Thursday, September 4, 2014

THE WINNERS OF THE END OF SUMMER SPANKS BLOG HOP!




I’d like to thank all who sponsored this 'End of Summer Spanks Blog Hop' and (of course) everyone who stopped by! It was a blast to write the story ... and even more fun to respond to your comments!  I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!  The winners of the grand prizes are as follows: 



  • Kindle or Nook from Blushing Books- Kristin Brio!  
  • $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon from Stormy Night Publications - Megan Michaels! 
  • $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon  from Baronet Press - Sarah Young!
  • One month membership to Pandora Blake’s Dreams of Spanking - Adaline Raine!
  • Hand made paddle from Blondie’s Place - Jule Kijek!
  • $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon from Wizards in Publishing - Alice Gottschall!
  • You can have it all package by Variant Books - Jolynn Raymond!
  • Six month membership to Discipline & Desire - Leigh Smith!
  • $25 GC from Jolynn Raymond - Holla Dean!
  • An ebook package from LearningDD - Cat Trouble!
  • Ebook Cover Design & Matching Facebook Cover Picture from Kandes Pixels - Roz in His Hands!

And the winner of my prize - a $25 Gift Card to Amazon -  goes to: Kyra Tinker!

Again - thanks to all who sponsored and all who hopped from blog to blog for some fun reads!

Just in case you didn't have the chance to stop by this weekend and want to read my story ... I thought I'd keep it alive for another day!   ~ shelly


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My co-writer, Doug, and his wife, Joanne, agreed to spend a summer birthday weekend with me and my husband, Mike, at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pennsylvania.  None of us stayed there before, but the reports were glowing from our friends that did.  The only advice we received was to reserve rooms next to each other that would enable us to share an old-fashioned porch with rocking chairs.  Honestly, my parents turned their nose up at our vacation choice, suggesting that only ‘old’ people would want to stay there.  But we were excited to go … the guys immediately signed up to play golf and Joanne and I reserved a private guided tour for a hike around the historical grounds to learn about their famous ‘mineral springs’.  We also planned on bringing enough vodka and wine to last for a week!

Both days were perfect in almost every way.  The food was spectacular in all three restaurants we dined in, our golfers were happy with the challenging course, the grounds were a tad adventurous for someone who had never gone hiking (yes, you can stop laughing now - I did hike for three hours and took a spill at the end requiring me to sign a release that I wouldn’t sue the resort), and the hours of lazy porch time we spent relaxing on the rocking chairs was priceless.  Did I say almost perfect?  Stay with me …

If you’ve never heard of the Bedford Springs Resort, I’ll briefly try to sum up the atmosphere.  The hotel started with buildings in the early 1800’s and was remodeled in the 1950’s, closed in the 1980’s due to a flash flood, was restored in 1998 and then it was finally purchased by the Omni Hotels to be totally renovated in 2009.  Although the upscale renovations continue, and the accommodations are beautiful, they still try to keep the ‘old-time charm’ alive.  From everything I’d heard, it sounded like such a rustic and quaint setting, and I couldn’t wait to have a cocktail on our ‘shared porch’ relaxing with my husband and good friends … or so I thought.  Hence the title of this story, as I submit the following recipe for disaster:

·        * Start with the personality of my friend, Doug, who loves to cause trouble
·        * Slowly mix in his wife, Joanne, ‘a classic pot-stirrer’
·        * Carefully add my husband, Mike, who pours a strong drink
·        * Steep on a porch during a warm summer night for about fifteen minutes
·         *Garnish with my big mouth that never seems to close

It was late in the afternoon on Saturday.  We all showered after coming back from the pool and decided to meet on the porch in our robes for cocktails.  My first mistake was asking Mike to pour me a glass of Ketel One on the rocks with the juice of a small cranberry. 

Doug and I were the first ones outside and started gabbing about different characters we’d cooked up and possible future book ideas.  We generally try to meet once a month at Panera, but this seemed like a good opportunity for us to chat.  So, there we were in our robes, rocking on the porch casually exchanging ideas with a drink in our hands, when the subject of sleeping came up … or lack of sleep.  Doug has insomnia and was trying to wean himself off of the sleep-aid he was taking.  I feel bad for people who can’t sleep (I don’t always sleep like a rock) and decided to make a suggestion.  For those of you keeping track, my second mistake is on its way... 
 
