Still Recovering

I'm still in recovery mode from Mari's visit. I am so tired I feel like I was the one on vacation! Could be the combination of lots of walking, laughing my ass off, and super late nights with hardly any sleep. Today I was going to spend the day working on a few projects to be sent out (especially the one a MAJOR NY publisher is interested in seeing a full of! Squeeeee!! LOL) I decided instead to stay in pj's and rest up. Back to work tomorrow.

Chicago trip (with some pictures!)

By Marianne LaCroix



Sue the T-Rex on display at the Field Museum...notice the Chicago Blackhawks jersey on the statue in the background. That was a total quirk that I caught it. I saw it, but didn't realize I got it on film. I had texted this to a DJ friend in NY with the caption "Run!" Completely took him off guard. LOL!



A very blurry picture of Annmarie (blondie) and I with Publisher Weekly's Barbara Vey. This was taken at the book signing during the Spring Fling conference. You can't tell, but I was ill. Seriously, I was sick that entire day. Not nerves either. I had nothing to be nervous about. Just sick.



As you walk through the pyramid/tomb at the Field Museum, we came across this phallic carving on a bench. Okay, is it just our dirty minds, or do you think it looks phallic too? And on a bench...wow.



Doesn't that look like a postcard? I took this on Monday before we went into the museum. Absolutely gorgeous. And yes, very windy. At one point I thought the wind was going to knock me over. (Yes, "Windy City" refers to politics, but this day, it was the literal sense of the phrase.)



One of the Egyptian displays at the Field Museum--canoptic jars. During mummification, the organs were removed and placed in jars like these. You know, one for the heart, one for the stomach, etc.



One of the numerous displays of mummies and coffins at the Egyptian exhibit in the Field Museum. Notice the small coffin of a child in the middle and the x-ray to the side. Cool, huh? Yeah, I'm morbid.

I was sad to leave, but we are talking about getting together in October for the Georgia RWA conference in Atlanta/Norcross. And a weekend in Amelia Island with the kids with Michelle, aka Misia, a very cool chick I met in Chicago and Annmarie's other partner in crime.

I still can't believe we didn't get arrested. LOL

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

I can't believe that Marianne is going home tomorrow. We had such a great time this past week and laughed- a lot! We had planned on doing a bunch of things and we actually accomplished almost everything on our list of things to do.

I'm posting a picture from the book signing we attended on Saturday. We were signing copies of our newest release "Medieval Menage." It was the last event of a super busy day at the Chicago North RWA Spring Fling. Earlier in the day I had an editor pitch that ended with a request for a full manuscript. Next Mari, Kim, and I led a discussion panel on the process writers go through after finishing writing a book. We had a fifteen minute break before the book signing started so we had to hustle. During the book signing Mari met an editor and pitched the project she and I are working on and had the first three chapters requested. All in all it was a great conference but now the work come sending in the requested work t be reviewed for contract. The life of a writer never has a dull moment!

Maggiano's

Go for the awesome yummy chopped salad... Stay for the smokin' hot server... LOL

More later... Mari and I are off to see a pyramid.

The Writer Chick's Hot Love Basket!

The Writer Chicks silent auction basket.

Yeah, we had fun shopping for it all week. In addition to our books, a copy of ALPHA's Dead Air and signed glossies from Ron and Scott, there is  pink Pocket Rocket, a cock ring, a small rubber whip, position of the day cards, warming lotion, lube sampler, Dick Tarts (candies shaped like penises... who wouldn't love those!!LOL), Playboy lotions, and a pink handcuffs keychain. It's very cute, I think. It should give the winner (and her partner) a few laughs.

Last night we ended up staying in instead of going to Saddle Up. Mari and I were just too tired and we had an early start at the conference today. I was much more happy staying in, talking to the sexiest guy I know for a while, then getting in jammies and playing around online. Mari and I have been on the go for a few days straight so it's actually nice to be able to chill out a bit.

I go to my editor pitch at 10:20 (wish me luck!) then lunch. I think we will have a little time to relax before we have our discussion panel we (Mari, Kim, and I) are leading... then we have 15 minutes to get all our stuff and asses to the book signing. Whew! LOL

I'll post more including pics from yesterday later when I have time...

Earth Day is my Birthday

I've often said I have some of the best friends a girl can have. A few of them (led by Misia) decorated the front of my house for my birthday complete with a pic of Zac Efron. This morning they took me out for breakfast at the Blue Angel where we sat next to a table of Chicago Fire Fighters. It was an interesting way to start the day. Later Misia and I took Marianne to Taboo Taboo and The Alley shopping. We had a great time and laughed a lot. (And yep, there were some items purchased... LOL)

Thanks to everyone who remembered it was my birthday and texted me, called me and posted on my FB for my birthday. You are all wonderful and I'm lucky to have you as friends.

Chicago Day One

I picked up Mari from Midway yesterday afternoon. It was so great seeing her again after two years. We went back to my house to drop off her stuff, then went for a quick ride around my neighborhood.

