Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 15

Liz Flaherty, Author and Guest Blogger!!

Liz, welcome to Dishin' It Out!

 Liz Flaherty is a USA Today bestselling author. She's also a popular Harlequin author noted for her heartwarming and wholesome romance novels, and she is rapidly becoming a hybrid author with her indie published romances.



It’s funny how some things change as you get older. Not all things are funny, of course—memory, hearing, joints, anyone?—but things in writing. In stories.


In my early days of reading and writing romance, not only did I need a Happily Ever After (which I still do), I needed it to be in the four-bedroom, two-bath house with a picket fence and a cat on the porch. And kids. Because that was, for the most part, my life. And I liked it. I liked it a lot.

Then I got older. My heroines did, too, and I met up with Women’s Fiction and had to concede that there was a new love in my reading life. I couldn’t get enough of reading about women whose stories were told differently. They fell in love and lived happily ever after, but their journeys were about much more than that. Their heartaches were about more than unrequited love. They were taking care of elderly parents, trying to raise teenagers without going completely mad, hoping to have more money than month―at least sometimes.

Were they all this way? No. But a lot of them were, and suddenly there were heroines I could identify with. My friend Nan Reinhardt laughs at me because I’m exhausted and bored by reading about rich people, but the truth is—just like when I wanted that happy ending to have the house, fence, cat, and kids—I want to put myself in the heroine’s place.

Even when I write and read Women’s Fiction, though, it always crosses over to romance. They are, actually, the same thing to me.

Enter Carol, who is a beautician. She owns her own shop, the Clip Joint, in Peacock, Tennessee. She’s not rich, tiny, or beautiful. But she’s a wonderful friend. A loving daughter. A generous person. Her life isn’t what she intended or even hoped for, but it’s good.

And then one day in the cemetery, Steven Elliot rides in front of her old Pontiac on a bicycle, and that life is changed forever.

I hope you like The Healing Summer.



BLURB:

It’s a summer romance--what happens come September?

When Steven Elliott accidentally rides his bike into Carol Whitney’s car at the cemetery, the summer takes on new and exciting possibilities. Long friendship wends its way into something deeper when their hearts get involved. Feelings neither of them had expected to experience again enrich their days and nights.  But what happens when the long summer ends? When Carol wants a family and commitment and a future, Steven isn't so sure. He’s had his heart broken before—can he risk it again?

Excerpt:

There had been other “hook-ups,” both during break-up times and since Promise’s death, but he had never given serious thought to waking up with anyone he slept with—at least, not on a consistent basis. No one ever asked or expected him to be faithful. No one called him her boyfriend. No one admitted they had to pee like a racehorse—it was as if the women he’d been with didn’t have bodily functions other than orgasm.

Not that exclusivity was a problem. It wasn’t at all. 

“I don’t need you to fall in love with me or promise me lifelong loyalty or any of that. I don’t even expect you to consider our relationship a…well, a relationship, but I’m not much into that kind of adventure, either.” She grinned sheepishly. “I know I sound like a prude, but so be it.”

He knew she was no prude. She was exciting and sexy and so much fun he sometimes he went days on end thinking he might actually be able to live without Promise. Not just exist, but live, with a large part of his heart intact.

“I want to be your boyfriend,” he said. “No class ring—I hocked it to buy beer when I was a freshman in college. But we’ll sit together at all the Little League games and the Cup and Cozy and I’ll even buy—if I have any money. When you’re taking care of Reese and pretending you’re not, I’ll pretend right along with you. What do you think?”

“I think you have your eye on my Mustang.”

“Nah, it’s too little—hurts my knees—though I probably look good in it. Not as good as I do on a motorcycle, but not bad. I’ll be an excellent boyfriend.” He lifted her hand, turning the chain he’d given her round and round. “Boyfriends give charm bracelets.”

“Well, since you did give me the bracelet and I love it, it’s okay with me if you’re my boyfriend. For the summer anyway.” She leaned in to kiss him, her hand on his shoulder, and he caught her wrist just to touch her. He loved her skin.

“You don’t think I’ll stay in Peacock, do you?” He held her gaze.

“No.” But she didn’t seem unhappy—not even a little bit sad. “You’re too—I don’t know—intense, maybe. You move too fast. No one does that here. You know that. Besides, you’ve been gone too long. Other than a few weeks some summers and the awful time while Promise was sick, you haven’t actually lived here since you left for Vanderbilt. And I don’t think you’ve wanted to, have you?”

