Kate Collins's Blog, page 93

Spring Is In The Air

by Karen Rose Smith


Every year, I hopefully wait for spring. I begin planting seeds in January. Nourishing  petunias, tomatoes and snapdragons helps me to remember that ice, snow and cold will soon be gone.  This week, I could spend time editing on the patio. 

For some reason it's so much easier to edit while sitting in the sun or under an umbrella, sipping lemonade.



 Hyacinths are in full bloom and their lovely scent is all around.  The daffodils make a fluffy border along the patio's edge.  





My husband and I care for sibling stray cats--Bonnie and Clyde, along with our inside fur babies.  Even though Bonnie and Clyde usually come into the basement at night, they aren't yet socialized.  We can play with them with wands and laser lights, but if we move too quickly or approach them, they run and hide.  Today while I was editing, Bonnie visited me!  She ran by me and into the basement through the cat door. 
Creeping phlox are becoming more colorful each day.  Catmint and cat thyme are growing back in the garden after being dormant through the winter. Tulips are opening. 






As often as I can, I will be taking work to the patio to enjoy the gifts of spring.

Those British Mysteries

I just got Acorn. Acorn is not just a nut that falls off an oak tree but it’s like Netflix, a cable like thing you subscribe to. Best deal ever for $5 a month!! The reason I got it is that I just love the British mysteries! I’m totally addicted and have been since I was a kid.
They didn’t have Acorn around then of course. Heck, when I was a kid color TV wasn’t even around, but there were British mysteries in books. I grew up on Sherlock, Agatha Christy, Periot, Miss Marple.
And now with Acorn there are these amazing mysteries I read as a kid in movie and TV form and I can watch them over and over and I do on a regular basis.
And there are such great new British...and Canadian and Australian...mysteries. Miss Fisher Mysteries set in 1920 Australia and they are fantastic! And then there are the Murdock Mysteries set in Canada.
The Murdock Mysteries are amazing. The detective is also an inventor and there are historical figures that pop up in the series from time to time. We see Alexander Graham Bell, the Wright Brothers, Tesla...love Tesla, Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, even a character who thinks he’s Sherlock Holmes. He’s fantastic.
And then there’s Agatha Raisin, a contemporary mystery. Love Agatha! Mysteries set in England and Australia and Canada are like mini vacation to some place I’d love to visit and they are terrific mysteries.

I like the British mysteries better than American because they rely more on mystery and fantastic character development and less on special effects and sensationalism. 
So what about you? Do you like the Brit form of mystery better than the US? Are you more a Sherlock fan than a CSI junkie? I just love Agatha Raisin, Murdock Mysteries, Miss Fisher Mysteries. 

At The Movies

by Maggie Sefton



Yes, Cozy Chicks readers and fans, I've been checking out the latest batch of new
movies again.  They've been showing at some of the different Fort Collins, Colorado movie cinemas, and I am ready to report on some of them.  I'll be reporting for several different weeks because there have been a bunch of new flics that have dropped into your and my neighborhood cinema plazas.


A few weeks ago, I reported on a few of the films I'd seen.  Today, I'm reporting on three more new films you might want to check out:


ROGUE ONE:  A Star Wars Story----I've been a confirmed STAR WARS fan ever since the first in the epic film series appeared waaaaaaay back in the late 1970s.  Yes, children. . .Maggie's been around to see a LOT of movies over the years.  And I cannot tell you how exciting it was to experience the STAR WARS universe and the characters inhabiting it for the very first time.  Those of us who were died-in-the-wool "Star Trek" fans of TV fame were way beyond delighted to see an actual movie about "outer space."  :)   So. . . .if you're even a moderately interested fan of the Star Wars storyline, you won't be disappointed in ROGUE ONE.  At least, I hope you aren't.  I certainly enjoyed it. The story takes place in the time frame before Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Hans Solo take the stage.


