I was reading an article about how colorful and beautiful and generally awesome Holland's tulip fields are (I'm talking about the real Holland, in the Netherlands...this time) and they are. Amazing, stupendous, glorious and more. And that's just in the photos I've seen, because I haven't gotten close enough to see the real thing. Here's an example:
Of course, that reminded me that we (we, meaning my neighbors to the northeast) have our own Holland in Michigan, and Holland Michigan has their own Tulip Festival every May. Here are some images from that Holland.
Of course, there's nothing like seeing the original, I imagine. Things always look more wonderful up close, and a picture is never the same as being there, but at least there are plenty of tulips to go around. For more on the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival, visit their website.
How about you? Have you had your share of tulip wonderfulness yet today?
Happy tulip watching, wherever you go (mine are just beginning to bloom)!
I was watching a video the other day (via Miss Cellania) of how an hourglass is made (not just any hourglass, but a very fancy and stylish hourglass by designer Marc Newson. They cost either 9,500 or 13,000 Euros, equivalent to approximately 14,000 or 19,000 US dollars). I've always loved these "How Things are Made" films and this one is no different. It has compelling music and is just fun to watch:
It reminded me of a time years ago when I watched Mr. Rogers take a trip to the crayon factory. I have no idea if they still even make crayons in the states, but this video of that trip is still fun to watch. (I could listen to Mr. Rogers talk for hours. That man had a calming voice just perfect to make small children feel safe and important. We need more Mr. Rogers's in the world). Here's the video:
Have you ever taken a factory tour or watched someone recreate how things were once done at a historical reenactment?
I was reading an article this morning on 15 Most Stressful Jobs in the World. It's the kind of thing that comes out pretty frequently in one form or another (and yes, I'm on there, under Freelancer. and...while I don't feel that I, personally, have a particularly stressful job, that would all change if I were the sole support of my family. Low pay, no benefits and never knowing when your next payday is coming, or if there would ever be another paycheck, would be stressful. It's not a scary job by any means, but it's not for everyone).
On the other hand, most jobs are stressful to a degree. It's the nature of having to depend on work to make sure your family is fed, clothed and sheltered, but yes, some of the ones in the article are more stressful than the norm. (Click here to read the full article). But here's one I didn't see on the list. Ever since I saw this video last year of a man climbing a 1768 foot tower to do his job, I knew this was truly one of the most stressful jobs ever.
With the exception of my own, I couldn't do most of the jobs on this list (I'm not that brave), but I'm truly grateful that there are people braver and stronger than I am.
So...are there any jobs here that you'd be interested in doing? If not, what would your dream job be?
I am fascinated by optical illusions, even the ones that are sometimes frustrating to understand. Years ago, my husband to be (before he was my husband to be) gave me an M. C. Escher book and I still have it. I'm still fascinated. Below are some pavement paintings by artist Julian Beever. You may have seen his work elsewhere on the Internet. It's amazing, isn't it?
It's so hard to see that these are 2-dimensional images when I'm looking at them. Wonderful stuff. For more of Julian Beever's art, go to his website here. Make sure to click on the images to enlarge them.
So, which one was your favorite? I'm not sure I can decide. I do like the World image above, but the portable computer (on the website - not shown here) was pretty incredible, too.
I'm not sure what induces most people to buy books. For some, I'm sure it's the cover, maybe the back cover blurb or the title. All of those things are important to me, too, as a reader, but I also have a tendency to flip the book open and read the first couple of paragraphs to see if the book "sings" for me. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, because like most people, I try to be careful and make sure that what I'm buying is actually what I'll enjoy reading. And since I've been buying a lot of books, I've been a bit fixated on the openings of books (including my own since I want to make sure that I don't start to get lazy about book openings). I'm thinking about posting the first few lines of one of my books each week and working my way backwards to some of my older books. Not sure how or if that will play out, but for today, I thought I'd simply post the first lines of some books on my shelves. Here they are:
"More than a few residents of Wynette, Texas, thought Ted Beaudine was marrying beneath himself." -- from Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
"I come from Des Moines. Somebody had to." -- from The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
"Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood." -- from The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
"The year began with lunch." -- from A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
"I was born singing. Most babies cry. I sang an aria." -- from Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
"Sam Vimes sighed when he heard the scream, but he finished shaving before he did anything about it." -- from Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
"She was born on the night the witch tree fell." -- from Captivated by Nora Roberts
"Andie Miller sat in the reception room of her ex-husband's law office, holding on to ten years of uncashed alimony checks and a lot of unresolved rage. This is why I never came back here, she thought. Nothing wrong with repressed anger as long as it stays repressed." -- from Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie
And here's the first paragraph from my latest book, Riches to Rags Bride: "Genevieve Patchett stared at the solid mahogany door of the office where she was scheduled to have the first job interview of her life. Despite being twenty-six, she had an empty resume, a lot of explaining to do and a stack of bills so high that her throat closed up every time she looked at it. And Lucas McDowell, the man who held her future and her very survival in his hands, was reputed to be a cold, hard businessman who only hired the best. She was not the best."
