Devorgilla Is Busy

As you can see, a certain well-loved someone has taken charge of my turret today.

Meddlesome as she is, she’s also commandeered my computer..

For obvious reasons, I am not about to argue with her.  Dire things happen to those foolish enough to do so.  For equally obvious reasons, I am very aware of her far-reaching capabilities.

Indeed, I know all her tricks.

Every last one of them.  Sometimes I even know what she is going to do before she does.

Imagine that!

And so I am keeping my peace and not complaining that she’s wriggled her fingers and turned my lovely blue-walled turret into her very own spelling chamber..

The truth is, the old gal has been away for a bit.  Now that she’s returned, I am happy to indulge her whims.

She’s been to visit a Tartan Ink friend in Texas.

While in that great state, she had the opportunity to go on a grand road trip.  She had such a fun time that she wants to share her adventures.

She saw magic while she was away.

And she’s been filling my ears with the whimsy of it ever since.  Actually, she’s made a right pest of herself, wanting to get at poor George, my overworked, long-suffering keyboard.

She will only be put off so long.

So this is to let you know that sometime between now and before the Vikings air tomorrow night, Devorgilla will appear in the tea room to regale you with the wonders of her travels.

It will take a bit because talented as she is in all things magical, she is not tech-savvy.  Her computer skills are lacking!

But I am sure you’ll love her piece when she has it ready.

Till then…

Be nice to twinkling eyed, wild-haired crones.  You do not want to get on their wrong side.

Toads and newts have a reason for existing.  But no one wants to be one.  Old Dev possesses such magic.

So treat her well when she appears.

See you then!

Friday Funny ~ Hot and Kilted (be warned!)

Earlier this week we enjoyed a bit of ‘scientific insight’ on what makes Scotsmen so sexy.

As expected, we all agreed they are.

Because I’m really tired (it’s been a busy week) and because I have Kilties on my mind…

I’m just popping by the tea room to share this..

This really made me smile.

Many thanks to Leah who kindly sent it to me.  She knows me well and knew I’d appreciate it.  I’m betting you’re smiling now, too.

I hope so.

Enjoy your Friday.  And be sure to look in this weekend…

Devorgilla has been on a road trip with a Tart from Texas and – boy! – she has something really amazing to share from her touring adventures.

You’ll be astounded.

Till then, dream of Kilties!

(we can’t see the Highlanders in the funny above, but you know they’re sexier than the two knights!) 

Giveaway Alert ~ Win Two of My Books! (and Skywatcher News)

Two special announcements today..

Read on to find out how you can win Haunted Warrior  (Allie Mackay) and Seduction of a Highland Warrior!

As mentioned on Sunday, my good friend, Zina Lynch of Seawitch Reviews is featuring me in a multi-author giveaway this week.  It’s the Tortured Hero Hop.

And the fun starts today!

I’m in great company as she’s also giving away titles from Janet Chapman, Melissa Mayhue, and Monica McCarty.

How’s that for Scottish romance author goodness?  To up the sweetness, I’ll send signed bookplates, bookmarks, and a few other goodies to the winners of my books.

To visit Zina’s blog and enter, click here.

Good Luck!

***

The other announcement is for Skywatchers…

If you live outside the Americas, you can catch a partial lunar eclipse tonight!

Those of us in North and South America won’t be able to see it.  But everyone else can watch it fine.

For example, Tartan Ink friends in the UK or Continental Europe will see it just after sunset.

If you’re in Australia, watch the western horizon just before sunrise on April 26th.

This is a very special partial eclipse because it will be the shortest one in this century.  It’ll only last 27 minutes.

To learn more from the experts at EarthSky.org (and see when/where to look if you are outside the Americas), click here.

That’s my news for today.

Enjoy Zina’s Tortured Hero Hop!  Good luck in the drawings.

If you’re somewhere in the world where you can watch the partial lunar eclipse, enjoy it for the rest of us, okay?

We’ll be in the tea room, lifting our mead horns to you.

***

**Please note that I’ve been receiving emails and blog comments that Penny’s petition link is no longer working.  That’s the reason my ‘Penny notice’ isn’t here today.  I’ve contacted the library to ask her status and will let you know if they reply.  I am trusting all is well and that she will be able to remain in the library, her home. 

I sure hope so!

Thank you so much to everyone who signed her petition.**  

Then and Now ~ I Love This!

At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to two videos.  They each show a performance of the popular 1950′s band, The Diamonds’, top hit Little Darlin’ – 47 years apart.

Many people have been excited because of claims that the lead singer was Tom Hanks’ dad.

You can see him here, second from the right..

Well, that isn’t so.  The singer isn’t Tom Hanks’ father.  (even though he sure looks like he could be!)

Tom Hanks’ father was Amos Hanks, a cook and restaurant owner.

The lead singer for The Diamonds was Canadian, Dave Somerville.  Unlike Tom’s dad, he is still alive and performs with the original group on “golden oldie tours.”

That’s what I love so much.

These guys prove aging doesn’t have to dampen spirits, crush talent, or cause charm to fade.

