Pat Wahler's Blog, page 7

War Dogs

On Memorial Day it’s customary to honor those brave men and women who died to protect our freedom. We owe them an enormous debt, and I’m more grateful than I can say for their service.

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Memorial for war dogs (Wikipedia)

At this time of year, I also like to acknowledge the four-footed heroes who serve this country in many capacities. They sniff out booby traps, mines, and weapon arsenals. They alert troops of pending ambush. They drag the wounded to safety. These are dogs who train, work, sustain injuries, and die just like any other soldier in defense of our country.

War dogs are too often unrecognized, although they have gone into battle from the earliest days (think Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) to the present, and are sent to the most difficult and dangerous combat zones in the world. Because of them, countless human lives have been saved.

But shamefully, in years past, most dogs that survived active duty were labeled “excess” by military powers. And after their faithful service they were euthanized rather than honored.

Fortunately this changed in 2000, after the passage of H.R. 5314, now Public Law 106-446. In essence, the law requires efforts to place retired military dogs in suitable adoptive homes, a far better fate than before. And a better fate is what they deserve. If you’d like to see examples of extraordinary canines in action, Atlantic Magazine has a series of poignant and sometimes heartrending photos showing the bravery of these dogs of war. Even more striking to me, is the obvious deep bond between the soldiers and the dogs. Click here.

There is additional fascinating information on the history of war dogs in the United States as well as heart-tugging individual stories on the United States War Dogs Association website. It’s worthwhile reading, most especially on this upcoming Memorial weekend.

So on Memorial Day, when you pause from picnics, boating, and barbecues to honor all our brave soldiers, please take a moment to think about the courageous dogs of war.

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Pat Wahler is the author of a novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, and co-author of a picture book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat; both now available on preorder. A Christmas-themed collection of short stories, essays, and poetry titled Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, is scheduled for release in October 2018. 

She’s Here & Preorder Ready

Just over one year ago, I signed a contract to publish my first novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James. I’m excited to report that after several delays, the book is finally scheduled for release in August, and is now available on preorder. [image error]

You may be thinking something to the effect of:  Is she out of her mind? She’s got a picture book coming out in September!

Traditional wisdom has it that publishing one book a year is about what an author should expect to do. If you take a look at major publishing houses, anywhere from twelve to eighteen months (sometimes longer) between books for one author isn’t unusual. There’s research, writing, editing, cover design, prep work, and marketing. It takes time to birth a book.

Then there are those who choose the route of publishing their own work. They have the option to do so more frequently. Some strive to put out a book every three to four months, which in my view always sounded daunting.

Yet here I am, preparing to launch three books. One in August. One in September. One in October.

Before you suggest I contact my doctor for a full mental health evaluation, let me assure you, I didn’t plan it this way. Midnight the One-Eyed Cat (co-authored with Sheree K. Nielsen) had an original release date of September 2017. A delay moved it to September 2018.

I am Mrs. Jesse James, originally was to release in April 2018, but various issues pushed the date to August 2018.

Meanwhile, I’ve been working on a Christmas-themed collection of essays, poetry, and short stories titled Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. Originally, this book was scheduled for release in August through Evergreen Tree Press. Based on the unforeseen circumstances with the other books, the release date has been pushed to October, as it was either that or wait until 2019. Postponing publication for a full year on a book that’s nearly ready to go, wasn’t an option. I’ll provide more details and unveil the new cover for this labor of love in a few weeks.

Any way you want to slice it, I’ll soon be launching a new book every month for three months in a row. I’m pretty sure that’s not what experts would recommend, but nevertheless, I’ll find a way.

I’m thrilled, excited, and more than a little  nervous. You’ll hear what’s happening with book events and signings as I spread the news, so I apologize in advance if it seems like too much hoopla all at once.

That being said, let the celebration begin! I’ve got three books releasing, and I intend to do my best by each and every one of them.

Cross your fingers for me, and thanks for your support!

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Pat Wahler is an award-winning author with three books releasing in 2018 – I am Mrs. Jesse James, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat, and Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas.

