I’m not really growing corn this summer, because as some of you may recall from a few months ago, we have raccoons poking about and I hear they love corn. Best not to tempt fate.
But we do have vegetables. Boy, do we. Stuff is growing way higher than any decent vegetable ought to. Even the acorn squash … misled by the term winter squash, I figured it took months to ripen, and wasn’t ready to cook till fall.
Instead, I’m microwaving the stuff till I’m green in the face. Acorn squash with butter and salt. Acorn squash with brown sugar. Acorn squash with maple syrup.
Being always in search of new and delicious recipes that use my summer vegetables, I am going to share with you the latest really tasty one I’ve come across (and already forgotten where I found it … sorry, Internet chefs. Anyway, I made a few key changes).
It’s called Sweet and Sour Zucchini.
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cayenne pepper, minced (optional)
½ cup chopped, seeded tomato
4 cups sliced zucchini
1 cup thin-sliced onion
½ cup chicken bouillon (or chicken stock)
2 tbsps. sugar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
Sautée the garlic, onion, pepper and tomato for a few seconds. Add the zucchini and bouillon. Cover and cook for five minutes.
Separately, mix together the soy sauce, sugar and vinegar. Blend these into the zucchini mixture and serve.
This is great over rice because the sauce is so tasty.
Oh, if you're wondering about the acorn squash: Cut it in half (carefully -- it's tough) and scoop out the seeds. Turn cut-side down on a plate or cutting board, cover and microwave for 5-6 minutes. Remove carefully -- don't burn yourself -- and turn it over. Score the interior with a fork and add either 1 tablespoon of butter plus salt, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, or 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Cover again and microwave another 5 minutes until deliciously soft and gooey.
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Recharge
First, an apology for being late posting this morning.
Second, an explanation. I'm currently writing this post from the Dolphin/Swan resort in Florida (site of this year's RWA national conference).
In just the 24 hours I've been here, I've seen friends I haven't seen in entirely too long and I've met new people I wouldn't know if not for RWA. I've attended my first of many parties (this one for my agency), and participated in the big Literacy Signing that is held at this conference each year.
My favorite part of any conference is being with like minded people (readers and writers alike). It's motivating and it's exciting. It is, in many ways, the juice that recharges my battery.
So, tell me, what are ways you recharge your battery in life?
~Laura
Second, an explanation. I'm currently writing this post from the Dolphin/Swan resort in Florida (site of this year's RWA national conference).
In just the 24 hours I've been here, I've seen friends I haven't seen in entirely too long and I've met new people I wouldn't know if not for RWA. I've attended my first of many parties (this one for my agency), and participated in the big Literacy Signing that is held at this conference each year.
My favorite part of any conference is being with like minded people (readers and writers alike). It's motivating and it's exciting. It is, in many ways, the juice that recharges my battery.
So, tell me, what are ways you recharge your battery in life?
~Laura
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Delays
I am so sorry to get this in so late, but my mind has been swamped with packing, polishing my pitch and getting ready for the Romance Writer's of America convention in Orlando. I'm so excited! This is my favorite convention and I anticipate it for weeks ahead of time--then spend weeks recovering.
This year, I'm participating in the "Readers for Life" Literacy Signing. What a fabulous program! I am always amazed by--and proud of--the amount of money that is raised. If you've never been there, it is an awesome feeling to be in the same room as all those published writers. Incredibly inspiring, too.
I'm also giving a workshop at the conference this year. My friend, Sarah White, and I are talking about our "Deeply Flawed Heroes" and how to take them to bed (and not regret it in the morning!). We're planning to have a ton of fun and maybe impart a lesson or two. It's our first time presenting at the convention, so we're nervous, but looking forward to the experience.
Some news from me this month is that my upcoming release, Baby Bombshell, got 4 stars from RT Magazine. I confess to being a little concerned aobut this book. You see, Evan is one of those "deeply flawed" heroes I'm going to be talking about on Saturday. I am so happy that someone else loved him too. Well, besides Anna Berzani, the heroine of the book.
Take care and I'll see you next month.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Cars and Shoe Shopping
What is it about cars? Why do they choose the least convenient times to break down?
I know. I know. I’m assigning human emotions to inanimate objects. Cars can’t think, feel, react. But after nearly ten years and a hundred-and-twenty thousand miles, our SUV is almost a member of the family. A member who’s reached the sunset years and now suffers from aches and pains and occasional breakdowns.
That’s what happened this week. A breakdown. The good news—if there can be any good news about a car that won’t start—is that it went belly-up in my own driveway. The bad news—Did I mention a dead car is never a good thing?—is that it’s the week before the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference, and there were a couple of serious shoe shopping excursions on the agenda. I may not be a foot model but, as far as I’m concerned, the real purpose of a conference is to give me an excuse for buying new shoes. So, there I was, debit card in one hand, shoe list in the other…and no way to get to the store.
