Carlene Havel's Blog: Carlene, page 2
June 19, 2015
Fiona's Knight of Dreams
The good ladies of 1947 Timber are ready to find a wife for their new single minister. Charles has ideas of his own when he meets Fiona, the lovely accident-prone and outspoken part-time librarian. Fiona, on the other hand, is holding out for a knight on a white charger to carry her away from her humdrum small town life. Fiona and Charles are thrown together as they begin to solve an old mystery which has turned up in a library book. Will Fiona's white knight ever show up to sweep her away? Will Charles ever run out of invitations for cream cakes and lemon slice? Fiona might just discover the sound of hoof-beats when she least expects it.
That's what's in store for you in Sharon McGregor's latest release, "Fiona's Knight of Dreams". Want more? Here's an excerpt:
No sooner had Charles Redpath entered her thoughts than he entered the library.
"Finished your books already? You must be a fast reader."
"Well, I discovered I'd already read the Perry Mason and the book on Revelation was a little too much on the dry side."
"Funny, I thought Revelation was the one preachers used to scare the congregations. I never thought of it as dry. But then any book of sermons might take a little work to get through. I mean if you have to listen to one on Sunday mornings, why would you.." she broke off and put her hand to her mouth to stop any more words escaping. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean…"
"Oh I know what you meant." She looked up expecting to see an expression of censure or hurt or disapproval, but instead Fiona could swear his eyes were twinkling, very nice brown eyes with a definite twinkle. Now why did she think that?
"Sunday sermons are an occasional requisite for spiritual guidance," he said, “but a little can go a long way. On the other hand, mine sometimes have a certain soporific value."
"Not if you're preaching them on Revelation," she retorted.
"Good. Your smile is back." He held out the book of sermons, "Actually I wanted to show you something in this one."
She looked at the book suspiciously. Was she wrong in her evaluation? Was he going to start giving her a private lesson in the scripture?
He shook the book and two envelopes fluttered out to the counter. "I found these in the book and I wonder if we should try to return them to the owner."
They were plain envelopes, each bulky enough to contain a letter or note. One had the capital letter D on the front. The other said J in a slightly different hand.
"I can look to see who checked the book out last," said Fiona,” but it was likely a long time ago. I mean, how many people would.." There she went again, putting her foot in her mouth. "I'll check the records," She clamped her mouth firmly shut before she could shoot herself in the foot again. She giggled a little. What was this fetish she was developing about feet?
She checked the pouch card for the book and looked up the member number in the card index. "Last time this book went out was nearly three years ago. It was checked out by Rev. Hamilton."
"But my predecessor was Jonas Micklethwaite."
"Yes, but he was only here for a couple of years. I think he got tired of small town life, or his wife did, and they moved to a larger place. Before him it was Rev. Hamilton. He was here for -well forever, just about. He christened me and my brother too. Then his wife got sick and he had to look after her until-well, until she died. He was pretty much ready to retire then, he was quite old, and so he went over to Greenway to live with his daughter."
"I wonder if these letters are important to him."
"Well, let's check," said Fiona, starting to slide her nail under a flap.
"We can't do that! They're someone's private letters!” Fiona gave a quick look at Charles’ face and concluded the outrage of his words wasn’t echoed in the curiosity in his expression.
"And you call yourself a detective?"
"I don't call myself a detective. You asked me why I didn't become one. Anyhow, we can mail them to him in Greenway."
"Look this one isn't even sealed," said Fiona, picking up the other letter. "So they're not really private." She flipped it open and out popped a sheet of paper.
She pushed it between them sideways on the counter so they could both read.
Sharon McGregor is a prairie girl who has been working her way west to escape the cold. She now lives on beautiful Vancouver Island. She hasn't escaped her roots, though, as her romances are set in small town North America. When not writing or reading, she operates a shave ice concession with her daughter and follows her grandchildren's athletic endeavours. She has a constant battle with her cat Zoey for control of her computer keyboard. Sharon loves to write romance, mystery and humor, if possible all three at the same time.