They still have it.  O-o-oh, yeah!

You can see for yourself thanks to the videos.  The first was made in 1957, the second in 2004.

The Diamonds really do rock the house!  Then and now.

In both videos, Dave Somerfield, the lead singer is on the far left.

To watch, click here.

(both videos appear when you click, one on top of the other)

Aren’t they fabulous?

I don’t know about you, but I think the ‘older version’ of the lead singer is even more dashing than his younger self.

Either way, they sure do bring a smile.

PS ~ He really does look like Hanks, doesn’t he?

***

Please remember the plight of Penny the Library Cat.

She only needs 38 more signatures, folks!  (please sign or help spread word – THANKS!)

Signing Penny’s petition will help make sure she isn’t evicted from her home, the library where she is so well-loved and where she has spent most of her life.

Penny is 14 years old.

You can sign sign her petition here.

And you can read her full story here.

Thank you for joining me in supporting Penny.

Did You Know This About Scotsmen?

Sure, we all know they’re strong, sexy men.

If they’re Highlanders, all the better!

They wear kilts.  They have cute knees.  And o-o-oh, those buttery-rich accents.  Who doesn’t swoon on hearing them speak?  Just the way they say ‘earthy’ can melt a woman.  They make our hearts pound as no other men can do.

But did you know there’s a scientific reason Scotsmen are so sexy?

So robust and virile?

Well, there is.

It has to do with their kilts.  Better said, with what happens to all that ‘prime Highland real estate’ when Highlanders walk around, well, kilted and swinging free.

Seriously.

If you think I’m just trying to be cute, I’m not.  A scientific study was done and the researchers came to such a conclusion.

Wearing kilts makes hardy sperm.

And that, of course, equals big, strong Highland men.  (aren’t we glad for kilts, ladies?)

Should you still think I’m telling tall tales, I have proof…

To read the research article, click here.

Of course, any Scotland-loving, crazy-about-Highlanders romance reader or writer could’ve told the researchers this was so.  Maybe not in such detailed, scientific terms.

But still…

We knew, eh?

I’d like to thank my good friend, Kelley F, for sending me the article.  It’s fun to add a spot of levity to the tea room now and then.

Here’s to Kilties!  Gotta love ‘em.

***

Please remember the plight of Penny the Library Cat.

She only needs 41 more signatures, folks!  (please sign or help spread word – THANKS!)

Signing Penny’s petition will help make sure she isn’t evicted from her home, the library where she is so well-loved and where she has spent most of her life.

Penny is 14 years old.

You can sign sign her petition here.

And you can read her full story here.

Thank you for joining me in supporting Penny.

Monday State of Mind

As this particular day isn’t anyone’s favorite, often bringing loads of nonsense our way…

Here’s a good attitude to take..

I love this and am making it my Monday mantra.  Hopefully it’ll also help you face the day’s usual shenanigans.

If anyone comes at you sideways, here’s a quote I love..

“It’s better to be hated for who you are, than to be loved for who you are not.”

~ Author Unknown

Isn’t that a great gem of wisdom as the work week begins?

I think so.

It’s true, empowering, and an excellent credo.  One that frees us in so many ways, letting our souls soar.  That’s really important in a world where too many are just waiting to stamp the individuality out of you.

Our voices, style, world view, and everything about us, is unique.

Special and beautiful.

Sacred.

No one should try to force-feed us into being what they think we should be.

So be proud of who and what you are, your accomplishments, wishes and goals, and how you do things.  Stand tall always, and don’t let others run all over you.  Speak your mind.  Politely, but firmly, loud and clear.

That’s a good way to deal with Mondays.

(or any day, really)

Here’s to us!  Monday, beware.

***

Please remember the plight of Penny the Library Cat.

She only needs 43 more signatures, folks!  (please sign or help spread word – THANKS!)

Signing Penny’s petition will help make sure she isn’t evicted from her home, the library where she is so well-loved and where she has spent most of her life.

Penny is 14 years old.

You can sign sign her petition here.

And you can read her full story here.

Thank you for joining me in supporting Penny.

Skywatchers Alert ~ Lyrid Meteors Peak Tonight, Between Now and Daybreak on Monday!

If you have clear skies tonight, now is the best time to see the Lyrid Meteor Shower.

The falling stars will give their best show between now and Monday’s dawn.

Prime viewing hour is 3:00 a.m.

If you’re a night owl or rise early enough, nip outside and look to the heavens.  Hopefully you’ll see a shooting star.

I’ll also be looking at 3-ish – if the weather allows.  We have thunderstorms and heavy rain just now, as I type this.

My favorite sky-experts, EarthSky.org, have all the details here.

Good luck!

***

Please remember the plight of Penny the Library Cat.

She only needs 47 more signatures, folks!  (please sign or help spread word – THANKS!)

Signing Penny’s petition will help make sure she isn’t evicted from her home, the library where she is so well-loved and where she has spent most of her life.

Penny is 14 years old.

You can sign sign her petition here.

And you can read her full story here.

Thank you for joining me in supporting Penny.