Lisa L Wiedmeier - Author

Meridian Life Magazine - Yup I'm in it!

2012-02-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's really official now... I'm in the Meridian Life Magazine under "local authors". How cool is that?

Now, it's not like I didn't know this was coming. After all they did have to interview me to write this article, and I did have to sorta approve it--sorta. I've been anxiously awaiting its official release so I could share it with all of you... all 35,000 + residents/business owners who will see this magazine by the end of February!

Since I know it's a bit difficult to read the article through the picture, I'm laying out the meat of the interview for your enjoyment.

"I never thought about writing before," says found adult fantasy fiction author Lisa Wiedmeier. In fact, the talented writer is dyslexic. "But what I lack in English, I make up for in creativity." When she opened the floodgates of that creativity it took her only six months to write the first three books of her first series--and to read 45 other books at the same time. It's an impressive tally that also demonstrates a lot of discipline. It takes her six to eight weeks on average to write a book.

Thus Wiedmeier vaulted from using writing as a helpful, therapeutic tool straight into writing the Timeless Series and publishing her first novel in that series in mid-July. Done with that series, she's working on the next one, tentatively titled The Gate and scheduled for production late fall 2012. This series begins with the story of a teen moving to Ireland with her family and discovering "a world filled with deception, magic, friendship and betrayal." It's the kind of book that young people can be engrossed by and that imaginative writes love to write.

Wiedmeier begins her novel, Cheyenne, with a quote of her devising. "If I could have looked into the future to see what I would have become, I wouldn't have become the person I was always meant to be." The quote could be used to describe the author's life as well. Self-discovery through experiences is Wiedmeier's theme, and it lends itself perfectly to the young adult fantasy fiction market that she specializes in.

Self-discovery has other perks too. Wiedmeier often visits a communal website for authors hosted by the publishing giant Harper Collins. The site, called Authonomy, has forums for writers of different genres from al around the world. "I have made so many friends," say's Wiedmeier. As any of her characters could tell you, it's easy making friends when you know who you really are.

I have an addiction...

2012-02-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. It may surprise some, but others will understand as they suffer from the same type of illness that I do...

I have an addiction to caramel.

There, I've said it and already I feel much better.

Now mind you it's just not any caramel that I have an addiction to, no. I'm what one would call a Caramel Diva. Those Kraft caramels, well they just won't do. The gooey running caramel in candies... yuck. I will except nothing else but the highest quality caramel readily available at my local Cash & Carry warehouse and I blame my sister-in-law for this addiction.

It started out simply enough. She talked me into trying a caramel frappe from Starbucks. I've never been much of a coffee drinker, didn't for many years really care for the stuff. But I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I caved... that was day that my life changed.

It was a life changing event for me, as that was the day I started licking the creamy goodness from the lids. Yes, another confession... I lick the caramel from the lids on my caramel frappes. You have no idea the looks I've had to endure over the years, the ridicule that has fallen upon me for my actions... the caramel that has stuck to the tip of my nose. Sigh... but yet I endure.

Not only did my sister-in-law introduce me to those sinful delights, she also brought me a five pound brick of caramel many years later. I'd love the caramel on my frappe, however, eating caramel chewy candies straight or from the liquid stuff they sell at the grocery stores--I'd not touch them with a ten foot pole. But this, this was like a gift from the caramel gods themselves. You have not tasted caramel until you have tasted the caramel from Peter's. You will have thought you died and gone to heaven.

She is evil I tell you--pure evil and I love her dearly because if she'd not have dropped this on my counter I wouldn't have known what heaven tasted like. Now with this said... I only allow myself to purchase one five pound brick per year. Why you ask? Because within a weeks time, if I'd allowed it, I would devour the entire brick completely by myself. I don't share, I'm the Caramel Diva, if you come within a foot of my caramel brick I will bite your fingers off. No really, but then again....

So, when my allotted brick has been used up for the year, I switch over to what I would call a lesser evil. Caramel apple suckers. I call them the lesser evil because it takes me longer to eat them. I can't chew through them, they have to be savored, enjoyed. I snack on them when I've hit that afternoon sugar low and I'm sitting in my writing chair and needing something to make my brain engage once more.

And of course I mustn't forget the original. My morning frappe. Now mind you I don't drizzle the caramel on it everyday (mostly because I can't find a smooth enough caramel that doesn't taste like plastic). This is more of a once a week treat, but I do make my vanilla frappe every morning with the leftover coffee from my hubby and I do put whipped cream on it.

I'm odd I know... but it's that oddity that makes me unique, one of a kind, special. Now if you were to ask my family what they thought of me being unique or special... I somehow think our definitions would greatly differ. = )

~The Caramel Diva

AWESOME REVIEW!!!

2012-01-24T21:16:00.002-07:00

Reviews By Anne

by Alchemy of Annes Anomalies on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 7:35 pm

Cheyenne: A Timeless Series Novel, Book One by Lisa Wiedmeier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hea y'all I finished reading Cheyenne by Lisa Wiedmeier and you know this book was really a refreshing read! The striking cover will fool most onlookers into thinking this is a strictly romance novel but I am here to tell you it is so much more than that. I really liked this book it sucked me in from chapter one where your presented with Cheyenne a girl who has had a close to normal life with her parents, her only complaints were the constant moving which inhibited her from making friends but now almost grown and ready to graduate with her best friend Colt, Cheyennes' life is about to be completely thrown into a tornado of emotions and pain. Lisa does a wonderful job painting the scenes in this book as most takes place in lush wooded areas or by waterfalls that would take your breath away if seen in real life. Every scene is described in so much detail that you feel as if your walking along side Cheyenne as the journey into her new and kind of unwanted life begins. Enter Callon and Daniel the other pieces to Cheyennes' new life the three guys she will journey with, fall for and fight for her life with. The male characters are handsome and can be irritating at times, much like real men that's why it's so easy to love them. Cheyenne faces decisions that will not only affect her life but the lives of several other clans of people. Can she be their salvation, can she carry the burden of what her parents started, or will she turn away broken and defeated? This book is so intense the action scenes are grandly detailed and well plotted never leaving the reader wanting for anymore. The book is loaded with humor and witticism, causing me several times to burst out laughing when poor Cheyenne gets into her antics and those guys love to tease and torment her about her mistakes. Heart warming scenes of friendship and love keep the book well paced and inviting as the characters grow to love one another on so many different levels. My heart raced and my breath quickened when the book rounded the ending I was left desperately wanting book 2 now. I've become entwined in the lives of the Timeless and can't wait to read where they go and what is to come for Cheyenne as her mind bending life carries her forward with her protectors into an unknown future. 5 out of 5 stars for Cheyenne book 1 in the Timeless series by Lisa Wiedmeier.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/alchemy-of-annes-anomalies/reviews-by-anne/271867642879636

I Promise I'm working on Promises!

2012-01-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

In my chair working away
all bundled up cuz I'm cold. Got
the little space heater at me feet too!

I know most of you are dying for Promises, and I just wanted to ensure you that I am in fact working hard on the revisions. I've told you that the "real world" keeps getting in the way, but I just wanted to let you have some picture proof that progress is being made.

I'm currently on Chapter 14's revisions, so I'm more than halfway through the entire book. Of course it's not all done even after I've completed the revisions. The first step would be sending it off to a lovely friend whom I call My Editor on Demand and also holds the lovely name of RRPS'er (Ripper with Red Pen Syndrome). She will tell me which parts still need smoothing out and then it's my job to fix them and make it all better. She's what one would call a caramelizer . . . helps me make it as smooth of caramel!

Now that I think of it, it would be next to impossible to write her whole name out as she had too many letters behind it! Let's see, A practicing Doctor in England, MBChB (Hons), MA (Dist), EOD (editor on demand), RRPS'er, Caramelizer, and one who suffers from CATTS! (I'll have another blog in the future about CATTS-Chronic Addiction To Timeless Series)

Okay, moving on...

The second step would then be to send it to my Copy Editor, who shall have me in her schedule, and then await her revisions and corrections. That takes about three weeks.

Okay, this isn't my Mac, but I thought
the shot added effect! :p

After the Copy Editors revisions are done then I've got to make sure all the corrections are actually corrected or catch any corrections that got missed (it happens in every book--misspelled words, missing words etc). It's next to impossible to catch them all, so I have to sit with my manuscript before me while I listen to my Kindle read it back to me. I know it sounds a bit funny, but when you listen you use a different part of your brain and you hear the missing words etc, instead of your eyes skimming over them. I'm also dyslexic and my eyes put the words in there for me, so I have to have all the help I can get. Besides, if I didn't do this then My Editor on Demand would scream at me and hunt me down to beat me with misused and missing words. She's brutal! :P

Alrighty then.... so once it's gone through all those phases and it looks and reads good, then it's off to formatting. I have to format it for the ebook, paperback and hardback copies. That means once again scrolling through each and every page to ensure it's corrected.

Once done, and I've gotten my covers back from my designer, then it's a go to upload the ebook online to Amazon and then upload the paperback and hardback to the publisher. I then request the proof copies so I can verify I did the layout correctly. That's why I have a delay with print copies when the ebook has already been released. I don't want to keep my fans waiting forever!

Whew... the final step is announcing it and marketing myself to death!

Yup, that's what's left of a caramel frappe!

Now I'm sure you can understand that after such a stressful and mind blowing time I've had to go through I deserve something sweet. :D

Okay, I deserve something sweet everyday as I'm such a sweet person! :P lol... Although I think my husband and friends would chose to disagree, he he he.

Just a conversation with a fan....

2012-01-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Kindelle, a real life Timeless fan asked if she could pose some questions. Of course I said yes and we interacted over my Facebook Timeless Series Novel page. Here's just one of the conversations:

Kindelle: ok how did u come up with it all? how did it start?

Timeless Series Novels: Ah, good question.... I'll give you the short version here since I'm limited on space for a reply. It started with me going through a really bad time in my life. I'm a crazy driven person, that's my husbands words not mine. I just don't know when to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I pushed myself for too long and paid the price dearly for it. Long story short, I fell into a depression and after a 15 year absence of reading anything for fun, I began reading again trying to find myself. What happened next was completely unexpected, I got inspired. I was out shopping and came across the Servak rink (the squiggly one) and thought that there could be something deeper here. I began formulating a story in my head and it just sorta all came pouring out. So really, I'm just an accidental writer who found therapy in her work and was able to share it with others.

Kindelle: Thats Awesome!!! And Were Enjoying It Ive Already Read The Other Chapters Twice Now And May Read The Again Tonight! i have to say i didnt think i be able to get into another series after twilight, and i love how there are not vampires only people it's a awesome twist!!!

Kindelle: next question, lol, do we see more of a bond between cheyenne and the boys in promises?

Timeless Series Novels: Yes. Each will have their connection with Cheyenne that is different and unique. Callon, Colt and Daniel are all very different characters who will bring depth to the story. Daniel will actually stand out even more in Promises.

Kindelle: in the last chapter u posted about promises, we saw a lil into how bonded callon and cheyenne are, will we see her start to open up to him more?

Timeless Series Novels: Cheyenne's been wounded deeply by Callon. She's fighting it as she feels like she needs to find herself first. There will be a lot that takes place before Cheyenne truly opens up to Callon's love...

Kindelle: damit she needs to open up to him dam her!!!!! lol

Kindelle: ok ok i know i said the last question for it for the night but i just have to ask one more. why does she let colt off so easy but gives callon a hard time??

Timeless Series Novels: Oh, she doesn't let Colt off easily and you will see it all come out in Promises. You also have to remember she's had a long term relationship with Colt, not Callon. She knows how Colt can be, his soft caring side. All she's seen with Callon is "he who must be obeyed, Mr Evassive and the Doctor", all of which have left a sour taste in her mouth. She wants to see the real Callon, the one who is holding himself back. Both Colt and Callon have faults... really big faults.

Kindelle: Ok then will we see the real callon in promises?

Timeless Series Novels: maybe.... he he he

Kindelle: Not fair

Timeless Series Novels: I just love messing with you darling! :P

Kindelle: i know u do and here i read and read again again and u dont even give me a lil lol;)

Timeless Series Novels: You make me laugh Kindelle Sudduth! FYI, I mentioned your name to my husband telling him I was interacting with you and he said he thought your name was very pretty. Just thought you should know, maybe a character name someday in a future novel of mine :D

Kindelle: awww thanks that would be awesome!!!! btw how did u come up with the characters names?

Timeless Series Novels: web searches and Koda, whom you'll meet briefly at the end of Promises was the name of a neighbors dog. I heard them call out the name and decided then and there I had to have it! Apparently I have a thing for "C" names as my boys names are Coley & Cody. :P

Kindelle: very aweseome!!!

Timeless Series Novels: The clan names came from me being dyslexic. I'd take names from in the dictionary and use the spelling on some of them the way they sounded them out or the way they sounded to me :P Comes in handy sometimes. The names, both clan and individual, for the most part have meanings behind them. Like Tresez (Trices) actually has a dual meaning. 1: that within a thing develops, 2: a binding, a braid, three becoming one.

Timeless Series Novels: The name Alexis means defender.

Kindelle: thats so cool that u do that!! why does callon hold his emotions back from cheyenne?

Timeless Series Novels: lol, you and your questions! I love it! Okay, there is a lot of backstory to Callon that really hasn't been reveal yet. Callon is very deep and complex and I don't want to ruin it for you. By the end of the fourth book you'll have a better insight into his life, promise. :D

Timeless Series Novels: I know, a vague answer, sorry.

