Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Image courtesy of Glitter-Graphics

Wishing you and yours a very 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Cass

A Very Merry Yule Party in SL

Earlier today, I managed to pop into Second Life (better known as SL) and got a sneak peek at a friend's new mermaid and fae sim, Elementals. The picture below is of the fae mall my friend Leannsidhe designed and built with with help of the highly talented Strand Starsider. Pretty cool, huh. They never taught this kinda stuff back when I was in college going for my degree in fine art! I wish they had, I would understand more now and be better at building. :) As it is, I can barely manage building a box! rofl.

L to R: Leannsidhe Sandalwood, Cassandra *Sharktooth* Curtis. :)

I was lucky enough to secure a spot underwater at her SIM with a poster/billboard of both my and Cora *Waverider* Zane's book cover art, along with a gumball machine that gives out neat little prizes for a small donation of $10L. :) Drop by the next time you venture into SL and check it out: http://slurl.com/secondlife/0%200%20Meleda/90/96/1

Me in second life. Mertail costume by Zohee Goldshark. Hair by Curious Kitties.

Ms. Euterpe Queller, songwriter and songstress in SL.

I stopped back by tonight for the grand opening of the Elementals sim and their nightclub, La Siren. The special treat was a total surprise. I got to listen to this incredibly talented singer and songwriter, Euterpe Queller. Her range is amazing, singing everything from jazz standards to blues, and modern pop.

Her website says:

As the Second Life persona of Oklahoma City
songstress, Shelly Phelps, Euterpe Queller is
alternately categorized as a sultry rhythm andblues chanteuse, a torchy jazz singer,
a thoughtful singer songwriter, or the
quintessential rocker chick. However, all
agree Queller's ever-present smoky and
soulful voice croons, moans, belts, and wails
its way through every song.

Check it out at: http://www.shellyphelps.com/EuterpeQueller.html

She reminded me so much of Vivilyn Ondine, the siren/mermaid heroine in my second book in the Shifting Tides trilogy. All Viv wanted was to sing jazzy torch songs with the boys in the band, but her parents forbid it, thinking it beneath her as a royal heir, and also dangerous to be let loose in the human world above.

After Ms. *Queller* Phelps set, a rock DJ dressed as an Orca Sea Wolf (lol) spun tunes and took a special request from moi—May It Be - Enya.

As you can tell, it was a very fun gathering with some awesome music at the nightclub La Siren.

I also got to reconnect with my bff Jan aka Bryn Forsythe in SL after the party. I hadn't seen her in a while since she moved back to Indy. She's the one who introduced me to Second Life, and the craziness of virtual reality shopping, so the damage to my bank acct. is all her fault. lol.

Jan * Bryn Forsythe* in SL. Hat/hair by Curious Kitties.

All I want for Yule...

Mr. Bear asked me what I wanted for Christmas/Yule this year. I sat and thought about it last night and really couldn't think of a single thing. It's not so much that I have everything I need, as much as it is all the things I need either cost more than I know he can afford (new car, new computer laptop, new refrigerator, etc.) and the things I want are the stuff of fantasy (to be 25 years old again knowing what I know now, to be healthy and a size eight again, to have my mom and dad back...only healthier and not in pain). ::sigh::

He says I am hard to shop for and I guess I am. He tells me we are having a Christmas this year, complete with presents under the tree, because this is his Christmas too, and it's what mum would have wanted.

My little goddaughter wants a DQ Blizzard Station and I planned to grab her one tomorrow, except I just read the reviews for the food-maker toy on Amazon and from what I can tell, the thing is a plastic piece of shite. So I'm wondering if I should just go on and buy it for her since it's what she wants and let her parents (my nephew and his wife) deal with putting it together and giving it a toss after she tries it one time and it breaks. If I don't get it, what do I get for her?

My sister already got her an Easy Bake Oven type thing and mum had already gotten Aleah this gorgeous carved, wooden, ballerina music box with a slide compartment for jewelry and put it up for her months ago, before mum got so sick. We found it in mum's closet, already wrapped, but no tag on it, so we had to unwrap it and then saw written on the small box—..."for Aleah." Just thinking of it makes me teary eyed. My other sisters chipped in and got little miss a genuine silver and amethyst ring and gave it to her early since both live out of state (middle sis out of country) and so wanted to give it to her before they left town.

Which leaves her great auntie and godmother—me. I want to get her something special. Not something she'll outgrow and will get pitched in a few months, never to be worn again. Nor do I want to buy her something she'll get bored with or get broken after a single use.

Hmm, I wonder how upset nephew would be if I brought little miss a kitty-kit home from the Humane Society? lol. Probably a lot since they already have a Beagle.

What to get her? What to get her? ::thinking cap firmly on::
Sheesh, you'd think the girl's faery godmother would know exactly what to get her!

At the rate I'm going, I may never earn my wings! Hey! That's what I can tell Mr. Bear I want! Faery Wings! rofl. Can't wait to see the look on his face when I tell him that! Somehow I doubt they carry them at Sears. :P

Until next time~
Cass

No Heavy Lifting

My SL location in Land of Sidhe, Tokara will be no more after Yule, so my billboard and freebie story boxes will be moving to a new place. This is the SLURL link for the main teleport hub, for the underwater shops and village. http://slurl.com/secondlife/0%200%20Meleda/88/75/2 Once I find out the actual location of exactly where they'll place me, I'll post it on my blog. :)

The neat thing about Second Life is that when you have to move, the boxes aren't heavy and you won't need to rent a U-Haul. lol.

I'll do readings from my books at the new location and will post the schedule once I've discussed the details with the new SIM's owners. :)

If you're new to SL or never heard of it before, you can check it out at: http://secondlife.com/

It's free and once you get the hang of it, it can be a lot of fun.

Remember, you can always stop by my booth at the Book Fayre in Awen ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/Awen/228/206/22 ) or the 3-D version of the MMC in SL at Awen http://slurl.com/secondlife/Awen/196/225/22 and stock up on freebies. :)

Holiday Stocking Winners!

The winners of my Christmas Stocking Contest are...

::drum roll please::

Moonsanity and Pam K.

Congratulations, ladies! Please email me at cass at cassandracurtis .com (no spaces) with your full name and mailing address so I can get those stockings in the mail to you both. :)

I hope you enjoy the goodies!  To those of you who didn't win, the MMC has more holiday fun and cheer planned on the MMC blog, so watch for your chance to enter and win!

Until next time...
Cass

Stocking Stuffers Contest

Win one of these cute little Yuletide stockings. 

To enter, leave a comment. 