Connect with Sharon here:
www.sharonmcgregor.com
Blog- www.sharonmcgregor.com/blog
Twitter- @sharonmcgr
Facebook- https://goo.gl/hUSNUp
Amazon author- http://goo.gl/0toXu0
Google- https://goo.gl/AzvJqZ
Goodreads- https://goo.gl/NxzAx8
June 12, 2015
Sarah and a Midnight Cruise to Catalina Island
Sarah Wingspand is a delightful, quirky little angel who carries out missions to bring love to clueless humans. Her latest adventure is entitled "Sarah and a Midnight Cruise to Catalina Island" and here's a brief overview:
She can fly but can she swim? Dyslexic and bumbling angel, Sarah, comes to earth to unite Carolyn with a mate. Poopty doopty! She must do it on a ship while Carolyn cruises to Catalina Island. Sarah fears falling into the ocean, and she’s horrified soggy wings will drown her. On this mission, Talen, an evil spirit is assigned to thwart Heaven’s Little Love Angel’s efforts. Tomas, the Warrior Angel, must protect Sarah. Can Tomas succeed without Sarah goofing up the war between the holy and unholy spirits? Will Talen succeed in spoiling Carolyn’s romance?
Gay N. Lewis, author of the Sarah series, has a background in video production and interior design. Her credits include Psalms from the Mountains, The Canadian Rockies and Many Churches, One Vision. As a pastor’s wife and Adult Bible Study Leader, she has written numerous church programs and newsletters. She lives in Fulshear, TX, a small town west of Houston.
http://prismbookgroup.com/angels
For more information, please go to http ://gaynlewis.com/
Read excerpts on www.prismbookgroup.com
Gay would love to have you see her video trailers and become a follower of her blog.
http://www.gaynlewis.blogspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/gaynlewis
www.facebook.com/GayNLewis and also on Twitter @GayNLewis2.
Sarah has her own Facebook page. Follow Sarah on Facebook@ Sarah Wingspand
She can fly but can she swim? Dyslexic and bumbling angel, Sarah, comes to earth to unite Carolyn with a mate. Poopty doopty! She must do it on a ship while Carolyn cruises to Catalina Island. Sarah fears falling into the ocean, and she’s horrified soggy wings will drown her. On this mission, Talen, an evil spirit is assigned to thwart Heaven’s Little Love Angel’s efforts. Tomas, the Warrior Angel, must protect Sarah. Can Tomas succeed without Sarah goofing up the war between the holy and unholy spirits? Will Talen succeed in spoiling Carolyn’s romance?
Gay N. Lewis, author of the Sarah series, has a background in video production and interior design. Her credits include Psalms from the Mountains, The Canadian Rockies and Many Churches, One Vision. As a pastor’s wife and Adult Bible Study Leader, she has written numerous church programs and newsletters. She lives in Fulshear, TX, a small town west of Houston.
http://prismbookgroup.com/angels
For more information, please go to http ://gaynlewis.com/
Read excerpts on www.prismbookgroup.com
Gay would love to have you see her video trailers and become a follower of her blog.
http://www.gaynlewis.blogspot.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/gaynlewis
www.facebook.com/GayNLewis and also on Twitter @GayNLewis2.
Sarah has her own Facebook page. Follow Sarah on Facebook@ Sarah Wingspand
June 8, 2015
Amazing Grace by Faith Blum
Faith Blum has a new relase - entitled Amazing Grace!
Here's a sneak preview, also known as an excerpt:
“What is your name?” Rachel asked.
“Tobias Whetherford Ramsey III,” he answered with a haughty tone.
“Well, Toby, I dare you to put a frog or worm in my lunchpail,” Rachel said. “You won’t hear me scream when I see it and I might just find something else to put into yours.” Rachel gave a sharp nod and turned on her heel.
Toby grabbed her arm as she stalked away.
“Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, calls me Toby!” he hissed.
“Why not?” Rachel asked.
“Because if they do, I beat them up. My name’s Tobias and that’s what I’ll be called.”
