Darn It

More snow and freezing rain. I'm not sure the kids want to be going to school well into July. Keep your fingers crossed....

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 35 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 6 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 35 of Latter Days/Lonely Nights by Willownut (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of Princess Tara and the Dragon by Chris Cook (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/31/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Medieval Adventures 1.6 - Future Promises, Past Fulfillments by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Original
  
• Chapters 5 & 6 of McKee II by A.C. Henley (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Any Way You Say It by Stephanie Anne (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of A Gyroscope Can't Spin Forever by miredinmarrow (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Chapter 18 - 23 of Stranger in a Strange Time by Red Hope (her web site).
  
  
• Part 75 of In An Age Before by Phantom Bard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 75 of In An Age Before by Phantom Bard (The Athenaeum).

Ramble from Phair

A special request tonight from phair.

On Begging

I don't approve of begging. It is frowned upon by my Irish heritage and the proper Bostonian environment I grew up around. However, begging is just what I've been doing for the last week and will continue to do for the foreseeable future. And, it is what I've come here to do as well.

I've not come to ask for something as transient as money or as fleeting as buyers for my book or support for my writing.

I've come, instead, to beg for hope.

You see, I received improbable, impossible, impractical news about my only sister seven days ago. It was at once joyous and terrifying. I felt my heart fly high with instant wonder then the icy tendrils of terror grabbed hold and I lingered for days on the brink on despair.

Despair is an unforgivable sin, in my father's faith and my mother's religion. I may be distant from those practices but not from the memories of what I was taught was right. And, what to do when I'm most afraid. After days of worry and sleepless nights, I found myself in a church; furious to be on my knees and relieved the building was open in the middle of a work day. There were little differences since the last time I was there: prayers written on cue cards for lapsed souls like mine and electric candles instead of smoke and wax to flicker pleas into life.

I took all I had to mutter, "Please, please, please, oh just please."

Will it work? I don't know which is better than just saying no. But, the result is not the point of this, I think. The story is not what I came here to say or to ask or to beg.

Hypocrite that I am, I've come to beg you to wish a wish for me. Wish for the courage to continue to hope come whatever may. And, not just for me but for you and us and they and them. In whatever tradition you have from your previous yous or whatever path you embrace today. Send a prayer, visit the sick, remember the dead, burn incense, go to temple, hug a tree, read a passage from a holy book, think 101 good thoughts, put a message in a bottle, create positive energy, smile, let somebody else go first, wave to a stranger, thank the mail carrier, be good to yourself, hug your kid one more time than you need to, send an email; help me be hopeful in this seemingly hopeless world.

If you don't, I won't know but if you do then I'd like to hear from you.

best,
phair

One thing I can say about this online world is that once times get tough for folks, goodness shines through. Show phair what that's all about. Join me in sending her our thoughts of hope.

Elisa

All My Children

• Parts 1 - 5 of Ces't Dur la Vie by keerwashere (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Bad Girls
  
• The Reality of Paradise by Richard (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 14 of Butterfly by Reallybigpineapple (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 19 of The Legend of Green Eyed Red by Tarawhipped (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• The Farm by Gina (Passion & Perfection).
  
  CSI
  
• Part 2 of Mad World by Eveh (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• On the cutting room floor from 'Werewolf' by raginhoops (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Sara & Catherine: The Unfinished Story series 'Adoptation' a.k.a. Where We Left Off by MBInc (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Underneath It All by Maaike (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Only the Beginning by Maaike (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Parts 6 - 10 of Hustle and Flow by Maaike (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Parts 31-40 of Pain to Kill by Coreau's Alcove (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• CSI Drabble by tked (Passion & Perfection).
  
  CSI: Miami
  
• Underneath It All by Maaike (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/30/2007 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Crossing Jordan
  
• Scared Straight: We Need to Talk by A.M. Glass (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Law & Order: Trial By Jury
  
• The Accusation by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Mary Tyler Moore Show
  
• Love Is All Around You by amluv (Passion & Perfection).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 2 of Overloved by paperbackbandit (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Waiting...Watching...Hoping by Elfcat255 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Ripples within Ripples by Elizaeth Carter (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Voyager
  
• Distant Echo by Cygirl1 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Parts 1-3 of Scorpion by Elizabeth Carter (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• X&G: The Lost Years - Time and Space by MaryE (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• X&G: The Lost Years - Time and Space by MaryE (The Athenaeum).

Recipe Night

Yippee! The post that won't go away from 1/25 netted us a keen recipe.

Hello. You said that you'd like some recipes, so here's one that I like, from a group that I've been collecting to give to my little brother (he's on his own for the first time). I first found it when someone mentioned clafouti in an uber story set in Australia and I got curious, so it's fitting. I don't remember the story title or author, though - sorry.

Cherry Clafouti

You can also make it with Peaches, Apricots, Blackberries, Pears.... Pretty much any soft fruit or mix of fruits. If you use another fruit, you may want to use a different liquor. Also, this one uses some milk, but the original uses heavy cream for all of the dairy. If you use canned instead of frozen or fresh cherries, you don’t need any Granulated Sugar - they're plenty sweet on their own because of the syrup. If you do use canned fruit, drain them for at least ten minutes into the sink - you may even want to rinse them briefly.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
1 1/2 pounds Black Cherries, pitted
3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
Pinch of Salt
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
4 large Eggs
2 large Egg Yolks
1 cup Milk
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla or Almond extract
3 tablespoons Kirsch or Amaretto
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional, but really good)
Confectioners' Sugar, for dusting or Whipped Cream

