Anyway, here’s the thing…my life is weird. It is a dichotomy which might give a lesser person whiplash. It certainly hasn’t done much for my sanity–or perhaps it has. Maybe it’s saved me, because when one part gets too annoying, or stressful, or [insert adjective here], I can swing to the other parts of my life and breath a sigh of relief at the serenity of it all, embracing the pure oppositeness.

What am I talking about? Let’s take a look at today and I’ll show you.

This morning I had an internet browser window open to the Inn and Spa at Norwich with another window open to my 5 friends’ many, many emails in my inbox with another friend on the phone trying to figure out our girl’s trip away.

Swing to the other browser I had open and you’ll find the site for the American Quarter Horse where I was downloading their PDF about Cowboy Manners and procedures throughout history. (Hey, it might make for good blog or research materials or at least an interesting read).

Guess which browser window made me feel serenely calm and happy when I looked at it and which one had me ready to tear my hair out?  Am I weird that I’d rather stay home in my little farmhouse on my little farm and read about cowboys from days gone by? That the planning of this relaxing spa trip may put me on Prozac before we’re done? Probably. I guess I don’t do anything normally. My Netflix queue looks like it belongs to a schizophrenic. I’ve completed the entire season of Animal Planet’s The Last American Cowboy (a reality show about 3 Montana cattle ranches trying to survive), and I’ve also watched the entire season of the PBS Masterpiece Theater historical British show Downton Abbey. And I found both equally fascinating.

Anyway, I guess balance is necessary. After all a girl can’t live in PJs and survive on cowboys alone. Once in a while I have to leave my house and see actual live people and do things, if only to build fodder for more books to write. But sometimes, it would be really nice to hide out for a while. After all, that cowboy manners PDF is still waiting to be read…

Cat

Last night US military forces rescued two civilian aid workers who were being held by Somalian ruffians who like to fancy themselves pirates. Of course, the superior military forces saved the one American woman and one Danish man, to the demise of the majority of the captors, and I’m happy for it.

Here’s what’s pissing me off–this was not a one man, or even a 6 man, show. Reports indicate it was a SEAL team who led the rescue, some reports say SEAL Team 6, which means Twitter and every news broadcast is chock full of SEAL Team 6. What I’m saying is, first off there are many highly trained special forces, so why must we single out Team 6 to the exclusion of all else? And even more important, though I don’t know for a fact, I think it’s logical to assume that helicopter that dropped those SEALs was not piloted by a SEAL. More likely a Navy or a USMC pilot. What about that pilot–that ‘normal’ non-SEAL hero? What about the guys (meaning guys as well as girls) that made sure that helo was in working order? Or the guys that cooked those SEALs and that pilot and those helo mechanics their dinner before they went out? Or the guy who cleans the damn toilets and showers that make conditions livable for them all on that base in hotter-than-hell Djibouti on the Horn of Africa?

Why, oh why must we make this a one man show? It is not a one man, or one team, or one branch of the military, show, and though I appreciate the need for good military public relations for the citizens of this country, what about the esprit de corps of our troops? Why aren’t they all heroes for what they do, no matter how ‘media-worthy’ it is?

Soapbox Kitty, out.

1- Things change. What was true yesterday is no longer true today, and if history has shown us anything, it won’t be true tomorrow. Which brings me to the next point…

2- Never stop learning and never ever assume you know it all. Because, as I mentioned above, things change, but…

3- As much as things change, there will also be things that remain the same. I’m thinking particularly of legacy publishing as I type this, holding on to the way things used to be by the skin of its teeth. Yes, it may be making small concessions here and there, but basically, still the same. But as I said…for the sake of repetition, please refer to point #1.

4- You have to put your best foot forward at all times. You never know who’s watching. Honestly, you really never know, and what you are doing when you think no one is looking could be the defining moment in your life. It could make or break your career. Did you write a free short story just for fun? Did you put in out there for the public to read? Then that piece of writing better be the best damn thing you can put out there. It had better be as good as what you would send to your editor. It better be as good and as clean as it would be if it went through edits and proofing because, as I said, you really never know who’s out there reading it, now do you? The same goes for web presence. What’s out there on the web, be it your own domain, or blog, or Facebook or Twitter (especially FB & Twitter) it better represent you the way you want to be represented to the world, because, you just never know.