“If you say so,” Rachel replied. “So what are you going to do now? Beat me up for calling you Toby twice in as many minutes?”
Toby ground his teeth together and gripped her arm tighter. Rachel made a concerted effort to show no pain and keep eye contact with this bully.
“Leave her alone, Tobias!” another voice cut in.
“Stay outta this, Jenkins!” Tobias warned.
“Rachel, get away from here,” the voice Rachel now recognized as John’s said.
“I can’t,” Rachel said through gritted teeth. “Toby is trying to see if his hand will go through my arm.”
“James, go get Mr. Matthews and tell him a fight’s about to start and I’m starting it. Kind of.” John took a step forward. “I’m giving you one more chance to let Rachel go, Toby. If you don’t do it in the next ten seconds, I’ll make you let go of her.”
Tobias’s eyes flitted from one cousin to the other. Rachel and John both glared at him.
“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1. Time’s up, Toby.” John swung his left fist in the direction of Toby’s head. He knew he was taking a chance of hitting Rachel with the punch instead, but counted on Toby letting go of Rachel so he could block the blow and Rachel’s quick thinking to move out of the way.
While his left fist headed toward Toby’s head, he readied his right fist to hit the boy from a different angle as soon as the first blow was blocked. John breathed easier as his assumptions proved correct when Tobias let go of Rachel and Rachel ducked out of the way. John’s punch came to a halt on Toby’s arm, but his right fist followed quickly and hit the other boy in the left ear causing Tobias to stagger backwards half a pace.
It only took Tobias a few seconds to recover and then he went after John with a vengeance. Just before Toby’s fist reached John, the teacher stepped in between the two boys and took the blow for John.
“That is enough, you two.” He took hold of Tobias’s arm and spun around to face John and the rest of the schoolchildren. “What is going on here?”
Rachel stepped forward. “It’s my fault, Mr. Matthews. I didn’t do what Tobias asked.”
“That’s not true!” John demanded. “Toby wanted her to tell him why Uncle Caleb married her ma and she didn’t want to tell him. Then he threatened to put a frog or worm in her lunch.”
“To which I replied I would put something in his lunch,” Rachel interrupted.
“And then she asked my name and promptly called me Toby,” Tobias cut in.
Mr. Matthews looked at Tobias. “In other words, you started it by trying to bully Rachel.”
Tobias glared at the teacher. “No, I didn’t. I just wanted an answer to my question and she wouldn’t give it.”
“So you grabbed her arm when she tried to walk away and she’ll probably have a bruise there tomorrow,” John protested. “Way to go, Toby.”
“You call me that again,” Tobias threatened, “and I’ll knock your block off.”
“Go ahead and try!” John replied.
“Cut it out, you two!” Mr. Matthews said. “You’re both going to stay here after school and we’ll talk about this at that time.”
Find Faith's books on Amazon by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Blum/e/B0...
Here's a sneak preview, also known as an excerpt:
“What is your name?” Rachel asked.
“Tobias Whetherford Ramsey III,” he answered with a haughty tone.
“Well, Toby, I dare you to put a frog or worm in my lunchpail,” Rachel said. “You won’t hear me scream when I see it and I might just find something else to put into yours.” Rachel gave a sharp nod and turned on her heel.
Toby grabbed her arm as she stalked away.
“Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, calls me Toby!” he hissed.
“Why not?” Rachel asked.
“Because if they do, I beat them up. My name’s Tobias and that’s what I’ll be called.”
“If you say so,” Rachel replied. “So what are you going to do now? Beat me up for calling you Toby twice in as many minutes?”
Toby ground his teeth together and gripped her arm tighter. Rachel made a concerted effort to show no pain and keep eye contact with this bully.
“Leave her alone, Tobias!” another voice cut in.
“Stay outta this, Jenkins!” Tobias warned.
“Rachel, get away from here,” the voice Rachel now recognized as John’s said.
“I can’t,” Rachel said through gritted teeth. “Toby is trying to see if his hand will go through my arm.”
