Love is complicated.
Thank you to everyone that entered the Summer Giveaway contest via Rafflecopter. The contest has ended and the winners of my Rafflecopter Giveway are:
S. Jackson (pecan*****@aol.com)
M. Kutan (mjk******@gmail.com)
A. Thomas (moon*******@yahoo.com)
You each have until Sept. 6th to claim your prize. Please email me @ mdrayford@gmail.com.
Any unclaimed prizes will be awarded to the next randomly selected number.
Let’s get to know each other better. Here are some fun facts about me:
(#1) My first car was a “hoopty” I named Bruno. It was a 1970 something, mud brown muscle car. There was no air conditioner, heat flowed from the floorboard, the windows would get stuck if you rolled them all the way down and the ceiling pilings fell on your shoulders like snowflakes. But I had a ride.
(#2) I was a member of the Navy ROTC in high school. I learned quickly that the military life wasn’t for me. I fainted from standing at attention for an hour.
(#3) I learned all the moves to Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “Pleasure Principle” videos. I spent hours watching the videos on repeat.
(#4) I lived my football dreams by playing in the Ludy Bowl at Columbia College. I was a wide receiver. Didn’t score a touchdown but I did pick up a first down.
(#5) I love playing NBA 2K on my cell phone. We bought an Xbox for the kids and I played it more than they did.
(#6) To get over my first heartbreak, I played “Careless Whisper” by George Michael on repeat. For an entire week. I made an entire cassette tape of that one song by recording it off the radio.
(#7) Favorite boy band: New Edition. We’re the same age and I just knew I would meet and marry Ronnie DeVoe one day.
Now it’s your turn. In the comments, share a fun fact about you.
Here’s a fun holiday. Let’s all join in and post those selfie that you take everyday of the year. Today, it’s official. Here is my favorite selfie:
Please post your selfies below.
Today is World Sickle Cell Day. This day was established to educate the public about sickle cell disease and preventative measures.
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which red blood cells are not able to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. The blood cells form into a rigid and sticky crescent moon shape – a sickle shape which makes it hard from them to travel through the blood vessels.
There is no definitive cure for this disease. While I don’t suffer from this, I know people that do. It was part of the inspiration for a character in my debut novel, Moment of Truth.
For more information about the disease, please visit this website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876
Time for another obscure holiday and it’s a good one. National Splurge Day means you can let loose and indulge in the one thing you’ve been missing. Counting calories? Have that dessert. On a budget? Go out to eat. It’s officially the day to do it.
Me? I’m going to buy the hard copy of this book.
This is the sequel to “A Conspiracy of Stars”, a wonderful YA sci-fi fantasy book that I read last year. I’ve been putting off buying it but today is splurge day so I must buy it. (Like I really need a reason to buy books. You should see my overflowing bookcases.:-)
What are you planning to do on National Splurge Day?
Now that I’ve turned 50 years old, there are certain things I know for sure. The list stops at ten things because nobody has time to read a list of 50 things.
So, tell me dear reader. What are some things you know for sure?
I’m looking forward to celebrating a major milestone this year. Stay tuned for special gifts that I plan to share with you.
1. Children of Blood & Bone – Tomi Adeyemi
An original and epic tale that is pure magic on the page. I’m eagerly awaiting book 2, Children of Virtue and Vengence.
2. An Untamed State – Roxane Gay
I love Roxane Gay’s work and this novel did not disappoint. The character stayed with me long after the story ended.
3. Gemini Rising – Marze Scott
A wonderful debut from an up and coming writer. Her Facebook game is always entertaining.
4. Show Me No Mercy – Anita Roseboro
The subject matter from this debut author is handled with satisfying care. Her realistic portrayal of a sensitive subject deserves serious kudos.
5. Becoming – Michelle Obama
You know our “Forever First Lady” would not disappoint in the amply entitled memoir.
6. Harlem – Eric Jerome Dickey
A fantastic short story from one of my all-time faves. The jaw-dropping ending is worth the read.
7. The Other Woman – Sandi Jones
A unique twist on the idea of the other woman.
8. Rhythm & Blu – S. L. Jennings
I loved this book so hard I read it in two days. This was my first novel by S. L. Jennings but it won’t be the last.
9. Eshe: The Fire Breathing Series – J. D. Mason
Dragons, shadows, and warriors. Oh my! A new series from one of my favs.
10. Slaves of Heaven – Naleighna Kai
Imagine if women were given the power in society. Naleighna Kai imagines a world I wished we lived in.
In between writing books, I love reading books. What have you read lately? Do you have any suggestions/recommendations? Please post them in the comment section.
It’s another obscure holiday. Time to give a shout out to all the husband’s holding it down. This is my hubby enjoying a family cruise.
So, to all the men taking care of family and business, this day is for you!
