Gayle Irwin's Blog, page 3

Is It Winter or Is It Spring?

A large, heavy snow fell in our area in March — this is my backyard at the start of the storm.

The month is April, nearly mid-April in fact. As I look out my window, an overcast sky greets me and a chilly 25 degrees F awaits me to step outside with my dogs for their morning routine. Yesterday morning, small fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky when just a few days prior, the sun shone and the afternoon temperature reached nearly 60 degrees F.

Is it winter or is it spring? It’s the season of BOTH!

One of the first robins that came to my back yard last month — before the big snow storm.The Rocky Mountain West – Seasons Change Quickly

Living in the Rocky Mountain West for most of my life has taught me several things: a deep appreciation for the majestic beauty of mountains, plains, rivers, wildlife, and other aspects of nature; to enjoy solitude and rural areas; and to relish the beauty of each of the four seasons. I’ve also learned snow can fall anytime, and that just when you think spring has arrived with the blooming purple and yellow of crocus, the green budding of bushes and trees, and the arrival of robins, killdeer, and western meadowlarks … BAM! Three inches of snow covers the ground.

I often wonder if returning birds ask one another, “What are we doing here? Who said it was springtime?”

Rescue Road is set in autumn and the sequel, my new book called My Montana Love, is set during winter and spring.Stories With Seasons

My newest book release, My Montana Love, is set in southwestern Montana, another area that teeters between winter and spring during March and April. The book begins on a frigid January morning and concludes mid-March, waffling between the seasons of winter and spring. This book is the sequel to my first sweet, contemporary western romance, Rescue Road, taking place five years after the conclusion of that book. Rescue Road was set in autumn, and my second book in the series, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, is set in late summer.

I enjoy writing about the varied seasons experienced in the Rocky Mountain West. My books’ settings, including the season of the year, become characters in themselves. I enjoy describing the weather, the sky, the location, weaving in colors and landscapes. I know many of these places well, having lived in Montana and Wyoming for decades. I know the seasons and the settings because I’ve experienced them, from golden leaves on aspen trees in autumn and sagging branches of bushes after a down-pour of snow in winter to pink shooting star flowers in a wooded forest in spring and burnt-orange and violet sunsets after a summer thunderstorm.

A Wyoming sunset near my home.

Whether it’s winter or spring, summer or autumn, if you enjoy reading about lovely settings in the West, second-chance romance, and pet rescue and adoption, check out my series, The Pet Rescue Romance books! Find out more on my Amazon Author Page by CLICKING HERE.

Pet Principle:

No matter the season of the year, our pets need clean coats. Dogs especially are prone to mud and dirt from spending time outdoors. Bathing pets, brushing them regularly, and taking them to the groomer now and then helps to keep their fur healthy and more free from bugs and pests, like ticks and fleas, which flourish as the weather warms up.

Get tips on good pet grooming practices here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips

Bathing and grooming our pets keeps their skin and coats healthy. Pixabay photo.

Technology – Not Always an Author’s (or Person’s) Best Friend – But Necessary

Does this look familiar? Do you ever feel like this? I do!

I began the Facebook Live event – or so I thought. My computer screen looked different from the last time I’d done such an event. I muddled my way through what I thought were the right buttons and clicks, but I didn’t find the button that I remembered saying, “Go Live Now.”

Twenty-five minutes later, when no one seemed to be engaging with me, answering questions I’d asked or leaving comments during my talk and book reading, I stopped. That’s when I discovered I’d never been “Live” at all.

Authors on technology, especially in the days of the corona virus. Even though bookstores, craft shows, and other events are loosening up and allowing people to meander through the aisles, tables, and booths, many authors are still cautious about attending in-person. That will likely change as more people get vaccinated against COVID and as more communities relax restrictions. However, online will always be a great way to reach readers, especially outside of one’s community and state.

[image error]Computers have made major changes in personal lives and businesses. Unsplash photo

Technology has developed at warp speed during the past 20 years. Once the telegraph was a new invention as was the railroad. Electricity was discovered, bringing radio and television as well as lights throughout a person’s home. Computers were at first only for government entities and big businesses. Then came Apple and Microsoft with the goal of putting a computer in people’s homes. Cell phones are a mainstay, and as mini-computers themselves, people have greater connections than during the hay-day of email, which still remains vital as a communication tool.

Growing up on a farm in Iowa during the 1960s, the party-line telephone was still in full swing; each family had to take their turn using the phone system. Long-distance calls cost quite a bit of money so you limited how long you talked … and how often you called, even if, as in my case, Grandma lived just 30 miles away.

