It's Follow Fest Time!

 Hi everybody! At this point right now, I wish I were still kidnapped by carny folk. It'd definitely be easier being the bearded lady than what's going on at Casa de Quinn at the moment. Which is why I'm so late to THIS party!

The fabulous Melissa Maygrove has brought us Follow Fest again!! She's so awesome. So in the tiny moments of sanity, which were few and very far between, I pulled together my post. Be sure to click on the graphic below and see all the awesome participants.

Blog button designed by Carrie Butler.

Name: Ava Quinn

Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction

What genres do you write? Romance, baby! Contemporary Western.

Are you published? Not yet.

Do you do anything in addition to writing?

I'm the web mistress and children's game and crafts coordinator for our township's New Year's Eve drop where they drop their pants. Yes, five foot tall yellow breeches. From a huge flag pole. I kid you not.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Last year I said I mommed. Which I still do. (Yes, momming is a verb.) I now also teach preschool (3 year olds) part time and write whenever I can. I blog about crazy nonsense that goes on in my world. (Polkappocalypse, anyone?) I recently escaped from evil kidnapping carny folk. I love roller derby, the hermetically sealed environs of my happy place and riding my motorcycle.

What are you reading right now? I'm doing a bunch of "the craft of writing" related reading and just finished up a critique for a friend.

Which authors influenced you the most? The authors from my local writing group: Delynn Royer, Natalie Damschroder, Susan Gourley, and Misty Simon.They've been so generous with their time.

Where can people connect with you?

Blog

 Right here at Tongue In Cheek readavaquinn.blogspot.com

Twitter @AvaQuinnWrites

Facebook- Still not on Facebook. Am I the only one left on the planet not on there?

Goodreads Ava Quinn

Google+ Ava Quinn

LinkedIn Ava Quinn

Sick of seeing my name yet?

Website avaquinn.com

Is there anything else you’d like us to know? 
 I have a crazy author interview, complete with a Sea Monkey SAT portion. So hit me up if you're promoting! Thanks for stopping by and checking out all my crazy. Sorry if I got any on you. If I did, it was completely accidental.

I Won! I Won!!!

Hey everybody, I won an award! (Don't act so shocked, it's unbecoming.)

It's now June, and I told myself that I'd post my Liebster Award answers in May. I'm good, aren't I? I've got a million excuses as to why it didn't get done in May, but that's boring and this post is getting longer by the letter. See? Longer. (Get on with it! 10K imaginary bonus points to the first person to id that movie quote in the comments. Imaginary bonus points can be spent in my imaginary online store The Angry Villager.)

Anywho, I want to thank Marci Koski, whom I met during the insanely awesome and tiring AtoZ blogfest, (who is also insanely awesome and not tiring at all) for nominating me and only me (and several other people) for this prestigious award.

So here are The Rules (cue echoing effect)

1. Link back and thank the blogger who nominated you in your post. (check)
2. List 11 random facts about yourself.  (checkity check)
3. Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you. (Boom with a check)
4. Pick 5 – 10 new bloggers (must have less than 300 followers) to nominate. (half a check)
5. Ask them 11 new questions. Do not re-nominate the blogger who nominated you. (gotcha, no tag backs)
6. Go to each blogger’s site and inform them of their nomination. (I'm on it!)

11 Random Facts About Ava

1. My ophthalmologist tried to shiv my eye and then charged me over $100 for the terrifying experience.
2. Surprisingly, I'm not holding a grudge over random fact #1.
3. Okay, random fact #2 is, in fact, a lie.
4. I have an imaginary online store that caters to angry mobs.
5. I Heart Crappy Books (But possibly not for the reason you think)
6. I declared B.B. King to be a National Living Treasure.
7. I've owned three motorcycles in my life.
8. In college I worked in a Frederick's of Hollywood store as a sales clerk (and nothing else).
9. In high school I worked in a Fotomat booth. (Yes, I looked at all the pictures. What else was there to do?)
10. I have a Secret Talent.
11. In one of my story outlines, my heroine is abducted by aliens while wearing a sock monkey hat.