She was right—until this summer, he hadn’t wanted to come back here. But that was before finding Miss Abigail’s. Before Jamie Scott died.

Before Carol.

“Dillon was away for years,” he said. “He didn’t even come and visit after his folks retired to Arizona, and look at him now. You couldn’t pry him off Lawyers Row with a crowbar.”

Carol shook her head. “Dillon came home and found Grace. Had she not been here, he wouldn’t be either.”

But you’re here. Steven didn’t say the words out loud. He was startled to have even thought them.

She checked the clock on the oven. “It’s time for me to go. I told Grace I’d pick them up at ten. When are you guys leaving?”

“As soon as everyone kisses his wife goodbye. I’ll follow you into town and kiss you at the same time so you won’t feel out of place or anything.”

She went to the sink, rinsing the coffee carafe and their cups and draping the dishcloth neatly over the sink divider. “That’s really big of you. You’re not going to throw your cell phone away or anything like they did in that movie, are you?”

He picked up her suitcase to follow her out the door. “Nope. Why? Are you going to worry about me?”

“Heavens, no.” She opened the Mustang’s trunk for him. “I’m not your mother.” She gave a little toss of her ponytail. “I’m your girlfriend.”


Bio:

Retired from the post office and married to Duane for…a really long time, USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty has had a heart-shaped adult life, populated with kids and grands and wonderful friends. She admits she can be boring, but hopes her curiosity about everyone and everything around her keeps her from it. She likes traveling and quilting and reading. And she loves writing.




Find her at: lizkflaherty@gmail.com and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlizflaherty/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizFlaherty1




Buy links: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X8DGPM6/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i6

B & N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-healing-summer-liz-flaherty/1133411458

Google Books: https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Healing_Summer.html?id=kj64DwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-healing-summer

Admit it, You do it too! (fb avatar and Bored Panda) by Connie Vines #Facebook, #personal avatar, #Bored Panda

Admit it, you've created your personal avatar on Fb this week.


No one seems pleased with the selection choices; nor the results. Still, we hone our little avatars to defected-perfection so if someone squints, or plays-trombone with a cell phone, they can shout, "it does look like you!"

I must admit my personal fb avatar looks 'somewhat' like me.  Bitmoji (is this still around?) was much more accurate and fun to update ('cos the make-up and clothing selection changed with the seasons, too).

Sigh.

My main complaint with my personal avatar is the lack of correct facial features (yes I get it--it's a free thing on fb).  However, in real life, I have a small mouth and a small chin.  Therefore, when I smile you see maybe 8 upper teeth.  Well, my poor avatar has about 20-Chiclets-sized teeth crammed into the front of her mouth.

Is that realistic?

Opossums have 50 teeth. 50!  (I'm a fan of opossums BTW).  And even with those 50 teeth, only a couple of teeth show then a baby opossum smiles.

See.



What gives with the fb teeth to mouth ratio?

"What else have 'we' been doing this week?" you ask.

Almost every morning, I brew a pot of coffee, let Chanel run-free in my enclosed L-shaped backyard while I grab my newspaper off the front porch.  About that time, Chanel as pushed the not-quite-shut-door open and comes bounding inside.

Channel 5 TV is on so we sit together on the Lazy-boy sofa in the living room. I'm crammed into one corner of the sofa because the 8 lb. dog needs a great deal of acreage (she says).  With my cup of coffee and cell phone on the end table, I open the paper, skim the local news and listen to the broadcast.  Then it's onto my second cup of coffee while I read my morning pop-ups on my cell phone.

Bored Panda.

https://www.boredpanda.com/closing-cereal-box-hack/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

Yep, the cereal box controversy.

Tabs, or no Tabs?

Real, fairy tale, or hoax?

Drum Roll. . . .I accepted the challenge.  FYI: my box of stale Cheerios had a torn box-top and tissue-paper-thin tab. . .

My result




Did you participate in the Cereal Box Challenge??

Stay tuned:

Tomorrow my guest blogger is Liz Flaherty, Award-Winning author of Healing Summer.
Author, Liz Flaherty
guest blogger on Dishin' It Out!Please stop to read excerpts from her new release and a get a peek into her life!

Poodle Talk -- Puzzles and Other Games 05/17/2020

What are you doing to keep your Poodle Occupied during Stay-Safe-at Home?

