31/10/2005
Aussie-Bum pants...
Now, all of you who visit here will know that I am privileged enough to call people of every age, socio-economic group and rainbow hue, my friend... So, it should not surprise you to know that some of my pals are pink.
From my pink pals I hear some of the liveliest gossip, and natch', I am keen to share this with you!
How about Aussie-Bum pants, then?
I'm told they are so tight that when you try them on you have to buy them to save the blushes of both purchaser and fashion advisor...
But... You Never wear them- NOT unless you have a particular addiction to fetish!
Or, if you do, you take a restorative bath afterwards in order to revive your bits...
I know, don't ask!!
Ah, the delights of a floppy-female-middle-aged bum are suddenly clear to me. Give me granny-bashers every time!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
From my pink pals I hear some of the liveliest gossip, and natch', I am keen to share this with you!
How about Aussie-Bum pants, then?
I'm told they are so tight that when you try them on you have to buy them to save the blushes of both purchaser and fashion advisor...
But... You Never wear them- NOT unless you have a particular addiction to fetish!
Or, if you do, you take a restorative bath afterwards in order to revive your bits...
I know, don't ask!!
Ah, the delights of a floppy-female-middle-aged bum are suddenly clear to me. Give me granny-bashers every time!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Dressing gown olympics...
What happens when a group of 'stuffy old legal professionals'(Ha, blinkin' ha!!) get together after a formal dinner in London?
They shower, change into jimjams, don their white towelling robes, and stage 'Dressing Gown Olympics' on the upstairs landing of their hotel.
(No,no, this is not some weird sexual carry-on... more the type of three-legged-race you ran when you were around ten years old- the one where you tied your leg to your friend's? Oh, never mind!)
This is only a rumour, of course! (don't want any legal documents landing on the mat to spoil my day, do I?!)
And now for some tea and sympathy...
Poor old Xandra is having a horrid time trying to raise her new Xandra King Astrologer site, with all sorts of problems popping up between one server and another.
I know- don't ask... Server? Host? Domain? It's all gobbledygook to me.
But don't worry, Xandra, we're all behind you, and I know it's going to be worth the wait!
Cyber hugs from all of us here at Susan Stephens blog
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
They shower, change into jimjams, don their white towelling robes, and stage 'Dressing Gown Olympics' on the upstairs landing of their hotel.
(No,no, this is not some weird sexual carry-on... more the type of three-legged-race you ran when you were around ten years old- the one where you tied your leg to your friend's? Oh, never mind!)
This is only a rumour, of course! (don't want any legal documents landing on the mat to spoil my day, do I?!)
And now for some tea and sympathy...
Poor old Xandra is having a horrid time trying to raise her new Xandra King Astrologer site, with all sorts of problems popping up between one server and another.
I know- don't ask... Server? Host? Domain? It's all gobbledygook to me.
But don't worry, Xandra, we're all behind you, and I know it's going to be worth the wait!
Cyber hugs from all of us here at Susan Stephens blog
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
30/10/2005
Ouch, my aching head!
When will I learn that I cannot keep up with my eighty-six year old neighbours. (Dennis and Betty are about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary too... think I shall have to arrange to be out of the country for that one! If I can't take the pace of a regular dinner party, what chance do I stand?! )
Having survived the Second World war... Betty as a nurse, Dennis a prisoner of war for much of the conflict, they are made of sterner stuff than most- and love to prove how a little champagne, followed by red wine, white wine, and of course, a brandy to finish off, keeps them both chipper and spry.
Like I said... 'Ouch, my aching head!'
As Betty is acknowledged as the most glamorous figure in our village- never seen without a fab tan, hair beautifully coiffed, clothes elegantly chosen and make-up discreetly in place, these dinners are always occasions for 'putting on your best bits' and trying really hard not to wear your comfy shoes just because... well, just because they're comfy.
Betty is also a fabulous cook... so my diet went out of the window and I ate two puddings- raspberry tart and a chocolate pot- so now I feel sick and hungover, and totally in awe of two people who have kept romance alive for 60 years (they were holding hands as we left.)
I know their daughter reads this... and all I can say is, my world is a brighter place thanks to your ma and pa...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Having survived the Second World war... Betty as a nurse, Dennis a prisoner of war for much of the conflict, they are made of sterner stuff than most- and love to prove how a little champagne, followed by red wine, white wine, and of course, a brandy to finish off, keeps them both chipper and spry.
Like I said... 'Ouch, my aching head!'
As Betty is acknowledged as the most glamorous figure in our village- never seen without a fab tan, hair beautifully coiffed, clothes elegantly chosen and make-up discreetly in place, these dinners are always occasions for 'putting on your best bits' and trying really hard not to wear your comfy shoes just because... well, just because they're comfy.
Betty is also a fabulous cook... so my diet went out of the window and I ate two puddings- raspberry tart and a chocolate pot- so now I feel sick and hungover, and totally in awe of two people who have kept romance alive for 60 years (they were holding hands as we left.)
I know their daughter reads this... and all I can say is, my world is a brighter place thanks to your ma and pa...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
29/10/2005
Just checking...
My first books were written on an electric typewriter and sent in the form of copious sheets of A4 paper to my publishers.
This allowed for corrections- i.e. crossings out, notes in the margins and pints of tip-ex, with the occasional re-typed sheet proving necessary.
I'm now at the 'checking' stage of this year's 'November' book. Set in the desert with the totally edible Sheikh Shahin, this manuscript needs to hit my ed's desk on Tuesday. Of course, it will be in e-format.
I finished the book on Thursday and started checking yesterday... given what I told you about my earlier books you would think this would take... 3 hours... 4,maybe...
WRONG!
Trouble is- the world is my oyster now I use a computer... I can tell the same story an infinite number of different ways...
'Would this scene work better there?' 'Should he tell her this now, or later?' 'How about I change this scene to his POV?'
You catch my drift, I'm sure!
And anyone practical (like dh, maybe) who tells me to restrict my tweaks to checking spelling and punctuation, isn't hampered by the writer's mind... that flighty, whimsical thing that's always speeding off at tangents, asking time-consuming questions like, 'What if?'
