We had a good weekend. Jack and I went to Brent and Josh's movie and game night yesterday. There was much fun, laughter and visiting to be had at Brent and Josh's shindig. Always is. Funny thing is, I am never that excited to go. I am more of a homebody than anything. But, Jack is usually insistent, and being the faithful and loving partner I am, I relent almost every time. Plus, after the month he has had, I thought he needed to let that gorgeous hair down and have some fun. He did and I had fun watching...lol. (Sometimes it pays to be the designated driver...lol)
Today Jack has been recovering from his trip to margaritaville. We have done some reading, we grilled out and just enjoyed one another overall. Life is good.
By reading some other blogs it seems like May has been a blah month for most people. Even some of my friends have struggled with some life issues recently.
I think we all need a vacation. My dear friend is going to Vegas this Friday. Lucky her! Even being the homebody that I am, I am ready for something new. We have been talking about going on a cruise soon. Frankly, I am ready to get out of dodge for a while. I have been thinking about where I would like to go, if I had the chance.
I think I would one day love to go to Europe. My problem is I am afraid to fly, so that leaves that out. Hawaii would be another place I would love to go. Again, flying...dammit!
I would like to go to Vegas maybe next year. It's such a trip for us. (I am to blame of course) we don't get to go like we would like. Oh well. Such is life. I honestly, don't care where we go as long as we go. I am ready for a change of scenery. How about you? Where are y'all hankering to go on vacation this summer?
I hope everyone has a safe and happy week ahead.
Love,
Shayne
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thank You
Today was a good day today. I sent Jack off to work, did TONS of laundry and read most of the day. Actually, it was Heaven compared to some of the days we have had this past week.
My partner's Father suffered a heart attack several days ago. We have spent many days and nights in the hospital, offering and receiving comfort and support from our loved ones. We are so lucky because Jack's father is recovering and will be going home tomorrow.
The possible loss if our loved one has made me make a decision to appreciate the people who are in our lives. We often take those we love for granted. I have decided not to do that any longer.
For those of you who follow this blog (I still can't get over that...lol) I want you all to know how much I appreciate you and all of the comments and joy you bring me in my everyday life.
Thanks to every one of you for being such great friends...particularly Shawn, you have been a happy surprise in my life and one of the best friends I could ever have asked for, you know I love you.
Love,
Shayne
My partner's Father suffered a heart attack several days ago. We have spent many days and nights in the hospital, offering and receiving comfort and support from our loved ones. We are so lucky because Jack's father is recovering and will be going home tomorrow.
The possible loss if our loved one has made me make a decision to appreciate the people who are in our lives. We often take those we love for granted. I have decided not to do that any longer.
For those of you who follow this blog (I still can't get over that...lol) I want you all to know how much I appreciate you and all of the comments and joy you bring me in my everyday life.
Thanks to every one of you for being such great friends...particularly Shawn, you have been a happy surprise in my life and one of the best friends I could ever have asked for, you know I love you.
Love,
Shayne
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I Need A Hero
I just read the post, Why some books resonate more than others by my very good friend Shawn Lane. Not only did she have some very valid points about how we as readers feel about the stories we have read, it got me to thinking...oh no!
I know as a reader, I have to relate to the main characters in some way. Now, yes it's not easy to relate to a blue alien from the planet Zelfar, but I can say that I look for a way to emotionally connect with that character while I am reading that book. Whether it is the hero or the villain, they somehow have to move me in a way, good or bad, for them to make an impression on me.
It's interesting to me to find out what my fellow friends and readers look for in a hero. What makes a hero worth liking? What attracts us to them? Is it how they look? The job they have? How much money they have or don't have? Their live experiences? Or how they look at life and love in general...and so on.
What I find fascinating is as a primarily homoerotic reader, many of the heroes are usually very buff, tall, alpha men. I can tell you that yes, there are many alpha gay men out there. (Jack is a wonderful example of that) There are many gay men out there, that if you didn't know they were gay, you wouldn't. (I don't personally believe in the gaydar thing very much)
I honestly like my heroes to be different. They don't have to be physically perfect for me to become attracted to them as a reader. But, I also know that we are dealing with fantasy here, and not everyone wants to read about a tortured hero, or a man who has some physical defect of some kind. I understand that, too.
