Brenda Whiteside's Blog, page 94
June 5, 2014
Hula Hoe
Lance hula hoeing the cucumbersYou know I'm a weed hater. I've complained often enough over the last couple of years. There are several that grow on our land which are actually pretty. If I encountered them walking through the woods or along the Verde River, I would admire them and find them lovely. But not on our farm. More than the weeds, I hate Bermuda grass. On the rows we used black plastic mulch, the weeds are squelched, but not the Bermuda. Nasty stuff pops right through. All we can do is pull it when we see it. Nothing harmless to our crops will kill it.Lance got the cucumbers planted before the black mulch arrived so we'll use a different tactic. He's hula hoed the rows as close to the baby plants as possible. The we'll do a quick hand pull around the babies and follow with grass mulch.
Hard to see the plants from the weedsI predict the garlic will harvest early this year. The normal time from planting to harvesting is nine months. We're at seven right now. I dug down and tested a couple and felt the bulbs forming. It's been hot early so they may be ready closer to eight months. It's a guess since I'm totally new at this.The hot water heater failed for the sixth time in two years. They keep replacing a heating element and we keep paying the service call. We could've bought one by now. I finally put my foot down with the insurance company and we struck a deal. We're getting a new hot water heater. These kind of battles are energy draining.
I did save money at the grocery store on Wednesday. First Wednesday of the month is senior day. It's a crazy day to shop but the discount is worth it. Then I went to the opening day of Sprouts. If you've not heard of Sprouts, it's a grocery store and so much more - lots of natural and organic food. I nearly walked out when I saw the checkout lines but on a second look the first day deals were worth the hassle.
Grass mulch around other plantsMy amazed thought for today: We're having cabbage and ribs for dinner tonight. This is cabbage from last year that's been in the freezer and I can look out my window and see this years cabbage plants growing. Pretty cool.
June 2, 2014
Post and a Prize with Valeria J. Clarizio
MUSE MONDAY
I am often asked the following question: How did you get started in the writing business? Well, truth be told, for years I worked a full-time and part-time job while I attended classes at night to obtain my Master’s Degree (MBA). When I finally finished school, I suddenly had all this time on my hands and wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself. A friend of mine suggested that I try reading for pleasure, you know, NOT textbooks. That said, she handed me a Janet Evanovich book, and I took the book from her with the thought that perhaps I’d get to reading it someday, because, quite honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was read anything after all that school reading. Once I cracked that book open, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. The first book of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series turned me into a reading maniac. I logged over 50 books read in the first year after my graduation. After reading all these books, it occurred to me that I should take a shot at writing one. After all, how hard could it be? I’ll just answer this question right away. Writing the book was a piece of cake, it was learning the craft and re-writing book that was difficult. In the meantime, I could have wallpapered my house with the rejection letters.In the beginning, I didn’t understand why my book was being rejected, and I was on the verge of giving up when this this awesome lady from my writers group offered to take a look at it. She critiqued the first few chapters and provided lengthy feedback in regard to POV, dialogue tags, pacing, etc. Not only did I read her comments numerous times, I studied the corrections and suggestions she made in the document itself, and then I re-wrote the book based on her feedback. I dare say, the re-write took twice as long as writing the book in the first place, but it was worth every painful minute once I saw that contract offer pop up in my email. My point to this whole little article is…The most useful thing I’ve learned thus far in my writing career is the importance of finding a
Blurb:After Alex Polecheck's police officer husband, Sam, is stabbed in cold blood, she vows to see the murderer brought to justice. Peter, Sam’s best friend, and fellow police officer, seems to be the only member of the Police Department interested in catching the killer. Peter sets out on a perilous hunt for the killer, while trying to protect Alex, who appears to be next on the murderer’s list. The mystery begins to unravel when Peter finds a connection between the murder of Sam and two other law enforcement officers, who were all part of an internet crime taskforce. Peter and Alex find themselves alone in the battle for justice and truth when they discover members of the local police department cannot be trusted. Will Peter piece together the puzzle before Alex is silenced? While battling to protect Alex, will he be able to continue to conceal his love for her?
Purchase Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unforeseen-Obsessions-Valerie-J-Clarizio-ebook/dp/B00KCZLY9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400201248&sr=8-1&keywords=valerie+j+ClarizioWhiskey Creek Press: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1218&zenid=21cd430dcd07b8c3d4601842eeb66a05
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Bio:Valerie is a writer of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction novels. She lives in beautiful Door County Wisconsin with her husband and one very spoiled cat. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into a successful hunter and fisherwoman.She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2011 Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Novellas Need Love, Too! Contest.