Back to the cave to ask myself some questions!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
This allowed for corrections- i.e. crossings out, notes in the margins and pints of tip-ex, with the occasional re-typed sheet proving necessary.
I'm now at the 'checking' stage of this year's 'November' book. Set in the desert with the totally edible Sheikh Shahin, this manuscript needs to hit my ed's desk on Tuesday. Of course, it will be in e-format.
I finished the book on Thursday and started checking yesterday... given what I told you about my earlier books you would think this would take... 3 hours... 4,maybe...
WRONG!
Trouble is- the world is my oyster now I use a computer... I can tell the same story an infinite number of different ways...
'Would this scene work better there?' 'Should he tell her this now, or later?' 'How about I change this scene to his POV?'
You catch my drift, I'm sure!
And anyone practical (like dh, maybe) who tells me to restrict my tweaks to checking spelling and punctuation, isn't hampered by the writer's mind... that flighty, whimsical thing that's always speeding off at tangents, asking time-consuming questions like, 'What if?'
Back to the cave to ask myself some questions!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
28/10/2005
Mating rituals....
Now you know I specialise in romance... so mating rituals of the young are of particular interest to me. And of course, my research never stops...
Uni accommodation is cleverly arranged... to a point.
On the top floor of minimus's block reside five glorious young things... complete with flowing tresses and wide, innocent eyes... (that would be the girls' floor- actually, it would be funnier had it been the boys)
On the ground floor reside five blokes... humming with testosterone and smelling of spot cream and aftershave...
Hormones race. The blokes rattle the small change in their beer cans and sulk when they can't get a date...
First one and then the next turns blokish, churlish and generally start to make the girls' lives miserable, loud music, cars parked inconsiderately, jostling, unpleasant remarks...
Poor babies... what will those fragile little girls do so far away from mom and any protective men in the family... Are they going to allow themselves to be abused like this?
Er, no. Minimus, having discovered that when the boys open their window located just under hers she can direct missiles into it, has declared war.
I believe Pot Noodles make a lovely mess when dropped from a great height.
Take my advice, boys... don't take her on- remember I've lived with her for 18 years- and she's learned at the feet of a master (or, in this case, her mother!)
We await developments with baited breath- or should that be, protective clothing!!
Actually, I can see a very different outcome to this than one of war escalating and tempers rising... can't you, girls?
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Uni accommodation is cleverly arranged... to a point.
On the top floor of minimus's block reside five glorious young things... complete with flowing tresses and wide, innocent eyes... (that would be the girls' floor- actually, it would be funnier had it been the boys)
On the ground floor reside five blokes... humming with testosterone and smelling of spot cream and aftershave...
Hormones race. The blokes rattle the small change in their beer cans and sulk when they can't get a date...
First one and then the next turns blokish, churlish and generally start to make the girls' lives miserable, loud music, cars parked inconsiderately, jostling, unpleasant remarks...
Poor babies... what will those fragile little girls do so far away from mom and any protective men in the family... Are they going to allow themselves to be abused like this?
Er, no. Minimus, having discovered that when the boys open their window located just under hers she can direct missiles into it, has declared war.
I believe Pot Noodles make a lovely mess when dropped from a great height.
Take my advice, boys... don't take her on- remember I've lived with her for 18 years- and she's learned at the feet of a master (or, in this case, her mother!)
We await developments with baited breath- or should that be, protective clothing!!
Actually, I can see a very different outcome to this than one of war escalating and tempers rising... can't you, girls?
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
27/10/2005
How long to write a book?
For the first time ever I have been keeping a record of how much time I spend writing a book. It has been an interesting process, to say the least!
Keeping a check on how many words I write each 'working day' has been even more fascinating, with a minus balance showing on some days when I tweak rather than write. But there have been those rare days in the high four thousands when I believe I could have stayed and finished the book had I not needed to eat and drink.
But then there's not just the writing time, there's the research time... and that I didn't check.
When the book is written there's the polishing stage- and that takes me almost as long as writing the book.
Then there's the revision time when my lovely ed' adds her ideas...
and the whole thing is a rolling process, because I will be well into another book by that time!
As dh said last night, 'If you go to bed cuddling that thing (meaning this itsy bitsy laptop upon which I am writing to you right now) I'm outta here!'
What can he mean?
Love to all and happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS
Have just heard from Xandra that it could be another 5 days before we are able to access her horoscope page from this site because it takes that long to change a .com from one hosting service to another.
Aaaack!
I already have no nails left, now it's fingers, then it's wrist!!
Will there be anything left of me by the time our Susan Stephens horoscope page is up?!
Sx
Keeping a check on how many words I write each 'working day' has been even more fascinating, with a minus balance showing on some days when I tweak rather than write. But there have been those rare days in the high four thousands when I believe I could have stayed and finished the book had I not needed to eat and drink.
But then there's not just the writing time, there's the research time... and that I didn't check.
When the book is written there's the polishing stage- and that takes me almost as long as writing the book.
Then there's the revision time when my lovely ed' adds her ideas...
and the whole thing is a rolling process, because I will be well into another book by that time!
As dh said last night, 'If you go to bed cuddling that thing (meaning this itsy bitsy laptop upon which I am writing to you right now) I'm outta here!'
What can he mean?
Love to all and happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS
Have just heard from Xandra that it could be another 5 days before we are able to access her horoscope page from this site because it takes that long to change a .com from one hosting service to another.
Aaaack!
I already have no nails left, now it's fingers, then it's wrist!!
Will there be anything left of me by the time our Susan Stephens horoscope page is up?!
Sx
26/10/2005
Final touches...
Late today, because I am just putting my final touches to my latest book... set in the desert, it's another roller coaster ride of passion and emotion, with two people who are so deserving of a happy ending.
I just want to make sure with the last few pages left to me that Sheikh Shahin of Kaddara and his young ward, Zara, have all their dreams fulfilled. And when two people have lived a pretty austere life one way and another up to now, it takes quite a lot of nice stuff to make things right for them!
I want them to have everything- and believe me, they're going to get it!