11 Questions for Marci's Nominees:

1. Why did you decide to start writing your blog? My hand was forced by author, Natalie J. Damshroder. I'd joined my local writers' group and had discussed the idea that a blog might be a good way to join in the social media revolution back in 2008. I set up the shell, and she immediately linked to it. The rest is history.
2. In one sentence, describe what your blog is about.  There’s a twist, though: don’t use any personal or possessive pronouns! (Muah ha haaaa!) Tongue In Cheek is a blog about the crazy shenanigans and going ons of Ava Quinn and anyone unfortunate enough to be in the splash zone of said person.
3. What is your earliest memory? I lived in a house full of antiques which were to be seen and not touched. When I was about three or four, I used to sneak into the dining room and twang the thin metal wick holder of a very rare candle making bench. The one pictured is missing the thin round metal rods that ran the length of each row of tubes where the wicks were tied. Probably because some kid wouldn't stop twanging them and broke them. I never broke ours, but it was a guilty pleasure from my childhood.
4. Do you dream?  If so, do you dream in color or black and white? Extraordinarily rarely, but when I do it's in black and white. Except on even rarer occasions when there is a splash of red a la The Sixth Sense.
5. If you could only make one journey during your lifetime, but it could be to anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Why? Man! Do I have to pick just one? A tour of Italy. Because of all the gorgeous Renaissance art and architecture. Not to mention the food.
6. What is one of your guilty pleasures (and this had better be good…I want something really embarrassing!)? I LURVE cheesy dubbed over kung fu movies from the sixties and seventies. Whenever I come across one on tv, I immediately throw the remote away and settle in for a Saturday afternoon of bad acting, ridiculous fake blood and all the crazy kung fu moves I can stomach. (Which is a lot more than you'd expect.)
7. Pick one:  the Harry Potter series or the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Follow-up to what you picked:  books or movies? If I choose books, it's Harry Potter. If I choose movies, it's LOTR all the way, baby.
8. What is your favorite holiday, and if it’s NOT Halloween, why? Christmas. Because it's filled with wonder. Halloween is not my favorite because when I was a child I od'ed on candy corn and the holiday has left a bad taste in my mouth ever since. (Bwaa haa haa!!)
9. List three words that describe your personality. Skewed, loyal, generous
10. What is your favorite thing about how you earn a living? I get to teach, but I don't have to plan.
11. If you could live in any time period (past, present or future), when and where would you be? The 1990s, 'cause I'm basically still living in them with my prepay flip phone, non flat screen tv, videos and audio cassette tapes. Oh, and my vinyl.
 

And now, here are my nominees-

Author Delynn Royer-who happens to be my critique partner and friend. She writes historical fiction for the light of heart and has an outstanding book out right now. It Had To Be You. A romantic mystery set in NYC during the Roaring Twenties.

Author Vicki Smith who is in my local writer's group. A fun gal who I'm trying to make a newly converted fan of roller derby.

The awesome, talented and funny Liz Blocker, who has a great blog, and is also an author. (Are you seeing a trend?)

The award is yours, ladies, if you choose to accept it. This message will self destruct in five seconds.

11 Questions For Said Nominees 

1. What is the most unusual thing you've had a character in your stories do?
2. What is the craziest thing you've ever done in your life?
3. Using the ancient form of Haiku (17 syllables) describe your blog. (M.J. Fifield I put this one in just for you.)
4. What type of a vacation would be absolute torture for you?
5. Why did you start to write?
6. What is one thing on your bucket list that you haven't crossed off yet?
7. What is your favorite comfort food?
8. What charity or non profit is closest to your heart?
9. What movie had the best movie kiss ever?
10. Star Wars or Star Trek? Old or new?
11. Make up any question you want and answer it here.

So there's my Liebster Award post. Believe it or not it's been over a month in the making. I'd love to hear your answers to my questions in the comments. Don't forget to visit my imaginary store for all your angry mob needs!

Until next time, Citizens!

AtoZ Interests and Hobbies-Motorcycles and Roller Derby

Hello again all you cool cats! So glad you stopped by on the AtoZ Challenge. Today's letter "I" stands for interests, of which I have many. Taxidermied squirrels, vigilante knitting, and roadkill art to name a few. But today I'll be reposting a homage to roller derby and my motorcycle from 2012. Enjoy!
 
