Poetry Train

If you're looking for Poetry Train - I posted it at Six Degrees of Sexy. CLICK!

Merry Christmas

Twas the night before the night before Christmas
and all through the house
the cats were shredding the wrapping
faster than a hungry mouse

Merry Christmas! I'm off to brave the mall - not to BUY anything - just to observe the frantic faces of all the men last-minute shopping for their wives, girlfriends, kids, .... hehehehehehe

I'm taking the next few days away from the blogosphere but wanted to wish everyone

* * * HAPPY HOLIDAYS * * *

Christmas musings and Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Word Count for the past 2 weeks = 0
Anyone out there being productive this month? Nevermind - don't answer. It'll only make me jealous ;)

I read Christine d'Abo's newest EC release last night - Chasing Phoenix - and holy commolie it was hot. And a really cool concept. The hero, Michael, attends a performance art play, blindfolded! - and suspects that the 'performer' is a coworker. I dare you to go read it and NOT stare at everyone in your place of employ the next day. It's amazing what kind of kinky little secrets people harbor ;) You can buy it HERE.

Now that #1 son's birthday party is out of the way, AND the Toronto Romance Writers newsletter is finished, I'm happy to say I'm finally getting into this thing called Christmas. Most of the shopping is done, aside from stocking stuffers, -- and I can't wait until the kidlets see what 'Santa' has in store for them.

For Light (aka 8 yr old son), that crazy Santa got a Wii. Sadly, it's hubby and I that are most eager for that treat. Pathetic, aren't we? I just HOPE that SOMEBODY is buying my Guitar Hero (HINT HINT).

For Sweetness (aka 3 yr old son), Santa found a Smart Cycle. Have you seen these? It's a little bike that hooks up to the television and the kidlet must cycle in order to play the games. Exercise mixed with learning -- the perfect gift for those of us practically house-bound by winter.

And it was no easy feat finding that sucker! Mr. Wylie and I (helping Santa, of course) have been combing toy stores everywere, practically daily, because they keep selling out. Mr. Wylie drove to an out-of-the way Walmart late last night and found one. Ironically, they said they were sold out, but he found one that had been mis-shelved. Double YIPPEE.

After seeing Sweetness's Christmas concert yesterday morning (too cute for words!) I spent the rest of the day baking -- a double batch of shortbreads, butter tarts and fudge, the latter for Light's school Christmas party. Today I'm going to tackle a treat that I learned from Mr. Wylie's granny - a Portugese treat called (but not spelled correctly) bishcottes. They're not overly sweet -- more like a biscuit than a cookie -- until I dribble uber-sweet icing over them!

Then I'll do my personal faves - Chocolate Coconut Macaroons. They are SO delish and easy to make that I've decided to share the recipe:

CHOCOLATE COCONUT MACAROONS

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup shortening

2 cups sugar (white, granulated)

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup shredded coconut

6 tbls cocoa

1 tsp vanilla

Bring milk, shortening and sugar to a boil, stiring frequently. I wait just until the bubbles form around the edges because if you overboil, the cookies won't set properly.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix well, then drop the mixture by the spoonful onto wax paper and leave to set. Use a tablespoon for monster cookies or teaspoons for bite size macaroons.

These freeze really well too.

What's YOUR favorite holiday baking treat? Either to eat, or make...

This thing called television

There was a longish stretch (long for me, anyway) from Sept to mid-Nov where I didn't watch television. Not even House! And before my next writing project kicks in (more about this later), I decided it was time for some catching up.

Dexter - thank the heavens for 'on demand'. I was able to catch up on missed episodes and then see the season finale last Sunday. I know some people have issues with the ending - but it was okay by me. They wrapped the season up nicely - nothing to dwell over for eight months until it returns. 'Emotional me' was completely satisfied. 'Writer me' wonders how they're going to top season two.
If you haven't seen this intriguing show yet, it's worth a trip to Blockbuster.

House - my viewing has been spotty this season thus far, but I've seen enough to get the gist of the storyline, and MY GOD, that man is obnoxious. I love him ;)

Journeyman - this is a show that I've 'fluked' upon 3 times over the past few weeks, and though I'm feeling a bit lost on the concept (but maybe it hasn't all been revealed?), I've liked what I saw. Sort of Quantum Leap meets The Time Traveler's Wife.

