Never Forgotten

The story I’m about to tell is part fact, part fiction. Much is derived from my Grandfather’s story of his time in the military during WWII, but some is artistic embellishment. Some of you may recall from this post that my grandparents actually married as he was headed off to war. Parts of these are from actual stories he shared with us, but most of it is fiction.

Rock Island National Cemetery

“Hey dad! Where ya goin’?” Kevin raced to the black Cadillac. He turned to face his son, leaving the keys dangling in the door. “The party’s gonna start soon.”

Adam reached down and ruffled his son’s blond hair. “I’m going to visit with an old friend for a while. I’ll be back.”

“Can I come?” His carbon copy hopped from foot to foot with the unbridled energy only a ten year old possessed.

He stared out at the festively decorated street for a moment as he debated his answer. Was Kevin old enough to understand? To appreciate? He turned the key in the heavy metal door and yanked it open. With a shrug he decided there was no time like the present.

“Get in, kid.” With a sweep of his arm, he gestured for him to slide across the bench seats to the passenger side.

“Yes!” Kevin’s small fist punched the air in excitement.

Adam called out to his wife through the screened front walk up. “Elise, I’m taking Kev with me, okay?”

Her voice came through the front door. “See you boys soon. Don’t stay out too long. Company will be here soon and I’ll need your help on the grill.”

He reassured her quickly, got into the car, and backed out of the driveway. As they drove down the road, he half-heartedly listened to Kevin chatter about the parade, the cook out, and his excitement at nearing the end of the school year. The rest of him prayed he’d find the right words to share with his son.

As he turned the car into the drive, past the large stone walls and open wrought iron gate, he felt his son’s eyes go from the letters on the wall to his face. “Hey, dad.”

“Yes, son?” He glanced over at his son. For once, the boy was still, his blue eyes, solemn.

“That sign said Rock Island National Cemetery.” He paused, his small fingers pulling nervously at the edges of his denim shorts. “Are your friends meeting us here?”

He parked the car and motioned for his son to get out. “You could say that.”

Adam stepped from the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side where his son stood waiting. He slung an arm around the boy’s shoulder and guided the way down the familiar path. It was time.

“Kevin, do you remember when I told you that I used to be in the Navy?” He slowed his gait as they walked through the grassy areas and wove their way around tombstones.

His son nodded.

“Your mom and I had just gotten married when I was called away to war. You and your sisters weren’t even born yet.” He smiled down at his boy. “In fact, your mom found out she was pregnant with Katie while I was on a ship heading to Europe. Of course, I didn’t know that. All I knew was that Hitler was trying to take over the world and it was my turn to fight. It was my duty to help keep our world safe.”

He swallowed hard. “There were a lot of guys just like me on that ship. Young. Excited. Wanting to make a difference in the world. But we were also a little bit scared. I mean, it was war. People could die in war. Not that we really thought it could happen to us.”

He stopped in front of a tombstone, placed his hand gently against the white, worn marker and closed his eyes for a moment. “Hey Charlie, I brought some company today. This is my kid, Kevin. I wanted him to meet you.”

He watched as his son stepped forward and traced the name carved into the hard marble, blue eyes squinting with focus and curiosity. “Charlie was one of my first friends on our ship. When we found out we grew up a few miles apart, we became best buds. One day, we were put on duty to clean the hull of our ship. We were scraping away when my stomach began to bother me. Charlie sent me back up to go lie down until I felt better. He said he’d finish everything off. I’d just headed for my room when we came under fire. I ran as fast as I could to see what happened. A missile had hit our ship right where I’d been just minutes before. Charlie didn’t stand a chance. It could just as easily have been me.”

His son wrapped his arms around him, and he squeezed back, running a hand through his son’s blond hair. “Two times while I was at war I almost died. That was the first time. I guess God was sending me a message to let me know he wasn’t ready for me yet. But in the meantime, I come here every Memorial day to hang out with my friend. To make sure he’s remembered. To tell him thank you for saving my life, even though he had no idea at the time. I pay my respects, then come home to enjoy your mother’s parties and count each and every one of you as my blessings.”

Kevin took a deep breath; the long ago conversation with his dad feeling like yesterday, rather than 40. He watched as the honor guard folded his father’s flag while a lone trumpet played “Taps” in the background. As the soldier marched toward him and presented him with the cloth triangle of red, white, and blue, he accepted, holding it close to his chest. Sixty years later, his dad would be reunited with his friend.

