Last night on Survivor….the rats are scrambling. On both tribes. Candice can’t get her game straight and ends up forcing Sandra not to flip when the flipping was good. So? Amanda is out. This doesn’t break my heart, but then I have no allegiance to anyone in the game. Kind of like Parvati. Which makes it all the more entertaining.

So…I made it to Steamboat, but that was after driving through four hours of this!

But, I am here and in one piece! Thank you Subaru Outback! (Okay, and the slushy from Sonic didn’t hurt!) Today, we pack out a big dorm into a tiny trailer. In the snow. And freezing cold. What happened to springtime in the mountains I ask you? But commencement tomorrow will make it all worthwhile. I’m proud of you, Spencer!

In the meantime, let’s bring some springtime sun to one of our Blog Babes! The winner of this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest? Is Ellie! Wahoo!! Email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with a few title ideas (in case I’m out of your first choice) and your address and it will get added to the next batch going out!

Tune in Monday for another contest! But right now…what did you think about Amanda going home? Who do you see in the final three in the game at this point? Who should they get rid of next? And who is going to win Amazing Race? Come on, Cowboy! DISH!

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So, no surprises on DWTS this week and that follows onward with American Idol. Well, unless you thought Big Mike or Casey were heading home. They could have, both were in the bottom three. Along with Siobhan. Who did go home. I know! Can you believe it? Aaron was top 3, so I don’t think he’s in danger, which means next week could get real interesting. For now? No more primal screaming. And for that, I am thankful.

I am writing this at the airport as I head out to Colorado to see my youngest graduate from college! It’s May, so of course they are in the middle of one of the biggest spring winter storms they’ve ever experienced. Yay.

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest - details in Monday’s blog post! I’ll announce the winner in tomorrow’s blog. If I’m not stranded in my vehicle deep in the Rockies somewhere!

So…what did you think of the elimination last night? And was it odd that Shania was the mentor but didn’t perform? Or did I inadvertently fast forward through that part? Lots of other performances though. And who do you think is outta there on Survivor tonight? Can it get any more insane? If I get the chance to watch, I’ll do some Morning After Commentary tomorrow when I announce the contest winner.

Your turn….DISH!

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On DWTS, Maks & Erin are safe straight up which makes me happy, then Cheryl & Chad get the encore, which was well deserved and rocked it a second time, also making me happy. Melissa Etheridge sings and there is a very manic dance by our pros, who I love, but that was a bit out of control there…so, not as happy, mostly just dizzy. Chad & Cheryl are safe, happiness resumes. Then we get flamenco on crack and eye candy on guitar, all of which is happiness, but back to the results! Which means I skimmed the science thing — I still had singing to watch/blog — but sweet, nonetheless. Watching Dmitry, I mean. Pass the umbrella drinks and join me in the shallow end of the pool!

Melissa comes back with Biggest Hit and the dancing wasn’t frenzied this time. Melissa rocked out in leather while Edyta & Alec showed us why they are a happily married dancing couple. And why we like it. Then Nicole & Derek are safe. Pam & Damien are also in.Jake & Chelsie are in the bottom two. Evan & Anna are safe. Louis & Niecy are the other bottom two couple. It’s not surprising that these couples are in the bottom…and my guess is Jake is out. Am I right? Yep! So, not a shock to anyone. However, given the scores being all over the place, hard to call who will go home next. I’d say Pam, but she didn’t hit the bottom this week…so it’s anyone’s game I think! What do you think?

I think it’s time to see the final six singers on Idol get their Shania on, that’s what I think! I think she was quite the adorable mentor much as she was a guest judge on the road. She wrote and performed these songs, so she gives them great insight which I think/hope would carry over to other performances as well. I’m hoping for a good night at least, anyway!

First up: Lee who will be singing Still The One and, wow, it just didn’t work for me. I like how he tried to change it up, but it came off a bit sharp and flat in delivery. It got better, and would sound good in a studio with refining, but I was itching to fast forward tonight. Sorry. Judges were into it, though. He’ll stay.