So...what do you look for when you pick up a book? (Confession: if I think it may be a risky book in terms of how it ends, I have been known to read the last paragraph or two just to make sure I'm not going to throw the book across the room when I'm through with it). What are the first lines of a book you either liked, hated or have read lately? Have you ever felt that those first lines betrayed you and that the rest of the book didn't live up to its beginning?
Happy Reading (and many interesting beginnings and endings)!
I became a Lego lover when my sons were small, and though the Legos were theirs, I have to say that I like building things just as much as they do (still love Tinkertoys and Lincoln Logs and...whatever the bricks were that preceded Legos). I just bought a relative something called Zoobs and I'm hoping he'll let me play with them. :-D
At any rate, in Brazil recently, they built the world's tallest Lego tower. How awesome is that? And they let kids help, which makes it doubly awesome in my opinion. Here it is, via the website "Things I Think Are Kinda Cool."
And here's a video of some of the action:
I'm not one of those people who have to have the most, build things the biggest, set records, etc.,. but I did once take part in an attempt to break the bunny hop record (on Easter, of course). Here's the story (and that's me in the royal blue shirt): http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2006-04-16-bunny-hop_x.htm
So...are you a builder? And by builder, I mean that in the widest possible way. As in cake maker, knitter, sewer, cook...I'm sure you can think of some others. We all build in our own ways. I build books (mainly). What do you like to build?
I hope everyone had a fantastic day! I was away from home most of the weekend, so while I had posts set up in advance, I was only able to get on the Internet once and was a bit slow in answering comments. Back at home now and I'll be at the computer tomorrow. Enjoy your evening!
I guess you can tell that spring and Easter have launched me straight into a quest for some awesome cuteness via animals (and in this case, babies). So, if you haven't had your daily does of sugar today, here via Daily Cuteness are some and very sweet photos:
I confess to being a flash mob fan (I so want to actually witness one of these things). Here's a video on the best of the flash mobs:
Here's one of my favorites from last year:
An old favorite and one of the best I've seen (maybe because it was before people really knew that much about flash mobs):
And then, of course, the classic T-mobile ad that took place in the Liverpool Street Station. I especially love the true commuters who opted to join in:
What other flash mobs have you seen? And what's your favorite?
Whether you're a cat lover or not, whether you even have a cat or not (I don't), how can you resist a cat hugging a teddy bear?
I hope you're having a great lead-in week to Easter. How many of you have pets? Any cat owners? Former cat owners? Teddy bear owners? (I am a teddy bear sucker, but I don't allow myself to buy any, because it would quickly become an obsession).
I recently read an article about well known bands that had started out with names other than the ones we recognize. For instance, the Beatles were known as both Johnny & the Moondogs and the Quarrymen, the Doors were Psychedelic Rangers and Barenaked Ladies were originally Free Beer.
And, of course, we know about book titles that have changed. Gone with the Wind was originally Pansy, Pride and Prejudice was First Impressions, and Treasure Island was The Sea Cook.
It made me think of how my titles have changed over the years. Many (if not most) of my books started out as something else entirely. Here are just a few of the changes:
Original TitleNew Title
Becoming Cinderella Riches to Rags Bride
The Rancher and the Runway Model Cowgirl Makes Three
The Frenchman's Cinderella School The Frenchman's Plain-Jane Project
One More Dance Her Millionaire, His Miracle
Running Toward Heaven The Maid and the Millionaire
Heartthrob Hotel Marrying Her Billionaire Boss
The Soldier's Choice Much Ado About Matchmaking
The Lone Wolf Claims His Bride Saving Cinderella!
Murphy's Magic The Daddy List
In Gabriel's House The Baby Wish
The Bachelor, the Beauty and the Baby At the Billionaire's Bidding
Substitute Sweetheart Contractually His
The Billionaire's Cinderella School Bought by the Billionaire
Her Summer Valentine The Billionaire's Bargain
The Saint and the Sinner The Scandalous Return of Jake Walker
Fantasy Fiancé The Secret Groom
There were other changes and some titles that stuck, but...you get the idea. Things change, and hopefully when they do, it's for the best. Had the Beatles stuck with Johnny & the Moondogs who knows what would have happened? The world might not even be the same place today!
I was just over at Amazon and saw that the price on Cowgirl Makes Three is substantially discounted with the large print (normally $5.25) selling for $1.57, the mass market marked down to $2.08 and the Kindle marked down to $1.49. I have no idea how long this sale will go on, but if you know anyone looking to find a copy, those are good prices.