Have seen Xandra King's astrology site... it is absolutely fabulous...and fascinating. But like my current manuscript it still has a couple of finishing touches to be put in place before it goes live. I think you are going to be as excited as I am when you see it!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
I just want to make sure with the last few pages left to me that Sheikh Shahin of Kaddara and his young ward, Zara, have all their dreams fulfilled. And when two people have lived a pretty austere life one way and another up to now, it takes quite a lot of nice stuff to make things right for them!
I want them to have everything- and believe me, they're going to get it!
Have seen Xandra King's astrology site... it is absolutely fabulous...and fascinating. But like my current manuscript it still has a couple of finishing touches to be put in place before it goes live. I think you are going to be as excited as I am when you see it!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
25/10/2005
Horoscopes are coming...
This is not the biggest wind-up in history! The horoscopes are coming, but there's a small problem with hosting, apparently.
Don't ask! The only thing I know about hosting is that I hold some great parties here- does that count?
And while we wait? You'll just have to bite your fingernails down to the nub like me!!
Good news is I found The Greek's Bridal Purchase up as a board book on amazon for February 2006 UK So for those of you who have waited three long years for a sequel to The Italian Prince's Proposal, here it comes!! (just call me Speedy Gonzales!)
And there are just a few more weeks to go now before Virgin For Sale is on open sale. Yippee! I've received quite a few mails from the US already for those people who have seen preview copies or who are on direct mail- they tell me it's a 'spanking good read' I can't think what they mean ;)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Don't ask! The only thing I know about hosting is that I hold some great parties here- does that count?
And while we wait? You'll just have to bite your fingernails down to the nub like me!!
Good news is I found The Greek's Bridal Purchase up as a board book on amazon for February 2006 UK So for those of you who have waited three long years for a sequel to The Italian Prince's Proposal, here it comes!! (just call me Speedy Gonzales!)
And there are just a few more weeks to go now before Virgin For Sale is on open sale. Yippee! I've received quite a few mails from the US already for those people who have seen preview copies or who are on direct mail- they tell me it's a 'spanking good read' I can't think what they mean ;)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
24/10/2005
Coming soon...
Literally any time now we're going to have a link to Xandra King astrologist.
With this new link we can look at our Sun Sign chart... what it means to us in terms of relationship, love, money and the future- and learn a lot more about astrology while we're at it!
I for one can't wait... particularly as an award winning graphic artist has designed Xandra's site.
Be prepared for something out of this world... (All right, I know, punning on a Monday morning has never been my strong point!)
I'll let you know the moment the new site is up. When that happens my fab web mistress, Wendy for Artemis Web Designs will be providing us with a live link from this site so we can nip across to Xandra King any time we like.
Sounds heavenly to me!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
With this new link we can look at our Sun Sign chart... what it means to us in terms of relationship, love, money and the future- and learn a lot more about astrology while we're at it!
I for one can't wait... particularly as an award winning graphic artist has designed Xandra's site.
Be prepared for something out of this world... (All right, I know, punning on a Monday morning has never been my strong point!)
I'll let you know the moment the new site is up. When that happens my fab web mistress, Wendy for Artemis Web Designs will be providing us with a live link from this site so we can nip across to Xandra King any time we like.
Sounds heavenly to me!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
23/10/2005
Strange happenings...
At least in this house, where in 28 years my hisband has never cooked a meal. Yep, that's 28 years, gals! Which, to you young ones out there must seem like a criminal offence- after all, we both work full time, right?
Quite unexpectedly he announced that 'he was cooking' (could this be because I'm close to deadline, the fridge is empty and even the milk is sour?)
But what amazed me was that he dragged the 'Aga' book down from the shelf and cooked a full roast dinner- and it was fantastic.
So, you see they can do it!
And now I am happily contemplating a lifetime of idleness stretching ahead of me... what will I do with all that spare 'cooking time'?
Oh, did I mention that he's lying in bed just now while I cook breakfast?
I'll call him when it's ready- and of course, his newspaper will be waiting on the table...
I know... it's a generation thing!
Love to all, and enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!
Susan
Quite unexpectedly he announced that 'he was cooking' (could this be because I'm close to deadline, the fridge is empty and even the milk is sour?)
But what amazed me was that he dragged the 'Aga' book down from the shelf and cooked a full roast dinner- and it was fantastic.
So, you see they can do it!
And now I am happily contemplating a lifetime of idleness stretching ahead of me... what will I do with all that spare 'cooking time'?
Oh, did I mention that he's lying in bed just now while I cook breakfast?
I'll call him when it's ready- and of course, his newspaper will be waiting on the table...
I know... it's a generation thing!
Love to all, and enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!
Susan
22/10/2005
Excitement mounts...
Have just heard a couple of wonderful pieces of news...
First- the link is almost complete from my site to Xandra King at www.xandraking.com and when it is we'll all be able to access our sun sign charts as well as learn some fascinating facts about astrology.
Who doesn't scan their sun sign when they pick up a mag' or a newspaper? And now you can do it right here when you click onto the Susan Stephens site! I for one can't wait for this development, and Xandra tells me that she has a pretty sound endorsement from a world famous scientist on the site that will banish any and all of our doubts about horoscopy.
Go Xandra!!
And the next piece of news is that Jo, for Glass Slipper Web Design, who created Xandra King's site, is about to have one of her images uplifted onto a Japanese digital art site, along with some of the top artists in that field.
I'm not the least bit surprised and neither will you be when you see the Xandra King site... In fact, even the mini-banner that Wendy has cleverly uplifted on to this site with my next set of updates is a work of art.
I am privileged to be working with such talented people, and thrilled that I can share their work with you.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Enjoy your weekend!
From a very wet UK
Susan
First- the link is almost complete from my site to Xandra King at www.xandraking.com and when it is we'll all be able to access our sun sign charts as well as learn some fascinating facts about astrology.
Who doesn't scan their sun sign when they pick up a mag' or a newspaper? And now you can do it right here when you click onto the Susan Stephens site! I for one can't wait for this development, and Xandra tells me that she has a pretty sound endorsement from a world famous scientist on the site that will banish any and all of our doubts about horoscopy.
Go Xandra!!
And the next piece of news is that Jo, for Glass Slipper Web Design, who created Xandra King's site, is about to have one of her images uplifted onto a Japanese digital art site, along with some of the top artists in that field.