Big Mikeaka “Bounty” (you know, the bigger picker upper) is singing It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing…and it’s right for him from her catalogue and I think he did a good job with it. It didn’t give him huge big moments, so not sure if voters will come through for him. It definitely suited him. Judges agree. Except Simon and that hurts, because he wasn’t entirely clear on his point and you could see how disappointed Mike was after the good that came before it. I’m glad they gave Shania a say. Will he stay? I hope so.

A more self reflective Casey is up next. He’s singing Don’t and I think it’s the right week for him to bring the emotional songwriter song. With rhythm guitar he sits and actually sings…and who knew? He can! Yowza, but the love just grows. Judges unanimously agree. And I hope that saves him, because I would like more of that every week, please!

Crystal is singing No One Needs to Know. She’s got back up band on stage and this one is more twangy than the others tonight. She doesn’t look spectacular in her garb, it’s a bit awkward on her figure, but the peppy tune is a nice change after the ballads and the audience latches on to that. The whole thing was quite enjoyable if not a showstopper. Judges all say it wasn’t their fave. Oh sigh. Didn’t you just get done telling her it’s been too samey samey and ya gotta have range? Maybe they’re being harsh in an effort to keep her from the Top 6 Backlash that took J Hud out in season past. If so, then right on. I hope her backtalk doesn’t hurt her.

Aaron is singing You Got A Way and the ballad will work with his voice. It depends on whether he has the conviction to sing it. And he does a really good job, but I think it’s just his age limiting him on this kind of thing. For me, he’s gone as far as he can this season and now needs to step out and just grow up as he continues to work on his music. Fans will most likely disagree. Not saying he’s a bad singer, because he’s got madd talent…just has more growin’ to do for me to get on board. Judges liked it, and thought he nailed it…so what do I know. I don’t want to own songs by him, so that makes it pretty simple for me.

Siobhan closes with Any Man of Mine…and I’m really over her, but will go along for the ride. Just know, I’m not objective here. I don’t want to see or hear her sing anymore. Am I the only one who thought that was flat off key the whole time? And even if we could handle her finally just singing, then…Oh dear. And she screamed anyway. Heh, childbirth scream. Been there, done that. Thankfully not live on stage in front of millions. Siobhan. So, my feelings they do not change. Yeesh.

So…Lee, Mike, Casey, Crystal still make me want to tune in. Aaron and Siobhan, not so much, though I do get Aaron’s appeal. So we all know who I’d like to see go home, but after that performance show, it’s anybody’s guess. At least Shania can go home feeling good about how it all went down.

What say you, Blog Babes! Did the right dancer go home? (For me? Yes.) And who leaves Idol tonight? Well, my favorite of the night was Casey. Crystal was enjoyable. Didn’t dig Lee but think he stays. Enjoyed Mike, but am worried. The other two I can’t ever see myself downloading one of their songs. And? Your turn! DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, on DWTS, Len really needs to find his Happy Place so I can find mine. Clearly he wasn’t there last night. And neither was I. And though I understand grading on a curve based on what the ability of the performer could be vs what they did, to give Evan the same score as Jake seemed a little…you know…wrong.

I think they all did a fair job with the dances. I enjoyed some more than others. I thought Chad and Pam both stepped it up comparative to their previous dances and did very well. I wasn’t all that about Evan or Nicole, scores notwithstanding, but they don’t tend to move me, despite both of them being exceedingly talented and very hard working. I respect them both, but I’m not on the edge of my seat to see what they do. Very much enjoyed Maks and Erin, I think Niecy and Louis have a lot of fun. I’m not feeling Jake at all, but agree he has improved. The swing marathon, while fun and interesting in premise didn’t really seem to follow through in terms of who went out when, but whatever.

I’ve given up, I think, with this season in terms of making sense of it. Instead I will watch the pretty people wear sexy, sparkly things and dance a challenging dance. Who goes, who stays, I am ceasing to care. And I think I can pretty much just start fast forwarding through the judges comments all together.