Two winners will be chosen. Contest ends Monday, December 13, 2010 at midnight. Winners will be announced next week here on my blog and at the MMC blog.  Good Luck!

The Last of the Out-of-Town Rellies

Well, the last of my out of town relatives, my middle sister, has left and is now on the way home to her house in Oz. No, not the prison show or the fabled land from the Wizard of Oz, but Australia. I keep waiting for her to acquire an Aussie accent, but no dice. She's still got her American one. I bet they love that over there. lol.

It's been great having her here, but the reason totally sucked. I imagine it's going to be awhile for all of my family to get over the grieving process. Our mum was a huge part of our lives, the grand matriarch of our clan, and our best friend and confidant. ::sigh::

I know she wouldn't want us to be sad all the time, but be happy. For her sake, and the sake of my own sanity, I have to try, but not a day goes by when I don't think of her. I hope all my friends and other family will be patient with me as I relearn what it takes to be happy. :)

I really have no interest in Yule or Christmas this year, but again, I have to try. I know Bear is looking forward to the normalcy of putting up and decorating the annual tree, so I guess we'll get one and I'll go through the motions.  He lost his father several years back, on New Year's Eve. We'd just celebrated Christmas and got the word on the 26th, that his dad had been rushed to the hospital and they didn't expect him to make it to New Year's Day. We raced to Charlotte (where my in-laws lived at the time). From that point on, he declined rather fast and I believe was simply holding on until all the family came in and all goodbyes were said.

I've tried to make an effort since then, to brighten the holiday spirit for him, and keep him active around the holidays. My own favorite holiday was and has always been Halloween, although I do enjoy Yule. This year both Halloween and Thanksgiving were bittersweet. And I know it will be the same with Yule and Christmas.

As a very good friend of mine said yesterday, we are the living, and we have a job to do. To keep living and loving and enjoying the gifts we are given--because anything less would be an insult to our deceased loved ones who cared about us just as deeply as we cared about them.

Jammed

When my sisters and I cleared and cleaned out mum's refrigerator and cupboards, I never realized before exactly how much my mum loved jam and preserves. I think I managed to get the lion's share, but OMG. lol. I have enough seedless blackberry jam to last five years! And strawberry, and blueberry, and raspberry, and orange marmalade, and grape, and apple butter, and apple jelly, and apricot, and several other flavors I never knew existed!

The entire bottom shelf of my pantry is nothing but jams, jellies, and preserves! lol. Anyone care for a biscuit?

A Generation Gone

Dad and Mum with one of their race horses. Circa 1954.

These last few days I've been at my mother's small apartment, going through photos and other belongings...all her little treasures.

Even the most mundane of things, an address book, held hidden glimpses into my mother's daily life. With each new discovery, I felt both excitement and sadness. Today is the final moving day.

All her precious items, now boxed and marked, must be moved to someone's house or garage, to be sifted through yet again. My unasked for winter project is now scanning all her photos into my computer so I can burn CD's for all the family. Some I will print out and others will require special care and retouching, like a rare photo of my great grandmother I didn't realize mum had kept safe in one such album.

As I looked through some 50 photo albums and 75 envelope packets of photos, I came to a harsh realization. My mother was the very last of her generation in my family and now my sisters and I are the oldest generation.

I thought of what my mother must have felt as her sisters and brothers passed before her, her husband passing too. And I looked upon my sisters and knew we too would go through the same thing, as each of us passes into shadow and leaves behind the next generation. I can only hope that they will be as proud of the long line they come from as I have been, and that they share more than the physical family traits passed down through the centuries. I hope they also share the magick and the love.

With Sadness...

Dear friends and readers, Cassandra's mother passed away early this morning, so understandably she will be taking time off to be with her family. Many thanks for all your prayers during this trying time.


~Cora

Making 'Lemonade' from the Lemons of Life

Mother's stroke left her weak on the left side. But now they think she also has pneumonia. Last night I sat reading to her from one of her favorite books, Gold Star Wife by L.K. Campbell. Her other favorite author is Karen Marie Moning.

I think being able to escape into a good book can be the very best therapy. :)

So I'm taking a big box of books and promo goodies up to the hospital today for the nursing staff and patients.


Who knows, it might generate future sales for my books and the books of my friends, in addition to helping someone pass the time as they heal. :)


Yeah, I know—I am such an Aquarian. lol.


Love, light, and laughter to all,
Blessings,
Cass

I may be scarce for a while...

To all my online friends and readers:

I may be scarce online for a while as my mother's situation has deteriorated. She had a stroke today. Her left side was affected. In the meanwhile, all the family is coming in town to see her and I will be trying to coordinate hotels, flights, etc. Often acting as driver, general errand girl, and all around troubleshooter.

If anyone needs anything regarding the Midnight Moon Cafe, please contact Cora Zane at corazane @ aol.com

I will try to pop in and update when I can. Be good to each other. ((hugs))

Cass

The Serendipity of Life

After a four hour visit to see mum in the nursing home, I tried to leave but was stopped by the sound of a fire alarm going off. 

I was shooed back into her room by a nurse and stayed until we got the all clear. Then as I head out to get in my vehicle and leave, I notice the person in the spot next to me left no room for me to squeeze in and open my door. 

I had to walk back in the the nursing home and wait another 35 minutes until the person in the white van was located and came to move it. I swear, it was almost like something didn't want me to leave the nursing home, at least not during that time.

I finally manage to leave, sighing with relief, and pull onto the on-ramp for the highway and hit bumper to bumper traffic. What fun. I turn on the radio, and that's when the serendipity is revealed.

A horrible wreck ahead some 4 miles, had traffic backed up all the way to the main road where I'd come from. If I had left when I'd planned to, I would have been very likely in the same area where the accident occurred and at about the same time.

Can I just say that I love my guardian angels and I think they should get time and a half for covering me. You just know they probably draw straws and are like, "Oh shit, I got the short straw! Anybody wanna trade?" lol

Monday, Monday...

Getting very psyched for Samhain and Halloween. I'm seriously thinking about dressing up as a zombie. I think I've got the walk down pat. :P These last few weeks have been crazy, trying to be at the hospital or nursing home every day, then coming home late in the afternoon and flopping into the recliner the minute my feet hit the living room floor. It's not that I'm doing that much. But there is something about just sitting at the hospital or the nursing home. After about two hours, my butt is numb, and my brain isn't far behind. *pun intended*

Mum always gives me a list of things to bring. Today, my list consists of phone calls to make on her behalf, and paperwork snaffu to resolve.

