M.J. Compton's Blog, page 41
October 4, 2017
“Mexican” Stuffed Shells
I found this recipe on Facebook and have seen it pinned all over Pinterest. It’s a lot easier to make than it sounds. Trust me. I tend to use the mild taco seasoning/salsa/taco sauce because some people aren’t into spicy. But if you want medium or hot, go for it! Ingredients 1 pound ground beef […]
October 1, 2017
Homemade Cookies
We rarely had store-bought cookies when I was growing up. Except for Oreos, of course. Mom was a full-time homemaker and there were almost always fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies when we got off the school bus. My grandmothers were cookie makers, too. I still have Grandma T’s recipe for half-moon cookies. And I was traumatized […]
September 27, 2017
I Had Cousins
My husband and I come from very different backgrounds. He grew up in an apartment in the Bronx. I grew up in rural upstate New York. His parents sent him to sleep-away camp for two months every summer. My parents had nieces and nephews. My husband had color wars with other bunks. I had cousins. […]
September 24, 2017
Book Reading Bingo: Erotica
The other day I was looking for books to fill in squares on my Book Reading Bingo card and came across a book given to me by a friend that claimed to be Erotica, which was an open square on my card. The Dirty Secret by Kira A. Gold is so much more than erotica. I […]
September 20, 2017
Capitolfest 15: A Snapshot
My husband and I attend a silent/early talky film festival every summer. Each year, Capitolfest focuses on one artist who worked in the silent era and transitioned to early talkies. This year’s featured artist was Fay Wray, primarily known for her role in King Kong. Her daughter, Victoria Riskin, is writing a book about her […]
September 17, 2017
September 17: Constitution Day
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. If you’d like to read […]
September 13, 2017
National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
I tried to teach my children to cook before they went to college. I think they got the basics down pat (although I’m certain they were much better at doing laundry). One summer, I decided that each week each child would find a recipe, make sure we had all the ingredients on hand, and cook […]
September 10, 2017
Swapping Ideas
Yes, there really is such a thing as National Swap Ideas Day. And it’s today! Authors will recognize this as another way of saying “brainstorm.” I love to brainstorm. I could not write without my critique group. When someone shares a scene and asks for input, the ideas from others start flying. My local RWA chapter […]
September 6, 2017
National Read A Book Day
Personally, I think everyone should read a book every day. I read the way many people I know watch television. As a general rule, I do not watch television. Watching television is something that doesn’t occur to me when I’m looking for something to do. My brain isn’t wired that way. And you know what’s […]
September 3, 2017
Bowl Me Over
Today is National Bowling League Day. No, I am not a bowler. I haven’t bowled since high school, and I don’t miss it at all. The reason I chose this topic for today is because of scenes depicting bowling in the media. My favorite bowling scene in a romance novel is from Kristan Higgins’ Catch […]
