Cheryl Seagraves's Blog, page 2
September 1, 2013
Parental Mishaps
Flashback 1984: It’s a bright sunshiny day and the dad decides to give mommy a break by taking their two year old daughter out for a while. He takes a turn a little too sharply, and not realizing that he forgot to secure the car seat in with the seat belt, is momentarily caught off guard when he hears the loud thump of the car seat falling face first into the floor board. The toddler’s surprised cries soon follow and the daddy pulls over to pick up his crying daughter and buckle the seat in this time. When he picks up the seat and turns it towards him he is thrown into a panic by the sight of the red chunky liquid he sees dribbling down his daughter’s chin as she wails in distress. He quickly takes the child out of the seat and holds her close thinking she had chewed through her tongue or something worse. When she is sufficiently soothed he looks down to inspect her injuries, thinking his wife is gonna kill him, and hoping the baby is not permanently damaged he pats her down checking for other booboos. Something he does amuses the child, she giggles, and tries to thrust a red jelly bean into her daddy’s mouth. Relief floods through him as he looks around and sees the rest of the jelly beans strewn in the van. The relief he felt was indescribable and he laughs about it now. This is just one story my dad has shared with me about the joys of parenthood, the first of many minor mistakes of which I can totally relate now that I am grown with children of my own. We have this great responsibility to care for these little individuals that God has trusted us with and sometimes we mess up, look around to see if anyone else saw that, and wonder how they will survive with us as their parents. My parents raised me to view the world with humor and forgiveness. I have some amazing experiences that serve as a guide as I do my best raising my kids thanks to them. So to all the breast feeding mothers who have dropped a cell phone on their baby’s head while nursing. To all the parents who left a razor within the child’s reach and had to learn first aid for razor cuts on the tongue, or ever had to take a daughter to get a corrective hair cut after she played beauty salon with scissors that you forgot to put away. To anyone who ever had to figure out how to retrieve a tiny toy from a youngsters nose, don’t be too hard on yourself, you’ll get better with time. They’ll be fine despite your human errors and one day together you’ll all sit back and have a good laugh.
Your Favorite Song
You Favorite SongbyCheryl Seagraves
There are no words that I could say that could help to erase this sorrowful day.Nothing I can do to heal your heart, nothing to make your pain go away.This child you’ve watched to grow and love, but now lostIs forever a memory in our minds. Forever a picture in our hearts.The one resounding word that troubles our thoughts, the question on all our tongues is this…Why?Why? I would give anything to tell you that answer and know it myselfI have no answersI will keep him in my mind pictured as a fifteen year old boyA fun loving kid who loves the sun, who loves to runPlease do not retreat into your griefPlease do not try to hide away in painLet your tears fall like the rain if you have toLet us wrap you in a warm embrace, touch your tear stained faceKnow he loves you and watches you from the sunHe wouldn’t want you to spend your days crying, always askingThe futile question that is sure to torture your soulLook through the dark and stormy clouds, towards that golden sunWhen it seems impossible for you to go onFeel the warm breeze on your cheek, remember him like a songPicture his smiling face, his good nature, and laughterYour pain I can’t imagineYou are in my thoughts, in every prayerIf it seems too hard to bearPlease promise me this one thing I’m askingThat you will trust me when I sayThat time will ease that sharpened painMake it dull and fade awayRemember he loves youHe’s forever in your heartIn time the burning questionWill turn into a tuneHis smiling answer will come to youLike a whisper in your ear, you’ll hear his lyricsAs you remember himLike that unforgettable melody Cherish the time you had togetherAs you go alongLoving him foreverLoving him…Your favorite song
There are no words that I could say that could help to erase this sorrowful day.Nothing I can do to heal your heart, nothing to make your pain go away.This child you’ve watched to grow and love, but now lostIs forever a memory in our minds. Forever a picture in our hearts.The one resounding word that troubles our thoughts, the question on all our tongues is this…Why?Why? I would give anything to tell you that answer and know it myselfI have no answersI will keep him in my mind pictured as a fifteen year old boyA fun loving kid who loves the sun, who loves to runPlease do not retreat into your griefPlease do not try to hide away in painLet your tears fall like the rain if you have toLet us wrap you in a warm embrace, touch your tear stained faceKnow he loves you and watches you from the sunHe wouldn’t want you to spend your days crying, always askingThe futile question that is sure to torture your soulLook through the dark and stormy clouds, towards that golden sunWhen it seems impossible for you to go onFeel the warm breeze on your cheek, remember him like a songPicture his smiling face, his good nature, and laughterYour pain I can’t imagineYou are in my thoughts, in every prayerIf it seems too hard to bearPlease promise me this one thing I’m askingThat you will trust me when I sayThat time will ease that sharpened painMake it dull and fade awayRemember he loves youHe’s forever in your heartIn time the burning questionWill turn into a tuneHis smiling answer will come to youLike a whisper in your ear, you’ll hear his lyricsAs you remember himLike that unforgettable melody Cherish the time you had togetherAs you go alongLoving him foreverLoving him…Your favorite song
August 26, 2013
Wow what a reality check!