Preparation Steps

Preheat oven to 375 F. Butter a 10-inch porcelain tart dish, fill with Cherries, and set aside. Sift Flour, Cloves and Salt together into a large bowl. Add Sugar (do not add any sugar if you used canned Cherries). Gradually mix in whole Eggs, then Egg Yolks, and then Milk and Cream. Add Vanilla or Almond extract and Kirsch or Amaretto; mix to combine. Pour the batter over the Cherries. Bake until puffed and browned, about 45 minutes. Let cool until warm; it will sink slightly. Dust with Confectioners' Sugar or top with Whipped Cream, or both, and serve.

egret

Sounds like what we call a cobbler. Anyone know of the uber where she found this interesting dish? Thank egret for sharing a recipe and enjoy the updates.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 34 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 9 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 8 of The Butterfly Palace by MissKittys Ball O Yarn (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/29/2007 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 8 of The Message by J.A. Breeze (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Beautiful Oblivion by jesse KW jamest (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of Patient Zero by Andrea Doria (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Episode 17 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur and Vlamme (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Chapters 5 & 6 of McKee Book II by A.C. Henley (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• The Tunnel of Love by Jaye Morgan (The Sandbox 101).
  
  Original Graphic Novel
  
• Chapter 6, Pages 1 & 2 of Grace by Kris Dresen (Girlthrow.com).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 10 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• The Best of Times - Testing Times 5 by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  
• Sunday in the Park With...Jack? by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 10 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 2 of Birdie's Song II by Onesockbard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 8 of Stranger in a Strange Time by Red Hope (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Parts 4-6 of Arex: Son of Xena (Conclusion) by Shadowdancer (The Sandbox 101).

Tired

Amazingly enough the weekend is coming to a close and I'm tired still, how sad is that. Oh well. May you all have a dandy Monday.

Enjoy your updates tonight.

Elisa

BtVS

• Chapter 7 of Star Witches Episode II by SithLordWiccan (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of Masters of Horror by Useful_Oxymoron (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 13 of Willow and Tara's Sin City by Alcy (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Part 24 of Switcheroony by Alicorn (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Part 7b of Waiting for Dani by JustSkipIt (Mystic Muse).
  
  CSI
  
• Murder, Stage Right by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  
• Sofia Curtis, Ace Detective by Lex 'Spork' Tenou (Sassy).
  
  Mean Girls
  
• Three Years Later and in Eleventh Grade by theagonyofblank (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Original
  
• Parts 7 & 8 of A Valiant Option by D (her web site).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of A Moment in Time by Mickey Minner (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Overloved by paperbackbandit (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate Atlantis
  
• When in Doubt by kissthegirl85 (Area 52).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Turning the Clock Back by SJSlashfan (Area 52).

Ramble from Ze

Goody. I don't have to come up with words. Enjoy.

How Not to Ride a Motorcycle Lesson One - The Bungy

-----
Notes. Last October I wrote this small recollection of my very first motorcycle accident intending to send it in as a ramble. It was a funny accident, nobody was hurt and even the bike was relatively unscathed. However less than two weeks after writing this I was involved in another accident. This new one was not my fault and was fairly horrific. The bike was totalled and I was seriously injured. I'm recovering but it's a long, slow and painful road to recovery. Naturally it didn't seem appropriate to post this story right then. But it's too good a story not to share and now I'm recovering well, my bike will eventually be repaired, the pain is manageable and I will work again it feels ok to let you all have a read. So - without further ado I give you - The Bungy.
------

'Twas Brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble...well actually it was a brilliant summer evening; the sun was shining brightly so I'd no excuse at all. I'd put my bike into gear and my brain into neutral. And I'd still like to know who half-inched my baked beans.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

It was... a number of years ago... and no, I'm not going to be more specific. I was the proud owner of my very first motorcycle. A sweet little 175cc BSA Bantam. Well, me and the finance company owned it together. Six weeks of ownership and I was tootling to and from work on it and feeling very pleased with myself over how quickly I'd picked up the skill of riding.

What's that old proverb about pride??

I needed a few things from the supermarket and since I was working nearby I picked them up in my lunch-break. Sainsbury's didn't have any boxes handy (my preferred method of transporting shopping at the time) so I put everything into a carrier bag & returned to work.

Five o'clock and time to go home. I plonked the bag onto the rack at the back of the bike and bungied it in place with two elderly but serviceable bungies. I had a choice of routes home, both of them of course crossing the river. There was the 'old' road, narrow and winding and going through two villages or the new 'A' road - a modern long highway-come-bridge resembling the road that links the Florida Keys. Flash and concrete and edged with bean-sized railings on either side.

Bean-sized?? I hear you ask. Never fear gentle reader, continue, all will be revealed.

Anyway, there I was speeding across the long bridge in the direction of home when the bridge jumped into the air, flew over my head and landed behind me. At least, that was my initial impression as I lay there staring at the sky. A moment or two of calmer reflection brought the realisation that it was I who had done the somersault; bike going one way, me another and shopping a third. The bag distributed its contents far and wide.

Baked beans bounce!!

Well my tin did anyway. Twice. Before slipping neatly through the gap in the railings to disappear in a suicide plunge into the foamy depths below as I watched, helpless and horrified.

A loud squealing noise ripped my attention from the tragedy of my drowning dinner to take note of my immediate surroundings. I found myself admiring the pattern of tread on a tyre directly behind me. Don't buses seem to have big wheels when you're underneath them?? The humour of the situation hit me at this point and I dissolved into helpless laughter. Now nobody will ever be able to accuse me of having a lady-like laugh so the sound I made must have convinced the driver that I had been crushed and was howling in agony as he descended from his cab, sat down and proceeded to have a quiet nervous breakdown in the middle of the road.

The situation deteriorated further still with the arrival of a (very) young policeman who obviously entertained dreams of making a name for himself as the hero of a gory road accident. He was most disappointed to find me completely unhurt. But I think he thought I'd completely lost my marbles when I started climbing over the railings on the bridge. I tried to tell him that I just wanted to rescue my beans but he insisted on wresting me down from my 'suicide attempt', using far too much force and almost killed the pair of us by catapulting us underneath a truck.

