Jeff, A Happy Bookstore Owner
Authors signing Dec 12
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Holiday book signing!
Multi-author book signing 12/12 with free basket and wrap! Noon to 3 p.m.
Coralie Jensen, Ella Drake,
Ashlyn Chase, Barbara Wallace,
Hannah Howell, Annette Blair
Well Read Books
Elm Plaza Route 125
Plaistow, NH 603-819-5116
I hope to see you there!
Coralie Jensen, Ella Drake,
Ashlyn Chase, Barbara Wallace,
Hannah Howell, Annette Blair
Well Read Books
Elm Plaza Route 125
Plaistow, NH 603-819-5116
I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Book store signings
I'm setting up some book signings at local book stores for the following holidays...
Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
These aren't just for me. There will be several authors from my RWA chapter signing.
First up is Barnes and Nobles on 12/12. That's an easy date to remember, right? Hours TBA.
And we'll be making the baskets you see on my 'store' blog, including any other items from the book store you want. Take a look! http://ashlync.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-lovers-baskets.html
More details later!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Yikes two more days til Halloween!
And two more chances to win a copy of Strange Neighbors.
Simply comment on one of my guest blog posts and send me an email asking to be entered in the drawing!
Today 10/29 I'm here: http://www.fierceromance.blogspot.com/
10/30 http://www.naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and 10/31 www.shapeshifterseductions.blogspot.com
Good luck!
Ash
Simply comment on one of my guest blog posts and send me an email asking to be entered in the drawing!
Today 10/29 I'm here: http://www.fierceromance.blogspot.com/
10/30 http://www.naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and 10/31 www.shapeshifterseductions.blogspot.com
Good luck!
Ash
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Halloween Blog Tour Continues!
Sun 10/17, I'm here: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/2010/10/come-to-light-side.html
Tues 10/19: www.parajunkie.com
Weds 10/20 www.tinadonahue.com/blog
Thurs 10/21 I'll post a couple of ghost excerpts at LRC (Love Romance Cafe)
And then Friday, I'm off to the New Jersey RWA romance writer's conference.
I'll be signing Strange Neighbors there on Sat.
Stay tunes for next week's blog tour! It all ends up with a big bang and a $50 B&N gift certificate on 10/31.
Check back for details!
Have a spooky fun week!
Ash
Tues 10/19: www.parajunkie.com
Weds 10/20 www.tinadonahue.com/blog
Thurs 10/21 I'll post a couple of ghost excerpts at LRC (Love Romance Cafe)
And then Friday, I'm off to the New Jersey RWA romance writer's conference.
I'll be signing Strange Neighbors there on Sat.
Stay tunes for next week's blog tour! It all ends up with a big bang and a $50 B&N gift certificate on 10/31.
Check back for details!
Have a spooky fun week!
Ash
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I'm off to Romanticon!
There's a 4 day party in Ohio this weekend. I'll be leaving tomorrow and will be back 10/11 evening.
I was so excited last night, I woke up at 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. Today I was so tired, I made the bed without a top sheet! LOL
When I get back, I'll be having a Halloween blog tour.
On Tues 10/12, I'll be a http://slingwords.blogspot.com
On Wednesday it's http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com
Friday http://kgbdabbles.blogspot.com
Sat. http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and the same day: http://www.staceykennedy.com/fun-stuff/blog/
I'll fill in the following week when I get home. My calendar is filling up, so if anyone would like a guest blog from a real, live witch before Halloween...let me know!
I was so excited last night, I woke up at 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. Today I was so tired, I made the bed without a top sheet! LOL
When I get back, I'll be having a Halloween blog tour.
On Tues 10/12, I'll be a http://slingwords.blogspot.com
On Wednesday it's http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com
Friday http://kgbdabbles.blogspot.com
Sat. http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and the same day: http://www.staceykennedy.com/fun-stuff/blog/
I'll fill in the following week when I get home. My calendar is filling up, so if anyone would like a guest blog from a real, live witch before Halloween...let me know!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's Banned Books week
Have you heard? It's our country's annual celebration of the first amendment. Some folks don't think we should honor it, and as such censorship still exists--sometimes overtly and sometimes covertly, but part of the joy and freedom of being an American (as opposed to N.Korean) is that we have the right to choose what we will and won't read.
This year's theme is "Think for yourself and let others do the same." I'm on board with that.
You'd be surprised by some of the books that are being banned these days!
For more commentary on banned books, visit Ellora’s Cave Publishing Readlines and Deadlines blog at:
http://tinyurl.com/laen3q
For a complete list of the top 100 banned or challenged books, visit the American Library Association website at:
http://tinyurl.com/336obfx
Well, I'm off to sing the National Anthem.
Oh, say can you see...all the books you might like...let the other ones be...for someone will like them too.
This year's theme is "Think for yourself and let others do the same." I'm on board with that.
You'd be surprised by some of the books that are being banned these days!
For more commentary on banned books, visit Ellora’s Cave Publishing Readlines and Deadlines blog at:
http://tinyurl.com/laen3q
For a complete list of the top 100 banned or challenged books, visit the American Library Association website at:
http://tinyurl.com/336obfx
Well, I'm off to sing the National Anthem.
Oh, say can you see...all the books you might like...let the other ones be...for someone will like them too.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Had an awesome interview
Check this one out. The interviewer did a fabulous job.
http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/hollywood-producer-intrigued-strange-neighbors-09-17-2010
http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/hollywood-producer-intrigued-strange-neighbors-09-17-2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
October is paranormal month!
If anyone is looking for a guest blogger, or someone to show up at your Halloween chat, or anything where I can talk about Strange Neighbors, just give me a shout. Or better yet, email me at ash@ashlynchase.com
Since I met my deadline for book 3 in the series early (Yay!) I'm available!
Ash
Monday, September 13, 2010
I'm a guest today
At the fabulous Angie Fox's blog. We're talking about where I get my wacky ideas and what to do with them.
http://wickedauthors.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-wicked-welcomes-ashlyn-chase.html
http://wickedauthors.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-wicked-welcomes-ashlyn-chase.html
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Out of the blue reader request
A reader wrote to me recently, asking me to write a particular character type.
That's never happened to me before!
I've had lots of reader mail asking all kinds of questions about my published works, but this was the first one who gave me an assignment. I was intrigued!
I asked for any good sources on the subject (fairies) so I could research them first. To be honest, I don't think I've ever read a book in my style (paranormal comedy) with faeries in it. But I've read enough to realize they're not always full of rainbows, puppies and sunshine. Sometimes they're downright mean! What fun!
So, thank you dear reader. Now that I've finished the novella I had started a year ago and the novel I was contracted to write by Sept 30th, I can enjoy reading all about the fae. I'll start with the sources you gave me, and if anyone out there knows of some terrific research resources for me, give me a yell! Either here or privately. ash@ashlynchase.com
However, I'm still planning to write a series with my writing partner Dalton Diaz and we have an idea which would involve ghosts--not fairies. So, here I go...working on two projects at once again. Possibly three! I still have a tiger shapeshifter/India story in my head.
That's okay. All that work will keep me out of trouble! Something fairies don't worry about. Heh heh
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Another new release!
August is turning out to be a big month for me. Red Stilettos just came out in print!
All four novellas are in one large paperback and it's even on sale!
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8677-red-stilettos.aspx
Check out all four stories about one legendary pair of red stilettos rumored to bring the wearer her heart's desire.
We're fondly calling it The Sisterhood of the Traveling Stilettos
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
New release today, Strokes
Ashlyn Chase and Dalton Diaz proudly offer a new release from Ellora's Cave. It's the first in their Arts line.
Book Reviewer Darcy Dennison wants to ring her artist neighbor’s neck. That’s a crying shame considering how gorgeous he is, but she needs peace and quiet to get her work done. Models throwing fits in his apartment don’t help.
On a temporary work visa, Paolo Santori has little time to paint his nudes before returning to Italy to marry a woman he doesn’t love. Then Darcy bursts into his life. The solution is simple, she’ll model his favorite subject while she works.
Making her glisten thrills them both, but falling in love could mean losing everything he’s ever known.
http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8466-50-strokes.aspx
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Most recent (and adorable) cover in the Stange Neighbor series
I absolutely love this cover and owe the artist a big sloppy kiss on the mouth--
oh, all right...a hug will have to do. People tend to shy away from crazies, even if they're crazy grateful.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thailand anyone?
