Swiss dish.  He's an actor/model and he's modeled for Calvin Klein, Versace, Valentino and more.  Here's a few pics for our viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

HUGS,

JD :)

           

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday....bring out the cake!


As the time draws nearer to another birthday, I can't help but get all giddy....I know, I know...one would think that as an adult I wouldn't be but I love birthdays!  Some people get all anxious, depressed, pissy, or even lie about their age because they dread getting older.  Not me.  And to answer your question, I will be 41 on Monday and yes mom did drop me on my head a few times as a child...heehee.

Seriously though, I believe birthdays are a day of celebration.  One it means I've spent another year on this glorious earth which the LORD has created.  HE's also blessed me with more opportunities to grow and become the woman HE wants me to be, more time with loved ones, and more time to share HIS love with others as HE has with me.  Birthdays offer a time of reflection but not regrets.  To me, they should inspire and motivate a person to reach for his/her dreams and goals.  It's never too late. 


When I celebrate a birthday, I actually feel like a kid because of the excitement and giddiness built up inside of me.  Actually, I feel that way for other people's birthdays as well.  It's the one day of the year that it's ok to be pampered and catered to without feeling guilty; yet, not hurting others during the process.

Don't get me wrong, I may not have the body that I used to, may experience more aches and pains, and forget things more easily but I cherish my 'living life wear and tear' badges.  They've molded and shaped me.  After all, I am a strong, beautiful, and smart grown woman; not a young, awkward, and naive youngster.

So with that I say...'Hello Birthday, I missed ya, babe, and it's so wonderful to see you again"!