tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65360601021578721482024-03-14T04:21:20.548-03:00Still Moments MagazineUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-55179394928749501642024-03-05T11:57:00.003-04:002024-03-05T12:01:05.211-04:00Between The Pages - Finders Keepers, CowboyFinders Keepers, Cowboy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IIX1mEvPk2ywH7GmemjkV48BGTu7_I0hTvwwurhNZ7I8aieL4rEWH6ZqQiXtqoMtO3de9g8Jfoz7klFzBNtPIRCfiOYewpa2PQulpNy5GY8pdzyxeQgQNx-2dJkP9iUgV0pllXO9NbgPpS4xtX6U0m5FisruqOLr1CbG7lKsK8wAUUmQ4ah4fI11ZiSy/s2200/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1459" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IIX1mEvPk2ywH7GmemjkV48BGTu7_I0hTvwwurhNZ7I8aieL4rEWH6ZqQiXtqoMtO3de9g8Jfoz7klFzBNtPIRCfiOYewpa2PQulpNy5GY8pdzyxeQgQNx-2dJkP9iUgV0pllXO9NbgPpS4xtX6U0m5FisruqOLr1CbG7lKsK8wAUUmQ4ah4fI11ZiSy/s320/cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div>Rachelle Paige Campbell </div><div>March 2024 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Meg Hawke’s antique store is faltering. When her octogenarian neighbor Hank asks her to clean out his shed and sell antiques on consignment, she has a real chance at discovering forgotten treasure. If she steps foot on the Montana ranch, however, she’ll come face-to-face with her childhood frenemy and Hank’s grandson, Ryan. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>After selling off the ranch’s cattle years before, Ryan Kincaid dove into the world of high-end tourism, devoting everything to the business. For his sanity, he avoids his annoying known-her-since-childhood neighbor, Meg. With the forced proximity of the shed project happening in his backyard, though, he’s singing a different tune. Perhaps he’d been wrong about her.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>A surprise discovery spurs both change and challenge, and they’re forced to choose the potential of ever-after or forget each other and finally move on forever. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This modern-day western romance is a tender love story. The plot has several elements of interest that hold your attention throughout the book. The main characters, Meg and Ryan, make a cute couple, but their indecisiveness becomes a bit tiring. However, the author created an appealing secondary cast from Hank who stole every scene he was in, and workers on the ranch who have story potential, especially if Hank has something to do with it. An enjoyable read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating</div><div>4 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-58634700623770150332024-03-05T11:54:00.003-04:002024-03-05T12:02:36.108-04:00Between The Pages - Magical MidnightMagical Midnight <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqbY-v8VUn2c62UrZhnBmS73isY3Rq5-st4b2gk_lRQqxE1JAIV8eMQaNOqO_R2ToSHQtNSQ3Bb0MacWhYtSO22ZjAMD-kc6zMBx26IHJJUUFyD1K_YlrVc84eTOsblk-tbx3ZNLA2Qs9n_aUCYVComUfAHjOlU8UqP5izD2bx00y4uRBEzSxMox1JKbw/s425/Migical%20Midnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqbY-v8VUn2c62UrZhnBmS73isY3Rq5-st4b2gk_lRQqxE1JAIV8eMQaNOqO_R2ToSHQtNSQ3Bb0MacWhYtSO22ZjAMD-kc6zMBx26IHJJUUFyD1K_YlrVc84eTOsblk-tbx3ZNLA2Qs9n_aUCYVComUfAHjOlU8UqP5izD2bx00y4uRBEzSxMox1JKbw/s320/Migical%20Midnight.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div>Catherine Lanigan </div><div>January 2024 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Midnight takes place on the Michael's Wisconsin dairy farm when a strange woman appears on the winter solstice. Neither father or son realize she is an angel, who has till midnight on Christmas Eve to bring the estranged two men back together. What ensues is a heartwarming story of love, faith, and the true meaning of forever.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>Magical Midnight is a heartwarming story and makes you feel good during and after the read. The plot of a father and son who have drifted apart over the years and an angel helping repair their relationship is engaging. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the visual setting is picturesque. The angelic twist is realistic and has you thinking about love, faith, and miracles. This book has an inspirational message of believing and cherishing every moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-70622988205282622162024-03-04T14:14:00.000-04:002024-03-04T14:14:34.534-04:00Between The Pages - Deadly Vegas EscapeDeadly Vegas Escape<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rdlvylNzxwYFtg5XAuzR1qkPT3G9_hIVzITtnYrf1NPKJlorakh5uEqOaTGsSN0opDa3cD2jAFCqqcZrTwk0liRFoTEtpbOZhjoDHk5560FzD4Flyyo4qWAPSJHJ0MrG7B5SubCUAUR0gaHpKcOMeBdGU3TBXel4y11AYV5oEZTFEsfhqOrenNoHNjvh/s2560/Deadly.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rdlvylNzxwYFtg5XAuzR1qkPT3G9_hIVzITtnYrf1NPKJlorakh5uEqOaTGsSN0opDa3cD2jAFCqqcZrTwk0liRFoTEtpbOZhjoDHk5560FzD4Flyyo4qWAPSJHJ0MrG7B5SubCUAUR0gaHpKcOMeBdGU3TBXel4y11AYV5oEZTFEsfhqOrenNoHNjvh/s320/Deadly.jpg" /></a></div>
Anna J. Stewart <div>September 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Gambling with their lives… </i></div><div><i>…all bets are off. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On the lam from a murder charge, Riordan Malloy is saved from drowning by water rescuer Darcy Ford. On land, the mysterious man has no memory of his identity or his secret past. He only knows that he’s endangering Darcy. When all clues lead the unlikely pair to a posh Vegas casino, they must fight to stay alive—and fall in love—against all odds. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This suspense romance will have you reading until the wee hours of the morning. It’s so compelling you won’t want to put it down. The story begins with action and keeps a steady pace throughout. The main characters, Darcy and Riordan, are captivating in every scene. The story’s riveting plot grabs hold and takes you on an action-packed ride. Not only have Darcy and Riordan quickly become my favourite duo, but this book has become one of my favourite reads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating</div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-74549850849130078322024-03-04T14:10:00.000-04:002024-03-04T14:10:23.823-04:00Between The Pages - The PI’s Deadly CharadeThe PI’s Deadly Charade<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz_A4CotMEmsCrlrpAIAUzpUx2mde9bVt5MrfHFXtlNLcpYejNA9sijQYy3CUbu8jqv1JW8n6jbLves2L_9GGCsKJc3Iw1kxrhxd2QtBG1_VzR5mBIg6LymD6XAL5pdbghCaTH1tQj50rwTTupzXNroRbd7cHnu8W8JmeWekSs01VyfVCNynhXo7fns00/s2650/PIs%20Deadly%20Charade.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz_A4CotMEmsCrlrpAIAUzpUx2mde9bVt5MrfHFXtlNLcpYejNA9sijQYy3CUbu8jqv1JW8n6jbLves2L_9GGCsKJc3Iw1kxrhxd2QtBG1_VzR5mBIg6LymD6XAL5pdbghCaTH1tQj50rwTTupzXNroRbd7cHnu8W8JmeWekSs01VyfVCNynhXo7fns00/s320/PIs%20Deadly%20Charade.jpg" /></a></div>
Anna J. Stewart <div>January 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Proving himself, </i></div><div><i>Means saving her life.
An ex-con, </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>PI Jason Sutton has ignored his attraction to Kyla Bertrand for years, not wanting his past to drag down the up-and-coming attorney. But his missing person’s case and her investigation into a friend’s murder have connections that require joining forces. As they’re lured deep into a shadowy underworld, proving himself means not only unraveling dangerous mysteries, but keeping Kyla alive. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This suspense romance is a page-turner. The chemistry between Kyla and Jason sizzles. The author sends us into an action-packed story where you try to find the murderer of one girl and the whereabouts of another. When the two cases interlock, the suspense has you glued to the story. This is a must read book. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-90103058301830564152024-01-31T11:25:00.000-04:002024-01-31T11:25:13.991-04:00Between The Pages - Prison Break HostagePrison Break Hostage <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn1-FcI2Svz1ikocJFRSKbMTFQCLKS0itpIyII6bgTvF_rO92oX22Ltg_yGp1-yVgEo9AF2TFuyXmfMPWjNMEfBBTM2Aw_B7u34m5v9i9_1h7kLXVSZlJAC36lNFEmDT3rj2QvV2ynsVJx41Y_z9LfNzbpp8Tq2t-6f9DfvFgqtYz5UiyJTMTE-MOLf48/s425/Prison%20Break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn1-FcI2Svz1ikocJFRSKbMTFQCLKS0itpIyII6bgTvF_rO92oX22Ltg_yGp1-yVgEo9AF2TFuyXmfMPWjNMEfBBTM2Aw_B7u34m5v9i9_1h7kLXVSZlJAC36lNFEmDT3rj2QvV2ynsVJx41Y_z9LfNzbpp8Tq2t-6f9DfvFgqtYz5UiyJTMTE-MOLf48/s320/Prison%20Break.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div>Anna J. Stewart </div><div>January 2022 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>She’s dedicated to helping others… </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Now she’s the one in need of rescue. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As a witness to a prison bus crash, Dr. Ashley McTavish is only concerned with saving lives. But when she’s taken hostage, her own life is threatened. Ashley is undeniably attracted to her sole protector, a convict called Lucky. But when Lucky’s true identity as undercover agent Slade Palmer is revealed, he and Ashley must flee for their lives. Can they protect one another as feelings grow and danger looms? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This suspense romance book was a hit in so many ways. There was action, drama, intrigue, suspense, a sizzling romance, a surprising twist, a great cast of characters, a well-developed plot, steady pacing, tight dialogue, and so much more. The author immediately grabbed the attention from the first page and held on with a good grip. This is one of those books that when you’re done reading, you’ll say…that was a great story. I highly recommend book five in the Honor Bound Series. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-21060138248311524132024-01-17T11:19:00.004-04:002024-01-17T11:19:52.764-04:00Between The Pages - Stone of LoveStone of Love <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGmC_OXapRhoeH229Tpg6w6vHtyZ416nJ2M1Wddlzr_ONrXL46M7wCooLGCRTufdL25JIoGcv7qEu6ve-b-BGGHrjHoBpP1soTaD1bKgXeY5bHT0Lvd6RuslV6Mh_903xPAyMdyhb1iQY1bBYav8WX9e-mlaM8eb4VEeNgIMzEMVWCH_ySYKp94LpzGPW/s300/StoneofLove_w17880_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGmC_OXapRhoeH229Tpg6w6vHtyZ416nJ2M1Wddlzr_ONrXL46M7wCooLGCRTufdL25JIoGcv7qEu6ve-b-BGGHrjHoBpP1soTaD1bKgXeY5bHT0Lvd6RuslV6Mh_903xPAyMdyhb1iQY1bBYav8WX9e-mlaM8eb4VEeNgIMzEMVWCH_ySYKp94LpzGPW/s1600/StoneofLove_w17880_300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Margaret Izard </div><div>March 2024 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird Colin MacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Laird leaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty in his study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, her brunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forces of the Fae. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to his ancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fighting an evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving the stone or saving his love. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This fantasy romance was a page-turner from the beginning. The author developed characters that were appealing to get to know, and a visually picturesque setting. The plot put you under the spell of the Fae and kept you spellbound through every chapter. Filled with plenty of drama and a mystery to find the evil Fae, this book was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating</div><div>4.5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-65383271233894727052023-12-28T06:00:00.002-04:002024-01-17T11:21:11.858-04:00Between The Pages - Lights, Camera, Christmas TownLights, Camera, Christmas Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiOaesmEQTVMu1IRwsYzT2s_tfwkBFvqroKWOpPxVf6i7BXdRAjQrYCYYKPXZ72Jw9TnPKVczns7JIWHq9Ef2D6IyuwbhzVxcBCDbSf60iGSFH2P_poGcuYJZKQaEx8fWp6lA-XwncwjyCOWGgiuUK8ntQ5VQSFNwXwKoMfvO8XV9gSl_BaaFk7JjPmsk/s445/51nRJEjPBzL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaiOaesmEQTVMu1IRwsYzT2s_tfwkBFvqroKWOpPxVf6i7BXdRAjQrYCYYKPXZ72Jw9TnPKVczns7JIWHq9Ef2D6IyuwbhzVxcBCDbSf60iGSFH2P_poGcuYJZKQaEx8fWp6lA-XwncwjyCOWGgiuUK8ntQ5VQSFNwXwKoMfvO8XV9gSl_BaaFk7JjPmsk/s320/51nRJEjPBzL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>Anna J. Stewart, Beth Carpenter, Cari Lynn Webb, Cheryl Harper, Leanne Bristow, Liz Flaherty, Melinda Curtis, and Tanya Agler </div><div>October 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>What could make the holidays in Christmas Town even more magical? The arrival of a TV movie’s cast and crew to recreate one of their most beloved couple’s happily ever after! </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The snow is falling, the chestnuts are roasting, and Posey’s peppermint pies can’t keep up with demand! But there’s also mischief afoot as filming begins. Someone keeps sneaking Elmer the Elf into scenes, the town is buzzing with romantic gossip, and the Knotty Elves once again turn their creative endeavors from knitting to helping others find true love. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>Eight stories by eight different authors, yet the reading is smooth and connected. The plot is surrounded by a movie filmed in Christmas Town. New and old characters are spotlighted, each interesting and well-developed. The Knotty Elves are key to each story. The stories have a mixture of humor, drama, and lots of romance. This collection of stories is perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-53977264549379578362023-12-15T11:28:00.001-04:002023-12-15T11:28:48.927-04:00Between The Pages - Their Surprise Island WeddingTheir Surprise Island Wedding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRjIwK99sRcJgdZyZ5WfXbeuTQ7MgwXR0JdPhOAKlo8zvid8xCwifJLIFEWzeoM2MNbrq4oahQ7TTwFtrlm7WP-HtWYhO3_y0Gk1TKRcw_-UAKwRXy5lVmi3VdctxNB2JOxwvkyATg1OSVwGd27dKu6MHyUp00FQoy1DtzENQMleY1ig-cQO1BZ5Z1xEj/s1500/Their%20Surprise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="953" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRjIwK99sRcJgdZyZ5WfXbeuTQ7MgwXR0JdPhOAKlo8zvid8xCwifJLIFEWzeoM2MNbrq4oahQ7TTwFtrlm7WP-HtWYhO3_y0Gk1TKRcw_-UAKwRXy5lVmi3VdctxNB2JOxwvkyATg1OSVwGd27dKu6MHyUp00FQoy1DtzENQMleY1ig-cQO1BZ5Z1xEj/s320/Their%20Surprise.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div>Anna J. Stewart</div><div>September 2023 </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Could her fake boyfriend </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Be her true love? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Her sister’s Hawaiian dream wedding is a nightmare for water-phobic, workaholic Marella Benoit—especially when a breakup leaves her without a plus-one. Laid-back surfer Keane Harper is a sun-bronzed distraction. From stargazing to zip-lining to snorkeling with manta rays, Keane is showing the big-city girl how to have fun. And posing as her boyfriend for the wedding may be the adventure of a lifetime—together!</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This is the second book in the Hawaiian Reunions series, but it stands well on its own. The author has a great writing style that grabs your attention in the first chapter and holds onto you throughout the story. The plot is engaging with not only a picturesque Hawaiian setting but also interesting and fun characters. Keane and Marella have great chemistry that is instant and believable. The rest of the cast is equally enjoyable with scene stealers like Noodle and Grandma Pippy. The author is a master at visual writing, placing you on the beach and sailing on the ocean. This must-read story is filled with romance, drama, and humor. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-7585950980457886922023-11-30T13:41:00.003-04:002023-11-30T13:41:51.282-04:00Between The Pages - How to Spot a FakeHow to Spot a Fake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wIh1op51vdnqH5sB9fFpve9wmPU8Y0zQI51xNepG5l__P_JAjQDeSeBCrkDuc2vOKsuTTryRrekl4h62hUcekoX1o6hdC-gxbLXy0DyvIhQ_XX7ggmBZMrvPJUw_5P3AjpcgpMpL3RDH4hp2hxX-cG93M34B5-UJffhVHHHBC1sFWr1gl7Rns2v3RTS-/s2700/How%20to%20Spot%20a%20Fake_frontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wIh1op51vdnqH5sB9fFpve9wmPU8Y0zQI51xNepG5l__P_JAjQDeSeBCrkDuc2vOKsuTTryRrekl4h62hUcekoX1o6hdC-gxbLXy0DyvIhQ_XX7ggmBZMrvPJUw_5P3AjpcgpMpL3RDH4hp2hxX-cG93M34B5-UJffhVHHHBC1sFWr1gl7Rns2v3RTS-/s320/How%20to%20Spot%20a%20Fake_frontcover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>Rachelle Paige Campbell </div><div>June 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>When the wrong John Smith appears on Lovelyn Pettigrew’s doorstep, is he too good to be true? Or could he be exactly who she needs?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Lovelyn Pettigrew wants to transform the mansion and collection of fine art inherited from her grandmother into a world-class museum. She has one week to submit a proposal to her family foundation. Her parents prefer the museum to operate downtown with a staff they’ve already hired. Her success depends on authenticating the works their curator dismissed. She finds the receipt for the egg rumored to be one of the missing Imperial Faberge works. When she calls the gallery in London, she is given an email address to send proof of the artifact.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Her email reaches the wrong John Smith. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Finishing his degree in art conservation, John is passionate about art. One of many side hustles to afford life in Chicago, he runs a website dedicated to tracking down tips about some of the most famous missing works of art. When he checks his inbox, he is floored by the contents of the email. With weeks until he graduates from university as a mature, thirty-year-old student, he is looking for a full-time position and the correspondence could be the opportunity of a lifetime. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Working side-by-side, John and Lovelyn grow close and their mutual respect deepens into something more. When the mistaken identity is revealed, shocking them both, they must choose between the future or each other. He might not be who she expected, but could he be exactly who she needs? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This sweet romance had a well-developed and engaging plot. The main characters had a realistic instant connection that grew throughout the story. The cast of characters added plenty of drama. The author pulls you into the story with a rocky relationship between Lovelyn and her father, as well as John and his best friend Henry, whose character was intriguing. The story moved along at a smooth pace. Great for art enthusiasts, this book was an enjoyable read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating</div><div>4.5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-14113730689252540302023-11-15T11:12:00.001-04:002023-11-15T11:16:28.408-04:00Between The Pages - SteinarSteinar <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEGCmIB53pUWFMxc9TTW-qKUuT8PwqPvqcqiEIsebPIJKlkkFECcWZyYrONKRmQXWbByjasZ-OdNj7GVsxCMAdjqcENhc-Py_aPGKZMm7wTOhcGg2Htrqb2q1JACv-akAEF4o_hyphenhyphenkpr_75J-yZ_FcSWpVBhJ6XAFLCF26nCTlHXZOwocKQWyXEdvd8Mcj/s750/Steinar_w18298_750.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEGCmIB53pUWFMxc9TTW-qKUuT8PwqPvqcqiEIsebPIJKlkkFECcWZyYrONKRmQXWbByjasZ-OdNj7GVsxCMAdjqcENhc-Py_aPGKZMm7wTOhcGg2Htrqb2q1JACv-akAEF4o_hyphenhyphenkpr_75J-yZ_FcSWpVBhJ6XAFLCF26nCTlHXZOwocKQWyXEdvd8Mcj/s320/Steinar_w18298_750.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>Mary Morgan </div><div>January 2024 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As leader of the Serpents, Inga the Ruthless travels beyond the isles bartering for goods with her brothers. After rescuing the feared Pirate Wolf during a storm, she surrenders her trust to the man and his inner wolf in order to claim the lost treasure of Odin. Though the journey is fraught with dangers, Inga fears her heart might be the one in peril, leading her to make the ultimate sacrifice. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Will the sea be their salvation or doom them to a watery grave? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>Steinar is book three in The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, and while Magnar and Rorik, from books one and two, make an appearance in this story, Steinar is a star on his own. This Viking, historical romance also includes a paranormal theme and a lot of steam. The author wrote the perfect story for Steinar. He is a true hero and likable immediately. He teams up with Inga the Ruthless who is a strong female lead. The plot is a page-turner from the first scene. The author spins a tale that grabs your attention and throws you into the stormy seas onto turbulent lands. Ms. Morgan is a masterful visual story teller who places you in her stories with the characters. Drama, action, and surprising twists put this book high on my recommended reading list. Enjoyable from beginning to end. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating</div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-61839313015126424722023-10-26T11:57:00.000-03:002023-10-26T11:57:13.066-03:00Between The Pages - Christmas at Solace LakeChristmas at Solace Lake <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0GSGXLiYkEGOptM9Bat0P4BJfdt1aNvc-cQI5jlhIqZRxmaFADYOd_bLgcsFm1NXcYX-fNuiYZJ0ZM2enP-eScAudf1rk0e4PY2eI2TIPxyHXdlhTYMRPG9xDUCr9zm5j8x6C50eblBlivbYvfp2uhG26Wx6gKRNqXzPSaxS3YukbZJ14rqI1KKC6Ow3/s2700/ChristmasAtSolaceLake_V1%20(1)%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0GSGXLiYkEGOptM9Bat0P4BJfdt1aNvc-cQI5jlhIqZRxmaFADYOd_bLgcsFm1NXcYX-fNuiYZJ0ZM2enP-eScAudf1rk0e4PY2eI2TIPxyHXdlhTYMRPG9xDUCr9zm5j8x6C50eblBlivbYvfp2uhG26Wx6gKRNqXzPSaxS3YukbZJ14rqI1KKC6Ow3/s320/ChristmasAtSolaceLake_V1%20(1)%20(2).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>Jana Richards </div><div>October 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>An emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover a series of thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This is the fourth book in the Love at Solace Lake series, but you don’t have to read the previous books to read this one. This story stands well on its own with a budding romance between Drew and Celeste, who are strong leading characters. The rest of the cast is enjoyable, especially Celeste’s daughter, Hope who is so sweet, I would have liked to see her in more scenes. The author wrote a compelling story filled with heavy emotions of family drama, loss, and insecurities. Also written well was the discrimination of race and disability. Added to the romance is a little mystery of someone stealing and hacking into the lodge’s computer. The mystery was a fun bonus and propelled the read to a satisfying ending. The beautiful cover and story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>4.5 stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-1088111569834039612023-10-25T06:00:00.001-03:002023-10-25T06:00:00.148-03:00Writer Wednesday - Write What You Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qGNI6BHeE7HMDLK_xXjr-ePo_DkX_oxxszPmmRwu5vQiMmyLzj-g8Z_i5Pv-FQ0txyH1z9oPWdHkC7RyQZL1nMWQLu8nSVGvm5vDnv3V7rlwhYsE2aaJnpEhU-6N0UPXZHlY1im82XtSxS5sLzR6K3NXUUa8r1Gq6DwMXal2ijyOC-Cpdriu-lDwZNmr/s1580/twitter_profile.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qGNI6BHeE7HMDLK_xXjr-ePo_DkX_oxxszPmmRwu5vQiMmyLzj-g8Z_i5Pv-FQ0txyH1z9oPWdHkC7RyQZL1nMWQLu8nSVGvm5vDnv3V7rlwhYsE2aaJnpEhU-6N0UPXZHlY1im82XtSxS5sLzR6K3NXUUa8r1Gq6DwMXal2ijyOC-Cpdriu-lDwZNmr/s320/twitter_profile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Women Authors </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Kat Henry Doran </div><div style="text-align: center;">Write What You Know </div><div><br /></div><div>Question: What do these writers have in common: Eileen Dryer, Tess Gerritson, Lisa Scottoline, Michael Connelly, Robert K. Tannenbaum? </div><div><br /></div><div>Answer: They write what they know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div> As an avid reader, I depend on authors to write what they know. Therefore as a former trauma nurse I am especially sensitive to gross errors in basic medical procedures and hospital routines with the key words being gross and/or basic. For example, a patient with a fractured rib would not have a plaster cast applied to their chest. Also, as a former victim advocate, I know my way around a courthouse so I’m particularly sensitive to how victims of violence should be treated by those who should know better. </div><div><br /></div><div>That said, let’s talk about some of my favorite authors who make characters or locations jump right off the page: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tu6Uh3T60KTQB2ufZPYZ7v-QrYEbwKQ5POD2IoKxNqwQKT9tWdeZOKkwamOHmwQ_8QlVNuvE_ei2OvfttzmvPzw_ZXqXH4Rii-D_WLktszHy0BOOCmK5ZS291FylVh4LSAqZz-pQ3HKezZtvsF3979f3Q6rpTxGwWzZ303O85tM3ZZTk0quvbqRA2CsC/s135/812TxvxmiyL._AC_SY135_Dryer%20Book.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="90" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tu6Uh3T60KTQB2ufZPYZ7v-QrYEbwKQ5POD2IoKxNqwQKT9tWdeZOKkwamOHmwQ_8QlVNuvE_ei2OvfttzmvPzw_ZXqXH4Rii-D_WLktszHy0BOOCmK5ZS291FylVh4LSAqZz-pQ3HKezZtvsF3979f3Q6rpTxGwWzZ303O85tM3ZZTk0quvbqRA2CsC/s200/812TxvxmiyL._AC_SY135_Dryer%20Book.jpg" /></a></div><div>• Eileen Dryer who, in her other life, was an emergency room nurse and knows her way around an ER, the ICU, OR, and death investigations. Her novels offer edge of your seat suspense, flavored with snappy dialogue and sparkling humor. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglvg8jOdJvzArv-f-DdT-Y_HNh4P73P3Hs6j8viyFiO7JVQ_bztY056nW32rVV_bxSYaCs-0HYIVsS-BEAZm_KfJtO4dN1fGu9EA3xJpnkwcBeF_zGohpJ8906KT7158GDEmrFz2H7oxK0wr45lKAvFNnTdrt5S4QhrYlg53Sug5j42-DZP5eJlRNLL3a/s218/91SZENXTJqL._AC_UY218_Tannenbaum%20book.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglvg8jOdJvzArv-f-DdT-Y_HNh4P73P3Hs6j8viyFiO7JVQ_bztY056nW32rVV_bxSYaCs-0HYIVsS-BEAZm_KfJtO4dN1fGu9EA3xJpnkwcBeF_zGohpJ8906KT7158GDEmrFz2H7oxK0wr45lKAvFNnTdrt5S4QhrYlg53Sug5j42-DZP5eJlRNLL3a/s200/91SZENXTJqL._AC_UY218_Tannenbaum%20book.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>• Robert K. Tannenbaum spent many years as an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DA’s office and his Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi novels show off his experience as a story teller as well as an attorney anyone could respect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDIPF4F0lbfSOtyOUH79Hf2G5DNaBtr6B1kkBYJ4Kj1VgCczdhco6Kb_84RRT2Et9Hi3XlzbDQr77kAoSavKddbQitSyWJmspGwykwcIHeecwc68bY2FZHM2baPm2uB53H6obzJ0GQiCEHpCbfPsqvCthq7npVOXyXbF4UltlNFvhxbb3K76Dr9Kz0-LZ/s500/51V9xsP3tKL__Scottoline%20book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDIPF4F0lbfSOtyOUH79Hf2G5DNaBtr6B1kkBYJ4Kj1VgCczdhco6Kb_84RRT2Et9Hi3XlzbDQr77kAoSavKddbQitSyWJmspGwykwcIHeecwc68bY2FZHM2baPm2uB53H6obzJ0GQiCEHpCbfPsqvCthq7npVOXyXbF4UltlNFvhxbb3K76Dr9Kz0-LZ/s200/51V9xsP3tKL__Scottoline%20book.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>• Another attorney on my list of faves is Lisa Scottoline who set her all-women law firm of Rosato and DiNunzio, in the center of Philadelphia. The flavor, customs and feel of South Philly jumps off each page of her books. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7awogceW9NJikqx5SvmjINBHk1Kap14KeMJf03zmzuRnhAIKhIl3nhbvntQ8tQiid8Y9YtDhyrlwBz0CWJnZx1DU3KHWaLKWeX7wxq8TJ9y7JicrT2Zd86y5bZhzAX-ROon3CZyhbZAVpNLnQQ8LOyWTkD30NXIMJd1JJEuARbj6IVRZMEUPZegcjChMD/s500/51L1zUBGtdL__Connelly%20book.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7awogceW9NJikqx5SvmjINBHk1Kap14KeMJf03zmzuRnhAIKhIl3nhbvntQ8tQiid8Y9YtDhyrlwBz0CWJnZx1DU3KHWaLKWeX7wxq8TJ9y7JicrT2Zd86y5bZhzAX-ROon3CZyhbZAVpNLnQQ8LOyWTkD30NXIMJd1JJEuARbj6IVRZMEUPZegcjChMD/s200/51L1zUBGtdL__Connelly%20book.jpg" /></a></div><div>• Michael Connelly, while not a sworn law enforcement officer, spent his earliest years as a crime reporter in Miami. He picked up the speech patterns and procedural acumen and it shows through clearly in his Harry Bosch and Mikey Haller novels. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve enjoyed giving you some ideas of who and what to look for when you pick your next reading adventure—and most sincerely hope you enjoy your choice!</div><div><br /></div><div>© 2023 Kat Henry Doran All Rights Reserved </div><div>Former legal nurse consultant, victim advocate, sexual assault nurse examiner author Kat Henry Doran (and her alter ego Veronica Lynch) has been there and done that--many times over. The name she treasures most is Nana to the four brightest lights in her life: Meredith, Ashlin, Owen, and Kieran. She frequently travels from her home close to the shores of Lake Ontario in Western New York State to the Saint Lawrence River region as well as the historic Adirondack and Catskill Mountain ranges for settings in her books which feature strong characters who stand for the ‘less thans’ in this world. <a href="http://www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com" target="_blank">www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-82696859639874745142023-10-18T06:00:00.001-03:002023-10-18T06:00:00.148-03:00Writer Wednesday - Harvesting Your Vegetables and Fruits<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCXPqlN7_3tDGFokKD_HKeEKZrlJaZeFbd-IQ9jOg7AbMARbcTC9Mw4txXBSOpSF6cqkowvYMhp6WrMRMZV-00GvrYUFyAIoisKq28E7bLfUVim9kdZb1_LrxMdxieEL5wgIUUwvU8w8ojX9HGWIJJnwxtAsaiI1eVlFTgGnmTo4NfCJYxo1rbA9AYpD1/s1124/Jean%20Header.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCXPqlN7_3tDGFokKD_HKeEKZrlJaZeFbd-IQ9jOg7AbMARbcTC9Mw4txXBSOpSF6cqkowvYMhp6WrMRMZV-00GvrYUFyAIoisKq28E7bLfUVim9kdZb1_LrxMdxieEL5wgIUUwvU8w8ojX9HGWIJJnwxtAsaiI1eVlFTgGnmTo4NfCJYxo1rbA9AYpD1/s400/Jean%20Header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeds & Sunshine </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Jean M. Grant </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Harvesting Your Vegetables and Fruits</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59ider0mXlqbKGGzKatyarRsel06FjZ1N_q4xGB6aazs9YdycbxXr-Yuh9rlNKg1i-FldEEgR8y1nEAPB6BZN1XgoJJdRD6DtMx6cWGq21fhYPK0aE7dcnH3qPN3imG6HK8RGy59VTEn-zo-k3erNgN1lgQ0uhGkkD0t7k1Lt7mP5krE4TlbgxB-Tqod4/s3264/veggies%20harvest%20%281%29.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59ider0mXlqbKGGzKatyarRsel06FjZ1N_q4xGB6aazs9YdycbxXr-Yuh9rlNKg1i-FldEEgR8y1nEAPB6BZN1XgoJJdRD6DtMx6cWGq21fhYPK0aE7dcnH3qPN3imG6HK8RGy59VTEn-zo-k3erNgN1lgQ0uhGkkD0t7k1Lt7mP5krE4TlbgxB-Tqod4/s200/veggies%20harvest%20%281%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