5-Luck is nothing without hard work, persistence and talent. Luck may drop an opportunity into your lap but if you let it sit there and don’t act on that opportunity, it will shrivel up and die as surely as that houseplant you forgot to water. In fact, I’m starting to wonder if there is such a thing as luck at all, because it is more likely the hard work, persistence and talent brought that opportunity to you in the first place.

6-When others talk, listen. You can decide whether to accept their opinions/suggestions later, but at least hear them out, because you never know from where the next gems of wisdom will come and because (see #2) you can never stop learning because (see #1) things never stop changing.

7- Always check your email spam folder. Sounds silly. Sounds strange. But believe me, Microsoft’s “junk” may be the thing that could change your life. And I’ll leave you with that and the promise of an explanation…soon.

Cat

As I pry my eyes open, both from the lack of sleep and the false eyelash glue from the New Years Eve festivities of last night, I can’t help but reflect on the year that’s past. 2011 was a hell of a year, and more than I ever expected. Some things I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around. Some things are still works in progress and my superstitions won’t let me talk about them for fear of jinxing them. But here is a list of some of the random, but memorable things from the year past.

• A fan telling me when they Google ‘hot naked cowboys’ my picture comes up right along with the hot naked cowboy pics.
• The cute cable guy calling his romance novel-loving mother to tell her I was an author and her not only knowing my name, but having read my Red, Hot & Blue series.
• Signing a contract for a super secret and very exciting project with the lovely and talented Amy Reiley (chef, author and owner of the Eat Something Sexy blogs).
• My first original self-publishing eBook ‘experiment’ which sold 6,000 copies in 6 weeks.
• Watching, live and in person, the bull rider I sponsored compete in the NBR Finals in February in North Carolina.
• Hitting an all new sales high, thanks to my publisher Samhain making my TREY a free read on Amazon.com back in March.
• Watching my fellow Samhain Publishing eBook authors hit the NY Times Best Seller list and knowing it is possible!
• And finally, the opportunity which I hate to say ‘fell into my lap’ since I worked damn hard to prepare for this moment, but it did kind of fall from the sky–an amazingly, unprecedented opportunity. I’m going to have to work damn hard to take advantage of it, and  I still won’t talk about it since it could amount to nothing at all OR it may make my career… Anyway, yeah, this surprise opportunity which happened just before Christmas, may be the most amazing of all and I hope to one day soon have an announcement for you. But even if I don’t, that’s okay, because it was amazing, nonetheless.

There are so many more things, meeting some of my PBR (professional bull riding) fans live at Madison Square Garden last January, having the father of one of the top riders in the country fact check my last cowboy release, the surprise gifts my generous readers send me, meeting so many great people both live and online. It all adds up to memories I’ll always cherish.

Happy New Year to all. If 2012 holds even half the magic that 2011 did, we’re in for one hell of a year.

Cat

Christmas time–it’s been crazy, hectic, and at times a bit of a blur this year. As I sit nursing my hangover from last night’s festivities, and plot my day for tomorrow–post office, food store, cooking, wrapping–I reflect on the past week.

My friends and I have already exchanged gifts. As we speak I’m wearing my new leopard print lounging pants from my friend Donna, she knows me so well. I’m now the proud owner of a new bluetooth keyboard for my iPad from my friend Leesa and her kids so I don’t have to curse the virtual keyboard anymore. And even more amazing, my friend Whitney procured the luxury box at Madison Square Garden and 14 of my closest friends and I will be watching the opening event of the 2012 Pro Bull Riders season from our own skybox with private bathroom, fridge and wet bar. And from my fans, surprise envelopes are arriving in the mail steadily. A custom-made leather cowboy boot Christmas stocking with my name on it from the book club I visited on Long Island. A cowboy boot ornament for my tree from my bull rider-loving fan Shannon, who knows both my own boot and cowboy fetishes. And just today I got an iPad case with my book cover on it sewn by Helen, a reader who makes beautiful quilts and other fabric works of art. Merry Christmas to me!

My gifts to my friends were hits as well, if I do say so myself. For Donna, a chef’s wife who just began a food blog, I found a handmade bracelet on Etsy made out of an actual fork, bent and curled into a unique beautiful piece of wearable art. Whitney, a serious connoiseur of homemade margaritas, got a lime squeezer, agave and tequila from me. Leesa, a Scrabble efficiando and the person who keeps getting the 7-letter words and pissing me and Whit off, got Scrabble pajama pants.

That’s just a sampling of the holiday goodies and treats that brought joy to me and hopefully to my friends. I wish all my readers good friends, good food and good gifts!

