Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year





With 2011 coming to an end, I want to take a few minutes to thank everyone for their support through the year. My Tuesday Tales has been read throughout the world. Oh what a feeling that I can touch your hearts with my story about Alexandra and Billy.

I promise to keep their story alive. Just when you think that they are on the yellow brick road, they will hit forks in the road. Their love is pure, but can their secrets remain that, secrets?

I wish everyone around the world a happy, healthy,and prosperous New Year, full of love, health and happiness. Your love and support is priceless.

Top Left: Olli under the Christmas Tree
Center: My daughter Nicole and Whiskers
Lastly: My son Michael with the kitten, Twinkie

Happy New Year!

Buon anno

С Новым годом

Joyeux Nouvel An

Glückliches neues Jahr

Feliz Año Nuevojavascript:void(0)

Monday, December 26, 2011

Tuesday Tales - Wish

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year full of love and happiness. I also like to thank Jean Joachim for orchestrating Tuesday Tales for us every week. Don't forget to read the other awesome Tuesday Tales from a group of talented Author. Click Here.


It took Alexandra a few days to assess Billy’s proposition on Christmas Eve. She had gotten lost in the moment and didn’t take the time to think about it before responding. When Billy left Christmas night, she second guessed her decision.

Something didn’t add up. The one thing that bothered her was his reluctantly to talk much about his past. Billy never spoke about the restaurants that he worked as head chef for the past fifteen years. Mmm, let me see.

Alexandra opened her Mac Book and went to Google, where she typed in Billy Davidson. Before hitting go, she tapped her foot on the oak floor. The past nine months had been flawless. Billy did everything perfect down to bringing her roses or a box of dark chocolate every Saturday night when he picked her up for their night on the town. It never dawned on her why he didn’t work on one of the busiest nights of the week.

Go. In a split second there were thousands of results. Go ahead, narrow it down. Don’t be afraid. Alexandra bit her upper lip and typed Billy Davidson, Staten Island, New York. Go. The screen flicked and there were only seven results.

Alexandria’s eyes quickly scrolled down the list, which only showed white pages and classmates.com. Strange. If Billy were a big shot chef, his name would have shown up somewhere. Hmm, let me go into classmates. After scrolling through all the high schools in Staten Island, she came up empty. Something was definitely wrong. If it weren’t Christmas break, she would have called the schools herself.

Picking up the house phone, she called her friend Dee and explained the situation. All Dee needed was his license plate number. Dee said she’d get back to her as soon as she got the information. And that’s where Alexandra stood. Waiting for Dee to fill in the pieces Billy omitted. But the question was why? Why would he lie to her?

Alexandra’s questions were about to be answered. When Dee showed up at her house instead of calling, she knew something was wrong.

“Hey.” Dee gave her a hug and air kiss. “Merry Christmas. I figured it easier to come by and bring your present.” Dee handed her a medium size gift box wrapped in read and white striped paper. “And please, a cup of coffee. Damn is it freezing out there.”

“It’s eleven degrees. Why would you expect a summer a summer day in December.”

“No, but not this shit.” Dee took off her full length mink coat and threw it over the dining room chair.

Alexandra grabbed the coffee mugs and a tray of cookies and carried them into the living room. Along the way she took Dee’s present off the mantel.

“Here you go. At least this year it isn’t two months late.”

“What can I say? I’m a busy girl.”

“Did you make the sale on Hanover Place?”

“Not yet. Just waiting for the mortgage to be approved. I’m hoping to hear right after the holidays.”

Stop stalling. Ask her before you drive yourself crazy.
In stead Alexandra said, “Let’s open our presents. I know you’re going to love yours.”

Dee opened her box and pulled out the new I-phone. “Thank you.” She blew her a kiss. “You shouldn’t have.”

“I know you wanted it.” And like a little kid she giggled, “My turn.” Alexandra ripped at the paper and held the new Amazon Fire.”

“It’s fully loaded with all your favorite authors.”

“Thank you,” Alexandra smiled.

“Welcome.” Reaching over Dee lifted Alexandra’s diamond heart necklace. “Nice and heavy. Love the diamonds.”

“That was my gift from Billy along with the restaurant thing.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t say I have good news for you.”

Alexandra’s heart beat fast. Fear settled in and she started taking deep breaths. Her worst nightmare was about to unravel, she felt it in her heart.

