Tag Archives: Alicia Dean

August 8, 2014 · 11:23 am

Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 7 – Anniversary of That’s the Way It Is

Elvis: That’s the Way It Is was Elvis’ first non-dramatic film, a documentary chronicling live performances from The Elvis Summer Festival at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The film features shows Elvis performed on August 11, 12, and 13, 1970. Who would have imagined that, seven years later, he would be gone? He was so vibrant and sexy and alive at the time that it is mind boggling to think about. 

One of the things I loved about the film was that it not only showed some amazing concert performances, but it showed the ‘behind the scenes’ Elvis hanging out with his entourage, rehearsals, fans commenting on what they love about him, and celebrities such as George Hamilton, Cary Grant, Juliet Prowse, and Sammy Davis, Jr. arriving for opening night. 

I was only nine years old when the film released, and I remember watching it, enthralled. At the time, I had never been to an Elvis concert, and it was a thrill to see him perform. And, to see glimpses of the ‘real’ Elvis in how he interacted with his friends and the people who worked with him. 

That’s the Way It Is featured some fabulous songs, some that people who aren’t true Elvis fans aren’t all that familiar with, such as How the Web Was Woven. Here is a brief clip of him singing part of the song in rehearsals as he plays the piano. Watch what he does at the end: 

Here is a recording of the entire song: 

One of my very favorite songs from the performances is Just Pretend. I love it so much, I named my first romance after it (I wrote it when I was eleven). I also named my hero Lonnie Beale after Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me. And, I described him as looking like Elvis. 🙂 I still have the story, written mostly in pencil with the first page missing from the tattered spiral notebook. At the end, my heroine thinks Lonnie died in a plane crash, but as it turns out, (Spoiler alert!) he’d taken a different flight and he comes to her where she’s crying on the beach, and he sings Just Pretend (which has a line, “I’ll come flying to you again.” – see how I cleverly wove that in?) It was a riveting moment, LOL. 

Here is his concert performance of Just Pretend: 

Wasn’t he so sweet to his fans? Lucky, lucky woman. 

I was excited to learn that the re-mastered version of That’s the Way It Is will be showing in select theaters this month. It is coming to Oklahoma City, and I must go. So, I’m off to check on tickets. Until next time…  

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August 1, 2014 · 7:57 am

Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 6 – A Mention or Two in My Books

As I’ve stated previously, nearly each of my published work contains a mention of Elvis, even if only briefly. Below are a few samples from a handful of books…

 

THICKERTHANWATER

Available now, but will be released on August 14th as part of a boxed set with other Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Stories by other authors

Thicker Than Water – Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll

Jake fell silent and flipped on the radio. “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis was playing. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Did he remember how much she liked Elvis? How he’d teased her unmercifully about it? Nothing showed on his face, but he must remember. Or had he shoved every memory of their time together out of his mind?

 

2. Heart of the Witch 12.1.09

Available at Amazon

Heart of the Witch:

Ravyn crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, purposely keeping her gaze above chest level so she wouldn’t see the way the tool belt slanted across his lean hips. “What do you want to know about me? I make candles and jewelry. I have one sister and a mother. I live alone. No pets. I like long walks in the rain and old music . . . you know, Otis Redding, The Platters, Elvis Presley. Anything else?”

He gave a satisfied smile. “See? Was that so hard? My turn. I work construction, and I have two sisters and two parents. One dog, a golden retriever named Dog. I don’t like long walks anywhere, and I’m not crazy about oldies. Not crazy about Elvis’s music, although the later stuff was pretty good. I like his movies, though.”

 

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost (Coming this Fall)

“But one of my foster moms, Della, was different. She was good to me. She loved me. Really loved me. She was an excellent cook, and my favorite thing she made was peach pancakes. We’d sit together in the kitchen in the early morning hours before anyone else was awake, and we’d talk about…everything. She was the first person in my life who made me feel important. Who really seemed to care about me.” She paused. Bittersweet memories assailed her. Della’s comforting hugs. Her special smile. Listening to Elvis Presley music with her and watching her sweet face as she seemed transported to another time. Then, the night her husband came home from the hospital, looking ten years older…

 

Death Notice Cover

 Available at Amazon

Death Notice – Northland Crime Chronicles Book 1

“Suspicious Minds” by Elvis came on the radio and I turned it up, feeling my spirits lift. I had inadvertently become an Elvis fan in college while doing a paper on the impact of celebrities on society. Whether or not one appreciated Elvis’ talent, there was no denying he was a phenomenon, the likes of which had never been seen before and would probably never be seen again. Not only did I find I loved his music, I’d discovered why he had the impact he had. He had this boyish, southern charm, but at the same time, a deeply embedded raw sexuality that was powerful and intoxicating. It was fortunate that he only used that power for entertainment. If he’d been a terrorist or a cult leader, he could have easily taken over the world. I was only six when he died, a few years younger than his daughter. Had I been ten years older, I was certain I’d have been a part of the frenzied, screaming masses, fainting and tossing my panties up on stage.

