Knots in My Bangs

I have bangs (at 53, I've found that bangs are cheaper than botox ). Today, I was strapped to a parachute and dragged by a boat, the wind lifting me 800 feet into the air. I swayed and rocked and grinned like an idiot as the breeze whipped around me (and tangled my hair into knots more intricate than those tied by Navy Seals).

Yeah, that's me. Over there on the right. I'm parasailing!

The views of Ocean City, Maryland were spectacular. I could see for miles and miles. What I noticed when I was high in the sky was the silence. Huge dark patches blotched the blue-green bay and I realized those were shadows cast by the puffy clouds. Zipping jet skis left white wakes far below me, and fishing boats rocked on the choppy water. I was amazed how peaceful I felt floating up near the fat, scudding clouds.

After I was safely back on the boat, I was told that the 15-mile-per-hour winds had offered me "the wild ride" (those are the best kind, right?). On calmer days, the ride is much smoother. They won't allow people to parasail if the winds blow at 20 MPH. I felt absolutely fearless. I'd conquered the wild winds!

I'd like to thank the OC Parasailing crew who made this experience absolutely amazing. I'd do it again in an OC minute!

And the knots in my bangs? This fabulous adventure was well worth a little tugging and pulling with my hairbrush.
 
Here's me at 800 ft:

And finally, here's a short video of me, dipping my toes in the water.

What?

Enjoying Nature and I'm on the Radio

I took a break from editing my latest romance novel to let Roo (my Australian cattle dog mix) run around the backyard for a bit. She spotted a beautiful cardinal sitting on the fence and dodged toward it. Of course, the bird flew to the safety of tree branch. But then Ms Cardinal started chirping angrily and popped her head out of the leaves to stare down at Roo as if to say, "Who do you think you are?"

Then two dragonflies lit on the rocks around my flower bed, and a third (huge!) swooped past so fast I could barely see it.

I love that I'm able to spend time out in nature just by stepping out my back door.

Okay. Back to work.

~  ~  ~

Elaine Raco Chase, host of Authors Corner Review, 

will be interviewing me tonight (May 24th) on

 Blog Talk Radio. 

The show starts at 8:05 PM (eastern standard time). 

Click the link above, and scroll down to Authors Corner Review to listen.

Feel free to call in with your questions. Elaine will provide the call-in

number once the show starts. I'll be giving away some books!

See you there!

Authors Are People Too

I was interviewed by Lauren Royal, owner of 

Authors Are People Too, 

a blog that focuses on authors' lives 
outside the realm of writing. 

Very refreshing!

Make Your Own Body Scrub

Exfoliating your skin with a salt or sugar scrub allows new skin cells to regenerate and leaves you feeling smooth, refreshed and rejuvenated. You'll be amazed by how your skin will glow!

I prefer salt scrubs, and I make my own. It's easy and inexpensive. Give it a try.


What you'll need:

1/2 cup oil (sweet almond, grapeseed, or light olive oil)
1 cup fine sea salt (don't use iodized table salt, it's too harsh -and if you have sensitive skin, substitute sugar for the salt)
5-10 drops of essential oils (citrus oils are refreshing, lavender is relaxing, rosemary and peppermint are stimulating)

Put salt (or sugar) into a bowl. Add oil and stir until combined. Add essential oil and mix until fully incorporated.

Body scrubs make a great gift. You can find fancy glass containers in any craft store.

All Romance

A selection of my books are now available at

 All Romance™. 

Mother's Day Afterthoughts

Norma Jean

This blog post is about my 2 mothers. Yes, I was blessed to have two. The first one, Norma Jean, gave birth to me and raised me to the age of 13. Then she was gone--tragically and suddenly--and I was left broken-hearted.

My second mother was Doris Lillian. She came into my life when I was 15. We struggled for a few years (oh, boy, did we struggle!), but we finally found that mother-daughter love. I will be forever grateful to Doris for mothering me when I was so unlovable.

But these afterthoughts aren't about sadness. They're about happy memories and gratitude. That's what Mother's Day is all about.

Mother (left) with her sisters

So I want to remember these amazing women.

Norma Jean was a wonder woman! She could do anything. She was creative, artistic, musically gifted, intelligent, and beautiful. I have often thought she was been born in the wrong century. If she'd had the nurturing and encouragement women receive today, she'd have ruled the world! 

Doris Lillian - my second mom

Doris Lillian was quiet, unassuming, and also beautiful. She was one of the strongest women I have ever met in my life. She succeeded in convincing my father to stop drinking, and that amazing feat changed him into someone I could love. But above all else, I will love Doris for the way she loved my children. My heart always melted when I saw her interacting with my boys. She made my children feel as if they were her treasure, and for that I will always be grateful!

Can you sum up in a few sentences why your mother is (or was) special?