~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~it's all about the love~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Writer's Wednesday - prompt story

I don't really have writers' block but I thought it was a cute picture.

I tend to go more in the way of writers' overload, meaning I have too many projects going on at once. But as my muse(s) explained last week, sometimes that's a better solution for me if I do get stuck or disillusioned with what I'm writing at the time. I tend to switch back and forth depending on how hard my muses are working at that particular time. I'd love to be a one-story-at-a-time woman, but that's just not me.

And on that note, I have picked up yet another project - this one a free read for a group on GR. The object was to post a pic and a Dear Author letter and then hopefully someone would pick yours to write about. I got the one I wanted 2 seconds after the whistle blew for the main event. There were a few I had listed as maybes but this one was the first one I really felt hooked into. I don't have names or a title but I have a pretty good idea where I want the story to go, and as usual, it will involve one of my favorite sub-genres (or whatever you wanna call it.)  That's all I'm going to say so here's the pic and the letter to go with it.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

StarCrossed - fabulous series by MacCleod & Valentine

I'm not sure if you've all heard the big kerluffle going on with PayPal and some of the ebook sellers including All Romance Ebooks. I'm not going to go into the whole situation except to say PayPal is basically forcing these booksellers to remove books that fall into a few select categories or they'll stop doing business with them. Don't quote me on that because maybe I'm not explaining it right but my overall opinion is that PayPal has no right to do what they're doing.

Now, on to my task for the night. I am an absolute fangirl for the writing of Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine, both for their unique ideas and their beautiful character and world building. One of my favorite series is StarCrossed which just happens to be in one of the categories of books that will be removed from All Romance. Reno said they'd be gone by Friday, and since they self-publish, I don't think they know where or when they'll be available again for a while. I'm also bummed that the 5th book in the series will now be delayed because of all this PayPal madness.  If you like paranormal/fantasy with a variety of creatures and beings, I urge you to check this series out because it's completely awesome. (PS Check out the covers too - designed by Reno himself)

Tattoo Tuesday - Unknown hot dude = TODD

I searched high and low for this dude's name but all I could find is the photographer - Mike Fard. So maybe one of you recognize him and can put a name to his fabulousness. There wasn't that many pics of him but the ones I found are artsy and beautiful.


EDIT: Thanks to Fae Sutherland, we have a first name. Todd. He does not look like a Todd but there you have it.  Enjoy.


Sunday, February 26, 2012

Music Monday - Thriving Ivory

San Francisco band whose first album came out in 2008. I love the melodies, the lyrics and the lead singer's voice totally draws me in. I find their songs very emotional and that right there, does it for me every time. They remind me a little of Savage Garden. Take a listen.


White lines that never fade
Burn deep with everyday
And I need to know

You live here in a photograph
No sound and no regrets
And I need to know

Heart-stained but never weak
You lay down alone but you don't mind
Questions that never breathe
Your face on a wall that I can't shake

I'm walking on air, close to you
Through a long hallway with a broken light
And I, I need to know
If you're still alive

You hold me like a bag of bones
Wrapped up and underground
Pull me out so I can feel
Make me believe, that one more night's
Not a minute too long when a moment's all I need

I'm walking on air, close to you
Through a long hallway with a broken light
And I, I need to know
If you're still alive

You'll marry the night
Dance with the pain but you don't mind
See the city burn tonight, hearts up in flames
Would you carry me away?

I'm walking on air, close to you
Through a long hallway with a broken light
And I, I need to know
If you're still alive


~~"Long Hallway with a Broken Light", Thriving Ivory



Sexy Suit-Up Sunday - notice the sexy part?

Dear Suit-Up Sunday,
I had a horrible time thinking of what theme I could go with this week. I searched high and low and in the end decided that since my Sexy Saturday was more about hair than sexy, today would be a good day for some Sexy Suit-Up Sunday.

So please excuse me if you think I've made a mockery of your theme but I think some of the ladies will still maintain some respect for you after they see what exactly my theme is. And it's not like these aren't considered suits - these men have to wear them to work so I think they totally count.

Sincerely, K-lee
PS I know I post too many pics but that seems to be MY overall theme of this blog and you know it's torturous work having to look over all the pics I find so again, forgive me.

