Tag: caridad pineiro

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Thoughtful Thursday – Points of Light

lightsI truly believe that each of us is a point of light that can make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether it’s a small donation to a cause in which you believe or giving a little bit of your time to someone else, you can help improve someone’s life.

I try to do that in a variety of ways, like participating in a writing group – www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com – or by brainstorming with a fellow writer. By bringing you new faces to meet or by offering up some goodies for a worthwhile cause, like Brenda Novak’s auction.

Little things, but when lots of people do them, they amount to a big difference and they don’t take a lot of cash, just a small piece of yourself.

So, I leave you with that thought for today – What little thing can you do to help make a difference?

I also want to remind you that you have until midnight EST Friday to leave a comment on my friend Kathye Quick’s blog post for a chance to win a CALLING T-shirt.

http://caridad.com/blog/2009/05/06/wicked-wednesday-kathye-quick/

Finally, please drop by to check out the items that I’ve made available at the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction!

First there is this amazing Sabor Latino basket put together by my friend, Olga. Besides some of my novels, there are some wonderful food items as well as a lovely pair of silver earrings and matching pendant.

elsaborlatinobasket

To bid on this item, you can click here or paste this link into your browser:
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?e=rb&id=1306195

You can also bid on the following items that I’ve donated for the auction:

A signed ARC of SINS OF THE FLESH (A June 2009 release)
A signed copy of FURY CALLS
A t-shirt for SINS OF THE FLESH
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1379107

Complete set of The Calling Vampire novels – PLUS — Calling T-shirt. Novels: DARKNESS CALLS, DANGER CALLS, TEMPTATION CALLS, DEATH CALLS, DEVOTION CALLS, BLOOD CALLS, HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE, DESIRE CALLS and FURY CALLS
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1341802

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Wicked Wednesday – Kathye Quick

As I mentioned yesterday, for today’s Wicked Wednesday I have with me my wonderful friend Kathye Quick. Kathye is a multi-published and award winning author who is also a fellow founder of the Liberty States Fiction Writers. When not writing romance, she writes speeches, letters and press releases for government officials. Kathye says “The trick is not to let the two cross!”

Kathye is sharing an excerpt with us from her latest release, CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE. If you leave a comment by midnight EST on Friday May 8th, you may be the lucky winner of a CALLING T-shirt!

So without further ado, here’s today’s Wicked Wednesday treat — CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE.

Lady Cynthia of Abertaine is trapped. Not only has her fiancé. Sir William Leyborne, not been back to the castle for over ten years, but she’s also not a titled Lady. Lord Simon of Cowell, a renegade warlord aligned with Mordred against Arthur and his Knights, has declared himself sovereign over Leyborne Castle and everything that once belonged to Sir William – including Cynthia. Sir Constantine, Knight of the Round Table, has come to the shire to give Cynthia the news that her fiancé has fallen in battle. With him is William’s oral will giving all he owns to Cynthia as though they had been wed. But when he finds Cynthia and discovers that the shire under the control of an evil warlord, he knows he cannot leave without first driving Simon and his soldiers from the land. Drawn together by an attraction older than time, Cynthia and Constantine soon discover that though a vow made by a knight’s honor has brought them together, it may just also cost them their lives.

**Excerpt**

Cynthia felt the blood race though her body. From her hiding place among the rows of trees lining the forest clearing, her blue eyes studied the soldiers packing camp and getting ready to move on. They would not see her. She wore a peasant’s tunic that came to her knees, green to blend into the bushes and trees shielding her, with dark brown leggings the color of rich bark. She’d tied the large shirt around her waist with a length of cord on which she had placed a small dagger for protection. A brown cowl covered her blond hair to complete the disguise.

Like a scout sent to evaluate the strength of an enemy before battle, she again scanned the area. The large tent in the center of the clearing had to be Simon’s.