I'm not the least bit surprised and neither will you be when you see the Xandra King site... In fact, even the mini-banner that Wendy has cleverly uplifted on to this site with my next set of updates is a work of art.
I am privileged to be working with such talented people, and thrilled that I can share their work with you.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Enjoy your weekend!
From a very wet UK
Susan
20/10/2005
Mega-Distraction...
Excuse me if I seem a little distracted, But. I am staring at myself.
And it's not a pretty sight. How did my nose to get to be so shiny... and so big? And whose are those wrinkles around my eyes...?
Apologies. I am staring into my new video phone.
Now. I asked my son to sort out a new phone for me.., and Okay, so I have moved past the wind-up phone via the real-live-person operator, BUT what the heck is this?
All I want to do is ring my children and my chums, and make sure that I can call home when I'm in far-flung places. But with this super-phone I could be filming your next box office block buster before you know it. Video? Of course. Photos? How many do you want?
Seriously male-child, you're a star... I never expected to own such a high-tech piece of incomprehensible phone-ware.
But enough of technology... or maybe, not enough... I have to thank two tremendous web mistresses... Wendy for Artemis Web Design, and Jo for Glass Slipper Web Design. Why? You just wait until you see my autumn updates. The astrology link to Xandra King, our new astrologist, is just fantastic- thank you, Jo. And Wendy, well Wendy, we already know you're a star.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
And it's not a pretty sight. How did my nose to get to be so shiny... and so big? And whose are those wrinkles around my eyes...?
Apologies. I am staring into my new video phone.
Now. I asked my son to sort out a new phone for me.., and Okay, so I have moved past the wind-up phone via the real-live-person operator, BUT what the heck is this?
All I want to do is ring my children and my chums, and make sure that I can call home when I'm in far-flung places. But with this super-phone I could be filming your next box office block buster before you know it. Video? Of course. Photos? How many do you want?
Seriously male-child, you're a star... I never expected to own such a high-tech piece of incomprehensible phone-ware.
But enough of technology... or maybe, not enough... I have to thank two tremendous web mistresses... Wendy for Artemis Web Design, and Jo for Glass Slipper Web Design. Why? You just wait until you see my autumn updates. The astrology link to Xandra King, our new astrologist, is just fantastic- thank you, Jo. And Wendy, well Wendy, we already know you're a star.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
19/10/2005
Brilliant new money-making idea...
It came to me this morning... for not only do I have the squishiest, the cuddliest, the most bury-you-headinable pillows, I also have the bed to beat all beds. End result? I never want to get up in the morning.
Forget the fact that I can move my bed up, down and all ways- we already know I almost turned myself into a sandwich a couple of weeks ago... but what if that same switch that works the motor could act as an alarm... turning the bed lumpy and my pillows into a brick? It could then fire a spring under the bed (Ok, so I'd have to get one fitted) that propels me across the room and into the bathroom...
There'd be no more sleeping through the shipping forecast for me.
I really think I should patent the idea...
Hi to Cindy and the labs in Tasmania! So glad you enjoyed The Italian Prince's Proposal, Cindy! I wish it could be re-released to coincide with Emily's twin's story... Miranda's story is featured in The Greek's Bridal Purchase which will be a 2006 release. But I guess that's my fault for taking 3 years to write the sequel!!!
Can hardly believe how time flies... have to finish this book before I go to Rome for my cookery course in November. (pity my teacher, the fabulous Diane Seed)Accident prone, moi?
And now it's off to the desert to see if our heroine, Zara, has got that Bad sheikh under control yet.
And talking of BAD. Daniel Craig for Bond? Yum! Yep, he's bad enough!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Forget the fact that I can move my bed up, down and all ways- we already know I almost turned myself into a sandwich a couple of weeks ago... but what if that same switch that works the motor could act as an alarm... turning the bed lumpy and my pillows into a brick? It could then fire a spring under the bed (Ok, so I'd have to get one fitted) that propels me across the room and into the bathroom...
There'd be no more sleeping through the shipping forecast for me.
I really think I should patent the idea...
Hi to Cindy and the labs in Tasmania! So glad you enjoyed The Italian Prince's Proposal, Cindy! I wish it could be re-released to coincide with Emily's twin's story... Miranda's story is featured in The Greek's Bridal Purchase which will be a 2006 release. But I guess that's my fault for taking 3 years to write the sequel!!!
Can hardly believe how time flies... have to finish this book before I go to Rome for my cookery course in November. (pity my teacher, the fabulous Diane Seed)Accident prone, moi?
And now it's off to the desert to see if our heroine, Zara, has got that Bad sheikh under control yet.
And talking of BAD. Daniel Craig for Bond? Yum! Yep, he's bad enough!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
18/10/2005
Dreamy postcards to brighten up your winter...
Have just taken delivery of the most luscious postcards- so to anyone who hasn't entered my Autumn competition yet, getting cracking! There is a prize to the winner of course, but every other entrant will receive one of my new 'desert island' postcards signed by yours truly to brighten up those dark and dismal winter days...
I'm going to pin one above my desk right now for inspiration!
[Some of you will already have seen my 'wrinkly dog postcards'. I thought they were really cute, but dh, being a man, made some extremely uncomplimentary comments!
Never mind... we shall be seeing them again probably summer 2006, as I shall have a postcard theme for each competition I run... We'll see who likes my wrinkly dogs when those entries start streaming in next summer (Grhhhh!) (don't let me down, girls!!)]
Meanwhile, do keep those e-mails coming in, I love to hear from you... and don't forget to look out for our new astrology feature by Xandra King, coming at the end of this month!
I can hardly wait!!!!!!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
I'm going to pin one above my desk right now for inspiration!
[Some of you will already have seen my 'wrinkly dog postcards'. I thought they were really cute, but dh, being a man, made some extremely uncomplimentary comments!
Never mind... we shall be seeing them again probably summer 2006, as I shall have a postcard theme for each competition I run... We'll see who likes my wrinkly dogs when those entries start streaming in next summer (Grhhhh!) (don't let me down, girls!!)]
Meanwhile, do keep those e-mails coming in, I love to hear from you... and don't forget to look out for our new astrology feature by Xandra King, coming at the end of this month!
