Just in time for The Academy Awards (a.k.a. The Oscars) this weekend, how about a fun fact about that little naked golden statue given to the winners?

A popular story about the origin of the statue’s name, Oscar, derives from the The Academy’s secretary, Margaret Herrick, who, in 1931, said the stature looked like her Uncle Oscar (Oscar Pierce of Texas).

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences officially adopted the name “Oscar” in 1939.

At the same time that the film industry was getting started in Big Bear Lake, tourism was beginning to take off.  Lodges were being built all over the valley. Real Estate values were soaring. Business was good, but only during the summer.  During the winter months, the lodges and most resort businesses would close down and their owners would leave the hill.  Except for a hand full of hard core locals, Big Bear sat empty.  The ski resorts didn’t exist yet.  During the winter months, there was absolutely nothing going on in Big Bear.

Until Pine Knot Lodge opened it’s doors to the movie studios, Big Bear was a ghost town during the winter. – Rick Keppler collection.

However, there was a local guy back then, by the name of Fred C. Skinner, who wanted to do something to try and change that.   Fred was manager of the new Pine Knot Lodge, which was Big Bear’s largest resort.  He had organized Pine Knot’s first Chamber of Commerce, and in 1914, Fred informed Hollywood production companies that the Pine Knot Lodge would remain open during the winter if they wanted to film. He even brought in a generator, and Pine Knot Lodge had electrical power five years before electricity reached the valley.  The movie industry enthusiastically supported Skinner’s efforts and began filming right through the winters.  Few people in Big Bear today realize just how important Fred’s work was back then.  Until the  ski resorts came along, it was the film industry, not the tourists, that kept the Big Bear community alive through the long winter months each year.

The Big Bear community and the movie industry pretty much grew up during the same time period.  The film companies mixed easily with the local community, and Big Bear residents enjoyed working as extras on films whenever they were needed.  Many early Big Bear pioneers including Dad Skinner, Bill Knickerbocker, Henry Shay (of Shay Ranch), and some of the Talmadges of the IS Ranch, all worked as extras in these early films.

If you’d like to come to Big Bear and discover what Hollywood’s love of our valley is all about, consider staying with us at RS Vacations. Book your Big Bear Vacation Rental today!

Pyramid marketing seems to have a ring to it! That said, we hope you are scheming with your brothers to attend GCC this August in Seattle. Pyramid, which brews a legendary hefeweizen, is located right next to Safeco Field, home of Mariners baseball. Our bus will be stopping here on our Friday City Outing at GCC. As the picture reflects, “need not be 21 to enter”! 

Absinthe: A highly alcoholic anise flavored spirit made from wormwood, green anise, sweet fennel and other medicinal botanicals. It rose to popularity in France in the late 19th Century/early 20th Century; particularly among Parisian artists such as: Hemingway, Oscar Wilde and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Preparation: Traditionally it is prepared by placing a sugar cube on a specially designed slotted spoon, then placing the spoon over a glass that already contains a shot of Absinthe. Iced water is then dripped over the sugar cube so that the Absinthe now has equal distribution of sugar and water. The final outcome should be 1 part Absinthe, 3-5 parts water. The water helps the anise and fennel release its full potential, or bloom, and that’s what causes the cloudeness…and it should be cloudy.

Bohemian preparation: the Bohemians did the basic set up, but instead of pouring water over the sugar cube, they first soaked the sugar in alcohol and then lit it on fire. They dropped the lit cube into the Absinthe so the whole thing is in flames. They then poured ice water over it to put out the fire. This method, allegedly, produces a stronger drink….(you gotta love those Bohemians).

So the next time you’re in Paris, find an old Speakeasy and have a go at “the green fairy”….but if you wind up having visions of Cole Porter playing the piano, you’ve had too much.

Happy Friday.
k

Photo by Matteo Tarenghi (cc)

Here’s your Fun Fact Friday, umm… fact.

Did you know…  That the Bronte sisters published under the male names Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell because of the prejudice against female writers in their time?

“What’s in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet).

Would it really, Bill?  Would it still conjure the same images of soft, silky petals, and sweet floral scents if, instead of calling it a rose, we called it a booger stick.  I just don’t think it would have the same connotation, do you?

