Jasper Chats With Spank

When we last left Spank...

Well, Spank thank you so much for giving this interview. I've enjoyed reading your answers and... *sound of a door opening* Oh, my. Spank, I feel they knew I was interviewing you. Two incredibly handsome Cullens just walked into my house. Jasper is grinning at me and Emmett's pulling me away. It seems Jasper has a few questions for you. I hope you'll consent to another interview for him.

Spank, darlin, I'm sure you won't mind answering a few simple questions for me. The interviewer is now @JasperHale. ;) I'd hate this to be non-consensual in any way, so please be honest. Keep it clean too, dearest one. How do you feel about the idea of answering a few little questions for me?

Keep it clean? *shakes my head* I'm sorry, did you call me dearest one? *blushes* I much prefer that to Darlin'. *sighs softly, nodding* I will do anything for you, Jasper. *raises brow, smirking* And I have all the answers for any of your, questions, Mr. Hale.


Excellent. Let's dive right on in, then. I've wondered, when did you start following my account on twitter?

It has been a very long time, Jasper. Dare I say I have enjoyed following you since you began gracing Twitterville with your presence. Yes, I have followed you. *looking you over* You have a nice backside, by the way.


Very nice turn of phrase, dearest one. You do have an amazingly quick mind. Do you have a favorite tweet? A favorite moment or plotline? From me, please darlin. Right now, I'm your audience.

Are you saying that I have command of your attention, Mr. Hale. *smiles* This could get interesting. *waving my hand around easily* As for my favorite moment, it is hard to pinpoint because you are so dramatic and your plots have always been very captivating. I almost never interrupt with a comment because I am transfixed by where you are going. I remember becoming very excited when I saw you following a certain news story. I am hoping this will bring you together once again with that fiery Mexican.


I'm glad to hear someone is enjoying my plots. There are times I wonder if I'm only writing for myself. Not that that would stop me, of course. Speaking of fiery Mexicans, what's your opinion on Maria?

Oh I have great respect for Maria. I know this troubles you *lowers my lids, whispering* and I do so hate to disappoint you. *looks up slowly, grinning* But she made you and I am ever so grateful to her for this... gift. And she's strong, and fierce.


Your opinion differs from mine, as you know. However, you're entitled to it and I did ask. What would you like to see from me on twitter?

Aside from you leaving Alice for me? *laughs softly* I love your monologues, actually. There is nothing more captivating to me than when I read your thoughts. *laughs* Makes me feel like your inferior brother in a way. But I do love those. And you can say hi to me from time to time. *smiles*


Inferior brother. *chuckles* What would you like to see from my family, whether Cullens or the entire group - The Olympic Coven RPG?

I think what you all do is what no other family does, and that is tell really intricate stories that take us beyond Breaking Dawn to a world that has not yet been explored. The family I run with is a completely different form of entertainment and I see no competition between the two. I readily state that I respect what your family brings to the Twitterverse and enjoy thoroughly how you all play. I can readily see high standards with your casting and also with your story plots. They are well defined, and extraordinarily played.


Anything you'd change on twitter? Other than your bizarre ideas about getting rid of my wife, of course.

*laughs loudly* See above answer. Other than that idea - which mind you is not THAT bizarre - I would not change a thing. I am loving the new story with respect to Emmett and Rose's family planning and your take on the situation is perfectly played.


Thank you for that. I thought my position on the issue perfectly logical and well-clarified. I'm sure the family meeting about that issue will be interesting once it happens. No point in looking to the future now, however, so we'll continue the interview. I'm not a fan of human food, but I once was. Let me live vicariously. What's your favorite meal?

You may actually like my favorite meal. It is an Ethiopian dish called Raw Kitfo. It is actually raw beef, tossed over a flame to warm up and served with this incredible spicy marinade. Spicy, Jasper. Like me. *winks*


That sounds like an interesting meal. If you had to choose one, what would you want as your last meal?