Kindelle: by the fourth book omgosh!!!! lol btw i dont trust maes! something about him hmmmmm.....

Just another satisfied reader!

2012-01-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just love it when I get dropped a note, especially when they are like this one I received via my websites mail.

Hi Lisa! I just wanted to drop you a line saying how much I loved CHEYENNE. I really admired her strength, spirit and courage. Cheyenne is my definition of a true heroine and I can't wait for PROMISES, so I can see what happens next. Although I groaned at some of her choices, they were ones that a real girl would make and considering the circumstances, I could sympathize. I loved the other characters and the boys' chemistry with her. I'm very interested in Daniel, too, and I wish I knew more about him! But Team Callon all the way, poor guy. Like I said, I'm really looking forward towards diving deeper into the Timeless world. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us readers.

It makes me smile to know I have succeeded at pulling a reader into my crazy little world and they liked it there as much as I do.

Thank you for your kinds words and now GO AND TELL THE WORLD! :D

I've done it! Name recognition is everything...

2012-01-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Okay I've done it....

I signed up with Facebook to advertise Cheyenne. I'm doing what's call CPM, cost per impression. So for about $0.32 I hit about 1000 facebook users who are between the age of 14-50, female, enjoy literature, movies with romance, science fiction/fantasy.

My reach will be about 14.1 million facebook users for the US Market.

With the same basic set-up for the UK, my reach will be about 2.3 million users.

I've set a daily cost limit for both the US & UK. If users click on the sponsored ad it will direct them to Amazon's web page where they can potentially purchase it.

So... that means I can hit about 468,000 Facebook users per month for the US and the UK. I guess I'll see if sales increase or not. I figure it's worth the small investment if even only a small percentage of people buy the book. I'm at least getting my name out there if nothing else.

They suggest that I have about 5-10 ads to try out and see which promotes it the best. Here's what the first ad will read:

Walled by danger & with few
she can trust, Cheyenne must
face the dark truth of her past,
& choose between a forbidden
love or destiny.

Birch Elementary Book Club

2012-01-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Birch Book Club

I had the opportunity to meet with the most wonderful group of women this week to discuss, Cheyenne, A Timeless Series Novel.

I have to be honest here, I was a bit nervous as this was my first ever book club meeting. And when I say first ever, I mean it in every sense of the word. First off I've never belonged to a book club and secondly, I'd never been invited to a book club to review my novel!

I can tell you this much, it was the most wondrous, exhilarating feeling I think I've ever experienced regarding literary work! As we sat in the coffee shop I listened to them talk about their favorite parts of Cheyenne. I smiled when they took a poll on who they liked best, Callon or Colt. I giggled when one went into great detail on how she was sitting in her home reading quietly and suddenly burst out into loud laughter when she came to the jeep scene. Her husband looked at her oddly (I get that all the time) and shook his head.

A well loved copy!

Then what I thought would be the scary, nerve raking part came into play... the questions (scary in the sense that would I be able to reply with clear coherent responses and not babble on). Why did I write Cheyenne and the other Novels in the Timeless Series, who do the characters take after if they were to take after a real life person, how long did it take me to write them, when's the second book, Promises, coming out, and a slew of others. The nervousness drifted away like the early morning mist and I found myself discussing with them all the details they yearned for. It was like an explosion of my thoughts came hurling out at them and they smiled, laughed and nodded as I talked on.

What else can I say, but Birch Elementary Book Club you made me feel welcomed and loved and I thank you so much for taking the time to read Cheyenne and loving it as much as you have. It's official now... you each have a serve case of CATTS. Chronic Addiction To Timeless Series.... more to come about the official diagnosis in a future blog.

Apparently I'm a hand talker....

I look forward to my next book club meeting in February with another wonderful group of women!

Yup, I got them to laugh a little

What great fun!

And I now see I'm not the only hand talker :D

My fellow caramel cold drink lover!

What an amazing group of women!

We talked about EVERYTHING! I loved it!

My good friend Anita, she's a real book pusher!

It was fun to learn their likes and which characters they loved the most

She didn't think I'd catch her pulling a Cheyenne and licking the caramel from the lid!

Just signing some books! :D

An interview with Callon O'Shea

2012-01-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

An interview withCallon O’Shea...

Q: Could youplease introduce yourself?

Callon: I suppose I could… My name is Callon O’Shea.I am the leader of the Consilador Clan, ruler of the Timeless Race.

Q: Isn’t theKvech Clan considered royalty and the official rulers of the Timeless Race?

Callon: The Kvech Clan was wiped out, or at least wethought so until recently. I am ruling in their place.

Q: Does thatbother you that you’re just a temporary ruler?

Callon: I’m not temporary.

*I swallow as hazel eyes bear down upon me.Apparently that was a touchy subject.*

Q: Where were youborn?

Callon: Ireland

Q: You don’t livethere now?

*Once again I get the disapproving look andshift in my seat… moving on.*

Q: So youlive in Montana now, why?

*Callon raises his eyebrow and then rolls hiseyes. *

Q: You’velived a long time, what would be your favorite occupation?

Callon: Doctor.

Q: If youcould have any talent, which talent would you like the most?

Callon: I have all the talents I need.

Q: Okay, butif you could have ANY talent, what would it be?

Callon: I have all the talent I need.

Q: I getthat, however, if you can have anything and I mean anything, what would thatone thing/talent be?

*I move to the edge of my chair, pen ready*

Callon: I have all the talent I need.

*I forcefully blow air out my nose… this isgoing to be more difficult than I thought.*

Q: What traitdo you most deplore in yourself?

Callon: I don’t have any traits I deplore.

Q: You don’thave any traits you deplore?

Callon: Isn’t that what I said?

*I narrow my eyes. I’ve got him now…*

Q: What aboutdeceit, evasiveness, bossiness, and controlling?

*I smirk*

Callon: I am none of these.

Q: You don’thave ANY of these characteristics?

Callon: Do you have a hearing problem? I am adoctor, I could perform a hearing test if you’d like.

*He crosses his arms and smiles*

Q: I don’thave a hearing problem!

*I push my fingers to my forehead and regainmy composure*

Q: Are you inlove?

Callon: Love is subjective. it means somethingdifferent to everyone.

*I nod in agreement *

Q: Iunderstand that, but in your definition of love, are you in love with anyone?

Callon: You don’t know what my definition is.

Q: I realizethat, but I am asking you in your definition, which I don’t know anythingabout, but really doesn’t matter as you’re answering according to your opinion,are you in love?

Callon: Love means different things to differentpeople, what you consider to be love I may not. Do I love ice cream? Of courseI love ice cream, but not all flavors of ice cream. Do you love ice cream?

Q: Of courseI love ice cream, but that’s not what I asked you!!!!

*He smirks and lifts his arm to rest upon thespare chair beside him.*

Q: So if youloved someone and they loved you, but they also loved another would that botheryou?

Callon: If I loved someone and they loved me back,but yet they had feelings for another would that bother me?

Q: Yes, wouldit bother you?

Callon: But loving someone is subjective so howwould I know that the one I loved would love someone else as much as I lovedthem?

Q: Okay, youknow the love you feel for the one you love is the same love she feels for theone she loves too… would that bother you?

Callon: You may love a current flavor of ice creamlike pistachio, and you find that tasty and yet you have a good understanding ofchocolate and find it just as tasty every time.

Q: You’retalking about ice cream again??!!

Callon: Do you have a problem with ice cream? I cangive you a recommendation for lactose intolerance…

*I bang my head upon the table… *

Callon: So is this interview over?

An Interview With Cheyenne Wilson

2012-01-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

I decided that it would interesting to interview my characters in Cheyenne. Give you more of an in-depth look into their lives... a peek into my world of imagination. Now you may run away screaming saying that I am actually just as crazy as you'd always thought... but then again you may smile.

An Interview withCheyenne Wilson, the MC in “Cheyenne, A Timeless Series Novel, Book One”.

Question:Introduce yourself please.

Cheyenne: My name is Cheyenne Wilson. I just turnednineteen and realized that my entire life was a fraud. I’m waiting to transforminto a “Timeless being”, whatever that means, and trying to find out where mydestiny lies.

Q: What do youconsider your greatest achievement?

Cheyenne: Living through my parent’s death andsurviving the upcoming year.

Q: What is yourcurrent state of mind?

Cheyenne: Confused.

Q: What is yourmost treasured possession?

Cheyenne: The etched ring that I wear on my indexfinger. I’ve had it since I was about six and it’s always fit perfectly. I tendto run my thumb over it when I’m deep in thought. Somehow it’s comforting. Coltusually knows this is a sign of me being a little stressed. I’d also have toinclude the pink and white poke-a-dot jewelry box it came in. It has a smalldent in the corner where I dropped it as a child. When the lid opens, musicbegins to play.

Q: What is yourmost marked characteristic?

Cheyenne: Determination.

Q: When and wherewere you the happiest?

Cheyenne:I was the happiest when my parents were alive and we lived in northern Idaho. Iwas finally opening myself up and Colt, my best friend, had a way of making mefeel special, understood and important.

Q: What is itthat you most dislike?

Cheyenne: I dislike the fact that I was lied to, thetruth purposely withheld for my supposed own good.

Q: What is yourgreatest fear?

Cheyenne: Losing those I love…

Q: Which livingperson do you most despise?

Cheyenne: At the moment two individuals come to mindand they both begin with the letter C… I once saw a t-shirt that read: "Boys are stupid, throw rocks at them", I think this shall become my motto.

Q: What is yourgreatest regret?

Cheyenne: Not saying three simple words as often as Ishould… I love you.

Q: What is thequality you most like in a man?

Cheyenne: Truthfulness.

Q: On whatoccasions do you lie?

Cheyenne: When I have to. I’ve been deceived mynumerous individuals, some saying it was for my own protection. I consider anylie I may tell as “protection” of my best interest.

Q: What are yourfavorite names?

Cheyenne: I don’t know if I have a “favorite” name,but actually think it’s really cute when Daniel calls me “Chey” for short. Itmakes me warm inside as I take it that he really cares for me in a brotherlysort of way.

Q: How would youlike to die?

Cheyenne: I’d rather not think about that quite yet,I’m barely nineteen.

Tis the season.... Lisa's Way

2011-12-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again for me to go all out and overwhelm myself to the point of complete exhausting. It's a tradition by now... a Lisa-ism if that's what you'd call it. It always starts out innocently enough, just a little bit of Christmas celebration to share with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors... and possibly whomever seems to cross my path between now and December 24th.

I fight to keep it under control, really I do, but somehow it just always seems to grow and grow and grow... It could overtake if I allowed it to, but my sweet, compassionate, loving husband seems to know when I can't handle anymore and throws me the life preserver or parachute... whichever seems most appropriate at the time of course.

It starts with the popcorn... evil popcorn.

It doesn't just pop itself either. Oh no, I have to use the hot air popper and then burn my fingers on the old maids and un-popped kernels so nobody will break a tooth or choke on them.

If you thought popcorn was evil, you just wait till you meet the caramel... oh my. Yes, this stuff comes from the very depths of all that is sugary, sticky and so stinking yummy (yes I said stinking) you're willing to take the third degree burns that come with the job just so you can lick the spoon, pot or anything with the addicting substance still attached to it!

Alrighty then, third... the caramel and popcorn meet and instantly bond with one another in a chemistry match that can only be described as unbreakable!

It's a match made in heaven I believe... or a curse. Still undecided after all these years.

Of course it has to cool someplace....

After that step I loose all sense of control and I become the machine....

Yes, everything must look pretty....

It's all in the presentation you know!

Pretty, pretty pretty...

More pretty....

Then of course you have to add the bling!

By the time it's all said and done, Mandi ponders...

I'm so tired of following you around all day....

Are you sure you're done?

I mean really, I just don't think I can eat another bite of caramel corn....

Do you know what a Tresez looks like?

2011-12-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.bleachanime.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2685920&postcount=8

Here's the official link that what the Tresez would be similar to, a Warg.

Name: Warg
Ferocious wolf like creatures comparable in size to a horse and much more dangerous than a normal wolf. They are shift agile and deadly.
Physical Description :

Trial usage: (Hakuda,Shunpo)

Weapons: Powerful jaws that can shutter armor and cause deadly injuries and lethal bites. Claus that can tear apart any warrior that gets into its territory. A powerfull whip like tale and that land disastrous hits.
Abilities/skills:
Howl Of Fear: Warg’s growls can make any brave warrior flee in terror. It also produces a sonic-boom attack to hit it’s target.
Blood-Thirsty Creature: The view and the smell of blood make a warg go berserk and augment its stats.
Weaknesses: Although ferocious in appearance and habits a warg can be easily dealt with someone with strong fists and legs. It’s body is slim and fragile making him weak against hakuda techniques. It can easily be blitz by a shinigami’s shunpo.

Interesting, huh? Of course this is another's rendering, but a nonetheless interesting to find drawings of creatures who until now have only lived in my head.

Here's what would be my description if I followed the same guidelines.

Name: Tresez

Description: Ferocious, hideous wolf like creatures whose size resembles a Kodiak bear with black matted fur, midnight eyes, horrendous odor of rotting flesh with claws and teeth that will rip you apart easily.

Weapons: Jaws that when latched onto a physical form can crush and mutilate, ripping flesh from the body with ease. If scratched and fragments of the nails are left embedded under the flesh it will cause a long slow painful death as the body is poisoned with the toxin. A tail that can be used as a weapon also.