“James, go get Mr. Matthews and tell him a fight’s about to start and I’m starting it. Kind of.” John took a step forward. “I’m giving you one more chance to let Rachel go, Toby. If you don’t do it in the next ten seconds, I’ll make you let go of her.”
Tobias’s eyes flitted from one cousin to the other. Rachel and John both glared at him.
“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1. Time’s up, Toby.” John swung his left fist in the direction of Toby’s head. He knew he was taking a chance of hitting Rachel with the punch instead, but counted on Toby letting go of Rachel so he could block the blow and Rachel’s quick thinking to move out of the way.
While his left fist headed toward Toby’s head, he readied his right fist to hit the boy from a different angle as soon as the first blow was blocked. John breathed easier as his assumptions proved correct when Tobias let go of Rachel and Rachel ducked out of the way. John’s punch came to a halt on Toby’s arm, but his right fist followed quickly and hit the other boy in the left ear causing Tobias to stagger backwards half a pace.
It only took Tobias a few seconds to recover and then he went after John with a vengeance. Just before Toby’s fist reached John, the teacher stepped in between the two boys and took the blow for John.
“That is enough, you two.” He took hold of Tobias’s arm and spun around to face John and the rest of the schoolchildren. “What is going on here?”
Rachel stepped forward. “It’s my fault, Mr. Matthews. I didn’t do what Tobias asked.”
“That’s not true!” John demanded. “Toby wanted her to tell him why Uncle Caleb married her ma and she didn’t want to tell him. Then he threatened to put a frog or worm in her lunch.”
“To which I replied I would put something in his lunch,” Rachel interrupted.
“And then she asked my name and promptly called me Toby,” Tobias cut in.
Mr. Matthews looked at Tobias. “In other words, you started it by trying to bully Rachel.”
Tobias glared at the teacher. “No, I didn’t. I just wanted an answer to my question and she wouldn’t give it.”
“So you grabbed her arm when she tried to walk away and she’ll probably have a bruise there tomorrow,” John protested. “Way to go, Toby.”
“You call me that again,” Tobias threatened, “and I’ll knock your block off.”
“Go ahead and try!” John replied.
“Cut it out, you two!” Mr. Matthews said. “You’re both going to stay here after school and we’ll talk about this at that time.”
Find Faith's books on Amazon by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Blum/e/B0...
June 4, 2015
A Dose of Danger
Today I welcome one of my favorite authors, Kim McMahill! Whats's up, Kim?
I am so very excited to announce the release of my first novel in nearly two years. I can’t believe it’s been that long, so I truly hope my romantic suspense story is worth the wait. I also can’t thank Carlene enough for hosting me on her blog so that I can share a little bit about me and my new novel, A Dose of Danger. Here’s a blurb and a short excerpt to whet your appetite.
A Dose of Danger
BLURB
When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they become targets of a group dedicated to controlling the multi-billion dollar a year diet-product industry. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch, and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
EXCERPT
“You already have more than a full-time career. This situation will most likely be long-term, so I need to get into a rhythm with the chores and my job, and not get too dependent upon your kindness and nice muscles,” she added with a shy smile.
“So you like my muscles?”
“Don’t let it go to your head, Deputy. Remember I work with a bunch of researchers, PhDs, and marketing executives.”
He laughed as he turned and walked out the door.
Grace stood on the porch and watched until the truck’s taillights disappeared over the rise.
Just my luck, I may have met “Mr. Right,” and the timing couldn’t be more wrong.
BIO
Kim McMahill grew up in Wyoming, which is where she developed her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. She started out writing non-fiction, but her passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival, and happily-ever-after endings soon drew her into a world of romantic suspense. Along with writing adventure novels Kim has also published over eighty travel and geographic articles, and contributed to a travel anthology and cookbook. When not writing, Kim enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.
Links
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dose-Danger-Kim...