“Go ahead. Tell me. Don’t hold back.”

“I won’t. But there isn’t much to go on. There is no record of Billy working in any restaurant except for a tiny café down in Saint George.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. There is no record of him working anywhere else. On a good note, he doesn’t have a rap sheet and has only got one traffic violation getting zapped by the camera on Clove Road.”

“I don’t get it. Why would he lie and say he worked in restaurants throughout Manhattan?”

“That you will have to ask him. I wish I could give you more information.”

“Thank you. I am going to ask him. First thing tomorrow morning.”

“Why not tonight?”

“I need to think about this. Figure out how I’d like to handle this.”

“Just do me a favor.”

“And that is?”

“Give him a chance. Don’t go off the deep end without giving him a chance to explain.” Dee stood and grabbed her coat off the chair. “I have to show a house on the other side of town in a half hour. Call me after you speak to Billy. And remember, let him explain.”

Alexandra walked her to the door. She didn’t want to believe Billy could have lied to her, but it was possible. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“Enjoy your Kindle.”

With that, Dee was gone, leaving Alexandra alone to drown in her thoughts. More than likely she’d drive herself crazy before she spoke to Billy, but for the time being, she had to have a game plan. The biggest question would be why he lied to her, making himself to be the big time chef working at five star restaurants.

Lifting her cell phone she sent Billy a text, asking him to stop by in the morning around ten. Before giving him a chance to call her, she turned off her phone. She needed to spend the rest of the night figuring out what she wanted to do.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

My Book Cover




This is the best Christmas present I could have gotten. My book Roses will be out in February 2012 by Secret Cravings Publishing. I will keep you posted as we get closer.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Tuesday Tales - Christmas

The scent of freshly baked brownies still lingered through the house. Alexandra sat at the dining room table with a mug of homemade hot chocolate with mini marshmallows floating in the center. In the middle of the table was an angel candleholder, which housed a bay berry scented candle.

This Christmas she found the magic that had been missing. When she woke up, she came down to a ten foot fully decorated Christmas tree up, except for the top. Billy brought an untraditional top, a Santa hat with both their names written in multi-colored glitter and lifted her so she could put it on top of the tree. She hadn’t stopped smiling and wondered what else Billy had in store for her.

“Can I get you another mug of hot chocolate?” Billy asked placing a dish of just baked brownies in front of her.

“No thank you. I still have.” She reached her hand out to him. “Why don’t you sit down? You’ve been in the kitchen all day.”

"Just give me a few minutes. I want to grab myself a cup of hot chocolate, then I want to talk to you about something.”

Reaching his hand out, she placed her empty mug in his hand. “Okay, I’ll take a refill. But I’ll pass on the marshmallows this time.”

“Be back in a sec.”

Alexandra started biting her short fingernails. What could he possibly want to talk about? Before she could drive herself crazy trying to figure it out, Billy returned with their hot chocolate. He sat next to her and popped a brownie into his mouth.

“Are you happy with the way the living room looks?”

“I love it. You went all out. The tree is beautiful. You really made it special.”

“And it’s just the beginning. I have so many wonderful things in store for you. But before we start the Christmas Eve festivities, I want to run something by you. Now don’t say a word until you hear me through.”

Alexandra bit her bottom lip. With Billy, she never knew what he was going to come up with. “Okay,” her voice cracked.

Taking both her hands in his, he leaned over and kissed her lips. “Baby, it’s all good. I wanted to save this for later, but I can’t wait.”

“As always you’ve peaked my curiosity.”

“Then I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I can’t wait till midnight to give you this present.”

Alexandra stood, still holding his hands. “Come on, stop stalling.”

“I’m not stalling. Let’s sit on the couch by the fireplace.”

“You are so bad Billy. Stop stalling.”

“You’re right.” He took their mugs of hot chocolate off the table and placed them on the cocktail table. “I’m nervous. It’s not too often that I make life changing decisions.”

“Come on…”

Billy sat sideways next to her on the couch. “I have always dreamed of having my own restaurant, but realize that it’s a huge responsibility, including long hours, so I ditched that idea. While I tried to come up with another game plan, I continued working in various restaurants and hotels as a chef.”

“I thought you liked your job at the restaurant.”

“I do. But I want more. I want to make a name for myself in the industry. Be listed in Zagat as the place to go.”

