Tag Archive | Family

Amazing Creativity!

I’m constantly amazed at the ability of the human mind to create new and exciting works of art. Art in all forms. Whether it’s an artist with a paint brush, pencil, or their bare hands, or a writer of music and/or stories.

Everything starts with a vision. An idea that floats around in the brain until the person holding that thought has to let it out.

Throughout my life I’ve been surrounded by artists. People who are driven to set their creativity free. It’s incredible to watch!

My mom is an artist. For as long as I can remember she’s ‘created.’ While I was growing up she painted with oils, then a number of years later she took some classes doing water color and now does both. In addition, some of her creativity came out baking and decorating cakes. Watching her do those was really fun. Plus, there was always leftover frosting in the refrigerator. A great treat for any sugar-craving kid!

Mom is also a singer. She has a beautiful soprano voice. I have great memories of sitting beside her in church singing alto to her soprano. She’s always encouraged me to follow my dreams and use my abilities in any way I could. And since she’s still following my career, (and this blog!), I want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you, Mom!”

Her example not only nourished my creativity, but taught me to encourage my son. His talent is drawing, and he’s been able to use his ability doing artwork for an on-line video game.

Parents should encourage the individual creativity in their children. It’s important to teach them how to be independent and make a living, but giving them an outlet to use their talents is just as important.

I belong to a writers group, Music City Romance Writers, and am surrounded by many talented writers. Talk about amazing! These authors are creating new stories and bringing to life a multitude of characters that will stay with you forever. I know that each of us hopes to one day write that particular book that will become the new ‘thing.’ And even if that doesn’t happen, we’re all thrilled that we have the opportunity to share our stories and have readers that embrace our characters.

I just heard on the news that we’ll soon be seeing clips from the new “Star Wars” movie. I’ll never forget sitting in a theater in Idaho watching the first movie. The ‘original’ “Star Wars.” (not episode 1) Darth Vader scared me to death just by breathing. And then years later there was the revelation that Vader was Luke’s father. How many of you remember gasping when that secret was revealed?

I can’t wait for the new movie! I’m ready.

These films started as visions by a writer who had a story in their heart that had to be told. Just like “Twilight” or “Harry Potter” or “The Hunger Games.” All of these dreams became books and later, movies. But they all started by an inspired thought.

I hope that if you’re inspired, you’ll follow your heart and mind and do something with that inspiration. Put it on paper, or canvas, or bake a cake that will amaze someone’s eyes and taste buds. And yes, if you’re a baker, it can’t just look good, it has to taste good, too!

Or … dance! Another favorite of mine. An art form unlike any other I’ve mentioned. I’m a big fan of “Dancing with the Stars.” I also used to watch “So You Think You can Dance.” I love to dance but my body doesn’t move like it used to! Still, I can watch and admire those who have the ability.

Thank you for following my blog! And now I need to go and see where my mind will take me today. Time to go down another road not yet traveled. Hope to see you there!

One of Mom’s cakes!

Attitude is Everything

Jan19

How easy is it for you to put a smile on your face? Supposedly it takes less muscles to smile than frown. Would that mean that frowning causes a person to wrinkle faster? Maybe my logic is lacking…

Even so, I’m sure you’ll agree that a person is 100% more attractive with a warm genuine smile turning up the corners of their lips. I’m more likely to engage someone in conversation who appears happy. I’m rarely comfortable talking for an extended period of time with someone who scowls or looks like they had sour milk on their breakfast cereal.

I recently moved to a new city. It’s small and has that southern hospitality I’ve grown to love. But what I love the most is that the people here are welcoming. Everywhere I go I’ve been met with a smile. Maybe it’s because I’ve been flashing one of my own. I think that if I leered at everyone–or hid my head and didn’t make eye contact at all–I’d have a much different impression of my new home.

Attitude is everything.

I hope I don’t butcher this little tidbit I either read somewhere or heard on the radio some time ago.

A man was approached by someone new in town. They asked him if the town was friendly. In turn, he asked them if the place they moved from had friendly people. They answered ‘yes’ so he said, “Our town is just like the one you came from.” They went on their merry way, ready to meet the friendly folks in the new town.

Another man asked him the same question, but when asked about his town said that the people he’d left behind were rude and hateful. The man told him, “The people in our town are just like the ones you left.” Man number two went on his way, grumbling.