Now, I’ve heard that some cars will do anything to keep a mechanic from tinkering with their insides. And I guess, mine is one of those. Because the SUV which wouldn’t start for me, dear hubby, the neighbor, or the guys who came with the tow rig, purred like a kitten once it arrived at the repair shop. And for two days, while the mechanic scratched his head, it kept purring.
Which caused dear hubby to deem the car “unreliable.” Which means I can’t drive it the sixty miles to Orlando for the RWA conference. Or, equally important, take it shoe shopping. Which, in my mind, means we need a new car since I believe they should be reliable without requiring monthly trips to the repair shop.
Dear hubby, however, did not see the breakdown as an excuse to go car shopping. Instead, he decided to drive me (in his car, the reliable one) to conference a day ahead of schedule. So, yesterday, we embarked on a marathon errand running, shoe shopping extravaganza which was absolutely necessary in order to compress all the stuff I would have done last week (if the car hadn’t broken down) and the stuff I had planned to do this weekend, into one day.
One. Very. Long. Day.
The end result? Six pairs of shoes and a change of heart on the new car thing.
The ideal vehicle would tow our boat, occasionally seat seven, and not be too thirsty at the gas pump. In other words, fit my life like the perfect pair of shoes. Any suggestions?
Saturday, 24 July 2010
The Recess Bell
I enjoyed school when I was a kid and I was even a pretty good student, but I have to confess I lived for recess. For me and my friends, there was no more welcome sound than the recess bell. We’d slap our books shut, grab our jackets and troop out to the playground for fifteen minutes of fun. Winter or summer, rain or shine, recess was spent on the playground.
I remember two things about recess. Fifteen minutes seemed like a loooong time, and the games we played changed with the season.
We played marbles in the winter and jump rope in the spring. We had several rhyming songs for Double Dutch, but I’ve long forgotten the words to them. Red Rover and Duck, Duck, Goose were popular. Remember a game called Telephone or Grapevine? A group of children would stand in a row and the first would whisper something into the ear of the next child. The message was passed that way until the last person said what they’d heard out loud—and of course it would have been hilariously altered from the original.
My July release, Firefighter Daddy, was inspired by the William R. DeAvilla school, a block and a half from the Haight-Ashbury intersection in San Francisco.
The school’s paved playground still has numerous painted playground courts, and they’re even visible from Google’s satellite maps! (Click on the marker and zoom in.)
View Larger Map
One of them is a hopscotch court, and it became an important theme in the story. One of my favorite scenes in the book takes place on that playground, where the hero’s seven-year-old daughter teaches him how to play hopscotch. As I wrote that scene, I wondered...do children today still play games on the playground? I hope so.
What were your favorite childhood games? Did you or will you teach them to your kids? Grandkids?
Happy reading!
Until next time,
Lee
The Writer Side of Life
Firefighter Daddy available now!
I remember two things about recess. Fifteen minutes seemed like a loooong time, and the games we played changed with the season.
We played marbles in the winter and jump rope in the spring. We had several rhyming songs for Double Dutch, but I’ve long forgotten the words to them. Red Rover and Duck, Duck, Goose were popular. Remember a game called Telephone or Grapevine? A group of children would stand in a row and the first would whisper something into the ear of the next child. The message was passed that way until the last person said what they’d heard out loud—and of course it would have been hilariously altered from the original.My July release, Firefighter Daddy, was inspired by the William R. DeAvilla school, a block and a half from the Haight-Ashbury intersection in San Francisco.
The school’s paved playground still has numerous painted playground courts, and they’re even visible from Google’s satellite maps! (Click on the marker and zoom in.)
View Larger Map
One of them is a hopscotch court, and it became an important theme in the story. One of my favorite scenes in the book takes place on that playground, where the hero’s seven-year-old daughter teaches him how to play hopscotch. As I wrote that scene, I wondered...do children today still play games on the playground? I hope so.What were your favorite childhood games? Did you or will you teach them to your kids? Grandkids?
Happy reading!
Until next time,
Lee
The Writer Side of Life
Firefighter Daddy available now!
Friday, 23 July 2010
Well, I'm dieting. I'd say again, but it's been many years since I've seriously dieted and not just "watched what I was eating" - something that definitely hasn't been working.
I finally bit the bullet after visiting my doctor a couple months ago. Instead of just being weighed — which I could have handled — this new scale gave a printout that included all this information I really didn't want to have, like my percentage of body fat and how close to obesity I am. Apparently, I'm right on the border. Talk about a shock!
I've never been skinny but spent most of my adult life since high school wearing a size nine. Then, about twelve or so years ago, I started putting on weight. A few pounds every years. And losing it was hard. Really hard. I sort of quit trying (okay, bad me). This last trip to the doctor showed I'd gained a total of forty pounds. Forty pounds!!! How in the heck did that happen? I mean, really. I don't remember packing it on. Since when does one cookie cause that kind of weight gain?
Sigh.
