Jax's Artistic Journey...

As I start counting down to the new year, I look back at all the transitions in my life and realize how much I've grown as an individual. In 2008 there will be many more transitions and I hope it is the beginning of my new beginning. Not only will I change zipcodes, I'll be embracing a full-time writing career. Gotta be prepared for that 'bidding war'...LOL!!

The City of Angels has been good to me and I won't rule out returning one day, but for now, my life is moving in a new direction. Perhaps in a few years the breeze will blow me into another fast paced zipcode, maybe to another country filled with interesting characters. I look forward to this time of change to re-build and re-focus on myself.

Now, for those of you going out to celebrate tonight...be safe, have fun, and enjoy the festivities...for tomorrow is a new day filled with new promises and adventures waiting for you!

WOOHOO 2008! I know it's going to be an excellent time and looking forward to it!!!!!!!

IF YOU WANT ME
Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Featured in the motion picture ONCE

Are you really here or am I dreaming
I can't tell dreams from truth
for it's been so long since I have seen you
I can hardly remember your face anymore

When I get really lonely
and the distance causes our silence
I think of you smiling
with pride in your eyes a lover that sighs

If you want me satisfy me, if you want me satisfy me
If you want me satisfy me, if you want me satisfy me

Are you really sure that you’d believe me
when others say I lie
I wonder if you could ever despise me
when you know I really try
to be a better one to satisfy you
For your everything to me
and I’ll do what you ask me
if you’ll let me be, free

If you want me satisfy me, if you want me satisfy me
If you want me satisfy me, if you want me satisfy me
If you want me satisfy me, if you want me satisfy me

Vacations should be a time to do nothing, yet I find myself constantly doing something non-stop. Today, however, I was able to catch up on watching movies. There's this brilliant indie pic that was purchased and distributed by Fox Searchlight called ONCE. I can say it's such an incredibly fresh movie with so much heart. The soundtrack is amazing and the actors are really engaging. If you love music, the story itself uses the main character's talent as a way to push the storyline along through song. It's raw and memorable.

I've heard the original actor that was cast withdrew at the last minute and they ended up using the singer/songwriter to replace the lead. All the actors aren't actors but musicians so in knowing that, I was more blown away by the movie. Watching these types of films only inpires me to get my shit together so I can finally do that indie project that's been put on the back burner for way too long. Inspiration is a good thing, especially when it stirs the creativity.

...is like a soap opera with lots of gossip, scandal, and corruption. Of course, I'm the one doing the corrupting. I've been here all of 4 days and managed to caused havoc as the 'crazy aunt' who is way too LA...then, I've put peer pressure on my newly 21 year old nephew to share in my drinking festivities, as well as telling him to follow his dream as a graphic designer and dump the boring Finance degree! Yes, his parents will ban me from ever seeing their children again!!!! :)

Okay, so Christmas Eve was a blur of too much BBQ, alcohol, and jacuzzi. I'm fine with that. It's nice to see everyone again, but not so nice to see that even my 13 year old neice is at least 4 inches taller than I am. Sigh. Oh well, I've even gotten roped into being the family photographer!

Can't stay long because I've got a Smirnoff Ice waiting for me and the hot tubs steaming... oh, yea...my computer arrived in LA!!!!!!!!!YAY!!!!!!!

Happy Holidays my sweets!

I can get the hell out of dodge early today and hopefully be home in time to get my new computer from Fedex! Okay, I can officially say I'm partied out! I have gone to 6 holiday parties in 2 weeks...then there is one more in January!!! Not to mention the real holiday celebration at my parent's house and the New Year's Eve festivities...gosh, I need to check into AA when I get back. LOL -- Thanks for the onslaught of wine bottles everyone! You're only feeding my addiction.... :)

I can't recap 2007 yet, but it's been one of those strangely bizarre years and everything feels like a psychedelic dream. I have my fingers crossed that 2008 will turn around for me. What are some of my plans in the new year? I've got 12 months to grow out my hair to donate for Locks of Love. I think this is the first time in 10 years that I let my hair grow out again....I'm also doing a bunch of charity events including an art show, some extreme sports and what ever else my friends drag me into doing. I will also be focusing hard on my writing...

Hope everyone has a beautiful and safe holiday! Be sure to appreciate your loved ones and tell them so because life is too short not to. Peace. Love.

Here's the temporary location of the new forum:

ROMANCE DIVAS Temp Forum

And now a message from our diva admins--PLEASE READ!

1. Yes, we know it's not the right color, that will get fixed soon.

2. I've had to reset all the permissions, so if you can't access something you could before, you're not being punished, it just needs to be reset.

3. This is the newest version of the board, so there may be some new features we don't all know about yet.

4. Due to the board being whacked out, some spammers have probably gotten in. Let a mod know about them and they'll be zapped into oblivion as soon as possible.

