Brenda Whiteside's Blog, page 93
July 14, 2014
What's On the Plate, What's Simmering in the Pot
MUSE MONDAY
Series Update
The first book, The Art of Love and Murder was served up and released on May 2nd. I've been thrilled with the response it's received from both reviewers and readers. They've labeled it suspenseful, a page-turner, character driven and say the setting is a character in itself.
Blurb:
Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn't what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life.
Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.
Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past...until Chance's connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?Book two, Southwest of Love and Murder is simmering - just a few more edits - and will be out in coming months. Here's a taste.
Blurb:
Mystery writer, Phoebe Anderson, owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now, someone has actually done it. When she decides to take a few days away on the ranch of her best friend’s brother-in-law, she doesn’t expect romance to find her...or murder to follow her.
Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years ago. When Phoebe shows up, he fights to control his emotions, but soon wonders if she just might be worth the risk of opening his heart again.
With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on his list is Mason.
I've been working hard on book three of my Love and Murder Series, The Legacy of Love and Murder . The ingredients are still being added and it needs a bit more spice! I've got about two months to have it finished and off to my editor. Since we're coming into the busy season on the farm, it's questionable if I can make the deadline. Writing under pressure isn't a bad thing, but does make me nervous!
Books four and five are in the process of creating the recipe. What I know so far is book four will be back in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Black Fairy, Penny, from The Art of Love and Murder is fearing for her life. For book five we'll go back to Chino Valley, Arizona where Margie and Dirk meet murder and mayhem on the Meadowlark Ranch.
So if you haven't gobbled up The Art of Love and Murder yet, you can find it in both eBook and print in tons of online stores. Here are a few:
The Wild Rose Press Amazon Barnes and Noble ARe KOBO
And stay tuned for the release date and serving up of Southwest of Love and Murder .
Series Update
The first book, The Art of Love and Murder was served up and released on May 2nd. I've been thrilled with the response it's received from both reviewers and readers. They've labeled it suspenseful, a page-turner, character driven and say the setting is a character in itself.
Blurb: Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn't what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life.
Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.
Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past...until Chance's connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?Book two, Southwest of Love and Murder is simmering - just a few more edits - and will be out in coming months. Here's a taste.
Blurb: Mystery writer, Phoebe Anderson, owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now, someone has actually done it. When she decides to take a few days away on the ranch of her best friend’s brother-in-law, she doesn’t expect romance to find her...or murder to follow her.
Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years ago. When Phoebe shows up, he fights to control his emotions, but soon wonders if she just might be worth the risk of opening his heart again.
With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on his list is Mason.
I've been working hard on book three of my Love and Murder Series, The Legacy of Love and Murder . The ingredients are still being added and it needs a bit more spice! I've got about two months to have it finished and off to my editor. Since we're coming into the busy season on the farm, it's questionable if I can make the deadline. Writing under pressure isn't a bad thing, but does make me nervous!
Books four and five are in the process of creating the recipe. What I know so far is book four will be back in Flagstaff, Arizona. The Black Fairy, Penny, from The Art of Love and Murder is fearing for her life. For book five we'll go back to Chino Valley, Arizona where Margie and Dirk meet murder and mayhem on the Meadowlark Ranch.
So if you haven't gobbled up The Art of Love and Murder yet, you can find it in both eBook and print in tons of online stores. Here are a few:
The Wild Rose Press Amazon Barnes and Noble ARe KOBO
And stay tuned for the release date and serving up of Southwest of Love and Murder .
July 10, 2014
Garlic! Garlic! Garlic! and Kraken's Breath
Tortuga Thursday In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.
Pepper plants todayIf Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers...it's a little too early for Peter, but the pepper plants are growing bushier and the cucumber plants that will lead us to pickling are flowering. The monsoons have started in Arizona, and the couple of rains we've had gave everything a growth spurt.
Unfortunately, one of those rain storms was accompanied by high winds that destroyed the awning on the RV. I'd been in the RV that morning, cleaning and had put the awning out for shade to keep it cool inside. Later, I was in the house writing, sun coming in the window when the storm hit. It was sunny on my side of the house but blowing and raining on the other. Never thought about the awning I left out. One of those times I really wished I could go back in time.
Pepper plants a week agoI digress...back to farming...we're branching out in another direction to add to our line of pickles and relish. We grow all our own produce for the Pirate Pickles and Relish, one of which is garlic. After much research and discussion, we've decided to get into garlic on a larger scale, growing it to sell as a product. I didn't realize there were so many varieties of garlic. Some are considered gourmet. This first year, we'll do about a quarter acre of ten different varieties. Then we'll take the top two or three producers to concentrate on next year. Over this next year, we'll have another web site for marketing the garlic. Stay tuned!