My little sweetie is becoming too much of a mind-reader, and her observation abilities, and growing vocabulary  are honed to an almost creepy level.

I rotate her toys so she doesn't become bored (or I grow tired of a particular squeak toy).  This week all pulled out all of her puzzle toys: pumpkin with the three little vampire bats (my favorite), the blue chicken coop with the used-to-be-white chickens (yes I've tried cleaning them with baking soda), the white cookie jar and the heart shaped cookies, the gingerbread house and assorted Christmas items, and several others I can't recall at the moment.


Excited.  Yes, Chanel is sooo excited.  




She is usually very good about occupying herself with her toys.  She runs, jumps, wacks me with her toys and tosses them at me.  
However, disaster always strikes when I'm occupied.  The toys need to be shoved back into the correct puzzle box.  The time I placed the bats in the gingerbread house--well, it got a little ugly!  Or something went under the Lazyboy couch--where no human or dog can reach.
Chanel is now panic barking and herding me to the umbrella stand in the foyer where I keep the plastic hockey stick. 
"Why do you have a plastic hockey-stick?" Everyone on who enters the house asks.  
I know what he/she is thinking, that is the worst protection devise I've every seen.
I explain it's the dog's and leave it at that.
So, back to Chanel.  Hockey-stick in hand, we (me trying to locate items under the furniture) while she supervises (with her head in the way).  Eventually, I am able to unearth the lost item and she bounds in delight.
Hopefully, the temps will be a little cooler this week. Outside play with a bouncy ball her her little swimming pool are more relaxing -- for me.


Happy Poodle Sunday,
Connie



Ephesians 2:8 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

We All Have Problems--What Irks Me About Editing by Connie Vines #RoundRobin RR#84

 All books go through multiple edits. What have you learned are your problems, and what irks you about editing?

While writing my first two novels (yes, I write 2 or 3 novels at the same time), I belonged to a critique group. Fortunately, the members caught the usual problems:  Leaving out key items after several revisions:  either the heroine has new contact lenses, or I forgot I changed her eye color. I removed too many details, leaving my scene too lean; I added some many details, and reader is going to say, "get the point, already!"  

What I discovered on my own (I should keep this to myself because everyone will watch for my personal 'quirk'.), is that I bless my characters will my habits, repeatedly.

I like coffee.   


My hero and heroine like coffee.I realized several chapter openings had my hero and heroine; heroine and her best friend; or shoot, two strangers (I'm exaggerating here) are drinking coffee.  

When I brought this up to another published author friend, she grinned and said, "Oh, I never..."

I grinned.  She gasped, "What? What did you notice?"

"I doubt anyone else has ever noticed--I'm hyper vigilant because of the 'coffee thing'.  
Ah, you like to open chapters with the a weather reports. Not, like a televised weather report, but you know--."

"Yeah. Weather reports."

So, we all have our personal little repeats.  The trick is to catch them before they make it into print.  

What irks me about editing?  I'll break this down into two categories: my personal editing, and a publisher's editing.

I don't mind the first or send go-round of edits.  I know when a scene is too long/too short.  I can have another author read a chapter and tell me 'why it doesn't work'.  I fact check, run a grammar-punctuation program, I highlight areas I believe need more detail, I blue-line what I think needs to be removed. I make my changes.

Then I read the entire novel, again, before sending it to the publisher.

I receive an edited draft from the publisher.  I will make revisions (If I agree) and leave as is, if I don't.  I will usually explain why I'm not changing the word/ sentence etc.in the comment area.

The book comes back as a ARC/PDF copy.  I read this and notate errors (spacing/typos, etc.).

So, when this goes back to the publisher, there are no errors (though I admit I'm not perfect).

Now, I've worked as a acquisitions editor. I know how difficult it is to copy-edit hour after hour; day-after-day.

However, (this hasn't occurred with every publisher, or with every book) but. . .the book goes to print and I receive my copies for a scheduled signing.  I thumb through a book, skim the pages, mostly looking for page breaks etc.  They I see it: a typo, or a missing word, or a missing paragraph.  

Heart palpitations increase and my ears ring like church bells, as I grope for the arm of a chair and sit down.

In one book it wasn't too bad.  Only two problems: a missing sentence, and the intro to the hero.  My heroine said: "Hell", instead of, "Hello."



With a former (now defunct) publisher, I wanted to sit down and cry.  The final 1/3 of the novel was one problem after another-- typos, missing words, extra spaces. Missing paragraphs! 



