It may be just plain lazy, but I’m calling it multi-tasking. This month, I’m playing along with three different people and their chain blogs.
On August 14th Myndi Shafer posted “The Letter B to the Tenth Degree” http://myndishafer.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/the-letter-b-to-the-tenth-degree/ and on August 21st, KB Owen posted “Grateful for the Letter R and Myndi Shafer” http://kbowenmysteries.com/posts/grateful-for-the-letter-r-and-myndi-shafer/. I’m playing the letter game with “Why I Love the Letter D.” See below for my reasons.
But I am also playing the Booker Award game with my friend and SVR chaptermate, Cyndi Faria. http://www.cyndifaria.wordpress.com The rules are simple. Someone nominates me (see Cyndi’s blog for my nomination) and links my post. I blog about my 5 favorite books and nominate 3 other people to play on their blog. Upon nomination, should you choose to accept the award and play along, you put the Booker Award photo in your blog (cut and paste from the my blog), list your 5 favorite books, link back to me and nominate 3 others who in turn link back to you.
My list of books and nominees are listed below my favorite “D” things.
So, without further ado, let the games begin!
Why I love the letter “D”, or, what things that start with the letter “D” do I love, is probably more appropriate but awkward to say.
Dark chocolate. I like all forms of chocolate really, but dark chocolate is my favorite. I can’t rightly say why. I just prefer it. And I’m told it’s actually good for you so I try to slip in a little bit evey week or so, as a precautionary measure you understand. It’s purely medicinal. And can I help it if he happens to pair nicely with port wine?
Dogs. Take a look at that sweet face and tell me that I need to expound on the reasons why I love dogs. There’s just no getting around it – I’m a sucker for that face. Every dog has one. And again, I’ve read that owning a dog will actually improve your life-span. So again, in a conscientious effort to maintain good health, I’m a proud dog owner. (P.S. This is not MY dog. My dog won’t sit still long enough to be photographed. The paparazzi have tried.)
Distilled spirits. Need I say more? It’s all about good health this month. I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. A little liquor loosens the muscles and joints and helps me move better and relax. A nice cosmo or snifter of brandy helps me sleep. A glass of wine improves the quality of my cooking. I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food. Of course too much of a good thing can have an adverse effect and I strongly recommend moderation. And never, and I do mean NEVER drink and drive! Natalie Hartford will tell you why in her blog. http://nataliehartford.com/2012/08/31/impaired-driver-kills-parents-of-5-and-serves-only-7-months-in-jail/
Diana, Princess of Wales. She is, in my book, hands down the most beautiful woman who ever walked the planet. If there was one person I could meet in the whole entire world, it would be Princess Diana. I love her spirit and determination. She bucked the rules at the palace when it came to raising her kids. I admire her stength to end a loveless marriage despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the whole world watching. I think her world views were ones to be emulated. She was caring and empathetic. I know if she were still with us, she’d be proud of the children she raised. (Except maybe that wild child, Harry, but you have to love him, too. Strip billards? He’s welcome at my party any time!) It was fifteen years ago that the world lost this beautiful soul. May she rest in peace.
Dancing. Any form, but in particular, Irish dancing. Who doesn’t love Riverdance? If you haven’t seen it, visit You Tube and watch. I could have posted a link, but I’m lazy so you’ll have to look it up yourself.
Disney. All things Disney! This one is a no brainer. Unless you’re been trapped on a desserted island somewhere and have never visited my blog, FB page or know me personally, you’re probably wondering why this one wasn’t at the top of my list. Answer: It should have been and it would have been, but my efforts to cut and paste were fruitless and I ended up screwing all of the formatting up on the other stuff so I just left it here. (Damn WordPress!)
Diamonds, and not the baseball kind. This one should probably be a little higher on the list as well, but for the same reason stated above, it’s staying here.
Desserts. I’m not a huge of all desserts, but certain ones will tempt me every time. Like pie. Fruit pie. I love fruit pie. And birthday cake. I can never resist a piece of birthday cake. And I’d really love a piece of this yummy looking thing. Anyone know what it is and how to make it?
Deserts. Deserts have a mystical aura about them that I love. There is something hauntingly beautiful in every desert I’ve visited. The silence and the way the shadows slide across the distant mountains is awe-inspiring. When they bloom, deserts are some of the most beautiful places in the world. And most people avoid the desert so usually it’s a nice vacation spot if you’re seeking some solitude. Unless you’re visiting the Burning Man Festival, in which case you will most definitely NOT alone. If you’re not familiar with this, Google it. It’s crazy, weird and fascinating. But don’t get hurt if you go because you are days away from help. The festival truly takes place in the middle of nowhere. I know because I’ve been there. Not to the festival, but the location in Nevada. It is about as desolate as your can get.
And, my most favorite “D:”

“To have and to hold, from this day forward. In sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer . . . “
. . . my Darling. This wonderful man asked for my hand in marriage almost 12 years ago and he has stood faithfully by my side ever since. He’s my hero, my rock star, and my cowboy.