Abilities/Skills: The low rumblings of its growl will make most tremble in fear. It is hard to see in the dead of night as it bleeds into its surroundings. It will silently stalk you from the shadows and wait for the right moment to launch its lethal attack. They use their senses and track you with your scent.

Weakness: Can be killed by either snapping of the neck or stabbing through the heart. A side attack is best as ribs/legs can be broken to hinder their warrior abilities.

Sam's rendering of a Tresez

What does Thanksgiving look like????

2011-11-25T15:30:00.001-07:00

What does my Thanksgiving holiday looks like? Well here goes...

First you have the crack of dawn wake up call to get your once a year cream cheese bread prepared as it takes a couple hours and the family will throw a fit if you don't make it for them. Then comes the preparing of the remainder of breakfast while the rest of the family is tucked away in their nice warm beds as you slave about the kitchen so when they wake they will smell the fresh baking bread, coffee brewing and whatever else I decided to whip up at the moment.

You get enough of a breather to clean up the mess from the breakfast and then you're off preparing for the main course of turkey. Don't forget that the night before you baked pies and made the turkey brine so the male halves of the family can get it ready to go into the smoker. They more or less pull it out of the brine bag and add it to the smoker and look at you as if you're not busy enough and should start with something else....

You begin to prepare the appetizers because you are not eating till 4 pm and then the family ditches you to go out on a hike in the foothills while you remained chained to the kitchen cupboard....

Once appetizers are done said family returns and asks why you didn't add more wood to the smoker since I was to smoke the turkey for 3 hours and then why haven't you already pulled it out and placed it in the roaster to finish up the cooking? When roaster located in the laundry room isn't plugged in.... older son looks at you and says "are you going to get the plug?" Of course the Ice queen looses all control and says "get the freaking cord yourself". Stunned son blinks and hurries out garage door to find electrical cord.... my laundry room now smells like a smokehouse, how refreshing.

Okay, family has returned and turkey is finishing the roasting in the laundry room while family plants themselves in the family room while I am STILL in the kitchen preparing for the main course. Hubby finally feels a bit bad about ditching me and peels enough potatoes to feed and army and then disappears...

Sweet potato casserole, stuffing and buns all in the oven baking while they are oblivious to the fact that plates are indeed needed to eat upon. Husband finally asks, "do you want me to set the table?" I roll my eyes as if he'd really looked in the dining room he'd have seen that the table was already set....

Turkey is done, all other sides are done and the table is complete. I grab the bottle of wine, pop the cork and guzzle while the husband prays blessing over the meal and specifically that I haven't poisoned them all....

There, that about sums it all up..... It was a Happy Thanksgiving and I collapsed in the recliner after 6:30 pm with dishes done and a firm warning if they asked me for anything I'd freeze them but good. In Recovery today....

*Warning.... parts of this were dramatized for more effect

That's what I'm talking about!! Amazon ranking #16,557!

2011-11-20T17:24:00.001-07:00

I'm ranked #16,557 out of 750,000 in the Kindle store! Not much further to #1!

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 616 KB
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B005CLHGQS
Lending: Enabled
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,557 Paid in Kindle Store

Trappings of the Heart--Fanfic

2011-11-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Trappings of the Heart

BySam Dogra

Written with permission of the author

Charactersand concepts do not belong to me!

Mylungs were screaming, begging for air as we tore through the dense forest.Callon’s hand was tight around my wrist, and it was all I could do to keep upwith his strides. Dusk was falling, lengthening the shadows around us, and myheart fluttered like a trapped butterfly. Every glimpse of darkness broughtback the memory of our escape, and I was terrified our pursuers would jump outof the gloom at any moment.

“Don’t slow down!” Callon ordered, yanking my armso hard he almost pulled my shoulder out of its socket. Hissing in pain, Istaggered over a loose rock, lucky not to twist my ankle. “They won’t fall forColt’s trick for long.”

“But how did…they…find us?” I puffed, my chesttight. We’d been running for ages, and since I wasn’t fully Timeless yet, Ididn’t have the same endurance as Callon. “And what about…Daniel…Colt…”

“They’ll be fine,” Callon said, taking a sharp turnand heading alongside a steep valley between the trees. Gritting my teeth, Ikicked my knees up, managing to keep pace. “Even if the Trezes don’t realizethey’re following the wrong pair, Daniel can get Colt out of trouble. But itwon’t be long before they find out they’ve been fooled. Your scent is toostrong.”

I swallowed, horrible thoughtstaking over my mind. I’d seen the Trezes before; those terrifying blackcreatures with ugly claws and matted fur. One had attacked me once, andscratched an awful wound onto my back. Now and then the scar still burned,although it was quiet at the moment as the monsters weren’t close by. Theylooked like dogs, possibly even wolves, but they were much bigger- in teeth,muscle, and temper. Callon had said they were hunters of Marcus, who sought outTimeless born to destroy them before they turned twenty.

And I was their current target.

My legs were growing heavy, and Istarted to fall back again. Callon however was merciless and threaded us backinto the trees. His hold was leaving red finger marks on my skin.

“Callon,” I pleaded, all but readyto collapse. “I can’t…run…anymore…”

“You have to,” Callon said, withoutany sympathy. “There’s too many of them. If they catch us, I won’t be able tofend them off.”

“But…”

My words failed me as my heel caughta loose branch and I went flying. Crying out, I crashed into Callon’s back, andwe tumbled in a heap to the forest floor, getting plastered in twigs and mud. Finallywe rolled to a stop, breathless. Callon groaned, his arm caught awkwardly undermy side. I lay there for a moment, stunned, when I heard distant growls. Thescar on my shoulder flared, and I winced.

“Get up.” Callon was already on hisfeet. He hooked his arms under my shoulders and hoisted me upright. My bodytrembled, and my legs threatened to give way again. I couldn’t take much moreof this punishing run.

“Callon, stop, please, I’m so tired…”

“Cheyenne, I know,” Callon said, “but we can’tafford to rest yet. Just hold on a little longer.”

I snarled. Bitter words were on mylips, but I thought better than to snap them out. My life was in danger, andeveryone was trying their hardest to keep me safe, risking their lives when I’dnever asked them to. Even if I still didn’t understand what lay in store forme, this was not the time to throw a petty tantrum.

I had to keep going.

Tears welled in my eyes as I fought through thepain and exhaustion. Finally, I dredged up the strength to get back on my feet.Callon softly stroked my cheek, his hazel eyes full of remorse. He didn’t wantto push me like this, but we didn’t have a choice.

Clenching my fists, we set offagain, this time at a jog. My heart was tense, fearing for both the Trezes afterus and for Colt and Daniel’s safety. Something told me they were alright outthere, holding their own, but for how much longer? Every moment that passed wasanother moment they could be hurt, or…

“Cheyenne, look!”

I raised my head, my vision blurry.To my surprise, we weren’t just surrounded by trees and shrubs any more. A darkstructure lingered amidst the foliage, buried so deep it would have been easyto overlook. It was an old cabin- long abandoned from the way it was tuckedinto the greenery. Despite that, it remained structurally in tact. I wasimpressed it had managed to survive.

“I’ve got an idea,” Callon said. “Takeoff your blouse.”

My eyebrows shot up, and for amoment I forgot my fatigue.

“What did you say?!”

“Just do it,” Callon barked. “Don’tworry, I’ll give you my T-shirt. Hurry.”

He released my hand, and turned awayto give me some privacy. I had no idea what he was thinking, but time wasn’t aluxury we could indulge in, so I decided not to argue. My ears alert to thesound of padding paws, I fumbled with my buttons and slipped off the turquoisefabric. At the same time Callon flung off his jacket and ripped off his brownT-shirt. Without looking back he handed it to me, his broad shouldersglistening with sweat. Cheeks burning, I took his shirt, trading it for myblouse. I shoved the cotton garment on- it was much too large and hung off melike a sheet- while Callon raced to the valley’s edge and threw my blouse tothe rocks below.

“That should help throw them off thetrail. Come on.” He scooped up his jacket and slipped it on, beckoning me tothe cabin. I had to bunch his T-shirt together to stop it falling off. Howoften I’d seen it snug about his chest...and I’d thought Colt had an impressivebuild.

I trudged up the steps to thebalcony that circled the cabin, ripping away the vines and ivy in my path.Callon was already at the door, trying to force it open without smashing it in.I helped him snap off the branches sealing it up, and finally we managed tomake it creak inwards. The stink of rotten vegetation hit me, and I choked, mystomach churning. It was like passing behind the garbage dump of a localtakeaway.

“Perfect,” Callon murmured, totallyunaffected by the smell. “If we can get far enough inside, this should maskyour scent and they’ll pass us by.”

Eyes watering, I only managed to nodin reply.

Callon took my hand and guided me inside. Night hadtaken over now, and it was difficult to see much. A high moon glanced throughthe windows, reflecting off dewy cobwebs, thick moss and mushy leaves. My headswam, woozy from the lack of air, and I grasped onto Callon’s arm.

“I feel sick,” I croaked.

Callon simply nodded, and gripped mywaist.

“I’m sorry, Cheyenne, but you’llhave to put up with it. We might have to stay here for a while until the Trezesgive up.”

I grimaced, but didn’t complain further.I didn’t want a matching scar across my other shoulder, if my last experiencewas anything to go by.

We wandered through the ruined hall, dodging theprotruding branches and broken furniture. I tensed, my hair brushing the fallenroof girders. Oh, I hated cramped spaces! Not to mention it was so dark anddingy. And the cobwebs promised yet another nightmare. One skimmed my shoulder,and I shuddered. I did not want to haveto deal with my eight legged friends on top of everything else.

Callon remained focused. He rappedaround the walls, until finally he came across a hollow trapped in a cage ofcreepers. He snapped the vines free, then kicked at the rotten door. The pinewoodsplintered, revealing a series of stone steps that led into an empty wine cellar.

A dark, tiny,most-certainly-full-of-spiders cellar.

“Callon, no,” I said hoarsely. “Ifyou put me in there I’ll…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you,”Callon said.

“No, I won’t do it!” I protested. “The spiders, Ican’t…”

I was cut short as Callon held me and tilted mychin up, so I was facing him.

“Cheyenne, I can’t let the Trezes find you,” hesaid. “I know it’s hard, and you’ve already been through so much. But sometimesit’s not a question of fair or unfair. You just have to make the most of things.”

“Callon, I can’t…”

He pressed his finger to my lips.

“I won’t leave your side for anything this time. Ipromise I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

I stared into his eyes. He was sofull of determination, and he wanted to impart some of it to me. To give me thecourage I couldn’t find myself.

I glanced to the staircase again, and sighed. Tiredas I was, I knew he was right. I needed to be strong. I wouldn’t let he, Danielor Colt have their efforts ruined because I was too weak to face my fears.

I raised my hand and squeezedCallon’s shoulder.

“Okay. I trust you, Callon.”

With a tight smile, Callon releasedme and cleared away the remaining forest debris. I crawled through thecreeper-ridden doorframe- it was a lot narrower than it looked- before startingdown the steps. Callon followed, snagging his shoulders on the ivy, and draggeda loose branch behind us. Once he was through, he enmeshed it into the hole, soit would be almost impossible for anything to break through and sniff us out.

As we descended, the last of the light vanished,and we were soon walking in total darkness. I kept both hands on the walls,feeling carefully for the next step, and the next. I could hear Callonbreathing right behind me, and I was reassured by his closeness.

It seemed like forever before wefinally came to the bottom. The air was stagnant and muggy, and I coughed,longing for the fresh breezes we’d left behind. Callon’s T-shirt was plasteredto my back, and sweat started to run down my forehead. Blinded by the darkness,I also felt very disorientated, only able to rely on my sense of touch forguidance.

I took one step forward, and immediately came to asolid wall. I thrust out my hand to the side, and my fingers skimmed roughstone. My eyes widened. Part of the cellar must have collapsed, leaving onlythis tiny patch to shelter in. As I brought my arm back to my side, a softpatter of stones caught my ear, and I recoiled. It was still unstable. Thelightest breath could bring the rest of the cabin down on top of us.

Callon shuffled behind me, and morepebbles rattled to the floor. The supports above groaned, and I flinched. Thedarkness seemed to close in, and my breathing grew labored. I tried to stop it,but I couldn’t slow down. The dizziness came back, and I sank to my knees.

“Callon…I can’t breathe…” I gasped. Callon movedtowards me, and the stones wobbled beneath his feet. “No, enough, get me out…Idon’t want to stay here!”

“Cheyenne, calm down.” Callondropped to the ground, his arms latching around me, and he pulled me to hischest. I curled up in his lap. I was shaking like a leaf.

“Don’t leave me,” I whispered.

“I won’t,” Callon soothed, running his thumb acrossmy cheek. “I’m here with you. Nothing’s going to happen, I promise. Just take adeep breath, slowly now.”

I followed his instructions, trying to blot out my panickedthoughts. I was so pathetic, so useless. I couldn’t do anything. Couldn’tcontrol my destiny, couldn’t fight against the ones who had killed my parentsand wanted me dead. Couldn’t even overcome my silly fear of spiders. The three brothersall worked so hard to defend me, while I could only watch on, utterly helpless.I wasn’t worth so much trouble.

A sob escaped me, and I closed my eyes, unable tostop the flow of tears.

“Cheyenne, why are you crying?”

