Nov 4, 2009: Yes, I'm still alive. Yes, another chapter is coming (if you're still interested). Maybe I'm taking inquiries for beta work. The chapter will post as soon as it's done. Life takes priority, and until I get paid to write this stuff I'm not on a posting schedule.

You can follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/writersiouxchef

I have my stuff locked, so send a request and a message please, because if I'm not sure who you are or what you want, I'm not certain to accept.

I write sometimes. I beta sometimes too. I like chocolate milkshakes and french fries. And steak.

I do beta duties for these ladies, check them out:

http://www.fanfiction.ws/u/1809968/Lillybellis

http://www.fanfiction.ws/u/1740162/bella_cella_luna

http://www.fanfiction.ws/u/1788105/FloridaChickie

If you need a "beta reference letter", you can check in with those ladies, as well as mskathy and lolashoes (both of whom I beta'd in the past).

Finally, I have posted my first story. It's called "Restoration", and it is the complete backstory of Jasper's life; his childhood, military career, his change, his relationship with Maria, the Southern Vampire Wars, everything. There will be angst, there will be heartfail, there will be super mature subject matter, but there will be a happy ending. I've done redonk amounts of research on the time, the civil war, Texas, etc. I'm trying to spin an interesting, engaging story while keeping some historical accuracy. I hope you give it a shot, a Jasper lover should love it. ;)

Here are a couple of little visual aids for the story. I will post more as it progresses:

The Southern States during the Civil War: http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/USAcivilBig.jpg

Olivia's "Day Dress". This would be something she would wear around the ranch for daily work: http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/LadiesDayDressFrontLgdec08.jpg

Elva's "Day Dress": http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/1374x.jpg

A word on mourning clothing and rituals: apparently widows were required to mourn for at least a year, and sometimes FOREVER. They had special clothing that needed to be worn, special household items to use as well. Children were not required to mourn as long as widows. Here is an interesting link regarding mourning customs: http:///mourningrituals.html

Here are some pictures of stuff related to Victorian era mourning:

http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/CIVILWARERAMOURNINGFANFLORALS.jpg

http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/CIVILWARCRAPESPOONBONNETSIDEVIEWCRO.jpg

http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/1860sSILKMOURNINGDRESSFRONT.jpg

http:///albums/b42/milesmommy/restoration20stuff/1860MOURNINGDRESSWOOLBELLSLEEVES.jpg

There's a fancy Twilighted thread for it, where I may post teasers, take death threats, whatever: http:///forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=4739