You.


I'd rather not risk destroying you, dearest one. The world would be a poor place without you. What is your favorite veggie vamp meal?

I would never eat Bambi. Do you drain cows, because I do like me some steak.


Cows aren't my favorite. Herbivores don't taste as good and cows tend to taste heavier to me. I wish I could explain it better. Given the option, I prefer wolf as my meal. When I'm not hunting, I'm a big fan of music and always have been. What's your favorite kind?

I love almost all forms of music but my heart belongs to the alternative genre, most specifically Foo Fighters. Not a bad song sung, in my opinion.


Excellent group. You have very good taste, dearest one. Alright, enough of the favorites. Let's delve a little more. What's your belief on souls?

I believe that if we have souls that your soul stays with you not for as long as you draw breath but for as long as you have the capacity to heal, or harm, by your actions, words and deeds.


Interesting theory, well presented and clear-cut. Very commendable. Do you think vampires have souls?

I believe that all good vampires go to heaven. And, yes, I believe that if we have souls, vampires have them too.


What's your take on life in the Southern Covens vs vampire life in the North?

Well, I do think that the North is far more peaceful than the warring of the Southern Covens. I know you're trying to cage me into speaking ill of Maria and I'll not do it. But I do believe that peaceful coexistence is a good thing, where possible. Sadly, it does not seem possible in the south.


I have my own reasons for harboring an ill will towards my creator. Things may be made clear on twitter in the future. If you could choose, which vampire power/extra ability would you have?

The power of confusion. Imagine how awesome that would be.


Fascinating choice. That ability could work well though physical touch or as a distanced power. It seems similar to the side-effect of Renata's shield.


Pick five words you would use to describe me and explain them please.

Stoic, conflicted, loyal, beautiful and taken. Stoic because your presence is very controlled and you almost have a detached approach to dealing with situations. I believe this is from your military background. You're conflicted because I believe that a strong part of you is still drawn to the natural life of a vampire and you continue to fight against this primal urge for human blood. Your loyalty almost goes without explanation. You have shown your loyalty for your family, even when it upset certain members to help others. You always do what you believe is right and I really respect that about you. Beautiful - you may think I mean your appearance. And while it is true I find you to be breathtaking, you are beautiful inside because all the pain and torment that you have experienced and endured in your life, you still find that love is the greatest gift worth sacrificing for. And last, *grumbles* and least... you are taken, which is such a sadness. Spank will just wait in the wings for when you come to your senses. *shaking my head* I know, I know... you'll say "you'll be waiting forever" which is why I fully intend to become a Spankpire, so time will be on my side. *laughs maniacally*


Well, dearest Spank, thank you for your time today. I've enjoyed this and I'm sure we'll do it another time. If you like, of course. Good day, ma'am. I need to go pull Emmett away from our host for a hunting trip. Do take care of yourself and I'll see you on twitter.

*blushes* You called me dearest. *holds my hand out and smiles mischievously as you hold it* I would love nothing more than do visit with you again. Good day, Jasper. *staring at you, offering a cursory smile at Emmett and watching you walk away, smiling to myself* Yes, his exit is as good as his entrance....

HEB/ConAgra Meal Maker Challenege Prize Pack Giveaway

As part of the HEB/ConAgra Back-to-School Meal Maker Challenge, I have some great swag to share with my readers! Keep reading for your chance to win a great prize pack which contains:

• A reusable ConAgra shopping tote
• $25 HEB gift card
• Peter Pan peanut butter
• 4 - pack Snack Pack Pudding
• Healthy Choice Fresh Mixer
• LaChoy Creation
• LaChoy Sauce
• Chef Boyardee
• Hunt's Ketchup
• Marie Callender's Homestyle Creation

Be aware that HEB is not a national chain, so you may not have one near you. You can use the gift card at Central Market stores. But, if you are out of state, you may be unable to use the gift card, so you could pass it on to a friend or something.