“Charlie.” His smile was bittersweet. “Wherever you are; thanks for giving me this time with my dad. Hope you guys are enjoying a beer together in person. I know he was looking forward to seeing you again.”

Powerplay

I watch you,
Sleek,
coiled muscles,
Raw grace.
Big and strong,
You tower over me,
Air of barely leashed
Power.

I crave…
The urge to ride
Your inner storm,
Harness your power,
Bend you to my will,
For my pleasure
And yours.
Command your passion
And pain
With a word;
A touch.
Guide you
To heights
Never reached alone;
The match sparked,
Igniting the flame of need
Fueled by your hunger
To give
And be taken.

You crawl…
Led by my desire,
Your inferno within
Consuming you
With need to
Kneel before me;
A show of trust,
Of lust,
Giving over
Your control
To my able hands,
The thrill
Of letting go,
Unleashing your
Demons
Into my care,
The burn,
A fire in your veins.

You beg,
Watch me dance
Into your fire…
Fearless.
Light grace,
Rolling hips,
Shaft of hard heat
Engulfed;
Driven higher,
Faster,
Deeper.
Mine to guide,
Control,
Surround,
To quicken.
Trust given
And taken.
Barriers broken,
Driven past
The point of no return
On my command,
An explosion
Of fiery bliss
And molten heat.

Never so alive.

Lessons In Going Solo #MasturbationMonth

Who has ever heard or said some derivative of one or both of these statements?

“He has intimacy issues.”

or

“It’s his responsibility to make sure you cum first.”

I’m guilty. I remember finding out from a friend at a pleasure party I hosted that she’d never achieved orgasm and me (and every other woman in the room) blamed her boyfriend. It was a reflexive reaction, probably partially programmed through years of hearing how when something goes wrong it must be the man’s fault/responsibility.

Lately, though, I’ve started looking at things differently. Men aren’t the only ones with intimacy issues. In fact, many women have major physical intimacy issues with themselves. I wish I could say it’s uncommon to hear how women are uncomfortable with their own bodies or that discomfort at masturbation is still a thing. But it’s not. In fact, I’ve discovered that it’s much more likely for me to talk to people with hang ups about this subject.

Why is that? As my buddy, August McLaughlin, points out in one of her GirlBoner posts, Orgasms are good for us! I’m going to take things a step forward and say that self induced orgasms are important for both your confidence and your love life.

Remember the old adage, “how can you expect someone else to love you if you can’t love yourself?” There’s truth to that. Not because other people can’t love you, but because if you don’t love yourself, often you don’t recognize when someone else does. Well, why are our bodies any different? If we don’t know how to rev our own engine, is it really fair to blame the partner who has difficulty deciphering our physical codes? Sure, there will be times when someone who really knows his/her way around the human body may make yours sing in ways you’ve never experienced before, but that’s not the norm.

Building and maintaining physical heat takes communication… Sharing what gets you hot (or not). If you don’t know where to start on your own body, it’s total guess work for your partner. And if you’re one of those people who “fakes it” because you don’t want to disappoint, you’ll probably never know the wonders that your body is capable of providing for you. The endorphin rush is amazing. Addictive, even.

But seriously. The best way to ensure sexual satisfaction? Start with yourself. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of sensual exploration. In fact, here are a few suggestions to aid in your self discovery.

My newest favorite

Lubricant– ladies, lube isn’t just a thing for men, and they’re not all created equal. We’re not always wet when we begin a self pleasuring session, and this can be an incredible help. This particular one, made by Aloe Cadabra, is made with 95% Organic Aloe and is 100% awesome! The one pictured in my hand is the peppermint flavor that gives you that wonderful tingly sensation while you’re playing south of the border. It also doesn’t leave you feeling greasy or sticky or slimy when you’re done. It’s even got healing properties…. Who knew?