Bionic Woman - meh. I've seen two episodes. Can't say I'd set the Tivo for this one (if I HAD a tivo ;)

Bones - yeah, I'm into this one. Which is funny because it's not really my kind of show. But it's been coming on after House, and one of my cable stations has been showing reruns so I've now viewed about 8 episodes, some from past years. I really enjoy the banter between Bones and the cop (whose name I can't remember). It's like a gentleperson's CSI. Not so drama-rama intense.

Californication - I saw the first episode back in ... August was it? ... and thought, Wow-here's one show that's going where not many others will. The dialogue/acting/characterization (David Duchovny is brilliant) are all excellent and the proverbial envelope gets pushed around enough to offer some squickish moments. I'm not sure where it's going in terms of plot, though. It's not your typical linear storyline. I'm not sure how the ratings are for this show, but I quite enjoy it for a 1/2 hour diversion.

LOST - the countdown to Jan 31st is ON! I'd all but forgotten this show, except that Bonnie Staring posted a really HAWT picture of Josh Holloway (Sawyer *le sigh*) that made me itch to see what they have in store for us this season.

I've got a couple of weeks left before New Project begins. Got any recommendations? What am I missing? What's YOUR fave show?

*added later*

Happy Birthday Brad! You make 44 look FABULOUS!

Thanks for the advice and support!!

I'm over at Six Degrees of Sexy with a classic poem from Lord Byron. Please do stop by and leave a comment, or your name - or heck, just have a read of 'She Walks in Beauty'.

But before you go...

Thanks y'all for your advice and support about my little 'Bright-faced Sweetness' problem. Leading by example is the best bet (I'm afraid if I make TOO much out of it, it will backfire) and reading lots of books with hidden messages is part of the game plan.

That said, my older son had a birthday party over the weekend and the guests were very diverse in ethnicity (out of 8 children, only four could be classified 'caucasian') and Sweetness didn't blink an eye or make any untoward comments. In fact, he was stuck to one little boy with a face 'not bright like mine' the whole time. Maybe (with fingers crossed) it was a one-off episode triggered by another child's comment.

AND - Christine d'Abo has a new release!!! I haven't had a quiet moment to read it yet -- not without trying - but alas, the shovel beckons. It's called Chasing Phoenix (great title, eh?) and you can buy it now from Ellora's Cave. Just click HERE.

Overheard at the Kinsons, Advice welcomed!!

This is a personally upsetting version of 'Overheard at the Kinsons'. Read on and you'll see why...

I picked up Sweetness (aka 3 year old son) from a preschool program and we walked out at the same time as another little boy, whom I shall call P, and his father. We got in the car and
I say: P seems like a nice boy. Did you play with him?
Sweetness: Well, I don't really like P. (this shocks me because Sweetness loves everyone)
Me: Why? Is he not a good sharing buddy?
Sweetness: Um, no.
Me: Does he play rough?
Sweetness: Um, no.
Me: Then why don't you like him?
Sweetness: Because his face is not bright like mine.
*JAW DROP*

P is black. I was absolutely horrified that Sweetness would judge on skin color because he surely doesn't get this vibe from home! At all! I can't stress this enough.
Goodness - we're Bermudian - so many many many friends are of African-Bermudian or Caribbean descent.
Needless to say, I was shocked to my core and had to resist the urge to shout at him for saying such a thing. I calmly explained that people come in all shades... etc etc... but I'm not sure this was/is enough.

Any suggestions out there? How else could I have handled this?

Thursday Thirteen #35

Thirteen Uses for Peroxide

It’s cheaper than bleach and just as effective. Apparently it's used in many medical practices to clean and sterilize — which is why you never smell the overpowering stench of disinfectant. This is all according to some doctor's wife, as forwarded to me by a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend... you get the picture ;)

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.


2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.


3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.


4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.


5. If you suffer from foot fungus, spray a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.


6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day.


7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.


8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold with plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.


9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.


10. If you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.


11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.


12. Add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.


13. Use peroxide to clean mirrors. There is no smearing!
    

Hope you found some useful tricks here. Feel free to add your own tried-and-true helpful hints. Baking soda, anyone?