By the time I'd convinced him I wasn't a grief-stricken lunatic trying to drown myself and soothe the poor truck driver who was softly weeping on the kerb, a kindly motorist had stopped, picked up the bike, gathered the remains of my shopping, found a small box to put it in and discovered the reason for my abrupt halt and abortive flying lesson.

One of the bungies had given up the ghost, the worn end by the hook had snapped loose and tension had done the rest. It had spun around on its other hook and carefully entangled itself in my rear wheel. It wasn't much use after that, resembling as it did a badly-gnawed grass snake.

By this time, surprisingly only about five minutes at most, traffic was starting to jam up behind us and drivers were becoming impatient. The young bobby decided that since nobody needed rescuing that he'd better clear the road. So I was persuaded to (reluctantly) abandon my beans and continue my journey home. It was a slow few miles because I had to keep stopping to laugh.

I went back the following morning to check and my beans were gone!! Cockles and whelks don't eat beans and can't use a tin-opener anyway so what I want to know is...who pinched my beans!!

Ze

Another thing to add to the shrine.... Take a little bit of time to thank Ze for rambling and enjoy the updates.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 8 of The Moonlight Densetsu Chronicles by SithLordWiccan (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 3.2 & 3.3 of Grand Theft Auto: The Love Story by Cynthia Taz (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  CSI
  
• Murder, Stage Right by Ann (Sassy).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Recipe for Romance by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 4 of McKee: Book 2 by A. C. Henley (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 3 of Flight of the Falcon by MBInc (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 4 of McKee: Book 2 by A. C. Henley (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 3 of Flight of the Falcon by MBInc (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 2 of Because It's Not Enough by oh_frak (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).

Recipe Night

This one is from a co-worker of mine who gave me some of these for the holiday. They are darn tasty!

Cream Caramels Recipe

2 cups Sugar
1 3/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
2 cups Whipping Cream
1 cup Butter (real butter works better here)
1 tsp. Vanilla

Mix sugar, butter, syrup and 1 cup cream in fairly large saucepan. Bring to boil at medium heat and while still boiling, add slowly the remaining cup of cream, slowly enough that the mixture continues to boil. (This is called slacking back the batch.)

Continue boiling and stirring about 35-45 minutes until mixture forms a firm ball in cold water, between 245-248 degrees. Remove from stove, add vanilla, and pour into pans to set. Cut and wrap in waxed paper.

Now off to your updates, enjoy 'em.

Elisa

p.s. Sandra Barret is starting a monthly book giveaway at her site. The first one will begin February 1 and all it requires you to do is send Sandra an email and include a mention of where you heard about this book giveaway in the body of the email.

p.p.s.
Sadly Yahoo is officially having issues and all 6 (or 7) of the posts we made yesterday will arrive eventually.

Good News...we will only post today's to the Yahoo group once.

Sorry about that folks!

BtVS

• My Pretty Princess by John O'Connor (his web site).
  
  
• Parts 3 & 4 of Twice Chosen by DragonWriter17 (Mystic Muse).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/26/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Original
  
• Part 1 of Untitled by Boudica X (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Mulligan V: Best Ball by K.G. MacGregor (Academy of Bards).

Reminder....

E's planning on posting a recipe with her update tomorrow but she wanted me to mention that we're always looking for good recipes to share. That goes for rambles too. Have a book review you'd like to share? Hyping something fiction related? Send it our way.

Also don't forget that if you'd like to receive these updates in your email, we've got a nifty Yahoo group you can join. It's free and for updates only.

And finally, know of a site we should be checking? Please send it our way.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 33 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of The War of London by Chris Cook (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 27 of Switcheroony by Alicorn (Wiffy Dreamverse Fanfiction).
  
  
• Who Says We Have to Play By the Rules, Dessert First (Carolyn & Dusty Series) by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  
• Concerns and Weekend Plans (Carolyn & Dusty Series) by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/25/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Original
  
• The Story of My Life by Athenian Bard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Madeline Shephard by Athenian Bard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of McKee: Book 2 by A.C. Henley (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Any Way You Say It by Stephanie Anne (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Because It's Not Enough by oh_frak (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 9 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).

Routine

Looking for it again. Got any snappy words to share us or perhaps a nifty recipe? Let us know.

Until then, enjoy your updates.

Elisa

BtVS

• Chapter 32 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 8 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 7b of Waiting for Dani by JustSkipIt (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 6 of Cinderella: The Alternative Tale by Jeanne (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/24/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Original
  
• Part 16 of Deus ex Machina (Conclusion) by K. Alexander (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Episode 16 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur and Vlamme (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of McKee: Book 2 by A.C. Henley (The Athenaeum).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Some Other People by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  Voyager
  
• Parts 7 & 8 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Full Circle by Leslie Ann Miller (The Athenaeum).

Melt

Our snow and ice are slowly but surely melting. Yippee! The days have been sunny and mild and I'm hoping this is the last we see of icy Winter.

No word yet from the school district on how the kids are going to make up the snow days. Our district didn't build in any snow days this year so the kids have a total of six school days to make up. There's talk of no Spring Break this year, which would be a big bummer. I'm betting next year they'll build a couple of snow days into the school year.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 9 of From Hell by Crimson Vampire Goddess (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 31 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/23/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Part 1 of Mad World by Eveh (The Athenaeum).
  
  JAG/Law & Order: SVU
  
• Would you like a cheesesteak with that mustard? by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Temple of Rage by Leslie Ann Miller (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 31 of Double Play by Cruise (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• The Doll Hospital by Barbara Davies (The Bard's Corner).
  
  Stargate SG-1/JAG/Law & Order: SVU
  
• Charlie's Angels - the remake by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Parts 10-12 of Stranger in a Strange Time by Red Hope (The Athenaeum).

