The Best Of Massive Attack...My 10 Favorite Songs And Lyrics

Massive Attack is one of my favorite bands of all time, and their music fits just about any mood I am in. Massive Attack is considered trip hop, but I find their music to be so much more. Whether you are feeling funky, melancholy, sexy, or chill, there is a Massive Attack song or two for you.

Massive Attack is a British band formed in 1988. The band consists of Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. Blue Lines was their debut album, released in 1991 with my favorite song "Unfinished Sympathy". Massive Attack continues to go strong 

My 10 Favorite Massive Attack Songs

1. Angel

2. Unfinished Sympathy

3. Paradise Circus

4. The Spoils

5. Protection

6. Teardrop

7. Saturday Come Slowly

8. What Your Soul Sings

9. Special Cases

10. Dissolved Girl

Angel - Mezzanine

You are my angel
Come from way above to bring me love
Her eyes, she's on the dark side
Neutralize every man in sight

To love you, love you, love you

You are my angel
Come from way above

To love you, love you, love you

Songwriters: Horace Keith Hinds / Robert Del Naja / Grantley Marshall / Andrew Lee Isaac Vowles

Unfinished Sympathy - Blue Lines

I know that I've been mad in love before
And how it could be with you
Really hurt me baby, really hurt me baby
How can have a day without a night
You're the book that I have opened
And now I've got to know much more

The curiousness of your potential kiss
Has got my mind and body aching
Really hurt me baby, really hurt me baby
How can you have a day without a night
You're the book that I have opened
And now I've got to know much more

Like a soul without a mind
In a body without a heart
I'm missing every part
[Repeat: x 5]

Songwriters: Robert Del Naja / Grantley Marshall / Shara Nelson / Jonathan Sharp / Andrew Lee Isaac Vowles

Paradise Circus - Heligoland

It's unfortunate that when we feel a stone
We can roll ourselves over 'cause we're uncomfortable
Oh well, the devil makes us sin
But we like it when we're spinning in his grip

Love is like a sin, my love,
For the ones that feel it the most
Look at her with her eyes like a flame
She will love you like a fly will never love you again

It's unfortunate that when we feel a stone
We can roll ourselves over when we're uncomfortable
Oh well, the devil makes us sin
But we like it when we're spinning in his grip

Love is like a sin, my love,
For the one that feels it the most
Look at her with a smile like a flame
She will love you like a fly will never love you again

Songwriters: Grantley Marshall, Hope Sandoval, Stewart Jackson, Daniel Brown, Robert Naja

The Spoils - Single

I got that feeling, that bad feeling that you don't know
I don't even know her but I hope that she comforts you tonight

Nobody here that keeps you in the shade and ever owned you
Some sentimental tears or someone else's girl that drips away

But I somehow slowly love you
And wanna keep you the same
Well, I somehow slowly know you
And wanna keep you away

I got that feeling, that bad feeling that you don't know
I don't even know her but I hope that she comforts you tonight

And I somehow slowly love you
And wanna keep you this way
Well, I somehow slowly know you
And wanna keep you away, away

And I somehow slowly love you
And wanna keep you this way
Well, I somehow slowly know you
And wanna keep you

But I somehow slowly love you
And wanna keep you the same
Well, I somehow slowly know you
And wanna keep you away

Songwriters: Grantley Marshall, Hope Sandoval, Stewart Jackson,

Protection - Collected

This girl I know needs some shelter
But she don't believe anyone can help her
She's doing so much harm doing so much damage
But you don't want to get involved
You tell her she can manage
Now you can't change the way she feels
But you could put your arm around her

I know you want to live yourself
But could you forgive yourself
If you left her just the way you found her

I'll stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection
I'll stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a boy and I'm a girl
But you know you can lean on me
And I don't have no fear
I'll take on any man here
Who says that's not the way it should be

I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

She's a girl and you're a boy
Sometimes you look so small (look so small) 
You've got a baby of your own
When your baby's gone
She'll be the one
To catch you when you fall

I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a girl and I'm a boy
You're a girl and I'm a boy
Yeah
You're a girl and I'm a boy
You're a girl and I'm a boy

Sometimes you look so small
I need some shelter
Just run around helter skelter
And I've leaned on you before
Now you can lean on me
That's more then it will ever be
That's the way it should be
I can't change the way you feel
But I could put my arms around you
That's just part of the deal
That's the way I feel
I'll put my arms around you

