A surprise going away party for Dave of My Year on the Grill!

Cheers and Good Luck, Dave! I'm toasting you with a simple cold and relaxing Vodka and White Grapefruit drink with frozen fruit thrown in to keep it nice and cold, with a twist and a slice of pink grapefruit! I love drinking this in the summer while sitting on the porch! I also do vodka and tonic without the grapefruit and a slice and twist of lime--refreshing!

You can also infuse your vodka with mint -ummmmm!

There's a name for this drink, even though I never knew that until today . . . It's called a Greyhound! In this case, it's a Tropical Greyhound - add tropical fruits, sit on the beach(real or virtual) and think of Dave with his toes in the sand! :)


It's about 2 oz of vodka and 4 oz of white grapefruit (I use the all natural no sugar added so it's not so sweet)- shake shake shake with some ice and pour into a pretty glass - add frozen fruit, add a slice and/or twist, and enjoy!








This is the email I received: "Dave, of My Year on the Grill, is a weekly contributor to Our Krazy Kitchen. You may know that he's left the snow in Kansas where it belongs, and is moving to the Virgin Islands!

In honor of Dave & Jackie's move to the tropics, us girls at Our Krazy Kitchen decided to throw him a SURPRISE "Beachwarming" party, and we'd like you all to participate."


GOOD LUCK DAVE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME; HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE ME ME ME M EM EM EME

Yes, today it's all about ME - and any other person who has a birthday today...nope, just about me..me me me - who cares about anyone else today --just ME.....

I am shameless - yes, I am shameless about touting my Birthday.

Now, being a Pisces, I don't want gifts because I am not that way... but, I do want everyone to know I AM SPECIAL BECAUSE TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY AND I'M A PISCES! .....

Happy birthday to me

happy birthday to me

happy birthday dear me

happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeee

me me me me

At 53 - omg I'm 53~! I'm a Granny Kat - oh! But! At 52 I had my debut novel, TG, out and became C0-Editor Publisher of an online journal (Rose & Thorn), and my first biological grandchild, little Norah Kathryn was born. Now at 53, I'll have my second book, Secret Graces, out!

And being a 53 year old Granny Kat - I did a nekkid reading! And it did it with atrophied upper body muscles due to my injury - haven't been able to work out for going on 6 weeks now -oh dear! How Brave I am! My beautiful (almost) Michelle Obama arms gone to flab....haw!

So, what's next in this year besides novels and editorial do dahs? Well, I don't know, but I'm ready.

Happy birthday to meeeee - it's all about me m e me - oh me me me -- and a big side of ME.....

Now, since I am quite the healthful eater, for my birthday I am eating something BAD. Although I just had my b'fast of plain brown cow greek yogurt with fruit and granola. But later? Yes, later I eat something like french fries! and cake! whoop whoop!

Happy Birrtthhdayyyy toooo meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ME ME MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

*Grin*

Now, folks - one bit of business today and then it is off to do whatever I want for ME ME ME -- birthday ME: I've been on blog tour - yesterday I was at Sharla's Place - did a porch reading, with clothes on this time *laugh*- and I hope you stopped by and said "kat sent me" *smiling* -- I've put my blog tour stops on a Page - yes, blogger has pages now, like a website - you can see them above-there's Home, there's Video/trailer page, and there's Blog Tour Page . . . I hope you'll stop by those places who hosted me on blog tour and say a big hello: I'm grateful for their support. I'll be stopping elsewhere, too and more on what I'll be doing and where and how I'll be doing virtual book readings, and on the contest with Gumbo Writer later -- because today IS MY BIRTHDAY AND IT'S ALL ABOUT me me memMEMEMEMMEME!

image

Critter Calling Porch Reading; Blog Tour at Sharla Scroggs Place

Hi Y'all! I'm not here - I'm over at Sharla's Place. I did a reading sittin' on my porch with a cup of Deep Creek (fully clothed this time *laughing*) ... my dogs are there, the birds singing, and if you listen in the beginning and then a little way in, you can hear a critter calling. I tell a little about our mountains, do a little reading and tell about my wolf's head arrowhead necklace . . .

Hope you'll stop by and see me there; thank you all for all your support. I'll be back later with a report on the contest/reader suggestions. *muwah*

Secret Acts of Kindness or Grace . . . next on list...

Hi Y'all!

So, someone made this and sent it to me *laughing me aarrrrrrrse off*


Anyway, so far on our calendar, I have: March, April, May, August, October, December, one person needs to repick her month, and then whatever month I choose, so that's eight months so far! Only four more people to go, and I hope I haven't missed anyone. May is Titus, April is LIC, March is Deb, October is Glynis, December is Angie, August is Suldog, Jane TBA, and I'll take whatever month is left over at the end. If I missed you, email me! I also am asking if you want to add a quote to your image - your own quote, or a favorite one you like - - it can be whatever you like.