You started with seeds, inside or outside. Seedlings have sprouted. You’ve watered, fertilized, and tended. You’ve kept your Gardener’s Log of notes for next year. Now, you have gardens brimming with life…and food! Or we hope so, right? Mother Nature can be fickle sometimes. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve done it! Now it’s time to reap the harvest. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ways to harvest:</div><div>A preface: always do a quick read online about how to harvest your specific vegetables, as some are more particular than others (e.g. requiring curing/drying or have a longer grow period). When in doubt, refer to the good ol’ Farmer’s Almanac (online: https://www.almanac.com/). </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Leafy vegetables – such as herbs, spinach, collards, lettuces, Swiss chard – just cut/clip and eat. Some grow back, depending on the season, or can be replanted for an autumn harvest. A few herbs may require “drying out.” </div><div><br /></div><div>2. “Fruits” that have come from flowers – such as peas, beans, peppers, and tomatoes – just pick them right off the vines! </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Vine vegetables – such as summer squashes, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers – usually you can twist and snap them off. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Stalks – celery, asparagus – snip and enjoy! </div><div><br /></div><div>5. Root vegetables (below ground) – Carrots are easy to pull up and wash off as needed and they will grow into the cold temperatures of late autumn and last a long time in the fridge. Beets, turnips, radishes, and parsnips are harvested the same way. Onions, garlic, shallots, potatoes, pumpkins, and winter squashes – these all need some “curing” (drying) time for a few weeks before storing for later use. Since they grow below ground, time and observing the stalks will indicate when they are ready for harvest. Sometimes you need to just dig up one to see how it’s going. </div><div><br /></div><div>Spring Vegetables Have Come and Gone </div><div>Lettuce, spinach, early peas, asparagus, kale, chard, broccoli, rhubarb, cabbage, cauliflower…have come and gone. Some stick around longer than others. Leafy vegetables are known to bolt in summer heat. Bolting is when the plant is done growing the green parts we eat (lettuce, broccoli heads, spinach leaves), and puts its energy into flowers. Once this happens, the leaves can taste bitter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Summer Vegetables in Full Force </div><div>Cucumbers, zucchini/summer squash, beans, chard, celery, collards, tomatoes. Pick, eat, enjoy! Many will keep on going into autumn, too, depending on weather conditions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Autumn Vegetables are Still Going Strong </div><div>Potatoes, winter squashes, onions, shallots, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, collards, pumpkins, gourds. Ah, autumn! These vegetables require a longer growing season. Did you know you can also plant spring vegetables a second time in late summer for an autumn yield? These include green beans, peas, collards, lettuce, and spinach among others. Planting for autumn is all about giving them enough time to get sun, while also being frost-hardy (or beating the frosts). I usually plant them in mid to late August.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_xJsUla0E2cxn3QNF1nJIsZa9iIsSm6c38y1I-51n1FPii0CPOlTMcgtRR8syYZjpfWI1PiOeEz3dDOhoOz3uGg5xUYMKAeQ17r2Ofo_2fqPtYrokPcY3MyEx9GpenGVm0u_GW6lztEbPjmvWyfYPV_5Qao9Ey1w6vUnfSIT_9UHMbAhM7FJQL_2zzRi/s3264/mid-summer%20vegetable%20gardens.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2440" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_xJsUla0E2cxn3QNF1nJIsZa9iIsSm6c38y1I-51n1FPii0CPOlTMcgtRR8syYZjpfWI1PiOeEz3dDOhoOz3uGg5xUYMKAeQ17r2Ofo_2fqPtYrokPcY3MyEx9GpenGVm0u_GW6lztEbPjmvWyfYPV_5Qao9Ey1w6vUnfSIT_9UHMbAhM7FJQL_2zzRi/s200/mid-summer%20vegetable%20gardens.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
How about fruit?
I would be remiss to not talk a little about growing fruits. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here’s my Fruit 101:
Always know your grow zone and sun location. You’re getting tired of hearing this, aren’t you? </div><div><br /></div><div>Apples – Apple trees are an investment in time, space, and money. Do a little research at your local nursery before purchasing. I have a Macoun tree and Golden Delicious tree. Some years you get a lot! Some years, none. Some years, the four-legged critters eat them all. They need to be well-spaced to allow for growth, pruned as needed to put more energy into apples than foliage, and you should grow at least two varieties—they need cross-pollination. </div><div><br /></div><div>Strawberries – These can grow in beds, rows, or pots. There are three kinds of strawberries: ever-bearing (slow and steady all summer), June-bearing (monster-sized crop early in June), and day-neutral (usually two to three peak times throughout the summer). Little critters love to eat these! Netting may be needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Blueberries – Varieties include lowbush, highbush—the most common, rabbiteye, and half-high. Some are self-pollinators, some are cross-pollinating. Some require more pruning than others, too. Blueberries like more acidic soil and lots of sun and being planted near each other, and away from other fruits/vegs.
Raspberries – These are the king of my yard. I got a handful of “canes” from a friend a few years back and they have taken over, needing constant maintenance to prevent the spread. These monsters produce an abundance of berries each autumn (with a small June harvest). The soil and sun must be in a magical alignment (west and south sun). </div><div><br /></div><div>Raspberries can be ever-bearing like what I have, or June/Summer-only bearing. They like lots of sun and fertilizer. I also prune in the fall. The June fruits return on non-pruned (old growth) canes, and the autumn-growing (ever-bearing) fruit appear on new growth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Final Tips… </div><div>• Some people fry up zucchini flowers. You can eat the greens on carrots, beets, radishes, turnips… </div><div>• Plant some spring (cold tolerant and quick growing) vegetables in late summer for an autumn crop.</div><div>• Did you know you can pick green tomatoes, box them up in newspaper, and store them in a cool, dark place for slower ripening into the autumn months? Yup! If an autumn frost is inevitable, quickly harvest all those green fruits before the frost kills them. </div><div>• For longer storage you can blanch and freeze vegetables, dry/cure for longer pantry storage, and “can” (pressure-can) them. I blanch my carrots and peas and freeze them, and directly freeze tomatoes and berries. I also make jam and applesauce. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have specific gardening questions? Drop me an email through my website contact form. Join me next time to talk about autumn pruning and planting and preparing for winter. </div><div><br /></div><div>© 2023 Jean M. Grant All Rights Reserved </div><div>Jean M. Grant is a former scientist turned author of romance and women’s fiction, an avid hiker and traveler, cat-lover, and coffee fanatic. Follow her for more hiking, traveling, baking, and gardening adventures. <a href="http://www.jeanmgrant.com" target="_blank">www.jeanmgrant.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-76282192717168646672023-10-13T06:00:00.001-03:002023-10-13T06:00:00.155-03:00Foodie Friday - Pumpkin Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQPy-tOYv182WmGoLko8aTGGGxenpl7m4RxiP7wL7dVMOj_V7FM6ksxpEoaylLoeF8JInyEg48Gn_WhVSC9w2_m3y_scYlvzPFTINpgLABA2IXPE8qEBYgcWNq6De3M23AkdnMjfqW3e8oorUidfGPFI-0XzR0fAK3E-13dfkzfHNkT0x8c1SKsGc-zXV/s200/pumpkin%20bread%20ghost.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQPy-tOYv182WmGoLko8aTGGGxenpl7m4RxiP7wL7dVMOj_V7FM6ksxpEoaylLoeF8JInyEg48Gn_WhVSC9w2_m3y_scYlvzPFTINpgLABA2IXPE8qEBYgcWNq6De3M23AkdnMjfqW3e8oorUidfGPFI-0XzR0fAK3E-13dfkzfHNkT0x8c1SKsGc-zXV/s320/pumpkin%20bread%20ghost.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Bread </div><div style="text-align: center;">from Kelli A. Wilkins </div><div><br /></div><div>“<i>A Taste of Halloween - To celebrate the start of the autumn season, I'm sharing my recipe for pumpkin bread. Enjoy!</i>” </div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients: </div><div>1 ½ cup flour </div><div>½ tsp. salt </div><div>1 cup sugar </div><div>1 tsp. baking soda </div><div>1 cup pumpkin puree </div><div>½ cup vegetable oil </div><div>2 eggs, beaten </div><div>¼ cup water </div><div>1 tsp. cinnamon </div><div>¼ tsp. nutmeg </div><div>¼ tsp. cloves</div><div>¼ tsp. allspice </div><div>½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) </div><div><br /></div><div>Directions: </div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.</div><div>Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. </div><div>In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. </div><div>Pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until it’s all just combined (don’t over stir!)
Add chopped walnuts if you’re using them.
Pour into well-buttered 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. </div><div>Bake 50-60 minutes until done in the middle. (Oven temps and times vary, so check to see if the bread is done early.) </div><div>Gently remove from pan and cool on a rack. </div><div><br /></div><div>Options:
If you like your pumpkin bread extra spicy, add a little bit more of the allspice, clove, and/or nutmeg. (I do!) Or add a ¼ tsp. of pumpkin pie spice to give it an extra boost. </div><div><br /></div><div>Serving suggestions:
I like this bread plain, but you can eat it with butter, or transform it into a dessert by adding whipped cream to the top (like icing), or serve it with ice cream.