Monday Madness

Enjoy your updates. There are a lot of them.

Elisa

All My Children

• Perceptions part 5 by Rudeboy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Bad Girls
  
• Conversations In The Dark by Artemisrulz (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Battlestar Galactica
  
• A Question of Balance by Celievamp (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• A Woman Left Lonely by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Dreams For Plans by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Fall Apart Again by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• We are collapsed in the act of just being here by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• We Won't Need Legs To Stand by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• You Are What You Love by sheepfairy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Genesis by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• She Dreams of Electric Sheep by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• They Walk In Beauty by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Cafe on Adon Street by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Weight of Numbers by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Blade: The Series
  
• Betrayal by trancer (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 1 of The War of London by Chris Cook (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 34 of Latter Days/Lonely Nights by Willownut (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 7 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 30 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/22/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Critical Period by mirage (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Rainy days by mirage (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Getting Her Man by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Part 4 of Mirror, Mirror by Iron Eagle (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Cold Case
  
• Rainy days by mirage (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Dirt
  
• Welcome to Wonderland by Teara (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Green-Eyed Monster by Teara (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Hospital Central
  
• Parts 4 - 6 of Proving My Love by Nina (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Karen Sisco
  
• Unrequited Feelings by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Regrets Are No Fun by Annette (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Boots, Cameras and Love...Oh My! by vixen2000 (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Loving Annabelle
  
• All Over Me part 7 (Complete) by Piranha (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Rendering Aid by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Original
  
• Parts 3-6 of Shoot the Sun by S. Derkins (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 6 of Forgotten Love by Lillybet (Athenaeum).
  
  
• McKee Book 2 by A.C. Henley (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Allies by Ernest Whiting (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Generations Book 2 by J.A. Zollicoffer (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Scarz by Jynaki (Athenaeum).
  
  
• What Mother Never Told Me by Leslie Ann Miller (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Knowing Her ...again by Scribingbard52 (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Living with her...again by Scribingbard52 (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Flight of the Falcom by MBInc (Athenaeum).
  
  
• M.I.C.K.E.Y. by msprism(Athenaeum).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 6 of Nine Months by Kudara (Athenaeum).
  
  
• The Weight of Numbers by AsianScaper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Wicked
  
• Survival of the Fittest by atsammy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  X -Files
  
• Eye of the Beholder by Celievamp (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Other Possibilities by Annette (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 21 of Queen of Hearts by Melissa Good (her web site).
  
  
• Part 74 of In An Age Before by Phantom Bard (Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 74 of In An Age Before by PhantomBard (Academy of Bards).

Quiet and Snow Free

I'm happy to say the kids will be going to school tomorrow. We got a tiny bit of snow early evening yesterday but nothing that accumulated. My driveway and sidewalk are now ice free for the first time in a week.

Today has been a lazy one for us. We took mom to lunch for her birthday (it was actually last Sunday) and then came home. I'm washing clothes and the kids are watching a DVD. A pretty good end to a slippery week.

Enjoy the updates!

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 8 of From Hell by Crimson Vampire Goddess (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 6 of Askeidevor by Krokador (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 6 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 7 of The Moonlight Densetsu Chronicles by SithLordWiccan (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 4 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• Episode 502 of Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel (her web site).
  
  Original
  
• The Doll Hospital by Barbara Davies (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Amends by loonyluna256 (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 4 of Duality of Hope and Despair by Adam Chiron (Academy of Bards).

Thanks!

Those of you who sent good thoughts...it worked! Our predicted snowfall of 5 to 10 inches hasn't come to pass, at least in my middle section of Oklahoma. We've remained above freezing all day and have been getting lovely rain. Some of it freezing but it melts quickly. I'm very pleased. Looks like the kiddos will be heading back to school Monday.

Tamara

Blade the Series

• Betrayal by Trancer21 (her LiveJournal).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Medieval Adventures 1.5 - A Deferred Explanation by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Snaptastic! by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Rendering Aid by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Chapter 7 of The Message by J.A. Breeze (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Parts 1 & 2 of McKee Book Two by A.C. Henley (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Denial Twist by Jengrrrl (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).

Rest and Relaxation

The weekend holds time on the beach for me and my daughter. Looking forward to the ease of beach combing and laying around reading a book. Hoping to recharge the batteries that are seriously out of whack from the lack of routine in one's life.

Odd how not just the holidays but the weather has created havoc with my schedule. My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed every one of the snow and ice days. I've enjoyed a few of them, but the ramifications and missed days of work have somehow created more work. Looking forward to getting back into gear.

Enough of my ramblings, may you all have a grand weekend. Enjoy your updates.

Elisa

Comics

• 1/19/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Lost in Thought by acoustic_girl (Sassy).
  
  Original
  
• Part 19 of To Hold Forever (Conclusion) by Carrie Carr (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Parts 1 & 2 of Shoot the Sun by S. Derkins (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Moondancers' Delight by Linda Crist (Academy of Bards).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Dinner Dishes by Eklavia Archer (Area 52).

Snow!

We're supposed to get more this weekend. The big question is whether or not that will disrupt the public schools next week. This week has been a wash that's for sure. I've been with my children all week and I'm ready for them to go back to school. Send me your good thoughts....

Tamara

BtVS

• Prologue-Chapter 5 of Hide and Seek by DiamondForever (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapter 16-Epilogue of When Shadows Fall (Complete) by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 5 & 6 of The Bitch Club by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 9 & 10 of New Paths by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 9 & 10 of New Friends and Old Lovers by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 9 & 10 of Friends, Lovers and Ex-Lovers by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 5 & 6 of Don't Go by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 9 & 10 of Destiny's Entwined by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Chapters 9 & 10 of Chasing Daylight by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Parts 6 & 7 of Waiting for Dani by JustSkipIt (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• The Rogue Slayer by Kinetic-Kid (Mystic Muse).
  