Okay, it's really an ad for an ice cream bar, but a clever and fun one (I got into the game so much that I didn't mind the fact that there was a product involved).
Have fun! (Oh, and when I played, the scorekeeper didn't work at the end, but since I wasn't really keeping score and didn't intend to play more than once, I was okay with that. I'm not really a game player, but I love it when people color outside the lines and get creative).
I guess it's no secret that romance novels are my favorite type of book (shock!), but of course, I do read other things, too, including a lot of nonfiction. Also, I'm not sure if it's the result of having been a teacher, the fact that I haven't yet grown up or just because there are so many talented children's and young adult book authors, but I frequently delve into books written with a younger audience in mind. Right now I'm reading the last book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson Olympians series. It's a fun and interesting series based on mythology (if you haven't read any of them). Here's the first book, The Lightning Thief:
Still, that's well within my comfort zone, the type of thing I would normally choose. But not long ago, I heard a lot of people talking about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and how it wasn't what they would usually read but they were, nonetheless, reading it and enjoying it. That intrigued me, and I had to pick up a copy. They were right. It was very different from anything I had read. (If you haven't read it, it's the first book in a 3-book young adult series based in a dystopian society and it's very dark, so dark that I was a bit surprised that it had been written for young adults). But it sucked me in completely. I read the entire series in a matter of a week and a half and I was sorry when it ended.
So, how about you? What types of books do you usually read and do you ever venture outside that comfort zone? If so, what have you read and what was your reaction?
I haven't really been following a lot of the royal wedding news, but I came across an article on William and Kate's cake, and let's face it, a cake that big and important just has to grab your attention, especially if you're a romance writer. So, here's the scoop:
And here's an interesting video of the cake designer which tells you a bit more (and you get to see some of the cake flowers)!
And then, because I was curious (and because we can't see this particular cake yet), I went looking for a photo of Charles and Diana's cake:
And Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's cake:
As well as some footage of The Queen Mother's Cake from 1923:
None of these cakes will break any records, however. The largest wedding cake ever made fed 59,000 as discussed in this article on wedding records.
As the lady said, "Let Them Eat Cake!" (Hmm, I don't think she quite meant it in the same way).
Happy Royal Wedding Dreams! (Yum, I can taste the cake already. More fondant, please).
It's time for my annual showing of Let's Begin Again. Lots of flowers and some nice music (full disclosure: this was my son's choir back in the day).
I hope you have wonderful spring weather today and see many gorgeous spring flowers! (Also, for anyone who showed up earlier and wondered where the post was...in rushing around, I failed to change the PM to AM. All fixed now).
When I was growing up, Peeps were just...Peeps. Gooey, really sugary treats (really as in "my teeth hurt just thinking about them") and found only at Easter, at least in my neighborhood. I believe back then that they were only in chick form (no Bunnies), but I might be wrong about that. (Actually, looking at the history slideshow on the official Peeps site--lots of interactive stuff if you're interested--I see that I am wrong. There weren't any bunnies until later, but there were pumpkins at Halloween and other shapes).
These days, however, Peeps have come into their own. They're everywhere and in new and different forms all year long. But Easter is still their time to shine. And despite all that sugar, their bright colors and cuteness make them fun even if you don't actually eat them. So today we celebrate Peeps in all their glory.
Peeps have become so popular that there's a diorama contest every year where people create scenes using Peeps. Here's a link to this year's winners (and you can click through to see previous years' winners, too, and even vote for your favorite diorama). There may be a short (15 second) commercial. Sorry about that.
There are art shows celebrating Peeps, like this annual one from The Carroll County Arts Council. (Click on the years to see the exhibits or go their website for more information)
And, yes, there are Peeps videos on YouTube. Many of them. Peep plays based on Project Runway, Star Wars, The Shining, Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and more. In the interest of keeping it short, here's a more generic (and much shorter) video.
And one where they played a minor role (secondary character, if you will).
And, of course, a video than answers the question how many Peeps can you fit in a VW Beetle? (But not really).
And, of course, there are recipes, like these cute bunny cupcake push ups from Love From the Oven.
So...have you had your Peeps today? (I haven't, but if I was going to eat one, it would definitely be the ones covered in chocolate. Yum. Chocolate).
Feed my fish by clicking anywhere on the image. (I hope the food part works. It did on the site where I made this, but not in my preview).