She had been planning this since from moment she’d found out that Simon was taking out the hawk She knew what she had to do and prayed for the courage to do to.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, summoning all her strength and courage. When she opened them, he was there, a mere hundred yards separating him from her. She watched him gesture to his soldiers with animated movements, clearly agitated. The soldiers rushed to comply with whatever command he had given them. Within moments, most had mounted their horses and sped away, leaving only five behind.

Simon took a step forward and surveyed the area, his gaze halting at the place where she hid. She smothered the gasp that rose in her throat and held her breath. Could he see her? She could hear her heartbeat thundering in her ears as she dared mot move for fear of discovery. Endless seconds passed as she stood perfectly still, waiting for either detection or deliverance. After what seemed like a lifetime, he turned and went back inside his tent.

Feeling her body release, she reaffirmed her decision and raised the bow set firmly in her left hand. Reaching back with her right, she removed an arrow from the quiver slung across her back. With a practiced hand, she set the arrow in place and pulled back on the string. Raising the bow to eye level, she touched the string to her cheek to center her aim and looked down the shaft of the arrow. From her vantage point, there was nothing between her and the entrance to the tent. The metal tip at the end was perfectly aimed at the center opening. Simon need only to appear once more.

Her arm quivered slightly as she waited. She knew what she was about to do was risky, but it was the only way she knew to really be free of him.

Then suddenly he was there, Lord Simon of Cowell, taking in what Cynthia hoped would be his last breath of air. She pulled the arrow tighter, her heartbeat rising. She need only let go when suddenly the bow was snatched from her hand from behind. The arrow once aimed straight and true at her adversary’s heart fell harmlessly to the ground. Before she could react, she felt a hand grab onto her arm.

“In the northern part of the kingdom, that would be murder, boy.” a distinctly male voice from behind her said.

Held nearly immobile by a powerful grip, Cynthia watched powerlessly as Simon mounted the horse that had been brought to him, heeled it into motion and ride away.

Angrily, she spun as much as the grasp allowed, confronting the man who had hindered her. “I had him in my sights! How dare you interfere with …” She stopped, her words cut as her gaze locked with the most incredible pair of brown eyes she had ever seen.

She stared, spellbound and open mouthed at their owner. Hair, the color of a field of wheat fell to his shoulders. His mouth was outlined with short, carefully groomed facial hair that drew her full attention to the sensual smile on his lips. Broad shoulders sat atop what appeared to be a brawny chest, the impression aided by the strength of his grip.

She felt the muscles in his arm encircling her waist flex and then release, the pleasant sensation sending a warmth through her. Never before had she allowed a man, especially such a handsome one, to be so close to her.

CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE
AVAILABLE FROM THE WILD ROSE PRES – www.thewildrosepress.com
Available at Amazon.com
Click here for Kindle edition
Click here for Paperback edition
Books on Board at www.booksonboard.com

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Cannellini & Pasta

pastaSunday was one of those lazy days and neither hubby nor I wanted to cook. Plus, I had done some food shopping and there were some things we had to use so they would stay fresh. Hubby recalled a recipe he had seen on TV and did a little improvisation. You can as well and end up with a healthy, hearty and economical meal!

So today’s Tuesday tip is a recipe for Cannellini & Pasta! Now the fun thing about this is that if you some protein in the meal, you can use either ham, chicken, sausage or even shrimp.

  • Bob’s Cannellini & Pasta:

    • Ingredients:
    2 cloves Garlic
    1 tsp red pepper flakes
    1/4 cup Olive Oil
    28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
    1 16 oz can cannellini beans
    2 handfuls fresh spinach (baby if possible, if not, please chop)
    1/2 pound pasta (preferably a rigatoni, penne, etc. This is for 2 people. Make it a pound for more than 2 people)
    Optional: 1/2 pound protein (ham, chicken, sausage, shrimp)

    Directions:
    Saute garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until garlic is soft.
    Add canellini beans and also, the liquid from the can. Saute for a few minutes and then add crushed tomatoes. Reduce sauce until it begins to thicken. Add chopped spinach. Allow spinach to wilt. Spinach has a lot of natural water, so you will need to reduce the sauce a little more.