However you eat it, it makes a yummy snack.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9ZXi1aJUrGy-qbbDSxSvnc2bYfvDTyCZjCV4bhaHbjeSfbe7NXSxHNr8ebVyL6MQHqWEEfSC-UI8ZEuF5vhR5kdWlB1O3tbxTDz2rMnLGN-ct1u2ju9jaRv3IXNbfWNwlpGyttVc8hSz2z48T6UG3PYA54yRZ1FxGL0EMOMoVnK7z-booaPJ4hM1d5DL/s200/bread%20&%20decoration.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9ZXi1aJUrGy-qbbDSxSvnc2bYfvDTyCZjCV4bhaHbjeSfbe7NXSxHNr8ebVyL6MQHqWEEfSC-UI8ZEuF5vhR5kdWlB1O3tbxTDz2rMnLGN-ct1u2ju9jaRv3IXNbfWNwlpGyttVc8hSz2z48T6UG3PYA54yRZ1FxGL0EMOMoVnK7z-booaPJ4hM1d5DL/s200/bread%20&%20decoration.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
© 2023 Kelli A. Wilkins All Rights Reserved </div><div>Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. Visit her website/blog for a full title list and social media links. <a href="http://www.KelliWilkins.com" target="_blank">www.KelliWilkins.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-45356749060874764782023-10-12T13:57:00.000-03:002023-10-12T13:57:51.658-03:00Between The Pages - Winter Solstice in the Crystal CastleWinter Solstice in the Crystal Castle <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKDH_P9QeOXju85vhbVSnxrty7ZQ_1DWO2eLMn_G5UojPZSvRAzi2b4oQmTMWNiewjrrsXXhtR6MvRFfNWHMxHYWzAQoO0Vir7Yv2fsTFCVs7taaWox2gw1tCRK94xlDyH3zOJ0Dvn39P_HysTCLoJS4dIPYXhjxv3z6EN_LRJCsJL0LECY4j0TaPGKgH/s1500/Einter%20Solstice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKDH_P9QeOXju85vhbVSnxrty7ZQ_1DWO2eLMn_G5UojPZSvRAzi2b4oQmTMWNiewjrrsXXhtR6MvRFfNWHMxHYWzAQoO0Vir7Yv2fsTFCVs7taaWox2gw1tCRK94xlDyH3zOJ0Dvn39P_HysTCLoJS4dIPYXhjxv3z6EN_LRJCsJL0LECY4j0TaPGKgH/s320/Einter%20Solstice.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Jennifer Ivy Walker </div><div>November 2023 </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Gabrielle is a flame haired, fire hearted French princess who dreams of becoming a Valkyrie warrior queen like her Viking ancestors from Normandy. Sent to Paris to learn the proper etiquette for a future French queen, she is called home to le Château de Beaufort for a forced marriage to a man she loathes when her father the king’s precarious health takes a sudden turn for the worse. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Chivalrous, solitary knight Sir Bastien de Landuc suffers an impossible love for Gabrielle, the unattainable princess he can never have. Without a title of nobility, he is ineligible to compete in the tournament for her hand in marriage, despite his unparalleled equestrian skills and inimitable swordsmanship. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Yet, Yuletide wishes for a wondrous winter solstice in the glorious Crystal Castle might make impossible dreams come true. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Can the valiant knight win the coveted hand of his Viking Valkyrie? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This medieval historical romance provides a great cast of characters, many from the author’s trilogy series, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. And while this book stands well on its own, being familiar with the cast is beneficial. The story was shorter than the previous books, which I enjoyed as it reduced a lot of descriptive narrative that can sometimes drag the plot and read. This book had well-developed characters, interesting plot details, and beautiful settings that kept the story at a steady pace. The visual is masterfully shown, placing you in each scene. Romance, drama, and action fill the pages and make this read enjoyable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-72184479465784437982023-10-12T13:53:00.000-03:002023-10-12T13:53:14.318-03:00Between The Pages - Promise Me ChristmasPromise Me Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75W9mefOb4EwEJSZSpeLq0JNaGKaaz8hn5ooBkrSm1JWC2LrTsewIhwgV6BEvZCwqRsQIDwbWJoEHVWx_iPs2KRywte4t9cxdA3taGCn9J2U400oJKSmKpNOpHD9W9AA6KxDqCy5LeEi8jFEmndc1IjlbZaJX3ewgMf6aOUD3Dtb1tyK9xTOJRpspqXf_/s1500/PRomise%20me%20Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75W9mefOb4EwEJSZSpeLq0JNaGKaaz8hn5ooBkrSm1JWC2LrTsewIhwgV6BEvZCwqRsQIDwbWJoEHVWx_iPs2KRywte4t9cxdA3taGCn9J2U400oJKSmKpNOpHD9W9AA6KxDqCy5LeEi8jFEmndc1IjlbZaJX3ewgMf6aOUD3Dtb1tyK9xTOJRpspqXf_/s320/PRomise%20me%20Christmas.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div>Gini Rifkin </div><div>November 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>The nights are growing longer, and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages</div><div>This medieval historical romance was a captivating read. I enjoyed the twist of having the main characters married. Their lives were already intertwined, but during war-filled times, they had to always be prepared to defend their home and livelihood, which created a distance they longed to fill. The plot and characters were well-developed, giving the story a smooth reading flow. The author has a great descriptive voice that places you in the scenes. Guy listening and taking Vespa’s ideas into consideration on how to help defeat the enemy shows his love, devotion, and respect for his wife, which strengthens their relationship, and makes this story a perfect holiday read. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-76277070357793466492023-10-11T06:00:00.001-03:002023-10-11T06:00:00.134-03:00Writer Wednesday - Autumn, My Most Wonderful Time of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Mu2x4ArqCiYw5CgJzCi1zCvjs3LGZUlenj7F-Vq66Wqh0Skz-8ZX7RuMJVo2Vua34CPfc0j02a3iwedcdGGFNcYJYfLE5Kuze6Ww14UBgsTBUl6Y411hFwyRTgLegkWgPFGi8eja_T2C0eYRLn8pvhdJjYSpiJOLyeYAK_DMFkB355y3Tolgwlja11_W/s1118/Kelli%20Quill.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="1118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Mu2x4ArqCiYw5CgJzCi1zCvjs3LGZUlenj7F-Vq66Wqh0Skz-8ZX7RuMJVo2Vua34CPfc0j02a3iwedcdGGFNcYJYfLE5Kuze6Ww14UBgsTBUl6Y411hFwyRTgLegkWgPFGi8eja_T2C0eYRLn8pvhdJjYSpiJOLyeYAK_DMFkB355y3Tolgwlja11_W/s400/Kelli%20Quill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kelli's Quill </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Kelli A. Wilkins </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Autumn, My Most Wonderful Time of the Year</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hWpcp6hMW33KHttOWTRl343SC4V9uYExveOAaPRkZFzz-1hWRN4qiAGljeW7p_FjlgbUPVmQeY-s1UliaAQwZcO066JeAXLg2lTTP7EPvmSs8w9-UPA8QlbezWeVcULa58BFrLNZXTkLiFdAvl8JrrsRv5xoG2w10FMdvOFsnSsfzlFyPCUD6UTl0j1q/s2304/ghost%20tray.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hWpcp6hMW33KHttOWTRl343SC4V9uYExveOAaPRkZFzz-1hWRN4qiAGljeW7p_FjlgbUPVmQeY-s1UliaAQwZcO066JeAXLg2lTTP7EPvmSs8w9-UPA8QlbezWeVcULa58BFrLNZXTkLiFdAvl8JrrsRv5xoG2w10FMdvOFsnSsfzlFyPCUD6UTl0j1q/s200/ghost%20tray.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Ahhh, Autumn! Some people love the long hot days of summer, basking in the sunshine and lounging at the beach, pool, or lake. That’s great for them, but me? I prefer Autumn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I love Autumn so much because I was raised in rural upstate New York. As soon as September hit, the Catskill Mountain air turned chilly. It was almost as if the Earth/Nature was breathing a sigh of relief after enduring the sweltering summer months. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everywhere I looked I could see nature in full bloom, autumn-style. Most of the summer flowers were gone, but now the maple trees came alive and showed off their brilliant yellow, ruby red, rust, and vibrant orange leaves. This was also the best time of year for everything apple-related: homemade applesauce, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple crisp, candied apples, and caramel apples; with so many varieties of apples to choose from: McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, Cortland, Crispin… </div><div><br /></div><div>September transitioned us into October and all things Halloween! <br />
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Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. As a child, I looked forward to decorating for Halloween, and one of the best places to shop was a store called Woolworth’s. It was a five and dime store in its heyday (and has long since gone out of business), but anyone who ever shopped there knows they had the best decorations and Ben Cooper Halloween costumes.<br />
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Back then, Halloween wasn’t as commercialized as today. You didn’t find SpongeBob vampires, Mickey Mouse ghosts, tv show or movie tie-ins, and nothing was graphic or gory. The typical decorations featured Frankenstein’s monster, the mummy, Jack O’Lanterns, black cats, owls, and ghosts. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I still have some of those original decorations, and over the years I’ve acquired an extensive collection of “old school” Halloween decor. I found most of my treasures at garage sales and flea markets, but now there’s a growing market for “vintage” and “mid-century” Halloween. Antique malls and flea markets ask outrageously ridiculous prices for things I’ve collected for a dollar or two. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAPss6ipuDprLfgMtbNb-RtjRxDRVyJkq_mgu1jPf_jWRN6i6RSx6Xh1Cy5bXfQwY6Pfgc4pb0yp0FMJKDmCqpPYxLKcA_n2OCpcxcWSC9cEUDkF1fw1v3eOwX9tdCsmJ2IS8dEQ-LoevhQ6VXrQDaWiITfXlWhIblFXYQde7R4InAgS4lXfvFj8sWn0U/s2304/cat%20and%20cupcake.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAPss6ipuDprLfgMtbNb-RtjRxDRVyJkq_mgu1jPf_jWRN6i6RSx6Xh1Cy5bXfQwY6Pfgc4pb0yp0FMJKDmCqpPYxLKcA_n2OCpcxcWSC9cEUDkF1fw1v3eOwX9tdCsmJ2IS8dEQ-LoevhQ6VXrQDaWiITfXlWhIblFXYQde7R4InAgS4lXfvFj8sWn0U/s200/cat%20and%20cupcake.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Since leaving upstate New York I still get outside as much as I can in October. I read a book under a bright blue sky and relish the color changes in my oak and maple trees. I don’t mind raking up the leaves because I get to kick up my feet and wade through the big pile of leaves before I bag them. <br />
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My husband and I visit a state park in October and walk the trails, enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, and ending the day with apple cider and doughnuts. A few weeks before Halloween, we go to a local farm and buy pumpkins and gourds to put on the porch. At some point, the squirrels run away with the gourds, but that’s okay. Squirrels preparing for winter are another sign of the changing season.<br />
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On October first, I decorate the outside of the house with lighted plastic (“vintage”) pumpkins, inflatable black cats, ghosts, and lots of orange lights. I’m known as the “Halloween house” on the street, and that’s just fine with me. Kids have walked past the house and exclaimed, “Look at that house! We have to go trick-or-treating there!” I remember doing that at their age.<br />
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We carve our pumpkins the weekend before Halloween. Sometimes our Jack O’Lanterns turn out silly, sometimes scary, but we celebrate their uniqueness and showcase them on our outside wall. I’ll light them (using real votive candles) on Halloween eve, Halloween night, and the night after. <br />
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Many of the Halloween traditions I carry on were started by my mother. Every Halloween she would call me and sing “the Halloween song” about five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. She made up treat bags for the kids, and gushed over the younger trick-or-treaters dressed like princesses and pirates. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFoqoboMpFgx0HqkNq0I_4Q5xbPkdHBKIZ3IpEMghGA4pfpiEUWD4-bOY_FQElH0-hBYAZR4_-aZYWTuMTW9LjQJ311h1mNOLijJv_bm3fgZ_6vjuHs_d-L6xJ-jGouF4NhwvC_b91Jigr_TaT4T5CYz36_SgQovALJFvimHhN3T5sxjBBDFvvRSLgZ66/s350/5%20little%20pumpkins.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="270" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFoqoboMpFgx0HqkNq0I_4Q5xbPkdHBKIZ3IpEMghGA4pfpiEUWD4-bOY_FQElH0-hBYAZR4_-aZYWTuMTW9LjQJ311h1mNOLijJv_bm3fgZ_6vjuHs_d-L6xJ-jGouF4NhwvC_b91Jigr_TaT4T5CYz36_SgQovALJFvimHhN3T5sxjBBDFvvRSLgZ66/s400/5%20little%20pumpkins.jpg" /></a></div>
My mother made sure we had our fill of delicious seasonal treats: frosted sugar cookies shaped like cats, bats, and pumpkins, chocolate cupcakes with orange icing and sprinkles, and of course pumpkin bread and apple cider. I still make those today. </div><br /><div><br /></div><div>When I answer the door on Halloween night and see the trick-or-treaters thrilled to be out in costume, free to be whoever they want for one night, their happiness extends to me. I comment on their pretty, funny, or spooky costumes as I hand out the candy. I know I’ve done a good job if lots of kids stopped at the house. <br />
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And when the trick-or-treaters are all gone for the night, I sit on the porch for a while, enjoying the quiet. I watch the candles flickering in the Jack O’Lanterns, take in the crisp night air, and gaze at the moon and stars. <br />
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I savor this magical night of wonder and excitement, knowing that Halloween will soon be gone for another year… but the memories last forever.
