Sharon's INSPIRATIONAL Short stories of Faith and Romance can be found HERE or visit her
Facebook Page, which also has the links in the comments.)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Five minutes of fame

 
According to Andy Rooney, we all get our five minutes of fame, our five minutes in the sun. I got my chance to shine last week when a local media station in Pittsburgh interviewed me.
 
WTAE television anchor woman Michelle Wright came to my home to question me about how diabetes has affected my life. It was all very exciting. When the truck pulled up in front of the house and the camera man came in with all his equipment, I admit to being a little star struck. Once things were all set up, Michelle and I sat on my living room sofa and the camera got rolling. Amazingly, any initial butterflies doing the rumba in my belly did their swan song and skedaddled. Michelle is very personable and put me at ease. WTAE is running a week long series on diabetes beginning tonight and I am scheduled to air at 5:45 pm.

Hopefully, by answering questions about the serious impact type 1 diabetes has had on my life, my outlook on living with a life long disease and its devastating complications, I can offer hope to those  facing  diabetes. Yes, it is a deadly disease which can rear its ugly head, affecting many organs, including the heart, kidneys and eyes. But millions of diabetics, both type 1 and 2 lead long and productive lives. Knowledge is power. If you’re a diabetic, don’t ignore it or take it lightly. See your doctor often, check your blood glucose, eat sensibly and exercise. Fresh fruits and veggies are a lot healthier than sweets. There’s something to be said for that age old proverb.
 An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Good Golly its Ollie McCauley

Hello and welcome to another episode of Dear Oliver! Today’s special guest is my sister and her brand new fur baby, Oliver! You don’t want to miss her pet peeve, especially if you’ve ever had trouble training an adorable, free spirited and highly rambunctious puppy. So, come on in and belly up to the bar. And while you’re eavesdropping on Oliver’s sound advice, why not treat yourself to one of his legendary martinis! You’ll find his impressive venue listed on the sidebar. Not a martini fan? Not a problem. Oliver will make whatever drink strikes your fancy and serve it with a wink and a smile. And rumor has it that his Taco Con Questo dip is hotter than a sultry night in Georgia. With no further ado, let’s give a warm round of applause to Mary Beth and Ollie McCauley!
What can I getcha to drink, love?
Of course an ice cold beer in a frosty cold mug! And a fresh cold full water bowl for my chum Ollie!

Casting Mary Beth a wicked wink, Oliver flashes his most dazzling smile. My pleasure, sweet thing. After serving the requested drink orders, a chilled mug of IC Light and a bottled water, he scoops the squirming black lab puppy up in his arms and raises an eyebrow. Ollie ol’ boy, being my name sake and all, I’m your mentor, which means y’all have quite a reputation to live up to with the ladies!

Gazing at his mentor with admiration, Ollie grins a doggy grin, his eyes gleaming like stars. He yips excitedly.

What’s that, Ollie ol’ boy?

Ollie yips a little louder, just a tad annoyed that he has to explain himself to his mentor.


Catching on, Oliver puffs out his chest. You got it, my little protégé, I’ll be happy to give y’all some pointers guaranteed to score major brownie points with the ladies.  Starting with this. With a flick of his wrist, Oliver presses a button on his 007 remote. Instantly, a panel opens displaying a box of doggy breath buster biscuits. Whistling, Oliver feeds the panting pup a few. First rule of thumb, Ollie dear boy, fresh breath will allow y’all to steal lots of kisses.  With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Oliver sets the doggy in an upright position on a bar stool and pumps his biceps.  Ollie, my pet, watch and learn. You’re about to see the master at his game.
Placing another frosty mug of beer in front of Mary Beth, Oliver leans a little closer and gazes into her eyes. Who can I play for you on the jukebox, my pretty young thing?

Mary Beth grins. I have a few selections starting with AC/DC – You Shook me all night long! Or how about Play that funky music white Boy! By Wild Cherry or Sweet Caroline – good times never seemed so good by the one and only Neil Diamond! Or who could forget “everybody wang chung tonight” remember that one? How about “Pour some sugar on me” by Def Leppard? I know a favorite of my dear sister’s is Hall and Oates “I can’t go for that – no can do” or “Kiss on my list” How about for old romantic time sake good old Frank Sinatra “fly me to the moon”! I could go on and on with this category. Any more suggestions from the audience?

With his jack-be-nimble fingers working a mile a minute, Oliver programs the impressive venue into the jukebox, mumbling under his breath that MB is every bit as high maintenance as her sister. With a sonic boom that quakes the earth, You Shook Me All Night Long vibrates off the walls.