 

LibertyAwakened

Available at Amazon

Liberty Awakened – Isle of Fangs Book 1

Though the music coming from the party was muted, she recognized an Elvis Presley song, “One Night.” She grinned at Eli. “You like Elvis Presley? Isn’t he a little before your time?”

His lips twitched with amusement and he shrugged. “You might say I’m an old soul.”

 

9. SOUL SEDUCER 6.4.12

Available at Amazon

Soul Seducer (The hero is a Grim Reaper)

He hesitated, clearing his throat before speaking. “I’ve observed a lot of people over the centuries.” He stared past her shoulder. “I remember one time you came out here, your Walkman hanging from your ear. You stood right over there. All by yourself. Dancing.”

A heated flush rose to her face. “You saw that?” She laughed to cover her embarrassment. “I was listening to Elvis Presley music. It made me feel better somehow. I guess that makes me a dork.”

He shook his head. “No. Your goofy dance made you a dork.”

“Hey!” she said with mock indignation. Then she shrugged. “It was kind of goofy.”

“Elvis, though. Not a bad choice. He was a talented guy. Nice guy.”

“You knew him?” A horrifying thought struck her. “Did you…”

“No. No, I didn’t take him. I took someone at one of his concerts. Afterward, I was curious. I followed Elvis around for a few days. I was awed by the effect he had on people. They were so drawn to him.”

“I can see why.” She cocked her head. “I bet you’ve met a lot of famous people. I never really thought about that. You can go anywhere, can’t you?”

 

EndofLonelyStreet_w9180_FINAL

 End of Lonely Street (Coming January 7, 2015)

Mapleton, Tennessee, November, 1957

Toby Lawson closed her eyes and shut out all sounds of the diner, except for Elvis Presley’s voice. He was crooning about how she was the only one for him…no matter where he went or what he did… he’d spend his whole life loving her…

Rough hands landed on her waist and shattered the fantasy. She caught a whiff of hair tonic and too much cologne, and she snapped her eyes open. Wes Markham’s hateful face replaced the image of Elvis’ beautiful, crooked smile and smoldering blue eyes.

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July 25, 2014 · 6:20 pm

Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 5 – Shades of Elvis & Celebrity Quotes

One thing, among many, that proves what an impact Elvis had on the world of music, and the world in general, is the deep admiration and respect that other celebrities had for him. Priscilla Presley and photographer, Christopher Amuruoso, created a magnificent book called Shades of Elvis, where various celebrities don Elvis’ famous glasses and pose for photographs. The book is gorgeous. The photos are black and white, and they are amazing. I don’t own the book yet, but I will soon. J In addition to the photos, many celebrities contributed statements about Elvis to be published in the book. I love hearing other successful, famous people speak about Elvis.

http://www.shadesofelvis.net/

Here is a fabulous interview with Priscilla Presley about the book:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pat-gallagher/elvis-and-priscilla-presley-_b_5385183.html

Below is a just a sampling of quotes about Elvis from celebrities (These quotes are not taken from Shades of Elvis)

bb_king_elvis_presley

“I remember Elvis as a young man hanging around the Sun studios. Even then, I knew this kid had a tremendous talent. He was a dynamic young boy. His phraseology, his way of looking at a song, was as unique as Sinatra’s. I was a tremendous fan, and had Elvis lived, there would have been no end to his inventiveness.”  ~ B.B. King

“’That period was different. When Elvis was there, they were stopping everything. Elvis had the moment for real. While I’m here, its not all about 50 Cent, but it was all about Elvis.”  -50 Cent 

“Ask anyone. If it hadn’t been for Elvis, I don’t know where popular music would be. He was the one that started it all off, and he was definitely the start of it for me.”  -Elton John 

“He had total love in his eyes when he performed. He was the total androgynous beauty. I would practice Elvis in front of the mirror when I was twelve or thirteen years old.”  -k.d. lang 