I recently found out Strange Neighbors was picked up by a publisher in Thailand and will be translated into Thai! I can only imagine what it will look and sound like. I hope I get a copy for my keeper shelf.
I also hope they want the two sequels. First is The Werewolf Upstairs, which is going through final line edits. If you're worried that you might forget about it between now and February (I know I would! LOL) it can be preordered on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Werewolf-Upstairs-Ashlyn-Chase/dp/140223662X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279204108&sr=1-1
I hope you're having as awesome a summer as I am!
Ash
I also hope they want the two sequels. First is The Werewolf Upstairs, which is going through final line edits. If you're worried that you might forget about it between now and February (I know I would! LOL) it can be preordered on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Werewolf-Upstairs-Ashlyn-Chase/dp/140223662X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279204108&sr=1-1
I hope you're having as awesome a summer as I am!
Ash
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Contest winners!
Okay, for those of you who love contests...so do I!
I love to feel like Santa Claus in the middle of summer.
And the way I usually run my contests is by having one to celebrate each release, and other impromptu contests on my yahoo chat loop. That's how I reward my readers for sticking with me.
Well, the recent blog tour included many contests put on by my publisher. They gave away not just one, but two books at several of the tour stops.
Me? I had a contest too. It was for the most frequent visitor. And the winner is...dun, dun, dahhh... Christine H!
I made her an anklet. (grin) Thank you Christine!
Another contest I held on my yahoo loop was called "Burn, stake or behead?" I asked my readers how I should have my good vampire kill off the evil vampire.
And the winner is Kimmy L! She had a very well thought out, involved set of directions for immobilizing, exorcizing, and finally disposing of him so that he could not possibly come back. It almost sounds like you've done this before, Kimmy. LOL.
Anyway, Kimmy won a pair of polarized sunglasses. The best kind to eliminate glare as you read on the beach!
Another contest was held for the same type of sunglasses last Friday for our Favorite Author Friday. Yes, I share the spotlight on the last Friday of each month. Knowing I'm not the only author my readers enjoy, I ask them who they'd like me to invite. We've had some wonderful people on those days and I've discovered some great new books!
So, anyway, last Friday's winner--drawn at random from participants was...Maisha W!
I hope you all enjoy your prizes and maybe others who see this will decide to join the fun! Simply click the sign up spot for the yahoo group on my home page.
Ash
I love to feel like Santa Claus in the middle of summer.
And the way I usually run my contests is by having one to celebrate each release, and other impromptu contests on my yahoo chat loop. That's how I reward my readers for sticking with me.
Well, the recent blog tour included many contests put on by my publisher. They gave away not just one, but two books at several of the tour stops.
Me? I had a contest too. It was for the most frequent visitor. And the winner is...dun, dun, dahhh... Christine H!
I made her an anklet. (grin) Thank you Christine!
Another contest I held on my yahoo loop was called "Burn, stake or behead?" I asked my readers how I should have my good vampire kill off the evil vampire.
And the winner is Kimmy L! She had a very well thought out, involved set of directions for immobilizing, exorcizing, and finally disposing of him so that he could not possibly come back. It almost sounds like you've done this before, Kimmy. LOL.
Anyway, Kimmy won a pair of polarized sunglasses. The best kind to eliminate glare as you read on the beach!
Another contest was held for the same type of sunglasses last Friday for our Favorite Author Friday. Yes, I share the spotlight on the last Friday of each month. Knowing I'm not the only author my readers enjoy, I ask them who they'd like me to invite. We've had some wonderful people on those days and I've discovered some great new books!
So, anyway, last Friday's winner--drawn at random from participants was...Maisha W!
I hope you all enjoy your prizes and maybe others who see this will decide to join the fun! Simply click the sign up spot for the yahoo group on my home page.
Ash
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Winding down
I finished my book signings this month, I resign as president of my RWA chapter on the 30th and I only have two more blogstops on the I Must Be Nuts blog tour. YAY! Not that it hasn't been fun...it's been all kinds of fun! But during all that I've had to write, edit my last book and brainstorm the next series, so I'm a little exhausted.
Today (Tues) I'll be here: http://www.myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
And Wednesday here: http://www.luxuryreading.com
There are giveaways!
And check my blog on Wednesday for the winner of the most frequent commenter who followed me through the tour.
And, by the way...if anyone would like a signed book plate in case you bought one of my paperbacks and couldn't make it to the book signing, just let me know and I'll send you one--or as many as you'd like.
Ash
Today (Tues) I'll be here: http://www.myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
And Wednesday here: http://www.luxuryreading.com
There are giveaways!
And check my blog on Wednesday for the winner of the most frequent commenter who followed me through the tour.
And, by the way...if anyone would like a signed book plate in case you bought one of my paperbacks and couldn't make it to the book signing, just let me know and I'll send you one--or as many as you'd like.
Ash
Monday, June 21, 2010
Another week, another blog tour
Here's this week's schedule...remember, I'm giving a prize to the most frequent commenter!
Mon: http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com
Tues: http://literaryescapism.com/
Weds: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com
Thurs: http://singletitles.com/?p=4269
In person book signings
Fri: Nashua, NH, Barnes and Noble 7 p.m. Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH
Sat: Nashua, NH, Ancient Moon, noon to 3 p.m. W. Pearl Street, Nashua, NH
Mon: http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com
Tues: http://literaryescapism.com/
Weds: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com
Thurs: http://singletitles.com/?p=4269
In person book signings
Fri: Nashua, NH, Barnes and Noble 7 p.m. Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH
Sat: Nashua, NH, Ancient Moon, noon to 3 p.m. W. Pearl Street, Nashua, NH
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Whew! Made it through week 3
And here's week 4 of the I Must Be Nuts blog tour:
June 14, Anna's Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com
June 15, Thoughts in Progress blog http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com
June 16, Romance Readers at Heart's Novel Thoughts Blog http://novelthoughts.wordpress.com
June 17, Adele Dubois's blog http://www.adeledubois.com/blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at Barnes & Noble Sat. June 19 6:30 p.m., 1741 S. Willow St, Manchester, NH
I hope to see some of you lovelies there!
Ash
June 14, Anna's Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com
June 15, Thoughts in Progress blog http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com
June 16, Romance Readers at Heart's Novel Thoughts Blog http://novelthoughts.wordpress.com
June 17, Adele Dubois's blog http://www.adeledubois.com/blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at Barnes & Noble Sat. June 19 6:30 p.m., 1741 S. Willow St, Manchester, NH
I hope to see some of you lovelies there!
Ash
Saturday, June 12, 2010
2 blog stops today!
Hello my darlings!
Here's where I'll be today
(when I'm not at my local book signing (Well Read Books-Elm Plaza, Plaistow NH, noon to 3.)
http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
I'll have a contest with a surprise gift for a lucky participant.
Everything is a mystery today! Mystery prize and I'm not telling which blog I'll be drawing names from. (evil grin)
Here's where I'll be today
(when I'm not at my local book signing (Well Read Books-Elm Plaza, Plaistow NH, noon to 3.)
http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
I'll have a contest with a surprise gift for a lucky participant.
Everything is a mystery today! Mystery prize and I'm not telling which blog I'll be drawing names from. (evil grin)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Today's stop on the blog train
I was interviewed for Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell here:
http://books-forlife.blogspot.com
Hope you can stop by!
And now for the Contest thanks to Sourcebooks.
Rules:
1. Ends June 14th (2 winners)
2. You need to Ask a question, or comment on the books.
3. Open to US and Canada
4. Please leave me a way to contact you if your email is not in your profile.
To the rest, be free to ask questions even if you are not entering :=) The more the merrier.
Ash
http://books-forlife.blogspot.com
Hope you can stop by!
And now for the Contest thanks to Sourcebooks.
Rules:
1. Ends June 14th (2 winners)
2. You need to Ask a question, or comment on the books.
3. Open to US and Canada
4. Please leave me a way to contact you if your email is not in your profile.
To the rest, be free to ask questions even if you are not entering :=) The more the merrier.
Ash
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Next...
This week's stops on the I must be Nuts blog tour are:
Monday (too late.)
Tuesday: Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com
Thursday: Psychotic State Interview http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com
Friday: Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell Interview http://books-forlife.blogspot.com
Saturday: Naughty Author Chicks Blog http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
also Sat: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
I'll be signing in person at Well Read Books in Plaistow, NH, Sat. noon to 3 p.m.