Speaking of pickles, we've been getting emails of praise. Had to share this one with you that came with an imaginative recipe!
Cucumber plants todayWe tried the Kraken's Breath Hot pickles from these guys. By we, I mean my son and I. These are solid, good, hot pickles. We snacked on 'em first. then we used em with crackers, cheese,and summer sausage. That was a good lunch.Then we sliced one up to combine with some of my leftover smoked porkloin to create a version of cuban pork sandwiches. That was straight up bitchin. (You can edit here if you like, but I wanted you and your crew to know how I really felt.)Then, sadly, we were out of pickles...but I still had plenty o' juice! So I did what any self respecting meat cooking man would do and created a marinade for some pork chops.Here's my recipe:6-8 thick cut porkchops (cuz whats the point if they're thin cut?)
Cucumber plants a week ago1 bottle of your fave beer. We used Fat Tire.1/3 cup of Kraken Breath juice1tbs olive oilSprinkle in some oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, (or just a couple spoons of Italian seasoning)Black PepperLil pinch o' Sea Salt Soak the meats for an 30 min to 1 hour. We use ziploc bags to soak in.Anyway, grill them meats over some nice hot coals or smoke 'em over some applewood or Jack Daniels oak barrel chips.
The youngest but cutest PirateManly dinner for the night before setting sail! So, that's my testimonial. I can't wait to see you guys again and try more of them pickles. I think the relish will do quite nicely mixed with sauerkraut, hot mustard, spooned over a fat beer brat with a nice shooter of beer-cheese sauce. Sweet Moses, get more product SOON! Corey/Jackkyl
We'll be back at the farmers' market by September. Meanwhile, we have to try out this recipe.
Pepper plants todayIf Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers...it's a little too early for Peter, but the pepper plants are growing bushier and the cucumber plants that will lead us to pickling are flowering. The monsoons have started in Arizona, and the couple of rains we've had gave everything a growth spurt.Unfortunately, one of those rain storms was accompanied by high winds that destroyed the awning on the RV. I'd been in the RV that morning, cleaning and had put the awning out for shade to keep it cool inside. Later, I was in the house writing, sun coming in the window when the storm hit. It was sunny on my side of the house but blowing and raining on the other. Never thought about the awning I left out. One of those times I really wished I could go back in time.
Pepper plants a week agoI digress...back to farming...we're branching out in another direction to add to our line of pickles and relish. We grow all our own produce for the Pirate Pickles and Relish, one of which is garlic. After much research and discussion, we've decided to get into garlic on a larger scale, growing it to sell as a product. I didn't realize there were so many varieties of garlic. Some are considered gourmet. This first year, we'll do about a quarter acre of ten different varieties. Then we'll take the top two or three producers to concentrate on next year. Over this next year, we'll have another web site for marketing the garlic. Stay tuned!Speaking of pickles, we've been getting emails of praise. Had to share this one with you that came with an imaginative recipe!
Cucumber plants todayWe tried the Kraken's Breath Hot pickles from these guys. By we, I mean my son and I. These are solid, good, hot pickles. We snacked on 'em first. then we used em with crackers, cheese,and summer sausage. That was a good lunch.Then we sliced one up to combine with some of my leftover smoked porkloin to create a version of cuban pork sandwiches. That was straight up bitchin. (You can edit here if you like, but I wanted you and your crew to know how I really felt.)Then, sadly, we were out of pickles...but I still had plenty o' juice! So I did what any self respecting meat cooking man would do and created a marinade for some pork chops.Here's my recipe:6-8 thick cut porkchops (cuz whats the point if they're thin cut?)
Cucumber plants a week ago1 bottle of your fave beer. We used Fat Tire.1/3 cup of Kraken Breath juice1tbs olive oilSprinkle in some oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, (or just a couple spoons of Italian seasoning)Black PepperLil pinch o' Sea Salt Soak the meats for an 30 min to 1 hour. We use ziploc bags to soak in.Anyway, grill them meats over some nice hot coals or smoke 'em over some applewood or Jack Daniels oak barrel chips.
The youngest but cutest PirateManly dinner for the night before setting sail! So, that's my testimonial. I can't wait to see you guys again and try more of them pickles. I think the relish will do quite nicely mixed with sauerkraut, hot mustard, spooned over a fat beer brat with a nice shooter of beer-cheese sauce. Sweet Moses, get more product SOON! Corey/Jackkyl We'll be back at the farmers' market by September. Meanwhile, we have to try out this recipe.
July 7, 2014
Reader or Writer: Got the Muse Blues?
