Mariposa's Musings

"Forget your troubles and dance" Bob Marley For writers besides dancing, there's nothing like a positive review to chase away the blues. "Mariposa wrote a charming story about a closed off woman who opened her heart again..."  Kameron Brook                           Kam's Place  gave Package Deal  💖💖💖

Besides choosing what to wear , deciding where to go can be one of the greatest challenges in dancing particularly if you’re flying solo. Even if you discover the latest trendy venue there’s nothing worse than cooling your heels at the hottest place in town.  Here are a couple of suggestions to get you out there. Dance socials Many dance studios host a monthly/weekly social.  The social begins with a group lesson followed by a couple of hours of open dancing.  Often these events are free to the public as a means of attracting more students for private lessons. Socials are best for beginners, but are also great for experienced dancers to brush up on their skills. Club lessons Some of the more savvy venues will host a weekly free dance lesson followed by open dancing.  The inspiration for Package Deal ’s Eclipse generally attracts the twenty-something crowd willing to pay the cover charge and for pricey drinks.  On Friday nights at 7:30, this club w...

I’ve always liked dinner and a movie whether it’s on a date or the TV show .  You Tube’s, Cinema Sins , has added their take on the dinner/show by featuring professional chefs and their dishes inspired by a particular movie.  The chef talks about his favorite movie scene while the host and editing staff of Cinema Sins enjoy a delicious repast.  I’m always fascinated how one creative pursuit inspires another, so with that in mind, Read ‘Em & Eat posts will profile a delicious title flanked by a tasty accompaniment. Package Deal was inspired by Reno’s Salsa scene.  While being one of my favorite dances, it is also the key ingredient in one of my go-to recipes. Salsa Chicken (Can also use leftover Beef, Pork…Turkey you get the idea). Cut leftover cooked chicken into smaller pieces and place into medium sauce pan. Season with chili powder, salt and pepper. Cover chicken with salsa and cook on medium heat stirring and adding salsa as needed.  Wh...

"We should consider every day lost in which we have not danced at least once." Friedrich Nietzsche If German philosophers aren't your thing, consider a University of London study which revealed that patients with anxiety disorders showed significant improvement when they participated in a modern dance class. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine  noted that dancing may boost memory and prevent dementia. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that controls memory) naturally shrinks as people grow older. Aerobic exercise (like dancing) can reverse volume loss in the hippocampus. Plus dancing is a great way to meet people. Dancing attracts people of all ages from college to retirement from all walks of life. On the dance floor I've met architects, engineers, professional musicians even a doctor who kept her profession on the down low since she wanted to dance not diagnose on Friday nights at Salsa. With one activity you can improve your memory, lose w...

Did you know an Italian study discovered that recovering heart surgery patients were happier taking waltz classes than those who cycled or ran the treadmill? I know I'd rather be on the dance floor than anywhere else. Quick update: I've been busy with the final edits on the 2nd title in the Rhythm & Romance series. Harris Channing just sent me the cover and it's gorgeous! I hope to release "Ladies Man" later this Fall. Today I'm guest posting at Louise http://louiselyndon.blogspot.com Lyndon's blog about a certain cowboy who first invited me onto the dance floor. My sister  Wild Rose author is based in Melbourne, Australia and I'm thrilled to be her guest. Hope to see you there!

Did you know that the original title of  Ian Fleming 's " Moonraker " was "Mondays Are Hell"? While I'm not thrilled with Mondays, I love spies and novels of intrigue. That's why I'm excited to chatting about Package Deal at fellow Wild Rose Press author  Stanalei's Fletcher 's blog today.  For more intrigue about Stanalei  and her latest release, Dead Reckoning check out the following posts: Mariposa's Musings   Create on the Side Hope to see you there!

Did you know you can burn up to 306 calories per hour while dancing? Just imagine an hour of county, line, disco or salsa dancing would burn off that grande latte you had earlier. As if that were not reason enough, today I'm chatting about Package Deal and the Top 10 Reason's You Should be Dancing  at Joanne Guidoccio's blog . Hope to see you there!