I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection
I'll stand in front of you
Take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a boy and I'm a girl
You're a boy and I'm a girl
Hey
You're a boy and I'm a girl
You're a boy and I'm a girl

Songwriters: Tracey Thorn / Robert Del Naja / Grant Lee Marshall / Andrew Vowles

Teardrop - Collected

Love, love is a verb
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath

Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my

Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath

It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart) 
It's tumbling down (as in love falling apart)

Songwriters: Elizabeth Fraser / Robert Del Naja / Grantley Marshall / Andrew Vowles

Saturday Come Slowly - Heligoland

Lost in the magic
From the last time
This town turning
My rose to desire

Saturday comes slow
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Or is there nothing there?

In the limestone caves
In the south west lands
One time in the kingdom
Believe is on the sand

Saturday comes slow
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Or is there nothing there?

Saturday comes slow
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Do you love me?
Or is there nothing there?

Songwriters: Damon Albarn / Daniel Jonathan Brown / Grantley Evan Marshall / Robert Del Naja / Stewart Neville Jackson

What Your Soul Sings - 100th Window

Don't be afraid
Open your mouth to say
Say what your soul sings to you

Your mind can never change
Unless you ask it to
Lovingly rearrange
The thoughts that make you blue
The things that bring you down
Will mean no harm to you
And so make your choice joy
The joy belongs to you

And when you do
You'll find the one you love is here
You'll find you
The love yeah

Don't be ashamed no
To open your heart and pray
Say what your soul sings to you

So no longer pretend
That you can't feel it near
That tickle on your hand
That tingle in your ear
And ask it anything
Because it loves you dear
It's your most precious king
If only you could hear

And when you do
You'll find the one you need is here
You'll find you
Love you

Songwriters: Robert Del Naja / Neil Davidge / Grantley Marshall / Sinead O'connor

Special Cases - 100th Window

Don't tell your man what you don't do right
Not tell him all the things that make you cry
But check yourself for your own shit / shame
And don't be making love like it's always

Take a look around the world
You see such bad things happening
There are many good men
Ask yourself is he one of them

the deadliest of sin is pride
Make you feel like you're always right
But they're always to the sides
It takes dirt to make love dirt to make a life

Take a look around the world
You see such mad things happening
There are few good men
Thank you lucky star that he's one of them

Songwriters: Robert Del Naja / Neil Davidge / Grantley Marshall / Sinead O'connor

Dissolved Girl - Mezzanine

I'm a little curious of you in crowded scenes
And how serene your friends and fiends
We flew and strolled as two eliminated gently
Why don't you close your eyes and reinvent me

You knew you had a heart made of stone
You should have let me know
You could have let me know

We'll go 'till morning comes
And traffic grows
And windows hum

Speding all week with your friends
Give me evenings and weekends
Evenings and weekends

I could be yours
We can unwind
All these other flaws
All these other flaws

You'd agree it's a typical high
You fly as you watch your name go by
And once the name goes by
Not thicker than water nor thicker than mud
And the eight k thuds it does
Sunset so quickly
Let's make it quiet and quickly
Don't frown
Taste better on the way back down

I could be yours
We can unwind
All these other flaws
All these other flaws
All these other flaws
Will lead to mine

We can unwind
All these other flaws
All these other flaws
Will lead to mine
Will see to
All these other flaws
All these other flaws
Will see to
All these other flaws
Will lead to mine
We can unwind all our flaws
We can unwind all our flaws

Songwriters: Robert Del Naja / Grantley Marshall / Andrew Lee Isaac Vowles / Sarah J. Hawley / Matt Schwartz

Massive Attack continues to go strong, 30 years after their formation. Massive Attack is currently touring. For their event schedule go here. What are your favorite Massive Attack songs? Please share!

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The Life Of Being A Lefty...I'm Talking Handedness

I usually write with my left hand, therefore I am, for the most part considered to be left handed. I actually prefer to do just about everything else with my right hand though. I also can write with my right hand, and with both hands at the same time.

So perhaps maybe I am cross-dominance or mixed-handedness with left hand dominant.