Feel the Roller Derby Love
Have I mentioned that my new love is the roller derby? I almost went stag to the bout on Sunday. But the fabulous Misty Simon not only went with me, but spotted me ten bucks so I could purchase a new roller derby tee shirt!

I owe Misty more than $10. I owe her eternal fealty for making sure I got THIS!!!!

My new pretty.

Misty is now a hard core roller derby fan, just like myself. My plan is working. I'm adding to my roller derby fan girl crew one recruit at a time. No one knows who will be next!

The first pretty that the B.F.F. got for my birthday. It's my precioussss!!!

So I am now the proud owner of two very cool derby shirts, which just happen to match my motorcycle perfectly.

Vroom Vroom!!

Deep down, motorcycle owners know its all about the accessorizing.  When I had a bright yellow, purple and black Ninja, (which I'd named "the angry bumble bee") you know I had the yellow and black helmet to go with it.

And I swear, before any Harley owner is allowed to pick up their ride, they're forced to the back room to sign a contract stating they will wear all black and never smile whenever they're riding. (I'm sure the huge guy with the name "Bubba" stitched on his leather vest who's standing back there glowering at them had nothing to do with it.)

I'll never understand that, (the not smiling part, that is) because when I get to ride my motorcycle, this is what I look like:

from theluchboxdiaries.com

Back to the bout before I digress right off the page. I still haven't come up with my roller derby name yet, (The B.F.F. is still set on Pound Cake for some odd reason.)

There were a lot of good ones at the bout on Sunday. (sunday. Sunday! SUNDAAAAY! We'll sell you a ticket for the whole seat, BUT YOU'LL ONLY NEED THE EDGE!!!!!) Dawn of Valhalla, Ida Hitthat, Mystery Violence Theater 3000, and Dirty Girlscout were a few. But the name that had me giggling like an adolescent middle school boy every time they announced it was Her Heiny Granger.

So what's your new love? Is anything right now making you maniacally happy? Or do you have a crazy hobby you'd like to share? Lay it on us!

Now I have to get back to my Sea Monkey wars. They're gaining territory and I don't want them to get used to it. I will soon be engaging in some major chemical warfare. Until next time, Citizens!

Roller Derby and Motorcycle Hibernation

The first snow and ice hit last night, and we all know what that means.

Why, winterization of my motorcycle, of course.

Ever since my spill back in May, I haven't gotten back on, but there were several days where I was extremely tempted. There was just a lack of time factor holding me back. So next spring, I'm sure I'll be back on the road, tooling around on the beloved Ninja.

Ahh, can't you hear it purring like a panther from there?

The local roller derby team is in its off season as well. I was able to get a picture of this slippery character at one of the last bouts I attended. The saucy minx winked at me as he passed by.

If you can't see his shirt, it reads "Full Commando?"

His beard came about halfway down the front of his shirt. And all my regular readers know how I cherish certain types of facial hair art.  His though, not so much. I think he had been sampling some of the chocolate covered bacon on a stick they sell there, as some sort of flavor savers were present.

But I did get to add to my growing tee shirt collection.

Look at all the lovelies!!!

So now that the motorcycle is sleeping and roller derby is done, I'm at a loss for any kickass winter diversions. Maybe I'll take up curling.

Any cool suggestions for an ennui ridden gnome would be greatly appreciated.

Motorcycle Decisions Decisions

As many of you know, I ride a motorcycle. Some of my newer followers may not know that I took a spill on it in the beginning of May and have not been back on it since.

Now I'm wondering if I should sell it.

As of now, it's out of inspection, and illegal to ride. I'm not sure I have the courage to get back on anyway.

There's my precious.

close up of the sticker.

Here's a look at my pretty. I need to take an afternoon and try it out again before I make a decision to sell it. But I'm thinking more and more of my girls as the counter argument to sell. (They don't know I had an accident, I'm just thinking I might be a little selfish to keep riding.) We'll see.

So do you indulge in any guilty pleasures? Any that could possibly get you killed? Inquiring mind (me) wants to know!