5. Any other problems/bugs/etc will be worked out in the next few days.

6. If an Admin does not respond to you, we are not ignoring your requests. This only means we are most likely on vacation and will contact you when they return. So have patience and we will be back on track in 2008!

Happy Holidays!
Romance Divas Admins

Every year we celebrate my father's birthday on Dec. 24th and then the festivities really kick off on the 25th. Imagine a houseful of kids ranging from 3 - 14 running around trying to get to their presents lined under the tree and stacked on furniture. Yes, folks, we have a lot of grandkids and this year some of my brothers and their family are coming down for a visit as well. So, there will be about 50 people or so.... YIKES! I'm probably going to have a nervous breakdown. Chances are I'll grab my dad and just tote him around town, otherwise I'll be stuck with babysitting duty. I really didn't ask Santa for anything for Christmas. I did get the computer, so I'll be happy with that for a long while... I have been debating moving out of my cozy little apartment so as much as I dread it, I look forward to a bigger space where I can paint again. I'm going to wrangle all my friends together this time around so it will be a smoother transition! I'll know if you all turn off your phones!

Okay, 2008 will mark a brand new chapter in my life. Not only is my divorce final in two short weeks but the crazy workaholic has decided to kick back a bit. I'm also going to get more disciplined with my writing. I think I burned myself out the last few months so in an effort to re-focus...I will be working on a personal metamorphosis. It's good to do that every few years. I'm slowing down... You've heard it from me.... I will set a list of priorities and try not to over extend myself. Things are back in perspective now and I may just take that overseas trip in 2008 that I've always wanted... okay, that's depending on how much my July bonus will be in 2008 after the 45% tax deduction! Ouch... As for conferences I think RWA in San Fran may be my last one for a while unless I have a ton of things to promote. I'm looking towards book tours and media promotions to get my new name out there. I would be saving at least $5,000 a year if I didn't go to RT & RWA, in which I would rather put it towards marketing. Okay, I'll go to Nashville and NYC for RWA... after my last conference, it's kind of daunting to see $800 worth of drink bills at the bar! :) LOL what can I say, writer's are lushes... in this case.. this writer is indeed one! I've resorted to stocking up bottles of wine when they go on sale and just savoring them in the comfort of my own home without needing to tip! :)

I'm counting down the days until I am off on vacation!!!! Duties and responsibilities will just have to wait!

I'm getting my shit together.

Got a new tricked out computer I can afford. Sorry, Mac, maybe next time. After much thought, I decided to get a PC only because of the benefits and cost value. As I'm still a struggling author, I'll wait to get something really snazzy in a year or two. :) I know, I know...you Mac lovers think I'm a fool, but I can say it would be too difficult to change over to a new platform and learning curve when I have too many deadlines and not enough time to spend on trying something new. Please forgive me. LOL

Last night I started my mental New Year's Resolution list and I'm feeling soooo much more confident about 2008 than I have ever been before. I'm growing, evolving and hoping that by the end of the year I will be prepared to tackle the next year with a renewed spirit... :)

Okay, I've gotta get back to writing with my Lulu Crew...

Someone took a snapshot of me while everyone was on the dance floor. Notice my Cosmopolitan and a side of latte. What was I thinking? "My feet hurt and I wonder if there's any desserts left at the buffet stand."

White Elephant games... I don't want to participate. I've got invited to 5 holiday parties from different divisions in our company. Each one wants to play this damn game. Oh well. I wonder if I can not show up for that portion. I'd much rather have the free drinks and food. :) I've decided my New Year's resolution is to get in shape. No excuses...my jeans are getting a little too snug for my taste. Well, what do I care? I don't have a man to please! Okay, I guess I can keep binge eating. LOL

The holidays are approaching and I'll be home for Christmas this year. Seems like forever since I went to Orlando. I'm sure it's going to be the same-o, same-o. Nothing ever changes except for more shopping malls. :) I was just thinking to myself that I'm one of those people who never decorate for any holiday. No tree, no lights, no stuffed reindeers, no eggnog.. wow, I haven't done anything festive in years! Does that make me a Scroogette? Hummm, I think I'll write that screenplay. Anywoo, my beloved forum Romance Divas is still down and my computer is still dead, and my life is in shambles...and the list goes on.

What do I hope for next year? Don't ask

Go see our blog at www.romancedivas.com/divablog for more details...

My computer crashed and I'm screwed. :(

I should be writing. I should be working on my 5 year plan so I can quit my day job. I've got so much to do and the end of the year is near. I have not had a wink of sleep since yesterday and now it's making me paranoid. LOL

I've been really getting into music of late. I need it to get me through the next scene. I should be working on my deadline yet I keep coming back to this HQ Spice Brief. I should just write it and get it over with. I'll use it as a warm up exercise until I can get going on the real deal.