Cat

Necessity is the mother of invention as they say. I wanted that tasty-looking peppermint coffee and I wanted it NOW! So I made one. I’d bought a box of candy canes a week or two ago to spruce up my kitchen Christmas decor and I happened to have a can of ready whip in the fridge. I had coffee, and the fixings I enjoy daily (Splenda and Cremora–I know, don’t judge, that’s how I like it). So I stuck a candy cane in my morning coffee, I shot it with a squirt of whipped cream (just for the visual of course…) and VIOLA! I was a happy girl sipping my peppermint coffee for no more money, and not many more calories than my usually morning brew cost me, and, this is key, I didn’t have to even go out in the cold to get it! My pajama-covered ass went no farther than my own kitchen with the heated tile floor so toasty on my happy feet.

Since I have a new book release I’m promoting, another novel for my series I’m writing, and two other stories I’m plotting, coffee and not having to leave the house are both key components of my writer’s day, but I figure everyone can use this recipe. I’m picturing a holiday party, New Year’s Eve in particular, where the hostess can set up a large coffee urn, cups, sugar and cream, all as normal BUT add a bunch of candy canes, and a bunch of cinnamon sticks as stirrers, with some whipped cream guests can make their own special gourmet coffees.

Enjoy!

Cat

I read my iPad app FLIPBOARD for food inspiration, and I get inspiration from Eat Something Sexy’s very own Amy Reiley (who FYI has a new cookbook release coming out next month!).

Anyway, I’ve recently made Spiced Rosemary Nuts (William-Sonoma), so easy and so impressive and tasty. I brought them to both a Friday Night Dinner with Friends as well as to a holiday party housewarming and they were a hit both places. I’m going to try Amy’s Hot Honey Nuts recipe from the monthly aphrodisiac newsletter that just came out a few days ago for tonight’s Friday Night Dinner with Friends.

The other night I made Roasted Carrot Soup (Food 52). It came out really tasty but more importantly I’m thinking something that colorful HAS to be good for you too. And yesterday, while watching that new foodie show on ABC, The Chew, I was inspired to–this is big so get ready–change out of my pajamas, go to the food store, and buy the ingredients for the Swiss Steak with Arugula Salad they made on the show. Anyone who knows me at all knows how huge it is. I rarely leave the house (or change out of PJs) unless it’s absolutely necessary, such as the horse is totally out of feed and is threatening to break out of the paddock and storm the house.

So yeah, I’m procrastinating writing right now (I even vacuumed in an effort to kill time) but I’ll get back to it, one word at a time. And in the meantime, I’ll keep my eye on the inspirational blogs of Food 52, William Sonoma, and our own Eat Something Sexy and hope the creativity spills over from the kitchen to the laptop.

Cat

Yes! You can do it. You don’t need to go to Starbucks and shell out $5 for a holiday seasonal latte. You don’t need to pack on ten extra pounds before you ever reach Aunt Ida’s turkey on the Thanksgiving table because you’ve been indulging in the new Gingerbread Grande with Extra Whipped Cream. How do I know? Because I have delved into the dark and scary recesses of my mind and come up with a coffee recipe that couldn’t be easier, has no extra calories, and is practically free.

Years ago I had a waitressing job at a shore club that catered weddings and such. The Long Island Sound and sand just feet from the windows meant they were a popular place (less so the year the hurricane hit and we were in the middle of a wedding in a heated tent outside on the sand in December. Yeah…But anyway…)

Well they had a signature coffee and though this was about 22 years ago, I still remember the ingredients and how good it tasted. There, we would throw a broken cinnamon stick, a spoon of sugar and a spoon of espresso grounds right in the coffee filter with the regular coffee grounds when making a pot. And just those few simple ingredients infused the pot of coffee with a subtle layer of warm flavor that everyone loved but not one guest every said, “Ew, is this flavored coffee?”

I recently was at the food store searching for the new Pumpkin Dunkin Donuts grounds and they didn’t have them. Since I’m on deadline, I’ve been drinking a lot of extra coffee and I was truly disappointed to not have what I was looking for available for me. I made a stop in the dairy aisle and picked up the Coffeemate Pumpkin Spice creamer, but one look at the label, and my ever-widening waistline, and I put it back down. Yes, before you all write in it’s only 30 calories a serving, go ahead and measure how much you put in your coffee cup. I estimated last year I was using 3 spoons per cup and I was up to 2 cups a day. My small frame can’t afford almost 200 extra calories daily, especially during the holiday seasons.

