I'll admit to an intense craving for chocolate more often than not, but when it comes to the ultimate candy passion, eye candy is the best. No calories. Only pure viewing satisfaction and always good for stimulating my creativity.
My favorite eye candy and hero has always been the cowboy. What's not to adore when reading and writing those salt-of-the-earth guys who go the distance, and when the dust settles at the rodeo or ranch, a cowboy has holds his loved ones in strong arms and inside a steady heart.
Talk about hot? Who wants this brave and perfect hero to put out your "fire" but, instead, hopes he generates lots of heat between the sheets?
Of all the dream destinations in the world, I'd bask in the precious moments of a fantasy-filled escape, sipping a bit of vino while studying all of the scenery in Rome or Venice. Gorgeous fountains and architectural feats might surround me, but my interest would most be piqued at the passing of a handsome Italian man.
Last, but certainly not least on my list of eye candy, is Kiefer. Watching this man for 24 hours, whether on t.v. or in person, would be a pleasure never to be forgotten.
Wishing you many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Showing posts with label Eye Candy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eye Candy. Show all posts
You're Gorgeous, Baby!
I really enjoy eye candy week, and not just for the obvious reasons. No, I like it because I get to sift through dozens of sexy, fun photos and call it work.I love my job! Heh heh heh.
Seriously, I'm fascinated by human beauty, or what we each consider human beauty. I love art, and I love that artists like da Vinci saw beauty in those others might consider average looking. He was as apt to sketch a drunk at the local tavern as he was to paint a beautiful woman or an angelic child.
I like pretty things, but I'm constantly reminded that what I consider beautiful or sexy is not what constitutes the same for someone else. That's what makes the world such a wonderful place: diversity. I like to think that somewhere in this wide world, there is someone who might think I'm the most gorgeous creature on the face of the planet (besides my hubby), just because s/he likes the symmetry of my countenance, or the lack thereof.
With six billion people floating around, the chances that someone will find me attractive are quite high, even if that person resides in the farthest reaches of the globe and doesn't get out much, and that makes me feel good. Yes, I know that it's much better to be loved for who you are and not how you look. I believe it, too, because heaven knows I'm not the most easy-to-look-at gal in the universe. However, you have to admit that each of us has an ego, and that ego loves to be fed that little morsel of "Hey, you're cute!" once in a while.
Now, I'm not saying I need this reinforcement all the time. No, that's why the gods created chocolate and romance novels and cats--pleasant distractions for when the world has not adequately recognized our face value. Literally.
Speaking of
face value, let's try an experiment. Look in the mirror. Stare straight into your own eyes and say, "You're ugly." Easy, right? Now look in the mirror and stare straight into your own eyes and say, "You're gorgeous, baby!" Easy? Not so fast. Did you giggle? You wouldn't believe how many people have no problem telling themselves they're ugly or finding a flaw, but when it comes to acknowledging their own beauty, many stumble. They can't say it. They can't say it because they don't believe it, when the truth is, we're all beautiful. Ask anyone to point out a flaw, and you'll get a list three miles long. Ask that same person to point out an attractive feature, and you'll get maybe one or two items listed if any.
Let's go back to that imaginary person way on the other side of the world who doesn't get out much, the one who thinks I'm the epitome of hot, a goddess of the first order. I could tell myself that s/he doesn't know what s/he is talking about, that the person has bad eyesight, that the person spends way more time with mountain lions and sheep and whippoorwills than s/he does with humans and therefore has very low standards of human beauty. But I'm not going to because that would be insulting, and the need for self-deprecation should never overwhelm one's good manners. So I smile and am grateful that shepherding doesn't require glasses. :)
I'll now hop down off my soap box, or better yet, let one of these nice gentlemen assist me in getting down, and leave you with some "art" from my collection. Enjoy these hubba hubbas, and remember...You're gorgeous, baby!
End of Summer Motivation
So... it's Friday, and it's the end of August. I've been telling myself all summer long that once the kids go back to school, I'll jump full-force back into my WIP.
I'm not going to lie... that really didn't happen this week.
Why, you ask? I'm trying to figure that out myself! I've had such a great summer, I guess I just don't want it to end. But, my WIP -- or my characters -- won't wait around forever. I hear them in the back of my head, little whispers telling me it's time to get back to work. I'm listening, I really am, but I need MOTIVATION!
Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels
I'm not going to lie... that really didn't happen this week.
Why, you ask? I'm trying to figure that out myself! I've had such a great summer, I guess I just don't want it to end. But, my WIP -- or my characters -- won't wait around forever. I hear them in the back of my head, little whispers telling me it's time to get back to work. I'm listening, I really am, but I need MOTIVATION!
Kristin
www.kristindaniels.com
www.facebook.com/authorkristindaniels
http://twitter.com/Kristin_Daniels
Author of Erotic Romance. Lover of dark chocolate and red wine. Fighter of Breast Cancer. If I'm not writing, I'm reading, or enjoying a little time with my family.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Regift. Is it a dirty little secret? Or is it coming to be an acceptable practice?
My WEBSTER'S NEW WORLD DICTIONARY, Third College Edition, copyright 1988, doesn't even list the word. Yet it came right up when I typed it into dictionary.com
Main Entry: regift
Part of Speech: v
Definition: to give an unwanted gift to someone else; to give as a gift something one previously received as a gift; also written re-gift
It has always seemed tacky to give as a gift something that was given to you. After all, if the gift was so bad you didn't want it, why would you want to palm it off on someone else? And how much thought could you have given to finding the perfect gift if you're going to simply re-wrap a present you'd already received? And then, there's the the idea that by regifting, you're just being cheap.
But is there a time when regifting is acceptable? Perhaps even a smart thing to do? We've all gotten gifts we didn't particularly like. There might have been nothing wrong with the item, it's just something you're not going to use. Or it might be a duplicate of something you already have. In these tough economic times, why spend money out of a tight budget when there's a perfectly good gift, something you're sure the recipient would enjoy, sitting untouched in your closet? What's wrong with giving to someone else something you don't need?
After all, once you've been given something as a gift, isn't it yours to do with as you want?
So admit it. Have you ever regifted???
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
My WEBSTER'S NEW WORLD DICTIONARY, Third College Edition, copyright 1988, doesn't even list the word. Yet it came right up when I typed it into dictionary.com
Main Entry: regift
Part of Speech: v
Definition: to give an unwanted gift to someone else; to give as a gift something one previously received as a gift; also written re-gift
It has always seemed tacky to give as a gift something that was given to you. After all, if the gift was so bad you didn't want it, why would you want to palm it off on someone else? And how much thought could you have given to finding the perfect gift if you're going to simply re-wrap a present you'd already received? And then, there's the the idea that by regifting, you're just being cheap.
But is there a time when regifting is acceptable? Perhaps even a smart thing to do? We've all gotten gifts we didn't particularly like. There might have been nothing wrong with the item, it's just something you're not going to use. Or it might be a duplicate of something you already have. In these tough economic times, why spend money out of a tight budget when there's a perfectly good gift, something you're sure the recipient would enjoy, sitting untouched in your closet? What's wrong with giving to someone else something you don't need?
After all, once you've been given something as a gift, isn't it yours to do with as you want?
So admit it. Have you ever regifted???
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
Genes Versus Jeans
Wow! How does one end a week of non-stop eye candy? We’ve had a veritable visual feast, and now I’m to provide the dessert. I’ve thought about this all week and have to say, the pressure has been too much. Therefore, I’m reverting back to something I know and love—science. That’s right. We’re going to discuss nature versus nurture, or, more specifically, how jeans can affect genes.
In short, the nature vs. nurture debate is about what influences who we become as individuals the most. Is it heredity and our biological make-up? Or does the environment--the people, places, and events that nurture us--have a greater impact? Like any dedicated scientist and blogger, I set out to discover the answer to those hot, burning questions by engaging in an experiment. I'd heard a great pair of jeans can make all the difference, no matter what body type a person is born with, and so all I had to do was find some random men with varying physical attributes, ask them to put on a great pair of jeans, and see if said apparel influenced their appearances in any way. I, of course, took Leonidas with me to record all my data, as he has all those legs, you know, and here is what we, as intrepid seekers of knowledge, discovered. Please note that all names of test subjects have been changed to the names of my heroes to protect the innocent as well as engage in shameless self-promotion. :)
Our first subject was Randy. No, that wasn't his state of being at the time, but later...oooh la la. Randy is truly a 98-pound weakling. Tiny and frail, he could barely lift the pen to sign the release form. He was about to get fired from the ranch where he worked because he just couldn't do any of the heavy lifting--and he owns the ranch. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Randy was going to fire himself! However, after Leonidas and I helped him into this nice, comfy pair of jeans, just look what happened! From skin and bones to a six pack and pecs. A couple of nice tattoos even appeared out of nowhere. Obviously, a little nurturing on our part, with the help of some stone-washed denim, overcame Randy's physical limitations nicely, don't you agree? So that's Nurture: 1 and Nature: 0. Randy begged us to let him keep the jeans, and how could I say no? So, after Leonidas recorded Randy's cell number--hey, for follow-up questions!--off we trudged to find our next hunk, er, subject.