Website: http://KimMcMahill.com
Blog: http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimmcmahill (@kimmcmahill)
I am so very excited to announce the release of my first novel in nearly two years. I can’t believe it’s been that long, so I truly hope my romantic suspense story is worth the wait. I also can’t thank Carlene enough for hosting me on her blog so that I can share a little bit about me and my new novel, A Dose of Danger. Here’s a blurb and a short excerpt to whet your appetite.A Dose of Danger
BLURB
When researcher Grace Talbot and her team discover a possible solution for weight loss they become targets of a group dedicated to controlling the multi-billion dollar a year diet-product industry. Her unsanctioned testing methods bring tragedy to the family ranch, and the attention of the local sheriff’s deputy. With her colleagues either dead, missing, or on the run she soon realizes she must trust the deputy with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
EXCERPT
“You already have more than a full-time career. This situation will most likely be long-term, so I need to get into a rhythm with the chores and my job, and not get too dependent upon your kindness and nice muscles,” she added with a shy smile.
“So you like my muscles?”
“Don’t let it go to your head, Deputy. Remember I work with a bunch of researchers, PhDs, and marketing executives.”
He laughed as he turned and walked out the door.
Grace stood on the porch and watched until the truck’s taillights disappeared over the rise.
Just my luck, I may have met “Mr. Right,” and the timing couldn’t be more wrong.
BIO
Kim McMahill grew up in Wyoming, which is where she developed her sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. She started out writing non-fiction, but her passion for exotic world travel, outrageous adventures, stories of survival, and happily-ever-after endings soon drew her into a world of romantic suspense. Along with writing adventure novels Kim has also published over eighty travel and geographic articles, and contributed to a travel anthology and cookbook. When not writing, Kim enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.
Links
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dose-Danger-Kim...
Website: http://KimMcMahill.com
Blog: http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimmcmahill (@kimmcmahill)
April 16, 2015
You Just Might Win!
April 10, 2015
Today is the Day!
Peggy Trotter has done it! Today, her book "Year of Jubilee" is officially released. Who is Peggy? Let me tell you...
Peggy Trotter has been writing something for over 30 years. The empty-nest syndrome set her to groping for a new direction, and wow, did God answer! Year of Jubilee, a Christian Historical Romance set in southern Indiana, will debut in April of 2015 through Prism Book Group. A second, a Contemporary Romance entitled, Reviving Jules, will follow in 2015 as well. She loves to reveal God’s miracles through the world’s underdogs and mix in a little love and happy endings.
She finaled in the Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest in 2013 in the inspirational Category, and is a 2014 ACFW Genesis Finalist in the Novella Category. Seldom does she stand still, but when she does, it’s to praise her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Creator of all gifts and Bestower of all blessings!
Now tell us about your book, Peggy!
Thanks, Carlene for hosting me on your Blog!!! Who am I, you ask? I’d be thrilled to introduce us!! I’m Peggy Trotter, Christian author!!! Incredibly please to meet all of you. Particularly fond of the !!!! in case you haven’t picked that up, but—silly me! Of course, you’ve got that!!!
Why am I here? Well, to introduce you to my debut novel, which I might add, I am pumped to reveal to you! I’ve been dabbling in writing for over 30 years, so seeing this publish, well, glory Hallelujah, is just the proverbial dream come true! It’s a Historical Christian Romance set in southern Indiana in 1850. Here’s a tasty morsel to whet your appetite! ;)
Orphaned and widowed, eighteen year old JUBILEE STALLINGS clings to her southern Indiana farm as her only refuge. The wilds of Gibson County are just being tamed in the year of 1850, and Jubilee ekes a meager existence. But when RAFE TANNER, a cousin of her abusive dead husband, shows up with the deed to her property, Jubilee’s dream of her own home dissolves.
Rafe, stinging from his ex-fiancée’s rejection, offers a business marriage, throwing him and Jubilee together in an effort to make the farm successful. But scars from the past keep her in constant fear of her new husband. The pair masquerades as a love-struck couple at Rafe’s family farm, enduring the romantic notions of his family and the jealousy of his ex-fiancée.
