Hot Times

Fun in the summer includes a relaxed teaching schedule, relaxed living schedule, actually I guess I could have just said a relaxed schedule.

Housework is relaxed even more than usual since we are still five months away from the dreaded holiday season, and thank god for it. It must be said, though, that once past the Fourth of July, it starts counting down. But I'm in denial over that, so tra la la. and a bottle of rum. Or is that yo ho ho? You know, you just can't say ho any more without a nudge and a wink. I hate that.

In truth, it's been so long since I vacuumed I can't remember if the machine is broken. It might be. I had it out over the weekend and it sounded muted. It was running and yet not making the sound of running. Muted, you might say. Or mutated. My vacuum cleaner is a ho.

Summer trips are fun. The girlfriends are returning to the Cape this weekend to see another production at College Light Opera---Bye Bye Birdie. I'm expecting greatness. I'm also expecting to clothesline one or two of those high class babes in the audience if they think they are going to squelch me from laughing.

Sweating and perspiring and suffering from the heat are part of summer in New England. Also mosquitoes of keen focus and desire. Our mosquitoes are hungrier than yours, dear reader, and I regret saying it. They go to airline pilot school and can land on an aircraft carrier at night. My fleshy arms (and they are shown in stark relief in the above photo) are the runways of their dreams. The hottest nights of all I call Wet Washcloth nights, the ones where I keep such an item on my forehead or shoulder. Sometimes those nights turn into Sleep Downstairs on the Couch nights, but usually I break down and turn on my air conditioner. I don't like to run it because it is so noisy. I will be peacefully dreaming and BANG! THUMP! WHAT WAS THAT? I am certain that Freddy Kreuger has come in the kitchen door. Sometimes I think I can hear voices inside the air conditioner, although that may be a different issue.

I mowed the side yard of my property over the weekend and I want full credit for it. I want someone to praise me. I want a freaking medal, okay?



I really like my summer school students. They are awesome (I don't let them use that word).



A bientot (still looking for that Winslett/DiCaprio Titanic pose)



love,



becky

GCC: Deborah LeBlanc

Wow, does this ever look good. It's going on my nightstand for sure.

It's a little bit different from some of the Girlfriends' books in that it is dark and mysterious.

You know what? I'm in the mood for that. Here's a taste.


It seemed like the answer to Haley’s prayers. The most popular girl in her high school promised Haley that her life would change forever if only she performed certain dark rituals. And if Haley can convince her twin sister to participate, their power will double. Together they will be able to summon mystical entities they never dared dream of. But these are powerful, uncontrollable forces, forces that can kill—forces that demand to be fed . . .

Praise for MORBID CURIOSITY:“One of the best new voices of supernatural thrillers!” --Cemetery Dance“It’s now official: Deborah LeBlanc has become a master not only of good spooky stories, but also of crafting great characters to fill them!” --Horror Fiction Review“An imaginative chiller. Riveting!” --Publishers Weekly“Ms. LeBlanc’s tale is a powerful, gripping read, with an ever increasing intensity that forces you to the end without laying the novel aside.” --Who Dunnit

About the Author:Deborah LeBlanc is an award-winning author from Lafayette, Louisiana. She is also a business owner, a licensed death scene investigator, and an active member of two national paranormal investigation teams. Deborah’s unique experiences, enthusiasm, and high-energy level make her a much sought after speaker at writers’ conferences across the nation. She also takes her passion for literacy and a powerful ability to motivate to high schools around the country.

She is the president of the Horror Writers Association, president of the Writers’ Guild of Acadiana, and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the National Association of Women Writers, and International Thriller Writers Inc. In 2004, she created the LeBlanc Literacy Challenge, an annual, national campaign designed to encourage more people to read. Her most recent novels are: FAMILY INHERITANCE, GRAVE INTENT, A HOUSE DIVIDED, and MORBID CURIOSITY. Deborah’s next release, WATER WITCH, is scheduled to be on bookstore shelves in August ’08. For more information on Deborah or the Literacy Challenge, visit Deborah at her website and buy the book!