The heroine in our book, “The Author”, had a remedy for putting herself to sleep and I suggested that Doug do the same.  Naturally, that was when he baited me and asked if I was personally familiar with her particular ‘type of remedy’.  Draining the remainder of what was a triple shot of vodka in the glass, I made my third and final mistake … 

I admitted to the act of ‘self-pleasuring’ in the middle of the night once in a while to put myself back to sleep.  

WAS I DROPPED ON MY HEAD AS A BABY?

In seconds, Joanne stepped out onto the porch gasping noisily and with such ‘tongue-clucking animation’ that Mike came running out of our room to see what all the commotion was about.  With a sparkle in his eye and enough drama to win him an Oscar, our good friend, Doug, retold the entire story - carefully enunciating every word …

“She does what?” Mike’s jaw unhinged as his face contorted with horror.

I saw no reason to look anyone in the eye.

“Her fingers are doing some walking when she can’t sleep,” Doug answered proudly as though he had just extracted information from an international spy.

“Jesus.  We sleep in the same bed.  When is this going on, Shell?”  Dark blue eyes stared at me in disbelief, and I knew a clenched jaw was not far behind.

“Obviously, this party is in full-swing while you’re sleeping.  It would never happen in my house,” Doug responded as he crossed his arms to mirror Joanne’s.  The two of them looked happier than a tornado in a trailer park.

“That’s because you don’t sleep,” I retorted while flipping him the bird.

“This would not be a good time for an attitude, Shell.”  Mike closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.  A storm was definitely brewing and it suddenly occurred to me that there was no cellar to hide in.  We were on a second floor balcony in Bedford, PA.

“Oh my God, I fell on the trails today, doesn’t anyone care?”

“She slipped on gravel coming into the parking lot.  I’m sure the staff has been laughing about it all day,” Joanne advised Mike with a major eye-roll.

“Were you injured?” Mike asked softly as he tilted his head.

“Not really,” I said narrowing my eyes at Judas and his wife.

“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day … please excuse us.” Mike politely held up one hand as he gently led me into our room with his other.

“You’re going to spank me now?  ARE YOU INSANE?” I exclaimed putting my hands on my hips standing in front of the large four poster king-size bed.

“This is a one hundred and twenty million dollar renovation with paper-thin walls, Doug reminded Mike from the porch.

“I’m sure Shelly will be paying much more attention to structure details the next time we travel together.”  Mike shook his head slowly as he closed both the screen and outside door to our room.

******

48 comments:

  1. I just stopped by to see if there was a release date on your new book yet. Had a blast reading about your adventure though. I can't wait for The Author's Friends
    Thanks for your books.
    Kyratinker36@gmail.com

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    1. You just made my day, Kyra!! So glad you stopped by ... and wish I had more news about 'The Author's Friends'! I promise to post updates right here ... so please come back to check!! Hopefully, it will be published soon! ;) Thanks for the wonderful compliment and glad you enjoyed my little adventure!!! :)

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  2. That was a lovely story! My email is kristinelyon@live.com! Thank you for participating!

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by to read and comment, Kristin! I'm really glad you enjoyed my story ... it was fun to write! :)

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  3. Interesting story! Thanks for sharing!

    dark.gypsy.princess@gmail.com

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    1. I really appreciate you stopping by to see me today! Glad you enjoyed my little summer story! :)

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  4. My comment had better have been posted... Can't see it now :p

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  5. Grrr. What I said was I could just feel the humiliation coming off her in waves. This line was fantastic: I saw no reason to look anyone in the eye. She's just dropped herself in it in spectacular fashion :) and in front of guests no less. Loved it. When's release date? - Christina m -

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    1. Sometimes these blogs are hard to work with ... but the good news ... is that we get to communicate with each other!! Thanks so much for reading and commenting ... so excited that you liked my story! No release date yet ... but we'll keep you posted, so check back! Thanks again for stopping by! :)

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  6. Great story. I love these hops. Great stories and excellent prizes. laurellasky@yahoo.com

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed my story ... and really happy that you came by to visit! I agree ... these hops are so much fun!! :) Thanks, Laurel!! :)

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  7. That story was great! Hilarity ensued. So, wait, was it true? Seriously, though, these sound like great friends that you can have a lot of fun with and be completely yourself. corinnealexander4@gmail.com

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, Corinne! And yes, it was a TRUE story ... which made it even more fun to write! We are really good friends and have been for a long time! I agree - it's so nice when you can just relax and be yourself! :)

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  8. I couldn't help laughing out loud. Like Corinne, I want to know if it's true. It would be great to have friend you can be so open with.

    holladean@gmail.com

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    1. Yes, Holla, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that this was a TRUE story! The last time Doug and I met for coffee, I told him about this blog hop and asked what he thought I should write about. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Our trip to Bedford, of course". I looked at him like he was out of his mind! Why would I want to share a story like that? But when he said he was really looking forward to reading it ... I took the challenge. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it sure is nice to have friends we can be ourselves with!

