Hunter Marshall's WAKE UP!

Wake Up

Synopsis

I only knew two things when I married Grey Andrews: one, I was in love and two, I wanted to rebel against my parents.  For the first time in my life, REALLY rebel.  I, however, wasn't prepared for the onslaught of negativity and abuse I encountered.  

Grey would  make sure I knew where I stood, with him, and with everyone else.  He of course, was allowed to do whatever and whenever he pleased.  Even during the rare times I would stand up to him, he would be sure that I knew I was nothing.

"You?  What man in his right mind would want you?  You are the biggest bitch I've ever known.  Not to mention, you are damaged ."  Grey said as he wheeled around with that all too familiar sneer.  The last thing I heard was "I only married you out of pity."

  Did he really mean that?  I loved him so much and thought if I loved him enough, he could  change.  I felt like I had been punched in the gut!  Would he realize how lucky he was to have a beautiful wife and son.  Only time would tell.

Grey made sure I was knocked down several pegs at all times, but.  even worse than that was the way he treated Tyler.   My heart bled every time that sweet little boy was pushed off to the side and denied the attention he so deeply needed and deserved. 

Do you ever "Get over" abuse, betrayal and adultery? My answer,  no.  You "get through it", but you  don't ever "get over" it.  You take it one baby step at a time and  it is the support of great family, good friends and a loving Heavenly Father that makes continuing on even remotely possible.

Olympian Passion by Andrya Bailey

Good morning Gentle Readers,

I found this great book and I had to share with you. Here is the buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/Olympian-Passion-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00THZM4XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425440011&sr=8-1&keywords=olympian+passion

Look for my review of Olympian Passion next week!

Hugs,

Carol

Olympian Passion is the first book in the Olympian Romance trilogy, by romance author Andrya Bailey.


Sabrina, a Classical Studies graduate student, is excited to be accepted for a summer internship at the Fine Arts Museum. When she meets stunning Greek archaeologist and scholar Nikos Soulis, who will spend two months overseeing the museum's new exhibit, she falls hopelessly in love with him. Even though the sexy professor seems to be dating a rich philanthropist and museum benefactor's daughter, he insists in helping Sabrina with her research project in Greek art. Can she avoid heartbreak when she is seduced by the hot Olympian god of her dreams?

"Best romance I've read in a while! Couldn't put it down!"

Excerpt from first chapter - you can cut it down if it is too long

At that fraction of a second, when my eyes found him, I felt Eros’ arrow hitting my heart with an intensity I’d never experienced before. I thought I was seeing a mirage: tall, muscular body, tousled black hair, wearing a light blue button down shirt - which complemented the tan of his olive skin – a black jacket and dressy black pants. The man looked exactly like a hero from Immortals, or one of the perfectly chiseled statues of Apollo or Zeus I often found myself contemplating in museums.

I’m a helpless romantic, always believing in love at first sight, thinking about the day my prince in shining armor would come trotting down to capture my heart. Or, rather, when my Greek god would descend from Mount Olympus to take me as his own venerated and immortal goddess. Greek mythology has always been one of my favorite subjects, and books about the glorious myths of gods, sagas and quests in search of love, beauty and immortality abound in my library. I love reading and looking at pictures, dreaming about this far gone world of intrigue, jealousy and passion, imagining the handsome gods seducing virgin nymphs, morphing into mere mortals or other forms, to enrapture the object of their lust into their sometimes fatal embraces. Wandering through museums, I often stared musingly at the formidable marble statues of mythological gods and heroes with their lean, muscular, perfectly toned and chiseled male bodies. I wondered when I’d have my chance to go to Greece and lose myself in the Parthenon, in Athens, or the Temple of Poseidon at Sunion, or the best-preserved Greek temple in the world, the Temple of Hephaestus, to meet my fantasy, the Olympian god of my dreams. I had no idea I would find him so close to home.

A few days ago, I received a call from Dr. Jones, the museum’s director, advising me I had been accepted for the internship at the Museum of Fine Arts. I was beside myself with excitement. That’s the reason I took the summer off from my Art History school teacher job: I had really been looking forward to this opportunity. I was graduating the following year and getting my Master’s degree in Classical Studies at Rice University in Houston, so this break might even help me get a job at the museum. The invitation to attend the Greek Bronze Vessels special preview party followed and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. It was the first time this collection was coming to the museum, and I was hoping my internship would include working with the curators in the Antiquities department. I was doing research about Greek vessels for my thesis, so that was a most welcoming coincidence.

Jane, my best friend, was waiting for me by the front entrance when I arrived at the museum for the party.
“You look great, Sabrina,” she said when she saw me. “I can’t believe we were invited to this wonderful party, and I can’t wait to see the new exhibit. Let’s have a glass of champagne and some hors d’oeuvres before Dr. Jones starts the announcements.”