“I don’t deserve this,” I whimpered, pushing Callonaway. “You’ve all sacrificed everything for me, and all I’ve ever been able todo is stand by and watch you get hurt.” My body shook. “I couldn’t save myparents, I couldn’t save Colt and Daniel…now you’re stuck with me, and…”

“Enough.” Callon tightened his embrace, and softlyrocked me. I clung to him, an anchor of safety in my sea of despair. He ran theback of his hand across my cheek. “Cheyenne, you’ve done nothing wrong.” Heleant closer, brushing his nose against my ear. He was so warm, I cupped myhand around his jaw and rested my forehead against his. “Don’t ever blameyourself. We wouldn’t have done any of this if we didn’t think you weren’tworth saving.” I tiled my head slightly, and his breath whispered over my lips.“I wish I could take this burden away from you, to let you live your own lifeas you choose.” He entwined his fingers in my hair, running them down my blondestrands. “But I can’t. Instead all I can do is try and make it easier as best Ican. Because…”

I didn’t let him finish. Before I knew it my lipswere on his, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Callon hesitated at first,but then he pressed in closer, parting my lips and deepening the kiss. My heartrumbled, and my breath came in shallow gasps. He held me by the waist, shufflingonto his knees, and pushed me against the wall. My hands started to roam, creepingbeneath his jacket and tracing the outlines of his naked chest and torso. Hisbody shivered, giving in to my touch, as he gently lifted my shirt and strokedthe bare skin of my stomach. I moaned softly, renewing my caresses, savoringthe taste of his mouth against mine.

At last Callon broke away. Though I couldn’t reallysee him, I heard his rough panting. I was breathing faster too, my face hot.Finally I seemed to realize where my hands were, and I snatched them back to mychest. What on Earth was I thinking? This wasn’t what I wanted. My heartbelonged to Colt; I’d said as much that day in Dex and Lily’s cabin. Though Idid care for Callon, I’d vowed not to get too close to him, not to let himconfuse my feelings.

So why then was I filled with such a deep longingto stay in his arms?

Callon lowered his hand, so it was resting atop myleft one. A suddendesire to maintain contact flooded over me, so I softly kissed his neck, then hisjaw, wanting to affirm he was here with me. His embrace renewed, and we kissedonce more, yearning for each other’s touch.

I pressed my hand against his chest and pulled awayslightly, my brow resting against his. I wanted to speak, to let him know how Ifelt, when something clattered loudly from above. I almost screamed, but Callonpressed his finger to my lips and held me tighter. We sat stock still in thedarkness, listening as something heavy clanked and crashed through the cabinhall. Every noise sent my heart into a fresh flurry, like a raging snowstorm. Callonwas just as tense, his body rigid.

Eventually the sounds died away. Trembling, Irested against Callon’s torso, thoroughly worn out. The dizziness had comeback, and my mind was more muddled than ever. Part of me was adamant Ishouldn’t have done what I’d just done, and yet I seemed oddly content to sitin Callon’s embrace.

What was my heart trying to tell me?

“Cheyenne,” Callon whispered under his breath. “Ilove you.”

My eyes snapped open, and I found myself staring atmy bedroom wall. It was still dark, and the leaves outside were casting shadowsthrough my window. For a moment I was lost, wondering why I’d woken up. Then fragmentsof the dream came back to me, and my face flushed.

I turned over, looking to the other side of my bed.Surprisingly, Colt wasn’t there. He’d been beside me when I’d drifted off earlierin the evening. Blinking, I rolled to a sitting position, gathering the sheetsaround me.

I heard a quiet sigh, and looked to the door.Callon was standing there, leaning against the doorframe. His arms were foldedand he had his eyes closed, almost as if he’d dozed off.

I looked down at my knees, my cheeks burning. Ididn’t know why I was so embarrassed; it wasn’t like he could look into mydreams or anything. But I was still shocked at how intense it had been. And ithad felt so real…

I shook my head, and lay back down in bed again. Don’tbe crazy, Cheyenne. A dream was a dream. I knew I had some feelings for Callon,but they were different to what I felt for Colt. Or so I’d thought. Maybe I’djust been trying to tell myself that so I wouldn’t have to choose between them.

Either way, I knew one day I’d have to confrontthat decision, and probably sometime soon.

But not tonight.

I rolled onto my side, giving Callon a finalglance, before I closed my eyes and went back to sleep. Before I was completelygone, footsteps approached, and a soft hand stroked my cheek.

“Sweet dreams, my love.”

The last thing I remembered was a tender kissagainst my cheek, and then the darkness claimed me.

END

The Disappointing Candle

2011-11-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

The disappointing candle...

So I was at a friend’s house the other day and upon entering their home with their daughter by my side, a brief smile emerges on the daughter’s lips only to be replaced by a frown. A wonderful aroma drifts before me and I take a deep breath. “Cookies.” I think to myself. “Lovely homemade sugar cookies to be exact.”

“Oh,” the daughter says with annoyance. “It’s just the disappointing candle.” She explains to me that when her mother burns the candle it smells like cookies. Cookies that she craves only to find out they don’t exist.

I blink and smile politely. “Ah, it’s just the candle,” I say to myself. “Just the candle that's making my mouth water, nothing more.”

Then I began thinking. How many times in life have I entered a ‘so called home’ and been disappointed because what I thought was there really wasn’t? I was lured in by the scent, the smell that was enticing me to taste only to find out that what I thought was there wasn’t. I had gotten myself so worked up for the taste of the ‘cookie’ that I didn’t even pay attention to the details. There were no cookies sheets sprawled out over the kitchen counters. The mixing bowl and spatula were neatly put away. There was no oven timer beeping in the background as a reminder of what was baking. There was no plate piled high with the sugary delights. There was nothing but a simple candle burning on the countertop. A single candle on the countertop creating an illusion of something greater, tastier.

Life is full of disappointments, packed full in my opinion, jobs, marriages, friends. Am I paying attention to the details or am I just scratching the surface? Am I living my life as the disappointing candle? Am I just luring others in with what they see on the surface or am I really producing something for them to take a hold of? Would God or another walk in and say, “Oh, it’s just the candle?”

I don’t want to be the disappointing candle. I would rather expose myself for who I am and let other see and taste the real me. Sure I am full of faults; sometimes I add too much salt to the mixture and leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Sometimes I add too much sugar and leave your head spinning in a sugar-educed comma. And sometimes, only sometimes, I am just perfect and you want to come back for more.

Original post on Lisa Lehrke Wiedmeier facebook page Oct 5, 2010.

What's your Happiness?

2011-10-27T13:11:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I received a fortune cookie when Glenn and I went out for Chinese food last month and it got me thinking . . .

My cookie read: “The coming month shall bring you much happiness.”

I received the cookie in October, so November, according to my fortune cookie is supposed to bring me happiness . . . What is happiness?

I decided instead of letting my cookie determine that November would bring me happiness that I would instead, once a day, figure out what brought me happiness. An experiment of sorts, if you want to call it that, to figure out what is my happiness and maybe help you find yours.

So for the next thirty days I will be finding something, anything that brings me happiness and write about it. You, of course, as my friends will have the privilege of learning what makes me happy and in turn maybe might look at your own life. Sometimes we are so busy in our everyday lives that we forget about those simple little things that bring a smile to our face and a spring in our step, laughter to our ears and a warm contentment to our heart.

May this inspire you to do the same—What's your happiness?

Original post on Lisa Lehrke Wiedmeier facebook page Oct 31, 2010

TEN 5 star ratings out of 11! Watch out world here comes Cheyenne!

2011-10-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

5.0 out of 5 stars Far Superior to Twilight!, October 19, 2011

Kristin (Meridian, ID United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) (Kindle Edition)

A cross between The DaVinci Code and Twilight ... This book was wonderful. Cheyenne is such a grounded, strong character and I liked her far more than I ever liked Bella in Twilight. The author paints a wonderful picture of a young woman caught in the midst of a great family secret and an unfortunate love triangle. She is at an an age where she must discover who she is and at the same time, deal with a huge level of responsibility that has been thrust upon her. This book is definitely worth your time.

Crazy Mandi Part II - The Warning Signs

2011-10-20T14:18:00.000-06:00

Okay, so in part one you found out how Mandi came to be a part of the family. Now here comes Part two --The Warning Signs . . .

You know they say that you always see warning signs before danger comes . . . it's true, I saw them it's just that I didn't know they were actually warning signs. I thought it was just Mandi being her adorable self and you have no idea how wrong I was . . .

The Queenie herself

Warning sign number one -- She took over and demanded all the attention.

Yup that right, she came into our home, the home that I lovingly brought her into and literally took over from day one. It was like she would raise a brow and wait me for me to run and help her with whatever she deemed necessary. She refused to sleep in her kennel regardless of the fact that it was in our bedroom directly beside my side of the bed. She moaned, barked and groaned until I'd let her out and hold her for a bit.

Warning sign number two -- She attacked everything in sight--yes everything! You'll see in the video below how she fought against the great door stops and won . . . I had to remove all the doorstops that made that twanging sound so she'd leave them alone.

Warning sign number three -- She has an addiction to water. Yes, that's right . . . she's got an addiction to water. We thought it would be great to teach her how to swim in the pool and only now see the danger in it . . . she's crazy in the water. I'll tell you more about it in Part 3--Terror on Four Legs.

YouTube Video --The Warning Signs

Crazy Mandi Part I - The Beginning

2011-10-17T18:26:00.000-06:00

So I've been thinking about Mandi lately and wondering really how this whole little adventure began in the first place. I wasn't looking for another pet, actually I was quite satisfied with Sam, our loving chocolate lab of nine years. He was well behaved, trained and fit nicely into our family.

Fall 2006-yeah my kids aren't
that young anymore . . .

I think what happened was that I was lured in, yes lured in by the cuteness factor of Mandi. I was with my boys on a Saturday in July and decided to wait outside while they went into the Sportmans Warehouse near our home. If any of you are not familiar with this store let me explain it in a few simple words . . . it's a man's hunting paradise supplier--smaller than Cabela's, but just as wonderful to them.

Now, I'm not against such stores, it's just that I get bored with looking at guns, bows, bullets and cameo colored everything. I grew up with my father and brother being hunters, know about fire arms and actually have a really great shot, however, it's just not number one on my list of "fun things" to do on my day off.

Okay, so back to the story of Mandi . . . I was waiting in the parking lot when a sign caught my eye, "Lab Puppies". If my husband had seen the sign before he entered the store he wouldn't have left me alone. He would have forced me to come inside and look around for no other reason than to keep me close. He knows I have a weakness for puppies and kittens. It's not like I bring home stray animals, it's just that I have a proven track record--I see, I like, I acquire.

Mandi the day we brought her home

I have an internal battle going on inside me . . . take a look at the puppies and walk away or sit in the car. I know what I should do, stay in the car, but the impulsive side of me says, "oh just go have a look, there's no harm in looking . . ." Failure #1--That my friends should have been my first clue to stay in the car, but that's not what happened.

I wander over to the trailer housing the little darlings and find them all in a pile sleeping. Failure #2--sleeping puppies are adorable. Failure #3 came when I held her cubby little frame and smelled that adorable puppy breath . . . yes, I LOVE puppy breath. She was like this little limp mass in my arms and I just couldn't get her out of my mind.

My hubby, seeing the danger I was in, came out to rescue me and tried to prevent the disaster . . . it was a loosing battle, but to give him credit he fought valiantly!

Mandi came home with us and thus we were once again a two dog family. Now mind you when our beloved cocker, Paisley, passed I agreed that having one dog was much easier than two and that getting another dog shouldn't even be considered . . . noticed how I agreed, but didn't promise not to get another one? Sneaky I know . . .

How could anybody say "no" to this?

Poor, Sam, he thought his world had abruptly been intruded . . . it had. My first thought about how the two would get along brought up images of Sam making Mandi a mini sandwich. Shiver, yeah, don't like those thoughts and I should have known better.

YouTube Video of Mandi & Sam . . . the first few months

They say dogs take after their owners personalities and to tell you the truth I didn't really believe them until now . . . Sam was calm, loving, nothing seemed to bother him too much and he would do just about anything to please us, please my husband. Sam would be a reflection of my husband--calm, loving, patient, always wanting to make us happy.

Now Mandi, she's a different story . . . she's bossy, pushy, does what she pleases and is just plain crazy. Yeah, that would mostly likely be a reflection of me if I were completely truthful with myself, but really who wants to go there?

More to come . . .

Yes, another satisfied reader . . .

2011-10-11T18:17:00.000-06:00

K Jenkins Timeless Series Novel facebook post - I just finished Cheyenne...read it in 36 hours ... I need Promises NOW!

Another 5 star rating!!

2011-10-03T14:02:00.001-06:00

One of the BEST kindle books i've read in a LONG while ...., October 3, 2011

S. Davies - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) (Kindle Edition)

Ok, I actually saw this book on a different website, loved the first chapter and bought on the kindle immediately.

I was not disappointed with the rest of the tale and I CANNOT WAIT to read the rest!!!

This is beautifully written, the love triangle is believable and crafted to perfection. The protagonist Cheyenne is likable and lovable, but most importantly, she doesn't make you want to give her a slap!!!

There are three main men in this book, Colt, Callon and Daniel - I want them all - is that greedy???? Each man has tendancies that are so delicious I swear I fell in love with them a little bit!
If I had to choose - it would be Callon.

I won't spoil the story for the reader, but it's unique, fresh, inviting, crafted to near perfection and most importantly - a blooming good read!

fans of Karen Chance, Ilona Andrews, Fiona McIntosh and that ilk will love this tale.