She’s Here and Available on Pre-order!

Just over one year ago, I signed a contract to publish my first novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James. I’m excited to report that after several delays, the book is finally scheduled for release in August, and is now available on pre-order.  (Note: release date is in August, not October, as Amazon currently has it listed.)[image error]

You may be thinking something to the effect of:  Is she out of her mind? She’s got a picture book coming out in September!

Traditional wisdom has it that publishing one book a year is about what an author should expect to do. If you take a look at major publishing houses, anywhere from twelve to eighteen months (sometimes longer) between books for one author isn’t unusual. There’s research, writing, editing, cover design, prep work, and marketing. It takes time to birth a book.

Then there are those who choose the route of publishing their own work. They have the option to do so more frequently. Some strive to put out a book every three to four months, which in my view always sounded daunting.

Yet here I am, preparing to launch three books. One in August. One in September. One in October.

Before you suggest I contact my doctor for a full mental health evaluation, let me assure you, I didn’t plan it this way. Midnight the One-Eyed Cat (co-authored with Sheree K. Nielsen) had an original release date of September 2017. A delay moved it to September 2018.

I am Mrs. Jesse James, originally was to release in April 2018, but various issues pushed the date to August 2018.

Meanwhile, I’ve been working on a Christmas-themed collection of essays, poetry, and short stories titled Let Your Heart Be Light: Stories and Readings for Christmas. Originally, this book was scheduled for release in August through Evergreen Tree Press. Based on the unforeseen circumstances with the other books, the release date has been pushed to October, as it was either that or wait until 2019. Postponing publication for a full year on a book that’s nearly ready to go, wasn’t an option. I’ll provide more details and unveil the new cover for this labor of love in a few weeks.

Any way you want to slice it, I’ll soon be launching a new book every month for three months in a row. I’m pretty sure that’s not what experts would recommend, but nevertheless, I’ll find a way.

I’m thrilled, excited, and more than a little  nervous. You’ll hear what’s happening with book events and signings as I spread the news, so I apologize in advance if it seems like too much hoopla all at once.

That being said, let the celebration begin! I’ve got three books releasing, and I intend to do my best by each and every one of them.

Cross your fingers for me, and thanks for your support!

*************************************************

Pat Wahler is an award-winning author with three books releasing in 2018 – I am Mrs. Jesse James, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat, and Let Your Heart Be Light: Stories and Readings for Christmas.

Just Like Eliza, I Fell in Love

I am smitten. Yes, truly smitten.

Last week, thanks to a generous gift from my daughter, I went to see the musical Hamilton, performed in the splendor of the Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis. I’m fascinated by history. I adore musicals. And so, just like Eliza Schuyler, I fell in love with Hamilton.

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The hottest playbill in town.

Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show relies heavily on rap and at first I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it. I’m not typically a fan of this music style. Yet despite my misgivings, I found the pounding beat fit the high energy of this time in our country’s history like a hand in a glove.

Melding history into a musical isn’t a new concept. Les Miserables and Evita, among others, come to mind. What I find fascinating is the fact that putting a piece of history in a play or novel not only teaches the viewer/reader something new, but if it’s done well, sends them seeking out additional information on the subject. For me, Hamilton’s story was an ingenious way to remind people of our country’s history, and the cost of the freedom we enjoy today. Reportedly, teachers have even used Hamilton in lesson plans, and that’s a pretty awesome way to get kids interested in a past every American ought to know.

If you haven’t seen the show, or even if you have, here’s a link to snippets from songs selected as the “top ten” from the play, along with background information. Be aware the clip is about twelve minutes long, but worth every minute (Note: if you let the clip continue to run, it will move into another clip and so on, until you turn it off).

My assessment? If you can manage to do so, go see Hamilton. I promise you won’t regret it.

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It’s hard to put this one down.