Slap whatever label you want on it, people still find it interesting when they realize I am writing left handed. Why the fascination you might ask? In the past, I was really fascinated when someone brought up my handedness, but not so much anymore.

Well, let us delve a little deeper into the odd interest society has had with what hand one uses for tasks.

For starters, only about 10 percent of people are naturally left-handed, mostly men. Only about 1 percent are cross-dominant. For many years there was a stigma and repression of left-handedness.

My mother told me stories of growing up seeing children who were naturally left-handed being forced to write with their right hand in school.

In society, many tools and machinery have been designed with right-handedness in mind. Historically speaking, left-handers have been considered unlucky, awkward, sinister, and malicious. The list actually goes on and on. I mean being right-handed is "right". Needless to say, there are some disadvantages to being a lefty.

Disadvantages Of Being A Lefty

• Hand Shakes

• Scissors

• Writing (smudges)

• Elbows While Eating With Righties

• Spiral Notebooks and Three Ring Binders Against You Hand

Now don't go feeling sorry for left-handers. Lefties tend to be higher achievers due to the way a left-handers brain is structured. The brain increases its range of abilities to allow for left hand function.

Some of the world most famous and brilliant minds are lefties. Taking a look at the list below, I am proud to be part of the left-handed club

15 Famous Lefties

• Albert Einstein

• Buzz Aldrin

• Bill Gates

• Barack Obama

• Ludwig van Beethoven

• Wolgang Mozart

• Mark Zuckerberg

• Oprah Winfrey

• Neil Armstrong

• Michelangelo

• Marie Curie

• Leonardo Da Vinci

• Winston Churchill

• H.G. Wells

• John F. Kennedy

I received a comment on a blog two years ago from "Glenn" regarding the historical perception of left handedness, and his words could not have been more accurate. Glenn said, "The French word 'gauche' is translated to left or left-handed in addition to awkward (and worse).

In America, it is often used as a pejorative. As a lefty, I hardly ever give it a thought until I run into another lefty or someone points it out to me."

Being left handed can be a great conversation starter, and I do not believe there to be any negative association with being a lefty in today's society. Hopefully, ignorance and stereotypes based on the hand you write with are long gone. Or am I wrong? Do you have any experience with being a lefty, positive or negative? Please share! 

Fun Fact - International Left-Handers Day is every August 13th.

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A Return To Bon Temps...Can True Blood's Vampires, Werewolves, and Shifters Improve Any Mood?

Stress, boredom, and insomnia can invade our lives at any point. It is recommended to keep yourself busy when you are feeling down, ridiculously tired, or stressed out. Staying busy and active is a great distraction.

One of the best ways to improve your mood is exercise, but that can be challenging if your energy levels are low due to lack of sleep.

When I am overly tired,  usually thanks to a horrible night's sleep, or overly stressed, thanks to life, I want to be lazy, but also want to be distracted and entertained. A workout will improve the mood somewhat, but a distraction may still be needed after two hours at the gym.

Writing is always a great distraction, but it also requires thinking. Sometimes you are just going to be too tired or just do not want to think. Reading is usually out of the question because tired eyes do not do well with small print.

So binge watching tv is the chosen distraction. It doesn't require getting off your butt, or thinking too much. You just need to decide what to watch. 

The answer to a great distraction can be found on Amazon Video. All seven seasons of True Blood are on Amazon Video, the first six are free for Prime members. I read all of the books and watched the series on HBO with dedication.

Based on the popular book series by Charlaine Harris, a return to Sookie Stackhouse and Bon Temps may be just what is needed to entertain, distract, or cheer up. Lots of sex, violence, some laughs (courtesy Lafayette), and absolute craziness sums up True Blood. 

True Blood Synopsis

Thanks to a Japanese scientist’s invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. And while humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures “coming out of the coffin.” Religious leaders, government officials, and vampire fundamentalists around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out. - Amazon Synopsis

The Main Characters

• Sookie Stackhouse - Telepath who can read your thoughts, and has a thing for vampires, mainly Bill, and sometimes Eric.

• Bill Compton - Vampire Bill is a southern gentleman, who falls for Sookie and becomes her protector and love interest.

• Tara Thorton - Best friends with Sookie since they were children.

• Jason Stackhouse - Sookie's older brother, who is cute but kinda dumb.

• Sam Merlotte - Owner of Merlotte's, Bon Temp's bar and grill. Sam also happens to be a shifter.