Molly O'Keefe is visiting - yeah!

Molly O'Keefe, author and all-round awesome drunk-writer-chick, is airing her dirty laundry (quite literally!) at Six Degrees of Sexy today. Please come over and say hello. AND, she's got a goody-bag to give away to one lucky commenter!

Overcoming

Confessing my inexplicable predjudices over at Six Degrees of Sexy. Please feel free to leave me a slap upside the head or comment on my ignorance ;)

Poetry Train Monday

On Sunday, the Kinsons bundled into snow gear and drove to a nearby farm to collect a Christmas tree. Yes, it was cold, but we sat nestled in a forest of snow-covered fir trees next to a big bonfire and sipped hot chocolate while big fat flakes of snow fell from a breezeless sky. It was like sitting in a postcard... except for the really cold cheeks. Both! ;)

Now, I realize this poem is full of symbolism about suicide, but I fell in love with this piece as a child too young to dig deep into the symbolic roots, so I read it exactly for what it appeared to be -- someone stopping to enjoy a snowy evening! And just for today, I'm going to interpret it in its literal sense:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.


He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.


The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Ho Ho Ho-No!

There's a very good... no GREAT interview with author M.A. Ellis at Six Degress of Sexy today. M.A. will have you chuckling over buttercream icing and erotic poetry readings. There's also a hidden message about persistance ;D

Amy Ruttan is guest blogging over at Shelley Munro's and shares some FASCINATING historical research regarding stamina and contraception... (and by fascinating, I really mean EWWWY gross stuff that will make you thank your lucky karma you live in the 21st century)

This weekend I'll get to catch up with Christine d'Abo, who I haven't seen since March!! *woohoo*, at the Toronto Romance Writers Christmas social. Party on, C!

On Sunday, the Kinsons will make the annual trek to the Christmas tree farm (oh joy, says the mother who's inevitably left to decorate the beast by herself) where we'll tromp through knee deep snow, wrap our frigid fingers around too-hot-to-drink hot chocolate and stand shivering next to a giant bonfire and try to avoid choking to death everytime the wind blows the smoke our way.
Shucks, am I sounding Bah Humbug-ish? I'm not really, *ha ha ha* though looking at the box of unsigned, unmailed holiday greeting cards on my dining table is leaving a hollow pit in my tummy. When? WHEN??
All this xmas stuff and writing too *shrug* ...

And when I come up for air, I have to plan my son's eighth birthday party which goes down next weekend. Loot bags, cake-baking, present shopping, oh my!

What are YOUR plans this weekend? And is anyone else feeling the stress of the season yet?

December - ACK!

Busy Busy Busy - My blogs will be very spotty for the next few weeks!

December is always a bit crazy in the Kinson household - and not just because of Christmas...
Birthdays abound - mine is Dec 2, my bil is Dec 5, son is Dec 13, BFF Tracey Dec 17, mil is Dec 19, neice is Dec 27 - and on the brackets, my nephew is Nov 25 and BFF Leslie Jan 9.
Deep breath and ...TO THE MALL!!!

On top of this, I finished my revisions on Law of Averages -- it was supposed to be only one minor revision but you know I had to go and tinker with the whole damn manuscript!

What's keeping YOU awake at night this December??

Happy Hanakkah to those of you who celebrate!

Overheard my 3 year old singing a carol yesterday:
Deck the halls with lots of holly, fa la la la la la la la
It's the season for the dollys, ....


I leave you with more funny kid stuff:

A number of primary schools were doing a project on "The Sea." Children were asked to draw pictures or write about their experiences. Teachers got together to compare the results and put together some of the 'better' ones. Here are some of the descriptions of "ocean life."
1. This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)
2. Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can> give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves in to chargers. (Christopher age 7)
3. Oysters' balls are called pearls!(James age 6)
4. If you are surrounded by sea you are an Island . If you don't have sea> all around you, you are incontinent. (Wayne age 7)
5. I think sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)
6. A dolphin breathes through an asshole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)
7. My uncle goes out in his boat with pot, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 7)
8. When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would be better off eatingbeans. (William age 7)
9. I like mermaids. They are beautiful and I like their shiny tails. Howdo mermaids get pregnant?(Helen age 7)
10. When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6)