    If you are going to add the ham, chicken or sausage, cook this first with the garlic and red pepper flakes. If you’re using shrimp, you don’t want to overcook them and should add them with the spinach.

    Hope you enjoyed this Tuesday’s Tip. Also, don’t forget about the Brenda Novak auction and some fun news for you – we’re having a guest blogger tomorrow – Kathye Quick. Kathye is a dear friend and the author of several books. Tomorrow she’ll be blogging about her latest CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE. Here’s a little blurb about it! Also, if you drop by and leave a comment, you will be eligible to win a CALLING T-shirt!

    Lady Cynthia of Abertaine is trapped. Not only has her fiancé. Sir William Leyborne, not been back to the castle for over ten years, but she’s also not a titled Lady. Lord Simon of Cowell, a renegade warlord aligned with Mordred against Arthur and his Knights, has declared himself sovereign over Leyborne Castle and everything that once belonged to Sir William – including Cynthia. Sir Constantine, Knight of the Round Table, has come to the shire to give Cynthia the news that her fiancé has fallen in battle. With him is William’s oral will giving all he owns to Cynthia as though they had been wed. But when he finds Cynthia and discovers that the shire under the control of an evil warlord, he knows he cannot leave without first driving Simon and his soldiers from the land. Drawn together by an attraction older than time, Cynthia and Constantine soon discover that though a vow made by a knight’s honor has brought them together, it may just also cost them their lives.

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    Guilty Pleasures Monday – Shemar Moore

    This Monday’s Guilty Pleasure is Shemar Moore who is currently appearing on one of my must watch shows – Criminal Minds. Unfortunately it’s up against LOST which means I usually catch it on the DVR.

    Shemar is an Emmy award winning actor who spent some time on The Young and the Restless and was also a male model. On Criminal Minds he plays Derek Morgan who seems to be the muscle and law enforcement type on the show. Shemar has also appeared a number of other series and movies.

    Also want to share with you some items that are available at the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction! First there is this amazing Sabor Latino basket put together by my friend, Olga. Besides some of my novels, there are some wonderful food items as well as a lovely pair of silver earrings and matching pendant.

    elsaborlatinobasket

    To bid on this item, you can click here or paste this link into your browser:
    http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?e=rb&id=1306195

    You can also bid on the following items that I’ve donated for the auction:

    A signed ARC of SINS OF THE FLESH (A June 2009 release)
    A signed copy of FURY CALLS
    A t-shirt for SINS OF THE FLESH
    http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1379107

    Complete set of The Calling Vampire novels – PLUS — Calling T-shirt. Novels: DARKNESS CALLS, DANGER CALLS, TEMPTATION CALLS, DEATH CALLS, DEVOTION CALLS, BLOOD CALLS, HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE, DESIRE CALLS and FURY CALLS
    http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1341802

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    Fun Friday – Tough Movie Choices

    Superheroes or outerspace? Futuristic versus anarchistic? I am in the throes of making some tough movie choices this month since I’m trying to be more frugal, but there are three – count them three – movies that so need to be seen on the big screen! Such tough choices.

    First there’s X-MENS: ORIGINS WOLVERINE. Hugh Jackman. What can I say. Very hot. Love superheroes. But, I suspect there aren’t as many big screen action scenes in this one compared to the other two. Here’s a trailer for you to watch!

    Then there is the latest installment of the STAR TREK franchise starring sexy Chris Pine playing a bad boy Kirk. It looks like this would be a good one to watch on the big screen and it’s a tough choice between this one and my last possibility. What do you think? Does the trailer snag you?

    Finally, the one that will probably win the battle since both hubby and I looked at one another and said, WOW! It’s got hottie Christian Bale, although his latest antics have worn away a lot of the hotness factor. Still, this is another franchise that I love and as Arnold said, “I’ll be back.” The franchise is back and it’s looking really good. What do you think?