These days businesses, including an author/writing business, requires technology. Websites, software, social media, email – they’re all vital to creating and communicating. No more quill pens and paper – now we have Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener to help us compose stories, and the Internet by which to connect with readers and each other (however, I still write down ideas and interview notes, and some writers still prefer the longhand over typing). Yet, when technology fails, whether it’s our service provider and the online platform we’re using, the hackles go up and we curse the object vital to our business.

Frustration, aggravation, and anger can often describe the relationship we have with computers and technology. Unsplash photo

When my Facebook Live event didn’t materialize, I quickly scrambled to reschedule for the next day. I sent out announcements via my pages and the groups with which I’m involved and I sent an email blast to my fans, apologizing for the ‘glitch’ and announcing the rescheduled event. I event sat down 40 minutes early, went through all the steps again, and this time discovered the “Go Live Now” button. It worked! For 20 minutes. Then, for some reason only known to God and Facebook, the video simply quit. Another scramble – renaming a ‘new event’ and going back ‘Live.’ Fortunately, many of my guests returned, and we re-engaged with questions and comments as I read and spoke. We went another 20 minutes without a problem.

A great lesson to learn is that we don’t always have the ‘control’ of things we want to control, or think we control. That’s true with technology and with life.

Despite the glitches and mishaps, I’m grateful for technology. I enjoy connecting with readers and fans, including people I knew back in Iowa. Technology allows us to renew old friendships, reach out and inspire people, and share the work we feel called to write. I may do videos differently for awhile because of my latest experience but I’ll never stop connecting with people who are interested in my work … or the friends I’ve made along the way.

Technology may not always be our friend, and certainly it can be challenging, but it’s a vital part of lives, whether we’re authors or not.

[image error]Connection is vital for people, whether one is an author or not. Unsplash photo.Pet Principle:

Technology can also be a friend to pet parents. From heated water bowls and blankets to  ID chips and GPS units to help us locate a lost pet, we rely on electricity, gadgets, and devices to keep our furry friends healthy and safe. My husband and I use Whistle for our dogs as we have a springer spaniel that enjoys the woods and finding squirrels in those forests. Since we own a few acres of mountain forest land with a cabin, we’ve learned from experience that our spaniel needs to have a locator; our other dog, a shih tzu, doesn’t travel far but one never knows. Plus, in case either dog was ever stolen, the Whistle (which connects to our cell phones) could help us find them. Rover.com has an article reviewing the different types of trackers; read it here: https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/dog-gps-collar/

Technology helps pets and pet parents, too, especially in cases of lost animals. Unsplash photo

Author Life: Writing My Passions

Cats and computers, dogs and books — bringing some of my passions (writing and animals) together. G Irwin photo.

Last week, I gave a presentation during the Women in Publishing Summit. My talk focused on how authors can weave their passions into their writing, something I’ve been doing since becoming an author nearly 15 years ago.

For those who know me, you know what I love to write about. For those who are just discovering my works, you may not yet make the connection. Let me share a quick backstory.

The Mississippi River near my hometown of Burlington, Iowa. G. Irwin photo. Nature and Animals

I grew up in Iowa, surrounded by fields, forests, waterways, and wildlife. My family spent many hours outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing, and playing with our pets. Dogs and cats were a large part of my life as a child; so was nature. Those things remain important to me. Pets are still a big part of my life. My husband and I have not been without a pet since we married more than 20 years ago. Today, those animals are two dogs and two cats, all rescues.

I also volunteer for various pet rescue organizations, primarily as a transporter. In the recent past, I’ve conducted booksignings to benefit local and regional humane societies and rescue groups, and I look forward to doing that again soon. In fact, I’m scheduled to conduct an outdoor event for a library about 30 miles from my home on June 4, talking about pet rescue and adoption and my books; I plan to take my rescued Shih Tzu, Jeremiah, who has a children’s book about his rescue and adoption and who is the role model for a dog in my clean, contemporary romance novel, Rescue Road.

That book is set in a place which is special to me – southwestern Montana. I lived in that region for nearly 12 years, and it remains one of my favorite places, one that I visit fairly often. Not only do I weave pet rescue and adoption (my passion) into that story, but I also showcase a place that’s dear to my heart – the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Grand Teton National Park is one component of the Greater Yellowstone Area, and in November of 2021, a holiday novella, In the Shadow of Mount Moran, will release as part of my Pet Rescue Romance series. I love weaving my passion for this area into my novels! G. Irwin photo. Writing Your Passions

Some writers enjoy history, and they, therefore, write fiction or nonfiction about that passion. Some people like to quilt – I met a woman years ago who created mystery stories about a group of people involved in a quilting club. A writer can take something, or some place, they enjoy and weave that ‘thing’ into their stories, whether it’s pets, history, quilting, national parks, international travel, or something else.