MUSE MONDAY
Please welcome my guest Barbara White Daille to Muse Monday. She has a great giveaway so be sure to get to the end and enter!
A big thanks to Brenda for inviting me back to Muse Monday to chat with you.
Whether you’re a reader or a writer, you probably have a muse of your own. To me, a muse is that helpful voice in our heads that stimulates and motivates us to accomplish what we need to achieve. You may call him or her or it your creative well or your brainstorming cap. Whatever works for you!
Typically, people make connections between the muse and a creative endeavor. As “to muse” means “to think (in silence) on a subject,” I’d say the phrase covers such widely diverse projects as coming up with decorations to match a party theme or daydreaming a list of potential vacation spots.
My muse is female, finicky, and fickle. At the moment, I’m keeping her very much in mind (no pun intended), since I’m on deadline for a book that’s due at the end of this month. And as usual, the closer I get to a due date, the more she wants to play.
When she gets in that mood, here are some things I do to rein her in so we can both get back to business:
Sit down to work, set a timer, and vow not to get up from the chair till the buzzer rings.Make a list. For a book, that would include scene checklists, what-ifs for plot twists, or notes about edits to be incorporated into the next draft. For life in general, that could be a to-do list or this week’s menu plan.Switch gears. If I’ve been at my desk all morning, I might take the laptop to another room for the afternoon. If I’ve hit a snag while working on the computer, I’ll switch to a notepad to figure things out. Take a break. That sounds counterproductive, I know. But sometimes our muses—and brains—have been hyper-focused for so long, they need time to recharge.Do any of these strategies work for you when you’re trying to get motivated?
I can always use more ideas, so please feel free to share if you have any other suggestions or strategies you’ve heard about!
Also, I’m giving away a copy of my upcoming book, The Texan’s Little Secret. Check out the Rafflecopter below.
Cover blurb from The Texan’s Little Secret:
Coming home might be the worst decision Carly Baron has ever made. Each minute on her family's busy ranch is one minute closer to seeing him—her first love—the man who broke her heart seven years ago. While coming face-to-face with Luke Nobel again brings back painful memories, Carly quickly realizes there are other strong feelings just under the surface….
Luke would be a lot better off if Carly had stayed away. Being a single dad to an adorable two-year-old girl and managing the Roughneck is tough enough, but resisting the sparks that fly whenever he and Carly are together is near impossible. But first she must tell him her secret. The truth could heal their past…or forever destroy their chances of becoming a family.
The Texan’s Little Secret can be found at:
Amazon Amazon UK Barnes and Noble Books a Million Harlequin Powell's Books The Book Depository IndieBound
Originally from the East Coast, award-winning author Barbara White Daille now lives with her husband in the warm, sunny Southwest, where they love the lizards in the front yard but could do without the scorpions in the bathroom. Barbara writes romances—usually with cowboys, kids, and a touch of humor. Her current title is Rancher at Risk, and she’s excited that her upcoming book, The Texan’s Little Secret, releases in less than a month!
Barbara would love to have you drop by her website: www.barbarawhitedaille.comand to see you on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraWhiteDaille
and Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please welcome my guest Barbara White Daille to Muse Monday. She has a great giveaway so be sure to get to the end and enter!
A big thanks to Brenda for inviting me back to Muse Monday to chat with you.Whether you’re a reader or a writer, you probably have a muse of your own. To me, a muse is that helpful voice in our heads that stimulates and motivates us to accomplish what we need to achieve. You may call him or her or it your creative well or your brainstorming cap. Whatever works for you!
Typically, people make connections between the muse and a creative endeavor. As “to muse” means “to think (in silence) on a subject,” I’d say the phrase covers such widely diverse projects as coming up with decorations to match a party theme or daydreaming a list of potential vacation spots.
My muse is female, finicky, and fickle. At the moment, I’m keeping her very much in mind (no pun intended), since I’m on deadline for a book that’s due at the end of this month. And as usual, the closer I get to a due date, the more she wants to play.
When she gets in that mood, here are some things I do to rein her in so we can both get back to business:
Sit down to work, set a timer, and vow not to get up from the chair till the buzzer rings.Make a list. For a book, that would include scene checklists, what-ifs for plot twists, or notes about edits to be incorporated into the next draft. For life in general, that could be a to-do list or this week’s menu plan.Switch gears. If I’ve been at my desk all morning, I might take the laptop to another room for the afternoon. If I’ve hit a snag while working on the computer, I’ll switch to a notepad to figure things out. Take a break. That sounds counterproductive, I know. But sometimes our muses—and brains—have been hyper-focused for so long, they need time to recharge.Do any of these strategies work for you when you’re trying to get motivated?