Follow Fest at Tongue In Cheek

Hi everybody! I found out about the Follow Fest at the last minute, and couldn't help but join in, even though I've never participated in a blog hop/fest before. Thanks to Melissa Maygrove for coming up with such a great idea! Be sure to check out all the cool authors signed up by clicking the Follow Fest picture above.

Now for the questions. 

Name: Ava Quinn

Fiction or nonfiction? Fiction. (Though everything on this blog is true. Except for the stuff that isn't.)

What genres do you write? Contemporary Western Romance.

Are you published? Not Yet.

Do you do anything in addition to writing? I mom, I work with a room full of three year olds 4 days a week, and I write. Did I mention that I mom?

Where can people connect with you?

Here at Tongue in Cheek or at my website avaquinn.com.

Blog - Tongue In Cheek - A Blog That Doesn't Quite Take Itself Seriously
Twitter- @AvaQuinnWrites  

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

I'm currently the president of my local chapter of Romance Writers of America. I ride a motorcycle. I'm the former 'Possum Queen of my county. I battle against the Sea Monkey tribe attempting to take over my bathtub when not trying to convert them to be my minions. And I occasionally find time to write.

You Know You're Getting Old When . . .

you recover from your motorcycle accident by lying on the couch and watching The Antiques Roadshow. After that eneded, Lawrence Welk came on and I was unable to find the remote. I had to send my five year old upstairs to have my husband rescue me from THIS!!!!



It almost broke me. (bone wracking shudders)

As they say, there's two kinds of riders; those who've laid down their bikes and those who haven't . . .yet. So yes, I took a small spill on my motorcycle on the way to my monthly writers meeting. I'm mostly okay, and the bike is fine. Just a cracked turn signal light and a few small scuffs.

I was going through an S turn under a train overpass, and a huge pick up truck hauling a trailer was coming the other direction. He took the turn wide and I swerved to get out of his way. The bike tipped too far and went over. I hit the pavement on my shoulder and did a Pete Rose slide across the asphalt.

As usual, I was wearing jeans, boots, motorcycle jacket with armor, helmet and gloves. (Though there's no armor on the front of the jacket.)  I put my foot  down to try and stop the fall, and am having some soreness in the knee, probably from the force and weight of the bike, my shoulders and neck are sore. And my left boob. Could have done without that.

The driver didn't stop, and I slid into the middle of the road, which could have been fatal if someone came around the corner behind me right away, and my cycle hit the bank. Another motorcycle rider was coming in the opposite direction. He pulled over and helped me out, made sure I was okay and that my bike still ran. Great guy. Harley rider. Salt of the Earth, as are most of them. 

So there's the abbreviated version of my accident. I'm still stiff and sore. I still ran the writer's meeting and went to lunch after. I'm nothing if not stupid hard core.

Of course I now have more fear in riding, and the thought has crossed my mind that it may be time to give it up. We'll see what I think in a week or two.

So how was your weekend? Hope it was better than mine.

It's A Sign

It's not mine, but I sure wish it was!

Look what the youngest Urchin picked out of a mystery Lego pack last week. A Roller Derby girl! (A Jammer, to be specific.) Move over Sea Monkeys, I think we're looking at my new mascot.

The local roller derby is starting up again in my redneck of the woods soon, and I'm psyched. It's such a fun time. April 7th is opening night with an inter-league bout.

Here's her action shot. Note the tiny roller skates!

It's nice to have something to look forward to in the spring. Flowers, birds, warm weather, motorcycle riding and roller derby. What a perfect combination.

And to boot, I finished the massive paperwork for my writing group and sent it in to RWA last night. Now all I need to do is work off the extra chocolate calories I consumed in an ill-advised, yet completely necessary, stress induced feeding frenzy so I could finish said paperwork. But that's a story for another day.

So what are you looking forward to this spring?

Support Your Local Authors

Tomorrow two great local authors will be over at the Camphill Barnes and Noble signing their latest releases. Natalie Damschroder and Megan Hart.

Both of these gals had the grit and temerity to run the gauntlet of the Sea Monkey S.A.T. portion of my author interview questions. You can check out their answers below.

