Images of Men Kissing....The World needs more of them!!!

Just because I wanted to share some of my writing inspiration! lol

Life is for the Living...so get on with it!

I have a few things to say that I have always wanted to say...so here it goes, my rant for the day lol...


Have you ever just felt like an outsider, like an alien....a complete stranger set adrift a sea of people you don't know and don't know if you want to know? Have you ever felt different from everyone else...non-human perhaps? My whole life I have never felt like a human really....not a man or a woman. I have always just felt like a spirit. A spirit who happens to have been born into a human body....a male human body. I see myself getting older in the mirror but I don't feel any older. I stopped aging inside at age 19 and I believe I will be 19 forever! I look at the world around me and I don't feel connected to it at all. It's like I am always waiting for something else...the next world perhaps; and there is one, or maybe for something to happen. I don't know what that something is however. I spent most of my life being quiet, tip toeing around people, walking on egg shells. I spent most of my life watching and listening to other people as they lived their lives. My own life has sort of drifted by, and I feel disconnected from most of the events through out my life...the good, the bad, and the indifferent. It's as if most of my life has passed by me and I watched it like a movie. There used to be this television show called "My so-called life" in which there was a nerdy boy character. He used to take pictures all the time and he said something that has always stuck with me. He said basically that being a photographer appealed to him because he could watch life without actually being a part of it. I don't know if I like it or not but I know I have always felt like this; sort of numb in a way. I feel as if I have been asleep always and I am really just beginning to wake up. Perhaps it is time to join the human race and start living....So that when I leave this world my life will be a testament to the lyrics I did it my way, and they won't have to play the song at what I am sure will be a very small memorial service. I have heard so many great lines about living in the past several years. One that comes to mind at this moment is from the film adaptation of  Stephen King's Shawshank Redemption... "Get busy living or get busy dying". I heard another one. Life is for the living so get on with it! I can't recall where I heard that one but it is true I think. I grew up seeing the dead and on several occasions talking to them. Recently I have watched the rise in paranormal ghost hunting shows and medium shows. I will never understand why so many people try and seek out the dead, as if the dead where going to tell them anything truly profound. Why would they? They had to live and die within this mystery called life. Do people actually think that the dead won't make them earn with faith the answers to the afterlife, just as they themselves had to earn? Even if the dead could tell us everything we think we want to know I don't believe for a minute that they would. What baffles me though is how all of these people go seeking out the dead...death...instead of seeking life. Stop worrying about talking to the dead people....and do something really relevant and important....seek out life! Go talk to the living...they are usually much more interesting and have no problems revealing all their flaws; even if they don't mean to reveal them. It has been said that God is in the details. If that is true than God can surely then be seen in all of our many many beautiful imperfections! Those are details worth hunting; those are the mysteries we should seek to know! Make mistakes and learn from them, Make choices and see where your decisions lead you...I promise you this...it is far more interesting than chasing after the dead. We will all be the dead someday and then we can talk to others of our kind. Perhaps they will say something profound to us then. If you have ever felt as I do...a stranger in a strange land...just know you are not alone. Many of us I think have felt that way at one time or another. We can discover ourselves and each other...it's possible. Perhaps knowing it's possible will be enough to make you feel less alone. Go out and Live...seek life...and perhaps now and then remember to be thankful for the chance to be alive....Life is an adventure after all; if only you let yourself see it that way!

Thanks for letting me rant about my strange and perhaps to honest feelings...but then...I spent so much of my life not living authentically I can't keep quiet or walk on egg shells anymore! I have a life to live you see!

The Sora's Quest Book Blog Tour;

The O'Raven Chronicles is proud to host this stop on the Sora's Quest Blog Tour, hosted by TTC & B2B Blog Tours.

~ THIS BOOK IS FREE EVERYDAY! GRAB YOUR COPY NOW ~

Book Spot-light; 

Synopsis; 

Sora Fallcrest was born into Nobility. She has it all: money, maids, a fancy estate. But she never expected to be kidnapped.

...
Abducted from her manor, Sora is plunged into a world of magical races, arcane jewelry and forgotten lore. She finds herself at the mercy of a dangerous assassin, haunted by an even darker past. She yearns for freedom, but he won't let her go -- not when her Cat's Eye necklace is the only thing that can save his life.