Once home, Rafe realizes his newfound love for Jubilee, and sets out to court her. Meanwhile, Jubilee fights demons from her past as her husband reveals his interest. Can Jubilee let go of her distrust and pain to embrace God’s plan of true love and finally find a place to belong?
Now that you have a little base, let me add there are loads of misunderstandings, which lead to many a oopsie and even some humorous situations! But overall it’s a tale of healing, hope, and revealing how God’s way is best.
I’m giving away a promotional copy~just leave a comment here for Carlene and you’ll be entered. Thanks for lettin’ me yak at you about my new release. Hope it blesses you!
You can find "Year of Jubilee" on Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Peggy Trotter has been writing something for over 30 years. The empty-nest syndrome set her to groping for a new direction, and wow, did God answer! Year of Jubilee, a Christian Historical Romance set in southern Indiana, will debut in April of 2015 through Prism Book Group. A second, a Contemporary Romance entitled, Reviving Jules, will follow in 2015 as well. She loves to reveal God’s miracles through the world’s underdogs and mix in a little love and happy endings.
She finaled in the Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest in 2013 in the inspirational Category, and is a 2014 ACFW Genesis Finalist in the Novella Category. Seldom does she stand still, but when she does, it’s to praise her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Creator of all gifts and Bestower of all blessings!
Now tell us about your book, Peggy!
Thanks, Carlene for hosting me on your Blog!!! Who am I, you ask? I’d be thrilled to introduce us!! I’m Peggy Trotter, Christian author!!! Incredibly please to meet all of you. Particularly fond of the !!!! in case you haven’t picked that up, but—silly me! Of course, you’ve got that!!!
Why am I here? Well, to introduce you to my debut novel, which I might add, I am pumped to reveal to you! I’ve been dabbling in writing for over 30 years, so seeing this publish, well, glory Hallelujah, is just the proverbial dream come true! It’s a Historical Christian Romance set in southern Indiana in 1850. Here’s a tasty morsel to whet your appetite! ;)
Orphaned and widowed, eighteen year old JUBILEE STALLINGS clings to her southern Indiana farm as her only refuge. The wilds of Gibson County are just being tamed in the year of 1850, and Jubilee ekes a meager existence. But when RAFE TANNER, a cousin of her abusive dead husband, shows up with the deed to her property, Jubilee’s dream of her own home dissolves.
Rafe, stinging from his ex-fiancée’s rejection, offers a business marriage, throwing him and Jubilee together in an effort to make the farm successful. But scars from the past keep her in constant fear of her new husband. The pair masquerades as a love-struck couple at Rafe’s family farm, enduring the romantic notions of his family and the jealousy of his ex-fiancée.
Once home, Rafe realizes his newfound love for Jubilee, and sets out to court her. Meanwhile, Jubilee fights demons from her past as her husband reveals his interest. Can Jubilee let go of her distrust and pain to embrace God’s plan of true love and finally find a place to belong?
Now that you have a little base, let me add there are loads of misunderstandings, which lead to many a oopsie and even some humorous situations! But overall it’s a tale of healing, hope, and revealing how God’s way is best.
I’m giving away a promotional copy~just leave a comment here for Carlene and you’ll be entered. Thanks for lettin’ me yak at you about my new release. Hope it blesses you!
You can find "Year of Jubilee" on Amazon and Barnes&Noble
January 15, 2015
Baxter Road Miracle
Daddy,
I used to bring you wildflowers. And pictures I colored at school. You gave me a doll house, remember? It was fun to choose your gifts. You never wanted a new shirt or trendy electronics. No, you preferred a well-made tool, some lumber, that crazy chandelier I found for you one year.
You always liked fried chicken, and seemed to enjoy it when we brought you candy. But that was when you knew me, when you recognized your wife and children by sight. Do you know we brought you new socks and underwear a few days ago? Does it matter that we replaced the blanket you’d worn out covering your face to shut out the light?