So, I went to the spice aisle and picked up a jar of cinnamon sticks–and put them down again because the price was INSANE and we were on our way to Sam’s Club anyway where I again visited the spice aisle and lo and behold, there I found a large jar of cinnamon sticks at a bargain price.

Now, each morning I do this… I put one broken cinnamon stick in the filter basket THEN on top of that I put the paper filter. The coffee grounds go inside that. I’m lazy so I rarely remember to add the espresso grounds. And I’m worried about calories so I forego the spoon of sugar most days. But the coffee dripping over the cinnamon sticks gives it a lovely flavor. Then I add my usual everyday creamer and sweetener and I’m happily drinking a lovely spiced winter brew.

When I throw out the coffee filter to clean the maker, I save the cinnamon sticks to use the next day. They are clean because they were under the filter and didn’t touch the grounds. You can probably get a week out of one stick.

So there you go…lots of time and energy spent over a cup of coffee but what can I say, it makes me happy. I haven’t tried it yet, but I bet you could use nutmeg or cloves or some other spices and make your own concoction at home.

Enjoy!

Cat

And I do sit around sipping, but it’s not the bubbly. It’s coffee at the crack of dawn to wake me up, and then tea later on to warm me up (because I’m cheap and keep the heat so low). Which brings me to today’s favorite thing (see…I got around to the point of this post eventually).

BENGAL SPICE TEA from Celestial Seasonings. I drank this all the time back in the day and then forgot about it. Well I picked up a box recently and now I remember why I love it so. Spicy. Rich. Tasty. Warming. Full of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and vanilla.  Soooo good with a spoon of Agave and a dash of half and half or milk. It’s my new favorite fall/winter beverage. Try it yourself –put on PJs, throw a blanket, at least one cat and a laptop onto your lap, grab a cup of this tea and pretend you’re a romance writer too.

Cat

]]> http://eatsomethingsexy.com/blogs/catjohnson/2011/10/28/my-favorite-things-tasty-tea/feed/ 0 http://eatsomethingsexy.com/blogs/catjohnson/2011/10/24/nice-pumpkins/ http://eatsomethingsexy.com/blogs/catjohnson/2011/10/24/nice-pumpkins/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:19:37 +0000 Cat Johnson http://eatsomethingsexy.com/blogs/catjohnson/?p=583

Sometimes you have to recharge. Yes, I have too much to do for my writing. Yes, I’m ignoring the cat hair dust bunnies chasing the cats around the hardwood floor in the living room. No, I haven’t put the storm windows back in for the winter yet. But yes, I did drive to New Hampshire directly from my writer’s conference in Albany, traversing 3 states on scenic Rt 7 (thank you, TomTom, GPS from hell, for deciding to send me on the scenic route rather than on Rt 90 and 91). I arrived in Keene, New Hampshire in time for margaritas with the girls by 7:15 PM Friday night.

We were there for the annual Keene Pumpkin Fest and it was beautiful. Once I stopped twitching from the 3 hour drive and the sheer number of people in the tiny town of Keene (land of the traffic circle and pedestrian crossing), once I’d parked my car for the night and picked up my drink, I had a chance to look around and appreciate everything, from the historic buildings, to the quaint storefronts, to the 16,000 carved pumpkins that lit up the night making everything appear magical.

We stayed until Sunday and did it all–karaoke at the townie bar, shopping at vendors in the street selling both wares and fried foods, coffee with the pajama-wearing Keene State students at the local coffee shop, pumpkin beer at the hotel bar, and then again at the Brewery for lunch, shopping for “Nice Pumpkins” Pins (double entendre intended) , Keene Pumpkin Fest tote bags, “I Got Smashed at Pumpkin Fest” T-shirts, even pumpkin earrings. We were the invading tourists some of the locals run from until this annual event ends. I came home tired but happy to have been there, bringing home both memories and purchases.

We went with only the girls and we remarked often, particularly in the football stadium-sized Yankee Candle Company store, good thing no boys were with us. Nope. They just wouldn’t have gotten it.

My favorite purchase?  The maple syrup infused whisky I bought at the State Liquor store that I’m most excited to try. We were in New England, after all. Who could drive through Vermont and not buy something maple syrup related!

Mental batteries recharged, I woke this morning ready to tackle the work. Sometimes it’s what you gotta do.

For more information on this annual event visit http://pumpkinfestival2011.org

Cat