• Eric Northman - Vampire Eric is a two thousand year old vamp, who is the area sheriff for vampires, and owns Fangtasia, the bar where humans and vampires meet up.

• Lafayette Reynolds - Cook at Merlotte's, drug and V dealer, and cousin of Tara.

• Pam De Beaufort - Eric's right hand woman, and trusted confidante.

After watching the first few episodes I remembered why I loved this show so much. I also remembered how much sex there was too. Holy crap! I guess it's not called "good times'' for nothing. I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with the vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, and even fairies. The show may be silly to some, but a nice escape when reality bites.

“You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” - Mandy Hale

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10 Chick Flick Movies To Watch When Feeling Heartbroken

Whether you are nursing a broken heart, feeling sad and lonely, or just needing a good chick flick to remind you that you can make it through, I have the list for you. Although all of these movies, and the women in the movies, are very different, they are all experiencing the love struggle.

We all go through it at some point in our lives. Breakups are hard, divorce is devastating, and unrequited love feels like torture. When you are feeling down, or sad, and just need a little something to get you out of your funk, I recommend the below list of chick flicks.

10 Chick Flick Movies To Watch

Under The Tuscan Sun

A writer impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in order to change her life.

Based on the life experience of the author Frances Mayes, this movie will take you from the heartbreak and despair of divorce, to love and romance, and all the in betweens that come with moving on and finding yourself. 

Take away from Under The Tuscan Sun is that sometimes what seems like the worst thing to ever happen to you, can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. Breakups are hard, but necessary at times to shed our old selves and find our happy.

Waiting To Exhale

Based on Terry McMillan's novel, this film follows four very different African-American women and their relationships with the male gender.

The single life can be sad and lonely, and so can married life. What I love about this movie is that it shows you that there is no formula, or one way to find happiness. Married life in rich suburbia can turn out to be just as painful and unfulfilling as a life of sleeping around with lots of men hoping someone will love you.

Take away from Waiting To Exhale is to never give up, and know that it is never too late to start over. As scary as the thought is that you may be alone, or that you may not find the "one", you will never know if you do not put yourself out there.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

A British woman is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.

Bridget is a bit of a flake, who struggles with her weight, and has body issues. I think many of us can relate to her. She unfortunately falls for the wrong guy, essentially choosing the bad boy over a really good man, only to potentially lose everything.

Take away from Bridget Jones's Diary is to look inward, not outward for happiness and validation. Once Bridget worked on her self and started to feel confident in who she was, she was able to make better life decisions, and find real love.

How Stella Got Her Grove Back

Stella Payne is a very successful 40-year-old stockbroker raising her son, Quincy, and living in Marin County, California, who is persuaded by her best friend from college, Delilah Abraham, to take a well-deserved, first-class vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica. As she soaks in the beauty of the island, she encounters a handsome young islander, Winston Shakespeare, who is twenty years younger.  Wikipedia

Stella is an uptight professional who takes a chance on a romance with a much younger man, who seems to be her soulmate. With problems at work, and her son spending time with his father, a getaway is just what Stella needed to destress, but falling in love was not on her itinerary. 

Take away from How Stella Got Her Groove Back is to be open and willing to take chances. Of course it is possible things will not work out, but you will never know if you do not try.

Bridesmaids

Competition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef. IMDB

Forever the bridesmaid never the bride is a fear that many women have. Not everyone wants to get married, but most of us do not want to be alone, or feel like we will never experience that special kind of love.

Take away from Bridesmaids is that things change, life can be unfair, you cannot force things, and sometimes everything goes wrong at the same time. You cannot force friendships, and you cannot force relationships. And more importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you are going through it, and remember you will come out of it on the other side better and stronger.

Girls Trip

When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. IMDB

Life happens and many of us long for the simpler times before there was divorce, cheating spouses, and debt collectors calling. This movie is great comic relief, with some real life stuff we can all relate to on some level.

Take away from Girls Trip is that while we are all entitled to our privacy, and to discuss our woes in our own time, hiding truths and lying to yourself and your loved ones is not the answer. All truths are eventually revealed, but you may find relief in sharing your heartaches, sadness, and struggles with others sooner rather than later.

