Kate Collins's Blog, page 108
October 10, 2016
by Maggie SeftonI wanted to include some of the photos I ...
by Maggie Sefton
I wanted to include some of the photos I took yesterday but----for some unknown reason---the photos I had transferred from my iPhone photo file to my laptop photo files refused to cooperate and copy to this file. Weird. That has never happened before. I then tried to copy some of my other photos of flowers I'd taken earlier this year, and they also refused to copy. So----in the photos absence, you and I will have to play "Let's Pretend" and pretend we see photos of blooming purple and white petunias and deep red petunias. Needless to say, I'll be visiting the Simply Mac store here in Fort Collins tomorrow and solve this weird mystery. I'll keep all of you readers posted.
I'm loving this wonderful warm spell we're still having here in Northern Colorado. Temps were nearly 80 today with plenty of sunshine, of course. Part of one of the gifts these warm temps have brought is my pretty annual flowers are still blooming. Love it, love it.
So, for this post, I'm simply going to celebrate flowers with a few photos I took yesterday afternoon. Of course, all the flowers are past their prime blossoming but they're still colorful. And I love it. I simply love bright and colorful annuals. Some of my favorites are the simple and sturdy petunias. There are so many colorful varieties available every spring, it's hard to limit our choices. But most of us have specific places where we can plant. In my front garden which surrounds the walkway and the front entry area, I plant in the brick planter plus a variety of pots which I've collected over the years.
Flowers bring me a great deal of pleasure. Do any of you folks still have flowers blooming where you live?
I wanted to include some of the photos I took yesterday but----for some unknown reason---the photos I had transferred from my iPhone photo file to my laptop photo files refused to cooperate and copy to this file. Weird. That has never happened before. I then tried to copy some of my other photos of flowers I'd taken earlier this year, and they also refused to copy. So----in the photos absence, you and I will have to play "Let's Pretend" and pretend we see photos of blooming purple and white petunias and deep red petunias. Needless to say, I'll be visiting the Simply Mac store here in Fort Collins tomorrow and solve this weird mystery. I'll keep all of you readers posted.
I'm loving this wonderful warm spell we're still having here in Northern Colorado. Temps were nearly 80 today with plenty of sunshine, of course. Part of one of the gifts these warm temps have brought is my pretty annual flowers are still blooming. Love it, love it.
So, for this post, I'm simply going to celebrate flowers with a few photos I took yesterday afternoon. Of course, all the flowers are past their prime blossoming but they're still colorful. And I love it. I simply love bright and colorful annuals. Some of my favorites are the simple and sturdy petunias. There are so many colorful varieties available every spring, it's hard to limit our choices. But most of us have specific places where we can plant. In my front garden which surrounds the walkway and the front entry area, I plant in the brick planter plus a variety of pots which I've collected over the years.
Flowers bring me a great deal of pleasure. Do any of you folks still have flowers blooming where you live?
October 9, 2016
What's Stopping You? The Clock is Ticking!
By Mary Kennedy
I came across this quote and found it so inspirational I decided to write a blog about it. As many of you know, I'm a psychologist and do my best to help people go forward with their lives, reach their goals and attain their full potential. I find that many of my clients are "stuck," unable to move forward for a variety of reasons.
Some clients use "time"as an issue, an excuse for not acting on a particular wish or desire. They feel that life has passed them by and it's too late to get started.
I had a very talented client who wanted to go to medical school. He had all the prerequisites, graduated with a 4.0 from a top school with a double major in chemistry and biology. Somehow he'd gotten sidetracked into a high-paying banking job, but his heart was in medicine. Now that he was in his late twenties, he had the resources to go to school and he had a supportive family. What was holding him back?
It was the time element. He said to me, "I'm 29 years old. By the time I go to medical school for 4 years and then do a 3 year residency, I'll be 36."
"But this is something you've always wanted to do!" I told him.
"Yes, but the age thing is making me reconsider," he insisted. ."Just think, in seven years, I'll be 36."
"And how old will you be in seven years if you don't go to medical school?" I asked him.
A long pause and then a chuckle. "I see your point," he said finally.
"Another way of looking at it," I continued, "is to ask yourself this question. Will I be happier at age 36 as a practicing physician? Or working in a bank, as I'm doing now?"
That settled the issue for him and I'm happy to say he decided to go to medical school.
How about you? Is there some delayed dream, some seemingly unattainable goal that you wish you could reach? Maybe you can! People are living longer these days and starting "new" careers at an age when many people used to retire.
George Eliot said it best:
Is there a dream you've put on hold? It could be learning Mandarin, or taking up scuba diving or going to South Africa or working for a non-profit. Maybe it's time to dust it off and take another look at that dream and find a way to make it happen. Don't give up without a fight...dreams are precious, and worth pursuing..
By Mary Kennedy
I came across this quote and found it so inspirational I decided to write a blog about it. As many of you know, I'm a psychologist and do my best to help people go forward with their lives, reach their goals and attain their full potential. I find that many of my clients are "stuck," unable to move forward for a variety of reasons.
Some clients use "time"as an issue, an excuse for not acting on a particular wish or desire. They feel that life has passed them by and it's too late to get started.