All right here we go...
First of all I want to say that I was pumped and excited about the new morning, I could definitely tell that the B-12 shot they gave me the day before had really kicked in! I woke early and for once I didn't want to press that snooze button.I took my multivitamin, my chromium, and my...Duh duh DUMMM... HCG shot, like a pro y'all!The day was going great so far, I didn't have to practically crawl to the kitchen to get my Monster, I felt for lack of a better word perky. Me perky, at 7AM? Yeah, that is gonna takes some getting used to. Instead of my morning jolt of my favorite energy drink I went to grab a snack, a healthy snack. That's when I did something that I never do and I looked at the nutrition label. I was ready to be super proud of me, until I looked at the total fat...per serving... 6 grams of total fat in my oats n honey granola bar. That doesn't sound like much, but I have rules to live by now! I'm only supposed to eat 10-12 grams TOTAL, per day. WHAT?! After thinking if I eat this right now, That's almost half of all I can have for the whole day! And it wasn't even eight yet. SO I'm not gonna lie to you, panic had begun to set in, and I thought I wasn't going to be a able to do this. I stared disappointed at that granola bar, defeated I started to throw in the towel. On my second day of the new me, mind you. While crunching on my granola bar breakfast, I soon realized how I really wasn't even hungry. In fact I felt like I was forcing my self to eat it.I looked at the package laying on the counter, about the same size and shape as a dollar, and I had a light bulb moment.I busted it into four pieces, grabbed an apple, cut it in half, and a banana did the same to it, and put them all into plastic baggies. There, I was done. I was munching on one and I had three more breakfasts ready to eat for the next few days.I had 1/2 a cup of skim milk, 1/4 of the granola I would normally have eaten, and 1/2 of a banana...and you know what?! I was full...Not the same kind of full I would be after a heaping pile of breakfast at the Huddle House, but a satisfied less heavy I can hardly breath because I ate too much full. I had a revelation...I can do this! It's going to take some thought and planning, and even a concentrated effort to eat on my part, but it can be done.I know it's not going to be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is!
First of all I want to say that I was pumped and excited about the new morning, I could definitely tell that the B-12 shot they gave me the day before had really kicked in! I woke early and for once I didn't want to press that snooze button.I took my multivitamin, my chromium, and my...Duh duh DUMMM... HCG shot, like a pro y'all!The day was going great so far, I didn't have to practically crawl to the kitchen to get my Monster, I felt for lack of a better word perky. Me perky, at 7AM? Yeah, that is gonna takes some getting used to. Instead of my morning jolt of my favorite energy drink I went to grab a snack, a healthy snack. That's when I did something that I never do and I looked at the nutrition label. I was ready to be super proud of me, until I looked at the total fat...per serving... 6 grams of total fat in my oats n honey granola bar. That doesn't sound like much, but I have rules to live by now! I'm only supposed to eat 10-12 grams TOTAL, per day. WHAT?! After thinking if I eat this right now, That's almost half of all I can have for the whole day! And it wasn't even eight yet. SO I'm not gonna lie to you, panic had begun to set in, and I thought I wasn't going to be a able to do this. I stared disappointed at that granola bar, defeated I started to throw in the towel. On my second day of the new me, mind you. While crunching on my granola bar breakfast, I soon realized how I really wasn't even hungry. In fact I felt like I was forcing my self to eat it.I looked at the package laying on the counter, about the same size and shape as a dollar, and I had a light bulb moment.I busted it into four pieces, grabbed an apple, cut it in half, and a banana did the same to it, and put them all into plastic baggies. There, I was done. I was munching on one and I had three more breakfasts ready to eat for the next few days.I had 1/2 a cup of skim milk, 1/4 of the granola I would normally have eaten, and 1/2 of a banana...and you know what?! I was full...Not the same kind of full I would be after a heaping pile of breakfast at the Huddle House, but a satisfied less heavy I can hardly breath because I ate too much full. I had a revelation...I can do this! It's going to take some thought and planning, and even a concentrated effort to eat on my part, but it can be done.I know it's not going to be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is!