Romancing The Stone

A mousy romance novelist sets off for Colombia to ransom her kidnapped sister, and soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous adventure hunting for treasure with a mercenary rogue. IMDB

Romancing The Stone is one my favorite movies because it really is like a romance novel come to life. Joan Wilder initially seems really passive and weak, but it is not long before you see that she is wild, and spirited, and longing for adventure.

Take away from Romancing The Stone is step out of your comfort zone, and just go with what feels right. You might be surprised, and might even surprise yourself.

Dirty Dancing

Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle. IMDB

Dirty Dancing is one of those movies I could watch all of the time. I love seeing the romance and feelings grow between Baby and Johnny. They are so different in many ways, but Baby is tough and a fighter, so you can see some possibilities. For me, one take away from this movie is that you can have something lovely and wonderful, but not all things are meant to last.

If I am being completely honest, Johnny and Penny seemed to be in love and just didn’t realize it. I know no one wants to hear that, but Penny and Johnny had off the charts chemistry. Another take away is that sometimes we are looking in the wrong direction, and can miss someone right in front of us.

Pretty Woman

A man in a legal but hurtful business needs an escort for some social events, and hires a beautiful prostitute he meets... only to fall in love. IMDB

Pretty Woman is most certainly not your typical fairytale, but still swoon worthy in many ways. Julia Roberts’ character Vivian is very sweet despite her occupation, and Richard Gere is rich and handsome, but somewhat emotionally unavailable.

Take away from watching Pretty Woman is that no matter how much you are hurting or how bad you think life sucks at the moment, it could be worse, you could be “tuting” to make a living.

Never Been Kissed

A newspaper reporter enrolls in high school as part of research for a story.

Never Been Kissed is a sweet, teeny, somewhat mean girl movie with Drew Barrymore. Josie is now an adult, but in high school she was smart, socially awkward, and horribly bullied. Returning to high school gives her an opportunity for a do over, but also brings up painful memories.

Take away from Never Been Kissed is to be brave, stand up for yourself, and go after what you want. We all have fears of failure, and fears of rejection, but isn't it better to take a chance than to live with regrets?

These movies are really great to watch anytime actually, but they are also great reminders that sometimes you have to go through it, to get through it.Life and relationships do not always turn out as we hoped or even imagined, but the great thing is that sometimes they turn out better.

Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels

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Maria V. Snyder, One Author, Three Great Fantasy Book Series For Women And Girls

I ran a book club a few years back, and it was great. Each month a club member would select the book to read and agree to host the meeting. There were no rules for the genre of books, it was just whatever interested the hostess.  One month a friend of mine chose the book “The Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder for our book of the month.  

Prior to this book club selection, I had never heard of  this author, nor was I particularly into the fantasy genre. I felt obligated to read the book to be able to reasonable discuss it at the next meeting. I started reading with dread, and within two chapters I was hooked.

The Study Series (Soulfinders)

The Study series was my introduction to the fantasy world of Ixia and Sitia. The Study series has many wonderful characters, but the story primarily resolves around Yelena, a young woman discovering her magical powers in a world where magic has been forbidden, and danger lies all around.

Not only will you fall in love with Yelena, but with as Valek well, her partner and love. As Yelena discovers her powers, she uncovers who she is, where she came from, and finds her purpose. Yelena is no damsel in distress, and rescues others, and sometimes needs saving as well, from herself. 

Poison Study

Murder, mayhem and magic…Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose. 

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position. - Book Excerpt

Magic Study

A lesson in loyalty—a master class in intrigue...So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim. Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall? - Book Excerpt

Fire Study

The Apprenticeship is Over—Now the Real Test has Begun. When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before….

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear. - Book Excerpt

The Glass Series

The Glass series is revolves around Opal Cowan, a seemingly ordinary girl, with extraordinary abilities. Opal's story begins in the Study series, and continues in the Glass series. Opal comes from a family of glassmakers, and is a glass maker herself. The interesting and amazing thing about Opal glass is the touch of magic all of pieces consist of. Opal's gifts are unique, valuable, and dangerous to many, which is why Opal is a threat.

Storm Glass - As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowan understands trial by fire. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it from happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic. Yet the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control her powers…powers that could lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known. - Book Excerpt

Sea Glass - Student glass magician Opal Cowan’s newfound ability to steal a magician’s powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares to defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan’s lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks, because another man—now her prisoner—claims Ulrick’s desire for blood magic has eclipsed his passion for her. 