Pleasure paraphenalia

Toys– There’s this myth that says growing up means we outgrow playing with toys. I beg to differ. The type of toys we play with simply changes. When I began to explore these bedroom enhancers, I found some very interesting devices, but found I had a sensitivity to some of the materials used (jelly, specifically) to create these passion playthings. That’s when I remembered hearing about glass toys. They can be warmed and cooled, allowing me to pick my pleasure without the after-effects of vaginal irritation and/or discomfort. Nowadays, it’s amazing how many options there are, so it’s just a matter of finding what works for you. Me? I enjoy shopping at adult shops or hosting pleasure parties (though others may prefer the privacy shopping online affords them). In fact, I hosted one at the end of last month. My consultant was a truly fabulous woman named Stacey…and she’s moving to Wisconsin, so if you live in that area and want to have a party, here’s her website. Tell her I sent you!

Inspirational Paraphanelia– Not everyone can get heated just because they’ve decided to explore. Some are great at being able to close their eyes and fantasize, but not everyone can do it quite that easily. Erotic reading materials are a fantastic source of inspiration. In fact, click here to check out a current ongoing blog hop (It ends on the 21st) that’s all about giving away Wickedly Hot and Sexy books or Amazon gift cards. Yes, I’m giving away a copy of one of my books. 😉

Partners– Hey, if you’re in a relationship, discovering what works for you can be a joint adventure. There’s something extremely sexy about sitting across the room from your lover, watching him/her enjoy himself while you do the same. Me? Sometimes I prefer a taste of danger or the possibility of getting caught. Yes, there’s something about enjoying myself in the passenger seat when my partner has to keep his hands on the wheel that appeals to me. Or surreptitiously doing it in a public place where an observant person might notice, but maybe not. You know, like in a fancy restaurant, sitting across from your lover….or in a movie theater.

Yes, the pleasure possibilities are endless! The health benefits are great. The ability to take responsibility for your own orgasm and lead your partner to pleasing you? Priceless! The fact that May just happens to be Masturbation Month just gives you the perfect excuse opportunity to explore.

What major insights or changes in thinking have you experienced with regards to sexuality and/or relationships? If you’re one who enjoys the solo touch, what advice or lessons would you care to impart on folks who might just be opening up to self discovery?

And, of course, my warped humor wouldn’t let me leave out the ever-so-famous Sex in the City “Rabbit Intervention” episode. 😉 Enjoy!

 

Wicked Nights Blog Hop

Wicked Nights. Oh, yeah. We LOVE those naughty…steamy… oh-so-wicked reads. Check out all of our favorite scorching hot books, heroes and heroines. There will be naughty giveaways at every stop so be sure to check them all out! And don’t forget to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway for a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

Wild. Wicked. Wanton…. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Some hear the word “wicked” and think evil.

Me?

I think Sexy, Sensual no-holds-barred wish fulfillment. Need an example? Here’s an excerpt from my book….

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I nodded my head, an idea taking hold in my mind. “You know, I decided I needed to blow off some steam about three hours ago. You’re coming with me. You need it even more than I do. We’ll call it medicinal.”

“That sounds exactly like the kind of distraction I need,” she said, a smile flitting across her face.

“Good. Because it’s too freaking cold to be standing around. My nipples are pointing all over the place for all the wrong reasons!” We hustled to my car, heels clicking a rapid staccato against the asphalt. “All this pent up energy has me in the mood to play. It’s time to call in reinforcements.”

“Ooh!” She looked at me over the hood, her baby blues full of mischief. “That means Michael’s coming. Think he can handle both of us?”

“We’re about to find out! If not, there’s always you and me.” I laughed and yanked my phone out of my purse pocket.

“Danielle Monroe! You are such a tease.” She tossed her dark gold curls over her shoulder.

“Am I? You’ve never seen my bad girl side.” My eyebrow raised, daring her to take me up on the offer.

“Now that sounds promising.” She said, batting her eyes in the worst parody of exaggerated flirtation I’d seen in a while.

Shaking my head and smiling at our antics, I dialed Michael. With the receiver to my ear, the muted strains of “My Cherie Amour” floated through instead of a ring. The frigid air whipped through the thin cotton of my shirt causing a shudder to ripple through my curvy frame. I grabbed for my key fob and quickly pressed the unlock button.

“Hey babe,” his dark, raspy voice came on the line. “What’s up?”

“Well, that all depends on you,” I purred as my hands motioned Candace to get in the car. “Work was nuts and Candace and I need to blow off some steam. We’re headed over to Club Heat for ladies night. Will you join us or do we need to find some other sexy men to play with?”

“Ooh, someone’s feeling feisty.” I could practically see his smile through the rumble in his voice. “I love it when Miss Dani comes out to play.”