Suits for Male Exotic/Erotic Occupations :)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sexy Saturday - Fabulous Hair (slight NSFW)

I'm not afraid to admit I'm a total throw-back from the 80's. I love the hair metal bands - Bon Jovi, Poison, Extreme, Skid Row - wow, there are just too many to name. Love straight flowing hair or curly-than-curly masses to sink your fingers in. I had the 80's hair too and I'm not ashamed I'd go back to it in a minute.  Anyhow, you put two smoking hot guys side-by-side, both with great looks, great bods but one with long hair and one short - I'll look at the long-hair first every time. I think it's still that rock star lover in me coming out to play.

This post may not be too NSFW - unfortunately these lovely-locked boys have clothes on but I posted a treat at the end so to speak (lol, pun intended) that has nothing to do with long hair at all. Enjoy.

First - I was very excited this morning to find some pics that are dead-on of what I imagine Nicu (my gypsy in Lucius' Bite) to look like. A lot of people don't write from an inspirational pic but I find it really helps me to put that dude up on my desktop and look at him (them) once and a while.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Flashback Friday - John Cougar Mellencamp

John Cougar Mellencamp - born October 7, 1951 (wow, that makes him 60 - time flies). He'll always be John Cougar to me. He's known for his heartland rock, his passionate songs about the plight of the ordinary man and he's one of the founders of Farm Aid.

I always just loved his music, his sexy voice and thought he was hot as all get out and that's back in the 80's people. Lol. He's had stamina too - minds out of the gutter - I mean he's still around making music, and seriously, how many of us that were around in the 80's didn't know who "Jack & Diane" were or that it "Hurts So Good". I'm pretty sure he was one of my first concerts and I still love the man. Johnny was cool before cool was cool. :D
And of course I posted too many, don't you know me by now? In the realm of TMI - I'm pretty sure John is the one who started my nose fetish but was overtaken by Jared Leto's cute little nose. Lol.


For my BFF, Dawn, because we shared this lovely man back then. Ha. Not in that way though.

Break-out hit - before he figured out how to NOT fight his pretty hair. Lol.
(1978)


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Interview with the muse - naming names


Oh, the beloved muse or in some cases, the dreaded muse. No one has the same one. Some people have more than one. Sometimes they are beyond annoying because they disappear for days, weeks, months at a time. Regardless of what or who your muse is, when they're around and doing what they do best—inspire—they are precious commodities.

The muses of six authors were recently interviewed in a no-holds-barred question period. Here's what they had to say. Enjoy.

Hello muses. Since I don’t have specific names for any of you, I'm just going to assign you your author’s name. Is that okay?

Megan Derr: Well it's more of a name than I usually get
Xara X. Xanakas: Is that a trick question?
Piper Vaughn: No comment
Melanie Tushmore: Melanie's Muse is fine, I suppose. ::mutter mutter::
T.A. Chase: Sure, but I do have a name. :D
K-lee Klein: That's perfectly fine, and thank you very much for having me.

~~First of all, is there a different name you’d like to be referred to?

Megan: 'Lord and Master' is acceptable

Xara: Well, She calls me Spunky, so I guess that’ll do.
Piper: Call me Ed. :)
Melanie: I have many names, most of them curse words.
T.A.: Hello, my name is Marcus and I’m a muse.
K-lee: You may call me Hephaistion or Phai. 

~~What do you look like? Are you male or female or do you even have a gender? Do your looks change depending on what you’re “musing” about?

Megan Derr: I'm whatever gets the job done, which can sometimes be extremely aggravating, and I really prefer to skip the details.
Xara: *Spunky points to his picture below* Just look at me.
Piper: I’m genderless and my looks usually change depending on the idea. Sometimes I might be a demon, or a nerdy hottie wearing glasses, or a crossdressing bartender with a fondness for blue nail polish and eyeliner. ;)
Melanie: Gorgeous, androgynous, and more 'ous' words... The obnoxious son of bad fairies and rock stars.
T.A.: I’m male, and have dark hair. I’m really quite charming when I need to be to get TA to write, or as she’ll say I can be a complete nag as well. 
K-lee: I am actually a 2,300 year old Greek general with immense knowledge of the new world or shall I say your world. I was in a life-long love affair with the man of my heart, a relationship that lasted until my death and there after.

