One of my fondest memories took place while living in Miami was a lazy afternoon into evening with all my friends and roomate who hailed from the Caribbean -mostly Haiti and Martinique. We listened to Sade, Lenny Kravitz, the fast sounds of Calypso, while we swilled Haitian rum - Barbancourt and ate conch fritters and mushroom rice. So it is with a heavy and worried heart that I write this post.  

I've always thought that  Haiti was/is the 'neglected step-child' sitting in our 'Caribbean yard.' But unless you've been living under a rock then you know that today Haiti was hit by 7.0 earthquake, with a possible tsunami as follow-up. So I thought I'd share some general FYIs about Haiti. 

Things to know about Haiti. 

Poverty: more than 90% of the population lives on $2 a day

3rd largest country in the Caribbean

It is literally separated from its Spanish-speaking neighbor: Dominican Republic, by a creek

Decades of corruption has left the country almost bankrupt as one ruler after another (mostly the Duvalier's) used the country's finances as their own "personal bank account."

Hyper-Catholicism and general ignorance (not unique I know) which prohibits the use of contraceptives, i.e. condoms has helped to implode its HIV/AIDS rates to some of the highest highest levels in the Caribbean and Latin America (that's been reported) combined. 

Due to mining operations throughout the years from various outside corporations (and a few domestic), Haiti has almost completely stripped its land of all its natural resources:

At one point over 60% of Haiti was forested; now it is less than 2%; with no sources of energy wood is still used by Haitians for cooking, bathing, etc.

So it  is safe to say that it all adds up to an earthquake that will have disastrous consequences. With all that said I know that the resourceful and hard-working people of Haiti will somehow  'pull' though. My thoughts and well wishes go out to the People of Haiti and my friends as well.







FBI Warns Against Online Haiti Relief Scams
By Frank James
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/01/fbi_warns_against_online_haiti.html?ft=1&f=103943429

With the outpouring of concern about the Haiti earthquake disaster and the accompanying desire to help, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is issuing an important warning to those moved to contribute money to Haiti relief efforts: be wary of Internet scams.

An excerpt of the FBI's message: The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.

Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:

* Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages.

* Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.

* Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group's existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.

* Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

My Small List of VALID Relief Websites & Organizations
Mercy Corps
http://www.mercycorps.org/

Direct Relief International
https://secure2.convio.net/dri/site/Donation2?idb=1322432156&1170.donation=form1&df_id=1170&JServSessionIdr004=vgsvqk7um1.app43b%20or%20call%20Or%20call%201-800-676-1638

OXFAM America
https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Donation2?idb=1710901836&3600.donation=form1&df_id=3600&JServSessionIdr004=v5fwkqqpa1.app28b

UN’s World Food Programme
https://www.wfp.org/donate/haiti

Haitian Health Foundation
http://www.haitianhealthfoundation.org/index.php/support/

International Rescue Committee
http://www.theirc.org/

CARE
https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?5000.donation=form1&df_id=5000

Doctors without Borders
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

International Medical Corps
http://www.imcworldwide.org/Page.aspx?pid=332

Partners in Health
https://donate.pih.org/page/contribute/haiti_earthquake?source=earthquake&subsource=homepage

American Red Cross’s International Response Fund
https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4306.donation=form1&idb=428732091&df_id=4306&JServSessionIdr004=yxa9a0v901.app194a&NoJSReload=1

Wycleaf Jean’s Yele Haiti
http://www.yele.org/

X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series



( Miranda ran a hand through the silky brown hair... )

Title: Gift or Curse

X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series




( Andy sat on the couch sipping wine... )

Title: Gift or Curse

X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series




( Andy was nervously straightening her top... )

Title: Gift or Curse

X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series


**********************************************************************************************************


( The scene that met them inside the townhouse... )

Bring Me to Life X-Over:
BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17/M (because I’m ‘wired’ that way)
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment
ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: Any and all mistakes are mine, but everyone should have at least ONE BTVS fic under their belt… right?
Summary: The PtB are at it again only Willow gets a ‘turn’ at being the focus. Willow and the Scoobies get an introduction to the world of Lycans, Hybrids, and a hot, leather-wearing, Vampire named Sonja.

Feedback is very welcomed

( Meanwhile various groups related to our Lovers... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment

( Sonja slid her hand into Willow's... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment


( Immediately Willow could feel the heat... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment.


( Willow meanwhile was assaulted by images... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment.


( Willow stood under the hot shower... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment


( Willow managed to avoid any discussions... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment.


( Willow watched as she unleashed... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment.


( Showered tucked into bed Willow... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment.


****

( Willow slept or tried to... )

Bring Me to Life
X-Over: BTVS & Underworld
Pairing: Willow/Sonja
Rating: NC-17/M (because I’m ‘wired’ that way)
Author: blackgrl71/Koi
DISCLAIMER: These characters are the property Mutant Enemy, Universal, and Lakeshore Entertainment

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: Any and all mistakes are mine, but everyone should have at least ONE BTVS fic under their belt… right?

Summary: The PtB are at it again only Willow gets a ‘turn’ at being the focus. Willow and the Scoobies get an introduction to the world of Lycans, Hybrids, and a hot, leather-wearing, Vampire named Sonja.

Feedback is very welcomed


Prologue
( The mostly naked man chained to twin stone pillars... )

Seasons Greetings and all that Jazz!
I'm fully aware that I haven't posted any updates but like millions of people around the country - I had a bit of the Holidays Bluez and my muse became uncooperative. But I've officially come out of my 'funk' especially with the help of the new Psych promo:




Any-hoo, I anticipate updating very soon, possibly this weekend -- baring any 'misfortune' that happens via New Year's Celebration partying. Finally, I want to wish everyone excellent karma and best wishes for the upcoming 2010 (it's been a funky decade - bad funky not James-Brown-funky) - it's my understanding that we'll be ringing in the New Year with a blue moon no less. 



 

 Gift & Curse Chapter Links

Prologue

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/1110.html#cutid1

Chapter 1

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/1305.html#cutid1

Chapter 2

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/1627.html#cutid1

Chapters 3-4a

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/1912.html#cutid1

Chapters 4b-5b

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/2184.html#cutid1

Chapter 6

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/2603.html#cutid1

Chapter 7

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/2919.html#cutid1

Chapter 8

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/3309.html#cutid1

Chapter 9 & 10

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/3802.html#cutid1

Chapter 11

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/4202.html#cutid1

Chapter 12

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/4535.html#cutid1

Chapters 13 & 14

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/4727.html#cutid1

Chapters 15 & 16

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/5034.html#cutid1

Chapters 17 & 18

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/5329.html#cutid1

Chapters 19 & 20

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/5696.html#cutid1

Chapters 21 & 22

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/5899.html#cutid1

Chapters 23 & 24

http://blackgrl71.livejournal.com/6190.html#cutid1

 X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

 

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

 

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds. 

 

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

 

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

 

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement.  Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

 

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series

    

 

 

 

 X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

 

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

 

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds. 

 

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

 

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

 

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement.  Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

 

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series

 

 

 

 X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse

 

Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.

 

Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds. 

 

Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters

 

Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas –Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.

 

Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement.  Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.

 

Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series