THE NEW AMERICAN IDOL!

Scotty McCreery, American Idol (photo from FOX)

Moments ago, local boy Scotty McCreery was crowned the 2011 AMERICAN IDOL. Everyone here in North Carolina are super proud of this God-fearing, baseball pitching, country-crooning seventeen old high school junior from nearby Garner.

Good Luck in whatever comes from your hard work and perseverance, Scotty!

Nancy

THOR is one hot Blond!

Here is the theater trailer for the hot new 3-D movie, THOR (in theaters May 6th). My interest in the character is purely historical. As one of the comic book heroes I grew up with, he never really took off. Here is his chance! And, with Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman in the lead rolls, this movie will change everything. Oh, and don't forget...Anthony Hopkins plays the mighty Odin!

The story premise:

The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Amazing what a hot costume and long hair does to a super hero. As one blond, married to another blond, the hair does it for me!

The Cast & Directors:

Director: Kenneth Branagh


Writers: Ashley Miller (screenplay), Zack Stentz (screenplay)


Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman

As a romance author, this photo says it all and I hope these two enjoy a happy ever after ending. I will be in the center row, watching the story unfold. Anyone want to join me?

Nancy

BIRDWATCHING

My cat, Blaze, is my companion while I work at home, writing. He appreciates the bird feeders we placed outside my office window. Since he has grown to 14 pounds, the birds usually can see him coming. Looks like he is trying to hide!

Another day at the zoo.
Nancy

A TREE FELL ON MY CAR!

The pictures say it all. What a mess. Worse...more trees are leaning toward the house, and one is dead, very different than this healthy maple tree. We are very lucky especially since hearing on TV that over 200 people have died in the south overnight.

The birds are upset as well. Where did the birdfeeder go?

Nancy

AFTER THE TORNADO

Today is dark, dreary, and wet. It is also about 11 days since massive tornadoes ripped through North Carolina. A deadly one, which killed four children in one mobile home, happened about 5 miles east of our home.

My heartfelt prayers go to the victims and their families. My husband and I were 3 hours away at a Scottish Highland Games north of Charlotte. We survived a horrific windstorm and sideways rain but no tornado.

Our homes can be replaced...for the most part. As a writer, I understand all about backup. When I realized I left all the computers at home, along with my printed manuscripts, and flashdrives, I panicked. You see, we planned to stay over one night and I did not want to irritate my husband by sitting in an expensive hotel room tapping on a keyboard. We ended up staying a second night because of the storms. Next time, I will fill my luggage and car with backup discs, flashdrives, and one computer.

Well, today's rain is helping me clean-up my office, signup for TWITTER, and work on my query letter for HEAVEN SENT WARRIOR, my latest paranormal manuscript. I am currently looking for the perfect agent.  Wish me luck!
Nancy

EARTH DAY 2011

In high school, back on the first Earth Day-April 22, 1970-I remember a class or two meeting outside and reading about this new 'holiday' and it opened my eyes. We were recently allowed to wear jeans in school, and spring blouses were sheer and colorful. Flowers were everywhere. Spring came a bit late on Long Island, about 30 miles west of New York City, but I had a feeling something good had begun.

Many years later, while working at a hardware store in New Hampshire, I organized an Earth day celebration in the local schools. Our store advertised a coloring contest and asked schools to prompt the kids to color the page and have them posted in our store windows. Then we chose three prize winning schools. I personally delivered a wheelbarrow filled with planting supplies to the to three schools.

The contest motivated the kids and teachers to get invloved in every step AND they learned that winning something that helped everyone-not just themselves-was a great feeling of accomplishment. The contest made our small hardware store a part of the community as well.

Earth Day might be filled with hardship for others.

Plant some flowers or, as in our area, help a family pick up trash after the tornado. Whatever you do, give back to family, friends, neighbors, or Mother Earth. Taking part and helping others will make you feel good. I promise.

Nancy

Lori Hayes Keizer and I spent a wonderful eveing last night at opening night of the Durham, NC Full Frame Film Festival. We were fortunate to view the first North America showing of the documentary GUILTY PLEASURES, an insight into the Harlequin mystique.

Harleguin's UK office is Mills & Boon and the story evolved around one of their writers (a man), a reader in India, one in Tokyo, another troubled English couple, and a New York based cover model.

Lori and I found out, when the lights went up, we were sitting behind the model! Yum!

Check out the link...

DURHAM FULL FRAME FILM FESTIVAL

Nancy