Zorro, and invited everyone to come and hang out with us in the Bandit Lair. We'd been tossing around ideas and trying to figure out what to do in this crazy world of cyberspace for a couple of months before, and decided to take the plunge and see what happened.We were all astounded and grateful at the enthusiastic response. Since then, we've endeavored to share bits and pieces of our writing and our lives with our blog readers. We've brought in many different kinds of guests, played games, celebrated successes, and sympathized with challenges and hardships.
But throughout these past three years, the thing that has made this effort worthwhile and successful beyond our wildest dreams has been you -- OUR READERS! Day after day, year after year, you have continued to amaze and amuse us. And you've give us the two most important gifts of all: YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION!
So in celebration of our third year of blogging, Aunty asked some of our long-time, frequent commenters what being a Bandita Buddy meant to them.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dianna aka Hrdwrkdmom aka MizMacgyver
Woot! It only seems like yesterday that I wandered in from the cold outreaches of the "net" and found myself cozied up in the Lair. It was like a homecoming to me. I visit the lair every morning before work and every evening when I come home. I don't always comment because, well, I just don't always have something to say...LOL
I have always loved to read but until meeting the Banditas I didn't realize the trials and tribulations authors have to go through to get a book in my hot little hand. I admire all of the Banditas, the published and yet to be published, the latter for their perseverance in attaining their goals. I don't know what I would do without the Banditas to check in with every day. What topic is going on the blog, who has another book coming out, who won what, what is happening in each Bandita's corner of the world. The "Lair" is an exciting place to be.
I have always loved to read but until meeting the Banditas I didn't realize the trials and tribulations authors have to go through to get a book in my hot little hand. I admire all of the Banditas, the published and yet to be published, the latter for their perseverance in attaining their goals. I don't know what I would do without the Banditas to check in with every day. What topic is going on the blog, who has another book coming out, who won what, what is happening in each Bandita's corner of the world. The "Lair" is an exciting place to be.
One of the biggest thrills of my life to date was getting to meet some of the Banditas (and the GR) in person. I hyperventilated for a week, then the great day came and I was a basket case, I dressed three times, I messed with my freshly curled hair until, sadly, it wasn't curled anymore! I put on make-up! Believe me, that is an occurence that doesn't happen every day. When I walked in the restaurant and was asked if I was with the Golden Rooster, wow, no words can describe that feeling.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am with the Golden Rooster."
Following the hostess back to the table I wanted to rush ahead, and then there they were, 4 Banditas in all their glory, another homecoming. Hugs all around and getting seated and me grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole time. I had fan girl written all over me and didn't care one bit.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am with the Golden Rooster."
Following the hostess back to the table I wanted to rush ahead, and then there they were, 4 Banditas in all their glory, another homecoming. Hugs all around and getting seated and me grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole time. I had fan girl written all over me and didn't care one bit.
The Banditas are "good people" as my grandmother would have said. They are warm, compassionate people that happen to have an amazing talent. They don't sit and just write words, they put a little of themselves and their personalities into every story and in each "blog". They reach out and make every person that visits feel as if they are sitting in their own kitchen having a cuppa and chatting about whatever subject feels good that day. Where else can you go to get that feeling?
I visit every day because the Banditas need to know they are my heroines, their talents are appreciated, and the world is better because they care. When a person posts on the blog, that post is responded to, always. The Banditas acknowledge each and every person that posts, they want you to know you were noticed, no slipping in the back door and slipping out again. A personalized blog, who would of thunk it?
I visit every day because the Banditas need to know they are my heroines, their talents are appreciated, and the world is better because they care. When a person posts on the blog, that post is responded to, always. The Banditas acknowledge each and every person that posts, they want you to know you were noticed, no slipping in the back door and slipping out again. A personalized blog, who would of thunk it?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Helen in Oz
Helen in Oz
What being a Bandita Buddy means to me?
It means friendship fun and laughter. I have visited pretty much everyday and there is usually a very good reason why I don't get there on a daily basis.
I was first introduced to the Bandits by The Incomparable FoAnna Anna Campbell whom I had "met" on another forum just before CTC was released. I will always be grateful for the friends I have made since visiting The Bandits. I have won many fantastic books and my massive TBR Pile has grown to mountainous proportions! Thanks to all of the wonderful Guest authors I have met along
the way and the recomendations from The Bandits and Bandita Buddies.
And of course there's The Golden Rooster who has become such a wonderful pet to look after here and there and eat me out of Tim Tams LOL.
I was first introduced to the Bandits by The Incomparable FoAnna Anna Campbell whom I had "met" on another forum just before CTC was released. I will always be grateful for the friends I have made since visiting The Bandits. I have won many fantastic books and my massive TBR Pile has grown to mountainous proportions! Thanks to all of the wonderful Guest authors I have met along
the way and the recomendations from The Bandits and Bandita Buddies.And of course there's The Golden Rooster who has become such a wonderful pet to look after here and there and eat me out of Tim Tams LOL.
To each and every one of The Bandits and Bandita Buddies who have listened to me talk about my wonderful grandchildren and family, thank you for 3 wonderful years and here's to many many more.
I have just about all of your books that have been published and look forward to the day that I will have books from everyone of you. It will happen, you are all wonderful writers! I love visiting and hearing about all the interesting things that you and the guest bloggers all talk about.
I have been lucky enough to meet FoAnna in person a few times now and I look forward to meeting every one of you one day. You never know your luck in a big City and I buy lottery tickets every week so there is a chance! LOL.
There will also be another Australian Romance Readers Convention here in Sydney in 2011 and maybe some of you will be able to make it down under.