I will be giving away five of these total, one every week. So, how can you win the first one? Leave me a comment telling me your favorite lunch to pack for the kiddos.

Want an extra entry? Follow me on Twitter (@Nessa_TX) and tweet this: Check out the #HEBack2School Meal Maker Challenge with @Nessa_TX and win a $50 @HEB & @ConAgraFoods prize package! http://ow.ly/2j2vf

Leave a comment for each entry & include the link to your tweet if you do so. Entry deadline is 8/6/10 at 8:00pm CST. I will email the winner on 8/7/10. Good luck y'all!

**Disclaimer:As part of the Meal Maker Challenge, I received compensation, ConAgra products, and H-E-B promotional items from H-E-B and ConAgra for myself and my readers.**

Dark In The City Of Light by Paul Robertson

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dark In The City Of Light Bethany House (July 1, 2010)

by Paul Robertson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.











ABOUT THE BOOK

What Evil Haunts the Shadows of 1870s Paris?



Baron Ferdinand Harsanyi — After his wife's mysterious death, this Austrian attaché holds control over mines whose coveted ore could turn the tide of war.



Therese Harsanyi — Swept up in new romance and the spectacle of Paris, the Baron's daughter is blind to the dangers stalking her family and the city she loves.



Rudolph Harsanyi — Unsure whom to trust, the Baron's son's grief over his mother's death twists into growing anger and a desire to break free.



As France and Prussia plunge toward war, one family is caught in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and murder that threatens to tear them apart.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Dark In The City Of Light, go HERE.

Wordless Wednesday - Pebbles

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Nightshade Barbour Books (July 1, 2010)by

Ronie Kendig





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ronie has been married since 1990 to a man who can easily be defined in classic terms as a hero. She has four beautiful children. Her eldest daughter is 16 this year, her second daughter will be 13, and her twin boys are 10. After having four children, she finally finished her degree in December 2006. She now has a B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Getting her degree is a huge triumph for both her and her family--they survived!!



This degree has also given her a fabulous perspective on her characters and how to not only make them deeper, stronger, but to make them realistic and know how they'll respond to each situation. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. And her Discarded Heroes series begins in July from Barbour with the first book entitled Nightshade.





ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tour of duty in a war-torn country, embattled former Navy SEAL Max Jacobs finds himself discarded and alienated from those he loves as he

struggles with war-related PTSD. His wife, Sydney, files a restraining order against him and a petition for divorce. Max is devastated.



Then a mysterious a man appears. He says he's organizing a group that recycles veterans like Max. It's a deep-six group known as Nightshade. With

the chance to find purpose in life once again, Max is unable to resist the call of duty and signs on.



The team handles everything with precision and lethal skill...until they're called upon to rescue a missionary family from a rebel-infested jungle and

avoid a reporter hunting their identities.



Will Max yield his anger and pride to a force greater than him...love?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Nightshade, go HERE.



Watch the trailer:

HEB/ConAgra Back to School Meal Maker Cahllenge - Yard Bird and 'Mater Ravioli

Otherwise known as Chicken & Tomato Ravioli. Hey, I live in Texas y'all. Anyway, this is a yummy dish I came up with after getting a good deal on Hunt's 14.5 oz. Diced Tomatoes and Hunt's 8 oz. Tomato Sauces at HEB. You can print the coupons for these deals on the HEB website. So, I stocked up, came home and raided the pantry and freezer, and got to cooking. Here is the recipe:



1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, diced
2 14.5 oz. cans Hunt's Diced Tomatoes
1 8 oz. can Hunt's Tomato Sauce
1/2 a large white onion, diced
1/b cup Kalamata olives, sliced - a can of sliced black olives would work fine
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. diced garlic
2 Tbsp. fresh basil, minced
salt & pepper to taste
1 2 lb. bag frozen cheese filled ravioli

Heat olive oil over medium heat, saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add diced chicken and saute until no longer pink. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and olives. Stir. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Prepare ravioli according to package directions. Serve chicken and tomato sauce over drained ravioli and enjoy! Parmesan cheese is fabulous on top!