“Sounds like a lovely dream that can be made a reality with the right backing.”

“That’s where you come in.”

“Me?” she pointed at herself. “How can I help?”

“I want you to be my partner. I want to open a bakery café. We can start small and continue to expand as the years go on.”

“Really? You want to take that chance with me? We really don’t know each other that long.”

“It doesn’t matter. I feel it in my heart with the both of us working together we’ll have a winner.”

“Wow. You’re giving me a lot of credit. As you can see I don’t know a single thing about cooking, especially baking. My specialty is takeout.”

“This will give us a chance to grow together while making a scrapbook of memories.”

Alexandra thought for a moment. Her eyes stayed on Billy who tried his best not to laugh. She watched him bite his tongue and would play on it. “I got it. You’re after me for my marketing and public relations expertise,” she replied stoned face trying her best not to start laughing too.

Billy’s grin turned into a frown. “ I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I know you didn’t.” With that she went into a fit of laughter. “Got you.”

His frown turned into smile, then laughter. “I’m not use to this side of you and I love it.”

“What side?”

“You’re always serious, and have never teased me. I love this side of you. And that’s why with the two of us teaming up together, we can really have something special going on in our personal and business life.”

“You’re really serious about this café thing.”

“Yes. I have the talent and you have the brains. And besides, you said you hate your job in the advertising company.”

“I do,” she sighed, taking the last sip of hot chocolate. “But this is a big decision. I have a great job and make good money. If things don’t work out…”

Billy covered her mouth with his finger. “Things will work out. You just wait and see. I promise you if you come along on the Billy train you will be in for the ride of your life.”

“You know something, you’re a hundred percent right. I have taken the safe road my whole life, always afraid to take a chance. I think I’m ready to try something different and take a chance…with you.”

Billy pushed her hair behind her ears and then lifted her chin.

“Let’s seal it with a kiss.”

Their lips met, sealing their future together and kicking off their Christmas Celebration.


A special thanks to Jean Joachim who has orchestrated the Tuesday Tales while blog hopping and getting ready for the holidays. Please take a few minutes to check out the other wonderful tales by a group of talented authors at: Tuesday Tales

I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season full of love and happiness!

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Twelve Days of Christmas


With the holiday season upon us, it is our time to reflect on the year gone by and start getting together a list of resolutions for the New Year. This is one of my comic relief poems...what I call the quick pick me upper when the muse comes to a halt.


On the twelfth day of Christmas, my critique group sent to me Twelve hours of nonstop writing,

Eleven great plots with a twist,

Ten true to life characters,

Nine boxes of tissues,

Eight books on writing,

Seven bottles of liquor,

Six packs of post-it-notes,

Five colored pencils,

Four reams of paper,

Three black ink cartridges,

Two laser printers,

And a brand new apple computer.


I’d like to wish all my fellow writers and readers a Happy and Healthy Holiday season. I hope the New Year brings forth all your dreams come true.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Tuesday Tales - Holiday

Alexandra tied the belt around her red and white fleece robe, the one Billy had waiting for her after making love. Billy had strategically planned out the day and didn’t miss a single thing. The matching robes added the finishing touches, leaving her hungry for more days like today.

Billy must have added more legs to the fire while she slept. A green and red wool blanket with reindeers covered her naked body when she woke up. The smell of freshly baked scones took over the room. Before she called out to him, Billy appeared at her side two mugs of coffee, two small dishes and a basket full of scones and muffins on her grandmother’s metal tray, placing it down on the floor in front of the fire. The tray brought back so many memories of her grandmother who took it out every year at the Holidays.

“Breakfast is now being served by the fire.”

“I see.”

Billy handed her a mug. A cinnamon stick replaced the spoon and whipped cream in the shape of a bell floated in the center of the mug.

“What can I get my girl? An apple muffin or a blueberry scone?”

“That’s a hard choice. They both smell delicious.” Alexandra touched the muffins and immediately pulled her fingers away. “That’s hot!”

“I hope so. I just took them out of the oven.”

“You are one of a kind. I would have thrown an English Muffin in the toaster and called it a day.”

“Not me. At this time of year, I try my best to keep the traditions alive that I was brought up.”

“I use to. But I spend most holidays alone. I wasn’t going to make a fuss over myself.”