Tune back in next time for more of Becky's weird travails in hot weather.

A bientot
love,
me

Airline Torture

One of my personal Loathsome Experiences to Endure when traveling is the airport recording. You know, the one that is played over and over until passengers are nearly insane.

One of my favorites can be heard in Boston and it sounds something like this the first time you hear it:
"Before using Manchester or Green Airports, passengers should consider the following fact. Boston Logan Airport has more than blah blah blah flights and blah blah blah facilities and is located in the most international....." whatever.

After a while, it sounds more like "Don't travel out of Manchester or Green Airport if you have half a brain."

And finally after 137 repeats, you hear its true message:
"Manchester and Green Airports suck. They're pissant stupid-face doodoohead places to fly out of and the workers there have AIDS."

Another nominee can be heard from morning till night in Memphis. "Passengers are advised that no smoking is allowed in Memphis Airport EXCEPT for two restaurants, Molly McFee's and Jersey Jehosophat [this may not be right]

AFter 35 reps it sounds like: "Everyone is encouraged to smoke at the following two restaurants, Molly McDermott McCree's and Jonesey Wallah Wallah Bing Bang." and after 137, you hear: "Fuck this no smoking thing. Let's all kick back and light up at the following two restaurants....."


All airports play that stupid message about not accepting packages from anyone you don't know.
"The security alert has been raised to hot pink. Consider carefully whether you should accept that ticking 'science project' from the nice man in the turban who said he would be right back. If anyone of a suspicious nature--that is, someone who resembles Rocky or Bullwinkle or Bluto from Popeye-- approaches you, please report to the nearest security personnel in Starbucks. Or get one of the canines."

Then when you get ON the plane, many flights play a recording now of the safety instructions. "If you are unwilling or unable to comply with being an exit row assistant, and if you feel you will begin screaming and making an asshole of yourself in the event of an emergency, please let a flight attendant know. The flimsy cushion you are sitting on will convert to a flotation device which should keep you afloat in a public swimming pool if there are no high winds. If we go down over Lake Michigan, you're screwed. You can check the map, but last time we looked we don't fly over that many bodies of water in the continental US, so if we go down, it's probably going to be over Toledo, and you might as well not sweat the flotation device."

"Canines are working. They will kick your pet's ass. That is why Fido and Fifi must be kept in cages with inhumane features, no matter how pitifully they cry. If you're stupid enough to travel with a dachsund in your duffel bag, you deserve a little stress. Please do not accept dogs or snakes from any persons unknown to you. If anyone tries to give you a free coatimundi, please contact the nearest security personnel who can be found at Starbucks. "

"We apologize for any inconvenience our three hour delay may have caused you, ladies and gentlemen, but you may now use all your electronic devices, so isn't that great? The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Isn't that so true? When retrieving bags and luggage from the overhead compartments, please remember many bags look the same. Just to prove this point, ladies and gentlemen, we've added a bag up there in one of the compartments that contains anthrax! Let's stand back and watch the fun! Be really careful when claiming your belongings and we hope this discourages you from bringing all your stupid carryons with you from now on. "

I am home but my bag is not.

A bientot
love,
Becky

Comfort Zone Front Close Sports Bra

Soft fabric feels good against your skin - Sheer mesh detail at back - Low impact, soft cup, sporty racerback bra - Wire-free, full cups provide comfortable support - Shimmering fabric blend
Comfort straps to gently cushion the shoulder - Perfect for active lifestyles - Available up to a J-cup - Convenient front hook and eye closure - 4 column, 2 row hook and eye closure on straps
Goddess: Comfort Zone Front Close Sports Bra
Content:
Body: 94% Nylon/Polyamide, 6% Spandex/Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in Dominican Republic

