Coffee_n_cocoa

I got artses over at Kinky Kristmas! Holiday Hookup, Neville/Harry, most definitely NWS and chockfull of my favorite kinks (sex toys! nipple clamps! top!Neville! sub!Harry! spanking!)!!! I keep going back to look and drool!

The second half of Christmas was just as lovely as the first. We had brisket, spareribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, and fried potatoes for Christmas dinner, courtesy of the menfolk in the G household. Afterward everyone (even Bean) took nice long holiday naps. There was cherry pie for dessert, Bean played with the rest of her toys but kept returning to her kitchen, hubby and I watched Doctor Who's "The End of Time, Part One". I think like everyone else my favorite scene was Wilf and Ten at the cafe, and all the Masters! Admittedly, I'm not picky about my DW (I actually liked quite a bit of "Waters of Mars"), so I think I would have enjoyed the ep no matter what happened. Afterward I caught up some more on my smutty_claus reading and finally went to bed.

Today I've been completely lazy. We've all noshed on Christmas leftovers, the house is a disaster area, and I really need to do laundry. It can wait until tomorrow.

And my Yuletide recipient liked her fic, and there have been other comments as well! Even though I headdesked a million times squared once I realized I'd misspelled a canon name. Repeatedly. That will definitely get edited soonish.

And it's still snowing.

Christmas


Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! Happy Friday to everyone else!

letmypidgeonsgo, I received your card yesterday! Thank you! ♥

We woke up to somewhere between 4"-6" inches of snow this morning. It's hard to tell for sure because of the wind blowing it around, and there's drifting, but still...White Christmas! It's awesome!

Most of our presents are open; we're just waiting for blueaisling and Mr C. to stop by to open the rest.

Bean got a Snow White dress-up outfit, an animal sound See'n'Say, a stuffed Tigger, a Cars combination storybook with accompanying map of Carburetor Springs and all the character toys, some thermal PJs, a heart necklace and matching braclet that she's wearing right now, and her kitchen set, which she absolutely loves. So far she's chatted on the "phone", served Mom G and I "coffee" from the coffee-maker, and washed the dishes about a hundred times. Too bad she won't do that in RL! The look on her face when she woke up and saw there were presents under the tree when there hadn't been any when she went to bed the night before was priceless.

I got some spoons and spatulas, a T-shirt, a pair of jeans, new flannel sheets for the bed, house slippers, a Caf-Pow! coffee mug, and a Kitchen-Aid mixer!!!!!

Bean is still stirring on her little stove. It's so cute!

And I got my wonderful, wonderful Yuletide fic! Will It Go Round in Circles is a gorgeous NCIS: Los Angeles, G Callen/Sam Hanna fic with wonderful cameos from Hetty and Kelsi and the other supporting characters. The banter between G and Sam are spot-on perfect, and the sex scenes, while not explicit, also match the characters extremely well. It's amazingly awesome, and everyone should go read it this instant!

Ok, maybe not this instant, since apparently the server is groaning from folks poring over the multitudinous goodies to be had. But go read it when you can!

Dad G and hubby are in the process of making Christmas dinner. The brisket and the spareribs have been slow-cooking in the oven all night, and now Dad G is cooking bacon for the baked beans.

So far this has been the bestest of days, and it's not even half over yet!

♥ to all!

Sometimes I think the anticipation that comes with Christmas Eve is even better than the day itself. There are unopened gifts lying under the tree all wrapped in shiny paper, filled with possibilities, twinkling lights on the tree, relaxing with a glass of port after filling the stockings and assembling the kiddie gifts, the smell of slow-roasting meat in the oven.

Right now in the G household, Santa Claus has come, there's an assembled kitchen for Bean, and outside the snow is falling, giving the Kansas City area its first true white Christmas in nearly 50 years. We spent Christmas Eve day at Youngest Sis' house, where Bean made out like a bandit, receiving her first Barbie doll (I suspect Youngest Sis couldn't resist the temptation any further, since she had all boys), a box with 15 different colors of Play-Do (with fruit-shaped molds! And cutouts shaped like bunnies and butterflies and elephants!), a phonics See-n-Say, and bristle blocks. She got to play with the cousins, there was a game of Christmas bingo where I won a box of Dove chocolates and hubby won some notebooks and pencils, and we made it home just in time before the rain changed over to sleet. We got about an inch of ice pellets, and it finally changed over to snow around 9 this evening, while Bean and I were playing with her Play-Do (it's squishy! it's multi-colored! it has a duck-shaped cut-out!).

Also, Yuletide opens any time now!

I absolutely love Christmas Eve! May your holiday be as merry and bright!

I spent today baking the cookies I'd planned to do over the weekend. The chocolate crackles came out just fine, but the gingerbread men insisted on falling to pieces. I have some whole ones, but I have a second plate filled with body parts. They're still tasty though. I still need to figure out where I went wrong...

Hubby woke up with a cold. We're supposed to go to Youngest Sis' house for Christmas Eve, so he'll probably be over the worst of it by then, but now I'm just waiting to come down with it myself.

