Available in ebook & print formats on 11/10/22, at your favorite online retailer.
Posted in Uncategorized
I had often found that the point at which my mother went off the rails was when she couldn’t make reality line up with what was inside her brain. Perhaps part of her believed if it didn’t line up, that implied she was crazy. But she couldn’t be crazy, so someone had to be wrong.
I think it was the brain’s defense mechanism—something to comfort her that all was well, that she was safe and sound, and nothing was out of place.
As my mother’s caregiver, I walked a very fine line—sort of like performing intricate brain surgery while balancing on a tightwire. How the hell could I convince her to let me remove the shin guards she’d already installed and do her leg treatment when her reality was that it had already been done?
Talk about some tricky surgery skills required.
I had to somehow slice away the erroneous belief without injuring the patient and sending her into a level five state. And I must do it with kindness, often while she was shrieking in protest over an imaginary slight of some kind.
Moral of the story…Dementia is a big pile of crap on a stick!
Nothing is ever easy with this disease. Even on those days when they remember the process and who you are, they remember some other detail in the wonkiest way ever. And they are often poised on the edge of an emotional maelstrom.
And before you know the landmine is even there on the ground in front of you, your foot is on it and…KABOOM! I can’t tell you how often her shriek of protest made me jump because it came out of nowhere, with not a single hint of warning. At least a bomb starts to tick when you trigger it—well, they do in the movies.
I often resorted to bribery, negotiation, or trading skills. If you want a junkyard dog to give up a bone, you give it a pork chop. It goes back to the old WIIFM school of management. What’s In It For Me?
Your job is to find ways to help your person win…to understand what is in it for them if they calm down and play along or allow you to repeat a leg treatment you have seemingly already done.
There is more than one way to slay a damn dragon. Always carry dragon treats.
Posted in Uncategorized
Hi. I’m Kayce Lassiter, and I’m tickled as a coyote in the hen house to be here, where we’ll examine the questions that are burning a hole in your heart. We’ve all had our hearts soar with love, only to crash to the ground in a burning pile of rubble when something went wonky. Join me for my advice to the love-torn.
Mares: My boyfriend complains that I spend more time with my horse than with him. What can I do to make him happy?
I’m torn. Does your man have a valid point? If you are spending more time with your horse, I gotta ask why. I love horses, but they’re not my first choice to keep me warm on a cold winter night. Girlie, you know how to fix this. When you get the evil eye that says, “I’m feeling neglected,” you just take his hand and lead him up the stairs. Men are not that complicated. A little country lovin’ fixes most anything. Dinner’s late or cold? Lovin’ fixes that. You flirted a little too much with the waiter at dinner? Love him up. Your mother’s coming for a month? Honey, I’m not a miracle worker. Nuthin’ fixes that. You just gotta power through it. On the flip-side…if you prefer a horse over your man, it’s time to put that bronc up wet. You don’t love him. Move on. Get yourself a real cowboy—one with a horse of his own—‘cuz a real cowboy is never threatened by a horse. Just sayin…
Studs: I have my eye on a gal who won’t give me the time of day. How do I get her attention?
Seriously? Are you a stud or a dud? It ain’t rocket science. If you like her, tell her. Walk up to her in a clean shirt and smellin’ good (maybe with a nice, unwilted flower that you didn’t steal from her flower bed) and say, “Hey, filly, wanna get rowdy?” Okay, don’t do that…she’ll crush that flower against your forehead like a smoked cigarette. If you approach her with confidence and a sweet compliment, your chances will soar—unless you say something stupid about how her eyes or her loins remind you of your horse! So, come up with something nice to say, and just do it. Waitin’ gets you nuthin’…which is exactly what you’ve already got. Like gets like, and brass gets brass. If you want the brass ring, you gotta grow a set of brass ones. On the flip-side…if you can’t man-up enough for the direct approach, go for the desperate friend (remember, like gets like), or get used to keeping Playboy magazines in the bathroom. Again, not rocket science.
If you have a burning question, send it to KayceLassiter@outlook.com. I promise…no names used here. On Facebook, look me up at kayce.lassiter and Messenger your question to me.
That’s my story, loving and looney, and I’m stickin’ to it. Hang on tight now, ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!
Love ya, Kayce.
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Christmas In Garland Creek is available for purchase in ebook today! This is Volume 4 of the Butterscotch Martini Shots Series, and we are excited to say that this set has four brand-spanking-new Christmas stories to warm your heart on a cold winter night. So get your e-copy today!
A print version should be available on Amazon by early next week, and we will let you know when that is up for order.
Remember, books in any format make great Christmas presents, and this one will set the tone for a warm, snuggly holiday. Add this book to your Christmas list NOW.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | IBOOKS | KOBO
by Kayce Lassiter
Myca slipped by the pair. “Come on, Colleen, it appears the bar is now open. “Let’s give it a whirl.”
Colleen followed her to the bar, where Myca ordered, “Two butterscotch martinis, please.”