I’ve been fortunate over the past six-plus years to write periodically for regional magazines. Many of those stories have focused on some aspect of nature, including returning bison to Native American lands; an animal sanctuary that rescues creatures that have been researched on; winter recreation in Yellowstone; and the return of meadowlarks in springtime. The outdoors and animals living in those natural spaces are other things I enjoy … and I enjoy sharing about in my writing.

Bison on the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming. GIrwin photo. New Book!

My latest book, My Montana Love, weaves the outdoors, pet rescue and adoption, and sweet romance together. This is my fourth book in my Pet Rescue Romance series. Set once again in southwestern Montana, the story looks at characters from Rescue Road five years later. The book is available in both e-format and paperback from Amazon and as an e-book on Barnes & Noble. The digital version sells for just $1.99, as does Rescue Road.

Spring is nearly upon us. Pick up a copy of My Montana Love and Rescue Road for your spring and summer reading pleasure! Within the pages of those stories, you’ll discover some of my passions, including the joy of pet rescue and adoption, the beauty of an area of Montana many people enjoy (with hints of Yellowstone National Park), and sweet love stories with dramatic twists and actions.

My Montana Love explores the relationship of Levi and Rhiann five years after they met. Available in paperback and e-book formats. Within the pages, readers will experience the rescue and adoption of pets and the beauty of southwestern Montana, two of my favorite things woven into my passion for writing.

What are some of your passions?

What are things and places you enjoy?

Find Time for Your Passions

I enjoy traveling and watching wildlife. I took this photo of sandhill cranes in a Wisconsin marsh during a trip to the Midwest a few years ago. Gayle M. Irwin photo.

I’m a writer. I freelance for magazines and newspapers, and I write books. I also work a part-time, away from home, job. I own a house, I have pets, and I have elderly parents who live in another state. I’m married, and we own recreational property. I don’t have kids or grandkids, but I do have friends, both nearby and out-of-state, as well as other family members, all of whom reside in different states. Juggling all of this can be difficult … and stressful.

Passion for Pets

In addition to writing, I possess many passions, from nature photography to visiting national parks and other public lands. I like to travel, and I love helping animal rescue organizations, especially those that also promote adoption of pets. I volunteer several times a year with various groups, local, regional, and national. In fact, I recently made a reservation to stay at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah, where I plan to donate some hours as a volunteer.

I’m also volunteering with a local community cat organization, helping with fundraisers. On Monday, I’ll transport cats for the first time from our local kill-shelter to a no-kill rescue in another state (thankfully, the winter weather is to take a break that day!).

Preparing to take a cat for a buggy ride at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Gayle M. Irwin photo.

I’ve transported for several dog rescues in the past, including Big Dogs Huge Paws based in Colorado; the Rocky Mountain chapter of English Springer Spaniel Rescue; and Mid-America Boston Terrier Rescue, based in Nebraska. I enjoy transporting – I often experience beautiful scenery, like the Black Hills of northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota and the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. I also experience emotional satisfaction – I know the animal is either going into rescue and will be adopted later or will be cared for by an adoptive family. I once took a beagle named Boone to Yellowstone National Park, where his adoptive family lived and worked. I took a few extra days for myself to explore the park – not a bad gig!

Boone, a dog I transported for a rescue organization, with his adopted ‘dad’ in Yellowstone National Park. Passion for Writing

Writing is not just a job for me. I’m able to tell stories, which I enjoy. My new romance novella, My Montana Love, releases this week. I started the project in December 2020, and thanks to indie publishing via Amazon, Ingram, Smashwords, and other platforms, an author no longer needs to wait a year or two to see a work published.

Earlier in the week, I completed three articles for an online publication, and next week, I’ll turn in two assignments for a magazine. Having worked for various newspapers in the Rocky Mountain West and freelancing to others, I understand the meaning of ‘deadline,’ though it’s not always easy.

My Montana Love releases this week! Find it on Amazon as both a Kindle e-book and a print book. You can also purchase it from Barnes & Noble as an e-book.Time Management

Between my various jobs and responsibilities to home, family, and friends, I need to manage my time wisely. I also need to take time to enjoy my passions. Being outdoors, whether wildlife watching or doing nature photography, feeds my soul. I plan to take a Saturday next month and drive to eastern Wyoming to observe sandhill cranes as they migrate north for the spring. I also plan to visit some friends’ ranch later next month and spend four days at the guest house, both writing (for pleasure – I’m planning another holiday romance novel for an early winter release) and  observing the wildlife and livestock on the ranch. I’ll take walks at the wildlife management area to see the cranes and at the ranch to visit the newly-born lambs and calves. I’ll observe different wildlife species on these trips as well, from deer and wild turkeys to sandhill cranes and Canada geese. I’ve been to these places many times before, but I never tire of either.