“That’s my idol, Elvis Presley. If you went to my house, you’d see pictures all over of Elvis. He’s just the greatest entertainer that ever lived. And I think it’s because he had such presence. When Elvis walked into a room, Elvis Presley was in the f***ing room. I don’t give a f*** who was in the room with him, Bogart, Marilyn Monroe.”  -Eddie Murphy 

“There have been a lotta tough guys. There have been pretenders. And there have been contenders. But there is only one king.”  -Bruce Springsteen 

“…it was like he came along and whispered some dream in everybody’s ear, and somehow we all dreamed it.”  -Bruce Springsteen 

“When I first heard Elvis’ voice, I just knew that I wasn’t going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss…Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.”  -Bob Dylan  

“A lot has been written and said about why he was so great, but I think the best way to appreciate his greatness is just to go back and play some of the old records… Time has a way of being very unkind to old records, but Elvis’ keep getting better and better.”  -Huey Lewis 

“Elvis was the king. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps.”  -Rod Stewart 

“He was a unique artist – an original in an area of imitators.”  -Mick Jagger 

“He was an integrator, Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn’t let black music through. He opened the door for black music.” ~ Little Richard

“Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been the Beatles.” ~ John Lennon

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July 18, 2014 · 7:45 am

Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan Part 4 – Impersonators

I do not care for Elvis impersonators. I have always found them a bit cartoonish and unsettling. That is not to say I don’t enjoy a respectful tribute, even if the singer is dressed as Elvis. But, I find it very annoying when people think they sound like Elvis. No one sounds like Elvis. He was the one and only, always and forever.

Often imitated, but never duplicated:

 

I will have to say, though, I do have a few fond ‘impersonator’ memories. Not long after Elvis passed away, an impersonator put on a show in Oklahoma City. I don’t even recall his name, but he was respectful, and he did a good job. My sisters and I soaked up every radio show, every interview, every tv special, etc, after his death. So, of course, we had to attend that. One thing that sticks out clearly in my mind is when the guy sang “It Won’t Seem Like Christmas Without You.” The line in the song is, “If I get the one thing I’m wishing for, then I’ll see you tonight in my dreams.” The impersonator changed it to say, “Yes, Elvis, we’ll see you tonight in our dreams.” Which, of course, made my sisters and I sob uncontrollably. 🙂

For my fortieth birthday (which, it’s kind of odd that I celebrated since I’m only twenty-five, but anyway…), my sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Tom Zimmerman, took me to Memphis for my birthday. We were on Beale Street and a young guy dressed in a gold lamé suit was performing. He was adorable and respectful, and he sang very well, but he didn’t try to make his voice sound like Elvis.  Those are the kind of ‘impersonators’ I can enjoy. Not the fat guys with black wigs and ridiculously bushy sideburns who lower their voice and think they sound like the King.

Below is a photo of my son, Presley. Some of you probably saw it on Facebook, but I still thought I would share it here. He is not an Elvis impersonator, and he normally does not wear Elvis Presley jumpsuits. 🙂 He does, however, love Elvis music. I didn’t force it on him, I swear. He was on a cruise, and he entered a Karaoke contest singing Elvis songs. I didn’t get to see it, but I would imagine, based on his personality, he really gave them a show. He ended up winning the contest, and they gave him an Elvis costume to wear and brought him on stage for the finale.

Pres in Elvis outfit

Although I wasn’t there to see it live, he brought home a DVD, and I watched that. It was so much fun! He did a really good job and put on quite a show. And, you guessed it, he made his mama proud. 🙂

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July 4, 2014 · 11:07 am

Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan, Part 2 – The Movies

 

While Elvis’s movies are often regarded as silly and pointless, many people, including myself, find them highly enjoyable. Admittedly, they are not classic, Oscar-worthy films, and Elvis himself wasn’t pleased with the roles he played. He wanted to be a serious actor and admired other actors like James Dean and Marlon Brando. The only movie he was really proud of was King Creole, which was a wonderful film where Elvis was allowed to excercise his acting chops, and he did a fantastic job. After he returned from the army, his movies became no more than a vehicle for his singing. However, I thought they were fun and entertaining. I admit, I’m slightly biased, but even many non-Elvis fans enjoyed his movies. Some of my favorites….

Jailhouse Rock – I recently re-watched this and fell in love with it all over again. Another serious role where Elvis put on a great performance. And, there were some awesome songs in this movie, such as Don’t Leave Me Now, Treat Me Nice, Young and Beautiful, and of course, Jailhouse Rock. Sadly, Judy Tyler, who co-starred with Elvis in Jailhouse Rock, was driving home from Los Angeles to Manhattan with her husband, when they were in an auto accident, and she was killed instantly, at twenty-four years old, before the movie was released. Her husband died in the hospital the following day. People close to Elvis said he took her death hard, and was never able to watch the movie.