We discovered the chicken and tomato sauce is delicious on toasted garlic bread too.



Tristen, being the creative boy he is, made this wonderful ravioli and garlic bread bridge for his cantaloupe gondola.


Aren't kids fun?

**Disclaimer: As part of the Meal Maker Challenge, I received compensation, ConAgra products, and H-E-B promotional items from H-E-B and ConAgra for myself and my readers.**

HEB & Me

I am super excited to announce that I have been asked to be a part of the HEB and ConAgra Back to School Meal Maker Challenge. What does that mean? Well, for the next six weeks, I get to share with you how to save time and money by using Combo Loco deals, ConAgra food products, and creativity to create family friendly meals. As the back to school season approaches families tend to get busier, at least we do around here. Finding meals that are quick and loved by the entire family can be difficult. My goal with this program is to make this a little easier for you. Plus, I get to share great giveaways with you, which I know you love!

Two of the Meal Maker Challenge bloggers will be selected to win a $500 HEB shopping spree with Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru. Why yes, this family could really use a $500 grocery store shopping spree. Better yet, if Ramblings of a Texas Housewife is selected as a winner, I get to choose one reader to go along with me and receive a $500 shopping spree of their own! Awesome, right?

So, are you excited about this yet? I know I sure am! So, check back often for my Meal Maker Challenge blog posts for some great deals, yummy recipes, and awesome giveaways!


**Disclaimer:As part of the Meal Maker Challenge, I received compensation, ConAgra products, and H-E-B promotional items from H-E-B and ConAgra for myself and my readers. **

Back in the Day

As I was hanging up laundry just now, my mind started strolling down memory lane. It occurred to me that I was around my son's age when I met my best friend and had what I considered the best school year of my life. I am amazed at how clearly I can remember most of the events of that year and how differently you see things once you reach adulthood.

It was sixth grade. This was a big deal in the town I grew up in because you went from several different elementary schools to one school that was nothing but sixth graders. It was the first time we got to mix with kids from all over town rather than just our neighborhoods. I remember being scared to death. The school was three stories high and you only really associated with kids from your floor. My first week was so hellish that I was physically ill every morning. The girl in my home room were horrible to me and I knew none of them. By Thursday my mother had gone to the principal and demanded they move me. I went from the second floor to the first and it changed my life forever.

I met my best friend Melly when I was sent to check on he in the bathroom. She was throwing up and I ended up catching her bug. We've been friends ever since. Strange meeting, but we've stayed strong through three husbands and six kids between us. I love that girl. Soon, it wasn't just me and Melly in our little group. Heather, the Jennifers, and Katie joined us and we were pretty much the "it" girls. I had never been popular in my life, so this was a change. Were we the most popular girls in school? No. But we were a fierce little clique, although I never would've admitted that at the time. We were a tight group and there was never a shortage of good times to be had. It was the one year of my school career that I felt completely accepted socially and had an excellent year academically. Our homeroom teacher, Mr. Smith made an impression on me that has lasted through the years. Sixth grade rocked!

I think back on myself then and shudder. I had a ruffly denim skirt I loved to wear, was obsessed with neck ties, pinch rolled pants, blue eye shadow, Love's Soft Jasmine perfume, and was pretty sure I would one day marry Danny from New Kids on the Block. Thinking back on it, we were a clique and I fear we were cruel at times, as girls tend to be. I can't tell you one other girl who was in our class outside of our group. I didn't notice them. Maybe I did at the time, but I remember it as nothing mattering but us. I hope we didn't hurt anyone with our exclusive group, but fear we probably did. I vaguely remember others being on the edges wanting to get in, but they were never accepted. This was also the year I figured out that the chubby girl would always be the boys' best friend or little sister, nothing more. That was a bitter pill to swallow. It was a year of learning, growing, and lots of life lessons.