Tomorrow, I'll fix salmon croquettes and take them up for her and the nursing and aide staff. Yes, the nursing and aide staff. You see, mum likes to promise things on other people's behalf. That way you can't really back out or back down when she hits you between the eyes with her latest gambit. lol. But it's okay. I have about eight cans of salmon sitting in my pantry, waiting for me to figure out what to do with them, so it's all good. :)

Plus, if she feels well enough to play her usual games, then she's getting at least a little better. :P

I can just picture it, me carrying in this large serving platter of warm salmon patties, and like 200 cats following me as I walk toward the entrance to the nursing home, taking turns under my feet, trying to trip me up, so they get a free meal. lol

If I don't make it back, you'll know I was catnapped and taken to their secret lair, forced to become their chef. :P

Bon Appetite
Cass

Last Night's NDE Event

Cassandra Sharktooth Curtis at NDE discussion, Oct. 22, 2010.

I think last night's event in SL went rather well, judging by the turnout and by some of the interesting questions asked by audience members. I love holding these discussions about the paranormal and getting honest feedback.

I found that a couple of participants had also experienced OBE or 'out of body experiences' as well. Although similar, the characteristics of the OBE are different in many respects—namely that one has to die and come back for an NDE to be clinically valid, and this is not necessarily so for the OBE.

Practitioners of eastern mysticism have long experienced the sensation of floating or hovering above their body without anything other than deep meditation, that elevates an altered state of awareness. The OBE can also occur during certain cycles of sleep. Now, one might say that a sleeping OBE is nothing more than a very vivid dream. The difference can be quantified and documented, however, by an experiment using remote viewing.

For those who are unfamiliar with remote viewing, it is the ability to learn information about a distant or unseen target using a form of ESP. Research conducted has yielded some interesting albeit mixed results. The remote viewer is expected to give information about an object that is hidden from physical view and located some distance from them.

Using this method, an experiment can be set up so that the person preparing for an OBE can be told there is a location marked on a map, and that map is in an envelope that will be used to judge the results of the OBE. The subject's goal is then to induce an OBE and astral travel to that location—and then once out of the 'dream,' to identify the location. The area is to be described in detail, along with diagrams of landmarks and any other helpful identifiers.

If the landmarks and subject's description of the area match the secret location on the map, then it can be said the OBE may hold some validity. Many remote viewers 'see' without having an OBE, using another form of ESP not triggered during the dream state.

Either way, I find both NDEs and OBEs highly fascinating.  The ability to remote view as well is intriguing and warrants further exploration.

Near Death Experience Discussion Tonight!

I will be holding my NDE discussion tonight!

NDE Discussion

7pm east, 6pm central, and 4pm pacific time*

*which is also Second Life time

Haunted Fruit Islands: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fig/86/117/500

Fruit Islands welcomes the return of Cassandra Sharktooth to its shores. Cassandra has spoken to us in the past about her experiences as a Paranormal Investigator and encounters with Ghosts.

In this workshop, Cassandra will discuss the Near Death Experience and look at the nine common factors all NDEs have. She will also talk about her own NDE, and how some researchers link NDE and psychic awakening.

Reflecting On School Daze: Bullying

In between running to and from the hospital (to see mum), I had a chance to drop in over at Stars Will Cry, my bff Cora Zane's blog and weighed in on her post: http://corazane.blogspot.com/2010/10/purple-wednesday.html

Seeing some of the news stories these past few weeks have brought back memories. I hurt inside for those kids and their families. School shouldn't be a war zone. It should be a place for learning as it was intended. A happy place where kids can make friends and work toward their goals and dreams for the future.

Reflecting on my own school years brings back both happy and sad memories. You see, I was one of those kids who got bullied. Always the new kid in school because my parents loved traveling and dad's job required it. Of course, dad could have left us kids at the homestead and came back after each job was done, but he loved mum and loved us kids and for him, there was no other decision but to drag all of us along on all of his assignments.

The problem is, dad would sometimes have two and three job assignments a year, so that meant I often went to two or three different schools in the same year. The cycle repeated every year. In all, I probably attended something like 20-25 different schools in 12 years. That's hard on a kid. Especially a kid who was chubby, had red hair, and whose momma dressed them funny. I kid you not! lol

I was pushed against gym lockers, tripped down two flights of stairs, called names, poked, given a black eye, kicked and more. The thing I hated about always being the new kid actually turned out to be the thing that saved me from depression and possible suicide. See, I could count on one thing—that before long, my family would move again and I would escape the harassment for a short while, as we traveled to our newest home. I would wave bye to the bullies and stick my tongue out. :P

Of course, there were times when a job took longer than the others, and I had to endure. But not alone. Oh no. This is where having a fierce Virgo mom is the best thing in the world. I recall one time she caught me hiding my face when I got off the bus from school, and made me lift my head—exposing a black eye and purple cheekbone. I thought she would be upset but I didn't count on the glorious, righteous anger of a pissed off Virgo with Capricorn rising and a Scorpio moon. OMG!

I remember that day so very clearly. She took me back to school and walked in on the principal without an appointment. Wowsers! And when the principal got all smart-mouth with her, she got in his face, set him down, and called his bluff! Oh yes, she gave him a wicked tongue lashing and put him in his place! I was never more proud of my mum than in that moment.

The kids who hurt me got suspended, and I knew they would come after me big time once they were back in school. Luckily dad (who never came to the school before) picked me up early that day and told me we were moving again. Whew. Only later did I learn that dad asked for a new assignment in order to get me out of that place and away from those asshats. I loved dad for doing that. :)

Of course, we didn't have cyber-bullying back then. Hell, we didn't have personal computers, let alone the internet. Things are so much worse now for kids because of the internet. But it's not the internet that's bad. It's how some people choose to use it. Like anything, it's just a tool. But a tool in the wrong hands can be devastating.

I agree that something needs to be done, but what will stop bullies? They were around in my day, and they were around in my parents and grandparents day too. Probably were around since the beginning of time.

What do you think? Is there a solution to this growing problem?

Running On Empty

Those of you who follow me on Facebook probably already know I've been 'running on empty' for a while. My mother, (who always prefers me to refer to her as mum), has been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes for months. She's now back in the hospital again. I want her well and healed this time, before they discharge her.

The thing is, she's weak, frail, and plumb tired—and anybody would be after almost three months of this shit. But at her age (in her 80's), tired and weak—well, it takes on a new meaning.  The problem is once they discharge her from the hospital, the drs. always discharge her to a rehab/nursing home for physical therapy and/or occupational therapy.