I have just about all of your books that have been published and look forward to the day that I will have books from everyone of you. It will happen, you are all wonderful writers! I love visiting and hearing about all the interesting things that you and the guest bloggers all talk about.
I have been lucky enough to meet FoAnna in person a few times now and I look forward to meeting every one of you one day. You never know your luck in a big City and I buy lottery tickets every week so there is a chance! LOL.
There will also be another Australian Romance Readers Convention here in Sydney in 2011 and maybe some of you will be able to make it down under.
Huge congrats to you all on your 3rd anniversary!
Way to go, Ladies!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Way to go, Ladies!
Jane in NYC
Congrats on the third anniversary of the Romance Bandits blog. I wish I were more articulate and could write something poetic. It's a fun place to hang out and chat about books, movies and celebrities. I think the lyrics to the Cheers theme helps describe
what being a Bandita Buddy is like.Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TerriO
When Aunty Cindy offered me the chance to take part in this blog, I instantly said yes. I was so fortunate to find this lovely group more than two years ago. I was new to writing and in the midst
of a chaotic life. But I knew that every morning I could come here, read something funny or uplifting (usually both!) and my day would start with a smile.The Lair is always ready for a celebration or to lift us when we’re down. But most of all, this group inspires me to keep going, to keep reaching for that dream of publication. I’ve worked in several different industries, but never found a community as generous as that of Romance writers. I am honored to be a Bandita Buddy and look forward to sharing many more years of fun and dreaming with the Romance Bandits.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Patty PJ Ausdenmore
Wow! Three years already? It hardly seems possible. Cindy asked what being a Bandita Buddy means to me. At the beginning, I would have told you it meant starting, and usually ending, each day with a smile, discovering new authors and chatting with Bandits and fellow readers. Those facts are still true but over the years it's grown to mean much more.
Being a BB means gaining treasured friends; women who encourage, support and celebrate my achievements as well as each others. Yes, the daily smiles are still there along with chuckles and, sometimes, full-out belly laughs and I'm still being introduced to the fantastic authors who continue to feed my enormous to-be-read stash of books, not to mention all those books contributed by the talent that resides in the Lair.
But, most importantly, for me, being a BB means having a circle of women (and a few men), from across the world, who come together daily, in a warm and welcoming environment, to share a slice of life with friends.
Here's to the talented, gracious, wonderful women of the Lair! Congratulations on your third anniversary. Cento anni di salute e felicità! Wishing you 100 years of health and happiness!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Thanks to Dianna, Helen, Jane, TerriO, and PJ for all your kind sentiments!
The Banditas and the Lair truly would not exist without the continued support of ALL our readers! Please share a favorite memory from the past three years. Or tell us what being a Bandita Buddy means to you!
We have a truly ginormous list of prizes to give away today!
An autographed copy of My Reckless Surrender (when released)
An autographed copy of Something Scandalous
A Romance Bandits journal
An autographed copy of The Seduction of a Duke
A Dark and Delicious gift package --autographed copies of Dark and Dangerous and Dark and Deadly and some dark chocolate.
An autographed copy of Heartbreak River
A Romance Bandits magnet and post-it notes
An autographed copy of The Treasures of Venice
An autographed copy of Blazing Bedtime Stories
Golden Rooster pin and ear rings
An autographed copy of Sweetest Little Sin
An autographed copy of Do You Take This Cop?
All you have to do to be eligible to win a prize is leave a comment!
And HUGE THANX from all us Banditas for making our three years THE GREATEST!
351 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 351 of 351Okey-dokey, now, I've totally lost track of where I am in the comments. Must be this pitcher of Tawny margaritas. *hic*
Anyway, trying to resume. I see p226 has joined the party. If the GR tries to get you to help him with defensive techniques against swords, please do not. Demetrius is having enough trouble with him already.
Also, he was trying to convince the dragon to let him climb aboard, and I caught the phrase "aerial bombardment." This is a definite NO. Lucky for us, she thought so, too. Belched fire and singed his tail feathers.
Janga, glad you enjoy the blog, whether or not you comment daily! Thanks for stopping in for the party.
Marie, we're glad you found us. Aren't our bandita authors fabulous?
s7anna, thanks for the birthday wishes and for stopping by!
Vanessa, glad you made it to the party! We enjoyed meeting you in DC and were happy to help you get there.
Maree, thanks for the good wishes!
Kim, champagne and Tim Tams--great idea! You know, I briefly had a giant bag of Tim Tams, property of Anna Campbell, in my closet in DC and I did not touch a single one.
Really.
Well, not until she gave us some for providing storage space.
Jane, we didn't make you a bandita buddy. You did, by showing up. :-)
Wow! Now THIS is what I call a party!
Oh, wow! Like my Bandita sisters, I too am tearing up at all these wonderful sentiments! I hope you all know how much you mean to us *g*
I am ever so grateful for the dear friends I've made as a Romance Bandit!
Laney, your poem blew me away! And I don't think I've mentioned this before but one of the characters in the young adult story I'm working on is named Laney :-)
Whoo Hoo what a party one thing that we can all do well in the Lair is party
Laney I loved that post excellent so good.
I too loved Cassondra's Truck Nut post what post that one was LOL
P226 you always crack me up love your posts and now we have Cabana Gals yay.
The Lair is rocking today even though it is 7.22am Sunday morning here in OZ and Mothers Day I think I need me some more champagne and maybe I should add a little orange juice to it seeing as how it is so early and I am going out to lunch and the movies today.
Have Fun
Helen
Nancy
I never go to the end of a book ever but I would not like getting there and finding that the book didn't have the ending in it I hope you get the ending soon LOL
Have Fun
Helen
Lois wrote: Duh, forgot to add books -- can't have the blog without the books, so thanks for all the books, most especially! :)
You're welcome, Lois. Glad you could make the party!