After reading Queen Bees and Wanna Bees, I realize we were probably exactly the type of friends you don't want your daughter to have. We weren't the "bad girls" but we weren't the best either. Still, I can't change the past and remember those days fondly. Most of the girls are my friends on Facebook, along with the guys who made us swoon back in the day. Melly and I talk about those days and laugh, recalling funny nicknames and our crazy antics that seemed completely rational at the time. These are fond memories that make me smile and make me realize what I want to teach my kids. Treat others with kindness, you don't want to grow up and look back on your life with regrets. Experiences shape who we are, so I'm grateful for that wonderful year, for what it did for me then, and what it's teaching me now.

Talkin' to Spank

Remember my post from a few weeks back called I Can't Be The Only One? Well, I was right! Today, I decided to interview another Twilight fan. SpankRansom, as she is known on Twitter, has grown quite a following for this alter-ego, her own Twilight RP group, and her blog, Cullen Cream Pie. At one time, I knew her only as someone with a serious obsession with Jasper Hale and a great sense of humor. Now, I've had the chance to learn more and decided to share the information with you, wonderful readers.

Spank is a young vivacious superhero who lives on Twitter Lane in Forks, Washington with Shawty Hale. Spank is fun, fearless and desperately in love with Jasper Whitlock. She is able to overlook the fact that he is happily married as one of her superhero powers is repelling reality (all things considered, people, Twitter _is_ her reality). She also has the power to confuse which comes in handy, though I cannot remember why. Her Puppet Master is the exhausted mom of two beautiful children, ages 8 and 4 1/2, who works in the legal industry (i.e., with vampires). She, like Spank, has a deep appreciation for Mr. Whitlock, and more specifically Jackson Rathbone and his hands. Um, it's just... the way they strum a guitar, _of course_. We both love the Foo Fighters and 100 Monkeys, are fiercely loyal to our friends and will fight for tru

Image by SpreePiX - Berlin via Flickr

th, justice and the... oh who am I kidding? We both just want some J-Action.

I can't blame her for wanting some J-Action. He's Southern, charming, can play a mandolin, sing, act, and his smirk makes me come undone. But, this is about Spank and her Puppet Master, so let's get to it!

How did you get into the Twilight fandom?

Ginger (@GSnaps) was a friend that I met through the adoption of our children in Ethiopia. We both maintained family blogs and she was holding a contest to give away the first two books of Twilight which I won. The package arrived on a Friday evening and finished Twilight by Saturday afternoon. The entire series was consumed in about eight days; rinse and repeat several more times after that.

As for joining the fandom, Ginger and I had other friends who were adult women that loved Twilight, including Meadow (@WritingLeigh), who suggested we start a blog that wasn't geared to teenagers and catered to funny, snarky Twi-Moms like us, who love the Twilight World but also have a healthy-appreciation for how insane it is, and we are. With that Twilight-Headed was born, and also my alter-ego Spank.

My experience was very much like that; I tore through all four books in record time, then reread them. What initially drew you to the character of Jasper?

The first time I read the series I, like everyone else, consumed it without breath wanting to know how it ended. The second time I read it I took my time, saw all the characters and Jasper Whitlock was the only one that resonated with me. This quiet, tortured soul who lived such a vastly different life than his siblings. A man who goes against everything that is natural to him for the love of his life. And Jasper is in pain. Constant pain. Not just physical because of the blood thirst, but emotional. And his scars are symbolic to me: Visible on his flesh, but also hidden deep within his psyche. In some respects, I think Jasper has the most humanity of all of them combined because of that.

I'm not going to lie. When I saw the film and Jackson Rathbone brought Jasper "to life" I was done for. I could not have chosen a more perfect actor to portray the stoic soldier that was in my mind's eye. Of course, Jasper is a bit taller than is Jackson Rathbone, but I can handle that...