It’s inevitable that no matter where we go we’ll encounter hateful people from time-to-time. But when we do, we should distance ourselves from them. Negativity is poison. It’ll bring you down no matter how good your day was prior to meeting them.

Most importantly–Don’t allow yourself to be that negative person. Surround yourself with positive people and good friends who will lift you up when you happen to run into that grumbler.

A new town, job, vacation, etc. is what you make it. Put a smile on your face and tackle the world! I think you’ll find it’ll smile back.

A smile–our greatest asset!

The Twelfth Day of Christmas – Merry Christmas!!

Dec25

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

The greatest gift of all. A Baby born in a manger. Jesus Christ our Lord!

The wise men brought precious gifts and laid them before the baby. Sometimes we get caught up in the craziness of this season, but all we have to do is remember the reason why we celebrate and our joy should abound. We forget why we give gifts, but if you’re like me, I have more fun giving than receiving. Besides, once you’ve received the greatest Gift of all, what more do we need?

Even so, I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face this morning when she opened the gift we gave her. I’d had it in my closet for almost a year, waiting for today. I found it at an antique mall in Gatlinburg, TN. She’s tried for years to add pieces to her dinnerware–Stangl Pottery, the thistle pattern. It’s hard to find, and when I saw this incredible platter, I bought it for her. I think it brought tears to her eyes. She said she didn’t even know that there was a platter in the set. It’s nice to know we gave her something she’ll cherish.

I hope that you’re enjoying your Christmas with family and friends and that you’ve welcomed the love of Christ into your heart. God bless you in the year to come!
Day #12 On the Twelfth Day of Christmas,

My true love said “It’s Here!

The tree is full of presents, so you

Must have been a good girl all year!”

The time has come to announce this year’s 12 Days of Christmas winners. I’m so glad you were able to join us and I hope you enjoyed our posts about the holidays and how we love to celebrate. I also hope you found a book or two you were able to relax with as you sat by the fire in the twinkle of the tree lights and sipped a cup of hot cocoa.

Click HERE to go to the Rafflecopter where the 16 winners are listed. If you are a winner, please go to my contact page (click HERE) and send me your home address so I can mail you your prize this next week.

ON BEHALF OF ALL PARTICIPATING AUTHORS IN THIS YEAR’S BLOG HOP

The Tenth Day of Christmas – Ann Lacey

Dec23

We’re getting closer and closer to Christmas Day and I hope you’ve been enjoying this ongoing event!

Today I’m going to share a special memory that was a family tradition for years. I’m sad to say that I stopped doing this after my son grew up. I fear that unless he carries it on, it may fade away.

My mother’s ancestors came to the United States from Holland. There, fruit was always a luxury. Something cherished and definitely savored. In Holland, instead of stockings, the children put out their wooden shoes for Saint Nicholas. Good children got an orange, and naughty children got a lump of coal. The tradition of the Christmas stocking came when they made their move to the United States. They were not the fancy kind that we have today, they were real stockings and socks. The special gift from Santa that every child treasured was always in the toe of the stocking. It was an orange. A small cut was made in the rind and a coin was inserted. My great-grandpa always threatened my mother with a lump of coal, but she was always a good girl and never received one.

Mom carried on this tradition for us. The coin grew over the years from a quarter to a half dollar, and if my memory is correct, we even got silver dollars. The last few years I was blessed with a Christmas stocking, the coin was no longer inserted into the orange, instead it was taped on. I think she worried that the dirty coin would ruin the orange. Makes sense to me!

These days we take so much for granted, including oranges. Maybe Santa should start putting them in stockings again. I think I’ll tell him that it would be a good idea!

Today I’m welcoming Ann Lacey to my blog!
A Second Chance for Murder by Ann Lacey

When a young woman is murdered during a party at the family estate and local authorities are unable to find the culprit, Lady Thora Mannington decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to find the killer herself!

Fearing for his impulsive sister’s safety, her brother, Nyle turns to his friend Lord Garren Huntscliff for help. Though his investigating days are over, Garren cannot refuse his troubled friend. No sooner does he take on the case than two more deaths occur and he soon discovers that he is matching wits against a dangerous and clever killer. Complicating his effort is the lovely Lady Thora, who insists on joining forces with him yet refuses to adhere to his cautions, continually places herself at risk and is so disarmingly enchanting that he finds himself falling for her. Now Garren has two things on his mind, find a crafty and elusive killer and keep the reckless Lady Thora from becoming a victim herself!

