Tuesday Tidbits: Baby bird rescue, garden/harvest news + +

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Carol Burnside / Annie Rayburn

Big happenings on the homefront yesterday and today.

Nesting Phoebe update: Mama Phoebe has been diligent in her efforts to keep her babies fed. I had no idea they were big enough to leave the nest, yet only one remained in it this morning. I took a flash pic of the little tyke and it startled and tried to fly! Crash-landed on my deck, sat there awhile, flutter-hopped its way over to the bistro set, tried unsuccessfully to fly to the bottom rung of the chairs. No go. Mama and Daddy Phoebe flew in, chirped encouragement from the chair backs then retreated a bit farther off.

I got a close-up before he tried flying again. Little dude (or dudette) doesn’t look before he leaps, went right into the pool. I fished him out only to have him hop right out of my hand and back into the pool! Fished him out again, this time with a better hold. Ended up putting him back into the nest where he occasionally perches on the edge, then retreats to safety and accepts the yummy worm and bug treats the parents bring in. Maybe tomorrow he’ll be strong enough to try again.

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Garden Update: If you caught the last garden post with pics, you’ll be amazed to see its current state. Growth explosion, and along with it, more harvest. Yesterday’s take? 12.1 pounds of cucumbers. I believe I see pickle preparation in my future.

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Yesterday, I posted a short excerpt from Bittersweet Obsessions and would love to hear your comments/reactions to it, so feel free.

Posted in Books, Carol Burnside, Everyday blather, Here at home, Pics, Promo, Tues Tidbits | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

A Btrswt O’s teaser

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Annie Rayburn/Carol Burnside

“I should go.”

Teriza absorbed the quiet sound of Paul’s voice, but startled as the oven timer beeped. “Dinner’s ready.”

“It smells delicious, but we both know it’s best if I don’t stay.”

She couldn’t step out on a limb with Paul. Not yet. This was too new. She needed time to think rationally, if her body would allow her that luxury. Such thinking wouldn’t be possible with him so close. Even knowing that, there was a part of her that wanted to stake her claim on him.

Instead of skirting the counter to leave the kitchen area, he chose to pass by her. Gaze locked on hers, Paul drew close, then closer still. One second more and he would pass her. He made a slight shift and Teriza’s hand shot out, her fingers clamping over his wrist. The action was motivated from an instinct she couldn’t trust. Having found and lost her life-mate so recently, this could merely be a manifestation of her fear of being alone, of not ever having a family of her own.

Paul hooked one finger inside her sleeve and tugged twice, asking her to close the distance between them. His gaze smoldered, but he didn’t make a move. Teriza looked away, released him and a chill stole through her chest. Another sign? She took a baby step forward, testing her body’s reaction. Paul remained still. Teriza inched forward until her breasts were dangerously close to brushing his chest when he inhaled. She lifted one hand, letting her fingertips skim over his sweater-covered bicep, up, up over his shoulder.

‘Teriza.’

Her name whispered along raw nerve endings. Raising her gaze to his face she saw the tightly clenched jaw, the warning in his eyes. She was toying with an open flame.

For both their sakes she had to let him go. For now.

Dropping her hand, Teriza took a step back and knew physical pain when Paul closed his eyes and shuddered. She turned away, lest he see her indecision. A slight movement of air preceded muffled footsteps, then the front door opened and closed.

Only then did Teriza release the breath she held and take note of the trembling. The ache. Not just for sex—though that was indisputably present—but for Paul and the closeness, the serendipitous connection of a kindred spirit she felt when he was near.

If only she could trust that what was between them would last.

(Bittersweet Obsessions © 2011 by Annie Rayburn)

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E-book available for purchase now.

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Reactions? Comments? I’d love your feedback.

Posted in Annie Rayburn, Books, Everyday blather, Excerpts, Promo | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Here and there…

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Annie Rayburn/Carol Burnside

Today I’m blogging at my group blog, Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. I’ve titled it Complications and Solutions. Come on over and see what kind of complication I came up against and how I found the solution.

Posted in Annie Rayburn, Carol Burnside, Everyday blather, Free Stuff, Going Places | Tagged | Comments Off on Here and there…