Monday, November 25, 2013

Make Mine a Mini



MAKE MINE A MINI




     “Oh, how cute!” the woman said, petting Kiwi, our miniature horse's head. “Does he live in the
 house with you?”

I glanced at my husband, trying not to laugh. A horse in the house? Now I've heard everything. That
one definitely goes on the silly questions list.

“Ah... no,” I replied. “He lives outside in a paddock with a barn.”

“But, he's so small,” she said, shooting me a look like I was a cruel monster.                                                                                                                                                          




 Miniature horses, though small in stature, are without a doubt, big on the adorable scale. But none-the-less, they are horses. And being horses, they should be treated as such.

Throughout the past eight years that we've been miniature horse owners, my husband and I have
come across many people while we've been out and about with our two minis. Most stop to run
their hands over our horses' soft coats, and comment on how cute they are. But we've also encountered those whose comments and questions have left me baffled. One that comes to mind is, “I guess its cheaper than a lawnmower.” 

If only! Since the lawnmower in question is a living creature and not a machine, he needs a lot more
than gas and the occasional tune up to stay healthy and happy. He needs good quality feed and hay,
along with his yearly visits to our friendly neighborhood veterinarian; not to mention the inevitable late night medical emergencies. His hooves need to be trimmed every eight weeks, and an annual trip to the dentist keeps his teeth in good shape. And unlike a lawnmower that can be loaded into the back of your vehicle after purchase, a mini, even though small, needs a proper horse trailer to transport him safely.

Please do not try to bring him home in the back of a van. He may fit, but it's dangerous for you and
your horse, and it's illegal. Also, while your garage may make a good home for your lawnmower, it's
not suited for a horse. He needs room to run and kick up his heels when the mood strikes, which leads
me to the next question.

“Do you tie him up in your back yard?”

Not only dangerous to the horse, it's beyond cruel. A horse, no matter the size, needs room to roam.
To keep your four-legged friend happy and safe, you should have a good sized paddock and a barn or
run-in shed to keep him dry and out of the elements. But before you run out to purchase a miniature
horse because you feel you have room and a old shed you can convert into a barn, please check to make sure your property is zoned for livestock, because even though they may be small, they're are still considered livestock. Also, check with your neighbors, because with every horse, big or small, comes, yes, you guessed it, manure. And with manure comes flies. For me, the smell of horses is more delightful than the most expensive perfume, and I worry more about keeping flies off my horses than myself. But it's not all fun and games when your neighbors are barbecuing outside and the smell of manure wafts over and flies land on their food.

Another popular question I've been asked is, “what good are they? What can you do with them?”
  
My answer is, “what can't you do with them?”

Everything a big horse can do, a mini can. Well... Okay, you got me. They are too small to ride, so if
that's why you want to purchase one then maybe a larger horse would be better suited. But minis are
strong. Most can easily pull a small cart and two average sized adults. Carting can be a fun and
exhilarating experience. There's nothing like sitting behind your little horse as he pulls you along a
quiet country road on a summer's evening. If you want more thrills, try showing. There are many
different categories for showing your mini.






 Talking to most owners of larger horses, they will tell you that after working to pay for their horses'
upkeep and the endless chores, it's hard to find the time to ride. Some even pay others to ride their horses for them.


On one occasion, I've had someone say to me, “he's like a big dog, uh.”

 


Well, since one is a herbivore, and the other is a carnivore, I'd say they're two separate species. If
you don't believe me, take a look at their teeth. And if you still have doubts, offer your horse a
hamburger and watch his reaction. He'll turn his nose up and look at you as if you're out of your mind. Next, try offering a dog a handful of hay and guaranteed he'll give you the same look. So please, do not treat a horse of any size like a dog.

 






Another misconception regarding minis is they are just lawn ornaments. They are capable of so
much more than that. Like any horse, if left to stand idle, eating with no exercise, they will quickly become over weight, which as you know isn't healthy for any living creature. Also I believe horses get bored. Exercise and trying new things keeps their minds sharp and their bodies toned. This will help keep your vet bills low. But if carting or showing your mini is not to your liking, take them for regular walks. They will enjoy the change of scenery and it'll keep them and you moving.




But I keep all this to myself when I glance back at the woman stroking Kiwi, shooting me
occasional dirty looks. Instead of telling her it would be cruel for me to keep him in the house, and that Kiwi is happiest outside with his horse buddy, Ebony and his goat friend, Cody, I just say, “yes, but he



is still a horse.” The of course I keep to myself.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Romance Reviews' Year-End Splash








Excerpt From Prophecy's Child





The scent of laundry detergent and fabric softener clung heavy in the small space. She opened the dryer and piled the clothes on top of the white appliance. Shifting through the jumble of socks, towels, Kal’s T-shirts, Ike’s sweat shirts, and her yoga pants, she realized this wasn’t simply a bunch of laundry. This pile of clothes represented her, Kal and Ike. They were a family.

Her heart opened, and love poured out. Kal may be hiding something from her again, but he deserved a chance to explain. She now understood why he was reluctant. He feared losing her.

Filled with resolve, Katherine vowed she’d do whatever it took to make their relationship work.