I can always use more ideas, so please feel free to share if you have any other suggestions or strategies you’ve heard about!
Also, I’m giving away a copy of my upcoming book, The Texan’s Little Secret. Check out the Rafflecopter below.
Cover blurb from The Texan’s Little Secret:Coming home might be the worst decision Carly Baron has ever made. Each minute on her family's busy ranch is one minute closer to seeing him—her first love—the man who broke her heart seven years ago. While coming face-to-face with Luke Nobel again brings back painful memories, Carly quickly realizes there are other strong feelings just under the surface….
Luke would be a lot better off if Carly had stayed away. Being a single dad to an adorable two-year-old girl and managing the Roughneck is tough enough, but resisting the sparks that fly whenever he and Carly are together is near impossible. But first she must tell him her secret. The truth could heal their past…or forever destroy their chances of becoming a family.
The Texan’s Little Secret can be found at:
Amazon Amazon UK Barnes and Noble Books a Million Harlequin Powell's Books The Book Depository IndieBound
Originally from the East Coast, award-winning author Barbara White Daille now lives with her husband in the warm, sunny Southwest, where they love the lizards in the front yard but could do without the scorpions in the bathroom. Barbara writes romances—usually with cowboys, kids, and a touch of humor. Her current title is Rancher at Risk, and she’s excited that her upcoming book, The Texan’s Little Secret, releases in less than a month!
Barbara would love to have you drop by her website: www.barbarawhitedaille.comand to see you on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BarbaraWhiteDaille
and Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 2, 2014
Purple Peppers Pirates
Tortuga Thursday In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.
Peppers of several varietiesTo quote one of my favorite songs "it's a hot one, like seven inches from the midday sun." This has been the hottest spell for the longest and the earliest since we landed on Tortuga Flats. I can't handle the heat. And since I'm out there weeding everyday, I have to start early. I'm so very glad most of the rows have the black plastic this year. The Bermuda grass finds a way through but not nearly as bad as last year when we didn't use the plastic.
I'm picture sharing this time. Our fields are looking good! And we will have fruit after all. The orchard is like an afterthought that no one has much time to work on. I try to keep suckers trimmed and Frank waters the trees. Lance did such a massive trim, and that could be why we'll have some fruit. We love fruit, but with only so many hours in the day, the trees are way down on the list for care.
Each year, Lance plants something I've never heard of or seen. One year, we had green beans, but they were purple. Another year, we had red and yellow carrots. This year, we have purple okra. I love surprises!
Our heads are deep in thought, debate and planning on how to expand. The pickle business won't grow much until we can find a way to build a commercial kitchen. Another crop is being considered, but the investment is still a tough problem. Investors are being sought as well as other creative solutions. Stay tuned!
Reminder - we have Pirate Pickling shirts available. Here's the web site if you're interested. Click on apparel: http://www.piratepickling.com/
Purple Okra plant
Cucumber plants
Zucchini plants
Black Arkansas apples!
Pears!
Peppers of several varietiesTo quote one of my favorite songs "it's a hot one, like seven inches from the midday sun." This has been the hottest spell for the longest and the earliest since we landed on Tortuga Flats. I can't handle the heat. And since I'm out there weeding everyday, I have to start early. I'm so very glad most of the rows have the black plastic this year. The Bermuda grass finds a way through but not nearly as bad as last year when we didn't use the plastic.I'm picture sharing this time. Our fields are looking good! And we will have fruit after all. The orchard is like an afterthought that no one has much time to work on. I try to keep suckers trimmed and Frank waters the trees. Lance did such a massive trim, and that could be why we'll have some fruit. We love fruit, but with only so many hours in the day, the trees are way down on the list for care.
Each year, Lance plants something I've never heard of or seen. One year, we had green beans, but they were purple. Another year, we had red and yellow carrots. This year, we have purple okra. I love surprises!
Our heads are deep in thought, debate and planning on how to expand. The pickle business won't grow much until we can find a way to build a commercial kitchen. Another crop is being considered, but the investment is still a tough problem. Investors are being sought as well as other creative solutions. Stay tuned!
Reminder - we have Pirate Pickling shirts available. Here's the web site if you're interested. Click on apparel: http://www.piratepickling.com/ 
Purple Okra plant
Cucumber plants
Zucchini plants
Black Arkansas apples!
Pears!June 30, 2014
It's a Review Jungle Out There
MUSE MONDAY
Reviews are so important to an author. A few good reviews can entice readers to take a closer look at a novel and put it on their TBR list or buy right then. In recent years, reviews have become harder to get. No one knows exactly why; could be more books are published now with all the indie authors and explosion of small presses.