  
• Island of Death by Tarawhipped (Mystic Muse).
  
  BtVS/Veronica Mars
  
• Between Seacrest and Rovello Freshman Movin' Out, Seniors Movin' In by Pat Kelly (Mystic Muse).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/18/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Nobody knows we have even crossed paths by nixie_noo (Sassy).
  
  Original
  
• Part 15 of Deus ex Machina by K. Alexander (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Moondancers' Delight by Linda Crist (her web site).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• One Fainting Robin by Geonn (Area 52).
  
  
• Reacquainting by elfcat255 (Fluff!).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 5 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 20 of A Journey of Love and Life by Lissa (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapter 10 of A Different Time, A Better Time by ARS Williams (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Death of a Conqueror by Lori A. Meyers (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 20 of A Journey of Love and Life by Lissa (The Athenaeum).

Routines

I'm ready for mine to return. Holidays, wind, and snow have kept me from my usual boring days. I crave them to return. Oddly enough life is much easier when routines are in place. Mine seem to be completely locked away within the snow and ice that cover my roads.

Here is hoping for those boring days soon again.

May you all enjoy your updates.

Elisa

All My Children

• Part 4 of Perceptions by Rudeboy (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Battlestar Galactica
  
• Tricks of the Gods by selenay_x (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Birds of Prey
  
• An Empirical Question by Harper (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Surely, Tomorrow Will Be Better by Debbie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Words Not Needed by Debbie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Bones
  
• Inner Musings by BlueAshke (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• Who's Really Calling the Shots Here? (Carolyn & Dusty Series) by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  
• Manila Envelope (Carolyn & Dusty Series) by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  
• Chapter 4 of Club Crimson by JkMack (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 29 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/17/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• A to Z by L (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Story of Us by Debbie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Four Weeks by RebelByrdie (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  Division/CSI/Birds of Prey/Law & Order: SVU
  
• Let Go by tked (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  
• What I See by tked (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  
• Quicksand by lanapan (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  ER
  
• Smoke Break by snowpenguin545 (Shatterstorm Productions - Mmm...Doctor!).
  
  
• Sad Tidings Then Cheer by snowpenguin545 (Shatterstorm Productions - Mmm...Doctor!).
  
  Firefly/Serenity
  
• Love Wounds by CharmedLassie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Karen Sisco
  
• A Necessary Distraction by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Parts 1 - 5 of Delicate Balance by brighteyedcat (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Law & Order: Trial By Jury
  
• Pearls by Fewthistle (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Lending a Hand by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Stray Limbs by Lesley Mitchell (Passion & Perfection).
  
  NCIS
  
• Penance by Geonn (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• If Tomorrow Never Comes by Geonn (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Over the Course of Time by Thought (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  Original
  
• Indelible Stain by Kieli (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Huginn and Muninn (Thought & Memory) by Kieli (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Dawn to Dusk - Goodbye My Friend by KC (Passion & Perfection).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• It's Never Easy Loving Someone by gargyloveswolfy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Competitive Eating by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  
• In the Cold by elfcat255 (Fluff!).
  
  
• Exposure by John O'Connor (Shatterstorm Productions - Mmm...Doctor!).
  
  Voyager
  
• And I Remember Your Voice, and the Sound of Goodbye by Fewthistle (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Scheherazade Stories--#111-Choice by Jillo (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Giggles bags the Borg by Odon (Passion & Perfection).
  
  West Wing
  
• Conflict of Interest by Poeticinsanity (Shatterstorm Productions - Mmm...Doctor!).
  
  X-Men
  
• Acceptance by Pixie Child (Shatterstorm Productions - Frisked & Conquered).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Flush by Songbird (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Funny Meeting You Here by Sean (Passion & Perfection).

Snow Days

Well, my weekend in was productive. We did manage to get out a bit on Sunday and while the streets were quiet the roads weren't too bad. Monday the kids were out of school and I drove to get my call sheets for the week then stopped at a park so they could slide down the hill on their sleds. The roads are passable but you definitely can't drive the speed limit on the side roads. Slower is better on those.

The kids were supposed to go back to school today but it was announced on the television last night that Putnam City Schools would be taking another snow day. I'm half expecting them to miss tomorrow as well. The district doesn't want to risk sending their buses on the side roads which still haven't cleared. We need a few days of warmer weather and sun for that to happen. Duncan is, of course, loving the no school thing. Cal claims to be loving it too but I think he's just copying his brother. Cal's little enough he loves going to Pre-K. He'll be happy when school starts up again I'm sure.

Currently our local weather is saying we've got a chance for more snow this weekend. I'm hoping not but I know kids all over the state are cancelling out my wish. Wonder if they'll be as happy when they realize they're likely to get a few days tacked on to the end of the school year to make up for snow day overages....

Tamara

Babylon 5

• We Are Made of Stars by Fewthistle (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Bad Girls
  
• Parts 1- 5 of Early Days by Marymartin (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Battlestar Galactica
  
• Unlikely Encounter by selenay_x (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• So Who Won? by selenay_x (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Before I Die by selenay_x (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter33 of Latter Days/Lonely Nights by Willownut (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 28 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/16/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• A Close Call by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Tell Signs by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Miscommunication by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• All I Want For Christmas Is You by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• A Thousand Words by Kimmi (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Drabbles
  
• Drabble of Stargate SG-1 by Celievamp (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Fairytale
  
• After the Glass Slipper by ralst (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Medieval Adventures 1.4 - Omne ignotum pro magnifico... by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  
• Parts 3 & 4 of Movement in Stillness by slasherbvixen (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Karen Sisco
  
• Five Things That Probably Never Happened Between Karen Sisco and Marley Novak (and Three That Definitely Did) by thejenius (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• A Necessary Distraction by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  The L Word
  
• Friendly Persuasion by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Unthinkable by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Speeding up the Process by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Pre-Trial Nerves by ralst (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Popular
  
• What's So Merry about Christmas? by Teara (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Out with the Old and In with the New by Teara (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Truth about Tippy Typewriter by Teara (Passion & Perfection).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 8 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• When All is Said and Done by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Repairs by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Whittling by IseQween (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Dark Bird by IseQween (Academy of Bards).