But the necklace itself presents a problem. It is an ancient device from the long forgotten War of the Races, and its magic has the ability to steal souls. Can Sora learn to wield its power -- or will the power wield her? (Winner of the SKOW 2006 Best Fantasy Award)

Author Spot-light; 

Author's Bio.; 
Author T. L. Shreffler

 

T. L. Shreffler lives in Los Angeles, CA. She loves diversity, fantasy, romance, iced tea, long walks, philosophy, and thrift store shopping. She recently graduated with a BA in Badass (Creative Writing) and her poetry has been published consecutively in Eclipse: A Literary Journal and The Northridge Review. She works as the assistant editor for the funky and fantastic Tinsel Tokyo Magazine.

Author links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlshreffler?fref=ts

Website: http://www.tlshreffler.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/flyingredt/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/tlshreffler

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/T.-L.-Shreffler/e/B00AGIYQR4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1372531621&sr=1-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5138153.T_L_Shreffler

SORA'S QUEST BLOG TOUR JULY 10th - 20th (A TTC/B2B tours event)

Schedule and Links:

July 10th ~ The O'Raven Chronicles
 July 11th ~ Lindsay and Janes Views and Reviews
  July 12th ~  Becca Ann's Reviews
July 13th ~  Buried Under Books
July 14th ~  Jean Booknerd
July 15th ~  Kelly P's Blog
 July 16th ~  Oh My Shelves
July 17th ~  A World of Words
July 18th ~  Paranormal BookClub
July 19th ~  Romance Bookworm
July 20th ~  Tams Two Cents

Rafflecopter Giveaway;

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Testing Fate Blog Tour

The O'Raven Chronicles is proud to host this stop on The Testing Fate Book Blog Tour hosted by TTC & B2B


Tams Two Cents Blog

Bookend 2 Bookend Blog

Book Spot-light; 
























Synopsis;


Nothing burns as bright as the flames of the refiner’s fire. 

Moments after hearing the Council sentence her enemy to life imprisonment for attempted murder and illegal use of magic, Darcy is whisked away by the Fates—accused of tampering with destiny. The cherished dream she shared with Mason has been called into question, placing doubt about whether they are actually true mates. To resolve it, a price must be paid—the Heart or Death—a grueling series of tests designed to reveal a person’s worth.

The stakes are high and Darcy finds herself facing the unknown in conditions that leave her more vulnerable than she’s ever been. Separated from Mason and her Pack, with Devlin as her only companion, she is pushed to her very limits. She must succeed—or lose everything.

Will she crumble under the pressure or emerge stronger for testing fate?


**************


Author's Spot-light; 

BELINDA BORING: 

Author's Bio; 

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Stalker much?! Follow Boring on Goodreads + www + Facebook + Amazon

Book Blog Tour Schedule; 

TESTING FATE BLOG HOP JULY 1ST - 7TH SCHEDULE AND LINKS

* * 7 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS * *

JULY 1ST

BEST BOOKS
DARK OBSESSION CHRONICLES
JUST ME, MYSHELF AND I

 FATED PARANORMALS
 OH MY SHELVES


JULY 2ND
READING IS MY TIMEOUT

BEX & BOOKS
ROMANCE BOOKWORM
 LITERARY REDEMPTION


JULY 3RD

LAGNIAPPE BOOKS
 UNITED BY BOOKS
 I LOVE INDIE BOOKS
 MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME


JULY 4TH

INTO THE NIGHT BOOK REVIEWS
 CRIMSON REVIEWS AND IMMORTAL WORDS
 DELPHINA READS TO MUCH
 *PLEASE!* DON'T FEED THE MIMSEY
 KAINA'S BOOK BLOG


JULY 5TH

SUPPORTING INDIE AUTHORS
THE SECRET SANCTUARY OF BOOKS
SASSY BOOK LOVERS
THE O’RAVEN CHRONICLES
JEAN BOOKNERD

JULY 6TH

A PAGE AWAY
BLACK WORDS/WHITE PAGES
SABRINA’S PARANORMAL PALACE
 KRISTINA’S BOOKS AND MORE
A WORLD OF WORDS
 NAUGHTY BITS' BOOK REVIEWS


JULY 7TH 

TSK TSK WHAT TO READ
 LYNDSAY AND JANES VIEWS AND REVIEWS
PARANORMAL BOOK CLUB
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
BOOKEND 2 BOOKEND
TAM’S TWO CENTS

Rafflecopter Giveaway; 

RC code for day #5: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy 4th of July!!!