~~I’ve heard some people say they have more than one muse? Do you have a partner or are you single?

Megan: Single. Can't get her to get through what's already on the to do list, what good would more of me do? Go to waste, that's what.
Xara: I work alone, baby. She can barely keep up with me as it is. Have you seen my scorecard? I keep her hopping.
Piper: Single and loving it. I think Piper might combust if I had a partner. I keep her busy enough.
Melanie: Often I have to fight for position with vintage photos of Axl Rose, and random photos of actors.
T.A.: No partner. It’s just me, and at times, TA will tell you, I’m more than enough for her to handle.
K-lee:  I know the heartbreak of not being able to fully attain that which you want most in life and therein lies my inspiration for K-lee. I bring her the painful, emotional inspiration that she relishes writing, the heartache and ramifications of falling hard for the one special person. I have been accused of being too serious at times, and I am not the most playful or light-hearted muse so in that regard, I, unfortunately, do have a counter-part...
K-lee2: What do ya mean unfortunately? You love every minute of it... of me or at least certain parts of me. *snorts* And can I just say you've aged very well. 
K-lee: I wasn't sure if you were going to appear at all. You are inexcusably late, now are you going to introduce yourself or just hide in the shadows.
K-lee2: Shadows are good.
K-lee: This is Jared, my proverbial other half. He is the one who insists that K-lee adds some lighted-heartedness and sex to her writing.
K-lee2: And?
K-lee: He is quite fond of rock stars.
K-lee2: Rock on, dude. Oh and I am definitely all male. Phai is too even with his pretty long hair but I have a much bigger... libido.

~~Writers sometimes refer to you going on vacation or falling off the map, usually in much more profane ways. Where do you actually go?

Megan: I go wherever the hell I want, when I want, and sometimes that is far, far away from the writer. Everybody needs breaks.
Xara: I lurk around the edges, always there. Okay, I admit that sometimes, I get tanked and disappear for a while, but when I climb out of that gutter, I am right back on top of things, spitting ideas at her like crazy. In fact, I just shot another one at her.
Piper: Barbados. :D You can find me on the beach with a rum runner and a book.
Melanie: I tell 'Tush I'm partying hard with my peers, although actually I'm sitting outside her window pulling faces and laughing as she beats her forehead on her computer.
T.A.: Me? I never take a day off. I’m dedicated to my job. I can’t risk TA getting too lazy if I’m not around here.
K-lee: I would choose to stay with K-lee all the time but—
K-lee2: I make him take some time off. He's too damn strict on himself and we all need a break to have some fun, right, Phai-baby? Remember the last time when we went to Brazil and I took you to that exclusive bathhouse and you got your...
K-lee: Enough!
K-lee2: Yes, sir. general, sir. *snorts*

~~Are you comfortable with your writer working on more than one project or do you prefer to inspire one story at a time?

Megan: I've been trying to break her to multiple projects for years. Not very good at it, but I still have hope.
Xara: I’m a “what if…” kind of muse. I drop the little crumbs and make her work for the story. Sometimes I sneak up while she’s writing and derail the whole thing. Those are fun times.
(He’s a freaking deadbeat dad, knocking up plot bunnies and leaving me to raise them – Author)
Piper: My writer can usually only work on one or two things at a time anyway, but usually focuses on one, so this isn’t really an issue for me.
Melanie: I like to give her as many ideas as possible, in the hopes that one day she'll spontaenously combust.
T.A.: Of course, I’m fine with her working on more than one. Hell, if the characters pay me enough, I’ll have her working on three or four. How do you think I can afford these awesome clothes?
K-lee2: I'll take this one, Phai. I think the woman HAS to work on more than one thing at a time. She's never been officially diagnosed but I'm pretty sure she has ADD or ADHD or whatever the hell they call it now. She gets stuck on one thing and then just switches to something... hey, Phai! I can't find my green sneakers, have you seen them?

~~What’s the most outrageous idea you ever tried to get your writer to work on? Did she do it?