Find time for your passions, whether it’s observing animals or visiting art galleries. Feed your soul with beauty and inspiration. Take time to relax and experience, to smile and laugh, to be encouraged and provide encouragement to others. We need all of that to lift our spirits, especially after the months we’ve experienced. Many places may still be closed or have restricted visitation and hours, but nature isn’t closed – there are parks, beaches, walking trails, forests, and river ways and lakes where we can breathe fresh air, relax, and observe. Plan to do so as spring approaches – new life, rebirth, and rejuvenation await!

Mule deer and wild turkeys are some of the animals I see when I visit my friends’ Wyoming ranch. Gayle M. Irwin photo.Pet Principle:

You can help rescue organizations by volunteering, and you can take your pet on an outdoor excursion. Whether you transport for rescue and humane society organizations, foster a dog or cat, or volunteer in some other capacity, you can give back to animals in need in your community or elsewhere. And if you enjoy short treks or trips (or even long ones), consider taking your dog or cat with you – being on a leash outdoors walking with you is much more fun for them than staying inside the house or roaming the backyard for the billionth time (yes, you can teach a cat to walk on a leash!). Learn where dogs (and cats) are welcome at BringFido.com.

Pregnant burro in the Black Hills in late spring. Custer State Park in South Dakota is one of many outdoor places you can bring your pet. Gayle M. Irwin photo.

Romance Books and Movies to Enjoy This Month: Books Made into Movies About Love

From books to movies, we can find many reads and films to enjoy this Valentine’s month!

Numerous romance books become movies, and since we are within the week of Valentine’s Day, I thought we’d take a look at six of those that might be enjoyed in either book or film format during this “Month of Love.”

Jane Eyre – written by Charlotte Bronte, many, films were created based on the book, including a 2011 release starring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Jamie Bell.

Gone with the Wind – written by Margaret Mitchell and originally published in 1936, the film released just a few years later starring Hollywood’s then-leading man Clarke Gable.

Pride & Prejudice – written by Jane Austen, this classic romance story has launched many ‘spin-offs’ in both book and film formats, including a 2019 movie starring Keira Knightly.

The Bridges of Madison County – written by Robert James Waller and published in 1992, the movie, released in 1995, starred Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.

The Notebook – written by Nicholas Sparks, this has become a contemporary classic, both as a book and as a movie. Many of Sparks’ women’s fiction novels have become major motion pictures, including The Longest Ride and Safe Haven, which released on Valentine’s Day 2013.

The Princess Bride –   written by S. Morgenstern and re-released by others became a movie in 1987 and has become a classic Rob Reiner-directed film.

The Time Traveler’s Wife – written by Audrey Niffenegger, the film stars Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana.

This is just a very short list. You can find a larger list here: https://www.ranker.com/list/best-romance-movies-based-on-books/ranker-film

And another here: https://www.listchallenges.com/romantic-movies-based-on-books

Pets can play a big role in romance books and movies, especially within the Hallmark Channel movie line.How About Hallmark?

If Hallmark romance movies are more your cup of tea, you will find a plethora of them on the network every day of the year. The channel brings forth new movies each month, and February is no exception. See what’s playing on the Hallmark Channel here: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/schedule

Pet Principle

I enjoy Hallmark movies, especially during February, and my all-time favorites are the romance films that feature pets. Here’s a short list of some of my favorites:

Winter Love Story – features Jen Lilley (my favorite Hallmark movie actress!) and Kevin McGarry (who now stars in Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart”) and a dog named BunjeeEat, Play, Love – again starring Jen Lilley, this time alongside Jason Cermak, Lee Majors, and Lindsey Wagner, and a bunch of cute pups!Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy – starring Cindy Busby and Ryan Peavey (one of my favorite Hallmark actors!) and several sweet dogs, including some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!Love Unleashed – my favorite Hallmark actress, Jen Lilley, once again stars in a cute romance story featuring dogs, this time frisky puppies! Her co-star in this fun film is the handsome Christopher Russell, another of my favorite Hallmark actors.Like Cats and Dogs – featuring Cassidy Gifford and Wyatt Nash, alongside Mozart the cat and Frank the dog.