We'll have more book talk tomorrow. Jeanne and I are doing a Mothers Day book post.
Anita Joy, however you want to divide your lurking and your comments is fine with us! Thanks for the anniversary wishes and for coming to the party.
Helen, Happy Mothers Day! My guys are taking me to Iron Man II (I intend to eat Milk Duds, just in case anyone cares). The store exchanged the book, but it's a sad thing for the author--the sales clerk pulled all the copies still on the shelf, and only one, which he swapped for my defective one, was complete.
The printing error isn't the author's fault, but it'll affect her sales.
Meanwhile, I have an intact book, at least.
AC wrote, "HUGS to our Darling Keira!!! We have missed your smiling face lately and will never forget you showing up here on our VERY FIRST DAY! Not to mention all your patience and help on the First Ever Bandit Bash in San Francisco."
See, AC, THIS is the reason why the Bandita Buddies flock here regularly. You and all the Banditas are so warm and welcoming and also offer tons of chuckles.
I've been introduced to many new authors (guests) here, too. You guys started me on westerns with Jodi Thomas, and I'll be forever grateful for that.
Happy 3rd Anniversary again to all of you!
Congrats on your Anniversary!!
Keira, darling, we've been pining for you!! Thank you for stopping by for our Blessed Event. Hm. Maybe it's not quite that, but certainly a Grand Event. *g* I hope you'll be back soon! *sniff*
Nancy
We are going to a really nice cafe that offers a lunch and movie ticket for $22 which is really cheap because the movie tickets are $17 each normally and we are going to see When In Rome and I am really looking forward to it oh and I will probably have a big box of popcorn and a diet coke LOL enjoy your milk Duds.
It is very sad for the author hopefully the printer will get it fixed and the books replaced asap for her and at least you know have a book with the ending YAY.
Have Fun
Helen
The posts have been fun to read! Sorry I didn't check in sooner, but GR wasn't crazy about being cooped (hehehe) up all day and turned his beak up at tacos for supper. He was quite placated with a little bit of extra bubbly.
Jeanne wrote: Maybe we should get together and write a Gnu Urban Fantasy.
You know, country gnu goes to the city....
ACK! First AC was punning and now La Duchesse! The influence of La Campbell should never be underestimated.
I'm baaack! (burp) Had a fantastic lunch at our fave Asian buffet!
Gerri and Berta, THANK YOU for stopping by! It is always lovely to have your support on BOTH sides of the blog!
WHEEEE! I see P226 made it! GREAT to have your here today, esp. since Jeanne made special arrangements for some Cabana Gals... But seriously, your male perspective has been a GREAT BOON to the Lair all these years! And we LURVE having Mrs. P226 drop by also. ;-)
AC
Debra KN, thank you sooo much for your well wishes! We LOVE bringing a silly grin to your face and everyone else in the near vicinity! ;-)
Hey Pink! Unlike those lyrics you were singing, this Love Story ALWAYS has a HEA! :-P It has been our pleasure to encourage and inspire you and any other new (or not so new) writers who visit the Lair! We look forward to the day we can celebrate YOUR FIRST SALE!
AC
Whoot whoot! Congrats!
Jeanne said: "THIS would be why I got one of those plastic condom thingies for my keyboard."
Jo said: " I have to point out -- in the interest of full disclosure -- that neither Cassondra ("Truck Nuts") nor I actually possess the aforementioned nuts, balls, or shafts."
I am SOOOO not saying anything about EITHER of these comments! NOPE! NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT!
AC
Hello? *snaps* Where have the Cabana Boys run off to? I specifically asked them to save me a margarita. I see empty glasses with salt-encrusted rims and lime rinds all around...but no margaritas!!
Oh! Okay, never mind. Here comes Zach with a fresh one for me. Thank you, hockey hunks! So much more reliable than some other men around here. *sips* Aaaah...now that's a lovely treat after a day with my other group of writer friends.
We're not afraid to blog when tipsy! As long as the cock isn't tipsy. *snork*
Keira et al, remember our first Bandita Bash? Where were we that year...Dallas? If any of you weren't there, you missed Donna putting her boobs in the cake while wearing a lovely Victorian hat. Seriously! We have pictures!
Joanne, thanks for coming to the party! When you see those sparkly Bandita pins, think of KJ. She had them made as a surprise for the rest of us.
Laurie, it has been a fun three years though I've only been here for part of that. I was one of the last banditas to join the roster, but I've enjoyed it thoroughly.
Janga,
We consider you a BB of the first order! You may not always comment but your support has been wonderful!
Helen, ENJOY the movie. "When In Rome" has one of my son's FAVE actresses, Kristin Bell. He's been haranguing me to use her for a model for one of my heroines. ;-)
THANX for the good wishes, Melissa!
AC
PJ wrote: I'll be there with turtles on! Well, not on. You know. In hand, so to speak.
PJ, I got such a visual of you with turtles on...I can totally see that happening after a few trips to the margarita fountain!
And WOOT WOOT to you too, Kelly! ;-) Thanx for stopping by to help us celebrate!
And Caren, the first Bash was in San Francisco and yes, we DO have photos of "boobs in the cake" amongst other things. (Aunty wags eyebrows suggestively) MUAHAHAHAHA! We have our secrets here in the Lair!
AC
Melissa, thanks for stopping by!
Of course, Nancy! What's life without a Gnu Shifter?
SNORK!!
Kelly, thanks for stopping by the party!