LOGAN----This movie picks up the X-Men storyline into the future.  Hugh Jackman plays Logan, of course, and Patrick Stewart plays Professor X.  They're hiding out near the border between the U.S. and Mexico.  And, a new character is introduced, a young girl Mutant, who has many of Logan's same "talents" and skills.  This is definitely an action-filled movie and has a certain amount of violent scenes.  But, then, I doubt you would be seeing a movie about one of the iconic "X-Men," if you weren't okay watching Bad Guys being . . .ahem. . .dispatched with efficiency.   :)  


SING-----This animated film is an absolute delight!  It's funny and witty with some of the most endearing and hilarious animal characters I've seen on film in ages.  The cute Koala hero of the movie, Buster, is the owner of a once-great theatre and comes up with a fantastic idea to earn the funds to keep the theatre going.  He holds a Singing Competition which attracts the greatest cast of misfits and adorable "singers."  If you like funny animated films, you should enjoy this film.  I surely hope so.  
 

CHOCOLATE REALLY IS A MOOD ENHANCER!

By Mary Kennedy                             
   With Easter (and Easter bunnies) right around the corner, I thought it was time to discover whether chocolate really *does* make us feel better. Well, folks, the jury is in. It's true!! It's not our imagination, chocolate really does energize us, make us feel more optimistic, less fatigued and gives us a brighter outlook on life.                                                             A recent scientific study spells it out for us. Almost one thousand men and women were included in the study which examined the amount of chocolate consumed by depressed people versus people who are not depressed. The results are startling.                                                        People suffering from major depressive symptoms ate 12 one ounce servings of chocolate a month, while those with milder depression ate just five servings a month.  Both groups were helped significantly by chocolate. Their mood improved, their outlook on life was sunnier. (Dark chocolate is supposed to have more health benefits but as far as alleviating depression,  any kind of chocolate is beneficial.) It doesn't have to be Godiva, either. (although Godiva is certainly good) [image error]  Researchers have not come up with a reason for these findings, although past studies indicated that an ingredient in chocolate is the same as a "feel-good" hormone (phenylethylamine) that is related to falling in love. So if you feel the urge for chocolate, feel free to indulge. Just remember to use common sense about portion control and to choose dark chocolate, if possible. So whether it's a simple Hershey bar, or a fabulous chocolate piano, picture below, you can savor every morsel.   Happy holidays, everyone! By Mary Kennedy

Putting real life into my writing

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

One of the fun things about writing is you can incorporate tiny pieces of your life into your stories.

There was a time when I hated to shop. (Yeah, sounds weird now.) Of course, I still hate to shop for certain things. (Like clothes. No matter what I buy, I always look like a barrel. Yeah, hate clothes shopping.) One of the reason I became a vendor at an antiques and crafts arcade was because I loved to shop there. I was furnishing our home and they had the best stuff! That's about the time I also started to go junking (which sounds a lot cooler than saying I went to yard sales).

You can get all kinds of GOOD stuff at yard sales.  I was recently in Florida, and they have yard sales ALL YEAR LONG! (Imagine that!!!!!) Mr. L collects cocktail shakers. I found these three shakers for $2 -- TWO BUCKS!!! (Love that the left and middle one are etched. I figure the one on the left is from the 1950s; the other two are much newer, but were unique enough that he wanted to add them to his collection.)

But (as usual) I digress.

I'm working on my second Life on Victoria Square story (A companion series to go with The Victoria Square Mysteries) featuring a minor character who has shown up in a couple of the Victoria Square Mysteries. We're talking a walk-on character who never even had a line of dialogue. But she stuck in my mind and I knew she had a story to tell ... I just didn't know what it was until this week, that is. She didn't even have a name. They just referred to her as "the woman who never pays more than a buck for anything." And what's her claim to fame?  A rose made of crepe paper. I'm having fun describing all the treasures she's picked up while shopping at Artisans Alley and I hope my readers will enjoy getting to know her, too.

The first Life on Victoria Square story goes on sale on Tuesday. It's called CARVING OUT A PATH, and features Ray Davenport, the cranky police detective who clashed with Katie in the first three novels.