I can hardly wait!!!!!!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Exciting chat...
With my ed' yesterday.
Am thrilled because one of my stories, The Sultan's Seduction is to be a Signature release for Christmas 2006.
The Sultan's Seduction is one of my darker tales, with a heroine who really has some nightmares in her past. I'm delighted that Harlequin have allowed me this opportunity to show a different path to love, and how healing can occur with the right partner. (Even if that partner, at first sight, is an first-class alpha male whom you would think is the very last person our heroine needs in her life.)
Off to the writing cave to catch up on all that fun... Fun? Confrontation with a sheikh in full alpha-mode is fun? If your name happens to be Zara, then yes... I think it's safe to say I can promise you some fun :-))
envy Zara, envy Zara... Oh, grow up, Susan!
Love to all and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Am thrilled because one of my stories, The Sultan's Seduction is to be a Signature release for Christmas 2006.
The Sultan's Seduction is one of my darker tales, with a heroine who really has some nightmares in her past. I'm delighted that Harlequin have allowed me this opportunity to show a different path to love, and how healing can occur with the right partner. (Even if that partner, at first sight, is an first-class alpha male whom you would think is the very last person our heroine needs in her life.)
Off to the writing cave to catch up on all that fun... Fun? Confrontation with a sheikh in full alpha-mode is fun? If your name happens to be Zara, then yes... I think it's safe to say I can promise you some fun :-))
envy Zara, envy Zara... Oh, grow up, Susan!
Love to all and happy reading everyone!
Susan
16/10/2005
Susan gets it wrong Again!
Donning newly purchased sale price shirt approached husband sure of his approval (for chain store purchase- unlike all the other designer gear I keep well hidden!)
'Do you like it?' I ask, preening.
'Is the lumberjack look in?' he replies.
Lumberjack? I ask you!
Later in same chain store, seeking pyjamas:
Husband, rapidly growing bored: 'Here, these look like you...'
Me: 'But they're in the same lumberjack print as my shirt.'
Husband: 'What's wrong with that?'
(shall I tell him or will you?)
And... He wants to sleep with a lumberjack? Should I be worried?
Later still: Having applied new perfume... latest designer scent, posh bottle, everyone wants it so I had to have it etc etc
Me: What do you think of this, dear? (tilting head so he can sniff my fragrant neck)
Husband: *!+*@! 'It smells like wasp repellent!'
Of course. What else would a lumberjack wear?!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
'Do you like it?' I ask, preening.
'Is the lumberjack look in?' he replies.
Lumberjack? I ask you!
Later in same chain store, seeking pyjamas:
Husband, rapidly growing bored: 'Here, these look like you...'
Me: 'But they're in the same lumberjack print as my shirt.'
Husband: 'What's wrong with that?'
(shall I tell him or will you?)
And... He wants to sleep with a lumberjack? Should I be worried?
Later still: Having applied new perfume... latest designer scent, posh bottle, everyone wants it so I had to have it etc etc
Me: What do you think of this, dear? (tilting head so he can sniff my fragrant neck)
Husband: *!+*@! 'It smells like wasp repellent!'
Of course. What else would a lumberjack wear?!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
15/10/2005
A Sunday Prayer..
A thought for Soleine's grandpa, who is moving into the light. May your journey be gentle, and may you know that you are surrounded by the love of those you know, and by the love of those like me who never had the good fortune to meet you.
God speed you to the light.
God speed you to the light.
Bawdy Talk...
It all started sedately, as meetings with chums of long-standing do. It was my treat this time, and I had chosen Wiggy's favourite spot- a chic chinese eaterie in the centre of town.
Apart from the fact that Steam Clean Val' and I didn't spot each other at first- both being blind old bats, things were looking good- especially when Wiggy managed to join us in between court sessions.
Maybe it was that injection of hormonal youth that did it, but before long our chat had descended to Dutch Caps, and whether Vals or mine had flown furthest across the room when we lost our grip on it (they were like circular springs for those of you who are still in the dark! And you had to spread this goo on them and then bend them double... made them slippery- I'll leave the rest to your imagination!)
Wiggy, of course, didn't have a clue what we were talking about.
Do you remember those abberations, girls? Around the time your doc' refused to give you any more pills you had to visit 'The Lady In The White Coat'. And as if that wasn't humiliation enough- after ramming half a tyre up your... well, I think for the sake of decency, we really shouldn't go there... suffice it to say that when she had got it positioned nicely- she yanked it out again and then Tested You.
Oh yes... You had to do-it-yourself under her supervision.
End result? After trying this exciting new device out back home you either gave up on sex altogether, or threw out the cap.
Still it wasn't all bad. As Val and I agreed... where would our third child be without them?
Oh, happy days!
Well, it's off to the desert for me... my fun has to be paid for- and it will be this weekend, I can tell you!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Apart from the fact that Steam Clean Val' and I didn't spot each other at first- both being blind old bats, things were looking good- especially when Wiggy managed to join us in between court sessions.
Maybe it was that injection of hormonal youth that did it, but before long our chat had descended to Dutch Caps, and whether Vals or mine had flown furthest across the room when we lost our grip on it (they were like circular springs for those of you who are still in the dark! And you had to spread this goo on them and then bend them double... made them slippery- I'll leave the rest to your imagination!)
Wiggy, of course, didn't have a clue what we were talking about.
Do you remember those abberations, girls? Around the time your doc' refused to give you any more pills you had to visit 'The Lady In The White Coat'. And as if that wasn't humiliation enough- after ramming half a tyre up your... well, I think for the sake of decency, we really shouldn't go there... suffice it to say that when she had got it positioned nicely- she yanked it out again and then Tested You.
Oh yes... You had to do-it-yourself under her supervision.
End result? After trying this exciting new device out back home you either gave up on sex altogether, or threw out the cap.
Still it wasn't all bad. As Val and I agreed... where would our third child be without them?
Oh, happy days!
Well, it's off to the desert for me... my fun has to be paid for- and it will be this weekend, I can tell you!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
14/10/2005
Food, glorious food...