On a side note, here’s another tip. I’m just finishing a newly released novel about Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by two of my favorite authors, Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, who previously wrote the New York Times bestseller, American’s First Daughter. Thorough and well-researched, My Dear Hamilton brings Eliza, the woman behind the man, to life and gives her the recognition she deserves. This revealing look into the political intrigue and machinations that forged deals to form our country, make many of today’s political woes seem like trifling little mistakes.

Eliza lived for another fifty years after her husband’s death, and accomplished much in her own right, earning a place for herself as one of our country’s founding mothers. If you’d like to learn more about her story, I highly recommend My Dear Hamilton.

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Pat Wahler’s debut historical novel, I Am Mrs. Jesse James, is scheduled for release in August 2018. A children’s book, Midnight the One-Eyed Cat, will follow in September 2018. Both books available for preorder through most local independent bookstores, national bookstore chains, and Amazon. 

 

 

 

Trust Me – Freeze Them First

The grocery store isn’t my favorite place to be. Yet it’s one of those chores which must be done every week whether I like it or not. Sort of like laundry, picking up dog poo in the backyard, and counting the reasons I don’t have time to clean out the basement. As in most homes, this is a task that usually falls to the woman of the house. On the bright side, at least I don’t find weird things like herring in cream sauce when I unpack the bags.

I try to race through the “sweets” aisle as I’m not good with temptation, but a few weeks ago something caught my eye.  Strawberry filled Twinkies? This was something new. I didn’t buy them, but I did do a search, and discovered Twinkies are actually rather amazing.

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Cream-filled yumminess. (Pixabay)

The filled sponge cakes were created in 1930 by James Alexander Dewar. At first the cakes were filled with banana cream, but (thankfully in my view) he changed the filling to vanilla during the banana rationing of World War II. Dewar dubbed his creation Twinkies after seeing a billboard in St. Louis advertising Twinkle Toe Shoes, another story altogether. He put two Twinkies in an airtight package and sold them for a nickel. People couldn’t get enough of them.

Twinkies have continued to prove their popularity. When Hostess filed for bankruptcy in 2012, a near panic ensued. No more Twinkies? Impossible. Shoppers raided the remaining retail supplies while ambitious cooks attempted to recreate the recipe with little success. Fortunately, nine months later, Hostess emerged from bankruptcy, and Twinkies were back on store shelves. They’ve also undergone a number of new incarnations. Each year special limited edition flavors are introduced. These have included gems like fudge-covered Twinkies, plus the delicious fun of new fillings such as peppermint, peanut butter, cotton candy, and pumpkin spice. (Is there any food on earth that doesn’t have a fall pumpkin spice flavor?)

A particular favorite of mine is the deep-fried Twinkie. Don’t knock it til you try it, and if you decide to try it by making the treat at home, here’s a tip from me to you. Freeze the Twinkies before dipping them in batter and frying. Trust me on this. Freeze them.

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Freeze them first. (Wikipedia)

Twinkies are not just tasty little sweets. They’ve slipped into our cultural sensibility. There’s the Twinkie defense – a term for an improbable defense claim, sort of like “eating too many sweets made me do it”. Or the theological Twinkie – spiritually empty calories. And don’t forget the urban legend of Twinkie’s shelf life.

They do not, in fact, last forever. Forty-five days in an unopened package is about it.

All of this has given me a new respect for Twinkies – no matter what the dictionary says, and I quote: “Twinkie-a slang term for a person or thing who looks interesting or physically attractive but has little value or worth.” Ouch! I’m sorry, but a Twinkie is more than a valueless little snack cake.

In fact, I’m more on board with the Hostess Twinkie slogan. They’re a “a big delight in every bite”.

For your viewing pleasure, how about a vintage Twinkie commercial? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmbelzVP0x4

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Pat Wahler is an award winning writer from Missouri. Her historical fiction debut novel, I Am Mrs. Jesse James, will be released on June 12, 2018 by Blank Slate Press, an imprint of the Amphorae Publishing Group. 