Now for the Booker Award portion of this month’s blog. Because I don’t have favorite books, so much, I’m going to list favorite authors, in no particular order:
1 – Phyllis Whitney. My mother used to read Phyllis Whitney’s books when I was a youngster and when she felt I was old enough to handle the adult content, she passed them along to me. Not that they are in any way erotic, because they are FAR from that, but a certain level of maturity is required to truly appreciate them. After reading my very first novel, I was hooked. My keeper shelf has every book she ever wrote on it and I will not part with even one of them.
2 – Linda Chakin. She only wrote a few books, that I’m aware of, and then she disappeared. I never tried to find out why, but I miss her stories. She wrote mostly historical, faith-based books that came to life in my hands. Again, I believe I have every book she ever wrote on my keeper shelf.
3 – Linda Castillo. This is a new author to me and I can’t get enough of her books. I fell in love with her Kate Burkholder series set in Amish country and I always wait, impatiently, for the next book in the series to come out. The first book in the series is being made into a movie and I can’t wait to see it!
4 – Christine Feehan. In particular, her Drake Sisters series and her new Sea Haven series.
5 – Victoria Holt. Again, this is author from yesteryear, so to speak, but her romantic suspense novels are awesome and she was the second author I fell in love with as a young person with a passion for reading. While I don’t have every book she ever wrote on my keeper shelf, I probably have most of them.
Now for my nominees, may I have the envelope please (drum roll): Jeannette Marie Powell, Pat O’Dea, and Louise Beheil, come on down. You are the next contentants on the Booker Award blog game. Anyone else who wants to play along, please feel free to do so. Just let me know so I can pay you a visit and check out your books. And don’t forget to link back to this blog so others can see how to play.
So there you have it. Two games in one. I hope you’e enjoyed this month’s blog and that you’ll take a few minutes to visit the links above and check out the authors I’ve shared with you. I’d love to know some of your favorite “D” words, or favorite books and/or authors, so why not tell me about them in the comments section below.
Word of the day: Juvenescent
Bonus fun fact about me (besides the ones listed above): When I was in high school, I could run a mile in less than six minutes. (Ginger Calem would be proud! http://www.gingercalem.wordpress.com)
You did a FAB job on the letter D! Dark chocolate and desserts…perfect! Thanks for the shout-out, too.
It was so nice to see that someone still remembers some of the classic women’s suspense writers – Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney…and can I add Mary Stewart to the list? Love her books.
Thanks for a fun post!
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Oh yes, Mary Stewart, another good one. And Kathleen Woodiwiss is another. When you love to read it’s hard to pick favorites.
Thanks for stopping by this morning. It’s always nice to see your smiling face.
Patricia
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Wow! I love all your D words (especially Disney!), and your cowboy is dangalicious gorgeous. What a sweet romance you must have.
Great picks on the authors. I’d forgotten about a few of them, but still have them on my shelf. Makes me want to go back and visit with them for a spell.
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Hi Tameri! Thanks for coming by this morning. I had fun with my letter. Glad I got “D” actually. Disney was the first thing that came to mind.
My hubs is super cute and really sweet. That picture was taken on our wedding day and he looked divine.
Don’t you wish we had more time to just read? So many books – so little time. I’d re-read all of my Phyllis Whitney books if I didn’t have a job, a house, a husband, a dog, need to eat, well you get it.
Patricia
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very nice my love does that mean I have moved up from cabana boy? Love you!!
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Well, in some circles you are still very much the cabana boy, but more importantly you are my hero, my rock star and my cowboy!
And Tameri is dead on – you are “dangalicious gorgeous.”
Love you too, Darlin’!
P
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Gotta agree with you on those D’s! Heck, I even blogged today about my D’s – dogs! And thanks for the Booker award – I’ll plan on blogging that next week! I need at least that much time to figure out my fave books – so many of them, so little time…
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Oh – you got “D” too? How fun. I’ll swing by and check those out. And I can’t wait for your fav books. Always something fun at Jennette Marie Powell’s blog.
Thanks for stopping by!
Patricia
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Awwwww…I love your letter D!!! Fantastic Jansen! I have to admit…I know it’ll be shocking so you may want to sit down for this…but…I…like….Diamonds to!!! I know?!?! Imagine?!?! They are so sparkly and wonderful…sniff…ahhhhh!!!
And your DARLIN’ is a hottie…cowboy up! And he’s your hero as well so that rocks..
Thank you for the absolutely outstanding shout out! I love how you weaved my message in along with yours. I really appreciate the help in creating awareness while also having FUN!! Stellar and I am humbled by your support…
I’ve got to get my J post written sometime soon….squeee….
Happy day!
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Oh, “J.” (Not to be confused with OJ – he’s a completely different topic.) That’ll be fun. Jewels comes immediately to mind.
You are so welcome for the shout out. I love that you post about topics that are important to you and keep us all aware. Those are often hard topics to write about, but you continue to do it and I am glad that you do.
I’ll take a swing by your blog a little later and see what fun thing you have cooked up for this Tuesday. Never a dull moment on the Natalie Hartford blog!
