Men, Movies and Memes
Second, the movies. I watched The Astronaut Farmer and Peaceful Warrior last night. I really enjoyed TAF. It was a story about never giving up your dreams. Also, that if you dream hard enough and believe hard enough, you can make others believe in it as well. It’s a story about a father bringing his family along for the ride and making them a part of his dream. PW is sort of the same story about not giving up dreams, but also about being happy with the journey, even if you don’t achieve the goal. It was a okay movie. Not terrible and not great. But I didn’t resent spending my time watching it.
Lastly, the meme. I totally forgot that Lila tagged me a week or so ago. Filed it away as something I’d do over the weekend and then ended up busy with other things. But I’ll do it today. I have to tell you 8 things/facts about myself. I’d post the rules but since I’m not going to tag 8 other people, the rules don’t matter…lol.
As you can tell, I love movies…pretty much any kind (except romantic comedies. I’m not big on those) So I thought I’d give you a list of my 8 favorite movies of all time. đ In no particular order.
1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: I love Jimmy Stewart as this naive senator. Stewart played the role of innocence so well. But he was so good, he could play any role and I’d believe him.
2. The 13th Warrior : The dialogue was great. Action scenes good. The movie worked to show us that sometimes what we need is a fresh prespective on a problem.
3. Gladiator : Russell Crowe, what more do I have to say? Joaquin Phoenix does a man having a nervous breakdown better than anyone I’ve seen. Djimon Hounson has quickly become one of my favorite actors as well. A story about a man seeking revenge and to turn the course of the world back to the way it should have been.
4. The Chronicles of Riddick : The story of an outlaw who saves the universe without meaning to. In trying to save the one person who has always believed in his goodness, he ends up saving people he doesn’t even like. Vin Diesel..yummy.
5. Unleashed (or Danny the Dog) : Jet Li is another actor that I’ll go see in the movies, no matter what he’s in. His physical ability is awe-inspiring. This movie tells the story that even what seems as the most lost soul can be found and given a new life. Plus it has Morgan Freeman in it and to me, Freeman is a god. (no pun intended)
6. Last Holiday : Queen Latifah is beautiful and so confident. The story is entertaining and tells us not to let life pass us by. Go out and live it. Don’t be afraid of it. Plus, LL Cool J… ’nuff said.
7. The Sum of Us : Another Russell Crowe movie. He plays a gay man who lives with his father. It’s more about the relationship Crowe has with his father than anything else. A beautiful story about acceptance and taking care of each other no matter what.
8. 300 : This is one of the more recent movies I’ve seen and one that I’ll watch several times. Not just for the marvelous eye candy it presents us with, but because of the story as well. Three hundred men marching off to what they know is certain death. Sacrifice of self for the state and for an idea. Men believing in their king and a queen knowing her king has to do it.
There you have it. A list of 8 favorite movies of mine. đ
Hope you have a great Wednesday.
Poetry Train….
Another Monday and another ride on the Poetry Train. Make sure to stop by Rhian’s blog to see who else is participating today. Here’s an excerpt from a new Regency I’ve started. It’s not about Shade, but the man does make an appearance in it. đ
One of our heroes’ name is Lord Bertram Beng Wilkins (Beng is Gypsy for Devil). He goes by Beng.
Excerpt:
âIâve sold my soul to the devil, Marsden.â
Lord Bertram Beng Wilkins rested his chin on the palm of his hand and stared out the window. His eyes traced the muscled line of a gardenerâs back. A gardener his sister-in-law had been gracious enough to loan him.
âIâm going to hell,â he murmured, his groin stirring as the gardener bent over to pull something out of the dirt.
âIâm sure you are, sir, but not at the moment.â
Something in the tone of Bengâs majordomoâs voice roused him. He turned to face his oldest and only servant.
âDo I have something better or more important to do than wallow in self-pity right now?â He winked at Marsden.
âYes, my lord.â Marsden looked uncomfortable which was odd for the man.
âAre you going to tell me what it is? Or do I have to guess?â Bertram grimaced. He hated having to guess.