I DO - Low Rise Crystal Thong

A Wedding Day must-have - Ultra-sheer, stretch lace - Minimal coverage thong - Flat, curved waistband - Sparkling "I DO" rhinestone detail - Daringly low, 3.5 inch rise
Hanky Panky: I DO - Low Rise Crystal Thong
Content:
Body: 100% Nylon.
Country of Origin: Made in United States

Precious Heirloom Triangle Bra

Nicole Miller's Precious Heirlooms Triangle Bralette is a couture-caliber lingerie confection in sheer, vintage-inspired lace.
Stretch satin trim and back - Nude marquisette lining for added support - Constructed of eyelash-edged stretch lace - Minimal coverage triangle bra - Delicate double-strap front detail
Back adjustbale straps - Vintage inspired design - 3 column, 1 row hook and eye back closure
Nicole Miller Signature: Precious Heirloom Triangle Bra
Content:
Body: 92% Nylon, 8% Elastane.
Lace: 100% Nylon.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Anytime Nursing Bralette

Wide set adjustable straps & ballet back give you support in a sexy silhouette.
This bralette is great for both your last trimester and a perfect first nursing bra.
Constructed of stretch microfiber - Highly breathable and fast drying fabric - Lined, soft cups nursing bra - Slings inside cups offer additional support - Back adjustable, stretch straps
Exceptional absorption of body moisture - Soft and ultra-fine fabric for maximum comfort
Four-stage hook and eye back closure - Specifically designed for nursing mothers
Bella Materna: Anytime Nursing Bralette
Content:
Body: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex.
Cups: 80% Polymide, 20% Elastane.
Exclusive of Trim.
Country of Origin: Made in United States

Original Skin Bralette

Seamless, stretch fabric - Comfortable, lightweight bralette - Perfect for petites - Tagless for comfort - Thin stretch straps are back adjustable - 3 column, 1 row hook and eye back closure
Vanity Fair: Original Skin Bralette
Content:
Body: 72% Nylon, 28% Spandex.
Exclude trim.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Original Skin Bikini

Seamless, stretch fabric - Tagless for comfort - Comfortable bikini - Low, 5 inch rise
Vanity Fair: Original Skin Bikini
Content:
Body: 72% Nylon, 28% Spandex.
Crotch Lining: 100% Cotton.
Exclude trim.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Avant Embroidered Demi Bra

Underwire, demi cups provide comfortable support - Constructed of sheer, stretch mesh fabric
Molded bra - unlined, shaped, underwire cups - Tassel with rhinestone detail on non-stretch gore
Fully adjustable, stretch straps - Floral embroidery design - 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
OnGossamer: Avant Embroidered Demi Bra
Content:
Cup and Center Lining: 100% Nylon.
Embroidery: 55% Polyester, 45% Nylon.
Back and Center: 58% Nylon, 42% Lycra.
Exclusive of ornamentation.
Country of Origin: Made in El Salvador

Traveling

I must unexpectedly travel, dear reader, and won't be posting while I do so. Here are two wonderful faces to look at while I am gone.

A bientot

love,

Becky

3D-Seamless Camisole

Seamless, stretch fabric with subtle shimmer - Lightweight, body-shaping camisole - Moderate control for a more toned look - Built-in bust support - Firms midriff - Adjustable, stretch straps
Jockey: 3D-Seamless Camisole
Content:
Body: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex/Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Hint Of Skin Low Rise Thong

The bras and panties are completely seam-free and sewn free. This ultra modern design and innovative engineering marries freedom of comfort with contemporary Felina style.
Seamless, stretch fabric - Minimal coverage thong - No visible panty lines - Low, 4 inch rise
Felina: Hint Of Skin Low Rise Thong
Content:
Body: 68% Nylon, 32% Spandex.
Country of Origin: Made in Thailand

It's a Zoo

On the hottest day of the year, too, can you believe it? This monkey was about 125 degrees to the touch.