Poor Beau. Even though he worked out regularly, had a great body, and boasted a wonderful sense of humor AND a sports car, women rarely noticed him. Why? His height. At only 4'2", women literally overlooked his other fine qualities. Could a great pair of jeans help Beau overcome this statuesque obstacle? It's hard to see here, but after donning the jeans we gave him, Beau appeared to grow at least two feet. That's right--6'2". If you look closely at his torso, you can tell from the dimensions that this is true. I mean, just LOOK at his torso. It is a fine torso, isn't it? And you should have seen his a--, er, where was I? Aah, yes, Nurture: 2 and Nature: 0. Next!
Subject #3, Mark, is 94-years-old. He's outlived two wives and has three great-great grandchildren. Mark longed for a more youthful physique, tired of shuffling along all stooped over. It took quite a bit of effort to get Mark into these hole-y Levi's, but, alas, when the deed was done, Mark couldn't have been happier with the results. Can you see why?
Yes, these jeans made him look younger, definitely. He stood tall, like a nice bottle of aged wine in a new package. The transition was nothing short of amazing. You wouldn't believe his stamina either! Not that I'm saying I would know what that is, but I can just imagine. I can just imagine a lot of things when I look at this picture. I can picture, for example...nevermind.
There were other subjects, but I think you get the idea. Nurture wins pants, um, I mean, hands down. In every case, a great pair of Lees managed to offset the subject's natural physiological make-up--his genes were no match for our jeans.
So, there you have it folks. I've solved the nature/nurture debate with one simple experiment, wherein I gave my all to find the answers to the question that has haunted the scientific community at large for decades. I'm waiting for the call from the North Dakota Journal of Something or Other, offering me wads of cash for an interview and the opportunity to publish my research findings.
On a final note, experimentation often leads to some startling surprises. For example, I discovered during my research, completely by accident, that when a woman asks a man, "Is that a mouse in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?", there is, indeed, a mouse in his pocket.
In short, the nature vs. nurture debate is about what influences who we become as individuals the most. Is it heredity and our biological make-up? Or does the environment--the people, places, and events that nurture us--have a greater impact? Like any dedicated scientist and blogger, I set out to discover the answer to those hot, burning questions by engaging in an experiment. I'd heard a great pair of jeans can make all the difference, no matter what body type a person is born with, and so all I had to do was find some random men with varying physical attributes, ask them to put on a great pair of jeans, and see if said apparel influenced their appearances in any way. I, of course, took Leonidas with me to record all my data, as he has all those legs, you know, and here is what we, as intrepid seekers of knowledge, discovered. Please note that all names of test subjects have been changed to the names of my heroes to protect the innocent as well as engage in shameless self-promotion. :)
Our first subject was Randy. No, that wasn't his state of being at the time, but later...oooh la la. Randy is truly a 98-pound weakling. Tiny and frail, he could barely lift the pen to sign the release form. He was about to get fired from the ranch where he worked because he just couldn't do any of the heavy lifting--and he owns the ranch. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Randy was going to fire himself! However, after Leonidas and I helped him into this nice, comfy pair of jeans, just look what happened! From skin and bones to a six pack and pecs. A couple of nice tattoos even appeared out of nowhere. Obviously, a little nurturing on our part, with the help of some stone-washed denim, overcame Randy's physical limitations nicely, don't you agree? So that's Nurture: 1 and Nature: 0. Randy begged us to let him keep the jeans, and how could I say no? So, after Leonidas recorded Randy's cell number--hey, for follow-up questions!--off we trudged to find our next hunk, er, subject.