Strips of breast of chicken, lightly cooked in chilli olive oil (just enough to moisten the pan) Slam down the lid... wait until it smells right. (all my cooking and baking follows the 'smells right' system!)
Then squeeze juice of one lemon in pan, add seasoning to taste and drizzle honey over the lot. Lid back on. Check heat not too high. Smells right? Great! Take off lid, turn up heat and stir until each chicken piece is coated in the resulting toffee-coloured sauce. (there won't be any sauce left by the time you've finished)
Serve with crisp green salad - I cut up some orange segments to go with the salad, but you can drain and toss in a can of mandarins, it tastes just as good :))
Yum!
Off to see Steam Clean Val'. Will report back tomorrow.
And Hi to Tess from Singapore... great to have you back!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Then squeeze juice of one lemon in pan, add seasoning to taste and drizzle honey over the lot. Lid back on. Check heat not too high. Smells right? Great! Take off lid, turn up heat and stir until each chicken piece is coated in the resulting toffee-coloured sauce. (there won't be any sauce left by the time you've finished)
Serve with crisp green salad - I cut up some orange segments to go with the salad, but you can drain and toss in a can of mandarins, it tastes just as good :))
Yum!
Off to see Steam Clean Val'. Will report back tomorrow.
And Hi to Tess from Singapore... great to have you back!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
13/10/2005
Under the skin...
But before I get to that... such a lovely thing happened yesterday- well, several lovely things happened, so I'd better take them one at a time or we'll all get confused!
First of all, my ed' picked up yesterday's Blog. Having read what I had to say about our wonderful Art department at Harlequin she copied my Blog to them. I meant every word everyone, and thank you once again.
Then my dear friend, Anne Hampson mailed me from the Bahamas. I'm sure many of you will remember Anne's inspirational love stories- I, for one, grew up reading them, and buying in to Anne's philosophy that there's someone out there for everyone. (And if that someone bears any resemblance to one of Anne's heroes,well, we're all in for a treat!) Thank you again for all your wonderful books, Anne! They have brought so much happiness to so many people across the world.
BUT... and here's the really exciting news... Anne has branched out into 'Crime' - not literally, you understand... (I could do a play on words here, but it's a bit early in the morning!) Suffice it to say that Anne's new novel is available now through all the usual sources, and it's called, The Dead Can't Kill
As if that's not enough, Anne has a second crime novel waiting in the wings, called, A Baby Dies
Now back to where I started... getting under the skin of my novels.
I get to this point- around half way through where I know my characters inside and out, even though they can still surprise me...
But when I started off they were just walking towards me out of the shadows and now I'm shining a spotlight on them.
So... I go back through the first hundred pages to make sure I haven't missed anything, and that I am showing you why my heroine wants to bang a saucepan on that man's head! Or why, in the alpha's case, he is holding back on seduction, because horny though he is, he senses a vulnerability about the heroine that brings out his strong protector side.
I like to see them interacting with sexual tension running high, but with a little humour too to add some balance to the situation. When you read Virgin For Sale you'll see what I mean...
Lisa Bond has had a really bad start in life and because she is so defensive she sometimes takes herself a little too seriously. She needs a man who understands, and she finds one... a man who is shocked when he sees himself reflected in the woman with whom he is falling in love.
It's a long climb back to what most people consider to be a 'normal life' for both Lisa and Tino. Without humour and understanding they know they're doomed to be victims of the past. They try so hard to get things right, but for Lisa in particular, the harder she tries the more she gets wrong!
(Can you tell I just love that book?!)
Anyway, now I'm at the scary part of the book I'm writing at the moment-set in the desert, complete with a sheikh- (langorous sigh... winsome smile) (YOU STAND NO CHANCE, SUSAN! YOUR HEROINE IS TWENTY YEARS OLD. GET REAL, GAL'!) and must get back to the writing cave, because with only a couple of weeks to go my daily word count is down to around a thousand words as I tweak and amend- and that isn't nearly enough!!
Undaunted, I am off tomorrow to see 'Steam Clean Val'' Plus my hairdresser's lovely wife should have had her baby since my last visit, making him a Daddy for the very first time...
Can't wait to get back to you with all the news!
Have a great day, girls!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
First of all, my ed' picked up yesterday's Blog. Having read what I had to say about our wonderful Art department at Harlequin she copied my Blog to them. I meant every word everyone, and thank you once again.
Then my dear friend, Anne Hampson mailed me from the Bahamas. I'm sure many of you will remember Anne's inspirational love stories- I, for one, grew up reading them, and buying in to Anne's philosophy that there's someone out there for everyone. (And if that someone bears any resemblance to one of Anne's heroes,well, we're all in for a treat!) Thank you again for all your wonderful books, Anne! They have brought so much happiness to so many people across the world.
BUT... and here's the really exciting news... Anne has branched out into 'Crime' - not literally, you understand... (I could do a play on words here, but it's a bit early in the morning!) Suffice it to say that Anne's new novel is available now through all the usual sources, and it's called, The Dead Can't Kill
As if that's not enough, Anne has a second crime novel waiting in the wings, called, A Baby Dies
Now back to where I started... getting under the skin of my novels.
I get to this point- around half way through where I know my characters inside and out, even though they can still surprise me...
But when I started off they were just walking towards me out of the shadows and now I'm shining a spotlight on them.
So... I go back through the first hundred pages to make sure I haven't missed anything, and that I am showing you why my heroine wants to bang a saucepan on that man's head! Or why, in the alpha's case, he is holding back on seduction, because horny though he is, he senses a vulnerability about the heroine that brings out his strong protector side.
I like to see them interacting with sexual tension running high, but with a little humour too to add some balance to the situation. When you read Virgin For Sale you'll see what I mean...
Lisa Bond has had a really bad start in life and because she is so defensive she sometimes takes herself a little too seriously. She needs a man who understands, and she finds one... a man who is shocked when he sees himself reflected in the woman with whom he is falling in love.
It's a long climb back to what most people consider to be a 'normal life' for both Lisa and Tino. Without humour and understanding they know they're doomed to be victims of the past. They try so hard to get things right, but for Lisa in particular, the harder she tries the more she gets wrong!
(Can you tell I just love that book?!)