Ms. Clarizio’s Links:Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
http://valclarizio.wordpress.com/blog-tour/
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I am often asked the following question: How did you get started in the writing business? Well, truth be told, for years I worked a full-time and part-time job while I attended classes at night to obtain my Master’s Degree (MBA). When I finally finished school, I suddenly had all this time on my hands and wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself. A friend of mine suggested that I try reading for pleasure, you know, NOT textbooks. That said, she handed me a Janet Evanovich book, and I took the book from her with the thought that perhaps I’d get to reading it someday, because, quite honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was read anything after all that school reading. Once I cracked that book open, I couldn’t put it down until I was finished. The first book of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series turned me into a reading maniac. I logged over 50 books read in the first year after my graduation. After reading all these books, it occurred to me that I should take a shot at writing one. After all, how hard could it be? I’ll just answer this question right away. Writing the book was a piece of cake, it was learning the craft and re-writing book that was difficult. In the meantime, I could have wallpapered my house with the rejection letters.In the beginning, I didn’t understand why my book was being rejected, and I was on the verge of giving up when this this awesome lady from my writers group offered to take a look at it. She critiqued the first few chapters and provided lengthy feedback in regard to POV, dialogue tags, pacing, etc. Not only did I read her comments numerous times, I studied the corrections and suggestions she made in the document itself, and then I re-wrote the book based on her feedback. I dare say, the re-write took twice as long as writing the book in the first place, but it was worth every painful minute once I saw that contract offer pop up in my email. My point to this whole little article is…The most useful thing I’ve learned thus far in my writing career is the importance of finding a
Blurb:After Alex Polecheck's police officer husband, Sam, is stabbed in cold blood, she vows to see the murderer brought to justice. Peter, Sam’s best friend, and fellow police officer, seems to be the only member of the Police Department interested in catching the killer. Peter sets out on a perilous hunt for the killer, while trying to protect Alex, who appears to be next on the murderer’s list. The mystery begins to unravel when Peter finds a connection between the murder of Sam and two other law enforcement officers, who were all part of an internet crime taskforce. Peter and Alex find themselves alone in the battle for justice and truth when they discover members of the local police department cannot be trusted. Will Peter piece together the puzzle before Alex is silenced? While battling to protect Alex, will he be able to continue to conceal his love for her? Purchase Links
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Unforeseen-Obsessions-Valerie-J-Clarizio-ebook/dp/B00KCZLY9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400201248&sr=8-1&keywords=valerie+j+ClarizioWhiskey Creek Press: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1218&zenid=21cd430dcd07b8c3d4601842eeb66a05
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Bio:Valerie is a writer of romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction novels. She lives in beautiful Door County Wisconsin with her husband and one very spoiled cat. She loves to read, write, and spend time at her cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She’s lived her life surrounded by men, three brothers, a husband, and a male Siamese cat who required his own instruction manual. Keeping up with all the men in her life has turned her into a successful hunter and fisherwoman.She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2011 Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Novellas Need Love, Too! Contest.
Ms. Clarizio’s Links:Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
http://valclarizio.wordpress.com/blog-tour/
May 29, 2014
Playing in the Dirt
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.
Frank and Lance really kicked butt this last week. All that hard work from the prior week spilled over and they finished. Drip lines down, black mulch laid and all plants and seeds in the ground. For those of you who know Frank, you might be amused. This is our third planting season, and the man who said he refused to "play in dirt" and avoided it for two years, sure did a lot of playing.
This year's configuration is different. Lance learns something new every year. Some things that were outside last year are now in the greenhouse. We aren't even using the field where the potatoes and green beans were last year.
We of course have greens in the greenhouse which includes butter lettuce, kale, collard greens, chard, spinach and a few more. Carrots were moved into the greenhouse. All of the dill and most of the tomatoes are in the greenhouse.
Peppers and more peppersOutside, we have more rows of cucumbers than last year since we're upping the jars of pickles we plan to produce. Some tomatoes are outside. We have a variety of peppers, cabbage, butternut squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, golden potatoes, watermelon, onions, garlic, okra, green beans -- and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
Our third farmers market was successful considering it was a holiday weekend and there was a huge craft fair in downtown Prescott. We didn't do quite as much business as the prior week but better than the first. What was amazing was the praise from return customers. Lots of good feedback. And more requests for shirts. Frank and Christie are researching the best place to have them done.