We ended up at Misia's.

"Hey, where are you?"
"I'm home. Where are you at?"
*laugh*
"You guys are in front of my house, aren't you?"
"Yeah we are."

Then we went out to dinner to Longhorn's for steak, followed by a night time tour of downtown. We drove past all the landmarks like Watertower, the Chicago Theater, and Millennium Park.

While driving we ended up talking to someone I know from the gym, and we got invited over there. (And I'm pretty certain Misia is going to kill me... LOL Yep, Tom Cruise invited us over! LOL) So we got a tour of his place, which is going to be amazing when it's done being remodeled, and hung out for a while. (Mari is actually going to be doing some website work for him, so they got to talk business a little too.)

I'd write more but this morning we are pressed for time since we have appointments with a makeup artist then pictures taken for our website. (And yep, Mari is gonna get her sexy on and do some boudoir pictures too!)

I'll do an update again later when I can. And in the meantime, guess what kind of chair this is... LOL

On My Way to Midway!

I'm leaving in a little while to go pick up Marianne. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. LOL I know she was at the airport waiting for her flight... Can't wait to see her. If you know me you can expect us to be calling so you can talk to her! haha This week is going to rock!!

Happy Birthday Kelly

I miss you more than you'll ever know. I went to visit you today... a beautiful day with lots of sunshine. As I sat by your grave my phone would chime, letting me know friends were texting me... checking up on me... knowing where I was and that today is a difficult day for me. Some texts were from friends you knew, others new friends who know all about you from my stories.

Today you would have been forty. We should have been having a big party today with all your friends and family. Instead, I sat in the sunshine and whispered how much I still miss you while sitting on the grass.

You're still my hero.

Penis Ring Fun

If you're looking for a little excitement, it might be time to ask your partner to wear a little more jewelry — though not in the way he might be expecting. I'm talking about penis rings, which can take sex (and his erection) to new heights.

A penis ring offers benefits for both of you. It boosts his erection and increases sensation for better, more intense orgasms. As for you, you'll get the benefits of longer-lasting and potentially more passionate sex.

A soft silicone model is best, since it's flexible and comfortable. All penis rings should be put on before your partner has an erection. The ring slips right down to the base of the penis. Some models even have a tiny vibrator attached to the top to double your pleasure. (see photo above)

Keep in mind that a penis ring should not be worn for more than an hour or so once he's erect, and that any feelings of numbness or coldness are signs the ring should be removed.

Annmarie says: This is one instance when a good thing comes in a small package. Spring for the ten bucks and buy one of those disposable battery operated rings if you never have. You'll both be glad you did. : )

Grammar Counts

Please know the difference between "your" and "you're" and "there" "their" and "they're". Here's a quick lesson:

"Your" is used like "your book" or "your blog".

"You're" is used like "You're an idiot." (Think you are).

"There" is used like "The riding crop is there on the table."

"Their" is used like "Apparently they lost their minds."

"They're" is used like "They're crazy if they vote democratic again." (Think they are).

Countdown!

One week until Marianne comes to Chicago for the week!! Woo hoo!! We have the entire week planned and it is going to be great. Look out Chicago, here we come!!

Drunk Sex = Not Sexy

Article-
If you went to college, you probably know how too much booze can lead to less-than-careful sexual encounters. A recent poll confirms it, saying that two-thirds of us report having unsafe sex due to alcohol consumption. If one of you has had too much to drink, it's likely that the other has had a few as well. Alcohol has a funny way of bringing out the animal in all of us, resulting in uncharacteristically confident — and uninhibited — behavior.

Alcohol-free dates may be a good idea, at least in the beginning. It may sound brutal, especially if you're used to having a glass of wine to relax you when getting to know someone, but you'll be better off — in all ways. You'll be able to put your best foot forward and decide with a clear head whether things could work out between the two of you.

To be safe, so to speak, keeping condoms in a convenient spot at home (and maybe even in your purse) can be good insurance against getting swept up in the moment. In the event that you do end up having unprotected sex, you should see your doctor immediately. It's important to get tested for infections that can go unnoticed otherwise, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or some types of bacterial infection. And it's also a good idea to go back for an HIV test about three months after the unprotected encounter.

Finally, if you feel as though your drinking has led to seriously poor decision-making or is out of your control, seek the help of a professional.

Book signing Tomorrow in Kankakee

Kankakee Public Library
201 East Merchant Street
Kankakee Il 60901
4th floor

25 local authors are scheduled to appear. I will be signing copies of Medieval Menage and Shivers. If you are in the area please stop by and say hi!

Red patent heels, a push up bra, and my upcoming trip to Chicago.

By Guest Blogger: Marianne LaCroix

I need some down time. Okay? Love being with the kids, but seriously, I'm worn out from Spring Break. Today I feel like I traveled cross country when it was only to Tallahassee. We did the mall shopping and the Fun Station arcade chaos, and it was so hot. Why isn't the concession stand ever open at the Fun Station? Can't get something to drink...in the heat...amid all those kids and teenagers. Yeah, I played a few games, but I'm not into it like my kids. It was an exhausting day.