When Frank Sinatra’s song floats across the room, Oliver smiles a beguiling smile. Taking Mary Beth by the hand, he leads her out to the dance floor. serenading her, they dance cheek to cheek.
“Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars

Let me see what spring is like
On a Jupiter and Mars     
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby, kiss me…”

The audience breaks into thunderous applause. The Dancing With the Stars couple take a sweeping bow.

Whew, Oliver mixes himself a James Bond martini. Handing Mary Beth another cold one, their glasses clink in a toast. So tell me about your pet peeve, love.

My pet peeve is Oliver’s biting!  He will not leave us alone!  We give him chew toy after toy but his attention span is that of a pea and within seconds he goes from the chew toy to jumping on us, biting us like a chew toy!  He is very strong and thinks this is the most fun game!  He growls playfully as he chomps on your fingers/arms/toes/legs anything he can sink his teeth into!  Also he will not entertain himself; he thinks we are solely there to be a source of entertainment to him and if you do not pay attention to him for one second he will bark for your command

Right on cue, Ollie barks sharply, demanding equal time from Oliver. Whistling a verse of Hall and Oates “I can’t go for that – no can do, Oliver snatches a present from the bar, a chew toy of a James Bond martini. Strutting over to Ollie, he picks him up. Immediately, Ollie displays his annoyance for being ignored by biting on Oliver’s ears, fingers and arm.

Watch the biceps, junior! Chew on this for a while. He sets him on the floor on a blanket, gives him fresh water, some doggy nibbles and his chew toy. Totally ignoring the command, Ollie attaches himself to Oliver’s leg, chomps his teeth into it and takes off running laps around the  bar, barking excitedly. He shoots Oliver a don’t mess with me look.

Mary Beth shakes her head. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?  Luckily these wild times do not last long and he tires easily and the next thing you know he is curled up at your feet or in your lap and lavishing you with sweet kisses and then the next thing you know he is snoring and out like a light!  This is when he is so lovable and sweet!

Ollie races past them, a streak of black lightning, stopping only to bite Mary Beth’s leg.

Another beer, love, you’re looking a bit frazzled.

Mary Beth accepts it with a smile. Oliver delves a tortilla chip in his Taco Con Questo dip and feeds it to MB, then another. So tell me, sweet thing, where do you think utopia is?

Utopia for Oliver is running in the yard full speed ahead, chasing sticks or us!  Also he likes to play basketball with my son Connor and is very good at defense!  Utopia for us is Ollie’s naptime!

Showing no sign of slowing down any time soon, Ollie does laps around the bar that would make a marathon runner weep.

Deciding it’s time to take charge, Oliver goes about the ritual of mixing up a pitcher of his legendary James Bond martinis. He pours the chilled, shaken, not stirred concoction into two frosted Gibson glasses. He hands one to Mary Beth and winks. Here we go then, love, a nice JB to sooth your blues away. Snatching Ollie as he streaks by, Oliver pumps his biceps and grins. Dipping his finger into his cocktail, Oliver sticks it into Ollie’s mouth. Ollie smacks his lips. Then he shoots up his arm and pumps his doggy biceps.

Mary Beth McCauley is a wife, mother of two children and one fur baby. She is Customer Service Team Leader at PPG Industries, Inc. in the Silica Products Customer Service Department.
When she is relaxing in her spare time, Mary Beth enjoys reading, tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and is an avid sports fan.
Final words from Mary Beth.

Any suggestions for calming this crazy pup when he is in his full speed ahead play and bite mode?  We are desperate!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patricks Day

Struggling with her faith after her mother’s death, Meghan O’Malley finds comfort in wearing her Claddagh Ring, believed to be blessed by St. Patrick. And when Meghan meets Rork, she finds love, friendship, and loyalty. But before everything comes full circle under God’s plan, Meghan must face the biggest challenge of her life. Rork McGuire is ruggedly handsome, sings Celtic music straight from his soul, and has a dark secret.

When he sees Meghan O’Malley, he falls hopelessly in love with her and wants nothing more than to give her his heart. Will the secret he harbors bring them together—or pull them apart?

And as My Wild Irish Rose played, Meghan and Rork danced, their bodies gliding across the dance floor in perfect rhythm. Rork sang in her ear, the lilt in his voice sending chills through her entire body. “And my one wish has been…that some day I may win…the heart of my wild Irish Rose…”

As Rork’s arms tightened around her, the lyrics of the song seemed to crawl deeper and deeper inside her skin. Gazing into his hypnotic blue eyes, she thought perhaps St. Patrick had indeed bestowed his blessing into the Claddagh. Could Rork be her purpose? Finding love and friendship with a man who could sing like an angel?

