Sandra Cox's Blog, page 29

Your Weekend Read: ARRANGING A DREAM by J. Q. Rose

 

 Some of you may have read ARRANGING A DREAM. Some of you may remember it. Either way it definitely rates a repeat. Writer, friend and honorary cousin wrote her memoirs and I found them fascinating. If you haven't read them yet, I believe you will too. Why Arranging a Dream? She spent a good deal of her life as a florist arranging flowers and she's going to give us some inside floral tips today.

 

ARRANGING A DREAM: A FEEL-GOOD MEMOIR BYJ.Q.ROSE

 

 

BACK OF THE BOOK:

In1975, budding entrepreneurs Ted and Janet purchase a floral shop andgreenhouses where they plan to grow their dream. Leaving friends and familybehind in Illinois and losing the security of two paychecks, they transplantthemselves, their one-year-old daughter, and all their belongings to Fremont,Michigan, where they know no one. 

 

Willthe retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to developa blooming business, or will they desert the inexperienced young couple towither and die in their new environment?

 

Mostof all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage,juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?

 

Follow this couple’s inspiring story,filled with  joy,  triumphs, obstacles and failures experiencedas they travel the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.

Universal Link https://books2read.com/Arranging-A-Dream

Paperback at amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Arranging-Dream-J-Q-Rose/dp/0228615542/

 

ABOUT J. Q.

Whether the story is fiction or non-fiction, J.Q. Rose is “focusedon story.”  She offers readers chills, giggles and quirky characters wovenwithin the pages of her mystery novels.

J.Q. combined her work in freelancing articles and her storytellingskills to pen her memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir, the storyof the ups and downs she and her husband experienced in their first year ofestablishing a floral business.

 Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games andtravel are the things that keep her out of trouble. She and her husband spendwinters in Florida and summers up north with their two daughters, twosons-in-law,  four grandsons, one granddaughter, two grand dogs, fourgrand cats, and one great-grand bearded dragon.

 

CONNECT WITH J.Q. ONLINE

J.Q.Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

Facebook http://facebook.com/jqroseauthor

J.Q.  Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose

Sign up for the quarterly Rose Courier https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/m7v2z3

1. Remove the guard petals from roses so they'll open. They are the tough ones on the outside of the rose. If you purchase from a flower shop, the florist may have already done this for you. Cut the stem at an angle so the rose has more area to take up water and will not sit flat on the bottom of the vase. Be sure to add preservative to the warm water.
2. Do you like delicate baby's breath with your flowers? Don't be gentle with it. Fill  a container with warm water. You may add a tiny bit of bleach to the water to whiten the flower. Yeah, really. Don't overdo it! Place the bunch in the container and bounce the stems up and down 3 or 4 times vigorously.!! Step back and watch the tiny buds open with that precious little flower.
3. Keep fresh flowers and plants away from breezy areas like an open window or door. 
4 Pick pollen out of the lily blossoms. ( the yellow powdery stuff in the center of the flower). The bloom will last longer. Plus no yellow smudges on the petals.

 

 

"I don’t normally read memoirs but in this case I'm so glad I did. I loved it. It held my attention the entire way through. Being fascinated by the flower industry kept me turning pages."    Sandra

 

Did you know

 Did you know, Pope Francis once worked as a bouncer?

 

For more information:

Pope Francis was a Bouncer: Non-Religious Jobs Popes Held | Money

Writerly Wednesday

 What is your synonym or sentence for:

 Sentence Ex: My plant-based burger was bodacious.

It's Tuesday, Ketch-up Day

 

How was your weekend? Did anyone attend the NC writing webinar? I went to two sessions. One was extremely well done. One could have been better. But since it was free, I can't complain. Fall is definitely in the air here. A sure sign: the mums are blooming.

AND

October calendar pics:

AND FL pic.

Thanks, Shane.

Have a great week.