Hey, guys, I know we have some rabid Christine Wells fans over here. If you loved Sweetest Little Sin, it's up for best new historical release for May, so go vote! Plugging the Bandita awesome!
Historical Romance Releases
AC said: WHEEEE! I see P226 made it! GREAT to have your here today, esp. since Jeanne made special arrangements for some Cabana Gals...
Good thing Donna's at that thing with the Governor. I don't think the holder of the purse strings is gonna like the whole "cost of Cabana Gals" line item...
Jeanne, you didn't hire anyone away from, say, Hooters did you? Cuz if so, I'm not sure the cabana gals will get the kind of tips they're used to...
Jeanne wrote: Good thing Donna's at that thing with the Governor. I don't think the holder of the purse strings is gonna like the whole "cost of Cabana Gals" line item...
What line item? You mean we're paying for that? We'll just see. . . .
Hey! Sven! No, I don't want a margarita, thank you. Let's have a little chat about your personnel issues.
Good thing Donna's at that thing with the Governor. I don't think the holder of the purse strings is gonna like the whole "cost of Cabana Gals" line item...
We'll offset it with a zero dollar line item on my invoice for training that stubborn hardheaded rooster.
That'll keep both Donna and Mrs. P226 happy.
Oh wait... Cabana girls... Mrs. P226... I think the cost of the cabana girls just went up... as, they'll be demanding hostile fire pay.
Jeanne wrote: Fox. Henhouse.
Wolf. Sheep.
P226. Cabana Gals
Nope. Not a good equasion.
Definitely. I think he misjudged the overall level of margarita consumption when he suggested that.
I found this note on my counter when I came in:
This place called the Lair...it has amused me these past years. I am intrigued by this thing called "Cabana Gal". Perhaps I shall assume mortal form and experience this...
(lighting bolt)
The Goddess Sangria
There was a bottle of Olympus nector with it...hmnmmm
Laney, what a great poem! Thank you so much.
Jeanne and Nancy,
SHHHH! on the line item of Cabana Gals... Fuzzy Math! FUZZY MATH! And if all else fails, blame it on the chook!
AC
AC said: Fuzzy Math! FUZZY MATH! And if all else fails, blame it on the chook!
GREAT idea!!!!
Deb, sorry the GR was such a pill today. I think he imbibed a bit too much last night before he left for your house. :-P
Joanie, a NOTE from TGS?!?! In the immortal words of Scooby Doo Ruh Roh!
(Aunty gazes nervously over her shoulder)
CABANA BOYS! Double time those drinky-winkies!
AC
Congratulations on your Third Anniversary!
Robin Greene
Happy 3rd year Anniversary, Banditas!! Sorry I'm late to the party, I had to work today. But I'm happy to have the opportunity to say how much I enjoy all of you.
You all throw the very best parties and always make every visitor welcome. No one feels invisible on this blog. Your humor and fun is infectious. We have a good time because you do. And your support for one another is wonderful.
Thank you, Banditas, for three fabulous years. Here's a toast to many more!! (and millions of book sales!!)
Wow, this party is rockin'! Snickering about the danger money for the cabana girls.
Vote for Christine!!!!
Nancy, Sven and I have often got into personal issues. Oh, that's right, you said PERSONNEL issues, didn't you? Sheesh!
It was great seeing Donna at RT! I'm bummed (typed it wrong the first time: bunned. I'm kind of liking that now!) that I won't see you at National.
I've even more bummed now that it's moved to Orlando, where my daughter lives. We'll both be at a wedding that week, so I'll miss all the fun.
Trish, I hope the floods didn't hit your area. I can't picture Nashville under all that water!
Back to RT - I think someone got pictures of the GR getting feisty with my muses, Martha and Hugo. I held onto the GR while Donna posed for a picture, so I can now say I've had my hand up the GR's butt. An honor indeed!!
Thanx for the good wishes, Robin! Glad you could drop by!
And THANK YOU, Laurie! Nope, those cloaks of invisibility do not work in the Lair! We love seeing and interacting with EVERYONE who drops by! We certainly appreciate your support all this time! HUGS!!!
AC
I've been gone all afternoon so thought I'd stop back by, but I almost couldn't get in the door. This place is hopping!
Thanks for the heads up, Nancy. I'll check to see what I've won. Whoot!
And isn't all erotica inspirational? ;)
Not sure what this says about me, but the cock jokes are cracking me the hell up. LOL!
LOL Becke!
Oh yes, we HAVE that piccie for you, the GR, and your muses... We have some other incriminating photos too! MUAHAHAHA! Yes, we have many many photos in our super-secret hidey hole here in the Lair. We know these will come in handy some day...
So sorry you won't be at National. Not all the Banditas will be able to make it this year either. (SNIFF!! SOB!!! HONK!!!) But rest assured we will keep the cyber-party going here!
AC
Becke, I hope you figured out that the comments have gone on to Page 2! :-) And I'm HAPPY to report that our two Tennessee Banditas-- Trish and Cassondra stayed high and dry during the terrible flooding! But special thoughts and prayers to all those folks who were not so lucky.
AC
ROFL, TerriO!
You aren't the only one around here who finds erotica highly inspirational! (very evil grin)
And Aunty has NO IDEA what you mean about cock jokes... REALLY!
AC
Ooh, I won a really good book. And one I don't have. I remember that excerpt, it totally sucked me in. Huzzah!
Jeanne - You are completely made of awesome, my dear. MWAH!
AC - Yeah, the lady with the crop is the innocent. Suuuuurrreeeeee.