I completely agree with you on this. Rathbone is Jasper for me. I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. Tell us about #JaspersArmy. What is it? How did it come about?

#JaspersArmy is a group of women who are decidedly Team Jasper. We began this effort to counter-balance the Edward/Jacob focus for Eclipse because of ALL the books/movies, we knew that this was Jasper Whitlock's time to shine (or sparkle). So I created a Twitter list and women started "joining" the army. I play Vox Populi from 30 Seconds to Mars as a our battle cry: "This is a call to arms, gather soldiers. Time to go to war..." We knew what we were up against (the leg hitch, the tent, the proposal) and we needed to maintain focus, as Major Whitlock would command. We did, and the army swelled.

While I cannot say I'm a Jasper only girl, he is definitely my second favorite Cullen. What other characters do you like? What about them do you enjoy?

I really love Emmett because he is so easy going, fun and boisterous. I envy that about him; the ease with which he sees things. I would also say that - as much disdain as I hold for the dogs of La Push - I truly love Quil and Embry together, both in the books and in the movies. They play off each other so well, I laugh at the very sight of their names or images.

Emmett, oh Emmett.... what were we talking about again? Oh, I remember! Any characters from the book you aren't a fan of? If so, why?

I am not a fan of Bella. I find her to be intensely selfish and bratty. What she does to both Edward and Jacob is borderline abusive and cruel. She admits using Jacob for her own emotional need, regardless of how it effects him. Whenever she speaks of Edward, it is always a commentary about his perfect looks and she never speaks about who he is as a man. My reason for wanting Midnight Sun to be published is because in the chapters we have been able to read, we see a man who is incredibly conflicted by his nature and is far from perfect. In fact, he is incredibly flawed, and she misses that because of her vanity.

Who knew we had so much in common? I am not a Bella fan at all. I've written before that I could honestly do without her and Edward both, although he's finally starting to grow on me. What do you think of the Twilight fandom as a whole?

There are parts of the fandom (or Fandumb, as I call it) that I can do without. Particularly the community of Twilighters who seem to have lost their grip on reality and think the actors require their assistance with respect to self-defense, behave as if the characters are real or that the actors will "want" them. This would be fine if it were children but it is adult women. Yes, Spank spends an inordinate amount of time observing Jackson Rathbone's hands and is "in love" with Jasper, but Spank is a character designed to entertain. Me? I am an over-worked, exhausted mom of two kids under the age of 10 who enjoys the escape that Spank provides for me. But I don't go to bed at night on a Jasper pillowcase (...do they make them?)

Having said that, the Twilight community provided me with that escape, via Spank, and I am SO grateful for them. This community, with their love of Spank and continued amusement of her Twitter antics, provides me with the ability to channel my long dormant snarky sense of humor and love of writing through the blogs that I have co-created, and my love for storytelling and acting through Twitter RP.

But the most significant part, for me, are the friendships I have formed. Women who were brought together by their love of a book series that turned into life lines for me in my real world. In time this community will fade, but these friendships will be with me forever.

This is so true. The behavior you hear about from some grown women makes me shudder. I think their antics unfairly give all us Twilight Moms a bad rap. But, the friendships I've made thanks to these novels will last a lifetime. I can't say I've ever paid much attention to Rathbone's hand, but his chin and that mischievous smirk....swoon. BTW, yep they do make them, I checked for ya. ;)

Do you have a favorite book from the saga?

Are you sitting down, people? Eclipse.

Okay, in hindsight that was a dumb question. I'm assuming Eclipse is your favorite of the films?

Yes, Eclipse is my favorite film of the series and not just because Jasper has such a central role. David Slade (@David_A_Slade) was masterful with his direction of this film. The acting was far superior than the previous two installments, as was the dialogue. In the book of Eclipse you knew very little about what was happening with the newborn army. In the movie, we got to see that dark world unfurl. It was exciting to watch, and intense under his eye. Spank spent a lot of time on Twitter threatening poor Mr. Slade about what would happen to him if Major Whitlock did not ride in on a horse. Thankfully, Mr. Slade paid close attention to what ALL the fans wanted out of this film.