Find more special pet movies created by Hallmark Channel here: https://thewittysloth.wordpress.com/2019/04/10/7-hallmark-movies-that-every-dog-lover-must-see/

Or visit the Movie List at Hallmark: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/movies

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Romance, Mystery and Pets: 2 Authors You Should Read

Do you enjoy a little mystery with your romance reading? How about mixing mystery, romance, and pet rescue? Then, Linda O. Johnston and Kris Bock are authors you should read!

Linda O. Johnston created the Barkery & Biscuits Mystery series, consisting of five books. The last one was published in May 2019, and it’s titled For a Good Paws. I read it, and I also read book #4, titled Pick and Chews. I mention Linda and these books in a previous blog post.

I love this book series! Linda’s writing style, her characters, and the often-surprise ending keep me turning the pages. Because I’m such a dog and cat lover, and I enjoy intrigue and clean romance, these books have captured my heart. I look forward to reading more – and I have a lot of them to sit down with yet!

From 2011 to 2014, she created and wrote the Pet Rescue Mystery series, and prior to that, she wrote nine books in her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mystery series. Although I’ve not read the Pet Sitter series, I’ve read some stories from the Pet Rescue series, including Beaglemania and Nonstop Spaniels (I’m a BIG spaniel fan!!).

Linda is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel fan, which also makes me a fan of hers. Although I’ve not had a Cavalier, cocker spaniels and English springer spaniels have graced my home in the past. I almost adopted a cavalier several years ago, but sadly, she was missing one foot due to a birth defect, and my house had too many stairs; the rescue didn’t think our home would be suitable for the little dog and her inability to climb stairs numerous times. She was a sweet, adorable little thing! One day I may have the fortunate of adopting a cavalier.

Learn more about Linda, her love for rescue pets, and her books, on her website: http://www.lindaojohnston.com/books.htm

Another author who writes romance, mystery, and pets whom I enjoy is Kris Bock. Her Cat Café book series takes readers on journeys that involve rescue cats and coffee. Romance and Rescues was the latest book of hers that I read, and I greatly enjoyed it! The flirtations, the uncertainty of getting involved, and the mysteries she creates (as well as the cats she creates for her stories) motivate me to keep reading … and to want more of her work in my library. I’ll be doing that this year!

Kris also writes children’s books and romantic suspense. Learn more about her and her works on her website: https://www.krisbock.com/

Romance, mystery, and pets – not a bad combination to bring sweetness and intrigue to your reading list!

Pet Principles:

Adopting a pet is a beautiful thing! Not only are you saving one animal’s life through adoption, but you’re also creating space in the rescue or shelter for another animal that needs that opening. There are many avenues by which you can find animals to adopt. Below are just a few websites:

Petfinder.com

AdoptAPet.com

TheShelterPetProject

Best Friends Animal Society

Your local rescue or animal shelter

Rescues for Specific Dog Breeds – American Kennel Club website: https://www.akc.org/akc-rescue-network/

Save lives of animals – adopt! If you can’t adopt, then consider fostering, transporting, or volunteering in some way. Contact your local rescue or shelter to learn their needs for volunteers.

Hallmark Programs Often Feature Animals

Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals often help draw people together, and Hallmark movies often blend romance and pets into programs. Pixabay photo

“This is a delightful book! It is like a Hallmark movie in written form.”

These are the words of a book reviewer regarding my first Pet Rescue Romance novel, Rescue Road.  I felt – and continue to feel – honored by her words.  One of the aspects of research I conducted while writing the book was the Hallmark Channel ® — for a few years, this television network ran many romance movies that featured dogs and cats. I watched and re-watched most of them as my brain not only developed that first book but thought out a series of at least three books (now, my hope is to create five or six!).

Hallmark Movies Featuring Animals

If you are a Hallmark movie junkie, particularly of sweet romance stories, and you love animals as I do, I’ve created a list of the movies I watched not only for research for my stories, but also for entertainment. Watching movies is a great way to spend time during the winter months, and these movies are clean and fun (especially when a dog or cat, or both, are part of the story!)

Love at First Bark – Starring Jana Kramer, Kevin McGarry, and “King” the dog (plus other pups): https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-at-first-bark/about-love-at-first-bark

Eat, Play Love – Starring Jen Lilley, Jason Cermak, and “Beasley”/Gidget, the dog (plus other pups): https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/eat-play-love

Love Unleashed – Starring Jen Lilley, Christopher Russell, and a bunch of cute puppies: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-unleashed

Walking the Dog – Starring Jennifer Finnigan, Sam Page, “Simon” the dog, and “Gidget”/Gidget, the dog: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/walking-the-dog

Like Cats and Dogs – Starring Cassidy Gifford, Wyatt Nash, “Mozart” the cat, and “Frank” the dog: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/like-cats-dogs

The Nine Lives of Christmas – Starring Kimberley Sustad, Brandon Routh, and “Ambrose” and “Queenie” the cats: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-lives-of-christmas

Of these six movies, my three favorites are the two starring Jen Lilley and The Nine Lives of Christmas. The reason? The characters work with adoptable/stray animals, finding and/or giving them new homes.