Happy anniversary to the "funnest" gals on the blogosphere! You ladies make it look easy and we KNOW it isn't! Here's to many more years in the Lair! Hope to see you all in Orlando.
xoxo
Marie
All right, TerriO, I guess I'm really not fooling anyone with claims of innocence at this late date! :-P
Hey Marie! Glad you could stop by! Always love having you in the Lair! And like one of the other Banditas said, we're like a duck, nice and serene on top, paddling like mad underneath!
AC
Becke wrote:I can now say I've had my hand up the GR's butt. An honor indeed!!
Er, you might want to be careful where you say that. *g*
Anna Campbell wrote: Nancy, Sven and I have often got into personal issues. Oh, that's right, you said PERSONNEL issues, didn't you? Sheesh!
Bwahahaha. What goes on between you and Sven in the Lair, stays in the Lair, Fo.
Unless the GR and his camera are around. . . .
Er, you might want to be careful where you say that. *g*
Right. Some places, it's just not a good idea to talk like that.
Turkish prisons for example.
Laurie, the party's still rolling! Thanks for stopping by after work and for the good wishes. We're glad you like it at "our place."
Keira, we're glad you're around, even if you don't get here as often as you used to. Life happens, after all. Just know we're always happy to have you turn up.
Duchesse wrote: Of course, Nancy! What's life without a Gnu Shifter?
Now I know you've had too many of whatever that is in the pitcher.
*sigh* Maybe I'd better have another and keep up.
PJ, I got such a visual of you with turtles on...I can totally see that happening after a few trips to the margarita fountain!
Okay, who talked? I swear! It was only a table dance. There was no stripping involved. Or body chocolate. I swear! I think. I mean...well...it's all a little... fuzzy...how many margaritas?!?
AC wrote: Jeanne and Nancy,
SHHHH! on the line item of Cabana Gals... Fuzzy Math! FUZZY MATH! And if all else fails, blame it on the chook!
Well, I'm sure it must be his fault SOMEhow!
Fuzzy math. Is that when you store your math in the fridge too long and it gets green and fuzzy?
Fuzzy math. Is that when you store your math in the fridge too long and it gets green and fuzzy?
It's when math forgets to shave.
Suz and P226, I'm LOVING both your definitions of Fuzzy Math!
And PJ, oh yes, we DO have pictures of that table dance! MUAHAHAHA! That GR is such a sneaky bird...
(Aunty wags eyebrows suggestively)
Hold that pitcher Nancy!
AC
Hello again, coming back late I know but it takes a while to read through 270 posts! Loved, loved, loved the poem Laney, the sentiments were right on the money.
So does anyboy have any idea if there is a spare seat in here anywhere? (oh, thank you for the drink Lar, uh, are you new here at the Lair?)
There have been so many memorable posts here I know I can't pick one, any and all of the launch parties were a blast, when the GR posted can make me giggle to this day. I still have the little page I made for the GR reunion.
Becke, I too have had the honor of having my hand up the GR's butt, should we form a sisterhood? I have pics of him snuggling up to me and eyeballing a blonde over my left shoulder.
One of my favorite posts (had to go digging, but I found it):
April 18,09, by Aunt Cindy: Never Tell Me The Odds. Absolutely butt-kickin' awesome!
"Writing is definitely not for the 'faint of heart!' Nor is it for those who are intimidated by long odds." Hey, ain't no faint of heart ladies around here! :)
The Sisterhood of the Traveling GR's Butt -- I'm in!
Yes, Loucinda - those technical things like comments moving to a second page are over my head. That's while I deleted my "where did the darn comment go?" comment. Duh.
Meaning "duh" to me, not to you. Just realized that didn't come across real clearly. I think I should just stop now and go pour myself a glass of wine. Or three.
P226, snort! Although a bit of stubble doesn't math-er.
Gillian, glad you made it today. No, no faint hearts here. We have rule against it.
Why, the hockey hunks are tidying up. Thanks, guys, but where's Sven--oh, over there. He's snoring under the banquet table. Tsk, tsk. He knows better than to try keeping pace with Demetrius.
Dianna and Becke--the "Sisterhood of the Traveling"--oh, my. You go, y'all! More power to you.
Just, per p226's advice, avoid Turkish prisons.
Terri, glad you like your prize. Just be sure you sent me your info!
Donna, how was the big do at the Governor's Mansion today? Sounds like a fun day.
Aside from the being up at 4 a.m. part.
The GR is going to end up imprisoned in an abandoned WV coal mine if he doesn't watch what is doing around P226. I don't think the turkish people have anything over on him.
To this day I can still call forth a mental image of P226 describing how the GR fires one of those automatic rifles, and please don't ask me which one, I think it had an M and some number which P226 and Cassondra know by heart and I just know I don't want to be on the business end of.
Uhhh, Nancy, I think I may have committed a faux pas and the dragon is looking at me funny. (Quick, what is her name, I have already downed a few too many and can't recall)
Amazing job. So great to see the Banditas celebrating 3 years.
LOL! *waving to p226*
Cracking me up, as your posts always do :)
Did I read something about gnu shifters? What?
And is the GR really a shifter? Has this been previously discussed? I think I'm a little discombobulated... Where are those margarita refills?
Happy Anniversary!
Fedora wrote: And is the GR really a shifter?
Oh, lordy Pete, I hope not! That's ALL we need!
As for gnu shifters, that has to do with typos, margaritas and genre-bending. Don't sweat it.
If you want a refill, you'll have to snag Lars or one of the hockey hunks. Sven's out of it, and the gladiators don't condescend to serve drinks.
Dianna wrote: Uhhh, Nancy, I think I may have committed a faux pas and the dragon is looking at me funny. (Quick, what is her name, I have already downed a few too many and can't recall)
Uh-oh, indeed! That's her "lean and hungry" look. Ermingarde! Pfweet! Over here--look at the nice side of beef in the freezer. Yes, taking it outside is a great idea.
