Getting in the mood...to write.

A friend I write with said, "I know you're writing something naughty, because your face is really red!" Well, I do blush sometimes, but sometimes it's just really hot in the library. I'm taking off my sweater.

I've been thinking about some of my favorite rituals before I begin to write a sexy scene. One of the most important: chocolate. And not just any chocolate, but Mozart Chocolates from Austria. A friend sent some from Europe, but I need to find a local distributor because they're almost gone.

I know a bubble bath is a cliche, but there's a reason it's a cliche--it's lovely. Canus Goat's Milk Foaming Bath has a wonderful fragrance, long lasting bubbles, and a very affordable price.

Pre de Provence makes exquisite soaps, some with olive oil--so silky on the skin. I find some scents overpowering, but their lemon verbena and lavender scented soaps are delicate and fresh.

I've been replacing what's in my socks and underwear drawer with things I wouldn't be ashamed of being discovered in. How can I feel sexy when I'm wearing Grandma's panties? I discarded the three in a package bargain brands and made room for some sweet bits of lace with bows.

I guess I want to treat myself as well as I'd want the characters in my stories to be treated.

Time to curl up with a mug of chocolate made the way the Aztecs drank it--with hot chili peppers--and now I'm ready to write...

Recipe for Aztec Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1 to 4 chili peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
optional: cinnamon stick, vanilla bean

Put milk and chocolate in top of double boiler, heat gently and whisk until smooth. Turn off heat but leave upper pot over the hot water. Add chili pepper (and vanilla bean and cinnamon stick if desired) and let stand for a few minutes. Strain, return to pot, and whisk until frothy. Pour into mugs and enjoy with your sweetie.