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn’t sure whom to trust. And now everyone is after her special powers for their own deadly gain, making her path more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. - Book Excerpt

Spy Glass - After siphoning her own blood to defeat her enemy, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. More, she’s immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in her world.

Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. She also discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood—and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if they’re lost forever… - Book Excerpt

The Healer Series

The Healer series is my favorite of all Ms. Snyder's series. Avry is a powerful, selfless woman, with healing abilities like no other. A plague has killed many people, and Avry and healers like her have been blamed. Filled with guilt of all the deaths she may be responsible for, and dealing with the loss of her loved ones as well Avry goes on the run.

Avry, always the healer, is determined to discover what caused the plague, and to find a cure. On her journey, Avry saves many lives, and makes many enemies and allies too, including Kerrick her love, and Tohon an evil Prince who has a mental hold on her.

Touch of Power - Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life… - Book Excerpt

Scent Of Magic - As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat. - Book Excerpt

Taste Of Darkness - She’s fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears? Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he’s gone forever.

But there’s a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision… - Book Excerpt

There are many other books by Ms. Snyder not mentioned in the above list. If you are looking for something for young adults (YA), and dystopian type genre, I recommend Inside Out and Outside In by Ms. Snyder. The books are great for preteens and teens and has a little bit of a mystery.

I hope you give these books a try. I never would have thought they were my thing, but I love to read, and these books fed my obsession. Are you familiar with these series? If so, what is your favorite?

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Drunk Shopping...The 5 Signs That You've Been Drunk Shopping

Drunk shopping...the billion dollar industry that no one really talks about. Are you familiar with drunk shopping? I know I had never heard of drunk shopping until a girlfriend of mine mentioned it. Once she explained what it was, I immediately recognized the behavior, and had to know more.

I started researching drunk shopping, and all that it entailed. There is a funny, silly, harmless element to it for most of us, but it is a behavior that can very problematic for others.

Drunk shopping is basically the act of making purchases while having had alcoholic beverages. Your inhibitions are lowered, your decision making skills are reduced, and your judgement is poor.

Drunk shopping occurs more frequently with men than women, but many of us have done it at one time or another. It can be as benign as paying for a taxi or Uber to take you from bar to bar when you could have just walked a block over. It can also be as serious as doing a lot of online gambling while under the influence, which can be be very costly.

The 5 Signs Of Drunk Shopping

Unexpected Packages

If packages arrive at your home, and they consist of items you have no memory of purchasing, you were likely drunk shopping. Usually big tickets items, and clothing items are purchased while drunk shopping.

Bank Notifications

If your bank is sending your texts or emails regarding unusual or large purchases you may have been drunk shopping. Of course you want to be sure to check that you are not a victim of identity theft, but if you can track your previous online activity to the purchases, then you know you were the culprit.

Receipts For Unknown Purchases

If you sometimes find receipts in your car, purse, or wallet for food, alcohol, and Uber rides with no memory of the purchases, you were likely drunk shopping. The good thing is that at least you have a record of your purchases, and can call your credit card company if you deem necessary.

Hangover/Upset Stomach After Night Out

After a couple of drinks at your favorite bar, food that didn't appeal to you when you first arrived, suddenly starts to smell and look so good. Before you know if, you are ordering another round of drinks, getting wings, and mozzarella sticks.

Overeating, too much drinking, and lots of greasy food may leave you feeling miserable the next day. Not to mention that you spent way more than you planned too.

Lower Bank Balance Than You Thought

You check your bank balance or credit card statements and realize that you have spent way more than you thought. Spending too much money on your debit card or credit card can be addressed by setting limits that prevents over spending on any particular day or location.

If you recognize some of the signs of drunk shopping you are not alone. A study found that Americans are spending over $30 billion a year drunk shopping. Millions of people drunk shop every day, but it is important not to make a habit of this bad behavior. If you receive packages from drunk shopping, return them if you can.

Also consider just carrying cash on your nights out to keep a better handle on your spending. Lastly, maybe opt for a movie on Netflix on nights in with your glass of wine, rather than web surfing.

Any experience with drunk shopping? Please share.

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Which Is Worse...This Or That?