Long story short, a few weeks ago I met with the nutritionist at my doctor's office and began dieting under her care. I have to go in once a week and get weighed, which is good and helping me to stay on track. The dieting is hard. I can only eat like seven things. Fine, that's an exaggeration, but it feels like seven things. And I'm tired of salads twice a day.
On the plus side, I've lost eleven pounds so far. Not enough to show yet but my pants are fitting a bit loser, which his encouraging. I'm not trying to lose the full forty pounds. Trust me, that's way beyond my abilities. Twenty is my goal, and I'm starting to think I can manage that. I'll keep you posted.
Cathy McDavid
PS - any "poor baby" words of sympathy will be greatly appreciated :)
I finally bit the bullet after visiting my doctor a couple months ago. Instead of just being weighed — which I could have handled — this new scale gave a printout that included all this information I really didn't want to have, like my percentage of body fat and how close to obesity I am. Apparently, I'm right on the border. Talk about a shock!
I've never been skinny but spent most of my adult life since high school wearing a size nine. Then, about twelve or so years ago, I started putting on weight. A few pounds every years. And losing it was hard. Really hard. I sort of quit trying (okay, bad me). This last trip to the doctor showed I'd gained a total of forty pounds. Forty pounds!!! How in the heck did that happen? I mean, really. I don't remember packing it on. Since when does one cookie cause that kind of weight gain?
Sigh.
Long story short, a few weeks ago I met with the nutritionist at my doctor's office and began dieting under her care. I have to go in once a week and get weighed, which is good and helping me to stay on track. The dieting is hard. I can only eat like seven things. Fine, that's an exaggeration, but it feels like seven things. And I'm tired of salads twice a day.
On the plus side, I've lost eleven pounds so far. Not enough to show yet but my pants are fitting a bit loser, which his encouraging. I'm not trying to lose the full forty pounds. Trust me, that's way beyond my abilities. Twenty is my goal, and I'm starting to think I can manage that. I'll keep you posted.
Cathy McDavid
PS - any "poor baby" words of sympathy will be greatly appreciated :)
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Missing the RWA Conference Already
Next week is the Romance Writers of America's annual conference. It was supposed to be held in Nashville, TN, but the terrible flood there forced a move to Orlando, FL. I sure hope the "tropical wave" off the east coast of Florida, which is supposed to turn into a tropical storm or hurricane, doesn't cancel or delay the travel plans of attendees. That would be a terrible double-whammy!
I had planned a road trip with some writer friends to Nashville, but opted not to go to Orlando for the RWA conference there since I'm going in September with my husband for a vacation. Now as I think about all my friends and associates heading to Orlando, I have mixed feelings. Yes, the conference costs a lot of money. On the other hand, it's fun and sometimes advantageous to network with others. You get very tired, but also very exhilarated. You wish you had a book in the RITA awards, but you also cheer for your friends who do.
In the end, you have to balance family, career, money and opportunity. But really, isn't that what we always do?
If you are an aspiring writer, often it's good to start by going to a local or regional conference first. The RWA national conference can be overwhelming, especially if you are still unsure about what you want to write, which publisher you want to target, or whether or not you need an agent. At a local or regional conference, you can meet published authors in a more relaxed setting and listen to them talk about their experiences. You can ask questions, and if the conference is at a hotel, the bar/lounge is the place to meet up. You have a better chance of getting an appointment with an editor or agent who is actively seeking new clients. The volume and variety of workshops isn't always so overwhelming. (Sometimes when I get my RWA national conference schedule, I can't decide which workshop is best for me, which ones I want to buy as recordings, and which ones I can skip to go shopping with friends!)
One of the best things about the RWA national conference is the booksigning, which benefits adult literacy groups. Publishers donate books as requested by authors who are attending. The room is huge, filled with all kinds of authors and books, from Nora Roberts to the newest member who just saw her first e-book published. Of course, the Harlequin American authors always have a good presence there and it's a wonderful opportunity to catch up with titles you might have missed. At the end of the evening, the author can either purchase her left-over books (with that money going to literacy also) or sign and donate them to local entities, such as women's shelters. If you get the chance to attend one of these booksignings, please come and buy books.
Next year I may see you in New York City. The conference starts June 28th at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. I'll be there! Until then, happy reading and writing.
P.S. Don't forget to check out my favorite recipes here on the Harlequin American Authors blog on the 4th of every month. On August 4th, I'll be on a road trip with my friend Rebecca Russell, who wrote for Silhouette Romance, but I'll still have the recipes up for you to enjoy.
I had planned a road trip with some writer friends to Nashville, but opted not to go to Orlando for the RWA conference there since I'm going in September with my husband for a vacation. Now as I think about all my friends and associates heading to Orlando, I have mixed feelings. Yes, the conference costs a lot of money. On the other hand, it's fun and sometimes advantageous to network with others. You get very tired, but also very exhilarated. You wish you had a book in the RITA awards, but you also cheer for your friends who do.