Everything You Didn’t Want to Know About Me

Five days from Easter, and signs of spring are everywhere. Green shoots are poking through the ground. A few daring tulips have bloomed. The Star Magnolia tree is dotted with blossoms. Unfortunately, still chilly temperatures and days of rain have dampened more than a few events. There’s even the potential for snow flurries on Easter Sunday. Yet I’m looking on the bright side. Like all my neighbors in the Show-Me state know, there’s one simple truth about life in Missouri. If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute. [image error]

About a week ago,  blogger buddy and talented author, Lisa Ricard Claro, nominated me for a Sunshine Award and assigned questions  for pondering. The game goes like this:

Thank the person who nominated you. (Thank you, Lisa.)
Answer the questions from the person who nominated you.
Nominate other bloggers for the award. (Cackles evilly.)
Write the same amount of questions for the bloggers you have nominated. (Uh, no. I’ll keep them just the way Lisa sent them.)
Notify the bloggers you have nominated them.

Here we go, short and sweet (or salty).

1. What do you love most about blogging/writing?

As I’m sure many have said before, it’s the connections. Amazingly close bonds have been formed with people I’ve never met. I know bloggers who’ve taken road trips specifically to hang out (in person) with their blogger buddies. How cool is that?

2. Name a place you’ve never been but would love to visit and why?

Paris. Come on, who wouldn’t want to say they wrote a story while in Paris?

3. Describe your favorite snack.

I’m a cyclical snacker. Salty than sweet than salty than sweet than salty than sweet…you get the picture.

4. What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

A few months ago, I saw The Man Who Invented Christmas and LOVED it!

5. What is your favorite season and why?

No contest. Autumn!

6. Do you believe in ghosts?

There are many things which cannot be explained. Who am I to deny the existence of spirits?

7.  What advice do you give but don’t take yourself?

Limit your time on social media. It’s a time suck.

8. If you had to choose one favorite color, what would it be?

Fifty shades of green – the color of nature.

9. When is the last time you laughed?

This morning when Winston barked non-stop to “tell” on his brother (the cat) Bogey. Bogey is NOT allowed on the counters. Guess where he was?

10. Do you prefer a tablet or actual book while reading?

Depends. When traveling, I like my Kindle. When at home, books are oh-so-nice.

11. You’ve just discovered you’re a superhero. What’s your name and superpower?

Captain Numbutski. Sloth-like ability to sit in front of a computer screen without moving longer than any other human being on earth.

Phew!  [image error]Okay, now I’m nominating three bloggers (I apologize to them in advance).

Margo at Look to the Western Sky

Sheree at Sheree’s Warm Fuzzies

Angela at The Heartland Chronicle

Looking forward to your answers. Regular programming will resume next time!

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How about a new Easy Peasy Recipe? Click on the tab for a simply delicious dinner idea.

Do You See Green?

There are shamrocks everywhere. In stores, on sweatshirts, and even painted on the street. Parades are planned in countless cities featuring leprechaun-themed floats and people dressed in every shade of green.

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Rocking his St. Patrick’s Day style. (Pixabay)

Some of them will bring dogs tinted the same color. I don’t know how dogs feel about St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but I do know most people will recognize the day in some way or another, whether they’re Irish or not. Many will wear something green (or a leprechaun may pinch you), while the more adventurous add a plate of green eggs washed down with green beer.

My own celebration is a modest one. I prepare my one-time-yearly meal of corned beef and cabbage. The recipe is (as you might expect from the Easy-Peasy Queen) uncomplicated, and goes something like this:

Plop one slab of corned beef in a large crock pot. Quarter a head of cabbage and put it on top. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of water over all, and slow cook for about eight hours or until meat is done. You’re welcome.

In the area I live, celebrations are abundant, but nothing like Chicago, named one of the best cities for St. Patrick’s Day (or week) parties.  There are parades, bagpipers, races, Irish dancers, pub crawls…well, the list goes on and on. One of the most interesting events, though, is what happens to the Chicago River. They dye it – what else? – green.

