Seven Things I Will Try to Love

“The way to know life is to love many things.” ~ Van Gogh

Well, this quote is just begging for a list, don’t you think?

Seven Things I Will Try to Love This Month (Yeah, seven, because everybody always does ten.)

1.      Mornings – My nemesis, The Morning, greets me each day with a punch to the jaw. I’m never ready for it. The alarm sounds. I groan like a wounded animal and slither out of bed, dropping to the floor and army-crawling to the bathroom where I’m supposed to perform some sort of magic trick and get ready to face The World. Ugh. I’ll try to love it this month. I will.

2.      Yogurt – A vile substance intended for creatures with no teeth or taste buds, yogurt reminds me of something you’d use in construction not in nutrition. I’ve heard it’s good for you though, like in all sorts of ways, so I’ll give it a chance this month. I’m buying the one with mini-M&Ms in it though. You can’t stop me.

3.      Driving – I’m a much better passenger. It makes me feel like an important person to be driven around. I can drive. I’m good at it, but I just hate it. Probably why I live four minutes from work, my parents, and most of what I need to survive in Suburbia. This month, however, I will focus on enjoying the journey behind the wheel. I do love my car, a bright orange Subaru CrossTrek. I’ll crank the tunes and channel my inner NASCAR driver. Start your engines…

4.      Grocery Shopping – I usually go right after work on a Wednesday night, and by that time, I want people to die. Especially people who park their shopping carts diagonally in the middle of the cookie aisle. Like, I NEED my cookies, peeps! Get out of the way. I’m also one of those folks who, upon entering a grocery store, am immediately NOT hungry in any way, shape, or form. Therefore, nothing looks good to me and I end up plopping any old things into the cart just to get the heck out of there. (Besides the cookies. That’s serious business.) During the month of February, I will look at grocery shopping as a lovely opportunity to try new foods and experiment with recipes. Cooking is an art form, right? I’ll be an artist… unless you block my path to the cookies. Then I’m an assassin.

5.      Neighbors – This is going to be a tough one. I don’t talk to any of my neighbors, most of whom I’ve lived near for ten years or more. It’s nuts, I know, but they’re just not like me. (Don’t call me a snob!) This month, I will try to find some common ground, spark up a neighborly conversation, not let my 110-pound, all black, German Shepherd growl viciously at them. I’ll be friendly. I’ll smile. Well, I won’t frown. How’s that?

6.      Country Music – I love many, many kinds of music. I’ll listen to just about everything, even obscure chanting from remote places around the globe. But country music? Bleck. While I love cowboys, I can’t get into the honky-tonk tunes. I’d much rather listen to some bass-heavy rap with explicit, demeaning lyrics than someone crooning about travelin’ down a dusty road and leavin’ his heart in Alabama. I’ll give it a shot though. I’ll picture leaning against a fence while I watch a hunk in faded jeans and cowboy boots tame a wild horse. Yeah, this could work. Give me some country music suggestions too, because I don’t even know where to start on this one.

7.      Fashion – If it were up to me, I’d wear a uniform every day, preferably my pajamas. Making fashion decisions makes my head hurt. Part of my reasons for not liking The Morning is that I have to figure out what to wear to work. It’s not too hard because everything in my closet is black or black, but I still struggle. This month, I will try to branch out of the black zone (hey, I did buy a purple purse last month) and really put some love into my style choices. Again, if anyone has suggestions on must have fashion items, please let me know. I need tutoring. Badly.

So there’s my seven. I’m not saying I’ll be able to love everything on this list by the time the month is over, but it’s a goal. I’ll do my best. At the very least, making this list gave me some ideas for character traits to give my fictional friends in my books. Win!

What are some things you don’t love but could try to love?

And here's a FREE ebook for you too! My first book in The Maple Leaf Series is now FREE! You can find it here:

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Toodles,

Chris

The Maple Leaf Series, Available on Amazon, print and ebook

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

Love

Think about how many times a day you say you “love” something.