In the end, you have to balance family, career, money and opportunity. But really, isn't that what we always do?
If you are an aspiring writer, often it's good to start by going to a local or regional conference first. The RWA national conference can be overwhelming, especially if you are still unsure about what you want to write, which publisher you want to target, or whether or not you need an agent. At a local or regional conference, you can meet published authors in a more relaxed setting and listen to them talk about their experiences. You can ask questions, and if the conference is at a hotel, the bar/lounge is the place to meet up. You have a better chance of getting an appointment with an editor or agent who is actively seeking new clients. The volume and variety of workshops isn't always so overwhelming. (Sometimes when I get my RWA national conference schedule, I can't decide which workshop is best for me, which ones I want to buy as recordings, and which ones I can skip to go shopping with friends!)
One of the best things about the RWA national conference is the booksigning, which benefits adult literacy groups. Publishers donate books as requested by authors who are attending. The room is huge, filled with all kinds of authors and books, from Nora Roberts to the newest member who just saw her first e-book published. Of course, the Harlequin American authors always have a good presence there and it's a wonderful opportunity to catch up with titles you might have missed. At the end of the evening, the author can either purchase her left-over books (with that money going to literacy also) or sign and donate them to local entities, such as women's shelters. If you get the chance to attend one of these booksignings, please come and buy books.
Next year I may see you in New York City. The conference starts June 28th at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. I'll be there! Until then, happy reading and writing.
P.S. Don't forget to check out my favorite recipes here on the Harlequin American Authors blog on the 4th of every month. On August 4th, I'll be on a road trip with my friend Rebecca Russell, who wrote for Silhouette Romance, but I'll still have the recipes up for you to enjoy.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Announcing contest winner today!
Please visit my blog post from a couple of days ago here at the Harlequin American Romance Authors site to learn the winner of a free book from my backlist.
The post is entitled "Good things!"
Thank you.
All my best to you,
Barbara
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
The post is entitled "Good things!"
Thank you.
All my best to you,
Barbara
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Friday, 16 July 2010
Good things!
They say good things come in threes, and that’s certainly true for me this month!
I’ve just received the cover for my third Harlequin American Romance, FAMILY MATTERS. Isn’t it fabulous?
And in celebration of the book’s October, 2010 publication date, I’m doing three things:
* revamping my website: http://barbarawhitedaille.com
* starting a blog: http://barbarawhitedaille.com/blog
* giving away a copy of one of my backlist titles to one lucky reader of my blog post here
This is the deal:
The drawing is a special opportunity for visitors to my Harlequin American Romance blog post for today. If you’re reading this post on July 17th, that would include you. ;-)
In order to have your name entered in the drawing, please leave a comment here at the Harlequin American Romance blog by midnight Blogger time on July 17th. Also, please visit my website at http://barbarawhitedaille.com by midnight Blogger time on July 17th.
Take a look at the excerpts for my first two books, THE SHERIFF'S SON and COURT ME, COWBOY. Send me an e-mail from my website, letting me know which book you would prefer IF your name is drawn—and why.
And, of course, feel free to take a look around my website and blog while you’re there. ;-)
One lucky winner’s name will be drawn and the name announced here at the blog on the Open date of July 20th.
Remember, this drawing is based on comments dated July 17th only.
And please remember to BOTH comment here at the Harlequin American Romance blog AND send an e-mail from my website in order to have your name entered into the drawing.
Thanks a bunch, and good luck!
All my best to you,
Barbara
~~~~~~
Barbara White Daille
http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Media Blitz Contest Today!
Today only we're running a one-day Media Blitz Contest to promote The Codys: First Family of Rodeo miniseries by Harlequin American Romance.
CONTEST RULES
Read this blog, then spread the word! Mention Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010) and The Codys: First Family of Rodeo miniseries on all your favorite social media sites--Facebook, MySpace, Twitter. The more places you link http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/
to and help promote Dexter: Honorable Cowboy the more chances you have to win an autographed copy of the book and one of the cowboy items featured in the photo above.
Earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites. Be sure to return to http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ and tell us where you're spreading the word in the comment section of the blog—we'll keep a tally of your activity, then post the winners' names in the comment section of the blog--check the blog on July 17th to see if you're one of the lucky winners!
The Special Bond Twins Share
Facts about Twins
• Fraternal twins are more common than identical twins and account for about 2/3 of twin pregnancies.
• Even after they are born, it is sometimes difficult to know whether twins are identical or fraternal.
• Fraternal twins make up approximately 75% of the twin population and can be boy/boy, girl/girl, or boy/girl sets.
• Fraternal twins share up to 50% of their genes, and are no more alike or different than any two siblings would be.
• Africa sees the highest incidence of fraternal twins; Asia, the lowest.