So working on down the list - I have done my nekkid reading and that's here. I have contacted Pop Secret, who said they weren't with General Mills anymore and to contact another company so I guess I have to do that! I contacted Secret Deodorant. I am working on the calendar. And, I'm looking at the others. I need to find a bullhorn, and wait for a bit warmer day to do my "drive by reading." I am still taking suggestions over at Gumbo Writer's Place, or here in the comments section. The "Rules" of the Contest are listed HERE. Yes, this is a contest. It started out that Gumbo Writer would offer a copy of Secret Graces to the best "promo" idea . . . I took it a step further and said I'd try to do every idea suggested (gulp) and would expand the contest (posts below explain everything): The top three "most successful" ideas that I can bring to completion would win a copy of SG straight off the press, with the Top One also receiving a gift basket.


Next on the list I'll tackle is below. She is suggesting a contest, but I'm not sure how to evaluate Good Deeds. But, I do think it would be nice to post the nicest thing you ever did in secret. If anyone can think of a way to make this a contest, I would do that, but again, I don't know how to put a value on Kindness and Goodness and Grace, but Jeannie - this is a wonderful suggestion.... so folks, either post about it and link in the comments so we can go read it, or you can leave it in the comments here! Let's hear it!


Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said...
...how about a blog contest where you write the nicest thing you ever did for someone (showing grace) IN PRIVATE (secrecy). secret grace. get it?

I need Vict-uh, Volunteers for Calendar & next on Blog Tour

On my blog tour, I visited Deb at Ranch Girl Ramblings on Friday - please go by and give her a hello - we chatted a bit and had a great ole time.





What I still need is ten writers/poets to make the calendar we can "auction off" -- you do not have to be nekkid! Be creative - send me a photo to use and tell me what month you want to be. April is taken by the one who suggested it. Once I have the other ten months, I'll figure out how to make a calendar - then we can have an "auction" (I'll figure out the details as I go, I guess!), and the money can go to a good cause. Again, be creative, have fun - be brave! *grin*

NOTE: Calendar isn't a "Secret Graces" (or Tender Graces) calendar -but a writers'/poets' calendar - don't take image of you reading TG or SG for the calendar (though I may or may not do that for my own image, of course!) Be creative, have fun, and show your personality :) But hurry, slots are going - you do not have to send an image first, just email me your month choice.

As well, you do not have to be published -just have a joy of writing, the language, and words!

I'm working through the other suggestions and checking for more at Gumbo Writers (see post below if you don't know what I'm talking about).


Now, y'all go have a good great day -- and do something fun and carefree --



Update!:
HAHA! I have another volunteer (stop almost saying victim, kat!) ....Our own Angie Gumbo Writer is going to be December! yayyy! So, we have April and December -- I haven't chosen a month - I'll wait to take what's left.

Come on y'all!

A Pee Ess: I'm not restricting this to women - men can volunteer, too - this is all in fun, and while we are at it, may as well make it for a good cause too boot -- that "good cause" we can determine together some way; as I said, the details will iron out as I figure all this out *laugh*... So far I have April from "Lives in Cave," and December for Angie Gumbo Writer, and a poet has contacted me and she is interested and only has to pick her Month. Suldog? You still interested? If so, you'll be our first Guy! :-) -- As I'm figuring this out as I go along, so far, just contact me and pick a month - then think of a creative photograph of yourself-doesn't have to be nekkid and then send that photo to me - I'd think in a good JPEG so when I find a creator or printer to make the calendar, the image is clear enough.

We're doing this! This is from the "contest/promo Kat's gone nuts" thingee Gumbo Writer started and I tweaked - and the calendar is Lives in Cave's suggestion.

From Nekkid Readings to Writer's Calendars to Bullhorns to . . . I'm skeered.

I hopped over to Gumbo Writer's Place and picked up the suggestions and am placing them here, as new ones come in, I'll post them as well. Time to start working on the ones I can work on *laughing* - dear gawd. For this reclusive writer, this is taking me way out of my comfort zone; however, a part of me is goading the other part of me on . . . and, I have to say, that since I did the Nekkid Reading, it's real hard to keep taking all this seriously! Now, I do have to say I take my work and my writing very seriously - it's my Life, my Blood, the Marrow of my Bones - but, all the other trappings of being a published author were pressing into me, pulling me down, and causing anxiety to cover the joy in all this: realizing a life's dream!

But . . . oh dear, what have I done? *laughing* If you are just stopping by, THIS and THIS is what started this whole crazy arse thing! And for anyone who knows me well, they know how reclusive, and even shy, I can be. But, for the Hart Theater people, they also know how once I break out of that hard outer shell and let my fun daring side out - - well, . . . that's why I keep it under a shell *laughing*

All rightee then: this is the list of suggestions so far that I have to at least attempt to do, within reason of course, and et cetera.