“Kitten Bowl” is a Hallmark program that runs on Super Bowl Sunday and features adoptable cats and kittens. Pixabay photoOther Hallmark Programs Featuring Animals

Pet rescue and adoption are two of my passions, and I like watching shows that promote those causes. In fact, Hallmark Channel has created a program called Adoption Ever After. The network provides adoption resources and airs both “Kitten Bowl” (which will be telecast on February 7, 2021) and “Hero Dog Awards” (in partnership with the organization American Humane).

A beloved, favorite Hallmark show, When Calls the Heart, has featured special animals during the early seasons. Rip, a basset hound, was the furry companion of Canadian Mountie Jack Thorson; his horse, Sargent, was also showcased several times. A young boy named Cody was given a yellow lab named Dasher in a Christmas episode, and viewers saw the boy playing with his dog several times; Cody even brought Dasher to school for show and tell in one episode.

NOTE: When Calls the Heart, seasons 1 to 5, can be seen on Netflix, but that will end on January 25. Therefore, catch those seasons during this next week before they are gone! Season 8 begins on Hallmark Channel next month, and Season 7 episodes can be watched on HallmarkChannel.com here: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/when-calls-the-heart.

So, if you enjoy Hallmark movies and programs that feature dogs, cats, and horses, check out the listings I’ve provided. With Valentine’s Day coming up in less than a month, some of these movies might be airing again – you can find the scheduled line-up of movies here: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/schedule.

 And keep in mind the deadline to watch When Calls the Heart on Netflix where you can catch episodes with Dasher, Rip, and Sargent! https://www.netflix.com/title/80036407

Enjoy the programs!

Romantic adventures oftentimes involves involves animals, whether horseback riding on a beach or volunteering at a rescue sanctuary, such as Best Friends Animal Society in Utah and Kindness Ranch in Wyoming. Unsplash photo.

Pet Principle:

American Humane is a national animal advocacy group that began in 1877. In addition to pet rescue and reuniting military dogs with their handlers, the group also endeavors to ensure “animal actors” are safe during film and TV production. This program, called Humane Hollywood ®, includes an initiative called “No Animals Were Harmed” ®, which appears at the end of a program’s credits when American Humane staff have overseen productions using animals. Learn more about this program and the other work done by American Humane (including the Hero Dog Awards ®) here: https://www.americanhumane.org/program/humane-hollywood/

America’s National Parks Offer Inspiration and Relaxation

My husband, me, and my father preparing to visit Denali National Park in Alaska.

I whipped the vehicle to the side of the road, put it in ‘park,’ and jammed on the emergency brake. I jumped out and joined about fifty other people along the banks of the Madison River. We watched a pair of trumpeter swans gliding gracefully through ripples of water, guarding six cygnets. Although I had seen swans before, rarely had I encountered so many babies with their parents.

My excitement matched the other Yellowstone National Park tourists. I really wasn’t a tourist – I had lived at the park’s west gate West Yellowstone, Montana for more than a year, and I had resided in the region for nearly seven years. Even though I was a local, each time I traveled to America’s first national park it felt like the first time.

The Roosevelt Arch, showcasing the northern entrance into Yellowstone National Park.

So starts my short story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of America, published in 2016. I began visiting Yellowstone and other national parks with my parents when I was a child. Memories of camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife watching and so much more reside in my heart and mind. As I approach my 60th birthday, the joy, inspiration, and relaxation I garner from visiting America’s national parks hasn’t waned. Yellowstone remains my favorite, perhaps because I lived next door for several years. However, other majestic locations, such as Rocky Mountain in Colorado, Denali in Alaska, and Bryce Canyon in Utah, also deeply impact me.

Wildlife such as elk, bison, caribou, bears, bald eagles, ground squirrels, fox, and so much more abound in these areas. Red rock spires, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, exploding geysers, and other magnificent features take one’s breath away. The awe, the grandeur, and the splendor of these lands set aside for the public offer some of the things we most need as a society: peace, inspiration, and relaxation.