I hope some of you can come!
Ash
Monday (too late.)
Tuesday: Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com
Thursday: Psychotic State Interview http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com
Friday: Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell Interview http://books-forlife.blogspot.com
Saturday: Naughty Author Chicks Blog http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
also Sat: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
I'll be signing in person at Well Read Books in Plaistow, NH, Sat. noon to 3 p.m.
I hope some of you can come!
Ash
Sunday, May 30, 2010
This week's stops on the "I Must Be Nuts" blog tour
Today, my interview with the Nashua NH Telegraph will be in their Sunday Edition!
Monday was never confirmed, so it's an unexpected day of rest. (Thank you, universe!)
Tuesday 6/1 Fresh Fiction
http://freshfiction.com/blog
Family party. Restaurant of my choice. (Hmmm...who has the best Champagne? Caviar?)
Wednesday 6/2 Love Romances Cafe (Dawn's Reading Nook)
http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com
Also, visit my publisher's authors' blog for my Launch Party! http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/
Thursday 6/3 Smexy Book and TRS
www.smexybooks.com (click on blog)
www.theromancestudio.com (party, join their yahoo group)
Then on Friday, I fly to Ohio and spend the weekend with 300 or so authors and readers at an event hosted by Lori Foster. I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at the Cincinnati Marriott on Saturday!
Monday was never confirmed, so it's an unexpected day of rest. (Thank you, universe!)
Tuesday 6/1 Fresh Fiction
http://freshfiction.com/blog
Family party. Restaurant of my choice. (Hmmm...who has the best Champagne? Caviar?)
Wednesday 6/2 Love Romances Cafe (Dawn's Reading Nook)
http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com
Also, visit my publisher's authors' blog for my Launch Party! http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/
Thursday 6/3 Smexy Book and TRS
www.smexybooks.com (click on blog)
www.theromancestudio.com (party, join their yahoo group)
Then on Friday, I fly to Ohio and spend the weekend with 300 or so authors and readers at an event hosted by Lori Foster. I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at the Cincinnati Marriott on Saturday!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tomorrow's stop on the blog tour
Fang-tastic Books! What a fun name!
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
Ash
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
Ash
Today's links!
5/26, the "I Must be Nuts" blog tour will be stopping by four places:
Here's the nutty schedule for today:
An interview at: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/ (This is the correct url for Book Junkie's. My apologies to Book Junkies and anyone who tried the wrong one.)
Blurb and excerpt at both of Amber Skyz blogs: http://amberskyze.blogspot.com and http://amberskyze.wordpress.com
Regular blog at Casablanca Authors...my publisher's blog. It's about motherhood/authorhood. http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
Ash
Here's the nutty schedule for today:
An interview at: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/ (This is the correct url for Book Junkie's. My apologies to Book Junkies and anyone who tried the wrong one.)
Blurb and excerpt at both of Amber Skyz blogs: http://amberskyze.blogspot.com and http://amberskyze.wordpress.com
Regular blog at Casablanca Authors...my publisher's blog. It's about motherhood/authorhood. http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
Ash
Monday, May 17, 2010
The "I Must Be Nuts" Blog Tour!
Strange Neighbors--my first mass market paperback releases June 1st! Yes, I want to shout it from the rooftops, but blogging is so much more practical.
So...in my enthusiasm, I managed to commit myself to 22 blogs and 5 book signings! I may need to be committed to a psych ward after that!
Anyway, here's my ridiculous schedule. If you have a free moment, please check in on me and make sure I haven't gone around the bend and over the edge!
Week one:
May 25, Night Owl Romance blog
May 26, a) Book Junkies and b) The Sourcebooks Casablanca blog
May 27, Fang-tastic Books blog
May 29, Naughty Author Chicks blog
May 30, Interview to appear in the Sunday Nashua Telegraph
Week two:
May 31, Emma Peterson's blog
June 1, Fresh Fiction blog
June 2, Dawn's Reading Nook
June 3, Smexy Books blog
and on the weekend...I'll be at Lori Foster's Reader/Author Get Together. Signing Strange Neighbors Sat. June 5th 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cincinnati Marriott North, West Chester, OH
Week three:
June 7, League of Amazing Authors blog
June 8, Love Romance Passion blog
June 10, Psychotic State blog - (let's hope that's not an omen)
June 11, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing all my trade paperbacks and Strange Neighbors Sat. June 12 from noon to 3 at Well Read Books, 37 Plaistow Rd, Elm Plaza, Rt. 125, Plaistow, NH
Week four:
June 14, Anna's Book Blog
June 15, Thoughts in Progress blog
June 16, Romance Readers at Heart's Novel Thoughts Blog
June 17, Adele Dubois's blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at Barnes & Noble Sat. June 19 6:30 p.m., 1741 S. Willow St, Manchester, NH
Week five...wait a minute, there's a week five?
Oh yes.
June 21, Deb's Book Blog
June 22, Literary Escapism
June 23, Wendy's Minding Spot
June 24, Thurs book signing at Barnes & Noble 7 p.m., 235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua NH
and on the weekend...I'll be signing my trade paperbacks and Strange Neighbors June 26 at Ancient Moon noon to 3, W. Pearl Street, Nashua, NH
That's it, right? Five weeks and I'm done? No?
Oh no!
June 29, My Reading Room blog
June 30, Luxury Reading.com
All of July, sleep late and recover!
Then look forward to the sequel in Feb 2011
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mothers...Cats are kids too
I have one human child. Bill Cosby said, "Anyone who has an only child doesn't have kids." It's true. You don't have one daring the other to jump off the roof into the fluffy snow, (like my brother did to me. Yup, I jumped. Got the wind knocked out of me and my back hurt for a couple of days.) You don't have one telling the other that Vanilla not only smells delicious, but it taste yummy too and gets you to take a big gulp, (Yup my brother did that to me too. It burned all the way down...and back up again.) I don't know how my mother stood us. She must have had amazing patience, but I remember my brother and I testing that theory. A lot.
They say, you only get what you can handle. As a single mom for several years, I wasn't able to handle much. Memories of those years make me wonder how I managed to raise such a well-adjusted kid. As a nurse, I sometimes worked double shifts to make ends meet. When I had a date, I had to hope my ex-husband didn't find out and do something jerky. Sigh. But somehow, we made it through. As a mother, you just do what you have to do. By the time I remarried, my daughter was thirteen and my baby days were over. So one is all I got.
Now, because my daughter has grown up and moved into her own condo, I don't have kid or kids. I have a cat. He can be just as funny as a kid sometimes, but again...he's an only cat. I think when he leaves us (and we are SO not looking forward to that day) we'll get two. Maybe a brother and sister. My mom would be proud.
They say, you only get what you can handle. As a single mom for several years, I wasn't able to handle much. Memories of those years make me wonder how I managed to raise such a well-adjusted kid. As a nurse, I sometimes worked double shifts to make ends meet. When I had a date, I had to hope my ex-husband didn't find out and do something jerky. Sigh. But somehow, we made it through. As a mother, you just do what you have to do. By the time I remarried, my daughter was thirteen and my baby days were over. So one is all I got.
Now, because my daughter has grown up and moved into her own condo, I don't have kid or kids. I have a cat. He can be just as funny as a kid sometimes, but again...he's an only cat. I think when he leaves us (and we are SO not looking forward to that day) we'll get two. Maybe a brother and sister. My mom would be proud.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Earth Day!
So, what's funny about Earth Day? Absolutely nuthin'. Oh, I've heard jokes about penguins fighting polar bears as they float toward the equator on icebergs, but is global warming something to poke fun at? Probably not. So, I boiled it down to a personal level and figured I'd tell you about my--ahem--skills as a gardener.
I'm in the enviable(?) position of having plenty of room for gardens. When we moved in here, the previous owners had already planted bulbs that sprout into a gorgeous spring garden each year. Since that was none of my doing, I can't take credit for it...but I can take credit for the genius solution I came up with to take care of the aftermath once it all dies. Being the lazy-ass gardener I am, I simply have my husband mow it! Yup, it becomes part of the lawn again. See? Genius!