âThe Duke of Wiltshire is waiting in the Red Parlor, my lord.â
âWill? Here?â Beng understood why Marsden looked like heâd swallowed a fish. âBloody hell, the Devil is playing with his wayward disciple. I thought Iâd have a few days to settle before I ran into Will.â
âI wonât lie for you while you sneak out the back like you did the last time, my lord.â
Marsden referred to the last time William had stopped by Bengâs
âHow am I supposed to face him?â Beng closed his eyes and sighed.
Bengâs family seat shared property lines with Williamâs ancestral home. They had run wild together as children along with Williamâs younger brother, David. Will had been Bengâs best friend until they turned sixteen and Beng realized that his childhood love for his friend had turned into something more.
__________________________________________________________________I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve been working on it in bits and pieces as I get tired of working on Tony’s story. đ
Have a great Monday.
Tennis..anyone?
I’m watching Wimbledon at the moment. I like both Federer and Nadal, but I have to admit my heart is hoping Federer will win. It’ll be his fifth Wimbledon in a row. I want history to be made.
Oh and stop by SEx today. It’s Flash Fiction Sunday and people will be posting their very short scenes. (100 words total). Shayla is hosting today, but I’ve posted something already.
hope you all have a great Sunday.
Transformers
C and I went to see Transformers on Wednesday. It was really good. I mean it’s a typical summer blockbuster with lots of explosions and fights, but they made it funny as well. The special effects were awesome. đ Of course, there’s probably going to be a sequel, especially if the movie does well at the box office. Let’s just hope they don’t get too carried away and make a ton of them. (which they won’t if they don’t do well. It’s too big a budget film for that.)
Not doing much today. Hopefully I’ll get in some writing at some point.
Enjoy your Saturday everyone.
Pimping Books…
Stephanie Vaughan has several books out, some ‘het’ and some m/m. I haven’t read any of her ‘het’ ones, but I’ve enjoyed all of the m/m ones I’ve gotten. Off World is a great sci-fi/futuristic story.
Stop by Stephanie’s website to see what else she has out and coming.
Hmm…what else is there?
Oh, I’m focused on Tony’s story. Hopefully will get that done sooner rather than later. đ
Still no news about Out of Bounds or Understanding Forgiveness (the short story I wrote for an anthology going to Aspen Mountain Press) As soon as I hear anything about that, I’ll let you all know.
Hope you all have a great Friday.
The Vanguard
The Vanguard copyright (c) 2007 TA ChasePart Thirty-Four-
Rathian wasnât sure what he should do except walk to his suite. None of his men reacted to the fact that both he and Stakel were naked. He held his head high. There was no reason he should be embarrassed. As the Supreme Commander, he had every right to walk around the Manor sans clothing if he wanted.
Rathian never thought heâd been uncomfortable in his skin, but knowing all eyes were on him was unnerving. The footsteps following him kept him moving along at a steady pace instead of hurrying. He stopped, allowing one of his men to open the Manor door for him.
âSir, I need to speak to you.â
He turned and saw Excelsie standing in the hallway to his left. âNow isnât a good time, General.â
Stakel remained close, but didnât say anything. Rathian moved and his loverâs hand came to rest at the small of his back. Rough fingers caressed the soft skin there. Shivers chased down his spine, but his focus stayed on Excelsie.
âIâm afraid it is important.â Excelsieâs gaze shot over Rathianâs shoulder to land on Stakel.
âWe have some new information about Villious and how the battle goes.â The generalâs eyes were cold and ugly.
Duty warred with desire. He longed to go with Stakel to his rooms. Stakel seemed to enjoy their love making. He wanted to experience it as well, even though heâd been taught that the Supreme Commander never makes himself submissive to anyone. Yet he didnât think Stakel would take advantage of that.
âDarius, bring the Supreme Commander a set of clothes and food to the war room.â Stakelâs orders shocked all of them.
âWho are you to give the princeâs page orders?â Excelsieâs body tensed.
Stakel stalked forward, pushing into the generalâs face. Rathian saw the scowl marring his loverâs face. Stakelâs brown eyes glowed with a golden light. He started to reach out and stop the Villious from confronting Excelsie.
