tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43323191492480941692024-03-24T00:10:24.299-07:00Jan's Blog Humorous, heartwarming, sometimes-spicy, always-believable romance and women’s fiction! ♥ www.authorjanromes.com Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-7726345940796478982023-04-30T10:00:00.000-07:002023-04-30T10:00:44.104-07:00Yep...I'm a foodie! Cherry-chocolate-walnut muffins!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while since I've put together a post and I thought I'd rectify that by sharing a recipe I recently made for cherry, chocolate, walnut muffins.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention I not only write humorous romance and women's fiction, but I'm also a foodie who likes to experiment with recipes? (The characters in my stories sometimes share my passion for food as well. Danna in my Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series is a foodie and the man she falls for loves to cook. It's a win-win for them). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not even close to being classified as a good cook, but I give it my best effort. And the things I make seldom turn out the same way twice because I'm a recipe modifier. I use what I have on hand at the time, that's how the cherry-chocolate-walnuts came to be. Sometimes the food turns out fantastic, sometimes not. On the more-than-rare occasion where the concoction didn't turn out the way I thought it would, we eat it anyway. At the end of the meal, my husband and I almost simultaneously say, "Yeah, that's not happening again." 😂 This recipe, however, wasn't a flub. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVIvS-Lr_5N549k_q2l4kTzYKCIT5u5Otftpijc757b6Hpl-9vWqmSfSxxY3NxlvYhR5R_7N_YcaCgdh0qdhF2bSZprSFugkU1ee9QiuXypZENHrsd6lMnQbxqmJswp3lSm4tpYVAUqidmwLfvJ4_MyDWru0IcRrS791NvCOeV-Ol3m-SVqQFPIxsSw/s640/dark%20sweet%20cherries.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVIvS-Lr_5N549k_q2l4kTzYKCIT5u5Otftpijc757b6Hpl-9vWqmSfSxxY3NxlvYhR5R_7N_YcaCgdh0qdhF2bSZprSFugkU1ee9QiuXypZENHrsd6lMnQbxqmJswp3lSm4tpYVAUqidmwLfvJ4_MyDWru0IcRrS791NvCOeV-Ol3m-SVqQFPIxsSw/s320/dark%20sweet%20cherries.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcoXJGbbG7c-tmvZrYGOPEwJiJajdOojhqqrr3h0DAvukIIX14pKEa_xYJpUavRp1Zj9vltnZA7u6OYKpk8zTkOi2chYX4_MO4wynEA6nL56U2U2P2HqGTHH2G6q9hnO6AiKA5sCkl7POmlPcszG3AURkhJCMqgQieDqj_9kS9vShv96OqabcBGr2aA/s640/walnuts%20and%20toll%20house%20chips.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcoXJGbbG7c-tmvZrYGOPEwJiJajdOojhqqrr3h0DAvukIIX14pKEa_xYJpUavRp1Zj9vltnZA7u6OYKpk8zTkOi2chYX4_MO4wynEA6nL56U2U2P2HqGTHH2G6q9hnO6AiKA5sCkl7POmlPcszG3AURkhJCMqgQieDqj_9kS9vShv96OqabcBGr2aA/s320/walnuts%20and%20toll%20house%20chips.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I modified the recipe I use for banana nut muffins (which I believe I originally got from Pinterest, although not for certain since it's been a few years). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 10 ounce bag of frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed. (I put them in my Magic Bullet to chop them up, but not liquify them)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup melted butter </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup white sugar</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 egg, beaten</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. vanilla</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. baking powder</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp. cinnamon</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsp. salt</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup of chopped walnuts </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup of chocolate chips </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 22 minutes. *Every oven seems to be different. Keep an eye on them. At the 20-minute mark, they may be perfect for you or they may need a few more minutes. Adjust accordingly.* </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The mixture resembles mud! 😆 </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the finished product.... Voila! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHTDxCLEtMxo66IPICXzMroybIykfXMQBZrH31hfvzUuZW8Omv7F72C8dfMrBtFeOblM7Q14AmDH_Ii0OEnQCVNCykP2yYKAJCYaqSmW7YgQeoGfzOHYojZcx-rM8C_sRcMAoRU0_csLstaPmHrrtzyd2PKpQfKbGd-WCfd073bwdsS6zfcH2LWZGlA/s640/cherry%20chocolate%20walnut%20muffins.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHTDxCLEtMxo66IPICXzMroybIykfXMQBZrH31hfvzUuZW8Omv7F72C8dfMrBtFeOblM7Q14AmDH_Ii0OEnQCVNCykP2yYKAJCYaqSmW7YgQeoGfzOHYojZcx-rM8C_sRcMAoRU0_csLstaPmHrrtzyd2PKpQfKbGd-WCfd073bwdsS6zfcH2LWZGlA/s320/cherry%20chocolate%20walnut%20muffins.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you prefer to make banana-walnut muffins instead of these, in place of the cherries use 3 to 4 ripe mashed bananas.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, fellow foodies, take good care! Happy creating!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Side note -- if you'd like to check out my <i>Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series</i>, you can find it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YNTL6BL?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks">Amazon</a>. (Books 1 & 2 are available. Book 3 should be finished in June)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0iIpIQwcLCxOD6E6oyI3JzKgdYpwt-u9-SPTHDIWfKLsIN6fuWitFznmD16k9unjPfyqm5KlL1MKcFo6EuHcip-W-w-YHpwuacRt1g5Zo0GGun-3ODJYnIUYs_R8P6i020529ATLjOb-gJ31YHDG4Gtp84IvFi2h9KS-x8eqJ9rPy7VtcHNQF15juQ/s1080/Coffee%20and%20Dessert%202%20book%20-%20going%20to%20the%20beach%20graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0iIpIQwcLCxOD6E6oyI3JzKgdYpwt-u9-SPTHDIWfKLsIN6fuWitFznmD16k9unjPfyqm5KlL1MKcFo6EuHcip-W-w-YHpwuacRt1g5Zo0GGun-3ODJYnIUYs_R8P6i020529ATLjOb-gJ31YHDG4Gtp84IvFi2h9KS-x8eqJ9rPy7VtcHNQF15juQ/s320/Coffee%20and%20Dessert%202%20book%20-%20going%20to%20the%20beach%20graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-36059764008568882482023-02-10T14:51:00.000-08:002023-02-10T14:51:11.797-08:00Craving absolute silence...<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is my first blog post of 2023. I've missed compiling posts, yet I didn't have anything specific to say. Today, I thought about the hiatus I'm currently taking (and not doing so great at staying away) from social media and decided to write a few thoughts on the subject.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoGnIqMbGSW2Du5BhqRfUKLKtfvVaK_FD36XlfraWTAD_YYxapiTLpZuj155RUVBpyXP3va0g2SYOoGoEDIYsX54yhLRRoKIIUbRIiezX8l3JbeQRz4RtjbJ2yTuFsQkCgS4E3ia7JVMAA7Q-UkcZdPLbi6ItMzpUuY5u79VejSgnN7JLPv0x0SMPgw/s1080/Blog%20graphic%202-10-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoGnIqMbGSW2Du5BhqRfUKLKtfvVaK_FD36XlfraWTAD_YYxapiTLpZuj155RUVBpyXP3va0g2SYOoGoEDIYsX54yhLRRoKIIUbRIiezX8l3JbeQRz4RtjbJ2yTuFsQkCgS4E3ia7JVMAA7Q-UkcZdPLbi6ItMzpUuY5u79VejSgnN7JLPv0x0SMPgw/w436-h436/Blog%20graphic%202-10-23.png" width="436" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I found myself craving absolute silence - no news programs, internet usage, cell phones, computer screens, ear buds, headphones, nothing technology related. I decided a break from all of it was in order. I envisioned a lot of amazing quiet. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ha! That lasted about three hours and I found myself scrolling through my Twitter timeline and then popped into Facebook to see if anyone had left me any private messages. I also have an Instagram account and one for LinkedIn, so I checked out both of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought working on my current book (ERIN, book 3 in my Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series) would be enough of a distraction to help me disconnect from the outside world, at least for a few days. Again...ha! What is it about the social media climate that is so powerfully addictive? I've tried to understand the effect it has on me. Is it the political viewpoints from all over the world that keeps me coming back for more? Or is it the multitude of witty personalities that draw me in? I'd say it all plays a part, as well as my interaction with other writers, entertainers, photographers, painters, jewelry makers, foodies, chefs, and so many other talented people that I enjoy following. Honestly, social media has opened my world and changed my perspectives on some things. There are days it drives me absolutely crazy, and I want to back away. Other days I'm inspired by it and want to chat everybody up. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">How does social media affect you? Are you also overwhelmed some days and all-in other days? Tell me it's not just me. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by to read my ramblings!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">All the best to you and yours,</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">www.authorjanromes.com</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. Now that I've broken through the drought of no ideas to post, I'll bug you with a lot more. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-33398413622287109932022-10-12T11:37:00.003-07:002023-02-10T15:16:54.587-08:00The Great Mistletoe Project: Getting to know Garrett<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love writing Christmas stories! Each one I've written has a special place in my heart. The setting for THE GREAT MISTLETOE PROJECT is Ohio (my stomping grounds). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I'm doing a segment about hunky, millionaire Garrett Levi Turner, the male character in the story.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FoQHJfaFpT5QD438G2qNgR5cOozz_w2VEcuEidZa-PKmGXaUQ3BeMBV2bwf7UO_4kHmfSw8sJb82HlvJVBdrR0CfxTNbd3AP3GyqLz6EL1_1ZgEpPDyzA3tR0Eph23wkvSSO5_hUK2YoikyIScRGjXaMmdQbOsR17mSP43VamXF7qTUWdcZISkz00g/s1080/The%20Great%20Mistletoe%20Project%20canva%20graphic%20with%20mistletoe%20and%20hearts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FoQHJfaFpT5QD438G2qNgR5cOozz_w2VEcuEidZa-PKmGXaUQ3BeMBV2bwf7UO_4kHmfSw8sJb82HlvJVBdrR0CfxTNbd3AP3GyqLz6EL1_1ZgEpPDyzA3tR0Eph23wkvSSO5_hUK2YoikyIScRGjXaMmdQbOsR17mSP43VamXF7qTUWdcZISkz00g/s320/The%20Great%20Mistletoe%20Project%20canva%20graphic%20with%20mistletoe%20and%20hearts.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>GETTING TO KNOW GARRETT...</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"It's time to get to know you, Garrett Levi Turner." The multi-millionaire had lived in Starlight Shores for a handful of years. In that time, Julie had only caught a glimpse of him and it had been from behind as he'd entered a restaurant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">While his photos had been splashed everywhere, she never paid much attention to his looks or the fine details of his life. Tonight, her curiosity ran amok. She wanted to learn everything she could before meeting him face to face in the morning. The click of the mouse opened a digital information bank that would take days to sort through. Julie homed in on a slew of pictures taken by professional photographers, journalists, and stalking novices that tried to catch Garrett unaware. "Jet black hair. Dark brown eyes. Thick eyebrows. A crooked smile. You don't look so frightening." She read aloud from one of the hundreds of articles involving the magnate. "In his twenties, Garrett L. Turner bought crumbling apartment complexes, renovated the dwellings, and sold them for three times his initial investment. At thirty, he made the list of the youngest millionaires in the world. Blah. Blah. Blah. Wait. A millionaire at thirty? Who does that unless they're from old money?" Julie downed another mouthful of coffee. "Parents: August and Marianne Turner. Middle child of nine. Sisters: Karen, Layla, CiCi, and Lori. Brothers: Brodey, Rusty, Stan, and James. He grew up on a farm in northwest Ohio." She sat back and considered the specifics. "I was wrong. You're not from old money. You're from back breaking work and sweat." Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine him dressed in a flannel shirt and torn blue jeans, with a hay hook in his hand, instead of </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">exquisitely decked out in an expensive suit, crisp white shirt, and a tie that probably cost as much as her monthly rent. Stretching her neck from side to side, she opened her eyes and went on to the next article. "After achieving financial success with his real estate dealings, Garrett Turner took another huge risk and bought a minor league hockey team. Two seasons later, an interested party made him an offer he couldn't refuse, and voila, another sizeable profit." Some people had the Midas touch. Garrett Turner was one of them.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Julie pushed her glasses higher on her nose and studied the high school photo of Garrett in a football jersey. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a can-do look in his eyes, he appeared to be a formidable foe on the football field. According to what she'd read thus far, he was also a force to be reckoned with in business. A whiz with numbers, he received a college scholarship to pursue a career in finance. "And you've never looked back, have you?<br /><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">* If you'd like to read more about Garrett and Julie's journey to happily ever after, you can find it on Amazon. Just click the link below:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Mistletoe-Project-Jan-Romes-ebook/dp/B07JYH3Q6B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PS65IGCKCV1L&keywords=the+great+mistletoe+project&qid=1665595776&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjI5IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C50&sr=8-1">The Great Mistletoe Project on Amazon</a><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierfGBWTeRrvFQtySXRxYDYHvGHAJID9851e9l0cw9wRglonrLqBN2-3-WE1fBp9wPf9WzSXA3t1Hz5lAzCl2x_Ni5hvMV1u8H7tGQXwMuN_yQ6YJrnFVIsZT51pAq6JVN4ZgJoRsG9gXJyWErKCN1hhsde83Hus8IRV6PGWIxL4GuE91QD15Mli_ayA/s346/The%20Great%20Mistletoe%20Project%20cover%20art%20from%20amazon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierfGBWTeRrvFQtySXRxYDYHvGHAJID9851e9l0cw9wRglonrLqBN2-3-WE1fBp9wPf9WzSXA3t1Hz5lAzCl2x_Ni5hvMV1u8H7tGQXwMuN_yQ6YJrnFVIsZT51pAq6JVN4ZgJoRsG9gXJyWErKCN1hhsde83Hus8IRV6PGWIxL4GuE91QD15Mli_ayA/s320/The%20Great%20Mistletoe%20Project%20cover%20art%20from%20amazon.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZubbNitSVDLQyjifsdb8LX1VTms7i8DU-CzBtW1GcljuKBi7kqu6b0AxRrVJR6cc24fAxAvcC5qYIT4gd5MvtD03-ZIltfj13jJq6eu6S8mliptf_kysTcIejbg8JhhyHdUI8rp8R0_fVEc_J_JccDJewHyEw6xL3oDUhN0PzoddpdHK7aivmFvbcQw/s3508/Heart%20groovy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: red;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3508" data-original-width="2480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZubbNitSVDLQyjifsdb8LX1VTms7i8DU-CzBtW1GcljuKBi7kqu6b0AxRrVJR6cc24fAxAvcC5qYIT4gd5MvtD03-ZIltfj13jJq6eu6S8mliptf_kysTcIejbg8JhhyHdUI8rp8R0_fVEc_J_JccDJewHyEw6xL3oDUhN0PzoddpdHK7aivmFvbcQw/w141-h200/Heart%20groovy.png" width="141" /></span></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-23360553474141460072022-10-10T05:22:00.000-07:002022-10-10T05:22:36.760-07:00My interview with author Nancy Christie!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I have author Nancy Christie on my blog with an interview! She's a prolific writer who has several published books and is now working on a new series featuring middle-aged women. Find out more about their stories in Nancy's answers below. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQsGrmAS_ZBTXqfECxYWlQdLcTUXEtSmbYV5FuKNFADoGFsv_ot1E5KGQOWxCfxZrl3sfFgj5xdYbWVb_QqyA_SijUy8AfaVZbRoVT85uJPLriBqBTl6SUPvVtD-pgPC59XFt0wc858-FG6ZMF63777L6lLNi2XLdNxeVIh4O8t7MsX3nCvHVOfT0IA/s274/Nancy%20Christie%20pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="274" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQsGrmAS_ZBTXqfECxYWlQdLcTUXEtSmbYV5FuKNFADoGFsv_ot1E5KGQOWxCfxZrl3sfFgj5xdYbWVb_QqyA_SijUy8AfaVZbRoVT85uJPLriBqBTl6SUPvVtD-pgPC59XFt0wc858-FG6ZMF63777L6lLNi2XLdNxeVIh4O8t7MsX3nCvHVOfT0IA/s1600/Nancy%20Christie%20pic.png" width="274" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grab a cup of coffee and read on... </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">I'm so excited to hear that you're working on a series with lighthearted stories about middle-aged women who face personal and career challenges and finding their inner moxie along the way. Without giving too much away, can you share a little bit about your characters to whet our appetites?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: I'd love to! The one I just finished and am actively pitching is called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Reinventing Rita </i>about a 50-year-old woman who is hit with a series of unexpected and unwelcome events that forces her to reinvent herself. With the help of two friends -- Donna, her employer and Karen, her ex-husband's second wife -- Rita discovers that it's never too late to achieve your goals and follow your dreams.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next one is called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Finding Fran</i>, the story of Fran Carter who, at age fifty-five, appears to have it all: a successful career as a romance novelist and a handsome lover with whom she shares her life. But the reality is that her significant other is cheating on her, her book sales are sliding, and writer's block is keeping her from meeting her deadline. Knowing she must write a new story, both for her readers and for herself, Fran escapes to a northern California bed-and-breakfast where she learns something new about herself and creates her own version of "happily ever after" -- all with the help of old and new friends.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The third one that I am currently writing is <i style="font-weight: bold;">Moving Maggie </i>-- can you tell I like alliteration? Despite always considering herself as an organized person, Maggie was completely unprepared for a triple whammy; the loss of her job, the end of her marriage and the need to find a new place to live. Now approaching her 60th birthday, she's forced to deal with the physical, financial, and emotional challenges that confronted her and move into a new phase of life.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">These three and others that are rolling around in my brain are part of my <b><i>Midlife Moxie Series</i></b>.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">2.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">The books in the series are slated to be standalones. Will any of the characters in each of the stories carry over from book to book?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: At this point, I would have to say no. They are more like people you meet on vacation, form a brief friendship with, and then never see again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even with my short fiction, I rarely carry over characters from one story to another. The only exceptions I can think of are <i style="font-weight: bold;">Waiting for Sara </i>(part of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories</i>) and <i style="font-weight: bold;">Going Home </i>(part of <b><i>Peripheral Visions and Other Stories</i></b>) -- both about a mother and her estranged daughter; and two stories about Charley Adams, PI and his assistant, Terry McCallister. The pair first appeared in <i style="font-weight: bold;">Charley Catches the Christmas Spirit </i>which is in my forthcoming collection, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mistletoe Magic and Other Holiday Tales</i>. I liked the interplay between them so much I brought them back in <i style="font-weight: bold;">Charley and the Cupid Caper </i>that I'm writing now.