Now, I had to put in another garden because the plow guy rips up part of the lawn every winter. We tried to replant the grass there one year and threw our hands up in defeat the following spring when that patch was just bare dirt again. What did I do? I hired the plow guy's son to come over and edge it, and now it's my "annuals garden." His dad can plow it up to his heart's content each winter and it just turns the earth over for the next year's marigolds and begonias. Yup, I'm a genius all right.
Third garden...oh yes. We have one more. Our house can't be seen from the street and people used to miss the 550 foot long driveway, even with the mailbox out there. A garden would proclaim "Hey, somebody lives here" but the problem was getting water that far away from the house. So, I planted a xeroscape garden. What's that? It's plants that need zero watering and care once they're in the ground for a year. I live in a temperate climate, and there are plenty of drought tolerant plants that do really well. I have two overgrown juniper bushes at the back, between them, a row of lilacs that are too close together and need to be thinned. A redbud tree front and center, a St. John's wort on it's right and some yarrow and day lilies on the left.
For fall color, I interspersed some black-eyed Susan’s and asters. Cool, huh?
Well, my downfall is weeding all these gardens. I'm usually way too busy writing, promoting, and keeping up with the housework (yeah, right.) However, on the rare occasion that I get really, really angry, I weed. I picture the hair of whomever I'm mad at as I rrriiiiip up the weeds. (Hee hee) It works. I get my anger out in a healthy way, and my yard looks better for it. Unfortunately, the happier I am, the crappier my yard looks.
Does anyone else out there have any creative ways of dealing with mother nature? I know I'm not the only genius here!
I'm in the enviable(?) position of having plenty of room for gardens. When we moved in here, the previous owners had already planted bulbs that sprout into a gorgeous spring garden each year. Since that was none of my doing, I can't take credit for it...but I can take credit for the genius solution I came up with to take care of the aftermath once it all dies. Being the lazy-ass gardener I am, I simply have my husband mow it! Yup, it becomes part of the lawn again. See? Genius!
Now, I had to put in another garden because the plow guy rips up part of the lawn every winter. We tried to replant the grass there one year and threw our hands up in defeat the following spring when that patch was just bare dirt again. What did I do? I hired the plow guy's son to come over and edge it, and now it's my "annuals garden." His dad can plow it up to his heart's content each winter and it just turns the earth over for the next year's marigolds and begonias. Yup, I'm a genius all right.
Third garden...oh yes. We have one more. Our house can't be seen from the street and people used to miss the 550 foot long driveway, even with the mailbox out there. A garden would proclaim "Hey, somebody lives here" but the problem was getting water that far away from the house. So, I planted a xeroscape garden. What's that? It's plants that need zero watering and care once they're in the ground for a year. I live in a temperate climate, and there are plenty of drought tolerant plants that do really well. I have two overgrown juniper bushes at the back, between them, a row of lilacs that are too close together and need to be thinned. A redbud tree front and center, a St. John's wort on it's right and some yarrow and day lilies on the left.
For fall color, I interspersed some black-eyed Susan’s and asters. Cool, huh?
Well, my downfall is weeding all these gardens. I'm usually way too busy writing, promoting, and keeping up with the housework (yeah, right.) However, on the rare occasion that I get really, really angry, I weed. I picture the hair of whomever I'm mad at as I rrriiiiip up the weeds. (Hee hee) It works. I get my anger out in a healthy way, and my yard looks better for it. Unfortunately, the happier I am, the crappier my yard looks.
Does anyone else out there have any creative ways of dealing with mother nature? I know I'm not the only genius here!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
I've finally stopped hyperventilating...
And now I can tell you that not only did Strange Neighbors get a fantastic write up in Publisher's Weekly, but it also caught the eye of a Hollywood producer!
Now you see why I thought I was going to pass out.
Here's the awesome review:
“The good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem.”
Strange Neighbors Ashlyn Chase. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-4022-3661-7
When nurse Merry MacKenzie rents an apartment in a historic Boston home, she's taken with her new landlord, sexy baseball pitcher Jason Falco, and intrigued by the possibility of a ghost on the premises. It doesn't take long to figure out that her neighbors are an odd bunch: a couple of witches who run a phone sex business, several shape-shifters, a werewolf, and a vampire in (of course) the basement. The scariest entity by far is determined reporter Lila Crum, whose pursuit of Jason knows no boundaries. Add in Jason's snoopy and decidedly nonsupernatural aunt and the good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem. (June)
My agent is talking with the producer and I'm trying to breathe properly while I wait. Wish me luck!
Ash
Now you see why I thought I was going to pass out.
Here's the awesome review:
“The good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem.”
Strange Neighbors Ashlyn Chase. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-4022-3661-7
When nurse Merry MacKenzie rents an apartment in a historic Boston home, she's taken with her new landlord, sexy baseball pitcher Jason Falco, and intrigued by the possibility of a ghost on the premises. It doesn't take long to figure out that her neighbors are an odd bunch: a couple of witches who run a phone sex business, several shape-shifters, a werewolf, and a vampire in (of course) the basement. The scariest entity by far is determined reporter Lila Crum, whose pursuit of Jason knows no boundaries. Add in Jason's snoopy and decidedly nonsupernatural aunt and the good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem. (June)
My agent is talking with the producer and I'm trying to breathe properly while I wait. Wish me luck!
Ash
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dear Sexy Lexie was released at www.jasminejade.com on St. Patrick's Day. It's the third in the Red Stilettos series. The fourth and last book is coming out tomorrow! It's Bad, Bad, Girlfriend by the delicious Delilah Devlin! Since our heroines are best friends and their heroes are cop partners, we had to work together to be sure the stories and characters dovetailed. I love these stories! Delilah's one HOT author!
We're celebrating with a contest! For a handpainted box from Kashmir, India, containing a beautiful toe ring, just view my brand new redesigned home page on my website. Join my yahoo chat loop and post anything you like about the new design. I'll draw a winner from the participants. (From now on, all my contests will be conducted on my yahoo loop. You can join right from my website's new home page.)
Dear Sexy Lexie is a story in the Red Stiletto series about an older woman advice columnist and a sexy, much younger cop hero. I'm very proud of this effort and so happy to be part of this awesome series!
TITLE: Dear Sexy Lexie
PUBLISHER: Ellora's Cave
RELEASE DATE 3/17/10
URL FOR EXCERPTS: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8222-dear-sexy-lexie.aspx
ISBN# 9781419926921
GENRE: Contemporary, Multi-author Series
LENGTH: Novella
*Some women should take their own advice…
No-nonsense, thirty-nine-year-old Lexie Burns pens an advice column—Letters to Sexy Lexie—that delivers common sense with a dose of humor and a verbal slap upside the head. Tyler Black, a younger, drop-dead gorgeous cop, has had it with empty-headed, superficial women. In Lexie, he sees the kind of intelligent woman with whom he could build a solid relationship—if he can convince her to acknowledge his existence.
With the help of some magical stilettos, Tyler might get his woman…and Lexie might get a desperately needed slap upside the libido.
Red Stiletto Series trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Xl4U8JA5g&feature=channel
Dear Sexy Lexie trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLk-d389lxU
--
--
Where there’s fire, there’s Ash
www.ashlynchase.com
Chat with me:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashlynsnewbestfriends/
I'm also on myspace, twitter and facebook
Strange Neighbors, coming June 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-nc0XXO-FU
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Dear Sexy Lexie, just released! from www.jasminejade.com
This is book 3 in the Red Stiletto Series. Think of the concept this way: Sisterhood of the traveling pants for grown women--with a pair of gorgeous red stilettos that magically fit each of the four friends. Each book stands alone, but why wouldn't you want the whole series? They're terrific together! Find mine and the other two here: www.jasminejade.com and look for the last book by Delilah Devlin next week!
Here's the intro to each story:
LIFE Magazine, July 1959
When Ava Darling and her new husband Charles Stratton III returned from Italy, we were lucky enough to catch up with them in their suite at the Waldorf Astoria. They said they were spending the weekend recovering from jet lag, but one could surmise from the way they cuddled together on the brocade sofa that their visit was more of an extended honeymoon.
We asked Ava and Charles about their courtship and heard a charming story about the two literally bumping into each other on a crowded street in Rome--but that was just part of the story. Ava treated us to a surprising account of the moments which led up to their “accidental” meeting. If one believes in fate, their romance may have been no accident at all.