So how about a pen name?  A nom de plume?  A pseudonym?  Is the author’s name really that important?  Maybe.  That name printed in bold on the front of your novel is what readers will associate you with.  It can become a brand.  It develops into something marketable, until all you need to do is say the name and it evokes an idea.  Stephenie Meyer.  J. K. Rowling.  Need I say more?

Here are some factors that might affect which name you choose:

• Similar names.  Maybe you’re writing young adult novels about vampires, and your name is Stephanie Mayers.  You might want to rethink it.  Maybe you want to write horror/sci-fi, and your name is Steven Kong.  Hmmm.  How about Don Brown writing conspiracy fiction?  When people search for your books online or in a store, is it easy to misspell?  Could it get confused with a more widely known name?  (Not that you won’t be famous one day, too)  But to make a name for yourself, ensure it won’t get bypassed when Google says, “Did you mean Stephen King?”

• Common names.  For all you Smiths and Joneses out there, make sure you don’t get lost on the shelf.  Do your research.  Are there a lot of other authors with the same last name in your section of the bookstore?  To stand out, you might want to use your full given name instead of initials or vice versa.

• Genre.  Some names are a perfect fit for certain genres.  Diana Gabaldon.  Nora Roberts.  They just sound romantic, don’t they?  Alice Sebold.  A mysterious name for a mysterious novel.  But could you take a biblical romance novel seriously if it was written by, say, Lucifer Black?

• Genetics.  Sometimes it’s all about sex.  Example?  You were born to write romance, but let’s face it, you weren’t born with the… ahem, essential parts traditionally considered a requirement.  I mean a love of chocolate and Ian Somerhalder.  What did you think I meant?  Okay, so it’s silly, it’s sexist, it’s an outdated idea that men and women can’t write what they want to and be taken just as seriously as the opposite sex.  I’m not saying I agree with it, but sometimes the world doesn’t work the way you want it to.  Many male romance writers use a female pen name.  Another option is using initials, so Butch Jordan Johnson could shorten his name to B. J. Johnson.  (Hehe, see what I did there?)  But maybe being a man writing a traditionally female dominated genre could work for you?  Maybe that’s your hook, your marketing technique.  Stand out and be out of the ordinary, because isn’t that what we want for our writing?

• Mean parents.  I’m sure your parents didn’t want to subject you to a lifetime of teasing and jokes.  Just like I’m sure when my boyfriend’s parents named him, they didn’t predict ‘venereal disease’ would eventually be renamed to share his initials S. T. D.  But maybe you have the unfortunate luck of being given a really terrible name.  Don’t worry Harry Pitts, the pseudonym was created for people just like you.  But odd names don’t have to result in publishing suicide.  How about the daughter of Kevin Smith (aka Silent Bob).  Her name is Harley Quinn!  A born romance writer.  Then again, what about actress Barbara Hershey’s child, Free.  Can anyone see a problem with accidental book theft?

When choosing whether to use my legal name, my nickname, or my initials, here’s the advice my agent, Pooja Menon from Kimberley Cameron & Associates, had for me:

“You want other writers, readers, and people to connect with (it). Choose a pen name that you’re comfortable with, but remember, this is the name that is going to be used in contracts, etc.  So make sure it’s a long-term one.”

So what can you take away from my convoluted opinions?  Sometimes normal is boring, and crazy might just get you the sales.  Who’s to say what the right answer is?  Ultimately, being successful comes down to quality writing.  So unless your name is Stupid McUglyface, just relax, and draw in readers with your story, not a flashy name.

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below if you’ve ever thought about changing your name.

Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of this post for Linda to win a chance at a free copy of her book On With the Show.  You can also earn a chance to win by liking Linda on Facebook and leaving your email.

I want to thank Linda for sharing how she writes her characters. The post is all yours; take it away Linda!

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When I create characters, I always try to imagine either their funniest incident or most embarrassing moment. From there, I imagine how he or she dealt with that event and then I have the kernel for that character. Often, the character’s reaction to the event proves to be the reason he or she makes a transformative change. I have had this fact confirmed by various writing craft books I read over the years. But I learned this truth the hard way.

I majored in Business Administration in college at a time (1970s) when the number of females enrolled in my degree program was only a small minority. Maybe I should take a step back and state that I was a shy and quiet child (middle between an older and younger sister). So quiet that some of my parents’ acquaintances were surprised when I appeared at a Little League game my dad coached or at the neighborhood swimming pool. See, they knew about my more outgoing sisters, just not me because I spent most of my time reading.