For just over £2 this is a bargain - we waste more than that on cheap rubbish coffee from high street shops! But the pounds to good use and BUY THIS BOOK!

You won't regret it.

New Book Trailer for Cheyenne

2011-10-02T14:10:00.000-06:00

The newest book trailer for Cheyenne . . . more dramatic I think.

Yes! Another great review on Amazon!

2011-09-27T12:30:00.000-06:00

Can't Put it Down, One of a Kind, Want the Next One kind of a book!, September 25, 2011

kb33 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheyenne (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. It was one of those kinds that you don't want to put down, because there are twists and turns in the plot that you don't see coming,that make you want to keep reading to see what's behind the corner. The writing is really well done and you can easily picture what is happening in your mind as you read. I would highly recomend this book, because the plot is exciting. There is drama, adventure, mystery, fantasy, all kinds of genres creatively rolled into one book. After reading Cheyenne, I am now anxiously waiting for Lisa Weidmeier's next book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

It's kinda funny . . .

2011-09-09T15:13:00.000-06:00

It’s kinda funny how things happen.Sometimes you see it coming a mile away and other times it hits you like afreight train.

I’m a driven person, apparently Ialways have been (those are my husbands words, not mine). I used to be drivento complete “projects” in terms of “home improvement projects”.

I’ve reroofed a couple of houses,tiled just about every surface imaginable, and painted anything within athree-foot radius of my arms reach. I’ve laid hardwood floors for my sister andPergo for my girlfriend. I’ve refurbished just about every known surface withpaint, stain or whatever materials I’ve found that could be creative.

I had an addiction to HGTV.

A friend who thought it was funnyafter watching a Jessica Simpson “newlywed” episode has deemed me “secretary ofthe interior”. I’ve been given creative freedom in designing a youth room twiceat a local church.

I've laid sod, sprinklers and re-landscapedmy entire yard. I’ve built fences, moved cinder blocks for support under decksand then built decks. I’ve built a shed with my husband and sons and theylived.

Before

I've mowed more lawns that I’dlike to admit and even fought and won with the weed eater.

I’ve repaired electrical problemsand gotten shocked in the process. I’ve successfully installed sinks and faucetswithout having leaks. I’ve ripped apart dryers and washers to repair them andthey worked for years afterwards.

I’ve pulled out carpets while thehouse was still furnished and lived in (won’t do that one again, never moved somuch furniture in a short amount of time in my life). Torn out vinyl flooring,which put up a good fight but lost, hung curtains, sewn curtains, made quiltsand duvet covers. Completely created a bedroom set for my newborns and usedthem until they wore out.

I attempted to make a few items ofclothing and decided it was easier to buy them . . . they looked better also.

After

I’ve hung upside down on a two-storyhouse so I could paint the trim while my strong husband kept hold of my legsand my mother-in-law watched on in horror from below. I’ve been accused ofpushing my father-in-law off a ladder while assisting on the re-roofing job onour house (it’s not true . . . I swear), and I’ve also been accused of laterthat same summer of throwing a hammer in his direction while dismantling hisfence. Right here and now I will attest to the fact that my gloves were toolarge for my petite hands and the gripper handle on the hammer was too worn . .. it slipped. Luckily no one sustained any injuries from that accident.

I’ve my own shop in my garagefilled with every imaginable tool available. My husband no longer wants toclaim the territory. I would get excited when he’d purchase me a new saw for mybirthday; a table saw that is . . .

I’ve canned peaches and driedpeaches; made strawberry jam and make my own spaghetti sauce. I can cook withthe best of them and create my own dishes that my family demands more of. I’vewon a chili-cooking contest and gotten the “best homemade ice cream” award. I’vebaked and failed to make anything close to what my husband calls gooey andyummy like his mother makes. That’s okay; he doesn’t need the extra sugaranyway.

With all of this said . . . I donone of the above said items now. In the last two years I haven’t picked up ahammer unless it was for dramatic effects to get the point across (I was quiteimpressed on the reaction I received). I’ve reluctantly painted and mostlysupervised the repainting of the interior of my house recently.

Work in progress with a much younger Coley

My family has learned how to cookand clean up after themselves for the most part (we still have issues there).They’re in awe when I do cook, as I like to keep them guessing on when it willoccur again.

My oldest son, who was my majorproject assistant, misses me. He tells me that his “old” mom was fun, but islearning to accept the “new” me. My youngest blondie could really care less.He’s just happy that he doesn’t have to hide now when I say a “project” needsto be done. And my husband? He’s happier to have a calmer wife who doesn’t comeup with things for him to do on the weekends. He actually finds reasons to behome on the weekends now instead of saying, “uh, I think I have some extra workat the office that needs to be taken care of.”

What this all boils down to it thatbeing the driven person I am, it was hard for me to let go. It was hard for meto realize that I didn’t need to run myself ragged for everyone else. What itreally came down to is that I’m not “Supermom” and I’m happier for it.

The yard is now mowed by my twoboys, haven’t done it once this summer. The pool would not have gotten filledif it weren’t for my husband and older son. The weeds in the flowerbeds would’vereached out and slapped them as they walked past with the mower if they hadn’tbeen pulled by them.

I can't believe he was ever that young . . .

The dust bunnies tried to overtakethe cleaning fairies in a coo, but I called in the spiders to shut them down.We’re now in negotiations, it’s moving along slowly.

It’s okay for the dishes to pile upin the sink and the laundry to attack as you pass through to the garage. Itteaches them good fighting skills that may be used later in life (alwaysthinking ahead, I am).

And the mold on the cheese in thefridge, well . . . I’m making sure my family is supplied with penicillin.

I’m still driven, that part of mewill never go away. My focus is just different now. For all those years that Istuffed the books aside because I didn’t have time to read, have been dustedoff and now I read with a passion (over 45 books in a 8 month period). The one thing that I never once though Iwould list as being accomplished is writing a book. I wrote eight books in an eighteen-monthperiod. Yup, still driven.

A soft knock is heard at my bedroomdoor. “Mom? Are you still in there?” my little blondie says.

“Yes,” I reply. “Now leave mealone. I’m driving!”

Promises, A Timeless Series Novel, Book Two

2011-09-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

Estimated release date: Spring/Summer 2012

Cheyenne is determined to seekthe light of truth in a web of darkness, but at what cost?

Still reeling fromthe revelations of her secret birthright and fated betrothals, Cheyenne'sthoughts tumble over the whirlwind of life since the death of her parents.Vowing to close herself off to spare her heart more pain, she keeps herdistance and seeks her own path. But Colt, Daniel and Callon are constantly ather side, not giving her room to breathe or let her come to terms with herdestiny. At the same time, her transformation into a Timeless begins; a processthat could very well kill her. As if that wasn't enough, her enemies are stillout for her blood, and no-where is safe. Though new allies appear to protecther from the unseen dangers, which ones are friend and which are foe?

And can Cheyenne standthe ultimate pain of all . . .

It's Christmas in September baby!

2011-09-06T19:36:00.000-06:00

Look what arrived on my doorstep this evening . . .

It's official! Cheyenne is now available in paperback on Amazon UK!

2011-09-02T13:30:00.000-06:00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cheyenne-Timeless-Novel-ebook/dp/B005CLHGQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314572035&sr=8-1

Hardback soon to come!!

Cool! I'm being featured in the New Book Journal!

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

"Cheyenne" The first in the Timeless Series Novels by Lisa L Wiedmeier

Awesome review on Amazon UK!

2011-08-29T08:57:00.001-06:00

Andrea Baker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) (Kindle Edition)

This is a wonderful novel, highly recommended.

There are many fantasy novels out there right now that, when you read them they seem too familiar, because they are written to a formula - yes the formula works, but they are just too samey.

Cheyenne is different, a unique idea that is well written yet reading is easy, I didn't want to put it down.

The characters are totally believable, which is not always the case in a fantasy, the author deals with the situations and conflict between characters (and the romance) in a very sensitive manner. I would certainly recommend it to anyone.

The series website tells me there are more to come - I can't wait!

It's official! Cheyenne is now available in paperback on amazon!!

2011-08-28T15:17:00.000-06:00

http://www.amazon.com/Cheyenne-Timeless-Novel-ebook/dp/B005CLHGQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311038477&sr=8-1

Cheyenne is now on Barnes & Noble in Paperback!!!

2011-08-25T10:44:00.000-06:00

Cheyenne is now available on Barnes & Noble in paperback at the stunning price of $10.82! What else is awesome is that I just received a coupon in my inbox that I'm passing onto you!

If you are a B&N Member, you can use this coupon code and get extra % off your purchase and FREE shipping. Coupon: YK7TRND93EJ2U

If you use the coupon and are a member you can get it for $8.65! Now that is a screaming deal!!!

Book trailer for Cheyenne

2011-08-24T15:47:00.000-06:00

Check this out . . .

2011-08-22T19:13:00.001-06:00

So my husband said that I needed to look "official" when I'm doing a book signing . . . You think this will work?

My first FanFic!

2011-08-22T16:53:00.000-06:00

Moonlight

By Sam Dogra

Written with permission of the author

Something fluttered across the darkness, and my eyes flickered. In seconds I was pulled away from my hazy dreams, and I found myself staring at the shadows of the far wall. Tears blurred my vision, so I blinked hard to clear them. Through the gap in the curtains, I could see it was still night, but I had no idea what time it was.

I let out a long breath. Damn it, why’d I have to wake up now? It’d taken me ages to get to sleep tonight. Too many thoughts racing through my mind after yesterday’s little ‘talk’ with Callon. All the new information he’d come out with- things I’d been begging to know since the day I was brought here- and it had just made everything so much more confusing.

Whoever said be careful what you wish for had more wisdom than they knew.

I sighed, cutting my thoughts short. If I started musing about what Callon had said again, there’d be no hope of ever going back to sleep. I had a bad habit of running things over in my mind too much, and I’d lost plenty hours of rest already. I’d save the worrying for tomorrow.

I buried my face in my pillow, trying to get comfortable, when suddenly a sharp bolt of pain slammed against my forehead. It caught me completely off guard, and I hissed, biting my lip. Then the stinging turned into a dull pounding, and pins and needles screamed from my neck to my ears. I screwed my eyes tight and grumbled. What’d brought this on? I’d not had a headache for a couple of weeks now…

Eyes still shut, I grabbed the end of the pillow and pressed it against my temple. Only I couldn’t, as Colt’s blonde lump of a head was pinning it down. His arm was draped around me, keeping me pressed against his chest. While it was usually quite comforting, right now it was like a cage around my ribs, and I was struggling to catch my breath.

I clenched my teeth. This was all Daniel’s fault. I’d asked him for a cup of hot chocolate to help me sleep, but he must’ve put too much sweetener in it. Why he wouldn’t let me have some natural sugar for once is beyond me. It’s not like my teeth are falling out. I couldn’t even go out and buy some, as Callon had me on permanent curfew, and Daniel wanted me to ‘keep my figure’, so he wouldn’t fetch some on my behalf, either.

Argh, it’s so frustrating! Ever since I’ve had to stay with the three of them I’ve been trapped by rule after rule after rule. No going outside without an escort, no driving anywhere alone; heck, even in the cabin I couldn’t have a moment to myself. ‘For my own protection’, so Callon always claimed, but half the time I wondered if he just made these things up to annoy me.

Still, whether it was that hot chocolate or not that’d given me the headache, complaining about it doesn’t help me with the pain. And I wasn’t just going to lie here and put up with it.

I rolled onto my side, away from Colt, and breathed deeply. His musky scent filled my nostrils, and for a brief moment the pain lessened. Very quickly though it bounced back, accompanied by a furious tingling that buzzed like a hornet’s nest just above my ear.

Dear God, what had I done to deserve this?

Desperately I clamped my eyes together, trying to focus on my other senses. The soft pillow beneath my cheek, Colt’s warmth, his rhythmic breathing- I felt bad calling it snoring- my quiet heartbeat…but none of them distracted me for long enough. Maybe if I thought about something else. Like the colours of the rainbow. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Or the ingredients to make berry pie. Puff pastry, butter, milk…man, all that was doing was making me hungry. Perhaps if I clocked up the number of times Mr. Evasive hadn’t given me a straight answer…though if I started counting those, I’d definitely be up all night.

All the while my head continued to pound like an African bongo drum. Clearly these methods weren’t working. I needed a different approach.

Before I could try something else, Colt’s arm tightened around my waist and he nuzzled the back of my hair. His breath sent a shiver down my spine, and my skin prickled. I curled up, putting a little space between us. I still wasn’t quite used to this set-up. Sometimes when Colt moved in the middle of the night he’d wake me, and I’d just lie there in his arms, unable to get back to sleep. But I never had the heart to tell him to leave me alone. He wouldn’t have listened anyway.

And deep down, I didn’t know if I’d even be able to fall asleep by myself anymore.

I closed my eyes and sighed. However, it was only then I noticed the buzzing in my ears had stopped. I silenced the thought quickly, not wanting to tempt fate and start it up again. Lying as still as I could, I waited, counting Colt’s breaths, but even when I got to fifty the headache didn’t come back. Thank God. It seemed I’d been spared the fireworks this time.