The silver-haired bartender in starched Wranglers, a black jacket, and a red vest with a bolo tie, smiled. “Okay, ladies, but I’m just a volunteer. I don’t do this for a living.”
Myca smiled. “Seriously, Ben Monroe? We’ve known you since we were all kids together. We know who you are and what you do for a living.”
He winked. “Then you know I have no clue how to make a butterscotch martini. But tell me what’s in it,” he leaned forward flirtatiously, “and I’ll try anything for you, Myca.”
She froze and cut her gaze to the side to stare at him, then to Colleen, who gawked at Ben like he’d just pissed on the floor.
Myca put one hand on her hip. “Are you flirting with me?” She’d discovered a long time ago that the direct approach either made a guy back off, or made him even more determined. She wasn’t sure which option she hoped Ben would take. She’d decide how she felt about it after she saw which way he jumped.
Ben straightened and held her gaze as he announced, “I’ve been flirting with you since you were sixteen years old. It’s about time you noticed.”
Huh, really didn’t expect him to jump that way.
The only thing she could think to say was, “Well, let’s see how good you are at bartending. That might make up my mind.”
Then she turned to Colleen and growled, “You can close your mouth now.”
Colleen snapped her jaw shut, but continued to stare.
He picked up the drink shaker. “Shoot.”
Myca stepped forward and leaned on the bar. “Okay, four jiggers of Buttershots, four jiggers of Bailey’s, and two jiggers of vanilla vodka.”
He tipped his head to the side. “That’s ten shots of booze. How many martinis am I making.”
Myca scowled at him. “You are making two martinis.” She extended her hand across the bar and pointed to the shelf below. “And you’re going to use the two large martini glasses I put down there earlier.”
He raised a brow, but said nothing, simply reaching for the martini glasses, which were much larger than the glasses the resort had provided.
Ben smiled. “Maybe I should join you,” he teased as he poured the shots.
Myca glanced up at him. “If you’re going to join us, you’d better put more booze in the shaker.”
Ben Monroe laughed as he dumped in some ice, shook the container, and poured two very full martinis. He slid them across the bar. “Enjoy, ladies.” Then he leaned close and lowered his voice as he addressed Myca. “And be sure you come back and see me when you’ve finished that drink.”
She could feel her face heat, as she shot back a snappy retort. “Of course, we’ll be back. This is only our first drink.”
* * *
Devin watched as his grandmother and Melayna’s turned away from the bar. “You suppose those two will stay sober tonight?”
Melayna laughed. “Not a chance.” She pointed at them. “Those glasses are way full.”
He groaned, then met her gaze. “I recognize those drinks. They’re butterscotch martinis, and they are all alcohol.” He shifted his gaze back to the grandmothers. “And it would appear they have brought their own glasses, which are twice the size of the martini glasses the hotel provided.”
Melayna snorted. She covered her mouth with her hand. “Sorry. I’m just picturing the two of them fighting over a toilet to puke in.”
“Oh, let’s don’t go there. I don’t even want to think about that.”
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | IBOOKS | KOBO
Posted in Kayce Lassiter New Books, Uncategorized
Tagged Christmas, clean and wholesome, cowboys, holiday, magic dog, rancher, romance, second chances, small town, sweet
Well, folks, it’s almost here! The BMGs have a brand new Christmas box set coming out with four all-new stories from Kayce Lassiter Tia Dani, Tina Gerow, and Tina Swayzee McCright. The expected release date is Friday of next week–December 1st, so keep your eyes open for the details on where you can get your copy. In the meantime, here’s a peek at the new cover and blurb. Put it on your calendar and start saving your pennies now–we will be offering it at a special (temporary) Christmas release price of 99c!!!
Christmas In Garland Creek–Butterscotch Martini Shots, Volume 4
Four new heart-warming Christmas stories from the Butterscotch Martini Girls. This box set features a collection of new holiday tales of Christmas in Garland Creek, Arizona, from Kayce Lassiter, Tia Dani, Tina Gerow, and Tina Swayzee McCright. The heat level for this set runs from sweet to low.
Garland Creek Cowboy by Kayce Lassiter
Devin Douglas finds his world turned upside down when his high school flame returns to town for Christmas after a sixteen-year absence. Melayna Gaines had turned down Devin’s marriage proposal and fled town like her tail was on fire. Now she’s back and the two must work together to save Devin’s fifteen-year-old daughter who has fallen off a cliff and is stuck at the bottom of a canyon with a mountain lion and a broken ankle. Can Melayna put aside her dreams of international travel to stay in Garland Creek with Devin? Is she prepared to take on another woman’s teenage daughter? Is Devin destined to pick up the pieces of another devastating rejection? Or will the magic of Christmas in Garland Creek give these two star-crossed lovers a second chance at love?