With the difficulty in garnering reviews, I'm pretty happy to have had five reviews so far for The Art of Love and Murder. I'm more than happy to share a snippet of each with you and their links if you're interested in reading the full review.
Long and Short Reviews 4 StarsThe book’s strength is in its characters and descriptions… The setting was a character in itself. I loved the town! The author really made it come to life, not stinting on details (but not boring the reader either)… the writing kept me turning pages and I never once thought about setting it down.http://www.longandshortreviews.com/book-reviews/the-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside/
Page PrincessI give this book a Loved It rating. The Art of Love and Murder is the perfect summer read to grab while the weather is hot. Brenda Whiteside ropes you in and will have you not wanting to move from your spot until you finish every last page. http://www.thepageprincess.com/2014/05/review-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda.html
LockdownHighly recommended. The Art of Love and Murderis full of strong, believable characters and a gripping suspenseful plotline. It was really easy to visualise the events as the setting description was fantastically detailed.http://samiesands.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-art-of-love-and-murder.html?
Musings from an Addicted ReaderI liked this story a lot. The chemistry between the two is sizzling, another great read from Brenda Whiteside.http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/the-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside-review-tour-and-giveaway/
Zombies InsideThe Art of Love and Murder is full of strong, believable characters and a gripping suspenseful plotline. Highly recommended for anyone who likes romance mixed with intrigue.http://zombiesinside.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/the-art-of-love-and-murder/
Now whip over to my web page for an excerpt and watch the video! http://brendawhiteside.com/artofloveandmurder.html#video
Reviews are so important to an author. A few good reviews can entice readers to take a closer look at a novel and put it on their TBR list or buy right then. In recent years, reviews have become harder to get. No one knows exactly why; could be more books are published now with all the indie authors and explosion of small presses.
With the difficulty in garnering reviews, I'm pretty happy to have had five reviews so far for The Art of Love and Murder. I'm more than happy to share a snippet of each with you and their links if you're interested in reading the full review.
Long and Short Reviews 4 StarsThe book’s strength is in its characters and descriptions… The setting was a character in itself. I loved the town! The author really made it come to life, not stinting on details (but not boring the reader either)… the writing kept me turning pages and I never once thought about setting it down.http://www.longandshortreviews.com/book-reviews/the-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside/
Page PrincessI give this book a Loved It rating. The Art of Love and Murder is the perfect summer read to grab while the weather is hot. Brenda Whiteside ropes you in and will have you not wanting to move from your spot until you finish every last page. http://www.thepageprincess.com/2014/05/review-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda.html
LockdownHighly recommended. The Art of Love and Murderis full of strong, believable characters and a gripping suspenseful plotline. It was really easy to visualise the events as the setting description was fantastically detailed.http://samiesands.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-art-of-love-and-murder.html?
Musings from an Addicted ReaderI liked this story a lot. The chemistry between the two is sizzling, another great read from Brenda Whiteside.http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/the-art-of-love-and-murder-by-brenda-whiteside-review-tour-and-giveaway/
Zombies InsideThe Art of Love and Murder is full of strong, believable characters and a gripping suspenseful plotline. Highly recommended for anyone who likes romance mixed with intrigue.http://zombiesinside.wordpress.com/2014/06/25/the-art-of-love-and-murder/
Now whip over to my web page for an excerpt and watch the video! http://brendawhiteside.com/artofloveandmurder.html#video
June 27, 2014
Pepper Phillips' Fearless Adventure
FEARLESS FRIDAY I'm so pleased to have Pepper Phillips today. Read on and enjoy!