Your Weekend Read: REMY'S DILEMMA by S. L. Hollister

 

In this explosive fifth installment of The Harrell Family Chronicles heart-racing romantic suspense series, "Remy’s Dilemma;" plagued by doubts, Remy worries he won’t be able to save the phosphate plant or the woman he's falling in love with. Sothy is concealing a dangerous secret that could threaten both of their families. As the threats intensify, the web of deception surrounding Sothy's true identity tightens, forcing him to question everything he thought he knew. As his sister, Janie’s wedding nears, Remy has another dilemma to consider. Will they use his family to force his hand?  In "Remy’s Dilemma," the boundaries of trust and love are tested. Remy and Sothy must summon their courage to protect those they love and decide if what they have is worth the battle.  Prepare for a heart-stopping tale of romantic suspense, where loyalty and betrayal entwine in a dangerous dance. "Remy’s Dilemma" will leave you breathless as Remy races against time to uncover the truth and protect the ones he loves, even if it means sacrificing everything.  
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCYVMZ1Q  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/remy-s-dilemma-3  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remys-dilemma-s-l-hollister/1143836364;jsessionid=49BC4FF41FE6DEB767D7414290355617.prodny_store02-atgap07?ean=2940167286498  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1429535 
https://books2read.com/u/b5w2Dl 
 https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEBiHk9ePM 
  Fun Facts About Remy: He’s the oldest of 7 kids. He swore he never wanted children but he is a softy with Sothy’s two girls. He loves anything cooked on the grill but his favorite is tuna steaks.    
  Fun Facts About the Author: I’m an only child but have always gathered adopted brothers and sisters. 
I used to have secret birthday parties for my friends. I would bake a cake, usually lemon and a jug of lemonade and we’d go out to an old abandoned barn. It was a lot of fun. 
My favorite food is chicken. I could eat a whole rotisserie chicken by myself. I don’t but I could. When my husband is camping I make a chicken and white sauce (gravy) over toast. It’s my favorite meal. 
One more, my biker dude husband likes Harlequin Romance movies and I like muder mysteries.

 

 

Did You Know

 Did you know, there's a cafe  750 feet underground in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico?

This one is going on my bucket list.

For more information:

Carlsbad Caverns Underground Lunchroom: An Eatery 750 Feet Below The Ground | Amusing Planet

IWSG Wednesday

 

Thefirst Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by NinjaCaptain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discussstruggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitterhandle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag:#IWSG

The awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting of the IWSG are Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass!

Every month, we announce a question that memberscan answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice,insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question inyour IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with somethingto say. 


Remember,the question is optional!

October4 question: The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world.According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replacethem. What are your thoughts?

Now that’s a loaded question. Currently, I find it valuable forresearch and writing posts, etc. Could it be problematic in the future as faras AI replacing writers or using their works? We’ll see. I’d say the potential is there, we’ll just have to see howit's handled.

 

Free Writers' Conference Oct 6-8.  Carolina Book and Writer Conference (carolinabwc.com)

AND

September/October Reviewsin no particular order.

Occasional typos are notfactored into my reviews.

 

THE PRICE OF ATONEMENT byMae Clair

This is the first book inthe Harbor Pointe Series of eight. So, if you enjoy this story as much as Idid, you’ll have plenty to look forward to as eight different authors showcasetheir talents.

Leviticus Sinclair—and don’tyou love this name—has committed a heinous crime and spends his time chasingdown specters who are lingering on earth in the hopes of absolution when hesometimes sends, sometimes helps, them move to the other side with the aid of apocket watch.

The one word that summed upthis story for me was haunting. Both the storyline and the writing.  With a delicate touch, Ms. Clair deliversgrizzly details. i.e., ‘Her eyes had become cavernous black holes, while herflesh mirrored the cobweb-gray of a crypt. The right side of her skull waspartially caved in, brain matter tangled in the blood-soaked strands of hair.’ Thestory is told to a backdrop of a lighthouse, crashing waves and gray skies.Sure to be enjoyed by lovers of ghostly paranormal.

Ms. Clair’s considerable writingskills are on full display in this eerie tale.