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They say it’s ecofriendly, but I wonder how the fish feel. (Pixabay)

Back in 1961 (or 1963, depending on which source you choose), plumbers were using a special green dye to check for leaks. After finishing a job, the men had been stained such a charming shade of emerald, someone had a brilliant idea. “Hey, can we put this in the river?”

And that’s the way traditions are born.

Tradition. Not to be a party-pooper, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention most of our St. Patrick’s Day traditions really don’t have much to do with Ireland at all. Here’s more on the truth about St. Patrick’s Day.

While the majority of us won’t be in Chicago watching a river turn green, we’ll still enjoy the idea of being Irish for a day. My green t-shirt is ready to go, and I might even watch a parade.

But green eggs and green beer? That’s where I return to my German/Scandinavian roots and just say no.

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Not even green beer and  pretzels can tempt me to indulge. (Pixabay)

Meandering Down Memory Lane

I’ve been digging through old photos. Not the ones from a few years back (most of which sit either on my computer or my phone – I apparently don’t print them anymore), but the black and white pictures from decades ago. If you think social media is the only time waster around, you haven’t opened a box of old photographs.

It all started as a plan to organize piles of pictures. (Click HERE for the article that inspired me) Hours later, I realized my project had morphed into a meander down memory lane – a true time machine. I enjoy looking at old pictures way too much, and in no time at all, minutes turned into hours. I didn’t feel too bad about it, though. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon. So many reminders.

One photo in particular made me smile. A snapshot of me and the first pup I ever befriended.

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Me and my first canine friend.

I don’t remember her name, but she may have belonged to one of my aunts. I do recall thinking that little dog was the most wonderful thing I’d ever seen. I’m not sure of the dog’s opinion, but since she’s not leaning away from me, we must have been pals. Notice my t-shirt. Can you figure out what television show I liked to watch? Yes, I thought Davy Crockett was pretty wonderful, too. For ancient people like me, who adore nostalgia, you might enjoy listening to the theme song.  

So here’s a piece of advice on cataloging photos that you won’t find in the article link. I suggest you first plan a day of simply wallowing in those candid shots. Remind yourself of Aunt Becky’s penchant for odd hats. Smirk over Cousin Molly’s bobby sox. And enjoy Uncle Teddy’s big grin just one more time. Only then will you be ready to organize, digitize and preserve some pretty cool memories so years from now someone else can appreciate them, too.

And just like the hokey-pokey, that’s what it’s all about.

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(Photo from Brainy Quote)

 

 

 

 

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For a delicious low carb chicken meal, click on the Easy Peasy Recipe tab. 

Homage to Our Public Libraries

Do you get a little thrill of anticipation when you walk through the door of a library? Does the sight of hundreds of books meticulously arranged according to the Dewey Decimal system (or alphabetically by author name) put you over the moon?

Books have always been my kryptonite. When the kids were little they used to complain about going into a library or bookstore with me. Their concerns were valid. I’m a book browser, and can happily spend hours reading the back cover blurbs before I make a selection. Such habits aren’t popular with those who don’t share my passion.

When I was a child, I’d visit the library to find reading material for the week. This would typically include Nancy Drew, the Black Stallion series, and anything by Marguerite Henry. At the check-out counter, a gray-haired librarian who seemed to be at least one hundred years old, would stamp a due date on a card, and then hand me a stack of books to take home. I felt like the richest person on earth picking any book I wanted to read from among hundreds of possibilities.

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Okay, maybe she wasn’t THIS old. (Pixabay)

Libraries have been around for centuries, but public libraries are a more recent phenomenon. In the seventeenth century, universities set up libraries for students, which became the first step toward establishing a place designated specifically for housing books to lend.  Wealthy patrons like Andrew Carnegie donated huge sums of money to open libraries in communities who pledged to support the institution with a tax ensuring the library’s books would be lent to the public free of charge. The free public library notion grew and prospered over the years.

A cool recent development is the little free library. You might have seen a few of these tiny nooks with books. Anyone is invited to take what they want, and leave a book or two for whoever comes along next. A pretty cool concept, if you ask me.