So, after vomiting for eight straight days, is it any wonder she doesn't feel like doing any exercise? Hell, she could barely walk before she fell back in August and got sick. And when I say walk, I mean with an assist walker. Her main way to get around used to be her motorized scooter. Yet now she is expected to walk like a 40 year old in good health, lift weights and pulleys and fuck knows what else.

Yes, I know she needs to build her strength, but can't we get her well first? I am so tired of all these places explaining to me that she has to help herself and move. Well, no fucking duh. But it's hard when you are *going both ways*, to put it delicately,  80+ years old, running a low grade temp off and on, and couldn't walk for beans before all this started.

My analogy of never playing the piano, but suddenly after really working with them in therapy, I can—just sailed over their heads I think.

The nursing home/rehab place before this last one complained of the same thing. She wouldn't cooperate and hold her head up. In the meanwhile, she ran a fever and was sick, wouldn't eat her meals, and didn't cooperate in therapy. Hmm...then they finally got a brainstorm and the nursing home dr. finally sent her to the hospital, where her real doctors could see her, and immediately said, "OMG—this woman has an inflamed and diseased gallbladder! We gotta remove it STAT! Why didn't they send her to the hospital sooner?"  Yeah, why the fuck didn't they?

After a week and a half at the hospital, they released her once more to a nursing home/rehab...to get stronger. Instead, she got sicker and weaker and the entire cycle started again, with her sick and *uncooperative* in therapy. They even mentioned it being partially behavioral. Over a week passed this last time before the exact same nursing home dr. (but at a different nursing home) finally figured something else might be wrong and sent her back to the hospital (different hospital too).

I stayed with her in ER for nine hours the other day and come to find out, she was running a low-grade temp and that after a CT scan, her diverticulitis had majorly flared up. OMG.

Today, the hospital nurses are talking to her about discharging her once more to a nursing home/rehab center for additional care—to strengthen her.

Now, I am not dissing the nursing care staff at any of these rehab/home places. I know they do the best they can with limited resources, but damn, this is getting old, ya know.  I want to break the pattern for mum and see her really improve. I can't stand watching this horrible decline.

And I gotta say if I were her, I'd be damn depressed too and not want to lift my head.

Oh—I gotta love the threat they all use on the family. "If she won't participate, we'll have to discharge her."

Okay, discharge her to where? Her home? Hmm, if she gets well, you'll discharge her home, and if she doesn't cooperate you'll discharge her home...see any difference? I say cut her the fuck loose and I'll give her the care she needs. Geezeus.

Of course, the problem there is that I am battling my own numerous health issues and my writing would have to go on a back burner indefinitely.  I'd miss my writing since that is my only real outlet for creativity, and it takes away some of the chronic pain I'm in, putting my mind in a better, healthier place. Hmm... I could share some of that natural pain-reducer (writing) and do what my mum has always wanted—write her memoirs. I bet that would get her mind off her own pain. I doubt it would ever get published, especially in this economy when the only real non-fiction sellers are autobiographies of the rich and famous—neither which can be said of my mum. Infamous possibly. At least in certain circles. :P

Ah well... I'm heading up to the hospital today to check on her. ::fingers crossed:: she is hopefully feeling better.

Until next time...
~ Cass

Discussing The Near Death Experience

Quite some time ago I began to explore the phenomena known as the Near Death Experience or NDE. My own interest was sparked when I died on an operating table back in 1987 and was revived. Did I get a glimpse of the afterlife? I wasn't certain. I know what I felt and saw seemed very real—but was it? Could it be all hallucinations caused by the chemicals released as part of the process of the dying brain? I had to find answers and my research (before the popularity and growth of the internet) consisted of hunting through the stacks at libraries, reading books and medical journals.

This Friday, October 22, at 4pm SLT, I'll take participants on a journey through the experience and discuss the nine commonalities many NDE's have, and I'll open the discussion to all participants willing to talk about their own journey or that of a loved one.

The discussion will take place in Second Life:


Friday, October 22, at 4pm SLT
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fig/77/119/501

I hope to see you there.
Cass

Pumpkin Fun

Image courtesy Glitter-Graphics.

I love carving pumpkins, but the best part is scooping out the guts. Yes, I know I'm weird. lol. Every year I get those Pumpkin Masters kits and buy two pumpkins—one for the man to carve and one for me. Mine are usually silly-goofy and fun ones, but he likes to bring the scary, so he carves the frightening ones. :P

For those of you who might want to start your own tradition, here are some links to sites where you can download some free stencils to get you started.

Spookmasters

Better Homes & Gardens Pumpkin Carving

HP Halloween Pumpkin Carving Templates

History Channel Pumpkin Carving Templates

Enjoy! Oh, and if you like, save the pumpkin guts for me! Mwahahahaa!

What's in a name...?

Standing in the books section at my local grocery store, reading the blurbs (my favorite thing to do) and I come across the name of one of my best online friends, Jax Cassidy. I did a double take and then I had to take a picture. I forget the name of the author or the title of the story. Should have written it down. But I love it when stuff like this happens. :)

Just as a curiosity, has anyone ever seen a book with a character named Cassandra Curtis? If you have, I'd love to know about it. I think it's very cool and neat.

What would you think if you saw your name in a book blurb? Would it cause you to buy the book?

Purse Lust

Something you may not know about Aquarians is that we have this tendency to crave things. Not just anything. But one specific thing. Until we get that 'thing' we are insatiable and dissatisfied with everything. I speak true.

I have craved peanut butter filled pretzels and driven my family nuts while I when from store to store for my current 'must have.'

I drank four gallons of inferior soda to quench a thirst for Diet Pepsi and Pepsi Max and yet remained parched, waiting for my real fix.

My latest craving was for a black leather purse. Ahh, but not any black leather purse would do. It had to have dual shoulder straps, have lots of zippered pockets and a nice wide space for my cell phone that would make it easy to access. I obsessed for weeks, driving my sister crazy. After so long, the odds were against me finding my perfect purse, especially at a quasi-outlet mall né country square tourist trap in Alabama, yet that is exactly what happened.

As I rummaged the walls of ye-hoe-down, I spotted a purple purse to die for. Studded and sparkley, ribboned and bowed, the purse made my little heart sing...except for one thing. It was purple. Wah!!! I want, need, desire a black purse. I checked the price tag. $69.99. Too much to pay for an imperfect purple bag. Imperfect because it wasn't black. Dare I risk buying it and dyeing it?

Turning toward sis for advice, I spotted the same purse only in black, half hidden behind a hideous white purse with rhinestones and patent leather prom night ruffles. The price was even better—$39.99! I snatched it up and felt this immense relief and satisfaction only another Aquarian could possibly understand.