I relaxed back into Colt’s embrace, nestling myself between his chin and shoulder. Trust him to save the day, even when he was completely out of it. Then again that was probably a good thing, as he wouldn’t have anything to brag about in the morning. Much as I loved him, there were some things that did get on my nerves, and constantly reminding me how much I owed him was one of them. And I couldn’t quite quell that niggling doubt within that said he’d only become my friend because he needed to, and not because he wanted to…

My thoughts were broken as another headache erupted, and this one tore right across my skull. I whimpered, and grappled to free myself. By some stroke of luck Colt shuffled aside, loosening his grip slightly, and I buried my forehead in palms, pressing so hard I was sure I’d leave marks.

That was it. I’d had enough.

The headache must have heard me, as no sooner had I had the thought when another fierce bolt of pain shot right behind my eyes. I groaned and jerked my head back, smacking straight into Colt’s jaw. Ouch!

Colt grunted, then sighed heavily.

Oops.

“Whuss matter?” he mumbled, drawing me closer. His lips caressed my cheek, but I pulled back. It hurt.

“I…need to go to the bathroom,” I said. “Won’t be a minute.”

Colt murmured, and for a moment I thought he wouldn’t let me go, but then he finally lifted off his bulky arm and set me free. This was getting silly. I felt like a thief trying to crack a safe. Colt could be so possessive sometimes.

I drew back the covers, at once shrinking back from the cold. Colt’s warmth tempted me to draw the sheets over and nestle beside him…but my head was about ready to burst. Cold or not, I needed some air.

Or at least hefty dose of aspirin.

Slowly, I shuffled out of bed, and sat up. The change in orientation made me light-headed, and I gripped the sheets. The room went spinning, and I doubled over, clutching my belly. I thought I was going to be sick. Thankfully the nausea soon passed, but it left me breathing heavy, and I could feel sweat pouring into my top. Whoa- this wasn’t right at all. Was I coming down with something?

With one last glance to Colt, I got to my feet and padded towards the kitchen. I was so thirsty all of a sudden; my mouth was like sandpaper. As I escaped from the bedroom rug onto the wooden floorboards, though, I almost shrieked. It was like stepping onto an ice rink! My foot recoiled, and I stood there for a long while. But my running shoes were by the front door, and everything else was packed away in places I didn’t even know, as Colt was so fond of picking my clothes for me these days. I’d just have to brave it.

Wincing with every step, I headed for the kitchen. Once I reached the hall, a blast of freezing air hit me, and I shivered. I was only wearing my shorts and a teal top. I’d not realized how much the temperature dropped when the sun went down. But I’d never felt the night chill this bad before. Colt, my unofficial bed warmer, is probably the reason for that…anyway, I bet someone left a window open.

Abruptly the front door creaked, and I snapped my head towards it. The back of my neck went numb, and a sharp throb shot into my forehead. I almost cried out, but at the last second I clamped my lips together. I didn’t want to get the whole household on me. I leaned on the kitchen table, breathing slow and deep. My top was soaking now, and my arms trembled. Maybe I should go back to bed.

More slowly this time, I turned towards the door. To my surprise, it was ajar. Frowning, I stepped towards it. I never thought Callon would be so careless as to leave it unlocked. I was supposed to be in danger…wasn’t I?

The wind forced the door open further, and a pool of moonlight spilled onto my toes. The icy breeze sank into my hair, soothing the pounding in my head. The scent of the pines, too, calmed me, and lured me out to the porch.

It was a clear night; no wonder it was freezing out. A beautiful full moon hung in the velvet sky, making the dew on the truck and Jeep sparkle. I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms tight around myself. Already the pain was dying down. But soon my teeth started to chatter. I couldn’t stay out here like this.

Reluctantly, I turned to head back inside, when a flicker of movement caught my eye. I glanced back to the driveway. Soon after came the crunch of gravel, and I peered through the shadows. My heart was a little on edge, but I swallowed back my fear. It was probably just a stray animal.

I stepped back inside before my imagination ran away with me. I didn’t need to give myself nightmares. But the moment I was back in the warmth, the tempo of the headache flared up again. I grimaced. It seemed the cold was the only thing that numbed it. But if I stood outside as I was, I’d turn into a popsicle.

Hmm. I glanced around. My jacket was still hanging off the back of the dining chair, and my running shoes were by the door. If I wrapped up a bit, I’d be able to stay outside longer. So I slid on my shoes and jacket, zipped myself up tight, and returned to the porch.

This time, there was something in the middle of the driveway. And it was no animal. Well…

Callon was moon-gazing, his right fist pressed against his chest. If Colt was blessed by the sun with his blonde locks and tanned skin, then Callon was definitely the moon’s favourite. The gentle light softened his harsh jaw line and made his brown hair shimmer. On the ground, a long shadow followed his tall frame, cutting across the driveway like a cloak of darkness.

Mesmerized, I unconsciously stepped forward, and my foot scraped the dirt. Callon started and turned round. Our eyes met, and for a brief moment I felt I was looking at someone else. His gaze was filled with sadness; something I’d never seen in him before.

Before I could dwell on it, the moment passed. His cold mask slid back into place, and he returned to his perpetual frown.

“It’s past your bedtime,” he said, lowering his arm to his side. He still held his fist tightly clenched.

“Couldn’t sleep,” I answered, though I soon had to stifle a long yawn. The movement brought on another bout of pain, and I winced.

“Couldn’t, or wouldn’t?” Callon asked, stepping back towards the cabin. He stood less than an arm’s length away, scanning me from top to toe. “Another headache?”

I bristled. How the hell did he do that? It was like there was a transmitter in my brain broadcasting my thoughts to the public.

“N-No,” I managed to say, looking away. “Just wanted some fresh air.”

Callon reached out and put a finger against my scalp. I flinched, but he kept his hand firm.

“You’re a terrible liar.” He ran his fingertips over a strand of my hair.

“Stop that, it hurts!”

Callon snapped his hand back to his side.

“…I’m sorry.”

I looked up again. That sadness was back, but this time, it was directed at me. I stared into his hazel eyes, wishing I could do something to take that pained look away. He parted his lips, as if to speak, but no words came out. He wanted to tell me something, yet he was holding back for some reason. Barely realizing it, my left hand reached up and touched his cheek.

The spell broke. Callon shut his eyes and pulled away. My hand lingered in the air, before I cradled it to my chest. I really shouldn’t have expected anything more.

So why did I feel so disappointed?

“Go to bed.” Callon turned his back on me and watched the moon again.

“Why are you still up?” I asked. “Something on your mind?”

“It’s none of your business.”

I folded my arms.

“Well, excuse me for caring.” My tone was dry. “I forgot there’s nothing inside your heart except a glacier that’s yet to be introduced to the concept of global warming.”

“Ha, ha.” Callon huffed. He shifted a little to face me. “I appreciate your concern, Cheyenne, but there’s nothing you can do for me.” He put his fist in his pocket. “So don’t waste your time worrying.”

I frowned. Mr. Evasive was living up to his nickname.

“Fine.” I shrugged and made a step back to the cabin. I was too tired to deal with his games. Let him do whatever he wanted. At least my headache had settled down a bit.

But as I crossed the cabin threshold, the world suddenly went haywire. My eyes blurred, and my stomach clenched. I staggered into the door, bowled over with nausea.

“Cheyenne!”

I couldn’t see, but I heard the crackle of boots on gravel. A warm hand gripped my shoulders, keeping me upright.

“Are you alright?” Callon’s breath tickled my ear. I tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead I cried out. My head was brimming with pain, every pulse hurting more than the last. Even the moon was too bright, and I had to guard my eyes. Oh God, the pressure! My skull was going to explode!

Tears started to spill down my cheeks, and I grabbed at my head. My nails dug deep, drawing blood, but that little pinprick was nothing compared to the ravaging tempest in my head.

“Make it stop!” I begged.

Callon pulled me away from the door and hoisted me against him, protecting me from the light.

“Cheyenne, listen to me,” he instructed, rubbing my back. “Breathe slowly. Don’t fight the pain, let it wash over you. Stop trying to master it. You can’t.”

Was he insane? I drew on the last of my strength, fighting back with everything I could muster, but I wasn’t going to last long. The tears kept coming, freezing on my cheeks.

I leaned into his chest, his arms wrapped tight around me. My heart was hammering away like a crazy rock drummer, and I found it hard to stay on my feet. I was sure I was going to pass out. But Callon’s grip was secure. He held me against him, one hand on the back of my head, the other snug about my waist.

“Stay calm,” he murmured. “I’ll make it stop hurting, I promise.”

I simply nodded in answer, too sick to speak. He began to stroke my hair. I jerked back; it was still sore.

“It’ll feel worse before it gets better,” Callon whispered. “Please, trust me.”

I didn’t want to, but with my legs turned to jelly, there wasn’t any alternative. I could do nothing else but screw my eyes tight, trying to fight the urge to throw up. Everything was starting to go black. My grip around Callon loosened, and my arms went limp. Still he managed to prop me upright, never letting up on his touches. His fingers massaged the back of my head, then crept forwards, over my ear, my temple, and finally the centre of my forehead.

At long last, the pain started to ease off. The blurred spots in my vision faded, and the tingling and numbness receded. The tension ebbed from my muscles, and the sickness vanished. After several minutes, my strength returned, and I held onto him, shivering.

Callon stopped stroking me. I nuzzled his chest; I didn’t want him to stop.

“Better?”

I nodded.

“What did you do?” Whatever it was, I wanted more of it.

Callon didn’t answer. He gripped my shoulders and made me look up at him. I kept my focus on his chin. If I looked into his eyes now, I didn’t know if I’d be able to control myself.

Or if Colt would forgive me.

“You don’t look so pale now,” he commented. “Sorry you had to go through that.”

“Why are you apologizing?” I mumbled, staring at his shirt collar. “It’s not your fault I get the headaches.”

Callon sighed, and looked at his feet.

“I meant for what I said before.”

“Huh?”

Callon traced a finger over my cheek. My heart skipped a beat, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.

“There’s so much I want to tell you,” he whispered. “So much you deserve to know.”

I can hardly concentrate on his words.

“Like what?” I managed to breathe. God, I’m so close to him…and I don’t know if I dislike it all that much.

“I can’t say yet. But I will, someday.”

Frustration bubbled through my veins, and I tensed. Way to ruin the mood, Mr. Evasive.

“You always say that.” I removed my arms from him and stepped back, but he didn’t let go of me. “You can’t tease me like this, Callon. Either tell me what I need to know or stop bringing it up.” My eyes flared. “I’m tired of your constant excuses.”

Callon squeezed my shoulders, and drew me back to him. I resisted, but he was stronger, and I ended up back on his chest again.

“You’ve suffered so much loss already,” he said. “I don’t want to make things worse when you’re not ready for it.” He rested his cheek against my forehead. “Your heart’s so fragile, like glass. I don’t want to see it broken any further.”

My brows narrowed.

“Well, if that’s what you really think,” I hissed, “then you’d better not tread too close, else you might cut yourself on the shards.”

Callon blinked. His grip loosened. I turned back to him, and instantly regretted my words. His face clouded, and the mask slid back. He took his arms off me and stepped away. I bit my lip.

Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut?

“Callon, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

He wasn’t listening. He wandered back to the driveway, looking back to the moon.

“Callon! Please, I wasn’t…”

“Go back to bed, Cheyenne. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Callon…”

“Good night.”

His tone was final. I sighed; there was no point in arguing, he wouldn’t talk to me, not now. My gaze lingered as he continued to stare at the sky, before I turned away and retreated inside.

I discarded my jacket and shoes, then stumbled across to the bathroom. I doused my face with cold water, trying to wash away the terrible guilt. Callon took away my headache, and all I gave in return was that stupid comment. As much as he got on my nerves, I couldn’t deny that tonight, he’d helped me out. I shook my head. Why had I said such a thing, anyway? I really wish I didn’t get these sudden impulsive outbursts…

By the time I returned to the bedroom, Colt was standing in the doorway, arms folded. His hair was sticking up from where he’d been lying down.

“That was a long toilet break,” he said.

I shrugged, but something in his eyes told me he knew exactly where I’d been. I didn’t like that. I didn’t have much time to think on it, though, as all I could think about right now was closing my eyes. I was exhausted.

“Had a headache,” I said. Well, it wasn’t a lie. “But I’m okay now.”

Colt seemed satisfied with that explanation, and escorted me back to bed. I climbed under the covers and closed my eyes, letting him resume ‘guard duty’. I nestled against him as close as I could, wrapping my fingers in his shirt.

But the memory of Callon’s touch wouldn’t leave me, and as I drifted to sleep, I thought I could feel his hazel eyes watching me.

With the same sadness I’d seen him watch the moon…

Labor Day Sale . . .

2011-08-18T14:32:00.001-06:00

Cheyenne will be on sale over Labor Day weekend for .99 cents on ebook at Amazon. Check out some other great reads on sale too!

http://indiebookblowout.com/Indie_Book_Blowout/YA.html

Yup, I'm doing the happy dance over here . . .

2011-08-16T20:30:00.000-06:00

Oh my . . . I'm holding it in my hands and it looks soooo pretty. Cream colored paper-check, bling on the front cover-check, gutter and edge alignments fixed-check. : ) One happy camper over here! Got the new print proof today! *happy dance, happy, happy dance!*

Glenn say's he's holding out for the hardback signed copy. What an awesome guy I have!

7 Reviews on Amazon- 6 ratings giving Cheyenne 5 stars! 1 rating giving it 4 stars.

2011-08-14T21:38:00.000-06:00

Weanny (Jakarta, Indonesia)

This review is from: Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) (Kindle Edition)

I was always looking for new author so when I found out that this Cheyenne already got 4 five-stars I was curious.
They say curiosity kill a cat but in my case I found a jewel.
This is one of the can-not-put-down-til-finish kind of book and I was hooked right from the 1st page. I love this series and you can count on me to automatically buy the second one, and the next and the next!