August 24, 2013
My review for Ripple by El Farris
<a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16283349-ripple" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Ripple: A Tale of Hope and Redemption" border="0" src="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1374949914m/16283349.jpg" /></a><a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16283349-ripple">Ripple: A Tale of Hope and Redemption</a> by <a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6645458.E_L_Farris">E.L. Farris</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/702377298">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Upon opening the pages of this book I was immediately taken to that place, that place where I felt as if I was in someone else’s home. Among their personal things. You know that feeling, right? Guilty because they could come in and find you reading their thoughts meant for them alone, but you are compelled to keep reading. You read because you’re curious, but you know you might not like what you find in those pages. You get so engrossed, you won’t be able to stop reading until you are satisfied and you know everything. That’s how I felt from beginning to end.<br />I love to read, but I usually steer clear of anything too, too heavy. I don’t watch the news because I find it hard not to lose sleep if I hear the sometimes gruesome details of the day’s top stories, this book still caught my eye and held onto my heart. I could not stop reading. The subject matter of sexual abuse is more than disturbing. I would love nothing more than to keep my head buried in the comfort of naiveté and ignorance, but every once in a while I have to remind myself that evil does exist. People are capable of inflicting profound harm and abuse on one another for reasons beyond my understanding, but this book is a true testament to the amazing strength and resilience that I have witnessed among many women. Women like the characters in this story that one would think could hardly go on after some of the hell that plagues their hearts and plays within their troubled minds. Women that prove that they have the capacity to learn from, lean on, and support one another through the unthinkable, and not only survive, but to thrive and help others, even when they struggle with self-doubt.<br />I was compelled, disgusted, engrossed, and often I found myself not only sympathetic to these courageous women, but charmed by them as well. They had me in their corner from the get go. I’m recommending this book to any one that can carve out some time to indulge in a story that captivates the heart and imagination, while at the same time providing the environment for some very real healing to begin. <br />I was given this book from the author for an honest review, and am ever so thankful that she did. <br />
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12549395-cheryl-seagraves">View all my reviews</a>
My rating: <a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/702377298">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Upon opening the pages of this book I was immediately taken to that place, that place where I felt as if I was in someone else’s home. Among their personal things. You know that feeling, right? Guilty because they could come in and find you reading their thoughts meant for them alone, but you are compelled to keep reading. You read because you’re curious, but you know you might not like what you find in those pages. You get so engrossed, you won’t be able to stop reading until you are satisfied and you know everything. That’s how I felt from beginning to end.<br />I love to read, but I usually steer clear of anything too, too heavy. I don’t watch the news because I find it hard not to lose sleep if I hear the sometimes gruesome details of the day’s top stories, this book still caught my eye and held onto my heart. I could not stop reading. The subject matter of sexual abuse is more than disturbing. I would love nothing more than to keep my head buried in the comfort of naiveté and ignorance, but every once in a while I have to remind myself that evil does exist. People are capable of inflicting profound harm and abuse on one another for reasons beyond my understanding, but this book is a true testament to the amazing strength and resilience that I have witnessed among many women. Women like the characters in this story that one would think could hardly go on after some of the hell that plagues their hearts and plays within their troubled minds. Women that prove that they have the capacity to learn from, lean on, and support one another through the unthinkable, and not only survive, but to thrive and help others, even when they struggle with self-doubt.<br />I was compelled, disgusted, engrossed, and often I found myself not only sympathetic to these courageous women, but charmed by them as well. They had me in their corner from the get go. I’m recommending this book to any one that can carve out some time to indulge in a story that captivates the heart and imagination, while at the same time providing the environment for some very real healing to begin. <br />I was given this book from the author for an honest review, and am ever so thankful that she did. <br />
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://cherylseagraves.blogspot.com/2...http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12549395-cheryl-seagraves">View all my reviews</a>
August 23, 2013
Day one of my weight loss journey...8/23/2013... I have to do what?!