Maks writes a blog each week for TV Guide and I enjoy what he has to say. He talks about the judging in his most recent blog (can’t wait to see what he writes this week!). Here’s the link. I agree with him. Maks Blog

What say you, Blog Babes? Caring, not caring? Who should go tonight? For me it would be Jake or Pam and I’m pretty sure, given the bottom two placement twice now, it will be Pam. What do you think?

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! Details in yesterday’s blog. Winner announced in Friday’s blog. Good luck! And now? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s Monday, the rain is pounding down…but it’s sunny inside my head, and that’s all that matters! OFF KILTER is officially in the can…and that means another Hot Scot for you! The first in that series kicks off May 25 with SOME LIKE IT SCOT… Followed by OFF KILTER the end of this year. Next book to be announced…. AND! I’m hoping for some sneak peek cover art for OFF KILTER any day now. From what I’ve heard, they’ve really outdone themselves this time!

So, with deadline met, I went up to NYC this weekend. Two very good friends treated me and another friend of mine, who also reached the half-century mark recently, to a whirlwind weekend of comfy hotels, stretch limos, and a Broadway play. Honestly, the timing couldn’t have been better. We saw Mary Poppins and even got to go back stage and meet the principal actors and see how the magic works. Laura Michelle Kelly, who originated the role of Mary in London was such a doll. A very tiny doll! And she looked so statuesque from the third row. Truly inspiring night! Thanks Leah and Dodi for a supercalifragilistic weekend!! Couldn’t ask for a better pair o’ pals. That’s how you throw a birthday celebration!

Below is a picture of moi, Laura Michelle aka Mary Poppins (see? Teeny!) and my fellow half-centurian, Rhonda on stage at the New Amsterdam theater (which is gorgeous, btw!) The only time I’ll be on a Broadway stage, I’m sure!

But, of course, I couldn’t let the weekend pass without catching up on our favorite race around the world. Last night’s leg was particularly brutal on the Amazing Race as the teams had not one, but two Road Block tasks, one performed by each team member, in addition to a Detour. So a detail heavy leg run in Shanghai - very enjoyable! We’re down to four teams…and the Cowboys rocked the leg entirely, with Team Models close behind, followed by Team Just Jordan & Bro, who really are a good pair of eggs. I like how they support each other and it’s clear that despite the frustration of doing something this challenging, it’s really bonded the two. I’m likin’ em! Team Detectives struggled with the last road block and it killed them in the end…until Phil saved them with a non-elim leg! And while I could have happily seen them go, given how the persevered on the puzzle despite knowing they were way dead last by the the time they finished, it was earned. That’s one of the reasons I like the non-elim, is that on any given leg, all the teams continue to try even if they know they’re last, Just In Case they get saved. It makes for a better race. So, we still have four teams, and I’m still rooting for the cowboys. (And that whole thing about being “tranquil”? Cracked me right up. Love them. Oh my gravy.)

Who are you rooting for? Still excited about Dancing With the Stars? Are you looking forward to the next show? I’m lukewarm at this point, but it will make good background noise while I dig out from under the Deadline Cave Dweller detritus that has piled up the past few weeks. Hey, that’s my excuse for poor housekeeping and I’m sticking to it!

We are having a Free Stuff Friday Contest this week. I will be in fabulously gorgeous Steamboat Springs this Friday to see my youngest graduate from college, so will be announcing the winner from 8,000ft! Winner gets a free book from my website bookshelf. All you need to do to enter is email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with “More Hot Scots!” in the subject line. I’ll draw a name from all the entries and announce the winner in Friday’s blog. Good luck!

But right now? What did you think of the Race this week? Happy to see Team Detective stick around? Who are you rooting for? DWTS isn’t exciting me too much, but I’m looking forward to Idol and really looking forward to Survivor. That has been the best season all around of late! What are you looking forward to? DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Unfortunately the Deadline Friday part is the one ruling my personal sphere at the moment, so I’m coming up for air long enough to announce a winner, then it’s back to my Hot Scot Showdown! You’ll thank me come the end of the year when the book hits the stands!

