Friday & Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop

It's Good Friday and its also time for the Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop.  We've got much to get through today so I'll do my best to be brief.  First off many people are celebrating Good Friday today (myself included) which I find kind of funny since I feel like every Friday is good.  That said, I'd like to get to my Friday Funny first...

Friday Funny - Peep Show
Bahahhaa!  I'm not sure if you can see the detail on this, but this is funny as hell!

The Healthy Writers Club

Thank you Shallee McArthur for another week of HWC.  I have two words that describe my progress with working out this week:  Spring Break.  My kids had off this week and although they had their Dad to hang with, it felt like I could barely get into the gym.  I've made it only three times this week and will shoot for a fourth over the weekend.  That's a must since it's Easter and I want my damn Cadbury egg! Mmmmm. YUM!

Friday with Fred

Fred's chill'n in my son's room.  Try not to step on a lego, Fred!  Spike is doing well except with the potty-training thing.  Yeah, that part sucks about puppies.  

Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop

I'll keep it simple. I'm giving away to one (1) lucky winner a free $10 Amazon gift card.  My Free Sh** Fairy and I agreed that you can't go wrong with an easy-peasy GC like that.

And if you're also interested, I have another giveaway for Donna Galanti's THE DARK INSIDE that I'm running until 3/31 eod, so click here for details.

To enter my Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop...
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form.

Extra entries
+2 Like me on Facebook/AuthorMinaBurrows

+2 Adding me in  your circle on GooglePlus/MinaBurrows

+1 if you Retweet this on Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway starts at 12:01 AM EST on Friday, March 29th and runs through April 5th midnight. Contest is open to International participants.

Check out who else is participating. Visit http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/ and hop on by.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for participating!  Enjoy your Easter!

Mina B.

Book Review & Giveaway: THE DARK INSIDE by Donna Galanti

Today I'm reviewing Donna Galanti's The Dark Inside, a series of short stories that are dark, seductive and incredibly disturbing ...just the way I like it.  Donna released The Dark Inside not too long ago and  the second I read it, I was immediately sucked into her wicked and imaginative mind.  Last year, I had the pleasure of reviewing  A HUMAN ELEMENT  and I was instantly a fan.  Galanti is an amazing descriptive writer who can easily create suspenseful tales that are page turners.  I love that about her.  There were so many times when I read these tales where I thought, Oh I wonder if she will create an entire novel on that tale.  Who knows?  According to Donna, she's planning a sequel to A HUMAN ELEMENT and THE DARK INSIDE is for fans like me who need a filler of her dark tales.  The book is available via Kindle for only $.99 so that's an insane bargain for such an awesome book.  See the book description below for more details:

ABOUT THE DARK INSIDE:  Heartbreak, danger, lust, and betrayal blaze to life in this collection of stories that reveal the dark places hidden within us. When what you most desire is on the line how far will you go to get it, and what will you give up?
- A young man desperate to leave a world that doesn’t accept him–and a father who hates him.
- A tormented man imprisoned as a science experiment experiences love for the first time.
- A secret agent gives in to his carnal desires and risks exposing the one secret he wants to keep.
- A college freshman betrayed by her lover takes matters into her own hands.
- A young girl is determined not to suffer at the hands of her molester anymore.
- A sadistic leader who thrives on mind control leads his people into a new life.
- A teen seeks escape from his abusive foster father and faces a life-or-death situation to survive.

They must either fight the dark inside or embrace it.  Which will they choose?

Bio:  Donna Galanti writes adult suspense and middle grade fiction. She is an International Thriller Writers Debut Author of the paranormal suspense novel A HUMAN ELEMENT. She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. Donna dreamed of being a writer when she fell in love with the worlds of Narnia and Roald Dahl attending school in a magical English castle where her imagination ran wild in an itchy uniform (bowling hat and tie included). She now lives in Pennsylvania with her family in an old farmhouse. It has lots of writing nooks, fireplaces and stink bugs, but she’s still wishing for a castle again. Visit her at www.donnagalanti.com.