Major Whitlock on that horse was exactly what I'd hoped for. That reminds me...what is the story with the infamous ShamWow?

My friends joked that Spank was going to need plastic seat covering for her theater seat when Jasper came on screen. My good friend, and blog partner, Sweet Sparkles (@Sweet_Sparkles) MADE ShamWow's that have Jackson Rathbone's picture on it, for me and our blog-partner Shawty Hale (@ShawtyHale). The reason? It is good with cleaning up "excess fluid." I'll leave it at that as this is a family blog, but will say that it came in handy.



Okay, I seriously want one of those! Mine needs another face added to it though. Tell us about @PocketJasper and @Pocket_Maria. I love their tweets!

Pocket Jasper and Pocket Maria live in Toys R Us, though they have yet to meet. Maria is in constant search for him but Jasper is too busy eating Zhu Zhu pets and dazzling the Barbie dolls to notice that he is being hunted by his pocket creator. Suffice it to say, Maria has killed quite a few Barbies.

I must tell you that Cullen Cream Pie is one of my very favorite blogs. Can you tell us how it came about and share some about the other contributors?

Thank you. When The League ended its run on Christmas Eve 2009 I knew that I was not done "discussing" Twilight. So I approached my friend Sweet Sparkles to see if she would be interested in co-authoring one with me and http://www.cullencreampie.com was born. We went through a few casting changes early on, but when our friend Shawty Hale agreed to join us she revitalized the blog with her special brand of humor and unique observations and approach to Twi-comedy. Spank has moved out of The League Mansion and now lives with Shawty in a really nice house on Twitter that I believe Shawty purchased with her trust-fund.

I am a Shawty fan too. She makes me giggle all the time with her adorableness. "Shawwwwty got low low lowwwww..." sorry, that tweet got stuck in my head. I know you are a role-player and follower of other RPing groups. How long have you been role-playing? What got you interested in it? Please tell us about the group you play with.

Role Play for me began with Spank. I created this character who, to paraphrase Eminem's Without Me, is "a little me mixed with some hard liquor." Spank is living in an alternate universe called Twitterville where vampires and wolves are very real. Spank "came to life" when an RPer named @JasperCullen (now @AbsolutJasper), caught her eye over a year ago and they began the most infectious and entertaining form of flirtatious banter. I had no idea what RP was at the time, but Spank literally could not stop talking to him, nor he her. So I let go and allowed Spank to dive into that world.

When his family ended in the fall of 2009 Jasper left Twitter before returning with his own RP family this spring, named AbsolutTwilight (To learn more about the family, or to apply for a role, join http://www.absoluttwilight.spruz.com and to follow the family on Twitter, go to: http://tweepml.org/absoluttwilight-2). When Jasper returned to Twitter he invited Spank back into his world, and she came to life again. This Jasper (Spank refers to him as her Original Jazz) is such a central part of what defines her world, and he brings out the best in her (or, perhaps, the worst).

Why do I love RP? Simply put, I love RP because it provides the opportunity to take these beloved characters and redefine them for a post-Breaking Dawn world. I literally feel my mind switch from me to Spank, or any character that I play, and I let go and allow these characters to take over, engaging and entertaining my friends, followers, and oftentimes myself. When my character's Twitter day is done, I switch back to me and do the laundry.

It's very much the same for me, my character take over, do their thing and then I get to wash the dishes. It's awesome to know I'm not the only one!

Well, Spank thank you so much for giving this interview. I've enjoyed reading your answers and... *sound of a door opening* Oh, my. Spank, I feel they knew I was interviewing you. Two incredibly handsome Cullens just walked into my house. Jasper is grinning at me and Emmett's pulling me away. It seems Jasper has a few questions for you. I hope you'll consent to another interview for him.