I wrote a book about you, Daddy. Maybe my memory is faulty, but the story reminds me of the way you were. If you were yourself, you’d read it and we’d reminisce about the good times we had. I’d like to think you still have those days stored inside, even though you are no longer able to speak of them. I know you won’t read “Baxter Road Miracle” but maybe someone will. I hope it gives them an appreciation of the idealistic dreamer you used to be.
This is the only gift I can give you now, Daddy. Maybe not much, but the best I can manage. Sweet dreams. See you soon.
Carlene
<>
I used to bring you wildflowers. And pictures I colored at school. You gave me a doll house, remember? It was fun to choose your gifts. You never wanted a new shirt or trendy electronics. No, you preferred a well-made tool, some lumber, that crazy chandelier I found for you one year.
You always liked fried chicken, and seemed to enjoy it when we brought you candy. But that was when you knew me, when you recognized your wife and children by sight. Do you know we brought you new socks and underwear a few days ago? Does it matter that we replaced the blanket you’d worn out covering your face to shut out the light?
I wrote a book about you, Daddy. Maybe my memory is faulty, but the story reminds me of the way you were. If you were yourself, you’d read it and we’d reminisce about the good times we had. I’d like to think you still have those days stored inside, even though you are no longer able to speak of them. I know you won’t read “Baxter Road Miracle” but maybe someone will. I hope it gives them an appreciation of the idealistic dreamer you used to be.
This is the only gift I can give you now, Daddy. Maybe not much, but the best I can manage. Sweet dreams. See you soon.
Carlene
<>
September 8, 2014
The Giveaway is on!
Enter to win a signed copy of "The Scarlet Cord". A couple of clicks, and you're in the mix!
September 6, 2014
RIP Customer Service
An old song asked the musical question, “Whatever happened to Randolph Scott?” I think we forgot about him. That’s because Mr. Scott starred in movies hardly anyone watches anymore. The public simply hasn’t seen enough of Old Randy lately to recognize the square cut of his jaw, or remember how tall and straight he sat in the saddle.
You may wonder where I’m headed with this, but bear with me. Last week I was helping a relative with a routine chore. She needed to update information on several websites. Should be simple. Why would customer service even enter into the picture? Correct, Grasshopper, if you remember your userids and passwords (she didn’t) and haven’t locked your account with guesswork (she did).
No problem, I advised confidently. We can call that number on the screen. Yes, technically we could—to be told ever so politely, “We are unable to take your call right now.” That was followed by a recording assuring us how important each call is to the provider and how deeply they apologize for any inconvenience.
Never one to give up easily, I resorted to an on-line chat. To their regret, the provider was unable to do business with the customer AT ALL until she processed through a different website. Which I did for her. After obtaining a new password.
Upon returning to the original site, after dutifully doing as told, there was progress in that someone answered the telephone. The lovely lady’s finding was that my dear relative had no account, locked or unlocked, and never had possessed one. Exasperated by my question about why there was a charge for nonexistent service every month, the representative offered to open a new account. Her input of identifying information rejected. Duplicate!! What?? “Oh. Wait. Let me do a little more research…”
After a few hours, I finally did the simple update that started the whole crazy merry-go-round ride. I was frustrated, but not at all surprised. So what does that have to do with classic westerns? I seem to be seeing less and less of both old friends. Cheerful, efficient customer assistance is disappearing down the same dusty road where Randolph Scott rode off into the sunset—with much less panache.
Why did I sit in the cool, dark theater and cry when the lonesome cowboy rode away? Because he wasn’t coming back, and I knew I would miss him mightily. So long, partner.
Carlene Havel, Author of Love Stories
http://goo.gl/ugcII
You may wonder where I’m headed with this, but bear with me. Last week I was helping a relative with a routine chore. She needed to update information on several websites. Should be simple. Why would customer service even enter into the picture? Correct, Grasshopper, if you remember your userids and passwords (she didn’t) and haven’t locked your account with guesswork (she did).
No problem, I advised confidently. We can call that number on the screen. Yes, technically we could—to be told ever so politely, “We are unable to take your call right now.” That was followed by a recording assuring us how important each call is to the provider and how deeply they apologize for any inconvenience.