You can come out, Dianna. She's gone. Though Sven won't be happy with the, er, debris she trailed when he wakes up.
Daz, thanks for stopping by!
Chey, good to "see" you.
Dianna wrote: I think it had an M and some number which P226 and Cassondra know by heart and I just know I don't want to be on the business end of.
Me neither, Dianna!
And it might do the GR good if p226 shut him up in a coal mine. _Instead_ of teaching him infiltration skills.
Happy Birthday Rooster! I can't believe this wonderful giveaway! Come on Bandits, make my Mother's Day a great one! PICK ME!
Congrats!! I love the blog and all your books I have read!Great giveaway prizes!!! Many more happy years ahead!!!
allisonsattic at gmail dot com
http://allisonsatticblog.blogspot.com
Oh...gnu shifters...those rate right up there with rabid squirrels, Hot rabbit and oh yeah prairie dogs...
Dang I wish I was drinking along with everyone else!!
Hi, Lady Gra_eye! Glad you made it to the party!
Allison, thanks for stopping by and for the anniversary wishes.
Suz, I begin to see gnu shifters sidling into the grimoire of the Lair.
Good heavens! Almost three hundred comments??? You girls (and guys) have been busy little bees!!
Congrats on the GR Deb !!
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BANDITAS !!!
I am another of the duckies lead astray by La Incomparable Anna C ! She invited me to stop by to read one of her blogs and I am HOPELESSLY addicted!! Romance Bandits are more addictive than crack, but not nearly as hurtful to your pocket book or looks.
Well, come to think of it, with all of the Bandita authors and all of the visiting authors and all of the authors recommended by Banditas and Buddies .... scratch that. The Lair is far harder on my pocket book than crack would be. To quote p226 "I think I like it!"
One of my very favorite memories is of the contest where we had to adapt a movie scenario to a romance novel. I think that was the task. I did my Regency version of Sunset Boulevard (an old Tallulah Bankhead movie) "I'm ready for my close up, Mr. Gainsborough." Remember that? Well that silly adaptation kept coming back to haunt me and eventually it morphed into my Royal Ascot, Daphne du Maurier and Launching a Star winning manuscript - The Deceit of Desire (aka The Manwhore Book.) So I owe that one - a whole book to the Banditas Lair and you had better believe once some smart editor buys it there will be a big THANK YOU to the Lair in the front of that book!
And who can forget the birth (hatching) of the Golden Rooster? There is just something about a larger than life character created by a bunch of lunatics, I mean, readers and writers!
I have SO many friends because of this blog. I have been lucky enough to meet a number of you in person and you are all as wonderful in person as you are on the blog.
And of course I have met most of the Banditas in person at conference or book signings and for anyone who has not met them they are prettier, wittier, more gracious and elegant and talented in person than any of you can ever imagine.
Thank you Banditas for your laughter, your intelligence, your rowdiness, your friendship, your support, your encouragement, your thoughtfulness and all of those wild parties! You are without a doubt - SIMPLY THE BEST !!!
The Duchess of Hotdayum !!
Lordy, unshaved math?? What's the Lair coming to?
And OK, I'm just going to forget all about any mention of gnus, shifting or otherwise.
Oh, Lars? Yoohoo! Yes, over here, please! Be a love and bring me a double, OK? Smooches!
Thanks for catching me up, Nancy--you're always a clever voice of wisdom :)
OMGOSH!
I'm crying here, and I don't know where to start. The poem from Laney, the comments from all the BBs, ALL of you stopping by to say hello, Mariska dubbing it the Blogoversary--which is PERFECT--I think I better drink from that champagne fountain and see if I can't dry up these blubbery tears before I talk to anybody. I'm not fit!
I know years ago when people talked about online communities I kind of poo-poo'd it, but I'll be the first to say I was wrong about that. I cannot imagine life without every one of you in it.
A couple of years ago when the RWA conference was in San Francisco I was standing on the curb at the airport waiting for a shuttle. Didn't know a soul. This gorgeous lady turned around to me and said, "you're Cassondra aren't you?" I stood there with my mouth open for a second then I said "yes, but do I know you?" And she said, "You're a Romance Bandit. I'm Deb Marlowe."
We hugged. Instant friends.
WHEN would that ever happen if it were not for the lair?
My world is so much richer for having all of you in it.
Kudos on 3 years, Banditas! Here's to many, many more!
I LOVE stopping by the Lair, sexually harassing the cabana boys, and hanging out with this crazy, wonderful crew!
Fingers crossed some day I'll get the Golden Rooster!! :)
Wow! Three years and over 300 comments! Wow!! Congratulations on a great blog! One of my favorite parts is the fight to get the rooster every morning! :)
sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow! Three years and over 300 comments! Wow!! Congratulations on a great blog! One of my favorite parts is the fight to get the rooster every morning! :)
sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh please, Nikki, it isn't sexual harassment if they WANT you to grab them! Those cabana boys wouldn't know sexual harassment if it walked up and Did I just hear a scream? Okay, who bit the cabana boy?
Louisa, now I'm wiping my eyes again. Thank you so much, not only for your kind words today but for your ongoing support and for the rooster!
It's very sweet of you to credit us with your wonderful book. I think the rest of the Lair would agree, though, that a seed withers unless a skilled gardener waters it and tends it, and you did that part "your own self," as the boy used to say when he was little. We might have jiggled your elbow, but you did the work!