Thanks Brenda for letting me describe my fearless adventure.I’d like to say I bungee jumped off a bridge, but I’m afraid of heights, so that’s never going to happen! LOLInstead I attacked my patio and yard.This is more difficult than it sounds. For one, I have a black thumb. My daughter bought me a lovely princess teardrop fuchsia for Mother’s Day, within ten days all the little stems curled up and died, except for one. I’m relieved to say that hers did the same thing, so I don’t feel quite so guilty. The lone survivor is hanging out in the fig tree.So why am I doing this massive undertaking? A baby shower. At my house. Lots of women coming. Enough said. The patio itself wasn’t that hard, but it was time consuming. Move the furniture around so that it looks good from the living room. My living room has five double French doors, so everywhere you look, you can see the patio. I needed to make the area look appealing from inside the house and livable on the outside.And then it needed plants. Lots of them.I borrowed the hubby’s truck and went to get some ferns. Three of them filled up the back of the truck. They were really inexpensive, and really huge. I had to go back later and get three more, as I decided that three wasn’t enough. Now it looks super lush and gorgeous.Then there was the long blank spot of plain dirt in front of the patio. I bought ten plants with pink flowers with a white center…that would work well with the color theme of pink with white polka dots that I’d chosen to use (it’s a girl!).Luckily two of my sons felt sorry for me and planted them in about ten minutes. But it was a long space and still looked sparse. Another trip to the greenhouse and I purchased all of the plain pink ones. Just enough to plant between the others. I got smart and hired a grandson to help me.While I had him, we tackled the large pecan tree in front of the patio. First he dug up the Amaryllis plants that didn’t want to leave their ground, then we stacked a double stack of bricks around the tree. I ended up planting eighteen of the largest bulbs back around the tree. Before they were only on one side, so it looked lopsided, and weeds were on the other side. At least the weeds did have blue flowers in the spring. Then for a spot of color, I planted eight bright red salvia plants. I might have to go back and get another eight, but my aching body is protesting big time.I truly admire women who love to dig in their garden. I for one like the end result. But looking at my patio and enclosed tree bed made me look across the yard and driveway at my hubby’s office building and it really needs something in front of it…I might have created a monster.
Pepper Phillips is a transplanted Northwestern girl, now basking in the Louisiana countryside where she creates stories set in the South. If you enjoy sassy contemporary romance with a touch of heart, try
The Devil Has Dimples
. At Amazon http://amzn.com/B005RQ26IQ and other major distributors.June 19, 2014
Wind and Weed Wars
Tortuga Thursday In 2012, on the plains of Northern Arizona, two families joined forces and began the trials and tribulations of building a small family farm with nothing in the bank but love.
Weeding is now in full force yet the crops are thriving too. My weeding efforts are concentrated on root crops and money crops. Root crops, such as onions and carrots, do not like to compete with the roots of weeds. The money crops, such as the cucumbers, need to reach their full potential so we have great pickles this fall.
The black plastic mulch was a great investment. Even in the areas where we have a horrible reoccurring grass problem, the rows are better under control. You can see in one of the pictures that between the rows we still
Cabbagehave a battle but at least the plants aren't being suffocated. In addition to the black mulch, we've used grass cuttings on other rows. Frank tends the yard, so now we say he's the mulch farmer.
We had two days of unbelievable wind. It's always windy here, but this was over the top. We had to stake the pepper plants to keep them from bending so far they would break. I think we lost only one.
The wind usually blows from the same direction - kind of out of the southwest.
Peppers
You can tell from this poor apple tree who had a major trim over the winter.
The garlic is all harvested and curing which takes three to five weeks.
Heavy decisions this week on the pickles. After finding some jars of our Old World style too soft, we may discontinue them. It's a touch process getting them to retain enough firmness and pump up the flavor. Our regular ones are
Onionsgreat but the Old World was Frank and Lance's favorite. But consistency is so important if you go retail. We'll see. Only one more Farmers' Market and we're out of product until September. Success!
Weeding is now in full force yet the crops are thriving too. My weeding efforts are concentrated on root crops and money crops. Root crops, such as onions and carrots, do not like to compete with the roots of weeds. The money crops, such as the cucumbers, need to reach their full potential so we have great pickles this fall.The black plastic mulch was a great investment. Even in the areas where we have a horrible reoccurring grass problem, the rows are better under control. You can see in one of the pictures that between the rows we still
Cabbagehave a battle but at least the plants aren't being suffocated. In addition to the black mulch, we've used grass cuttings on other rows. Frank tends the yard, so now we say he's the mulch farmer.
We had two days of unbelievable wind. It's always windy here, but this was over the top. We had to stake the pepper plants to keep them from bending so far they would break. I think we lost only one.The wind usually blows from the same direction - kind of out of the southwest.
Peppers
You can tell from this poor apple tree who had a major trim over the winter.The garlic is all harvested and curing which takes three to five weeks.
Heavy decisions this week on the pickles. After finding some jars of our Old World style too soft, we may discontinue them. It's a touch process getting them to retain enough firmness and pump up the flavor. Our regular ones are
Onionsgreat but the Old World was Frank and Lance's favorite. But consistency is so important if you go retail. We'll see. Only one more Farmers' Market and we're out of product until September. Success!June 16, 2014
My Muse is a Composer by Kat De Falla
MUSE MONDAY Please welcome my guest, Kat De Falla. Don't be shy, readers. Leave a comment for music!
My muse is my composer husband. If you’ve never heard live classical guitar while you are working on your WIP, I highly recommend it! This weekend, I attended my very first book signing at my local RWA Chapter Conference, WisRWAAnd who was there to support me? My totally sexy husband playing live music for the desert reception while I signed books outside.