I love my new purse. But ya know, lately I've been eyeing my old beat up checkbook wallet and it soo doesn't match the new purse...
;-)
Until next time ~
Cass

Weak Kitten Blues

image courtesy of glitter-graphics

Achy, tired, sore, bruised, and exhausted from battling a kidney infection, kidney stones—and a UTI from Hell. OMFG, which deity did I piss off?

I managed to pass two stones, but that elusive third one still resides in my kidney, tucked away and sleeping like a dragon. Not to mention—although I am—the supposed summer cold I got while down in Florida. The sucker punched my lungs and I am coughing approximately every two point five minutes, with a hacking cough duration of approx. three minutes each time.

You'd think I'd learn that when my family says "oh, it's just a summer cold" or "it's nothing, just a little under the weather," that I should run very very fast in the opposite direction, grabbing vitamin C and facial tissues as I go. Whewee.

Night view from my hospital room.

I will say one thing, the care at my hospital is beyond par and they put up with my demands and whiny sick self better than most. Ya'll done good. Now if only I can pass that last damn stone...on second though, maybe I better tip-toe and let that sleeping dragon simply stay right where it is.

Until next time...

Cass

Seashells & Dolphin Winner

The winner of my seashells, dolphin windchime & a copy of my ebook, Soul of The Sea is...

Estella!

Congratulations, Estella!

Please email me at cass@ cassandracurtis .com with your format preference and your full name and mailing address so I can send your goodies!

Thanks to all who entered my Sea Magick Contest. 

Seashells From The Sea Shore

While I was in Florida, I walked the beach and collected seashells. A few were conical shaped, but not brilliantly hued. I learned that most of the seashells they sold in the shops were actually from Indonesia and the Philippines. I'd love to visit there and simply walk the beaches and collect some of those shells. They're so beautiful.

I also did some meditation, even said a few prayers. Lightwork never ends. :) The ocean is so healing and magical. I always feel revitalized after spending time by the sea.

Seashell magic
You can experience the magic of the sea right at home. Take a few seashells and scatter them in a circle around a blue candle. Add a little sand to your circle if you have any. Notice the patterns and whorls on your shells, the way they repeat and go inward. Breathe deep. Now focus on the candle's flame and then close your eyes. Picture yourself by the seashore, picking up those shells, letting the sea spray mist your feet, legs, and arms. Hear the rolling waves as they come ashore. Can you smell the suntan lotion? Feel the warmth of the sun on your face?

Ahh, I think you can! Once the picture is complete in your mind's eye, ask for nature's healing gift from the sea. The words need not rhyme, only be heartfelt. Now snuff the candle. Do this sea magic exercise anyime you feel stressed or tense.

To help you along, I will send one lucky winner a bag of natural seashells along with a small magnetic dolphin wind chime, and a copy of my ebook Soul of The Sea. To enter, leave a comment here on my blog. Contest ends Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at midnight. I'll announce the winner later this week. Good Luck!

Glad to be back...

I'm back from my trip to Florida and although I had a great time, I am tired and tuckered out. Whew-wee, ya'll. That is one long damn road trip. I swear I never realized Alabama was such a long state! When I wasn't helping my sister decorate her new condo, I was playing mermaid in the swimming pool. :P

The good news for all is that I managed to find some cute stuff for the MMC Paranormal Trick or Treat grab bags this October, so you'll want to enter all the contests next month for your chance at some way cool prizes. :D  I also plan to have a few contests here at my own blog. :)

I got to catch up with some of my old pals in Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Destin, and Tallahassee! ::waves::

The shark feeding place was closed when we got there, but it still made for a cool picture, don't you think? :)


More later, but now I have to finish unpacking.

Until next time,
Cass

Wangers and more...

Sitting at the poolside in a cabana and checking emails, this is the life, ya'll. Woot!
Went to this amazing little restaurant yesterday. Ate fried grouper and fried pickles. Yes, you heard me right. Fried pickles. Awesome. You have to try it. I am freckling nicely from the sun, lol. Now if only I could find a cute guy ...to connect the dots! :D 

 My sister loves to tease my guy and told him the other day that we were going to Wangers. When he asked what that was, she said, "It's like Hooters, only it caters to women." OMGawd. He was none to pleased. lol. Of course, there is no Wangers and she made it up, but he's totally fished in, so I bet he's searching the net as I type this. rofl.

I would upload my pics and share, but I am on a borrowed laptop and am clueless how to connect my camera and do that on my niece-in-law's laptop, so that'll have to wait until I get back home. In the meanwhile, ya'll will just have to imagine all the sights and sounds, and fun. Wish ya'll were here to join in.

Until next time....

((hugs from C.C. in Florida)) ::waves a fin::

Thelma and Louise Ride Again

With my mum safely cared for at the physical rehab center for the next few weeks, now seems an ideal opportunity for my sister and I to take that Florida trip. I've promised not to drive too fast (one of my old nicknames was *leadfoot Louise*) and she's promised not to fall asleep at the wheel if she drives (one of her nicknames is *snoozie Thelma*). lol.

No laptop or computer access, it will almost be like a time trip back to the 70's. Nothing but open road and fast food, tourist traps and road maps. I hope to have lots of cool pictures to share with my readers when I get back. ((hugs))


Now ya'll behave while I'm gone and don't do anything I wouldn't do...lmao.

Until next time...

Cass

Building A Better Hero

When I first explored Second Life, one of the things I found most intriguing was the ability to custom create and develop the look of your avatar, down to the way it smiles and what type of nail polish and hair style it wears. My idea was I could create an avatar based on the loose descriptions of my characters. This way I could get a better handle on them as I write their personalities and add more depth and detail to bring them to life in my stories.

Amid deadlines and family issues, I lost track of that idea and am now giving it another try in Earth to Elena, my sci-fi/paranormal romantic comedy.

Elena Hendren is an inter-galactic traveler and former thief, stuck hiding out on planet Earth. Her former partner-in-crime, Darius Maelstrom, is part con artist, part muscle, and all bad boy. Together, they were the alien version of Bonnie and Clyde. Elena and Darius were forced to go their separate ways when the interstellar patrol chased them through a rift in space/time. Now, six years later, he's finally found Elena again.

Given that basic bones description of who and what Darius is, I imagine some of you are picturing him a certain way, despite the fact I haven't mentioned his hair color or eye color or general body build. This is where developing an avatar look in SL is so helpful. I can try out various hair styles and colors, eye colors, body shapes, skin tints/colors, and other details. And I haven't begun to touch on clothing and how creating a signature style for your character says a lot about their personality!