Poor Beau. Even though he worked out regularly, had a great body, and boasted a wonderful sense of humor AND a sports car, women rarely noticed him. Why? His height. At only 4'2", women literally overlooked his other fine qualities. Could a great pair of jeans help Beau overcome this statuesque obstacle? It's hard to see here, but after donning the jeans we gave him, Beau appeared to grow at least two feet. That's right--6'2". If you look closely at his torso, you can tell from the dimensions that this is true. I mean, just LOOK at his torso. It is a fine torso, isn't it? And you should have seen his a--, er, where was I? Aah, yes, Nurture: 2 and Nature: 0. Next!
Subject #3, Mark, is 94-years-old. He's outlived two wives and has three great-great grandchildren. Mark longed for a more youthful physique, tired of shuffling along all stooped over. It took quite a bit of effort to get Mark into these hole-y Levi's, but, alas, when the deed was done, Mark couldn't have been happier with the results. Can you see why?
Yes, these jeans made him look younger, definitely. He stood tall, like a nice bottle of aged wine in a new package. The transition was nothing short of amazing. You wouldn't believe his stamina either! Not that I'm saying I would know what that is, but I can just imagine. I can just imagine a lot of things when I look at this picture. I can picture, for example...nevermind.
There were other subjects, but I think you get the idea. Nurture wins pants, um, I mean, hands down. In every case, a great pair of Lees managed to offset the subject's natural physiological make-up--his genes were no match for our jeans.
So, there you have it folks. I've solved the nature/nurture debate with one simple experiment, wherein I gave my all to find the answers to the question that has haunted the scientific community at large for decades. I'm waiting for the call from the North Dakota Journal of Something or Other, offering me wads of cash for an interview and the opportunity to publish my research findings.
On a final note, experimentation often leads to some startling surprises. For example, I discovered during my research, completely by accident, that when a woman asks a man, "Is that a mouse in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?", there is, indeed, a mouse in his pocket.
Guilty (??) Pleasures?
by Kristin Daniels
Guilty pleasures? Okay folks, I have to admit this weekly topic has me stumped. Hmmmm… What do I indulge in?
Dark chocolate? Who doesn’t love that? Although I do have some dark chocolate truffles that my son received for Christmas that I kinda confiscated and have been hording in the fridge for the last five months. I’m down to the last few in the bag. A sad day indeed when I finish them!
Red wine? Not alone in that one. Drinking a glass or two with my neighbors on the weekends has become a staple over the last few years.
Romance novels? Well, I know others love reading (and writing!) them just as much as I do!
Staring at gorgeous, over-the-top men? I think our Eye Candy week answered that question, didn’t it?
I’m not a shopper like Carly. I dread when one of my kids tells me they need this or that and I have to head to the store. Weird, I know. A garden like Nicole? Boy, I’d love to have a green thumb like that, but my thumb couldn’t be more polar opposite of green.
So, let’s see… When I was in Vegas earlier this month, my husband ordered a Swedish Massage for me. Now that… That was some serious pleasure. But guilty? Not so much.
I guess I don’t do the whole guilt thing. As a species, humans seek out pleasure, we need it. Crave it. And I suppose I just don’t feel guilty about wanting that feeling. Call me odd, weird, out in left field, but I don’t.
So guilt aside, what I’d really love to know is… What’s one of your greatest pleasures? What is something that when you do it, taste it, feel it or hear it, it gives you the warm and fuzzies? A close-your-eyes-I’m-so-unbelievably-content sigh? While you’re thinking of that, I’m going to fun to the fridge for one of my last few truffles!
Author of Erotic Romance. Lover of dark chocolate and red wine. Fighter of Breast Cancer. If I'm not writing, I'm reading, or enjoying a little time with my family.
Eye Candy--No Calories, Lots of Commitment
Man-watching—or should that be necessary observation of masculine form and behavior?—is something we women enjoy and practice more than we’ll ever admit. But while for many it’s all about “checking out” his great abs, nice buns, muscles, etc., I’m a firm believer we ladies can learn a great deal—and avoid a lot of headaches and heartaches—if we put our observations into proper perspective. Try figuring out what his body language is telling us. The shower-wet skin on his Size Elevens pointed toward the door may be revealing something other than the fact he wants to carry us off to a seductively private party for two. Will he eventually bolt for the front entrance or for the boudoir and more time between the sheets with us?