 

“I love this song.”

 

“I love these cookies.”

“I love your boots.”

 

“I love snowshoeing.”

 

Love, love, love. That word often rolls right off our tongues whenever we enjoy something, but we don’t always appreciate what the word encompasses. Love is one of those words that has degrees of meaning. You say you love your new sweater, but would you feel empty inside if you lost it or it got damaged? Would you sob if it shrunk in the dryer? Would you defend its honor? Would you die for it?

 

Of course not, so do you really “love” it?

 

This February, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I challenge you to think about what you really do love in your life right now. Take an inventory and if there are important people on your Love List, tell them so. Show them. And if there’s something keeping you from professing and displaying your love, get over it.

 

Life is short. Love is one of the best parts of life. Enjoy all the love you can.

 

For more love, try any one of my books. Happily ever afters guaranteed. Visit www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com.

 

 

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com Adult Romance

www.christymajor.weebly.com YA Romance

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Sharing the Love - Christine DePetrillo

Love is at the heart of all romances. This month is about sharing that love, so here is an excerpt from my contemporary romance, Kisses to Remember. In this tale, graphic designer Johanna Ware welcomes pilot Holden Lancaster into her home after he is injured in a plane crash. He's lost part of his memory, but creates new memories while staying with Johanna, her son, and her father-in-law.

Enjoy the love! :)

****

Johanna fussed with her hair in the bathroom mirror. After returning from the hospital, she’d agreed to the boys’ requests that she stay away from the kitchen, dining, and living room areas. She’d worked a little in her office, showered, and now had on a black tank dress that cut to a V at her breasts. A bit of makeup graced her face and a necklace with a silver heart on the end Kam had given her one Christmas was around her neck. She hoped she had the right look going for whatever Kam, Holden, and apparently even Ted were scheming to do tonight.

She’d beaten herself up mentally about cutting into the vision Holden had at the hospital, but he’d looked pale and hazy. Her first thought had been that Dr. Sakala had delivered some horrifying news. She should have known he was remembering something by the faraway expression on his face. 

She inspected herself in the mirror again and said to Miles sitting by her feet, “I’ll make it up to him later tonight.” She adjusted her breasts in the dress to make more of her cleavage show. “Hope you can handle Fancy Johanna, Holden Lancaster.”

After smearing on more lipstick, she snuck into her bedroom with Miles scratching along behind her. She peered at the alarm clock by her bed. 6:58 p.m. Two minutes until Holden said she was allowed to make her appearance in the kitchen. Fifty-seven seconds to think about how wonderful it was to have Holden around. Forty-nine seconds to wonder if she’d gone overboard with the lavender body spray. Thirty-eight seconds to think about how happy Kam was about spending time with Holden. Thirty-two seconds to be impressed by the progress of Ted’s cabin. Twenty-six seconds to worry about Alex getting beat up in prison. Twenty-one seconds to consider putting on shoes, then deciding against it. Fourteen seconds to open her bedroom door a crack and inhale the garlic-scented air coming from the forbidden rooms. Nine seconds to brush dog hair off her dress, six seconds to give herself one more look in the bathroom mirror, three seconds to edge down the hallway and…

“Johanna,” Holden said, nearly bumping into her. “You’re right on schedule, my lady, and you look…holy shit, you look amazing.” He stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. Ah, the power of the little black dress.

He bowed before her and held out his elbow. He wore black jeans and a white T-shirt with a black, construction paper bow tie around his neck.

“Nice outfit on you too.” Johanna hooked her arm through his, and he escorted her into the dining room.  

He adjusted the paper tie. “Thank you. We went top-of-the-line on everything this evening.” His grin sent ripples of arousal through Johanna.

He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. Miles made a big circle around the table, but scooted into the kitchen when Kam came into the dining room also wearing black pants, a white T-shirt, and a paper bow tie. Johanna laughed and held out her hand to her son.