Patricia
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Love your D’s!!!! Thank you so much for participating in the Booker Award too. You’ve listed some new-to-me authors I’m going to check out. Cyndi Faria
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Hi Cyndi! Thanks for coming by. I was delighted to play the game with you.
I hope you find some authors you like!
Patricia
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I like all your ‘D’ words, Patricia. Especially your darling in a cowboy hat. 🙂 I think I might have the recipe for that dessert, too.
I like Dangerous – thinking I like the naughty boy type, especially if he is a Scot
I like Dreams – especially when they come true
I like Drama – if it has a good plot and great actors
I know there are other words in there but coming up blank.
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All very good “D” words my friend.
I saved my favorite “D” for the end. The best for last as they say. (Oh – supposed to avoid cliches. Oh well. What do “they” know anyway?)
Thanks for stopping by. Always good to see my chaptermates.
I am through the first couple chapters of your book and am LOVING it!
Patricia
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Great post! But now I’m craving something sweet! Dark chocolate or another dessert will have to do because I don’t have my very own darling cowboy. 😦 Anyone know where I can get one? Double points to anyone who knows one that comes with diamonds well. 😉
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Hi Lauren!
You stay away from my cowboy. He comes with diamonds (sometimes), but he’s all mine. I don’t want to have to fight you for him. Or have a dance off for that matter either.
I’ll keep my eyes out for a wandering diamond-studded cowboy. Or, how about a cowboy covered in chocolate? Will that do? When I find him, I’ll send him your way. (wink!)
Patricia
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Nice post, Patricia! I agree with you about Diana. She was an amazing woman and a huge loss to the world. But she left two wonderful sons, and I’m hoping William and Harry will someday live up to her legacy. Don’t you just love Myndi’s blog posts?
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Hi Suzanne! Great to see you!
Diana is first on my “if there was someone you could meet, who would it be” list. Then Walt Disney, then Oprah. There should probably be a president on my list, but they are just not as interesting as these 3, in my humble opinion. We need to have someone really interesting run for office. Not that we haven’t had smart people, just nobody really – interesting.
Yes, I like Myndi’s posts. I don’t get over there as often as I like (she blogs all the time) but the ones I do read are fun.
Thanks for your support!
Patricia
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It was fun to learn more about you, Patricia. I especially enjoyed seeing a picture of your personal hero.
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Hi Keli!
Yes, my personal hero – he’s a sweetie.
Thanks for stopping by. Always so nice to see my chaptermates!
Patricia
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I’m dee-lighted to be one of your nominees for the Booker Award, Patricia. Danke! Can you tell I’ve been inspiried by your D’s? Desert is the only one that gave me pause, but then I thought of Big Bend National Park in Texas–the only desert I’ve visited. Its quiet vastness strikes me as spiritual and I long to revisit it. Oh, and your husband is, indeed, a darling. Thanks for sharing him with us.
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You are most welcome, Pat and thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy playing the Booker Award game. I can’t wait to see your favorites.
Deserts are amazing places. There is a strange sort of spiritualness that I pick up on too.
Patricia
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Great picks!! I love a good fruit pie too, yum. 🙂 And juvenescent sounds awesome–is there a cream (or fountain) for that?
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I wish there was a juvenescent cream or fountain. I’d be all over that.
Thanks for spending some time with me today. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Patricia
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Your darling is quite handsome. Congrats on 12 years of marriage! I love dogs, too, and dessert. Used to live in the High Desert of SoCal until January. I never saw it in bloom like that beautiful picture, but the air is much cleaner there, and you’re right about the shadows of the mountains being awe-inspiring, but even more so are the sunsets! Have a great week, Patricia!
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Hi Lynn. Thanks for making the trip over here. And I happen to agree, my darling is quite handsome. I’m only a little prejudiced though. We’ve only been married 9 years, but we’ve been together for over 12. Right after he asked me to marry him we have major family issues so we postponed the wedding for a couple of years to deal with all of that stuff. It’s been nine really good years though.
Sunsets are amazing when viewed from an arid desert. There’s just something that draws me to the desert. Strange little lizards and other critters live there in the bazilliion degree heat. Very interesting stuff.
Patricia
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I so agree on all your D’s!!! Fabulous list. 😀 I love them all to death! And your darling – wow! What a hottie! I’ve been reading a wonderful piece on Princess Diana. She was an amazing woman, but she lead such a sad life. 😦
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Hi Debra! I was glad to receive the letter D as there are so many wonderful D things. My Darling is a hottie! He’s a keeper for sure.
Yes, Princess Diana was a very sad person. I’m not sure what I would have done if I’d have been in her position. To marry a man I didn’t know or love for the sake of the throne? Hmmmm. So glad her children have been allowed to go down a different path and choose women they love, respect and admire as wives. I think the next generation of royalty is going to be so much more respected because of it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
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[…] Hanson’s blog yesterday I discovered Marcia Richards‘ ‘L’ words along with Jansen Schmitd‘s […]
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