Fast forward to college and the requirement to give an oral presentation on a company of our choice—I think it was a financial analysis. I was the sole female student in the class. Of course, I chose the last possible day on the schedule. I remember my grip on the edges of the podium was so tight, my knuckles ached. My face flushed, my stomach knotted, my mouth dried, and I stumbled over the last few lines of the report. I remember looking up, seeing big black dots, and asking “Any questions?” And then I fainted dead away, taking down the podium on top of me.

To this day, I remember the embarrassment of lying on the classroom floor and having the instructor hover over me until a nurse arrived with a wheelchair. The humiliation of being wheeled through the campus and waiting in the Student Health Center until I was checked out and my boyfriend came to get me. Needless to say, I turned in my final paper under the instructor’s office door and skipped the last class session.  A decade later, I used this story when I was next required to speak in a public setting—my first meeting as president of a volunteer group. You know what they say about starting a speech with a joke. Now, I’m using the story as a fun fact.

I used that incident—at least, the embarrassment part—when I created the first meeting in ten years of characters who used to be a couple in high school. This is from On With The Show, released by The Wild Rose Press in November 2012.

I will be giving away a copy of this story to one chosen from those who leave a comment on this blog or who friend my Facebook page and leave an email address.

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Blurb

Every Thanksgiving, Franzi Mueller returns to her hometown, Freedom Valley, to help with a musical show put on at the veteran’s hospital. After a decade of living in Houston, Franzi starts feeling nostalgic for the sense of community of her small Texas town. Too bad Mama has decided to play matchmaker and keeps pushing together Franzi and her ex-high school beau, Dietz Reinhardt. Local hardware store owner Dietz can see that her big city clothing designer job has worn Franzi down and he’s doing what he can to ease her load. Circumstances throw them together at every turn, and every glance and each touch ignites the old sparks. Can Franzi find what her creative spirit needs in Freedom Valley? Is time running out on this second chance for Dietz to win over her heart?

“Closing in five minutes.”

That deep voice she remembered so well. A quick glance told her not much had changed in the store’s decor. A little bit of everything and not much of anything. She forced a smile and strode to the wooden counter on the platform that stood half a foot higher than the floor. The man who’d spoken had his back to the door, a broad back that stretched the black t-shirt imprinted with Reinhardt’s Hardware, family owned since 1854. A fact the Reinhardt family was immensely proud of, but the crux of the reason she and Dietz had gone their separate ways. “Hello, Dietz.”

“Franziska Mueller…to what do I owe this pleasure?”

The smile on his lips didn’t reach his blue eyes. A fact she knew was totally her fault. “I just came in on the westbound train for my Thanksgiving visit and nobody was there to meet me. Erich Bruno happened by and he was driving me out to the ranch when he had to respond to a call.” Again, she sounded pathetic. Inside her coat pockets, both hands drew into fists. God, facing him one-on-one was harder than she’d thought it would be. “Can I use your phone?”

“Pay phone’s outside the door.”

Her body tightened. “What is with this town and pay phones?” She paced a couple steps and back. “Normally, I’d use my cell but the battery needs charging. I don’t have coins for a call.” Could she sound any more unprepared for life?

“So, you’re askin’ for a favor?” A black eyebrow arched over crystal blue eyes and he leaned an elbow on the counter. “Is that what I’m hearing?”

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Also available:

Amazon

All Romance

Barnes & Noble  

You can keep up with Linda’s latest news at:

website www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

blog       http://blog.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linda-Carroll-Bradd-author/440814942635289

Twitter @lcarrollbradd

*Longest-running food legacy: Abraham Lincoln spared a bird that had become the beloved pet of one of his sons; thus the sparing of the Thanksgiving Turkey was born.

*Obesity: William Taft has been the U.S.’s largest president to date, weighing in at a whopping 300 – 332 pounds. He got so fat that he got stuck in the White House bathtub.

*Meatless Mondays: Woodrow Wilson urged all Americans to observe Meatless Mondays to conserve food at home and help feed the troops fighting abroad during World War I.

*Victory Gardens: In response to the Great Depression, when food was scarce, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor encouraged people to grow their own food and preserve excess crops for the lean winter months.