“Come over here.” She wiggled her fingers. “You look so handsome.” She raised her gaze to Holden. “Both of you do.”

Ted came hobbling in on his crutches wearing the same uniform, though his tie was a little crinkled and crooked.

“Wow,” Johanna said. “Ted too. This is quite an accomplishment.” Ted rarely deviated from his stained, heavy-duty work pants and threadbare T-shirts.

“It’s for a good cause,” Ted said as he settled in the chair at the head of the table.

Kam pulled out the closest chair so Ted could elevate his leg. “How’s that feel, Pep?”

“It feels like a pretty nurse gave me exactly the right pills.” He ruffled Kam’s hair and turned toward Johanna. “I may have convinced said pretty nurse to make a home visit to this invalid tomorrow. That okay?”

“Yeah,” Johanna said. “If I can take in pilots that fall from the sky, you can certainly have nurses stopping by.”

“No nurses,” Ted said. “Just one nurse.”

“A very special nurse,” Kam teased.

“Quit it, kid. I’ve got pictures of you learning how to use the crapper I can show Crystal, or Catherine, or…what’s her name?”

“I’m not telling you.” Kam stuck out his tongue at Ted, then looked at Holden. “Can we start now?”

“Yeah, Holden, can we start now?” Johanna mimicked Kam’s pleading tone and clapped her hands together. “What smells so good?”

“Me,” all three of the males answered together.

“You’re all so modest.” Johanna laughed.

“Kam, come help me.” Holden directed the boy back into the kitchen leaving Johanna and Ted in the dining room.

“What’s going on here?” Johanna asked.

“A little appreciation, that’s all.” Ted waved the bottle of wine he’d uncorked and Johanna handed him her glass. As he filled it, he said, “You take care of everybody, Johanna. Tonight is to show you how much we love you.” He tapped his glass to hers and they both took a sip.

Love. Johanna let this word cycle around her head. She knew Kam loved her. He said it all the time and well, they had ten years together under their collective belts. Ted loved her like a daughter as she loved him like a father. Her own father had died before she’d gotten married and truthfully, she’d never been that close to him. Not as close as she was to Ted.

But Holden? Does he love me too? Do I love him? She could see how easy it would be to fall completely in love with Holden, but was that wise? She kept telling herself that his past wouldn’t change things, but her more logical side knew that wasn’t necessarily true. He could remember something that would make it impossible for them to be together. That thought made her stomach protest.

“Hey.” Ted’s voice made her look at him. “Don’t think too hard, sweetheart. Enjoy the night. Holden and Kam worked hard.”

“Under your expert guidance, no doubt.”

Ted held out his hands. “Of course.”

With Miles on his heels, Kam came back into the dining room toting a bowl of salad, Holden right behind him with dressings and a basket of bread. When everyone had a full plate and a chunk of bread, Holden stood at his seat and cleared his throat.

“This evening is in tribute to the wonderful…”

“the amazing…” Kam added.

“the superfantasticspectacular…” Ted chimed in.

“woof…” Miles inserted.

“Johanna Ware,” Holden finished. “I know I haven’t been here as long as these other two guys, but you make me feel as if I have.”

Yeah, definitely easy to fall in love with him.

He motioned to Kam who reached under the table and presented Johanna with a neatly folded T-shirt. When she shook it out, the words, “World’s Best Everything” graced the front of it.

“We were going to make you a trophy,” Kam started, “but then no one else will know how awesome you are. This you can wear in public.” His little face beamed at her, and Johanna squeezed him around the waist.

“Thanks. All of you.” Her throat was tight as she fought not to cry like a blubbering idiot.   

Holden held up his wine glass. Ted held up his, and Kam held up his glass of milk.

“To Mom!” Kam roared.

