Kate Lloyd's Blog, page 10

Spring Cleaning and Giveaway

I consider myself a well-organized person. I start my day journaling, which might include a character development idea, a random thought that may make it into a new novel, a quote that inspired me, something I saw that resonated with me. Not quite stream of consciousness, but not exactly powerpoint material either!

I also map out my day, especially the times for my writing.  I plan time for my daily walks, which Piper adores. When we got her, the vet said she’s a bit over a healthy weight for a dog her size, so the walks we take are good for both of us. 

Piper loves to play with my husband on the beach.

However, I admit it, I’m a chore procrastinator.  Despite the improving weather, the blooms in my garden, and the extra daylight which combats my wintertime urge to hibernate, I haven’t yet got down to spring cleaning.  I know I’m not alone with feeling overwhelmed by spring cleaning at times. Not just the yard, or the house, or my clothes, but also my digital devices — do I really need that app on my phone that I haven’t used since I got the darn thing?

The sharp, citrus scent of lemons seems to make the whole room feel cleaner. I run lemon peels through my garbage disposal to help clean the drain.

Hand-in-hand with cleaning comes decluttering. Too much clutter and mess makes our brains work extra hard, trying to make sense of what we see. So there’s a good reason to keep our surroundings tidy.

One tip I’ve gleaned from the wealth of information about decluttering is to start by sorting things by category rather than location.  It’s easier for me to get started if I resolve to sort through my kitchen utensils rather than trying to do the whole kitchen at one time.  It’s a method espoused by Marie Kondo, the master of cleaning and decluttering.  The one item a day approach works for me too, as it breaks down a big, time-consuming task into manageable chunks I can fit into my daily activities.

Someone’s made a start on spring cleaning!

And when I’m done, I reward myself by putting up some fresh decorations, whether it’s something as simple as a spring wreath to hang on my front door, or a vase of fresh flowers on my freshly cleaned and decluttered kitchen table.

What spring cleaning tips and tricks work for you?

A simple stem of lilacs in a pretty glass vase look so classically lovely on a freshly cleaned window sill.

To help you get a handle on Spring Cleaning, I’m giving away a $100 Amazon gift certificate so you can get cleaning supplies to get started, or a little something to reward yourself with when you’re done, along with a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love.

U.S. and Canada only. Winner has three days to respond.

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Congratulations and Kate’s Favorite Photos

Please help me congratulate Kim Roberts Hardie, winner of the $100 Amazon gift card plus, a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love. Many thanks to all who entered.

Kate’s Favorite Pics

All my favorite photos have Piper in them, though she doesn’t cooperate for the camera. Some dogs are camera hogs, but Piper is definitely not one of them. I think she honestly doesn’t know what the fuss is about, and unless a treat is involved, really couldn’t care less.

 

Piper is, once again, off exploring some intriguing scent. Not looking at the camera.

If Piper’s guilty look doesn’t give away the fact she’s been digging in the yard, the dirt mustache she’s sporting does.

Piper’s attempt to distract me from my new book is certainly working.

My husband took advantage of the fine weather to go flying. Piper came to see us off.

April in the Garden

I was taking Piper for a walk, and it suddenly hit me that spring has arrived in the Pacific Northwest. It seems we went from crocuses to daffodils to cherry blossoms to tulips in the blink of an eye. The lighter, brighter greens of new leaves are popping up amidst the dark green evergreen trees on the mountains, though there’s still snow up there at the top.

Rain or shine, Piper and I enjoy our walks.

April is National Gardening Month, and I’ve started to put together a list of things that need doing in my yard. Whether it’s cutting off the dead growth from last fall’s late bloomers (yes, I should have done it months ago!), to planting summer blooming bulbs like dahlias, gladiolas, irises and lilies, to adding some new plants to my pots, I find myself pouring over the seed and nursery catalogs that have been showing up regularly in my mailbox these last couple of months.  Out here in Seattle, we’re in Zone 8 of the USDA’s Plant Hardiness map  so there are plenty of plants to choose from!

 The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs from April 1 – 30.

Pansies are a favorite of mine, and they do well in our cool summers, though I find myself moving my planters into the shade during the hot month of August. As an added bonus to being out in the garden, I get a boost to my Vitamin D (aka the sunshine vitamin) levels. With about 42% of the US population Vitamin D deficient, it’s a good idea to get outside!

The colorful splash of pansies at the local nursery.