“No. But now I have someone to make a fuss over and I hope you feel the same.”

“Yes I do. It will be wonderful to break out my grandmother’s old cookie recipes and share them with you.”

“It’s all about the holidays and tradition, something that fell out of sorts through the years.”

“Maybe we can change that?”

“You can count on that. I foresee a lot of things changing in the future.”

Alexandra’s eye brows rose. “Like?”

“I think we have already changed our lives when we met each other again. We were given a second chance. That’s why I only see good things for us in the future.”

“I’m counting on it. We both hold the key to our destiny. And I think this time around the door is opened to endless possibilities in our lives.”

“I agree. It’s important we keep open communication and the fund and spontaneity thing we’ve been doing. And most importantly twist.”

“Couldn’t agree more. I love knowing that when my head hits the pillow at night, I don’t have to wonder where or what you’re doing.”

“Looks like we’re on the same page. Keeping that in mind, I’d like to put on some Christmas music wile we eat breakfast.”

“Sounds great. I love listening to the carols. A tradition as a kid was for my family to sing carols and drinks apple cider.”

“When I was a kid our tradition was to drink hot chocolate with mini marshmallows while watching Christmas movies. That was until my parent split.”

“You’re telling me as a teenager you hung around with your parent?”

“Sure, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, only because I didn’t have a choice in the matter. But of course tradition went right out the window when my parents got divorced. They became so involved in their own lives that the holidays were no longer a big part of our lives.”
Billy put his head down and shook his head. “I have to agree with you on this. My parents did the same thing.”

“I lost all my faith in the Christmas magic. I haven’t put up a tree in over ten years. The most I’ve done is put up the small ceramic Christmas tree my best friend Dee had made me in ceramics over twenty years ago.”

“And this year?”

“This year is different. I feel the Christmas magic.”

Billy reached his hand out and Alexandra took it. Once on her feet, they embraced. Hugs and kisses were always one of her favorites, and ones that satisfied her whenever Billy took her in his arms.

“Let’s finish our breakfast at the table. You sit down and I’ll bring everything to you.”

“I’ll help.”

“No. I need for you to get some paper.”

“Paper?”

“Yes. We are going to make a list before we go shopping. Christmas is only a week away and there still is a lot to do.”

“Then we’ll keep it small.”

“No way. This is our first Christmas together and I want it to be special, one that you won’t forget. It will be our first memory together.”

“Yes it will.”

“First, I want you to eat one of the scones. Those have always been one of my favorites. They don’t take long to make either.”

Alexandra got the paper and brought the coffee pot over to the table, placing it on the Santa Clause hotplate. Another trinket Billy had added, that she hadn’t seen earlier.

Billy sat down opposite her and took the pad and pen. “I’m going to write out our twelve days to Christmas plan. So you better get to use to seeing me every night as we check off as we go along.”

“And what’s going to be on this list?”

“Besides making love to you every day, it will be my little secret that will keep you coming back for more.”


For other Holiday Tales, throw on your ice skates and come over to: Tuesday Tales Also, a special thanks to Joan Joachim who coordinates the Tuesday's Tale Blog.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Tuesday Tales - Fire

Alexandra wiped the ice off her black and white ski pants. For the past hour, Billy and she had been ice-skating on the lake down the road from her house. Billy stole the show with his strategic skating steps, while she spent most of the time on her butt. She’d fall, Billy would pick her up, and then she’d skate a few feet before landing back on her butt again.

The day was just perfect with the scent of snow heavily evident. Every time she took a deep breath, she’d exhale, seeing her breath. She hated the cold weather and seeing your breath, definitely wasn’t a good sign. It only meant that winter has arrived, with the snow to shortly follow.

She fell again, this time right on her butt. This time she went hysterical. Looking across the pond, Billy skated, and when he saw her down, he skated across the pond.

“I think it’s time to call it a day,” Billy said, helping her up one last time.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.” Within minutes, she had her skates off and UGGS on. “I’d like to know how you learned to skate like that. Dear God Billy, you put me to shame out there.”

“Sorry.” He reached down and picked up her skates. “I played hockey throughout high school and college. That’s where my fancy footwork came from,” he laughed.

“I guess ice skating is one of those sports that when you don’t skate for thirty years, you forget how to.”

“Nothing to worry about. We will come out again. You need to break in your new ice skates.”