Once a book goes to print, or is uploaded to an e-book retailer, it's too late to correct a problem.

You can complain to the publisher, you can state you won't work with the editor again, you can demand to know what exactly happened.  However, you are still the one dealing with the problem. 

Readers blame the author.  Reviewers, if they are kind (or know this 'quirk' is the publisher's major fault), will make a reference to address the' typos', but will still give you 4 out of five star review..

Reader Reviews will state it was a wonderful story.  Too bad the book had so many typos, missing words (whatever) making the story difficult to follow.

The only consolation, if there is a consolation in this--every author I know has a similar story to tell.

Is there a solution?

Yes.
Yes, you can prepare for battle.  It's not practical, nor am I leading the charge!
I'm going sit down to begin my next novel.

When my contract is up for renewal, I'll negotiation the corrections/changes. Or, if the gods have smiled upon me, the publisher will mention in passing, "Since you are submitting the 2nd, 5th, or 80th book in this series, we should go back and polish-up that first book to prepare for the expected uptick in sales."

After all, it's all about the story.  The HEA (Happily Every After). 

That's what the readers want and it's the hook into the next book in your series.  Still, everyone (reader and writer) would appreciate a HEA without any typos!

Happy Reading and Happy Writing,

My cohorts have editing 'Irks' they'd love to share with you, too.

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1Tb
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com
A.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com



https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vinesbwl  My Books are 60% off  a discount for Stay-at-Home Readers.

https://books2read.com/ap/n720JR/Connie-Vines  Purchase via this site all vendors!


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brede-connie-vines/1115934010  Barnes and Noble

Poodle Talk: Temperament Sunday 05/10/2020 by Connie Vines @connievines_author

The temperament of Poodles is often described as alert, intelligent, loyal, trainable, active, and instinctual. They are very smart dogs and can learn commands and tricks very quickly. Poodles are known to be quite loyal and typically bond quickly with family members (Canna-(Pet®canna-pet.com )

The Poodle Temperament and the Poodle itself has been caricatured so often as the epitome of a “spoilt dog”. Regardless, the Poodle has all the instincts and the temperament of a retriever or gun dog, a role it continues to perform today.

The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs either in its purebred form — it comes in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy — or in its “Poodle Mixes” or “Designer Dog” form, in which it has been crossed with a variety of other pure breeds to produce the Yorkie Poo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Maltipoo and a host of others.


Before we dive into the Poodle Temperament traits this quick rundown on the Poodle's background will help you put this breed into perspective.

The Poodle has probably been around since the 15th century. It appears to have been first bred in Germany but it rapidly gained favor in France and Spain, before ultimately gaining popularity in England.

In their native Germany, Poodles were used for hunting. Their name is actually derived from the German “pudel” or “pudelin” – English for “to splash”.

While they aren’t primarily known for hunting today, hunters still use Standard Poodles as working dogs around the world.

In France, Poodles are called “Caniche”, meaning duck dog. In fact, Poodles are the national dog of France – even though they originated in Germany.


Poodles were also used as guide dogs, military dogs, guard dogs, circus performers, and wagon pullers for entertainers, and currently as therapy dogs.

1. Playful and Active Poodle Temperament 

The typical Poodle, irrespective of size, loves to play. Their instinct to retrieve is always close to the surface. And, they are quite happy to horse around in the water.

In fact, you need to ensure that your Poodle gets his daily dose of activity. A moderately vigorous hour every day should do the trick. Alternatively, an active presence in competition with all the activity that is part and parcel of it will do nicely.


Without that release of energy, your Poodle will get bored and restless and will be quite prone to getting into trouble (mine is a toy. She steals socks from the hamper, snatches a napkin from my hand and runs-with-it, or toss her toys all over the house).

2. Intelligent and Trainable

The Poodle is noted for its intelligence. Many animal behaviorists suggest that it comes a close second to the Border Collie.


House-training is usually a breeze, compared to a number of other breeds. And, the Poodle can pick up tricks quickly, in part because they love being the center of attention, but also because of their native intelligence.

3. Instinctual

Many owners report that their Poodles, especially the male ones, tend to be highly instinctual. There will be a somewhat excessive tendency to mark their “territory”, so be sure to take house-training seriously while he is young.  (My is a female and will 'wander' I instruct her to 'go pee-pee' or show her the poop baggie, so she will take-care-of-business.)