If he means something to you, you must let him fight his own battles. Do you want him to stay with you?
Who the hell was this voice talking to him? Heâd never had it happen before Stakel arrived. Yes. It was a simple answer, but it was spoken from the heart. Rathian didnât want to lose Stakel.
Then you must allow him to fight his own battles and establish his place in the Vanguard. Heâll not be a subservient lover. As a Consort, he fought against the chains and whips of the priests. They couldnât break his pride. He wonât allow you to put him in that same position.
Rathian bit his lip and let Stakel deal with Excelsie. Glancing around, he saw Darius standing on the bottom stair. The page gave him an askance shrug. The prince nodded. Stakel had decided that the war was more important at the moment than their pleasure. In a way, it made Rathian happy to know his lover understood the demands placed on Rathian as the Supreme Commander.
âI donât have to explain anything to you, General. You arenât my commander, so your authority doesnât extend to me.â Stakel pointed at Rathian. âThe only one Iâll ever take orders from is Prince Rathian. My loyalty is his and no one elseâs.â
Excelsie snarled, but something in the set of Stakelâs shoulders or the fact that the Villiousâ hand gripped the curved blade convinced the general not to lose control. Rathian joined them.
âOne of these days, the prince wonât be there to protect you and your evil plot will be revealed.â Excelsie spun around and marched off to the war room.
Rathian started to chase after him. Anger boiled in him at the threat Excelsie leveled towards Stakel. His loverâs hand stayed his movement. He looked at Stakel who shook his head.
âDonât. This is between him and me. When the time comes, heâll make his move and discover that I donât need anyoneâs protection.â A bruising kiss landed on his lips. âGo. Talk about the war. I can wait.â
A rough hand stroked his naked cock and he groaned. Stakel might be able to wait, but he wasnât sure if he could.
âIâll try to return as soon as possible,â he promised.
âYou know where to find me.â
Stakel pumped his cock again, and then headed up the stairs. Rathian watched his loverâs tight ass flex with each step. For the first time, he cursed the responsibilities of being the Supreme Commander.
Happy July 4th
Picture done by Steve Walker. Click here to check out Steve’s website and beautiful art work.I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday and a great holiday.
Poetry Train….
Here’s an excerpt from a WIP that I actually just finished and sent to my cps to check out for me. It’s called Out of Bounds and is about a basketball player and a nightclub owner. Enjoy.
He shook his head. âIâll just have some of your water, if thatâs all right. I donât drink during the season.â
The bottle was handed over and Kasey took a sip. He rested his head on the cushion again, watching the crowd dancing in front of him. His thumb continued to stroke over Gramâs knuckles. His eyelids drifted closed.
âCome here.â
His body was rearranged so he leaned against a warm body. His arms encircled Gramâs waist and he sighed. The nightclubâs owner smelled of smoke, whiskey and man. Kasey buried his nose in the crook of Gramâs neck and sniffed.
âThis might not be smart,â Gram said. âBut I have to kiss you.â
Kasey felt Gramâs hands tangle in his hair and his head tipped back slightly. He stared in surprise as Gramâs face moved closer to his and their mouths met in a soft kiss. Gasping, he shivered with pleasure while Gram nibbled on his bottom lip. He kept his arms around Gramâs waist, clasping them together at the manâs lower back. Lust swamped him, causing his eyes to close and his mouth to open, allowing Gramâs tongue to sweep inside.
Gram tasted of whiskey and smoke. A taste Kasey never thought heâd find intoxicating, but maybe it was more the man than the taste turning him on. Gram tugged on his hair, encouraging him to lean back without breaking their connection. Soon his back made contact with the leather couch and Gram was lying on top of him.
It had been so long since heâd felt the warmth and solidness of a male body pressed to his. He arched his hips, pushing their groins together. His tongue dueled with Gramâs, stroking and thrusting, learning the manâs mouth. Kasey became lost in the sensations of pleasure and passion.