Anyway, now I'm at the scary part of the book I'm writing at the moment-set in the desert, complete with a sheikh- (langorous sigh... winsome smile) (YOU STAND NO CHANCE, SUSAN! YOUR HEROINE IS TWENTY YEARS OLD. GET REAL, GAL'!) and must get back to the writing cave, because with only a couple of weeks to go my daily word count is down to around a thousand words as I tweak and amend- and that isn't nearly enough!!
Undaunted, I am off tomorrow to see 'Steam Clean Val'' Plus my hairdresser's lovely wife should have had her baby since my last visit, making him a Daddy for the very first time...
Can't wait to get back to you with all the news!
Have a great day, girls!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
12/10/2005
Symbolism...
I always like to get into the heads of the people creating covers for my books.
I believe we have a really strong team behind us at Harlequin, and as we all know, the success of a book is all about Team Work- without that, the author's intentions, the dream they want to share, lies shyly on a shelf somewhere waiting to be noticed.
Not so Virgin For Sale!
If I've been thrilled before I am really excited now.
Go check out the cover on amazon.com and you'll see what I mean...
There's a window/spyglass effect leading us into the private life of a beautiful young couple... though equally matched the man appears to be dominant, but for now the woman is holding him at bay.
A red silk ribbon speaks of sensuality and safe sex (in the sense of sex the reader won't find threatening) and that ribbon ends in a sharply cut point, which reads...
UnCut This suggests an edginess and gives a sense of 'pushing the envelope'
All I can say is, thank you so much to the extraordinary team in the art department at Harlequin who showcase so skilfully the work we authors do.
Thank you again.
Happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS
I can't talk about symbolism without feeling another rush of excitement... don't forget there's going to be a brand new astrology feature linked to the this site by the end of October.
Did I say excitement?
Nails? What nails? I just have stumps on the end of my fingertips now!
Sx
I believe we have a really strong team behind us at Harlequin, and as we all know, the success of a book is all about Team Work- without that, the author's intentions, the dream they want to share, lies shyly on a shelf somewhere waiting to be noticed.
Not so Virgin For Sale!
If I've been thrilled before I am really excited now.
Go check out the cover on amazon.com and you'll see what I mean...
There's a window/spyglass effect leading us into the private life of a beautiful young couple... though equally matched the man appears to be dominant, but for now the woman is holding him at bay.
A red silk ribbon speaks of sensuality and safe sex (in the sense of sex the reader won't find threatening) and that ribbon ends in a sharply cut point, which reads...
UnCut This suggests an edginess and gives a sense of 'pushing the envelope'
All I can say is, thank you so much to the extraordinary team in the art department at Harlequin who showcase so skilfully the work we authors do.
Thank you again.
Happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS
I can't talk about symbolism without feeling another rush of excitement... don't forget there's going to be a brand new astrology feature linked to the this site by the end of October.
Did I say excitement?
Nails? What nails? I just have stumps on the end of my fingertips now!
Sx
11/10/2005
Heavenly Bodies...
No, I am definitely not standing in front of a mirror smugly reviewing my svelte curves (svelte?) I'm referring to all things astrological.
So... what was I doing in Greece for the second time this year?
Progressing my interest in astrology, as a matter of fact.
Seated on a comfy chair on a vine covered terrace overlooking the sea, learning at the feet (well, not exactly the feet, though I'm sure Jo does have very nice feet, possibly fragranced with attar of roses) of my astrological guru, Joanna Watters, I was in the best possible company...
Hi to Jo, of course, and to Denise, Jane, and Xandra, all of whom enjoyed the course with me... and let's not forget Princess Lulu (black cat extraordinaire), Sir William (the most gallant of tabbies) and Nelly (a little beauty who lost her tail and an eye, through no fault of her own)
Jo proved to be an inspirational teacher and I can thoroughly recommend the fascinating courses she runs... to the point where my next competition is going to have as its prize one of Jo's books on astrology, signed by the author herself- so look out for that, coming soon.
Jo also offers courses in Tarot, and my questing mind couldn't leave until she had done a reading for me... it seems that Susan Stephens is to have a link to another incredible astrologer, who just happened to be one of the other people on our course. My wonderful web mistress, Wendywoo is going to provide a link to this lady's page just as soon as she can, and once again I will announce this new feature right here on my blog.
What's different about this astrologer is that she provides retrodictive dates for you to consider as well as predictive... so you can actually go back over the previous month and check up on what she says. I thought that would be far more interesting for you than simply offering vague predictions. I can't wait to hear what you think when we get started. This really is quite exciting for me too, and I'm hoping to have everything in place by the twenty-fourth of October, which is the date my own sun sign, Scorpio comes to the fore! Will keep you posted.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS have you seen the fabulous photographs of my latest research trips yet in the Scrapbook on Access Romance? Just go to www.accessromance.com and you'll see the Susan Stephens banner on the home page directing you there!
So... what was I doing in Greece for the second time this year?
Progressing my interest in astrology, as a matter of fact.
Seated on a comfy chair on a vine covered terrace overlooking the sea, learning at the feet (well, not exactly the feet, though I'm sure Jo does have very nice feet, possibly fragranced with attar of roses) of my astrological guru, Joanna Watters, I was in the best possible company...
Hi to Jo, of course, and to Denise, Jane, and Xandra, all of whom enjoyed the course with me... and let's not forget Princess Lulu (black cat extraordinaire), Sir William (the most gallant of tabbies) and Nelly (a little beauty who lost her tail and an eye, through no fault of her own)
Jo proved to be an inspirational teacher and I can thoroughly recommend the fascinating courses she runs... to the point where my next competition is going to have as its prize one of Jo's books on astrology, signed by the author herself- so look out for that, coming soon.
Jo also offers courses in Tarot, and my questing mind couldn't leave until she had done a reading for me... it seems that Susan Stephens is to have a link to another incredible astrologer, who just happened to be one of the other people on our course. My wonderful web mistress, Wendywoo is going to provide a link to this lady's page just as soon as she can, and once again I will announce this new feature right here on my blog.