Sadi loves strawberriesWe have a few strawberry plants out front in my flower garden. I like the plant and the color. Sadi likes the fruit! Grandpa says he used to get a strawberry now and then, but Sadi beats him to them. She checks the plant every time she goes out front.
Frank and Lance really kicked butt this last week. All that hard work from the prior week spilled over and they finished. Drip lines down, black mulch laid and all plants and seeds in the ground. For those of you who know Frank, you might be amused. This is our third planting season, and the man who said he refused to "play in dirt" and avoided it for two years, sure did a lot of playing.This year's configuration is different. Lance learns something new every year. Some things that were outside last year are now in the greenhouse. We aren't even using the field where the potatoes and green beans were last year.
We of course have greens in the greenhouse which includes butter lettuce, kale, collard greens, chard, spinach and a few more. Carrots were moved into the greenhouse. All of the dill and most of the tomatoes are in the greenhouse.
Peppers and more peppersOutside, we have more rows of cucumbers than last year since we're upping the jars of pickles we plan to produce. Some tomatoes are outside. We have a variety of peppers, cabbage, butternut squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, golden potatoes, watermelon, onions, garlic, okra, green beans -- and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.Our third farmers market was successful considering it was a holiday weekend and there was a huge craft fair in downtown Prescott. We didn't do quite as much business as the prior week but better than the first. What was amazing was the praise from return customers. Lots of good feedback. And more requests for shirts. Frank and Christie are researching the best place to have them done.
Sadi loves strawberriesWe have a few strawberry plants out front in my flower garden. I like the plant and the color. Sadi likes the fruit! Grandpa says he used to get a strawberry now and then, but Sadi beats him to them. She checks the plant every time she goes out front. May 26, 2014
Series - Fun to Read, Fun to Write
MUSE MONDAY
I'm literally in the middle of writing a series. I have five books planned for the Love and Murder Series, and I'm halfway through book three. This will be my first series but not my last. Like many readers, I really love reading series novels, but had no idea I would enjoy writing them so much.
There are several different ways to structure a series. A common way is a series of stories involving the adventures of one main character. This is used often for detective or intrigue novels as well as time travel. Another method is to use a setting and each book tells the story of different characters who make up that town or island or planet, wherever.
My books are linked by characters who know each other - kind like spinoffs - and the theme of Love and Murder. My first book which released May 2, had enough characters to spin off three more books. Lacy Dahl and Chance Meadowlark are the main force in The Art of Love and Murder. Phoebe Anderson makes an appearance as Lacy's best friend. There is mention of Chance's brother, Mason. That led to book two, Southwest of Love and Murder which is the story of Phoebe and Mason. In book three, The Legacy of Love and Murder, Lacy's daughter, August is the main character. She also played a minor role in The Art of Love and Murder. Book four will feature Penny, the hotel clerk in book one that Lacy dubbed the Black Fairy because of her Goth dress style. Penny is in a great deal of danger. For book five, we'll go back to the Meadowlark Ranch and a story that will bring Mason and Chance's father, Dirk, and his friend Margie Alcott into a mess of love and murder.
The reviews have been great for The Art of Love and Murder. I've had emails and phone calls about how much readers loved the read and they can't wait for book two. Southwest of Love and Murder is on my editor's desk now so look for it in a few months.
Meanwhile, I hope you'll get your copy of The Art of Love and Murder and get hooked on...love and murder!
Buy Links:
Amazon:http://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 The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=726&zenid=d06039eba05c5b010fb8a707eecd4259
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-love-and-murder-brenda-whiteside/1119395121?ean=2940149319657ARehttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theartofloveandmurder-1496046-149.htmlKOBOhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-art-of-love-and-murder
I'm literally in the middle of writing a series. I have five books planned for the Love and Murder Series, and I'm halfway through book three. This will be my first series but not my last. Like many readers, I really love reading series novels, but had no idea I would enjoy writing them so much.
There are several different ways to structure a series. A common way is a series of stories involving the adventures of one main character. This is used often for detective or intrigue novels as well as time travel. Another method is to use a setting and each book tells the story of different characters who make up that town or island or planet, wherever.