• The actor Ashton Kutcher has a fraternal twin brother named Michael
Before writing Dexter: Honorable Cowboy I Googled fraternal twins and came across lots of interesting information. The one thing that struck me was research claiming that although fraternal twins don't share an identical genetic code, they do share a special bond. When I got to thinking about it, I realized that as fraternal twins mature they experience many things in life at the exact same emotional and physical point of their development. However, that doesn't mean the outcome of the experience is the same for each twin.
Dexter-- serious, dependable, hard-working, honorable.
Dusty-- fun, playful, teasing, charismatic and the better-looking twin.
Dusty-- fun, playful, teasing, charismatic and the better-looking twin.
Both brothers once had a crush on the same girl--Josie Charles—but Dusty's charismatic ways and good looks won the girl and Dexter suffered silently in the background as he watched his brother and Josie date throughout high school. Eventually Dusty and Josie broke up and moved on, but that experience remained with Dexter all his life. The special bond between Dexter and Dusty is tested when Josie Charles returns to Markton, WY. After all these years, Dexter discovers his feelings for Josie haven't changed, but before he gets excited about a "second-chance" at love, he learns Dusty is the father of Josie's young son.
It is that "special bond" between twin brothers that Dexter struggles with throughout the book. He wants to support Dusty and encourages him to do the right thing and marry Josie and be a father to their son, but at the same time he believes he's the better candidate for husband and father. Once again Dusty stands in the way of what Dexter wants, which creates stress and tension between the two brothers. But it is the special bond they share that in the end allows both brothers to do what's best for Josie and her son.
I hope you'll pick up a copy of Dexter: Honorable Cowboy and see how Dex and Dusty settle their differences—then let me know if you think the right man won the girl!
P.S. Be sure to return in August for another one-day only Media Blitz Contest when Cathy McDavid blogs about Dusty: Wild Cowboy (Book 3 in The Codys: First Family of Rodeo miniseries. If you missed the first book Walker: The Rodeo Legend (June 2010) by Rebecca Winters, you can still order the book through online retailers. You can also keep up on the Codys at http://www.firstfamilyofrodeo.blogspot.com/
where the miniseries authors post a new blog about cowboys every Wednesday.See you at next rodeo!
Marin
Good morning! I need help--more than usual!! LOL!!
Two of my kiddos are headed to college in under a month. My twins turn eighteen in a few days. How is this possible??!! I'm grateful that they're healthy and smart and funny and pretty, but I'm also sad that they'll no longer be lounging on the couch or making a mess in the kitchen. Even worse--who's going to clean the cat box??!!
Anyway, I'm trapped in a funk. How have some of you survived this transition period?
In other news . . . The annual Romance Writers of America conference is swiftly approaching. This year it's being held in Orlando. I fear this will be a VERY bad thing when it comes to focusing on honing my writing skills by attending workshops. BFF Margaret Daley isn't helping with her talk of how much fun we'll have!! Meanwhile, my other roomie, BFF Winnie Griggs, has declared she's spending the week holed up in our room, writing. This makes me feel even more guilty!! LOL!!
Have I mentioned I have NOTHING to wear? For those of you who have never attended one of these conferences, there's a fascinating mix of folks. Some wear jeans and a T-shirt. Others are decked out in full-on business attire complete with jewels!! I strive for somewhere in the middle. Alas, since I also strive for donuts, my wardrobe is limited. I've been on the treadmill, running like a fat hamster, but my fave stuff still won't fit. Hmm . . . wonder if I could start a new trend by wearing PJs all week?
All kidding aside, I can't wait to get hugs from friends I rarely get to see!!! Not only other writers, but editors and my agent. The week's highlight is always the Friday night Harlequin party. This year, it's being held at the Orlando Waldorf Astoria!!! There's always dancing and crazy-decadent food and decor. I LOVE these parties!!! But have I mentioned I still have nothing to wear? ;-)
Two of my kiddos are headed to college in under a month. My twins turn eighteen in a few days. How is this possible??!! I'm grateful that they're healthy and smart and funny and pretty, but I'm also sad that they'll no longer be lounging on the couch or making a mess in the kitchen. Even worse--who's going to clean the cat box??!!
Anyway, I'm trapped in a funk. How have some of you survived this transition period?
In other news . . . The annual Romance Writers of America conference is swiftly approaching. This year it's being held in Orlando. I fear this will be a VERY bad thing when it comes to focusing on honing my writing skills by attending workshops. BFF Margaret Daley isn't helping with her talk of how much fun we'll have!! Meanwhile, my other roomie, BFF Winnie Griggs, has declared she's spending the week holed up in our room, writing. This makes me feel even more guilty!! LOL!!
Have I mentioned I have NOTHING to wear? For those of you who have never attended one of these conferences, there's a fascinating mix of folks. Some wear jeans and a T-shirt. Others are decked out in full-on business attire complete with jewels!! I strive for somewhere in the middle. Alas, since I also strive for donuts, my wardrobe is limited. I've been on the treadmill, running like a fat hamster, but my fave stuff still won't fit. Hmm . . . wonder if I could start a new trend by wearing PJs all week?