What's different about this astrologer is that she provides retrodictive dates for you to consider as well as predictive... so you can actually go back over the previous month and check up on what she says. I thought that would be far more interesting for you than simply offering vague predictions. I can't wait to hear what you think when we get started. This really is quite exciting for me too, and I'm hoping to have everything in place by the twenty-fourth of October, which is the date my own sun sign, Scorpio comes to the fore! Will keep you posted.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
PS have you seen the fabulous photographs of my latest research trips yet in the Scrapbook on Access Romance? Just go to www.accessromance.com and you'll see the Susan Stephens banner on the home page directing you there!
10/10/2005
Pillow love...
What a wonderful thing is our own pillow... there should be songs and poems- No, make that at the very least an opera and an ode, dedicated to our pillow.
'Oh, pillow, pillow, bringer of all that is wonderful at night...'
Oh, well, perhaps not all that is wonderful at night, especially if you have Virgin for Sale to hand :))
(coming soon in Dec 2005 UK and Jan 2006 US and Australia, girls!)
However, I imagine you get my gist. My past 2 weeks research have been truly wonderful, but I've had to put up with rock hard pillows. Why do hotels buy these things? The weight alone should be a giveaway that they are all wrong. If I'd dropped one of those little lovelies on my tootsies, I would have broken my toe!
My neck is now permanently twisted at an odd angle to relieve the ache.
Woe is me
Solution?
Kick out six of my ten pairs of shoes and take my own pillow next time.
(Kick out 6 pairs of shoes? Has our beloved author finally gone mad?)
Probably.
And the loos.
OK, so it was a very small island...
BUT
You can't put loo roll down the loo.
Go figure that one out if you dare.
Reminded me of camping when I was little... though it has to be said, there's nostalgia, and there's not-stalgia, if you get me!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
'Oh, pillow, pillow, bringer of all that is wonderful at night...'
Oh, well, perhaps not all that is wonderful at night, especially if you have Virgin for Sale to hand :))
(coming soon in Dec 2005 UK and Jan 2006 US and Australia, girls!)
However, I imagine you get my gist. My past 2 weeks research have been truly wonderful, but I've had to put up with rock hard pillows. Why do hotels buy these things? The weight alone should be a giveaway that they are all wrong. If I'd dropped one of those little lovelies on my tootsies, I would have broken my toe!
My neck is now permanently twisted at an odd angle to relieve the ache.
Woe is me
Solution?
Kick out six of my ten pairs of shoes and take my own pillow next time.
(Kick out 6 pairs of shoes? Has our beloved author finally gone mad?)
Probably.
And the loos.
OK, so it was a very small island...
BUT
You can't put loo roll down the loo.
Go figure that one out if you dare.
Reminded me of camping when I was little... though it has to be said, there's nostalgia, and there's not-stalgia, if you get me!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
09/10/2005
Greece: chocolate, chocolate and...er, chocolate
And I am now offically size woolly-mammoth again!!
But, here I am home again!
Greece has officially, the best chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream in the world-and I should know. Oh yes, I have sampled all of it for you, girls, in the name of research. What a task! But someone had to do it. May I particularly recommend double chocolate ice cream with a scoop of stracciatelle (vanilla with chunks of... let me think here... oh, yes, chocolate!)just for variety.
Back with loads of stuff tomorrow, but, meanwhile... here is the news I have been asked for- Virgin for Sale will be a Sexy release in Australia in January 2006
Back with stories of astrologers, tarot cards and very strange loos tomorrow
Hugs
Susan
But, here I am home again!
Greece has officially, the best chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream in the world-and I should know. Oh yes, I have sampled all of it for you, girls, in the name of research. What a task! But someone had to do it. May I particularly recommend double chocolate ice cream with a scoop of stracciatelle (vanilla with chunks of... let me think here... oh, yes, chocolate!)just for variety.
Back with loads of stuff tomorrow, but, meanwhile... here is the news I have been asked for- Virgin for Sale will be a Sexy release in Australia in January 2006
Back with stories of astrologers, tarot cards and very strange loos tomorrow
Hugs
Susan
01/10/2005
Mad Rush...
Adore holidays... adore research holidays in particular... adore meeting new people, experiencing new sights, sounds, scents, food, music etc etc
BUT
Does anyone else find holidays intensely stressful?
There are so many different things to be set fair before I go- and if I come back to this study in this state I may never write another word!
Had a real Presents evening last night with my fantabulous can-drink-me-under-the-table-any-day-of-the-week eighty-seven year old neighbours... As I said on the Cataromance chat, my definition of a Presents book is, 'Uplifting'... We certainly 'uplifted' some champagne last night, I can tell you. And then it went 'down the hatch'
Lovely language, English, don't you think?!
Not sure whether I shall be able to speak to you during the next week- Last time I was in Greece I couldn't find any internet access- and this island is even smaller!!
However, will be doing some serious star-watching while I'm there and will return full of astrological ideas!
Congratulations to Cindy and the labs for winning The Italian Prince's Proposal... my door prize on Cataromance. As I explained to Cindy (who loves connected books) Emily in the Italian Prince is the identical twin sister of Miranda in The Greek's Bridal Purchase, which is coming out in 2006.
Took me 3 years to get round to writing the sequel! But at least it should all make sense to Cindy!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
BUT
Does anyone else find holidays intensely stressful?
There are so many different things to be set fair before I go- and if I come back to this study in this state I may never write another word!
Had a real Presents evening last night with my fantabulous can-drink-me-under-the-table-any-day-of-the-week eighty-seven year old neighbours... As I said on the Cataromance chat, my definition of a Presents book is, 'Uplifting'... We certainly 'uplifted' some champagne last night, I can tell you. And then it went 'down the hatch'
Lovely language, English, don't you think?!
Not sure whether I shall be able to speak to you during the next week- Last time I was in Greece I couldn't find any internet access- and this island is even smaller!!
However, will be doing some serious star-watching while I'm there and will return full of astrological ideas!
Congratulations to Cindy and the labs for winning The Italian Prince's Proposal... my door prize on Cataromance. As I explained to Cindy (who loves connected books) Emily in the Italian Prince is the identical twin sister of Miranda in The Greek's Bridal Purchase, which is coming out in 2006.
Took me 3 years to get round to writing the sequel! But at least it should all make sense to Cindy!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