My books are linked by characters who know each other - kind like spinoffs - and the theme of Love and Murder. My first book which released May 2, had enough characters to spin off three more books. Lacy Dahl and Chance Meadowlark are the main force in The Art of Love and Murder. Phoebe Anderson makes an appearance as Lacy's best friend. There is mention of Chance's brother, Mason. That led to book two, Southwest of Love and Murder which is the story of Phoebe and Mason. In book three, The Legacy of Love and Murder, Lacy's daughter, August is the main character. She also played a minor role in The Art of Love and Murder. Book four will feature Penny, the hotel clerk in book one that Lacy dubbed the Black Fairy because of her Goth dress style. Penny is in a great deal of danger. For book five, we'll go back to the Meadowlark Ranch and a story that will bring Mason and Chance's father, Dirk, and his friend Margie Alcott into a mess of love and murder.The reviews have been great for The Art of Love and Murder. I've had emails and phone calls about how much readers loved the read and they can't wait for book two. Southwest of Love and Murder is on my editor's desk now so look for it in a few months.
Meanwhile, I hope you'll get your copy of The Art of Love and Murder and get hooked on...love and murder!
Buy Links:
Amazon:http://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 The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=726&zenid=d06039eba05c5b010fb8a707eecd4259
Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-love-and-murder-brenda-whiteside/1119395121?ean=2940149319657ARehttps://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theartofloveandmurder-1496046-149.htmlKOBOhttp://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-art-of-love-and-murder
May 25, 2014
Bait Shop Blues and a Giveaway with Nancy Pirri
Bait Shop Blues Finding love shouldn’t be so hard…What does a successful businesswoman born and bred in Chicago want with half-ownership of a quaint bait shop in northern Minnesota, willed to her by her grandfather? And how will the reclusive half-owner of the shop convince the woman to sell out her half to him? For Cassandra Thompson, a Marilyn Monroe look-alike who's recently been dumped by her second fiancé in two years, it could mean a well-needed change in life. For Leif Halverson, a handsome man of Ojibwa extraction, and co-owner of the shop, it could mean disaster—like falling in love. Leif is far from happy about this city woman invading his territory so he challenges her to a wilderness survival contest where the winner takes all.Buy Links:Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/432153
Nancy Schumacher is the owner-publisher of Melange Books, LLC, writing under the pseudonyms, Nancy Pirri and Natasha Perry. Nancy started writing eighteen years ago while raising four children. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is also one of the founders of the Minnesota RWA chapter, Northern Lights Writers (NLW).Nancy's debut historical romance, THE MACAULAY BRIDE, set in late 19th century Scotland, was published in 2003. The debut book received several contest wins and received a TOP PICK award from Romantic Times Book Club publication in Oct. 2004. BAIT SHOP BLUES is her second full-length novel. She has written five full-length novels, and many stories included in anthologies with Melange Books, LLC.Get in Touch With Nancy:http://www.nancypirri.comhttps://www.facebook.com/NancyPirriAuthorhttps://twitter.com/MelangeBookshttp://www.melange-books.com/authors/nancypirri/nancypirri.htmlClick on this link for the giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/01288e12/
May 22, 2014
Life is Full
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.It's been a very busy week on Tortuga Flats Farm. I was gone for part of it, and I left my camera in my mother's car which means, unfortunately, no new pictures.
Our second Farmers' Market appearance in Prescott was a great success. This was the report from Frank and Lance. (I was in California with Mom and sister) We had repeat customers. That means a great deal. Then we had a vendor from another aisle stop in and say she'd been listening to the buzz from market customers so she had to pop over and get some pickles. Nice to hear.
Frank and Lance have been working hard all week in strong, dust blowing wind. Frank got all the fruit tree wells dug out and the orchard mowed. Today he announced we have plums and apples forming. This is kind of a surprise because Lance
Christie and Sadi hanging outgave all the trees such heavy trims we figured it would be a year before they could fruit. Maybe it helped since we had NO fruit last year.
Lance got the sweet potatoes in the ground and did more planting in the greenhouse while Frank worked on the orchard. Then they both spent a few days laying the row mulch that looks like plastic but is made from something organic. They planted potatoes, cabbage, onions and peppers.
Once I returned, I harvested dill which goes into the freezer. It will be an every other day chore from now until the end of summer. We use pounds of dill weed and seed for our pickles. At this point, only weed is harvested but we do have some seeds coming ready in a week or so. Although we freeze the weed, we'll dry the seeds. All the dill right now is in the greenhouse. The dill that was planted outside didn't take. Probably too early for our climate. We'll try it again. We use so much, we need more than the greenhouse can hold.