Here are some easy-on-the-eyes examples of men worth watching, in more ways than one. What do I find appealing? Read on and more than my thoughts will be revealed.
I’m interested in a man who…
Is ready for whatever life tosses at him. Prepared to discuss any problem and make a decision upon which we both agree. Focused on fidelity and done with playing the proverbial field.
Would go through Hell and high water. No man will steal my heart quicker than one who promises to have, hold, and protect those he loves from harm. Menlikus from TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN defines this role.
Goes to the mat—and not just at the local gym. Flexing of muscles is fine, and appealing, but a man who can problem solve and remain persistent in the face of opposition gets and keeps my attention.
Looks as good from the rear as from the front. Face it, we love seeing his handsome face. His winning smile. Eyes that flash at the first stirrings of lust or danger. How he keeps his posture perfect and invites his woman to share the details of her bad day. His shoulders are broad, and he loves brainstorming.
Is not afraid to bare his soul as well as his body. While men aren’t prone to talking as much as we women, I prefer a man who doesn’t brood. Silent types, men who never open up and share their deepest desires and fears, won’t win me over. Spilling every secret isn’t necessary, but always withholding feelings and retreating when he needs to be holding the field in a conversation with his significant other is a sure sign he’s better off a part of your past than your present. Charles Galletiére of TORMENTED meets this description and more.
Works as hard as he plays keeps my body temperature higher than a day spent in the desert sun. His work ethic is as strong as his physique. He remains passionate about his profession and the time alone he spends with the woman of his wildest fantasies and life. A lust for living and giving his “all” for his romantic relationship define this guy. Jack Dodson from ROUGHRIDER fits this profile.
My cover artists for Ellora’s Cave have gifted me with some fabulous covers. Covers that perfectly bring my fictional heroes to life.
Here’s a video purely for your viewing pleasure. Let your imagination take flight!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- EC Exotika
TORMENTED -- Ellora's Cave (Must-Read from Dark Angel Reviews)
ROUGHRIDER -- EC Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- EC Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Here are some easy-on-the-eyes examples of men worth watching, in more ways than one. What do I find appealing? Read on and more than my thoughts will be revealed.
I’m interested in a man who…
Is ready for whatever life tosses at him. Prepared to discuss any problem and make a decision upon which we both agree. Focused on fidelity and done with playing the proverbial field.
Would go through Hell and high water. No man will steal my heart quicker than one who promises to have, hold, and protect those he loves from harm. Menlikus from TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN defines this role.
Goes to the mat—and not just at the local gym. Flexing of muscles is fine, and appealing, but a man who can problem solve and remain persistent in the face of opposition gets and keeps my attention.
Looks as good from the rear as from the front. Face it, we love seeing his handsome face. His winning smile. Eyes that flash at the first stirrings of lust or danger. How he keeps his posture perfect and invites his woman to share the details of her bad day. His shoulders are broad, and he loves brainstorming.
Is not afraid to bare his soul as well as his body. While men aren’t prone to talking as much as we women, I prefer a man who doesn’t brood. Silent types, men who never open up and share their deepest desires and fears, won’t win me over. Spilling every secret isn’t necessary, but always withholding feelings and retreating when he needs to be holding the field in a conversation with his significant other is a sure sign he’s better off a part of your past than your present. Charles Galletiére of TORMENTED meets this description and more.
Works as hard as he plays keeps my body temperature higher than a day spent in the desert sun. His work ethic is as strong as his physique. He remains passionate about his profession and the time alone he spends with the woman of his wildest fantasies and life. A lust for living and giving his “all” for his romantic relationship define this guy. Jack Dodson from ROUGHRIDER fits this profile.
My cover artists for Ellora’s Cave have gifted me with some fabulous covers. Covers that perfectly bring my fictional heroes to life.
Here’s a video purely for your viewing pleasure. Let your imagination take flight!
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- EC Exotika
TORMENTED -- Ellora's Cave (Must-Read from Dark Angel Reviews)
ROUGHRIDER -- EC Exotika
HELLE IN HEELS -- EC Exotika
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
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