Never one to give up easily, I resorted to an on-line chat. To their regret, the provider was unable to do business with the customer AT ALL until she processed through a different website. Which I did for her. After obtaining a new password.
Upon returning to the original site, after dutifully doing as told, there was progress in that someone answered the telephone. The lovely lady’s finding was that my dear relative had no account, locked or unlocked, and never had possessed one. Exasperated by my question about why there was a charge for nonexistent service every month, the representative offered to open a new account. Her input of identifying information rejected. Duplicate!! What?? “Oh. Wait. Let me do a little more research…”
After a few hours, I finally did the simple update that started the whole crazy merry-go-round ride. I was frustrated, but not at all surprised. So what does that have to do with classic westerns? I seem to be seeing less and less of both old friends. Cheerful, efficient customer assistance is disappearing down the same dusty road where Randolph Scott rode off into the sunset—with much less panache.
Why did I sit in the cool, dark theater and cry when the lonesome cowboy rode away? Because he wasn’t coming back, and I knew I would miss him mightily. So long, partner.
Carlene Havel, Author of Love Stories
http://goo.gl/ugcII
May 20, 2014
What Size?
Recently I attempted to order a small soft drink at a fast food chain. “We don’t have small,” the perky young woman at the counter advised me.
Intrigued, I asked, “What sizes of drink do you offer?” The choices were medium or large. I don’t really understand how medium can exist without both small and large for comparison. No doubt we could have had an interesting discussion on the topic. However, rather than pursue this conversation I opted for a medium drink. It turned out to be more expensive but exactly the same number of ounces as the now defunct “small” size.
I can still get a small, medium, or large drink at a trendy coffee shop, provided I learn a foreign language. Beats me how tall can equal small, but that’s nothing compared to the angst of remembering to say “venti” for the largest size. At least I think it’s the largest. I’m pretty sure there’s something roughly equivalent to medium in between tall and venti, but I can’t remember what it is. Be assured there’s no relationship between the word and the concept of size in my mind.
Remember “one size fits all”? I haven’t seen one of those for ages. Now the tag reads, “One size fits most.” I suppose we are no longer expected to have the common sense to know a newborn can’t wear a poncho designed for an average adult female. My Great Aunt Helen probably couldn't cover herself with that garment either, and I’d bet the dimmest bulb among us can figure out why.
Oh, wait, that term “common sense” may be at the core of all this confusion. It seems to be lost in a sea of rhetoric, along with me. Guess it's not a big issue. Excuse me, I suppose I should say non pas venti, no?
-Carlene Havel
-Author of Love Stories http://goo.gl/ugcII
Intrigued, I asked, “What sizes of drink do you offer?” The choices were medium or large. I don’t really understand how medium can exist without both small and large for comparison. No doubt we could have had an interesting discussion on the topic. However, rather than pursue this conversation I opted for a medium drink. It turned out to be more expensive but exactly the same number of ounces as the now defunct “small” size.
I can still get a small, medium, or large drink at a trendy coffee shop, provided I learn a foreign language. Beats me how tall can equal small, but that’s nothing compared to the angst of remembering to say “venti” for the largest size. At least I think it’s the largest. I’m pretty sure there’s something roughly equivalent to medium in between tall and venti, but I can’t remember what it is. Be assured there’s no relationship between the word and the concept of size in my mind.
Remember “one size fits all”? I haven’t seen one of those for ages. Now the tag reads, “One size fits most.” I suppose we are no longer expected to have the common sense to know a newborn can’t wear a poncho designed for an average adult female. My Great Aunt Helen probably couldn't cover herself with that garment either, and I’d bet the dimmest bulb among us can figure out why.
Oh, wait, that term “common sense” may be at the core of all this confusion. It seems to be lost in a sea of rhetoric, along with me. Guess it's not a big issue. Excuse me, I suppose I should say non pas venti, no?
-Carlene Havel
-Author of Love Stories http://goo.gl/ugcII