Megan: She hasn't done it yet, but she'll be getting to it soon. Want to screw with an author really well? Time travel is the way to go. Lots of swearing and sulking involved there, it's fantastic.
Xara: Uh, you have seen some of the things I’ve made her write, right? I mean, a were-boa constrictor? Who does that? She’s got stories for a were-scorpion, a were-chicken, and even a were-bunny thanks to me.
Piper: Hmmm. I’d rather not give out the whole idea, but let’s just say it has to do with tattooed convicts. And she’s still thinking about it. :P
Melanie: I gave her dreams about fairies and ghosts, and she's currently writing both. However they never turn out how I originally plan them!
T.A.: Hmmm….to be honest I haven’t come up an outrageous idea yet, but I do believe if I do find something totally crazy, TA will write it. She’s pretty willing to try just about anything once. Twice if she likes it. ;)
K-lee: I cannot think of anything outrageous that we've inspired her to write.
K-lee2: What about that wolf/gypsy/witch/lion thing? Or don't you consider menage as outrageous, Phai-baby? You did the other night when I suggested it.
K-lee: Jared! That story is not menage, it just has a lot of characters. Now please hush so we can continue.

~~Now some questions from some contributors on Twitter:
 
~~“Why the hell can’t you stick to my outlines?”~~

Megan: They're wrong, obviously.
Xara: Now where would the fun be in that? Come on. If you knew how what was going to, why bother writing it?
Piper: To paraphrase Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean, “You’re writers. Hang the outlines! They’re really more like vague suggestions anyway.” ;D
Melanie: Because I'm a free spirit (and a goddamn pest)

T.A.: What are these outlines you talk about? I don’t have any rules to follow or anything. I go wherever I want, and it doesn’t matter what she’s written down. I’m the one in charge. Not her.
K-lee2: I'm a song writer and we don't use no goddamn outlines so why should she get to have one? That's not even a real question. Phai, are you rolling your eyes at me again? I told you, man, they're gonna stay that way. Freaky, dude.

~~“Why are you more active at bedtime?”~~

Megan: That's when they drop their guard, easier to slip in and crank it up to overdrive
Xara: I’m just a night-owl. What can I say?
Piper: I’m a night owl. Luckily my writer is, too.
Melanie: Night is more exciting (and I'm a goddamn pest)

T.A.: Because most of the time I’ve been asleep during the day. TA can attest to that, considering some times it’s harder for her to write.
K-lee: Most of my inspirational thoughts are sent during the day but Jared and K-lee are both insomniacs so they are very compatible in that regard.
K-lee2: The night's where the magic happens, baby.

~~“Why so stubborn muse? Why you hide things from me at first then only reveal them later?”~~

Megan: Because authors are meant to be screwed with, and it keeps things interesting
Xara: I like to make it interesting. Keeps you on your toes.
Piper: I like to maintain an air of mystery. Keeps me young.
Melanie: I have to entertain myself somehow...it's like a game of cluedo with you authors.

T.A.: Trust me, it’s rough being all-knowing, and I don’t have to give away all my secrets at once.
K-lee: It's not my intention to be stubborn. 
K-lee2: It's more fun that way.

~~“Why do you sneak up on me in the shower?”~~

Megan: Just for the hell of it
Xara: Because I like you wet and naked?
Piper: Well, I like seeing Piper scramble to remember the idea afterward, of course. Nothing like a bit of torture at shower time.
Melanie:  I'm an outrageous pervert. 
T.A.: You’re kind of a captive audience. Best time to grab you is when you’re naked and wet. You’re not going to run off anywhere without me.
K-lee: I don't think I go near her when she's in the shower. That's just not in my nature.
K-lee2: He's telling the truth there. Besides, she'd probably just pull out that iPad of hers like she does in the tub.

~~“Do you sit and ponder about ways to torture your writer or does it just come naturally?”~~

Megan: Any good muse, torture is a mix of natural talent and practice, practice, practice.
Xara: It’s all me, baby. Besides, she makes it too easy for me.
Piper: Oh, this talent at torture is 100% all natural. :D
Melanie: It's all natural, darling. I'm a sadist.
T.A.: It comes naturally. Trust me. Not everyone can be a muse.
K-lee: By the gods, I hope she doesn't think I torture her. I'm very fond of her. That's very upsetting.
K-lee2: I'm a bit of a sadist so I enjoy it. Ah, Phai. Does the big, tough general need a tissue?

