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).

Confession

This holiday season brought a truth home to me. I have the potential to become a reality tv show addict.

This last week VH1 ran a mega marathon of America's Next Top Model. Six seasons of skinny girls (and a few plus size gals) vying for the best shots and the chance to be proclaimed America's Next Top Model.

I initially started watching it while making my calls. It's easy to keep the volume really low and not get too wrapped up in the action. But damn did I get hooked. So hooked that I'm going to make sure and watch cycle 8 when it begins in February.

I should have suspected this really. I've been addicted to Survivor since episode two of the first season. I resisted watching the first episode because I thought the whole concept was stupid. Mike watched it and by episode two I was also sucked in.

Okay. I can hear you saying watching two reality series doesn't mean you're addicted. Ah...but there's more. VH1 has become quite the reality tv show network. They call it Celebreality. I find myself being drawn into too many of their shows. One of the most insidious is Flavor of Love. I can't even begin to explain to you why I find this show fascinating.

Flavor of Love has spun off another show that will be starting Monday...I Love New York. E will attest that I've been anticipating this debut with much glee. I'm sick, I know.

And then there's the Top Chef marathon I got sucked into. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the outcome of the final few battles. I'm rooting for Elia. Sadly once Top Chef's second season ends they're starting a new one on Bravo called Top Design. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm intrigued even though I don't have the slightest interest in interior decorating. It's insidious!

Geez, I realize I haven't even touched upon Project Runway, The Girls Next Door, The Surreal Life, or Dr. 90210. Don't worry. These I catch infrequently. I don't actually make time to watch every episode. That would be sad. Well...more sad.

So. There you have it. My shameful secret. Enjoy those updates. I'll be spending my evening putting reminders in my pocket pc....

Tamara

Fingersmith

• Medieval Adventures 1.1 - Together Again by Cobsmowd (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Testing Times by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  
• Christmas with the Kalashi by ocean gazer (Area 52).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• The Truth About Akemi by Gypsy Druid (Academy of Bards).

A Fulfilling Friday

The short work week comes to a halt. Too soon and yet not soon enough. Much was accomplished but it left me very tired in the process. I'm looking forward to some slacker time this weekend. Need to boost up that stamina for an entire five day work week next. Been a while since I had one of those. Good news...one day I get to telecommute, so that should make it easier.

Y'all sick of my ramblings yet? I am...so help us out, volunteer some magical words to give Tamara and I the break.

Any of you authors have a new book you want to ramble about? How about you readers, got suggestions or thoughts about what you've been reading? Anything would be a start, so throw them this way please!

One more plug tonight then on to your update. Kris Dresen has once again been working overtime lately on creating some more splendid prints for us all. Take a look. Let her know what you think. I'm still hunting for the right frames for my acquisitions.

Until the next time...may your nights and days be splendid.

Elisa

Birds of Prey

• First Footing by Debbie Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS
  
• There But for Glory by Kirk Baldridge (Passion & Perfection).
  
  BtVS/Law & Order: SVU
  
• Part 15 of A Matter of Faith by Acathla (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/05/06 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Loving the Buckeye State by zennie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The End of the Affair by zennie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Time Waits for No One by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Crossing Jordan
  
• Common Psychology and a Bottle of Whiskey by lysachan (Passion & Perfection).
  
  ER
  
• Resolutions by A. Magiluna Stormwriter (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Enterprise
  
• A Gift by Olli (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Facts of Life
  
• Childish Rhymes by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Jane Bond
  
• Tomorrow Zurich, Today Aldwych by ncruuk (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Karen Sisco
  
• You Can Lead a Camel to Water, But You Can't Make Him Drink by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• Only Smarties Have the Answer by ralst (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• New Year's Eve: The Aftermath by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Oh No She Isn't by Angie (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Original
  
• The Editor by Mary Ann Brown (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 18 of To Hold Forever by Carrie Carr (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Story of Us by R.D. Wylder (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Let Love Endure by R.D. Wylder (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• I Ask, You Answer by R.D. Wylder (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• New Beginnings by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  
• New Year's Traditions by Ann (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• Urgo by Olli (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Voyager
  
• Chapter 5 of A Perfect Mate by Kudara (her web site).
  
  
• Chapter 17 of Gunmetal Dark by Angelina Vansen (her web site).
  