This is my favorite scene in any Elvis movie, ever. (Ignore the foreign subtitles and enjoy…)


Fast forward to his final movie in 1969, Change of Habit, where he played Dr. John Carpenter and Mary Tyler-Moore co-starred with him. Yep, still sexy…


Another movie I loved was Live a Little, Love a Little, for many reasons, but a big one is that he said my name in the movie…and hearing Elvis say my name was a thrill! 🙂 A few of my other favorites were Tickle Me and Girl Happy. But, I could go on and on, of course. Because, well, I’m a huge Elvis fan, if you haven’t already guessed. Not only was it fun to watch Elvis in the roles, what made his movies even better was that he starred with a lot of well-known actors, such as Charles Bronson, Nancy Sinatra, Ann-Margaret, Richard Egan, Angela Lansbury, and Bill Bixby.

I remember when we were young, my sisters and I going to the movies at the Chieftan in Oklahoma City and watching Elvis on the big screen. Heavenly!

Listening to Elvis radio now, I hear a lot of interviews with his co-stars and all of them have great things to say about him, about what a nice guy he was, how easy he was to work with, how he didn’t act like a star, and the women say he was a great kisser. I can only imagine. 🙂

As I stated previously, I mention Elvis in almost all of the books I write. So, of course I’m going to mention him a lot in a story set in 1957. Below is a snippet from my upcoming short story, End of Lonely Street, releasing with The Wild Rose Press on January 7, 2015.

 

EndofLonelyStreet_w9180_FINAL

Blurb:

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?

Excerpt:

Noah glanced around the diner. Toby followed his gaze. The counter was lined with customers. A jukebox sat in the corner. Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” now belted from its speakers. “What happened to college? I thought you were getting your teaching degree.”

She shrugged and took the dish cloth from her apron pocket. “That was the plan.” She wouldn’t go into how she’d had to put off her schooling to come home and see after her mother. Surely he’d heard the story about Constance falling asleep with a lit cigarette and almost burning down the house—with her inside it—from the town gossip mill. “I finished my three years at University. Now I have to complete my Post-Graduate Certificate of Education. I had to put that on hold for a while, so in the meantime, I’m doing this.”

“Great. That means I’ll see you often. Maybe we can get together for a movie or something? Jailhouse Rock is showing at the Bijou.”

Elvis and Noah at the same time? Her heart wouldn’t take it.

Before the break-up, she’d gone to the drive-in to see Rebel Without a Cause with him. James Dean had died less than a month earlier, and she cried throughout the entire movie. Noah had held her, comforted her. Let her cry on his shoulder. That was their last movie together. The night remained a sad memory for more than one reason.

 ******************************************************************

Did you like watching Elvis movies when you were younger? Or, even now? What ‘guilty pleasure’ movies have you enjoyed over the years?

 

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June 27, 2014 · 11:50 am

Elvis Presley – Ramblings from a Lifelong Fan, Part 1

Elvis Presley has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always loved him—I don’t even recall the first time I discovered him. It just seems as though he was always there. My sister, Ruth, however, does remember when she discovered him, and I’m a little jealous of that memory, since I don’t have my own. (Nor do I remember the incident, so I’m telling her version, which is very short :)). She was five and I was seven (but, it’s really odd how, all these years later, she’s somehow older than me…hmmm…) 😉 Anyway, I digress. She said that I called her into the living room where Elvis’s movie, Harum Scarum, was playing (on our black and white television. This was around 1967, but we didn’t yet have a color tv), and I pointed Elvis out to her and said, “Look, isn’t he cute?” From then on, she and I grew up sharing our devotion to Elvis.

elvis-presley1

I can’t explain exactly how I feel about Elvis; only another true fan really ‘gets’ it. But, he was more than just an entertainer. He had this special, magical quality that I can’t name, but I know exists. Otherwise, why would millions of people all over the world love him so much? Why would they—nearly 37 years after his death—travel thousands of miles just to see his home? (And, they still do, daily in droves of thousands, from places as far as Australia, Ireland, England, etc.) Because, he touched people in a way no other entertainer has before or ever will again. Even if you are not an Elvis fan, you can’t deny the impact he had on the world. Yes, there are other successful, talented, well-loved performers. But, seriously, another Elvis? I don’t think so.