This or that is always a fun game to play, especially when all of the choices are a win-win. But what if no matter what you choose the results suck? If you had to pick between two things, which is the lessor of two awful things? That's this game. Enjoy!

Food (These are all real foods people around the world eat)

• Ghost Peppers or Denatonium (the most bitter substance known to humans)

• Chitterlings or Cow Tongue

• Liver or Kidneys

• Bull Testicles or Pig Feet

• Haggis or Balut

• Spoiled Milk or Rotten Eggs

• Sheep's Head or Bat Paste

• Brain Sandwich (Pork) or Livermush

The Body

Death Valley

• Vomiting or Diarrhea

• Flu or Chicken Pox

• Bee Sting or Fire Ant Bite

• Chlamydia or Gonorrhea

• Migraine or Back Pain

• Instant Death or Knowledge of Exact Date/Time of Death

• Face Punch or Gut Punch

• Tooth Extraction or Hemorrhoids

• Kidney Stones or Childbirth (not c-section)

The World

• Death Valley or Antarctica

• Zombie Apocalypse or Plague

• Drought or Blizzard

• Rat or Cockroach Infestation

• Trapped in Elevator or Keys Locked in Car

• Earthquake or Tornado

• Missing Flight or Tire Blowout

• Dictatorship or Autocracy

• Stepping in Gum or Being Pooped On By a Bird

Yes, this is ridiculously immature, silly, and fun. Relax, enjoy, and pretend for five minutes you have not a worry in the world.

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In Case You Missed It...Great Shows Now On Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

As you may, or may not know,  I have a small Netflix addiction. But as a busy working mom, I do not get to indulge as much as I would like to. I always try to make time for the important people in my life, while keeping up with my favorite hobbies of writing and reading.

During that time there has been, and continues to be, many televisions shows that look interesting to me, and have great reviews.

Unfortunately it is hard to find the time to watch everything I fancy, and the DVR will only hold so much. But once I catch up on my viewing, I like to share my intel. Maybe you have seen some of these shows already, want to watch for them first time, or want to watch them again.

Either way Downton Abbey, Archer, Sherlock Holmes, and Penny Dreadful are entertaining, addicting, and binge worthy.

Here's What You Are Missing

Downton Abbey

"A sprawling, lavish Edwardian mansion nestled in the Yorkshire landscape -- needs an heir. Dame Maggy Smith stars as Violet, the stubborn Dowager Countess of Grantham matriarch of Downton. Hugh Bonneville stars as her son, the stoic, unflappable Lord Crawley. Elizabeth McGovern is his far-sighted American wife, Cora. From Academy Award-winner Julian Fellowes."

Although this show may seem stuffy and boring, I highly recommend giving it a chance. The setting is beautiful, and the characters as complicated. You will find yourself rooting for some to "finally" find happiness. All six seasons are currently available on Amazon Prime video,  which is free for prime members.

Archer

Archer

"Suave, sophisticated spy Archer may have the coolest gadgets, but he still has issues when it comes to dealing with his boss, who is also his mother."

With 8 seasons of crazy, often vulgar antics, Archer is sure to make you laugh and find your inner immature self. Currently seasons 1-7 are available on Netflix.

 Sherlock Holmes

"In this updated take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved mystery tales, the eccentric sleuth prowls the streets of modern London in search of clues."

Much like its namesake, this show is smart, witty, and surprising at times. Each episode is well written and movie length. All four seasons are currently available on Netflix.

 Penny Dreadful

"The classic tales of Dracula, Frankenstein, Dorian Gray and more are woven together in this horror series set on the dark streets of Victorian London."

A Penny Dreadful is a term for 19th century cheap horror and crime novels, usually costing pennies. The classic tales found in this spooky show are anything but cheap. The stories are woven quite beautiful together, and are both heartbreaking and horrifying at times. All three seasons are currently available on Netflix.

With the exception of Archer, all of the above shows can be pretty heavy at times. I recommend watching a few episodes of Archer in between the other shows for levity. You will need it.

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Best Foreign Netflix Series...

There is so much good television right now, it’s almost overwhelming. What to watch? When to watch it? Is this binge worthy? With so much to choose from it is hard to settle on any particular show.

It helps to know what you like, or have someone make recommendations. I am a lover of a good mystery, and the darker the better. I gravitate towards these types of shows, therefore more pop up as recommended to me on Netflix.