  West Wing
  
• Breathing Fire and Water by Cj (Passion & Perfection).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 6 of Stranger in a Strange Time by Red Hope (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The Stars Fell by Vivian Darkbloom (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• A Narcoleptic's Guide to Romance by Vivian Darkbloom (Passion & Perfection).
  
  
• The Amazon Way by Ann (Passion & Perfection).

2007!

Why can't I remember to write the new year on my checks? It usually takes me at least a good month before I get with the program.

The kids started back to school today thank goodness. They drove me so crazy yesterday I was happy to shut myself in my room and do my three hours of phone calls.

The updates keep on rolling in. You've got a nice mix tonight. Enjoy 'em.

Tamara

BtVS

• Chapter 24 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 1 of Breaking Tradition by Selena Taiki (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Charmed
  
• Episode 16 of The New Charmed Ones by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  Comics
  
• 01/04/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Facts of Life
  
• Charitable Beginnings by Ann (Fluff!).
  
  Karen Sisco
  
• Five Things That Probably Never Happened Between Karen Sisco and Marley Novak (and Three That Definitely Did) by the jenius (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  original
  
• Part 13 of Deus ex Machina by K. Alexander (The Athenaeum).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Part 1 of The Other Kind of Love by zoofool17 (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Chapter 15 - 17 of Stranger in a Strange Time by Red Hope (her web site).

Already Wednesday?

Wow, these short weeks seem to fly by but the updates continue. One note of thanks to Mary for letting me know that I spaced on the Melissa Good update. It's there tonight!

Remember we are always looking for rambles, recipes or any words you would like to share.

Have a good night and enjoy your updates!

Elisa

Birds of Prey/X-Files

• Chapter 44 of A Whole New World by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 23 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 3 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Original
  
• October by Fingersmith (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 4 of The Message by J.A. Breeze (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Episode 14 of Hollywood Dreams by Fiur and Vlamme (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• October by Fingersmith (The Athenaeum).
  
  South of Nowhere
  
• Part 2 of In the Deep Reaches of Space by raven_christina (South of Nowhere Fanfiction).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• What a Difference a Day Makes by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Part 20 of Queen of Hearts by Melissa Good (her web site).
  
  
• Episode 2.20: The Path Taken - post "The Price" (Between the Lines Series)by Linda Crist (her web site).
  
  
• Episode 2.21: Wings of Love - post "Lost Mariner" (Between the Lines Series)by Linda Crist (her web site).
  
  
• Episode 2.20: The Path Taken - post "The Price" (Between the Lines Series) by Linda Crist (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Episode 2.21: Wings of Love - post "Lost Mariner" (Between the Lines Series)by Linda Crist (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Part 8 of As the Xenaverse Turns by Jenny D. Maher (The Athenaeum).
  
  
• The Crucible by Pysta (The Athenaeum).

Ramble from Phair

Here's phair's first ramble (or rant as she put it) for 2007.

I'm already keeping one of my New Year's resolutions. 2007 is my year without television. I turned in the cable box on December 30. The remote town I live in can not pick up any of the local stations like we use to do in the dark ages. Anyone else remember rabbit ears perched on top of the TV's?

Why, you ask? The ridiculously high cost versus my small amount of viewing time started me thinking about dumping cable a few months ago. However, my decision was firmed up Friday night into Saturday morning. Hours of a death watch for a tyrant which culminated in the gristly image of a shrouded body with a broken neck.

Disgusting. Yet, I sat there and watched as much as I could stomach and a little that I couldn't. I wanted to be mad at CNN for showing so much, the photographers who filmed so much, the lack of control and restraint by the authorities to allow so much to be seen. But ultimately, I could only be angry with me for watching.

If it is true, that the world is what we make it then I want to remake 2007 in my image of how things should be. The world, in my house, will not be a place where the dead and dying or condemned are displayed across a flashing television screen with momentary interruptions to advertise the newest products that I don't really need. In 2007, I will stop numbing myself to human suffering with daily doses of chaos and carnage read to me by pretty little blonde things in way too short skirts. 2007 will be the year I free my head of the empty political prattle shouted at rallies by hollow men and women willing to say anything but the truth just to get their ends to the mean.

2007 is my time to reclaim my humanity and rejoin reality; a program already in progress.

phair
aka
mullaney

Television news is more about scaring than educating these days. Those with the most graphic and sensationalistic coverage get the highest ratings. E's comment to your resolution was "Good. Now she can finish Savage."

Tamara

p.s. It's time to vote on the stories from the ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006.