“Then you’re gonna love me tonight.” Grabbing the handle, I tugged my door open. Finally out of the chilled air and in the driver’s seat, I slammed the door shut and shoved my key in the ignition.

“Two wild women looking to unleash themselves after a bad day?” The little beep of his car alarm being released sounded through the receiver followed by the slam of the door. “That may be more than I can handle alone.”

Tipping my head against my shoulder to cradle the phone, I turned the key in the ignition, quickly followed by the heater. “Michael Gallo! Afraid you might need reinforcements?”

Music flared in the background as he started his car. “Afraid is such a strong word. I prefer to think of it as being prepared for any eventuality.”

“Well, you know how I feel. The more, the merrier. Hot men and alcohol make everything better!” With one last look in my rear view mirror, I shifted into drive, leaving our bad day in the dust.

So, in honor of such sensual abandon, I’ll be giving away a free copy of my newest release, Four One Night, to a randomly drawn participant. For a chance to win, share the title of your favorite “wicked” book, character, or fantasy (if you’re really daring) along with your email address.

But that’s not all…. I’m not the only one giving stuff away, though. There are a bunch of awesome blogs participating. Stop by their places and check out what they’ve got waiting for you. Here’s a list of all the participating blogs. You also have an opportunity to win the Grand Prize! All you have to do is click the Entry-Form and like and/or follow the fun, fab participants!

The Power of Mothers

Mothers are powerful. Through them, children learn life lessons like self worth, empowerment, or sometimes…the opposite.

A mother’s feelings about her body or sexuality are often passed down and reflected in her children, particularly, daughters. A mother who diets a lot and speaks negatively about her body and weight sends the message that beauty is contingent on a very specific body image, often one that’s almost impossible to live up to.

The other day, it was driven home to me just how impressionable children are and how important a mother’s role is. A fellow author friend was lamenting the fact that her 3 year old had become convinced that she was “sick” and must stay home by her day care teacher because she’d been coughing. Apparently the teacher told her she shouldn’t be at school. My friend knew it was allergies, but because “teacher said,” her little girl could not be convinced to go to school because she was “sick.”

One word from that teacher. That’s all it took to convince a 3 year old. Wow! Is it any wonder that it got me thinking about other messages parents send their children, intentional or otherwise? I’ve shared the positive impact my own mother made on me regarding body image and sexuality….

But what does one do when the messages sent to them weren’t so uplifting? How does one go about fixing themselves so that they can be a better, stronger person for their children?  Recently I saw this video by Amy Jo Goddard and thought she had some great points…

A mother’s job is so important. She molds and builds her children to be strong, capable, productive members of society…hopefully who are also comfortable in their own skins, with their own bodies. She can raise children who aren’t afraid to embrace life, make their own decisions…and handle all the consequences, both good and bad.

What valuable lessons did your mother teach you? If your a mom, what message do you hope you’ve imparted on your children?

In honor of all the wonderful Mothers out there…and the wonderful and challenging job they have, I’m giving away my first novelette, Three For All….so go grab your Freebie and tell your friends!

Here’s a little excerpt:

“Oh, come on,” James whined. “You’re not seriously going to make me go play by myself.”

“That was a loaded statement.” I bit my tongue to keep from giggling over James’ inadvertent innuendo. “But seriously, there are always options.”

“Options?” His eyes were nearly black with intensity, his curiosity was caught. “Such as?”

“Well,” I smiled brightly and stepped between both men, “We could always head back to your uncle’s cottage. Much more privacy there.”

James shook his head as he took a step back. “Oh, hell no. This is my vacation too. We are not going back there just so I can sit all by myself in my room while you two get your freak on, christening every room in the place. Been there, done that. No thanks. Not today. Love you, but no.”

The urge to do a happy dance at the opportunity that just landed in my lap was nearly irresistible. Instead, I batted my eyes at them playfully as my hands found their way up both men’s chests, enjoying the feel of firm muscle. “Who said you had to be by yourself?”

Honoring Family Ties Created By Love

It takes more than biology to make a parent. I firmly believe that. Life has proven that lesson to me.  I also consider myself blessed to have been gifted with a strong, forward thinking mother who is a role model to me (regardless of what she thinks when I choose not to take her advice).