Pick up a copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ann donated a $25 Amazon card to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I spent much of my life in New Jersey but have also lived in Florida and Wyoming. I currently reside in the lake region of central North Carolina. Living close to water, there are days when fog rolls in off the lake and creates an eerie mist. I love it but my dog, Molly, takes one look and refuses to leave the house.

When I’m not writing I read (lately with the help of a powerful pair of readers). For me there’s nothing better than a good who-done- it or a steamy romance! On rainy days, I enjoy watching old movies especially film noir and I can spend hours in an antique store.

I have recently moved to North Carolina and I’m delighted to say that southern hospitality truly exists!

Connect: Website | Twitter

The Ninth Day of Christmas – Linda O’Connor

Dec22

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Something warm for a cold, snowy day!

A dessert recipe! And boy are you in for a treat!

This recipe was handed down to me by a very sweet Grandma. It’s not one of those ‘quick and easy’ desserts. It’s something that requires time and lots of love, but is well worth the wait!

BAKED RICE PUDDING

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup white rice (regular rice, not minute rice) 1 qt. milk 3/4 Cup sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tblsp. butter or margarine 3 eggs 1/2 cup raisins (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. cinnamon nutmeg

Place 1/2 cup of rice and 2 cups milk in top of double boiler. Cover. Cook over water until rice is tender. Stir every now and then. Rice will absorb most of the milk. This will take close to one hour. Turn off heat. Add butter and raisins.

Mix sugar, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl. Add beaten eggs, vanilla, and other 2 cups milk. Add raisin/rice mixture. Stir. Pour into greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place casserole dish into a larger baking dish, setting in about 1 inch of water. Bake at 350 degrees until set. This will take about one hour.

As you can see, this dessert will take almost 2 hours from start to finish, but as I said, it’s well worth your time!! Enjoy!

Today I’m happy to welcome Linda O’Connor to my blog!

Perfectly Honest by Linda O’Connor

You never know where your words will take you.

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor.

Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down. But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted.

Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven!

Perfectly Honest will be available at Amazon on January 14, 2015.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Linda donated a $5 Amazon card and ebook copy of Perfectly Honest to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I’ve been writing for three years, and I’m thrilled that Soul Mate Publishing will be publishing my latest novel, Perfectly Honest.I love reading romantic comedies so naturally that’s what I write. I never aspired to be a writer, but now I’m addicted. I love it. I balance writing with my work as a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic and being a mom to three sons (luckily grown and capable of throwing together a decent meal, in a pinch). Plus I like to keep active and cycle, cross-country ski, skate, walk with my husband, or dance every day.The idea to write came after working with young adults. There were some basics I thought they should know – mental health symptoms, birth control myths, how to take ownership of their health. I thought hey, if David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber fame can dole out financial advice in a barbershop, maybe I could dole out medical advice in a Romance novel. That’s how my first novel, She’s Not a Fan, was born.

For many years, I taught clinical skills to medical students and spent a lot of time writing detailed roles for actor-patients. It was great practice for developing characters in my stories. Joining the Romance Writers of America, taking online workshops, (and reading) all helped improve my writing. Medical school was challenging, but it was nothing compared to figuring out where commas go, POV, or sorting out verb tense (simple past, past perfect, past perfect progressive – did they know there were 25 other letters they could have used to name those things?)

Obviously I’m still learning, but I love the process.

I don’t write about people I know, but I definitely take inspiration from snippets of conversations or from the emotion I feel when I talk to people. My designated writing space is any place with a view of Lake Ontario, preferably outside (for three of the four seasons).

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

The Seventh Day of Christmas – Jessica Jefferson

Dec20

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Yummy!

A finger food recipe!

Today I’m going to share one of the first things I ever learned to make. I was in elementary school when I mastered these. Easy. Inexpensive. Tasty!

LITTLE PIZZAS

Split English muffins or use regular bread. Toast in toaster. Spread with olive oil, or regular vegetable oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Spread with canned spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce. Sprinkle with oregano. Top with sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. You can also add other toppings such as black olives, or whatever your favorite pizza topping might be.

Today I’d like to welcome Jessica Jefferson to my blog!

Taming Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson

Miss Tamsin Tisdale believes herself to be completely unsuitable for London life. After a myriad of social mishaps, and the potential ruination of her family name, she’s shipped away to her cousin’s northern estate. Only after she accepts the type of existence Society dictates she must follow will she be welcomed home.