Their retriever instincts also make them more than likely to respond to “prey”, like birds or squirrels. Obedience training is a must if you want to keep matters under control when out in the woods for a walk. (again, mine is small, but she has been trained to leave the lizards alone.)

4. Alert

The Poodle is one of the more alert breeds. That’s probably an offshoot of their intelligence and hunting instincts. Irrespective, they are quick to respond to approaching strangers or within their “territory”.

5. Needs Company

A typical Poodle is an extrovert. It thrives in a large, active, household. Heaven is being the center of attention while it performs its tricks.

This, of course, has its downside as well, because a Poodle that’s left alone for long periods of time could well become more than a trifle “neurotic”. (I had a miniature poodle (male) and this was correct. The minis seem to have the most 'separation' anxiety). While my toy (female) is happy sleeping in the bed half-of the day snuggled under the covers.)


If you find that your Poodle is becoming destructive, one of the first things to do is give him more of your time. One of the simplest ways to accomplish that is through a “talking” outing — for example, a quick walk or run during which you are regularly conversing with him

(Yes, my poodle love to listen to, and have participate in a two-way conversation with owners.  Mine interrupts me when I am at the In-N-Out Burger drive-through.  She doesn't care why I'm ordering for myself.  But the minute I say "for the dog, I'd like" Chanel starts talking to me and the metal speaker-- as if I anyone ever messed up her order of 1-large-hamburger-patty-no salt or pepper!) 

6. High Strung

Some Poodles have been known to respond inappropriately to normal stimuli.
Often, this high strung behavior is a result of one of two extremes: either he is being over-pampered or he has been ignored during the critical socialization period (4 to 14 weeks of age).7. Prefer Humans to DogsWhile generally an all-around friendly breed, Poodles tend to prefer human company to dog company. They’d much rather hang out with you on the couch than frolic with their four-legged friends.But, they still prefer some company over no company. If you aren’t home often, consider getting your Poodle a furry companion.8. Wary of StrangersDespite being an overall friendly breed, the Poodle can be reserved with strangers when introduced for the first time. (This was true of my male mini/ not my female--though it's another story if I seem 'concerned'.)And, if they spot a potential intruder, they will absolutely let you know with a warning bark.9. Great Working DogsIf you’re in the market for more of a working dog than a companion, the Poodle may be perfect for you. Since they were bred as a gun dog for duck and bird hunting, their temperament will still show signs of their ancestors.10. Extreme Emotional Sensitivity This is a breed that is in tune with human emotions. (very, very true. All of them seem to have an intuitive link to his/her human(s), or even a person who's come for a visit. These dogs are the first to give you a cuddle, or sit next to you and stare into your eyes--this pet knows what you are felling.  Always keep this is mind when disciplining--yell too loudly, and you can see the heart-break in the pet's eyes).The Fancy Haircut Means Something Unmistakable with its fancy haircut, you may believe the Poodles haircut is just for looks – but that can’t be farther from the truth.Their coat was clipped in that signature Poodle cut – left longer on the chest – to help them swim and keep them warm in cold water.And, some Poodle enthusiasts believe those classic puffs were used to help protect the tail tip and leg joints while hunting.
Wishing you a life filled with Poodles and Oodles of fun!

"Classic Ginger" Snippets from Culture Shock Ginger Simpson

This week I'm sharing snippets from Culture Shock , my mystery romance that takes place in San Francisco.  Cynthia Freitas moves from the Midwest to the big city, expecting a different lifestyle.  Imagine her shock to find a serial killer loose in her own backyard, and he's killing women that look just like her...or her body when the old wiring in her run-down tenement causes her first kiss with her handsome neighbor to have a jolting outcome.


The sun was setting when they got back to the Cairns. Alex held the door open. “Here we are, back to reality.”

Cynthia stepped inside, but paused at the bottom of the stairwell. “Does reality have to smell so musty? I’d prefer something more pleasant.”
He smiled. “I agree, but the reality I referred to is we both have to work tomorrow, and thatsucks. I wish I’d been born rich instead of handsome.” He flashed a wink.