Lots of entries this week, but only one winner of Free Book Friday - and that blog babe is? Carol F! Congratulations!! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with an address and a few title selections from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of the first one) and I’ll get your prize out to you!

Just as soon as I get this manuscript to my editor!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I should be back in the land of the living this Monday!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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…and he doesn’t enjoy Kate either. Wow, about time. I enjoyed the DWTSBNK (Dancing WIth the Stars…But Not Kate!) results show more than the performance show. Good guest performances. Loved Maks‘ dance to Maxwell, (who was he dancing with? She was amazing!) and the Austin Powers fun, and the hot Latino number, all good fun. Pretty decent week, all in all. Nicole rocked the tango, Evan did a nice rumba, everyone stepped up (except the one who went home…but not a surprise.) But my favorite, by far, of the night, was Maks & Erin’s Pulp Fiction quickstep. I watched that one twice. I know the tango was technically amazing, but they don’t move me like these two do. I also got a charge out of Niecy and am glad she’s sticking around awhile longer.

Over on Idol, it was inspirational week with Alicia Keys doing her mentor thing and pretty well, thankyouverymuch. The songs were a bit all over the place for me. Some due to performance, some simply due to personal preference.

I enjoy Casey every week, as I did this week with his Fleetwood Mac’n bad self. He’s just easy on the ears, the eyes and a lot of fun all around. But the judges criticism is also valid. He’s a honky tonk guy, not exactly Mr. Emo. I just hope he doesn’t go all weepy ballad on us to make them happy.

Lee definitely gets it. Very unfortunately I cannot stand The Boxer. At all. Not even a lie-da-lie little. So I listened to the opening, and the end, enough to know he brought it in the way he does. I think he’s a distinctive artist and will likely go all the way, along with Crystal, but I’m not compelled to download. It’s samey-samey, like Casey…only I enjoy Casey.

Tim sings the Goo Goo Dolls and I just FF. Honestly, I can’t do it. Someone else will have to recap the Cheshire Kid. It creeps me out. Sorry. Next!

Aaron….Aaron, Aaron, Aaron. I Can Fly? Really? Simon summed it up, there is nothing more to say. As a performance overall? If I was listening on the radio, I’d have changed stations. But as an Aaron Performance? Of course it was adorably strong. But…I don’t ever feel compelled to download a single song he’s sung. Which is point made for me.

Siobhan has an amazing voice and an even more amazing capacity to simply not Get It. I’ve been over her for a few weeks now, and this performance did not change that. Mostly it’s just her total lack of comprehension of how careers work in the entertainment industry that makes me nuts. That and the incessant talking to the judges while making not a single point. Make it stop, show. Make it stop.

Big Mike, another song I’m over (Hero) but I liked what he did and I found myself compelled to look up and watch him sing. So, not the best of the night, or the best by him, but I enjoyed it well enough.

Crystal sings People Get Ready, gave, what I think, is the outstanding performance of the season. To start a cappella like that and ease into the song then bring it up to that kind of power and end in such honest tears was really stunning. That was what this night was about.

So, in sum…Crystal, Lee, Casey, and even Mike still work for me. Tim, Aaron and Siobhan, not at all. Any of that group can head home, but I honestly don’t know which of them will.

Your thoughts?

On the all stars of basket weaving, I can’t get the photos I’ve collected to post. Working on it. In the meantime, don’t forget to enter this week’s contest! Details in Monday’s blog. Will announce a winner here on Friday. Good luck!

Right now? Were you happy and you know it clap your hands when Kate was sent packing? Who is going home on Idol? Let’s DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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No Stars were dancing for me last night…I had a tango with my deadline. I think I got all 4’s from the judges. So it’s back to the ballroom today for me!

Seriously, I hope to give DWTS a skim today along with the results show and will discuss all in tomorrow’s blog. I also promised a peek at the awesome work that real basketweavers do. You’ll see just how pedestrian I am by comparison! That’s coming tomorrow, too. No, really!