On a romantic lilt, Rork ended the dance with a simple promenade around the floor, giving the couple the regal look of a king and queen. Staring into midnight blue eyes, Meghan’s heart danced a wild rhythm. When she finally came back down to earth, she was giddy with delight. And when they kissed, it was the kind of kiss dreams were made of. Meghan Shannon O’Malley had met her destiny.

Buy The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring
February 25, 2009
WRP Nbr: 2880
Book Trailer

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Charade of Hearts featured in Allegheny General Hospital newsletter

Local Author, Medical Marvel Celebrates Life and Latest Work with Book Signing

Sharon Donovan Received LVAD Destination Therapy at AGH in August

Local author Sharon Donovan, 55, of Avalon, will celebrate the publication of her seventh novel, “Charade of Hearts” tomorrow at a book signing event in Sewickley.

The book’s title is telling. And though most authors are quick to claim that theirlatest work is the one most dear to their heart, in Ms. Donovan’s case it could notbe any more true.

Just seven months ago, it appeared that Ms. Donovan’s heart would not allow her to complete the novel. A lifelong diabetic who lost her eye sight at the age of 25, Donovan suffered a massive heart attack on August 11, 2010 that left her heart perilously and permanently damaged.

Among those celebrating with Donovan tomorrow and lining up for signed copies of her new novel will be members of her medical team, including AGH cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Robert Moraca and nurse Sherrie Stutz, who coordinates the hospital’s LVAD program.
Charade of Hearts
Oliver’s story
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/charade-of-hearts-p-4346.html

Read full article here
www.wpahs.org/agh

Sharon Donovan
Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith

Sign up for Sharon’s newsletter

My website

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Where the one and only Oliver will mix your favorite cocktail with a wink and a smile!


My Books

Charade of Hearts
Oliver’s story
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/charade-of-hearts-p-4346.html

Her Biggest Fan
An edge of your seat chilling suspense
ISBN: 1-60154-813-3
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.TheWildRosePress.com/Her-Biggest-Fan-P-4234.HTML

Mask of the Betrayer
Book one in the Mask series
Filled with so many twists, turns and surprises, you’ll be
hooked from the first chapter.
ISBN: 978-1-936167-06-7
AVAILABLE NOW!



Thursday, March 10, 2011

Dear Oliver with Val Pearson



Hello and welcome to another episode of Dear Oliver! Today’s special guest is my good friend and one of the reviewers of You Gotta Read, Val Pearson. You don’t want to miss Val’s pet peeve, especially if your teenager is driving you bonkers with nerve-wracking music. So, come on in and belly up to the bar. And while you’re eavesdropping on Oliver’s sound advice, why not treat yourself to one of his legendary martinis! You’ll find his impressive venue listed on the sidebar. Not a martini fan? Not a problem. Oliver will make whatever drink strikes your fancy and serve it with a wink and a smile. And rumor has it that his tortilla chips and salsa are spicier than a pot of his Cajun Jambalaya. With no further ado, let’s give a warm round of applause to Val Pearson!

Oliver: What can I getcha to drink, love?


Val: Tequila straight up Oliver, it's been the most irritating day EVER!
Oliver mumbles under his breath, but when he turns to Val after pouring her chosen poison straight up, he flashes the charm with a wink and a smile. There we go then, love. With a flick of his 007 remote, a calming beach scene with gently rolling waves materializes on the big screen behind the bar. When Val downs her shot and points a finger to her empty glass, he leans a little closer. Why so glum, chum?

Val: It's this whole Glee soundtrack that my daughter has going on. It's not that I don't like Glee, but she plays it OVER and OVER and OVER!

Nodding, Oliver fills Val’s empty shot glass, tossing a Lemon wedge and shaker of salt on the bar as an after thought. We are at the beach, after all. So if y’all could sum up your pet peeve in a word, what would it be?

Val: One word? GLEE

With another flick of his 007 remote, The Eagles' Tequila Sunrise plays in the background. Oliver hums along. "Given the way you downed that rather potent shot down the ol’ hatch without coming up for air, I dare say the added amenities may keep y’all from falling off the bar stool like the rest of ‘em". Humming away, he takes a margarita glass, coating the rim in salt before presenting it. "As long as you think you’re woman enough to handle another shot of the nasty, knock yourself out, sweet thing."

Val coils her fingers around the glass in a death grip, brings it to her lips and knocks it back neat.