We accepted a flute of champagne from the bartender and walked around the large foyer, which was being used as the background for the cocktail party.
“My beautiful ladies!” we heard Curt exclaim. Our adorable, friendly classmate approached us with open arms to give us a hug. His friend Robert, who was with him, gave us each a peck on the cheek.
“This is so amazing, isn’t it?” Curt asked. “I’m dying to go inside the exhibit room and see the Greek vases! Are you all excited about the internship? I can’t wait to start!”
“It’s like a dream come true. When Dr. Jones called me, I was beside myself. I’d love to work in the Antiquities department!” I said. A waiter came by with a tray of fresh fruits and cheese and we each grabbed a handful to munch on.
That’s when I saw the mirage, the fabulous looking god of my dreams on the other side of the room, across from where we were standing. Dr. Jones offered him a glass of champagne and he accepted it with grace, bowing respectfully. I had no idea who the seductive god-like creature was, but for me, it was love, or lust, at first sight. Like magic, I felt a bolt of lightning going through me. At that moment, I knew I had been hit by a love arrow, and I almost choked on a grape.

The Work of Martin Saldana

Dear Gentle Readers,

I first saw the unmistakable work of Martin Saldana while on vacation in Colorado Springs, CO, at the art museum there.  There was something about his work that I just loved.

There is a playfulness about his paintings, a fresh look at something old, that totally re-energizes the subject matter. 

Look at this.

Will you ever be able to look at Blue Boy the same way again?

I wish these photos were of better quality because they don't do his work justice.  I tried to buy something in the gift shop that had his images on them, but they didn't have anything.

And while we're talking about Blue Boy, we can't leave 
Pinkie out.

In 1950, Martin Saldana was invited to try out an art class... by mistake.  

He was the only 76 year-old in the class at Denver Art Museum and instantly became enamored with the idea of

painting scenes from his childhood in San Luis Potosi in Mexico.  His paintings have been described as endearing, innocent, and lively, but no matter how you describe them, they are charming and show the artist's great love of life.

Martin Saldana painted every day, usually completing an new oil painting every three days.

Martin Saldana died at the age of 91.  Before picking up the paintbrush, Martin was the head cook at The Brown Palace Hotel, a landmark in Denver, CO.

Just goes to show you, you are never to old to find that spark of inspiration that may change your life and the lives of those who appreciate your work.  

We owe all this to a wrongly-addressed invitation to an art class.

Thank you, Martin Saldana. Your work makes me smile. Your vibrant use of color and simple designs excite me.  You have made my world a better place.

Hugs,
Carol    

Interview with Author K.R. Thompson

K.R. Thompson

The Appalachian Mountains in southwestern Virginia

Good morning, K.R., and welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  We're happy to have you here with us this morning.  Can you tell us what have you written?

I have two series started. My first, the Keeper Saga, which has two novels and a short story thus far, is a young adult/paranormal series. And my other series, The Untold Stories of Neverland, revolves around some of my favorite classic fairytale villains and tells their stories from their point-of-views.

What is your favorite genre to write?

I absolutely love writing fantasy and adventure.

Favorite food.

Nearly anything chocolate!

Tea or coffee?

Definitely tea, sweet and iced, please.

Pizza or ice cream?

I love pizza, though I’m the strange one that likes pineapple and ham on it as my favorite. (I don’t typically turn down ice cream, though!)

Where would you like to visit?

Scotland! I doubt I’d be happy with just a visit, though. Given half a chance, I’d move there in a heartbeat.

Me, too! We need to get together and see if we can get a group rate to Scotland.  So many authors I've interviewed also want to go there.  Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I listen to a wide variety of music while I’m driving, but I don’t have an all time favorite to speak of. I don’t ever listen to music when I write. I have a four-year old son. Silence is golden. J

What makes you laugh?

It’s more of a “who” that makes me laugh. That same little four-year old boy who never likes to be quiet.

Favorite work of art or sculpture.

I’m not a visual art admirer. (Yes, I know, shame on me.) I prefer the art in the telling of stories.

How old were you when you started writing?

I’ve loved books ever since I was a little girl carrying around Nancy Drew stories. I only started writing my own adventures about five years ago. (I’ll keep you guessing on how old I am. ;) )

Describe your perfect evening.

I have these quite often. My favorite evening always includes spending time with my husband and son, my two favorite people in the world.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Believe it or not, my inspiration comes from reading. There is nothing that can bring your imagination alive like the worlds that are in the pages of books.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I do what any author worth their salt does. I gripe. I complain. I take a break. Then, I get back to it. Sometimes the block happens when your story isn’t going the way it should. It helps to step back and take another look at it…after you are well finished being aggravated, of course. ;)

Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author of all time is Diana Gabaldon.

Best book you ever read.

Outlander…by Diana Gabaldon.

Last book you read.