So those of you who know me know that while I don't eat a lot, I tend to skip morning meals in favor of a Monster and maybe on a good day I'll have a granola bar with it. By the time dinner time comes around I'm starving and I'll overindulge then. I usually keep busy with all my daily plans and my kids, but then after I eat, I'm plumb tuckered out and all I wanna do is hop under the covers, read for a few then go straight to sleep.
My eating and sleeping patterns are way out of whack and I have got to do something. Although most people do not know this just by looking at me, I weigh 209 lbs. and that is ten pounds less than when reality set in and I decided enough is enough, I can't breath anymore!
This is me now, weighing in at209 . Which would be fine if I was seven feet tall, but I'm 5 ft 3" on good days, It is time for a change. I'm visiting my friends at
Vitality Med Spa...
http://www.vitalitymedspamd.com/medical-weight-loss
They greeted me with warm smiles, the little nurse that helped me, bless her little twenty year old soul assured me that I am setting myself up for success and together we'll get through this! She's not just an employee, she's also a client, for real I'm not just joking you!
I personally thought she'd never ever really needed any type of help with weight loss. She was beautiful in person, in her before and after pictures, but knowing that she'd tried the products and had adhered to the diet was an added bonus.
They were all beautiful in that office, in fact I left feeling quite optimistic, when in fact when I walked in at first I felt sort of intimidated by the lovely ladies that were all so nicely put together! They seemed happy to be there, happy to see me, and happy to help. I'm looking forward to seeing them more often.
So, so long to my much loved Monsters, So long late night snacks, and hello to daily HCG shots, multi vitamins, appitite suppressants, and a whole new way of living, yeah I'm saying hello to a new healthier more confident me ... Wish me luck
I have been choosing to live an unhealthy life style for way too long...
My eating and sleeping patterns are way out of whack and I have got to do something. Although most people do not know this just by looking at me, I weigh 209 lbs. and that is ten pounds less than when reality set in and I decided enough is enough, I can't breath anymore!
This is me now, weighing in at209 . Which would be fine if I was seven feet tall, but I'm 5 ft 3" on good days, It is time for a change. I'm visiting my friends atVitality Med Spa...
http://www.vitalitymedspamd.com/medical-weight-loss
They greeted me with warm smiles, the little nurse that helped me, bless her little twenty year old soul assured me that I am setting myself up for success and together we'll get through this! She's not just an employee, she's also a client, for real I'm not just joking you!
I personally thought she'd never ever really needed any type of help with weight loss. She was beautiful in person, in her before and after pictures, but knowing that she'd tried the products and had adhered to the diet was an added bonus.
They were all beautiful in that office, in fact I left feeling quite optimistic, when in fact when I walked in at first I felt sort of intimidated by the lovely ladies that were all so nicely put together! They seemed happy to be there, happy to see me, and happy to help. I'm looking forward to seeing them more often.
So, so long to my much loved Monsters, So long late night snacks, and hello to daily HCG shots, multi vitamins, appitite suppressants, and a whole new way of living, yeah I'm saying hello to a new healthier more confident me ... Wish me luck
I have been choosing to live an unhealthy life style for way too long...
August 17, 2013
The Reading Frenzy: Interview with debut author Cheryl Seagraves who ...
The Reading Frenzy: Interview with debut author Cheryl Seagraves who ...: Please welcome debut author Cheryl Seagraves whose novel Life Over Love is about a subject matter that may be hard to read but important...
August 16, 2013
Interview The Author
8/16/2013
Name: Dawn Marie Hamilton
Location: Southern Maryland
Question:what are you working on at the moment?
In May, I published the first Novel in my Highland Gardens series—Scottish Historical Time Travel Romance with Faeries—‘Just beyond the Garden Gate’. In September, I will release the second novel, ‘just once in a verra blue moon’. I’m also writing the third novel and a holiday novella for the series.
Question: Did you publish with a traditional publishing house or did you go the indie route?
For the Highland Gardens series, I took the indie route. I work with a freelance editor and design the covers myself. I’m enjoying the experience.
Question: what advise do you have for other writer’s in your genre? Book Trends are circular. They come and go and return. Write what you are passionate about.
Question: who or what inspired you to start writing?
I started writing a journal as a preteen. I wrote short stories in High school and my honors English teacher encouraged me to continue. College and career got in the way until about ten years ago. I had been travelling a lot for business and reading on long trips. While in Brussels, I saw a hunk-worthy highlander advertising whisky on a billboard. I decided I wanted to write about sexy highlanders and the woman who love them.