Fedora wrote: Thanks for catching me up, Nancy--you're always a clever voice of wisdom :)
You're welcome. I'm having this laminated for my wallet so I can wave it under the boy's nose at need. *g*
Hey, Cassondra--I wondered if you'd make it to the party! Haven't people been just amazingly nice to share our fun today? We've had one heck of a party. Watch out if you go near the freezer. The dragon isn't neat, you know, and she had a snack earlier.
And don't trip over Sven. His feet are sticking out from under the banquet table.
Nikki, thank you! The cabana boys like having you come around. Without our buddies, they'd be stuck with just boring old us (as they see it.)
Fingers crossed that you snag the rooster one of these days!
Oh. My. Gosh!!! STILL GOING?!?! This is the energizer bunny of blogoversaries!
Welcome back, Dianna! We saved a few drinky-winkies just for YOU! And I whole-heartedly AGREE about locking the GR in a coal mine rather than being on the business end of any firearm for which P226 has trained him!
Gillian, glad to see you back too! And THANX so much for mentioning my post on the statistical odds of publishing. (Aunty blushes daintily) That was the old analyst from my previous DDJ coming out in me, but I'm so glad you enjoyed the post.
AC
Sherrinda, thank you! Glad you made it to the party. :-)
Dropping by again to see if the party was still going strong. I don't want this party to end.
Daz and Chey, I'm sooo glad you made it to the party! BIG THANX for your well wishes.
Now if we can just pry Fedora away from the margarita fountain long enough to get you a drink...
Oh wait! Here comes Zach and two more hockey hunks with trays of mojitos! AH! Nothing like an attentive hockey hunk to the rescue. ;-)
AC
Lady Graeye and Allison!
HUGS!! So glad you both made it to the party! We've really enjoyed having both of you popping in whenever you could. And yes, let's have YET ANOTHER TOAST -- MORE FABULOUS YEARS IN THE LAIR!!!
AC
Jane,
This party does seem to be NEVER ENDING! EWW! Aunty is envisioning the clean up, esp. with the mess Ermingard is leaving out in the garden. Sven is going to have apoplexy. :-P
Sherrinda, so nice to see you tonight! You're right about all the comments. I hope we don't somehow cause blogger to malfunction. I wonder if I liability insurance covers that?!?!
AC
Nancy said:
Watch out if you go near the freezer. The dragon isn't neat, you know, and she had a snack earlier.
And don't trip over Sven. His feet are sticking out from under the banquet table.
*sigh*
Yaknow.....Ermingarde cannot be held at fault. She's a dragon after all. Belching fire and trailing bits of beef carcass are kind of expected (Don't let her get to the alcohol or she'll never find her way back up to the parapet.)
But Sven?...*sigh*...this is what happens when I'm away for a few days. Chaos.
Nikki,
As Nancy said, the Cabana boys NEVER find our BBs sexually harrassing. They would be bored to tears with just the 20 of us. Esp. when half of us are in the deadline cave or tearing about promoting or the 1,001 things we need to do.
That GR is a rascal and as everyone knows, you have to get up VERY early or stay up VERY late to catch him!
AC
Jane said:
Dropping by again to see if the party was still going strong. I don't want this party to end.
Neither do we, Jane! Neither do we. ;0)
Darling Louisa!!!
HUGS!!! And so glad you survived your DDJ and made it here for our blogoversary! It just would not be the same without the creator of The Golden Rooster!
Yes, we have completely forgiven you...
Louisa said: "for anyone who has not met them they are prettier, wittier, more gracious and elegant and talented in person than any of you can ever imagine."
Aunty sniffles into her industrial tissue... Your check is in the mail, m'dear! ;-)
Thanks to all the wonderful people who've dropped by to celebrate our Third Anniversary!
This is better than my wedding anniversary, but don't tell Dr. Big!!!
Lurkers, commenters, Banditas and Bandita Buddies, you've all made our three years in the blogosphere absolutely delightful!
Although a bit of stubble doesn't math-er.
Groan
I heartily agree with Jo-Mama!
This will be a day we will NEVER FORGET!!!
None of us had any inkling three years ago when we threw this blog open for the world to see, what a FANTASTIC adventure we'd begun! ALL OF YOU have made this possible! YOU are the reason we are here and will continue to be here.
LONG LIVE THE LAIR AND ALL ITS INHABITANTS!!!
lol Aunty Cindy... is it ok if I admit you're scaring me a little? :X lol
Oh, man, 321 COMMENTS??!!!!
Thanks, guys, you've made this a party to remember. And thank you for all the lovely things you've said about us today. I'm speechless - and as most of you, that doesn't happen very often!
And hey, I'm proud to have led you and your cohorts astray, Miss Louisa! It makes me stick my chest out like a Golden Rooster!
Jane, we're still into the party thing, too. But we'll be popping a new blog up later as we recover from the festivities.
I actually am going to bed to actually sleep. Sooner or later, I have to. Besides, I don't want to miss any of the boom in Iron Man!
TerriO said: Jeanne - You are completely made of awesome, my dear. MWAH!
*Blush* Awww shucks. Thanks. *scuffs toe, blushes some more*
Cassondra wrote: Don't let her get to the alcohol or she'll never find her way back up to the parapet.)
Er, don't look now--really, don't--but I think she found an unattended pitcher. AND she's on the parapet. I recommend the duck and cover routine--behind the strongest possible structure.
I love reading all the funny posts, lolol. Congrats on the acquiring of the Rooster!
Dottie :)
Dottie, thanks for stopping in!
Dianna said: I think it had an M and some number which P226 and Cassondra know by heart and I just know I don't want to be on the business end of.
I know, they're crazy about those letter-number weapons aren't they?
*looking innocent*
I don't want to be on the business end of that OR a Turkish prison, so I'm not joining the Sisterhood of the... Yeah, not joining, even though I've been known to..well, you know.
