Sandra Cox's Blog, page 172

Wink and A Nod Thursday

Today's Wink goes to Margaret-whiteangel's Thoughts and Happenings Blog. Margaret has traveled around Australia and gives us in depth information on the country, the history and the environment.  The trivia on Margaret-whiteangel that I find the most fascinating...she's from Tasmania.  If you are in the vicinity drop by and say hey. Wink, wink, Margaret-whiteangel.

So many blogs, so little time.

Wacky Wednesday

To the cat folks and those that just love funnies, these are hilarious:
Thanks, Rye.

http://www.boredpanda.com/funniest-cat-tweets-2016/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=BPFacebook

The Cruise

I'd hoped to have a lot of pictures to share, but unfortunately--true story--the HH fell in the river while hiking in the Dominican Republic.  Luckily, the camera was the only casualty:)
The ship sailed from Port Canaveral the 26th so we headed out Christmas Day.  And on the way, yup it happened again. Only this time it was just a tap.  But it was enough to mess with my head, I was ready to hang it up and go home, and from there hiding under the bed was  high on my priority list.   Luckily, the HH convinced me it was just what we needed and he was right.  It was five beautiful days of escapism.
I LOVED the Dominican Republic.  As you can see it's quite beautiful.  If you have never been, think Jurassic Park.  It's actually where JP was filmed.  The people there are very self-sufficient.  Much of the healing is holistic.  They have plants for just about everything, including cancer prevention. The average age is ninety to a hundred.  They build homes from trees that fall.  Using the tree itself for the house and the fronds/leaves for the roof.  If you are after particular leaves for healing and the plant doesn't grow in your back yard you just walk into the forest and pluck it.
We did a hike--where the HH fell--to a natural water fall in the rain forest and, for me, it was the high light of the trip.  We crossed several streams and low rivers, and on the hike our guide pointed out the different plants, which ones were medicinal and which ones could blind you.  It was fascinating.
On the tour, I got to chatting with another woman and found out she lives in Lake Norman which is about fifteen miles from us. Small world.  Trite but true:)
When we returned to the bus we were treated to rum punch and snacks.
Dominican RepublicWe also went to Grand Turk.  I was really excited about this port of call because Love, Lattes and Angel takes place in a small island in the Caicos. It was more desolate than I had anticipated.  A lot of folks opted for the beaches and I imagine if we'd done that instead of the tour we would have had a different perspective. As you can see the beach is quite beautiful.
Grand Turk The cruise itself was great.  We had a lovely suite and were wined and dined. They'd been told it was our 40th and almost every night something different was waiting when we got back to the cabin: champagne, gourmet fruit basket, chocolate covered strawberries, desserts, etc.

  And the food--OMG. There were a variety of places you could eat.  For the most part we hit the buffet. They always had delicious vegetarian fare so I was happy. There were windows all around the dining room so you could watch the sea while you ate. Ice cream, tea, coffee and pizza were available twenty-four/seven.
They had different shows you could attend in the evenings and a 'dive-in' movie that showed nightly on the upper deck, with free popcorn.
Also on one of the upper decks you could walk laps which we did most days. One day it was so windy the HH was afraid his hearing aids would get blown away, so that day we gave it up. But for the most part the weather was wondrous. 

If I got up in the middle of the night, the first couple of nights at home,  I'd think  I was still in the boat and would be swaying from side to side when I walked.  Guess I still had my sea legs:)

Christmas on Christmas Eve

Since we planned to take a cruise to celebrate our 40th, Christmas Day was held Christmas Eve at the Cox Household. The baby girl and her husband fixed a wonderful meal that included: Beef brisket (for the carnivores) Shepherd's Pie (for the vegetarians) mashed potatoes, grilled carrots, stuffing, pecan pie and a pumpkin tart.
After the meal the evening evolved into unbridled carnage under the tree.
 Below are pics of some of the fam. This bucket was for the kiddos' packages. I glued on the snowmen, strung lights then taped on individually wrapped candy canes. The tape doesn't doesn't add to the aesthetics but it makes it easy for little ones to remove(i.e. rip:) from the tub.

What about you?  Did you have a wondrous Christmas?

It's The Weekend

Enjoy it.