Of course, the old adage “April showers bring May flowers” is especially apropos here, too, and my husband and I still wear a jacket and hat when walking, and my umbrella is still sitting right by the door.  I haven’t yet dragged my garden furniture out of the shed and onto the patio, either.

Some spring showers left the sidewalk damp and puddled in places.

To celebrate the colors of Spring, I’m giving away a $100 Amazon gift certificate and a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome with Love. Winner has 3 days to respond, US and Canada only.

Enter by April 19th for a chance to win!

REVIEWERS WANTED

I’m looking for reviewers of my latest two novels. If you’re interested and willing to leave a review, email: themaryreader@yahoo.com

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Giveaway Winner and Kate’s Favorite Pics

Please help me congratulate Kari Bellinger, winner of the $100 Amazon gift card plus, a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love. Many thanks to all who entered, and for all the kind comments on last week’s blog. Your appreciation and enthusiasm keeps me writing.

Kate’s New Dog Pics

“Happiness is a new puppy.”  — Charles Schultz, creator of Peanuts and Snoopy, and who obviously knew a thing or two about dogs!

As many of you know, my husband and I got a new dog earlier this month, a sweet little 5 year old Cairn Terrier, who we’ve named Piper.  She’s such a good little dog, and has already snuggled her way into our lives.

Piper settles in for some chin scratching, which she adores, hoping for a treat.

The ducks in the water catch Piper’s attention far more than the camera.

My husband enjoys walking with Piper too.

Piper and I stopped to admire these cheery daffodils.

Piper settles down for a nap on her favorite beach towel, while I get back to writing.

In like a Lion out like a Lamb

Are you tired of chilly weather? We had a nasty hailstorm today and it is chilly!

The first week of March this year will always remain special to my husband and me because after much searching, we found and bought a new dog! A Cairn terrier, much like the one in The Wizard of Oz. Piper is a sweetheart. I feel my blood pressure lowering every time she comes in the room.

Piper loves to accompany us on our walks.

Another popular celebration in March is Saint Patrick’s Day, on the 17th, a favorite for many whether of Irish lineage or not. I look ghastly in green but keep some green clothing, so I don’t get pinched. My husband and I don’t fix any special meals for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s hard to make a corned beef dinner for just two.

Although leftovers can get made into a sandwich, there is some debate in our household as to whether corned beef or pastrami goes into a Reuben!

Much to my surprise, March is National Celery Month. Celery is one of the best foods you can eat if you’re reducing your calory intake. People say it takes more calories to eat celery, than the calories it contains. It is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. But it’s hard to get excited about, unless you’re planning an Amish wedding. 

The Ides of March is celebrated on March 15 and is the first day of the Roman New Year. It also marks the first day of spring in the Roman calendar.

On this day in history, Julius Caesar was warned by soothsayers to “Beware of the Ides of March“. Apparently, he did not heed the warning as he was stabbed by Marcus Brutus on the Ides of March in 44 BC.

“I came, I saw, I conquered.” If you studied Latin for four years as I did you could translate this.

The Death of Julius Caesar (1806) by Vincenzo Camuccini.

National Quilting Day celebrates fabulous quilts and those who make them, such as my dear Aunt Leda. Quilting is a skill that produces warm and beautiful results.If you are a quiltmaker, you may spend a minute to recognize and appreciate that you have truly been blessed with a special skill.

Outstanding quilt by Old Order Amish quilter Emma Stoltzfus of Lancaster County, PA.

Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card and a sighed copy of Stage Fright or From Rome with Love in my March Giveaway! 

Winner has three days to respond. US and Canada only.

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Congratulations and Kate’s Snow Day Pics

Please help me congratulate Rita Long, winner of the $100 Amazon gift card plus, a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love. Many thanks to all who entered.

Kate’s Favorite Pics

Seattle only gets a bit over 5 inches of snow a year, but Saturday was our snowiest day in 52 years, with 8.9 inches of snow and 2-day total of 11.1 inches. While I know that’s not a lot compared to other parts of the country, it’s more than sufficient for me.  Hope all of you are safe and warm.

First thing in the morning, I could barely make out a window at our neighbor’s home.

Coffee mug in hand, I admired the snow falling in our front yard.

Our snow-covered deck hasn’t looked like this in years.

Even our next door neighbor’s maple and chimney looked more beautiful!

Books, Dreams and a Giveaway

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.” Neil Gaiman

Making new friends can be tough, even if they live across the street from you. (A future storyline?) But thanks to all of you, I have a fabulous group of friends whom I appreciate more than you can ever know. Not to mention the terrific authors, editors, and agents I’ve met along the way. Over this last year our state has been locked down and still is. Inch by inch we’ll loosen up, I hope. I look forward to chatting again with folks at the public library!