Although I have never wavered in my love for Elvis, I’ve recently gained a new appreciation of him now that I listen to Elvis radio on Sirius XM. It’s so awesome that they have an entire channel devoted to him. Nothing but Elvis, 24/7. And, that is all I ever listen to. Seriously, all the time, Elvis Radio. Not only do they play a ton of his great music, including rare recordings, but they have guests who knew the real Elvis. They share their memories of him, and hearing the intimate details of his life makes him all the more special.

Because of my adoration of Elvis, I have mentioned him in almost all of my published works. Here’s a little sample from “Poetic Injustice” a Romantic Suspense Novella (one of my older titles published through The Wild Rose Press) CLICK ON THE COVER FOR MORE INFORMATION

6. Poetic Injustice 6.7.11

Snippet:

Samantha put in an Elvis CD and cracked the window just a bit. She loved the fresh smell of rain, and a little moisture wouldn’t hurt anything.

Love Coming Down, one of Elvis’ more obscure releases from the 70’s, was playing. The damp evening air and Elvis’ powerful voice filled the car, surrounding her, calming her. She released a breath and, along with it, some of the tension of the past few weeks.

Do you have any special moments to share about Elvis, or any other entertainer?

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June 21, 2014 · 9:00 am

Monthly Drawing – $50 Amazon Gift Card & FREE Books! Play Fiction Fanatics Feud

Join our Facebook page and play our fun version of Family Feud where each month we hold a drawing where the first place winner receives a $50 Amazon Gift Card and the second place winner receives a free ebook by each of our ten authors.

Plus…you get to answer questions like this:

Question 1:

Name 5 things people buy to show they are successful

Question 2:

Name 5 ways for a couple to spend a romantic evening

Question 3

Name 5 things people like doing when listening to music

You do not have to get the answers correct to enter. And, we have so many ways of entering that you could easily receive SIXTY-TWO entries per month!

Each Saturday morning, we post a new set of questions. Check out all the fun here:

 

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May 28, 2014 · 8:37 am

Quest for the Best Salad

I love a good salad, but I have discovered, not all salads are created equal. Whether it’s a fast food salad, or a sit down restaurant salad, the choices are endless, and some are not quite up to par.

I decided to put various salads from various restaurants to the test in searching for the very best. I would like to say my criteria is the health/low calorie value, but that isn’t quite true. I am judging purely on taste/quality/price value. I try to choose salads over burgers and pizza for the most part, but I realize when cheese, bacon, and ranch dressing is added, the healthy advantages suffer a bit. But, I use minimal amounts of dressing, and I still believe that a salad must be a better choice than a bacon cheeseburger and fries, right?

So…each week I am featuring three different salads and giving them a rating based on my own personal criteria. Feel free to share your opinions about these salads or others, whether you loved or loathed them.

This is the rating scale I am using (because these are the elements that are important to me 🙂

(25 points possible)

1) Freshness: You can tell when a salad was made way earlier and just pulled from the cooler rather than prepared freshly. [1 through 3]
2) Type of Lettuce: I don’t care for iceberg lettuce, I love the really green stuff, and if a salad has brownish yellow lettuce, it’s a HUGE fail. [0 through 3]
3) Overall taste. [1 through 5]
4) Crispies. These are things like croutons, sunflower seeds, etc. Very important to me in a salad. Some salads have great ones, some have none, and some have sub par ones. [1 through 3]
5) Value for the $ – [1 through 4]
6) Variety of vegetables/ingredients: Some salads have lettuce and nothing else. I like a few other things thrown in like carrots, cucumbers, olives, etc. [1 through 4]
7) Cheese. A salad can have too little cheese or so so cheese, but it cannot have too much cheese, in my opinion. [1 through 3]

Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad

Chick fi la Cobb

1) Freshness: 3 out of 3
2) Type of Lettuce: 3 out of 3
3) Overall taste. 4.5 out of 5 – I’ve tried it with the grilled chicken and wasn’t a fan (their grilled chicken has an odd ‘fake’ taste to it that doesn’t quite work for me), but with the chopped up chicken nuggets and the combination of flavors, the overall taste is great.
4) Crispies. 2 out of 3 – Comes with these little red pepper bits which are okay, but I prefer the sunflower seeds they used to serve.
5) Value for the $ – 3 out of 4 – It’s a decent size and has plenty of taste and variety to make it worth the going price.
6) Variety of vegetables/ingredients: 3.5 out of 4 – With tomatoes, eggs, cabbage, carrots, and roasted corn kernels, it’s almost perfect, but not quite.
7) Cheese. 2 out of 3 – The cheese is good, but there’s so little of it.