YOW!

Otherwise, you know I would have tried to sit in the crook of her arm, boys and girls. I didn't really see an opportunity for a TITANIC pose here, though maybe there was one and I missed it. That thing in my hand is a snow cone, my first in a dog's age [dogs aren't allowed at Franklin Park Zoo, though we saw one brazenly being taken in as we were leaving] and bought for me by my daughter's boyfriend. What a guy!!!

Here are two of our participants on the way in.

Here are three more. We won the prize for the youngest baby being forced to look at animals in the zoo.

LOOK, MAEVE, LOOK AT THE MONKEYS!!

NO NO, DON'T LOOK THERE, LOOK HERE! SEE? SEE?

Note for posterity: eight months old? Probably too young for the zoo.

This guy looked like he was suffering from the heat. There was no sand for him to bury his head in either, though plenty was blowing in my face. The place is a little on the downtrodden side.

Speaking of downtrodden, this is one sad sack peacock on his way to relieve himself.

DUDE! THAT'S THE LADIES' ROOM! DON'T GO IN THERE!

Naturally, he didn't listen and there was hell to pay. Here he is dragging his sorry ass past the vending machine where he tried to buy a Skittles but didn't have enough cash. If he'd have waited, we probably would have helped him out, but he had a date somewhere, probably with one of those tarty little cockatoos. We didn't see him after that.

Indeed it seemed to be one sad story following another at the zoo, dear reader. This unfortunate male silverback is on a permanent "time out" from the other members of his family group. It seems he does not get along with the young juvenile males.

Nothing we women didn't know, huh?

So now he forages for canteloupe cubes thrown by zoo volunteers instead of "acting out" and threatening everyone else inside the compound. Everybody has problems, buddy.

YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I SHOULDA SAID!! THAT LITTLE PISSANT APE!

I think we'll wait at least another year before we go again, even though a good time was had by all.

The king will see you now.

A bientot

500 words per day are adding up

love,

Becky

Jill Soft Cup Bra

Delicate ultra-sheer lace at bustline - Stretch cotton blend - Lightweight, unlined, soft cups
Adjustable, back straps - Perfect for petites - 1 column, 1 row hook and eye back closure
Cosabella: Jill Soft Cup Bra
Content:
Body: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyamide.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Solutions Strapless Bra

Fully convertible to strapless - Clear center gore, 2 strips for A, B, and C cups - Clear center gore, 3 strips for D cup and above - Seamlessly constructed of stretch microfiber - Padded, underwire cups - 2 sets of adjustable straps, one set is clear - A, B, C cups- 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure - D and above- 3 column, 4 row hook and eye back closure
Donna Karan Intimates: Solutions Strapless Bra
Content: Body:
80% Tactel® Nylon, 20% Spandex. Cup Lining: 100% Polyester.
Country of Origin: Made in China

GCC: Great Summer Read from Julie Kenner

The heat wave has broken here in New England, dear reader, and it's time to read. This book looks so cute! You don't have to be a soccer mom to like it either. (Truly I think there were a few demons to be found back in my soccer mom days!)

About the book:Kate Connor is the busiest – and most dangerous – mommy on the block! Having traded in her professional life for the rewarding (yet arguably less glamorous) duties of a stay-at-home mom, Kate – Wal-Mart shopper, loving wife – has recently rejoined the workforce. Reconciling her home obligations with the demanding needs of her job has proven tricky, however. Kate seems to have not one but two full-time jobs, and there’s no telling which takes more work: being a Level Four Demon Hunter or a Stay-At-Home Mom!

DEMONS ARE FOREVER: Confessions of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom, by Julie Kenner, is the third installment in the devilishly funny Demon series, which has become a favorite amongst young mothers —demon-loving or not.

These days, Kate Conner has a lot on her plate. Her daughter has figured out what she’s been up to, and wants to grow up to be just like her mom. Kate also has a sneaking suspicion that her dead husband is using the forces of darkness to filch the body of another human being. And her living husband isn’t exactly acting like the man she married either.