I find it fascinating that all of these points are still current today.

Happy Monday.
K

Seattle’s waterfront, just down the hill from Pike Place market, features all kinds of fun and cool stuff. Harbor tours and lunch/dinner/dance cruises, world-class seafood eateries, cruise ships, bars, the Aquarium, public art, arcades and some incredible people watching. We plan to swing by for a stop here on our City Outing the Friday of GCC, join us!

Photo by Louish Pixel (cc)

It’s here!  Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know…

You can lead a cow up stairs, but not down stairs?

Emus and kangaroos can’t walk backwards?

This got me thinking about how inflexible we can become in regards to writing (Okay, I know I’m reaching here, but bear with me).  Our inability to step out of our comfort zone and stretch our skills to the limit can hamper our progress as writers.  Writing is an art form.  It is an expression of our hearts, our thoughts, and our dreams.  So why do we turn something creative and beautiful into that four letter word:  work?

So what can we do to jump out of our stagnant routines and spice up our writing? 

• Get exercising.  And I don’t mean at the gym.  Try new writing exercises like freefall writing, using prompts, or interviewing your character to get to know them better.

• Join writing groups.  Meet new people, share writing pains and stories, talk shop.  Just get out there, get talking.  What’s the worst that can happen?  You can vent your frustrations, learn something new, or maybe find a spark of inspiration.

• Mix up your schedule.  If you are used to writing at night, try writing first thing in the morning.  How about the afternoon?  Work in short bursts or long marathon sessions.  Just try something new.  Who knows?  You might find you’ve been wasting your best potential writing hours.

• Take five.  Maybe you’ve been working too hard, pushing it, rather than letting the ideas come to you.  Does your writing feel lifeless?  Like you’re just going through the motions?  Take a step back, go on vacation, go for a walk, hang out with friends.  Sometimes allowing yourself to enjoy different opportunities can breathe new life into your writing

• Read, read, read.  Ever get tired of listening to yourself talk?  I get asked that a lot  But seriously, sometimes the best way to mix up our own writing is to read the books that inspired us to become writers in the first place.  Read something new, or something that you normally wouldn’t read.  It can inspire you and challenge your own writing style.  Hey, all artists start out by emulating their idols.  So take it back to the basics.

• Get down with your bad self.  Listen to music while you write.  Imagine the scene you’re writing as a movie with a soundtrack, and play it out in your head.  Music can evoke emotions, emotions that you can infuse into your characters.  Is the music too distracting?  Switch to instrumental.  Or listen to your favorite songs for ten minutes before you begin to write.

So let’s take some advice from our more adaptable and persevering friends, because did you know…

Porcupines float in water?

A goldfish can eventually turn white if left in a dark room?

Oysters can change from a male to female and vice versa?

*Eskimo women cook salmon in the dishwasher.

*Thaw frozen fish in milk. The milk draws out the frozen taste and provides a fresh caught flavor.

*If you soak oysters in club soda for @5 minutes, they are usually more easily removed from the shells.

*A single 3 1/2 ounce serving of skinless/boneless sardines is higher in calcium than a glass of milk.

Happy Friday Everyone!
K

My beloved Possum Trot Kansas City!

Kansas City, Missouri was one founder’s vote away, so the legend goes, from being named Possum Trot. Yep, you read correctly…Possum Trot. The area of Kansas City was settled in 1821 by French fur traders along the Missouri River, but the town did not have an official name until years later. When the city was incorporated in 1853, the founders named it the City of Kansas after the Kansa Indians. By 1889, the city officially took the name Kansas City. (Side note: the state of Kansas was not admitted to the United States until 1861, so when Kansas City, Missouri was named there was not the state of Kansas yet. Today the name Kansas City, MO still causes confusion. Yes, there are two Kansas Cities, one in Missouri and one in Kansas.)

Would Kansas City have become the metropolitan city we know today? Probably not with a name like Possum Trot. The city would have struggled to grow beyond its stereotype as a cattle town. There’s a lot to a name. Even today Kansas City is still thought of as a cattle town. Several years ago while visiting San Diego a waiter asked where my family was from, and when we replied with “Kansas City”, he followed up with “what animals do you have on your farm?” haha. Though I guess the image as a cattle town to the coasters keeps the small town charm in a big city. Kansas City seems to still fly under the radar much today. But it wouldn’t even be on the radar at all if the city had been named Possum Trot!