TOTAL: 21

Jason’s Deli Chicken Club

Jason's Deli Chicken Club no Avacados

1) Freshness: 3 out of 3
2) Type of Lettuce: 2 out of 3 – They have the darker lettuce, which is great, but there’s a bit of iceberg mixed in there, too much for my taste.
3) Overall taste. 4 out of 5
4) Crispies. 1 out of 3 – Zero crispies provided. And I know they have plenty of different varieties on the salad bar.
5) Value for the $ – 3 out of 4
6) Variety of vegetables/ingredients: 2.5 out of 4 – The picture doesn’t show it, but the salad includes avocado. Avocado hurts my stomach, so I had them leave it off. In addition to that, the salad has grape tomatoes, but again, with all they have to offer on the salad bar, they could have thrown in some carrots or olives.
7) Cheese. 3 out of 3 – LOTS of yummy cheese, the mixture of white and yellow is just perfect.
TOTAL: 18.5

McDonald’s Bacon Chicken Ranch

McDonald's bacon Chicken Ranch

1) Freshness: 2 out of 3 – Honestly, I thought this would get a 1 because the salads I’ve had at McDonalds before tasted as though they’d been sitting for hours. This one was a little fresher, but not quite fresh enough.
2) Type of Lettuce: 1 out of 3 – Iceberg city, but it doesn’t get a 0 because at least the lettuce wasn’t brown.
3) Overall taste. 2.5 out of 5 – It was okay, good enough I might try it again in a pinch, but not great.
4) Crispies. 1 out of 3 – Zero.
5) Value for the $ – 2.5 out of 4 – It’s a decent size but the taste is a little sub par, at any price.
6) Variety of vegetables/ingredients: 1 out of 4 – Pretty much just tomatoes.
7) Cheese. 2 out of 3 – The cheese is decent, but again, there’s so little of it.
TOTAL: 11

So…what do you think? Have you tried any of these salads? Do you agree? Disagree? What are your most and least favorite salads.

By the way…feel free to call me out on my math if I got it wrong…it’s not my strong suit 🙂

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February 19, 2014 · 12:13 pm

Want, Wed, Waste: Cowboys

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Actors in Cowboy Roles.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Clint Eastwood, Tom Selleck OR Sam Elliott, Paul Newman as Butch Cassidy

clint Sam&Tom Paul-Newman-as-Butch-Cassidy

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of DEATH NOTICE (Northland Crime Chronicles, Book 1)  – A killer has something to say, and he’s using her obituary column to get his point across…

Want: Clint Eastwood. YUMMM….I have always found him exceptionally sexy. I admire his talent and brilliance so much. I am beyond amazed at how he keeps directing and starring in phenomenal movies, even in his eighties. And, yes, I would still ‘want’ him just like he is at this moment. STILL sexy!

Wed: Paul Newman. His blue eyes and sexy smile, sigh… I adored Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, among the other Paul Newman/Robert Redford movie pairings. Paul was gorgeous and from what I can gather, a terrific husband.

Waste: Sam and Tom. UGH…sooooo hard. But, unlike some of my fellow authors, I’m following the rules. SO, I must waste these two gorgeous, rugged, sexy cowboys. Now, before I waste them, I would, uh…have some fun. 😉

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JANNINE GALLANT, author of ASKING FOR TROUBLE ~ Will a demon in a diaper bring them together—or tear them apart forever? Available FREE on Amazon now until Feb. 22nd!   Website: http://www.janninegallant.com/

Want: This is easy. Clint Eastwood in his Spaghetti Western days is just too, too sexy. That glimmering stare and go to hell attitude. Oh my! He can carry me off into the sunset on a horse any day.

Wed: Paul Newman (sigh). Those baby blues look straight into your soul. And talk about handsome… I’d have to marry him because he must know how to cook with all those food lines. Right?

Waste: Sorry Sam. The man never did much for me. As for Tom Selleck—rugged and sexy without a doubt, but I’m not a fan of mustaches. I’d have to waste them both!

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Darcy Flynn, author of Rogue’s Son – Kit doesn’t need a man, thank you very much! Website/Blog: www.darcyflynnromances.com

Want: Clint, you’re one cool guy and handsome to boot. Your ‘spaghetti westerns’ always called to me. Yep, I’d enjoy a fling in one of those honky-tonks!