Moreover, Kate’s acquired a precious but deadly item that every demon within commuting distance wants. With husband woes wreaking havoc on her emotions, and an ambitious teenage protégée at her heels, this stay-at-home mom is putting in a lot of overtime.A new take on the demons that moms fight everyday, from car-pools, to chaperoning, to growing pains, DEMONS ARE FOREVER is a fun, fast, smart and entertaining adventure in mommy-lit.

Get this--The first book in the series – CARPE DEMON – is currently in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures. The second book – CALIFORNIA DEMON – is a current RITA finalist.

About the author: Julie Kenner spent four years mainlining nonfat lattes in order to write, practice law full time and take care of her first kiddo. Then she wised up, quit the practice of law, and settled down to write full time. Praised by Publishers' Weekly as an author with a "flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations," Julie’s books cross multiple genres and have hit bestseller lists as varied as USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and Locus Magazine, among others. She lives in Georgetown, Texas with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. You can visit Julie online at her website, her blog, or her myspace page. Or you can go ahead and buy the book right now!

More on my doings next time, boys and girls.
A bientot
love,
Becky

ye olde public swimming pool

About once a year, dear reader, when it gets BEASTLY HOT, little Becky makes her way over to the public swimming pool (in another town). It's a great humbling experience, not least for the fact that I have to appear in public in a bathing suit. Anonymity is best.

LOOK AT THE WHITE LEGS ON THAT LADY!!

GOD! DON'T GET TOO CLOSE!


This pool is in Park City, Kansas, and looks pretty nice. I don't like a pool that is too empty, though, because I feel more on display. I actually don't like what is called Adult Swim because all the kids clear out and stare sullenly at the feeble adults who go in then, my category being feeble adult.




Believe it or not, this is a public swimming pool in Sydney, Australia, according to Google. Yikes!! Far too luxurious for me and my peculiar swimming duds.

This one is in the UK, which as we all know, never has summer weather anyway, so that is why it is empty.

This one is in Manitoba, Canada, and aren't we just a little big smug as we notice, um, IT'S FREAKING INDOORS!!!!

Hope that chlorine fragrance isn't too pervasive, dude.

Trying to get some sun, folks. Tomorrow starts a full round of papers coming in, so I'm truly back in the saddle.

The summer saddle.

Not living the Complete Dream but with good weather and ..and...and

FRIDAY ZEST.

A bientot

love,

Becky

Stella Low Rise Bikini

Constructed of stretch mesh and lace - Classic fit bikini panty - Floral pattern and geometric trim throughout - Really low, 5 inch rise
Felina: Stella Low Rise Bikini
Content:
Lace: 86% Nylon, 14% Spandex. Mesh lining: 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex.
Country of Origin: Made in Philippines

New Roses Padded Strapless Bra

Convertible to criss-cross, halter and strapless - Constructed of stretch microfiber - Contour cups for shaping and support - Floral appliqué detail - Stretch foam lined cups for a subtly enhanced shape - Stylized, double front straps - Malizia logo printed on straps - Stay-put silicone trim
Back adjustable, stretch straps - Chic, sophisticated and truly luxurious - 4 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Malizia: New Roses Padded Strapless Bra
Content:
Body: 50% Nylon, 30% Polyester, 15% Cotton, 5% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Senso Strapless Bra

Fully convertible to strapless - Seamlessly constructed of stretch microfiber - Graduated padding for natural-looking enhancement - Partially convertible to criss-cross and halter - Stretch, adjustable straps - 4 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Chantelle: Senso Strapless Bra
Content: 83% Nylon, 17% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in France

Hi Ho Hi Ho

It's off to work we go, dear reader.

Mood: optimistic.

Gas tank: full.

Hair: pretty good.

Preparation: I could do this with my eyes closed.

