Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 17

I'm Blogging today at Romance Gems

Topic today:
Mercury Retrograde: The Return of an Old Flame or Truth Bombs?

I'm also giving-away a free novel.



The drawing will be held October 13th, 2019 @ 11:00 PM.

Follow this blog and comment in the comment area.

Remember to Click on the link to Romance Gems to enter the October Contests!

romancegems.blogspot.com

Plots--Personal, Imagination, or Research? by Connie Vines #RoundRobin

Topic: In designing your plots what do you rely on most: personal experience, imagination, or research? 

Thank you Robin for another great topic!

I'm unable to select only one choice.  I must conclude that
I add all three choices into the my plotting when I am writing.

Obviously, when I am am writing an historical novel, short-story, or article my plot line will be heaving in the area of research.  However, odds are I've also visited the area, visited a museum, etc. so I can claim personal experience.  Where does the imagination fit in?
My characters' personalities and how he/she would react in a situation would be a product of my imagination.

The same could be said of writing a sci-fi or fantasy.  Science fact is Science fact.  However, the facts can be stretched or discarded (to a degree) in a fictitious universe or in a time-travel novel.  As for fantasy.  You must state the 'new' truth as to why you vampire can stand in sunlight and not dissolve.  Or as in the case of my zombie novel, Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow, Why my zombie (Meredith), a former vegan, only consumes chicken, etc., instead of human brains.


As for my romantic fiction/suspense/Gothic novels, my stories rely heavily on my imagination. My characters may have traits of people I have known (remember, not everyone has a positive influence in your life), or traits that work well with my plot-line.  I strive to make all of my characters to be living, breathing people with faults, challenges, and successes.  I have also discovered that true facts are not always believable in a novel.  Even if it is true, if it seems like a 'convenient plot-device' toss it out and start over.

Please visit the other wonderful writers who are part of this month's Round Robin Blog.

Please click on the side-bar to purchase or read snippets of my novels.
You will find by works on BookBub, Amazon.com, , Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, Walmart, and your other favorite online ebook stores.

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







 

Poodle Talk Sunday # 7, #Doggie Birthday Party!

Chanel will be four years old in November. 







She may even be mature enough to have a birthday party this year.

Maybe.

Her first birthday she was totally clueless.  She was still jumping though the air like a demented circus poodle, grabbing a paper napkin from my hand and tearing into tiny pieces. Or, snagging a page of the newspaper and racing through the house which we, my husband and I, unsuccessfully tried to retrieve it before—you guessed it, she tore it into tiny pieces.

Her second year, she was a little less enthusiastic in her desire to destroy paper products, but she’d moved on to birthday cards and brightly printed note paper, along with the corners of a paperback novel or two.

During her third year, I made and purchased doggie cookies.  However, this was a poodle version of Goldie Locks and the uncooperative Toy Poodle, I’m afraid.

This cookie was too hard, this cooking was too big, and this cookie was too soft and I started to choke.

So, after that traumatic event, more traumatic for me (I’m still in panic-mode) than Chanel who is, you guessed it, gleefully caring around a piece of discarded wrapping paper.

I have months to plan this event, of course, but I’m not going overboard—no banners in the local doggie park, no inclusion of doggie-friends, this year it will be a low-key event. Afterall, her birthday is only a few weeks after Halloween. Everyone loves to dress his/her dog for Halloween.  (Though, I’m keeping Chanel’s face out of my popcorn bowl and/or glass of diluted punch.)

This year I may shop online for doggie-cake mix, or stop by PetCo or PetSmart for pet ice cream.

I located this recipe on https://www.asaucykitchen.com/dog-friendly-cupcake/  This looks simple, inexpensive, and no leftovers. I may give this one a try.

YIELD: 2 CUPCAKES

A dog friendly, single serving cupcake to celebrate the special hounds in your life! Grain free and no added sugar.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOK TIME
20 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/2 small/medium apple, diced into small pieces
3 tablespoons peanut butter** + more if desired for frosting
1 whole egg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
bacon bits for topping (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F

In a small bowl mix together all of your ingredients until combined.
Spoon the mixture either into a cup cake sized ramekin or into a regular cupcake tins. You can make either one jumbo cake, or two average sized cupcakes.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cupcake to cool completely. You can leave it as is, or frost with peanut butter and sprinkle with bacon bits.

**NOTES
Make sure to use xylitol free peanut butter as xylitol is very poisonous for dogs! I purchase my dog peanut butter at the pet store (Connie’s note).

NUTRITION INFORMATION: YIELD: 2 SERVING SIZE: g
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 159 SATURATED FAT: 2g CHOLESTEROL: 1mg SODIUM: 112mg CARBOHYDRATES: 9g FIBER: 2g SUGAR: 5g PROTEIN: 6g






Do you throw birthday parties for your pups?

