News You Can (Maybe) Use

First off, tomorrow the wonderful Susan Gourley will be interviewed here at Tongue in Cheek. Susan Gourley writes amazing fantasy books, as well as fantasy romance books under her pen name, Susan Kelley. Stop in here to check out her thoughts about her writing and giving us information on her newest release Beyond The Gate from her series the Futhark Chronicles.

I've read the first in her new series - The Keepers of Sulbreth, and let me tell you, it was awesome. Beyond The Gate is on my wish list. I actually haven't bought it yet, so I can get it when Susan is doing a signing, but I don't think I can wait any longer! One idea I really liked is that the second book begins only moments after the first one ends.

Also, as promised, here is a picture of the new boots!



I don't usually go around wearing them with funky fishnets and a schoolgirl skirt. I was dressed up for a Zombie Prom as part of the Zombie Response Unit there to kick ass and take names. The zombie prom was in honor of a friend's birthday. This friend will actually be mentioned in Susan's interview tomorrow. So be sure to check back then to see who it is!

And finally, it's my wedding anniversary. Thanks for fourteen awesome years, sweetheart!

That's all for now, citizens. Be sure to inform me of all zombie sightings in your neighborhood. I'll be there in a flash, driving the Zombie Response Vehicle.

Diversified Possum Uses

As the county's reigning 'Possum Queen for the Pot Bellied Processed 'Possum Products Company (tm), it was pointed out to me in the fine print of my contract that I should be endorsing, not only the company's fine product line of canned 'possum delights, but doing my "darned-tootinest" to further the best image of 'possum and 'possum related products.

So to that end, I offer my 'possummy endorsement of the following 'possum products and organization.

First and foremost, there's The Opossum Society of the United States. Though they focus more on keeping opossums alive instead of ingesting them.

You can also show your support by wearing your opossum on your sleeve, or wherever else you may want to.

Girls, let the world (or at least your trailer park) know of your 'possum pride. Announce your love of all things 'possum across your chest.



Guys, let the neighbors know just what you're grilling on the back porch.



Don't forget the special sauce!



For that touch of class, gents, you can always import your possum for that distinguished look to let your redneck town know you're a cut above the rest.

And ladies, for the ever discerning gal who endeavors to be her trailer park's trend setter, may I suggest 'possum nipple warmers? You'll be the envy of your trailerhood.



I know not much can follow that major statement of female 'possum fashion, but not to be outdone, men, you can even get a 'Possum Fur Willie Warmer. Apparently in several different sizes and colors.



So there you have it, folks. Your very own picture pile of 'possummy products. Let me know which are your favorites! I just can't decide.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

You may or may not remember this about me, but up until October, Chez Quinn was blessed with two border collies. Our number is now down to one. A fourteen year old sweetheart who, in my opinion, is the best dog who has ever lived. I'm sure you've had or currently have one of those.

So in honor of St. Patrick's Day and celebration of border collies -and a respectful nod to dogs everywhere- I give you this.

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?

Coming Soon- Author Interviews!

This month I'll be starting something new for the blog. Author interviews.

Three friends of mine have books being released in the coming weeks. I thought it would be great to hear from them, so I sent them each interview questions - with a Tongue In Cheek slant. (You didn't really think I could ask interview questions without working in Sea Monkeys, did you?) So, be sure to check those out soon.

My writing had come to a grinding halt with all the urchin goings on. She had to get two vaccination booster shots and is scheduled for more blood work next month. The brave little urchin did well with the shots. She wouldn't look away and watched the whole time again. And an added blessing to Mama Urchin was she didn't cry.

But I'm trying to get back in the saddle with some word counts. I have lots of manuscripts to choose from, but each one has problems I'm not ready to or feel capable of fixing at the moment. I tried writing something new, just for enjoyment, but the joy got sucked out of it for me when I shared it with others prematurely. *sigh* I really need to listen to my gut more.

So now I'm trying to to figure out where to go to jump back in. My goal this week is to find where the baby wading pools of my wips are and dip in a toe. You can be sure I'll be wearing my water wings!

Crazy Field Trips

Last month I finally went on a field trip that I'd been wanting to go on for years. I toured . . . an Army/Navy surplus store. It was awesome. Everything I'd dreamed. I'm still reeling from the overpowering experience.

I wanted to tour at least one since I use one in a manuscript. I really wanted the feel of the place, and man did I pick a great one to tour. Drop ceiling with knife holes in it, old uneven linoleum tiles, dark ambiance. There was even a huge bomb hanging from the ceiling. Not to mention the large array of weapons and the holsters to carry them.

So now I want to go on my next tour. This one will be like visiting great vineyards in the Napa Valley. Only seedier.

I want to visit dive bars. Little dirty holes-in-the-wall where people go to drink themselves into oblivion. Places that are characters unto themselves. Establishments that a girl on her own may not feel entirely safe. Biker bars, scary honkytonks, city bars, bars on the wrong side of the tracks in little dying towns. Man, I can't wait.

So, where do you want to visit that may be out of the ordinary realm of tourist attractions? And if you're a writer, how far do you go for your research?

Turn Around, Bright Eyes

We're going to slow it down a little now for a couples skate with Bonnie Tyler. Whether he skates you backward around the rink or you go with the option for the less coordinated - holding hands- please remember that it's couples only.



If you want the all skate, check here.

The Results Are In . . . Mostly

We got the cat scan results back. They found nothing out of the ordinary. We've also gotten most of the blood work results as well. They look fine. Which is great.

Now those things are ruled out, but we still don't know what's wrong or how to treat it. So I'm going with a no news is good news mentality.

I was going to try and add something funny or twisted to the end of this post, but, I got nothin'. I'll try to get something good going for tomorrow. Until then, citizens.

Two Firsts Today

My daughter lost her first tooth and had her first cat scan today.

That's just not right.

Holding Pattern

The oldest Urchin had her blood work done Friday morning. They took five tubes. Five tubes. From my six year old. She was a trooper. She didn't cry or anything. She even watched the whole thing. I usually look away when I get it done. But she was a brave little toaster.

The cat scan is set for Tuesday afternoon. I've put a positive spin on that one. She seems excited. But she was excited for the head x-ray two months ago, yet when we walked in, she panicked. That was an experience. Forcing her to do these things, when I'd rather have root canal the Marathon Man way instead. (Is it safe?)

I was at a funeral today. It was for a distant relative, through marriage. But funerals take it out of me.

On a completely different note . . .

To my favorite author, whose latest book in her series featuring my favorite character that I'd been anticipating for months. The book which I purchased the day it came out for full price, no less. I give you the Otto DISAPPOINTED!



I have four words for you. Phoned in. and Irredeemable hero.

On a slightly related note - I adore the character of Otto. If I could somehow combine him with Molly Millions, a.k.a Sally Shears -



I would be in hog heaven.