They clinked glasses and dove into a meal Johanna would never forget. Stuffed mushrooms. Eggplant parmigiana with pasta. Fruit plate. Chocolate velvet pie for dessert. Each course brought her new levels of bliss. No one had ever cooked for her like this. Not her mother when she was a child. Not Alex. Not even restaurants she’d gone too, even the fancier ones when on a business meeting.

And it was more than the food being tasty. The guys had somehow managed to bake their gratitude into every bite.

“You’re all magnificent,” she announced when only crumbs remained on their dessert plates. She got up and kissed Ted on the cheek and Kam on the forehead. When she got to Holden’s seat, Ted nudged Kam.

“Come on, kid. Let’s get started on cleaning that kitchen. She ain’t going to think we’re that magnificent if she sees the mess in there.”

When they were gone, Holden pushed his chair back from the table and patted his lap. Johanna lowered and slid her arms around his shoulders.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He reached up and kissed her lips. A few slow tastes, but that was enough to get her hungry for more.

“This was a lovely night, Holden. Lovely.” She cupped his face in her hands and got lost in the blue of his eyes.

“Was?” He arched an eyebrow. “Who said it was over?”

 

****

 

Want some more love? Download Kisses to Remember today! From Amazon here and Nook here. Only $2.99.

 

 

Toodles,

 

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

www.nighteternal.weebly.com



First Love by Jena Galifany

 February is the month of Love. Every one knows it and everyone embraces it (with the exception of many grade school aged boys). While researching the holiday of Valentine's day, I've seen in one place that men spend the most money and another that says women hold that distinction. But does money need to play an important role in showing someone your affection for them?

It can sometimes be a difficult thing to show your love for another. There are many levels of love. My first love was at the age of four. I fell in love with an actor named Guy Williams. I saw him in a movie titled "Captain Sindbad". He was the most wonder man I'd ever seen and growing up at the movie theater, I'd seen many in the first four years of my life. Five years later, I found him again in the Walt Disney version of "Zorro". Again I was thunderstruck.

Commemorative Lapel Pin Aug. 2, 2001

My love of Guy lasted many years. I've written fan-fiction for his version of Zorro. In 2001, I had the privilege of working with a group, along with Guy Jr., in getting Guy his posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I was further working on getting Guy "Legend" status at Disney via letting the powers that be know that Guy was as huge part of the building of Disney Land in California in the 50's by proceeds raised from Zorro merchandise. We wanted them to know that after all of these years, Guy as Zorro was still encouraging writers, artists and young people. We compiled and submitted two books of fan-fiction, artwork and letters confirming his continued inspiration.

I had to leave the group due to work restrictions. This second honor was bestowed on Guy in 2011. I have no regrets at being a part of these projects to honor my first love, Armando Catalano, better known as Guy Williams.(Zorro, Prof. John Robinson of Lost in Space).

I can't spend so much time talking about love and not mention my husband of twenty-two years, Steve. When we met, he told me that he was not a romantic person. Over the years, he's shown me that the statement was not altogether true. He's made a few fabulous shows of romance. One spectacular example is the piece he wrote for ShadowsForge, Retaking America, book three in the series. Lead singer Geoff Richards is trying to decide how to propose to Valerie Leonard. I hope you enjoy it:
_________________

Geoff dropped the ring into his pocket, squared his shoulders, stepped up to the door and knocked. An eternity passed before Valerie answered with a smile.

“I’ll be right with you.” Valerie went to the table, shutting down her laptop as Geoff waited in the doorway. She was wearing the same outfit she had worn at the interview, navy blue slacks that fit every curve, blue blouse and black heels. We’ve come full circle.

“I thought we’d eat in my room, if that’s all right with you.”

Valerie nodded. “Sounds good to me. I’m ready.” She stepped past Geoff, allowing him to pull her door closed.

Geoff put his arm around her as they walked in silence down the hall to his room. Valerie smiled when he opened the door for her. The lights were dim. The drapes were open, providing the backdrop of a starry night sky. A table had been set up, dinner for two. Candles, white tablecloth, champagne, and a single white rose.