Does everything go as planned?



Have a Happy Poodle Sunday!



Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Poodle Talk #6 Is Your Poodle a Wild Sleeper or a Snuggler? by Connie Vines

As you know,  I belong to several fb poodle groups and poodle-fostering/rescue groups. 

We began a conversation about whether or not 'our' particular poodle, or poodles, had to 'touch' you while sleeping.

Of course none of these findings are verified by animal behaviorists,
or supported by any Random Poodle Polls. 

We had fun sharing the stories, (please post your personal poodle findings in the comment area, if you like

Poodle Talk #5 and #5 Doggie Fashion: Yes or No?

Poodle Talk Sunday

My apologies for not posting last Sunday.  My router stopped functioning last week and I called Spectrum Cable for service.  My router was replaced but not until I missed my blog deadline :-(



Doggie Couture?

I must confess, I do enjoy a little touch of fashion in my poodle's life.

Chewy.com, PetCo, PetSmart and other online sites does make it simpler to be a bit indulgent on a budget.  I'm more inclined to squirrel a bit of money away for emergencies (vet visits, vaccinations, teeth cleansing, monthly grooming appointments).  And, while I don't mind dedicating a dresser drawer to doggie fashion, I'm not sharing my closet--yet.

Chanel has a cute harness that looks like a dress with a taffeta skirt (don't tell her, but it's a cat harness).  She dresses up like a gingerbread girl during Christmas time (my kitchen and dining room is decorated with gingerbread girls and boys collectibles).  She also has a set of jammies and sweaters she wears during winter..

[image error] Chanel's gift from Aunty CarlaChanel's harnessI wouldn't mind having this hat and scarf.
Chanel would probably wear the sun glasses
When temperatures start to fall below 45°F, some cold-averse breeds will get uncomfortable and will need protection. For owners of small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, or thin haired breeds, anytime the temperature outside feels at or below 32°F, pull out the sweaters or coats!

Dos my dog need sunscreen? Yes, you should put sunscreen on your dog.   Vets say if a dog has to be outdoors during peak sun exposure hours (10 am to 4 pm), sunscreen should be reapplied to sun-sensitive areas of the body—the nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin, and the belly—throughout the day.

It's highly important that you only use types of sunscreen that are specifically intended for use on dogs. They should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as these ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs will often lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen.


Happy Poodle Sunday,


Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ... Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This month's topic is an excerpt dealing with travel or v...

This month's topic is an excerpt dealing with travel or vacation in one of our novels.

Link to PodcastI've taken an except from Lynx, Rodeo Romance, Book 1. 
This is just before my hero and heroine take a trip together.
This is also my 1st venture into podcasting.  I am also searching for the perfect mic and filter.

My except takes place in Running Springs, Montana before Lynx Maddox and Rachel Scott travel to Lubbock, Texas to meet his family.

They'd never made the trip to Missoula yesterday for supplies, deciding instead to spend the remainder of morning, in bed.  Afterwards, Lynx had told her stories and snacked on warmed leftover for dinner.

At first, Lynx's stories of his childhood had made her laugh. He'd been just as much of a hell raiser as a boy, evidently.  As he spoke more and more about his family, Rachel's fears mounted and hung over her like a blanket of fog.

Lynx had led a privileged life. And, contrary to Rachel's understanding, his parents were not small-town Texas ranchers.  A..J. and Elizabeth Maddox were founding members of community projects, pillars of the Lone Star State. A.J. Maddox lunched with Congressmen at the local cattlemen'a club, and Elizabeth Maddox arranged charity fashion shows.

No matter how much Lynx tried to reassure her to the contrary, Rachel had a feeling Maddox men did not get involved with someone from her background.

She hurried to the kitchen, as if by the act of making breakfast she could cope with everything. Lynx cared about her, she reminded herself. She'd always been stronger when he was near.

But did he love her?

"Of course he does," she whispered, trying to convince herself.  Why else would he take her to Texas?

Before Rachel could spoon the first ladle of pancake batter, Lynx was beside her, reaching for the coffee pot.

"I missed you," he said, kissing her on the temple.

She wasn't going to ruin the morning by giving into her fears, Rachel promised herself. Everything will work out for the best--it had to...

Amazon

https://books2read.com/Lynx

Bookbub







Podcast for a longer version of excerpt


Stop by and read the fascinating travel/ vacation stories other members of our Round Robin have to share this month!




Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/Marie Laval http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_seaVictoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.comJudith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com/blogA.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/Dr. Bob Rich https://wp.me/p3Xihq-1GKRhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Top Ten Poodle Mixes #Poodle Talk #4 Poodle Sunday by Connie Vines

We've completed the top ten most-popular poodle-mixes. I don't know about you, bur  I think everyone of these little is cuties are adorable.

After all, Poodles are the dogs we love to love!



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5. Schnoodle = Poodle + Schnauzer crossbreed

If you want a dog that is a lap dog and an excellent jogging companion the Schnoodle is the dog you’re looking. From its Schnauzer parent side, the dog is very sturdy, unlike some lap dogs. Loyal, fun, smart and affectionate the dog tends to be independent and stubborn sometimes. The coat of the Schnoodle requires some maintenance like trimming and grooming. Expect the dog to be an avid digger, and it has a tendency to hold blankets along with toys with its front paws like hands.


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6. Peekapoo = Poodle + Pekingese

Along with the Cockapoo, this was one of the mixed Poodle breeds that during the 1950s and 60s. However the Peekapoo has not been given much attention like the Cockapoo, but for the last five decades, the breed has gotten enough notice. It is not an uncommon thing for a small mixed dog breed to excel in being a watchdog, but the Peekapoo does that job. If the dog sees a person it thinks is suspicious, it will bark loud.


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7. Yorkipoo = Poodle + Yorkshire Terrier

This dog is the kind of dog that enjoys physical activities such as obedience and agility competitions. The Yorkipoo is good at performing tricks for the benefit of its owner and visitors. Possessing boundless love and energy the Yorkipoo with its low-dander, the low-shedding coat is the ideal lap dog for people of all ages. Like other mixed Poodle breeds, the Yorkipoo excels at training but be sure to use positive reinforcement on the dog and avoid any harsh methods of training it.



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8. Pomapoo = Poodle + Pomeranian

Pinpointing the exact origins of some Poodle mix breeds is futile at best. Nobody knows of the Pomapoo origins, but what is certain is that the dog is friendly, intelligent and affectionate. Some Pomapoos are eager to meet other people while some are a bit reserved. These traits may be due to the socialization training it went through. This dog is highly adaptable to the lifestyle of its owner and daily walks as well as playtime keep it in shape.

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11. Poochon = Poodle + Bichon Frise

Whether your home is in the suburbs with a big backyard or a small apartment; the Shihpoo will fit it in all of them. This delightful, fun-loving dog likes to play with its family or run around the home as a means of exercise. Though the dog can be stubborn, it has the gift of cheering up people especially those who are sad. Despite having a Shih Tzu in its parentage, the Shihpoo’s hair is moderately long.


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10. Chipoo = Poodle + Chihuahua

A small outgoing, healthy dog that gets along with kids and has a coat that does not shed is the goal of dog breeders. Thanks to the efforts of Melbourne’s Chevromist Kennels during the 1990s the Poochon was produced. Unlike other Poodle breeds the Poochon’s hair does not shed, though some grooming and trimming are necessary. Households with children or other pets are no hindrance to the dog. The cute and lovable Poochon requires half an hour or more of exercise daily to keep it healthy.


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12. Doxiepoo = Poodle + Dachshund

Surprisingly the dog has other names like Dachshunddoodle, Doxiedoodle, and Dachshundpoo.
However, the name Doxiepoo is the name preferred by dog lovers since it pronunciation is shorter. Most mixed Poodle breeds inherit 50/50 of their parents’ traits and characteristics. The Doxiepoo is one of those dogs that take more traits and characteristics from one parent. If the dog is mostly Poodle, it possesses a hypoallergenic coat and is a dog that is intelligent making its training easier. On the other hand, if the dog takes more from its Dachshund parent the fur it possesses is short making grooming an easy task. Additionally, its frame is lower and longer.


So many mixed Poodle breeds to choose from and all you need is one. It’s true that these breeds have the usual health problems, but don’t let it discourage you. These problems are treatable and can be prevented with proper care. Ultimately the mixed breed Poodle that you are going to choose depends on your personal preferences and current situation. Just remember to give your adorable pet the love and care that it needs.

Thank you for the messages about little Chanel.  She is much improved (ten days of antibiotics and cough syrup).  She is playing with her favorite puzzle toys and shadowing me after her naps.




Happy Poodle Sunday,

Sunday Poodle Talk #3

Poodle breeds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Aside from the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles, other kinds are sure to catch your eye and your love. If you’re the type who likes Poodle mix breeds, there’s a lot of Poodle mixed breeds that you can find. To get a mixed Poodle dog you have to know which Poodle crossbreeds you can choose. Here is a list of cute Poodle mix breeds to make your choice easier.


Today we are discovering the top 3 mixes.  If you own one of these poodle-mixes, feel free to add your personal experiences in the comment box.

