Kate Collins's Blog, page 295
August 20, 2011
What? Not My Pizza!
I have suffered with food allergies and intolerances most of my life. My children have them, too, but because I recognized the symptoms when they were babies, I was able to limit their damage. They still can't do dairy and citrus, my son adds apples and chocolate to his list, but those are pretty manageable.
I haven't been so lucky. Living in Houston is not for allergic people. We are surrounded by chemical plants, there is little effort made as far as mass transit and the year round summer adds to the serious air pollution problems. That alone fills up my allergy tank. Then I developed a trio of "invisible" illnesses (Lyme, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome). These only complicated an already stressed immune system. Each year, it seems, I add another food to my huge list of things I simply cannot eat. Each food has its own reaction, too. Some cause asthma, some cause hives, some cause abdominal pain and some cause migraine. Just to give you an idea here's a few problems: eggs, soy, fish, shell fish, chocolate, all tree nuts, peanuts, coconut, oranges, grapefruit, poultry ... there's more but you get the idea.
Unlike my kids, I have been fortunate to tolerate dairy. Cheese, yogurt, sour cream, milk--none of them cause problems, thank goodness. But Thursday night, I ordered a pizza. I love pizza. Next to a good steak, it is probably my favorite food. I alwlays top with onions, bell peppers and pineapple. No meats, since they all have nitrites and I am allergic to those, too. As soon as I finished my second piece, the hives started. On my face, my neck and my arms. Within fifteen minutes I had a migraine. Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For the last few years, I have noticed my hands get red and itchy when I handle tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes didn't seem to be a problem. Until now. The next time I order pizza--who can live without pizza???--no sauce. We'll see what happens (and see how it tastes). Ordinarily I would take an antihistamine after a reaction like that, but since I get absolutely loopy for days after taking any kind of antihistamine, I chose not to take one. I have a book due and I must be able to write paragraphs that make sense. I still have lingering hives on my face even three days later. It's a sad day when you lose your pizza, my friends. A sad, sad day.
How about you? Any allergies or intolerances (like chocolate giving you a migraine like it does me) that make you want to cry?
Time For A Change
For the twenty years or so, I've worn the same watch. Well, it's not the actual same watch, but the same style watch. I wanted something I could see on the fly, that was silver in tone, and was battery operated.I was very happy with the first couple of watches which simply wore out (broken thingys that hold the band), or met an untimely end. (Flying off my wrist when I had my arm out the car window on a very hot day with no AC.) But these last two watches have not been all that good. I suspect they were made in China. They not only don't keep good time (something you expect from a Timex), but they eat batteries for lunch. The first watches wouldn't need a battery for 2-3 years. I've had my current battery for less than six months and it's time for a change.
In fact, it's time for a BIG change. This time out, I want something a little more feminine. Maybe a watch with a bracelet band. It's still got to be easy to see the time on the fly, but it's also got to be a bit prettier.
I haven't even begun to look for one and have a feeling I may not just be able to walk into a store like Target and say, "That one." But ... there's a new watch in my future.
What kind of watch do you wear?
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August 19, 2011
The Happiest Day of the Year
By Heather Webber / Heather BlakeOkay, it might not be the happiest, but it's close.
It's the day I go school supply shopping with my kids.
I love myself some school supplies. Mostly because I love office stores. They're a little slice of heaven to me. All those pens. The paper. The notebooks! The folders! Never mind all the cute paper clips and thumbtacks.
Every year I try to resist buying things for myself when I take the kids shopping, but every year I can't resist the lure.
This year I bought turquoise and purple sharpies, lots of folders, and some post-it flags. Not too bad, right?
How about you? Can you resist the lure of an office supply store?
August 17, 2011
The Foods That Have Power Over Me
Ellery AdamsI'd like to say that the 15 pounds I gained last year snuck up on me, but that wouldn't be true.
I saw it happening. I have a scale. My clothes got tighter but I figured I was still exercising regularly and the weight would come off as soon as I cut out some of the unhealthy foods I couldn't seem to stop eating.
The problem is that I didn't cut them out. Two weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers online and decided to come face-to-face with the foods that have power over me. In order to make a lifestyle change, I must admit my weakness for these darlings and find substitutes and save them as a "once-in-a-while" treat and not a "once-a-day" treat!
1. French Fries - the crunchy, salty finger food has always been at the top of my list of yummy no-nos. I rarely order them, but when my kids don't finish theirs, guess who does?