She blushed as she admitted to gaining a few pounds after succumbing to a number of tempting Italian pastas and mouthwatering desserts. Apparently, this led to discomfort when she walked the cobblestone streets in her unforgiving high heels. Her Italian costume designer urged her to seek out a cobbler named Giorgio in his shop Desiderio del cuore, which is Italian for Heart’s Desire. She said he could create a pair of shoes that would fit comfortably regardless of any changes in her size or shape.
Meeting Giorgio was a delight, Ava said. His eyes crinkled with mischief as he promised the red peep toe stilettos she ordered would be everything she wished for and more. It was just after she picked up her comfortable new shoes and wore them out of the shop that she met Mr. Stratton.
Coincidence? Perhaps, but not the way Ava sees it. She’s convinced the shoes are responsible for granting her heart’s desire…
See the trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Xl4U8JA5g...feature=channel for the full montage
(heh heh, that didn't sound dirty at all!)
And here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLk-d389lxU for Dear Sexy Lexie!
Dear Sexy Lexie
Chapter One
“Lexie! I’m so glad you made it this year. We missed you and Sam at last year’s cookout.” The old woman glanced around. “Where is he, anyway?”
Oh, no. Please don’t tell me Maude didn’t hear about Sam.
As soon as that thought rolled through Lexie’s brain, the hostess rushed over and whispered furiously in Maude’s ear.
Maude gasped. “Oh, you poor dear! Oh, I’m so sorry. How did he die? No. Never mind. I’m just a nosy old woman.
You got that right. The last thing Lexie wanted to do was relive the horror of her late husband’s cancer at a cookout when she was finally moving on.
Maude waited, obviously hoping Lexie would answer the question anyway. When she didn’t, Maude said, “Here, let me get you a chair, you should sit down.”
“I’m fine, Maude. It’s been a year and a half.”
“Oh. Are you sure you don’t want to sit? I could load up a plate for you.”
And tell you all about it while I try to digest a greasy burger? No thanks. “No, really. I’m fine.”
Tyler Black strolled over. He looked just as hot in his off-duty Dockers as he did in his San Francisco police officer’s uniform. Six feet of solid muscle, dark brown hair and blue eyes with black lashes were only the start of his sex appeal. His twin dimples and wolfish grin gave him a boyish charm he might never outgrow.
“Hey Lexie. You are lookin’ fine.” He winked.
His flirtation made her feel like a normal woman, who happened to be single again and she grinned.
“So, have you started dating yet?”
Maude gaped at him. “Tyler Black! What an outrageous question.”
Lexie had had just about enough of people speaking for her. “Actually, Tyler, I’ve been thinking it’s about time.”
Maude’s jaw almost hit the patio, then she whirled and stomped off in a huff.
He sidled up next to Lexie and said in a low voice that made her shiver, “Good, then I can be your first.”
When she laughed, he leaned in closer and whispered, “And who knows, maybe your last.”
“Why? Are you gonna kill me?”
Tyler burst out laughing.
Lexie sighed. “Maude’s right about one thing, Tyler. You are outrageous.”
“It’s part of my charm. And come to think of it, you’re pretty outrageous yourself, Sexy Lexie. Think of how much fun we can have together. So how about it? Are you busy Friday night?”
Lexie placed a hand on her hip. “How old are you?”
“Just turned twenty-seven.”
“Ha! Do you know how old I am?”
He stepped back and studied her. “I think you’re legal. At least I hope so.”
She snickered. “You’re charming all right. But to answer my own question, I’m thirty-nine, and only for a few more weeks.”
“So, you’re fortieth birthday is coming up? Congratulations! We’ll have to celebrate in some special way.”
Lexie tipped her head. “Did you not hear me? I’m a dozen years older than you.”
“Yup. I did the math.”
“I’ll be getting gray and wrinkled any day now. And that doesn’t bother you?”
“Nope. I see more than a beautiful woman, maybe five foot eight with dark wavy hair I’d like to run my fingers through. I see an interesting, intelligent woman with a sense of humor, who I’d like to get to know better.”
I don’t think he’s kidding. Better change the subject. “Jolie said she and Gabe were coming, but I don’t see them. Did your partner get called in to work today?”
“Not that I know of. I’m sure they’ll be here. Hey, maybe since your friend is dating my partner, we can double some time.”
Lexie gave him a slow eye-roll and headed off to the bar.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
"There's your home."
On the plane to Boston from London, I sat next to a nice gentleman from the UK. We chatted a bit and then I fell asleep. A few mintues after I awoke, he pointed out the window and said, "There's your home." The lights from the east coast were just winking into view.
I have to admit, I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I never expected to be affected like that after returning from a vacation. Sure, there's always the relief of a safe return to familar surroundings, but this time, coming from India, and realizing all I have that I take for granted...well, my reaction was more emotional.
Suddenly my aversion to the winter snow and cold seemed minor. And little things like being able to drink water right from the tap seemed huge. As we drove from Boston back to our beautiful home in New Hampshire, my husband I took stock of many other things that made our lives better than we realized.
Little things like, knowing how much things cost and being charged the same amount as everyone else; a quiet ride driving within lanes--not relying on the constant honking of horns to avoid hitting someone in overcrowded conditions; food that doesn't make you think twice about its effects; flush toilets and toilet paper...and big things like peace within our borders; knowing that most people don't go hungry day after day; lack of preventable diseases... I could go on. But I guess all I want to say is that we really are a whole lot luckier than we realize.
And I'm glad to be home in the USA.
Ash
I have to admit, I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I never expected to be affected like that after returning from a vacation. Sure, there's always the relief of a safe return to familar surroundings, but this time, coming from India, and realizing all I have that I take for granted...well, my reaction was more emotional.
Suddenly my aversion to the winter snow and cold seemed minor. And little things like being able to drink water right from the tap seemed huge. As we drove from Boston back to our beautiful home in New Hampshire, my husband I took stock of many other things that made our lives better than we realized.
Little things like, knowing how much things cost and being charged the same amount as everyone else; a quiet ride driving within lanes--not relying on the constant honking of horns to avoid hitting someone in overcrowded conditions; food that doesn't make you think twice about its effects; flush toilets and toilet paper...and big things like peace within our borders; knowing that most people don't go hungry day after day; lack of preventable diseases... I could go on. But I guess all I want to say is that we really are a whole lot luckier than we realize.
And I'm glad to be home in the USA.
Ash
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
This shopaholic is all shopped out!
Wait until you see all the amazing stuff I bought over here. I took a couple of pictures yesterday. At first, I just spread out the items I bought in Chennai. But then I decided to put out the things I got in Bangelore and Mysore too. Oh my goodness! I have way too much stuff!
I managed to get it all into a carry-on, but one more thing in that bag and it'll explode! LOL. I don't even want to know how much I spent. It was worth it, though. I've experienced both sides of Indian commerce. The kind where the store manager greets you at the door, takes you to the items you're interested in, sits you down in a comfortable chair and shows you all their wonderful things. Some even serve you coffee or tea.
Now, the other side... I'm laughing inside as I remember yesterday's shopping experience. I got the high-end treatment first, then we went to a five story shopping mall. Same old western mall stuff. (I bought sunglasses, nothing more.) Then we hit the streets. Oh yeah. T-Naggar is the place for "good stuff cheap." My driver kept telling me it wasn't the best quality, but I was looking for a particular item and we couldn't find it anywhere. T-Naggar Street in Chennai has everything you could want, including tailors. I finally found the little sari blouse and underskirt but the blouse was a little tight. (Happily, it was tight across the chest.) LOL. But there was a generous margin which the tailor used to ease the fit.
Then I got home and discovered the colors not only didn't match, but were a horrible clash! Oh No! Now, I think I'll have to buy at least one, and perhaps two more saris.
Oh woe is me. Where the heck will I put them???
I managed to get it all into a carry-on, but one more thing in that bag and it'll explode! LOL. I don't even want to know how much I spent. It was worth it, though. I've experienced both sides of Indian commerce. The kind where the store manager greets you at the door, takes you to the items you're interested in, sits you down in a comfortable chair and shows you all their wonderful things. Some even serve you coffee or tea.