All kidding aside, I can't wait to get hugs from friends I rarely get to see!!! Not only other writers, but editors and my agent. The week's highlight is always the Friday night Harlequin party. This year, it's being held at the Orlando Waldorf Astoria!!! There's always dancing and crazy-decadent food and decor. I LOVE these parties!!! But have I mentioned I still have nothing to wear? ;-)
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
GIRLFRIENDS
I know, strange subject to blog about on a writer’s blog. However, it’s what’s on my mind this month. I’ve been blessed with many friends, but they don’t all touch my life in the same way.
I remember a friend I met in college telling me that some friends are a part of your entire life while others come into your life for a specific reason. During the loss of my father and her divorce, which neither one were even on our radar when we met, we talked nightly. I’m not sure we’d have made it through without the support. I still consider her a great friend, but now we only talk a couple times a year, just to make sure the other is okay. Not a lot to say these days.
I had three really close friends from elementary school all the way through high school. One of those wonderful women I see regularly. Our kids are friends and now our grandkids. I can’t imagine my life without her being a huge part of it. Yet the other two women, I talk to on rare occasion and exchange Christmas and birthday cards.
Neighbors – How many great people have we lived close to in our lives? Yet there is only one who I still see. Take vacations with. Keep close to my heart.
Work friends are especially interesting. I’ve met so many wonderful people and friends there. But most of them seem to fade away after one or the other of us changes jobs or companies. One woman and I shared an office for two years and went to lunch together almost daily. Great lady, yet I don’t even know where she is these days. While another friend left the company and moved to California and still drove all the way back to Texas to surprise me at my very first book signing. If she and I don’t talk weekly, we at least email. Out of the hundreds of people I’ve worked with, why did the two of us click?
Writing friends – Wow! What do I say? I’ve met so many fabulous and helpful people in the field. Yet the two women I critique with have become so tight that we don’t know how to act if we aren’t all three online every evening. Sure we love to talk about writing, but we’ve also become important people in each other’s personal lives. I hope to remain friends with a lot of my writing buddies, but these two particularly I’ll be very surprised if we ever lose touch. When I sold my first book, I called these ladies before my family.
I’m sure most everyone has had similar relationships. What makes some friendships last, while others fade away? Do you have a special girlfriend story to share?
I remember a friend I met in college telling me that some friends are a part of your entire life while others come into your life for a specific reason. During the loss of my father and her divorce, which neither one were even on our radar when we met, we talked nightly. I’m not sure we’d have made it through without the support. I still consider her a great friend, but now we only talk a couple times a year, just to make sure the other is okay. Not a lot to say these days.
I had three really close friends from elementary school all the way through high school. One of those wonderful women I see regularly. Our kids are friends and now our grandkids. I can’t imagine my life without her being a huge part of it. Yet the other two women, I talk to on rare occasion and exchange Christmas and birthday cards.
Neighbors – How many great people have we lived close to in our lives? Yet there is only one who I still see. Take vacations with. Keep close to my heart.
Work friends are especially interesting. I’ve met so many wonderful people and friends there. But most of them seem to fade away after one or the other of us changes jobs or companies. One woman and I shared an office for two years and went to lunch together almost daily. Great lady, yet I don’t even know where she is these days. While another friend left the company and moved to California and still drove all the way back to Texas to surprise me at my very first book signing. If she and I don’t talk weekly, we at least email. Out of the hundreds of people I’ve worked with, why did the two of us click?
Writing friends – Wow! What do I say? I’ve met so many fabulous and helpful people in the field. Yet the two women I critique with have become so tight that we don’t know how to act if we aren’t all three online every evening. Sure we love to talk about writing, but we’ve also become important people in each other’s personal lives. I hope to remain friends with a lot of my writing buddies, but these two particularly I’ll be very surprised if we ever lose touch. When I sold my first book, I called these ladies before my family.
I’m sure most everyone has had similar relationships. What makes some friendships last, while others fade away? Do you have a special girlfriend story to share?
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Media Blitz Contest this Friday!
Counting down the days until Friday July 16th--our second One Day Only Media Blitz Contest to promote The Codys: First Family of Rodeo miniseries!
On July 16th I'll be blogging about Dexter: Honorable Cowboy--RT Top Pick for July! For those who've read the first book in the series, Walker: The Rodeo Legend, then you know Dexter is a fraternal twin. I'll be blogging about how Dexter's relationship with his brother Dusty is tested as Dexter struggles with that special bond the brothers share.
Help spread the word by mentioning the book and posting a link to this blog on all your favorite social media sites--Facebook, MySpace, Twitter. The more places you link to and mention Dexter: Honorable Cowboy and The Codys: First Family of Rodeo the more chances you have to win an autographed copy of the book and some "cowboy stuff" pictured above.
Earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites. Be sure to return to http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ and tell us where you're spreading the word in the comment section of the blog.