Available on Amazon

 

 

SECOND CHANCES by Joe Congel

Brandon Turner has retiredfrom the police department in New York and, with his faithful dog Max, moves toMagnolia Bluffs for some peace and quiet. His plans, buy a place on the lakeand catch up on his fishing. Unfortunately, Magnolia Bluffs is becominglittered with murdered bodies. Since he doesn’t have much confidence in thelocal police solving the murders, Turner finds himself smack dab in the middleof the investigation and in danger to boot. Now he must find the killer beforeanyone else gets hurt.

In Book 17 of the MagnoliaBluff Crime Chronicles, the author does an amazing job of linking the readerwith the characters. Drawing the reader in till he feels he could walk right upto one of the Magnolia Bluffs’ citizens and buy them a cup of coffee.

Max, Turner’s four-leggedcompanion, steals the show. Not only will you be wanting to buy the charactersa cup of coffee, you’ll be wanting to give the dog a biscuit. 😊

Told in his inimitablestyle, this is a must read for Joe Congel fans and mystery lovers alike. If youlove the Razzman, as I do, I suggest giving Brandon Turner a go.

Available on Amazon

 

DEEP IN THE FOREST WHEREPOETRY BLOOMS by D.L. Finn

Reading D.L Finn’s poetry islike floating on warm waves of water. It’s just that relaxing. Her verse isdeeply steeped in nature and her words bring the forest, and/or the ocean, andits inhabitants alive. 

I’m a D. L. Finn fan andlove her poetry. In my humble opinion, this is her best collection yet.  Here are some examples of verse that snaggedmy attention:

‘Spring flowers peek throughsunbeams….

Saturating the moment in acaptivating bouquet,’

AND

‘Nature’s breath brings lifeto the world….

Awakening me from mywinter’s hibernation

My bare arms absorb the sun—andthe moment

Blissfully receiving thegift of spring.’

AND

‘it was that moment

I swam with ancient wisdom

and understood love’

AND

‘stirring sea

caressing my soul

with each wave’

AND

‘youthful vacation

in a timeworn body

my inner child smiles’

These are just a few of thegems in this book. If you love poetry, I think you’ll enjoy the wonderful versefound inside these pages.

Highly recommended.

Available at Amazon 

 

TRADS

 

THE GATEKEEPER by JamesByrne

This is a new author for meand a new protagonist. Byrne has developed a truly unique character in DezLimerick. One that is easy to get invested in quickly. Even though, he’s short,stocky, always smiling, cracking jokes, amateur musician and from the UK he isvery reminiscent of Lee Child’s Reacher. A man that rights wrongs.

In this first book of three,he foils a kidnapping and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy. I’m very muchlooking forward to book two.

This one is highlyrecommended especially for readers who love thrillers.

 

RUN, ROSE, RUN by JamesPatterson and Dolly Parton

AnnieLee is both clawing herway up the ladder to country western stardom and at the same time is on the runfrom a past that could destroy her.

Considering who the authorsare I was very an xious to read this book. It was good. Not my favoritePatterson read but good.  Dolly’s voice definitelycomes through and there’s also interesting tidbits about the country westernindustry. Recommended for country western lovers.

 

MORTAL STAKES by RobertParker

In this, the third in the series,Spencer has been hired to see if a big-league pitcher is throwing the game. Andif he is, why?

In this read, we see morethan the wisecracking P.I. when he comes face to face with hard decisions andquestions his own moral code.

 

10-4, good buddy:)

 

It's Tuesday, Ketch-up Day

 

Hope you had a lovely weekend and are having a good week.

We had visitors, to one of the butterfly bushes, that entranced me. If it weren't for the antennas I would have sworn they were little hummers.  They constantly fluttered like hummers and their coloring was like hummers. I looked them up and it turns out I was partially right. They're hummingbird moths:)

Another weird mushroom

THE critters
 

AND Florida skies

Thanks, Shane.

That's all folks.

Your Weekend Read: SECOND CHANCES by Joe Congel

  I'm so pleased to share with you Joe's latest: SECOND CHANCES. If you haven't read him and enjoy crime and thrillers with a touch of humor, I highly recommend reading one of his marvelous stories.

