[INTRO: I am a die hard, card carrying Elvis fan and have been for as long as I can remember. There is so much about Elvis to love; his incredible singing voice, his generous spirit, his looks (the most gorgeous man ever), his movies (yes, his movies. They make me happy, so critics can just shush), his service in the army, his magical presence on stage, his transcendent charisma, and…I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, on my 50th post, I believe it was, I DID go on and on. I listed 50 things I love about Elvis. It wasn’t difficult. I am an author and I mention Elvis in almost every story I write. I named my son Presley. I was fortunate to see Elvis in concert three times. I have been to Graceland five times… See? I love Elvis. I have been blogging weekly for more than a year, but going forward, I will blog every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. My life is insanely busy and I found myself missing weeks from time to time. This way, I’m more likely to be consistent. Hopefully, even if you are not an Elvis fan, you appreciate something about him and will find my posts interesting. Feel free to comment. Thank you so much for stopping by!]

The post is going up just a bit late. I’m under the weather, PLUS, I’m participating in Candace Havens’ Fast Draft where my friends and I are writing 5,000’ish words a day. Whew! Talk about challenging yourself. Wish me luck!

Today I’m just sharing some random facts and beautiful pics and an amazing video. The pictures are random and don’t relate to the tidbits. Just consider them eye candy. Except the one where he was 11, that would be sick. 🙂

 

 

On today’s date in 1949 when Elvis was 14, he received a report card with an “A” in English and a “C” in music. Ironic, isn’t it? 🙂

 

 

Elvis was named after his father, Vernon Elvis Presley.

 

Elvis collected police badges from every city he visited. Sometimes, he would dress in a police uniform and drive through Memphis, occasionally stopping motorists. Can you imagine getting stopped by Elvis? AND, can you imagine how sexy he looked in that uniform?

 

Legend has it that Elvis wanted a guitar for his 11th birthday. He actually wanted a bicycle (or a rifle, as one version goes), but his overprotective mother wouldn’t hear of it and bought him a $6.95 guitar from Tupelo Hardware Store. I wonder how much that moment affected his destiny?

 

On most 4th of July holidays, Elvis and his entourage engaged in roman candle fights. Reportedly, the grounds of Graceland suffered many craters because of it.

 

Teri Garr had minor roles in “Kissin’ Cousins,” “Fun in Acapulco,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Roustabout” and “Clambake.”

 

Now, relax and enjoy these incredibly gorgeous songs…

 

 

Thank you for stopping by…Happy Friday! 

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!

On Elvis’ 80th birthday, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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