So readers, it seems Spank is going to be interviewed by her favorite vamp. I do hope you'll come back and read what @JasperHale asks our girl . It's sure to be entertaining.

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Jackson Rathbone on E!’s Daily 10

We all know that I adore Jackson Rathbone. I've recently become a big fan of his band 100 Monkeys as well. Check out this video to see how talented this guy really is!

Stars In The Night by Cara Putman

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Stars In The Night Summerside Press (July 1, 2010)

by Cara Putman





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From Cara:



I graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27.



My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have eleven books published with more on the way.



People say I've accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.



I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.



I often fear people won't like my books.



I've walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.



Really, I'm just like you – I don't have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I've discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.



In the end I'm just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I've been obedient to step into the calling He's led me into.



Stars in the Night Background



Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.



Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.



Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.



Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.



Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.



Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?



If you'd like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Stars In The Night, go HERE.



Contest: Lots of opportunities to win and great prizes, and the grand prize contains some of Cara's favorite classic movies as well as all of her WWII novels: Launch Contest!

TWILIGHT STAR KELLAN LUTZ IS HAPPY TO HELP OTHERS

This is just one of the many reasons I think the world of Kellan Lutz. He's all about helping others! We all need to help each other in whatever ways we can. We're all people, so try to make a difference, even if it's just a small one, in the lives of those around you.

TWILIGHT STAR KELLAN LUTZ IS HAPPY TO HELP OTHERS

What Was I Thinking?

Image by robotson via Flickr

Do you ever have days when you ask "What the heck was I thinking?" That's the kind of day I'm having today. I was on a cleaning spree, getting lots done and being quite proud of myself. While cleaning the kitchen, I decided to go ahead and put the oven through a cleaning cycle. Why I thought this was a good idea when I was already pouring sweat because of the insanely hot house is beyond me. But, I did it and the temperature in the house rose to five million in the next four hours. The kicker? Hubby came in and turned off the air conditioner! If I don't post tomorrow just assume I melted!

Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Heartless Bethany House (July 1, 2010)

by

Anne Elisabeth Stengl



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir.



Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. When Una makes the wrong choice, catastrophe ensues for the princess and her family, and love, courage, and trust are needed when darkness engulfs the kingdom.



Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.



There are some delightful things and scenes: the Twelve-Year Market that appears in its own good time and sells fairy goods; a clever blind cat who is invariably underfoot and has, of course, a secret!



If you would like to read the first chapter of Heartless, go HERE.

Monday Movie Meme - Boredom Busters

Feature Presentation...
MONDAY MOVIE MEME

This week's Monday Movie Meme from the Bumbles is being guest hosted by Forgetfulone. She is a scrapbooking mama who loves a good flick. Since July is National Anti-Boredom month, she wants us to share our the movies we love to watch to beat the boredom blahs.

So, these are my top five picks to watch when I'm bored. Some of them are fun, some sweet, and some just dorky.

1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show - One of my favorite movies ever! It makes me laugh, sing, and dance around my living room.

Cover via Amazon

2. Wayne's World - Great tunes, classic lines, and lots of giggles.

Cover of Wayne's World [Blu-ray]

3. Fried Green Tomatoes - A wonderful chick-flick. It reminds me so much of my two closest friends and how amazing women's friendships can be. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my girls. Love you Melly & Nea!

Cover via Amazon

4. Footloose - Do I need to explain this? Again with the great music and dancing around the living room. Plus, young Kevin Bacon isn't bad to look at.

Cover of Footloose (Special Collector's Edition)

5. An Affair To Remember - I could watch this movie over and over. It's cute, funny, and in my mind the ultimate romantic film. Where is my Cary Grant? If you haven't seen it, you need to.

Image via Wikipedia

Why not hop on over to the Bumbles and share your own boredom buster flicks?