I had a very talented client who wanted to go to medical school. He had all the prerequisites, graduated with a 4.0 from a top school with a double major in chemistry and biology. Somehow he'd gotten sidetracked into a high-paying banking job, but his heart was in medicine. Now that he was in his late twenties, he had the resources to go to school and he had a supportive family. What was holding him back?
It was the time element. He said to me, "I'm 29 years old. By the time I go to medical school for 4 years and then do a 3 year residency, I'll be 36."
"But this is something you've always wanted to do!" I told him.
"Yes, but the age thing is making me reconsider," he insisted. ."Just think, in seven years, I'll be 36."
"And how old will you be in seven years if you don't go to medical school?" I asked him.
A long pause and then a chuckle. "I see your point," he said finally.
"Another way of looking at it," I continued, "is to ask yourself this question. Will I be happier at age 36 as a practicing physician? Or working in a bank, as I'm doing now?"
That settled the issue for him and I'm happy to say he decided to go to medical school.
How about you? Is there some delayed dream, some seemingly unattainable goal that you wish you could reach? Maybe you can! People are living longer these days and starting "new" careers at an age when many people used to retire.
George Eliot said it best:
Is there a dream you've put on hold? It could be learning Mandarin, or taking up scuba diving or going to South Africa or working for a non-profit. Maybe it's time to dust it off and take another look at that dream and find a way to make it happen. Don't give up without a fight...dreams are precious, and worth pursuing..
By Mary Kennedy
October 7, 2016
The Spotlight is on Lotus Bay!
Although I've so far only written three stories about Lotus Bay, I have a very soft spot in my heart for this beautiful, rustic spot on Lake Ontario.Being a hybrid author (I write books for "traditional" and "indie publishing"), I have to concentrate first on deadlines. Therefore, books with a contract attached to them, come first. This spring, I wrote the 7th Jeff Resnick mystery, SHATTERED SPIRITS. I'm currently finishing up work on Booktown #11 (wait'll you see the cover!), A JUST CLAUSE. I've promised myself I would finish Tales of Telenia: TREACHERY before the end of 2016. (I've been stalling on that one since 2013), and THEN I would allow myself to write the next Lotus Bay Mystery. The only problem is, my characters got tired of waiting.
Kathy Grant started nagging me almost a year ago. She had a story she wanted told, and she kept popping up in my thoughts, poking me in the arm and saying, "We're waiting!!!" She started getting really noisy back in August.
And so there I was, sitting in the passenger side of my minivan on the L-O-N-G drive home from Florida after a recent writers conference, and instead of working on A Just Clause, I started working on Christmas At Swans Nest. After two days of typing pn my little Alphasmart Neo, it was finished.
In With Baited Breath, Kathy purchased a wreck of a house she's determined to transform from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. (She's got her work cut out for her.)The holidays are fast approaching, and Kathy is hard at work on the renovations of her soon-to-be bed and breakfast. An unexpected winter storm disrupts her friends’ plans, and it looks like her B&B will have to open a little early. And then there are the cryptic notes that hint of a treasure to be found somewhere in the house. Will Kathy and her friends find a cache of cash?
I knew I'd eventually get around to writing the story. In fact, thanks to Kathy's nagging, I had the cover made last spring.The story will debut on November 1st and is now available for pre-order.
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Smashwords
I hope you'll want to catch up with what Kathy, Tori, and Anissa are up to.
I'm crafting away!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
CRAFT SHOW SEASON!!! What does that mean to you?
Since my very first book came out in paperback, I've been a vendor at craft shows. Until last year, no one questioned that writing books was a "craft." After nine years of showing at one church craft show, I was told writing was NOT a craft and that I could no longer be a part.
AFTER NINE YEARS.
Of course, I disagreed. As an indie author, not only do I write my books, I format them (with a LOT of help from Mr. L). I art direct. I write the back cover copy, I format them for ebooks, and I do most of the promotion. Nobody can tell me that putting all that work into my end product (I do everything but print the books in my basement) isn't a handmade craft.
They allowed me back into the show.
My first "show" of the season is next week and I'm nervous. I'm going in through the back door. My friend, Eleanor (whom I met when I was a vendor at the local antiques arcade), "bought" one of the school rooms (she has a LOT of crafts (doll dresses, tree ornaments, table decorations) and it was cheaper for her to do that then just buy a lot of spaces. She's "subletting" the rest of the room to other vendors. Will the committee come and tell me I have to leave? We'll see.
Here's my schedule for this "craft show season." If you're in the Rochester, NY area, I'd love to meet you.
OCTOBER 15, 9 am - 3 pm
St. Rita School Craft Sale, 1008 Maple Dr., Webster, NY 14580
NOVEMBER 19, 9 am - 3:30 pm
The Churchmouse Bazaar, Gates Presbyterian Church, 1049 Wegman Road, Rochester, NY 14624
DECEMBER 10, 10am - 4 pm
Greece Olympia School, 1139 Maiden Lane, Greece, NY 14615
I've already started packing up my books. Next up, making goody bags for everyone who makes a purchase (filled with my own and the Cozy Chicks bookmarks, postcards, and buttons). Then next Saturday, I'll pack up the boxes, tables, folding bookshelf, and be on my way. Wish me luck!
What do you like best about craft shows?
CRAFT SHOW SEASON!!! What does that mean to you?Since my very first book came out in paperback, I've been a vendor at craft shows. Until last year, no one questioned that writing books was a "craft." After nine years of showing at one church craft show, I was told writing was NOT a craft and that I could no longer be a part.
AFTER NINE YEARS.
Of course, I disagreed. As an indie author, not only do I write my books, I format them (with a LOT of help from Mr. L). I art direct. I write the back cover copy, I format them for ebooks, and I do most of the promotion. Nobody can tell me that putting all that work into my end product (I do everything but print the books in my basement) isn't a handmade craft.They allowed me back into the show.
My first "show" of the season is next week and I'm nervous. I'm going in through the back door. My friend, Eleanor (whom I met when I was a vendor at the local antiques arcade), "bought" one of the school rooms (she has a LOT of crafts (doll dresses, tree ornaments, table decorations) and it was cheaper for her to do that then just buy a lot of spaces. She's "subletting" the rest of the room to other vendors. Will the committee come and tell me I have to leave? We'll see.
Here's my schedule for this "craft show season." If you're in the Rochester, NY area, I'd love to meet you.
OCTOBER 15, 9 am - 3 pmSt. Rita School Craft Sale, 1008 Maple Dr., Webster, NY 14580
NOVEMBER 19, 9 am - 3:30 pm
The Churchmouse Bazaar, Gates Presbyterian Church, 1049 Wegman Road, Rochester, NY 14624
DECEMBER 10, 10am - 4 pm
Greece Olympia School, 1139 Maiden Lane, Greece, NY 14615
I've already started packing up my books. Next up, making goody bags for everyone who makes a purchase (filled with my own and the Cozy Chicks bookmarks, postcards, and buttons). Then next Saturday, I'll pack up the boxes, tables, folding bookshelf, and be on my way. Wish me luck!
What do you like best about craft shows?
October 5, 2016
Better late than never!
By Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Abbott
Last week at a book launch, my friend, Grace K (I know you are reading this!) , reminded me that although I had asked your opinion about footwear and all that before heading to Newfoundland for a bucket list trip this August, I hadn’t shown you any of the photos. Mortification! So here’s a long post with just a few of our many photos.
Just by the side of the highway!
We had a wonderful time in Newfoundland, a huge province. The Newfoundlanders are special, friendly and full of fun. Every one of them seems to have a story to tell. This and the spectacular scenery made for an excellent trip. We tried to travel to all four corners and to enjoy Gros Morne National Park, and from there headed north. It was a six mile round trip hike through the woods to this waterfall, but it was really worth the walk.
Here's the first village, Norris Harbour, in the night from the balcony.
While in the park we visited Western Brook Pond (a four mile walk in and out - but easy and flat). A 'pond' is Newfoundland for fjord. They are deeper than the ones in Norway. Here's a scene from that boat trip.
Next we stayed in a place called St. Anthony (pronounced Snantny by the locals). There we saw the museum dedicated to Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, who brought medicine and hope to these remote settlements.
While there we took a boat from this dock to look for whales.
We did see three humpbacks and six frolicking dolphins (!), but they refused to pose for photos. Still thrilling though.
We visited other fishing villages, sometimes enjoying the fresh seafood, like these fresh shrimp burgers from the fishery across the street from the restaurant in Port au Choix.
We also saw a moose and it saw us. Another first.
Can you see her?
Finally, we reached the Viking settlements at L’anse aux meadows in the far north east tip of the land mass. Apparently, this was the place to explore for Vikings a thousand years ago and the site has been recreated by Parks Canada after the archaeological find back in the 1960’s. Here's a nifty modern sculpture based on Viking images.
One of our guides was there during the original ‘dig’. There was also a second reconstruction that we enjoyed. We felt connected. It was lots of fun as the ‘Vikings’ were very chatty.
We had a great dinner at The Norseman that night. The Newfoundland specialty partridgeberries made the poultry very interesting. They are called Lingonberries in Scandinavia, I think.
We zipped back (well a four hour drive) so that we could walk on what is known as the ‘Tablelands’ an amazing example where the earth’s core pushed up through the surface some gazillions of years ago.
When I think of Mars this is what comes to mind (even though I know it isn’t true).
Unfortunately, although I had my boots, the weather was quite hot and as the walk across the tablelands was described as easy, I was wearing twinkly sandals (below) At least my feet were cool and in the end I didn’t snap an ankle. We loved these red chairs.
There were 18 pairs scattered throughout the national park (some in the woods) and the idea was to get your picture taken in all. We managed to find ten pairs.
We found this lighthouse at Lobster Head.
More dashing ensued as we headed for the picturesque village of Twillingate. It is a lovely place to relax and ramble.
A few short miles from there was Crow Head with its iconic lighthouse and a wonderful seacoast trail.
From Twillingate we headed south and west to Fortune to catch the ferry to St. Pierre and Miquelon, a little bit of France right off the coast of Canada. We needed passports and euros! But I’ll talk about these islands on a later post. Here's the 'ferry' actually a hydrofoil.
Back in Newfoundland, we headed for St. John’s, the capital. After we struggled up three flights of stairs with what we’d started to think of as our steamer trunks, we found quite an amazing room there with a heart-shaped bathtub (surrounded by candles and wine glasses) and a clear view through to the entirely glass shower. When we stopped laughing, we headed out for an unromantic but essential dinner at Ches’s, famous far and wide for fish and chips especially served with ‘dressing’ and gravy. I declined but the hubby felt he had to man up. Well! That is a truly delicious surprise and I may have helped myself to some. A month later I have worked off the calories.
In St. John’s we found Signal Hill, a high and historic spot with a long military history. You can see how small the building looks from our start!
On 12 December 1901, the first transatlantic wireless transmission was received here by Marconi in an abandoned hospital, which has since been destroyed by fire. The transmission, in Morse Code, originated from his station in Cornwall. We were quite proud of ourselves climbing the hill and then Cabot Tower and seeing the 360 degree views.
. There are lots of great vistas in St. John's. This is from "The Room', the art gallery and archives. It's a beautiful building, but alas the photo has disappeared.
Our weather was fabulous until the last day, when we got caught in a rain storm at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America. Here's the storm coming in - looks like innocent fog, doesn't it?
Did you know that rain can be completely sideways? Yikes. Our raincoats and those boots were locked in the trunk of the rental.
When we finally got back to the car, there was more than a cup of water in each of my running shoes. We needed to change everything in the restrooms of the first restaurant we came to, a wonderful place in Petty Harbour, called Chafe’s. Somehow the lunch made us feel warm and happy again. Being dry helped too. Here's my hubby's meal. Loosen the belt.
At the end of our bucket list trip, we realized we had not seen everything by a long shot and Newfoundland remains on the bucket list for another trip. Maybe we’ll see you there!
Speaking of trips, don't forget The Hammett Hex is now out. You can travel to San Francisco. Just saying.
And now, how about dropping by and telling us about your favorite trips or bucket list items. If I'm quiet it's because I'm on the way to Nova Scotia to continue research for new Camilla MacPhee book. It's a tough life being an author, but you can expect a report.
Last week at a book launch, my friend, Grace K (I know you are reading this!) , reminded me that although I had asked your opinion about footwear and all that before heading to Newfoundland for a bucket list trip this August, I hadn’t shown you any of the photos. Mortification! So here’s a long post with just a few of our many photos.
Just by the side of the highway!
We had a wonderful time in Newfoundland, a huge province. The Newfoundlanders are special, friendly and full of fun. Every one of them seems to have a story to tell. This and the spectacular scenery made for an excellent trip. We tried to travel to all four corners and to enjoy Gros Morne National Park, and from there headed north. It was a six mile round trip hike through the woods to this waterfall, but it was really worth the walk.
Here's the first village, Norris Harbour, in the night from the balcony.
While in the park we visited Western Brook Pond (a four mile walk in and out - but easy and flat). A 'pond' is Newfoundland for fjord. They are deeper than the ones in Norway. Here's a scene from that boat trip.
Next we stayed in a place called St. Anthony (pronounced Snantny by the locals). There we saw the museum dedicated to Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, who brought medicine and hope to these remote settlements.
While there we took a boat from this dock to look for whales.
We did see three humpbacks and six frolicking dolphins (!), but they refused to pose for photos. Still thrilling though.
We visited other fishing villages, sometimes enjoying the fresh seafood, like these fresh shrimp burgers from the fishery across the street from the restaurant in Port au Choix.
We also saw a moose and it saw us. Another first.
Can you see her?Finally, we reached the Viking settlements at L’anse aux meadows in the far north east tip of the land mass. Apparently, this was the place to explore for Vikings a thousand years ago and the site has been recreated by Parks Canada after the archaeological find back in the 1960’s. Here's a nifty modern sculpture based on Viking images.
One of our guides was there during the original ‘dig’. There was also a second reconstruction that we enjoyed. We felt connected. It was lots of fun as the ‘Vikings’ were very chatty.
We had a great dinner at The Norseman that night. The Newfoundland specialty partridgeberries made the poultry very interesting. They are called Lingonberries in Scandinavia, I think.
We zipped back (well a four hour drive) so that we could walk on what is known as the ‘Tablelands’ an amazing example where the earth’s core pushed up through the surface some gazillions of years ago.
When I think of Mars this is what comes to mind (even though I know it isn’t true).
Unfortunately, although I had my boots, the weather was quite hot and as the walk across the tablelands was described as easy, I was wearing twinkly sandals (below) At least my feet were cool and in the end I didn’t snap an ankle. We loved these red chairs.
There were 18 pairs scattered throughout the national park (some in the woods) and the idea was to get your picture taken in all. We managed to find ten pairs.
We found this lighthouse at Lobster Head.
More dashing ensued as we headed for the picturesque village of Twillingate. It is a lovely place to relax and ramble.
A few short miles from there was Crow Head with its iconic lighthouse and a wonderful seacoast trail.
From Twillingate we headed south and west to Fortune to catch the ferry to St. Pierre and Miquelon, a little bit of France right off the coast of Canada. We needed passports and euros! But I’ll talk about these islands on a later post. Here's the 'ferry' actually a hydrofoil.
Back in Newfoundland, we headed for St. John’s, the capital. After we struggled up three flights of stairs with what we’d started to think of as our steamer trunks, we found quite an amazing room there with a heart-shaped bathtub (surrounded by candles and wine glasses) and a clear view through to the entirely glass shower. When we stopped laughing, we headed out for an unromantic but essential dinner at Ches’s, famous far and wide for fish and chips especially served with ‘dressing’ and gravy. I declined but the hubby felt he had to man up. Well! That is a truly delicious surprise and I may have helped myself to some. A month later I have worked off the calories.
In St. John’s we found Signal Hill, a high and historic spot with a long military history. You can see how small the building looks from our start!
On 12 December 1901, the first transatlantic wireless transmission was received here by Marconi in an abandoned hospital, which has since been destroyed by fire. The transmission, in Morse Code, originated from his station in Cornwall. We were quite proud of ourselves climbing the hill and then Cabot Tower and seeing the 360 degree views.
. There are lots of great vistas in St. John's. This is from "The Room', the art gallery and archives. It's a beautiful building, but alas the photo has disappeared.
Our weather was fabulous until the last day, when we got caught in a rain storm at Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America. Here's the storm coming in - looks like innocent fog, doesn't it?
Did you know that rain can be completely sideways? Yikes. Our raincoats and those boots were locked in the trunk of the rental.
When we finally got back to the car, there was more than a cup of water in each of my running shoes. We needed to change everything in the restrooms of the first restaurant we came to, a wonderful place in Petty Harbour, called Chafe’s. Somehow the lunch made us feel warm and happy again. Being dry helped too. Here's my hubby's meal. Loosen the belt.
At the end of our bucket list trip, we realized we had not seen everything by a long shot and Newfoundland remains on the bucket list for another trip. Maybe we’ll see you there!Speaking of trips, don't forget The Hammett Hex is now out. You can travel to San Francisco. Just saying.
And now, how about dropping by and telling us about your favorite trips or bucket list items. If I'm quiet it's because I'm on the way to Nova Scotia to continue research for new Camilla MacPhee book. It's a tough life being an author, but you can expect a report.
An interview with Bambino
1) Welcome, Bambino! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for us today! Could you start out my telling us a little about yourself and how you came to live at Rudy's Rides?
Cleveland and I belonged to Servant Mavis who lived in one of the big cottages on Mackinac Island. Cottages here are not like the kind that little-red-riding-hood’s grandma lives in, they are cottages as in big houses, many floors, many porches and where the Rockefellers swill brandy with their cronies…but I digress.
Servant Mavis just couldn’t take the Mackinac cold any longer and decided she wanted to finish her golden years in the golden sun and she moved to Arizona. Word has it she strips naked from time and when the cops arrest her nsisting she’s getting her vitamin D that she’s been deprived of all these year.
Servant Mavis gave Cleveland and me to Rudy to train…and we are doing a pretty good job of it. It’s tuna for breakfast on Mondays and Fridays.
2) I understand you hang out in the side pocket of a pool table...that can't be very comfortable???
I’m little and no one bothers me and it gives me a chance to check out the other pool players and learn their moves. You should see me with a cue in my paw.
3) What is a typical day like for you? Bambino’s off playing with Evie so it’s me Cleveland here. I keep telling Bambino he needs to knock that stuff off. He needs to dole out the fun and only respond when there are treats involved. Life is pretty darn good as long as Evie and Rudy know who rules the roost…that would be me and Bambino. We have delish food and a place by the window to watch birds and the boats out in the harbor and we sleep on Evie’s back to keep ourselves warm.
4) What's life like on Mackinac Island? Cleveland and I live in Rudy’s, a bike shop here on the island. Mackinac Island is one of those places stuck in time. Fact is it’s like the 1800s with no cars. Everything is horses and bikes. And there are parades for the tourists we call fudgies ‘caue they eat so much fudge. Oink! The parades have bands and music and famous people like George Washington, Betsy Ross…you get the picture. Well, Rudy takes on the character of Mark Twain and Twain had cats named Cleveland and Bambino. Of course the two of us are much cuter than the original Cleveland and Bambino.
5) Tell us about the new book series you star in, the Cycle Path Mysteries...
Here’s the 411 on Evie and what’s going on. To boost her chances for a promotion, Evie helps her boss’ dad with his cycle shop and Cleveland and I, of course. The good idea turns bad when dad winds up prime suspect in a murder. To save her job Evie takes over the failing shop though she’s never ridden a bike, finding a killer though she can’t find her keys in her purse and discovering why someone is out to frame Dad. Can Chicago Evie survive life on Mackinac Island without her Honda, being on an eight-mile chunk of land with horses, carriages, bikes, fudge-eating tourists, the resident sage writing her eulogy and a killer who wants her dead? Well of course she can…she has Cleveland and me around. It doesn’t get better than that.
6) Could you tell us about the other 4-legged characters in the book? Cleveland and I hiss at the cat across the street when he comes over and tries to get Evie outside to pet him. Hey, dude, she’s ours, get lost. Got it. Cleveland and I are very protective. We got it pretty good here until Evie starts talking that we need a job stuff. Like that’s going to happen. Get real. This place is crazy with horses. You see there are no cars on the island so everything is done with horsepower…literally. And I’m not taking ordinary horses these guys are the Budweiser variety on steroids. They are huge so we stay out of their way. And there are the dogs, lots of dogs. We just met a new one named Meatball ‘cause he’s shaped like one. He got too close to one of those horse guys and Evie had to save his sorry furry butt.
7) I understand that your character is based upon Mark Twain's cat Bambino. What do you know about him?
He wrote books, drank good whiskey smoked cigars spouted things like It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. He spent time on the island for while and he was a pretty smart dude and of course he had cats…lots of cats. What a great guy.
8) Do you get involved in solving any mysteries in the series, and do you know what your upcoming adventures are going to be?
Well in Braking for Bodies, Rudy’s moved out and getting married and he’s left Cleveland and me with Evie. We taught Rudy how to play euchre and he got pretty good at it and now we’re going to teach Evie a thing or two about solving crimes…we have to. Another murder is just around the corner and Evie’s right in the middle of things again. This time she needs protection and Cleveland and I are up for the task if there’s enough tuna in it for us of course.
Cleveland and I belonged to Servant Mavis who lived in one of the big cottages on Mackinac Island. Cottages here are not like the kind that little-red-riding-hood’s grandma lives in, they are cottages as in big houses, many floors, many porches and where the Rockefellers swill brandy with their cronies…but I digress.
Servant Mavis just couldn’t take the Mackinac cold any longer and decided she wanted to finish her golden years in the golden sun and she moved to Arizona. Word has it she strips naked from time and when the cops arrest her nsisting she’s getting her vitamin D that she’s been deprived of all these year.
Servant Mavis gave Cleveland and me to Rudy to train…and we are doing a pretty good job of it. It’s tuna for breakfast on Mondays and Fridays.
2) I understand you hang out in the side pocket of a pool table...that can't be very comfortable???
I’m little and no one bothers me and it gives me a chance to check out the other pool players and learn their moves. You should see me with a cue in my paw.
3) What is a typical day like for you? Bambino’s off playing with Evie so it’s me Cleveland here. I keep telling Bambino he needs to knock that stuff off. He needs to dole out the fun and only respond when there are treats involved. Life is pretty darn good as long as Evie and Rudy know who rules the roost…that would be me and Bambino. We have delish food and a place by the window to watch birds and the boats out in the harbor and we sleep on Evie’s back to keep ourselves warm.
4) What's life like on Mackinac Island? Cleveland and I live in Rudy’s, a bike shop here on the island. Mackinac Island is one of those places stuck in time. Fact is it’s like the 1800s with no cars. Everything is horses and bikes. And there are parades for the tourists we call fudgies ‘caue they eat so much fudge. Oink! The parades have bands and music and famous people like George Washington, Betsy Ross…you get the picture. Well, Rudy takes on the character of Mark Twain and Twain had cats named Cleveland and Bambino. Of course the two of us are much cuter than the original Cleveland and Bambino.
5) Tell us about the new book series you star in, the Cycle Path Mysteries...
Here’s the 411 on Evie and what’s going on. To boost her chances for a promotion, Evie helps her boss’ dad with his cycle shop and Cleveland and I, of course. The good idea turns bad when dad winds up prime suspect in a murder. To save her job Evie takes over the failing shop though she’s never ridden a bike, finding a killer though she can’t find her keys in her purse and discovering why someone is out to frame Dad. Can Chicago Evie survive life on Mackinac Island without her Honda, being on an eight-mile chunk of land with horses, carriages, bikes, fudge-eating tourists, the resident sage writing her eulogy and a killer who wants her dead? Well of course she can…she has Cleveland and me around. It doesn’t get better than that.
6) Could you tell us about the other 4-legged characters in the book? Cleveland and I hiss at the cat across the street when he comes over and tries to get Evie outside to pet him. Hey, dude, she’s ours, get lost. Got it. Cleveland and I are very protective. We got it pretty good here until Evie starts talking that we need a job stuff. Like that’s going to happen. Get real. This place is crazy with horses. You see there are no cars on the island so everything is done with horsepower…literally. And I’m not taking ordinary horses these guys are the Budweiser variety on steroids. They are huge so we stay out of their way. And there are the dogs, lots of dogs. We just met a new one named Meatball ‘cause he’s shaped like one. He got too close to one of those horse guys and Evie had to save his sorry furry butt.
7) I understand that your character is based upon Mark Twain's cat Bambino. What do you know about him?
He wrote books, drank good whiskey smoked cigars spouted things like It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog. He spent time on the island for while and he was a pretty smart dude and of course he had cats…lots of cats. What a great guy.
8) Do you get involved in solving any mysteries in the series, and do you know what your upcoming adventures are going to be?
Well in Braking for Bodies, Rudy’s moved out and getting married and he’s left Cleveland and me with Evie. We taught Rudy how to play euchre and he got pretty good at it and now we’re going to teach Evie a thing or two about solving crimes…we have to. Another murder is just around the corner and Evie’s right in the middle of things again. This time she needs protection and Cleveland and I are up for the task if there’s enough tuna in it for us of course.
October 3, 2016
Early Halloween Shopping
by Maggie Sefton
Some of the Halloween cupcakes daughter Serena in Houston made for a Halloween party her family had a couple of years ago.
This weekend I bought my first bag of Halloween candy. I was careful not to open it yet and will not open it until Halloween afternoon---just to be safe. Why? Because that bag----which is the first of three that I will buy---is filled with Tootsie Rolls and other candies. Tootsie Rolls were a childhood favorite, and---to be honest---they still are. Those and the all time favorite Peppermint Patties. Those patties have also survived into present day in a slightly smaller size. I've always found that
strangely reassuring.
At right, daughters Melissa, Maria along with son-in-law Jeff and daughter Serena---along with "new" granddaughter Serafina (Jeff's daughter). They're all heading to a Halloween party at friends in a Houston, TX suburb last year.
Some things from my childhood---which was quite a while ago, folks---are still around today. I suppose that many people have the same "sweet tooth" that I do. So, they have survived. And now, there is a very nice trade-off, too. Now that the calorie count and breakdown of ingredients are
displayed on the back of each candy's wrapper, we find that our old favorite candies are actually not all that high in fat and sugar. That's reassuring----and helps convince us to reach for that bowl of Halloween candy sitting beside the front door. :)One of knitting and fiber shop Lambspun's regular customers showing off her Halloween costume
Incidentally, I've noticed the number of children trick-or-treating has increased over the years as well as the age groups. Now---parents bring out the very young ones---some even babies---in the early evening, right after dinner. Next are the pre-school kids with parents standing in the yard, beaming. After those, the largest group of elementary school age children dominate the next two hours. They are followed by the "larger" children---clearly junior high school age kids and they are wearing some of the funniest costumes you'll ever see.
October 2, 2016
HELP! I'M DROWNING IN LITTLE PIECES OF PAPER!
By Mary Kennedy
I'm drowning in paper, and no, I don't mean confetti!
I
I'm talking about endless little scraps of paper, "notes to self," post-its, scribbles on backs of envelopes, etc. Things that seemed worth writing down (at the time) but now are in a hopeless jumble in my office. And they're threatening to take over other rooms as well. The situation is dire!
In some ways, it's an occupational hazard. Writers, after all, are constantly observing, taking in their surroundings, always watching for the small detail that will turn up in a book. Love the way the moon light is reflected in the dark, swirling waters of the Atlantic Ocean? Quick, write that down! Notice the way your cat gives you a long, slow blink before drifting off to dreamland? Grab a pen and paper and capture that thought!
The trouble is, all my lovingly prepared notes are a hopeless jumble! Some people, of course, do a much better job of keeping track of things than I do. Just wander through Staples and you'll see dozens of notebooks, post-its, organizers. Supposedly everything you need to keep on track. There are plenty of spiral notebooks...
Or bound notebooks, if you require something more substantial...
And post-its for those quick thoughts that only take a sentence or two...
Some people like to record their thoughts and transcribe them later. (That would never work for me, I'd never get around to playing them back and typing them up.)
Of course, it would be better if we could take notes on our laptop, but that isn't realistic, at least for me. Who carries their laptop with them all day?
It's much more likely that you'll grab whatever is handy and scribble away. I've tried buying notebooks especially for "Notes" or "Things to do" but I usually misplace them. (yes, I'm hopeless!)
I often wonder how other people manage to be organized. Joan Rivers once revealed that she jotted down her jokes on little pieces of paper all day long. What did she do with the little gems on scraps of paper? She tossed them in lovely china dishes scattered around the house.
And here's the best part of the story. Her trusted assistant dutifully gathered them up at the end of the day, typed them up and filed them according to category!
What a wonderful plan! Sadly, it is out of reach for most of us. Do you find yourself scribbling notes here and there? Do you eventually organize them? Is there a better way?? I know I need to find one. Any suggestions would be welcome!
Finally, here's a lie we often tell ourselves, I can totally relate!
Mary Kennedy
I'm drowning in paper, and no, I don't mean confetti!
II'm talking about endless little scraps of paper, "notes to self," post-its, scribbles on backs of envelopes, etc. Things that seemed worth writing down (at the time) but now are in a hopeless jumble in my office. And they're threatening to take over other rooms as well. The situation is dire!
In some ways, it's an occupational hazard. Writers, after all, are constantly observing, taking in their surroundings, always watching for the small detail that will turn up in a book. Love the way the moon light is reflected in the dark, swirling waters of the Atlantic Ocean? Quick, write that down! Notice the way your cat gives you a long, slow blink before drifting off to dreamland? Grab a pen and paper and capture that thought!
The trouble is, all my lovingly prepared notes are a hopeless jumble! Some people, of course, do a much better job of keeping track of things than I do. Just wander through Staples and you'll see dozens of notebooks, post-its, organizers. Supposedly everything you need to keep on track. There are plenty of spiral notebooks...
Or bound notebooks, if you require something more substantial...
And post-its for those quick thoughts that only take a sentence or two...
Some people like to record their thoughts and transcribe them later. (That would never work for me, I'd never get around to playing them back and typing them up.) 
Of course, it would be better if we could take notes on our laptop, but that isn't realistic, at least for me. Who carries their laptop with them all day?
It's much more likely that you'll grab whatever is handy and scribble away. I've tried buying notebooks especially for "Notes" or "Things to do" but I usually misplace them. (yes, I'm hopeless!)
I often wonder how other people manage to be organized. Joan Rivers once revealed that she jotted down her jokes on little pieces of paper all day long. What did she do with the little gems on scraps of paper? She tossed them in lovely china dishes scattered around the house.
And here's the best part of the story. Her trusted assistant dutifully gathered them up at the end of the day, typed them up and filed them according to category!
What a wonderful plan! Sadly, it is out of reach for most of us. Do you find yourself scribbling notes here and there? Do you eventually organize them? Is there a better way?? I know I need to find one. Any suggestions would be welcome!
Finally, here's a lie we often tell ourselves, I can totally relate!
Mary Kennedy
October 1, 2016
SPOTLIGHT on---"Halloween Scare"
by Maggie Sefton
This weekend I want to Spotlight my E-short (that's what I call short, short stories available on Ebooks). "Halloween Scare" is a fun short adventure with the cast and characters of the Kelly Flynn Mysteries. It takes place right during Halloween Season and is set entirely at the Lambspun knitting and fiber shop. And---there's even a spooky basement in the old-fashioned, below the earth basement at the shop. The Lambspun house was actually built in the 1930's, and yes---the basement really is slightly scary. Trust me, I've been down there. That's where the real-life owner Shirley (Mimi inspiration) hand dyes those gorgeous natural fibers. Absolutely stunning colors. So----check out "Halloween Scare" and make it a Spooky October.
Enjoy!
This weekend I want to Spotlight my E-short (that's what I call short, short stories available on Ebooks). "Halloween Scare" is a fun short adventure with the cast and characters of the Kelly Flynn Mysteries. It takes place right during Halloween Season and is set entirely at the Lambspun knitting and fiber shop. And---there's even a spooky basement in the old-fashioned, below the earth basement at the shop. The Lambspun house was actually built in the 1930's, and yes---the basement really is slightly scary. Trust me, I've been down there. That's where the real-life owner Shirley (Mimi inspiration) hand dyes those gorgeous natural fibers. Absolutely stunning colors. So----check out "Halloween Scare" and make it a Spooky October.
Enjoy!
September 30, 2016
My garden put the pep in my peppers!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Every year I plant a veggie garden. Some years we have good luck, some years ... not so much. This year Mr. L dislocated his shoulder, and so the veggie garden went in late (in mid-June). I bought plants at the garden center, stuck them in the dirt, and hoped for the best.
The tomatoes have gone absolutely bananas ... but they're only just starting to ripen. If we have a frost, they'll be toast. I bought two spindly pepper plants that did nothing until about a month ago--then they went bananas. Yesterday I picked 5 of them and there are still 5 or 6 small ones that may or may not get much bigger. I'll keep watching the weather and if it looks like a frost, I'll pick everything.
Meanwhile, it was time for Mr. L's recipe for ...
SAUSAGE-STUFFED GREEN PEPPERS
Ingredients
4 medium peppers, with tops cut off and seeded
1 pound seasoned sausage, like Bob Evans hot, bulk, 1 pound roll
1 medium onion, chopped
½ tsp. oregano
1 cup mozzarella
2 cups (1 small jar) Traditional Italian Sauce
Directions
Blanch the pepper bottoms in boiling water for 4 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC, Gas Mark 6). Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat, and then add the sausage and cook until well browned, stirring often to separate meat.
Stir the onion and oregano into the skillet and cook until the onion is tender. Now, stir in the cheese.
Arrange the pepper halves, cut-side up, in your baking tray. Spoon the sausage mixture into the pepper halves. Pour the sauce over the filled pepper halves. Halfway through baking, poke the peppers so any extra juice can leak out (makes for less soggy peppers).
Bake 40-45 minutes until the peppers are tender.
While this recipe is NOT in The Cozy Chicks Kitchen (after all, Mr. L isn't a Chick), there are lots of great recipes you can try. If you haven't given it a shot, maybe now is the time to do so!
Trade Paperback
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | iBooks | Kobo | Nook| Smashwords
So, what are you cooking from your garden?
Every year I plant a veggie garden. Some years we have good luck, some years ... not so much. This year Mr. L dislocated his shoulder, and so the veggie garden went in late (in mid-June). I bought plants at the garden center, stuck them in the dirt, and hoped for the best.The tomatoes have gone absolutely bananas ... but they're only just starting to ripen. If we have a frost, they'll be toast. I bought two spindly pepper plants that did nothing until about a month ago--then they went bananas. Yesterday I picked 5 of them and there are still 5 or 6 small ones that may or may not get much bigger. I'll keep watching the weather and if it looks like a frost, I'll pick everything.
Meanwhile, it was time for Mr. L's recipe for ...
SAUSAGE-STUFFED GREEN PEPPERSIngredients
4 medium peppers, with tops cut off and seeded
1 pound seasoned sausage, like Bob Evans hot, bulk, 1 pound roll
1 medium onion, chopped
½ tsp. oregano
1 cup mozzarella
2 cups (1 small jar) Traditional Italian Sauce
Directions
Blanch the pepper bottoms in boiling water for 4 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC, Gas Mark 6). Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat, and then add the sausage and cook until well browned, stirring often to separate meat.
Stir the onion and oregano into the skillet and cook until the onion is tender. Now, stir in the cheese.
Arrange the pepper halves, cut-side up, in your baking tray. Spoon the sausage mixture into the pepper halves. Pour the sauce over the filled pepper halves. Halfway through baking, poke the peppers so any extra juice can leak out (makes for less soggy peppers).
Bake 40-45 minutes until the peppers are tender.
While this recipe is NOT in The Cozy Chicks Kitchen (after all, Mr. L isn't a Chick), there are lots of great recipes you can try. If you haven't given it a shot, maybe now is the time to do so!Trade Paperback
Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | iBooks | Kobo | Nook| Smashwords
So, what are you cooking from your garden?