I will give a lucky commenter a copy of the soundtrack he wrote to accompany The Seer’s Lover. Just leave a comment and tell us “What is your muse?”
Excerpt:
She traced a circle in the sand with her finger.Why would she disclose her whole existence to someone she’d just met? Someone who talked so little about himself that she found herself talking to fill the void. Saying things she could barely admit in her own head.His hand covered hers. “I’m lonely, too. Getting to know you this week has been the brightest point in my life and I don’t want you to leave, but I know the only place you’ll be safe is far away from me.”She swallowed. He had read her mind.He lay down on his back and closed his eyes. “Cali, you know when you hear a song for the first time and you kind of ingest it? You can’t possibly know right away that it will be one of your favorite songs for the rest of your life. A classic.”“Yeah.” She hoped he was going somewhere good with this.“That first listen,” he continued, “you pick up a little of the melody and some lyrics that catch you. But when the song ends, you have to hear it again because you want to memorize all the words and sing along. After you hear it a few times and learn the words inside and out, then you begin to let the melody seep inside you. Next thing you know, you’ve completely digested the song and find yourself humming it while you are doing nothing, like shaving or driving your car. Finally, the song becomes so ingrained it becomes a part of you. Forever. You can recall it and it’s with you whenever you need it. Am I making any sense?”She nodded, blinking back the tears fighting to fall.“Cali, I don’t want you to go back because you’re my favorite song.”Buy Links:
AMAZONhttp://www.amazon.com/Seers-Lover-Seven-Archangels-ebook/dp/B00ILXE2NO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402840350&sr=8-1&keywords=the+seer%27s+lover
BARNES AND NOBLEhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seers-lover-kat-de-falla/1119665778?ean=2940149242733
KOBOhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-seer-s-lover
June 12, 2014
Me and the Garlic - When you're hot...
The heat has been...hot. Earlier and hotter than the prior two years. It's affecting so many things including my stamina. Instead of getting some of my author business done early, I'm up and outside by 7:00. The heat is intense by 10:00.
The garlic wants out of the heat too. We're still new with garlic growing, and from everything I've read knowing when to harvest is touchy. Nine months is pretty common from planting to harvest. At seven months, it looked like the garlic was ready - at least from the top. I've been the garlic lady so far, and it was left for me to decide. I couldn't believe it could be ready. More research. Only way to tell was to dig up a couple. Yep, good to go. We started the harvest today.
Garlic has to be loosened and then brought out, not just pulled, and immediately gotten out of the sun. I didn't get around to hanging it today. Tomorrow will do. What we harvested is resting in the garage where it will be hung to cure for three to six weeks. And there's more to harvest.
Out of control dill.The dill has all gone to flower and is out of control. I attempted to tie it away from the ceiling of the greenhouse as each plant flowered and reached ever higher. I've given up. Some of the flowers have gone to seed and finally tinges of brown are showing. Lance planted more dill outside. And as the greenhouse plants go to seed, we'll save the seeds and pull up the plants so Lance can plant more. We use massive amounts of dill for our pickling.
Last of the cucumber rows are mulched. This year we are using grass
Mulched cucumber plantsclippings which worked great on the garlic. Mulch will keep down weeds as well as maintain soil temperature. It's hard to believe those little babies will have cucumbers on
Cucumber before mulchthem in two months. And then in the jar for Pirate Pickles!
By the way, check out our Pirate Pickling web site. We had so many requests for tee shirts that we now have them for sale. http://www.piratepickling.com/home.html
Roses in my garden that needs attention.
The garlic wants out of the heat too. We're still new with garlic growing, and from everything I've read knowing when to harvest is touchy. Nine months is pretty common from planting to harvest. At seven months, it looked like the garlic was ready - at least from the top. I've been the garlic lady so far, and it was left for me to decide. I couldn't believe it could be ready. More research. Only way to tell was to dig up a couple. Yep, good to go. We started the harvest today.Garlic has to be loosened and then brought out, not just pulled, and immediately gotten out of the sun. I didn't get around to hanging it today. Tomorrow will do. What we harvested is resting in the garage where it will be hung to cure for three to six weeks. And there's more to harvest.