~Kayla

The Krusty Krab is actually a lobster trap. No Krabby Patties in there

Photo by _Teb (cc)

That’s right!  It’s Fun Fact Friday.  Did you know…  the average person spends:

5.42 years driving

9 years watching TV

2 years waiting in line

26 years sleeping

6 years eating

4 years doing housework

1 year looking for lost stuff

6 months waiting at red lights

1 ½ years in the bathroom

Average tasks for the average person in their average lifetime.  Do you know another word for average?  Common.  Ordinary.  Unexceptional.  Mediocre.  My word for it?  BORING!  We all do these things every day, so why would we want to read about it?  The answer is we don’t.

Have you ever seen Jack Bauer charge his phone on 24?

How do the Transformers stay so clean?  Do you ever see them go through the car wash?

When does Captain Kirk fold his uniforms?

Does Captain Jack Sparrow ever brush his teeth?  Maybe he should…  Dental abscesses used to be a leading cause of death

Our characters are extraordinary.  They’re fascinating, and strange.  They’re larger than life.  Do you think Superman sits around doing laundry or drinking tea?  Maybe.  I imagine he’s a chai man.  But do we want to read about that, or do we want to read about him saving the day from yet another evildoer?  Hey, don’t get me wrong.  There’s nothing wrong with doing laundry… if it’s a crime scene and the body is going through the spin cycle.

Sometimes you just can’t avoid it.  There is a time and place for your character to drive, or sleep, or wait in line, but make sure every moment is loaded with tension, or you will lose your reader.

Get crazy.  Try to think of another way for your character to have that oh-so-important information gathering conversation.  Sure, you can have it in a car, but it better be involved in a high-speed chase.  Forget the date in a restaurant.  Have them go rock climbing.  Start brainstorming.  Not only will you make your scenes more exciting, but it opens up new opportunities to learn about your characters and to have them interact with each other.

Now excuse me while I go re-evaluate how I’m spending my life.

Welcome to a special edition of Fun Fact Friday! During the month of February we will highlight special spots in Seattle you should see during your visit for Grand Chapter Congress! The first location is Pioneer Square!

Pioneer Square, just a few blocks south of the legendary Pike Place Public Market, is Seattle’s “business birthplace”.  A host of wooden buildings here,  built on mud flats near the bay, began in 1852. The sad result was the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, in which 25 blocks burned to the ground.  Restored with stone and brick, the area is now home to bistros, bars, shops and the World Famous Underground Tour. Loads of fun for the irreverent and worth the time. Shown here are the Tlingit Native Totem, near a bust of Chief Seattle, namesake of the city.  This area “hosted” those headed north for the  1897 Yukon Gold Rush…and now hosts folks on their way to Safeco Field for Mariners games.  You should stop by in August!

]]> http://diniquette.com/2013/02/08/fun-fact-friday-v-day/ Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:09:25 +0000 Diniquette http://diniquette.com/2013/02/08/fun-fact-friday-v-day/ * Casanova: well known as “the world’s greatest lover”, ate chocolate to make him virile.

* Physicians of the 1800′s commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love.(i.e…they recomended pigging out on Ben and Jerry’s: Bridget Jones coulda told you that).

* Richard Cadbury produced the first box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in the late 1800′s. (I love you and your Caramello bars…damn you).

* More than 35 million heart shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day.

* Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day in the U.S.

Happy Weekend everyone; and if you live in the Northeast: be safe, hunker down and order in some fabulous Chinese.

Thanks for reading.
K

Have you ever wondered where the men come from in stories?  I know I often wonder about the brain behind the hunk and today we have a huge treat! Vonnie Davis, a very entertaining woman, is talking about the men who have popped in and out of her life – on paper that is.  Kleenex might be necessary to keep drool off of your shirt or to wipe away tears as you laugh out loud at her experiences.  Stick around to the end of the post and comment.  Vonnie is giving away copies of her short story A Taste of Chocolate.

Get your comments in by Saturday the 9th at Midnight!!!!  You don’t want to miss out your chance to win A Taste of Chocolate.

Take it away Vonnie!