Question: how long have you been writing?
About ten years ago I started writing seriously. When I finished the first book, I joined Romance writers of America (RWA®) and learned I didn’t know any of the rules. I joined several on-line chapters, took workshops, and joined a critique group. Now I know what rules to break.
Question: what other books or works have you published?
It’s not published yet, but the first novel in a Scottish inspired, gender bending Paranormal is out for submission. ‘Sea Panther’, the first novel in the Crimson Storm series was a RWA 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist.
Question: what is your favorite book?
I have so many favorites. One book I return to over and over is ‘Faeries’ Described and illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee. I love all things magical.
Question: what works best for you when writing? Meaning do you outline or write freely when you feel inspired to do so?
I begin a story with an outline and then use a storyboard with colored Post-it notes that I can manipulate while I write. Each Point Of view character has a different color as do plot threads.
Question: for other authors who may be struggling what advice can you on handling rejection?
Celebrate every small success. When a rejection or bad review comes in, treat yourself to a piece of chocolate, a good soak in the tub, or something else special and keep writing. Dare to dream.
any links you would like your readers to check out?
‘Just Beyond the garden Gate’ For Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVXMS04
‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ For Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-beyond-the-garden-gate-dawn-marie-hamilton/1115477122?ean=2940016591100&itm=1&usri=2940016591100
Blog: http://dawnmariehamilton.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.dawnmariehamilton.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dawnmariehamiltonTwitter: https://twitter.com/DawnM_Hamilton
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DawnMarieHamilton
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorDawnMarieHamilton
Author Bio:Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she’s cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks with her husband.
Book blurb for ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’:The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.
Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.
Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.
With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?
Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate'...
Thank you so Much Dawn, for talking the time to let me interview you! I'm looking forward to checking out your work!
Name: Dawn Marie Hamilton
Location: Southern Maryland
Question:what are you working on at the moment?
In May, I published the first Novel in my Highland Gardens series—Scottish Historical Time Travel Romance with Faeries—‘Just beyond the Garden Gate’. In September, I will release the second novel, ‘just once in a verra blue moon’. I’m also writing the third novel and a holiday novella for the series.
Question: Did you publish with a traditional publishing house or did you go the indie route?
For the Highland Gardens series, I took the indie route. I work with a freelance editor and design the covers myself. I’m enjoying the experience.
Question: what advise do you have for other writer’s in your genre? Book Trends are circular. They come and go and return. Write what you are passionate about.
Question: who or what inspired you to start writing?
I started writing a journal as a preteen. I wrote short stories in High school and my honors English teacher encouraged me to continue. College and career got in the way until about ten years ago. I had been travelling a lot for business and reading on long trips. While in Brussels, I saw a hunk-worthy highlander advertising whisky on a billboard. I decided I wanted to write about sexy highlanders and the woman who love them.
Question: how long have you been writing?
About ten years ago I started writing seriously. When I finished the first book, I joined Romance writers of America (RWA®) and learned I didn’t know any of the rules. I joined several on-line chapters, took workshops, and joined a critique group. Now I know what rules to break.
Question: what other books or works have you published?
It’s not published yet, but the first novel in a Scottish inspired, gender bending Paranormal is out for submission. ‘Sea Panther’, the first novel in the Crimson Storm series was a RWA 2013 Golden Heart® Finalist.
Question: what is your favorite book?
I have so many favorites. One book I return to over and over is ‘Faeries’ Described and illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee. I love all things magical.
Question: what works best for you when writing? Meaning do you outline or write freely when you feel inspired to do so?
I begin a story with an outline and then use a storyboard with colored Post-it notes that I can manipulate while I write. Each Point Of view character has a different color as do plot threads.
Question: for other authors who may be struggling what advice can you on handling rejection?
Celebrate every small success. When a rejection or bad review comes in, treat yourself to a piece of chocolate, a good soak in the tub, or something else special and keep writing. Dare to dream.
any links you would like your readers to check out?