~~“If you’re so smart, why can’t you write the stories yourself so I can do more reading?”~~

Megan:  Because then I'd never get to do more reading.
Xara: Because I love to watch her squirm. I drop an idea, then sit back, pour a drink, and watch the fun begin. 
Piper: Hey, my job is to provide the ideas. I can’t be expected to actually do anything with them. I’d rather be reading myself.
Melanie: How very dare you! If I'm that unappreciated, I'll be packing my bags and leaving for Hollywood. Goodness knows script writers need some original ideas these days! Now get back to writing ::cracks whip::
T.A.: Hey, I’m busy enough organizing all the characters for all TA’s stories. I never get a damn day off. Don’t ask me to write the stupid things as well.
K-lee: I am very satisfied with helping K-lee with her writing but I have no dreams of doing it myself. I do not do a lot of reading either. Someone has to babysit Jared, after all.
K-lee2: Dude, that's not cool.
K-lee: I apologize, Jared.
K-lee2: You're too easy, Phai-baby. Wanna go jump in the hot tub.
K-lee: Jared!

<-- "Lord and Master" would love for you to check out Megan Derr's LiveJournal here, but he asks you to please do it quietly in case he's down for a nap.



Xara X. Xanakas and "Spunky" -->
can be found hanging out here. Spunky asks that you please bring your own wine and glass because as he's an expensive drunk.  Xara says, "he chugged that wine and tossed the glass onto the floor when he finished"


Piper Vaughn and "Ed" spend a lot of their time here. Drop on over and check out "Tattoo Tuesday", it's a fan fave.
Melanie Tushmore and her muse-of-many-curse-words are usually getting busy here and they'd love it if you stopped by for some cocktales and hot sauce.




<-- "Marcus" and T.A. Chase do some fabulous blot stories. You can check them out here. She says that Marcus is a little shy at first but he'll bring you flowers. Gotta love that.




And finally, Hephaistion, Jared and I would like to thank all these lovely authors for agreeing to this gruelling interview - oh and their muses too. You can find us right here for your viewing pleasure. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tattoo Tuesday - Jonathan Agassi (NSFW)


Jonathan Agassi - born in Buffalo, NY - raised in Tel Aviv, Israel - occupation: gay porn model.
Jonathan started out as a fashion model before going into gay porn. He's ripped and tatted and can change his looks like a chameleon, not to mention just plain beautiful. I've heard *coughs* he's very sensual in his scenes and there may be a particular one with the hot Avi Dar that sticks in my mind a little - I mean that I've heard about. It was a chore to find at least half-clothed pics of him so I hope y'all appreciate my effort and sacrifice. Lol. I give you Jonathan Agassi. (if you don't want the total nudity, do not look under the cut :P)

Monday, February 20, 2012

Music Monday - Neon Trees

Neon Trees. Indie/alternative band from Provo, Utah.

When I was doing my major 30 Seconds to Mars gigging across Canada and the US in 2010, these guys were one of the openers about 85% of the time. They have fantastic energy, catchy tunes, and Tyler Glenn (the lead singer) is an absolute firecracker on stage. I had the opportunity to hang out with them a bit and I can tell you they are the most down-to-earth, fun, interesting guys (and girl) I've met in a long time. Fabulous band. Check then out. I think you'll like.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Beautiful but so sad - Lover Official Music Video

Suit up Sunday - Wrestling singlets (NSFW)

I can honestly say I had no idea there were so many inappropriate wrestling singlet pictures that weren't even supposed to be inappropriate. I had assumed they wore cups but from the looks of most of these - that is not the case - and some of them really like wrestling. :)  Some are obviously not for real wrestling - just real hotness - some are staged - some not so much - all pretty hot though. Happy Suit Up Sunday.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Sexy Saturday - juicy jeans