BtVS

• Chapter 22 of Final Fantasy X-3 by Stormforce (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/02/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  Fingersmith
  
• Absolution by Archaeobard (Fingersmith Fever).
  
  Law & Order: SVU/Facts of Life
  
• Baked Apples (Light, Water, Muses universe) by Shatterpath (ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006).
  
  Original
  
• January 2007 Issue of Khimairal Ink by Various (Bedazzled Ink)
  
  
• Part 31 of Double Play by Cruise (ClubUber).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• alphabet soup/26 drabble project by Angharad Governal (her lj).

Looking

There is a small rock on my desk. My hand reaches for it many times throughout the day. It's silky smooth but with pockmarks all throughout it. Almost as if some type of organism or creature took small bites out of it. Creating something less than perfect, but in the end it is perfect. I constantly hold and feel each bit of the stone letting the soft parts merge with the imperfections creating a sense of peace.

Like life, this rock, which was gathered at a time of great joy, has faults. Many actually. Each one creating that sense of comfort.

If something is too good we fear the outcome it will create knowing perfection doesn't exist. But if one looks closely, perhaps the fault is creating what we need for perfection? Hence perhaps life is what we have created and continue to make from it? Perfection is all the ups and downs. Maybe we linguistically look for perfection but to that end it already lies within our reach.

Wonder why I can look at my rock and see that it is perfect, imperfections and all and yet I seek something more from my life? Perhaps looking forward one will find that inner Peace.

A New Year lies ahead. Each of us will get to decide what that means. Take the opportunity to look ahead and seek what will become your perfection.

Thanks for sharing your time with us these last few months. Tamara and I look forward to what is held for us in 2007, we hope you join us as well. May this year allow you to hold perfection.

Peace.

Elisa

Birds of Prey

• Chapter 1 - 9 of Hunter by Retzcat (her web site).
  
  BtVS
  
• Chapter 1 - 9 of Repercussions Reactions and Retaliation Book IV by Papa Bear (his web site).
  
  
• Chapter 1 & 2 of Chemistry by TazRaven (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  
• Chapter 18 of The Legend of Green Eyed Red by Tarawhipped (Through the Looking Glass).
  
  China Beach
  
• The Silver Lining by Ann (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Comics
  
• 1/1/07 Jane's World by Paige Braddock (Comics.com).
  
  CSI
  
• Late Lunch by nixie_noo (Sassy).
  
  
• Part 2 of The Bath and the Shopping Tolley by nixie_noo (Sassy).
  
  
• Need You by DefineOrdinary (Sassy).
  
  
• Hanging Up by Arnica D. Alkema (Sassy).
  
  
• Is She a Lot Like Me? by Jocelyn Brant (Sassy).
  
  
• I Agree by nixie_noo (Sassy).
  
  D.E.B.S.
  
• Masked Intent by Lex 'Spork' Tenou (ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006).
  
  ER
  
• Resolutions by A. Magiluna Stormwriter (ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006).
  
  Farscape
  
• Lightfingers by hossgal (Glass Onion).
  
  Murder in Suburbia
  
• In The Giving by trancer21 (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  
• New Year's Eve: The Aftermath by Ann (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Original
  
• Dead Pain (Izel Ometeotl Series) by JS ellienoname & MG (JS Odds and Ends).
  
  
• My First by Stephanie Alexis Bonvissuto (Sapphic Voices).
  
  Sandman
  
• A Matter of Immortals by hossgal (Glass Onion).
  
  Stargate SG-1
  
• Long Way to Go by Celievamp (ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006).
  
  
• Dealing With The Fallout by SJSlashfan (Area 52).
  
  V.I.P.
  
• Obfuscation of Catharting by Lex 'Spork' Tenou (Rare & Small Fandom Femslash).
  
  Voyager
  
• Lingering Lamentations (Millennium Series Installment 16) by G.L. Dartt (her web site).
  
  Wire in the Blood
  
• Finding One's Way by Ceridwyn2 (ShatterStorm Productions FemSlash Advent Calendar: The Dead of Winter 2006).
  
  Xena Warrior Princess
  
• Chapter 1 - 11 of January Thaw by C.J. Wells (Soulmates Dinosaur Bards).
  
  
• Show Me by IseQween (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• Still: My Will, My Way, My Warrior by IseQween (Academy of Bards).
  
  
• The New Adventures Of Xena: Warrior Princess: A New Day by Ernie Whiting (Academy of Bards).