Author of the paranormal suspense novel A HUMAN ELEMENT. She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer.

You can also find Donna on FaceBook, Twitter and GoodReads

And a GIVEAWAY too!  Wahoo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How awesome is that?  Enter to win today and share the news with your friends too!

Mina B.

Friday Funny: I miss Buffy!

Happy Friday!  Okay so you know what a big Buffy fan I am, right?  I found this Buffy/Twilight meme and had a good chuckle.  I really do miss Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I loved that show.  I get a kick out these funny memes comparing the two.  Flipp'n hilarious.        

Remember this episode with the mayor?  #love

 

The Healthy Writers Club

Shallee McArthur meme, The Healthy Writers Club, is here today!  Since I was sick last week, I missed out.  Anyway, this week was rough.  I felt like I earned every drop of sweat.  My legs felt like they had cinder blocks attached to them.  That's what happens when you don't work out for a week.  Still, I rallied and stuck to my schedule of four times a week.  I ran about 10+ miles this week and used some other machines too.  I'm feeling way more healthier than last week.  Whew!  

Fridays with Fred...and Spike?

Fred gets a friend!  Meet Spike!  I don't have any pictures of Fred and him yet.  I think Fred's still adjusting to his new shadow.  Don't worry about Fred.  He's still top dog and there is plenty of love to go around.  Spike was a surprise gift from my husband and my kids and I are enjoying every minute.  What do you think?  You like his name?  I can't help it.  I'm a die-hard Buffy fan.        

Be sure and stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

Ninja Captain Alex's Top 10 Movie Countdown

Ninja Captain Alex's Top 10 Movie Countdown Blogfest is here.  I had a blast  putting this list together.  My criteria for choosing these flicks were simple.  These are ones that I've watched at least a half a dozen times (some a ridiculous amount more) and probably many that I could recite lines to.  I chose a mix of classic, dramas, suspense-thrillers, fantasy and comedy.  I hope you enjoy my list.  Are any of these your favorites too?   

Want to see who else is participating in this blogfest?  Visit Alex's blog to check out some of our other blogger buddy favorites.

My Top 10 - In no particular order...

Gone with the Wind
This has to be one of my favorite classic scenes of all time. The lines are wonderfully written and beautifully delivered. Scarlet: "Sir, you are no gentleman." Rhett: "And you miss, are no lady."

A Few Good Men 
I love this scene. I've probably seen this move a hundred times. "Should we or should we not follow the advice of the galactically stupid!" I know there are a ton of haters out there, but I still love Tom Cruise.

No Way Out
A classic mystery-suspense film about romance, politics, murder and espionage.  If you ever get a chance, watch this.  It's a fast-paced thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat with so many twists you'll be saying oh sh** and damn until the very end.  

Underworld
This movie made the war of vampires and werewolves an international phenomenon and box office smash.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2
One of my recent favorites.  

Old School
Love Frank the Tank.  "You're crazy man."

Naked Gun

Caddyshack"Gunga Galunga."

Scary Movie 2
I think Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie a 2. For me, it's so bad it's good. Warning, this scene is a bit explicit.

A Christmas Vacation

This movie has been around since the late 80's and it's still funny as hell.  

That's it.  Whew! That was fun.

Have a great week.

Mina B.

Friday - Saint Patty's Day Weekend

I apologize for not posting or visiting my blogger buddies this week.  The flu bug I picked up from my son turned out to be a heck of a virus.  With the weekend almost here, I'm finally feeling much better.  Man, that one really kicked my rear.  It's perfect timing since Saint Patrick's Day is this weekend!  Does anyone have any plans?  Are you a fan of green beer?  What about being pinched?  Do you wear green that day or do you not really care?  Me?  I always loved this saying:  "There are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were."  

Friday Funnies

Vampire Bill looks a bit like a wee leprechaun, huh?