As soon as she dropped Ike off at school, her and Kal would sit down, hash this out, and move on. Besides, after learning about demons, Lucifer, and the war, she could handle anything.

The phone in the kitchen rang.

It was probably Kal. A thrill of excitement threaded through her as she raced for the cordless sitting on the counter.

She smiled then pressed talk. “Hello?”

Silence met her greeting.

“Hello?”

No answer.

“Ah, too bad,” she said with a sensual purr. “I was hoping my sexy vampire lover called to talk dirty to me.”

“Is my son, Kal there please?” a woman replied with a deep French accent. Her tone was hard, cold.

Oh, sweet Jesus! His mother.

Embarrassment didn’t come close to how she felt. Heat of humiliation flushed her body. She gripped the phone tight and closed her eyes, calling herself all sorts of names.

Clearing her throat, she fought to find the right words to say. “I’m so sorry. Um…Kal…he isn’t here right now—he’s at a meeting with Roarik, his captain.”

“I know who Roarik is.”

Yikes. “Um, can I take a message, Mrs…I’m sorry, I don’t know your last name.”

It occurred to her she didn’t know Kal’s last name.

“Of course you don’t, my dear. It is Cataronia from the Fifth Clan of vampires.”

Her heavy accent made it hard for Katherine to understand her. “What a beautiful name.”

“Thank you.”

More silence.

“I’ll tell Kal you called the moment he returns.” Her heart beat so hard she wondered if Cataronia heard it.

“Actually, it is you I would like to speak with. Kal told me tonight about you and your son.”

Whoa, she did not sound pleased about this news.

“Oh…okay,” Katherine said. “I just want to say I love your son very much. He is a wonderful vampire.” Idiot!

“I truly hope you mean that, my dear. And I truly hope you decide to do the right thing. You see, there are traditions you may not understand about vampires. Kal is a respected warrior, high up in the clans of the fifty first families. He has a duty to our race to marry a female vampire of impeccable breeding, and produce future warriors for this never-ending war to keep your…species alive.”

Stunned, Katherine couldn’t reply.

“Before you came along, Kal had agreed to marry a female of my choosing. One who is worthy of his station. Yet, he has informed me tonight, he is no longer willing, which will put him in a very precarious position with our higher order.”





 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Happy Birthday 1NS


Happy Birthday 1NS by Dominique Eastwick






Amazing how such a small idea can become so amazing and large. When Val and Kate first shared their idea with me about the 1 Night Stand series I thought was a great idea, obviously so did everyone else from readers, reviewers and authors because the series has just blossomed into a must read for so many. I love that all the authors add their take to the series and how so many different voices are heard.

I am honored as always to be part of an amazing series.

Congrats to Val and Kate, Decadent Publishing and all the authors.  Now to get back and finish the one in my head.

I am giving away a 10 dollar gift card and ebook copy of Strawberry Kisses

Where you can Find Dominique



Twitter @dominieastwick





Strawberry Kisses

By Dominique Eastwick

Published by Decadent Publishing

Series 1 Night Stand



Blurb
Are they ready to gamble on a 1Night Stand?

Mia hides behind her computer, designing popular computer games. And though she knows just what to do to keep men coming back for more on the other end of the modem, she doesn’t seem to have the same knack in person.

Gavin hides behind numbers. Since his wife left him, the only thing he cares about is his son and his job. One failed relationship was enough, but if the right curvaceous woman came into the picture he just might manipulate the numbers a bit.

Can two meddling sisters enlist Madame Eve to bring Mia and Gavin together and show them two is always better than one?



Excerpt

“Do you want the next strawberry with chocolate, or champagne?” He popped the cork.

“I, um....” She slowed her breathing, trying hard to concentrate on his words. “I’ve never had champagne and strawberries.”

“Really?” As he smiled, the first real smile she’d seen on his face was breathtaking, She could only nod since somewhere between her mouth and her brain she’d lost the ability to form simple words.

Pouring one glass of the bubbly wine, he took a sip, smiled then grabbed another plump berry. He rubbed it slightly on her lower lip. “Take a bite.”

He didn’t have to tell her twice. She bit, then savored, as he raised the flute and tilted it just enough for her to get a swallow of the liquid. Her eyes widened as the tastes of the fruit and champagne fused in her mouth.

“Another bite then?” He didn’t wait for her answer, giving her another piece and let her enjoy the fruit for what it was, savoring and treasuring as some of the best she’d ever had.

She opened her eyes just in time to see his close, and his mouth settle over hers. Her lips parted and a rush of champagne from his mouth filled her own. The fizzy liquid overwhelmed her senses. If she could have let out an ooh, she would have. But all she could think about was his tongue dancing with hers. His left hand still holding the flute, he wrapped it around her waist, pulling her closer.






Buy Links
Decadent Publishing http://bit.ly/1agiDnN

About Dominique
Dominique Eastwick grew up a US Navy Brat, so if there was a Naval base that was probably home. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two children, crazy lab and lazy cat.
Dominique's love of reading started when she was told to read TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in high school. A book that opened her eyes to the joys of reading and entering into the world of the author. To this day she ranks this book as her favorite. She writes erotic romance, heavy on the romance.

Where you can Find Dominique
Twitter @dominieastwick




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