It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow, most of the day Christmas Eve, change over to snow Christmas Eve night, and snow on Christmas Day. I'll believe it when I see it. I still fully expect the system to track wherever it needs to go to ensure my neck of the woods gets little to no snow, as what usually happens.

However! I've finally had a chance to do some catching up on my smutty_claus reading!

And oh, what the heck...Sometimes we all could use some ego-stroking...

THE FANFICTION LOVE MEME

Over on LJ.

The electrician came out yesterday to look at the lights. He thinks the problem actually lies with the kitchen lights, so tomorrow he's supposed to come back, replace the ballasts and the wire ends, and check for conductivity. If the conductivity's off he'll replace the wiring itself, which will add another hundred to the repair cost. But at least afterward we'll be able to turn on the Christmas tree again and watch TV upstairs!

My Christmas shopping is done! Dad G and I finished it yesterday. He and Mom G still need to pick up a few stocking stuffers, but other than that it's all taken care of. Hubby wrapped most of the presents last night and hid them away from curious little Bean eyes and hands, and those go under the tree Christmas Eve after the wee one's in bed.

Bean and I watched the new trailer for "Alice in Wonderland" yesterday. Afterward I exclaimed "Duuude!" because it was so awesome, and a moment later a tiny little voice echoed, "Dood." She looked up at me, rather solemnly impressed, so we watched it again. :D I'm still surprised she hasn't picked up any four-letter words yet, but I'm not one who swears often, so I'll have to be extra careful not to accidentally drop the f-bomb while she's around. Others in the house have, so she's apparently picking up most of her vocabulary from me (she's become quite good at "Darn it"). She's still behind compared to other kids her age verbally, but she's picking up new words all the time, so I figure it's only a matter of time before she catches up.

Dad G also picked up baking supplies this morning, so I'm planning to whip up a couple of batches of cookie dough this afternoon. They'll chill in the fridge until Saturday, so all Mom G and I will have to do is roll and bake!

I also finished my Kinky Kristmas fic, just waiting to hear back from my beta. Next up is Yuletide. I'm going to give the source material a final look-see sometime this evening, more for details than anything else, since the plotbunny is there. I've never written for a fandom not HP until now, so I'm a bit wibbly.

Also, gah! So behind on fest reading! I'm going to have to leave some comment-love for some anonymous authors today between everything else going on!

And on top of everything else, I have got to clean house this weekend. Got to!

I got my smutty_claus gift-fic today!

Ever read one of those fics that makes you think you can never write your OTP again, because the author did it so much better than you ever could? Well, that happened to me once this year already, and it happened again today.

Go, RIGHT NOW, and read Protective Measures this instant. It's Neville/Ginny, it's beautifully written, it has angst to make your chest tighten and a coming together guaranteed to make you melt into a happy puddle for both of them. Seriously, it's one of the best Neville/Ginny fics EVAR, and I intend to stalk the author after reveals, if they're not already on my f-list (in which case, I love you. I really, really love you).

Summary: After the war is over, Neville and Ginny attempt to pick up the pieces.

It's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

Now, GO! Read! Leave glowing, effusive love for the author!

Taking a short break from finishing up the smutty_claus fic to bring you this inspiring sight:

Doesn't this put you in the holiday spirit?

As you were.

Happy Belated Birthday, triceybabe!!!

Hope your day was perfectly loverly!

I've got a fic to finish tonight. It will get done. It could have been finished earlier, except ( Cut to spare the child-free on my f-list )

There, aren't you glad you skipped that? Keep your fingers crossed.

We also got our Christmas tree put up Friday afternoon, and in a few days hubby and I will head out into the breach to do our Christmas shopping. We like to get ours done in one fell swoop, usually during a work day to escape the worst of the crowds.

Happy Birthday, snegurochka_lee!!!

Hope your day was completely magnificent!

I just received my wizard_love assignment...and they are all pairings I have never written before. On the one hand I can't help but think "Eep!", but on the other hand this means no one will be able to guess which fic is mine!

It's only Wednesday, but we're having leftovers tonight anyway. We'll have stirfry tomorrow instead.

Right. Off to work on my smutty_claus fic some more.

Happy Birthday, nefernat!!!

Hope your day was utterly magnificent!

Nothing much happened today. I got in touch with my sisters to firm up Thanksgiving plans: where, what time, who brings what. I've been tapped to provide the cauliflower gratin and a chocolate cream pie. Considering Middle Sis is the one doing the turkey and dressing along with one other pie and a couple of other side dishes, it's more than doable. There's also plans to do a Christas bingo this year, which will cut down enormously on our holiday shopping this year. Money saved is always a big Yay in our book.

Other than that, cold rain yesterday, cold rain today, cold rain tomorrow. Winter is definitely here...and it's depressing as all get out.

Happy Birthday, venturous!!!

Hope your day was splendidly magnificent!

I received my Yuletide assignment, and it's more than doable. I'm looking forward to it.

Soooo much writing to do over the next six weeks. *headdesks* They will get done, I swear it!

However, tomorrow afternoon hubby and I are taking Bean and Mr C to the circus. Our next-door neighbor had free tickets and gave them to us (he's a Shriner). Hopefully, Bean won't be afraid of the clowns. She's never seen them before. *crosses fingers* She'll probably love the animals, though!