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I’m thrilled to visit with you today on Michelle’s blog. Who on earth is Vonnie Davis, you’re probably asking? Well, I’m a retired technical writer and an extra-fluffy grandma who also writes sweet to steamy romances. And I’m here to tell you the men just won’t leave me alone!

My heroes come to me at night when I am in that fragile, fluttery state between wakefulness and sleep. With them, they bring their stories. Take the cowboy who strutted into our bedroom wearing nothing but a Stetson, cowboy boots and a go-to-hell sneer. My snoring husband never noticed, but I was certainly all eyes. This “sighting” became the beginning to my award winning, debut novel, Storm’s Interlude.

One night a man on a Harley roared into our bedroom. When he uncurled his frame from the bike, I somehow knew he was wearing a prosthesis to replace the leg he’d lost in Iraq. He removed his helmet, sat on the edge of our bed and introduced himself as Win. He’d met a woman, you see, and wanted their story told, and it was in Those Violet Eyes.

 Imagine my shock the night a tumbleweed blew into our bedroom followed by a huge man on horseback, a little boy settled on the saddle in front of him. His horse prancing and turning, the rider tipped his cowboy hat. “I need a mother for my son and a woman to warm my bed.” And Tumbleweed Letters was born.

I’d been tossing around the idea of writing a romantic suspense trilogy set in Paris, my favorite city. While I loosely plotted, I hoped my subconscious would once again be open to nocturnal male visits. One night when I was especially tired, our bedroom door slammed. I sat straight up in the bed. What was that? Thinking I was dreaming, I snuggled against hubs and was almost asleep when the door slammed again.

This time I saw the rascal—dark, wavy hair like a GQ model and mega doses of sex appeal. Niko told me he was second-in-command of the French counterterrorism unit and would do whatever he could to keep the women in his life safe—even me. Alrightie, then, one hero down…two to go. A couple months later, a man slowly coasted his motorcycle around and around our bed. He was dressed totally in black with alabaster angel wings flowing down his back. Jean-Luc flashed me a slow sexy-as-hell grin, and I was lost. Hero number three? Oh, he took longer to form. Until one night a man with a blond braid sat on the edge of our bed and plaid soulful notes of jazz on his saxophone, his eyes closed as he poured his soul into every note. Then Derrek opened his eyes—cobalt blue rimmed in black. “I’m here for you, Vonnie.” His voice was deep and gravelly as if he gargled with razor blades.

I’d read about an open anthology at Still Moments Publishing regarding a bit of magic and a matchmaker. Could I write something so “short” being the wordy soul I am? Declan came to me that night, holding purple roses. “They signify love at first sight,” he told me. “I’ll show you how to write my story in under twelve-thousand words.”

“Can’t be done.” I mean, it would take twelve-thousand words just to describe the magnetism of this ex-SEAL. Quite often my characters teach me valuable lessons. Declan taught me how to write short.

I’m giving away two copies of this short story, A Taste of Chocolate, to two lucky commenters. Just tell me your favorite color of roses and leave your email address.

BLURB: 

Hope Morningstar has the worst luck with men. One boyfriend wrote her a “Dear John” letter while serving overseas. Her latest romantic interest broke up with her in a text. When a traffic detour puts her in an unfamiliar neighborhood, she stops at Freya’s Coffee Shop where she gets more than directions. She gets another chance at finding love.

Declan Fleming, scarred by a cheating ex-wife, has given up searching for love. He’s taken the route of a few other men and engaged the services of Freya, the matchmaker. Still, he’s been waiting for a year and he’s just about given up hope. Then Freya sends him Hope.

When feelings of insecurity and trust issues come into play, can finding love stand a chance? Can the magical influence of this matchmaker create a happy ending? After all, finding that one special love often involves a bit of special magic, does it not?

“A man’s kiss should taste like chocolate, dark flavor melting, doing sensual things to you.” Freya, the Matchmaker

Her stomach cramped, and she couldn’t seem to take one deep, complete breath. She eyed the paper bag she kept in her purse. If she hyper-ventilated, she’d need it. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God, I am freaking insane.

Once he came, if he came, she’d give him ten minutes, and then she was out of here. She didn’t care how good looking he was. Wait, she’d decided to go for content of character, not looks. This change in priorities would take time. Old habits were hard to break. Her gaze swept the area. With any luck he wouldn’t show.