2. Cake/Cupcakes - actually, it's just the buttercream frosting I crave. I can do without the cake!
3. Movie theater popcorn loaded with butter - so many points. Such greasy heaven!
4. Speaking of butter how about a heel of warm, buttered bread.
5. Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (frozen, of course)
6. Java Chip ice cream
7. Everything bagels (yep, with butter again).
8. Cheese puffs
9. Chocolate in any form
10. Fruit pies/cobblers
What about you? What food calls your name? What treat takes every ounce of discipline to avoid? And if you have any healthy snack ideas, I'd love to hear them!
August 16, 2011
What Readers Want
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed Once upon a time...authors produced one book every year. And readers were perfectly happy with that.
Now...they want our next book yesterday. And we're doing everything possible to grant those wishes. My publisher (Berkley Prime Crime) sends a new beekeeping mystery out about every nine months. Just like a baby, it goes through various stages of development - work with my editor to make it the best it can be, inhouse meetings to discuss cover ideas and sales techniques, multiple fine tunings, searching for those sneaky little typos, then off to the printer and finally distribution throughout the country and beyond. Berkley has a lot of authors. The wheels are racing all the time.
Some of us write multiple series - 2 or 3 for traditional publishers. Some of us have rights back for out-of-print series, have reissued them, and are continuing those series as independents authors, doing all the publisher's work ourselves. I do that with my Gertie Johnson murder mysteries. She's a "labor" of love. I've written a 4th as an independent, just started #5, and next year, I'm really hoping to crank out several more.Readers are wanting more faster. I'm writing as fast as I can. So are all the other Chicks. Thank you for your patience and loyalty. We love you.
August 15, 2011
Upgrading
Monday I visited my local Apple products store here in Fort Collins. We don't have one of those big, shiny, separate Apple Stores that the bigger cities do. But we do have another authorized Apple store---the Mac Shack. It carries new and "lightly used" desktop iMacs and laptop MacBooks and a bunch of other Apple products including software. A year and a half ago I had to replace my dying PC laptop, so I decided it was time to return to my roots---Apple and the world of Macs.
Years ago---and I mean YEARS ago---in the late 1970's, our family got one of the first Apple computers, the Apple II. It was one of the first models the "two Steve's" rolled out of their Southern California garage. What a sweet machine with its little green screen. And what a delight to work on. Over the years we upgraded and had a variety of computers in our home. These last ten+ years, I've been on my own so I've used PCs as desktops and laptops. Pricing was the determinant. But when that last laptop died, I discovered a sweet "lightly used" MacBook at my local MacShack and it's been my workhorse for a year and a half.
Now, it's time to replace my old (think 7+ years) desktop PC. It's been sending me some signals that "the end is near," so I've started saving files on flash drives. The worst thing that can happen to a writer is to lose novels & stories. Shudder. I would have replaced it earlier, but I had to save up for the purchase AND I want to replace that aging old Dell with a new iMac.
If my calculations are right (remember. . .I was a CPA, so I scrutinize my budget), I should be able to buy that iMac in early September. So. . .today, I took a preliminary shopping browse through the local MacShack. Just to see what's there. It's located right in the middle of Fort Collins Old Town, so it's always fun to visit the area. Great coffee shops and cafes all ar
ound. Anyway, I found just what I wanted. a new iMac (as of May) which came out right before the bright and shiny new iMac model in June/July. So. . .I'll get a little break on price and score a new machine at the same time. Yes. . .the accountant in me still rules. :) Meanwhile, I'm back to saving files on flash drives. I've been super busy these last two weeks finishing revisions for the first in the Molly Malone Mystery series that will come out in trade paperback in August 2012. I'll have more on that in the future. But for now. . .keep your fingers crossed that old PC stays alive and kicking for a while longer.
Dru's Cozy Report: August Reads
Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. This month we have three new and one returning series for your reading pleasure.
What an exciting debut! Harlow Jane comes back to Bliss, Texas and is soon pulled in as an amateur sleuth when her client and friend Josie pleads with her to find the person responsible for the dead body found on Harlow's property. With time running out, Harlow will have to work quickly before a killer hems her in. I love this book. This was a great mystery that had me guessing throughout most of the book. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the direction took another turn and I was surprised when the killer was presented. I like the tone of this story and the setting is a perfect stage to display the wonderful characters that will cross its path with amusing and engaging conversations. This is the first book in a blissfully enchanting and entertaining series that I hope is here to stay.Pleating For Mercy by Melissa Bourbon is the first book in the new "Magical Dressmaking" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, August 2, 2011
When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow Jane Cassidy leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after she opening Buttons & Bows, a custom dressmaking boutique in the old farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence. One of her first clients is her childhood friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie's boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than hemming a dress. Can Harlow find the real killer—with a little help from beyond?