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is an official holiday in the US. Today we honor a man and his dream--a mission to bring fairness and equality for all through Peace. He may not have been a perfect human being but he had something grand and sadly he was taken from the planet by those filled with the fear of it. We see that fear daily now, but I know the dream still exists.

Thinking about today's world makes me think MLK would be saddened by how far from that dream we have come. In the end I know he would still be there fighting for it with many of us behind him. Each one of us has a place holder on this planet. We may not change the world, but then again who knows. Perhaps each step we all take can create the necessary paths to finding lasting Peace for all of us on this planet that we share.

Here's hoping 2007 brings us steps in the right direction.

Now back to your regularly scheduled update.


Elisa

BtVS

• The Woman of Steel Bars by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 7 of Changing Worlds by Justified (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/15/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  L Word
  
• The Unthinkable by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Lending A Hand by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Scarz by Jynaki (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 6 of the Message by J.A. Breeze (Academy of Bards).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Par 4 of Testing Times (complete) SJSlashfan by (Area 52).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 7 of Stranger in A Strange Time by Red Hope (Academy of Bards).

Still Brrrrrr....

I shouldn't complain. Our winter has been incredibly mild until now. Most folks are staying in but after going out today I can say the roads aren't too bad. Granted if they were crowded with cars they'd be bad because many would drive stupidly. If you keep yourself to around 25 to 30 mph though you're good to go.

Yesterday we stayed in and I put a pot of ham and beans on. I also spent some time getting my desk area organized. I have this small sheep collection and Mike finally put up a shelf for them. This got the damn sheep off the shelves over my computer and I was able to put a small fraction of my action figures up. I'm sure many of you will look and say that it doesn't look small but keep in mind that my big closet in the computer room has seven bins of action figures. What can I say? I always wanted super-hero toys when I was a kid and they weren't available. Well, Mego dolls were but they were too pricey for me.

Here's a link to my blog entry showcasing pictures of my desk area and the sheep shelf if you're interested: www.flooby.com/2007/01/newly-tidy-long-view-of-desk-area.htm.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 32 of Latter Days/Lonely Nights by Willownut (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 3.1 of Grand Theft Auto by Cynthia Taz (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 12 of Cats and Bats by Rei and Chris (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 4 of The Moonlight Densetsu Chronicles by SithLordWiccan (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  CSI
  
• Miscommunication by Ann (Sassy).
  
  
• All I Want For Christmas is You by Ann (Sassy).
  
  
• A Close Call by Ann (Sassy).
  
  
• A Thousand Words by Kimmi (Sassy).
  
  
• Say What by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  
• Miscommunication by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  
• Tell Signs by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  L Word
  
• Friendly Persuasion by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Part 3 of Breathless by Lois Kay (Academy of Bards).
  
  Original Graphic Novel
  
• Chapter 5 of Grace by Kris Dresen (girlthrow).

Friends or not?

The weather here has been record breaking cold over the last week or so and the snow still sits on the ground waiting for the thaw. It's gonna be there all weekend according to the weather reports and my thermostat out back.

All this cold has created an interesting feature in my back shed. Mind you this is a space split into two rooms. One has a washer, dryer, freezer and some storage for extra food items. The other space further back is huge and holds my bins of storage crap and a large area of tools (someday I will make a work bench there hopefully). Last night doing laundry I opened up the door and two bats flew past in lightning speed...very cool. However, later in the night I walked in to get my dried clothes from the dryer and noticed furry little things scampering across the floor. Then again this morning, bright and early, I popped in quickly to get some stuff. I opened the door to and entire fleet of those furry animals helping themselves to some cat food I had stored back there (no longer). These friends I don't really need. Here's hoping warmth returns soon and they all find their permanent living spaces once again and that it doesn't include my shed area.

Now back to the regularly scheduled programming. Enjoy your updates!

Elisa

Birds of Prey/X-Files

• Chapters 6 & 7 of A Whole New World Series II by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• It's How You Play the Game by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Prologue of Halcyon by Meredith McEuen (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• M.I.C.K.E.Y. by msprism (Academy of Bards).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 1 of On The Sunday of Life by sheerdelusion (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).

Brrrrrr....

A lovely ice storm has hit my state today. Due to the bad weather hitting around 10 am, Cal's Pre-K class was cancelled (he goes at 12:30). I was subbing and just kept him with me for the rest of the day. The school was darn empty by lunch time. Many parents came up early and checked their kids out. Day Care centers picked up early because they were planning on closing early themselves. Teachers tripled up on classes and the hallways were soooo peaceful. All in all, it was an incredibly easy day of subbing.

Okay, enough of my blabbing. The ice continues to fall and I've got a long housebound weekend ahead. Wish me luck!

Tamara

Comics

• 1/12/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Law & Order: SVU
  
• Teasing Out by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  Original
  
• Living with Her...Again by Scribingbard52 (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapters 1 & 2 of Flight of the Falcon by MBInc (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• I.C.E. by Alex Tryst (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Drango Gap: Solstice Miracle by RangerLiz (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 14 of Deus ex Machina by K. Alexander (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• The Adventures of Super Dyke X: Surrender by Alex Tryst (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Loving Her...Again by Scribingbard52 (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Chapters 21 & 22 of Fire & Water by Jaye Morgan (The Sandbox 101).
  
  
• The Mermaid Diary Jaye Morgan (The Sandbox 101).
  