Enjoy the season!<br />
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© 2023 Kelli A. Wilkins All Rights Reserved<br />
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20+ romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 5 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories. Visit her website/blog for a full title list and social media links. <a href="http://www.KelliWilkins.com" target="_blank">www.KelliWilkins.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-62361429531531765672023-10-04T06:00:00.001-03:002023-10-04T06:00:00.183-03:00Writer Wednesday - Writing in A Small Town <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nxwO2Dd_d0txudytXdxDNEWv-OqygdvBUGWivu5zBH1z4qVIJPzpFfxVYhqJnImL-malaFTySGBrg8g1vI3essGEPaJSQRFimcGhJQWizgjkUMYnLmNnZm2WUT-zYOOLxzFcYBQbxnmvr1k5ciDSGzpSTA-qYb2aqy3dBH_H4nfBogkWXNLSeysWp1nf/s1119/LizHeader.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="1119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nxwO2Dd_d0txudytXdxDNEWv-OqygdvBUGWivu5zBH1z4qVIJPzpFfxVYhqJnImL-malaFTySGBrg8g1vI3essGEPaJSQRFimcGhJQWizgjkUMYnLmNnZm2WUT-zYOOLxzFcYBQbxnmvr1k5ciDSGzpSTA-qYb2aqy3dBH_H4nfBogkWXNLSeysWp1nf/s400/LizHeader.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Window Over The Sink </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Liz Flaherty </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Writing in A Small Town</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESqPeh0hxfEYbvBnqIz1ZV9gSUGOIxVxo52AMJETONwVnutuNJcAaACnE2m0VAjeTiJjmzEA_FxTwV6ONlB0mDHy0bSj1bN7A6d5xQuaDTpyZpb_Hlkt8pR3AvZpX4ZlqkX9_zvwKb60XtuSVc0ZOtR_HOHp8dRU9u0SpLpFNUU6kdn5C-0OHb81n5aWg/s320/Small%20town.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESqPeh0hxfEYbvBnqIz1ZV9gSUGOIxVxo52AMJETONwVnutuNJcAaACnE2m0VAjeTiJjmzEA_FxTwV6ONlB0mDHy0bSj1bN7A6d5xQuaDTpyZpb_Hlkt8pR3AvZpX4ZlqkX9_zvwKb60XtuSVc0ZOtR_HOHp8dRU9u0SpLpFNUU6kdn5C-0OHb81n5aWg/s200/Small%20town.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I found this when I was looking for something else. I laughed some when I read it, a little self-consciously, because I'm not a fan of my own snark. But it's as accurate for me as it was then. The real reason I laughed when I read it was that then was in 2014. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are always trends going on in the writing of romance, and right now that’s a good thing for me because one of those trends is toward small-town or even rural romance. In the first place, this makes me snicker, because the definition of “romance” is fairly absolute—I don’t think small-town or rural people feel one bit different than their urban counterparts when it comes to falling in love. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the second place, from the vantage point of having spent my whole life in what is often classified (usually by those who don’t live here) as “the middle of nowhere,” I am in the smug situation of knowing the truth about life in a small town—or outside it, as the case may be. Speaking of truth, there are a few that are absolute.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. People don’t mind your business in small towns unless it somehow involves them or unless you’re particularly entertaining, rich, or snotty.<br />
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2. Country folks can be smart, educated, and even sophisticated. You can dress well, eat healthy, and pay too much for a haircut. Many of us do not drive pickups with guns in the back windows. Personally, I’ve driven an SUV since 2006, which I consider quite cosmopolitan of me.<br />
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3. We are not all waitresses with bad grammar and hearts of gold or men who sit out in front of the general store and play checkers and spit.<br />
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4. If you’re in a town of less than 1000 residents, don’t talk about calling a taxi—there probably isn’t one.<br />
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5. Don’t say “ain’t.”<br />
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6. Don’t assume that kids in rural or small-town high schools never get to college or know what to do when they get there. They do.<br />
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7. Fort Wayne, Indiana had a population of 254,555 in 2012. It’s fine to refer to it as a small town, but I wish you’d explain to me how it qualifies. I live near Deedsville, population 101—now that’s a small town.<br />
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8. We go to plays, concerts, and movies (first run!). We travel, love our kids and pets, and worship at will.<br />
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Those are my truths, and I only write them out in this rather snarky fashion because I’ve rolled my eyes at (and not finished) too many books where the authors didn’t do their homework on life on the non-wild side.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGsSI3ermM1qygc2rEIW4-498_RwjHOp8K7yiAHKkC3GjzaSNtd3eX7wQdvxjEKgpdU7sgePW1YDrn04p_Yjn5RIVS-jwq_x9MPOeVs-IGGhZNLPcbX80TLvtFfrUe4IsOE1fP90j8-xjRLfgYYHWrUjvlMdatYjmaj053nwzlvaOqmNK6uR5KQ6LGolR/s320/City.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGsSI3ermM1qygc2rEIW4-498_RwjHOp8K7yiAHKkC3GjzaSNtd3eX7wQdvxjEKgpdU7sgePW1YDrn04p_Yjn5RIVS-jwq_x9MPOeVs-IGGhZNLPcbX80TLvtFfrUe4IsOE1fP90j8-xjRLfgYYHWrUjvlMdatYjmaj053nwzlvaOqmNK6uR5KQ6LGolR/s200/City.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
And now there is the other side. There is the fact that sometimes when I write about large cities or even suburbs, I’m not always sure of what I’m saying. What would a city mouse say or do in the circumstances I’m writing about?<br />
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I think I have a tendency to give city-dwellers less common sense than those of us from the boonies. I make them unable to change their own tires or fix their own drains. I make them less sympathetic to the human condition. Less likely to attend church, cook well, or put together a nice outfit from the thrift shop if that’s what they need to do.<br />
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Really? I mean, come on, really? And I was being condescending about how country people are portrayed? Makes me think that, as well as sharing the truths I do know, I should pay some attention to the ones I don’t.<br />
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And I'm probably not the only one. <br />
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©2023 Liz Flaherty All Rights Reserved<br />
Retired from the post office and married to Duane for…a really long time, USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty has had a heart-shaped adult life, populated with kids and grands and wonderful friends. She admits she can be boring, but hopes her curiosity about everyone and everything around her keeps her from it. She likes traveling and quilting and reading. And she loves writing. <a href="http://lizflaherty.net/" target="_blank">http://lizflaherty.net/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-84055047292489134172023-09-27T06:00:00.001-03:002023-09-27T06:00:00.140-03:00What's Cooking Wednesday - Wild Cabbage Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1WDSESPIZNaucVtS0ef4szVWRxRO5XfG4MGdzNXdVph3x5skPuFcFLpufoV4tS9sXUQ-UAn8SzxdtiDDvw2g6zS9Tv2RznRVcvb_kuKOuBfEV1fIloqEFNbR4elF6EpHajXj0R9JOs7nl4v_YTwWk4VKn9H4_JweQD4qwtpGPIdSgUKTDd8PVvRkoScL/s1640/DonnaHeader.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1WDSESPIZNaucVtS0ef4szVWRxRO5XfG4MGdzNXdVph3x5skPuFcFLpufoV4tS9sXUQ-UAn8SzxdtiDDvw2g6zS9Tv2RznRVcvb_kuKOuBfEV1fIloqEFNbR4elF6EpHajXj0R9JOs7nl4v_YTwWk4VKn9H4_JweQD4qwtpGPIdSgUKTDd8PVvRkoScL/s400/DonnaHeader.png" width="400" /></a></div>
“<i>One of the things I learned to love living in Minnesota was wild rice. Here in New Jersey, it’s mostly available as a blend of brown rice which makes this a great recipe. I’m a fan of making it easy and Minute Rice has these lovely little pre-cooked single serving containers. I always have these in my pantry. Make it easy or go for broke and cook your own rice. Also, you can pick your protein. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey. I’m going to give sausage a whirl</i>.” D.V.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtoGp_esv5aR9oXfqMoq7-O2P1BmzEspE_H9t9hO1LTEWwuFoFGVS1oKLoADaaFTqqHtHwJsK1JDHHasc0_y-VI1OnqnbeldqQgwOOIRJuAmV-7YhWfLD6ZBPRFAEJZrpFuHjBbdn-EEJAEa2qVRQB3-t9ZhAkX-xbiXR1nvoemlQMgmSL-eBKNO2ig-J/s474/cabbage%20rolls.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtoGp_esv5aR9oXfqMoq7-O2P1BmzEspE_H9t9hO1LTEWwuFoFGVS1oKLoADaaFTqqHtHwJsK1JDHHasc0_y-VI1OnqnbeldqQgwOOIRJuAmV-7YhWfLD6ZBPRFAEJZrpFuHjBbdn-EEJAEa2qVRQB3-t9ZhAkX-xbiXR1nvoemlQMgmSL-eBKNO2ig-J/s200/cabbage%20rolls.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
Ingredients:<div>12 cabbage leaves </div><div>1 cup Wild Rice or blend</div><div>1 egg </div><div>½ cup milk </div><div>1 small, diced onion </div><div>8 oz can diced tomato </div><div>1 tbsp. brown sugar </div><div>1 tbsp. lemon juice </div><div>1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce </div><div>Salt and pepper to taste</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions: </div><div>Boil cabbage leaves for 2 minutes and drain. </div><div>Mix rice, egg, milk, onion, and salt and pepper together. </div><div>Take approximately ¼ cup of this mixture and place it in the center of a leaf. </div><div>Roll it while tucking in the ends. Place in your slow cooker or backing pan. </div><div>Repeat this until all the leaves are filled and tucked in.</div><div>Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the top of the rolls. </div><div>Cook in slow cooker high for 8 hours or bake at 350 for two hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>D.V. Stone is an award-winning, multi-genre, traditionally and independently published author. Whether romance or fantasy, her stories are about the importance of family and friends, and about overcoming obstacles while doing it with humor. Her greatest pleasures are spending time outside with family and friends, cooking over the open fire, sipping a glass of wine, and reading. <a href="https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/" target="_blank">https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-68040890151500727972023-09-22T11:24:00.000-03:002023-09-22T11:24:23.331-03:00Between The Pages - Cruel LessonsCruel Lessons <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJnw77Grpe5Cjbwd2riHeWiEX3IFBSgVTTNoD-GfroYs6XyCQ1oTAvBU1I0y8ysMDZAKocRujfjuksl-vYf3gDnU2twCjnT4IafFivxZTYVV0m5N-QYF0M2Z_PW-gg9k84GWa81ZnJrHpWMoakHVo_YdfQzIVLuFli6Zd16pvRJ4CnuAQ9ThQUB2PpvJA/s320/CruelLessons_w17847_med.