Here are a few pics I took of Darius, trying to create a visual representation of what I saw in my mind's eye when I pictured the hero of my story:

I took this pic to show not only Darius with his shirt off (to see his basic build) but also some of the backstory setting—his home world of Azuropa.



Notice his eyes aren't quite like ours. ;)

I also played around with hair styles and other elements, but decided from the very first, that he had dark hair and cut somewhat short—but not military short.

I can see I'll need to work on his clothing some more, although I do like what he's wearing and will probably have him in jeans most of the time he's on Earth—well, unless he's outta them. ;-)

Unmentionables...

Listening to my mum, it shows how much our society has grown and changed over the years. In her day if you referred to underwear or panties, they were called unmentionables.

I asked her if there was anything she needed up at the physical rehab place and she said she would like more of her unmentionables. I asked her if she meant panties or bras, since 'unmentionables' could be either or both. Instead she whispered, "There is a man here in my room."

So being the naughty person I am, I replied, "Ooh, and he wants your panties, mum?"

She was less than amused, saying, "Just listen to me. Bring up a few pairs."

"Ahh, panties it is. Oh is he gone, now?"

I was sorely chastised, "You never mention unmentionables in mixed company. That's why they are called unmentionables!"

Oops, I think I goofed. But considering the way our society has changed over the years, I think we can now happily yell panties in a crowded theater in front of men galore. In fact, they'd probably like it. lol. And yes, she has never read any of my erotic romances. lol. I think it's best, that way she doesn't have a seizure or something. :P

I wanted to take the dvd of the movie Date Night up for mum to watch, but she said the TV in her room doesn't have a dvd player. I think she would have liked that movie, as it had gangsters in it and I think she would have loved the premise, but probably not some of the language or references.

It reminded me a bit of the old Jack Lemmon flick, The Out of Towners. A series of mistakes when a couple heads into the Big Apple, leads them into trouble. :) I loved that movie.

Ahh, it's nearing the witching hour and I have much to do before I go to bed tonight, so until next time, wishing you and yours pleasant dreams...

Cass

High Squee

Last night I went hair shopping in SL with my bff Cora Zane (who btw, is celebrating a birthday today and we're having a contest over on the MMC blog to celebrate). We discovered a store we both love, called Nikita Fride. They have the most wicked and wild hair, skin, eyes, and prim lashes. I gave them excessive Linden love. lol.

Cora wearing Nikita Fride hair, Lust - Chantilly; Prim lashes and eyes also by Nikita Fride.

As we sat on the floor of my mermaid digs, Cora snuck over to the Casablanca Authors Blog and checked out the Open Pitch Session post. She scrolled down, past her pitch and my own, and saw Deb Werkman's response to my pitch. OMG! Deb wants a full on my story Earth To Elena!!!! Or at least I think she does. Eeps! Another writer using a pen name of Cassandra asked if she is the Cassandra mentioned by Deb. Whew. I hope I'm the Cassandra in question. Cora and I squeed all over the place.

I would love it if we both got on with the same publisher, either me with EC or both of us with Casablanca/Sourcebooks. That would be too cool. ::fingers crossed::

Days of Wine and Rehab

Not that kind of rehab, but gotta say I love Mum's physical therapy rehab center. I mean—what other rehab serves the patients and their family beer, Manhattan's or a glass of wine? Truly, my kind of rehab! rofl.

If Life is A Highway...

Not sure, but if life is a highway, I think I just got a speeding ticket! :P

I actually took a notepad and pen up to the hospital, thinking I might have time to squeeze in and work on a new idea for a book. Sure. As if I am not already overwhelmed, I piled on more things to do. Oh yep, I do believe I am a glutton for multitasking.  But instead of brilliant new ideas, I have notes on my pad to remember to call all these people mum wants called. Oh and to drop by her rent, and call the office for her that handles her home health nursing, etc... There are pages and pages of notes and none are writing related. I really must be delusional to have thought I could find the time to write something or even think beyond the situation at hand.

The best news I can give is that she's been downgraded and was moved late yesterday into a 'regular' room. Whew. Another hurdle jumped and cleared. She also seems more cognizant, albeit in serious pain since they stopped her pain meds. I am upset she is not on anything for pain, but glad she is coming back to 'herself.' The drugs they were giving her made her hallucinate and she was sure Hollyweird was in ICU filming a movie the last couple of days. She would smile at the nurses and such, then once they left her room, she would turn to me and say, "She's another one in on it. She is part of the CAST."

Yep, a new movie, and setting is the hospital. A crazed gunman takes over ICU and trades shots with members of a SWAT team and one of the doctors tries to rationalize with the gunman and is shot. But she assures me the doctor is really okay, because another patient told her they only use rubber bullets.

Hmm, you know, maybe I could work mum's hallucination into a book? You think it would fly? :P

In the meanwhile, mum's new room is in the farthest wing of the hospital, and the nearest elevators don't lead to any parking lot I can park in, so I am hoofing it down long corridors yesterday and my asthma kicked in. Lovely. I so do NOT want to be a patient there. My sister also has asthma and heart trouble, so I am checking on her as we walk the 'blue' line down the hallway, both of us wheezing. lol.

I've got some appointments of my own later today, so I am trying to catch up on my emails and snail mail and updates to this blog so the extended family and all my friends and readers have the latest skinny.

Oh speaking of skinny, I got on some scales I saw at the hospital and have lost 3 pounds! Woot! At least some good is coming out of all of this. Now officially at 50 lbs weight lost this year! ::lives for silver linings::

Until next time...

~ Cass

Just A Quick Update

Just popping in to give a quick update. Mum has been moved into the ICU and I will be staying at mum's which is closer to the hospital, so no internet unless I can get online at the center's community room.

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and well-wishes. ((hugs))
BB,
Cass

Stressed and DeStressing

My mum fell in her apartment Sunday morning about 2 in the a.m. and no one knew since she lives in an independent senior living facility. If her neighbor hadn't awoken early and heard a pitiful cry for help around 7:30 a.m., my mum would have been on the floor for more than the 5 1/2 hrs. she'd already spent. She is doing best as she can and I am going up to hospital every day.

At least no bones were broken. So the family is thankful for that, but OMG, I am so mad, and no one really I can get mad at. I can't watch her every second of the day. We try to take turns and someone be with her in the daytime and even some nights, but there is no way we can do a 24/7...