Wed: That’s easy. Tom Selleck. He’s tall, dark and extremely good-looking. And that twinkle in his eye does something to my innards. J Plus, I’ve always wanted to kiss a man with a mustache! Sigh

Waste: Paul “Butch Cassidy” Newman, normally, you’d be my man. You’re adorable and your piercing, blue eyes make me swoon. But, since you die in the end anyway, I guess I’ll have to let you go.

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Linda Carroll-Bradd is the author of contemporary rodeo story, Tie Down My Heart. Website www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

Want—Paul Newman—I had a major crush on him in high school. Went to see “Butch Cassidy” 6 times in the movie theatre in its initial release—which was fairly unheard of among my friends.

Wed—Sam Elliott—who wouldn’t want to listen to his gorgeous voice every single day? Even now, I don’t fast-forward through whatever commercial (beef or trucks) when I hear his voice-over.

Waste—Clint Eastwood—can’t get all those Italian-made westerns out of my head and hate squinty eyes in a hero

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SILVER JAMES, author of THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC (Werewolves, Fae, and Dragons, oh my! What’s Sade Marquis, a human FBI agent, to do? Solve the crime, of course.), Website: http:/www.silverjames.com

Want: Sam Elliott AND Tom Selleck. There is no way I’m going to choose between these two! Want them both. Like now, please! *waggles brows* I mean, I fell into a potted plant for Sam (seriously!) and I’ve had a thing for Tom without his shirt on since forever.

Wed: Since I’m not a polygamist, I’ll marry either Sam or Tom. Or maybe I’ll move somewhere where I *could* marry both. Because, damn. The sexy just doesn’t stop with those two. I could stare and listen (among other things) all freaking day for the rest of my life.

Waste: Sorry Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood. Y’all are really nice and all but seriously, if I have Sam and Tom, I don’t need anyone else. At all. Ever. *nods*

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Diane Burton, author of ONE RED SHOE (wannabe writer rescues wounded spy while risking her heart). Buy link:  http://amzn.com/B00FDXRHZA  Website:  www.dianeburton.com

Want: Sam Elliott and Tom Selleck. Whoo-hoo. A two-fer. A menage? Nah. One at a time. Love Sam’s voice. He just keeps getting better. Tom? I’ve had a crush on him since Magnum P.I. (Oops, just reread the instructions. I’m supposed to choose? No way. I’m leaving this.)

Wed: Paul Newman. OMG. His grin, his eyes. (notice which I listed first) His faithfulness in real life to Joanne. <swoon>

Waste: Clint Eastwood Sorry. I did enjoy all the spaghetti westerns. Loved him in Two Mules for Sister Sara. But I can’t get past his behavior at the Republican convention.

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Qwillia Rain, author of Looking at Rose: Poker Posse 1 — Never underestimate a Southern mama’s determination to find the right man for her little girl —  Website/Blog: http://authorqwilliarain.blogspot.com

*** – Qwilla is offering a copy of  Looking at Rose: Poker Posse 1 for one person who comments to the blog.

Want: Paul Newman, he has classic good looks, but his intelligence, quick wit, and sex appeal make him too attractive to overlook.  Although I doubt very much he’d ever give in. An interviewer once asked if he’d ever been tempted to stray after he married Joanne Woodward. His response: Why go out for hamburger when you’ve got steak at home? The man was intelligent, charismatic, and dedicated.

Wed: Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott (I’ll take both of them, they can figure out how to divvy up the time, LOL) Love both men’s voices, their looks, and their self-effacing manner. Both of the men have fascinated me since I was young. They are strong, dedicated, and determined. Shadow Riders exhibited characters who would never give up to retrieve the women they loved, and that they would make their kidnappers pay for the crime with their lives.

Waste: Clint Eastwood. Despite how much I loved him in the westerns and his run on Rawhide (not to mention the great performances in Trouble with the Curve and Absolute Power) I would have to waste Clint Eastwood simply because he honestly doesn’t appeal to me sexually. Never has.

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Nancy Fraser, author of  A Saved Woman, part of the Lawmen and Outlaws series from The Wild Rose Press. “She was used merchandise, stale bread. How could she ever hope for the love of a good man.” Available now through Kindle Select.

Want: Tom Selleck, not just as a cowboy but in any role he’s ever played (except perhaps the gay newscaster in the movie In and Out). He’s aged very gracefully and is even sexier now. Plus, look at those long fingers! <Fans self!>

Wed: Paul Newman. Loved his sense of humor in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. How can you not admire the man, his charitable causes, and his long and adoring marriage to Joanne Woodward. That was one lucky lady! And, of course, those eyes!

Waste: Clint Eastwood. I’ve never been a Clint Eastwood fan and can’t remember a time when I ever thought of him as sexy.