Visit Melissa at www.misaramirez.com
Melissa also writes the "Lola Cruz" mystery series as author Misa Ramirez.
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
On regular mall patrol, ex-military E.J. is alerted by screams to the sight of a dead body in a window display. When E.J. offers up her assistance, she is rudely ignored, so she makes it her mission to solve this case in spite of the opinion of the local detective. This was a good read that kept me on my toes. This steady-paced mystery filled with constant action quickly became a page-turner that kept me guessing and I was surprised when the killer's identity was revealed. E.J. is a strong, determined and likable character and the antics of her adoring grandfather will have you laughing. This is a fun and entertaining read and I look forward to the second book in this delightful series. The introduction of E.J. and her cohorts are a welcome addition to the cozy mystery genre.Die Buying by Laura DiSilverio is the first book in the new "Mall Cop" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, August 2011
An average day at Fernglen Galleria can get weird pretty quickly—especially when someone decides to liberate the reptiles from the Herpetology Hut. But after a local developer is found dead in a boutique window, E.J. discovers that the most dangerous creature on the loose isn't a reptile at all...it's a cold-blooded killer. When the arrogant homicide detective dismisses her as "only" a mall cop, E.J. sets out to solve the case. With her grandpa Atherton, a retired CIA operative, spying on customers, and a night guard named Weasel playing "I've got a secret," E.J. has plenty of leads. But can she piece them together before she finds herself on the killer's list?
Visit Laura at www.lauradisilverio.com
Laura also writes the "Charlie Swift" mystery series.
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
What an enjoyable debut! This well-written novel was action-filled, entertaining and fun. Any book that has me laughing out loud while on the subway is definitely a keeper. The banter between Sunny and Mitch kept me turning pages as I wanted to know what they were going to say and do next. The mystery kept me guessing but it was the relationship between Sunny and the secondary characters (friends and parents) that made me smile, waiting for their next adventure. Sunny can read my tea leaves any time she wants and I predict a long and fabulous future with Sunny and the gang in this charmingly enchanting and delightful series.Tempest in the Tea Leaves by Kari Lee Townsend is the first book in the new "Fortune Teller" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, August 2011
Leaving the Big Apple for the quaint town of Divinity, New York, Sunny is determined to make it on her own as a psychic. With an ancient Victorian house as her place of business, Sunny uses various psychic methods to aid the town's residents. But when she uses tea leaves to give a reading for a frazzled librarian, w hat she finds at the bottom of the cup is anything but helpful. Sunny informs the police of her deadly vision, but her warning is too late. And with hard-nosed, ruggedly handsome Detective Mitch Stone denying her abilities and naming her prime suspect, the situation is dire. Now Sunny has to use her visions to clear her name, before the killer can put an end to the psychic's future.
Visit Kari at www.karileetownsend.com
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book
The past comes to visit Lilly when a friend's body is found dead during a wildfire. When Lilly learns the circumstances, knowing what she knows, Lilly believes her friend has been murdered and since no one is taking her seriously, she begins looking into her friend's past and present to unearth a killer before she finds herself ablaze. Oh man, what an exciting ride. This non-stop, action-filled and lighthearted tale kept my attention from the first chapter to the fulfilling conclusion and I couldn't put this book down. The wildfire setting set the tone as the backdrop to the mystery at hand that had me guessing throughout most of the story. Lilly's doggedness to find the truth puts her in harm's way, but not before learning more about herself as well. With a strong cast, interesting factoids about fires, great dialogue and some added comic relief, this was an amazing read in adrenaline-rush series.Hot, Shot and Bothered by Nora McFarland is the second book in the "Lilly Hawkins" mystery series. Publisher: Touchstone, August 2011
TV news photographer Lilly Hawkins is on the biggest assignment of her career. A deadly inferno is racing through the California mountains toward the town of Elizabeth Lake. After barely slipping in ahead of road closures, Lilly has her hands full photographing the massive evacuation and approaching wildfire. She has no time to cover the accidental drowning of a reckless party-girl in the lake...until she learns the victim's name. When Lilly knew her thirteen years ago, Jessica Egan was a principled environmental activist and not a bit reckless or wild. Could she have changed that much, or is a killer exploiting the chaos surrounding the fire to disguise a murder? Soon Lilly's juggling the story she should be covering with the story she can't let go. What could have been the motive for Jessica's death? Was it sexual jealousy, long held grudges, or just plain old-fashioned greed that got Jessica killed? Meanwhile Lilly has to contend with her station's low-budget technology, the antics of her dodgy uncle Bud, and the alarming job offers her boyfriend is fielding from big city competitors. Lilly is racing against the clock to get answers. If only the murderer—or the fire—doesn't get her first.