Marcus Winston, the Duke of Grayson, has a lackluster reputation. The last in a dying line, he’s endured a protected life—rank with privilege, but encumbered by isolation. After a brief encounter with rebellion, he learns the devastating consequences of his carelessness and willingly accepts living life from inside his gilded cage.

However, a chance meeting with the brazen Miss Tisdale gives Marc the opportunity to reinvent himself into the man he’s always dreamed of being. But when his deception comes to light, and ghosts from both their pasts threaten to unravel the intimacy they’ve come to cherish, will either of them set their fears aside long enough to embrace love? Or will Miss Tisdale’s stubbornness divide them?

Pick up your copy today at Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Jessica donated a $10 Starbucks card, paired with an autographed PB of Marked from Jeanne Hardt to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it – almost Chicago. Jessica originally attended college in hopes of achieving an English degree and writing the next great American novel. Ten years later she was working as a registered nurse and reading historical romance when she decided to give writing another go-round.

Jessica writes likes she speaks – which has a tendency to be fast paced and humorous. She is heavily inspired by sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

The Third Day of Christmas – Christi Barth

Dec16

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…

A cocktail recipe. Hmm…

I admit that my recipe box isn’t bursting with recipes involving liquor. However, I have an awesome recipe for “Hot Buttered Rum” that I’m going to share with you. When I was little, Mom would fix me a “Hot Buttered.” I thought it was one of the finest winter treats that warmed me to the tips of my toes…even without the ‘kick.’

HOT BUTTERED RUM

Ingredients:

1 Standard size vanilla ice cream 1 Pound Butter 1 Pound Brown Sugar 1 Pound Powdered Sugar 2 tsp. Nutmeg 2 tsp. Cinnamon

Let ice cream and butter set at room temperature until soft. In large bowl, mix together with electric mixer. Add sugars and spices. Mix until smooth. Store in tight container in the freezer.

To prepare beverage, mix a jigger of rum with 2 tsp. batter and hot water. Of course, depending on the size of the mug you’re using, you may need to add more water, and possibly more rum. ENJOY!!

Perhaps a little ‘hot buttered’

Today my guest author is Christi Barth! And just in time for Christmas, she’s telling you all about her new release, “Tinsel My Heart.”
Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

Becca Huntley’s produced the Lyndale Park Player’s over-the-top Christmas pageant for ten years. The beloved Minneapolis tradition is the theatre’s main fundraiser. But this year’s production is almost canceled when their director disappears into rehab at the last minute. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.

Jack Whittaker wiped the Twin Cities off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler’s promise to direct the show. Even though it means working side-by-side with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.

It’ll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack’s heart toward Becca’s favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They’ll both discover that Christmas is about making each other’s dreams come true. But will doing so destroy their chance at a happily-ever-after together?

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Carina Press | iTunes | Kobo

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Christi donated a complete ebook set of her Aisle Bound series to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. Christi is President of the Maryland Romance Writers and lives in Maryland with her husband.

The First Day of Christmas – Darcy Flynn

Dec14

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me …

A wonderful Christmas recipe and a fantastic author! Today is the start of our 12 day event. To start things, “sweet,” I’m sharing an old family recipe. These are the best sugar cookies you’ll ever eat! The secret, (yes, I’m telling!), nutmeg. Yum!

Swedish Sugar Cookies

4 Cups Flour 1 1/2 Cups Sugar 1/2 tsp. salt (optional) 1 tsp. soda 2 tsp. nutmeg

Cut in: 1 1/2 Cups shortening

Beat:

2 Eggs and combine with 1/2 Cup canned milk and 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix with dry ingredients. When I was a little girl and didn’t have the strength I do today, I used to have to get both hands in the mix and combine it by hand. Messy, but I enjoyed licking my fingers. Of course that was back in the time when eating raw cookie dough was okay. How times have changed!

Roll the dough very thin and cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes. Then the real fun begins! Here’s a photo of my decorated masterpieces! ENJOY!

Swedish Sugar Cookies

And now…something else very sweet. Or, I should say, someone sweet. My guest author today is Darcy Flynn. I’m happy to say that she’s a friend of mine, and a very accomplished author. She writes sweet romance and I know you’re going to love her!