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.) </span><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">This series is a work of fiction, but when we write our stories, a bit of our life experiences and personalities go into them - sometimes consciously, sometimes subconsciously. Do you think you drew inspiration from what you've stored inside you or maybe from people you personally know? Or maybe a TV show or song clicked and from that, one story was born, then two, then a third?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: It's a little bit of everything. I'm a late-bloomer. My first published short story appeared when I was 40, I went full-time into my freelance writing business when I was 42, and published my first book <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Gifts of Change </i>in 2004 when I was 50. During that same time period, I also had a lot of personal challenges I had to deal with, overcome and move on from. So I know all about having to discover who you can be when who you were isn't who you are anymore -- if you can follow that!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">And I also got tired of how women of "a certain age" were portrayed on shows and advertisements. It seems like once she crossed in Menopause Land, she was relegated to being the grandma/babysitter who suffered from incontinence and incompetence -- sometimes both!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to write stories that illustrated how life was full of possibilities no matter what age you are, that the loss of a career, whether through age discrimination or retirement, didn't mean that all you had to look forward to would be years spent staring at the same four walls while your brain cells atrophied, or that the end of a relationship, whether through death or divorce, didn't mean decades spent all by yourself with no one to talk to but the cat.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also wanted to show the importance of having a strong group of women around to support you, comfort you and, at times, kick you in the behind if needed. I love watching TV shows that feature female friendships, and now actively seek out books that show that as well -- think of the novels by Terry McMillan, Ann Garvin and Gina Sorell, just to name three authors. That's why the relationship aspect in my series is so important as is the age range of those friends -- from teenagers to those who have a few more years under their bra than the main character!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8lsL3JKC41YoZ2hu6eCzYOfTQTJyvt6Wyz4_TDdDncJXeQ679-KKu6tJxRuuMbagYSsmm_2ytU0lq4cQId-lOireuVmbytu4fhoW4tUhwRz0TFIvABtr7EPlvfzTuc01vrS2XjGWk_cyA-7F0uUMFzgDWx8n5kvNScvfYIjnxdFdq4SM_L5nJTxzA/s2083/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20the%20gifts%20of%20change%20cover%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2083" data-original-width="1485" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M8lsL3JKC41YoZ2hu6eCzYOfTQTJyvt6Wyz4_TDdDncJXeQ679-KKu6tJxRuuMbagYSsmm_2ytU0lq4cQId-lOireuVmbytu4fhoW4tUhwRz0TFIvABtr7EPlvfzTuc01vrS2XjGWk_cyA-7F0uUMFzgDWx8n5kvNScvfYIjnxdFdq4SM_L5nJTxzA/s320/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20the%20gifts%20of%20change%20cover%20art.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">4.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">From the title of your series, I assume there will be humorous character personalities or humorous situations. While laughter or at least smiles come easily for the reader in these types of stories, writing humor isn't as easy. Would you like to say a few words on the subject?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: As I mentioned earlier, I started out as a short story writer, and most of my pieces skew toward the literary, serious, sometimes even dark in terms of tone and subject matter. But when I started writing my first novel back in 2010 -- an accident by the way, because I <i>thought</i> I was writing a short story that just kept getting longer! -- it just had an unmistakable humorous undertone to it, especially in the conversations that took place between the characters.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's like the way we women talk when we are sharing something bad that happened to us with that "Can <i>you</i> believe he did that?" tone in our voice. And our friends sit there and say, "Yeah, girl, and we could have <i>told</i> you, but you wouldn't have listened to us anyway!" as they hand us another tissue and then devise ways for us to either get over it or get even or maybe both.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also realized that, while I could do a serious story, say like <i style="font-weight: bold;">Annabelle </i>for 7,000 words, I didn't want to live in that space for 70,000 more. I just didn't think I could handle it. And with Covid and all, I just wanted to first, amuse myself and second, amuse my readers. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Julia Roberts explained it best. In an interview about her upcoming movie, <b><i>Ticket to Paradise</i></b>, with George Clooney, she said, "George and I felt a lot of happy responsibility in wanting to make a comedy together, to give people a holiday from life after the world had gone through a really hard time. It's like when you're walking down the sidewalk and it's cold outside and you get to that nice patch of sun that touches your back and you go, 'Oh yeah. That is exactly what I needed to feel.'"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's what I want my Midlife Moxie series to be: a nice patch of sun that brings some happy warmth to people.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">5.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Do you know ahead of time what kinds of teases in the forms of twists or surprises that you'll put in your story? Or do they happen organically as the story progresses?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: In other words, am I a plotter or pantser? Definitely a pantser! Even with my short stories, I never know what's going to happen or what my characters are going to say or do until they do it. So that way of writing just carried over to my novels.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">That being said, I have tried a variety of ways to keep track of everything and everybody and all the related salient details -- easy in a 2,500-word short story but not so easy when you are well past 50,000 of them!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tried a couple of software programs but that was just one more thing I had to learn and then keep updating. So my default is a combination of endnotes in the manuscript and an Excel spreadsheet with lots of columns. I also learned to not save chapters individually because then, if I want to check a detail, I had to search every one of them! Now it's all one big file, and I resave and rename them obsessively: RR - draft1, RR - draft2 and so on. That way I always have the older file to refer to if, in a burst of editing, I delete something that later I want.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">6.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">You've written short stories and books to help authors get moving again when they find themselves in a rut. What kinds of challenges did you face when you transitioned to writing full length fiction novels? </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: I had to figure out a workable schedule because I also wanted time to write short stories, especially since I am working on my fourth collection. I prefer to write for a couple of hours straight on the novels, whereas I can work on a short story for a half hour each morning and not lose my train of thought.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plus I work full time as a freelance copywriter so I had to factor in time to do the stuff that pays the bills and allows me to indulge in my fiction-writing addiction.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">What also helped me was to set a production schedule: start times and deadlines, along with release dates. I haven't decided whether my novels will be traditionally published or self-published -- I'm already a hybrid author so I know about both -- but decided to approach it as if I was totally in charge of everything. And that means choosing a release date and working backward. My plan is for <i style="font-weight: bold;">Reinventing Rita </i>to come out June 1, 2023, so I need to do any last-minute edits, decide on a cover artist, and pick my self-publishing services company by the first of the year. And do more edits on <i style="font-weight: bold;">Finding Fran</i>. And finish the first draft of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Moving Maggie</i>. And--well, you get the picture!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">7.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Could you tell us a bit about your short stories collection and the author-help books?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: I have two collections currently available and the third will be out late fall of 2023. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories </i>is about people who either can't or won't get control over their lives so, as they go down the highway of life, they tend to metaphorically go left of center. And that can lead to disaster.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88NLEJuiE2VV42Y5st99CajETALQa1Ygdv0MoW_z3NssAZkIURCJW8vAwfkNaxjmwbRy-NQa_VyyDAQt80YYIt9oCv-YOAPCVkq5mHg0eOk0TakE2ZhIMH0JD2SZN9h6XpGIlcgY23GNCKnI1vBPmfLi5enNiwl_H6qOJE0pGvF8cYGy01hXbMGOgBQ/s864/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Traveling%20Left%20of%20Center%20cover%20art.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88NLEJuiE2VV42Y5st99CajETALQa1Ygdv0MoW_z3NssAZkIURCJW8vAwfkNaxjmwbRy-NQa_VyyDAQt80YYIt9oCv-YOAPCVkq5mHg0eOk0TakE2ZhIMH0JD2SZN9h6XpGIlcgY23GNCKnI1vBPmfLi5enNiwl_H6qOJE0pGvF8cYGy01hXbMGOgBQ/s320/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Traveling%20Left%20of%20Center%20cover%20art.png" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Peripheral Visions and Other Stories </i>is about people who get dealt a hand in life that isn't the one they wanted, but they choose to play the best game they can with the cards they've received. And through it all, they believe that life will get better if they can just hold on and stay strong.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cho3Pm8lArsoo-yeAzSB7Ibe6ah42oE4Rb5VWhCqKW6eccqb70Ml_jKI0r5XS9W7uNapBv74eDmzIZFdQfHr5h43kza-VpLVZcjg8J5sd6CQ04H0wTa7bviB4eFgWHQNoHfqZOXdYnstj2HgYYxiHbVHZ13G3FPVjB9kswSD_Xr7pLRFQYJ3n9UjOg/s605/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20peripheral%20visions.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cho3Pm8lArsoo-yeAzSB7Ibe6ah42oE4Rb5VWhCqKW6eccqb70Ml_jKI0r5XS9W7uNapBv74eDmzIZFdQfHr5h43kza-VpLVZcjg8J5sd6CQ04H0wTa7bviB4eFgWHQNoHfqZOXdYnstj2HgYYxiHbVHZ13G3FPVjB9kswSD_Xr7pLRFQYJ3n9UjOg/s320/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20peripheral%20visions.png" width="202" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Mistletoe Magic and Other Holiday Tales </i>is about the wonder and excitement of the holiday season, as shown through the experiences of the characters in eight stories, which includes one of my favorites, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Lucinda and the Christmas List</i>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqYco3a_sX_2GMHQBaVHntsiGGC3ORSz29jdTZIgaEd8tCRj_2p8PLUfi8aAkLg7y-WNp6TT0V5Sr2Gj04amglZpolqeozt9THBgru4rfGwaDg5gLR2iLf2WyDAsWvPb5EwJVMS9TGUtCiY0AegEP38wuQMNJdiXSvQAr3QwuTBZOYTnlD3mi1mZjww/s2000/Nancy%20christie%20-%20Mistletoe%20Magic%20cover%20art.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqYco3a_sX_2GMHQBaVHntsiGGC3ORSz29jdTZIgaEd8tCRj_2p8PLUfi8aAkLg7y-WNp6TT0V5Sr2Gj04amglZpolqeozt9THBgru4rfGwaDg5gLR2iLf2WyDAsWvPb5EwJVMS9TGUtCiY0AegEP38wuQMNJdiXSvQAr3QwuTBZOYTnlD3mi1mZjww/s320/Nancy%20christie%20-%20Mistletoe%20Magic%20cover%20art.png" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next collection, as yet untitled, is about love in all its forms: between friends, between lovers, between siblings, between parent and child. Some funny, some serious, some in the just-starting phase while others are at the goodbye stage.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">My two writing books -- <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rut-Busting Book for Writers </i>and <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rut-Busting Book for Authors </i>-- are full of tips and advice from myself as well as others in the writing business -- authors, agents, literary attorneys and marketing experts. They both grew out of workshops I do and my (regrettable!) tendency to give people advice about this business or point them in the direction where they can find out more. While the first book covers everything from handling procrastination to starting a freelance writing service, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rut-Busting Book for Authors </i>is for those who are engaged at any stage of the book process: writing, publishing or marketing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-ZmEmuiw4T6HP-H7u3cnL1jc-wBx8rJ5RhhjHDlH_YJayo_lpdwtNKd6FgIQ4t1NkQwewfoswOmQpbQ0G2P3LiJeC3_I7Q_D4BmUNkf0zrhM_7Oap0AVpE5uQTrRIgCmfc5__t7TceZ5KAMgXFVsQaO43p-uULUKuIEN1x15kgxYbZ2uDYQPNgMjBQ/s2550/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Rust%20busting%20for%20writers%20-%20cover%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-ZmEmuiw4T6HP-H7u3cnL1jc-wBx8rJ5RhhjHDlH_YJayo_lpdwtNKd6FgIQ4t1NkQwewfoswOmQpbQ0G2P3LiJeC3_I7Q_D4BmUNkf0zrhM_7Oap0AVpE5uQTrRIgCmfc5__t7TceZ5KAMgXFVsQaO43p-uULUKuIEN1x15kgxYbZ2uDYQPNgMjBQ/s320/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Rust%20busting%20for%20writers%20-%20cover%20art.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_qqof2cRgSGFrhaIgs9F-bkijAN8RgM3Jnqx5rFhBk9j8PRr4AxzlgzcuCGCl_tZuw6ZTVqvvVR2s1gypjk5Gnt_wiVRj6OJ9QYp-sjrnDkz2vbPdnD8k-qZ06z3lt3cAudpEU8KTCzvcs-UDmNrARSo5IgSyLJQObh-HYxrTk-BYxCThQOTJW4nSA/s2550/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Rut%20Busting%20book%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_qqof2cRgSGFrhaIgs9F-bkijAN8RgM3Jnqx5rFhBk9j8PRr4AxzlgzcuCGCl_tZuw6ZTVqvvVR2s1gypjk5Gnt_wiVRj6OJ9QYp-sjrnDkz2vbPdnD8k-qZ06z3lt3cAudpEU8KTCzvcs-UDmNrARSo5IgSyLJQObh-HYxrTk-BYxCThQOTJW4nSA/s320/Nancy%20Christie%20-%20Rut%20Busting%20book%20cover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">8.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">You do Wednesday Writing Inspiration blogs. Would you care to share a little about those?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: My Wednesday Writing Inspiration on my blog, THE WRITER'S PLACE, came out of my need to keep track of all those wonderful quotes I come across from various sources. Not wanting to be greedy and keep them all to myself, I figured I'd post them on my blog. Hopefully someone reads them and it's just what they needed to hear to keep them going!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">9.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">When you're not writing, what do you do for fun or to help keep the inspiration coming?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: There is always some part of my brain that is continually in writing mode. I will be pulling weeds, mowing the grass, going for a walk, and something will pop into my mind and bingo, there's the spark of a short story or a solution to a plot issue. I have also been known to talk out loud, mostly because that's how I make sure I don't forget that brilliant idea I just had! My neighbors are used to it. They just shake their heads.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have also been working with my partner who rehabs houses on the side. I am the 'grunt' who washes walls, hauls out trash, cleans bathrooms -- anything that doesn't require a high level of skill and keeps me away from the chop saw, drills and other equipment. It's the perfect break from sitting at the computer all day.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plus, sometimes, you find things people left behind that serve as an inspiration spark. For instance, in one house, a little girl wrote her name in red ink (at least I <i>hope </i>it was red ink!) all over the closet walls: <i>Sonia, Sonia, Sonia. </i>And the closet had a lock like an entry door, not an interior door. And there was a key stuck high on the wall. I just couldn't help but imagine what had been going on, and if that little girl had been locked in there and what took place in Sonia's room. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there it goes again -- my little writer brain!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">10.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Are you already looking into the future as far as what your next writing project(s) will be?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: The novels for sure, and more short stories. If I had a dream, it would be to see one of my stories or novels on the big screen (or little screen, given how popular online movies are these days!) and enjoy watching real people play the parts of my characters.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">11.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">If you could sit and have coffee with an aspiring author, what topics would you love to share with him or her?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: About never giving up. About believing in yourself. And about being disciplined in their approach to writing. It's a creative field but it's also a profession, and it requires a very business-like approach. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">12.) <span style="color: #ff00fe;">If you could sit and have coffee with a well-known, best-selling author, who would you pick? There are many to choose from, but is there one that came to mind as soon as you read this question?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nancy: Agatha Christie. I always enjoyed her stories, but it wasn't until I read her autobiography that I really felt I could make a career out of writing, in whatever form it took. She had a very pragmatic and practical approach to her work. Forget that whole business about waiting for the muse to arrive. Agatha came up with a story idea, sat down and wrote it, turned in her manuscript on time and then started the process all over again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's not to say that she didn't enjoy what she was doing. But she knew that the only way to keep the writing gears turning was to not let them stay still too long. Otherwise, they would get rusty.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">And while I'll never reach her output, I can still follow her example. In the end, it's not about the money or the publishing credits or the fame. It's about using the ability you've been given and not stopping until you reach the end -- the end of your own story as a writer -- and feeling really good about what you have achieved. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the links to follow Nancy:</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nancychristie.com/">Website</a> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://living thewritinglife.podbean.com/">Living the Writing Life podcast</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nancychristie.com/focusonfiction/">Focus on Fiction</a> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://www.nancychristie.com/writersplace/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Writer's Place</span></a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nancychristie.com/makeachange/"><span style="font-size: large;">Make A Change</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://nancychristie.com/oneonone/">One on One</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://medium.com/@NancyChristie_Author"><span style="font-size: large;">Medium</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1048768.Nancy_Christie"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodreads</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/NancyChristieOnYouTube"><span style="font-size: large;">YouTube</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NancyChristieAuthor/"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook </span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/NChristie_OH"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/nancychristiewr/"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nancychristie_author"><span style="font-size: large;">Instagram</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancychristie/"><span style="font-size: large;">LinkedIn</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-70923543709038584732022-09-19T08:07:00.005-07:002022-10-19T12:08:05.953-07:00Danna is a quirky character! <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Danna is quirky! There's really no other way to describe her. She's colorful in the way she talks, the way she dresses, and in most other areas of her life too. Danna loves to cook and loves to eat. She's a full-figured gal who's comfortable in her skin. At twenty-seven, she's ready to find her perfect mate and is ready to settle down.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You'd think living on a popular island with nonstop tourists, she'd finally run into Mr. Right. Not the case. All she seems to run into is desks and other furniture. Did I mention she's a bit of a klutz? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugRwrP2i8xyfHHjBfzRm8i2Go1JWWV6TMi0WR3v-7Q4QuCyiQS9M1wtzMPfMscSwh2UEZrtSuMwvDbVXmYwJ1iKWqfgBSq81kTEdMOC-sHueJ1noR_fcb83cukap3oRNuyQ71bEcAtRv7Kd9TUuy_uZ66aVNihJzz-yfgP_CFwaOrozZEnAbGXrMztQ/s1080/Danna%20is%20loud%20and%20vibrant%20-%20sweet%20and%20kind.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugRwrP2i8xyfHHjBfzRm8i2Go1JWWV6TMi0WR3v-7Q4QuCyiQS9M1wtzMPfMscSwh2UEZrtSuMwvDbVXmYwJ1iKWqfgBSq81kTEdMOC-sHueJ1noR_fcb83cukap3oRNuyQ71bEcAtRv7Kd9TUuy_uZ66aVNihJzz-yfgP_CFwaOrozZEnAbGXrMztQ/s320/Danna%20is%20loud%20and%20vibrant%20-%20sweet%20and%20kind.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's an excerpt that will reveal a little more about Danna's personality: (This is a conversation with her best friend Erin at the hotel where they're attending the wedding of their co-worker Meg)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elevating her foot, Danna placed the ice across her toe, and draped the towel over it. Relaxing against the back of the chair, she murmured, "He must think I'm loony."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Who thinks you're loony?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Danna startled from the sudden presence of Erin. "Holy moly!" She threw her hands out for effect. "Don't sneak up on a person! If I'd been chewing gum, I would've choked on it and you'd have to give me the Heimlich maneuver."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Not all of us clomp like a camel to alert the world we're on the move."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I don't clomp like a camel."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"A Clydsedale then. 'I promise I won't be gone long'," Erin mocked. "While you were in here sopping up cool air, I was outside roasting in the heat, babysitting your drink, and guarding your handbag. I assumed when you didn't come back you bumped into someone you knew." Erin sat their drinks down and dropped the handbag into Danna's lap.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I didn't bump into anyone. I bumped into a desk."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amusement instantly hit Erin's expression. "You didn't?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The question was rhetorical and not out of line. "I'm as graceful as they come. Not." If there was a coffee table, lamp table, sofa leg, or desk anywhere near, she'd find it with her toe. "I couldn't take turns injuring the opposite toe. I had to jam the same one as I did when I slammed into Meg's desk a while back."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Erin lifted the towel. "You have ice."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Thanks to LaRee."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Who's LaRee."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Danna gestured to the desk. "The guy in the red suit jacket. Kind of cute, right?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The jacket? Or the guy?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"You're a funny girl, Erin?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Hey, with you, I never know."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colorful clothing, overlarge sunglasses, handbags big enough to hold everything including the kitchen sink, and shoes to complement each outfit brought Danna joy. She owed it all to her beloved grandmother who had taken care of her for years while her parents worked. On those precious occasions, her gram introduced her to feathered boas, floppy sunhats with all kinds of designs, pearl necklaces, rhinestone broaches, fancy shoes, dresses with loud colors and lace. She went all gushy inside at the memory of her gram saying, 'Wear colorful clothes whenever you can, Danna. You'll stand out in a crowd. Bright colors are supposed to boost feel-good hormones.' At the time, Danna had no idea what hormones were, but she hung on every word the sweet matriarch of her family uttered. Gone too soon, Danna kept her spirit alive with a fondness for all things bold and beautiful. "The guy, silly."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT62w5z4unupkrLDrCpOZRkSdxUGq6t7nTeihG-7Zp0cGSPuu-1DZSrbec60zY6TbgeKgYrjxlZmoJ-xKf176fMaDSFsPUCFmIK3rI-0QtEDRQdVvDzLtIT8f01r_urdwe0XzwDd5qfSUZhwp10Qxy2GPD8J9YIi84f--U6p4MiYTsysB5MJwmMGIrw/s1080/Danna%20and%20a%20desk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgT62w5z4unupkrLDrCpOZRkSdxUGq6t7nTeihG-7Zp0cGSPuu-1DZSrbec60zY6TbgeKgYrjxlZmoJ-xKf176fMaDSFsPUCFmIK3rI-0QtEDRQdVvDzLtIT8f01r_urdwe0XzwDd5qfSUZhwp10Qxy2GPD8J9YIi84f--U6p4MiYTsysB5MJwmMGIrw/s320/Danna%20and%20a%20desk.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DANNA is book #2 in my Coffee & Dessert in Key West Series</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">MEG is book #1 in the series</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can find both here ---> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YNTL6BL?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks">AMAZON</a> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for popping in! I appreciate your visit so much!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-62073374978713662782022-09-16T05:08:00.000-07:002022-09-16T05:08:42.450-07:00Forging Forgiveness by CB Clark<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I welcome Christine Clark (writing as CB Clark) to my blog to help celebrate her newest romantic suspense, <b><i>Forging Forgiveness </i></b>and to hear about her recent trip to Iceland, which includes a recipe you might be interested in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUVHN3vw1nImoa2rPHk3dSj6B7AQJ0g0lCqWE5yyOCGUa0I3ZxFvqlJlfAI5JJd0R8lVmNYq2tRNh9DI1KrDVEuNb_q1R6a_jBgAuEgUjfinY4ubAHfpjQhuWSPE6ZSWnXp7f1Ai9ebbupmCvPxngna6QIQ2C9R5Z0eeODS_Z2hwB8alBCgUkOTFibQ/s4032/Christine%20Clark%20pic%20for%20blog%20Forging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUVHN3vw1nImoa2rPHk3dSj6B7AQJ0g0lCqWE5yyOCGUa0I3ZxFvqlJlfAI5JJd0R8lVmNYq2tRNh9DI1KrDVEuNb_q1R6a_jBgAuEgUjfinY4ubAHfpjQhuWSPE6ZSWnXp7f1Ai9ebbupmCvPxngna6QIQ2C9R5Z0eeODS_Z2hwB8alBCgUkOTFibQ/s320/Christine%20Clark%20pic%20for%20blog%20Forging.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Forging Forgiveness </i>is award-winning author, C.B. Clark's eighth novel published by The Wild Rose Press. When she's not busy traveling around the globe or hiking and camping in the wilderness near her home in northern British Columbia, she can be found in front of her laptop plotting her next story. </span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: left;"><u>Here's the blurb for <i style="font-style: italic;">Forgiving Forgiveness</i><i>:</i></u></b></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">When small-town college instructor Candace Cooper discovers bloody, bare footprints in the snow while running in a state park deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it brings back the horrific nightmare of her past.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Detective Aiden Farrell is determined to redeem himself in his new position in Colorado, even if that means ignoring his growing feelings for the beautiful professor he meets during an investigation. His fear that the footprints she saw are connected to a recent spate of missing teens intensifies when Candace is assaulted on campus.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Aiden and Candace join forces, but as they start unraveling the truth, they get closer to each other - and to a killer who'll stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious goal.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Caught between duty and love, Aiden fights in a race against time to save the woman he loves.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXZwrhRh8gBPyBfj5bRYd9sEUSR4Ydq094A7UtBL3h9yiqaMIRUNUFv1CvOcumA-pJHLy6fWo2c5oaCVErYA0s47bH5VTmSj_OwiL7oxLe94BFdL_FeDEZ8tGYO8K6NIYgTcPotJLeLiKzduVEA5V5OlbdXu2hnKH6BhhSO0yy2dP6kXLQub4wD8bXw/s750/Christine%20Clark%20Forging%20Forgiveness%20cover%20art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXZwrhRh8gBPyBfj5bRYd9sEUSR4Ydq094A7UtBL3h9yiqaMIRUNUFv1CvOcumA-pJHLy6fWo2c5oaCVErYA0s47bH5VTmSj_OwiL7oxLe94BFdL_FeDEZ8tGYO8K6NIYgTcPotJLeLiKzduVEA5V5OlbdXu2hnKH6BhhSO0yy2dP6kXLQub4wD8bXw/s320/Christine%20Clark%20Forging%20Forgiveness%20cover%20art.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>You can find this amazing book at:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ASuXim">Amazon</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://bit.ly/3Rc1Vje">Barnes & Noble</a><br /></u></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://apple.com/3BeiN3E">Apple/iTunes</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3PSWbd3"><span style="font-size: large;">Google</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also available for purchase at Kobo.com and all other major online retailers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Now on to Christine's post about Iceland</b>:</u></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">My recent trip to Iceland was incredible. The scenery was stunning, the people friendly, and the food delicious. The best part of every meal was the bread. That may explain why I gained a few extra pounds while I was there even though I hiked the rugged terrain every day.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were many different varieties of bread, but my favorite was thunder bread. It's also called rugbraud. A dense, dark rye bread that's slightly sweet and hardy, rugbraud is traditionally baked underground in a geothermal spring. There aren't any volcanic springs near where I live, but an Icelandic local gave me a recipe for rugbraud that can be baked slowly in the oven. It's delicious, especially lightly toasted with peanut butter, but it's also yummy with soup or stew.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Recipe:</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 1/3 cups dark rye flour</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 teaspoons baking powder</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup golden syrup</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup whole wheat flour</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups buttermilk</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 200 F.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combine dry ingredients.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add buttermilk and syrup and stir.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pour dough into a greased loaf pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bake for 8 hours.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turn loaf onto a kitchen towel and wrap until cooled. This will stop a hard crust from forming.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Slice thinly and serve with lots of butter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>To Follow Christine (CB Clark) you can find her here:</u></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cbclarkauthor/">Instagram</a><br /></u></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://cbclarkauthor.wordpress.com">Blog</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://twitter.com/cbclarkauthor"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://facebook.com/cbclarkauthor/"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15029617.C_B_Clark"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodreads</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/C.-B.-Clark/e/B01BK61TQG/"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon Author Page</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-b-clark"><span style="font-size: large;">Book Bub</span></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-41673274352340527382022-07-25T13:59:00.000-07:002022-07-25T13:59:01.779-07:00Stay Close, Novac excerpt<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2JTGxmj-g9HwAHaaQ509mCWeJyy0o9mqAtgx-QnPh9LBVchYCtYMTzShXXtDc-NafOU5ytFLeu0YtV2bXtt5EY3LJt_kITqpGxcstRFQLn6n7HGxAdwkkh0TgkxetWIbfMKP94qKjs9_k_VY7ztyYZvJACInfiuu28m3hNfvFomMiIWW8g36Zk7u3A/s1080/Stay%20close,%20novac%20with%20a%20pier%20and%20sunset.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2JTGxmj-g9HwAHaaQ509mCWeJyy0o9mqAtgx-QnPh9LBVchYCtYMTzShXXtDc-NafOU5ytFLeu0YtV2bXtt5EY3LJt_kITqpGxcstRFQLn6n7HGxAdwkkh0TgkxetWIbfMKP94qKjs9_k_VY7ztyYZvJACInfiuu28m3hNfvFomMiIWW8g36Zk7u3A/w497-h497/Stay%20close,%20novac%20with%20a%20pier%20and%20sunset.png" width="497" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's been a while since I shared an excerpt from my romantic suspense-cozy mystery:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i>Stay Close, Novac!</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i> </i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you enjoy this short scene...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Seduced awake by the smell of bacon frying and the sound of coffee gurgling, Jessi threw her legs over the side of the bed. An overlarge painting of a fisherman holding a stringer of fish greeted her vision, a reminder she wasn't in her grandmother's beach house.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Jessi chastised herself for spending the night with her newly-met neighbor, and for being a wimp in general. <i>Who behaves like this? </i>No wonder the stalker continued to rule her world - she was easy prey. What must Ian think? "Oh God," she groaned silently. She'd advanced on him, not the other way around. Kissing him equaled madness. After pulling in a breath of frustration, she blew it out and tried to rationalize her behavior. The kiss was most likely prompted by...by... Crap! She had nothing. In a nutshell, she'd finally lost it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The coffee pot no longer made noises and the sound of bacon frying had stopped as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Jessi sprang from the edge of the bed and assessed her appearance in the dresser mirror. Egad! She looked like the spawn of Einstein, minus the mustache. Her short hair stuck out, only one side of her head - the same side where sleep lines creased her face. She looked as though someone had drawn a line down the center of her - one half rumpled, one half not. Her gaze fell to her attire - once again she'd slept in her clothes. But what a great night's sleep it was. She felt refreshed and ready to kick some stalker-butt. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* Thank you for popping in to read a little bit of Jessi and Ian's story! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">~ Jan</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">www.authorjanromes.com</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-53869076704196590062021-12-28T08:05:00.003-08:002022-07-25T16:27:47.686-07:00Keeping Kylee - revisited with an excerpt and free for 3 days in January<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kylee Steele was a fascinating character to create. She's beautiful, not just in her looks. She's a woman with a big heart, a single mom, and a hardworking bartender who's also a college student. From time to time she's struggled to make ends meet and has had to rely on aid to survive. Now, when possible, she gives back to those less fortunate. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The one thing she doesn't need in her life is the complication of Quinn Randal's attention. He's handsome, wealthy beyond belief, and a well-known playboy. Rumor has it his fiancée just broke their engagement. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kylee's brain keeps shouting "No", but the way Quinn makes her feel when he looks at her has her body shouting "Yes."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhaxXas0LJF-WZ1rZetA5xvNzpXI156xoMmcBOkz3fBzlhpB8ciZb1kIjbRZiQsr1Av4mVZgFe99P6U3oMGFwc9gzovfst_nQlB7fh8-K7m_95gOXsiLNwBxZCPRT7skTTgkBYeH-WvqkocT1u7iBy0-Md3QhvhigK_7p6XRgE-ses0uXvj1-91mmaNw=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhaxXas0LJF-WZ1rZetA5xvNzpXI156xoMmcBOkz3fBzlhpB8ciZb1kIjbRZiQsr1Av4mVZgFe99P6U3oMGFwc9gzovfst_nQlB7fh8-K7m_95gOXsiLNwBxZCPRT7skTTgkBYeH-WvqkocT1u7iBy0-Md3QhvhigK_7p6XRgE-ses0uXvj1-91mmaNw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Without taking his eyes off Kylee Steele, Quinn removed his tie and shoved it in the pocket of his tuxedo jacket. A raw and potent charge of sexual energy had sparked the moment he and Kylee set eyes on each other and it was still going strong. The powerful tug wouldn't let loose. They would stare at one another until Kylee was distracted by someone wanting a drink. Minutes later, they went back to the unspoken conversation taking place between them. Quinn made sure his eyes constantly conveyed, "Niiiice" and he interpreted her replies as 'Back at ya'. He snickered at the likelihood that there was no conversation and it was just the gin talking. One thing was for certain, they'd exchanged plenty of hot looks.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kylee wandered to the opposite end of the bar, but she was still slanting him glances.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quinn swirled the ice cubes in his glass and finished his drink. He loosened the top three buttons of his stiff-collared white shirt and shifted to get a better look at the voluptuous barmaid. He could watch her all night. God she was gorgeous! She had the most amazing green eyes. When the light hit them, they shimmered like... "Emeralds." He unwittingly finished the thought out loud and coughed to disguise a smile.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ty Vincent shook his head with disapproval. "No, Quinn."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quinn grinned at this best friend. "What?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ty scolded with a stern look and a tactful low voice. "Kylee is not for you."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Killjoy."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you'll want to read what happens next for Quinn and Kylee. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>** KEEPING KYLEE IS #FREE ON AMAZON FROM JANUARY 7TH THROUGH JANUARY 9TH **</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's the link: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Kylee-Texas-Boys-Falling-ebook/dp/B00K71H7XK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21NKAOQR4IND5&keywords=Keeping+Kylee+by+Jan+Romes&qid=1640703307&sprefix=keeping+kylee+by+jan+romes%2Caps%2C56&sr=8-1&asin=B00K71H7XK&revisionId=ed13d5a3&format=1&depth=1">AMAZON</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>P.S. Married to Maggie (book #1 in the series) is #99cents</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-76996547774684246102021-12-22T09:07:00.005-08:002022-07-25T16:29:11.836-07:00Excerpt, blurb, and a sale for Tucked Away <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, folks:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm currently working on a sequel to my romantic suspense, TUCKED AWAY. I thought you might like to read a short excerpt to see what book #1 is all about and to perhaps make you wonder where I'm going with book #2. I have tons of ideas for Chloe and Aidan, although how everything will play out for them is uncertain at this point. I have a feeling we'll both be surprised.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blurb</b> for TUCKED AWAY...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Secrets have cloaked Renee Dutten's entire existence. Placed in the New York foster care system as an infant, she was moved from family to family until high school graduation. With a bright future as a hairstylist in a posh salon, fate steps in and pulls the rug out from under her again. An eyewitness to a mob hit, the federal government becomes her guardian. From foster care to witness protection, with only a semblance of normalcy in between, she now has a higher degree of madness with a new identity as Chloe Barnard, a new address in Ohio, and nothing familiar to cling to. The Feds tuck her away in a campground for the summer, with orders for her to maintain a low profile. Chloe's attempt to be reclusive falls apart right away when she meets Aidan Gerrod. The attraction is strong and her willpower is weak. Wanting him with every speck of her being puts them both in jeopardy and becomes Chloe's biggest struggle yet.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Former Air Force Master Sergeant and ex-Intel government contractor, Aidan Gerrod is unhappy that physical injuries sidelined his military career and a short romance with his Intel boss cost him that job too. Thinking a campground is the perfect location to commune with nature, find serenity and regain his balance until he figures out where to go next, he gets just the opposite. His gorgeous neighbor grabs his attention and stirs a lot of drama.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">When trouble from their pasts comes knocking, will Chloe and Aidan face it together? Or will they be forced to go their separate ways to stay alive? </span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy4OgscniR4CD2L2fpdoca8TuG7C5haYcZL4dPIQaPszYaKQVOAGQPAezKAUiJWsSy-9ZVBRIpBV-FfJNAgNIZdhLlNcSR8ZFG7YpnUEcXaTLz0I14tgvVFXi1a7Z8Rnb6PmJe9oYDkgyqFZns4NUTBuBi76MdOgEGFmMWxvrv6QcjqfL_Nt0cbu-wUw=s2500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy4OgscniR4CD2L2fpdoca8TuG7C5haYcZL4dPIQaPszYaKQVOAGQPAezKAUiJWsSy-9ZVBRIpBV-FfJNAgNIZdhLlNcSR8ZFG7YpnUEcXaTLz0I14tgvVFXi1a7Z8Rnb6PmJe9oYDkgyqFZns4NUTBuBi76MdOgEGFmMWxvrv6QcjqfL_Nt0cbu-wUw=s320" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqpJY95r1pmDtmZQIrnvXlTsQYWOTv9D4a3GPHK_PMpqKiOWZXjrwp-maAIOZJNF7iYa4z0vo3zWzd9JIYBpZbtJChMKedgqNbEKOPK6lxz-oBrGV6QnrdGIN1kgaJFVdTdPfML2C5B8sl8GSTuNffSaovGETxBHR8zeQAjnQAhJauhO-LnGerTTx2pg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqpJY95r1pmDtmZQIrnvXlTsQYWOTv9D4a3GPHK_PMpqKiOWZXjrwp-maAIOZJNF7iYa4z0vo3zWzd9JIYBpZbtJChMKedgqNbEKOPK6lxz-oBrGV6QnrdGIN1kgaJFVdTdPfML2C5B8sl8GSTuNffSaovGETxBHR8zeQAjnQAhJauhO-LnGerTTx2pg=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">On to the <b>excerpt</b>...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Aidan turned onto Market Street. "So we're shopping for clothes and shoes, hot dogs, and a cat."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "I have no intention of buying a cat. I'm going to adopt the kitten I saw hanging around the campground."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Chloeeee, I don't know if that's a good idea. Those cats are strays. They live off scraps and mice."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "I'm a stray."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Aidan could tell by the stubborn set of her jaw she was determined to proceed. "From one stray to another, don't do it. You're asking for trouble. Cats are independent by nature. When they're wild, it stands to reason you can expect double the independence."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "It's the cutest little tabby, Aidan. The poor thing hasn't been on its own long enough to be wild. I'm afraid it will get run over by a car or devoured by a coyote."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Still, giving affection to a stray might not pan out." The power of those words hit him square in the face. He, too, was pouring time and affection into a relationship that would probably end badly. Even if it did, he'd never regret the special connection he had with Chloe. "You know what? Adopt the cat. You'll be disappointed with yourself if you don't."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghLFJ8fbhfYJ6rzY_wgHxASDb_kl1oVha7Cq_iz7fx-QnOqIK17XwUM1qPyujNBzJwT2JCFWu3S4vjiH3rGDUdGf4yX48bbywDOM-opGp5D_iRIfBlq1OHXvgEIEWZ6k90-xbFYhZdEPoTQNvq2dC9Hhv_tFjDHg3Fi8rl5tjQQHV1T8pnH8uXbYUtUg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghLFJ8fbhfYJ6rzY_wgHxASDb_kl1oVha7Cq_iz7fx-QnOqIK17XwUM1qPyujNBzJwT2JCFWu3S4vjiH3rGDUdGf4yX48bbywDOM-opGp5D_iRIfBlq1OHXvgEIEWZ6k90-xbFYhZdEPoTQNvq2dC9Hhv_tFjDHg3Fi8rl5tjQQHV1T8pnH8uXbYUtUg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">* To start the New Year off right, TUCKED AWAY will be #99cents from January 1st through January 5th. *</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can find it here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tucked-Away-Jan-Romes-ebook/dp/B07BQN2FZM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SCN2IK5D04LN&keywords=Tucked+Away+by+Jan+Romes&qid=1640191463&sprefix=tucked+away+by+jan+romes%2Caps%2C49&sr=8-1">AMAZON </a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all an amazing 2022!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">www.authorjanromes.com</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-63954254004857215112021-09-22T04:57:00.000-07:002021-09-22T04:57:20.614-07:00An awesome new book by C. B. Clark - Twisted Lies!<p><span style="font-size: large;">Today I welcome to my blog, Christine Clark who writes as C. B. Clark. She's here with a guest post about her new romantic suspense, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Twisted Lies</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXn_Bun8R8eYJ2cfGTKQf4Zk6MIaCjowWYf8VDKZ1MFY8qJlXGDoZ4zcBT1T0I6o4nafmz7HYclG_hxnvbYHmq7K2uycdTpyYxUQHAH7G1fBsWySXDhT07nQadR6N4ufu2N8I0c-Wp1OB/s750/Christine+Clark+-+Twisted+Lies+-+cover+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXn_Bun8R8eYJ2cfGTKQf4Zk6MIaCjowWYf8VDKZ1MFY8qJlXGDoZ4zcBT1T0I6o4nafmz7HYclG_hxnvbYHmq7K2uycdTpyYxUQHAH7G1fBsWySXDhT07nQadR6N4ufu2N8I0c-Wp1OB/s320/Christine+Clark+-+Twisted+Lies+-+cover+art.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Take it away, Christine...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There's something special about fellow authors. They're always ready to step in and lend a hand. This book release was no exception. When I received notification from my publisher that <i style="font-weight: bold;">Twisted Lies </i>would be released September 22, I panicked. With only six weeks before Release Day, I had to scramble to prepare. All in the middle of camping season.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is a challenging business and not for the faint of heart. Having your book published is just the first step. Once the book makes it out into the world, it needs to be noticed. Somehow, out of the thousands of books published every day, you have to make your book stand out...an almost impossible feat. Yet, that's the name of the game. Unless you're close friends with a celebrity who'll endorse your book, you don't have a chance on your own.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That's where other authors come into play. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Twisted Lies </i>is my seventh published novel, and over the years, I've received loads of help from other authors. I don't know where I'd be without their unflagging support. And so, it's with a big, heartfelt thank you to Jan Romes that I'm pleased to present <b><i>Twisted Lies</i></b>, a romantic suspense set on British Columbia's rugged west coast. Enjoy!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Blurb:</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Athena Cooper's tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it's lust at first sight...until she discovers his identity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents' disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Excerpt:</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How was it possible? After all these years? The past she'd been running from had found her. The nightmare was back. The envelope fell from her shaking hands. Her legs wobbled as she rose and stumbled out of the living room and down the short hall to the kitchen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon sunlight streamed through the window above the sink. The cozy kitchen, with its walls painted a cheerful butter yellow, and the well-scrubbed laminate countertops, gleamed. The steady hum of the refrigerator and ticking of the antique clock on the wall were the only sounds in the silent house. The pungent smell of fried onions and roasted garlic from last night's homemade spaghetti sauce hung in the air.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The efficient kitchen, with its breakfast nook and view of the tidy, fenced backyard and the rolling, grassy foothills and snow-crested Rocky Mountains beyond, was the reason she'd bought the small ranch. This was her favorite room - the place she sought refuge when life overwhelmed her. How many times had she sat there in the evenings after work, sipping a glass of chilled white wine, watching the birds at the feeder on the back porch, breathing in the sweet smells of flowering Saskatoon bushes, regrouping until she was ready to face the world?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These days, her drink of choice was a cup of herbal tea or unsweetened apple juice. Alcohol was off the table...had been for twenty-one unendurable days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But today, all bets were off.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>** </b>If you'd like to learn more about Athena and Russ, you can find <b><i>Twisted Lies</i></b> available at these online retailers:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Lies-C-B-Clark-ebook/dp/B09CGBFHN6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Twisted+Lies+by+CB+Clark%5C&qid=1632167703&sr=8-1">AMAZON</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twisted-lies-c-b-clark/1140006831?ean=9781509238613"><span style="font-size: large;">BARNES AND NOBLE</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/twisted-lies-10"><span style="font-size: large;">KOBO</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/twisted-lies/id1580981616"><span style="font-size: large;">APPLE iBOOKS</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://books2read.com/u/3Lw8LX"><span style="font-size: large;">BOOKS2READ</span></a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">About Christine...</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-atBQbQweDQ4d3SCP08ow4SyhTkLEJuh1OeI0z_Ey5oJZ7axLY33AsFajqccbrGnbD83GKDUxssT5SOMZYkcd5VIajNF0vhVkMQj7BOBIFqdx5tlYzvQ-goITBq34ZUSJplecySYiKsA/s2048/Christine+Clark+-+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-atBQbQweDQ4d3SCP08ow4SyhTkLEJuh1OeI0z_Ey5oJZ7axLY33AsFajqccbrGnbD83GKDUxssT5SOMZYkcd5VIajNF0vhVkMQj7BOBIFqdx5tlYzvQ-goITBq34ZUSJplecySYiKsA/s320/Christine+Clark+-+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Twisted Lies</i></b> is award-winning author, C.B. Clark's seventh novel published by The Wild Rose Press. When she's not busy traveling around the globe or hiking and camping in the wilderness near her home in northern British Columbia, she can be found in front of her laptop plotting the next story.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can follow C. B. Clark on social media:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cbclarkauthor/">Facebook</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/cbclarkauthor"><span style="font-size: large;">Twitter</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://cbclarkauthor.wordpress.com"><span style="font-size: large;">Blog</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15029617.C_B_Clark"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodreads Author Page</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cbclarkauthor/"><span style="font-size: large;">Instagram</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/C.-B.-Clark/e/B01BK61TQG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1517868402&sr=1-2-ent"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon Profile Page</span></a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-b-clark"><span style="font-size: large;">Book Bub</span></a><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-55827392690292274712021-07-22T11:48:00.002-07:002021-07-22T11:48:56.821-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry: Collecting Things<p> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19q0sdKDz0pyYVPiBTIEAC1X_o_iApE814YgXZGAmLzT046eniV_YR1HXxWRd4UZIhTDlUZMmne7PSQrFf9r08elMR5WKaLRjn9WABKxV3xANnUW3RXQtwnbSd8HiIq7_Jkq8f8AC1N8A/s640/Holly+Hobby+Cup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19q0sdKDz0pyYVPiBTIEAC1X_o_iApE814YgXZGAmLzT046eniV_YR1HXxWRd4UZIhTDlUZMmne7PSQrFf9r08elMR5WKaLRjn9WABKxV3xANnUW3RXQtwnbSd8HiIq7_Jkq8f8AC1N8A/s320/Holly+Hobby+Cup.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, All!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to another installment of Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry. As always, this isn't a well-thought-out post. Just a bunch of nonsense put into words. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As I drank from my Holly Hobby coffee cup, I couldn't decide what I wanted to write about. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Things I Would Tell My Younger Self </i>sounded like a good idea and so did <i><b>Collecting Things</b></i>. For reasons unknown, Collecting Things won the mental coin toss. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've often wondered what drives folks to collect certain things, mostly because I don't collect anything (except dust and an occasional coffee cup). Am I missing a certain gene? I think I am. (That would explain a lot... LOL)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPyAoZixaqHEskjUrCaiMvQmCGM2aM40SLJLtu_DNPDqaCi4e05l0ldtTcmcK2l8uAhOALv_T8akzbw6ehi_Ql9jHRn70xIunwTBAtFJVyC_laJVMuglwina5iyGKbz_ob4YMfqQsKWAu/s1080/Glassward.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPyAoZixaqHEskjUrCaiMvQmCGM2aM40SLJLtu_DNPDqaCi4e05l0ldtTcmcK2l8uAhOALv_T8akzbw6ehi_Ql9jHRn70xIunwTBAtFJVyC_laJVMuglwina5iyGKbz_ob4YMfqQsKWAu/s320/Glassward.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some folks love to track down treasures like old coins and tools, glassware and arrowheads. Others have a special affection for stockpiling seashells and everyday items such as wine bottles, baseball cards, and sports jerseys. I have a friend who collects rocks from every place she visits. Her rock garden is awesome. My sister is all about Christmas. She goes to estate auctions and garage sales looking for gently used decorations to collect. When Christmas rolls around, those valuables get put to good use and her home tastefully reflects her love for the holiday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY18KlC1Y2M-8z7DP_ip1g5VXMtfSF-MdlubS96y3n5KiCRBsD9qiq2KwNmdbWhLhZGcN9RKWoetLillY3OOceqht3jHScQlKbdRmEnzPDNBIp7-Jni49DGIUPtX6-XwmVDz0eaVmzxGD2/s1080/Seashells.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY18KlC1Y2M-8z7DP_ip1g5VXMtfSF-MdlubS96y3n5KiCRBsD9qiq2KwNmdbWhLhZGcN9RKWoetLillY3OOceqht3jHScQlKbdRmEnzPDNBIp7-Jni49DGIUPtX6-XwmVDz0eaVmzxGD2/s320/Seashells.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />So this non-existent gene of mine, is it actually missing or just evasive? I'm leaning toward it being a wily little sucker that keeps ducking me. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do the things that people gather somehow fill a void or bring comfort? Or is it simply the thrill of a scavenger hunt? Could it be a yearning to own a piece of the past? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As I'm compiling this post, I'm struck by something odd (which for me is a common occurrence - *big grin*). In a way, I've been a collector all my life. I just didn't acknowledge it until now. I'm a collector of words, which prompted me to jump up from the computer and sort through a stack of manila folders until I found the one labeled Vocabulary. Even before I was published, I amassed sheets of paper and Post-It notes with words that I love. To those who don't write, you're probably thinking that I need to get a life (and yes, I really do need to get one. i.e. last week's post was about mud. Need I say more?). To </span><span style="font-size: large;">those who do write, you understand the treasure trove I keep in that manila folder.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfSGybFd0o9OUPefTE-ldXLLOY4h9EXpomlMRQhi-3DMOzraz2qtkfhvaaiY7T-57n_26PAtAOkMX75uwAa5dpqI4F8b6QXyHqKS34Ismq7kgLYPDM5-UtoJ9hfWjs3L7VRDvqYON78lc/s640/Vocab1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfSGybFd0o9OUPefTE-ldXLLOY4h9EXpomlMRQhi-3DMOzraz2qtkfhvaaiY7T-57n_26PAtAOkMX75uwAa5dpqI4F8b6QXyHqKS34Ismq7kgLYPDM5-UtoJ9hfWjs3L7VRDvqYON78lc/s320/Vocab1.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdhSb2GTjBLuU4bou0zCwV67CZX8nPyU428YTM2rcJvDRxJzkBG5O1rZP0j2Za9Sxg9YemuQULDaHGqMtZF1U5eNjh2rwgbBQ2EiLPdHbvovfCpXTgtGcS7YNyqlPCutNqMoqWJOmEmhW/s640/Vocab2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdhSb2GTjBLuU4bou0zCwV67CZX8nPyU428YTM2rcJvDRxJzkBG5O1rZP0j2Za9Sxg9YemuQULDaHGqMtZF1U5eNjh2rwgbBQ2EiLPdHbvovfCpXTgtGcS7YNyqlPCutNqMoqWJOmEmhW/s320/Vocab2.JPG" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yahoo! I actually do collect something. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In book #1 of my Coffee and Dessert Series, Meg collects glass and ceramic turtles. I'm working on book #2, which is Danna's story. So far she hasn't collected anything. Maybe she has a missing or elusive gene too. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTR9HkGv9nL808EEqimJ9Nj1sszr4KH_9tBztfaVxsiWlQQJlgsScZIt_DSfrEbNB_li91yTNNwczC7kslr2XrgQFnUlfnK5dMQJSkl-FllGIxWJPcI3NQDvjRg9eMwVARDp0G3pg6q6F/s500/Coffee+and+Dessert+Meg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTR9HkGv9nL808EEqimJ9Nj1sszr4KH_9tBztfaVxsiWlQQJlgsScZIt_DSfrEbNB_li91yTNNwczC7kslr2XrgQFnUlfnK5dMQJSkl-FllGIxWJPcI3NQDvjRg9eMwVARDp0G3pg6q6F/s320/Coffee+and+Dessert+Meg.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you still awake? Are you up for some bad poetry? If you answered yes to both questions, get ready to be dazzled! (Bedazzled?) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I always attempt to write good poetry. Seriously, I do. Why don't you believe me? LOL </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ceramic turtles, I have not a one,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">for Meg, collecting them must be fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Treasured things don't line my shelves,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">not even dusty Christmas elves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Words crowd my brain, I save them all,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">in my folder they stay, until my writing hits a brick wall. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The scavenger game I do not play,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">to those who do, you're extraordinary is all I can say.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Collect special things, as well as moments in time,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">why do I always have to make my poems rhyme? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next week, take good care of you and yours!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you love and joy! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">www.authorjanromes.com</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-71571844185271771272021-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:002021-07-15T14:06:20.935-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry: Kind of muddy, but cool! <p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNySePtbOmfWKom8OYZvcsyusnP_rqbyrB4cirrjasNLInfWvcc2mkIA9wJqzahx46dVqY5ECQ16Omt8wFIm7CtE1DpZAxyfOvsPjm3cmsThckcJkhuLWJdpnorFrP6s0U_IelSQNC-yDR/s640/Mud+Mug+1.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNySePtbOmfWKom8OYZvcsyusnP_rqbyrB4cirrjasNLInfWvcc2mkIA9wJqzahx46dVqY5ECQ16Omt8wFIm7CtE1DpZAxyfOvsPjm3cmsThckcJkhuLWJdpnorFrP6s0U_IelSQNC-yDR/s320/Mud+Mug+1.JPG" /></a></div><p></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Lb58Rl1J1PbYf7jGGFIe8nddlLEGhDmDZ4k6qYDHdYY5whAI2FKt_UJNich_WNuB37qUNrCQHOArh1oMU3WUSEVDnC-qlNSQIv6hNRoEXPcIhf_USYYgbfJ9NL-AhQ7Jvt8EWDfdF5f/s640/Mud+Mug+2.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Lb58Rl1J1PbYf7jGGFIe8nddlLEGhDmDZ4k6qYDHdYY5whAI2FKt_UJNich_WNuB37qUNrCQHOArh1oMU3WUSEVDnC-qlNSQIv6hNRoEXPcIhf_USYYgbfJ9NL-AhQ7Jvt8EWDfdF5f/s320/Mud+Mug+2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, Friends!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all are having a great week! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Today's episode of Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry is about Mud (I kid you not).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What can one say about mud? Plenty. First, the serious part of the topic. Mud is so much more than just dirt mixed with water. Take this mug for example. My sister gave it to me a few years ago as a gift and I've cherished it ever since. She bought it from a great group of folks at MudLove.com. They make some amazing products and they also do a lot of good for humanity. One of their projects is to help bring clean water to areas in Africa that are so in need.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Now about the mud-mud portion of this post...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I think we all have a deep fascination with mud. Some will 'fess up to it, others will shake their heads no. Before you snicker or blow off the idea, hear me out.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Did you jump in mud puddles as a kid...and enjoy it? I know I did. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mwcQdVFY2jptFh0qyFz_qZHD_2kQIWhuD1v1dBXQ3CUyyMvZVJ3bg3UZoqkgwit7KkoF8y0XItg2l55ZblPHFZ6Ir56b1x6zHygSjfaphT-qr-nFu4g1Np23ZXUONOwzXF-F-sGt9Xgp/s1080/Mud+play.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mwcQdVFY2jptFh0qyFz_qZHD_2kQIWhuD1v1dBXQ3CUyyMvZVJ3bg3UZoqkgwit7KkoF8y0XItg2l55ZblPHFZ6Ir56b1x6zHygSjfaphT-qr-nFu4g1Np23ZXUONOwzXF-F-sGt9Xgp/s320/Mud+play.png" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mud, dirt, silt, soil, clay or however you refer to it, is awesome! Just how awesome, you ask? Well, there's mud wrestling, mud bogging, mud baths, mud masks, adobe. Without mud there'd be no coffee cups. Need I say more? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5jOB-4iugcwsL8amQv3C40CM-AGqcadwefCy0-LkIHN8NlcHJfUI5tp47GSUmKlP2oivIdiUP5pmMmWr3LznlvKmolubB0V9EXAs7PfMEE5qCehTMst4pHik9OtdsSo0A4U1SEwFLZ94/s1080/Mud+mask+goddess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5jOB-4iugcwsL8amQv3C40CM-AGqcadwefCy0-LkIHN8NlcHJfUI5tp47GSUmKlP2oivIdiUP5pmMmWr3LznlvKmolubB0V9EXAs7PfMEE5qCehTMst4pHik9OtdsSo0A4U1SEwFLZ94/s320/Mud+mask+goddess.png" /></a></div></div><div><span><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that mud can be smeared across the skin as a mosquito repellent? It's also an old-time treatment for bee stings. Pigs wallow in it to stay cool.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">To further the idea that we have a weird fascination for mud, there's a drink called Mississippi Mud and a dessert known as Mississippi Mud Pie. There's also something called Dirt Dessert.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Let's not forget how much fun and mud comes with dirt bikes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When you get right down to it, we're all about mud! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ready for some bad mud poetry? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's better to fall into squishy mud,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">than to land on hard ground with a jarring thud. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In the grimy grit I stomp to splatter,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">my clothes are a fright, but that doesn't matter. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Up my nose and between my toes,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">to clean me up I'll need a hose.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I would recommend you not be a dud, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">go ahead, play in the mud. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">(A few tall glasses of Mississippi Mud and you'll think that poem is hilarious! 😂 )</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_UYIOKe1Im82LgQr8j4RtjSEk8qUeE_P2BL3kOeXMJt6KWIxYDijoqJH3BE9MytyYgA4XlHaVbdXkRP6aoxJpfRlFgkBDb2rCqlEXivq1F0y4kMOI9h_gK26O-YYmh9a_BjqbrlNZ8zk/s1080/Mud+jeeping.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_UYIOKe1Im82LgQr8j4RtjSEk8qUeE_P2BL3kOeXMJt6KWIxYDijoqJH3BE9MytyYgA4XlHaVbdXkRP6aoxJpfRlFgkBDb2rCqlEXivq1F0y4kMOI9h_gK26O-YYmh9a_BjqbrlNZ8zk/s320/Mud+jeeping.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, make each day unique and have some fun!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Big love to y'all,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">To find my books, you can go to my website or Amazon author page:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.authorjanromes.com">Jan's Website</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Romes/e/B005OMZICY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1626382914&sr=8-2">Jan's Amazon Author Page</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-11081811911612246482021-06-21T17:37:00.003-07:002021-06-21T17:37:50.473-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry: Trying new things<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZodGyizVLlTpq6vBseAEvTgAJ0Gu6UzDuUOv4eL93Uh57q1aTnXHMgJ4fbKi_FZR7WGDikQYYUfmIMQTsrsgCTwHsjlXLCIJEJvhXOvKnwKgr42QkCmO5yEjyjyWOFxb7p9fT8Mbqy0j/s640/Hawaii+cup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZodGyizVLlTpq6vBseAEvTgAJ0Gu6UzDuUOv4eL93Uh57q1aTnXHMgJ4fbKi_FZR7WGDikQYYUfmIMQTsrsgCTwHsjlXLCIJEJvhXOvKnwKgr42QkCmO5yEjyjyWOFxb7p9fT8Mbqy0j/s320/Hawaii+cup.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, All!</span> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a little slow at getting this blog post put together today. No real excuse for the delay other than I spent the morning and part of the afternoon with my hubby before he took off for work. We did fun stuff, like drank coffee, worked in the yard, and ate leftover pizza. lol</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The theme for this week's post is <i>Trying New Things</i>. Actually, two of the three things listed below I've done in the past, just not recently, so it's more like re-trying them. The third thing is something I've been fascinated with for a while, but never took the time to experience one...until today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySRNQZ51W64TfmxvdnRDkXhkB8EMKfCCPc9Hh17Q4o4ZryV0THRhO6neq-SMM68e0rUA_koWAc63yoS9KaomhSq77fmgE6JB6Tf5IyLqe1u-IoTadHoWMUNKNw2NyyRmk5H8gABWJ_S9m/s640/Dart+board.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySRNQZ51W64TfmxvdnRDkXhkB8EMKfCCPc9Hh17Q4o4ZryV0THRhO6neq-SMM68e0rUA_koWAc63yoS9KaomhSq77fmgE6JB6Tf5IyLqe1u-IoTadHoWMUNKNw2NyyRmk5H8gABWJ_S9m/s320/Dart+board.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've wanted a dart board for about a year. Weird, right? I'm not sure where or why I get these ideas. When I bounce them off my husband he smiles and probably thinks, <i>she'll forget about that</i>. Silly rabbit. I recently gave him another subtle hint and voila! We have a dart board mounted on our garage wall. You can tell I need a lot of practice as evidenced by where my darts landed. The first day we played, mine mostly found the floor. At least now I'm hitting the board. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another brainstorm I recently had involved a bow and arrow. Hubby laughed. When I raised an eyebrow, he said, "Ohhh, you're serious." For Mother's Day we made a trip to a sporting goods store and guess what we came home with?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUQ4TfKBHuGbD9lKWy_78sLYhgpk4_9EaMGYImAEW2Wdhpvbg_3dOXFIjLx_O2TWE_rqP3Wwp3cnVvZAhQbXeudqM9ieRJt1CqjEmxSMjZl52h6oCEej0ZFD8L5f4H-eoOHGVNqc83Ci9/s640/Bow+and+arrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUQ4TfKBHuGbD9lKWy_78sLYhgpk4_9EaMGYImAEW2Wdhpvbg_3dOXFIjLx_O2TWE_rqP3Wwp3cnVvZAhQbXeudqM9ieRJt1CqjEmxSMjZl52h6oCEej0ZFD8L5f4H-eoOHGVNqc83Ci9/s320/Bow+and+arrow.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Hood's got nothing on me, well, except for a cool hat. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJZ42k-h5gtMbPSmqRp4Dyrrp7EgFZroaCJ3tS6qmeYzyHQW4mndBSw2bXvG5JsdoyE3zYHLBwEqLm6Fe3OAXi9odB07T084PrXR57mF5I_nckOkraC_ZUJZC1Xmj68mBi83n7JePHJZ2/s1080/Robin+Hood+Hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJZ42k-h5gtMbPSmqRp4Dyrrp7EgFZroaCJ3tS6qmeYzyHQW4mndBSw2bXvG5JsdoyE3zYHLBwEqLm6Fe3OAXi9odB07T084PrXR57mF5I_nckOkraC_ZUJZC1Xmj68mBi83n7JePHJZ2/s320/Robin+Hood+Hat.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The bow is youth size, which works for me. I set up a target in our back yard and sling arrows. They usually go everywhere, except where they're supposed to. (Watch out neighbors) Practice makes perfect. One of these days I might hit the bulls eye. #Goals</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On to the third thing. Every year when the Kentucky Derby rolls around I mention trying a mint julep. The derby comes and goes. No mint juleps. Well, today, I decided who needs a horse race. I can just make a julep. So I did. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8SN9SveUMAFzs4oOM-MRkLPSwnK-LvSGmo_YFwzqtG-ozSEseatP0y7NrdCN57wybOKQkOcrgFujNDqfurxACwNjWdADFjj05vyJbSpKARRINy8y1zyHO2JBlESRItTxNE8eysbLESHI/s640/Mint+julep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8SN9SveUMAFzs4oOM-MRkLPSwnK-LvSGmo_YFwzqtG-ozSEseatP0y7NrdCN57wybOKQkOcrgFujNDqfurxACwNjWdADFjj05vyJbSpKARRINy8y1zyHO2JBlESRItTxNE8eysbLESHI/s320/Mint+julep.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I seldom drink bourbon. Okay, the truth is, I never drink the stuff. My taste buds are partial to an occasional glass of fermented crushed grapes. But I have to say, the sugar, water, fresh mint, and bourbon combo that made up the mint julep wasn't bad. I can now mark that off my bucket list.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you have some things you've been wanting to try or re-try, just for the sake of doing it? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know at some point I'll work at least one or more of these things into one of my books. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">📚 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My bad poetry awaits you...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have a bow and arrow, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">yet I'm not Cupid.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I write romance,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">that's not disputed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My words aim for the heart,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">so much better than using darts. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*Poetry contests are not in my future.* 😂</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great week!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">www.authorjanromes.com</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-60628913587177668772021-06-14T12:33:00.003-07:002021-06-14T15:41:07.965-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry - Romantic Breakfasts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddUZjiD_gDXKKLMj5AVjtN-zjILN0yaAciQkTogumBYu1JFrOgbLXF7dBlhY2-ZX1IosVL4Kv4juK8K1VwnXtpl6dfYlZ7wTJW05hUHShecl795llQn8A1vl6pSwObKXOFVo6-yTmpFr5/s640/Breakfast.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddUZjiD_gDXKKLMj5AVjtN-zjILN0yaAciQkTogumBYu1JFrOgbLXF7dBlhY2-ZX1IosVL4Kv4juK8K1VwnXtpl6dfYlZ7wTJW05hUHShecl795llQn8A1vl6pSwObKXOFVo6-yTmpFr5/s320/Breakfast.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I've snagged your attention with that mouthwatering breakfast picture, good morning! I hope all of you are well and that you're gearing up to have a great week. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the moment, a pot of coffee is brewing and the idea for my Monday morning Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry has been decided. It was a toss-up between kitchen goddess (which I'm not) or a romantic breakfast. Guess which one I'm going with? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you picked breakfast, ding - ding, you're a winner! Your prize? This post. *That's as cheesy as the Colby topping those eggs.*</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So a romantic breakfast...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and when I don't have to cook it, life gets even better. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Does breakfast in bed come to mind when I say romantic breakfast? Some will give a hearty yes. You can't see me, but I'm shaking my head no. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In movies, breakfast in bed looks glamorous. In reality, (at least for me) it would be a train wreck. Did I mention I'm not the most coordinated person in the world? If hubby brought me a tray with food and a flower in a small vase, first of all, I'd faint. Secondly, I'd be searching for the napkin because I would've just knocked over the vase. I cringe at the thought of taking a bite of scrambled eggs and half of them landing on the sheets or a sausage link going end over end on the comforter. While I'm poking fun at myself, the scenario is darn accurate. LOL</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I still associate romance with breakfast, just in a different setting; one that involves a waiter or waitress and fancy-smancy coffee cups. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsZJLQtEb3yHEq8osvLxV8jRprI9a4FtJwTwM1z4mxW6ZrfcFvo7qUSgsGeujbdHggsgNUMd7JPwl4uZ93S1piBPyZFTCcbsgQP5ktFESCGs80lyGMt7TMJNaOnJboG-t0xtna7g2j7WW/s640/Rome+coffee+cup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsZJLQtEb3yHEq8osvLxV8jRprI9a4FtJwTwM1z4mxW6ZrfcFvo7qUSgsGeujbdHggsgNUMd7JPwl4uZ93S1piBPyZFTCcbsgQP5ktFESCGs80lyGMt7TMJNaOnJboG-t0xtna7g2j7WW/s320/Rome+coffee+cup.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a coffee cup fanatic. If I had room in my kitchen, I'd have cupboards filled with them. Since we also need plates and bowls, space is limited. I digress.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Back to romance and breakfast. For me, breakfast at a restaurant is a special time because hunky hubby and me have great conversations over cups of coffee and plates of eggs. At home, it's hard to tune out the things beckoning to be done and we inevitably hop up from the table for one reason or another. At a restaurant, even a crowded one, we settle in and enjoy each other's company. Sound mushy? Yep, it sure does, but it's also awesome. We drink coffee, focus on us, eat some incredible food, and once in a while play footsie under the table (mostly by accident). What could be more romantic? (Okay there are other ways that are considerably more romantic, but you get my drift. Right?) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast with its simplicity and one-on-one time with the love of my life is romantic to me. Is it the same for you with yours? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLa0Jab0mfjhJCYukyvyq_-KEd2zMH8FYF-JXDrF7Me7kPjG6VvxEootorvLjzH5LVA4P9-xjSJBQJ2-xFci7w9-gLefRuOkr43Wn3a-rd7UDiQtd331lYbFatpBuqik8xRjgpSZykfRR/s1080/Eggs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLa0Jab0mfjhJCYukyvyq_-KEd2zMH8FYF-JXDrF7Me7kPjG6VvxEootorvLjzH5LVA4P9-xjSJBQJ2-xFci7w9-gLefRuOkr43Wn3a-rd7UDiQtd331lYbFatpBuqik8xRjgpSZykfRR/s320/Eggs.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what you've been waiting breathlessly for...some really good poetry (cough)... </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A table for two, my heart's all aflutter,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">when we sit across from each other with biscuits and butter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it's pancakes and bacon,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">but it's eggs we prefer that they be amakin'.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Small talk and romance, as simple as can be,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">for me it's breakfast, what is it for thee? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you roll your eyes at the poem? I did. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm working on two different writing projects so I'll be in the writing cave most of the week. Wish me luck. :)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay cool and find joy in the little things...like eggs!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Virtual hugs all around,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-32667193278858939902021-06-09T13:09:00.000-07:002021-06-09T13:09:20.713-07:00Keeping Kylee - book #2 Texas Boys Falling Fast Series - excerpt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5ofZU_nvaPyEddQMu76xPV1PwR7iZ2-cHP7IHY2xfhteRa2J8TLXYl5HQp78wg75FoNpvVtRelNOUucJjdozTi5jOKLi4TqkalsffdnbBSKL3Oaltvi37STdTQ8MdgNTjpqKluTd5zEK/s500/Keeping+Kylee+canva.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5ofZU_nvaPyEddQMu76xPV1PwR7iZ2-cHP7IHY2xfhteRa2J8TLXYl5HQp78wg75FoNpvVtRelNOUucJjdozTi5jOKLi4TqkalsffdnbBSKL3Oaltvi37STdTQ8MdgNTjpqKluTd5zEK/s320/Keeping+Kylee+canva.png" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love this scene from <i>Keeping Kylee</i>. It made me laugh when I wrote it and made me laugh just now as I contemplated posting it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Kylee's working in a bar and is on a three step ladder. She makes a wrong move and the ladder kicks out from under her. Quinn Randel is there and saves her from hitting the floor. After a few embarrassed moments for Kylee, Quinn gives her space and treks to the coffee pot to pour himself a cup. Kylee goes to the table where two women are celebrating a birthday....</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"You ladies ready for a refill?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One gal grinned from ear to ear. "You okay, hon?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm fine. I had a klutzy moment. Luckily, I didn't break anything."