“At least we were the only ones here today, so I don’t feel like I made a complete idiot out of myself.” Pointing to herself, “Look at me. I’m wet from head to toe.”

“And you look beautiful.”

“You’re a charmer.” She sneezed and covered her mouth with her white wool gloves.

“God bless you. I got to get you home quickly and set you down in front of the fire to warm up.”

“I can’t wait.”

Billy squatted down. “Jump on my back and let me give you a piggy back ride home.”

“You’re kidding?”
“Nope. Come on.”

Alexandra put her arms around his neck. When Billy stood, she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“I’ll have us home in no time.”

Alexandra couldn’t help but feel like a kid. Being an adult didn’t mean you had to follow the adult rulebook. Being with Billy had brought out the kid in her, a part of her she had forgot about.

Leaning against Billy she smelled his cologne that always jingled her insides. The scent of pine trees reminded her of the weekends she spent with her parents at her grandparents’ cabin in the winter. Marshmallows on a skewer would be one of the first things they did when they got into the house along with a cup of hot chocolate.

“At last, we have arrived.” Billy opened the door, and carried Alexandra in and placed her down on the red and green microfiber reindeer blanket that he set down earlier.

“This is wonderful. When did you have a chance to set this all up?”

“Earlier when you went to change into the ski suit I got you.”

“Oh Billy.”

“Give me a minute. I also made homemade hot chocolate that I need to heat up.

“You are so full of surprises.”

“You keep telling me that.”

When Billy disappeared into the kitchen, Alexandra slid off the ski pants. Underneath she wore black leggings, which remained dry. She rested against the black leopard pillows Billy had apparently snuck in and stared into the fire.

The aroma of chocolate overpowered the firewood. Billy returned and set down two oversized mugs of hot chocolate and a tray of assorted cookies.

“Again, you have made my day perfect. I don’t want this day to ever end. I want to embellish the moment and add it to my journal.”

“Journal?”

Alexandra smiled and nodded.

“Do you write about me in there?” he asked pushing her hair behind her right ear.

“Maybe,” she blushed. “I like to write about what goes on in my life during the day. It’s just for myself. It’s a good way to express my happiness and disappointment without burdening anyone.”

“That’s why I’m here with you. I want to be the one that shares your joys and kisses away the tears.”

“And I’d love that too. Today couldn’t have been anymore perfect.”

“I just want to make you happy.”

“And you do. I love the little things you do for me. Those are the things that make being with you even better.”

Alexandra sipped her hot chocolate. “This is incredible. What brand did you use?”

“I used my own secret recipe. I never use store bought.”

“And these cookies?”

“All made from scratch.”

“Billy, my mind is roaming.”

Billy put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her lips. “Tell me more.”

“I mean it. You should think about opening a café. You’d do so well. These,” she paused to take a bite of a vanilla/almond tasting biscuit, “taste like nothing I’ve ever tasted before.”

“Oh,” his voice rose. “You think it’s something that you’d be interested in doing with me?”

“Absolutely.” She turned in his arms and touched his face. “I think you have something here. When we dropped off the leftover turkey and platters of cookies earlier at the shelter, they went crazy over the cookies. I had no idea you made them.”

“I love baking. I always baked with my grandmother at the holidays.”

“I have a wonderful idea. Why don’t we make platters of cookies and bring them down to the church. I know they do a food drive, but I bet people would love to have deserts too.”

Billy took her face between his two hands and softly kissed her lips. “That’s what I love most about you. You are always thinking about helping others.”

“I have to admit that I am being a little selfish too.”

“Like how?”

“Making cookies and delivery them means I spend more time with you.”

“Baby, you can spend as much time as you want with me. All you have to do is say the word.”

Alexandra took a deep breath and leaned against Billy’s shoulder. She finished her hot chocolate, placed her glass beside her, before leaning back to look at Billy. The flames from the fire sparkled in his eyes revealing his sincerity and yearning.

“I’d like if you would stay with me tonight by the fire.”

“I had the same thing in mind, as you can well see. I want to see the fire in your eyes when I make love to you.”

Alexandra didn’t answer, instead she leaned into him, feeling his hardness against her upper thigh and started the night with a long passionate kiss.


Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think. Also, if you have a few minutes, I'd love for you to visit Tuesday Tales to read more tales from a group of fabulous authors.