Out of control dill.The dill has all gone to flower and is out of control. I attempted to tie it away from the ceiling of the greenhouse as each plant flowered and reached ever higher. I've given up. Some of the flowers have gone to seed and finally tinges of brown are showing. Lance planted more dill outside. And as the greenhouse plants go to seed, we'll save the seeds and pull up the plants so Lance can plant more. We use massive amounts of dill for our pickling.Last of the cucumber rows are mulched. This year we are using grass
Mulched cucumber plantsclippings which worked great on the garlic. Mulch will keep down weeds as well as maintain soil temperature. It's hard to believe those little babies will have cucumbers on 
Cucumber before mulchthem in two months. And then in the jar for Pirate Pickles!By the way, check out our Pirate Pickling web site. We had so many requests for tee shirts that we now have them for sale. http://www.piratepickling.com/home.html
Roses in my garden that needs attention.June 9, 2014
A WACKO REMINDER
MUSE MONDAY
My muse is kind of wacko right now trying to fit the creative stuff in between promo, editing, blogging, farming and family stuff.
So on this Muse Monday, I'm here to remind you of my latest release, The Art of Love and Murder , the first book in my romantic suspense series, Love and Murder.
Check out my contest page right here on my blog and take advantage of two blog tours and win!
Excerpt:
Momentarily struck dumb by his eye color, she stared back. Why hadn’t she noticed until now? Although not as light as hers or her father’s, the professor’s eyes were a startling green shade.His hand nudged her arm. “Lacy?”She jumped. “Oh, yes.” She slipped the tissue from the half-carved wolf. Another glance at his eyes and goose bumps riddled her arms.He lifted the wood close to his face, using both hands as if handling a delicate hummingbird. His thumb traced the neck of the creature to the juncture of where it emerged from the wood. When he brought the piece to his nose, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, Lacy wanted to turn away from the oddly erotic gesture. He swallowed, opened his eyes and set the wolf back on the tissue. His attention shifted to the photograph of the chest. He touched the photo, a smile on his lips. “Where is the chest?”The chest. Like he knew it, had seen it before. “I’m having it sent. You’ve seen it before?”He didn’t move, stared out the window as if deep in thought. “I’d like to show you something, Lacy.” “All right.” She waited, watching his profile.He turned and stared into her face a moment. “You’re so very lovely. A creation full of life and passion, surpassing any art form.”His hypnotic voice floated on the classical strains drifting from the living room. She couldn’t speak. Didn’t know what to say. She’d been lifted upon a pedestal of admiration. With any other man, she might consider his words a means to a sexual end. The professor’s intentions, however, were crystal. He admired her like a work of art.
Buy Links:
TWRP http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=726&zenid=d06039eba05c5b010fb8a707eecd4259
Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Art-Love-Murder-Brenda-Whiteside-ebook/dp/B00K0N0Y6M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399254400&sr=1-1&keywords=the+art+of+love+and+murder
ARehttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theartofloveandmurder-1496046-149.html
KOBOhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-art-of-love-and-murder
My muse is kind of wacko right now trying to fit the creative stuff in between promo, editing, blogging, farming and family stuff.So on this Muse Monday, I'm here to remind you of my latest release, The Art of Love and Murder , the first book in my romantic suspense series, Love and Murder.
Check out my contest page right here on my blog and take advantage of two blog tours and win!
Excerpt:
Momentarily struck dumb by his eye color, she stared back. Why hadn’t she noticed until now? Although not as light as hers or her father’s, the professor’s eyes were a startling green shade.His hand nudged her arm. “Lacy?”She jumped. “Oh, yes.” She slipped the tissue from the half-carved wolf. Another glance at his eyes and goose bumps riddled her arms.He lifted the wood close to his face, using both hands as if handling a delicate hummingbird. His thumb traced the neck of the creature to the juncture of where it emerged from the wood. When he brought the piece to his nose, closing his eyes and breathing deeply, Lacy wanted to turn away from the oddly erotic gesture. He swallowed, opened his eyes and set the wolf back on the tissue. His attention shifted to the photograph of the chest. He touched the photo, a smile on his lips. “Where is the chest?”The chest. Like he knew it, had seen it before. “I’m having it sent. You’ve seen it before?”He didn’t move, stared out the window as if deep in thought. “I’d like to show you something, Lacy.” “All right.” She waited, watching his profile.He turned and stared into her face a moment. “You’re so very lovely. A creation full of life and passion, surpassing any art form.”His hypnotic voice floated on the classical strains drifting from the living room. She couldn’t speak. Didn’t know what to say. She’d been lifted upon a pedestal of admiration. With any other man, she might consider his words a means to a sexual end. The professor’s intentions, however, were crystal. He admired her like a work of art.
Buy Links:
TWRP http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=726&zenid=d06039eba05c5b010fb8a707eecd4259
Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/Art-Love-Murder-Brenda-Whiteside-ebook/dp/B00K0N0Y6M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399254400&sr=1-1&keywords=the+art+of+love+and+murder
ARehttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theartofloveandmurder-1496046-149.html
KOBOhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-art-of-love-and-murder