A young shoplifter not only swipes a couple of hand-carved figurines from Ray Davenport, owner of Victoria Square’s Wood U gift shop, but barrels into and injures Katie Bonner, manager of Artisans Alley. Upon his escape, the police are called, but before the ink is dry on the report, the boy’s grandmother drags the would-be thief back to return the purloined items. She’s got an agenda and great expectations. Can Ray come through in a pinch?


Kindle US | Kindle Worldwide | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

I have plans to write about all the merchants on Victoria Square.

(P.S. So happy my cover designer could add three of my Dad's carvings to the cover.  Aren't the Santas adorable?  At the end of the story, I added the Story BEHIND the Story to tell readers about those carvings.)

I hope you'll give Ray (and later Karen) a chance!

Photo Collages and Memories

by Karen Rose Smith



Many moons ago I worked with Home Interiors & Gifts.  I'd always enjoyed decorating and coordinating colors.  I was invited into women's homes to help them plan their wall decor as well as sell groupings to their friends.  These gatherings were parties in home decorating.
However, as I've decorated our own home, I find I now turn to decor that has meaning to me.  Instead of just filling a wall with a print or sconces, I began using photo collages in groupings.














I began putting collages together after my mom died.  It was a way for me to wade through grief by remembering good times.  Sometimes the collages have a theme--black and white photos, photos of just my mom and dad, photos of our immediate family, photos of a meaningful vacation, photos of friends, photos of our cats. Other times I coordinate photos in a particular time period.






Sometimes I arrange photos in a collage that fits with room decor.  Other times I choose a fun frame that adds color to a wall.  I decided a blank wall down to the basement wasn't as much fun as having memories on it!  In this case, I chose a photo collage print from an online photo website. My husband and I took a research trip to the Grand Canyon.  I want to remember that wonder and the awe and time we shared there as long as I can. 












I've found saving photos in an album--and we had years of them of our son growing up--is only meaningful if I pull the albums from a closet and go through them.  Keeping them on the computer now doesn't serve a purpose unless I actually bring the photos to the screen and look at them.  The photo collages give me bits of memories all over the house.

Designers...do you care?

Hi, Duffy Brown here.
I not only write about a consignment shop, I work there as well. They say write what you know and I did. J I love working at the Snoot, only do it part-time and have been at it for over teeny-five years.

Before working at the Snoot I had no idea what designer clothes were, at least for adult. I have four kids and for me designer was Stride Rite shoes for my kid’s feet and if they Rothchild coat if I found it on sale. 
Yep, kids first.
But since I’ve been working at the Snooty Fox I’ve been introduced to some really lovely designers. LuLu Lemon makes amazing workout clothes that are nice to run around in as well as work out in. Athleta is the same. North Face makes amazing jackets as does Patagonia. Escada and St. John’s makes amazing women’s clothes and anything from Anthropology is adorable.
This week the Snoot is having their designer sale. Only have it twice a year and only at the store I work in. This is a lot of work for us at the store but the customers get 50% off the designer clothes.
This makes the usually good deal at the Snoot a great deal! You can get a nice Coach bag for $45, a cute Kate Spade bag for $55. If you’ve ever priced these bags in Macy’s etc you know what a great deal this is. I just got this adorable bag below at the Snoot for $60 bucks. I love it and would never spend the $300+ for it retail.

So my question to you today is, do you care who’s name is on your purse? In your workout gear? On your feet? Do you shop deals for designer clothes?
Happy shopping.Hugs, Duffy  

Kids at the River House

by Maggie Sefton


When you're five, you actually love  to go outside and sing on a rainy day in Spring


Today,  I thought I'd share with the Cozy Chicks Blog readers and fans  photos of some very cute little kids who got the chance over the weekend to stay at my "River House" in the Northern Neck of Virginia, just a block off the very wide Potomac River and just a stone's throw from the Chesapeake Bay.  Readers have seen several posts over the past few years taken at that property I bought from old friends.