Natalie's Interview

Megan's Interview

If you're in the area, it'd be great if you'd stop in and say hello to these great ladies. I'm planning on stopping in, if I can get my tracking anklet clearance approved by the Urchins. And if it isn't too cold, I may just ride the motorcycle to boot! Two hours footloose and fancy free with writer friends. Who could ask for anything more?

So what are your big weekend plans, since mine are only one step above hypothetical? Let me live vicariously through you.

Roller Derby Plus One

pic from eventful.com

Yes, there's another fan girl on the roller derby express. Natalie Damschroder - who's book, Under The Moon is out this month- (Check out my previous author interview with her here.) attended last night's bout with Misty Simon (Her latest book, What's Life Without The Sprinkles, is coming soon from The Wild Rose Press- Check out her previous author interview with me here) and myself. And I think it's safe to say that she's hooked.

Though our team got trounced, a fun time was had by all. It was great to get out of Chez Quinn for good behavior, though the tracking anklet cramped my style a bit. But what I liked most was meeting with good author friends and talking about writing. In the middle of the month. I don't usually get to do that more than once a month at our chapter meetings. Awesome.

A close second was eating at Neato Burrito. Man, I love that place. I keep threatening to compose a sonnet about all the wonderful goodness encapsulated in that eating establishment. It's not just the great food. The ambiance is a major factor as well. And their sour cream-feta-jalapeno salsa will need its very own verse at least.

We had a good time, saw some great roller derby and the freaks were letting their freak flags fly in force last night. I saw some truly wonderful characters that I admired from afar who got my writer juices pumping. Because some of them will definitely be making cameos in my stories. Just like my backyard carnies.

I almost rode my motorcycle to the bout, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. It's been a rough summer for me. I've only been out on the cycle about three times. And I'm jonesing for a ride.

*sigh* Doesn't she look so lonely?

So what did you do this weekend?  Do you go anywhere in particular to watch fun, real-life characters? What would you write a sonnet in tribute to? Inquiring minds wish to know! 

Feel The Roller Derby Love

Have I mentioned that my new love is the roller derby? I almost went stag to the bout on Sunday. But the fabulous Misty Simon not only went with me, but spotted me ten bucks so I could purchase a new roller derby tee shirt!

I owe Misty more than $10. I owe her eternal fealty for making sure I got THIS!!!!

My new pretty.

Misty is now a hard core roller derby fan, just like myself. My plan is working. I'm adding to my roller derby fan girl crew one recruit at a time. No one knows who will be next!

The first pretty that the B.F.F. got for my birthday. It's my precioussss!!!

So I am now the proud owner of two very cool derby shirts, which just happen to match my motorcycle perfectly.

Vroom Vroom!!

Deep down, motorcycle owners know its all about the accessorising.  When I had a bright yellow, purple and black Ninja, (which I'd named the angry bumble bee) you know I had the yellow and black helmet to go with it.

And I swear, before any Harley owner is allowed to pick up their ride, they're forced to the back room to sign a contract stating that they will wear all black and never smile whenever they're riding. (I'm sure the huge guy with the name "Bubba" stitched on his leather vest who's standing back there with them had nothing to do with it.)

I'll never understand that, (the not smiling part, that is) because when I get to ride my motorcycle, this is what I look like:

from theluchboxdiaries.com

Back to the bout before I digress right off the page. I still haven't come up with my roller derby name yet, (The B.F.F. is still set on Pound Cake.) there were a lot of good ones at the bout on Sunday. (sunday. Sunday! SUNDAAAAY! We'll sell you a ticket for the whole seat, BUT YOU'LL ONLY NEED THE EDGE!!!!!) Dawn of Valhalla, Ida Hitthat, Mystery Violence Theater 3000, and Dirty Girlscout were a few. But the name that had me giggling like an adolescent middle school boy every time they announced it was Her Heiny Granger.

So what's your new love? Is anything right now making you maniacally happy? Or do you have a crazy hobby you'd like to share? Lay it on us!

Now I have to get back to my Sea Monkey wars. They're gaining territory and I don't want them to get used to it. I will soon be engaging in some major chemical warfare. Until next time, Citizens!