We even got her a special life alert button, but she got a hair up her 'you know what' and canceled the service. She did get a different service, though, but they use only a wrist bracelet button for alert and the 'bracelet' is made of velcro and it digs into her skin and bothers her no matter how loose I make it. So she simply doesn't wear it. She wraps it around her walker. When she fell, her leg pushed the walker about three feet away and she couldn't crawl to reach it. ::sigh::

Needless to say I am under a bit of stress, worrying over mum. The only solution and potential answer to our dilemma is one we do not want to face. I cannot stand the idea of her going into a nursing home, and she has said we are all cursed if we put her in one. Now, I don't think she'd really curse her offspring whom she loves, but then again, she is a cranky old witch. :P

In the meanwhile, the plans to go to Florida have been delayed for a couple of weeks until we see how mum is and if she's going to be okay. Whew.

Last night I sat here and simply couldn't write, so I decided to go into SL and check out a landmark someone sent me and I ran into a mer friend of mine, Peaches. So I poured out my story of woe and we shopped for virtual fantasy clothing. lol. Yes, I know. Shopping is good for the soul. In RL it's more costly, so SL is perfect shopping therapy.  lol. The store is called Evie's Closet and they specialize in medieval/fantasy outfits. The black number I am wearing in the pic is an example of the styles there. It's something I bought last night and threw on then and there. :)

I don't think I asked Peaches where she got those purple boots, but I bet it was at Bootgasm. lol. Yep, virtual dolly clothing shopping is damn good therapy since I can escape the worry for a little while.

Of course, I am heading up to the hospital in a few, so I may have to drop in and shop again tonight. Either that or eat a bag of chocolate and blow my diet. :)

Until next time...

~ Cass

The Ocean's Call

Stuck in my writing cave and daydreaming about my upcoming trip to Florida with my sister. It's been so long since I last stepped in sand and felt the pull of the ocean's song. When I am near the ocean I can feel the tug of it calling me and all I want to do is dive in the water and play. I picture myself, sitting by the water's edge, listening to the waves roll into shore. My skin and my entire body feel lighter, freer and more alive. I can sense the healing process both emotionally/mentally and physically start to take effect. Slowly, I take a breath and attune to the siren song as I bask in the sun and meditate.

I think sometimes people who live along the coasts or on islands take for granted their ability to be so close to the heart of Mother Nature's core. Those of us who are landlocked envy you.

Until next time ~

Cass

I'm Just A Girl...

Take a look at what's selling on bookshelves these days and you'll see a plethora of heroines that are gutsy, determined, fierce, and a lot of other adjectives. Basically, heroines today are strong—stronger than their male counterparts. To quote one author friend, "It's time heroines stood their ground, kicked some ass, and aren't TSTL." (aka Too Stupid To Live).

While I applaud the disappearance of the insipid and TSTL heroines, I think many of the tough kick-ass heroines of today lack an emotional depth and maturity, as if they skipped some developmental process along the way. They are larger than life, perhaps too large, because they all read as the same. Just the names changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

Don't get me wrong, I love the hybrid creation of fantasy and paranormal that spawned the urban fantasy genre, but I miss the clever ingenue—the ingenuity of a common woman with her foibles and klutzy physicality.

Must every heroine now be a kung fu and a weapons expert? Deadly with swords or teeth and claws? Does her lover have to be a world-weary, centuries old, lonely vampire?

Is there anything new under the sun—or the moon and stars, which adds depth and personality to the heroine, the story, and the genre?

Let me know with a shout out, and I'll try to get the author to guest blog here.

Until Next time...

~ Cass

Snaps to Share and AGT

As those of you who follow me on Facebook and at the Midnight Moon Cafe know, I love being a mermaid and do it every chance I get.  I also love to read from my books. But especially fun is when I have the opportunity to introduce new readers to the erotic romance sub-genre.

Yesterday afternoon, I slipped into SL and read selections from my Shifting Tides trilogy and my latest ebook, The Deal Breaker.

Hopefully I gained a few new converts to the erotic side of romance. :D

Last night was also the YouTube performances on America's Got Talent. I was thrilled to see some of the acts I loved make it onto the stage.

The kid who played classical piano was amazing and so gifted. I tried to play piano when I was eleven and failed miserably. lol.

The maniacal magician that Sharon said was edgy, was indeed very much on the cutting edge with his tricks and had Howie running for cover when a piece of dental floss sailed his way. Sharon was laughing so hard, I bet she peed herself. :P

But the night wasn't over and the last contestant was worth the wait. OMGawd! Never have I heard a voice so pure, so mature, so crystalline, and coming from a —what? A ten or twelve year old? OMGawd! I had chills coursing down my spine and gooseflesh on my arms. Ya'll may have just witnessed the reincarnation of Sarah Bernhardt or Maria Callas, I kid you not. Others have accused the kid was lip-synching and that wasn't her voice.

Well, tonight is the results show and I am eager to see who gets eliminated and who moves on to the semi-finals. Personally, I think it should be Jackie Evancho (the little girl with the huge voice), and the kid who played classical piano, then to round out the top three, I would choose the edgy magician who scared the shit out of Howie and made Sharon roll out of her chair and practically fall to the floor in giggles. lol.

Just my opinion. Did you watch last night? What did you think of the performances? Who is your pick to move on to the next round?

Birthday For A Bear

Yesterday was Bear’s birthday, so I took him out for a movie and dinner. We saw the movie Salt, starring my least favorite actress, Angelina pouty lips. Since it was his birthday, I didn’t try to talk him out of it. It wasn’t a bad movie, although it was rather too violent for my tastes. And of course, being on Team Anniston (yes, I still think of it that way), I dislike Ms. homewrecker pouty lips. But the guys all love her, so what can ya do, ya know?

Later, we went to the delicious feast that is P.F. Chang’s. I love the food there, however the wait is usually long for a table, and last night was no different. Normally after 40 minutes, I would have said fuck this shit, lets roll. But it was his birthday and I left the decision up to him. So we waited while he had his Jack and coke and I enjoyed a fruity and smooth Granny Chang’s Frappé.

The waiter was this really nice guy who told us he moonlights at the Comedy Caravan as a stand-up comedian. He has a great voice and Bear told him he’d be good on the radio.

It’s been ages since I went to the comedy clubs. Maybe I should take my sister as she needs some cheering up and a break from the drudgery of life. It’s good to laugh.