Retired New York Police Detective, Brandon Turner wanted to move as far away from the Big Apple as possible.

Pointing a finger at a map, he ends up in Magnolia Bluff, a small town in the Texas Hill Country.

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to retire here as he’d hoped. While exploring a park with his dog and the real-estate agent showing him the property, they discover a body. They report the death and, as far as Turner is concerned, that’s where it ends. But it’s not that simple.

This body was not the first. There were others and all the evidence points to drugs. The local police are not savvy enough to solve these crimes on their own and ask Turner for help. But the former detective has other ideas. He intends to leave his past life where it belongs… in the past. But he soon realizes that he just can’t stay away from the case. Vowing not to work with the local detective, Turner begins his own investigation, putting himself, his dog, and the woman he just met in danger.

Can Turner and the local police set aside their differences long enough to stop a potential drug ring from destroying more lives? The town’s residents are counting on it. As for Turner, he just wants to solve this case as soon as possible so he can start enjoying his retirement.

 

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: Amazon.com: Second Chances: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 17 eBook : Congel, Joe: Kindle Store

 

My Amazon page: www.amazon.com: Joe Congel: books, biography, latest update

 

My blog Site: Joe Congel Fiction Stories

 

 

Bio:

 

Joe Congel grew up in Syracuse, NY, and currently lives in beautiful Charlotte, NC. He got his first break in the world of publishing when he illustrated the humorous book, Housetraining Your VCR, A Help Manual for Humans, published by Grapevine Publications back in the early ’90s.

A few years after Housetraining set the world on fire, Joe decided that he was better suited as a writer rather than as an artist, so he began crafting stories that allowed the reader to use their own imagination to add the visuals to the narrative.

Since he’s enjoyed reading murder mysteries and PI detective stories all his life, he felt he had a pretty good grasp on how to create an engaging character in the world of private detecting. DEAD IS FOREVER is the first book in the Razzman Mystery Crime Files series, featuring Tony Razzolito, PI. The book is set in Syracuse, NY, and Charlotte, NC, with upcoming books in the series concentrated more in and around the Charlotte area. Joe is uniquely qualified to write about both areas of the country since he lived in Syracuse for 36 years and Charlotte for the last 25 plus years.

When he’s not writing, you will most likely find him spoiling his three grandchildren.

 

 

Three Food Favorites:

Me

I’m pretty simple when it comes to food. Give me a good pizza made with fresh ingredients, and I’ll do anything you ask of me. Overall favorite? Margherita – Thin crust, tomatoes, fresh garlic and basil, a quality EVOO, and of course, fresh mozzarella. Nothing better… especially if you happen to be picking one up from one of the many fabulous pizza shops in Brooklyn.Does this count? The Hershey Golden Almond chocolate bar, which is different and creamier than the regular Hershey Almond bar – Years ago, they could be found in your typical grocery store. Now, I can only seem to find them inside the official Hershey stores. Luckily, whenever I make a trip back to my hometown, I pass right through Hershey Pennsylvania, giving me the opportunity to stop at Chocolate World and gather up a couple of the multi-bar packs. This way I can bring them home and savor one whenever I want throughout the year… or whenever my doctor says it’s okay… lol.For some unknown reason I am obsessed with the quick serve restaurant, Chicken Salad Chick. Some of the best chicken salad that’s ever crossed my lips… and I don’t have to make it myself! Several flavors available, all named after women in or associated with the owner’s family. The Sassy Scotty flavor is my favorite. Probably eat there or get take out at least once a week. If you don’t have one of these restaurants in your city or town and enjoy a good chicken salad sandwich, Google them and ask them to build one in your area. If you like chicken salad, and have eaten there, you know what I’m talking about.

 

Did You Know

 

Did you know, that years ago Astronaut John Young smuggled a corn beef on rye sandwich into space?

For more information:

50 years ago this week, someone smuggled a sandwich into space - The Washington Post