Then there are the more flamboyant gay heroes. Too me, and I might be upsetting people here, is more of a realistic gay hero. Yes, not all gay men are colorful and flamboyant, but they are out there. This is where I love that Opposite Attract storyline... the buff hero loves the flamboyant man. This is more common in the real world than not. I am living proof of that one, too.
Since I think most gay romances are written for women, I understand why the perfect man wins most every time. Hell, I used to read straight romances for years, and I too love them. I just like a little variety in life, too.
What kind of heroes do you as a reader do you find most attractive? I love them all. (especially if they have long hair) LOL
What are some of you favorite story lines? May/December, Opposites Attract, Gay for you, Menage...etc?
As a reader I think we are very blessed to have so many talented authors out there, to open us to new possibilities and to soothe us with the old ones.
Check out my friend Shawn Lane's blog at: http://smlgr8.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-some-books-resonate-more-than.html
She's the one who got me onto this topic. Which I haven't decided was a good thing or not...lol.
I know as a reader, I have to relate to the main characters in some way. Now, yes it's not easy to relate to a blue alien from the planet Zelfar, but I can say that I look for a way to emotionally connect with that character while I am reading that book. Whether it is the hero or the villain, they somehow have to move me in a way, good or bad, for them to make an impression on me.
It's interesting to me to find out what my fellow friends and readers look for in a hero. What makes a hero worth liking? What attracts us to them? Is it how they look? The job they have? How much money they have or don't have? Their live experiences? Or how they look at life and love in general...and so on.
What I find fascinating is as a primarily homoerotic reader, many of the heroes are usually very buff, tall, alpha men. I can tell you that yes, there are many alpha gay men out there. (Jack is a wonderful example of that) There are many gay men out there, that if you didn't know they were gay, you wouldn't. (I don't personally believe in the gaydar thing very much)
I honestly like my heroes to be different. They don't have to be physically perfect for me to become attracted to them as a reader. But, I also know that we are dealing with fantasy here, and not everyone wants to read about a tortured hero, or a man who has some physical defect of some kind. I understand that, too.
Then there are the more flamboyant gay heroes. Too me, and I might be upsetting people here, is more of a realistic gay hero. Yes, not all gay men are colorful and flamboyant, but they are out there. This is where I love that Opposite Attract storyline... the buff hero loves the flamboyant man. This is more common in the real world than not. I am living proof of that one, too.
Since I think most gay romances are written for women, I understand why the perfect man wins most every time. Hell, I used to read straight romances for years, and I too love them. I just like a little variety in life, too.
What kind of heroes do you as a reader do you find most attractive? I love them all. (especially if they have long hair) LOL
What are some of you favorite story lines? May/December, Opposites Attract, Gay for you, Menage...etc?
As a reader I think we are very blessed to have so many talented authors out there, to open us to new possibilities and to soothe us with the old ones.
Check out my friend Shawn Lane's blog at: http://smlgr8.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-some-books-resonate-more-than.html
She's the one who got me onto this topic. Which I haven't decided was a good thing or not...lol.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Friendship
Yesterday, Jack and I went over to some of our friends house. Every month or so, our friends Karen and Toby, have a get together at their home. There are always several of our friends that attend, so we always have a great time.
Movie and game night usually means potluck. Jack and I brought our famous cheeseball and barbeque ribs, and since everyone else brought their favorites, we all ate like kings, talked through the movies they had rented, and played a cut throat game of monopoly...lol.
Today, has been relatively quiet. Jack has been napping all day, which leave me lost in my own thoughts. (not always a good thing...lol) I have been thinking about the different kinds of friendships we have in our lives.
There are work friends. Work friends are nice...at work. I admit I have a couple of work friends I will hang out with (some) outside of work, but most of the time, once I clock out, I don't speak with any of them until the next work day. If I quit, usually the friendship is over just like the job.
Jack and I have mutual friends. Jack and I are different. I can be more outrageous and loud at times, but basically I am a pretty shy person. Especially, if I don't know the people I am around. Jack on the other hand, is very outgoing. He is comfortable in his own skin and people seem to gravitate around him. He is beautiful inside as well as outside. and others recognize and appreciate that beauty.