Looking for the Eagle's nest



It's a great escape.  Just an hour and half from the D.C. Beltway and what I call the "Metro Madness."  Most of the people who live there and all along that beautiful river shoreline are what I call "Ex-Pats."  Escapees from the DC Metro Madness.  Surrounded by woods with deer and bald eagles nesting in the trees above, you can feel the city stress ooze right out of your cells as you sit on that wraparound deck.


                 


So----given the setting, the kids had a great time even though it had rain sprinkles in the morning.  Nothing slowed them down.  They kept playing outside.    Here are some photos.  Allie just turned 5, Emma has just turned 7, and John the son is now 12.   :)  

GRILLED CHEESE IN PARIS? YES!

By Mary Kennedy
                                                             
 April is a good month to go to Paris (fabulous photo above, courtesy of my son, Sean.) Actually, any month is a good time to go to Paris. When I lived in Grenoble and wanted to escape the mountains and the cold, Paris was my week-end getaway. Yes, it took 4 hours on the train and travelling third class was no fun, but the pay-off was worth it. When I arrived at the Gare du Nord, I felt like I was coming home.                                                                        
One of my favorite stops in Paris is Café Le Bonaparte...                                                               located in the Saint Germain-des-Pres quartier, my favorite area of Paris.                                                             A popular lunch is a cheese sandwich (un sandwich au fromage). Usually a nice slice of gruyere served on a baguette.                                                          .
 Of course, you can also opt for a croque monsieur or a croque madame.
                                                           
 
But my favorite grilled cheese sandwich is made with a mayo-mustard sauce, and contains three types of grated cheeses; parmesan, gruyere and sharp New York cheddar. Don't worry, it's not complicated at all. Here's the recipe. It serves six.

You'll need:

1 cup mayo
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
6 ounces grated gruyere
6 ounces extra sharp cheddar
1 loaf sourdough bread
6 Tablespoons melted butter

Here's what you do.
Lay out 12 slices of bread and brush with melted butter.  Mix mayo and mustard. Now, carefully flip the slices of bread and spread the other side with the mayo-mustard mixture. Grate all the cheeses together (gruyere, cheddar and parmesan) in a food processor, so much quicker than doing it by hand!

 Divide the grated cheese mixture over 6 slices of bread. (I add a slice of tomato to the bread slices at this point, but this is strictly optional). Now assemble the sandwiches by topping them with the other six slices, buttered side out ).  You can cook them in a Panini for about 3-5 minutes, or fry them in a heavy pan. (Or use one of those "as seen on TV" copper pans, I've had great luck with those.)  No messy clean up. It should look something like this. Gooey, cheesy and delish!
                     


 Bon appetite, everyone!
Mary Kennedy

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: A Ticket To Ride

by Maggie Sefton


                                                                                                                                 
As most of the regular Cozy Chicks Blog readers know, my daughter Serena (3rd out of four girls) is a NASA Astronaut, having been chosen for the 2009 Astronaut Corps.  She joined NASA as she was finishing up her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Texas, Galveston, Texas, years ago in 2006.  She went on to get another residency in Aerospace Medicine.  Serena was a Flight Surgeon for NASA and as such participated in all sorts of medical research and the effects of space flight on the human body.  She also worked on the Orion.

She also was assigned to Star City, Russia several times to help provide medical support for the Russian Cosmonauts and our co-partners in space exploration.  Star City is the Russian equivalent of Johnson Space Center in Houston.  So she participated in even more research in that location which also necessitated her learning to speak and understand Russian.  I always found it fascinating to hear her speak Russian.  (But that's just me being a Mom. )  

Well, after several years waiting her turn, Serena has finally been assigned a "ticket to ride."  She will join the NASA Expedition 58 and 59 crews in November 2018.  I've copied a link to the NASA site.  Simply enter in the search box  "Upcoming International Space Station Crew Assignments."

All of us in the family are so happy for her.  She's worked very, very hard.  And she's followed her dream of being an Astronaut since she was 11 years old and watched the Space Shuttle launch.  Follow your dreams, folks.  They can really come true.