This photo I found in Scotland always makes me smile.

I’ll let in on a little something. Some days I’m a wee bit lonely. I want a new dog, a Cairn or a border terrier. The border I’m speaking of is between England and Scotland.  A rugged area I’ve visited, plus my dad was of Scottish heritage.  He was a Campbell, to be exact.

Knowing my struggle and frustration to find a dog, my husband suggested we simply fly over to Scotland and pick one up. How hard could that be? I laughed.

My darling Millie, being shown by a friend, lived 16+ years.

As I write this blog post the trip is impossible as Great Britain is completely locked down. The start of a new book? you ask. Possibly. I never know what might snag my curiosity.

Castle Campbell

Writing a complete novel is an arduous task so I don’t enter into it lightly. I usually have an idea of the storyline and the characters, but not until I dive in do they become real to me. Sometimes they surprise me by doing all sorts of zany things.

Lucy and Tabatha certainly did the unexpected in my most recent novel From Rome with Love. Not to mention my novel’s other characters. If you’ve read the book you know what I mean. And all sorts of idiosyncrasies erupted in Stage Fright much to my surprise. My characters take on lives of their own and tell me what to do.

I had a pretty good idea how both books would start and finish but not how we’d get there. Among all the books I’ve written, From Rome with Love was the book that caught me off guard the most. But then again, it is the most recent book I wrote. Not counting my Mennonite/Amish Christmas novella, still to be published.

Enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love

Enter my giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome with Love plus a $100 gift card from Amazon. Time to buy more books or whatever suits your fancy. Winner has 3 days to claim his or her prize. US and Canada only.

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Reader’s Giveaway Winner and Kate’s Favorite Pics

Please help me congratulate Robin Weiss, winner of my “I Want To Read Giveaway”, including a book tote, reading light, and a copy of either Stage Fright or From Rome With Love.Kate’s Pics – A Walk at the Nature Preserve

I took advantage of this weekend’s good weather (which means not raining here in the Seattle area), to go for a walk at a nearby nature preserve with my son and husband.

A late morning walk in the Nature preserve with my son and husband.

 

Our son’s friend appreciating a view of Lake Washington.

 

Rare sunshine. Glad we picked the right day to walk!

 

Our city eagle population is exploding!

I Want to Read! Giveaway

When was the last time you went somewhere without reading material? A little something in your purse or bag in case you’re stuck in line, which we have many these days. All standing 6 feet apart for social distancing in my state. But that’s another subject. Even if you’re a knitter—a fine endeavor indeed—there are times when a person simply needs to read. Do you know what I mean?

Books I can’t bring myself to give away.

Recently, I made a ghastly mistake and set off with my husband in the car without reading material. He stopped at a store and I sat in the car lamenting over the fact that I had forgotten something to read! When will I learn? At least I had a notebook in my bag so I could jot down ideas for future books or this blog post.

Whenever I see books I stop to admire them!

I find reading soothing, the perfect pastime before bed. I can’t remember taking a trip without a book. Yes, I know, I should break down and get a Kindle, but I haven’t yet. I have the app on my iPad but I continue to seek solace in paper. Maybe, as an author, I spend so much time staring into a screen, that I need to give my eyes a rest. So I have been told by an ophthalmologist.

Good news: I hear reading 30 minutes a day elevates your intelligence and can improve your life in many ways!

Enter by January 11 for a chance to win!

Enter my fun giveaway tailored especially for readers. A chance to win this sturdy tote bag, rechargeable book light neck lamp that can be dimmed and is easy on the eyes, and your choice of From Rome with Love or Stage Fright.

Winner has three days to respond to my email. US and Canada only.

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Giveaway Winners and Kate’s Favorite Pics

Please help me congratulate the 5 winners of a paperback copy of Stage Fright or From Rome With Love:  Pat Cory, April Chauvin, Kris Ross, John Smith, Deborah Hazelton.

And the 10 winners of an e-book of either book: DennynCarol Stringer, Deb Calvin, Brenda Murphree, Judith Smith, Robin Weiss, Cecilia Lynn, Dawn Crawford,Katie Weeder, Melissa C., and Lanore Lewis!

Kate’s Pics

Now that From Rome With Love is out, I’m enjoying the photos so many of my readers are sharing.  I thought you might enjoy them too.