Anyone who knows me knows just how much I adores me some dark chocolate. The 72%
variety that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, a glass of red wine, or a
flute of champagne. Frankly, itโs kinda like the perfect food! And while Iโd
like to claim it as my secret indulgence, in truth it really isnโt.
For one thing, itโs not a secret. Secondly, itโs not an indulgence if it has its
own space on the food pyramid โ my version of it, anyway. Go on, tell me Iโm wrong!
However, I do have weaknesses that, once triggered, are a bear to stuff back and
overcome. So I mostly just donโt indulge. Mostly. *stares at the ceiling and
whistles*
But I digressโฆ
While most people think of food, Iโve got three non-food indulgences:
A good book. Letโs face it, thereโs never enough time to read. Between life
at The Male Observation Lab (aka, my day โ and sometimes night! โ job at a
construction company), raising a (drama) teen, writing-related stuff, and making
sure the house is shoveled out enough so the place isnโt condemned, thereโs just
not enough time to indulge in a good story. I often stare longingly at the TBR
shelf in my bookcase, and look at the book covers downloaded on my e-reader.
Sighโฆ
A hot bath. Thatโs right. A. Bath. Iโm betting some writers would never
admit this, but when the muse is channeling the story like a flash flood through
the Grand Canyon, no way would I stop writing to do something as mundane as
shower, let alone soak in a tub. And when in deadline mode? Well, letโs just all
be thankful deodorant existsโฆ
Staring out at the Pacific Ocean. Seriously. See, I grew up on Guam, a tiny
Pacific island that sports some gorgeous beaches. Only, when I lived there I
never really saw them. The beaches, like the coconut trees, the warm weather,
and the laid back lifestyle, just became part of the background. Which seriously
sucks, now that I live more than an hour away from the coast. I do try to get
over there as much as I can, and when I do, I like to stare out at the waves,
toward the horizon where the water kisses the sky, and I imagine what itโs like
back homeโฆ
What about you? What are your favorite indulgences, food or otherwise?
Melia Alexander is the author of sassy, sexy, fun contemporary romances, but
is also fortunate to spend her week days at The Male Observation Lab (a.k.a. her
job at a construction company) where she gets to observe guys in their natural
habitat. Though they often behave like typical alpha males, in many instances
she's seen through their personas to the heart of who they really are - the
heroes of their own stories. A native of Guam, Melia traded in warm, tropical
breezes for the rainy Pacific Northwest. She's an avid reader who also loves
romantic comedies - preferably with a glass of CabSauv and a box of chocolates
nearby. In her free time, she's busy conquering her CrossFit fears: ring dips,
muscle snatches, and the dreaded 800 meter run. Her family appreciates her
attempts at cooking and cleaning, although she spends it mostly daydreaming
about her characters, which sometimes results in a burnt meal and a half-cleaned
house.
Aidan Ross might be an engineering genius, but people skills? Not this
soldierโs forte. Thankfully, a trusted friend is accompanying him to a
make-or-break tradeshowโฆbut then a bubbly redhead hops into his truck, claiming
to be his new road trip buddy. Sheโs a gorgeous distraction he canโt afford. Or
ignore.
Delaney Harper comes from a family of engineersโmale engineers. With several
impressive projects under her belt, sheโs on a mission to prove she can hang
with the big boys, too. But cracking the sexy, closed-off CEO is tougher than
she expectsโฆand hotter than she could have imagined.
With the tempting woman disrupting his carefully planned schedule, Aidan canโt
focus on the road, much less their upcoming presentation. The future of his
company is riding on this trip, and if theyโre to land a huge account, he has to
keep his headโand his heartโin the gameโฆ
My indulgence is my grandchildren. Sometimes I don't do my everyday chores so I can spend time with them and then I fall behind. Ha But it's worth it! (Bonnie Capuano 5:31pm June 17, 2016)
Chocolate, books, & music are my favorite indulgences. (Kv H 11:00pm June 17, 2016)
My favorite indulgences are ice cream and playing games and entering sweepstakes on the computer . I could do that all day . But when my grandkids are here , all of the above will be put on HOLD ..Thanks for this chance to win your book . (Joan Thrasher 10:36am June 18, 2016)
I indulge by buying gifts for the grandchildren. Books and small toys. (Sharon Berger 1:59pm June 18, 2016)
Chocolate. And books. and more chocolate -- dark is the best! (Sandy Haber 9:23pm June 18, 2016)
Hey there, all. *waves* Thanks for stopping by!
Children and grandchildren should definitely be high on the list of indulgences, with books and chocolate close behind, of course! ;)
Sandy Haber, I totally agree with you - dark chocolate is the best!!
Reading...hardly a secret...gardening...not secret either....chocolate ganache cake..again, no secret...guess my life is an open book ;) (Kathleen Bylsma 4:02pm June 19, 2016)
For food--almost anything chocolate. Non-food--estate sales--I rarely buy anything, but I like looking at the lovely (sometimes not so lovely!) goodies, but every once in awhile there is something that I want. Can't really say I NEED them though! (Cathy Burkhead 3:29pm June 20, 2016)
All of those sound really good. (Kim Matlock 8:41pm June 20, 2016)
Books and chocolate are my indulgences for sure! And I love that one of yours is staring out at the ocean. Being at our family cottage, sitting on the deck, sipping my morning tea and watching the loons on the lake is a blissful summer morning. (Laura Scott 11:54pm June 20, 2016)
Books, a good steak, French fries, sinful dessert...I could go on! (Cynthia Powers 5:49am June 22, 2016)
A good book and taking my grandchildren shopping (Anna Speed 12:58pm June 22, 2016)
cupcakes...books...and chocolate!!!! (Bonnie Capuano 2:09pm June 22, 2016)
Books, cheesecake, & chocolate! (And spending time with my nieces & nephews!) (Maria Proctor 5:05pm June 22, 2016)
Be able to physically do what I want, when I want. Pain has taken that away from me. Books take me away from the pain. (Kathleen Bylsma 5:46pm June 22, 2016)
Hey there, everyone!
Thanks for stopping by. Great to see you here! I'm loving all the BOOKS as an indulgence!! You all know the way to my heart. :)
Cathy Burkhead -- Estate sales! Now there's something I need to do more of, too. Bet you've found some great deals, huh?
Laura Scott -- Sounds like you live in a really cool place. Lucky!! :)
Kathleen Bylsma -- Hugs to you! I know that's not easy to live with, and I'm glad you find comfort in a good book!!
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