Did he know how attractive he was? His good looks had drawn the admiring stares of so manywomen during their outing…and they all envied her, little ol’ Cynthia Freitas.
He followed as she climbed the stairs. She paused at the first landing and faced him. “Too badwe can’t have everything we want, but I’d say today was a great ending to the weekend.” She smiled.“Seriously, this was a great afternoon. I really enjoy looking in all the stores, although I can’t believe I didn’t find anything I wanted to buy. Maybe I should see a therapist.”
He shook his head and grinned. “Maybe, but push on, my dear. We have another flight to climb,and dogs are barking.”
At her apartment, Alex took her key and unlocked the door. “I had a great time too. If it wasn’tSunday evening we could have made our time together last a little longer. Maybe we can do this again another time?”
Her excitement bubbled to the surface. “That would be wonderful. Hey, as a matter of fact, mybrother Kevin and his girlfriend, Sara, are coming to visit in a few weeks. They want me, of all people, to show them around the city. Would you be interested in joining us?”
She held her breath hoping he wouldn't decline. She'd like to show Kevin she did have someconfidence in herself. 
"I'd like that very much." He leaned down and brush his lips against hers.
Her heart skipped a beat then resumed its normal pace. She took a quick breath. "That was nice.""Good. I was hoping I wouldn't offend you."
"No offense taken." And no defense either. Her knees turned to jelly. She opened her door, butpaused, hoping for maybe yet another, and longer, kiss.
Instead, he took her hand and held her knuckles to his lips. "Goodnight," he whispered, warmingher hand with his breath. He smiled and walked toward his apartment.
Cynthia went inside her place, closed the door and rested against it. She pondered the emotionsAlex stirred within her. She feared falling for him, too afraid of what might happen if he didn'treciprocate the feelings. Could she handle rejection? She had no idea.
After making sure the door was locked, she went straight to the bedroom. Alex’s reminder aboutthe deadbolt flashed through her mind. She’d buy one tomorrow and ask him to install it. His offer ofhelp provided more opportunity to be with him, and she'd take him over the super any day.
*******************

This is where the excitement really begins.  You can get your copy at Books We Love, using my author's page and clicking the cover you like.  Please take advantage of the BOGO sale going on right now....buy one, get one free.  A great holiday special.

Now hop on over and visit my other Sunday Snippet Pals:


http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)


Don't forget to come back next week for more Sunday Snippets.

National Brothers and Sisters Day! Let's Celebrate by Connie Vines

I ALWAYS  remind the four younger ones :-)


May 2nd, is National Brothers and Sisters Day



Today is dedicated to the people who (we hope) made your childhood memorable — your siblings.




They’ve been there for you during the good times. And they haven’t left your side through the bad (even if they created it by getting you in trouble). Of course, there were probably times where you couldn’t stand the sight of each other. What siblings don’t get into fights? Still, National Brothers and Sisters Day is the day to reflect on the best times this May 2.

We all agree about the importance of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. But brothers and sisters know you like no one else ever will.

The Surveys Say:


AMERICANS WITHOUT SIBLINGS ARE PERFECTLY HAPPY THAT WAY

When asked whether they would prefer to have brothers/sisters or be an only child, 38% of sibling-less Americans said they are perfectly happy without brothers and sisters. Only 12% of Americans with siblings would prefer to be an only child.

WOMEN PREFER TO BE THE YOUNGEST CHILD; MEN WOULD RATHER BE THE OLDEST

35% of women would prefer to be the youngest child, 34% the oldest,

17% the middle child, and 14% an only child.

Meanwhile, 40% of men would prefer to be the oldest child, 24% the youngest,

20% the middle child, and 16% an only child.




NATIONAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS DAY ACTIVITIES

Call each other

What better way to let someone know that you're thinking of them than to take time out and call them? Whether it's FaceTime, or a good old fashion phone call, the gesture goes a long way especially when texting is the norm. So call up your brother or sister anytime of the day and reminisce, we guarantee they will appreciate it.

Spend some quality time together

Plan to spend time with your brother or sister doing all your favorite hobbies together. Catch a movie, visit your favorite restaurant or your childhood home. Whatever you chose to do, just be present with one another.

Give each other a shoutout

Show your brother or sister some love online by shouting them out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It may be less personal for some but it means a lot to most to see beloved pictures along with a sentimental caption.

Remember:

(though my sister always ate the white center of the Oreos and put them back in the cookie jar.)



And. . .




And Let Us Not Forget:




Happy Brothers and Sisters Day!

I ALWAYS remind the four younger ones :-)May 2nd, i...

I ALWAYS  remind the four younger ones :-)


May 2nd, is National Brothers and Sisters Day



Today is dedicated to the people who (we hope) made your childhood memorable — your siblings.




