Dancing Fool

I know this video is from last year, but it's worth watching again and again. The first time I saw it, I had tears rolling down my cheeks and my sides hurt for hours.

In case you missed it the first time, here's the backstory: There was a light outage at a San Jose Sharks/Pittsburgh Penguins game and this guy proceeded to entertain the arena. Take it away funny man...




Anyone know who this guy is (besides my hero)?

Stay cool out there,

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Summer Farewell

So, how was your summer? Did you do all the things you wanted to? Read all the books on your list? Get that golden tan, sip enough frosty margaritas, take that adventurous road trip? And most importantly did you make time for a summer romance?

Summer may be winding down but at least we've got these sandy hunks to keep us warm during the upcoming crisp autumn evenings and nippy winter nights.

Cheers,

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Raw Music

As you probably already know, I love music. I love sexy rock stars working a stage and hyping up the crowd. I love catchy choruses and screaming electric guitars. I love lyrics that move me and musicians who inspire me.

In the past, I’ve been lucky enough to attend quite a few concerts. Some of the most notable bands I’ve seen are: 30 Seconds to Mars, the Goo Goo Dolls, Keane, Bon Jovi, Neon Trees, MuteMath, Daughtry, Cavo, Lifehouse, Skillet and Decyfer Down. I even drove four hours to see Paramore in 2010!

As much fun as an ear pounding concert is, there’s just something special about acoustic music.

When Fran Healy (from the Scottish band Travis) opened for Keane in Oakland two years ago, he came out on stage with just his acoustic guitar and I proceeded to bawl my eyes out because it was the most beautiful and moving thing I’d ever experienced.

It really shows the true talent of a musician when they can sit in front of a microphone with only a guitar and sound absolutely amazing.

Below, I’ve posted some great acoustic performances from some of my favorite musicians.

What are some of your favorite acoustic performances? Have you been to any great concerts this summer?

Please support your favorite artists by legally downloading their music.

Rock On,

~RV

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Olympics XXX

Are you as inspired by the Olympics as I am?

First of all, let me say how thrilled I was to see one of my favorite bands (Arctic Monkeys) perform at the opening ceremony. Yeah, Bob Costas talked over most, okay all, of their performance, it was still awesome to see. Oh, Alex Turner, be still my beating heart!

Okay, now on to the amazing athletes. During the parade of countries I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful everyone was. Maybe the cameraman purposely focused on all the good looking people or maybe there’s just that much natural beauty out there in the world. Hollywood take note!

I love watching the backstories of the athletes. Now that's reality TV. Fascinating people with talent!

There have been so many inspirational athletes this time around. Kieran Behan was told he’d never walk again and went on to be the first Irish gymnast to make it to the Games. 15 year old Katie Ledecky, the youngest member of the entire U.S. Olympic team, won gold in swimming...And so many more.

Which event is your favorite to watch? I especially like gymnastics. When I was a young girl, I used to spend hours in the backyard practicing my cartwheels and putting on competitions in front of my Barbies. I also enjoy watching synchronized diving. It looks insanely difficult to do the dives individually, much less side by side with someone else.

Swimming is fun to watch, too. Not to mention all the cute swimmers and their unbelievable bodies. Ryan Lochte’s a cutie, but did you see Nathan Adrian’s smile after he won the gold? Too cute.

Are you rooting for a specific country or do you cheer for the underdog like me?

There are a lot of Games left and I’m looking forward to more inspirational stories and achievements.

Only two more years until Olympic hockey! 

P.S., In case you missed it, here’s the link to Arctic Monkeys' awesome Come Together cover.

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How are you spending your summer vacation?

As the triple digit temperatures scorch my home in Northern California, I'm forced to seek refuge in my air conditioned office typing chapter after chapter of my new novel. Luckily, this one's another hockey-themed romance and I can spend the day imagining I'm at the NorCal Center with the ice under my feet and a hunky Red Valley Razor on my arm.

I'm really excited about the new story and can't wait to share it with you. It's about new beginnings and that sweet, delicate kind of love that makes your insides feel all fluttery. I'll be able to give you more details in the coming months.

How is your summer treating you so far? Are you blissfully soaking up the sun or are you anxious for October to get here like me? (We really should look into making hockey a year-round sport! Then again, I'd probably get even less accomplished!)

Drop me an e-mail or leave a comment below. I always love hearing from you!

I hope you're staying cool and remembering to slather on the SPF,

RV

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Stars, Stripes and Hunks

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