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The second woman chuckled. "Chantel is just being nosey. We witnessed a whole lot of yummy going on between you and..." She pointed to Quinn, who had his back to them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"His Royal Highness?" Kylee giggled.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"He's royalty?" The woman's eyes widened.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Kylee smirked. "He <i>thinks</i> he is."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Ahhh. One of those." Chantel's brown eyes danced with amusement. "We've been burned by a prince or two, haven't we Gloria?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"We sure have," Gloria jiggled with a laugh. "Be careful, sweetie. He might seem like he's all that, but at the end of the day, he burps and farts like a commoner."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Their wicked senses of humor were exactly what Kylee needed to lighten up. "I love you, ladies."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Chantel patted Kylee's upper arm. "Hate to leave ya alone while his princeliness is here, but we're doing a pub crawl by way of the bus. If we're going to make the next one, we have to get moving." She slid from the booth. "Be on your guard, doll. That prince has too much going for him. Yowza! He has a sweet body." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*I wanted to make you aware that this story is sweet with romance, but there's also a little spice.* </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you're interested in reading Keeping Kylee you can find it on my website or on Amazon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.authorjanromes.com">Jan's website</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Kylee-Texas-Boys-Falling-ebook/dp/B00K71H7XK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Keeping+Kylee&qid=1623265473&sr=8-1"><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping Kylee on Amazon</span></a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for popping in to read the excerpt. I hope you enjoyed the humor in the scene. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-11155397311751646372021-06-07T08:28:00.005-07:002021-06-07T15:03:30.091-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry: Weeds<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Hello, All...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Monday morning means another Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry post. You were rubbing your hands together in eager anticipation, right? (Humor me and say yes!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">😂</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While enjoying a cup of hot, steaming, liquid love I pondered what to write about and weeds came to mind. What can I say, I'm a nature geek. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiampMcKUREFVRFz8qv4E7gKHCyjAdScSwywG6bfS2tB7TZdHUoRE1LNzPWemL05PEjMXQgCvl60DO1PzO8KEYhtsSyvagJQQhV-vJzovlVdzikCBDAp_fKxURQc-RsGvz7kPNMJFseXbaG/s640/Liquid+Love+coffee+cup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiampMcKUREFVRFz8qv4E7gKHCyjAdScSwywG6bfS2tB7TZdHUoRE1LNzPWemL05PEjMXQgCvl60DO1PzO8KEYhtsSyvagJQQhV-vJzovlVdzikCBDAp_fKxURQc-RsGvz7kPNMJFseXbaG/s320/Liquid+Love+coffee+cup.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So weeds...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think they get a bad rap. They've been called undesirable, aggressive, wild, invasive, annoying, and other words with a negative connotation. Most of the time those descriptors are well deserved, because let's face it - we don't want them in our vegetable gardens, yards, farm fields, and growing willy-nilly around the house. And those who suffer with allergies, weeds can cause all kinds of issues. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the proper setting though, weeds can be beautiful, beneficial, helpful, medicinal, and more. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They're a misunderstood gift. That's what I'm going to key on in this post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One overlooked plus about weeds is that some are a seasonal food supply for seed-eating birds. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Regarding medicinal help, dandelions are edible and can help support liver function, balance hormones, and more. (You can even make wine with them)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQSlfvRIVRio8bwJJmzqd4CcengIVEaJewm0WGFYO1LvFnR65rNtxy0s8XRmCKFgrfeBHlI4Q5lWTNC0HUQPao6L3R09-c5myBKgcTgvfvBD_gxqheRtih7NK5hE_KZMNdlx3WW5z0QmW/s640/Dandelion.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQSlfvRIVRio8bwJJmzqd4CcengIVEaJewm0WGFYO1LvFnR65rNtxy0s8XRmCKFgrfeBHlI4Q5lWTNC0HUQPao6L3R09-c5myBKgcTgvfvBD_gxqheRtih7NK5hE_KZMNdlx3WW5z0QmW/s320/Dandelion.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Ground ivy is edible too, has anti-inflammatory qualities, and are high in Vitamin C. Once used to treat scurvy, these days you can make an immune boosting tea or tincture. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Plantain seeds and leaves can be eaten. They're full of vitamins, and have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities. The leaves can be crushed and used to heal small injuries and insect bites.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">(Disclaimer: Do not eat any weeds until you research them. Some weeds are not people friendly, some are not pet friendly.) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I could list a lot more weeds and their benefits, but I don't want to turn this post into a weed documentary. I just wanted to share my fondness for some types of weeds and highlight their good points.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the ditch on the north side of our property, I found these beauties. They're called Star of Bethlehem. Cool, eh?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKZIoIk6GQTy91hjvWfGJ34tbfg2YHCmKO_GXD93h4t1QpjUkvnSBWXerm3pjgnqKBTQh5zjt1dhKs8E0YUASaJbpMKKtVu_D-ipWgVFHYYiiAVFi_cW0kTnEsfNhRaQcOHgLZLaAgWQP/s640/Star+of+Bethlehm.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKZIoIk6GQTy91hjvWfGJ34tbfg2YHCmKO_GXD93h4t1QpjUkvnSBWXerm3pjgnqKBTQh5zjt1dhKs8E0YUASaJbpMKKtVu_D-ipWgVFHYYiiAVFi_cW0kTnEsfNhRaQcOHgLZLaAgWQP/s320/Star+of+Bethlehm.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least, here's something that my neighbor's probably said if they saw me with a spade out at the ditch, "What's she up to now?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M_TJQUUPvDTrghiPfdqilnSHUSIYZUH4NFnflibgGUK99iP9yq6AIk7eCP9vS7eHqXPT8Bd-fqZClFDa1UHgknIS4WILUbGOBTIvLfvbU1SdeBUURvewN4DLeAL2gNJ1sOSiloRPuomc/s640/Milkweed.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M_TJQUUPvDTrghiPfdqilnSHUSIYZUH4NFnflibgGUK99iP9yq6AIk7eCP9vS7eHqXPT8Bd-fqZClFDa1UHgknIS4WILUbGOBTIvLfvbU1SdeBUURvewN4DLeAL2gNJ1sOSiloRPuomc/s320/Milkweed.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I recently dug out a few milkweed and transplanted them in one of my flower and bush gardens. It's been hot in Ohio, so I probably should've waited for cooler temps to move them, but once I get something in my noggin there's no stopping me. lol </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Butterflies love milkweed. That's my objective - to feed the butterflies once the milkweed bloom. I also have a butterfly bush that's actually a weed. The butterflies go gaga over it. Here's a picture of it from last year, since it hasn't bloomed yet this season.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFXWK5DImQxbGHkNRxP5BTOVou8vZnkcAhSMq1aDxYJp4SJr4_lXD9pcm-lThxlWR7qV3xwMS8sSbxtY6XtAWoarbWstsxAWyzobQleozv8-odvDvn7DrXbBhJNyvPkUtY9oN_zxS5CpU/s640/Butterfly+bush+weed.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFXWK5DImQxbGHkNRxP5BTOVou8vZnkcAhSMq1aDxYJp4SJr4_lXD9pcm-lThxlWR7qV3xwMS8sSbxtY6XtAWoarbWstsxAWyzobQleozv8-odvDvn7DrXbBhJNyvPkUtY9oN_zxS5CpU/s320/Butterfly+bush+weed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before I get to some silly poetry, I wanted to tell you to do a Google search for Strawberry White Clover Cookies recipe. The cookies look tasty and simple to make. I'd love to share the recipe here, but I didn't ask for permission to do so. I may give the recipe a try. If I do, I'll let you know how they turn out. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Now onto the goofy poetry...</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm such a geek,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">a real nature freak.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love me some weeds,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">and all their seeds.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers and weeds can co-exist,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">the mindset that they're a bother we must resist. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nature replenishes, even through drought.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If we try to subdue them, they'll find another route.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Give them a chance,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">in your gardens let them dance. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't snub your noses at weeds,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">in the toughest of times they could supply all our needs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another thing to share...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In <i><b>Keeping Kylee</b></i>, book #2, page 135 in my Texas Boys Falling Fast Series, I mentioned milkweed. Quinn, Kylee, and friends are at a resort in the Texas hill country. Here's what I said - A few monarch butterflies that hadn't migrated north, congregated on a patch of purposely planted milkweed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">* See, I even put my fascination for weeds in my stories* </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh99AUAjSfMZWwAjRg2Rn3UfGhGjdjYuUOFQjn1tZzVJrIo36OCKeL7DWPP9RM6pM3SgIFDZJ2mMc_WRofB6KLLRxOSgtDoedUPBCCy8wt4-ewsXODAcZgLxXLAu5u7X8zggyU4HmxwXb/s2048/Keeping+Kylee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh99AUAjSfMZWwAjRg2Rn3UfGhGjdjYuUOFQjn1tZzVJrIo36OCKeL7DWPP9RM6pM3SgIFDZJ2mMc_WRofB6KLLRxOSgtDoedUPBCCy8wt4-ewsXODAcZgLxXLAu5u7X8zggyU4HmxwXb/s320/Keeping+Kylee.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm getting kind of wordy with this post, but I wanted to leave you with one last thought - <b>In some ways we're all a variety of weed: strong, resilient, stubborn, independent, a survivor, helpful, and an often misunderstood gift.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have a moment and want to check out my website, click the link: <a href="http://www.authorjanromes.com">Jan's website</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next week, take good care!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-81867286118168337272021-05-31T08:44:00.002-07:002021-05-31T08:48:25.001-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry - The Lake Effect<p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, All...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">First and foremost before I get to rambling, today is Memorial Day and I want to take a moment to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpOFG8vv12bv1_bcRAN_36kFcWmIgbcx4dclyJmWPv5ZWZ2Rs-oGkPIg0_Qbro0iPEwM9FJhFNLUOiDBpXhwzcNXiJRPokXvrb_AAYkcU-fJo-mYZS9XECQtW8mvTAkGt7uoGaF6viad9/s1080/MemorialDay.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpOFG8vv12bv1_bcRAN_36kFcWmIgbcx4dclyJmWPv5ZWZ2Rs-oGkPIg0_Qbro0iPEwM9FJhFNLUOiDBpXhwzcNXiJRPokXvrb_AAYkcU-fJo-mYZS9XECQtW8mvTAkGt7uoGaF6viad9/s320/MemorialDay.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, on to the post...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's Monday morning, which means another episode of Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry. I know you've been on the edge of your seat waiting for this (or maybe not...ha 😁 ) As with the first segment, this is not a well-thought-out post. I'm winging it, folks! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here goes...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I recently made a trip to Grand Lake St. Mary's to write and read. So while I indulge in a steaming hot cup of java, I'm going to reflect on today's topic: <i><b>The Lake Effect</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfsNt72mPh6ImZFSO3PrsG10Rkh0zNmZE4PKyt_0atRS4Q6b4-iPN2iI8OX0lmDm_UoPDCjnvC8HDewYGpG76q_VsFoF6c_Bv_QanDHnTbpY__lpnWd0xdy-4z4maqYV9zeORa8pxBDjP/s640/CoffeeCup.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfsNt72mPh6ImZFSO3PrsG10Rkh0zNmZE4PKyt_0atRS4Q6b4-iPN2iI8OX0lmDm_UoPDCjnvC8HDewYGpG76q_VsFoF6c_Bv_QanDHnTbpY__lpnWd0xdy-4z4maqYV9zeORa8pxBDjP/s320/CoffeeCup.JPG" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /><b><br /></b></i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In our part of the country, lake effect usually means the weather goddess picks up moisture from one or all five of the Great Lakes and proceeds to turn it into downpours or a snow plow's nightmare. For me though, the term has a more positive impact. When the creative gnomes in my frontal cortex start to mutiny, it's time to head to my happy place to give them what they need. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9cnsy7E6N_f9bQdmtjLCqr4EQKNCPRZ2zKsZTI6rGBx80gt62_8mqEFH1UXTrOt1W5FpuIlHrfxqCu6XqbB6SuMbyCXVatY5O5S8P4Vmgzkye-VS3vHKznrzj2-wieXc7b7ML4aL4AoU/s2048/Grand+Lake.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9cnsy7E6N_f9bQdmtjLCqr4EQKNCPRZ2zKsZTI6rGBx80gt62_8mqEFH1UXTrOt1W5FpuIlHrfxqCu6XqbB6SuMbyCXVatY5O5S8P4Vmgzkye-VS3vHKznrzj2-wieXc7b7ML4aL4AoU/s320/Grand+Lake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: large;">Our digs at the campground aren't fancy by any stretch of the imagination, but I don't need fancy. I just need an occasional change of scenery. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This particular visit was relaxing and productive. I sat outside with my laptop and an insulated mug of steaming hot coffee. The laptop wouldn't connect to the internet, so I MacGyver'd my manuscript with an old-school technique. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzflsibpSMXysVhCMs9g95L5CnmAkzBJ2wcyD35JHKuB2S6osWy7kkhCG9J_HVjRJ-ItAHNx3y4hm_RYQhwPU-97pQ_MVJC1x6Nqcr3s9Ss7srZNUjLiQXTWxtyaJSkRqK-u16apKyUfp/s640/Paper+and+pen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzflsibpSMXysVhCMs9g95L5CnmAkzBJ2wcyD35JHKuB2S6osWy7kkhCG9J_HVjRJ-ItAHNx3y4hm_RYQhwPU-97pQ_MVJC1x6Nqcr3s9Ss7srZNUjLiQXTWxtyaJSkRqK-u16apKyUfp/s320/Paper+and+pen.JPG" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Creative gnomes must love the soothing sounds of tree birds and honking from geese because my manuscript now has a few new chapters. Of course, the gnomes were kept bug-eyed with caffeine so they had to do something.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love being home, but I love being at the lake. If I had to choose one over the other, the lake would win hands down.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We all have a place that speaks to our soul. Where's yours?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">⛾⛾</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On to some really bad poetry... </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Without a writing and laughing gnome,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">my thoughts go here and there, they like to roam.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Those red capped, bearded elves inspire,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">if they don't I perspire.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They reside in my frontal cortex,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">or maybe in a cerebral vortex.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's a well-gnome fact,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">without them I'd be sacked.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">LOL...I did warn you it would be bad!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz8Pu95elDiSf1fn7dC1iJoIovF8QVMzB1zthr0FxdqmXSOqhRANvf1WEoz2Hh4Sx7co982hzZ3B-NOQzpV8ftGPmXdFw1qAAq_eZ6IbRoNKVOCZJGLasWlffJQKy8YS2GFj0q3EDBGi9/s2048/CoffeeGnome1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVz8Pu95elDiSf1fn7dC1iJoIovF8QVMzB1zthr0FxdqmXSOqhRANvf1WEoz2Hh4Sx7co982hzZ3B-NOQzpV8ftGPmXdFw1qAAq_eZ6IbRoNKVOCZJGLasWlffJQKy8YS2GFj0q3EDBGi9/s320/CoffeeGnome1.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you've made it this far in the post, it means you didn't click out. Thanks for hanging with. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, take good care and try your hand at writing some bad poetry. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to see what else the gnomes inspired, check out my website: </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.authorjanromes.com">Jan's Website</a></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><br /></u></span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-12563049704648948872021-05-17T14:05:00.003-07:002021-05-31T08:47:10.863-07:00Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry - Monday Mornings<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Hello All...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to my new Monday morning blog post series that will include topics of all kinds and some ridiculous poetry. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure how this is going to go. Is this post well-thought-out? Nope. I'm just going to drink coffee and ramble (I promise to keep it short-ish). However this turns out, I'm glad you're here.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My kickoff topic is none other than -- Mondays!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While I sit here enjoying a cup of medium roast coffee and wondering what to write about regarding Mondays, I'm watching the day come to life with the sun breaking through the clouds and birds visiting the feeder outside my kitchen window.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8vTrosHwR8Vaw0wY7vPsZ4jlJAFNpshzL0CdusloesAitnYST6zXp345k7AizyMuM44BQuL18PzNt8rYcmw4QVEmET0FXmYl2-2ns-hLS40FhYlu0e0ch9wOD3UFGikRNA2LoYiGKrrR/s640/Coffee+cup+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8vTrosHwR8Vaw0wY7vPsZ4jlJAFNpshzL0CdusloesAitnYST6zXp345k7AizyMuM44BQuL18PzNt8rYcmw4QVEmET0FXmYl2-2ns-hLS40FhYlu0e0ch9wOD3UFGikRNA2LoYiGKrrR/s320/Coffee+cup+1.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mondays -- love 'em or hate 'em?</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'd say the poll results on that question would show most folks rank it as their least favorite among the other six days. Some view Mondays as the train wreck to their week. Sometimes the work week starts off on the wrong foot -- literally, because you can't find your shoes. Or because you vowed on Sunday to begin your diet on Monday, and by the time ten o'clock rolls around you've already had two donuts and a half bag of sour gummy bears. (It happens) You might've sloshed coffee on your clean shirt. You're not mad at the coffee stain, but rather, that you wasted a precious sip of the hot, rich, aromatic beverage you counted on to help you get through the day. (You get the idea. LOL) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do any of you view Mondays as a fresh start?</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm one of the rare goofballs who love Mondays and I generally have a slay-the-day mentality. I started today by making my bed and brewing a pot of coffee. Neither will change your world, but it will change mine; albeit in two small ways (microscopic ways, teeny-tiny ways, itsy-bitsy ways). <--I did promise to ramble. Promise kept. Ha! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Notable things that have happened on a Monday</u>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hershey Kisses were first manufactured on a Monday</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Olympic gold medalist, Jesse Owens won his first gold medal in the men's 100-meter dash in Berlin on a Monday</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">YouTube became a reality on a Monday</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My son was born on a Monday</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">* You should pour more coffee, because some really bad poetry is about to take place. *</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">⛾⛾</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Shuffling to the kitchen in my tattered robe,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">one eye open, the cup I tip </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">to take my first sip.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The steam fills my nose,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">readying me to write some prose.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I drink the bean nectar, hot and black,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">to get my creativity well on track.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Caffeine jolts, every cell awakens,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">the story in my head loudly beckons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I put it on hold to enjoy another taste,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">afterward, to my office I make haste.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With my cup full, I drink to keep my brain from turning to cotton,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">and to jot down my thoughts so they won't be forgotten.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">✎📚</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would be remiss not to mention that I'm currently working on book number two in my Coffee and Dessert Series. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to check out book one and my other books, you can find them on my website, at: <a href="http://www.authorjanromes.com">Jan's Website</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">💖🙋</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Take good care. I bid thee adieu until the next post of Coffee Cup Ramblings and Ridiculous Poetry. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-43405074205235769062021-01-17T10:16:00.002-08:002021-01-17T10:16:40.973-08:00The things you learn about your characters... (recipe included) <p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the fun things I like about being a writer is learning things about my characters as my stories unfold. Some authors know ahead of time everything about their characters before they ever start a new story. I'd like to give them a high-five. I'm in the group of writers, however, that doesn't nail all the quirks, habits, flaws, likes and dislikes, etc. right away. I have the basics down pat, but I can't seem to know them 100% until certain things happen within their adventure. I have been surprised more times than not by the things I've discovered along the way. A good example is Danna, the main female character in book number 2 of my Coffee and Dessert Series, that is currently underway. I knew ahead of time that she was going to be quirky and eccentric, I just didn't know to what length. I have to tell you, she's made me laugh and shake my head a few times, and I can't wait to share her personality with you when the story is finished. I'm hoping it will be sometime in the first quarter of this year. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, here are some things that make Danna, Danna. She's fearless in most things, loves colorful clothes, hats, and purses, and she can't seem to live without cheese and anything made with pumpkin.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxfW1AUOoZfu_p0r1K_ljWXdEic3FUOF-98GqTyQaT4qWBUusP0mm06si6ZHVW3ZnFsicK7hCWKu651Bco4_7Wh0DTYE_Q7JQa-KgtGa5nLomSkpmKGwP6WfKKrdZjMpGW_c9SRlA9aSJ/s640/Danna+blog+-+clothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxfW1AUOoZfu_p0r1K_ljWXdEic3FUOF-98GqTyQaT4qWBUusP0mm06si6ZHVW3ZnFsicK7hCWKu651Bco4_7Wh0DTYE_Q7JQa-KgtGa5nLomSkpmKGwP6WfKKrdZjMpGW_c9SRlA9aSJ/s320/Danna+blog+-+clothes.JPG" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In one of the scenes, she talking to her cat about men, while she's making pumpkin-chocolate chip-pecan snack cake. </span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's the recipe</b>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Preheat over to 350 degrees. Spray 9" x 13" glass baking dish with cooking spray. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 and 1/2 cups sugar</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">7 and 1/2 ounces of pumpkin puree</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup of oil (you can substitute 1/2 c. applesauce for the oil)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup of water</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2 eggs, beaten</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 and 3/4 cup flour </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3 teaspoons cinnamon</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tablespoon of nutmeg</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon of baking soda</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3/4 teaspoon of salt</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 and 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can also add dried cranberries, a 1/2 cup or more</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">(This is not an original recipe. I found it online about 10 years ago and modified it to my taste.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is what the finished product looks like...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTox82iMjd1iIrkC2T50f7Y-B8F4J8yqG8ewUaX6HzYHzKvqbzcQVXKLWxf7j_iWvlpkSbIRi67EeqilmuUF47mWTHBzz2-mxjEe51fkpinN5y5BfZBPeMySn45vt6uG9YzzoHQBgtz8Q/s640/Danna+blog+-+pumpkin+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTox82iMjd1iIrkC2T50f7Y-B8F4J8yqG8ewUaX6HzYHzKvqbzcQVXKLWxf7j_iWvlpkSbIRi67EeqilmuUF47mWTHBzz2-mxjEe51fkpinN5y5BfZBPeMySn45vt6uG9YzzoHQBgtz8Q/s320/Danna+blog+-+pumpkin+cake.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGINN7qYvR3j43FOaPg3cCoMNMBADyW3KuDQjC0YXYWmuJZvJmz51lkjRNjmMsKyN5Ol7iCkygmu3tw70tzCMluy5gRm85bwXdqc5b9iOH1qh_Fbh568gx76Dv8zldkmOY6AFgohGuoABl/s640/Danna+blog+-+pumpkin+cake+piece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGINN7qYvR3j43FOaPg3cCoMNMBADyW3KuDQjC0YXYWmuJZvJmz51lkjRNjmMsKyN5Ol7iCkygmu3tw70tzCMluy5gRm85bwXdqc5b9iOH1qh_Fbh568gx76Dv8zldkmOY6AFgohGuoABl/s320/Danna+blog+-+pumpkin+cake+piece.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I've made this cake and given you some insight into Danna, it's time to get back to writing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great day!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ Jan</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-38792454577269318432021-01-15T15:59:00.001-08:002021-01-15T15:59:42.208-08:00How to Stay Motivated during this Pandemic by Jude Haste<p><span style="font-size: large;">Jude Haste is here with a great post about staying motivated during this pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">~ * ~</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me introduce myself; Jude Haste born in London, UK and I write comedy quick reads for those living fast-paced lives! I write in a chatty and informal style to engage my adult audience. Thank you, Jan Romes, for letting me be a guest on your blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">During this pandemic, I have become acutely aware of why others state that your <i>Mental Health</i> is just as important as your <i>Physical</i> <i>Health</i>. In the UK we are now in Lockdown 3, morale is low and the hospitals are overflowing. Children are being schooled at home. Life feels upside down.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">For a comedy writer trying to be creative during this period has been a struggle with too many distractions going on around me. But having faced lows in my life before, I feel equipped as I know that I have to stay motivated or negative thoughts will threaten to overwhelm me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In my case, if I am not writing, I read or take an online course. Escapism that comes from fiction books allows you some<i> time-out</i>. Your thoughts are engaged in worlds of others for a short time and then you can come back to the reality of your own world, refreshed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Responding to the pain that exists around all of us, we need to restore some faith in ourselves to handle the challenges we face. A healthy mindset and communication are essential to help reduce our anxieties when we face problems in our lives.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the fictional quick reads I write, characters have to overcome adversities. The pandemic is an adversity for all of us. Mental Health Awareness is something that we all need to be tuned in to. When we eventually come out of this devastating situation we will need to heal. Kindness matters. Empathy matters.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I understand that our mindset is key to getting us through.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH-0lZORxFcyO0GpZlSU5dW3hTyxtyMf8FnJMMBA9iH_IEXXzGoV300aMMWA12f5aZvV_SrGtCq7WpBgL4o9Q6X0sBIBwbMEBtBDO4HF3pITdYCqgAcXFV0uD8ye5uJvxNQi3hxrUjD0V/s500/Jude+Haste+-+Toxic+1+and+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH-0lZORxFcyO0GpZlSU5dW3hTyxtyMf8FnJMMBA9iH_IEXXzGoV300aMMWA12f5aZvV_SrGtCq7WpBgL4o9Q6X0sBIBwbMEBtBDO4HF3pITdYCqgAcXFV0uD8ye5uJvxNQi3hxrUjD0V/s320/Jude+Haste+-+Toxic+1+and+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was inspired to write <i style="font-weight: bold;">Toxic </i>when my mindset was in a negative place. Through writing the story, I was able to highlight the issue that was affecting me - workplace bullying. The first draft of all my stories tends to be a <i>saddle up and ride off into the sunset affair</i>, with my chapter titles being plot points. It is a mental health journey in itself writing the book, not even I know the ending, except that I want it to be satisfying which includes having a feel-good factor.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I write comedies because humour is essential in our lives. It feels good to laugh and that gives you mental strength to keep going. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We all face problems and issues in our lives. It is how we react to them that ultimately decides their outcome on our mental health and to take responsibility for it. Motivation is the key that drives you forward. Your mindset, therefore, needs to be in good shape.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wrote <i style="font-weight: bold;">Don't Shout it Out </i>because my colleagues and I were feeling very <b>demotivated </b>in our roles as high school teachers. This profession has changed dramatically over the years. <i>Schools are meant to be creative spaces not databases.</i> I became a teacher to inspire young people to be creative as creativity in itself helps you to express yourself, which is therapeutic. Expressing yourself helps your mindset and anxiety levels, allowing you to cope with the battles you come across in your journey. The ultimate goal is peace of mind. We are all in this together. </span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8MfWckh_kl6Qx5DVeXSCMfHBDNlSfJ__izJAFLFJjgiLJcxLL-6b-ExtTiN8m23U07UkNn26RX-qlEaGWfqAx72in2DnbfV3M-3UXN9zFFFnhIKfeyx6rA5fsFN-DcfyLJO3-0XlmiFT/s500/Jude+Haste+-+Don%2527t+Shout+it+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8MfWckh_kl6Qx5DVeXSCMfHBDNlSfJ__izJAFLFJjgiLJcxLL-6b-ExtTiN8m23U07UkNn26RX-qlEaGWfqAx72in2DnbfV3M-3UXN9zFFFnhIKfeyx6rA5fsFN-DcfyLJO3-0XlmiFT/s320/Jude+Haste+-+Don%2527t+Shout+it+out.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">I feel very privileged that I was able to be creative. It was therapeutic and the issues I touched on were challenging. One of the hurdles I had to overcome was, in order to write a realistic scene with a bullying boss in it, I, as the writer had to become that bullying boss. I had to write his dialogue and describe his mannerisms, take on his mindset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">This experience did leave me exhausted and reminded me that those with the loudest voice do not not necessarily win the argument. The shouting and aggressive actions, body language, I described, in the character of the Boss, would make most people tune out not in. It left me with a headache! Shouting and having the loudest voice is not a sign of strength.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Why is highlighting bullying an important issue? The answer is simple. It affects your mindset both in and out of the workplace, impacting those around you. The boss is a leader, meant to inspire and empower you. To be told you have to deal with colleagues in a clinical manner or else, was at odds with my mindset, which is why I felt the need to tackle this issue. Bullying does not end on the playground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">During this pandemic, I am trying to keep a healthy mindset because others are dependent on me. A decade ago, it was fashionable to hold a positive mindset, but I have noticed over the years that people are manipulating the positive mindset theory to promote their own ideas, push through their own agendas, to the detriment of fostering open, critical debate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">The rhetoric is, 'I feel positive hence positive things will come my way, so be like me and you can have what I have.' Personally, I do not want a golden toilet, just a clean one that flushes will suffice. This mantra has become distorted/hijacked even for some in power, to mean "It's my way or the highway," and "Shape up or ship-out," as mentioned in my novella <b><i>Jaywalker</i></b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zC6v4hNOi4-HrIRbFQa7ulsbu7wDu8UP1v3M1MTFRROubnvVtst0ZEVxtlWrAWbNOyQ59ZaNC02-Pc8tp_cHh1EE1uLJMjsaYxuwtntHAMRkx10dZSNsvwbtUDzm80lxHDWfACigcmkz/s500/Jude+Haste+-+Jaywalker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zC6v4hNOi4-HrIRbFQa7ulsbu7wDu8UP1v3M1MTFRROubnvVtst0ZEVxtlWrAWbNOyQ59ZaNC02-Pc8tp_cHh1EE1uLJMjsaYxuwtntHAMRkx10dZSNsvwbtUDzm80lxHDWfACigcmkz/s320/Jude+Haste+-+Jaywalker.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Feeling good about yourself is vital, but it also includes allowing yourself to be a critical thinker, which is equally important as it also encompasses the needs of those around you -- including the planet, which currently is screaming out to us to let it breathe, to stop the pollution.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Motivation does not mean "put yourself first" to me. It is about looking after my mental health so I am fit to look after others. I wear a face mask to show I care for others during the pandemic, as well as reflecting not to take the simple things in life for granted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">To end, I wish everyone safe travels on their own mindset journey. Give yourself a break if you aren't feeling positive. Right now, who can? But stay motivated. The pandemic has meant we have had to reflect. Life is about the journey. My mindset will dictate how I respond to the challenges I encounter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">Do your daily walk, with your headphones on, listening to music. Read fiction daily at home, to energize your thought process and keep up your healthy mindset. Your legacy to your children is the memories they will hold of you from the mindset they develop in life. Being motivated drives us all forward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">We are all being productive in our own households by staying motivated! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><u>We can do this.</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">You can check out Jude and her awesome books at:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jude-Haste/e/B01LY5PT48?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1610751536&sr=8-1" style="text-align: left;">Amazon - UK</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jude-Haste/e/B01LY5PT48/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">Amazon - US</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="@judehaste_write">Twitter</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">A note from Jan...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">I met Jude on Twitter. She's sweet, supportive, and funny. I've read and enjoyed two of her books so far and I look forward to reading even more of her work. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0W7v0TMJW-Ta_bMtbyJxJErQFd14BduuHV1OvEXasI6ii3mZkY3PctgpDX6-tNGc6EK_h78GD66538VYNS3k89CtCYnZNRb1EOj6L2AlDIs6oJtidxSj9Yg7gzYwPj0nXA7YZ-pdPRqo/s500/Jude+Haste+-+Loaded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0W7v0TMJW-Ta_bMtbyJxJErQFd14BduuHV1OvEXasI6ii3mZkY3PctgpDX6-tNGc6EK_h78GD66538VYNS3k89CtCYnZNRb1EOj6L2AlDIs6oJtidxSj9Yg7gzYwPj0nXA7YZ-pdPRqo/s320/Jude+Haste+-+Loaded.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhtHuY1THpZn9bdwE8KwPJbVpvnQ_AkmbhE_bdtQJjeMnG5N-swWa4B1M1B-y2fs3BtXpcnt__NtuGNpq7en5vm3RNoPCH7dwfjKSpmWYvgJg4dQn5irO6SDTh4qgiTysPPId2rbLnDTr/s500/Jude+Haste+-+Just+an+Illusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhtHuY1THpZn9bdwE8KwPJbVpvnQ_AkmbhE_bdtQJjeMnG5N-swWa4B1M1B-y2fs3BtXpcnt__NtuGNpq7en5vm3RNoPCH7dwfjKSpmWYvgJg4dQn5irO6SDTh4qgiTysPPId2rbLnDTr/s320/Jude+Haste+-+Just+an+Illusion.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-92146129034144493092021-01-03T09:59:00.009-08:002021-01-03T10:24:03.258-08:00Get to know...author Shauntae Spaulding<p><span style="font-size: large;">Today I welcome children's author, Shauntae Spaulding to my blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mybyjdvr0yHtKFxyme8WcGVmYT1l9Bbd4az373270YzMV8Rn1Y_OT5uDU83dvOaSb6Bm3aZab6TFo0Kis7s0MrQ8XR37gIEBSNJFlpJE3fvKyt034yfDYm_t4x1ke-ybG2ZZ3Ld6msUA/s567/Shauntae+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="567" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mybyjdvr0yHtKFxyme8WcGVmYT1l9Bbd4az373270YzMV8Rn1Y_OT5uDU83dvOaSb6Bm3aZab6TFo0Kis7s0MrQ8XR37gIEBSNJFlpJE3fvKyt034yfDYm_t4x1ke-ybG2ZZ3Ld6msUA/s320/Shauntae+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">From Shauntae...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">At the start of 2020, I had no idea that I would be an author. It never occurred to me that God would lead me in this direction. I mean, when I was younger I wrote poems and short stories but it never dawned on me to pursue it professionally. I've always enjoyed writing and when I started, it would be hard for me to stop. As I got older though, writing became a distant memory.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It wasn't until May 2019 that my family got an unexpected shock. My stepfather of 33 years, passed away. I had just seen him a month prior and he was fine. Needless to say, the grief I felt was tremendous but one thing I thought of the most was his granddaughter he left behind. She was everything to him and at the tender age of three, would she still remember him?