Anyway, Bear told the guy it was his birthday, so we got a dessert in one of those tiny square cups for free, I decided to join him and screw the calorie counting. I mean, we were eating Chinese for God’s sake, so the calorie counting never started yesterday. :P

We both chose the strawberry cheesecakes (see picture above). Very delicious, as was everything they had. I couldn’t finish it all, so we brought boxes of food home, and leftovers are on the menu today. lol.
After the dinner, we came home and I got the birthday cake ready and placed his presents on the table. I mainly got him clothes, since he’s lost weight and needed new things. He went down a size, so I am glad I got the right sizes as it seemed everything fit pretty well.

No writing done though, as the day was all about Bear. Today I have to get with Ms. Cora and go over stuff, also promised friends in SL I’d drop by their place today as they recently redecorated and must also check my visitor counters and rents so I don’t accidentally get kicked out. rofl.

Tomorrow belongs to mum, as does Monday, so I will have to write in between it all somehow and hope it’s enough to finish my book. Wish me luck.

Until next time…
~ Cass

Dinner With Sharon, Howie, and Piers

I'm not much of a TV watcher, preferring a book over the boob tube any day—well, any day except Tuesday and Wednesday nights during my dinner time. That's when I turn on and tune in to my naughty little delight, America's Got Talent.

I love the stiff criticism of Piers, the lovely and smart Sharon, and the newest addition to the judge's panel, Howie Mandel. While I think I liked him better on Deal or No Deal, I do think he's an improvement over David Hasselhoff. Sorry Dave.

I also think it's a riot the show is called America's Got Talent, when the judges are Irish, British, and Canadian, and almost half of the acts (or maybe it just seems that way to me) aren't from America. Just sayin'. However, the talent does shine through, at least on some of the acts. After all, to headline in Vegas you need to be one truly talented act. No one is going to pay $100-$300 per person to see a lackluster, tonally-challenged singer, or a juggler who drops every other bowling pin.


So, who would I be willing to fork over my hard earned cash to see in Vegas?

My top five from last night:

Rudi Macaggi was terrifying and amazing and if he developed his act beyond the few minutes of air time NBC allows, he could do well and may even grab the $1 million. And yes, I would pay to see him perform in Vegas.

Taylor Mathews did a nice performance, but had a few shaky notes. Still though, I can see his potential and have no doubt, whether he makes it past last night or not, he will be a pop star in the coming years. He's too talented not to garner a recording contract outta the exposure from the show. I'd buy his CD. Not sure if I'd pay to see him in Vegas, though.

ArcAttack is my favorite of the novelty acts. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to play with electricity? :D I'd pay to see them perform anywhere, but my bet is they'd do well in Vegas...at least until they caused a citywide blackout. lol.

Prince Poppycock has a unique quality to his voice and a nice vocal range. I could do without the make-up/wigs/costume, though. I agree with the judges, he's more Broadway than Vegas, but still talent is talent and you have to respect that. I'd pay to see him in a musical play or in an operetta. But not in Vegas.

MURRAY is a great illusionist and magician. Yes, I am a sucker for magic acts, but honestly—you can't get more VEGAS than a magic act. I'd pay to see him.

Who was your favorite from last night's show?

Total Boot Lust

I know admitting it is the first step. Okay, here it goes...whew....I have a serious lust for boots. For some reason, I always feel prettier, sexier, more in control, when I wear boots. The problem is my feet are not the same as they used to be when I was a teenager. They flattened out, grew wider, and trying to wear boots now in real life is nearly impossible for me ( I need a special type of shoe contour and really good arch support, aka diabetic shoes). Yes, middle age sucks. Back in the day, I wore Candies and Jellies, stiletto heels and the most incredible pair of thigh high boots. Now I can only look at them in store windows and lust.

But I did find an odd substitute. You see, in the virtual world of Second Life, I can wear some of the most wonderful, gorgeous, and insanely painful-looking footwear. Amazing how it satisfies my craving. :)

Baby Monkey, Ultimate Zsa Zsa Boots in Zebra Print

Barbarella, Leather Boots in Black

Bootgasm,
Lost Boots in Black Smoke



Until next time...

~ Cass

Winner of My First Contest

The winner of my very first contest on my new blog is... Estella

Congrats, Estella.

Your name was picked from my lucky cauldron! WOohoo! Please email me at cass @ cassandra curtis. com (no spaces) and let me know which 4 ebooks you'd like and what format you prefer. :)

Thank you to all my followers, fans and friends for participating. I plan to hold more fun contests this year, so remember to stop by every so often and check what naughty things I am cooking up in my cauldron o' fun.

Until next time...
~ Cass

What If Your Urban Fantasy Isn't Urban?

I love the hybrid of modern fantasy and paranormal, but what if the story you're reading doesn't fit within the 'urban' aspect of the genre? Why do so many books from this new breed of fantasy have to take place in a big city setting?

I'm sure paranormal events with paranormal beings happen everywhere. Look at Bigfoot. He's not a New York City or L.A. fixture (at least I don't think so although you may have dated his cousin recently, lol). He's out in his natural environment, doing whatever makes a sasquatch happy out in the woods. :P

So why don't we see more country or suburban fantasy novels?  Do readers relate more to the gritty grime and dark alleyways of the urban myth and legend? Oh, btw, if you see Sash, tell him I'm still waiting for that one on one interview a la Barbara Walters.

Until next time ~
Cass

Special Event: Book Reading in Second Life

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Haven%20of%20Rogues/96/69/39

Daze Go By

 I am in the writing cave, feverishly working on a story that should've been finished weeks ago, but between mum in and out of hospital and other personal problems, time simply slipped away and now I am hustling my backside to recoup lost time—wah! Also kinda worried. My next youngest sister is undergoing surgery today and I am fretting about her. I keep looking at the clock and wondering when my brother-in-law or nephew will call me and tell me she's in the recovery room and okay.

Yes, my focus is divided. But deadlines are deadlines and I hate missing one, so I'd better get my mind back on my characters and stop looking at the clock. But before I go, could you help me? I need to refocus and that means I need someone to crack the whip.

Ahh, much better. lol. Thanks. :D

Full Moon Tonight!

The stars are shining bright, there is a full moon tonight.
Beneath the glow, you'll see your dreams flow,

And magick, both dark and light,

Be cast under the flicker of twilight.

May you be blessed tonight and wish upon a falling star.

My First Contest On My New Blog

Starting today, if you say hi and follow my blog, you'll be entered into a chance to receive winner's choice of 4 ebooks from my backlist of titles! Winner will be picked at random from among all my new blog followers. Send the link below and tell your friends!

http://cassandracurtis.blogspot.com

Contest ends July 31, 2010, so drop by soon, before the month is out and you could win your pick of the litter. ;-)