I just wanted to say that I hope that all of you who read this had a terrific 4th of July!!!

I also hope that we can remember the principles this nation was truly founded upon...


FREEDOM 

JUSTICE 

EQUALITY

MERCY 

 TRUTH 

SACRIFICE 

LOVE 

COURAGE 

LIBERTY 

AND SPIRIT!!! 

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Sadly it would seem that in a great many ways The U.K. has more freedoms than we do now! 

My Idea for a New National Anthem! lol 

The 4th of July Guest post with Jay Mims!!! Welcome Jay!

The O'Raven Chronicles is Honored and Amused to Host this Guest Post for and by Jay Mims!

DISCLAIMER: The Views within this guest post do not necessarily reflect those of The O'Raven Chronicles! lol 



And Now JAY MIMS;

Hello Gentle O’Raven readers,

I’m doing a special Christmas in July tour, and what better day to kick it off then our nation’s birthday? With that in mind, here’s “Mimsey’s Top 11 American Icons”. Why 11? Because I’m a giver. 

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: And a sexy beast.

11) Weird Al

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: A perfect addition to any weekend getaway

Al Yankovic is an amazing musician, songwriter and satirist. He also has one of the funniest Twitter feeds ever. Also, if you have never seen UHF then seriously stop what you’re doing and watch it. Right now. I’ll wait.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: While you’re at it, consider that Al is aging backward. He may in fact be a Time Lord. Yes, Weird Al is actually Doctor Who.

And if Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Elvis Presley have taught us anything, it’s that taking someone else’s original work and putting your own spin is THE AMERICAN WAY!

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: It’s a tough burden being this good.

10) Wonder Woman

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Fighting crime with fashion accessories!

Wonder Woman, the DC Comics superheroine, may be an Amazon from the island of Themyscira, but that red, white and blue corset is as American as apple pie.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: I like to believe that whever she goes, whatever she does, Lynda Carter is wearing this outfit at all times.

With super strength, the ability to fly, super speed, a magic lasso, bullet proof bracelets, a throwable tiara and an invisible jet, Wonder Woman has it all covered. She also has one of the most memorable themes EVER. Seriously, that thing will be stuck in your head ALL DAY! 

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Yes, invisible jet. She can fly but has an invisible jet. Why? Because she’s Wonder Woman! Deal with it!

9) Rocky Balboa

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: The Italian Stallion ladies and gentlemen!

Rocky Balboa, the lovable loser played by Sylvester Stallone scratches his way to success through perseverance, hard work, and the ability to be beaten repeatedly in the head. If that’s not the American Way, I don’t know what is.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: And in Rocky IV he defeats He-Man and brings down Communism. Through friendship!

What’s really great is that in the original Rocky, Balboa doesn’t even win. It’s Rocky II where the dude actually wins. And in true American tradition, ends up being best friends with Apollo Creed! No seriously, this epic boxing film is really about friendship!

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: And subtle homoeroticism.

8) Jeannie/Samantha

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Girl power!

In the 1960s, America had not one but two TV shows about near-omnipotent women who decide that what they really want is a man in their lives. Kind of. Bewitched was about a beautiful woman who marries a man, tells him she’s a witch, and then her mother-in-law make his life a living hell. With Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur!

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: “It’s so hard to get ahead in life!”

I Dream of Jeannie is about an Air Force astronaut who finds a beautiful genie and hijinks ensue!

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: This show is 100 times better if you imagine this series as a prequel to Dallas.

Both shows were incredibly progressive in terms of gender politics, where the male characters were mostly comedic foils, the women really wore the pants in the family, and the marriage was an equal partnership. A very 1960s skewed partnership, but you take progress where you can get it.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Also, this is what Barbara Eden looks like at 78.

7) Batman

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: I am vengeance! I am the night! I EXFOLIATE!

This is where I tell you who Batman is. You are on the internet. Don’t play that game.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Batman fights a shark using a lightsaber. Your argument is invalid.