I did get my red heels though. Red patent platform heels. Heh heh. I am planning on wearing those out to Saddle Up in two weeks. (TWO WEEKS!!! YAY!!) They will look hot with my Silver jeans. No, not looking for men, but I will be witness to unfolding drama involving men, I'm sure. Still, nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel sexy, right?

I also got a few pretty intimates. *grin* Let's just say when the bra label says "push up", they're not kidding. I feel like Jane Mansfield in the thing. She was stacked and so am I. (I actually saw the car she died in a few years ago. I think it was in St. Augustine in some sort of macabre museum. It was so gruesome, I loved it. I looked it up online--the Tragedy in US History Museum. It closed in 1998 and the collection was sold at auction.)

I wanted a hot bra, and I got it. It's for the photo shoot in Chicago. I am going prepared for this with my new pretties...and my new crop. Oh, I'm not kidding about that. I got one. Brand spankin' new.

No, don't get any ideas. Annmarie and I are not doing a shoot together in our undies. (Dream on, you pervs out there.)

We will be doing a few clothed shots together though. We have a plan. Although I still say I'm not the only one to wear devil horns. She's no angel either.

Oh man, I can't wait for this trip. Damn, I need the getaway so bad. So. Damn. Bad.

Yep, Chicago, you're warned. We will be unleashed for a week. God help you.

The 1-2-3's of Making Love to a Woman

Click to watch. Marianne... This is what I was talking about the other day. "Seven! Seven! Seven!" LOL (Oh, and take notes fellas!)

Four Best Positions For Achieving the Big "O"

The following is an article about the best four ways to achieve orgasm.

Modified Missionary
Many women complain that they can't achieve an orgasm with the man lying on top. This modified version should take things up a notch:

Lie on your back and put your legs over your partner's shoulders. This is a good position if you need clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm, and it is a nice way to begin to experience building a G-spot orgasm. He'll have a lot of control over stimulating your G-spot, and you can play with your clitoris to have an orgasm.

Mouth and Finger, Yum!
Many women have an easier time achieving an orgasm through oral sex than with intercourse. And since we can only assume that your partner would love nothing more than to try new ways to please you

Ask your partner not to use the tongue as a vibrator on your clit, but to caress your clitoris, urethra and vaginal opening with lips and tongue. Slower is better, so you have time to absorb all the sensations and to remember to relax.

When you feel aroused, ask him to insert a finger, ever so slowly, and rub your G-spot very slowly but firmly. Over time, your G-spot will become more easily aroused, and swollen, and less stimulation will be necessary to feel ready for orgasm.

Face to Face on a Stool
A tall kitchen stool is perfect for communicating and slowly working up to soulful eye-to-eye communication. If you are used to closing your eyes and burying your head in the pillow, you'll find that in this position you are more present and equal. No one's weight is on anyone, you are facing each other (he's standing and you're sitting). You can look down at his penis, and he can get valuable feedback about the types of strokes he is delivering when he sees your face and hears your delighted sounds.

This position is excellent for deep penetration.

Standing up from Behind
This position borrows certain elements of the popular "doggy-style" position, where the woman is on her hands and knees and is entered from behind. But if you try standing up, slightly bent forward, you'll find more pressure on the G-spot than with the traditional doggy-style position. Your partner's movements will push forward against your G-spot, and that's exactly what you want for good stimulation.

Annmarie Says: I've written about three of the four positions listed here. Honestly, the "sitting on a stool" position sounds a bit tricky to me... LOL I have visions of falling off during! But hey, that doesn't mean it's not worth trying...haha.

April

I've had a love/hate relationship with April for a while. I love the end of winter and the beginning signs that summer is on it's way. I like Easter, making baskets for the kids... (Yes I make them. The store ones suck!)

April is when we have our Scholastic Book Fair at school. This year we're doing a 1950's theme and I've been talked into wearing a poodle skirt, which should be interesting.

Marianne is coming to stay with me for an entire week this April. We have stuff planned for every day and I know that we are going to have an absolute blast. I'm now accepting applications for whoever will be willing to post bail for us. You think I'm kidding?

My birthday is in April too. April 22nd. Earth Day is my birthday. Last year was a big one for me and I was stressed about it. I really didn't have a thing to worry about though because I have some amazing friends who made the entire day great. And Misia came under the cover of night and decorated my front porch and lawn. That was a first for me. LOL

But April also makes me sad and quite melancholy. My friend Kelly had her birthday on April 19th. We would go out and celebrate together. But Kelly passed away in 2003 so now every April 19th I go to the cemetery and say Happy Birthday to the friend I miss every day. This year she would have been 40. It's so strange to me that she's been gone so long.

So this month I'll do what I always do... take the good and the bad as April throws them at me and hope for the best.

Happy April.