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February 12, 2014 · 9:57 am

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Valentine’s Day – Romantic Movie Leads

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Actors in Romantic Movie Roles.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle, Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Patrick Dempsey in Made of Honor

hanks How_To_Lose_A_Guy_In_Ten_Days_10487_Medium ?????????????

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Valentine romance short story, Cupid’s Beau – What happens when a Cupid falls for her target? (ON SALE for only 99¢)

Want: Matthew McConaughey, I LOVED How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, and MM is very hot, but he acts a little ‘off’ sometimes, so I would just want him on a temporary basis. But many times. 🙂

Wed: Patrick Dempsey. I adore Patrick Dempsey. There’s something about him that really appeals to me. I would Wed him so I could Want him often. And if you haven’t seen Made of Honor, you’re missing out. It is such a cute, fun, sexy movie. Definitely a good choice for Valentine’s Day (or any day). He also seems like a good husband, so Wedding him is a win-win.

Waste: Tom Hanks. I like him and respect him, and Sleepless in Seattle was a good movie. He and Meg had good chemistry, but he’s the least appealing of the two. Everyone loves Tom Hanks, so if I actually wasted him, I’m sure a lot of people would be angry with me, so I won’t. But he’s in my Waste category by default.

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Marie Tuhart, author of More Than One Night – Escape to an Erotic Fantasy, Website: http://www.marietuhart.com

Want – Matthew McConaughey – because he’s the ultimate bad boy and so darn cute.  I can just cuddle up with him and have all sorts of fun.

Wed – Tom Hanks – because he’s the man you bring home to meet the parents.  He’s funny, sensitive and faithful.  And not bad to look at.

Waste: Patrick Dempsey – there is just something about him that turns me off.  I’m not sure what it is, but he’s not my type of guy.

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Kathy L Wheeler, author of Quotable ~~ Bloomington Series, book 1 ~~ BE SURE to grab this one, it’s FREE!!! Website:

!!! – Kathy is giving away a copy of Book 2 in the Bloomington Series – Maybe It’s You – A winner will be drawn from the commenters

Want: How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days is my absolute favorite Romantic Comedy. Just typing this out makes me want to drop everything and go put the dvd in. Yum, yum, yum. Plus, Mr. McConaughey is not only a Texas, but hell, was he ripped in Magic Mike. Yeah, I’ll let Matt do me!

Wed: The only part of Sleepless in Seattle that I really loved was when Rosie and Meg were watching An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant (the sexiest man of all time). But who wouldn’t wed a lovable Tom Hanks? Not me. I’ll take him.

Waste: This is ridiculous. There is no possible way to waste Patrick Dempsey. The man pulled a victim out of a burning car for God’s sake! No. I’ll just have to want <i>and</> wed him too. I’m BREAKING the rules.

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Diane Burton, author of ONE RED SHOE – Wannabe writer rescues wounded spy while risking her heart.  Website:  www.dianeburton.com

Want: Patrick Dempsey. Patrick is hot! What my mom would’ve called a dreamboat. Didn’t see him in Made of Honor; loved him in Enchanted.

Wed: Tom Hanks. No question. I watch Sleepless in Seattle every time it’s on and get all choked up every time. Even better in You Got Mail. In real life, he seems very devoted to his wife Rita. Gotta love that.

Do I have to waste one? Then I guess it has to be Matthew McConaughey.  I didn’t see him in How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, but I loved him in Failure to Launch.

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M.J. Schiller, author of TRAPPED UNDER ICE, A rock star. A lunch lady. Can they bridge the gap? ON SALE for only 99¢! Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com

M.J. is giving away a copy of BETWEEN ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. A winner will be drawn from the commenters

Want: Gotta go with Matthew McConaughey. He hasn’t aged all that well, but I’m not exactly a beauty contest winner, either, so I’m not gonna be picky. He still has a certain charm.

Wed: Patrick Dempsey! He has that wholesome, boy next store, killer smile thing going for him and he just seems like a nice guy.

Waste: Wait. Wait just one minute here. I can’t waste Tom Hanks! He’s too awesome and cool. Huh. McConaughey has to go. Waste McConaughey, Wed Hanks and Want Dempsey. Sorry, Matthew. I guess that whole poor aging thing meant more to me than I thought. And you never did “Big” or “Sleepless in Seatle” or “Castaway”…and you’re not the voice of Woody. Ba-bye.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Swoon-Worthy Romantic Leads would you Want, Wed, and Waste?
Thanks for playing!

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