When we hang out with mutual friends, usually they are Jack's friends that I have gotten to know, or/and I get along with their partner or spouse and we hang out and like one another. They are fun to be with and are pretty much a staple in our lives.
There aren't many friends I have on my own. I have a best friend from school, Pam, that we call and talk with one another. We know both of our secrets and the struggles we had during our younger years, so we have that in common. There is something about childhood friends, that can't ever be replaced. They know you in ways others never do. They are around you while you are finding yourself and your place in the world. I guess that is why I always think Pam will know and understand me like no other.
I think I mentioned that Jack is the one who has encouraged me to branch out online. In doing so, I have an internet (best) friend. Funny, how that happens. When I got online I never expected to connect with another person, but I have. I find myself telling my friend things I don't tell others. For some reason, I trust this person not to hurt me. It amazes me how much we have in common. I find myself worrying about my friends well being, I am excited to see how my friends day has gone, and she has become important in my everyday life.
It's funny how friends come and go. I wonder why we let go of some people's friendship so easily and move onto others. I know we grow and change, but how come we don't try to stay connected with the people we invested time with?
Movie and game night usually means potluck. Jack and I brought our famous cheeseball and barbeque ribs, and since everyone else brought their favorites, we all ate like kings, talked through the movies they had rented, and played a cut throat game of monopoly...lol.
Today, has been relatively quiet. Jack has been napping all day, which leave me lost in my own thoughts. (not always a good thing...lol) I have been thinking about the different kinds of friendships we have in our lives.
There are work friends. Work friends are nice...at work. I admit I have a couple of work friends I will hang out with (some) outside of work, but most of the time, once I clock out, I don't speak with any of them until the next work day. If I quit, usually the friendship is over just like the job.
Jack and I have mutual friends. Jack and I are different. I can be more outrageous and loud at times, but basically I am a pretty shy person. Especially, if I don't know the people I am around. Jack on the other hand, is very outgoing. He is comfortable in his own skin and people seem to gravitate around him. He is beautiful inside as well as outside. and others recognize and appreciate that beauty.
When we hang out with mutual friends, usually they are Jack's friends that I have gotten to know, or/and I get along with their partner or spouse and we hang out and like one another. They are fun to be with and are pretty much a staple in our lives.
There aren't many friends I have on my own. I have a best friend from school, Pam, that we call and talk with one another. We know both of our secrets and the struggles we had during our younger years, so we have that in common. There is something about childhood friends, that can't ever be replaced. They know you in ways others never do. They are around you while you are finding yourself and your place in the world. I guess that is why I always think Pam will know and understand me like no other.
I think I mentioned that Jack is the one who has encouraged me to branch out online. In doing so, I have an internet (best) friend. Funny, how that happens. When I got online I never expected to connect with another person, but I have. I find myself telling my friend things I don't tell others. For some reason, I trust this person not to hurt me. It amazes me how much we have in common. I find myself worrying about my friends well being, I am excited to see how my friends day has gone, and she has become important in my everyday life.
It's funny how friends come and go. I wonder why we let go of some people's friendship so easily and move onto others. I know we grow and change, but how come we don't try to stay connected with the people we invested time with?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Reading brings people together
I had a very busy weekend. It was filled with ballgames, friends popping in unexpectedly and lazing around outside enjoying the beautiful weather.
I read the book The Squire by my friend, Shawn Lane. Which I loved. (I am even thinking about reviewing it on goodreads) Those who love homoerotic romances The Squire is a must read! It's a very short story, but ohhh soooo fulfilling!
I have been thinking about EH's post about connecting with others. I know there are some that might be interested in how Jack and I read together. In some ways, we have always done it together. At first, it was a magazine article or maybe an interesting story in the newspaper. It has gradually worked itself up to books.
We literally read the book together. Most of the time it is out loud to one another, then we talk about what we just read. This takes time, but between the interesting conversation we have about the book, to usually being turned on by some of the things we have read, it works for us. There are days we read more than others. Depending on our mood. But, it does keep us connected and it helps us talk about more than the everyday humdrum of life.
There are times where we want to read different things, and that is okay too. Now he is reading a menage based book, (I hate menages) so I am reading what I want. BUT, we are still discussing what we read, so we stay connected.