Visit Nora at www.noramcfarland.com
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought my copy of this book
August 14, 2011
Knob Appeal
by Kate Collins
Sometimes it's the smallest changes that make the biggest impact. Like changing your eye shadow or lipstick color, or having your nails done. Even painting your front door a new color can give a house a whole new style. In my case, it was the knobs on my kitchen cabinets.
Since my husband passed away, my life has been in a constant flux of change. Big changes. Painful, heart-wrenching upheavals. They weren't my choice, but they're what I have, and I'm determined to make the best of them and be happy. One method that helps me deal with all those large changes is to make small modifications to my world. It gives me back the feeling of control that I'd lost.
My house came with cherry cabinets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms. Lots and lots of cabinets and all with shiny brass knobs. When we bought new appliances a few years back, we went with stainless, and slowly the small appliances were switched over, too. We bought counter stools in pewter, as well, so you can understand how those bright brass knobs stood out. Like sore thumbs, basically.
So I trotted down to Menards and bought snappy brushed nickel knobs. I spent a few hours happily replacing the old ones and then stood back to see my handiwork. The brushed nickel blends in with the wood so well, you hardly notice them, and yet what a difference they make. My kitchen looks modern and new. 
Silly topic for a blog, right? But I got to thinking about it and decided that maybe the knobs in my kitchen could represent a small change we can make in our lives. Perhaps it is only a nail color. But maybe instead it could be an attitude adjustment. Perhaps in place of sitting at a railroad crossing, stewing at the delay, you can meditate or pray or do deep breathing exercises. Perhaps while standing in a long line, you can gaze out the window and be grateful for living to see another day.
What small change would you like to make in your life?
Or in your kitchen.
August 13, 2011
Anybody Know a Good Rain Dance?
I have lived in Texas for more years than I care to count. (We all stop counting after a certain age, don't we?) Though we had a serious heat wave in 1980, I don't recall the drought being as horrendous as what we are experiencing now. Not only that, we are now in our 13th consecutive day of over 100 degree temperpatures. In other words, if you go outside, it's like walking into hell.
For the first time ever, our water bill nearly exceeded our mortgage payment. Here, near sea level, we don't have basements, so if you do not water your foundation regularly during droughts, you risk serious foundation problems--like the kind where the doors will no longer close properly and there are cracks in the wall. Fixing that damage costs serious bucks. Plus, if your lawn dies, you have to re-sod. That's more expensive than any water bill. Unfortunately, the more everyone waters, the more we risk shortages. Livestock are being sold off because ranchers can no longer afford to water them. I've been through two hurricanes and half a dozen tropical weather events, but I have never been through the opposite--praying for rain. Just a sprinkle please, Mother Nature.
Situations like this, where humans have no control, bring back all sorts of childhood issues and create a good deal of anxiety for me. As a child, we all have little control. But as the child of an alcoholic that lack of control is magnified and leaves plenty of issues that usually remain in the dark recesses of my mind. That discomfort may seem disconnected to a drought, but for me, not so. I am nervous, so nervous I've had a stomachache for two weeks. Maybe, if I ask all of you to send a message to the universe that we desperately need rain here in Texas--for the farmers, the ranchers and the neurotics like me--it will help.
Thank you. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming--which I hope includes NORMAL and almost predictable weather! :-)
Whatever happened to homemade?
Earlier this week, Mr. L and I decided we'd like to have hamburgers. We went to the store and they had NO premade hamburger patties.Come on. This is the height of summer. NO premade hamburger patties? We asked one of the store employees and she shook her head and looked at us as if we were crazy. Mind you, we always buy our hamburger patties from this grocery store.(And no, it was NOT Wegmans.)
So we settled on something else for supper, but we really wanted hamburgers.
Half an hour later, Mr. L decided to go to another store four towns away (yes, we were in rural NY at the time). So off he went. When he came back half an hour later, he reported that store No. 2 didn't have hamburger patties either.
So guess what? He bought some hamburger and made the patties himself.
Duh. Why didn't it occur to us that we could do that when we were at the first store? Maybe because they didn't have any packages of hamburger in less than 2 pound amounts. (The second store did.)
We were so entrenched in our thinking that we just didn't think outside the box.
BTW, it turned out to be the best burger I've had in a long, long time. Of course, I like lettuce, (my own grown) tomato, dill pickle chips, onion, catsup and mayo on it. Yum-Yum.Have you forgotten that you could make something simple because it's usually available premade for you?