But now I have to put away the dinner leftovers and toss in another load of laundry. Oh, the excitement.

Apparently I'm in the process of fixing a Sunday dinner on Friday. I've got a roast on the stovetop and a pear crumble in the oven, and once that comes out I'm going to start on au gratin potatoes. There's also going to be carrots. All this in addition to the brownies I made yesterday!

The kitchen used to smell like beef and onions, but Bean got hold of my cologne and now it smells like Dark Vanilla. She's very much a tomboy in many ways, but she likes to 'smell pretty' and insists on being rubbed down with lotion after her baths. Right now, we both smell a little too pretty (she wanted me to wear cologne too), as do one of her stuffed frogs.

However, my yule_balls_fic is finally started, and I'm mentally composing my Dear Yuletide Writer letter while I cook. I'll probably write it down and post it tonight.

Yes, I'm back with another rec!

A Tale of Seasons by Anonymous at hp_darkfest. (Neville, Bellatrix, gen, R). Summary: Her master’s victory is nothing like Bellatrix hoped for. She lost everything, and even the Dark Lord has no more use for her. The only thing that is left to her is one prisoner.

This story is a Voldemort-won AU as the summary suggests; but this is not your typical dystopian tale. The story revolves around the strange and oddly compelling relationship that grows between Bellatrix, who has been left behind in the wake of her Lord's victory; and Neville, who has been given to her as a prisoner. To say more would be to give things away, but the story unfolds with pervasive sorrow, guilt, anger and regret. The anonymous author manages to accomplish the impossible: we feel sorry for Bellatrix.

And Neville is absolute perfection. Stolid, strong, torn between hatred toward his enemy and what she's done, pity for how far she's fallen, and guilt for feeling that pity. The ending, while not unexpected, will still blow you away with its graceful simplicity.

This is darkfic, but it's one of grief and sadness rather than the typical torture-'em-until-they-break trope so commonly found in the genre. There hasn't been a Neville and Bellatrix fic quite like this one until now, and I can't recommend it enough.

*shoos you off to read*

And now, to try this Write or Die thingy...

The last couple of times our family had tacos for dinner, there were complaints that the taco seasoning was too salty. This is a good thing, because it means the lower-fat and salt regimen everyone's been on to one extent or another since Dad G's heart attack and bypass surgery is working. We're all noticing how much saltier commercially sold foods are compared to stuff made from scratch (which I'm getting better at).

Anyway, back to the tacos. I poked around online and tried a homemade taco seasoning recipe without telling anyone what I'd used until after everyone had scarfed down dinner; and then asked their opinion. It was a hit! So I thought I'd share it with you. The flavor is mild, so those who like more heat can add more chili powder of maybe a dash of cayenne to the mix for more kick.

( Homemade Taco Seasoning )

Yes, the Neville Big Bang poll is still open. Yes, I'm going to nag about it! Fortunately, it looks as though there's some interest! ;)

There is now a Draco Big Bang and a Percy Big Bang, both of which will be taking sign-ups soon.

There is still no Neville Big Bang. This makes me sadcakes. At this rate, Stan Shunpike will have his own Big Bang fest before Neville does. This should be rectified, y/y?

Therefore, a poll, open to both authors and artists!

Poll #4569 Neville Big Bang?
Open to: All, results viewable to: All

I would participate in a Neville Big Bang.

I'd like anyone who might be even remotely interested to vote, so feel free to link this to others!

I just finished reading the most exquisite Neville/Draco fic, and now I'm sending all of you off to read it too. It's raw and gorgeous and features misunderstandings and lack of communication and happy endings and...baking. Definitely one of the best Neville/Draco stories to come out this, or any other year.

Theft of Assets, Destruction of Property by helenish, (Neville/Draco, AU, NC-17). Summary: Surely it is a mistake to allow a single youthful indiscretion to cloud an already promising career.

Go! Read! *shoos you off*

Title: Proper Motivation
Author: coffee_n_cocoa
Pairing(s): Harry/Ron/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction set in the Harry Potter universe – all recognisable characters and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling and her associates. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work.
Warning(s): D/s, spanking, threesome
Word Count: 200
Summary: Ron gives Harry what he needs to finish his appointed task.
Author's Notes: Written for deathjunke for hp_halloween 2009.


Proper Motivation

Sadly, this is the last time I get to use my Halloween!Trevor icon before I put him away for another year.

We had 48 trick-or-treaters last night, which was down from our average of about 55. We still have loads of candy left, although Dad G has already made inroads into the Nestle Crunch bars, and the bag of Reese's Pumpkins is nearly untouched....mwahahahaha!!!

( Witches and ghosties and goblins, oh my! )

Afterward I took Bean to see hubby at his job, which made both of them happy. She ran around on a sugar high, calmed down a bit to watch "Sword in the Stone", cried and wept tears of doom when I made her go to bed...and she was out inside of ten minutes. So yeah, she was a tired Bean, protests to the contrary aside.

She made a cute fairy, though!

( Fairy!Bean! )