M.J. Compton's Blog, page 12

MJ Monday-Music: Protest Music

I came of age in a time of civil unrest: Women’s Rights, Civil Rights, an anti-war movement. The music from that era formed the soundtrack of my life. Haunting melodies, biting lyrics–they were songs that stuck. For the past several years, I’ve been waiting for a new batch of music. The current generation needs fresh … Continue reading MJ Monday-Music: Protest Music

Thursday Thought-Things I Don’t Get: Food Art

Social Media brings some interesting things into our lives. Take food as art for example. I’ve seen stunning creations. Like a peacock wedding cake. Or this face. Or this cake. Or this truly awesome Halloween concoction? I understand that presentation is important. But when presentation becomes the thing instead of flavor, I’m gone. Who wants … Continue reading Thursday Thought-Things I Don’t Get: Food Art

MJ Monday-Movies: Bottle Shock

I hadn’t heard of this movie until the wonderful Alan Rickman died. Not only was Rickman in the movie, but also Bill Pullman (While You Were Sleeping) and Chris Pine (Star Trek reboot). Worth checking out for the cast alone. The topic was another go-to for me: (from the IMDB):  the story of the early days … Continue reading MJ Monday-Movies: Bottle Shock

BOOK REVIEW-LINDA HOWARD: TO DIE FOR

To Die For is the first book in a two-part series Linda Howard wrote in first person. The heroine. Blair Mallory, is a ditzy but savvy former cheerleader who now owns her own health club.  A murder at the health club returns her to the attention of a former NFL star-turned homicide detective she once … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW-LINDA HOWARD: TO DIE FOR

MJ Monday-Meals: My Food Foibles-Hard Boiled Eggs

As much as I loathe grocery shopping, I do find myself annoyed that the current pandemic (and my children’s insistence that I don’t go out) prevents me from cooking a wider of variety of meals and experimenting more with recipes. So this month’s edition of MJ’s Meals is more like a cautionary tale. My husband … Continue reading MJ Monday-Meals: My Food Foibles-Hard Boiled Eggs

Thursday Thought-Self Help: Discover Your Genius

Several years ago, I spent a year doing a self-awareness/improvement project, using a book called Make Your Creative Dreams Real by SARK as a guide.  She had quite a reading list in the book, and I read every single title that was available from my local public library. I ended up purchasing at least three of … Continue reading Thursday Thought-Self Help: Discover Your Genius

MJ Monday-Motivation: My Garden

I like the idea of gardening more than I like the task. Two years ago, my transformed back yard was a haven. Last year, I waited too long, and the person who was actually doing all the work vanished on me. It was still a nice place to be, but not as beautiful as it … Continue reading MJ Monday-Motivation: My Garden

Thursday Thought: Book Cover Heroes

One thing I’ve noticed when reading (older) series/category romance is the cover models frequently resemble actors. Now, this may be true of new issues, but I don’t know newer actors. Here are a few examples (from the late 1990s/early 2000s: Probably the least well-known, this guy looks like John Shea. I know John Shea from … Continue reading Thursday Thought: Book Cover Heroes

MJ Monday: Manuscript

As I type this blog, New York State is still “paused,” although that is scheduled to begin easing in some parts of the state at any moment. I shared my day job situation in an earlier blog post.  One of the things I deal with every day at the day job is despair. Some of … Continue reading MJ Monday: Manuscript

Thursday Thoughts: Polka Dots

Are polka dots a summer thing? I wondered this as I pulled on a fuchsia and white polka dog shirt the other day. I remembered with great fondness other polka dotted summer clothes: a red and white dress that flirted with my legs when I danced; a navy and white dress I always wore with … Continue reading Thursday Thoughts: Polka Dots