I'll keep a tally of your activity and post the winners' names in the comment section of the blog on July 17th--be sure to check if you're one of the lucky winners!
For those readers who are reading this miniseries, we'd love to know what you think about The Codys: First Family of Rodeo!
Marin * www.marinthomas.com *
Saturday, 10 July 2010
Fun on the 4th of July!
Okay, so I know it’s the 10th, but six days ago I had a blast!
Recently, I interviewed the Battalion Chief at our local fire department in Colorado, for the 4th book in The O’Malley Men series about firefighter brother, Adam O’Malley.
“Rosie” as all the guys know him, invited me to come down to the station house before the parade started so I could get photos of the firefighters all dressed up in their dress uniforms, their pipe band, assorted support vehicles etc.
Just before they set off, he asked if I’d like to join the families of the firefighters in the march. Would I? You bet!
It was amazing being part of a July 4th parade, to see it from a different perspective from the spectators (as I’d done in the past).
The Fire Department always leads out the parade in Breckenridge and it was incredibly exciting to be sandwiched between the firefighters in front and the engines, ladder truck and other support vehicles behind.
Walking along, I had a couple of friends call out to me from the crowds lining Main Street – no doubt very surprised to see me there. But not nearly as surprised as my husband whose eyes popped out like saucers as I went by. “What are you doing there?” he called.
I shrugged and said, “Hey, they asked me!” I waved the American flag and continued on down Main Street, feeling a little surreal and incredibly privileged to be an Aussie marching in a 4th of July parade.
Unfortunately my camera conked out just as the parade started, but photographer Ken Papaleo captured some great shots for his website. There’s even one of me with Battalion Chief Rosenberger in the station house before the parade started.
http://xmarkstheshot.blogspot.com/
Until next time,
CC
Recently, I interviewed the Battalion Chief at our local fire department in Colorado, for the 4th book in The O’Malley Men series about firefighter brother, Adam O’Malley.
“Rosie” as all the guys know him, invited me to come down to the station house before the parade started so I could get photos of the firefighters all dressed up in their dress uniforms, their pipe band, assorted support vehicles etc.
Just before they set off, he asked if I’d like to join the families of the firefighters in the march. Would I? You bet!
It was amazing being part of a July 4th parade, to see it from a different perspective from the spectators (as I’d done in the past).
The Fire Department always leads out the parade in Breckenridge and it was incredibly exciting to be sandwiched between the firefighters in front and the engines, ladder truck and other support vehicles behind.
Walking along, I had a couple of friends call out to me from the crowds lining Main Street – no doubt very surprised to see me there. But not nearly as surprised as my husband whose eyes popped out like saucers as I went by. “What are you doing there?” he called.
I shrugged and said, “Hey, they asked me!” I waved the American flag and continued on down Main Street, feeling a little surreal and incredibly privileged to be an Aussie marching in a 4th of July parade.
Unfortunately my camera conked out just as the parade started, but photographer Ken Papaleo captured some great shots for his website. There’s even one of me with Battalion Chief Rosenberger in the station house before the parade started.
http://xmarkstheshot.blogspot.com/
Until next time,
CC
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Cowboy Up!
This is a very exciting day--y'all should head on over to the Harlequin American continuity blog where we're celebrating the First Family of Rodeo, the Codys. http://firstfamilyofrodeo.blogspot.com/ Our terrific American writers are going to talk about the cowboy!
Yep, as much as I'm a small town girl from the Midwest (or maybe because I am), I love the American cowboy. I grew up watching reruns of John Wayne, Gary Cooper and all the other heroes and villians clothed in chaps and riding the range.
Put Jimmy Stewart in a cowboy hat, give him a horse to ride (his favorite "actor" horse was named Pie), and our entire perception of him changes. He's no longer saving the Bailey Building & Loan or talking to Harvey. He's saving the ranch and upholding justice.
So, is it the clothes that make the man? Not at all. Did anyone believe John Travolta was a cowboy, Urban or otherwise, just because he had the boots and hat? Not me. I want my cowboy honorable, dependable, loyal. I want him tough and yet ready to have a good time, preferably loving the heroine.
The cowboy is bone-deep American. Yum.
I'll be back next month after our RWA conference in Orlando, but right now, it's cowboy time! See y'all over there.
Megan Kelly
Monday, 5 July 2010
Coming Soon!
One-Day Only Media Blitz Contest!
Earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites. Be sure to return to http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ and tell where you're spreading the word in the comment section of the blog so Marin can keep a tally of your activity.
Marin will post the winners' names in the comment section of the blog on July 17th--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners!
Sunday, 4 July 2010
July Recipes
Happy Independence Day! I hope you have a safe and fun holiday. Last night we watched some beautiful, dramatic and impressive fireworks over Lake Holbrook in Mineola, TX. These were set off from individuals' docks along the lake but rivaled professional displays. Tonight there will be a community fireworks event that we hope to attend, depending on the ongoing showers we've had the last few days.