I cannot say that I am a huge foreign film buff, but my fondness has grown over the years ever since I saw the German "Run Lola Run" over a decade ago. Once you get used to the subtitles, you can really enjoy something fresh and new. But you have to decide what to watch, and of course you have to pay extra attention with subtitles.

While I cannot make sure you pay attention, I can recommend foreign Netflix series for your viewing pleasure. By the way, only two of these requires reading subtitles.

Here Are My Top 5 Recommended Foreign Netflix Series...

Dark

"A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers as they unearth a mind-bending mystery that spans three generations." This German series is dubbed in english, and tackles murder, death, and the concept of time. Is time constantly moving in only one direction? This series may make you question that theory. A second season is in the works for this thought provoking show.

Hotel Beau Sejour

"Caught in an afterlife limbo, teenage Kato investigates her own mysterious death and unravels a web of secrets in her seemingly tranquil village." In this Flemish language Belgian series Kato is a ghost, who can be seen only by a handful of people. But why is she only seen by those particular individuals? That is the big question. Once she figures out why they can see her, she can solve her own murder. Season 2 should be streaming in March 2018.

Broadchurch

"After a young boy is murdered in the small seaside town of Broadchurch, local detectives Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy are assigned the mysterious case." Broadchurch is a beautifully shot BBC series. Solving a crime in a small town means that the victim likely knew their killer. This one is a big twist, and a heartbreaker. Broadchurch currently has a three seasons available on Netflix.

Alias Grace

Alias Grace

"In 19th-century Canada, a psychiatrist weighs whether a murderess should be pardoned due to insanity. Based on Margaret Atwood's award-winning novel." Margaret Atwood's book was based on the true crime story of 17 year old Irish immigrant Grace Marks. Grace is abused, mistreated, and eventually convicted of double murder. Grace's complicity in the murders may forever remain a mystery, but her story is none the less fascinating.

La Mante

"Decades after her capture, a serial killer offers to help solve a string of copycat murders -- but only if her son, now a cop, will work by her side." This French series revolves around the highly intelligent, and perceptive serial killer nicknamed The Mantis, and her desire to have any interaction with her cop son Damien.

After all her crimes she seems to have only one regret, and that was leaving her young son all those years ago to go to prison.

All of the above shows are excellent. And yes, I am sure you notice a trend in my viewing choices. They are all basically murder mysteries, but also mild studies in human behavior, which I am fascinated by. Not for the faint of heart, but highly entertaining. So pick one to start watching. I do no think you will be disappointed.

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Twilight Zone...Do You Ever Ask Yourself, "Is This Really Happening"?

Life is so odd at times. Or just maybe my odd is someone else's norm. But I must confess, I feel more often than not as if I have stepped into an alternate reality. Some individual's behaviors seem so strange as of late that I question "is this really happening?".  Did they just do, or say what I think they did?

Do you know what the real twilight zone is? The true twilight zone exists in the ocean. It is the middle layer of the world's ocean that receives faint, filtered light. It is not black like the midnight zone, but there is darkness. My twilight zone moments are not black, but definitely a little gray and hazy.

I imagine that when you read the title to this blog your thoughts immediately went to the Rod Serling's television show, "The Twilight Zone". You were correct to make that assumption. This blog is definitely inspired by the series that always consisted of the oddity, creepiness, and most of all, irony. Nothing was ever as it appeared to be.

Last year, my girls and I made it a nightly routine to watch at least one episode of The Twilight Zone. It was, and still is, on Netflix. They loved the old timey feel, because well they were made over 50 years ago, and my girls are kids, and everything seems old and ancient. They loved the twists at the end, and trying to guess what was really happening. Real life, and people's behavior are a little more unpredictable, and sometimes not so much.

I recommend watching The Twilight Zone whenever you can.

Top 10 Twilight Zone Episodes: 

1. Third From the Sun

2. Time Enough At Last

3. The Hitch-Hiker

4. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

5. Elegy

6. Mirror Image

7. The Dummy

8. Living Doll

9. Queen of the Nile

10. The Bewitchin Pool

The Twilight Zone is supposed to be an escape from reality, but what happens when reality is stranger than fiction? We seem to be living in strange times, or is it just me? You decide.

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