Gram moved an inch away, tilted Kaseyâs head in a different direction and dove back into the kiss, taking it deeper than before. Kaseyâs groan rumbled in the back of his throat. His hands cupped Gramâs firm ass and squeezed in rhythm with the thrust of their tongues and hips.
Tingling in his spine and the ache in his cock told him his climax was close. It had been over a year since heâd come with another man that he wouldnât last much longer.
Applause broke through the haze and he stiffened. Gram backed off the instant Kasey tensed. Shock iced through Kaseyâs body when he remembered where they were. Shit. He was making out and dry humping the male owner of a nightclub in said nightclub. Fuck. So much for keeping his love life private. He was screwed if any reporters or enterprising would-be paparazzi caught sight of them. Gram sat up and helped him regain his former sitting position.
Kasey glanced around, trying to see if anyone watched them. The back section of the V.I.P. lounge being bathed in shadows was why heâd fallen asleep back there in the first place. So he hoped no one peered too close at the couple on the couch. Also, most of his friends at the club were lined up to form a wall of bodies in front of them. Garrett and the others werenât allowing anyone to look or step behind them.
Gram cradled his cheek in his hand, brushing a shaky thumb over Kaseyâs swollen bottom lip. âIâm sorry, baby. I know I shouldnât have kissed you here, but youâre so fucking beautiful. I never could resist temptation.â
hope you enjoy and have a great Monday.
Stealing Life
Hey everyone, I got good news yesterday. Stealing Life received a Recommended Read (and 5 Angels) from Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews. Woo-hoo! Here’s a little of what she said:
“Throughout all the twists and turns of the plot, Mr. Chase takes the reader through an action packed story that has both heart and enough adventure to please anyone. Thanks go to Mr. Chase for another creative and captivating story.”
Click here for the rest of the review.
I’m totally stoked about it. đ Thanks a lot, Teresa.
C and I went to see Live Free or Die Hard yesterday. I have never seen any of the other Die Hard movies, though C tells me I’m going to have to sit down and watch the first one (which is the best in his opinion.) Though he did say that this one was really good as well. I enjoyed the movie. Bruce Willis was very good and funny in it. I guess, except for the truly dangerous stuff, he does his own stunts. Which impresses the hell out of me.
I plan on doing nothing today, but writing. I didn’t get anything accomplished yesterday. đ And I’m really trying to get at least one book finished today.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Pimping Friday….
okay…I’m not really pimping any particular book. Though I did read two good ones this week. Haunted by Mike Shade and Living In Fast Forward by BA Tortuga.
But since Yvonne asked so nicely, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at Tony’s story. This will be sort of a double sneak peek because in this scene, you also get to meet Derek St. Martin, one of the heroes from His Heart’s Home. The man who has been writing all those songs you read on Mondays. đ
To set the scene up, Tony is flying back to Wyoming from Hawaii where he’d been for two weeks, competing in a bull riding event. He’s enjoyed a great night of hot sex with a luscious big blond. (Very important to remember the blond) Tony’s just received a phone call from Randy, letting him know that his brother-in-law is at the ranch, waiting for him. (for those of you who’ve read No Going Home…remember Tony doesn’t have anything to do with his family.) So he’s not a happy camper. He’s getting ready to board the plane.
Excerpt:
Tony heard his flight number called and grabbed his stuff. He boarded, put his bag away and sat. Shutting his eyes, he sighed. Maybe he and Mac should have done a little more sleeping and a little less fucking last night. He was glad he upgraded to first class. More room and drinks.
A nap would help settle his nerves. The memories only served to remind him anyone could hurt him, even those who should have loved him. Someone bumped his arm. Opening his eyes, he saw a tall lean man sitting next to him.
âSorry about that. Jackass was in a hurry to get to his coach seat, I guess.â
The smooth southern drawl stirred something in Tonyâs mind. He studied the man. A blue baseball cap and sunglasses hid the manâs eyes. His instinct told him he knew the man.
âHoney, when you get a chance, can you bring me a whiskey on the rocks and a beer for my friend here?â The man flagged down a flight attendant.