Cheyenne Promo video

2011-08-12T17:06:00.000-06:00

This is a promo video I created for Cheyenne. I'd love to know what you think.

Someday, When I'm Famous: Interview With Author Lisa Wiedmeier (and a giveaw...

2011-08-12T08:36:00.000-06:00

Someday, When I'm Famous: Interview With Author Lisa Wiedmeier (and a giveaw...: "Welcome to the second Friday Feature installment. Let’s give a warm welcome (and many supportive comments) to Lisa L. Wiedmeier, author of ..."

Great rating and comment on Amazon!

2011-08-09T17:18:00.000-06:00

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! An original idea. My only complaint is my homework being turned in late because of it!,

August 8, 2011

This review is from: Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) (Kindle Edition)

It was a unique story with an original idea, I loved it. I couldn't put it down, and subsequently didn't get my essay written that was due today!

I will direct my Professor in your direction when his tirade begins. :)

I did have a little confusion as the different clans where being explained, but it did get easier to understand as I went along. So this very well could have just been me, and not a fault of the author. I loved the characters, and felt myself rooting for Cheyenne, laughing out loud, and feeling her heartbreak. A few scenes felt a little over-the-top, but overall it was a great read, and I felt myself wanting to know more.

In fact, I went to purchase the next book in the series as at the end of the book it says there are eight books. Where are the rest, and why can't I buy them!

How do you sum up a book in one sentence?

2011-08-08T21:11:00.001-06:00

Last week I had a conversation with my friend and fellow writer Sam. She and I were talking about the fact that a writer should be able to sum up their book in one sentence. Being the prolific writer that Sam is she tapped one out in front of me as we chatted on Messenger. I being up for the challenge as well tapped one out too.

Of course Sam insisted hers was better as she doesn't want my head to get too big, just love her for that . . .

Anyway, here’s what I came up with for Cheyenne and realized it was truly fitting for the entire Timeless Series . . . The Timeless Series Novels is the struggle with one finding themselves and reaching deeper to become what they were always meant to be.

I was proud of myself for being able to sum it up so well and then began to realize what this really meant to me. You go through life sometimes in a whirlwind and don’t take the time to slow down, we’re all guilty, and I’m guiltiest of them all. I lost touch with myself and allowed other things to drag me down.

It’s funny now that I look back at the Timeless Series and see how this story is truly about what I had to go through to find myself again. Now granted I’m not my character Cheyenne, I don’t have bulky gorgeous men hanging off or fawning over me. I’m not part of a lost line of royal people and I surely don’t have powers . . . we’ll maybe as my icy stare has been known to freeze people in place . . .

Anyway, what I am saying is that through writing these novels I found the Lisa that had been hidden beneath all the rumble of my life and I found happiness once more.

Most people around me wouldn’t have known what I was hiding for years; they knew I changed, but unsure why. It’s only those closest to me, those who have stuck by me through thick and thin that got to see the before and after . . . and they like the after as much as they liked the before.

I have it in my hands . . .

2011-07-24T20:49:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it's official now as I am holding my copy of Cheyenne in my hands! I can't believe it! In just a few short weeks it will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

Exactly one week ago . . .

2011-07-22T13:47:00.000-06:00

So exactly one week ago today, I released Cheyenne on ebook to the world and have managed to:

Sell 40 copies
Order the print proof
Lose clumps of hair from all the formatting (don't worry it's filling in nicely now)
Buy a pair of cowboy boots for a photo shoot I'm supposed to have as I'm being featured in the Meridian Life Magazine for "local authors"
Wondered how I'm going to explain new cowboy boots to my other half and bring it about as a write off
Wondering if my other half will notice that boots will never show up in said photo shoot . . .
Pondering what else I can get away with since the boots will be the biggest blow and he won't notice other clothing items purchased for photo shoot . . .
Wondering if I should give him his birthday present a month early to help elevate the blow from said cowboy boots . . .
Seriously considering just leaving a note with purchase and saying I'll come home when he's not so upset about cowboy boots purchase . . .

33 is the number of the day!

2011-07-21T11:02:00.001-06:00

Thrity-three ebook copies of Cheyenne sold to date! Every little step takes me forward!

Printed copy of Proof on it's way . . .

2011-07-19T19:37:00.001-06:00

Printed proof copy should be arriving Monday . . . *yet another happy dance* :P

Cheyenne--Now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Amazon UK & DE

2011-07-17T19:15:00.000-06:00

Cheyenne is now available for ebook purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Amazon UK & DE!

Print copy should be available around August 15th.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005CLHGQS

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLHGQS

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CLHGQS

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cheyenne-lisa-wiedmeier/1104288073

It is done . . . Cheyenne should be available July 15th on Amazon and Barnes & Noble via ebook

2011-07-14T09:37:00.000-06:00

Yup, I guess I can say it's official now. I have uploaded the ebooks to both Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Cheyenne should be available for purchase on Friday the 15th. I'm crossing my fingers with the formatting as it's hard to truly see it before it's up for sale.

The paperback will probably be available around August 15th. Here's what the cover will look like . . .

It's almost here . . . Cheyenne is due out on July 15th in ebook!

2011-07-13T14:13:00.001-06:00

The day's are ticking down . . . the 15th is looming. : ) Cheyenne should be read for ebook release on Friday if all goes as planned. The print copy will take a few weeks before it's gone through the proofing process.

Only the strong survive . . .

2011-07-06T23:22:00.000-06:00

Amazingly enough, I have made it through the first pass of editing Cheyenne upon her return from the copy editor.

My hair is in clumps on the floor, the children are hiding, my husband has informed me he has to work lots of hours and even Mandi, my yellow lab, won't come into the bedroom.

One more pass through and all will be good. Almost there--and soon she'll be released on ebook. : ) Oh happy day!

I've just added . . .

2011-06-28T13:19:00.000-06:00

I've just added timelessseriesnovels.com to my domain lisawiedmeier.com. Wiedmeier is just too hard to spell! They say it will be working in a few days.

The blue cover is it!

2011-06-15T22:20:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all who have given their opinion on the covers. The blues have it!

Another question . . . input needed : )

2011-06-14T17:21:00.001-06:00

Okay, another question has arisen and I need input once again (I know twice in one day).

A comment has come up and now that I think about it I'm not sure . . . should it be named:

A Timeless Series Novel or A Timeless Novel?

Is the word series really just repeating what is already known?

New book cover design--your input needed

2011-06-14T16:00:00.000-06:00

Option #1

Option #2

This is what the other books in this branding would look like.

Option #3

So I'm trying to brand the Timeless series. I've got at least three different options on which to go. Which do you like best?

I'm related to Santa Clause . . .

2011-06-12T10:32:00.000-06:00

Okay, so my friend Sam doesn't believe me that I'm immortal. I'm proving her wrong right here and now . . . I'm related to Santa Clause--that should about do it!

It came from out of nowhere . . .

2011-06-02T17:06:00.000-06:00

It came from out of nowhere--I can honestly say that.

By advice from a friend on Authonomy, I posted all eight books of the Timeless Series (first chapter only), and a new series I'm working on The Gate on a site called Night Reading (http://nightreading.ning.com/profile/LisaWiedmeier).

Okay, so most of you know the Timeless Series is complete with eight books, the ninth still in the works, The Gate only has two chapters in the first book written, anyway . . .

So Night has a monthly poll where the members can chose which books will be published with Night Publishing (a part of Night Reading), The Gate was chosen to be on May's poll. Great, right? OF COURSE, however, I never expected such an outpouring of support from my friends on Authonomy to get me voted in as the WINNER! Yes, you heard me THE WINNER!

What does this mean??? It means that Night Publishing will be providing me with an offer to publish The Gate -- MY UNFINISHED BOOK! How crazy is that?

So, with that said, I will be spending the next six to eight weeks writing, completing my novel and submitting it to Night Publishing for their final approval.

So when I say it came from out of nowhere--IT DID!

Amazon/Kindle

2011-06-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

A very interesting article I cam across regarding the ebook publishing industry and beyond now. Here's the link: http://www.observer.com/2011/daily-transom/amazons-next-play-internet-giant-deals-itself-new-york-publishing-game

Times are a changing . . .

Just got word . . .

2011-05-31T13:55:00.001-06:00

Just got word that the copy editor finished her first run on Cheyenne and only questioned me on a couple items . . . expected completion date is June 13th or sooner--What a bday present for me!

Just an update . . .

2011-05-22T17:18:00.000-06:00

Just an update that as of Monday, Cheyenne will be with the copy editor for the next month! What a relief to know that she's finally moving forward. My friend, Sam, who now I owe my first and second children, a trillion dollars, a book tour trip, and signed copies of all 8 books, PLUS a dedication, has been extremely helpful in filling in those holes. You're the greatest, Sam, I mean it.

Come mid-July, I'm moving forward with e-publishing and will keep everyone posted as to the "official" release date.

How far we've come in two years.

Cheyenne - Chapter One

2011-05-09T15:24:00.000-06:00

If I could have looked into the future to see what I would become,

I wouldn’t have become the person I was always meant to be. ~lw

Chapter 1

The warm breeze caressed my cheeks, and I sighed. The sun was filtering through the forty-foot pines that surrounded our home, casting sunshine smiles. At least, that’s what Mom called them when I was young. She said the sun did this to spread its happiness throughout the forest. I smiled; she had a unique way of painting the world to a four-year old.

A large glop of soap dropped on my head followed by a sprinkling of water. I fell back on my hands and the car mitt I was using to wash the wheels of my Jeep became encased with gravel from my driveway. I knew who the culprit was.

“Colt, behave yourself!” I shook my head as I rose to my feet. He was being especially devious today for some reason. Our eyes locked, blue on blue. His bulky fingers were wrapped around the hose sprayer as if it were the trigger of a gun. “Don’t even think about it,” I said firmly as a glint formed in his eyes. He wanted to see how far he could push my patience.

“And what if it just accidently happens, Cheyenne?” A sly grin formed on his lips.

“Then you will find out what payback means.” I fought to provide a firm tone to reprimand. He knew as well as I did that I could probably never pay him back. But it was worth a shot as he stood and stared me down for a few long moments. He pressed the trigger on the hose sprayer and proceeded to rinse the remaining soap off of the roof of my Jeep.

Looking at the mitt in my hand, I began to pluck off the gravel. Moments later, I gave up and walked alongside raising my mitt and watched him grin.

“You just can’t keep anything clean can you?” he said as I rolled my eyes. He knew that he was the one who caused the problem, but yet felt the need to tease me—tease me just about everything.

“Just rinse it off for me, please. I can’t wash my car with gravel.” I extended my arm, and he turned the sprayer on full blast. I cringed as the rock fragments flew off, and the water coated the front of my shirt as well as my jeans.

“Oops.” A hardy chuckle followed.

Gradually and calculatingly, I raised my eyes up to his and narrowed them. “Oops?” I questioned.

“Oops,” he replied as he raised his brows trying hard not to laugh.

I lunged for the hose. We were both laughing and wrestling for control of the trigger. I knew that I was no match for him. He was enormous in comparison to my frame of five foot five. He was around six four, stocky and should have played football. He should have done a lot of other things rather than become my best friend.

Running around the side of the Jeep, I grabbed the bucket of soapy water. He was right behind me. I managed to swing it in his direction, and the water lurched out, hitting him square in the chest. I burst into a loud cackle. He didn’t slow, as he lifted me from the ground and carried me to the grass in my front yard.

“Oh, you will pay for that one!” he said as he proceeded to tickle me.

“Stop! You’ll make me pee my pants!” I screeched.

He continued on with his tickling. “I’d like to see that!”

“Colt!” I pleaded as eventually he stopped and sat next to me, both of us catching our breaths. “I’m soaked you know,” I said through my smile. He looked down and grinned.

“Yes you are.” He sighed and lowered himself to his back, as we both lay and looked up through the trees. We were lying in a patch of sunshine and the sun heated us nicely. It had been an unusually warm spring so far. Today was the start of spring break for us. He had come over to help me wash my car before I was to leave for a week long camping trip with my parents.

“Are you sure you can’t come with us?” I rolled to my side to get a better look at him. This was one of the few times I could see eye to eye. He had come on quite a few camping trips with us over the last year and a half. My adoptive parents, Gene and Alexis, loved him. Often they would invite him without even telling me.

“I would if I could, but I already told you that I’m going away for the week.”

“You’ve said you were going away, but you haven’t told me where.” I began to fiddle with a blade of grass between my fingers, somewhat annoyed that he wouldn’t tell me his vacation plans. What was the big deal?

“It’s not important. I’ll be back Sunday. You should be home by then. I’ll come over as soon as I can.” He picked up a small twig and tapped my blade of grass with it. “You can call or text if you have service.” He was trying to ease my irritation.

“So, why is it that you’re my friend again? You should be playing football and dating the head cheerleader or something else, but instead you are here tormenting me and supposedly helping wash my car.” Sarcasm riddling my words, if he could be troublesome in one way then I could be troublesome in another.

“I’ve been wondering about that myself.” He began tapping his finger to his temple, pretending to be deep in thought. A lock of his blonde hair tumble forward and I giggled. “Let’s see, I’m your friend because we get along so well, for starters. You’re not like any typical girl I’ve been around . . . hmm, as for football, I already told you I’ve received too many concussions, so I can’t play anymore. And as for the head cheerleader,” he snorted. “Who needs that headache?” He tilted his chin down. “Does that work for you?”