‘Just Beyond the garden Gate’ For Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CVXMS04
‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’ For Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-beyond-the-garden-gate-dawn-marie-hamilton/1115477122?ean=2940016591100&itm=1&usri=2940016591100
Blog: http://dawnmariehamilton.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.dawnmariehamilton.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dawnmariehamiltonTwitter: https://twitter.com/DawnM_Hamilton
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DawnMarieHamilton
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorDawnMarieHamilton
Author Bio:Dawn Marie Hamilton dares you to dream. She is a 2013 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist who pens Scottish-inspired fantasy and paranormal romance. Some of her tales are rife with mischief-making faeries, brownies, and other fae creatures. More tormented souls—shape shifters, vampires, and maybe a zombie or two—stalk across the pages of other stories. She is a member of The Golden Network, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and From the Heart chapters of RWA. When not writing, she’s cooking, gardening, or paddling the local creeks with her husband.
Book blurb for ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate’:The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.
Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.
Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.
With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?
Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with ‘Just Beyond the Garden Gate'...
Thank you so Much Dawn, for talking the time to let me interview you! I'm looking forward to checking out your work!
August 8, 2013
YOU MIGHT BE ONE EXHAUSTED MOMMY IF...
You bound out of bed as if on fire. Ready to check on a child, because your subconscious heard a tiny sound after dozing off, and you feel like it's 2 A.M.... but it's only really 10 P.M.
You forget to open your eyes wide enough to see that you poured your morning coffee into the baby's bottle instead of your favorite mug.
You don't have any cash to pay for your lunch because the only thing you've been carrying around in your purse is a couple of diapers, some loose Cheerios, and a Barbie doll head.
You are too tired to care and are fine with just eating the Cheerios.
You've been sporting the two toned look so long that you pat your self on the back for being so stylish when you see Loreal's new Ombre' hair dye line.(Maybe the experts over at Loreal just threw in the towel with that one, so many exhausted mommies, if you can't beat 'em or dye 'em in this case, join 'em!)
You cry real tears because your alarm goes off and it's time for you to go to work.
You cry real tears of joy if your alarm goes off and you realize it's your day off.
You return to work from your lunch break wearing a shirt with any combination of these things smeared/poured on it..boogies, spit up, food, condiment fingerprints, milk, chocolate milk, or breast milk.
You accidentally let your infant son tinkle on his own face during a night time diaper change.
You catch a giggle fit every time you think of your son doing that.
You look at your husband and wonder how many times he ever wet his own face.
You would pay good money for someone to take the kids for one night so you can have the night of your fantasies, to sleep soundly for a solid eight hours.
You go on vacation without the little ones and all you can recall from it are the uninterrupted naps you had while you were there.
You bore your friends and co workers while trying to describe your vacation nap time experience.
You feel as though the vacation were only a dream except for the fact that you have the credit card bill to show for it.
You actually buy hemorroid cream to apply under your sleep deprived puffy eyes.
You go home early from work and take a nap while the kids are at the baby sitter's, you feel so sneaky you laugh like the evil mastermind you truly are, before flopping down on the couch and passing out.
You jump up ten minutes into your impromptu siesta and freak out because you think you're late for work.
You pay for your gas and then go back to the car, jump in, and drive off without filling her up.
You still can't figure out why you ran out of gas on the way to where ever you were going in the first place.
Your kids start calling you by your first name because your brain started tuning out Mom, Mommy, Momma a long time ago. "Cheryl!"
"What? Oh, were you talking to me?"
These and many many more are symptoms that you might be one exhausted mom, but the all time true proof that you are one exhausted mommy is if
You freak out in the parking lot, saying "where's the baby?" Until either your husband or oldest child says..." You're holding her Momma."
August 7, 2013
INTERVIEW THE AUTHOR: KATE PAPAS
Name: Kate Papas 8/7/2013Location: Athens -Greece
Question:what are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I’m working on my second humorous book on Marriage. While the first one was a “warning” about what may happen to someone who decides to get married, in the second one I describe the everyday life of a married woman. Always in a humorous way.Question: Did you publish with a traditional publishing house or did you go the indie route?
In Greece, my country, both of my books have been released by a traditional Publishing House. As for the USA, I followed the Indie Route.Question: what advice do you have for other writer’s in your genre?
Be sincere! Be yourself! Since you write non-fiction (my genre), the best way to persuade or -even better- to charm people, is to say things as they really are (at least for you.)Question: who or what inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired by the little everyday things that torture all humans. I decided to present them in a humorous way, so that they lose their power on us.Question: what is the one thing you would do different with your writing if you could do it all over again?
If I could do it all over again, I would like to be more organized and dedicated to my writing. I also would have tried to publish my work(s) earlier.