I'm splitting my days between helping where I can, such as harvesting dill, and writing the third book in my Love and Murder series for one publisher while writing on two other projects for another publisher. Life is full!
Our second Farmers' Market appearance in Prescott was a great success. This was the report from Frank and Lance. (I was in California with Mom and sister) We had repeat customers. That means a great deal. Then we had a vendor from another aisle stop in and say she'd been listening to the buzz from market customers so she had to pop over and get some pickles. Nice to hear.Frank and Lance have been working hard all week in strong, dust blowing wind. Frank got all the fruit tree wells dug out and the orchard mowed. Today he announced we have plums and apples forming. This is kind of a surprise because Lance
Christie and Sadi hanging outgave all the trees such heavy trims we figured it would be a year before they could fruit. Maybe it helped since we had NO fruit last year.Lance got the sweet potatoes in the ground and did more planting in the greenhouse while Frank worked on the orchard. Then they both spent a few days laying the row mulch that looks like plastic but is made from something organic. They planted potatoes, cabbage, onions and peppers.
Once I returned, I harvested dill which goes into the freezer. It will be an every other day chore from now until the end of summer. We use pounds of dill weed and seed for our pickles. At this point, only weed is harvested but we do have some seeds coming ready in a week or so. Although we freeze the weed, we'll dry the seeds. All the dill right now is in the greenhouse. The dill that was planted outside didn't take. Probably too early for our climate. We'll try it again. We use so much, we need more than the greenhouse can hold.
I'm splitting my days between helping where I can, such as harvesting dill, and writing the third book in my Love and Murder series for one publisher while writing on two other projects for another publisher. Life is full!
May 19, 2014
Inspiration and Fear by Jessi Gage
MUSE MONDAY
Please welcome my guest, Jessi Gage, to Muse Monday. I’m so excited to be on Discover Yourself today! Thank you for having me, Brenda.Let’s talk inspiration and fear, two things you don’t usually think about putting together.Inspiration comes from many places. Happy places, curious places, surprising place, dark places… Can inspiration comes from fear? Should an author ever use her writing to explore her own limitations and issues?Here’s the blurb for Reckless:Sometimes it takes a miracle to find forgiveness.Divorced construction worker Derek has anger management issues. Acting rashly on the freeway, he causes an accident. His truck escapes unscathed, but he can’t say the same for his conscience. Visions of the wreck haunt his dreams, but they’re always followed by the sweet caresses and soothing words of a beautiful woman who calls to everything male in him.
Cami assumes she is dead. With no memory of her past, all she knows is endless fog and the occasional visit to a darkened bedroom where she comforts a man battling nightmares. When she wakes in a hospital bed and regains her memory, she assumes the ruggedly handsome Derek was no more than a figment of her concussed mind.
As Cami recovers, she learns that Derek is not only real but also the driver charged with causing her accident. She should be furious with him, but their inexplicable nights together showed her a tender side beneath his rough exterior. Will she let one reckless mistake drive them apart, or will forgiveness have the right of way?
Buy Links: |
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play | All Romance | Goodreads Thanks for reading! And thanks again, Brenda, for having me. Anyone who wants can stop by my websitefor a chance to win another of my new releases THE WOLF AND THE HIGHLANDER and an Amazon gift card. For an extra point in the giveaway, leave a comment letting me know what fear or issue you have that you would like to read about through a character’s perspective.Jessi’s Bio:Jessi lives with her husband and children in the Seattle area. She’s a passionate reader of all genres of romance, especially anything involving the paranormal. Ghosts, demons, vampires, witches, weres, faeries...you name it, she’ll read it. As for writing, she's sticking to Highlanders and contemporaries with a paranormal twist (for now). The last time she imagined a world without romance novels, her husband found her crouched in the corner, rocking.
Jessi’s Links: Website | Blog | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter Sign-up
May 15, 2014
The Week in Pictures on Tortuga Flats
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.
Lance digging up unwanted rootsLast October, May seemed so far away and the memory of the prior planting season began to fade. Then, all of a sudden, here we are again.
Lance and Frank spent the week laying the drip system and putting up trellis for cucumbers. The sweet potato slips arrived in the mail. The baby onions and tomatoes were moved from house to greenhouse. The dill in the greenhouse shot up. And there are blooms on the severely trimmed fruit trees. That surprised me.