Oliver shoves a heaping basket of his tortilla chips and spicy salsa in front of her and smiles a beguiling smile. "Best have a bite to eat, love. Remember how tanked the boss lady got when she so foolishly thought she was woman enough to handle more than one martini. As if!" Oliver pumps his biceps and hums another verse of Tequila Sunrise. Plucking a chip from the basket, he dips it in salsa and feeds it to Val. Then another. "Now about your pet peeve with Glee, love. But if you’re not ready to rant and rave just yet, who can I play for you on the jukebox?"

Val: *sigh* if you could play me some Bon Jovi, I would love you forever Oliver.

Oliver presses a button on his JB remote and Bon Jovi appears on the background beach scene and the music begins. Casting Val a wildly wicked wink, he plucks up his electric guitar and spews forth, gazing into her eyes the whole while. In moves that Jon Bon Jovi himself would envy, Oliver shakes it loose.

It’s my life
It’s now or never
I ain’t gonna live forever
I just want to live while I’m alive
It’s my life
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said
I did it my way
I just want to live while I’m alive
It’s my life
It’s my life
It’s my life

Oliver flings his guitar over his head and takes a sweeping bow. The bar rocks with hoots and whistles.

Oliver: Whew, I dare say I’m in need of a drink after that rather electric dance. Oliver fans himself. Now, back to the subject at hand. When did you develop this pet peeve with Glee, love boat?

Val: The moment one of my daughter's friends gave her the CD soundtrack.

Oliver shrugs. So, tell me, sweet thing, where do you think utopia is?

Val: My utopia is in a tropical paradise somewhere with Channing Tatum, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jon Bon Jovi. I'm lost Oliver, can you point me the way to my little Valtopia?

With a wink and a smile, Oliver hits his remote and a tropical paradise with Channing Tatum, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jon Bon Jovi appear on screen, fanning Val and feeding her bon bons as she lounges in a chaise lounge, grinning from ear to ear.

How else can Dear Oliver help, my pet?

Val: You can help me sit back and laugh. I got back at my daughter by grounding her from all of her CD's except the one I gave her. It has a Mariachi band, some Spanish guy singing a French song and songs I know she will detest! So join in for our big guffaw Oliver, MOM won!

Oliver kisses Val on each cheek, hands her 30 pieces of silver and grins. With a flick of his 007 remote, the repugnant Mariachi band strut in, six short and chubby Spanish inmates that haven’t shaved or showered in way too long, gather ‘round Val, belting out French tunes for all they’re worth in between hoots and whistles.

Oliver hands the be-frazzled Val a double shot of tequila. Ah, well, y’all know what they say ‘bout what goes ‘round comes ‘round. Val? Love? Are you all right?

Final words from Val Pearson

I would love for each person visiting to stop by You Gotta Read reviews, an awesome review site I work with. Here's the link: http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/ Then there is my personal review site for the sweeter books here http://thesweetersideoflove.blogspot.com/ (still working with the layout on that one) and the my spicier blog here http://booksthatleaveyoubreathless.blogspot.com/?zx=e5ffa6e11b7f5e8e
It would be greatly appreciated if you decided to follow the sites listed. With your help, more reviews can get greater exposure.

Oliver, Dahling, thank you so much for ..... just looking so sexy to begin with and for listening to all my drama issues.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Fat Tuesday


Hello and welcome to Mardi Gras!

Wearing masks bearing images of skeletons and Christian icons is a vital part of Mardi Gras in the city of New Orleans. This pre-Lenten festival is framed by the donning of original masks worn by people at masked balls, crew members in parades, tourists and partakers in the final crescendo known as Fat Tuesday.

This is a time when individuals hide behind masks to play out the final moments of fun and to bid farewell to the flesh before the penitence of Lent begins.

Masks have always possessed a certain air of mystery that has fascinated people for centuries. According to legend, masks were worn by ancient Greek actors in honor of Dionysus, god of theater and were quite large. Because the structures used to represent the plays were so colossal, masks bore exaggerated expressions in order to convey various emotions.
The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple symbolic of justice, green symbolic of faith and gold symbolic of power and are used to decorate carnival masks.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Winner of Blue Diamond earrings

Oliver is most pleased to announce the chosen winner of his beautiful heart-shaped blue diamond earrings featured at the lovely Sky Purington’s
Celts and More blog
During the week of February 14-18th. The winner is…….drum roll…..
Deb Thomas. Congratulations, Deb! Wear them well. Now, here comes Oliver with a bottle of champagne. POP!
You can read the excerpt where Oliver presents Dominique with the gift on their wedding anniversary here


And you can purchase Charade of Hearts here
Oliver’s story
AVAILABLE NOW!
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/charade-of-hearts-p-4346.html