Thursday, December 12, 2013

A most joyous Christmas memory




I love Christmas!! Always have and always will. I love the shopping, the cooking, the visiting and even the cleaning. Everything that goes along with making Christmas bright makes me happy.

Imagine my surprise when my granddaughter asked if I'd ever thought about doing Christmas in January? She'd been considering it so she'd have the money to buy everyone on her list, and those even remotely related to her a present. I used this opportunity to reveal my thoughts about celebrating Christmas and what it means to me.

One night, eons ago, a star shone so brightly that even Kings dropped what they were doing and journeyed on foot (or on the backs of camels) to witness this miraculous event.
Common barn animals looked on in awe as the newborn uttered his first sounds while his mother wrapped him in swaddling clothes despite the expensive gifts laid at the babe's feet. Even though only a few were witness to this event, here we are, thousands of years later, re-telling the tale. Peace, Hope, and Love. God's greatest gift to all of mankind. To be celebrated. To be embraced. To be treasured and shared in our hearts and in the hearts of our children and their children on Christmas day. Without all the tinsel and fuss. Love for our neighbor, our family... a gift all its own.


And then, because grownups love to talk about how things were in their childhood, I went back. A long, way back-in-the-olden days, and shared with her a Christmas memory of mine and what made it so special.


The Tree

It was the first Christmas my brother and I would have without my father living in the house, since he and mom had divorced. Back in the sixties, women made very little money and I can remember our mom was always busy, ironing clothes or caring for the old lady down the street. We didn't have extra money to buy things other than the necessities, like food and heat. Presents were definitely not on the list that holiday season.
Still, as December progressed, my brother and I believed something good was bound to happen. We had faith that Christmas would prevail...somehow.

A snowy Christmas Eve found us hanging around the Xmas tree lot (a roped off  part of the Marathon gas station)  and trying to decide which of the remaining trees were the biggest. We brushed against thick, fluffy spruce and I remember the sticky feel and smell of cedar pine clinging to my fingers. It was nearly dark and the attendant- Mr. Pen, asked us if we had our tree yet. "No," we didn't.

Miraculously, he invited us to the pick of the lot, free of charge! Free! Nada! Zip! Eagerly we whipped through the maze of trees together stopping in front of the towering beauty. I can still recall the thrill of holding the pointy top-end of the biggest tree left while my brother held tight to the bottom. Working as a team we marched home with our beautiful Christmas tree.

Mom's face registered shock, then tears when she opened the door and stood aside as we struggled to get it inside our apartment. She agreed we could decorate it but confessed there wouldn't be anything to put underneath it. "We don't care," we said, and grabbed the paper chains and sparkly Styrofoam balls hanging from the window ledge. Before long we were stringing popcorn as mom hauled out a box of old ornaments. She told us how much she enjoyed stringing the silver icicles and her face glowed as she carefully placed them, one long strand after another, shimmering on the tree. At some point she must have put on Christmas music because I heard the soft carols being sung in the background.

Finally, the tree was finished and she turned off the lamp so we could watch the red, blue and green flashing lights. I'll never forget the warm embrace as she pulled me onto her lap and how my brother crawled up beside her in the chair- crowded, cozy and content. And we sang every Christmas song we knew, in the flickering glow, in the chair, together.

That was a Christmas to remember. And I've never forgotten how blessed I felt to have gotten such a wonderful tree. I'll always remember Mr. Pen, the nice old man who dressed in dirty coveralls and worked all year long on cars and repaired bicycle tires, except for last part of December when he made room in his lot for Christmas trees and opened his heart to us.

Oh, and the best part. Early Christmas morning I woke to hear someone banging on the door. I could smell cornbread and onions coming from the kitchen. I'd fallen asleep on the couch and was the first one to see my dad arrive, covered in snow and carrying an armload of gifts.

It was the best Christmas I ever knew.




Here's wishing you a most joyous holiday with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!!















Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fast and Easy Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin
1tsp. salt, 1tsp soda, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup flour



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp soft butter
1 cup powdered sugar




Spread onto greased & waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Will look dry.