Those of you who’ve read my blog for a while know that I attribute my personal body image and positive sexuality messages from my mother and the wonderful message she sent throughout my childhood. So much of who I am came from the example she set. She taught me to be a strong, powerful woman. Even after she lost my brothers and her marriage to my bio-father, when she had every reason in the world to doubt and be negative, she held on to her faith and her sense of humor….and taught my sister and I the importance of standing on our own two feet.

She probably doesn’t realize I took her to heart when she told me, “Kitt, date lots and lots of boys. This way, when the right one comes along, you’ll recognize him. Don’t be so quick to rush into something before you’re ready. Enjoy life….and whatever you do, make sure you can support yourself so that whatever man you choose will know he’s there because you want him there, not because you’re afraid to be without him. There’s a huge difference. You’ll also know that no matter what, you’ll be okay.”

Me with Mom & Step-dad on my wedding day

But I also knew my bio-dad did a lot of damage to her heart. I began to doubt whether she’d go out on a limb and share her life with another man again. And then she met my stepdad in 1989. Her first words to him on her date have become a source of laughter within the family….”I don’t believe in adultery, nor do I believe in fornicatious behavior.” (She’s okay with all sorts of wild, raunchy sex in and out of high heels once she’s married…but that’s her thing.) I should’ve known my stepdad was a keeper when he answered, “Lady, I just want to take you to dinner!”

When they got married on May 7, 1993 (yep, yesterday was their anniversary), I even paid for their wedding! Okay, so my stepdad forgot his check book and the courthouse didn’t take credit cards…and it only cost me $35. It still counts. 😉 And you know what? It was worth every penny. He’s a good man who’s been there for my sister and me in ways my bio-dad never was. He became the parent of our hearts. The one who walked my sister down the aisle. The one who did the father/daughter dance at our weddings. He was there for our concerts, our graduations. He’s helped when our cars have broken down, he’s fixed stuff when they’ve broken in our houses, he’s opened his house to host our bridal showers….and just been there when we’ve needed him.

He’s earned the Father’s Day cards….and we love him. And we truly appreciate the way he loves our mom. Happy Anniversary!

 

The Universe Used the Blogosphere to Give Me a Hug!

Admittedly, I’ve been “incommunicado” lately. Helping a friend start a new business (which I’m managing), handling staffing changes, vehicular issues, and taking on some freelance writing work has kept me hopping…out in the real world.

But then someone awesome like Phil sends me a tweet just to check up on me and I realize how much I’m missing all my awesome buds!

 

@KittCrescendo Hey Kitt! Just dropping by to say hello and hope all is well with you.

— Phil Holtberg (@RegularGuyNYC) May 3, 2014

But as often happens on the blogosphere, a message like that is followed up by another awesome friend, Maria, who lets me know she’s been thinking about me…and that she featured me and a few other awesome friends on her blog. As it turns out, she did Spring Makeovers on us…and left me roaring with laughter as only she can. Check out the whip she gave me…HERE. Because, you know, she so generous that pimping my books (completely on her own with no coercion from me) was not enough. To top it all off, I’m sure ya’ll can understand as you read her comments below that she absolutely made my week back then, too!

***Kitt calls herself, theinnerwildkat but don’t let that fool you.  She ventures out from time to time to provide us with wild fantasies & escapades.

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Side effects while reading these books may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating,  difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness or shakiness, blushing and excitement.  These usually go away quickly, especially if you rest.  

But you know, they’re not the only friends who’ve been so amazingly generous and thoughtful. In fact, fellow author Natasha Blackthorne was kind enough to host me last month on her blog to help get the word out about my books. She’s so awesome that she’s still pimping the post via Twitter! And there’s the ultra fabulous Book Blogger extrordinaire, Stephanie….She not only hosted me and a giveaway on her blog (giving me a chance to talk BDSM terms), she also posted a review of Four One Night.

Icing on the cake, I’ve gotten a few reviews  on Amazon for both Three For All and Four One Night that have made me feel great about my decision to pursue writing! Thanks so much for all the love and support while I’ve been gone. In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll all see me being much more vocal again in the very near future….afterall, it’s May is Masturbation Month. How could I miss that? I’m sure I’ll be talking toys and lube and all the other fundamentals….

Has anything happened to you lately that’s just made your month (besides, masturbation, of course)?

And, because I’m me, I’ll leave you guys with one of my favorite (and sexiest) scenes from Don Juan DeMarco.