They’ve been there for you during the good times. And they haven’t left your side through the bad (even if they created it by getting you in trouble). Of course, there were probably times where you couldn’t stand the sight of each other. What siblings don’t get into fights? Still, National Brothers and Sisters Day is the day to reflect on the best times this May 2.

We all agree about the importance of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. But brothers and sisters know you like no one else ever will.

The Surveys Say:


AMERICANS WITHOUT SIBLINGS ARE PERFECTLY HAPPY THAT WAY

When asked whether they would prefer to have brothers/sisters or be an only child, 38% of sibling-less Americans said they are perfectly happy without brothers and sisters. Only 12% of Americans with siblings would prefer to be an only child.

WOMEN PREFER TO BE THE YOUNGEST CHILD; MEN WOULD RATHER BE THE OLDEST

35% of women would prefer to be the youngest child, 34% the oldest,

17% the middle child, and 14% an only child.

Meanwhile, 40% of men would prefer to be the oldest child, 24% the youngest,

20% the middle child, and 16% an only child.




NATIONAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS DAY ACTIVITIES

Call each other

What better way to let someone know that you're thinking of them than to take time out and call them? Whether it's FaceTime, or a good old fashion phone call, the gesture goes a long way especially when texting is the norm. So call up your brother or sister anytime of the day and reminisce, we guarantee they will appreciate it.

Spend some quality time together

Plan to spend time with your brother or sister doing all your favorite hobbies together. Catch a movie, visit your favorite restaurant or your childhood home. Whatever you chose to do, just be present with one another.

Give each other a shoutout

Show your brother or sister some love online by shouting them out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It may be less personal for some but it means a lot to most to see beloved pictures along with a sentimental caption.

Remember:

(though my sister always ate the white center of the Oreos and put them back in the cookie jar.)

 

And. . .




And Let Us Not Forget:




Happy Brothers and Sisters Day!

True Life Humor in Your Writing--Yes or No? by Connie Vines @connievines`author

"Have you ever incorporated a true life humorous event in your writing?  How easy or difficult is it to do so?"
Thank you Skye for this month's topic.

Normally, I would say it was extremely easy and that I always include humor (not always events from my life).  However, since we have begun self-isolating, I find it more challenging.

@connievines_authorI also find it challenging to keep track of the day of the week and the date.  Hence, my late posting (I didn't realize it was Saturday).

I'm not one for adding slap-stick humor, even though I have plenty of personal events to draw upon (a tumble off a horse, getting trapped between the front door and screen door, my lip frozen to iced freezer. wearing pumps (one navy, one black to work. . .)  Anyway, back to topic.

My person sense of humor does appear in the way my character's live life.  Lynx Maddox, shares my dry sense of humor.  While Rachel Scott pokes fun at herself.

While Meredith, being a Zombie and all, finds dark humor in her current, and unchangeable, course of events.

Humor makes life enjoyable.  Humor keeps depression a arm-length, especially when on is experiencing less socialization.  I manifests in many ways (Dr. Bob is more qualified than I to delve into this information). In my case, carrying on full-conversations with a hairy-little-co-worker (everyone wave at Chanel).

I find, like many others, today's current events and 'unending--24-7' coverage by the media overwhelming.  I listen to news briefs and the morning news.  Otherwise, I find it impossible to have any daily routine.  Of course, others are in my thoughts and prayers and I practice self-distancing when I do venture from my home.

The ground is too cold to plant seeds in my flower bed, but do like to spend time out on my patio.

Thursday was a beautifully sunny day in the high 70s; today it's overcast, predicated to rain, and  cold and breezy 51 degrees--not may favorite writing weather (being cold makes me cranky).  I'm brewing a pot of coffee and wearing a robe over my jeans and long-sleeved shirt to help me focus.

I've also redesigned my new website: https://connievines-author.com/  and added a new Author Facebook page, so I am staying busy. My books are 60% OFF - Give back to my Readers Promo!

Take care everyone and Stay-Safe.

Please visit the members of our Round Robin Blog posts and discover new takes on 'humor'!

Connie

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1Tb
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com/
A.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com

Everyone,I'm blogging today at Romance Gems.We have our A...

Everyone,

I'm blogging today at Romance Gems.

We have our April Contest, follow the link to find my Easter Egg!
Remember to sign up on Raffelcopther and the contest page, too!


https://romancegems.blogspot.com/