Sprinkle a clean dish towel with powdered sugar on it.
Allow cake to cool in pan for about five -ten minutes and then loosen the edges and
flip cake onto the towel. Dust with more powdered sugar.

 
 
 
Roll up gently and allow to cool (I like to put mine on the porch during a crisp fall day)
Unroll and smooth filling eveningly.
 


 
 
 
 






Transfer to a cake plate and one final dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy!



** Note: At the time of this photo the family had already arrived. I barely got the picture taken before
they swooped in and gobbled up the rest.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Lucille Ball - Ball of Fire













I’ve loved Lucy for a long time and its great to be able to pop in an I Love Lucy re-run and laugh my troubles away. Doesn't matter if its the iconic I Love Lucy television show we’ve all come to know and love or the later version of The Lucy Show, with Gale Gordon, countless movies, Fancy Pants or Yours, Mine and Ours, and Mame, the broke socialite who inherits a boy.



No doubt about it...Lucy was funny.

But she also had a keen business head. Her top concerns were putting on a good show no matter which side of the curtain she found herself on. As an actress or business tycoon turning a profit for Desilu, Lucille Ball was smoking hot!  .


The fiery red head with her keen ability to know what makes a hit is legendary.

With Lucy at the helm of Desilu productions, she recognized the potential of two very interesting proposals that came across her desk.

When other executives refused to back her up, the stubborn read head made the decision- giving the green light to what would become sci-fi sensation.







If not for Lucy, these shows might not have gotten on the air.


Lucy was determind: Star Trek – and Mission Impossible -would be produced with or without their support.



Because of Lucy and her willingness to journey the unknown and go where no one else had ever gone before, we enjoyed the ride.




Other successful shows we’ve enjoyed thanks to Lucy:


Dick Van Dyke Show and The Andy Griffith show were produced by Desilu Studios


We met single father Fred MacMurray with his three boys and one grumpy uncle Charlie in My Three Sons.




Who says you can’t have it all? Lucy certainly did!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Summer time- perfect time- for finding great stuff!

I love everything about summer! The grilling outdoors, no messy kitchen to attend to. Soft breezy days, and I especially love staying up later. After all, it doesn't get dark until 10:00- I've even gone on a coon hunt through the orchard with my hubby! Course all that walking and crisp, night air tires me out sooner than it used to.


But, another great thing about summer...Garage sales! Seriously, like on any given weekend you can find one yard after another filled with 'stuff'. You know what they say. One man's junk...another man's treasure.

Here's a few things I've managed to add to my collection.




You may remember awhile back when I found the darling Wicked Witch doll- designed by Madame Alexander dolls especially for MacDonalds. Well, you can imagine my delight when I hit upon these two.


The Scarecrow

                                  And Cowardly Lion....



The search is on for the Tin-man and Dorothy. I'll get you, my pretty....and your little dog too!



Another part of summer I really enjoy is to sit on the porch swing and do absolutely nothing.

Except play around.  This is a handmade paddle with chicks that heads bob up and down at the corn in the middle.




Here's a table someone's taken the time to hand paint a floral design on. The neat thing about this is that the top is removable, so it can be used as a tray.


 
 
 
 
And added more dishes to my collection: by Royal- The Old Curosity Shop




Just in case I need reminded which steak is rare and which one is well done....
These little wooden picks.  Aren't they adorable?

 
 
 
 
Well, there's still plenty of days to summer. I plan to enjoy every single one. And I hope you do too!


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I got a new washing machine!


 

 So I got a new washing machine. No, it's not one of those fancy smancy front-end loaders. Although I'll admit I'd love to have one. This beauty literally landed in my lap for free and ended up on my porch, country style!
 
What type washing machine is it that has my heart beating faster than a speed cycle?
 
 
 
Wha-la! 
 
 
 
A Speed Queen with a huge stainless steel tub large enough to hold  kinds of heavy comforters, rugs or even thick hunting coats and coveralls.