1. Cockapoo = Poodle + Cocker Spaniel

If you want a sweet small dog that is funny and likes to clown around the Cockapoo is that dog for you. Cockapoos were some of the first designer dogs in the 1960s when Poodle dog breeders were cross-breeding Poodle breeds with other dog breeds. A Cockapoo is a lap dog so expect this breed to be intelligent, easily trainable and affectionate. So a dog of its size, it is agile, and it is superb at its role being a therapy dog.

2. Maltipoo =  Poodle + Maltese

One of the more attractive Poodle mix breeds to choose. This breed is the dog of choice for an individual or families that want a dog pet that can fit right in their homes. The Maltipoo is very attractive due to its charming persona, and it can be a very active dog. Because of its loving and fun-loving nature, grown-ups, as well as kids and elderly, will love this adorable dog.

3. Labradoodle = Poodle + Labrador

The dog’s original purpose was to be a guide dog that has a hypoallergenic trait. The breeders who originally bred this Poodle crossbreeds were members of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. The result of such a cross-breeding was the Labradoodle. This dog breed is affectionate, sociable and smart as well possessing the expertise of being a guide dog. These traits and role of the dog are the reason why the Labradoodle’s popularity is high.


Rodger A. Caras"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

Just A Taste - Ginger Simpson

Classic Monday from  Ginger Simpson
Joy Garrett is preparing to marry the man of her dreams and needs her birth certificate inorder to get a passport for her honeymoon. For some reason her mother wants to avoid the issueand urges her to enjoy the good ol' USA. While pilfering in her mother's things in the attic, Joycomes across a birth certificate, and although the date, hospital and doctor are a match with her,
the paper certifies someone else's birth... What secret is her mother keeping?
Excerpt:Fresh from her shower, Joy Garrett stood naked in front of the mirror and fingered the inch-longscar just below her navel. Surgery performed on her at ten months had left the jagged line.She’d forgotten the reason her mother gave for the operation, but the obvious results, althoughsmall, marred Joy’s otherwise flawless torso and irked her. Anyone who wanted to keep ScottPorter on a short leash had to look their best.
Wrapped in terrycloth, she went into the bedroom. Her heart pounded with anticipation ofthe evening ahead—her first cocktail party and introduction to Scott’s co-workers. She plannedto make this an evening he’d never forget.
She slipped into her matching black bra and thong and then removed her dress from thehanger on the closet door. Thankfully, those dreadful panty hose of old and annoying slips werepassé these days. “The less the better,” Joy murmured.
The plastic bag, with the retail store’s name emblazoned across it, crackled as she slipped itoff of her slinky dress. Annoying static plastered it to her hand. She peeled the cloyingcellophane away, wadded it, and flung it into the trash. Visions of her luscious date ran throughher mind: dark hair, eyes bluer than the sky, tall…and those shoulders—broad enough to makeother guys envious.
“Scott Porter.” His name dripped from her tongue like water from melting ice as sheshimmied into her dress. Even though they’d been seeing one another for the past six months,thoughts of him still turned her stomach fluttery. She hoped to marry him one day. Of course, herdreams hinged on him asking.
She had one year left to complete her master’s degree and still lived at home. A part-timejob didn’t offer the luxury of an apartment. Sharing the rent with a roommate was an option, butshe was holding out for something better. She scanned her room, noting the floral drapes andfrilly bedspread, and then wondered what style Scott would prefer in the bedroom they’d share.Yep, someday she’d be Joy Ann Porter if she had her way. She warmed at the thought of wakingup in Scott’s arms.
This and my other short stories are available at a discounted price in various downloadable formats at Muse It Up Publishing

Sunday Poodle Talk #2

My little Chanel came down with an upper respiratory infection this week.  
She had a fever, cough, and diarrhea  so I called her vet and he took her right in.

He was concerned.  I was concerned.  Chanel is taking 10 days of antibiotics (she received an injection before she left the clinic), cough medication, tummy medication, and has a special diet for the next 2 weeks.

She's improving, though she sneezes when I take her outside to take care of her business (it's 100+ here in SoCal).  She's napping throughout and is becoming more like her usual 'poodle' self.

We worry about all of our loved ones (family, friends, co-workers) but fur-babies  seem to worry us because they become ill so quickly--or are ill and we aren't aware there's even a problem.

My little girl is a re-homed poodle-mix. 8 lbs and a couple of wiggles, I like to say.

I belong to several poodle groups on Facebook, and follow Adopt-a-Pet for fosters in our area.

Please share your poodle/poodle-mix stories in the comment section :-).

Birthday Parties, fashion accessories, and poodle quirks are always fun to share.




Have a wonderful week,