Now, the other side... I'm laughing inside as I remember yesterday's shopping experience. I got the high-end treatment first, then we went to a five story shopping mall. Same old western mall stuff. (I bought sunglasses, nothing more.) Then we hit the streets. Oh yeah. T-Naggar is the place for "good stuff cheap." My driver kept telling me it wasn't the best quality, but I was looking for a particular item and we couldn't find it anywhere. T-Naggar Street in Chennai has everything you could want, including tailors. I finally found the little sari blouse and underskirt but the blouse was a little tight. (Happily, it was tight across the chest.) LOL. But there was a generous margin which the tailor used to ease the fit.
Then I got home and discovered the colors not only didn't match, but were a horrible clash! Oh No! Now, I think I'll have to buy at least one, and perhaps two more saris.
Oh woe is me. Where the heck will I put them???
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Driving in India
I wish I could record the sounds here. Honk honk, hoooonk, honk, honk, honk...all day and most of the night. You know what? I think I can! Our camera takes short videos. I'll try to remember to record the noise and traffic from the rooftop deck.
Driving in India includes beeping one's horn every time you come up to a vehicle that might possibly get in your way. The concept of lanes is "merely a suggestion" as my cab driver in Bangelore put it.
According to what I hear, the reason there aren't more accidents is because everyone is only responsible for what happens in front of them. Who's doing what behind you is their problem. As long as you don't hit anyone, and the guy behind you makes sure he doesn't hit you, everyone manages to get where they're going.
I'm about to meet my cab driver in Chennai. I hope to brave the street markets for some bargains. I need a few things, I won't get there...like slips to go under the saris I bought. I watched a couple of videos on you tube to show me how to put it on. It's quite a process. I also noticed the young women here wear a more fitted pant-like leggings under their churidars. I'd prefer those to the voluminous silk pajama pants. I should go to the mall for them. Yes, they have malls here. Only instead of spreading out, they're high-rise malls. It should be fun.
In the street level shops or markets, I hope to pick up some fun things for prizes to give away on my yahoo loop, Ashlyn's New Best Friends. I love giving presents to my friends, so if you want to be one of my new best friends, simply go to the home page of my website, www.ashlynchase.com click on the yahoo icon, and sign up!
I know the gang is still having fun even though I'm not there. Sherry and Dalton should be there to welcome you. Maybe Garry, our resident guy, will give you an excerpt or two from my books. Rhonda usually pops in when she's not busy at work. Plus we hear from Athena more now that she's back from Brazil. Monica in jolly old England has been MIA recently because of illness, but I hope she's right as the Enlish rain and back to post pictures of hotties which the groups greatly appreciates!
Jeez, I miss you guys!
Hugs,
ASH
Driving in India includes beeping one's horn every time you come up to a vehicle that might possibly get in your way. The concept of lanes is "merely a suggestion" as my cab driver in Bangelore put it.
According to what I hear, the reason there aren't more accidents is because everyone is only responsible for what happens in front of them. Who's doing what behind you is their problem. As long as you don't hit anyone, and the guy behind you makes sure he doesn't hit you, everyone manages to get where they're going.
I'm about to meet my cab driver in Chennai. I hope to brave the street markets for some bargains. I need a few things, I won't get there...like slips to go under the saris I bought. I watched a couple of videos on you tube to show me how to put it on. It's quite a process. I also noticed the young women here wear a more fitted pant-like leggings under their churidars. I'd prefer those to the voluminous silk pajama pants. I should go to the mall for them. Yes, they have malls here. Only instead of spreading out, they're high-rise malls. It should be fun.
In the street level shops or markets, I hope to pick up some fun things for prizes to give away on my yahoo loop, Ashlyn's New Best Friends. I love giving presents to my friends, so if you want to be one of my new best friends, simply go to the home page of my website, www.ashlynchase.com click on the yahoo icon, and sign up!
I know the gang is still having fun even though I'm not there. Sherry and Dalton should be there to welcome you. Maybe Garry, our resident guy, will give you an excerpt or two from my books. Rhonda usually pops in when she's not busy at work. Plus we hear from Athena more now that she's back from Brazil. Monica in jolly old England has been MIA recently because of illness, but I hope she's right as the Enlish rain and back to post pictures of hotties which the groups greatly appreciates!
Jeez, I miss you guys!
Hugs,
ASH
Monday, February 15, 2010
Begin every day with chocolate!
We have a fabulous buffet each morning at the hotels. Some items are standard, like Vada, a little vegetable donut I've come to enjoy, and other items change. At the old hotel, a whipped chocolate was availale every morning. I smeared it on banana bread and it was delicious! I always ate it last to let the chocolate linger.
Now, the new hotel doesn't have it. (Bummer) But this morning they had a rolled ring with chocolate-raspberry inside. Yum!
You'd think I'd be gaining weight over here with all the good food, but the truth is, I'm losing weight! I want to taste every new thing, so I take a tiny portion and savor it. I'm also getting a little more excercise. We're on low floor and take the stairs. This hotel has an awesome roof deck where the pool is, so I might use that more. The old hotel's pool was right in front of the resturant and all the rooms circled it. Yeah, SO not private. But I braved the humiliation and got in it once. I think I was the only person to use it all week. (They think it's cold here!) I don't know celcius temps, but it's in the high twenties to low hirties celcius. Feels like the eighties, farenheit. In order not to hate me, think,"Oh, poor dear, it's only in the twenties and thirties! And the Internet connection is spotty."
Hubby will be adding more pictures while he's at work today. Now I have to jump in the shower.
Ash
Now, the new hotel doesn't have it. (Bummer) But this morning they had a rolled ring with chocolate-raspberry inside. Yum!
You'd think I'd be gaining weight over here with all the good food, but the truth is, I'm losing weight! I want to taste every new thing, so I take a tiny portion and savor it. I'm also getting a little more excercise. We're on low floor and take the stairs. This hotel has an awesome roof deck where the pool is, so I might use that more. The old hotel's pool was right in front of the resturant and all the rooms circled it. Yeah, SO not private. But I braved the humiliation and got in it once. I think I was the only person to use it all week. (They think it's cold here!) I don't know celcius temps, but it's in the high twenties to low hirties celcius. Feels like the eighties, farenheit. In order not to hate me, think,"Oh, poor dear, it's only in the twenties and thirties! And the Internet connection is spotty."
Hubby will be adding more pictures while he's at work today. Now I have to jump in the shower.
Ash
Sunday, February 14, 2010
try this link for pictures
This is only 111 so far.
Yesterday...no, the day before (I'm so confused as far as what day it is, never mind what time it is there vs. here) anyway...Saturday we went to a huge national park and took a jeep safari trip through it. We saw lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Seriously!!! There's this ugly creature called a sloth bear and I got lots of pictures of those, a couple were standing right in the road in front of us and we had to wait for them to move.
The lions and tigers were pretty lazy. They looked well fed and more interested in napping than eating the tourists. Some were in large cages with people tending them. My husband said they were in time-outs. (No more tourists for you!)
Also in cages were large snakes, jackels, crocks, elephants, hippos, monkeys, you name it. But those pictures will have to wait until my husband can download them off his camera and onto photobucket again.
We spent the day with my husband's boss, Parag, and his family. They have the cutest little boy and it was fun seeing the park through his eyes. Unfortunately, we also encountered our first persistent beggars. He spoke to them in Hindi and I'm sure he was telling them to leave us alone. They didn't.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Pictures!
Here are some of what we have. More to come!
http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x185/ashlyn__photo/India%20trip/
http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x185/ashlyn__photo/India%20trip/
Friday, February 12, 2010
I officially love this country
I know I missed a day, but it's not because I fell off an elephant and wound up in the hospital...we just had a very long, very exciting day yesterday.
It was (and still is) the Feast of Shiva. A two day holiday meant to honor Shiva the destroyer. (The God who smites your foes and woes.) So my husband was off work for the holiday and we hired a cab for a day of sightseeing. Oh my! We saw so many cool things it's hard to remember it all.
First we went to a Muslim site. A Sultan's palace and lands, plus his burial place. Aparently he was a good king despite the many bloody battles depicted on the walls of his palace--or maybe because of them. There were potraits done in 1799 of the Sultan and each of his seven sons. (No, the women didn't get documented for eternity.) Pity, because the potrait artist was incredible. Each wel preserved likeness looked completely unique and detailed.
The next place we went was a bird sanctuary. It had a whole lot more than birds, although our guide said there was every type of bird in India there. I caught a picture of a monkey and her baby. So cute! I got a couple of shots of crocodiles with the telephoto lens. Sorry, wasn't getting close to those things!