Jeanne wrote: I don't want to be on the business end of that OR a Turkish prison, so I'm not joining the Sisterhood of the... Yeah, not joining, even though I've been known to..well, you know.
We do, indeed, know. I believe there are photos.
*whistling*
Nancy said: AND she's on the parapet. I recommend the duck and cover routine--behind the strongest possible structure.
Oooh. Make it a STONE structure. Those were mojitos from the Hockey Hunks. Really strong. Nice minty flavor though.
Does this mean that Ermingarde's fire belch will be minty fresh?
Jeanne wrote: Does this mean that Ermingarde's fire belch will be minty fresh?
Maybe. Too bad we won't have a chance to verify until the moment of incineration. :-/
Nancy wrote: We do, indeed, know. I believe there are photos.
*whistling*
Heeeyyyy! Who had the camera??
Snork.
Nancy said:
I think she found an unattended pitcher. AND she's on the parapet.
Ah, hell. SUZ! Where are those station five firefighters? Didn't they promise to lend us a pumper truck and some hose if Ermingarde ever had an accident?
Cassondra, if Station 5 comes with the truck, get photos.
If you can dig a camera out of the party debris.
Nancy wrote:Cassondra, if Station 5 comes with the truck, get photos.
If you can dig a camera out of the party debris.
Yes, Please do! Grins.
You know, there are some mighty suspicious pictures around here. Did someone rig an auto-snap camera up in the Lair rafters? 'Cause there shouldn't be a picture of me with the GR. Really. That was private....
*blush* Ooops.
Okay, going to shift some gnus now. That should keep me out of further mischief.
Ermingarde!?! Hold your fire! (literally, please!)
Jeanne said:
Ermingarde!?! Hold your fire! (literally, please!)
Shhhhhhh! I think she might be going to sleep. Don't wake her up, cuz her glasses are somewhere in the party debris. A drunk, nearsighted dragon is never a good thing.....
Happy Anniversary Bandits! Looking forward to many more!!
Hey Barbara! (*waving madly*)
I think we're the only two still awake in the lair!
Just got in from several days with
my grandchildren, much fun was had
by all!!
Can't think of a day with the Banditas, Buddies, and all the
author guests which I have not
enjoyed! The parties and launch
days have been spectacular, but
it is the day to day sharing of
experiences that keeps me coming
back! My hope is that we can all
continue to meet here until the
day I can't come back. To quote
the lyric," You light up my life!"
Pat Cochran
Pat Cochran said:
My hope is that we can all
continue to meet here until the
day I can't come back. To quote
the lyric," You light up my lifef
Awwwwww....sniff...Pat, thank you so much. You've got me crying again!
I think even Ermingarde is tearing up.
Oh, wait. That's not good. A stuffed-up dragon will eventually need to blow her nose.....
Happy Anniversary, Banditas! I don't often get a chance to come chat with you all, but I make sure to read along every day with all the fun going on here and keep up with everyone's releases.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms.
Hey Pam P!
Thanks for stopping in!
Wow...it's past midnight. It is Mother's Day already!
I second the Happy Mother's Day!
My goodness the party is still going WOW I have just got home from the movies we ended up seeing Date Night funny as I laughed.
Louisa I loved your post and Cassondra I always love your posts and I really look forward to reading your book when a publisher says yes it is going to be awesome.
Again Happy Anniversay Guys
Have Fun
Helen
Helen said:
My goodness the party is still going WOW I have just got home from the movies we ended up seeing Date Night funny as I laughed.
Louisa I loved your post and Cassondra I always love your posts and I really look forward to reading your book when a publisher says yes it is going to be awesome.
Again Happy Anniversay Guys
Aw, thanks Helen!
So did you have a good time at the movies? I haven't seen that one.
Wow, Pat, I need to make a naughty joke NOW! Because I'm all choked up down here in Oz and that's not attractive.
Although perhaps not as unattractive as Ermingarde is when she had a runny now!
Thank you so much!
Jeanne, very glad to hear you're watching the evening gnus! Snork!
Barbara, thanks for swinging by for our big celebration!
Happy birthday Banditas! It's been such fun to visit you all and read about the GR and the cabana boys and feel part of all the fun.
The Romance Bandits blog is special to me because it was the very first blog I ever dared to venture on and read, then make a comment. Then it was the very first blog to invite me on as an author to be interviewed on the launch of my debut novel last year.
This was a particularly sweet moment for me as I had been invited by Anna Campbell. We belonged to the same critique group and as unpublished authors really believed in each other's stories and that we would make our goal of being published. Anna made it to New York ahead of me--then extended the hand of friendship to show me the ropes when I got there, too.
Also lovely to see on the blog, our mutual friend, the lovely Christine Wells. Who knew that year as I cheered you both on at the Golden Hearts ceremony that you would end being a part of this wonderful blog that has a warm, collective personality of its very own!
Thanks Banditas--I'm looking forward to seeing lots of you in person in Orlando!
I love the post and fun we have and all the new books you show
Hey all! I just stumbled upon your blog and became your newest follower! :-) The friendly funny tone of the posts made me laugh in about 3 secs, so thanks and here's to many more years of fun and laughter! :-)
Stella
Wow, just swung back and saw Kandy's wonderful post! Kandy, isn't it amazing to look back on our years together? I'm not surprised you ended up getting published in such a big way - I always thought you were a star.
Hi Peggy!
Hey, Stella... Hold on, I'm hearing someone else saying that and he's not a happy bunny! Stella, so glad you found us! Don't be a stranger!
Congrats!! I only found your site in the last year. But I am looking forward to many more great posts.
Post a Comment