 

Check it out. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Isn’t she great? I say she 'cause us girls stick together when it comes to age and such, but I'm estimating this particular Speed Queen to have been manufactured around 1940-1950. Her value, probably about $400.00. And I'll bet this heavy duty washing machine has seen many loads of clothes, bedspreads, blankets, you name it. That tub's reaaaalllly big! Imagine, because of this niffty appliance, countless of children marched off to school in freshly laundered little duds.


Although a wringer washer requires a little more work than what we're used to, like feeding the clothers through the rolling pins, and then rinsing them in an entirely different wash tub filled with water (that gets sudsy quicker than you think) it sure beats some of the other washing machines.

Like this one:  I don't think it'd hold more
than a couple pair or blue jeans.
 
 
 
 
Yep, no doubt this invention was greeted wholeheartedly by women everwhere. Much easier than this good ol' fashioned wash board, right? And try using homeade lye soap made from animal fat! 
 
 
 
 
 
Look at that face! She's actually smiling? Wash day...happy day. What'dya think?
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Friday, May 24, 2013

RUNES by Ednah Walters







What REVIEWERS are saying about RUNES:

HOLY RUNES!I really enjoyed this story especially Torin *swoon*. Ednah did a wonderful job on Runes! It is a must read for fans of YA books!...Breanna-http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com/
Wow! I've got to start by saying that it takes something original and excellent to surprise me, and this book did just that! I found myself about 75% of the way through the book with my mouth hanging open... Carrie Williams (Goodreads)

Oh HOLY COW! This book was a mind blowing surprise! I loved the way it turned out and I am literally going crazy over the ending. I was not expecting it to turn out the way it did....Maida...full review May 23-http://loveaffairwithabookreviews.blogspot.ca/
By now I am sure you are getting annoyed with my gushing about Runes, So lets get down to business and show this awesome trailer reveal to the world.
Drum Roll please.........


And now for a HUGE surprise for all of the bloggers in the cyber web, Runes will be on Sale for only $0.99 for the next few days. So hurry up and get your copy while this awesome sale is going on.

Runes can be purchased at:


E-copies:


Now for some Runes awesomeness:


Runes Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father's disappearance, her mother's erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin's dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can't stop thinking about him. Half the time, she's not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.


About this most awesome author:


Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS. Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six.

Connect with Ednah:

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

Now for an awesome surprise, an awesome giveaway.

2 lucky winners will win the following prizes shown in the photo. Sorry this giveaway is only open to US mailing addresses.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 11, 2013


Bachelor’s Special by Christine Warner

 

Entangled Publishing - May 2013

 







 
 
 
 
 
 
 



























Jill Adgate wants three things from life: a successful catering business, a family, and the love of an exceptional man. What she has is no job, a mounting pile of bills, and her outspoken best friend—who sets her up on a blind date with the man who inadvertently ruined Jill’s life.

Chet Castle is a businessman who has everything, except the ability to trust. Burned by a money-hungry fiancée, he refuses to get involved in any relationship that has a shelf life longer than a head of lettuce.

Intrigued by her ambition—and determined to get her in bed—Chet offers Jill the chance of a lifetime: work as his live-in chef and he’ll help her get her catering business off the ground. When sparks fly in the kitchen, Jill realizes what’s cooking is a recipe for disaster…

 
  

 

Title: Bachelor’s Special

Author: Christine Warner

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 2013

Imprint: Indulgence

 


 


 

 Author bio:

 
 

 

 

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her husband, three children, one laptop and a much loved assortment of furry friends. 

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmitic.  A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities.  She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy, heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on facebook, twitter and her website at christine-warner.com.

 

My blog/website:  http://christine-warner.com/

Twitter under ChristinesWords: https://twitter.com/#!/ChristinesWords

My Facebook page…stop by and give it a LIKE to stay up to date with the latest: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Warner/143430882396013


I love to hear from readers and other authors J

 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

They're back! All My Children returns 4.29.13










Unless you've been totally off the internet, you've probably heard the news that soap operas ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE are coming live to a computer screen near you. That's right. Starting April 29th, 2013 you'll be able to watch brand new, never before seen episodes of both soap operas. Since going off the air almost two years ago, a steady quest to reunite the heartwarming characters from Pine Valley and Llandview are back. As are many of the original cast so that the folks (like me) who watched and loved the soaps for years, can sit back and enjoy. Because Prospect Park, teaming up with HULU, is making history! And we get to a front row seat!