Walking Dead on St. Patty's Day:  "Must...have...green...beer."

This has nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day, but I thought it was funny since its Friday.

Cute, huh?  And that Irish one looks a bit like Fred.

Fridays with Fred

Speaking of Fred, I took this shot of Fred twitching his nose.  Have you ever seen a dog do that?  So silly.  I love this crazy pooch.

Be sure and stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Happy Saint's Patrick's Day.

Mina B.

Hilarious Friday!

Okay so this week was a wash for me so thank god it's Friday!  Anyway, I found this and just had to laugh.  Are you a Downton Abbey fan?  I watched the first three seasons and was hooked.   I adore Maggie Smith and her portrayal of Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham is pure brilliance.  I wish she was in every scene because for me, she makes the show.  Season three's finale was a disappointment.  Seeing this comic strip put it into perspective for me.

Video Friday
I'm sure by now you've seen Sweet Brown's "Ain't no body got time for that" memes plastering the web.  Well, here's the original video clip plus the remix.  You may have already seen this but seriously I had to share this video.  I nearly had me in stitches. 

The Healthy Writers Club

Shallee McArthur created this weekly meme which I normally would have more to report, but this week I'm having to shift things around since my family has been sick with the flu.  I had it too but not as much as my little guy.  Things like this nearly always kill the momentum but what can I do?  Not a lot.  I ran about 6 miles so far and hit some other machines early on in the week.  That's it, but I'll try to get to the gym tomorrow and Sunday. *sigh*    

Fridays with Fred

Fred likes to run out the front door and check out the front yard.  On this day I caught him sitting enjoying the sun.  He's a happy dog. :)

Be sure and stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

ISWG: Your Mind Does Matter

Insecure Writers Support Group is finally here.  I feel like a need it too. *sigh*  Before I get started with my latest insecurities, I have to thank Alex for creating and hosting this monthly meme. I also want to thank Alex's co-hosts, Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler!  Be sure and visit these folks because they rock too.


Today I'm a bit frustrated.  Lately I've had so many other life challenges that I'm finding it hard to stay motivated.  It feels like one step forward two steps back right now.  Additionally, I'm noticing negative thoughts are resurfacing which only make things worse.  My hope is to release these demons with this post and hopefully get back on track.  It doesn't help that everyone in my house is sick with the flu, but that's another story.

I found these images which I thought were appropriate for this post.  I think this may be my current problem.  I don't think very highly of myself most of the time.  I'm forever thinking I'm too @#$^& or not enough @#&%^!  I wish I'd get over myself by now.  I mean really...aren't we (meaning me, myself and I) on the same team?

Whew!  I feel better now.  Thanks ISWG!  What are your insecurities this month?   

Mina B.

Friday Musings

Hot Damn It's Friday!  This week flew by so much my brain thinks its Wednesday.  Ever have one of those weeks?  Anyway, I wanted to share a few things with you that have been on my mind lately.

Friday Funny
I saw this a few months back and every time I look at it, it makes me laugh all over again. I have not yet seen Skyfall. But I will soon. :) 

The Healthy Writers Club

I signed up to participate in the healthy writers group.  I notice that when I work out, it frees my mind to focus on plotting.  Working out helps with my stress and managing life.  I use to work out for diet and managing my weight.  Now I focus on releasing my stress which helps tremendously with writing.  My typical workout is four times a week and the majority of that consists of me running about 12+ miles per week.  My vices are chips, salsa and wine.  Damn!  Oh, well.  I'm trying.  Special thanks to Shallee McArthur for creating such an awesome meme.

Neil Gaiman - Calendar of Tales

Gaiman gets the notion of connecting with readers. I love this project he's working on. Gaiman says to click here to "download a free PDF of all twelve of the stories I wrote in three days of madness."

Fridays with Fred

Fred got busted on the my daughters peace bean bag and I had to laugh.  I guess it is kinda like a dog bed.

  

Be sure and stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.