This is a man whose super-powers are his indomitable will, his commitment to justice, and money. Like Scrooge McDuck levels of money.  And if a man who uses a can-do attitude, overwhelming force, and all the technology the military industrial complex’s money can buy isn’t an American icon, then I don’t know what is!

PHOTO: 

6) The Fonz

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Aaay!

The breakout star of the TV series Happy Days, Fonzie played by Henry Winkler defined cool. He could start the jukebox with a fist thump, was best friends with a ginger, and could jump a shark in a single bound.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Leather jackets always make the best swimwear.

Here was a short Jewish guy who stood up for those who couldn’t defend themselves, always kept his cool, and NEVER took gruff from bullies.

VIDEO: 

5) Spider-Man

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Spider-Man wants candy!

Living by the code that with great power, comes great responsibility the Marvel character Spider-Man is as American as homemade apple pie. He lives in New York, he takes care of his elderly aunt, and he makes money by selling photos of himself. Self-promotion, the American way!

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: He makes it look good!

If I’m being honest, Spidey was and is my favorite hero. He was the first comic I ever read, was my favorite cartoon character, and I love all the movies. Even Spider-Man 3! He’s everything you could want from a hero, and is a true American icon.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: In all seriousness, this is one of the best comics ever written.

4) Bruce Springsteen

PHOTO:  

CAPTION: Go ahead, start singing Born in the U.S.A. we’ll wait.

The Boss is a true American icon. A Jersey boy who made good, Bruce is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, the epitome of the working man, and has probably contributed more to the American musical landscape then Francis Scott Key.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: A man and his guitar, a love story.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Springsteen, and if you’ve ever listened to Top 40 Radio between November and January, you’ve heard that song. The highlight for me is The Boss’ interaction with Clarence, the saxophonist for the E-Street band. Clarence Clemons passed away June 12, 2011.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Play on Clarence, play on!

3) Superman

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: He’s here to rescue you!

Standing for truth, justice, and the American way, the man of steel was sent to Earth from his dying planet Krypton, found by loving parents in Kansas, and raised to be a beacon of hope.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: He’s also a cat person.

An immigrant from another planet, Supes does everything in his power to make sure no one gets hurt on his watch. He’s the big blue Boy Scout, represents the best people can be, and is a true American icon.

PHOTO: 

2) Michael Bay

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: MORE BOOM!

The director of such art house films as The Rock, Armageddon, and the Transformers trilogy, love him or hate him, the guy’s movies make money. And giant explosions. And Megan Fox running in slow motion.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Michael Bay doesn’t find explosions. Explosions find Michael Bay.

His films fart bald eagles and crap apple pie. Michael Bay bleeds red, white and blue. He’s done more to promote the military then Top Gun and Stripes combined. What’s more, the guy makes the kinds of movies he wants to make. He’s a true American hero.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: He even makes Martin Lawrence look intimidating!

So, what’s #1? What is Mimsey’s all-time favorite American icon?

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: Who else?

1) Captain America

The original Avenger himself, Captain America is an American story. A weakling who volunteers for an experimental drug, Cap gets a mega-boost of awesome and proceeds to punch out Hitler.

PHOTO: 

CAPTION: The first issue came out in March, 1941. Just laying it out there.

Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, published by what would become Marvel Comics, Captain America fights evil with a giant shield, red, white and blue color scheme, and a lot of punches. In fact, there’s not many problems that can’t be solved by Cap hitting it as hard as he can. Why? Because he’s American! USA! USA! USA!

And so as we wrap this up, let me leave you with this wonderful theme tune of the beloved Captain America!

VIDEO: 

Jay Mims has seen every Muppet movie, even the terrible “Wizard of Oz” one. He lives with a passive-aggressive Dalek named Steve, a quasipet cat named Eartha Kitty, a lizard named Bob, and may have adopted a second cat Meowthezar. He writes books and is far funnier on Facebook then in real life. He is terrible at Twitter. His next book "The Gray Ghost Inn" is due out October 15, 2013. Feel free to email him here.

Don't Feed The Mimsy; Jay's Blog!!! Go Enter the Giveaway! 

*******

The O'Raven Chronicles would like to Thank Jay Mims for stopping by and visiting with us today!