I'm Repaying You In Re-Runs

To those of you still hanging around here at Tongue in Cheek during this crazy month where I've been absent due to family medical emergencies - I thank you. And how do I thank you? With re-runs.

Sorry it couldn't be in bail bonds, but I may just need them for myself later.

So I'm starting my summer re-runs a little early this year. For those of my readers who are easily offended or have squeamish constitutions, probably best to skip this one. For the rest of you hard core Tongue-In-Cheekers - Enjoy and rock on!

 The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Roller Derby Recap

Yes, I went to the roller derby. And yes, it was as awesome as one would expect. Doubling the excellence of the experience, the bff and I hit Neato Burrito before the bout. (Man, I need to write a sonnet praising Neato Burrito. I keep threatening to do that. One day I'll follow through.)

We went in knowing next to nothing about roller derby. And the learning curve is great. There's a lot of strategy, a dump load of officials and many different calls to know. We did pretty well faking our way through it, thanks to the brief crash course in roller derby rules provided in the program.

The players were hard core, there was a live rock band at half time, and a lot of all around good fun. I have a healthy dose of respect for the players, even though they have sometimes hilarious names. My favorite name from the Charlottesville Derby Dames was Nilla WasteHer. Our fearless home team had some great nom de plumes too. Such as: Mystery Violence Theater, Donita B. Hostel, and Anida Blade. (Even the officials had game names like Ted Nuisance.) Each player has to come up with their very own derby name, and register it with the national roller derby registry.

The bff decided that I needed a roller derby name, and I agree. But not on the name she came up with for me, which was Pound Cake. I forgive her though, because look what she bought for me!!!!!

Look at the pretty!!!

My very own Fallout Femmes tee shirt! I want to hug it and squeeze it and pet it and call it George. It matches my motorcycle and I will wear it to my writers' retreat this month with pride. Sigh, I am loved.

So, as I revel in the warm afterglow of a fantastic field trip, I shall endeavor to come up with my very own roller derby name. It might need to deal with motorcycles or gnomes or maybe evil polka. That would definitely strike fear into the heart of any opponent I may roll over.

So what would your roller derby name be?

Adventures With Alice Cooper

I always know I've crossed some line of propriety when I get no comments. Apparently taxidermied squirrels bizarrely frolicking for eternity (or until the moths and dust mites decimate them) crosses that line. Who knew?

Anywho, to my new readers, let it be said that I blend pretty well into my suburbia, doing the stay-at-home mom thing, even though I'm a gnome (see picture to right). I don't walk around wearing Metallica concert tee shirts and ripped up jeans, smoking and drinking a 40 on my front stoop.

Yes, I ride a motorcycle, which I haven't been out on in forever, but other than you, gentle readers, and a few others in my inner circle, no one knows that I do. I was a teacher for a decade before I stayed home, and I teach Sunday and vacation bible school. (It's all in an attempt to lull the defenseless masses into a false sense of security.)

So when I tell you this story, you'll know how crazy it really is.

Two weeks ago the Youngest Urchin was driving me out of my gourd with some revoltingly innocent video that I've completely repressed so that I can go on living a fruitful life. But at the time, it was boring into my brain and laying eggs. Suffice it to say, I made the move to have her choose some different viewing fare. We went to the video cabinet (yes, we still do videos), and she decided to choose a Muppet Show tape I had in the way back.

Now let it be known to one and all, I adore the original Muppets I grew up with. They are truly awesome and I revere Jim Henson as a creative genius. The only reason this one was shoved to the back is because it was the Vincent Price/Alice Cooper tape. The Oldest Urchin is a sensitive little soul who gets frightened easily, the Youngest Urchin? Not so much (read down towards the end and you'll see what I mean). But she was a little too young for it when I relegated the video to the back. Well, the Youngest Urchin starts pleading her case in her four year old terms.

"I love it, Mommy. I'm not afraid. I'm big. I like it now."

To which I replied, "You've never seen it."

The debate went back and forth, and in a fit of self preservation so that I didn't have to endure one more hearing of the other offensive video, I caved. It's the Muppets, for crying out loud. How harmful can it be?

