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 29^th 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!!!

 

 

 

 

.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

By My Book Addiction and More

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!

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!

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 14^th.  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.

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!

 

 

 

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. 

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!