Rogue’s Son by Darcy Flynn

Tough, driven Kit Kendall has replaced her frills and dresses with no nonsense haircuts and wranglers, years ago. As owner of Sage Brush, the once thriving west Texas bed and breakfast ranch, she now struggles daily to keep her business afloat. Since McCabe Resort Lodge reopened next door as a multi-million dollar hotel, her financial difficulties compound, as she suffers one cancellation after another.

Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, Kit’s childhood sweetheart turned nemesis returns as the new owner of the resort that’s now putting her out of business, resurrecting memories she thought she’d buried long ago.

Cowboy, entrepreneur Sam Dawson has returned to Sugar Creek, Texas after six years of exile with a secret that could destroy Kit’s happiness. He left town because of it and for the past two years has secretly tried to make it right. Having failed, he now returns to make one last attempt to undo the tangled web created by his father.

Set in motion by his father’s Last Will and Testament and with the clock ticking, Sam has only weeks to convince Kit to sell him her ranch or reveal the truth that will break her heart.

Pick up a copy today at Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Darcy donated a package full of author swag, paired with a $10 Amazon card from Jennifer Faye to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Joy Dent writes sweet contemporary romances as Darcy Flynn. Her life is a gumbo world. Take a little New Orleans heritage, some art, music, dance and add a lot of love and time to simmer and all you have is spice, flavor, and a memory of something so fine you can’t wait for another helping. Her fiction is a few B&Bs, a bit of moon magic and a lot of problems mixed with a healthy portion of sweet romance. Add a dash of sizzle and a lot of sass and all that’s left is magic.

A native of New Orleans, Darcy swapped her city roots for garden boots when she and her husband moved to their farm in Franklin, Tennessee, where Darcy is surrounded by her beautiful gardens and a menagerie of living creatures–English setters and Millie Fleur chickens, being her favorite.

Although, published in the Christian non-fiction market under her real name, Joy Dent, it was the empty nest that turned her to writing romantic fiction. A lover of lighthouses, Darcy’s first novel, Keeper Of My Heart, is set in a small Maryland fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay. Her short story, Sealed With a Kiss: Prequel to Keeper of My Heart is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

The Joys of Moving

Dec13

And you thought I’d be posting Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas!

Well…not only did I fool you, but I fooled myself. Leave it to me to be a day off and several brain cells short. If you’re confused, blame me. I can’t seem to keep track of the days of the week. I had it in my head that today was the kick-off for the event, but today is the day I was supposed to make the announcement that I made yesterday. (Insert rose-colored cheeks)

And why am I so frazzled? Imagine having to move three times in less than six months. It does something to the brain. I can honestly say that I’ll be able to list “professional packer” as one of my outstanding abilities on my next job application. My hope is that I’ll be able to stay in the same place for a little while longer than the last one. No, I’m not running from something or someone–that only happens in my books–I’m keeping up with my husband who was transferred with his job. The good thing for me is that I can write anywhere.

So please come back again tomorrow for Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas. The author I’ll be introducing is a very good friend of mine and I’m excited that she’s #1 on my list! AND the theme for tomorrow is “Dessert Recipe.” I’ll have a good one for you.

Tomorrow the Countdown Begins!

Dec12

I’ll never forget participating in a grade school Christmas program when I was in the fourth grade. It’s amazing how certain childhood memories stick in our minds over others. I feel extremely blessed to have had many happy memories from my youth.

In the fourth grade we did a rendition of “A Partridge in a Pear Tree.” At a time when the “Partridge Family” was a big hit, the song left me hopeful to say the least! Even at that young age I thought that David Cassidy was pretty cute. “Cute” sums up my age at the time in a nutshell.

Aside from my Christmas wish that David Cassidy would appear magically on our stage, I enjoyed performing. Even without him.

I was one of the Four Calling Birds. If I remember correctly, we even had feathers! But the thing I recall the most is that I held a cardboard telephone. When it came to my part in the song, following “Four Calling Birds,” I picked up the cardboard receiver and said, “Yackety, Yackety, Yack.” Cute, right? Actually it was. My parents loved it and because I was number four in the song, I got to repeat it over and over again.

I’m sharing this fun Christmas memory to help kick off the 12 Days of Christmas event that starts officially tomorrow! Every day for the next twelve days I’ll be introducing an author and telling you about her latest release. In addition, I’ll be sharing more memories and other fun stuff. Each day will have a theme.

I hope you’ll stop by and check it out! And please, share some of your Christmas memories with me. I love this time of year and hope that you do, too!