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJnw77Grpe5Cjbwd2riHeWiEX3IFBSgVTTNoD-GfroYs6XyCQ1oTAvBU1I0y8ysMDZAKocRujfjuksl-vYf3gDnU2twCjnT4IafFivxZTYVV0m5N-QYF0M2Z_PW-gg9k84GWa81ZnJrHpWMoakHVo_YdfQzIVLuFli6Zd16pvRJ4CnuAQ9ThQUB2PpvJA/s1600/CruelLessons_w17847_med.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Randy Overbeck </div><div>October 2023 </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>This mystery story had a steady flow from start to finish. After the tragic death of four young boys, the story highlighted a suspenseful who-done-it and intensified when an innocent character was arrested. You’ll be glued to the story as the author drops clues to solve the mystery but keeps you guessing until the end where all the twists unravel. There were several points of view, and most were pivotal to the story. Ken, who is the main character and led the investigation, is a married man and set on making his marriage work, so it was surprising to read a friendship turned into something much deeper. More hints could have been revealed to show his conflicted heart. Overall, this mystery was an engaging read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>4.5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-32637745908451049072023-09-20T06:00:00.001-03:002023-09-20T06:00:00.148-03:00Writer Wednesday - What Are Your Guilty Pleasures?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-ywjG9GMYUZACmr_1_0nkJFYorYVjyjdhsHciUvw42LAwOWIafSb1RiZ90b6yH_cI_UlAFnSmTA3P3qEUXMqZwpGsgDGOFkgb2MV1dh5uXVngyuDXNQYYfoj8bk_jnQjstA98SjKY7iGxn0QeW4gYBIq2-cETXgBlxgB3UKR-z0Duf9wGV2qjMuNRFPi/s1121/MaureenHeader.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="1121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-ywjG9GMYUZACmr_1_0nkJFYorYVjyjdhsHciUvw42LAwOWIafSb1RiZ90b6yH_cI_UlAFnSmTA3P3qEUXMqZwpGsgDGOFkgb2MV1dh5uXVngyuDXNQYYfoj8bk_jnQjstA98SjKY7iGxn0QeW4gYBIq2-cETXgBlxgB3UKR-z0Duf9wGV2qjMuNRFPi/s400/MaureenHeader.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hocus Pocus and All That </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Maureen L. Bonatch </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">What Are Your Guilty Pleasures?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrgxxPnxNlLaZMx4WYLukmWcR5vaPQcpKqPVVxC-GCUNauV-rEkXsMJD68XFpRxKKSh9JtC46jbeiVreP2CExXuW0X8gULGgMaHa20cVxOtc3V-ZVhFsDMgxefmNmmLMiWIL7YP7WG9xUNsBCX0wa9W8H7HOI5x4GxcgAUAjt0QI6mv1ezv-B32pvC4qW/s2863/Scruff%20Sept%202023_guilty%20pleasures.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2671" data-original-width="2863" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrgxxPnxNlLaZMx4WYLukmWcR5vaPQcpKqPVVxC-GCUNauV-rEkXsMJD68XFpRxKKSh9JtC46jbeiVreP2CExXuW0X8gULGgMaHa20cVxOtc3V-ZVhFsDMgxefmNmmLMiWIL7YP7WG9xUNsBCX0wa9W8H7HOI5x4GxcgAUAjt0QI6mv1ezv-B32pvC4qW/s200/Scruff%20Sept%202023_guilty%20pleasures.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This topic was more challenging than I anticipated, so either I don’t consider my little vices guilty pleasures—or I don’t have enough.
So I’ll share what I’ve got, and perhaps you can give me some suggestions of yours so I can add more to my list. Because what’s life without a little guilty pleasure? </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Coffee—enough said </div><div>“Back in the day,” I used to ponder some people’s need for the decadent beverage, but now I think my blood is ¾ of the brew. Dunkin Donuts fuels my day better than any drill sergeant and helps me cross off my to-do list. I take mine hot, black, and make it at home to avoid the other evil treats Dunkin Donuts cooks up to threaten my waistline. (I.e.: See #2 & the reason I love #4) </div><div><br /></div><div>2. Are you sweet enough? </div><div>I’m pretty sure I don’t have a sweet tooth; I have a full set of sweet teeth! Chocolate, cakes, and cookies tempt and taunt me, hence why I try not to keep much of it in my house so the sugary temptations don’t whisper their sweet nothings. I can’t rest knowing there are Little Debbie snack cakes lurking in the cupboard.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. The Next Siskel & Ebert </div><div>Some of my fondest memories of my youth include going to the movies and sneaking in homemade snacks. (Refer #2) Mom used to make a delicious mix of popcorn, chips, or pretzels, mixing up a party mix long before the stores started bagging it for profit. I used to think becoming a movie critic would be the best job—getting paid to watch and dissect the stories on the big screen. Because I’m not sure, my family and friends appreciate my critique. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Comfy clothes </div><div>Girls these days don’t know how good they have it. With choices of yoga pants, sweat pants, and elastic built into every pair of jeans, they’re never forced to cram into a pair of freshly washed jeans and perform squats to revive their circulation. When stirrup pants came into fashion in the 1980s, I rejoiced. It’s part of the reason I adored the decade—finally, something comfortable to wear. </div><div><br /></div><div>5. A Melody for My Mood </div><div>Besides being regulated by my daily caffeine infusion, music transforms my productivity. Unless I’m writing, I have music on all the time. It energizes me to get chores done, helps me wind down, has me dancing by myself, or contributes to my procrastination when I have to hear just a little more of my favorite song. </div><div><br /></div><div>6. Feed the Machine </div><div>Take it from someone who’s been on a “diet” since about age thirteen and spent six weeks with my mouth wired shut after jaw surgery in my early twenties—food is awesome. I love trying out new dishes and new restaurants to tickle my taste buds. There’s nothing better than a delicious meal and a nice glass of—see #7. </div><div><br /></div><div>7. Red, Red, Wine </div><div>My mind feels like it’s going full speed most of the day (possibly the result of guilty pleasure #1). So once the evening rolls around, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a glass of red wine to wind down, especially if it’s paired with a movie (See #3). </div><div><br /></div><div>What are you Guilty Pleasures? </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Blog previously published on www.maureenbonatch.com </span></div><div><br /></div><div>© 2023 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved </div><div>Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. <a href="http://www.maureenbonatch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.maureenbonatch.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-53329279406874184062023-09-13T06:00:00.000-03:002023-09-13T06:00:00.151-03:00Writer Wednesday - Calm the Nervous System with This One Simple Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrppLZr_rQ4l-I-GDys5jjjmP477wd9J1It7TzTXilx_TnfvbwO7W8Y4SGi2LgzcH6dWmaBLXJr5DxwNiARK-BCD75EvPSdnFWGxP4wvYDNJSLTXZSvOJedmzjhbra-a6nVdmje6OGpbhR5eB1MBkxrPTrAkHgwXM7XAIqjm0P1ZZ-DoA-_eZSuYOEDif/s1123/VickyHeader.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="1123" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrppLZr_rQ4l-I-GDys5jjjmP477wd9J1It7TzTXilx_TnfvbwO7W8Y4SGi2LgzcH6dWmaBLXJr5DxwNiARK-BCD75EvPSdnFWGxP4wvYDNJSLTXZSvOJedmzjhbra-a6nVdmje6OGpbhR5eB1MBkxrPTrAkHgwXM7XAIqjm0P1ZZ-DoA-_eZSuYOEDif/w400-h51/VickyHeader.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life Coaching </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Vicky DeCoster </div><div style="text-align: center;">Calm the Nervous System with This One Simple Practice </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMlbXoXiRPrdWTw1cYe9psoQzaNCUWLVz0XvVP76MHuXTV_gkufm_NBB0UZkVukMLP1PTSXVKYrK7UI3JVE4mfADYU_eIAMySlz9yQFjy1Xu0IEKvmDvSxeLUkZwReWOII_LA05sswUBvc-bVhk97d8fMnymIBKSI6O3neGZQpGpEkT1kglRuzWd7cCCQ/s1500/Vicky%20Sep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMlbXoXiRPrdWTw1cYe9psoQzaNCUWLVz0XvVP76MHuXTV_gkufm_NBB0UZkVukMLP1PTSXVKYrK7UI3JVE4mfADYU_eIAMySlz9yQFjy1Xu0IEKvmDvSxeLUkZwReWOII_LA05sswUBvc-bVhk97d8fMnymIBKSI6O3neGZQpGpEkT1kglRuzWd7cCCQ/s320/Vicky%20Sep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>During times of chaos or stress, our nervous systems are programmed to go into overdrive. This reaction to stress first began thousands of years ago when humans needed to anticipate threats in order to survive in harsh environments. <br />
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In today’s world, stress, and its effects on the nervous system, can cause a host of health problems including high blood pressure, tense muscles, a weakened immune system, anxiety, and addictive behaviors—unless we are able to incorporate regular practices that keep us calm, even during difficult times. <br />
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Below is a three-step simple process that can be performed anywhere and anytime. This practice is easy to remember, easy to implement, and has fabulous results: <br />
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Step 1: Recognize when you are becoming overwhelmed or stressed. Physical symptoms can be a rapid heartbeat, a cold sweat, irritability, or eye twitching. <br />
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Step 2: Once you are aware that you need to calm your nervous system, close your eyes and imagine yourself floating in a pool on your back. You can hear the world around you, but it is muffled like when your ears fill with water. Breathe deeply, in through your nostrils and out through your mouth. Do this 10 times while still imagining yourself floating in a pool. <br />
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Step 3: Imagine the best possible outcome to the current situation you’re facing. Now repeat to yourself three times, “I will be okay no matter what.” Open your eyes. <br />
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It’s no secret that life is hard. The trick to staying calm is practicing awareness and then incorporating simple exercises that help us live in the moment, have hope, and know that we will survive. <br />