  
• Not Enough Time by A. Hawk (The Sandbox 101).
  
  
• Part 1 of The Family Story by Little Bear (The Sandbox 101).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 4 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 9 of A Different Time, A Better Time by Adrienne (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The New Adventures of Xena Warrior Princess: A New Day by Ernie Whiting (The Athenaeum).

Ramble from Lara Zielinsky

You read it correctly. Two ramble nights in a row, yeah and thanks! Okie and I can always use the break. Now with no further fanfare another set of splendid words by Lara Zielinsky.

My own space

No. This is not about MySpace. Though I do have one. What this is about is "my space", having a personal space. To sit. To read. To write quietly.

Where I don't have to pick all my stuff up and pack it away because I'm done and I have to let the dining room table return to "dining ready" status. Or the corner desk at work where I have to remember to put everything back where I found it when I get up from lunch break. Or the corner table at a book store or library where I have in my writing bag some of what I need (but am missing something nevertheless) to write because there is no clear place anywhere else.

I have returned to the land of the "desked". Those who have a permanent place to have their things. I have a small bookshelf, a flat clear desk, a monitor and space to hold handwritten pages (over 30 of them) that I have composed since losing my laptop monitor some four months ago.

You never really get why having a desk is so important, until it's gone.

See, in addition to my laptop monitor cracking four months ago, my house has been undergoing renovations. The major thing to lose its place in the shuffle was my desk. I carried the bills to pay around in my bag. I carried my writings around in another bag. I caught computer time here and there, but it was never enough to catch up on the backlog.

But now I have back my own space. My own chair. My own ass in it, not a pile of someone else's books, papers or detritus.

I'm raising a glass of wine and toasting my success. Now to get to work getting all the last four months of backlog into the computer and out to the world.

--
Lara Z
www.lzfiction.net

I totally agree with you Lara, one truly needs that space. Whether you write or not having your own space is something each of us should have.

Please thank these very nice folks who graciously ramble for us and, if you so desire, join them and send us your thoughts and comments.

Have a great night and enjoy the updates!

Elisa

BtVS

• Chapter 31 of Latter Days/Lonely Nights by Willownut (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of The Kittens, the Wiccans, and My Best Dress by Trista (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/11/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Chapter 6 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Chapter 7 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  West Wing
  
• What shall we do today? by ncruuk (Fluff!).

Ramble from Red Hope

Lucky you. Red Hope read E's words and sent a ramble. Keen.

I'm an older writer from the Xenaverse since May 23, 1999 and I remember those days when feedback was plentiful and writers (bards) were wild. Hardly any of us knew what publishing was but today many bards are well accomplished, published authors or they just faded into dust. For awhile there I thought maybe I was one of those dusty bards that many forgot. Recently, I've unshelved myself after I recalled why I was writing fanfiction. And I tell ya, it's been no easy task to catch up and wiggle back into this new generation of readers. Sometimes my thoughts ramble in my head and question whether trying to revive the classic Xena fanfiction really works today. Am I out of seasons like Xena?

And uber-who? I chuckled when I first heard that term. Yea, I've remolded Xena and Gabrielle into uber style versions, which was an adventure! What I do recall, above all, were the days before I was a Xena writer where I was a Melissa Good inspired just like many others, I bet. Yea, I was the kid at my high school that established the new rule where students had a printing limit. Oops! But it's the old bards I miss and I encourage the new bards like my friend, ScribingBard52, who I lovingly egg on to write more.

What else can I say? Hey I was here, I left, and I've returned. I've expanded to new universes like a lesbian Supergirl, Star Trek Voyager, and Law & Order SVU yet I still return to the classic Xena. Do you know the roots of a published, lesbian author? I bet plenty of them will proudly state femslash fiction from Xena, Star Trek, Buffy... etc. One truth still remains the same: where there are readers there are writers so when the readers go silent so do the writers.

And for my next trick, I find myself needing my readers' help as I try something new with Project Amazon. So thank you to all my readers that have stood beside me and I welcome any new ones to the challenge. May the classics never fade but continued to inspire the new.

Thank you to the gals at Uber Etc. for my soap box!

Your Rambler,
Lillian Hall a.k.a. Red Hope
redhope@redhope.net

Red Hope posts at many places but the best place to find her work is at her web site: www.redhope.net. Thank her for rambling by reading her work and giving feedback.

Tamara

Birds of Prey/X-Files

• Chapters 3 - 5 of A Whole New World Series II by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 27 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 0-2.2 of Grand Theft Auto: The Love Story by Cynthia Taz (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapters 1 - 12 of The Kingdom SunnyDale Book 1 by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/10/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Only the Beginning by Maaike (Sassy).
  
  Original
  
• The Adventures of Super Dyke X: Surrender by Alex Tryst (E-Scribblers).
  
  
• Part 6 of Savage by phair (her web site).
  
  
• I.C.E. by Alex Tryst (E-Scribblers).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of The Message by J.A. Breeze (Academy of Bards).
  
  Voyager
  
• A Captain's Christmas by Sira & Saffron (Saffron's Fiction).

Wind, Rain, and Snow

Global what? I know my city (Seattle) is certainly not used to this type of weather. The crazy hot summer and now the nutso winter. I'm only hoping no trees visit my roof again. I'm still cutting up and clearing away the last one. Wind, sleet, and snow forecasted for the night. My daughter is looking forward to it a lot more than I.

Now enough of my ramble. Back to your regularly scheduled programming. Enjoy them!

Elisa

p.s. The Shatterstorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: Dead of Winter 2006 winners have been announced.

BtVS

• Chapter 26 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of The Kitten, The Wiccans, and My Best Dress 2 by Trista (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of Masters of Horror by Useful_Oxymoron (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Medieval Adventures 1.3 - The Trapdoor Part B by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/09/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Original
  
• A Bard's Trekkie Flight from Maine to Ohio by Red Hope (her web site).
  