I read the book The Squire by my friend, Shawn Lane. Which I loved. (I am even thinking about reviewing it on goodreads) Those who love homoerotic romances The Squire is a must read! It's a very short story, but ohhh soooo fulfilling!
I have been thinking about EH's post about connecting with others. I know there are some that might be interested in how Jack and I read together. In some ways, we have always done it together. At first, it was a magazine article or maybe an interesting story in the newspaper. It has gradually worked itself up to books.
We literally read the book together. Most of the time it is out loud to one another, then we talk about what we just read. This takes time, but between the interesting conversation we have about the book, to usually being turned on by some of the things we have read, it works for us. There are days we read more than others. Depending on our mood. But, it does keep us connected and it helps us talk about more than the everyday humdrum of life.
There are times where we want to read different things, and that is okay too. Now he is reading a menage based book, (I hate menages) so I am reading what I want. BUT, we are still discussing what we read, so we stay connected.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Am I a Slacker or just Chicken?
Well, I didn't disappoint my co-workers today. I broke my "arrive early to work" streak and ended up showing up late. Again!
I don't know why I am late for everything. My partner says that I will be late for my own funeral. I am afraid he might be right.
Other than being late it was a pretty decent day today. My co-workers keep copying the song Car Wash and hiding it all in my cubicle. I think that is hilarious! So, I decided not to disappoint them and I keep humming it whenever I can.
When I told Jack this, he said, "Either all of you are really bored at work or you have too much time on you hands."
This got me to thinking.
How many people are unhappy at their jobs? I don't hate my job. I show up, (late) I do my work, socialize with my co-workers and go home. Do I love it? No. Do I like it? Depends on the day.
When I was young I wanted to be an artist. Why did I give up on that idea? Why do any of us stop following our dreams? Is it parental pressure, peer pressure or fear that makes some of us not pursue what we would love.
I admire people who do what they love. My friend, Shawn, loves to write. She is fabulous at what she does, and had enough faith in herself to follow her dream. I find that amazing. I envy her determination to do what she loves. That's just awesome!
Jack is another example of having a job he loves. He is an accountant, and he loves numbers. He enjoys going to work everyday and rarely has a negative attitude about his job in general. That fascinates me to some degree. I rarely go a day without bitching about mine...lol
On a very positive note, we finished the book Bound by Deception by Ava March. Both Jack and I loved it. It's a historical homoerotic romance. We were excited to read it because there aren't that many gay romances written in that time period.
I loved her main characters, Oliver and Vincent. Between their obvious feelings for one another and the passionate sex they had, they fogged up our computer screen! Plus, the book ended on a positive note, (which I loved) and what's even better the sequel to their story is coming out next week. (I love that even more!)
There are many fabulous reviews on this book on the goodreads site. I encourage anyone who loves gay romances to check her book out.
Goodnight and Have Happy Dreams,
Shayne
I don't know why I am late for everything. My partner says that I will be late for my own funeral. I am afraid he might be right.
Other than being late it was a pretty decent day today. My co-workers keep copying the song Car Wash and hiding it all in my cubicle. I think that is hilarious! So, I decided not to disappoint them and I keep humming it whenever I can.
When I told Jack this, he said, "Either all of you are really bored at work or you have too much time on you hands."
This got me to thinking.
How many people are unhappy at their jobs? I don't hate my job. I show up, (late) I do my work, socialize with my co-workers and go home. Do I love it? No. Do I like it? Depends on the day.
When I was young I wanted to be an artist. Why did I give up on that idea? Why do any of us stop following our dreams? Is it parental pressure, peer pressure or fear that makes some of us not pursue what we would love.
I admire people who do what they love. My friend, Shawn, loves to write. She is fabulous at what she does, and had enough faith in herself to follow her dream. I find that amazing. I envy her determination to do what she loves. That's just awesome!
Jack is another example of having a job he loves. He is an accountant, and he loves numbers. He enjoys going to work everyday and rarely has a negative attitude about his job in general. That fascinates me to some degree. I rarely go a day without bitching about mine...lol
On a very positive note, we finished the book Bound by Deception by Ava March. Both Jack and I loved it. It's a historical homoerotic romance. We were excited to read it because there aren't that many gay romances written in that time period.