To Have and To Hold, by Trae Stratton.

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?

Writing is actually my “night” job/passion. My day job is at the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My daughter that I miscarried five years ago. They say that everything in your life happens for a reason, and it is very true. She was the reason I began my writing. Then, it was escape. Now, writing is something that I love. That turn in my life five years ago, changed everything.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I’d want to sit down with Mark Twain. I’d love to learn everything I possibly could from him.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Believe in yourself—that’s the key. And don’t give up, no matter what.

Do you have any links for us to follow you?

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/thekeepersaga

Website:

http://authorkrthompson.wix.com/thekeepersaga

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/KRThompson

Twitter handle:

@TheKeeperSaga

Amazon author page:

http://www.amazon.com/K.R.-Thompson/e/B00FBWL7XG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1424656853&sr=8-2-ent

Interview with Author Jon David Cunningham

Jon David Cunningham

Norfolk, Virginia USA

Good morning, David, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  We are thrilled to have you with us this morning! Tell us,what have you written?

In grade school I did several comic books. The artwork was better than the writing. In middle school I attempted writing a play. It was in my thirties, that I finally did write it, a two-act play. However it was in my late forties I told myself I could write a novel. I knew it was never going to be the great American novel, but I wrote it anyway. I have no plans to ever let it see the light of day. It was in my twentieth year of working as a hairstylist, I realized our story needed to be told. I wanted to tell it with a tongue in cheek attitude. To tell all the crazy thing we go through with our clients. Shortly after my fiftieth birthday I watched as Delilah Mancini came to life. She had something else in mind, so I ended up telling more about her life than about her days in a salon.

What is your favorite genre to write?

When it comes down to reading, it would have to be horror. I don’t believe I have gained the skill necessary to do it justice. If I had to pick just one, at this point I would say ‘Family Sagas’.

 

Favorite food:

Chinese, Mexican

Tea or coffee?

 As a Southerner, I must say tea, and served very sweat with ice. Yet I would never turn my nose up at a good cup of Joe.

Pizza or ice cream?

Why can I not have both? Okay if I must, it would be ice cream.

 

Where would you like to visit?                      

The UK, all of it, but London first and foremost.

Favorite musical artist.

To know me is to understand my musical taste cannot be tied down to just one artist. There again, if I had to, it would be Julie Andrews.  

Do you listen to music when you write? Yes!

What? 

While writing it is ‘The Piano Guys’.

  

What makes you laugh? 

Thanks to my father, I have a wicked since of humor. I can find almost anything funny. I enjoy watching those who take themselves far to seriously.

Favorite work of art or sculpture.

Michelangelo’s David

How old were you when you started writing?

I’ve known since I was a child I was a storyteller. I feel I started learning about the art of writing in my late forties.

  

Describe your perfect evening.

It would be after my dogs have started to settle down. I would have a rum and coke sitting next to me. My headphone would be on my head playing some kind of instrumental music. Then I would start telling a story as fast as my fingers would allow me to type.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Forgive me, but as Stephen King once said, “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” All I ever known was how to work, it’s just something you do. I can’t explain it.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

Pace! I live in a small Cap Cod, which allows me to walk in a continuous circle. While walking I remind myself where the story is going, and how much the characters need me to tell their story.

Who is your favorite author?

Stephen King

Best book you ever read.

I have read my share of the classics. The one that spoke to me the most at the time was ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain.’

Last book you read.

Don’t tell anyone but I just finished a trashy little novel. But the one I’m get reading to start in the next few day is ‘Outcry Holocaust Memoirs’.

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer? 

I am a hair stylist and colorist. Working part time at writing. Yet if I had the true talent for singing. I fantasize about being a Broadway actor.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

Two years ago I would have denied it.  After her passing I would have to say it was my mother. She taught me how to be self sufficient, to stand on my own two feet and not to back down. I can hear her now, ‘Live and let live, but never take no crap off of nobody’.

 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? 

Jesus of Nazareth. To ask him just how far off the mark did King James of England get it? What did he really mean, without two thousand years of someone else’s interpretation.

  

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? "However great a man’s natural talent maybe, the art of writing cannot be learned all at once."         -Jean Jacques Rousseau- 
Take as much time as you can to learn the art of writing, not just the techniques. Be true to your voice, yet make sure you have a voice first.

The link for the first book is

http://www.amazon.com/…/dp/B00FWWU1HI/ref=la_B00FXW9DIU_1_1…

For the second one

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U65KQQW

My website is

www.jondavidcunningham.com

My Face Book Like Page is

https://www.facebook.com/JonDavidCunninghamAuthor?ref=hl

My Twitter page is

https://twitter.com/JonDavidCunning

My Amazon Author page is

http://www.amazon.com/Jon-David-Cunningham/e/B00FXW9DIU

My E mail address is

jondavidcunningham@gmail.com