In the meantime, check out yesterday’s blog and the waxed linen baskets I’m learning to make as part of the hands on research for my new trilogy…which begins with the launch of SOME LIKE IT SCOT next month, May 25. And will continue with OFF KILTER…unless this deadline kills me first!

Contest details are also in yesterday’s blog….check them out!! Good luck!

And please, as always, feel free to DISH! amongst yourselves…I will be back tomorrow! With a fresh supply of these: !!!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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No Race and the Amazing Philimanator last night, due to Country Music Awards.

But the Free Stuff Friday contest will go on! To win a free book from my website bookshelf, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Free stuff? Seriously?” in the subject line. I will draw one winner and announce there here in Friday’s blog. Good luck!

As many of you know, I am launching my new Hot Scot trilogy on May 25 with the release of SOME LIKE IT SCOT. (Followed by OFF KILTER, end of this year.) What you might not know is that the common thread that ties the books together is basket weaving. Specifically, a very special form of weaving that uses waxed linen thread. Never one to pass up an opportunity to play with new stuff–er, do in depth, hands on research, I found a couple of willing teachers to help me learn about this beautiful, traditional craft. (Thank you Joanne Howard and Linda Hovermale!) I’ve been dabbling since last fall and so far, I don’t completely suck! (I take this as a huge compliment.)

So I thought I would share with you some photos of my ongoing immersion into this world. Here is my first completed woven linen tray. The black diagonal patterns on the sides are actually delica beads!

I am very excited that the series is finally coming to a bookstore near you! SOME LIKE IT SCOT deals with the craft in a more over-view kind of way. You’ll get a closer look in OFF KILTER, then in book three (still to be titled), the heroine, Kira, is, herself a weaver so the trilogy will culminate with a much closer involvement of the craft itself. I am getting ready to dive into her book next, so I hope my education keeps pace!

Here is my current work in progress:

Pretty amazing, huh? I can’t believe I’m doing this and it doesn’t look like a six year old made it. Mostly. Of course, this is rank beginner stuff. Next time I will share some shots of world renowned artisans whose pieces will boggle your mind! (And, if you find weaving is interesting, wait until I take you along on my next research adventure….learning everything there is about baking cupcakes like a pastry chef! Beginning this fall….)

Good luck with the contest! And tune in tomorrow for some DWTS dish!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Oh, my show is back! Now THAT? Was an entertaining hour of Survivor. Oddly, the thing I marveled about most was how good JT’s handwriting was. Who’da thunk that? Well, of course, who’da thunk he’d hand his idol over TO THE OTHER TRIBE? But ya gotta admire them for thinking outside the box. Even if that box is the one they’ll get buried in. Yikes, JT and Heroes!! Come on! And to Russell. Of allll people. HA!

I enjoyed Tribal Council as it seemed a more straight forward discussion than sometimes, with not as much overlapping double talking, but some clear, incisive commentary. Mostly I just liked Courtney’s farewell bitches speech and her closing credits comments. She did well to get on the jury and seems to be happy with that placement.

Will be interesting to see how they scramble next week after the merge!

On to Free Stuff Friday! Thank you all for entering the contest frenzy for a copy of my upcoming release, SOME LIKE IT SCOT! Good news for all you hardcover fans, I just heard that SCOT will be a featured alternate selection for the bookclubs, which means you’ll be able to find it from Rhapsody, Doubleday, or Literary Guild, starting in June. Pre-orders are up now at all three clubs. So, yay! May 25 is the release date in trade elsewhere. And the winner of the advance copy is? Amy R!! Woo hoo, Amy!! Just send me an email with mailing address to donna@donnakauffman.com, and I’ll get the book in the mail to ya!

I hope everyone has an enjoyable spring weather weekend! I am screaming into deep deadline hell with this book due next Friday, so I’ll ask you to excuse both the possibly slight-in-length recaps next week, as well as the possibly really cranky rants!

But right now? What did you think about JT’s move on Survivor? Do you think under any circumstances that would have been a wise move? Are you boggling over the swift turnaround of the Villains? Let’s DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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