But first...





Who doesn't remember this? And that awful sound as the program went off the air each night. Usually followed by the national anthem.

 



 






And  how many remember this?  Shows like Buck Rogers, Death Valley, Gun Smoke and even Bob Hope all filled home and hearth nightly as families everywhere gather around to listen to their favorite show.

 

 

 
 
Okay, actually I don’t remember listening to my favorite show on the radio although my parents did. However, I did grow up when television was fairly new. I remember there was something like two stations, channels 3 & 8. We knew our RCA repair man, Herb Siler, who came when called to replace a horizontal or vertical tube. He sold things like rabbit ears- not the furry ones, and antennas.

 

I looked forward to Saturday because it was the one day of the week I got to see an assortment of cartoons (there was no Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network) They started around 8 a.m. (no sleepy heads in those days) and aired until noon. Totally a kids cartoon paradise. After that it was high time to get outside and PLAY.

 

Since this blog isn’t about all the electronic devices kids have these days and the many, many hours they spend on them, I’ll skip over that and say I love that I experienced the early days of technology. Because ‘back then’ it was Sunday night with Walt Disney or Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, bringing the exotic in my tiny landscape.  Or a selected movie sometimes would be featured as a ‘Movie Event.’

 
 

What am I getting at? Only this…we’ve come a long way baby.

 


Monday, April 29th will start a whole new way to watch All My Childre, a soap opera that ran on ABC for over 40 years and One Life to Live. Both shows are returning LIVE in digital format! That’s right. A whole new way to watch those characters who have become a part of our life. (Mine anyway.)



 
http://www.hulu.com/all-my-children

 


Through Prospect Park and Hulu (a online app.) you'll once again be able to keep up with the daily comings and going in  Pine Valley and Llandview. Or, if you’re like me and wish to watch this on your very own television, simply subscribe to Hulu Plus and for 7.99 a month you can stream it and watch wherever you want, whenever you. Yep... on your phone, your IPad…and even your tv. Just like the good old days.

Yay!!! 

 

It’s new. It’s exciting. And I can hardly wait!!!

 

 

 

 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

.99 cent SALE!




Here's the link to purchase this delightful short story on Amazon. You can also look under 'my books' tab above and find links to purchase Night Bird and Man of Her Dreams. And as always, thank you so much for your support.

http://amzn.to/10bpnvO   


For a limited time (like 2 weeks) you can get Night Bird for .99cents! I know, it's only a buck and a quarter normally, but hey, who doesn't like a sale?

Here's a sample of what readers have to say:



What a charming story! May 8, 2012
By Diane

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A ship's captain washes ashore and is rescued by an angel. Literally. Emma has one gift to give the man near death--time. Time to come to terms with his death, time to rectify a wrong, time to love once more.

Teresa Blue's debut novella is a winner. Emma's earlier sacrifice tugs at the heartstrings. She's always put others before herself. You want to root for her to find the love that has been missing in her solitary life. Travis is the man who can make her whole. Well done, Ms. Blue.
 Highly Recommend May 18, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
NIGHT BIRD by author Teresa Blue is a great short story. Travis a ship captain is found by Emma a paranormal being washed up on the shore. Emma has special abilities that help the dying complete their journey to death by finishing unfinished business. In the end Travis helps Emma with some of her own dreams never completed. This story is a fast read and I highly recommend it. This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.

REVIEWED BY Rae

RATING 4.5

HEAT RATING MILD
Still need convincing?  Read on....
Travis Howland washes up on the shores of Lost Isle and into the arms of an angel.

Known as the Night Bird, Emma Samson dedicates her afterlife to a solitary existence on Lost Isle, easing the passage of the dying. When she finds Travis weak and desperate, she gives him the only gift she has--a few more days to settle his affairs before his death.

Sorely lacking in faith, Travis lives life with no thought for the future. When his lovely rescuer claims he has died, he can't believe it. He must warn his father that their ship was plundered by a greedy business partner, but only a leap of faith can save him.