Our first Farmers' Market was a success. The buzz was that it was a
A pirate pickling family
slow day. It was the first market of the season and we were competing with another event. Pirate Pickling was pleased anyway. We felt like we did pretty good for our first time out. Our booth was next to some really good baked goods so guess where I spent part of the earnings. A pirate has to eat!
Here's more of the week in pictures.
Lance and Frank laying drip system
The dill flourishes
Plum blooms
Lance planting tomato plants
Sadi enjoyed the baked goods same as Gramma
Lance digging up unwanted rootsLast October, May seemed so far away and the memory of the prior planting season began to fade. Then, all of a sudden, here we are again.Lance and Frank spent the week laying the drip system and putting up trellis for cucumbers. The sweet potato slips arrived in the mail. The baby onions and tomatoes were moved from house to greenhouse. The dill in the greenhouse shot up. And there are blooms on the severely trimmed fruit trees. That surprised me.
Our first Farmers' Market was a success. The buzz was that it was a
A pirate pickling familyslow day. It was the first market of the season and we were competing with another event. Pirate Pickling was pleased anyway. We felt like we did pretty good for our first time out. Our booth was next to some really good baked goods so guess where I spent part of the earnings. A pirate has to eat!
Here's more of the week in pictures.
Lance and Frank laying drip system
The dill flourishes
Plum blooms
Lance planting tomato plants
Sadi enjoyed the baked goods same as GrammaMay 12, 2014
My Guest is Golden - AJ Nuest
Please join me in celebrating this special occasion, the release of my time travel fantasy romance collection... I present...
THE GOLDEN KEY CHRONICLESFor the first time ever... Rowena's Key , Candra's Freedom , Caedmon's Curse and Braedric's Bane are NOW AVAILABLE as one continuous read!INCLUDING FREE BONUS MATERIAL!!!The Story of Helios and Selene: The Mythology Behind The Golden Key Chronicles
The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…When antiques restorer, Rowena Lindstrom, purchases an armoire containing a hidden key and a “magic” mirror, she believes the handsome warrior prince waiting on the other side is some sort of elaborate joke. Yet she cannot deny their connection seems bound by more than just the key and, as her love for Prince Caedmon grows, she agrees to join him in his realm. Prophecy intervenes in a way neither of them could have expected. Lost and alone in the Austiere Kingdom, Rowena struggles to find her place, and though she fights the heated advances of the dangerous Prince Caedmon, the attraction between them brings challenges much deeper than her troubled heart can recall.After two torturous years held captive in the dungeons of Seviere’s Keep, Prince Caedmon returns home with more than just lash marks lacing his back. He now retains the secret behind the key, and is the only one who understands its grim connection to his beloved Rowena. Yet their enemies to the north are merely one of many obstacles determined to see them fail and, to escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future—the one place Caedmon’s worst fears are confirmed. Though Rowena’s memories have returned, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.Join Caedmon and Rowena as they embark on an epic journey bound by fate, and struggle to unravel the significance behind an age-old prophecy in The Golden Key Chronicles.AMAZON / AMAZONUK / BARNES&NOBLE What reviewers are saying about The Golden Key Chronicles...
The imagery is so vivid it felt like I was sitting in front of a screen streaming real-time video. I love how the author cleverly crafted some straight up satirical irony within the plot. What Rowena says and what is meant, and what Prince Caedmon does and what is expected is a work of brilliance. 5 Stars from Writer's KaboodleI LOVED IT! Oh My Goodness I was hooked from beginning to end and didn't want to put it down until I finished it and was teary eyed at the end. It's SO good. 5 Stars from Cloey Book Reviews
It is clear that, far from being your simple fairy tale, the Golden Key Chronicles will be as much of an emotional roller-coaster as a tale of enthralling enchantment. AJ Nuest’s stories have the ability to sweep readers into a magical kingdom, even without the aid of an enchanted mirror. 5 Stars from Love Reading Romance
Proving once again that less can be more, AJ Nuest’s Candra’s Freedom is an intensely romantic, intensely emotional trip into the fantasy of love and romance. Rowena and Caedmon will burrow into your heart... 5 Stars from Tome Tender Book Blog
Caedmon's Curse left me out of breath in many ways. The fight scenes are vividly and flawlessly written and the same goes for every other moment in the book. Book #3 is my favorite out of AJ's Golden Key Chronicles so far! With only one book left, she has me on pins and needles waiting for the last installment. 5 Stars from Broken Bird Media
LOVED the ending: I really thought I knew what was coming, but Miss Nuest nailed it with her well-placed sequence of events and clues. It was the perfect place to leave off - or leave us hanging I should say - for Book 4. :D 5 Stars from Friday Night Romance