My husband is going to put these photos in my photobucket account so I can post them here.
So, after that, we were well rested and it was a good thing since our next stop was a temple dedicated to Shiva. Oh my goodenss. Everyone showed up to honor the God on "his day." We had to take off our shoes to go through the temple--or I should say, be pushed and crushed through the temple. We had our foreheads' dotted with red insence, were given flowers to lay at different spots in the temple, and were blessed with some holy water. After that, we had to pay to get our shoes back and even though we'd already paid, no amount seemed good enough. If you're white, bring lots of money and expect to be overcharged for anything without a price tag...and sometimes, even with one!
As soon as we'd escaped the temple with our shoes, we had to make our way through the many merchants that lined the road back to the parking lot. I made it to the cab with only two saries and two sets of bangle bracelets. Whew!
So, after that, we'd earned a nice rest at a palace guest house. I wish I got more pictures. It looked like another palace. It was comleted in 1921 and had the look of the old British Colonil days. We had a drink in the bar and billiards hall. Then lunch was served in a huge banquet room complete with a fellow playing sitar music.
After that, we went to the actual palace. It was huuuuuuge! We weren't allowed to take pictures, and yet the guards took a bribe to let us in with our camera--even though we promised not to take pictures. Yeah, there was no place to "check" your camera. The place was very impressive--thousands of columns topped with gold, marble floors and staircases, tapestries, statues, weaponry, etc. All the trappings of royalty. Outside I got some good pictures. Including a couple of camels. Don't worry, we're uploading all of these on photobucket.
Today we're off to a national park. I'm told they have tigers and elephants! Can't wait!
Ash
It was (and still is) the Feast of Shiva. A two day holiday meant to honor Shiva the destroyer. (The God who smites your foes and woes.) So my husband was off work for the holiday and we hired a cab for a day of sightseeing. Oh my! We saw so many cool things it's hard to remember it all.
First we went to a Muslim site. A Sultan's palace and lands, plus his burial place. Aparently he was a good king despite the many bloody battles depicted on the walls of his palace--or maybe because of them. There were potraits done in 1799 of the Sultan and each of his seven sons. (No, the women didn't get documented for eternity.) Pity, because the potrait artist was incredible. Each wel preserved likeness looked completely unique and detailed.
The next place we went was a bird sanctuary. It had a whole lot more than birds, although our guide said there was every type of bird in India there. I caught a picture of a monkey and her baby. So cute! I got a couple of shots of crocodiles with the telephoto lens. Sorry, wasn't getting close to those things!
My husband is going to put these photos in my photobucket account so I can post them here.
So, after that, we were well rested and it was a good thing since our next stop was a temple dedicated to Shiva. Oh my goodenss. Everyone showed up to honor the God on "his day." We had to take off our shoes to go through the temple--or I should say, be pushed and crushed through the temple. We had our foreheads' dotted with red insence, were given flowers to lay at different spots in the temple, and were blessed with some holy water. After that, we had to pay to get our shoes back and even though we'd already paid, no amount seemed good enough. If you're white, bring lots of money and expect to be overcharged for anything without a price tag...and sometimes, even with one!
As soon as we'd escaped the temple with our shoes, we had to make our way through the many merchants that lined the road back to the parking lot. I made it to the cab with only two saries and two sets of bangle bracelets. Whew!
So, after that, we'd earned a nice rest at a palace guest house. I wish I got more pictures. It looked like another palace. It was comleted in 1921 and had the look of the old British Colonil days. We had a drink in the bar and billiards hall. Then lunch was served in a huge banquet room complete with a fellow playing sitar music.
After that, we went to the actual palace. It was huuuuuuge! We weren't allowed to take pictures, and yet the guards took a bribe to let us in with our camera--even though we promised not to take pictures. Yeah, there was no place to "check" your camera. The place was very impressive--thousands of columns topped with gold, marble floors and staircases, tapestries, statues, weaponry, etc. All the trappings of royalty. Outside I got some good pictures. Including a couple of camels. Don't worry, we're uploading all of these on photobucket.
Today we're off to a national park. I'm told they have tigers and elephants! Can't wait!
Ash
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day three is just beginning...
and already I've seen some of my favorite hotties in the dining room. Don't let my husband hear that I've been noticing some prime examples of TDH (tall, dark and handsome) while I've been here, but I'm sure he hasn't missed the gorgeous Indian women either. You'd have to be blind!
I've tried to describe them in the writing journal I brought with me. Seriously. Their skin runs the gamut from the strong coffee we have in the morning--to the same with lots of milk. Some are built like the solid mahogany furniture. And many have that long, wiry frame with flat stomachs. Yet some of the guests in this 5 star hotel look like they've been living high off the hog for a little too long, and they carry all of it in their bellies. I'm not critiquing, believe me, my figure could use some major improvements. I'm just noticing details the way a good writer would.
My husband is jealous of their thick, black hair. And seriously, it's ebony black. Sometimes I swear I can see a slight blue shine...not like Veronica's hair in the Archie comics, but almost. It's usually wavy. My hubby's is straight, more salt than pepper and it seems to be a little thinner each day. But he still looks good to me.
It's a good thing I'm in the business of spinning fantasies. This place is rich with inspiration! The men here seem to be just as interested in affairs of the heart as the women are. Valentines Day is new here, but it's taking off with bang! (Oops, pun almost not intended.)
So, I'd better get off this computer and either work on improving my first draft of Strange Confessions or jot down more ideas...or take a cold shower!
Ash
I've tried to describe them in the writing journal I brought with me. Seriously. Their skin runs the gamut from the strong coffee we have in the morning--to the same with lots of milk. Some are built like the solid mahogany furniture. And many have that long, wiry frame with flat stomachs. Yet some of the guests in this 5 star hotel look like they've been living high off the hog for a little too long, and they carry all of it in their bellies. I'm not critiquing, believe me, my figure could use some major improvements. I'm just noticing details the way a good writer would.
My husband is jealous of their thick, black hair. And seriously, it's ebony black. Sometimes I swear I can see a slight blue shine...not like Veronica's hair in the Archie comics, but almost. It's usually wavy. My hubby's is straight, more salt than pepper and it seems to be a little thinner each day. But he still looks good to me.
It's a good thing I'm in the business of spinning fantasies. This place is rich with inspiration! The men here seem to be just as interested in affairs of the heart as the women are. Valentines Day is new here, but it's taking off with bang! (Oops, pun almost not intended.)
So, I'd better get off this computer and either work on improving my first draft of Strange Confessions or jot down more ideas...or take a cold shower!
Ash
Day two in Bangelore
2/9 here /2/8 there.
Today my husband’s company sent a cab over to take me shopping. The driver was very helpful. He took me to the nicer shops and waited for me each time. We were gone from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. His English is a little broken, but I’d be no better trying to converse in French—and forget Hindi. It’s a beautiful language, both spoken and written, but sooo many syllables.
I spent way more than I expected to. And I absolutely suck at bargaining. What’s weird is that things I thought would be outrageously expensive weren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. For instance, a bangle bracelet made of rubies…don’t know how many, it’s covered with them, only cost me 675 rupees. That’s about $14.00. I got two. And a few things cost more than I thought they should have. But did I try to get the price down? No.
Like I said, I suck at this. It probably all came out in the wash.
And speaking of clothes, have you ever felt way underdressed for the party? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling wearing my jeans and t-shirts when all these women are wearing beautiful saris. I managed to get a few to pose for me. However, today I got some gorgeous silk clothing for myself! I got 2 beautiful churidars. They’re like silk pajama bottoms and a long tunic-often worn with a scarf. I'm trying to iron them, but silk is so hard to iron, I had to take a break! So, I probably spent too much and still haven’t found the massively big chandelier earrings I thought India was famous for. Maybe next week in Chennai.
Got some photos but will need my hubby to help me upload them, so check back later!
Back to the ironing board.
Ash
Today my husband’s company sent a cab over to take me shopping. The driver was very helpful. He took me to the nicer shops and waited for me each time. We were gone from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. His English is a little broken, but I’d be no better trying to converse in French—and forget Hindi. It’s a beautiful language, both spoken and written, but sooo many syllables.