Together, Emma and Travis use his last few hours to avenge the traitorous deeds that torment him, and along the way discover that love can be found in any stage of life…even after death.
I love it and even as the author, I've read it at least, oh, say a few hundred times! 
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Have a wonderful day!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Cooking for fun!


After many years of cooking for my family, it seems lately I look farther and harder for ways to make a nutritious meal without it being the same ‘ol, same ‘ol. I’m coming to the end of the kettle, so to speak, when it comes to ways to cook goulash. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very big fan of pasta, and agree there’s nothing like a quick pot of spaghetti, cheesy-tuna casserole or hearty chicken noodle soup to fill the stomach and feed the soul. But there’s gotta be meals the kids will eat besides noodles, right?

 

When in question, research. Hit the shelves…and I pulled out a cookbook I haven’t opened in years. Before long, I’m sitting at the table, grinning, flipping one page after another. I’ve had this cookbook forever and remember buying it not for the recipes, but the lovely photos inside. Every time I open it, it takes me back in time. When I was a kid sitting of the lid of the big freezer, kept on the front porch, with my cousin Johnny, and waiting for Sunday dinner. Actually, we were waiting for the chicken to drop. You’ve heard the expression “Like a chicken with its head chopped off”? Seriously folks…they run. Like crazy…big, whirly loops around the yard while my uncle stands watching with an ax still dripping blood. Well, believe me when I say the only safe place was the top of the freezer!

 

We’d have chicken and dumplings’, a berry cobbler and icy cold milk. Later, we’d play tag outside for hours until the sun went down and then switch our efforts to catching lightening bugs and putting them in pickle jars.

Great times. And you can see why I love this book. It’s kind of like a family album.

Tell me, have you ever heard of a ‘Kiss Me Not Sandwich’? Or how about a ‘Cooter Pie’? Does anyone know… what exactly IS a Cooter? I’m not sure. But reading the recipe, I think it’s some kind of shellfish. Lobster, maybe?  

 

And I’m not one to overlook desert. This book is loaded with good selections. My mouth waters just thinking about ‘Vickie’s Stickies’. And remind me to copy down the recipe for the ‘Resurrection Cake’ served with ‘Whisky sauce’. I know my mom would get a kick out of that come the next church basement dinner.

Isn’t that what good food is all about? Fun times gathered around the table with family and friends.

Oops…but I’ve gotta get busy. After all, Monday night is family night around here. They’ll be expecting something. Who knows…I might even try Freda’s Five-Can Casserole.  Quick, easy and delicious!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

How do I love thee....





 

This is the LOVE day. Valentine ’s Day means purchasing large silk covered boxes of chocolate and cards so sweet your teeth ache. Some of us will spend the day baking (raising hand) heart-shaped cookies for our sweeties’ lunchbox. Others will plan a romantic candlelit dinner and a chilled bottle of wine. The lucky ones might even find themselves tip-toeing behind a path of rose petals to a heart-shaped Jacuzzi, the steam rising behind rows of colorful bottles and scented oils.
 
Pop!      
 
Or not.
Assuming we’re all lucky in love, forgive me if the events describe your romantic evening.
I happen to know some people, the gals –or guys- whose day will be spent cooking that fabulous dinner after running to the store to grab a few steaks and valentine cards. Yeah, (s) both of them because some people in the house who (because they get off work late) can’t make it, ask that you purchase one more. After all, you’re going there anyways, right? Can’t you just reach through the crowd and grab an extra one? Who cares what it says, as long as it symbolizes love. Right?

  I'm not talking about me, really. My hubby made a special trip to the butcher last night and requested 1' thick Delmonicos. On my kitchen table this morning is a red envelope with my name on it and orders DO NOT OPEN TILL LATER!!  
Romantic gesters....
What do you consider romantic?
 
February 14th.  A day to celebrate your better  half.  
.
 
I’m giving away a digital Kindle copy of Man of Her Dreams to one commenter and hope you enjoy reading about romance as much as I do.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Snowballs








February in Michigan is lovely.