If you happen to fix too many baked potatoes or corn on the cob on your grill or in your oven, here are some recipes to use up some of the excess. We cooked out last night and invited our new lake neighbors, Mike and Carol, to eat with us. They just fixed up an eyesore of a house into an HGTV or DIY Network worthy renovation. We prepared more food than we could eat, of course, so I'm going to make the baked potato salad in the next day or two. Enjoy!
Baked Potato Salad I
Submitted By: Tom (to AllRecipes.com)
*****
· Prep Time: 25 Minutes
· Cook Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
· Ready In: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
· Yields: 12 servings
"Is this a baked potato salad or a cheese and potato casserole? Try this recipe and decide for yourself."
INGREDIENTS:
· 8 medium potatoes, sliced
· 1/2 pound sliced bacon
· 1 pound processed American cheese, sliced
· 1/2 onion, chopped
· 1 cup mayonnaise
· salt and pepper to taste
· 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Put sliced potatoes into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
At the same time, place bacon in a large deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Remove to paper towels to drain.
In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, cheese, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Crumble bacon over the top, and sprinkle with olives.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
Corn Pudding II
Submitted By: Heather (to AllRecipes.com)
*****
Yields: 7 servings
"Use a food processor or blender for quick and easy preparation. Originally submitted to ThanksgivingRecipe.com."
INGREDIENTS:
· 1 (10 ounce) package frozen white corn (or equivalent of fresh or roasted corn)
· 6 eggs
· 3 1/2 cups milk
· 1/2 cup butter, melted
· 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 cup white sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a blender or food processor blend the eggs very well. Add in the flour and sugar and blend well. Add the milk and blend slightly. Finally mix in the corn by hand. Stir in the melted butter and pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
Bake for about 45 minutes. When the pudding is done the center should be solid and the top should have a nice golden brown color. Let rest for approximately 15 minutes then serve warm.
If you happen to fix too many baked potatoes or corn on the cob on your grill or in your oven, here are some recipes to use up some of the excess. We cooked out last night and invited our new lake neighbors, Mike and Carol, to eat with us. They just fixed up an eyesore of a house into an HGTV or DIY Network worthy renovation. We prepared more food than we could eat, of course, so I'm going to make the baked potato salad in the next day or two. Enjoy!
Baked Potato Salad I
Submitted By: Tom (to AllRecipes.com)
*****
· Prep Time: 25 Minutes
· Cook Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
· Ready In: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
· Yields: 12 servings
"Is this a baked potato salad or a cheese and potato casserole? Try this recipe and decide for yourself."
INGREDIENTS:
· 8 medium potatoes, sliced
· 1/2 pound sliced bacon
· 1 pound processed American cheese, sliced
· 1/2 onion, chopped
· 1 cup mayonnaise
· salt and pepper to taste
· 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Put sliced potatoes into a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
At the same time, place bacon in a large deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Remove to paper towels to drain.
In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, cheese, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Crumble bacon over the top, and sprinkle with olives.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
Corn Pudding II
Submitted By: Heather (to AllRecipes.com)
*****
Yields: 7 servings
"Use a food processor or blender for quick and easy preparation. Originally submitted to ThanksgivingRecipe.com."
INGREDIENTS:
· 1 (10 ounce) package frozen white corn (or equivalent of fresh or roasted corn)
· 6 eggs
· 3 1/2 cups milk
· 1/2 cup butter, melted
· 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 cup white sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a blender or food processor blend the eggs very well. Add in the flour and sugar and blend well. Add the milk and blend slightly. Finally mix in the corn by hand. Stir in the melted butter and pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
Bake for about 45 minutes. When the pudding is done the center should be solid and the top should have a nice golden brown color. Let rest for approximately 15 minutes then serve warm.
Friday, 2 July 2010
Monthly Contest Winner
Congratulations to June!
June is the winner of our *June* drawing. To claim your prizes please contact Rebecca Winters and Tanya Michaels through their websites.
We're always giving away books here at the blog. Your name is entered into a drawing each time you post a comment on our blog throughout the month.
In additon to our monthly book giveaway mark your calendars for July 16th when Marin Thomas will blog about the second book in The Codys: First Family of Rodeo. Marin will be giving away autographed copies of Dexter: Honorable Cowboy as well as some fun cowboy "stuff" so be sure to stop by on July 16th for our next One Day Only Media Blitz Contest!
June is the winner of our *June* drawing. To claim your prizes please contact Rebecca Winters and Tanya Michaels through their websites.
We're always giving away books here at the blog. Your name is entered into a drawing each time you post a comment on our blog throughout the month.
In additon to our monthly book giveaway mark your calendars for July 16th when Marin Thomas will blog about the second book in The Codys: First Family of Rodeo. Marin will be giving away autographed copies of Dexter: Honorable Cowboy as well as some fun cowboy "stuff" so be sure to stop by on July 16th for our next One Day Only Media Blitz Contest!
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