So I put it in and the Youngest Urchin settles down to watch. Well, Vincent Price she could take or leave.

But Alice Cooper? He made a huge impression.

Urgent calls from the living room begin.

"Mommy! Where do we keep our capes?!?!" (A big scarf tied at two corners)

"In the dress-up bin."

"Mommy, Mommy go back! Alice Cooper is talking to me!"

Never before did it cross my mind that my four year old would ever utter those words.

So now Alice Cooper on the Muppet Show is her favorite. She pretends to be him. I hear her warbling Welcome to My Nightmare from the back seat. Her Barbies are now the ghost and monster band from the first skit. She wears her cape wherever we go. And when a well meaning adult smiles and comments how she's such a great super hero, she turns and replies, "I'm not a super hero. I'm Alice Cooper."

I just smile and nod as I lead her away from some stunned little old lady who looks at me askance.

Ahh, such is the life here at Chez Quinn.

So tell me, what's going on in your neck of the woods?

Grumpy

I want to go ride my motorcycle.

But I can't.


Damn hip.


Sigh. See it there, gleaming in the sun? Like a panther that had a toxic dose of raidation. Ready to burst out of the gate in a split second.














Man, do I need a ride.

New On The Ninja

Check out the new sticker I put on my motorcycle. I couldn't resist it.



The color doesn't show up well in this photo. It's actually the same Kawasaki green as my cycle. Here's another one of the whole rig.



We made it back from camping at the shore on Friday afternoon. I'm still beat.

No major incidences to report, and sadly, the damn carny goldfish is still alive and well. And most definitely in cahoots with the sea monkeys.

To The Roller Derby!

I may be taking my next field trip tonight. Where to? Why, the roller derby, of course.

The Harrisburg Area Roller Derby (or H.A.R.D.) is having their recruitment night this evening.

Now who to try out for? The Nuclear Knockouts? The Fallout Femmes? I think I may be leaning towards the Atomic City Rollergirls. Mainly because their colors match my motorcycle.



Roller derby - not to be confused with Rollerball, which used motorcycles, so you know I had to be interested in that too.



I have to admit, I didn't know much about roller derby before a few days ago. So, what was an ill-informed twenty-first century gnome to do? Duh. Wikipedia! (You thought it'd be a trick question, didn't you?) Anyway, here's what wiki has to say:

Contemporary roller derby is an American-invented contact sport with roots in sports entertainment. The game is based on formation roller skating around an oval track by two teams. Points are scored when the designated scoring player (the "jammer") of a given team laps members of the opposing team;[1] hence offense and defense typically occur simultaneously.

So the jammer gets flung forward around the track, trying to get past the opposing team as they block and try to get their jammer past first.

This is definitely a full contact sport.



These gals have spunk, style and stamina. What's not to like? I just hope they'll give me a tryout, even though I'm only three foot nine (with the pointy hat).

And besides . . .

Do You Smell That?

Do you? That, my friends, is the smell of motorcycle weather.

The Man went out to the barn on Monday and plugged the batteries of our cycles up to the battery charger. And you know what that means. I will be riding soon.

Soon, I tells ya!

And after the tough winter I've had with the eldest urchin, I could use a ride or two thousand.

I even bought new boots. Kick ass boots. Black knee-high, lace up the front combat boots. Pictures will be forth coming.

So what smell is in the air for you? Any spring plans you're looking forward to?

Heard From The Back Seat

- Um, unicorn, I can't help you right now. My babies are trying to kill me.
- I have my duckies. (Imaginary ones) The green one bites, so watch out. His teeth are huge. The purple one just gives kisses.
- EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...Eeeeeeeeeeeeee....eeeuuuueeeeee
- No! I'm not talking to you! I'm Cinderella and I'm DEAD!!! So No Talking!


My mechanic once noted that no car seats could fit on the back of my motorcycle. I turned to him and replied sweetly, "That's kinda the point."

A Moment of Silence, Please

Now that it is the beginning of December, I must admit that it's time to winterize and hibernate the motorcycle. *sigh*



I'll miss you like crazy little Ninja.
Until springtime. Then it's back in the saddle and speeding down the back roads. Here's hoping I can wait that long.