An epic, fantasy, adventure and romance, with a dash of comedy, rolled into one fabulous book. The characters are wonderful. Rowena is a strong, feisty, fearless female and I love her slightly feminist thinking. Caedmon is the perfect complement to her and they just fit. The romance, the love, and the ecstasy that makes up Rowena and Caedmon’s relationship is toe-curling steamy, and beautifully written. 5 Stars from Follow the Yellow Book Road
Just when I think AJ Nuest can’t raise her bar any higher, she up and writes Braedric’s Bane, the final book in Rowena and Caedmon’s tale. Love, lust, romance, life-threatening danger and a good dose of light-hearted humor from the amazing characters that color her world of larger than life fantasy. 5 Stars from Tome Tender Book BlogON SALE IN E-BOOK STARTING APRIL 24TH, WITH PRINT TO BE RELEASED IN MAY!GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
THE GOLDEN KEY CHRONICLESFor the first time ever... Rowena's Key , Candra's Freedom , Caedmon's Curse and Braedric's Bane are NOW AVAILABLE as one continuous read!INCLUDING FREE BONUS MATERIAL!!!The Story of Helios and Selene: The Mythology Behind The Golden Key Chronicles
The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…When antiques restorer, Rowena Lindstrom, purchases an armoire containing a hidden key and a “magic” mirror, she believes the handsome warrior prince waiting on the other side is some sort of elaborate joke. Yet she cannot deny their connection seems bound by more than just the key and, as her love for Prince Caedmon grows, she agrees to join him in his realm. Prophecy intervenes in a way neither of them could have expected. Lost and alone in the Austiere Kingdom, Rowena struggles to find her place, and though she fights the heated advances of the dangerous Prince Caedmon, the attraction between them brings challenges much deeper than her troubled heart can recall.After two torturous years held captive in the dungeons of Seviere’s Keep, Prince Caedmon returns home with more than just lash marks lacing his back. He now retains the secret behind the key, and is the only one who understands its grim connection to his beloved Rowena. Yet their enemies to the north are merely one of many obstacles determined to see them fail and, to escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future—the one place Caedmon’s worst fears are confirmed. Though Rowena’s memories have returned, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.Join Caedmon and Rowena as they embark on an epic journey bound by fate, and struggle to unravel the significance behind an age-old prophecy in The Golden Key Chronicles.AMAZON / AMAZONUK / BARNES&NOBLE What reviewers are saying about The Golden Key Chronicles...
The imagery is so vivid it felt like I was sitting in front of a screen streaming real-time video. I love how the author cleverly crafted some straight up satirical irony within the plot. What Rowena says and what is meant, and what Prince Caedmon does and what is expected is a work of brilliance. 5 Stars from Writer's KaboodleI LOVED IT! Oh My Goodness I was hooked from beginning to end and didn't want to put it down until I finished it and was teary eyed at the end. It's SO good. 5 Stars from Cloey Book Reviews
It is clear that, far from being your simple fairy tale, the Golden Key Chronicles will be as much of an emotional roller-coaster as a tale of enthralling enchantment. AJ Nuest’s stories have the ability to sweep readers into a magical kingdom, even without the aid of an enchanted mirror. 5 Stars from Love Reading RomanceProving once again that less can be more, AJ Nuest’s Candra’s Freedom is an intensely romantic, intensely emotional trip into the fantasy of love and romance. Rowena and Caedmon will burrow into your heart... 5 Stars from Tome Tender Book Blog
Caedmon's Curse left me out of breath in many ways. The fight scenes are vividly and flawlessly written and the same goes for every other moment in the book. Book #3 is my favorite out of AJ's Golden Key Chronicles so far! With only one book left, she has me on pins and needles waiting for the last installment. 5 Stars from Broken Bird MediaLOVED the ending: I really thought I knew what was coming, but Miss Nuest nailed it with her well-placed sequence of events and clues. It was the perfect place to leave off - or leave us hanging I should say - for Book 4. :D 5 Stars from Friday Night Romance
An epic, fantasy, adventure and romance, with a dash of comedy, rolled into one fabulous book. The characters are wonderful. Rowena is a strong, feisty, fearless female and I love her slightly feminist thinking. Caedmon is the perfect complement to her and they just fit. The romance, the love, and the ecstasy that makes up Rowena and Caedmon’s relationship is toe-curling steamy, and beautifully written. 5 Stars from Follow the Yellow Book RoadJust when I think AJ Nuest can’t raise her bar any higher, she up and writes Braedric’s Bane, the final book in Rowena and Caedmon’s tale. Love, lust, romance, life-threatening danger and a good dose of light-hearted humor from the amazing characters that color her world of larger than life fantasy. 5 Stars from Tome Tender Book BlogON SALE IN E-BOOK STARTING APRIL 24TH, WITH PRINT TO BE RELEASED IN MAY!GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
May 8, 2014
PIRATE PICKLE PREMIER
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.