“Don’t turn around.” A deep voice behind her sent chills up her spine. “I’m Declan, the man Freya sent. I know you’re scared, but don’t be. There’s no need.”

Why couldn’t she look at him? Was he butt-ugly? Short and fat? What? Remember, I’m not going to concentrate on his looks. I’m making wiser choices this time. I’m looking at the man on the inside, not the hunk on the outside. She exhaled a long, slow breath. “Okay.”

“Close your eyes for just a second.”

Oh, this was just too weird. Even so, she closed them. Something satiny soft rubbed over her cheek and she jerked. Roses. She smelled roses. Velvety softness caressed her chin.

“Rose petals are very soft, aren’t they?”

“Yes.” They were also very sensual when rubbed over her face. “I’m opening my eyes now.” Enough playing games. Every person in the food court had to be watching them.

“As you wish.” He held a small bouquet in front of her. “Purple roses are for love at first sight. Purple irises are the flower of hope.”

There were two purple roses and two irises snuggled in a bed of baby’s breath and tied with a pink ribbon. What a charming gesture. Don’t weaken. Be strong. Don’t let him suck you in.

“And the baby’s breath?” She’d yet to look at him, but took his sentimental offering from his calloused hand. “What does that flower mean?”

“Sincerity.” He stepped to her side, and her gaze lifted. “Hello, Hope. I’m Declan Fleming.” He extended his hand and she placed hers in his for a handshake. Something swift and searing zinged to her heart.

He had the most incredible blue eyes she’d ever seen. Not pale blue or sky blue, but cobalt.

Declan settled in the chair across from her. “Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice.”

Something about his voice set her insides to trembling. She lifted the small bouquet to her nose and inhaled their heady fragrance, giving her nerves time to settle after that handshake—as if they could settle with those cobalt eyes taking her in. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“I thought if I showed a measure of gallantry, you wouldn’t be so scared of me.”

“Gallantry?” Who used that word anymore? She shook her head. “This is very kind of you, but I’m not scared.” One of his dark eyebrows arched. “Okay, yes I’m nervous. Scared spitless, actually.”

“Understandable.” He had black hair combed straight back and touching the collar of his blue shirt. A closely cropped mustache and beard lent a dangerous air to his narrow face. Oh, my.

“Freya was right. Blue does bring out the color of your eyes.” Gracious, but the man was muscular. Round, firm shoulders and large biceps. His knit shirt stretched over well-defined pecs. What would it feel like to be held against him? Oh, girl, don’t even go there.

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I just want to say I realize now at 3:34pm on THURSDAY that it is not Friday.  I will blame my pregnancy brain, but more then likely it was wishful thinking.  Enjoy a day early.

Top L-R: EWP Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang, EWP Board of Directors Chair Lynn Arthurs, and First Place Winner Eddie Borey.
Bottom L-R: Honorable Mention Lina Patel, Third Place Winner Lauren Yee, and Second Place Winner Madhuri Shekar.

Today’s Fun Fact Friday highlights CHRISTMAS IN HANOI playwright Eddie Borey.

Eddie Borey’s CHRISTMAS IN HANOI won First Place in the 2012 “Face of the Future” playwriting competition held by East West Players, which explored the reality of multicultural America from an Asian American perspective.

Borey grew up in a Vietnamese and Irish-American family in Ohio then Massachusetts. For the last five years, Borey made his living as a screenwriter in the horror and science fiction genres, always with his brother Chris Borey as his writing partner. Solo, he has a horror story published on the podcast show Pseudopod, and is working on a series of horror stories set in Los Angeles. This is Borey’s first mainstage production and World Premiere of CHRISTMAS IN HANOI .

CHRISTMAS IN HANOI is about a mixed-race family returning to Vietnam for the first time since the war. One year after the death of their strong-willed mother, siblings Winnie and Lou travel with their Irish Catholic father and Vietnamese grandfather to re-connect with their roots. Whether they embrace that past or reject it, they are haunted by their own family’s ghosts and by the phantoms of Vietnam’s long history.

In association with Multiracial Americans of Southern California and Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association.

Previews begin next week with shows on Thursday, February 7 – Saturday, February 9 at 8pm and Sunday, February 10 at 2pm. Preview shows are only $21! Buy tickets!

For more information, visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

Trailer: