Kate Collins's Blog, page 139

I MET A SOLDIER HALF A WORLD AWAY

By Mary Kennedy 
Since Veteran's Day was this week, I'd like run a piece I wrote for Publisher's Weekly.

I'd never met Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein, yet I was intrigued by her story.I knew Lisa was half a world away, doing a tough job in a gritty, remote location. As the garrison commander of the 389th "Renegades" division in Iraq, she was stationed at a desert outpost, with 90 soldiers under her command. The heat was appalling, the conditions were rugged, and danger was ever present.                                                                                                                                      Even though my life is incredibly cushy by comparison (a nice psychology practice in Delaware, a second career as a mystery novelist), when I saw a photo of Lisa—in full body armor—visiting a one-room Iraqi schoolhouse to bring books to the children, I knew right away we had something in common: a love of books.                                                                      We began to e-mail each other, and I got a glimpse of her day-to-day life. When I learned that the 389th was a sustainment division, offering food and snacks to American convoys passing through, I decided to send boxes of books and homemade goodies every two weeks.  Then Carolyn Hart, author of 44 mysteries, heard about the project and made an interesting offer: "Let me send 20 pounds of coffee, snacks, and books to celebrate the publication of Laughed 'Til He Died. It's the 20th release in my Death on Demand series, and this would be a nice way to commemorate the event."
But it didn't stop there. We received such a positive response from the Renegades that we kept going. We had to—the soldiers said they loved these boxes from home.                                                      Bestselling author Caridad Pineiro, who writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels, said to me, "As an immigrant to this country, I value the liberties in America every day. I try to regularly help our soldiers as they protect our nation. Whether it's sending books, candy, or basic necessities, I know those small things mean the world to them." Other writers heard about the project and joined us. Kate Collins, J.B. Stanley, Julie Hyzy, Beth Ciotta, and Robin Burcell are just a few writers who donated autographed books and food. Jill Cesa-Teneyck, Lisa's best friend, insisted on sending a dozen copies of my own mystery, Dead Air, to the Renegades.                                   In the end, we sent more than 200 pounds of home-baked sweets and books to Iraq. I sent some healthy choices (like tuna fish and salted nuts) but the hands-down favorite was my home-made Kahlua brownies. (I'll be glad to share the recipe if anyone wants it, just message me on FB) A baked "pecan and cereal squares" snack was another popular item. It's like a sweet version of Chex Mix with corn syrup and nuts and both these treats travel well.                                                                                                                    What did the military think about the project? Kim Adams, SOS Military Liaison and an Air Force spouse in Honolulu, said, "As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I know firsthand what difference mail makes to deployed personnel.... But that war was short-term, and our troops came home. Today, our military personnel are facing longer and repeated deployments. While e-mail and Skype are available, nothing can replace the warmth of a personal letter, the excitement of a care package, and the thrill of receiving books hand-selected by readers who support our deployed personnel.".                                                      As Janet Evanovich told me, "If Stephanie Plum could meet the Renegades, she'd give them a high-five and say, 'Well done!'"  I wish everyone reading this piece could adopt a soldier and send books, candy, snacks, and, sure, homemade cookies or brownies. It's easy to do and it really means the world to our brave men and women in the military forces.                                                         Mary Kennedy

My kingdom for some decent chutney!

by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett

Okay, I admit it. I like chutney.  It's wonderful on pork (roasted, ham sandwiches--yum yum). But I don't like mango chutney, and that's about all you can get around here.


One of our local grocery chains used to carry the Canadian line of President's Choice food products. (The name always puzzled me, since Canada doesn't have a president; they have a prime minister -- and hunky newly elected one, too!) I used to shop there a LOT just to get the wonderful (can you say more "English") types of products. My favorite:  President's Choice Peach Chutney.

I could wax poetically about how wonderful, flavorful, and terrific this product is ... but that wouldn't do it justice. You'd have to taste it to believe it.

I can get that peach chutney if I cross the border, but as that's a 90-minute trip and a hassle involving passports and x-rays (at the US side), etc. Unless I have another reason to go to Canada, peach chutney isn't enough. I bought four jars in 2014 but I ate it all and here we are in 2015 and I have no more peach chutney. I could buy a jar of Branston Pickle, but it's kind of crunchie and has a harsh tang to it.

Could I make chutney?  Of course.  I have a wonderful recipe for rhubarb chutney (which I shared in The Cozy Chicks Kitchen), and is made with rhubarb and apples and is as marvelous as peach chutney. One problem; it's not rhubarb season.  (Although this summer I planted about 10 plants around my yard. I'll probably be drowning in the stuff next spring and have to start searching for new recipes.)

Right now I'm (gak!) using up the two jars of mango chutney my mother had in her pantry ... but I don't like it.  I may go look for an apple chutney recipe to bridge the gap, but on an English or Canadian website. (I don't think Americans really get chutney.)

So for now I'll just have to gaze at my wonderful picture of President's Choice Peach Chutney and start planning my next trip to Canada.

Is there some kind of condiment that you like and find hard to get?

SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED ABOUT VAMPIRES?

By Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Abbott

Be very afraid! There may be vampires hiding in your home.  Yes, really. I did mean to ask that. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there. And no, I don’t mean my relatives dressed up as vamps for Halloween (although they were scary too.)  I mean electricity vampires.


Indeed, this is one more thing to worry about.  While perusing my electricity bill this month, I puzzled about where it was all going.  We have a gas furnace, water heater and stove. We try not to squander power on general principles.  So could a few light bulbs and the odd computer be doing this?

I started to do a bit of research and scared myself silly.  I’ll pass on some of it.

First, look for fangs on your cell phone charger. That little fiend will continue to consume energy if it’s plugged in with no phone and even more power if a fully charged phone is attached.  You may also want to wave some garlic at your digital cable box and make it an entire garlic bulb if it’s a cable box with a DVR (or PVR as ours are known).  

Our homes are  full of vampire devices. Apparently if it has a remote or a clock and it’s plugged in all the time, you will feel the bite.  If it’s a television that stays plugged even while turned off, watch your veins.



Your computer apparently has this deadly inner life too. Eep. 

Who knew?

But we seem to need most of these gadgets. Sometimes I wonder if the old way of writing wasn't a bit better.  You know, when you didn't have to plug anything in and you could wear a hat if it suited you. Then I think of carbon paper and lost 'only copies' of manuscripts.




Back to our adventure: I was on the hunt for vampires hiding right under my nose.



I found that our electronic keyboard (untouched by human hands in the past year), was plugged into the socket in the dark, lonely basement room it inhabits. 

I hate to count the equipment I found in my husband’s office (the part of the house we call “Corporate”), all of it merrily sucking up energy 24/7.  Ka-ching.

What to do?  Well, I have risked sore knees and a dented head, by crawling around unplugging electronics and watching the telltale little red lights go off. Of course, I then have to reverse the process to plug in again when they’re needed.  A better solution seems to be using a power bar with a switch so that all can be turned out at once.  This one is flexible too.

 
We still have a few plugs that will require getting out the step ladder to turn them off, but I’m working on a solution there.  Did you know there were power bars with timers?   I may be the last person in North America to find out about electricity vampires, but I did have fun sticking stakes through their energy-hogging hearts!
Now all I have to do is see if there’s a noticeable difference when the next bill comes in.

I always enjoy your comments and insights and I bet many of you can give some good tips about ridding our homes of these evil elements.  Let’s hear ‘em!

Today is Veterans Day. Okay, so what exactly is Veterans ...

Today is Veterans Day. Okay, so what exactly is Veterans Day and why this date? Here’s something I lifted from Wikipedia
Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans, that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

I knew about the day celebrating military veterans but the 11 significance was a new one. 
My husband was in the Army during the Vietnam War. He didn’t serve in country but was stationed here. He’d finished up his MBA and got drafted. He could have “dodged” the draft and gone on for his PhD but decided to do his bit as he put it. When he died he had a military funeral. 
Here is the flag draped over his coffin. I have it right here in my office with me. I don’t know why I have that dog on top, maybe to soften the fact that he’s gone. There’s a picture of Dave and me that one of our friends took and a picture of our four kids in an old rusted out wagon they played with all the time. He was a really good husband and dad and I’m sure he was a good soldier. 

Let me tell you…when the soldiers play taps, fold the flag then hand it to you you can actually feel your heart break.
A lot of guys and gals have done their bit. This weekend at a book fair a lady had on a US Navy sweatshirt. I asked if she served and she said yes. I shook her hand and thanked for keeping us all safe...and I really meant it. I do this a lot.

Where would we all be without these incredibly brave men and woman? We wouldn’t be sitting here in the land of the free we all known that. And for everyone of them there is/was someone home worrying and praying.
If you served in the military... Thank You. If you were the one home wringing your hands and praying like mad…Thank You. 
Tell us your military story. God bless.

Duffy Brown

Volleyball Nights

by Maggie Sefton




Granddaughter Natale #13 and fellow teammate waiting to receive serve.  She's a senior and plays for James Madison H.S. in Vienna, VA




Hi, Everyone.  I'm presently back in my hometown area of Northern Virginia.
I grew up in close-in Arlington, VA.  A stone's throw across the Potomac River from Washington.   My dearest childhood friends----sisters Nancy & Diane----grew up diagonally across the street.  Over the years I've posted about some of those childhood experiences.  Most recently, my post on Halloween.  





The arm and white shirt/black trousers in the upper right side of the photo belong to the referee.  In Volleyball, the referee stands up higher than everyone else and watches the net as well as all the balls flying across the net.


Today, I've going to
share several photos I took tonight of my granddaughter Natale.  She's a senior at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia.  And she plays on their fantastic and winning Volleyball team.  Tonight was one of their games of the season, and they beat another Northern VA high school 3 games straight.  Tomorrow night they'll play again as they will on Thursday night and Saturday night-----as long as they keep winning.  :)


Last year was a winning season, so I really expect them to play as well this year.  I'll share with you folks here on the Cozy Chicks Blog as well as on Facebook.  Meanwhile, I just flew into the Dulles International Airport in Northern VA yesterday evening.  I'm staying with my childhood friend Diane and her family here in Vienna, VA. I'll be here for ALL of Volleyball season and the State Championship all thru Thanksgiving and Black Friday.  :)  Then I'll fly back to Colorado.


My oldest grandson Joseph is standing with friends against the door.  Joseph is the tallest one in the middle.  


Fall has definitely arrived here in the Metro Washington DC area and Northern VA.  Temps are dropping at night into the 40s now and only into the 60s in the day.  Today we had an entire day of rain, so it felt even chillier.  Brrrrrr!   Is it getting chilly in your area?  Tell us how chilly.  :)

What Makes Me MAD About SAD

by Kate Collins
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is defined by the Mayo Clinic as: “A type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.
“If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.
“Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. “
ABC news reported this story last week, and I’ve been doing a lot of ruminating about it ever since.
My husband was affected by SAD. His solution was to take vacations in the sun, which I realize not everyone can do. And I know some people get seriously depressed to the point of contemplating suicide, which most definitely needs medical intervention.
But for the majority of us, who may just feel grumpy and sluggish and lack motivation, why would we take a drug when the reason we feel those symptoms is a lack of sunshine, i.e. vitamin D?  Would taking a drug give us the vitamin D our body is craving? Did the TV doctor mention that at all?  Of course not. Would talking to a therapist fill our bodies with Vitamin D?
What is the first thing most physicians reach for? Their prescription pad.
Actually, vitamin D is not a vitamin at all but a potent antimicrobial agent, producing 200 to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in your body that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Suboptimal vitamin D levels not only cause symptoms like SAD, but will also significantly impair your immune response and make you far more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections. *
The best source for vitamin D is direct sun exposure. Even though for many of us, this just isn't practical during the winter, so unless you have access to a safe indoor tanning device, your best option is a supplement. Vitamin D is not expensive, but it needs to be in high enough doses to give the body what it needs.
Based on the latest research, many experts recommend 35 IU's of vitamin D per pound of body weight. This recommendation also includes children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The only way to determine your optimal dose is to get your blood tested. Ideally, you'll want to maintain a vitamin D level of 50-70 ng/ml year-round.
For me, that means taking a supplement of 5,000 IU a day during the winter. No big deal. My go to source is the Life Extension organization, but there are many reputable vitamin sources, and I’d much rather take a natural product than a chemical drug with side affects. But that’s just me.  I only wish those TV reports would give people alternative ways of combating illnesses and conditions without always pushing pharmaceuticals. This particular report did make mention of the Light Box, which I was very glad to see.
If you’re one of the many moderately affected by SAD, what do you do to help yourself?



*Source: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/art...

Sharing Success is Sweet

by Leann

As I am working on finishing my 13th novel--and boy is it acting like number 13--the success of my son-in-law and his co-writer have been more than distracting. Jeffrey Cranor (the one I'm related to) and Joseph Fink created a podcast in 2012.  As of this writing, that podcast has had more than 100 million downloads. Now, their first novel is out in hardback. They are on a month long book tour and, two weeks in a row, they are appearing on the NY Times Bestseller list with the likes of John Grisham, JK Rowling, Michael Connelly and Elizabeth George.

I remember when my first book came out and how excited I was, but it was released the week of my son's wedding. I was a little distracted and verklempt. It was a great time and no feeling can quite compare--except for the success of people I love. My son now has three beautiful daughters and has risen in the ranks of his chosen profession. So proud of him. So proud of my daughter who is creative, brilliant and a wonderful dancer. My daughter-in-law is a kind and generous woman who is raising her children with love and laughter.

As a mom, the success of my kids is better than a first novel, and WAY better than a thirteenth novel. Each child and grandchild has a book dedicated to them. But my name in the acknowledgments of Welcome to Night Vale, my son-in-law's book, was a precious surprise. Yes, I cried a little. Celebrate your loved ones and only read the book you most want to read right this minute because as Thoreau said, otherwise you might not get to. Oh, and he also said this:

TAKING ADVICE FROM STRANGERS

   By Mary Kennedy     

                                                      
    
Do you remember Blanche Dubois' famous line in "A Streetcar Named Desire?"  She said, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."              Which brings me to an interesting question. Kindness is one thing but would you take advice from a stranger?  I'm guessing we all take advice from a trusted friend or family member from time to time. We assume that they know us and have our best interests at heart.  Of course, sometimes these "advice-givers" are hopelessly unqualified to advise us, but we probably assume they mean well.
                                                                                                                Sometimes advice from a stranger can make a world of difference. Last winter, I was sitting in the Ft. Lauderdale airport, waiting for a flight back to Philadelphia. It was humid and my hair had turned into a complete fuzz ball. I noticed a woman sitting across from me with sleek blonde hair in a fashionable bob, not one strand out of place. She could have stepped out of a shampoo commercial. She caught me staring at her and I confessed that I wished I knew her secret. How did she get that silky smooth look in off-the-charts humidity? I needed advice--badly!                                                               At that very moment, her flight was called and she gathered her belongings and headed to the gate. As she passed by me, she touched a lock of my frizzy hair and softly, "I just have one word for you. Sulfates."I thought of that famous line in The Graduate, "Plastics." Sulfates? What in the world was she talking about? "Wait!" I pleaded as she moved past me. "Are sulfates good or bad?""Bad, my dear, very bad. Avoid them at all costs."                                                         "How do I do that?" Now I had jumped out of my seat and was trailing after her like a border collie. "It's easy. Just buy hair products without them. Throw out your shampoo and conditioner and start over with sulfate-free products."  And then she handed her ticket to gate agent and boarded the plane.  Wow!  Could it be true? Was this really the answer to my hair woes?  I did as she suggested, went home and threw out all my shampoos and conditioner.  I re-stocked my bathroom with sulfate-free products.  I wish I could say a miraculous transformation has taken place. Do I have the silky blonde tresses of the glamorous woman in the airport? Sadly, no. I'm beginning to think that in addition to going sulfate-free, she was blessed with very good hair. But I definitely see a positive difference in my hair. Less fuzzy, more shine. (I'm not auditioning for any shampoo commercials, but I'm happy with the results).                                                           Of course, hair is a pretty mundane issue. I've also been given tons of advice (often unsolicited) on more important issues. When people learn that I'm a mystery novelist, they often offer me advice on what I "should" be writing. Last week, a perfect stranger told me in no uncertain terms that I should be writing "graphic novels." He insisted that graphic novels were the "wave of the future" and I was wasting my time writing my Dream Club series.  He also insisted that "no one wants to read these days, they just want to look at pictures." (although that's a topic for another whole blog!)  How about you? Have you ever received advice from a stranger that was helpful? Have you ever gotten advice that was wildly wrong for you? What did you tell the advice-giver?  I'd love to hear your experiences! By Mary Kennedy                                                        

I'm writing again!

by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett

It's been rather a dry year for me, writing wise.  I have completed two projects (a novella for the Jeff Resnick Mystery series, Eyewitness , and Booktown #10, Title Wave), but usually by now I've written a LOT more. For the past couple of years, I've written two to three books, plus short stories and novellas. My Mum dying kind of put the kabash on that.  (And I know she would not be happy about that. Every day she used to ask, "Did you get your words today?" because I have a daily quota.)

I'm still not making my daily quota, but I'm working on two projects and I'm not struggling, which is how it felt for the last two projects. I don't think you can tell I was struggling when you read either Eyewitness or Title Wave, but they were very difficult stories to write.  Both my main characters have to face their grief at a time when I was facing my own.  They say you should write what you know.

Now I'm writing a fun piece for the Storytellers Unlimited anthology, Summer Magic , called Sweet Dreams. (And I'd better finish it fast because it comes out on December 27th.) The book is the first in a planned series set in a cozy inn on Martha's Vineyard.  Three authors and three different stories about Blythe Cove Manor and featuring their mascot, Martha the cat!

I'm also working on the next Jeff Resnick Mystery.  So far, I'm calling it Unfinished Business. It's been on the back burner for at least the last ten years (yes, that long), and I thought I knew how it was going to start. In fact, I'd written the beginning of the book. But when I started actually filling in the details, I knew I had to toss out 90% of what I'd already done and start fresh.

This time, I have a little graphic I've been using as my inspiration. I really don't like to work from a synopsis, but I like to have inspiration pictures to remind me of where I'm going.  This is my current inspiration piece, but I want to do one that has more pictures and then I will make it the wallpaper on my PC.

The best part about writing these two stories?  I'm having FUN!  I hope it will show in the finished projects, too.

Does either story sound like something you'd like to read?

P.S.  I'm going to reveal the cover for Title Wave in my next newsletter. (Next week!)  If you haven't signed up, feel free to visit any of my websites to do so:

Lorna | Lorraine | LLBartlett.

Can you do me a favor?

  By Mary Jane Maffini aka Victoria Abbott 

Now that Halloween has come and gone, I can give a bit of thought to Christmas.  The three gifts I have so far won’t get me far.  I like to do a little bit at a time and not get too busy or stressed.  

It's easy to focus. Around here, we all like to read, as you can see.

I know the butler did it! Or maybe the cat.

Christmas in our family means books and I love to buy books for ‘the little kids’.  Children’s books have a special magic. Is there anything lovelier than cuddling up with a small child to share the wonder of a book? Some of the special ones have been through three generations in our family.  I’ll be looking for page-turners for three-seven-year-olds,  one three-year-old and 16-month-old  Ella.  We’ll pick up something for our four eight-year old students too, although that’s still a secret. 
So I’ll be off to the bookstore over the weekend to find some new favorites.  I’d love it if you would come by today and mention some of the ones that you or your family/friends/students/neighbors have really enjoyed.  
Here are just a few of the ‘old favorites’ with our younger gang and also with the children in Lily’s the dachshund’s READ program.  And, if you must know, they are among my favorites too.  You can see that we favor animal stories.

10 Little Hot Dogs, by John Himmleman.
 This is highly recommended by Daisy and Lily for fairly obvious reasons. It's a great counting book and a fun way to try new words.  Even adults won't get tired of it.


Stanley’s Party – by Linda Bailey, another popular Canadian. This priceless tale of a dog, who perhaps shouldn’t be left at home, is the one that Lily’s kids always ask for.  They love to hear it read aloud and as they progress, they love to read it out loud themselves.  Good dog, Stanley!




Days With Frog and Toad  -  This classic I Can Read book (one of several by Arnold Lobel) make me want to be a kid again. Everyone loves the funny, heart-filled story with the special twist. These are for new readers or for reading aloud.

The Complete Adventures of the Mole Sisters, by Roslyn Schwartz. Not sure why we are so very captivated by these strange little creatures, but we are definitely smitten. 


The Very Hungry Caterpillar,  I’ve lost count of how many copies of this I’ve bought over the years. Baby Ella has already chewed the corners of her first board copy.

The Paper Bag Princess. This classic is by beloved and hilarious Canadian writer, Robert Munsch and is enhanced by Michael Martchenko’s wonderful illustrations.  And the dragon IS an animal after all.



Now it’s your turn.  What special books can you recommend for my shopping list?   Feel free to dip back into your childhood too.  We want to know, so don't be shy.