Her Christmas Wish by Tia Dani
There’s Christmas magic in Garland Creek and it comes from more than just the holiday season. Disillusioned with her life, architect, Kandee Harding, accepts an interview in Garland Creek, Arizona for a lucrative position with Anderson Holdings. Unbeknownst to her, there’s more coming than a career move. Sam Ralston, a restaurant supply owner, arrives at the same time to fix a problem at a newly-opened resort. Soon they become involved in a scheme of payback, a discovery of the past, and a deadly sabotage lurking behind the Christmas Spirit.
Mom for Christmas by Tina Gerow
Brock Turner doesn’t believe the holiday magic of the tiny town of Garland Falls can grant his Christmas wish, but fate works in mysterious ways. Brock’s wish is to have his mom with him through the holidays. However, she tragically loses her battle to cancer just days before Christmas… But not before she tells him he’s adopted. Her wish is for Brock to find his birth mother, and he promises he will do everything he can. Nurse Anastasia Callahan has been a Christmas angel to Brock as she helped ease his mother’s pain during her last days. Now Anastasia and Brock must work together to answer his mother’s dying wish and locate the birth mother he never knew. Brock and Anastasia grow ever closer as the holiday magic of Garland Falls weaves its spell and just might grant his wish in a strange and mysterious way.
Walking Away With Christmas by Tina Swayzee McCright
When a string of burglaries threatens to close the newly opened Garland Creek Resort, Gina Ferari, the resort photographer, discovers her aunt is the prime suspect. After a chance meeting, Gina finds an ally, and possibly more, in Carter Hayes, a visiting lawyer. But the situation worsens when an employee disappears, Carter’s future with his law firm becomes questionable, and Gina can’t get beyond her childhood loss to learn to trust again. Can a touch of magic bring back Christmas and Gina’s happily ever after?
Hey gang, I’ve been terribly remiss both in posting my blogs and in keeping you abreast of our Butterscotch Martini Girl Blabs. So here is a link to last week’s blab about Things an Introvert Won’t Tell You.
Click Here To View Last Week’s BMG Blab
If you view the blab…and be sure to stay until the end…you will find out how to win a free eCopy of Midnight on The Double-B and a free eCopy of Katie’s Rock. So go check out the blab and then come back here and post the answer to the question I have posed in the blab.
That’s my story, alcoholic and apologetic (NOT), and I’m stickin’ to it. Hang on tight now, ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!
Love Ya,
Kayce
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged boob blab, book blab, butterscotch martini girls, free books, kayce lassiter
Hey gang, lots going on this week with my girls, The Butterscotch Martini Girls. So pop on over to the blog I posted at the Happily Ever After Thoughts site and check it out. There is also a great opportunity to win a free eCopy of one of my books…your choice. So follow this link and find out how you can win today.
Love ya,
Kayce
http://www.happilyeverafterthoughts.com/2015/09/what-do-logos-blabs-and-boxed-sets-all.html
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged blab, bmgs, boxed set, butterscotch martini girls, kayce lassiter, logos
healthy lunch of tuna salad with cherry tomatoes and spinach
Well, I have to share with you all a funny story that happened to me on Wednesday, which is what I refer to as “mom’s day”. It is the day I take mom to the grocery store for the 4th time in the last month, and sometimes to 2 or 3 grocery stores in a single morning. Then after spending hours going up and down every aisle in every grocery store in town, hauling enough food for 6 people home for my mother, and making the great escape, I hit a local fast food restaurant that shall remain unnamed. But my goal is the same each time I go…a tuna un-wich (lettuce wrap) and they always make it super fast. LOL
Anyway, on Wednesday I’m standing at the end of the counter waiting for my sandwich to come down the line. There is a girl behind the counter also waiting on my sandwich because it is her job to wrap and package it properly so I can take it with me.
When the guy who is making the sandwich slides it over to her, she makes a face at the sandwich and leans in close to him and says, “that sandwich is supposed to be 8 inches long.”
He looks at her and shrugs. Then he looks at the sandwich and says, “That is 8 inches long.” (Seriously?)
She shakes her head and leans in closer to him and whispers, “No, it’s not. That’s only about 6 inches.” Then she tries to rearrange the sandwich to stretch it out to a longer length. (Wouldn’t it be nice if this really worked!? LOL)
He makes a face and says, “No, that’s 8 inches.” (Really?)
Okay, you know me…you don’t really think I can let this go by, do you? I’m about ready to bust a gut here. I can’t take it any more. I lean forward and whisper to the girl, “It’s okay. That’s the way guys measure. Just let him believe it’s 8 inches.” (Always sage advice, if you ask me.)
I thought both of them were going to fall on the floor. She was almost choking when he finally said, “Women!” (Yep, he’s heard it before. LOL)
The things you hear when you listen! This one made me laugh out loud…and you know next time I go in there, they are gonna know exactly what my sandwich is. (And I’ll bet it’s 8 inches long too!)
That’s my story, freaky and fast, and I’m stickin’ to it! Hang on tight now, ‘cuz we’re gonna go real, real fast!
Love ya,
Kayce
Posted in Life's Funnies
Tagged 8 inches, butterscotch martini girls, kayce lassiter, sandwich
Kayce Lassiter 