  
• Episode 15 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur and Vlamme (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• A Bard's Trekkie Flight from Maine to Ohio by Red Hope (The Athenaeum).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Dance Into the Dark by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of Butterflies and Hurricanes by Lizzy (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Questions and Answers by SJSlashfan (Fluff!).
  
  Voyager
  
• Part 3 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).

Announcing Passion & Perfection's ~ Epic Proportions Challenge

Hype Time!

It's time for the first Passion and Perfection long story challenge. The full details of the Epic Proportions challenge can be found at www.ralst.com/EpicProportions.html.

Signups for the challenge will remain open until the due date (5th April), and all femslash fandoms and original stories are welcome (so long as they avoid the usual site squicks). Both regular site contributors and newcomers are also welcome.

If there are any questions you can contact me at ralst31@gmail.com

Here's hoping for lots of stories.

ralst

Very keen. You should all be chomping at the bit to read these loooong stories. One more bit of hype while I've got you here...a few of the creators behind the L Word have started a new web site OurChart.com. It looks interesting. Check it out if you get the chance.

Tamara

Birds of Prey/X-Files

• Overview & Chapters 1 & 2 of A Whole New World Series II by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 6 of Changing Worlds by Justified (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 25 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/08/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  D.E.B.S.
  
• The Cusp of Eternity by lextenou (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Lament by Harper M (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Joey
  
• Possibilities by fickitten (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Loving Annabelle
  
• Part 1 of Loving Annabelle by Rain (The Raven web site).
  
  
• Part 2 of Loving Annabelle by Rain (The Raven web site).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Oh No She Isn't! by Angie (her lj).
  
  
• Forced Confession by Angie (her lj).
  
  Original
  
• Borderline by Linda Crist (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of A Moment in Time by Mickey Minner (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Doggie Magic by naxewp (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 1 of Clear as Mud by Loubug (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Part 8 of Means Nothing At All by Eveh (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• Borderline by Linda Crist (her web site).
  
  Popular
  
• First by Angie (her lj).
  
  Spooks
  
• Words Left Unspoken by Angie (her lj).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Fruit Salad by ncruuk (Fluff!).
  
  V.I.P.
  
• Copies, Tattoos and Understanding Val by lextenou (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Voyager
  
• Parts 1 & 2 of Nine Months by Kudara (The Athenaeum).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Parts 1 & 2 of Her Story by Xena's Girl (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• My Lord: The Medallion by Mayt (The Athenaeum).

Ramble from Mary

Yippee! Someone heard my plea for words. Thanks Mary!

I want to remind all lovers of lesfic and detective fic to check out Rose Beecham's (aka Jennifer Fulton's) Grave Silence and Sleep of Reason, featuring the aptly named undercover FBI agent Jude Devine, who gets to plumb the depths of human cruelty while on the lookout for provincial home-grown enemies of the US.

This has to be one of the most attractive butch-goddess heroines since J Redmann's irresistible Mickey Knight--physically imposing, vulnerable, fearless, tenderly empathetic, smart, wryly self-deprecating, reflective, and very very hot. The background to her investigations is the harsh majesty of the desert Southwest, an environment particularly suited to Fulton's characteristic touches of the supernatural, though here the very rigor of the elements keeps the action (and Jude's thirst for emotional connection) firmly tied to this-worldly phenomena--including Jude's frustrating on-again-off-again relationship with her prime object of desire.

Fulton is awfully good at bringing the sympathetic characters to life with deliberately oblique touches--both in the physical descriptions and the psychological observations. We glimpse Jude and the other characters--and feel the distinctive rhythm of their emotions--as if in passing, but the cumulative impression they make is complex, indelible.

For those readers like myself who crave a balance between procedural action and romance, but do not particularly require blow-by-blow sex scenes to get turned on by the romance, Fulton is in top form in these two books. I find them tighter and more vivid than her Moon Island series, perhaps because Jude herself is such a compellingly 3-dimensional figure, and the challenges she faces (drawn from the scary headlines of an America that that has been relegated to the periphery of national attention) are so dire. I like it when Fulton keeps a steady focus on one protagonist and one main narrative--it seems to bring out her strengths as a writer.

Mary

Nifty a review from a reader. I like that. Let Mary know what you thought. And Mary, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Now on to your updates, enjoy 'em.

Elisa

p.s. The Academy's Bard Challenge #16: Solstice from A to Xe has ended. Check out the participants' stories and be sure to feed them.

Birds of Prey

• Anime Real by Erin Griffin (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  
• Whatcha' Talkin' 'Bout, Gordon? by Erin Griffin (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  BtVS
  
• Mama Up! by Kristjan Brezovnik (her web site).
  
  
• Part 5 of Twice Chosen by DragonWriter17 (her web site).
  
  
• Chapter 7a of Waiting for Dani by JustSkipIt (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 4 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 5 of The Moonlight Densetsu Chronicles by SithLordWiccan (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 2 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• In Your Honor by DarkWings (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  Deep Space Nine
  
• It's a Good Day To...Get Married by romansilence (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Medieval Adventures 1.2 & 1.3 Part A by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Loving Annabelle
  
• Loving Annabelle I by Rain (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  
• Living Annabelle II by Rain (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  NCIS
  
• I Don't Know What She Said by Shadower (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  Stargate Atlantis
  
• Fallen by kissthegirl85 (Area 52).
  
  Voyager
  
• Over the Moon by Susan Thompson (Astrometrics).
  
  
• It Was Your Blood (Part Spoof) by Odon (Realm of the Shadow).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 1 of Birdie's Song II: The Little Warrior by Onesockbard (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Cause of Rage by Crystal Mills (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• My Lord: The Medallion by Mayt (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• My Lord: The Medallion by Mayt (The Bard's Corner).