I am going to get started on a Writer's Calendar . . . I need, let's see, ten more Brave Souls - I have Lives in Cave, who gave the suggestion, who said she'd be April (and too late to back out now LIC! ha! hahaha!) . . . and I will of course have to do one . . . so, folks, I need ten brave writers who want to be in the Writer's Calendar that I have no idea how to do but I'll do my best to make at least one *laugh* THEN HEY! Maybe we can auction it off! And the proceeds go to Libraries, or Haiti or something? What say you? For a good cause?


I deleted most everything in the comment but the suggestion it self since this is getting to be a longer, gulp, list . . .

Karen said...
How about donating a few to a pregnancy center or a club and try to get a bit of publicity? Whoo Hoo, number 2!


Suldog said...
Any way you could get a promotional tie-in with the manufacturers of 'Secret' deodorant for women? A discount on the book when you buy the deodorant, or vice-versa? Or maybe 'Pop Secret' microwaveable popcorn? Save your boxtops and get a wonderful book to read!

Titus said...
Every novel way of promoting the novel involves getting naked (should that be "butt-naked") in my pea-brain at the moment

Deb/RGRumblings said...
I’m still stuck on the idea that hearing passages of SG in Kat’s voice would be an excellent way to promote and sell the book. I’m guessing that a suggestion of doing a ton of radio interviews would be considered too much along “the beaten promotion path” to qualify for this contest. Sooo, I’m going to have to suggest that Kat pick up a bullhorn, a vehicle with a sunroof, and set out on a road tour. I can picture it now - Kat leaning out through the sunroof, wind in her hair, gripping SG in one hand and the bullhorn in the other, and reading passages from SG. The driver of the vehicle, (GMR?), steering with one hand, and selling copious copies of SG through the window…


Terri Tiffany said...
Have you thought about events in libraries where they bring in writers for a week to do conferences? (ours does) or maybe sign up to teach some writing course at a small conference?

Jessica said...

Maybe something to do with secrets? Or with Grace?

Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said...
as for the marketing thing...how about a blog contest where you write the nicest thing you ever did for someone (showing grace) IN PRIVATE (secrecy). secret grace. get it?

Carrie said...
Have people tweet the promo tweet for a chance to win a spot in the R&T newsletter, or an ARC if you have any, or a copy of the actual production book.

Create a blog badge/facebook badge that fans can use.



Teresa said...
Can you donate some copies of Secret Graces to a real place (like a resturant) you featured in Secret Graces? Would it be possible to visit and read a few paragraphs from a resturant or library featured in Secret Graces? Then you'll be giving them exposure too and they'll probably return the favor.

You could also give a brief press release that you'll be donating X copies of Secret Graces to whatever establishment you choose and why. Maybe between your efforts and the establishment you choose, you can squeeze a little TV time.




t i m said...
A promotional tour in Europe obviously, well the UK to precise.

You have a growing fanbase on these shores, plus I know the Queen... kinda :)



colbymarshall said...
heehee-- if Kat borrowed my nekkid kitteh and read nekkid, she could be kat reading nekkid with a nekkid cat!



Anonymous said...
ok, oh brave one, here's one for yer contest:
let's start national SG book clubs--one in every different fan location. book signings, discussions, guest speakers--all done in the nekkid!
take photos and send them in!
can see SG nekkid calendar market and all your fan applications. LOL being one of the original devotees, i guess i'm obligated to volunteer for mz. april. *snicker*.
write on,
livesincave


Carol at the Writer's Porch
Who knew that a New Orleans win in the Super Bowl would cause fans to go crazy and read nekid?? I think you should superimpose you and Drew Brees reading it together????


Brian said...
WOW...how do you top that one? Now all we need to do is find a blank billboard in the mountains of NC (preferably on a busy road)and a picture of Kat with nothing but her bear skin rug on.


There you have them, folks - so far. I will do my best to do those I can . . . the "rules" of the contest are that I have to be able to successfully do them, then the top three receive a copy of Secret Graces right off the press, with the Top One also receiving a gift basket. Of course, the words "within reason" and "I'm only human" and "You have to be kidding me" are important here *laughing* . . . now, I'm going to go throw up a little as I am, as I said, Waaay out of my reclusive comfort zone. *pant pant pant*

Nekkid Reading of Secret Graces: so let it be written, so let it be done!

So far on Angie's contest I spoke about here, and on Angie's blog here and here, I have done two things: create a Facebook badge and put it on my blog (it's to the left-the cover of SG) AND, Good Lawd!, a nekkid reading of Secret Graces. I did my promised two paragraphs . . . ha! Done!

So - here you are folks: Nekkid Reading of Secret Graces by kat Magendie


As you can see, thongs, I mean, throngs of readers are getting in on the act . . . yes . . . *laughing*

Now, my friends - my next two stops on my blog tour, where I will be fully clothed (laugh), will be at Deb's Place and then Sharla's Place.