Tag: romance

Is love merely a chemical released when our body senses a desirable reproduction partner, or is there something more divine in the rush of endorphins? That questions in one of the principle themes of my novel.

Reproduction science tells us that within seconds we are measuring every aspect of another being to determine suitability. Overall health, i.e. clear skin, white teeth, shiny hair, clear eyes, etc. are all assessed in the blink of an eye. We also measure physical features, timber of voice, a vast array of clues to whether their DNA is a good match. Smell also comes into play, and with physical touch more information is released. The old saying "it's all in the kiss" is actually true. The saliva carries DNA that tells us the entire physical history of the specimen. We seek mates that will give our offspring the best chance of survival. The rush of love tells us that we have found a good match. Testosterone is released in the saliva of the male and arouses female to complete  act. Love lasts for a good three months, so that at least three tries are given to the quest. The feeling may persist if the act is not successful. If g succeeds, then feelings  transcend to  "love" that is actually routed in the protection of our prized reproduced DNA. This is the belief of science.

Those of a spiritual nature believe that the purpose of love is not to replicate, but to create. Two humans who find love have a far greater capacity to create than they would alone. The goal of most is to find a soul mate, one with whom  common goals and desires are shared.  This may mean the act of reproduction, but in most it means far more. For those who have finished reproducing,  have no desire to raise young, or for those who are drawn to the same sex, the drive for love is just as great, and when a suitable partner is found, the love does not nessasarilydisipate because there is no drive to replicate DNA.

The elusiveness of love remains the subject of scientists and poets. Its beauty and pain are universal. What's love got to do with it? Everything - for without it we are doomed, one way or another.

Anastasia Blackwell Wearing Anne Fontaine Blouse and Patent Leather Belt

[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]THE HOUSE ON BLACK LAKE[/amazon_link] HAS BEEN ADAPTED TO SCREENPLAY. GO TO HOME PAGE TO VIEW PROVOCATIVE CINEMATIC TRAILER FEATURING ANNE FONTAINE, BLOUSE, JACKET, AND BELT.

French/Brazilian Anne Fontaine has created an international business out of creating the perfect white blouse. Her fashions have a sense of the naughty French maid mixed with the most feminine and romantic.

Her ruffled blouse, patent leather belt and cinched jacked are featured in the trailer in the scenes where Andre Labat (Tosh Yanez in photograph) seduces Alexandra in his studio.

[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link]is available to purchase at Amazon.com. Barnesandnoble.com, e-readers, and by order through local book stores.

        The carved and veiled four poster, spread with luscious linens, can be found in the Aimee Crocker room of the Chateau Tivoli in San Francisco.  A similar curtained and mirrored bed, with intricate carved dark wood, is housed in the Mark Twain Suite. The opulent Luisa Tetrazzini suite was also featured in  trailer for book. The bed is a luxuriously carved queen canopy from the Charles De Gaulle estate, with a private parlor with fireplace.

        Chateau Tivoli B& B is an opulently restored Victorian mansion located in San Francisco’s historic Alamo Square district. Built in 1892 as a private home and restored a century later, it features had-carved woodwork, crystal, chandeliers, period wall paper and oriental rugs. It hosted all interior shots of “The House on Black Lake interior videos, including the mysterious basement rooms with hovering ceilings.

        The unusual décor and luscious beds of the Tivoli can be viewed in trailer on home page.  More information on the Chateau Tivoli at www.chateautivoli.com.

THE HOUSE ON BLACK LAKE HAS BEEN ADAPTED TO SCREENPLY. GO TO HOME PAGE TO VIEW TOSH YANEZ IN PROVOCATIVE CINEMATIC TRAILER

Tosh Yanez is already an internationally recognized model and commerical star.  However, his acting talents have yet to be truly discovered. It was a pleasure to work with him on the trailer for [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] He is a true professional - the camera loves him, as does everyone he meets. Easy going and low key in person, he projects an intensity that is startling in front of the camera. I am convinced he has a promising future in film and television. A beautiful man both inside and out, sensuous, and sexy but also tender and kind.  He is the next break-out superstar.

Tosh Yanez

I was greatly inspired by my experience watch the show, Cavalia. My experience infused the scenes in my novel where dynamic horses are featured.

A bit about the show: 

 "For the first time on stage, the equestrian arts are infused with unprecedented magic and emotion.  Cavalia is a multimedia extravaganza giving homage to the poignant history and fascination bond between human beings and horses. Cavalia is a poem written in the language of sound, image and extraordinary performance, blending dramatic visual effects, live music, dance and acrobatics with the bold presence of over sixty magnificent horses, Cavalia raises the bar for spectacular events in in the 21st century." (quote from site)

http://www.cavalia.net/index.aspx?lang=EN-CA You MUST experience this show. It is no coincidence that the stunning show originated in the land where my book takes place, Montreal.

What you tame you must care for the rest of your life.

There is something quite alluring about a deserted island.  Experienced with the right partner it is possible to live out fantasies, unite with nature, do whateveryou desire, and no one will know.  Yet there is always the risk of danger that resides within the island. The creatures that inhabit the lonely piece of land may not be  friendly. And there is no way to escape  if you lose communication, means of transport, or someone wants to keep you  prisoner.

That is what Alexandra faces as she is lured by the Sandeley's to stay in a Victorian on a deserted island.  Initially she is terrified of the house, the isolation, and her lack of conrol over the situation. When she is taken to revisit the site by young lover, Andre, her moment of seduction is at first alluring and romantic, but turns deadly.

World weary and longing for simplicity we may fantasize about such a habitat. But is the romantic notion a desire to free ourselves from the confines of civilization? Or is it a deeper desire - to escape the confines  of ourselves and release our baser, more animalistic natures?

Photographs taken in Golden Gate Park and Stern Grove - features Tosh Yanez as Andre Labat and Anastasia Blackwell as Alexandra Brighton depicting scenes in "The House on Black Lake".

When Alexandra enters the Sandeley's summer home, the first thing she sees is a lineup of  mounted animal head trophies. I never imaged  would find a house with such specimens in the entryway. So, I was quite shocked when I first entered the elegant Chateau Tivoli B and B in San Francisco and saw the mounted animals heads in the in the entryway. I immediately new that I must shoot the film trailer in this beautifu historicl Victorian hotel.