I've got 3 new clients on my web list...book covers, deadlines...how do I cram this all in? We'll see...they say the body doesn't really need sleep. I guess I'm testing that theory. Is that why older folks get up at the crack at dawn and sleep in the wee hours of the night? Wow, I'm too young to feel this way.

My supervisor Miz D tells me I need to find myself a man so he'll keep me in bed. Apparently I'm nuts for getting up so early and coming home so late from work. Problem is, I think I'd still be doing the same thing even if I had a bed warmer! I think I need counseling for "Workaholism". Is that possible? Believe me, if I had my way I'd simply be at home writing and painting...I can say this is by pure necessity.

...There's a whole lot of holiday parties out there. I'm too lazy to find a dress. At work we have a "Kids Holiday Party" where the employees bring in their brats to meet Santa. There's a talent show and a mini zoo...YIKES. I went to see my friend's tots and then I was struck by a room full of cryers and runners. If I ever wanted children before, I have decided to re-think it! I had to vacate the premises rather quickly because I was a bit overwhelmed...How does Santa do it?

I am popping some aspirin and escape into the comfort of my empty apartment and a bottle of wine! Cheers! To a good Friday night...


Song: The Glass Parade
Artist: Cary Brothers

Just a voice inside you head
Whispering all the hope is dead
All the times you had to prove
That no one really loves you

I found you in a reflection
You didn't want me to see
I will give you all I have
Just look up, break down and believe

This is a glass parade
A fragile state
And I am trying not to break
And the stars are shining
The moon is right
And I would kill to be with you tonight

Wish you told me all the truth
So afraid to face an absolute
All the fights you had to lose
All the fear was put upon you

I found you when you were broken
Too many cracks of deceit
I will give you all I have
Just look up, break down and believe

This is a glass parade
A fragile state
And I am trying not to break
And the stars are shining
The moon is right
And I would kill to be with you tonight

This is the feeling, falling
So much I want to say
Show me the same emotion
Show me what's at stake
And how much can you take
When you realize your fate?

Hold me now as the car lights fade
And we are dancing in the glass parade
Dancing in the glass parade
We are dancing in the glass parade

It's just a voice inside your head

I HAVE AN AGENT!

Yes folks, I have succumbed to the pressures of getting and agent and found a brilliant one that fits! Not just any agent....Woohoo!

Will give more details in the coming weeks... :)

I'm still walking on air....

With this song... APOLOGIZE by Timbaland, featuring ONE REPUBLIC... it's really a beautiful, sad, and haunting song... it makes for good mood music for my writing. Considering now I will have no life. I found out my single title is due to my editor the end of February to make it for the December 2008 release. Times ticking as I thougt I'd be out in 2009. Not a good way to end the year with more deadlines than I can count on both hands. I'm going to have to keep track of the number of 3 hour sleep nights I've had....New Year's around the corner and I'm still debating how to celebrate. Preferably I'll find a hot single guy to smooch at the countdown. Knowing my luck it will be my computer screen kissing back! The life of a single gal in the City of Angels!!!!

Song: Apologize
Artist: OneRepublic
Produced: Timbaland

I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say but I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

that it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothing new - yeah
I loved you with the a fire red
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
I'm sorry like an angel
heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late whoaa ohhh...

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holding on your rope, got me ten feet... off the ground...

YAY! The new cover is ready to go for our print run of FORTUNE'S FOOL...and I'm happy to say the designer did a great job! LOL

If you loved it in e-book form, you'll love having it in your hands to flip through the pages, doggy ear if you're one of those, and laminate if you really love it! :)

FORTUNE'S FOOL
by Bianca D'Arc, Eva Gale, Cassidy Kent, and Selah March
May, 2007 E-Book, ISBN 1-59426-909-2
Dec, 2007 Print

Four mistresses of erotic romance present a collection of tales destined to get pulses racing. Sexy psychics offer delectable divination in the past, present, and future.

KING OF SWORDS - Biana D'Arc: Sparks ignite when a psychic meets a special ops warrior aboard a space station. When enemies attack, will close quarters and danger draw them together?

TEMPTING FATE - Eva Gale: An up-and-coming banker falls for the town palm reader. She might be breathtaking, but a spinster from a notorious psychic family is hardly the career boost he wanted.

MIRANDA WRITES - Cassidy Kent: A novelist becomes a fortune-teller for book research. When an FBI agent mistakes her for a counterfeiter, danger and romance ensue. Will she meet her deadline... or wind up just plain dead?

FLESH AND BONE - Selah March: Tortured by a sadistic murderess, a detective may suffer an agonizing death. Only a local psychic can find him, but will she save him? Or be caught in evil's web?

Length: Quasar (96K)
Rating: 4 Novas