Whether you hike into the back country, picnic along a river, watch a geyser gush into the sky, or listen to an elk bugle during mating season, each experience is a memory to last a lifetime.

Bull bison in Yellowstone National Park.

The setting for my first two romance books, Rescue Road and Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, is near Yellowstone National Park. Not only do I know the area best, but I also find the region inspiring – a great place to set a romance novel. Yellowstone draws three to four million visitors each year; it is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. The geology, wildlife, and scenery draw people from around the world.

In Rescue Road, my main character, Rhiann talks about something that inspired her to take a photograph and write an article:

“Remember when we talked about Yellowstone awhile back?” Rhiann asked. Levi nodded. “I took that photo near what’s known as Beaver Ponds not far from the Madison River.“

Levi nodded again. “I’ve hiked back in there a few times.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it – the mother moose defending her calf, and the sandhill cranes defending what must have been their nest area,” Rhiann said. “I was lucky to capture that shot.”

“I’ll say,” Levi responded. “That photo reminds me of one that I saw several years ago. I just can’t place where.”

Rhiann smiled. “Perhaps Montana Wildlife Magazine?” He looked at her. “I wrote a story about that experience and submitted that picture and a few others. The package was published about ten years ago.”

Rescue Road features references to Yellowstone National Park; the book is set in southwestern Montana near the park.

Writers, painters, nature photographers, and other creatives find inspiration in America’s national parks. So do individuals and families. I’m grateful my parents instilled such an appreciation for these beautiful lands, and I look forward to visiting many of them – either for the first time or the hundredth time – once again. And, who knows – one of my future books just may take my characters to a park other than Yellowstone!

Pet Principle: Our beloved pets are allowed in America’s national parks. However, many, like Yellowstone, don’t allow them on hiking trails. If you travel with your pets and you plan to visit any of the U.S. national parks, check out that park’s pet policies and guidelines. You can find those on the National Park Service’s website: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm. However, check each individual park you plan to visit because the rules vary.

My husband and two of our dogs during a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Be sure to check out the pet policies and guidelines before visiting any national park.

Another author who sets her novels in U.S. National Parks is Karen Barnett. Her historic romance series, known as the Vintage National Park series, showcases Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, and Yosemite national parks. Learn more here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TLLKL49?ref_=dbs_p_mng_rwt_ser_shvlr&storeType=ebooks

Karen Barnett’s Vintage National Park historical romance series.

Winter in Arizona ie, Snowbirding

Colors abound amid Arizona’s flora during the winter months.

Ever been to southern Arizona during the winter months? I have, and it’s a marvelous experience! Pre-COVID, I spent some Januarys and Februarys in the land of cacti, sunshine, and turquoise skies, relishing 60 to 70-degree weather, plants and flowers in bloom, and orange and grapefruit trees filled with fruit. I’ve sat in outdoor cafes, visited outdoor spaces, like the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix (which offer ‘dog days’!), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, and Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson, and attended outdoor music and art festivals. You can do a lot outdoors during the winter in southern Arizona.

As we step into this new year, many (if not most) people hope to see a turn in the COVID pandemic as vaccines are rolled out, thereby, helping our society return to taking trips, visiting friends and family, and enjoying concerts, theater, museums, and the like. I am one of those people. I live in a cold, winter climate, and as I age, I long to spend months like January, February, and March in warmer places – like Arizona. My husband loves baseball, and his dream of warmer winter weather includes attending spring training games in Florida and Arizona. That’s one thing we enjoy as a couple: attending baseball and basketball games in person. Therefore, going spring training games in those states would be an enjoyable adventure for us to share – and we look forward to the time when that’s possible for us.

Romance & Rescue in Arizona

My holiday novella, Rhiann’s Rescue that released in December 2020, finds Rhiann and her beloved grandmother wintering in Arizona. They participate in many activities together, including visiting art galleries (a potential love interest for Rhiann is art gallery owner Elias Griffin). Rhiann helps dog rescue organizations while she and Grams “snowbird,” and one of the rescues she assists focuses on helping canines found on Native American reservations. Here is a short excerpt from the story:

Rhiann stood by her RAV 4 and watched a burly Native American man load three black dogs into crates in the back of her vehicle. A Hispanic woman stood next to her, reviewing the paperwork on the clipboard.

“This should be all you need,” the woman said. “I appreciate you taking the dogs to Tucson and Maricopa for us.”

Rhiann smiled at her. “You know it’s my pleasure, Rosa. We’re in this work together.”

“I know,” the woman said. “This year, though, has been especially busy, and I hate taking you away from your grandmother so much.”

“She has her activities at the resort, and this is my activity. By the way, I told you, didn’t I, about the upcoming meeting with the book editor?”

Rosa smiled. “Yes, you did. Seems as if that project must be a go. Congratulations!”

“I don’t have a contract yet, but she must like it enough to have me come to her office.”

Rosa handed Rhiann the paperwork. “Keep me posted.”

“You know I will.”

“The dogs are all set, crates and all,” the man said, walking over to the two women.

Rhiann held out her hand. “Thanks so much, Joshua. Your help is appreciated.”

“Getting the abandoned dogs a second chance is always in our best interest,” the 50’ish man replied as he shook her hand. “We’re planning a spay/neuter clinic in a few weeks, but I’m sure we’ll have some more dogs in need of rescue before then.”

Rhiann nodded. “I should be available if you need transport help again.” She shook hands with Rosa. “I’ll let you know when I get to Tucson and when I arrive in Maricopa.”

“Just a reminder: the dog in the cream-colored coat is Liza and the one in the blue plaid is Logan – they are the Tucson dogs. Angel is the one in the multi-colored coat. The fosters have been told, but just remind them the coats need to stay on the dogs for another week while they heal.”

Rhiann shook her head. “Poor things. That must have been a vicious pack of coyotes.”

“It was,” Joshua said. “Thankfully, they weren’t rabid.”

“The wounds are healing nicely,” Rosa said. “They just need a bit more time.”

Rhiann nodded and then climbed behind the steering wheel of her vehicle. “Well,  I’ll be in touch.”

She started the RAV’s engine, waved at her rescue friends, and then backed the vehicle from the parking spot. As she headed the SUV toward the highway, she glanced back at the crated dogs and said in a soft voice, “You’re starting a new chapter of life, my friends, one filled with love and kindness. You’ll never be hungry or neglected again.”

As the vehicle slipped onto Interstate 10 heading east, Rhiann looked at the landscape. She never tired of the southwest in winter. Red rocks jutting skyward, sandy desert filled with various species of cactus, and an azure sky sparkling with sun. Now that February had rolled in, many cacti bloomed. Shades of red, pink, and white graced the lands she drove past, and the towering, spiny saguaros stood like soldiers guarding the beauty.

Rhiann pushed the ‘play’ button on the RAV’s stereo, and the haunting yet beautiful sounds from Native American flute players. She smiled as the music filled the vehicle.

Holiday Prequel to my Pet Rescue Romance Series – not just a Christmas book, but a winter reading novella!



Enjoy My Arizona-Set Novella!

The landscape of the southwestern United States is amazing and mysterious. I hope, if  you have not been there, you put this area on your bucket list of places to visit, especially during the winter months.

Rhiann’s Rescue is available on Kindle, Nook, and other e-book platforms for just .99 cents.

Pet Principles

This week’s Pet Principles section of the blog is a link to Rez Dawg Rescue, an organization that helps and rescues dogs and cats in need on Native American reservations of the southwestern United States. They work in partnership with native tribes, helping indigenous people care for their companion animals with low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics as well as rescue and rehome reservation pets in need. Learn more about this great group here: http://www.rezdawgrescue.org/about-rezdawg-animal-rescue/

Rez Dawg Rescue helps dogs and cats in need on southwestern U.S. Native American reservations and also assists indigenous peoples care for their animals.

Welcome to a New Year and a New Blog!

Hello, Readers! Welcome to a new year and a new decade! And a new blog.

For the past five years, I’ve blogged about one of my favorite subjects: animals, particularly pets. From health and travel to adoption and loss, I’ve covered many subjects important to pet parents. Even my new romance novel series, Pet Rescue Romance, weaves tales of pet rescue and adoption.

Since the release of my first book in that series, Rescue Road, I’ve wanted to find a way to meld a writing blog with my pet blog; I’ve done some of that by highlighting other authors who integrate animals into their books, authors such as Eliza Boyd and Linda O Johnston. Now that a new year and a new decade are upon us, and since I’ve written more stories in my series with others to release in 2021, I’m revamping my blog. I’m calling it “Where Romance and Rescue Meet,” which is the tagline of my romance series: Pet Rescue Romance – Where Romance and Rescue Meet.”

Each week you’ll find a blog about some aspect of writing romance, whether setting, characters, or authors and their books, plus, at the end, I’ll link to something I believe pet-lovers will enjoy, such as a blog post from a rescue organization, a tip for pet parents, or a sweet adoption story. After all, this blog is where Romance and Rescue Meet!

I hope you’ll enjoy the new format, including the new post today.

My Pet Rescue Romance Series, currrently consisiting of three books – more on the way in 2021!