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">That's when God placed in my heart to start writing again. The idea of publishing a book for her to remember him by was my new focus. While at work, I started to write. Within an hour, my book, <i style="font-weight: bold;">My Time With Papa </i>was written. It's a lovely read about a little girl using her imagination to remember him, by doing various activities they enjoyed doing while he was alive. Since the story was based on my family, I wanted to highlight the things my stepfather loved to do and if given the opportunity, would've done with his granddaughter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_LdT24Y_n5NtZOyfb6vYsKIzQZs0YEysnloy8eNPOtmLMzplVQBer3jQRcg-CZSUGo_JZMCKhLXgIKhea3Mlj_B7trWF2k46m1-D4D23f6DqD4AcV2k4pi6-dQR2RDMJWuDBrgLBZi9s/s1063/Shauntae+cover+art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_LdT24Y_n5NtZOyfb6vYsKIzQZs0YEysnloy8eNPOtmLMzplVQBer3jQRcg-CZSUGo_JZMCKhLXgIKhea3Mlj_B7trWF2k46m1-D4D23f6DqD4AcV2k4pi6-dQR2RDMJWuDBrgLBZi9s/s320/Shauntae+cover+art.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Time-Papa-Shauntae-Spaulding/dp/0228830737/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=My+Time+With+Papa&qid=1609698177&sr=8-1"><span style="font-size: medium;">Available on Amazon</span></a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">After finding the courage, I found a publisher and the rest is history! Since then, I have completed five more books that I'm excited to get published and share with the world. God has ignited something in me that has rejuvenated my spirit and allowed me to express myself in a way I never thought I would publicly. I'm using the gifts He has given me, to share my testimony and spread the Good News.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfsudCgCXp6-EohqnPMM6pr47bafJKbTdCOiQonJt_8C0z4h_Z7tmPp9HYeQRE32Df_RNH9wJX5Ts9YxHol_OaZ4c9cqmFrXBqrfp07BVHQR6DqybanH0D85T8Hk40JLFoyXs_T0uzsJx/s919/Shauntae+cover+excerpt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfsudCgCXp6-EohqnPMM6pr47bafJKbTdCOiQonJt_8C0z4h_Z7tmPp9HYeQRE32Df_RNH9wJX5Ts9YxHol_OaZ4c9cqmFrXBqrfp07BVHQR6DqybanH0D85T8Hk40JLFoyXs_T0uzsJx/s320/Shauntae+cover+excerpt.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even in this devastating tragedy of losing my stepfather, God has turned it around for my good. I don't know where this will lead, but I do know that I trust Him in all things and I will continue to write what He has placed in my heart. ♥</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for reading and I hope you follow me on my website and social media. (Click on the links listed below)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://booksbyshauntae.com">Shauntae's Website</a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/booksbyshauntae"><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook</span></a></p><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20650354.Shauntae_Spaulding"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodreads</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="@booksbyShauntae">Twitter</a></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksbyshauntae/">Instagram</a></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">About the author...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Shauntae is a single mother who resides in the sunny San Fernando Valley. She is a writer who enjoys encouraging and uplifting people to be the best they can be! She believes in not giving up on your dreams and experiencing life to the fullest. She lives by not wasting time waiting on someone else. If you want to do something, do it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Her faith is the biggest and most important thing in her life and she is excited to share her life with the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She enjoys taking long walks, working out and watching a ton of movies. She loves to have a good time with friends and family and put a smile on everyone's faces.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">From Jan...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being here today, Shauntae. You're a positive presence on Twitter where we met. I look forward to reading your book and your blog posts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">** Speaking of her blog posts... Folks, if you get a chance check out her post titled, THE DOOR. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://booksbyshauntae.com/the-door/">The Door (booksbyshauntae.com</a>)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">#childrensbooks #booksbyShauntae</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-58552447288486178322020-12-31T11:53:00.008-08:002020-12-31T11:56:21.934-08:00Get to know... Authors: CALEB AND LINDA PIRTLE<p><span style="font-size: large;">Today I wanted to surprise authors Caleb Pirtle III and Linda Pirtle with a post especially for them. They are two incredibly talented writers, who like most of us have worked other jobs before settling into writing novels full time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnzlpAnX7A5gG4IZ_IGCHR_jj28MizDFnnS_al-46ekLx7zrl902O87E3SJ-T2BFyXl8js6W0vg3Jx0gYbPK-UAX19ZTIpW6qEuIHVaIPJ6nfp19TsmWfU0-GkLVjuqDBc87sDr7DY714/s230/Caleb+Pirtle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnzlpAnX7A5gG4IZ_IGCHR_jj28MizDFnnS_al-46ekLx7zrl902O87E3SJ-T2BFyXl8js6W0vg3Jx0gYbPK-UAX19ZTIpW6qEuIHVaIPJ6nfp19TsmWfU0-GkLVjuqDBc87sDr7DY714/s0/Caleb+Pirtle.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti5CHwddTkAIRQOrg0Pg25IVWw29wuJqfiN31MQcOph3-8qpFJDumrKEGGyOh5Y9ulAARnBT8fBLfWrSmHi1sA-PibTiCB2XhVIFnENMU23491QDwsvZCb2CR9C4RsZnvn5Y4cfp6X3yR/s230/Linda+Pirtle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti5CHwddTkAIRQOrg0Pg25IVWw29wuJqfiN31MQcOph3-8qpFJDumrKEGGyOh5Y9ulAARnBT8fBLfWrSmHi1sA-PibTiCB2XhVIFnENMU23491QDwsvZCb2CR9C4RsZnvn5Y4cfp6X3yR/s0/Linda+Pirtle.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Caleb was a newspaper-reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and served for ten years as the travel editor for Southern Living Magazine. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Linda taught the art of writing and understanding literature for years at three high schools and also Business Communications at Navarro College. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Caleb and Linda each have wonderfully different writing styles. Both pen suspense, whodunits, thrillers, and mysteries. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Can you imagine the conversations they probably have at the dinner table? I'm guessing they talk about crime scenes, guns, suspects, and a ton of what-ifs. Oh to be a fly on the wall, just one night while they're enjoying dinner.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Caleb has written more than 80 books, (I need to type that again because it's mind-blowing. He's written more than "80" books) including noir thrillers, but also some nonfiction. His talent doesn't stop there. He's also penned 2 teleplays: (1) <i>Gambler V -</i> <i>Playing for Keeps</i>, a miniseries staring Kenny Rogers, Loni Anderson, Dixie Carter, and Mariska Hartigay. (2) The Texas Rangers, a TV movie for John Milius.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He also has a screenplay to his credit, for one motion picture, <i>Hot Wire</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's just one of Caleb's many books: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo56fceU5hfGPkArCruKY4hD41JRcvYswO96wqakXNVYdL2Lm5-9SCbJEdV4Z2gsmo5JvrTGIDKPAcx4aoJM24CZ7t1ChhSGbjj66JOwTaCPlEC77GCHCgAQNG2hYHykywOUzobw6M2n7/s240/Caleb+Pirte+-+place+of+skulls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo56fceU5hfGPkArCruKY4hD41JRcvYswO96wqakXNVYdL2Lm5-9SCbJEdV4Z2gsmo5JvrTGIDKPAcx4aoJM24CZ7t1ChhSGbjj66JOwTaCPlEC77GCHCgAQNG2hYHykywOUzobw6M2n7/s0/Caleb+Pirte+-+place+of+skulls.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Linda's stories are cozy mysteries. Her series is titled, The Games We Play, which focuses on how people bent on evil can ruin an innocent, fun game -- The Mah Jongg Murders, Deadly Dominoes, Tarot Terrors, and the most recent in the series: </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUYA_kk1syh86N6L0VgtDf-u9VmqECDO552Ivh1xGBqr4oaV6VlS0-ajwR2Kp-cz5hN37OgjTbXEE6k_bhtHdCemKPoEr_WTNhzIw_AzNapgnuK1vp8Gi2FZbMc1PvvFG42DHYrnupdIf/s240/Linda+Pirtle+-+Scrabbled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUYA_kk1syh86N6L0VgtDf-u9VmqECDO552Ivh1xGBqr4oaV6VlS0-ajwR2Kp-cz5hN37OgjTbXEE6k_bhtHdCemKPoEr_WTNhzIw_AzNapgnuK1vp8Gi2FZbMc1PvvFG42DHYrnupdIf/s0/Linda+Pirtle+-+Scrabbled.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Linda has served as an editor for other author's books as well. She's helped Caleb create Venture Galleries, a book publishing company. Together they have CalebandLindaPirtle.com - a literary website devoted to connecting readers with today's growing population of authors throughout the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Caleb and Linda are sweet, helpful Texans and incredible word nerds, who've told many stories with their books, teleplays, and screen plays. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I want to finish this post by saying you should check out all that they have to offer. In my opinion, the best place to start is with their Amazon Author Pages.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Caleb -- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Caleb-Pirtle-III/e/B007HB4YNO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">On Amazon </a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Linda -- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ms.-Linda-Pirtle/e/B06ZYRWK1P?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_sims_vu00_r0_c0">On Amazon </a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-59641967803728768682020-12-26T12:06:00.002-08:002020-12-27T16:18:09.649-08:00A Year of Tears<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I'm no poet, but today I was inspired to write my thoughts about 2020 and I wanted to share my scribblings. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><b>A YEAR OF TEARS...</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Dark and difficult, 2020 has been rough</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Hearts broken, our feelings are raw</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">The chaos has not ceased, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">And the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">road remains tough. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A virus invaded like a giant claw</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Until it hurt, no one saw.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">It pillaged and plundered,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Many took a hit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A horrible blunder,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Families have been split.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A terror specific, yet not the only one</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Other heartaches also stole the sun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Cancer, heart disease, accidents and more</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">We've lost plenty,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">And it's rattled our very core.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">A trying time filled with fear,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Lives shattered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Our eyes have leaked a billion tears </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">When </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">the madness finally clears,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">One thing will stand firm and true, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">The love we showed, is all that mattered. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DbnHn_uvtdxi-FbQI_yCteoHIvnWoMRHI85yD6gzs_231WkVa4-ZNfA1JQJO4PF-F7mD3I0g3t86H84F9sl_XQzzanNDeRtjr28BpWp_mwXNdOmHhRfxGhgNVa5gsqeMe0UlowllT3wL/s2048/DSCF2602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DbnHn_uvtdxi-FbQI_yCteoHIvnWoMRHI85yD6gzs_231WkVa4-ZNfA1JQJO4PF-F7mD3I0g3t86H84F9sl_XQzzanNDeRtjr28BpWp_mwXNdOmHhRfxGhgNVa5gsqeMe0UlowllT3wL/s320/DSCF2602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p>2020 Copyright</p><p>Jan Romes</p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-33052870262184378362020-11-11T08:23:00.002-08:002020-11-11T08:24:24.964-08:00Book Spotlight: The Sum of our Sorrows by Lisette Brodey<p><span style="font-size: large;">I recently read a new release by author Lisette Brodey, <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Sum of our Sorrows</i>. It was an incredible book in so many ways. As the title suggests, it was an emotional read.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTf1pTwTj4kxhHUKVq33J2vUBj1mCVCxreek6tuuE6L4RJ6pz9BJ3Ks1YIr2myEi6hyphenhyphenzLElpkrCG7wu7c73yznB2ij9DYdgcg5s6niJjUhiuwln_NTO8USi2jkJbMGJl-TkDN3t69kqox/s630/Lisette+-+The+Sum+of+our+Sorrows.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTf1pTwTj4kxhHUKVq33J2vUBj1mCVCxreek6tuuE6L4RJ6pz9BJ3Ks1YIr2myEi6hyphenhyphenzLElpkrCG7wu7c73yznB2ij9DYdgcg5s6niJjUhiuwln_NTO8USi2jkJbMGJl-TkDN3t69kqox/s320/Lisette+-+The+Sum+of+our+Sorrows.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before I share my review for this story, here is the <b>blurb</b>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In an idyllic suburb in Northern California, tragedy strikes the Sheppard family when Abby, the mother of three daughters and wife to Dalton, is killed in a car accident. Charlotte, the middle daughter, is in the car with her mother and survives without physical injury but remains scarred on the inside.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dalton tells Lily, his eldest daughter, that she must sacrifice long-awaited college plans and put her life on hold to take care of her sisters. Lily is torn between her devotion to family and an increasing need to find her place in the world -- but how can she leave, knowing her family may crumble? Will her presence eventually cause more problems than it solves?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Sum of our Sorrows</i></b> reveals how the aftermath of a family tragedy can precipitate sorrows never imagined. It is a tale of grief, hope, healing, coming-of-age, friendship, and survival. It is also a love story of two broken souls living through pain in search of better days and the renewal of one's spirit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now for my <b>review</b>:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Grief is a powerful emotion that grips your heart and won't let go. When you add adult responsibility to a teenage girl that has just lost her mother, that's where Lily's story begins. With no time to process her pain, Lily is thrown into the role of 'mum' in all ways to her two younger siblings and she's expected to do all the cleaning, cooking, etc., plus console her sisters through 'their' pain. Lily takes charge, but she verbally and mentally fights the responsibility since she will soon graduate and had plans to attend fashion design school in L.A. Life is horrendous as she tries to move forward. Anything that could happen, did. Thank goodness for her mum's best friend, Kady who understands and listens to Lily. Tragedies continue to pile up though and Lily has had enough. That's where this story takes a sharp turn. Without giving too much away, something wonderful happens for Lily, yet it's not the end of her troubles. You'll have to read this amazing book to find out all that she has to face. The author put her characters through the emotional ringer; everything from mind-numbing loss to extreme joy - and everything in between. This story is so well-written that when Lily was torn between loyalty to her family and wanting to break out on her own, I felt those same emotions. I also experienced joy when it finally came. As the story evolved, all of the characters' strengths and flaws were revealed, not just Lily's. There are some recurring themes in this story, but one powerful one jumped out at me from the beginning - how life can change in a blink and the only thing you can do is follow your gut to survive. Sometimes you make the right decisions due to the change, but sometimes you don't. All you can do is try your best and hope it's enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>** </b>You can find <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Sum of our Sorrows </i>on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SUM-OUR-SORROWS-Lisette-Brodey-ebook/dp/B08LZJY29Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11P71ROYYYBC5&dchild=1&keywords=the+sum+of+our+sorrows+by+lisette+brodey&qid=1605111102&sprefix=The+Sum+of+our%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>. It's available in e-book and paperback, and can be read for free if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-Vk2SGVoe-R0nte33cI3YsnuBYSfpniTg4NT8ZpF1OAueonbqgjwY7Yn99ltqukM29WkQfH0k0ASUxRk-kEMLtHsP6lBXiwXMtXID179Dy0k2vxo2D76Imt1oE4Bq8_dZB_jqBiTFzx1/s1417/Lisette+Brodey+-+website+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-Vk2SGVoe-R0nte33cI3YsnuBYSfpniTg4NT8ZpF1OAueonbqgjwY7Yn99ltqukM29WkQfH0k0ASUxRk-kEMLtHsP6lBXiwXMtXID179Dy0k2vxo2D76Imt1oE4Bq8_dZB_jqBiTFzx1/s320/Lisette+Brodey+-+website+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Check out Lisette Brodey at:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lisettebrodey.com/">LisetteBrodey.com</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/LisetteBrodey">Twitter</a></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor">Facebook</a></span><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/e/B002TBELOY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon Author Page </span></a><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4332319149248094169.post-81639130560803917882020-06-30T12:23:00.001-07:002020-06-30T12:23:51.716-07:00Like that barn...<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWh9mAV-JotOZ-Hk4_kGhuQrj3jx0M5k8354goAXYMnb5c4BdvXBX0TVg2JenP5hZ5_Zpxe7xKDXGsF0mCQfjoX3rUOr75C52b7ulExpmKjz-GOSstlODrwT5l_g9exNt7Rr6m01KIiCb/s1600/Barn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWh9mAV-JotOZ-Hk4_kGhuQrj3jx0M5k8354goAXYMnb5c4BdvXBX0TVg2JenP5hZ5_Zpxe7xKDXGsF0mCQfjoX3rUOr75C52b7ulExpmKjz-GOSstlODrwT5l_g9exNt7Rr6m01KIiCb/s320/Barn2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On a lonely stretch of asphalt, I walked, past weathered barns and emerging crops. My thoughts and mood were a muddled mess today as I struggled to make sense of a virus that was a sneak attack on the world. With a large sigh, I determined there wasn't any way to emotionally come to grips with that horrible monster. I gritted my teeth and shoved it out of my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Taking a deep breath, I was determined not to allow negative thoughts to take me over. As if that was some kind of challenge, mental pictures of the civil unrest shaking our nation tried to do exactly that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I wanted to shout, "No!" Instead, I wondered aloud, "How will I survive all this chaos?" My hand instantly went to my wrist and to the cross on my bracelet. A sudden calm came over me. I glanced back at the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">second barn I'd passed and received a powerful message from above. Like that barn, I was strong. Like that barn, I'd weathered more than a few storms. Like that barn, I was a bit broken, but I'd get through this and probably so much more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Things may change because of the turbulent times, but I know I'm like that barn and I'll remain standing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-Ojt4PsZZlgBFl9lO7jU3AY646YWkcRYnx1E85bC1PlW7vVWdlG9jVBGSowZWhsvhE7-xnytAnucJRWhMGnw3ddQUMqzoeAuINPO-yU2mM7gibikEnNBY_lTEhS38ZGWY2qN3FQauDZ3/s1600/Barn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-Ojt4PsZZlgBFl9lO7jU3AY646YWkcRYnx1E85bC1PlW7vVWdlG9jVBGSowZWhsvhE7-xnytAnucJRWhMGnw3ddQUMqzoeAuINPO-yU2mM7gibikEnNBY_lTEhS38ZGWY2qN3FQauDZ3/s320/Barn1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Jan Romeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02636465024841445819noreply@blogger.com11