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    1. Thanks so much, Stevie!! I'm so glad you enjoyed my little story! :)

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  10. Always love your humor, and the detail of the characters felt like I was there!! Great short story!
    Looking forward to the Author's Friend!

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    1. Aww - thank you, Betty ... that's so nice of you to say! Hopefully, our book will be out soon, so please check back ... we'll keep you posted! Thanks for coming by to comment :)

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  11. I enjoyed the realness of your story:) Jordanlillyannarose@Gmail.com

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    1. Thanks so much for saying that, Lillyanna! I do like a true story, too!! And thanks so much for coming by to see me! :)

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  12. Aw. Why is that such a crime? Are you supposed to wake him up instead so he can do it?

    ettastark@hotmail.com

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    1. I'm right there with you, Etta! Why should everyone be awake? LOL! Unfortunately for me, no one on the balcony that day felt the same way we do! Thanks so much for commenting ... I'm so glad you stopped by! :)

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  13. Ooooh I liked your story alot. :) Thanks for sharing!
    brattyadaline at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much, Adeline! I'm glad you enjoyed ... it was so much fun to share! :)

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    2. Sorry I didn't spell your name correctly, Adaline! I hate when I make that kind of typo!! :)

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  14. I loved all the details as I am a lover of grand old hotels, and the dialogue was snappy. Thanks for sharing a wonderful bitlet.

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    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Jolynn! The hotel was beautiful and the fact that it was surrounded by so much history was the icing on the cupcake! I really appreciate that you stopped by ... always great to hear from you!! :)

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  15. Oh Dear!!! Can I just say,I think your friend Joanne needs some of the same!
    rayannajamison(at)gmail.com

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    1. I agree 100% ... and she's been needing it for as long as I've known her! I can only hope that Doug reads your comment! ;) Thanks so much for stopping by!! :)

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  16. ROFLMAO
    Can I just say that is an excellent reason why our spouses should never, ever meet our writing pals! We talk too plainly sometimes. It's gotta catch up once in a while.

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    1. I agree, Tara! Especially when your writing pal LOVES to get you in trouble. LOL! I wasn't laughing that day ... but it did end up being a pretty good story to tell! ;) I'm glad you enjoyed ... thanks for stopping to read! :)

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  17. I liked your story very much. Thanks for participating.

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    1. Thanks for coming by to read and comment, Leigh! So happy you liked it!! :)

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  18. I agree with Etta, why is this a bad thing? I think my husband would be grateful I didn't wake him up! And it really is a good way to get back to sleep, better than warm milk, I say! :)
    casey1mckay@gmail.com

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    1. I like the way you think, Casey! Too bad you and Etta weren't there that day to be my attorneys ... LOL! Hasn't anyone seen the episode of Seinfeld ... where they bet $100 who can go the longest without self pleasuring? I think it was called 'The Contest'!! It was one of my favorite episodes! ;) Thanks so much for coming to see me! :)

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  19. Haha I really enjoyed reading that, fun little story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
    bluemascara22 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed my story and I really appreciate your nice comment! :)

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  20. Thanks for sharing! Sometimes husbands can be so narrow-minded! :p
    3579ael@gmail.com

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    1. I completely agree with you! ;) Thanks so much for stopping by to read and comment! :)

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  21. I loved the excerpt, so a fun little story. I read The Author and really enjoyed the story.
    Kathy
    Redrabbitt@aol.com

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    1. Thanks, Kathy ... that's so nice of you to say!! I'm really glad you enjoyed both the summer story and 'The Author' ... they were so much fun to write! I appreciate you stopping by to see me!! :)

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  22. Great story. Can't wait for your next book. Thanks. rameyer.nmb@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Renee! Our next book, 'The Author's Friends', should be published soon, and we'll do our best to keep everyone posted ... so please check back! I really appreciate that you came by to read and comment! :)

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  23. Thank you so very much. I am amazed, but very happy, that I won.
    Thank you all for the congrats.
    I can't wait to read The Authors Friends Shelly Douglas!

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    1. Thank you very much, Kyra! I just had your gift card sent from Amazon, and it should arrive soon!! Thanks again for participating in the hop and (of course) we are so happy and appreciative of your support! :)

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