In two days, Pirate Pickling Company will make its debut at the Prescott Farmers Market. What's a Pirate Pickle and how did it come about? The recipe is a secret and discovered in a forgotten chest hidden...I don't know the whole story. Our web site is still under construction, but the tale will be unveiled in the coming weeks. http://www.piratepickling.com/
There were hurdles to clear and hoops to jump through, but we finally got all the paperwork done. We had to be approved by Yavapai County as a home business. Lance and Frank met with five county managers, spent a couple of hours submitting our plans and won their approval. The Prescott Farmers Market application was submitted. They wanted another type of permit from Yavapai County - more paperwork but we cleared that application also. We sent our pickles off to a lab out of state for testing. They were deemed shelf stable with an excellent rating. Ready to go!
We had one more decision to make - give out samples or not? If we give out samples, we have to have a hand washing station, more equipment for safe keeping and food handlers permits. But that isn't why we decided against, at least for now. Because this is our first year, we don't have a ton of product. Opening jars of pickles every Saturday will deplete our jars of pickles and relish quickly. Our pickles and relish are very unique in flavor, but hopefully we can convince market goers to try them without a taste. AND they're made with ingredients grown on our farm without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. We don't use alum in the processing either. We're all natural.
Salty Dogs in two styles (regular and Old World and the name says it all)
Kraken's Breath in two styles (regular and Old World - this is a spicy hot pickle)
Walk the Plank (dill slices)
Captains Reserve Relish in two flavors, spicy hot and sweet dill
What is Old World? Before crunch became more important than flavor, pickles were firm and tasty. But they didn't "crunch". Our Old World style pickles take on more flavor from the recipe. Our crunchy ones are delicious, but the Old World have a deeper flavor.
The Prescott Farmers Market is every Saturday for the next several months and is open 7:30 am to 12:30 at the Yavapai College. If you're in Arizona, we hope to see you there.
In two days, Pirate Pickling Company will make its debut at the Prescott Farmers Market. What's a Pirate Pickle and how did it come about? The recipe is a secret and discovered in a forgotten chest hidden...I don't know the whole story. Our web site is still under construction, but the tale will be unveiled in the coming weeks. http://www.piratepickling.com/There were hurdles to clear and hoops to jump through, but we finally got all the paperwork done. We had to be approved by Yavapai County as a home business. Lance and Frank met with five county managers, spent a couple of hours submitting our plans and won their approval. The Prescott Farmers Market application was submitted. They wanted another type of permit from Yavapai County - more paperwork but we cleared that application also. We sent our pickles off to a lab out of state for testing. They were deemed shelf stable with an excellent rating. Ready to go!
We had one more decision to make - give out samples or not? If we give out samples, we have to have a hand washing station, more equipment for safe keeping and food handlers permits. But that isn't why we decided against, at least for now. Because this is our first year, we don't have a ton of product. Opening jars of pickles every Saturday will deplete our jars of pickles and relish quickly. Our pickles and relish are very unique in flavor, but hopefully we can convince market goers to try them without a taste. AND they're made with ingredients grown on our farm without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. We don't use alum in the processing either. We're all natural.
Salty Dogs in two styles (regular and Old World and the name says it all)
Kraken's Breath in two styles (regular and Old World - this is a spicy hot pickle)
Walk the Plank (dill slices)
Captains Reserve Relish in two flavors, spicy hot and sweet dill
What is Old World? Before crunch became more important than flavor, pickles were firm and tasty. But they didn't "crunch". Our Old World style pickles take on more flavor from the recipe. Our crunchy ones are delicious, but the Old World have a deeper flavor.
The Prescott Farmers Market is every Saturday for the next several months and is open 7:30 am to 12:30 at the Yavapai College. If you're in Arizona, we hope to see you there.