“I suppose that will have to do,” I rolled my eyes.

He soared over me, as he began his tickling assault again. “Stop!” I bellowed with little success. He eventually relented and helped me to my feet. The afternoon had waned, and we began cleaning up the mess. I took the bucket and the cleaning mitt to the front porch while he wound up the hose.

“You have to get going, don’t you?” I frowned slightly as my long blonde hair drifted in the breeze disrupting my sight of Colt. I tucked it behind my ears.

“Yeah, I have a flight to catch.” He sounded disappointed. “Your parents are due home about six, right?”

“Yeah. My Dad’s plane came in about an hour ago. They were supposed to stop and get my Mom a new cell phone and talk to them about the service up here. It’s been hit or miss lately. The error code comes up as network problems.” I paused as I looked out into the forest surrounding our home. My eyes caught sight of a dark shadow that moved so quickly that had I blinked I would have missed it. I stared trying to determine if it was real. I was getting a trivial headache, maybe it was just dark blotches in my vision . . .

“Cheyenne?” he said quietly and brought my attention back to our conversation as his fingers touched my arm.

I looked up. “After that they will be home, and thanks to your help; I already have the camping gear lined up in the hallway. They wanted to leave tonight.”

He glanced at his watch, his gaze reflecting the reluctance to depart. For just being my friend, he was a little on the protective side. I guessed it’s just a guy thing.

How I had gotten so lucky to have him as a friend, I wasn’t quite sure. It was the start of my junior year when he began hanging out with me. He said he was lost when he came into the first class looking a little bewildered. He asked for my help and, being a nice person, I complied. We found out that we had all the same classes together. At the time I thought it was strange, but said nothing. He was easy to get along with and I didn’t mind the company. Pretty soon, we were always together, and after he met my parents, they started inviting him to everything.

“Come on,” I took hold of his arm. “You need to go. I will be fine.” I walked with him to his motorcycle. He had been excited to have it out recently with the nicer weather. It was unusual for us, being in northern Idaho a mountainous region. The spring temperatures were warmer than expected. I wasn’t complaining. He mounted his bike, and I stood a few feet away as he started it.

“You know for someone who has had too many concussions, you really should be wearing a helmet.”

He didn’t reply, but just grinned and I shook my head. I stepped closer to remove the few leaves I saw stuck in his tousled hair. He very slowly and intentionally gave me a hug. I inhaled slightly, his musky scent filling my head as his arms tightened. It’s not that it was unlike him to do this; however, it was just the way he did it, and it set my senses on high alert. He drew back and placed a warm kiss on my cheek, near my ear, lingering as his breath caused my pulse to beat faster.

“Miss you already, Cheyenne.”

I swallowed hard and stepped back. “Same here,” I replied in a choked voice, and I swore that I heard him chuckle under his breath. Revving the engine, he smiled.

“I’ll see you next Sunday.”

I watched as he rode off down our long gravel driveway and disappear into the surrounding pine trees lining the highway. I took a deep breath. I wasn’t sure what to make of all it—his hug and lingering touch.

The warm breeze touched my skin again and caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end, but it wasn’t from being cold. I turned and looked into the forest surrounding my home trying to shake off the feeling of someone watching me, a shadow constantly looming—like the shadow I seemingly saw earlier. I always felt safe when Colt or my parents were around, but when they were gone, it was a different story. I didn’t dare tell them. I didn’t need them to think I was paranoid.

I quickly entered the house.

Colt was pretty much my only friend. We had moved a lot over the years, and this was the longest that we had stayed in any one location, Sagle, Idaho. It was going on three years. Relocating so much made it difficult to get close enough to anyone. I always had it in the back of my mind that we wouldn’t be around. Colt and I were due to graduate in May, but my parents had been acting weird again. This was usually the sign of an impending move.

Plopping down on the couch in the living room, I stared at the sleeping bags, camp stove and miscellaneous equipment. We were going camping again. It’s not that I really minded going camping with my Mom and Dad, but I just would have rather spent spring break in a tropical location for a change. I wanted to return with a great tan. I wanted the sun to give my hair more blonde streaks. I wanted brag to Colt about my skin being darker than his when I came back. Torture and tease him, just a little, as he always did to me. I smiled to myself. We always had fun together. He always knew how to brighten my day.

My parents were excited about this trip. They had been planning it for months, and the warm weather was a bonus. It didn’t matter what the weather conditions were for them; they were not intimidated in the least. I can’t say I felt the same way. My parents were excited to get away, to have time to talk. They had mentioned that there was something they wanted to discuss with me. My Mom wouldn’t give me any hints, but she said that I was old enough to know and understand. I was an only child. They adopted me as an infant as they were unable to have children of their own. Did it have to do with my birth parents?

My phone vibrated, it was my Mom. “We’re running late. Be home soon.” The text read.

I replied, “K. See you soon.” I hit the send button and “network error” displayed. Argh! It was becoming quite a nuisance anymore. Apparently, they hadn’t stopped to get it fixed yet. I would have called, but when it gave that display, nothing would go through. We didn’t have a land line anymore, only cell phones.

My stomach growled. I glanced at the clock and it was after five thirty. Grabbing a yogurt and bottle of water from the kitchen, I then rummaged through the pantry for some granola bars. I waited patiently for them to arrive.

Seven o’clock rolled around and they still weren’t home. I was starting to grow anxious. Because we lived on the outskirts of town, larger communities with airport facilities were at least an hour and half away. It took me over half an hour to get to school. I began pacing the floor. Another fifteen minutes passed, and I picked up my phone again texting both my Mom and Dad.

“Where are you? You said late, but how late?” I hit send, and there was no error message this time. I took a deep breath and waited. My Mom was usually really quick with her replies—she never kept me hanging. Five minutes passed and nothing. I dialed her number. Thankfully it rang, but it went straight to her voicemail.

“Mom, where are you? I’m getting really worried. Call me.” I hung up and immediately dialed my Dad’s number. It also went to his voicemail. “Dad, what’s going on? I thought you would already be home. Please call me. I just want to make sure everything is alright.” I pressed end and waited.

I waited as my heart rate began to increase. Something wasn’t right, and I felt it down to my bones. The computer! I ran to my laptop and immediately began searching the internet for any recent news regarding road conditions or accidents. My imagination was starting to run out of control. They were just delayed because of some road construction, or maybe, there was an accident on the highway and they weren’t able to get around it. If I was having network errors, then what was there to say they weren’t also? Maybe they were in a bad zone and couldn’t receive my texts or voicemail. They would be calling any minute. I was sure of it.

The internet and television provided no information. My shaking hand hit the off button on the remote. I glanced at the clock hanging above the antique desk in the corner of the living room. It was now ten p.m. My head jerked to the sound of tires on the gravel drive and then a car door closing. Relief washed over me, and I headed towards the front door.

Pulling it open, I saw something that I wasn’t expecting.

“Cheyenne Wilson?” a warm deep voice said as he stepped up on the porch and into the light. It was the local sheriff, Sheriff Taylor. I had met him a couple times with my parents while in town.

“Yes?” I held onto the doorframe to steady myself.

“I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Sheriff Taylor.”

“Yes,” I replied with a shaky voice. “I remember you.”

Hesitating, he took a step closer. His brows creased and jaw tightened. Holding his hat with both of his hands, his fingers where white from pressing so hard. “May I come in? I need to talk with you.”

Blinking, my breaths grew heavier. Why was he here? “S-sure,” I replied and stepped further into the hall. I swallowed hard. “Watch your step. My parents and I are going camping this next week. I have all the gear out in the hallway.” I tried to remain calm as I said it, tried to distract myself from thinking about the real reason why he had come.

Nodding, he walked into the living room. I slowly closed the door and followed. He had turned towards me and was waiting.

“Can we sit?”

Numbly, I walked to the couch as he sat on the coffee table in front of me. “W-what’s going on?” Suddenly I was trembling, waiting in anticipation.

“Cheyenne,” he said softly, as he set his hat on the table next to him. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.”

Everything froze in place when he said those words. I didn’t breathe. I didn’t blink or swallow.

“There was a terrible accident, and your parents, Gene and Alexis, were involved.” He paused as his warm hazel eyes searched mine. “I’m sorry, they didn’t survive.”

The tears began to stream down my cheeks and I couldn’t move, all I could hear was the ringing in my ears along with the words “they didn’t survive.”

“Cheyenne?” His face grew pale, and his hands locked on my arms. I felt my eyes roll to the back of my head, and I tumbled over. My parents were gone—gone! They were in an accident, and they didn’t survive! I should have gone with them. Why did my Mom insist on me staying at home? I should have been there with them. Why didn’t I tell them that I loved them before they left? I had said it when I was little, but it had been years since I told them . . . said those three words. I love you. For some reason we just stopped saying it. My heart was cracking, and the pressure was pushing me down.

I felt so numb.

I took a deep breath and a cool washcloth touched my forehead. He was speaking quietly on his phone. “Joni, I think you need to come by the Wilson’s place. Cheyenne passed out when I told her. I’d feel better, if you came. I’m not sure what to do for her.” He paused. “Okay, see you in a few.”

Forcing my weak lids open, I watched him bend down in front of me. “Cheyenne, my wife Joni is coming. She’s a nurse, and I want her to check you out. She’ll be here shortly. I need you to just stay still and rest. I’ll be right back, I’m going to get you a glass of water.”

I nodded and closed my eyes as I heard him in the kitchen. Quickly returning, he placed the water on the table before me. Vaguely aware of his presence, I stared out the small window as he paced the floor. This had to be a mistake, they’d be arriving soon and clear this whole mess up.

“Cheyenne?” his rough voice said, but I didn’t reply as he leaned down again and touched my arm. I was breathing, but barely.

Headlights broke the darkness—Joni had arrive. He went to the door and his wife made a direct beeline for me. She asked me a few questions as I drank some water. I managed to compose myself enough to answer her questions. Moving to the couch beside me, she sat holding my hand as Sheriff Taylor began contemplating his next move.

“You’re alone out here, is that right?” He was pacing the floor as his stubby hand began running through his thinning brown hair.

“Yes.”

He took a deep breath. “I’d like you to consider coming into town with us until we can locate some additional family for you.”

Now, I was the one who took a deep breath. I just wanted to be alone. “I don’t have any additional family. Gene and Alexis were my adoptive parents. My birth parents were killed when I was a small child.” I was surprised by my answer, as I had managed to say the words in a fairly calm level tone.

He just blinked then they exchanged glance as Joni squeezed my fingers. “I’m sorry, I never knew you were adopted,” she said softly.

“It’s alright; not many do. I don’t remember them.”

“What about any aunts, uncles, grandparents that you know about?”

“My parents didn’t have any family left. It was just the three of us.” His eyes saddened. He was hesitating and he didn’t know what to say. “I’m eighteen, and technically I don’t require a guardian,” I said faintly. “I would really like to be alone if you don’t mind.” I needed to get them out of the house. I may have given them the impression that I was tough, but on the inside, I was crumbling away with every passing moment.

“I’d really like for you to come with us regardless. I don’t think it would be . . .”

I cut him off as I stood, touching his arm. “I will be fine. I’m quite used to being able to take care of myself.”

We both stood and stared at one another. Moments passed before he replied, “I’ll be back out tomorrow to check on you.” They turned and started walking away only to have him turn around again. “Do you have a friend you can call?”

“Yes. I will call him as soon as you leave.”

“Will he be able to come over?”

“I don’t know, but I will call.”

“Who?” His chin lifted and his jaw firmed.

“Colt O’Shea; he’s a friend from school.”

“Colt O’Shea,” he repeated pulling the face from his memory. “The tall blonde kid?”

“Yes.” I would contact Colt, as soon as he left, but I didn’t know how soon he would be able to come. I was assuming that he was already on his way out of town.

He nodded and took Joni’s arm as they walked towards the front door. “I’ll be back out tomorrow afternoon. Call me if you need anything.” I nodded. He had left his business card on the table.

Standing in the doorway, I watched them enter their separate cars and drive down the long driveway. My strength faded with every passing second. I closed the door and bolted it behind me. I collapsed to the floor, still holding the doorknob in my hand and began to sob. My heart was aching and every part of my being was crying out—screaming out for them to return to me. All the words I should have said, all the love I should have shown. The three words that I would forever regret not saying . . . I love you.

My world was crashing down around me, and the weight of the situation was filling me. I was alone now—I had no one else. Such a short amount of time that I had with them, only eighteen years.

I stared out at the equipment that was loitering the small hall, and time had no meaning as the torrent of tears finally subsided. My cheek was resting on the cold hard wood flooring, and my phone was still sitting on the end table by the couch. We were supposed to leave tonight . . . I would never have another minute with them and never have another day to share.

Crawling to the end table, I picked up the phone. I knew I would not be able to compose myself enough to talk to Colt so I would have to text. “My parents were in an accident; they’re never coming home.” I hit send and waited. My heart sunk into further despair as the network error message displayed across my screen. I dropped the phone and began to weep.

I managed to drag myself to my bed; the night was long and a never-ending deluge of tears and emotions flowed through me. The crying came in uncontrollable bouts, but somehow sleep found me and took away the pain. It was only temporary, as when I woke in the morning I realized it wasn’t a dream. It was real. My parents were gone from my life—forever.