âShit. YouâreâŚâ
âYeah. Donât say anything. I just want to survive this flight without someone asking for my autograph or a picture.â That famous smile flashed at him. âThough I wouldnât mind if you wanted to take one. Itâs not often such a handsome man recognizes me.â
Tonyâs mouth dropped open. There was no way Derek St. Martin, country music superstar, was flirting with him.
âIf I ask for a picture, wouldnât it blow your cover?â He managed to say.
Derek thought for a moment, his thin lips pursed and then he nodded. âFuck. Should have known something would spoil it.â
âHere you are, sir.â The flight attendant handed Derek two glasses. âIs there anything else I can get you?â
âNo, sugar. This is just fine.â Derek waved her away with a casual gesture.
âDonât you have your own jet?â Tony kept his voice low. He could respect the manâs wish for privacy.
âSure I do, but sometimes I just want to get away from all that bull shit. The entourage. My agent. It all gives me a headache. On good days, I pop a couple of pills and let them take me away. Yet there are times when it all builds up and thereâs nothing I can do, but run.â Derek leaned in close to Tony, so close he could see the manâs electric blue eyes peering over the top of the sunglasses. âWhat do you do for a living? You look like a cowboy.â
âI ride bulls.â
âMmmâŚif only that were true, itâd prove there is a benevolent God and he loves country singers.â
Tony looked around him. None of the passengers seemed to be paying attention to them. He moved closer to Derek. âI like bulls better than cows, but since Iâve never heard even a whisper about you, you might want to be careful what you say in public.â
A look passed over Derekâs face and Tony wondered if the singer hated hiding who he was because of his fans. âI know. Iâve been yelled at by everyone around me. If I promise not to out myself to anyone else, will you talk to me about what you do? Treat me like a real person. Not the stud you see dancing on stage in tight jeans and a t-shirt.â
Tony touched Derekâs hand holding on to the armrest between them. âIâd talk to you all day.â He pressed his lips to the manâs ear. âIâve had a hard-on since I first heard you talk.â
Derekâs eyes widened and he shot a look at Tonyâs crotch. âMan, what I wouldnât do to have a private plane right about now.â
Tony winked, settling back in his seat. âI do ride bulls. I was in Honolulu for the special all-star event.â
âWow. A gay cowboy? So those stereotypes really do exist.â Derek laughed. âAre you any good?â
âI finished fifth at the Finals this year.â Tony sipped his beer. âWhere are you headed?â
âGot a fucking concert in Dallas.â Derek drained his drink and waved for the attendant to get him another one. âI got a two week vacation and then itâs back to work. Not even time off for Thanksgiving. It sucks. I planned on going to Edmundâs house for the holiday, but nope. Have to go entertain the masses.â
âMan, if you donât like what youâre doing, why are you doing this?â Tony loved riding bulls. Heâd already made up his mind that the day he didnât enjoy it, heâd retire.
âI love to sing. Performing is an unhappy side effect of singing. To be honest, I wouldnât be so tired of performing if I didnât have to deal with all the other bullshit.â Derek shrugged. The singer shifted and faced him. âSo where are you from? It sounds like Texas to me.â
âIâm originally from Texas. I live in Wyoming now.â He realized they had talked through take-off and the plane had reached cruising altitude.
Their flight attendant brought them another drink and they kept talking.
***
Stepping off the plane, Tony noticed a group of people with disapproving frowns on their faces. Derek squeezed his shoulder.
âWhere the hell have you been?â An older man walked up to them, glaring at Tony while gripping Derekâs arm.
âI took a different flight.â Derek shook off the manâs hand and turned to face Tony. âThanks for making it an interesting ride. Iâll be watching for you when your circuit starts up again.â
Tony ignored the man who must have been Derekâs manager and hugged the singer. âI hope you find some happiness somewhere,â he whispered in the manâs ear.
Derek pulled his sunglasses down so his blue eyes met Tonyâs. âSomeday I will. It just depends on how much more shit I can take. Thanks.â
Tony didnât say anything as Derek kissed his cheek.
Have a great Friday.