Jeans. They're obviously not just for cowboys and this post is totally not cowboy-related. To me there's nothing sexier than a man in a pair of well-fitting jeans - bonus for shirtless and *sighs* barefoot. Enjoy. ❤❤



Friday, February 17, 2012

Flashback Friday - Bon Jovi overload

Bon Jovi. They've been a part of my musical life since the mid-80's and still have some high play on my iPod. They also stand as about the 3rd most seen in concert for me. They're electric, addicting, hot, hard-rockin', beautiful-balladin' boys who have stayed together almost 30 years. Obviously, Jon's branched out - solo stuff, country, acting - but he's always stayed true to Richie, David, Tico and Bryan.


I was unhappy when he cut his hair but there's was no denying he still had the looks and the talent - big hair or not. (did you see him in Moonlight & Valentino OR Little City - awesome) Not sure I can pick a fave song of one of my favorite groups ever but I think I'm more into the older stuff from the 80's and early 90's. Back in my younger days (lol) my go-to Karaoke song was "Born to be My Baby" - great song to belt out. As for the rest of the band, I've always totally crushed on Richie Sambora as well - I have Richie solo albums too - though the poor man has been through the ringer over the past few years with his personal life. I always thought Jon and Richie had a pretty awesome bromance - yeah, even back then I was thinking those thoughts. :P

Anyhow, I digress (as usual) so now I give you... the fabulousity that is Bon Jovi.
Then

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thoughtful Thursday - Validation & accomplishments

First I'll apologize to any newbies to my blog. I do post about my writing, my books, pretty pictures, songs and other stuff, but I also theorize about things that are important to me, and I talk about my own personal business. Today's topic - Validation.


Validation
To acknowledge and accept a person's feelings, thoughts, behaviors and internal experience as valid and understandable.
Validation is a tool that verifies that the other person’s feelings are valid, but doesn’t necessarily condone or agree with their behavior.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Valentines' Blog Hop winners & Pimping HAH

So I've decided to double my give-aways from 2 to 4. And thanks everyone for all the birthday and Valentines' wishes.


1st winner is West
2nd winner is Ella Jade
3rd winner is Beginka
4th winner is ladyauthorsld


Congrats! 


And just a reminder, if you didn't win - don't forget to hop on by between May 17-20 for Hop Against Homophobia. We already have over 130 m/m authors signed up to participate and it's going to be fabulous! Mark your calendars and just one last shout out to you all - thanks for following my blog, it means more than you know to me. I'd love to know what kinds of things you'd like to see here as well. Give me some feedback and I'll definitely do what I can to fulfill your request. ☺

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tattoo Tuesday - Adam Levine (slight nudity)

Another rocker edition Tattoo Tuesday from me - what a shock.

Adam Levine - born March 18, 1979 - Maroon 5, The Voice.
Talented, out-spoken, charismatic, hot, gay activist, yoga-lover, tattoo enthusiast - what's not to love, right?

Adam himself is not gay - as you can see by the pics with his girlfriend (whose name he has tatted on his knuckles) but his brother Michael is.  In July of 2011, Adam did a video for the It Gets Better campaign - that's pretty spectacular brotherly love, don't you think?

On to the pretty pictures.


Monday, February 13, 2012

Music Monday - Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace - fabulous Canadian band fronted by the more-than-gorgeous, Adam Gontier, who has to be like seven feet tall - or he sure looks like it on stage. I can't really put their music into a specific genre box - rock, alternative. There's nothing fluffy about them, their music is a little dark and tense, and so are their videos.

Adam has an amazing voice that sends shivers down my spine whether he's belting out something hard and fast or purring emotively into the mic. Their songs are hard-rocking, emotion-building, but also involve some pretty intense issues and problems. I've had the pleasure of seeing them many times in concert and they put on a fabulous show. If you ever get a chance to see them - GO!  Here's a couple faves.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

One Life - don't stop living it

I told you all about Hedley in one of my other posts and when I found this video today, I thought it was the perfect message. Perfect for today when my age passes from one number to another and every other day that I, and anyone else, needs a boost or encouragement to live the life they want to live. Hope you enjoy. :) And thanks for all the birthday wishes - you guys rock.