I spent way more than I expected to. And I absolutely suck at bargaining. What’s weird is that things I thought would be outrageously expensive weren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. For instance, a bangle bracelet made of rubies…don’t know how many, it’s covered with them, only cost me 675 rupees. That’s about $14.00. I got two. And a few things cost more than I thought they should have. But did I try to get the price down? No.
Like I said, I suck at this. It probably all came out in the wash.
And speaking of clothes, have you ever felt way underdressed for the party? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling wearing my jeans and t-shirts when all these women are wearing beautiful saris. I managed to get a few to pose for me. However, today I got some gorgeous silk clothing for myself! I got 2 beautiful churidars. They’re like silk pajama bottoms and a long tunic-often worn with a scarf. I'm trying to iron them, but silk is so hard to iron, I had to take a break! So, I probably spent too much and still haven’t found the massively big chandelier earrings I thought India was famous for. Maybe next week in Chennai.
Got some photos but will need my hubby to help me upload them, so check back later!
Back to the ironing board.
Ash
Monday, February 8, 2010
A day in India and I'm already overwhelmed.
We left at 8 p.m. Friday and arrived at 5 a.m. Sunday somewhat worse for wear, but that's International travel for ya. We spent hours packed like sardines with turbulence much of the way. It felt like months in a shipping container. Fortunately, we recovered from jet lag pretty quickly. Now it's Monday afternoon and I'm hanging out at the hotel while hubby is at work somewhere here in Bangalore. It's a good thing they sent a cab for him, because driving here is insane.
Yesterday, I saw a family of 5 on a motorcycle. Yep. Dad was driving and he had Junior in front of him. Behind him was his lovely wife wearing a full sari and riding sidesaddle. She held the middle boy on her lap and cradled an infant in her arms. I saw them take a corner like there was nothin' to it. Unreal!
There are so many little things that tell me I'm not in America any more. The five star hotel we're staying in would be considered "adequate" in the states. Maybe 3 stars. But the people are very hospitable and bend over backward to make you happy. That was until I got to the hotel's gift shop. Oh my.
I used to consider myself a champion bargain hunter. Now that bargaining is part of the deal, I'm completely out of my league. Just tell me what it costs and if it's on sale. That's all I want to know...but no. I'm expected to tell them what I want to pay for it! How the heck should I know what anything is worth? I don't want to insult anyone, but I don't want to be cheated out of my life savings on day one, either!
I found 3 things I really liked. I didn't let him sell me everything I looked at (even though he tried.) He had my things wrapped up before we even talked price. I'm SO not used to this method of "shopping." I went round and round with the guy as far as pricing. I showed him how much I had in my pocket and he wanted me to go back to my room for more. Fortunately, I didn't fall for that, and thank goodness I didn't have a credit card! I finally came away with the three items I wanted for the rupees I had on my person. I'm still not sure if I got taken to the cleaners or not.
I saw advertised a government store of local crafts with fixed prices! I never thought I'd be so grateful for the Saturn sales model. I think that will be my next stop. Maybe when I have a better idea of what things are worth over here, I'll try bargaining again.
Fortunately my hubby is the most wonderful man on the planet. He said not to worry about it. He could always take me to the ATM if I ran out of the cash I brought with me. "It's only $63 bucks," he said. Somehow that sounds much better than 3,000 rupees. "And if you really love the earrings, it's worth it." What a great guy.
So, I was just watching HSN on TV to get an idea on fair pricing...yes, the same kind of Home Shopping Network we have at home--just picture 2 beautiful Indian women talking about Indian jewelry in what I call "Hindish." It's a combination of Hindi and English. I understood only ever other word, but I knew exactly what they were saying.
This is a funny, funny and fascinating place. And, oh yes, I should mention that I've eaten some of the most wonderful concoctions, not knowing what most of it was. LOL. Fortunately, I have adventurous taste buds and an iron stomach.
Yesterday, I saw a family of 5 on a motorcycle. Yep. Dad was driving and he had Junior in front of him. Behind him was his lovely wife wearing a full sari and riding sidesaddle. She held the middle boy on her lap and cradled an infant in her arms. I saw them take a corner like there was nothin' to it. Unreal!
There are so many little things that tell me I'm not in America any more. The five star hotel we're staying in would be considered "adequate" in the states. Maybe 3 stars. But the people are very hospitable and bend over backward to make you happy. That was until I got to the hotel's gift shop. Oh my.
I used to consider myself a champion bargain hunter. Now that bargaining is part of the deal, I'm completely out of my league. Just tell me what it costs and if it's on sale. That's all I want to know...but no. I'm expected to tell them what I want to pay for it! How the heck should I know what anything is worth? I don't want to insult anyone, but I don't want to be cheated out of my life savings on day one, either!
I found 3 things I really liked. I didn't let him sell me everything I looked at (even though he tried.) He had my things wrapped up before we even talked price. I'm SO not used to this method of "shopping." I went round and round with the guy as far as pricing. I showed him how much I had in my pocket and he wanted me to go back to my room for more. Fortunately, I didn't fall for that, and thank goodness I didn't have a credit card! I finally came away with the three items I wanted for the rupees I had on my person. I'm still not sure if I got taken to the cleaners or not.
I saw advertised a government store of local crafts with fixed prices! I never thought I'd be so grateful for the Saturn sales model. I think that will be my next stop. Maybe when I have a better idea of what things are worth over here, I'll try bargaining again.
Fortunately my hubby is the most wonderful man on the planet. He said not to worry about it. He could always take me to the ATM if I ran out of the cash I brought with me. "It's only $63 bucks," he said. Somehow that sounds much better than 3,000 rupees. "And if you really love the earrings, it's worth it." What a great guy.
So, I was just watching HSN on TV to get an idea on fair pricing...yes, the same kind of Home Shopping Network we have at home--just picture 2 beautiful Indian women talking about Indian jewelry in what I call "Hindish." It's a combination of Hindi and English. I understood only ever other word, but I knew exactly what they were saying.
This is a funny, funny and fascinating place. And, oh yes, I should mention that I've eaten some of the most wonderful concoctions, not knowing what most of it was. LOL. Fortunately, I have adventurous taste buds and an iron stomach.
Friday, January 29, 2010
New cover yumminess!
Tell me what you think of EC's new cover model, Angelo. And try not to drool on your keyboard! LOL
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
International Travel
Yesterday, I completed the last step in my preparations to go to India...my shots. Ow. Or maybe I should say, Ow, ow, ow, ow. I had four injections. Two in each arm. I'm not a very big baby when it comes to a little physical pain. But at least it's over.
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year to my peeps! AND happy anniversary to my wonderful hubby!
I hope you all had a nice, safe celebratory New Year's Eve. We did! It was our 16th anniversary and we returned to the scene of the...er, well, not crime--because it was one of the best things I've ever done. We went to the Sheraton in Protsmouth NH where they were having a New Year's Eve dinner party complete with great entertainment (stand-up comedians) and dancing. When one of us left the room, the others at our table said, "Okay, now that your other half is gone, how's it been? Really.
I'm happy to say we both told them the truth. It's been awesome. The best, most fun, years of our lives.
Marriage takes maturity. You need to know when to let things go and never bring them up again. It takes a sense of humor. Even if you're having a disagreement sometimes you can crack a joke and wind up laughing. Very few decisions are all that important. It takes respect and love--that means thinking of the other person's happiness as much as your own. I think that's been the success of our marriage.
We're each other's best frinds, biggest fans and ultimate supporters. My hubby loves to fly. I'd be happy if my feet never left the ground, but if a pilot's license is what he wants...more power to him. Similarly, he knows we'll never get rich off my royalties. But writing makes me happy, so he's fine with me building my career from the ground up.
How about you? What do you think is the secret to a good marriage?
Ash
I'm happy to say we both told them the truth. It's been awesome. The best, most fun, years of our lives.
Marriage takes maturity. You need to know when to let things go and never bring them up again. It takes a sense of humor. Even if you're having a disagreement sometimes you can crack a joke and wind up laughing. Very few decisions are all that important. It takes respect and love--that means thinking of the other person's happiness as much as your own. I think that's been the success of our marriage.
We're each other's best frinds, biggest fans and ultimate supporters. My hubby loves to fly. I'd be happy if my feet never left the ground, but if a pilot's license is what he wants...more power to him. Similarly, he knows we'll never get rich off my royalties. But writing makes me happy, so he's fine with me building my career from the ground up.
How about you? What do you think is the secret to a good marriage?
Ash
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