One of the things I loved best about taking my kids trick or treating is going to the neighbors' houses and getting a peek inside--some had a full view of the living room with a warm fire in the hearth, others offered only a glimpse of an antique coat rack or winding staircase. Today I'm chatting about Package Deal at Rebecca Grace 's blog with a hint about the next title in the Rhythm & Romance series. I love visiting authors' on-line homes (without the dark, chilly walk). I'm happy to report Rebecca will be a guest on my blog on November 7th.  Hope to see you there!

Bachata is one of the Latin dances featured in Package Deal and one of my favorites.   Like its musical themes of romance, heartbreak and bitterness, Bachata has an eloquent history. With humble origins in rural neighborhood parties of the Dominican Republic, for many years Bachata suffered a bad reputation in its native country.   Bachata was considered too vulgar, too rustic and too beloved by migrants residing in shanty towns to be respectable. While its cousin, Merengue, enjoyed generous airplay and the limelight of posh clubs, Bachata lurked in working-class bars and brothels.     Whether due to a social-cultural shift or the power of amazing music, Bachata has emerged from the shadows. It is also an easy dance to learn, the basic steps can be learned it a single lesson making it a favorite for club lessons. Many popular songs from “Every Breath You Take” to “My Girl” have been covered with a Bachata beat. Today Bachata’s cool, sexy rhythms are pla...

Wardrobe Tips for Dancing While Latin dances are inherently sexy, you can still look hot without straying too far outside your comfort zone.   Remember that unlike other dress-up places like the office, you’re going to be moving. Shoes If you’re going to dance on a regular basis or are taking lessons, dance shoes are a worthwhile investment, especially considering the expense of a turned ankle or a wrecked knee.   Dance shoes are designed for comfort and easy movement. If the idea of dancing on spiky heels makes you anxious, look for shoes with a Cuban heel. Dresses vs Pants Either is fine—pants or leggings paired with a sparkly top can be as sexy as a slinky dress.   If the club is new to you, check the dress code before you slip into your favorite jeans.   Whatever you decide, your clothes should allow you to move easily.   As Joan Rivers once said, “Just because it zips doesn’t mean it fits.” Bling I favor sparkly bracelets that are eit...

In celebration of my latest release, Package Deal , the next series of posts will be all about dancing. The biggest mistake people make about dancing is that they talk themselves out of it and stay home. They believe the dance floor is the exclusive realm of the “beautiful people”. As a plus-size 40-something gal, I’ve danced in Country and Latin clubs and I’ve seen people of all ages, shapes and sizes out on the dance floor from college students to grandparents. I can hear the protests. “But I don’t know how.” The good news is that the more clubs offer free dance lessons, usually an hour lesson followed by open dancing. Club lessons are a good way to test the waters without investing in a lesson pa c kage.   Also, some studios have monthly dance socials open to the public with a brief lesson followed by dancing.   One savvy studio kept a full contingent of dance instructors on hand for their Saturday night socials—giving beginners an opportunity to practice wi...

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my third title and first book in my Rhythm & Romance series, Package Deal . I love Latin dances (Bachata, Salsa and Cumbia) and I had a blast writing this one. Widowed attorney, Liz Grant, buries her grief in a deluge of paperwork.   On whim she takes a free dance lesson at the club Eclipse where the mojitos are cold and the Salsa is hot.   She falls for Salsa’s spicy rhythms and Patrick Cavanaugh’s sexy grin.   But can Liz handle the dramatic change of tempo in her well-ordered life?   Patrick has all the right moves, but struggles to keep his balance as his adult daughter spins out of control.   Will their love survive off the dance floor? Special thanks to my production team. Editor:  Marian Kelly-http://www.ravensgateediting.com Formatting by Stevie DeInk-http//www.steviedeink.com Cover design by Harris Channing-http://www.authorharrischanning.com Thanks so much ladies you all did an amazing...