I loved her main characters, Oliver and Vincent. Between their obvious feelings for one another and the passionate sex they had, they fogged up our computer screen! Plus, the book ended on a positive note, (which I loved) and what's even better the sequel to their story is coming out next week. (I love that even more!)
There are many fabulous reviews on this book on the goodreads site. I encourage anyone who loves gay romances to check her book out.
Goodnight and Have Happy Dreams,
Shayne
Monday, April 20, 2009
Holy Shit, I Have Followers?!
Today has been a good day. I wasn't late for work this morning which was a miracle within itself. I am always notoriously late on Mondays. But, for some odd reason, I woke up on time and was in a fabulous mood. This is a rare occasion for me, because I am so NOT a morning person. Especially a MONDAY morning person!
Yesterday, I had been communicating with my dear friend, Shawn Lane, and she had graciously told me about an upcoming book called Car Wash, that is about to be released. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting it's release, but for some damn reason the 70's song Car Wash by Rose Royce has stuck in my head. Of course, I have sang it all day long. It has driven my co-workers crazy! One of them tried to bribe me with M&M'S to stop, and quite frankly I found that insulting. For one thing I hate M&M'S (especially the plain ones...yuck!) and another, if she had been serious she knows that I am a skittles and starburst addict, so she could have offered those.
Needless to say, by the end of the day either my co-workers wanted to kill me or were singing it themselves! (Those who were old enough to remember the damn song...lol)
It's not my fault. I am innocent. I blame everything on Shawn Lane!
Tonight we went to a late supper with Brent and Joshua. Even though it was a late night supper, the restaurant was filled. I was starving when we got there, but by the time we got our food I had somehow lost my appetite. We had a nice time, but suddenly I felt tired and I just wanted to go home. I wanted to change into my comfy flannel pants and old t-shirt and just relax. I think Jack must have felt the same way too, because we really didn't stay out long.
Funny though, once I got home I got a second wind, and here I am probably not making any sense whatsoever on this blog tonight, while Jack is out like a log dreaming of plain M&M's I am sure.
Holy shit, I can't believe I have 3 followers! That is so cool! I feel like a freakin' Rock Star! Woo Hoo!
We didn't get any reading done tonight. I told Jack we must read some tomorrow! It connects us somehow. I can't explain it, but it does. It's good to do things together.
Well, I must get my beauty sleep, or at least try too.
Goodnight Sweethearts,
Shayne
Yesterday, I had been communicating with my dear friend, Shawn Lane, and she had graciously told me about an upcoming book called Car Wash, that is about to be released. Needless to say, I am anxiously awaiting it's release, but for some damn reason the 70's song Car Wash by Rose Royce has stuck in my head. Of course, I have sang it all day long. It has driven my co-workers crazy! One of them tried to bribe me with M&M'S to stop, and quite frankly I found that insulting. For one thing I hate M&M'S (especially the plain ones...yuck!) and another, if she had been serious she knows that I am a skittles and starburst addict, so she could have offered those.
Needless to say, by the end of the day either my co-workers wanted to kill me or were singing it themselves! (Those who were old enough to remember the damn song...lol)
It's not my fault. I am innocent. I blame everything on Shawn Lane!
Tonight we went to a late supper with Brent and Joshua. Even though it was a late night supper, the restaurant was filled. I was starving when we got there, but by the time we got our food I had somehow lost my appetite. We had a nice time, but suddenly I felt tired and I just wanted to go home. I wanted to change into my comfy flannel pants and old t-shirt and just relax. I think Jack must have felt the same way too, because we really didn't stay out long.
Funny though, once I got home I got a second wind, and here I am probably not making any sense whatsoever on this blog tonight, while Jack is out like a log dreaming of plain M&M's I am sure.
Holy shit, I can't believe I have 3 followers! That is so cool! I feel like a freakin' Rock Star! Woo Hoo!
We didn't get any reading done tonight. I told Jack we must read some tomorrow! It connects us somehow. I can't explain it, but it does. It's good to do things together.
Well, I must get my beauty sleep, or at least try too.
Goodnight Sweethearts,
Shayne
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