Question: when did you actually start writing?
I remember myself writing since I was in my teens. I did it for myself. But I’ve been keeping most of this writing material in drawers and closets. Part of it is printable and maybe one day I decide to publish it.Question: what do you find most rewarding about being an author?
The most rewarding thing about being an author is not just one but many more. I’ll restrict to the most important ones: A feeling of creativity and fulfillment plus the fact that you never get bored or feel alone (writing is a woman’s -and a man's- best friend!) It also makes you happy to see how impressed other people look when they hear you’re a writer. Consider it vain or not, but every writer feels excited by other people's admiration. And if it happens that your book(s) sell well, then you feel happy not only about the money you earn from your writing,-but -overall- because you feel successful.
Question: what works best for you when writing? Meaning do you outline or write freely when you feel inspired to do so?
I almost never outline. I write whenever I feel inspired. Sometimes, though, when an idea occurs to me and I’m busy (it happens all the time!) I write it down in order to develop it later.Question: for other authors who may be struggling what advice can you give on handling rejection?
Keep on writing! It’s good for your soul. Vassili Vassilikos, an internationally known Greek author, once said: “It's better to collaborate with a typographer than with a psychoanalyst.”
A HUGE THANK YOU KATE!Thanks for letting me interview you and I'd like to say how much I appreciate your work that fights against the mundane by injecting humor into the lives of others. I've so enjoyed reading your answers and getting to know you even a little through our correspondences, keep up the good work, and as always keep writing!!!
CHECK OUT KATE'S WORK AT:
www.amazon.com http://amzn.to/PF0WIp www.askdavid.com http://bit.ly/13v08dU Follow me on Twitter: http://bit.ly/13v7iia
Meet me on FB: http://on.fb.me/13v7TjR
Question:what are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I’m working on my second humorous book on Marriage. While the first one was a “warning” about what may happen to someone who decides to get married, in the second one I describe the everyday life of a married woman. Always in a humorous way.Question: Did you publish with a traditional publishing house or did you go the indie route?
In Greece, my country, both of my books have been released by a traditional Publishing House. As for the USA, I followed the Indie Route.Question: what advice do you have for other writer’s in your genre?
Be sincere! Be yourself! Since you write non-fiction (my genre), the best way to persuade or -even better- to charm people, is to say things as they really are (at least for you.)Question: who or what inspired you to start writing?
I was inspired by the little everyday things that torture all humans. I decided to present them in a humorous way, so that they lose their power on us.Question: what is the one thing you would do different with your writing if you could do it all over again?
If I could do it all over again, I would like to be more organized and dedicated to my writing. I also would have tried to publish my work(s) earlier.
Question: when did you actually start writing?
I remember myself writing since I was in my teens. I did it for myself. But I’ve been keeping most of this writing material in drawers and closets. Part of it is printable and maybe one day I decide to publish it.Question: what do you find most rewarding about being an author?
The most rewarding thing about being an author is not just one but many more. I’ll restrict to the most important ones: A feeling of creativity and fulfillment plus the fact that you never get bored or feel alone (writing is a woman’s -and a man's- best friend!) It also makes you happy to see how impressed other people look when they hear you’re a writer. Consider it vain or not, but every writer feels excited by other people's admiration. And if it happens that your book(s) sell well, then you feel happy not only about the money you earn from your writing,-but -overall- because you feel successful.
Question: what works best for you when writing? Meaning do you outline or write freely when you feel inspired to do so?
I almost never outline. I write whenever I feel inspired. Sometimes, though, when an idea occurs to me and I’m busy (it happens all the time!) I write it down in order to develop it later.Question: for other authors who may be struggling what advice can you give on handling rejection?
Keep on writing! It’s good for your soul. Vassili Vassilikos, an internationally known Greek author, once said: “It's better to collaborate with a typographer than with a psychoanalyst.”
A HUGE THANK YOU KATE!Thanks for letting me interview you and I'd like to say how much I appreciate your work that fights against the mundane by injecting humor into the lives of others. I've so enjoyed reading your answers and getting to know you even a little through our correspondences, keep up the good work, and as always keep writing!!!
CHECK OUT KATE'S WORK AT:
www.amazon.com http://amzn.to/PF0WIp www.askdavid.com http://bit.ly/13v08dU Follow me on Twitter: http://bit.ly/13v7iia
Meet me on FB: http://on.fb.me/13v7TjR
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