In summer school you sometimes get a few slackers, people who have failed before and need to pass in order to move on. You'd think these would be the most motivated students, wouldn't you? You would be WRONG.

I saw EVENING over the weekend and it was good, especially Clare Danes. I think I'm "all set" with Vanessa Redgrave. I understand and appreciate that she is brave and makes brave choices and has embraced her grayness and oldness and decrepitude, but she's been doing it since she's been 25, hasn't she? It's like in every movie she looks more wizened and ancient than you could think possible. I wondered on the way in how she could possibly outdo herself in this regard, but she did. She played a deathbed old lady in a nightgown and looked like Methuseleh. 'WAIT. LET ME MOVE A LITTLE SO THE CAMERA CAN PICK UP THE LITTLE WHISKERS ON MY UPPER LIP!!!

Sorry. She is a great actress, but I can't take it any more.

I am reading THE MATHEMATICS OF LOVE by Emma Darwin, descendant of Chuck, and it is pretty good.

EVIDENT LAST ACTIVITY OF CATS BEFORE THEY LEFT:

Dead mouse in the hallway--yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

A bientot

love,

becky

Clara Silk Boudoir Thong

Hand clipped French lace appliqué - Constructed of silk and lace - Minimal coverage thong panty
Ruched detail at strings sides - Really low, 6 inch rise - Chic, sophisticated and truly luxurious
Leigh Bantivoglio: Clara Silk Boudoir Thong
Content:
Body: 100% Silk.
Lace: 100% Nylon.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Katarina Demi Cup Bra

Molded bra - unlined, shaped, underwire cups - Demi cups provide full support and moderate coverage - Constructed of semi-sheer microfiber and mesh - Delicate bow on non-stretch center gore - Pretty floral embroidery on bustline - Contrasting trim throughout - Back adjustable, stretch straps - 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Simone Perele: Katarina Demi Cup Bra
Content:
73% Polyester, 22% Nylon, 5% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in France

Sexytown Mesh Triangle Bra

Straps are fully stretch and back adjustable - Mesh triangle bra - Molded, unlined, wireless triangle cups - Thin (.5 inch) back wings - Non stretch center gore - 4 column, 1 row hook and eye back closure
La Perla Studio: Sexytown Mesh Triangle Bra
Content: 95% Nylon, 5% Spandex
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Cherry Heart Pajamas

Drawstring waistband pant with elastic in back - Button-down long sleeve top with front pocket
Constructed of 100% cotton - Coordinated 2-piece pajama set - Graphic floral print and hearts throughout - Designed to fit and flatter average figures - Secret pocket inside pants - Cute 4-button down pant
Scanty: Cherry Heart Pajamas
Content:
100% Cotton.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Voile Stripe Babydoll

Covered elastic under bustline for a fitted silhouette - Graphic, contrasting design at back and bottom hem - Fully adjustable, non-stretch straps - Delicate batik print - hort, flared, V-neck babydoll - Constructed of 100% cotton - Self-tie bow at bust for a feminine look - Short length
Includes matching bikini
Free People: Voile Stripe Babydoll
Content:
Body: 100% Cotton.
Country of Origin: Made in Indonesia

Jacqueline Low Rise Bikini

Scalloped lace trim - Constructed of sheer, stretch lace - Moderate coverage smooth microfiber back panel - Classic fit bikini panty - Daringly low, 3.5 inch rise
Cosabella: Jacqueline Low Rise Bikini
Content: 84% Polyamide, 12% Spandex, 2% Rayon, 2% Cotton.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Eva G-String

Pretty ultra sheer embroidery on front panel - Satin stretch waistband and sides - Polka-dot pattern throughout - Minimal coverage g-string panty - Constructed of microfiber - Satin bow detail on back center - Really low, 5 inch rise
Freya: Eva G-String
Content:
74% Polyester, 16% Cotton, 10% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in Morocco