Dangerous Sanctuary

With us today, is good bud, .JQ. Rose.  And it sounds like she’s got a new fun release.  Welcome,  J.Q.
Hi Sandra. Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog. Because your stories have so much imagination, I thought I would share a phone conversation I overheard when visiting with my main character, Pastor Christine Hobbs this week. You know how nearly everyone has a nosey neighbor in the neighborhood. Well, the pastor’s neighbor called her to find out about the murder at Pastor Christine’s church. Realizing the neighbor’s right to be concerned since she lives near the church and parsonage, Christine took time to answer her questions. Perhaps they’re some of the same questions your readers may have about this romantic suspense, Dangerous Sanctuary. To win a PDF copy of Dangerous Sanctuary, please leave a comment below. A lucky commenter will be drawn on Sunday, January 8, at 10 pm EST. Good luck!Phone Conversation between Pastor Christine and her Nosey NeighborNosey Neighbor: Oh, Pastor, what in the world happened over at Dayspring Church? Ambulance, fire engines, police were over there on Thursday morning. Pastor Christine: Oh dear. I bet you were scared when you saw all the emergency units here at the church. I’m sorry I didn’t call you. It’s been pretty crazy around here.Unfortunately our talented Director of Music, William White, was found dead in our church basement.  We’re trying to deal with it as best we can. We’re having a difficult time imagining anyone would murder this kind young man. Detective Cole Stephens considers our custodian, Dutch, and myself to be “persons of interest.”  Perhaps you saw something from your window that morning that could help the police with the investigation?NN: Oh, no Pastor. I didn’t see anything till the emergency vehicles arrived.  I must admit I did see the story on the news and in the newspapers. It’s so ridiculous how the stations play the story over and over 24 hours a day. But what is crazier is to accuse you and that gentle custodian of murder. I’m so sorry this has happened at your church.PC: Thank you.NN: Can you tell me how you came to minister to the people at Dayspring Church? I mean they’ve NEVER had a female pastor in all the years I’ve lived next door.PC:  I love being the spiritual leader of the folks at Dayspring. I’ve been there about a year now, but I’ve been in the pulpit for five years at another church. I was happy to move away from that area, not because I had problems at the other church, but because I could put distance between my ex-husband, Brad, and me. I’m having a terrific experience getting to know so many wonderful people at Dayspring. We’re becoming a family. Of course, there are always conflicts that arise when dealing with so many personalities. The president of the women’s group, Mrs. Jewell is not exactly happy that I’m caring for a pig and kangaroo in the back yard of the church parsonage and that I’ve taken in Mrs. Whitcomb’s cat after she passed. I’m looking for a family who wants the darling tabby cat. Bitsy is litter trained and I have re-assured the parsonage committee that Bitsy has not had any accidents on the church-owned parsonage floors. Say, you wouldn’t consider taking in this adorable cat, would you?NN:  Oh no, Pastor. I’m very allergic to cats. I was wondering about the animals in your back yard though.PC: Well, yes. Now the backyard is another story…you know pigs like to root up the ground and eat everything in sight. I keep telling President Jewell that it’s just temporary, and I’ll replace all the bushes, trees, flowers, and grass when their owner re-claims the animals.NN: How much longer will they be there for heaven’s sake? Of course, they aren’t bothering me, but Wilda just a few doors down from the parsonage is worried that pig is going to get loose and root up her yard! And, uh, I’m sure she’s also concerned the pig might get in the road and get run over.PC: Of course, she’s concerned about the pig getting hurt…Please assure her the animals will be gone as soon as their owner is healthy again. She’s in the hospital. And, well it’s a long story how I ended up with Abraham the pig and Katy the kangaroo in the back yard.NN: I often see the flower shop’s delivery truck at the church and in your driveway. You know, I just notice when I’m outside walking. I’m not watching out the window at your comings and goings, of course.PC: That would be my friend Lacey, the gal who owns the flower shop.  She’s the petite strawberry blonde. We tease each other about our difference in height because I’m six feet tall.  With the weddings and funerals, she’s always delivering flowers to the church, so we have time to talk and get to know each other. NN: You know, I have a very tall nephew who’s divorced. He’s a sweet guy and after awhile, you don’t notice his big ears or his lisp. Can you date being a minister?PC: Well, yes I can. I’m not a monk. I’m a real person who likes to enjoy a movie, and a beer and pizza with my friends. Thank you so much for wanting to introduce me to your nephew, but I’m just not ready to date anyone yet.NN: Not even thinking about that cute Detective Stephens? I’ve seen him going into the church and parsonage—a lot!PC: Strictly for the murder investigation. Why would I be interested in a man who wants to put me in jail for murder?NN: Why, of course not. I’m sorry I asked, but he IS around a lot and I just thought…PC: Hey, look at the time. I’m almost late for a meeting at the church. Good talking to you. I’ve got to run. Good-bye.NN: Okay. Well, I’ll bring my nephew over when he stops in again. Uh, hello….hello. Are you there???# # # # TAGLINE: Pastor Christine Hobbs never imagined she would be caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.
BLURB:  Dangerous Sanctuary by J.Q. RosePastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer. 
Detective Cole Stephens doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep brown eyes attract her.
Can they find the real killer and build a loving relationship based on trust?
BUY LINKSAvailable at amazonKindle http://amazon.com/dp/B01MQIFQFIPaperback  http://amazon.com/dp/1772992933 About J.Q.After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction. Her published mysteries are Deadly Undertaking  and Dangerous Sanctuary released by Books We Love Publishing. With her non-fiction book for girls, Girls Succeed!, she returns to her first love, writing about real people.  Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She spends winters in Florida and summers up north camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.
Connect with J.Q. Rose online atJ.Q.Rose blog Facebook Google+ J.Q.  Rose Amazon Author Page 

IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Members post about their  doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling. 
January’s IWSG question: What writing rule do you wish that you’d never heard of?
What I wish I'd never heard of ....head hopping.  Are you clutching your heart and gasping? I know. I know. But have you ever noticed that some of the royalty in the writing world head hops?  We've been so programmed not to hop that when it does happen, it's now hard to follow.  I'll be the first to admit it can be overdone. But I believe there are times when used  it adds depth and texture.  When having more than one POV in the same chapter breathes life into a story. 
Just saying.
Okay that' s enough sacrilege for one blog, moving on....
The Crystal has been re-released. 
How do you like the cover? The cover artist is Charlie Volnek.  I  love her product and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. She's great to work with and has always manage to capture my vision.  She also created the covers for Minder and Odin Cats.

Blurb:The road to true love isn't just rocky, it's down right dangerous.
Excerpt:
Starting toward the counter to get a closer look at the jewelry, Gabby paused as she caught a glint of color out of the corner of her eye. Shifting, she craned her neck to see but the tinted shimmer disappeared. Curious, she walked in the direction the flash of green came from.
 A row of black capes blocked her view. She pushed them aside and stared into the shadowy corner. Hidden in the gloom, was a sea-green crystal ball. It stood in solitary splendor on an antique claw-footed stand.
 She took a step forward and ran her index finger along its smooth surface, the globe toasty warm against her damp skin.
 Drawn, she splayed her fingers until her palms nestled around it. A delicious wave of heat ran through her, like sitting in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter day.
 Ecstasy coursed through her body.
 Transfixed, she watched glowing green change to blue, its hues dancing and sparking like moonbeams on the water.
 The crystal pulsed beneath her hand.
 By degrees, the feeling of warmth disappeared and fear crept in. Her breath hitched as the color in the crystal fell away and a face formed. Its blurred outline moved back and forth, wraithlike and then sprang into sharp focus.
 The blood drained from her face, as her nerveless fingers dropped from the ball. The face in the globe belonged to the hard-eyed stranger she’d bumped into outside the shop only moments before.
Available at Amazon.

The Holidays Started With a Bang

We had just picked up my sister and brother-in-law at the Charlotte airport and were heading into the mountains. We got as far as Hickory.  The HH stopped for a yellow light and by the time it turned red we were catapulted through the intersection and landed on the other side. It happened so fast we didn't even know what happened until the car stopped.   My sister's headrest was torn off.  Her suitcase was broken in half, windows were knocked out and the roof was split.  My brother-in-law went by ambulance to the hospital to get checked out and the rest of us under our own steam.
My head  knows we were very lucky, my psyche is trying to catch up.
On the upside, the EMTs, firemen and police were great.  Especially the firemen.  I don't know if you've ever been in a similar situation,  but after the paperwork is filled out, if you aren't taken away in an ambulance you're basically left at the curb. The police were good enough to tell us who to call for a rental and the firemen volunteered to take the luggage to the firehouse where we could pick it up later.  After quite a bit of time on the phone with the insurance company then signing up for the rental we went to ER to get checked out.  While there one of the firemen called and asked if we'd like our luggage dropped off.  We said sure.  A little while later, here comes the firetruck with our luggage in tow.  Firemen, they're the best.

Holiday Sabbatical

Belle and SantaThis will be my last blog for the year. The family will arrive this week and we will be celebrating Christmas and our fortieth anniversary.  Yup, our fortieth. I'm trying to figure out how I can have been married forty years when I'm only twenty-nine.  Heh heh. Any hoo, I'm off to Santa's workshop to wrap presents.  I wish for  you:  good friends, time with family and loved ones, health and happiness and all things wonderful in the new year.
In lieu of a card, I'm giving away a read (beginning Dec 22).  If interested help yourself to a copy.  I'll miss ya and looking forward to hearing all about your holidays in the New Year.
FreeDec 22-26, 2016Amazon 

It's The Weekend