And it's still snowing here. I love brand new snow. But of course I didn't go too far before I headed inside to warm up.

Using a recipe given to me from a good friend I decided to make snowballs of a different kind. Boy, are these delicious!





Snowballs

 

 

 

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

 

4 cups all purpose flour       ½ cup butter

1 tsp. baking powder           ½ Crisco shortening

¼ tsp. salt                             8 oz pg. cream cheese

¼ tsp. nutmeg                      1 ½ cups white sugar

                                             1 egg

                                             1 tsp. vanilla

 

 

 

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl cream together butter, shortening, sugar and egg until blended. Next add softened cream cheese and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours.

 

On lightly floured surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut with a round cutter (I use a glass) and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Next, spoon 1 tsp. filling of your choice, I love using mincemeat or raspberry preserves. Lemon curd is wonderful, too.



 

Carefully press another layer of cut out cookie dough, creating a top. Gently press and seam the sides with your finger. Bake a 375 for 7-9 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

 

 

When completely cooled sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. Then heavily with green and red sugar crystals.

 

Yum! Enjoy!

 

 

 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

And the Winner is...


I have a winner!

 

 

January has flown by and Tiffany was selected as the winner of my Goodreads contest! The contest drew 460 entries, many of which added the book to their bookshelf. I’m so excited for Tiffany! Congratulations!

 



Your book will be mailed soon! Happy Reading. 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Win a free print copy of Man of Her Dreams!

Whew...the holidays are over and my TBR pile grew by at least five new books! I can hardly wait to get started. My biggest problem is always trying to decide which book to read first.

1. Biker Billionaire #1
2. Devil in Disguise
3. Wait for Me
4. The Courage to Write
5. Under the Mistletoe


Sometimes I get so anxious that I'll read two books at once. Like now. I'm currently reading The Present by JoAnna Lindsey and this story features the Mallory family. It's also a Christmas story and why I saved it for December. I adore this series, 12 books in all, I think. And each one is a keeper. But because I enjoy grabbing a minute or two to research my craft, I'm also reading The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. This is a great book and although I've barely cleared the first three chapters, I'm really enjoying it.

Last, but not least, I've joined Goodreads author program. And since becoming an author  (Yay!) I decided to do a giveaway on Goodreads. That's right. I'm going to give away one free print copy of my novel Man of Her Dreams.


Here's an excerpt: 


The bar room boomed with laughter and for the second time that night Jay felt twelve years old. Only this time he couldn’t run away. He knew what people whispered about him but he didn’t care. He’d purposely added to the rumor going by not getting involved with any of the local women. There had been plenty willing and available when he first arrived. A few even asked out-right if he’d like to go home with them. But Jay always turned them down, refusing to play in his own backyard. Not wanting to bed any of them.

     Until now.

     “You’d be surprised what a little fairy dust will do,” he said, and easily hoisted her over his shoulders. The crowd ate it up, yelling instructions behind him.

     They’d almost cleared the door when Sally came running over carrying a cowboy hat filled with ten and twenty dollar bills.  “Les! Wait up! Your money. How you gonna leave town without it?” she said, and held out the floppy hat.

     Leslie struggled against his chest and Jay reluctantly let her slide down his body. She dipped her fingers into the hat and pulled out a wad of money. “You mean all this is mine?”     

     “Sure is. Look around, Les. That ride was the best they’ve seen in awhile. Shit, even the ladies have something to think about. The way you work those thigh muscles, maybe get a little more verbal. Hell girl, you’re an inspiration to us all.”

     Sally squeezed her in a boa-constrictor hug, smashing her against a huge bosom. She planted a wet kiss alongside Leslie’s cheek, then pulled out the napkin she’d tucked in her cleavage earlier and proceeded to wipe away the lip gloss her smooch had left behind. “All I know is, if that ain’t enough to buy a new alternator, then come back tomorrow night. You can double it.  I guaran-damn-tee- it,” Sally said, as proud as if she’d won.  





The contest runs all of January and the winner will be selected at random on the 30th. So if you haven't gotten your copy yet, why not head over there and enter. You never know, you just might win.


Happy reading!