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© 2023 Vicky DeCoster All Rights Reserved<br />
Vicky DeCoster is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in helping her clients move past obstacles, create a plan for happiness, and cross the bridge of transition to find a new and fulfilling direction in life. To read more about her and her practice, visit: <a href="http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/" target="_blank">http://www.crossthebridgecoaching.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-22256983507728683352023-09-11T10:08:00.000-03:002023-09-11T10:08:16.915-03:00Between The Pages - Her Island HomecomingHer Island Homecoming <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG4_pJIoITd9B7MzT7DUosQuK0uzhWxCFcDMmafOEqaAa0PMWDHG7bUWRqWqtozzc5ZERjOQ7R0sBrmrcDwQPw7MEeV2FHZhgNKCWQ1aTVWHYzQtLrPiO1UZtZG_GCImB2kTSupYtfSLLD_YadlXJ6TBLYTS3XVfsAOGQw9aU7OFwMS6BJezg7b1bCk6W/s500/Her%20Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG4_pJIoITd9B7MzT7DUosQuK0uzhWxCFcDMmafOEqaAa0PMWDHG7bUWRqWqtozzc5ZERjOQ7R0sBrmrcDwQPw7MEeV2FHZhgNKCWQ1aTVWHYzQtLrPiO1UZtZG_GCImB2kTSupYtfSLLD_YadlXJ6TBLYTS3XVfsAOGQw9aU7OFwMS6BJezg7b1bCk6W/s320/Her%20Island.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div>Anna J. Stewart </div><div>May 2023 </div><div><br /></div><div><i>If she stays… </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Will he stay too? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>From sand in his shoes to a gecko eating his dinner, Theo Fairfax is way outside his comfort zone in Hawai'i. Sent to convince pilot Sydney Calvert to sell the tour company she just inherited, he finds himself being won over by the tight-knit community, the natural wonders and Sydney’s free-spirited beauty. Could exploring their growing feelings lead to a future as magical as a tropical sunset? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Between The Pages </div><div>If you’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii, this is the book for you. The author takes you to the picturesque setting visually and physically. You’ll feel the heat on your face and the sand between your toes. She welcomes you to the town of Nalani and introduces a wonderful cast where you’ll soon feel a part of their Ohana. The story was filled with emotion and fun. Sydney was a strong and likable heroine. But Theo, who was a fish out of water, was completely charming. You can’t help but smile when he befriends Noodle. The storyline was captivating and has you anxiously awaiting the next book in this new series. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rating </div><div>5 Stars</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-44784810464277690872023-09-01T11:40:00.004-03:002023-09-01T11:40:43.959-03:00Fall 2023 Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCAUT3E1ymDNBUf5nvMY3b-R8R3S1WqQHmepaPpivTm3xvN_Bp6c7etTkHISzGrfpL0600H6tgkFb4sUK4Mv1KbVTZf7xap3D_GMUZN2zf2zWq2E-VDg0IMcfw519bAmRF24lfZsIsA1-M417TFyQx8w7Kstw5weISAXY-3ZNC_p2-0jBr4YObcQSDmdh/s1432/Fall%20Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1147" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCAUT3E1ymDNBUf5nvMY3b-R8R3S1WqQHmepaPpivTm3xvN_Bp6c7etTkHISzGrfpL0600H6tgkFb4sUK4Mv1KbVTZf7xap3D_GMUZN2zf2zWq2E-VDg0IMcfw519bAmRF24lfZsIsA1-M417TFyQx8w7Kstw5weISAXY-3ZNC_p2-0jBr4YObcQSDmdh/w320-h400/Fall%20Giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Enter to win a set of three greeting cards from Designs by Darlene Fredette!</div><div style="text-align: center;">To enter: leave a comment here or on our Facebook page. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Winner announced September22, 2023.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6536060102157872148.post-33965361305555646132023-08-30T06:00:00.001-03:002023-08-30T06:00:00.165-03:00Writer Wednesday - My Easy Want-to-Do List For Someday…Or Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1e36QscdabJuYxVFTsjn9OErCslQUyCSK-YzNlCiu37yWB5wNLeqzlVujv_Ayie9QFZ2My4Vnw_pCBpNoT3Vc6hk_7mfh-HljOPOuUWtSNQpdgumjcRPi63Aj3JX4Pqo56FtpFC3ztqY8iNMlxcW1je9jnqNODW8YhTS2q4azF4fF-BkuBhEHELqQMe4/s1121/MaureenHeader.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="1121" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1e36QscdabJuYxVFTsjn9OErCslQUyCSK-YzNlCiu37yWB5wNLeqzlVujv_Ayie9QFZ2My4Vnw_pCBpNoT3Vc6hk_7mfh-HljOPOuUWtSNQpdgumjcRPi63Aj3JX4Pqo56FtpFC3ztqY8iNMlxcW1je9jnqNODW8YhTS2q4azF4fF-BkuBhEHELqQMe4/w400-h54/MaureenHeader.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hocus Pocus and All That </div><div style="text-align: center;">with Maureen L. Bonatch </div><div style="text-align: center;">My Easy Want-to-Do List For Someday…Or Today </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ24pVNwqjXSJWn-qtzKpMY3yj8LuH_mRBVEb-6VKNd7hWwfaKI1zHk1HU6FnHcc3yY9GPyvV2w8Sb5OUJqNrMGnrrcu6dBgLRLWU28tdmIIORFs844XcGgZdHiQnwSPIF3VA5p3zCF9IUaHKxgtNCH2D57OVRiLHN3SBJcZK7qxAJeB5DxIGS_EGvQcen/s4032/Scuff_Aug%2023_want%20to%20do%20list.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ24pVNwqjXSJWn-qtzKpMY3yj8LuH_mRBVEb-6VKNd7hWwfaKI1zHk1HU6FnHcc3yY9GPyvV2w8Sb5OUJqNrMGnrrcu6dBgLRLWU28tdmIIORFs844XcGgZdHiQnwSPIF3VA5p3zCF9IUaHKxgtNCH2D57OVRiLHN3SBJcZK7qxAJeB5DxIGS_EGvQcen/s320/Scuff_Aug%2023_want%20to%20do%20list.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>I thought the topic, 5 Things on my BUCKET LIST, would be easy. I jotted down a few ideas, thinking I had this blog post in the bag, or should I say the bucket. But after reviewing my tentative list, I realized these didn’t really fit in the “bucket.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I Have an Easy Button </div><div>As I’ve told my family time and time again, it’s easy to make me happy. When I looked at what I listed, I realized most of these weren’t what people would put on a “bucket list.” These were dreams, goals, or something that is probably easily obtained by most—most, but apparently, not me. <br />
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Oh, The Places I Might Go<br />
What I didn’t add to my list are the beautiful places that I hope to visit one day. A list of places I dream of visiting one day, such as Ireland, Italy, and a cross-country road trip to see all of the beautiful USA. I have the desire to see more of this beautiful world, but what tempers me a little is the whole traveling part. If you read many of my prior posts about how I’m on the fast track to hermit-dom, you might understand. So sure, the big, beautiful world is on my bucket list once the teleport machine is invented.<br />
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Publish All The Stories<br />
As an author, the one thing that is at the forefront of my mind is getting all of my drafts published. Or as I like to call it, sending my babies out in the world. Since I tend to write a sloppy first draft, there is much editing involved. And since I tend to be easily distracted, I tend to jump from story to story. Therefore, I have a full first draft (in need of much editing) of four full-length novels, plus the hot mess that I just finished with #NaNoWri. I fear that as I am gasping for my last breath, I’ll be clutching the hubs sleeve to whisper, “The stories. Must finish the stories.”<br />
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All Writing All The Time <br />
If I were to achieve this then perhaps I could complete the prior item on my bucket list, which is to “publish all the stories.” I often dream of the day when the only thing filling my very cluttered mind is my stories and when I can truly devote most of my energy to my creative writing. I’m sure my vision of this endeavor may not quite match the glamor of it in my mind, but it would certainly be better than having me haunt my friends and family, muttering about unfinished stories. My fellow writers might understand the delicious torment of the characters. Their relentless need to find released from my mind on the page is the only thing that gives me peace. Otherwise, it’s getting mighty crowded in there.<br />
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A Jammie Day<br />
Here is the one that might be easier to accomplish than finishing all my drafts and writing full-time. I’ve never had what I consider a “jammie day.” I hear others speak of the magical days in which they intentionally spend the entire day in their pajamas relaxing, and I’m filled with envy. The only times I’ve spent all day in pajamas were days I preferred not to repeat because I’d have to be pretty ill.
I know you’ll wonder what the big deal is, and why don’t I just take my jammie day? Sounds easy, right? It’s not, at least not for me, because I’ve tried. <br />
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The concept is that wearing jammies means that I would do nothing all day. Except maybe up the ante and watch mindless, awesome television or movies for the entire day. Gasp! I’ve tried rebelling and leaving on my jammies, and then I realize I have somewhere to go. I just can’t be one of those people out and about in their pajamas. Or I fear someone might stop over, or the guilt overtakes me that I’ve not crossed anything off my endless to-do list. So the closest I’ve gotten is the days I work at home and throw on comfortable clothes and look like a homeless person.<br />
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Only Four for the Bucket List<br />
I said I was easy, right? Hence why I only have four things, I can think of for my list, although a few could count as more than one thing. Don’t forget to follow the blog hop and read the other author’s real bucket lists and not just my hodgepodge musings. </div><div><br /></div><div>What’s On Your Bucket List?<br />
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*Blog previously published on www.maureenbonatch.com</i></span><br />
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© 2023 Maureen Bonatch All Rights Reserved
Maureen Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. When she’s not doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, she’s a mom to twin daughters, exploring the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby and dancing as much as possible. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch, and her latest urban fantasy will be as Amber Wrath. <a href="http://www.maureenbonatch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.maureenbonatch.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1