“This is beautiful. Not exactly your style but I love it.”

She moved to the window. While she enjoyed the view, Geoff took the ring from his pocket, hoping the perfect opportunity would present itself. He stepped up behind her, trying to think of the right words as he palmed the ring.

She glanced up at him. “I wish I could hold the stars in my hand.”

He couldn’t have asked for a better opening. “Would you like me to get them for you?”

Valerie looked over her shoulder at him. “You’d do that for me?”

He smiled his media smile. “Watch this.” He wrapped one arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. He swept the star field back and forth as he gathered every twinkling light. Holding them tight, he showed her his closed fist. Reaching around her with both arms, he worked to compact the stars, tucking in any escaping starlight between his fingers. He wrapped his arm around her again, opening his hand. The ring sparkled in his palm, reflecting the candlelight. “The stars—for you.”

  ________________________

Being an ex-roadie, Steve gives me the technical guidance for back stage with ShadowsForge but I believe he gave me the most romantic moment in Retaking America.

 Expressions of love don't have to cost money. In my opinion, I'd rather have kind words softly spoken than pink verse mass produced with a single name signed at the bottom. I'd rather have a circle of warm arms embracing me than a cold piece of metal to adorn my skin. Give me the scent of a real man, not the fragrance of dying blossoms. Time with the one that I love is what I want most on St. Valentine's Day or any day of the week, month or year, for that matter.

 Zorro fan-fiction can be read HERE.
More on the history of St. Valentine's Day can be read HERE.
More ShadowsForge can be found on my WEBSITE.

Cheers,
Jena' Galifany

Un-Valentine’s Day

I hate Valentine’s Day. I know, I know. I write romance novels. How can I hate Valentine’s Day? I do. I’m sorry. See, I want the happy little moments you get in romance novels all through the year, not just on February 14^th.

I’ve been married for nearly fourteen years, and I don’t expect my husband to jump through hoops, proving his love for me in the middle of February. Cut the guy a break, you know? The dude builds me furniture with his own two hands, eats whatever I put in front of him for dinner, makes sure my car is serviced and safe to drive, fixes whatever might be broken…the list goes on and on. He’s more than done his part. No amount of flowers or candy is going to improve my image of him. I already have a good, slightly saw-dusted image of him without him having to plan a romantic, candlelit dinner for two. Never liked eating by candlelight anyway. I need to see my food. 

Also, when did Valentine’s Day become just about the woman? If you don’t fast-forward through commercials on TV near this time of year, you’ll see that there are a million advertisements for jewelry, chick flicks, chocolates, and women’s clothing. How about some commercials for motorcycles, tools, gadgets and gizmos, sports equipment, old Clint Eastwood movies, and meat? (You know how much men love steaks. C’mon.) Don’t men deserve something for putting up with us women? Sure they do.

So here’s a list of ways to boycott Valentine’s Day should you be so inclined.

1. Do not wear read, pink, or anything covered in hearts on February 14^th.
2. Do not leave catalogs for jewelry where you know your man will find them.
3. Do not use sticky notes to mark the earrings you like in the catalogs mentioned in number 2 above.
4. Do not buy new lingerie or the little heart candies with messages on them.
5. Do not plan to watch a romantic comedy.
6. Do not cook a dinner meant to activate your libido. Absolutely no seafood, blueberries, or cinnamon all of which are aphrodisiacs.
7. Do not play smooth jazz with lots of saxophone.
8. Do not write any “Roses are red, violets are blue” poems. (Good advice on any day really.)
9. Do not light any candles.
10. Do not get naked, drizzle yourself in chocolate sauce, and wait for your man to come home from work. You know chocolate sauce tastes better on ice cream. Your man knows it too. Just cut to the ice cream and make everyone happy.

I wish you a happy Un-Valentine’s Day. May love be with you all through the year, not just on February 14^th.

Christine

ABRA CADAVER, The Wild Rose Press, available now

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