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    Thoughtful Thursday – Parking and the Economy

    parkI’m usually at the train station between 5:40 and 5:50 so I can catch a train to work. Ungodly hours, I know, but even at that hour, there would only be a few spots left to park.

    Not so anymore. In the past few months, I and the rest of my fellow train pals have noticed an ever-increasing number of empty spots. In addition, the one train which was always packed now regularly has empty seats.

    What should I think about that? There’s always a drop-off in early June as schools have let out and students and teachers take the summer off. But it’s not early June and this trend has been growing for some time.

    My train pals are saying that it’s on account of layoffs and sadly I don’t think that they are mistaken. With many New York businesses feeling the impact of the financial sector meltdown, retail store closings and the economy lagging, I suspect that there are people who are either being furloughed or laid off.

    Have you noticed any such signs in your neighborhood?

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    Wicked Wednesday – SINS OF THE FLESH

    sinscoversmallThe cover gods have been very very good to me! Just look at the stunning front and back covers for my November release SINS OF THE FLESH. A big thanks to my publisher – Grand Central Publishing – and all involved with producing such works of art! And because its Wicked Wednesday, I’m giving you a little tidbit from SINS OF THE FLESH as well as the enticing back cover copy!

    Back Cover Copy:
    Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.
    sinsbacksmall
    Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.


    Prologue

    The day the music died, Caterina Shaw did as well.

    Not physically, although she understood the death of her body was inevitable. She had come to terms with that reality some time ago. She had even managed to deal with the blindness caused by the tumor eating away her brain. But then the pain had become so great that it had silenced the music, stealing away the only thing that had made life worth the anguish.

    “You understand this treatment is new and uncertain,” Dr. Rudy Wells explained, his voice smooth and comforting. The touch of his hand, warm and reassuring, came against hers as it rested on her thigh.

    “I understand,” she said and faced the direction of that calming voice.

    Another person abruptly chimed in, his tones as strident and grating as a badly played oboe. “We’ll begin with laser surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor followed by two different courses of gene therapy.”

    Two? she wondered and sensed Dr. Wells’ hesitation as well from the tremble that skated across his fingers. He removed his hand from hers and said, “Dr. Edwards believes that we can not only shut down the tumor growing in your brain, but possibly regrow the portion of your optic nerve that the tumor damaged.”

    Caterina’s only wish when considering the experimental treatment had been to stop the pain so that she could play her cello once again. So that her last months would be filled with the vitality her music provided.

    It was through her music that she lived. That her mother lived, Caterina thought, recalling the passion she had felt as a small child when her mother had played the piano for her; the way her mother’s fingers had coaxed life from the keys much like she now did with a stroke of her bow and the deft touch of her fingers on the strings of her cello.

    Or at least like she had up until the cancer had put an end to her music, bringing her life to a close. Except now she was being told something different.

    Caterina had never thought about eliminating the tumor. Every prognosis so far had been that she was terminal. Now these new doctors told her not only that might she live, but that she might actually see again too. She didn’t dare believe that she would be able to get her old life back completely, as well as her sight but . . .

    “You think I’ll be able to recover? To see again?” Caterina asked, needing to be sure she had understood correctly.

    “The risks are great, my dear,” Dr. Wells urged gently.

    “But you qualify for the human trials because of the advanced state of your illness, Ms. Shaw,” Dr. Edwards added, annoyance at his partner evident in the staccato beats of his voice.

    Her advanced state which could possibly bring death even with this treatment, Caterina thought. Not that she feared her end. What she did fear was letting the pain in her head rob her of the one thing she could not live without.

    Her music.

    She knew without hesitation that it was worth any risk to regain that part of her. To drive back the illness so she could play her cello once more and reanimate her heart for as long as she had left if the treatments couldn’t stop the tumor.

    “What do you need me to do?”

    Copyright 2009 Caridad Pineiro Scordato

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