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A cute little book nook. (Pixabay)

Yet there are naysayers who claim the library is on the way out. They speculate someday everyone will read electronically, so there won’t be any need for a pubic library.

I disagree.

Libraries have proven they can change with the times, providing services and programs invaluable to the community. Take, for example, the St. Charles City-County Library District.  They continue to amaze me with not only an outstanding collection of books (no worries if they don’t have what you want, just ask and they’ll get it), but they also offer an incredible variety of other ways to assist. Need help with taxes? Want to learn how to knit? Would you like to make a lovely bead bracelet? Our library has programs on these topics and much, much more. For a glimpse of what’s happening, click HERE to see a calendar of events for the St. Charles City-County Library. You might find yourself signing up for a computer class, or maybe even meet your favorite author.

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The Spencer Branch Library.  (Slide show from library website)

It’s my belief that libraries will continue to figure out what we need, and then deliver it. And books? As a hybrid reader, I have a few volumes on my Kindle, but a glance at my home bookcases (yes, more than one) will verify I still love reading a physical book. I don’t expect that to change.

You have it straight from me. Libraries are here to stay.

So, let’s hear it for the public library. A gem of a resource holding the keys to the past, and guiding us through the gateway to the future.

 

An Unexpected Surprise

One would expect to travel from the St. Louis area to Phoenix in January for nicer weather, right? Last week I had visions of wearing shorts and sitting by the pool with a good book while heat warmed my sun-block-slathered legs. One day worked out just the way I’d hoped. The others, not so much. The air temperatures were chillier than they were back home.

Yet Mother Nature’s little joke didn’t faze me. I still had a wonderful time hanging out with my family. One of the highlights of the trip came when we abandoned a cold, windy, rainy day to attend the Barrett Jackson auction (a place where people come to shop for cars when they have more money than the United States Mint). While standing in the midst of a thick crowd, there were shouts of “Move to the side. Coming through”, pushing people apart in a similar fashion to Moses parting the Red Sea. But it wasn’t a fancy automobile coming through. It was someone I recognized at once.

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Guess who?

Car aficionado Jay Leno had arrived to participate in a charity auction benefiting the George W. Bush Center Military Service Initiative, which helps transition veterans to civilian life. Mr. Leno had so many bodyguards and local Scottsdale police surrounding him, getting anywhere near was impossible. Thus the blurry and not so well-posed photo.

We decided it would be fun to watch the car (a 2018 Corvette Carbon Fiber 65 Edition – whatever that means) be auctioned, and muscled our way into the amphitheater along with about fifty billion other people.

The bidding started, but after only a couple of seconds, stopped. Jay Leno took the microphone and announced a guest who’d arrived to participate in the auction. Then he introduced former President George W. Bush, who gave a short speech about how the funds would benefit veterans. Mr. Bush then offered to play a round of golf in Texas with the bid winner. Both he and Jay Leno autographed the car, because who wouldn’t want to own an autographed car?

The mood swiftly became electric, with the crowd on their feet shouting and cheering while bid amounts grew higher and higher. After several minutes of watching the numbers climb, a gavel pounded. The car sold for 1.4 million dollars. A fun and fascinating experience.

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Big bucks bonanza buy.

The moral to this story? Coming in out of a miserably cold rain can provide more than the obvious benefit. Something fun and unexpected can happen to change the day, and transform a mood.

On our drive from the auction area, the rain stopped and the clouds were starting to clear. The scenery inspired me to snap this shot of a lovely Scottsdale sunset from the car. No, I wasn’t driving.

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Much prettier in person, I assure you.

The very next morning we were on a flight back to Missouri. There, we found bright warm sun and the cozy feeling that can only come from returning home.  My house! My bed! My dog and cat! (They were only slightly miffed about our absence.)

What about you? Has a getaway ever brought an unexpected surprise?

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Check out the Easy Peasy Recipe tab for something new to help beat the winter blues. Warm and tasty Broccoli Cheese Soup.