Or make your own fish by going to this site. (found via Miss Cellania)
So, any fishermen among us? (I mean real fishermen). I'm not, one of the few non-fishermen types in my family. I think it was the experience of sitting in a boat being bitten by bugs when I was small that did the trick. It was not my idea of fun. Now, as an adult I can see how peaceful it might be to sit on the shore enjoying nature and waiting for a fish to bite. But...I'm so not into the next part, reeling it in, taking the fish off the hook, cleaning it. Eek! I'm too squeamish for that.
So...convince me. I'm a lover of nature, a hiker, sometimes a biker. Just not a fishergirl.
I think a lot of us are a bit obsessed with flowers at this time of year (even those--like me--who are never going to be terribly proficient at gardening). So, when I saw a post about the annual flower carpets in Brussels this morning (via Presurfer), I just had to go looking for more information. First, here two images of one of the flower carpets (I think this is the 2010 carpet. They do it every 2 years).
Here's a link to the actual flower carpet site. If you click on the Floral Carpet drop downs, you can see all the carpets dating back to the 1970's.
And a brief video of them making one of the carpets:
And a brief time-lapse video of a flower carpet being made (at the Biltmore):
So, what do you say? Are you ready to make one of these? So much planning, so much work, and the expense! I worry at the cost of flats of flowers when I need more than 2 or 3. LOL I did enjoy reading the history and the fact that the original "carpets" were small rugs. That I might be able to tackle (if someone else got the flowers started).
They really are beautiful, aren't they? I would love to have the opportunity to see one of these. I'd love getting to watch one being made even more. I think the fragility, knowing that the life of the art is so fleeting would make it an even more awe-inspiring experience. (And the scent must be heavenly)!
Have you ever seen anything like this anywhere else?
Whenever I finish a book, I submit information to help the artist render a cover that personifies the book. That includes descriptions of characters, mood, scenes and I also usually send some images to help ensure that the hero and heroine on the cover match (somewhat) my view of them. To their credit, Harlequin has given me some beautiful, luscious covers over the years. I try to do my part to make sure that that continues.
So, I was thinking the other day about what celebrities fit my idea of the traditional romance heroine. And...while I've never sent her image in as an example (I guess I just haven't written her book yet), I think that Sandra Bullock would definitely be high on that list. I haven't seen all of her movies, but here are a few that gave me a smile.
While You Were Sleeping
Hope Floats
The Lake House
Practical Magic
There are others, of course, that I liked (Miss Congeniality, Love Potion #9, Speed, The Blind Side, to name a few) and others I haven't yet seen. So...what do you think? Sandra Bullock fan or not? And if so, what are your favorites?
And if you had to name a different actress as the perfect traditional romance heroine, who would it be?
UPDATE: Marybelle (Mary?), you're this week's winner. Congratulations! Please contact me to let me know which Amazon you want your gift card from (they're apparently not interchangeable and not everyone on here is from the US, so I need to remember to double check that before I send).
Hi all,
I was away at the end of last week with limited computer access time, so I didn't yet draw the second week's winner, but I'll do that today. More news to follow.
If you're a reader or a writer, then you already know how powerful words are and that the way you say things can make a difference. Here's a video that illustrates that point beautifully. (via Presurfer)
May all your words today be meaningful and bring joy into your life.
It's spring, so of course my thoughts are turning towards flowers and gardens and...glass. Hmm, that doesn't seem to fit, does it?
Except for me it does. I love glass art. If I didn't have to dust it, I'd actually buy some for my house. But a few years ago, I got to see a wonderful exhibit of glass in the garden when artist Dale Chihuly was showcased at the wonderful Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago (and if you ever get to Chicago, you must go there. It's gorgeous, it's big, it's historic and it's free...although donations are always welcomed).
After the exhibit was over, some of the pieces remained at the Conservatory. They're beautiful. They're so delicate that they look as if they wouldn't be at home in a garden, but they are.
If you've never had a chance to see Mr. Chihuly's work, here's his website. That's the link to the Garfield Park Conservatory exhibition, but if you click on Exhibitions in the sidebar, you can see more.
I love this stuff! Maybe I should fill my garden with glass. I wouldn't have to worry about insects or rabbits eating my tulips or anything. Except wind. Hmm. Wind would be a problem in Chicago. I'll have to think about that.
In the meantime, with spring here and planting season coming, are you planning a garden? What will be in it? (I'll have impatiens. Too much shade for much of anything else).
This just goes to show you how expensive New York is (but it might be fun for a few months if I was in my early twenties, just for the sake of experiencing the Big Apple). And I do like the idea of simplifying my life. Not too sure about the sleeping area, though.
Feeling claustrophobic yet? Would you do this (given the right set of circumstances)?
The Internet has been buzzing for some time trying to predict whether ebooks will be the end of traditional publishing or just a flash in the pan. In such exchanges there are always the converts and the "you'll have to take my print book out of my cold dead hands" faction. But in the end, the truth is that publishing is changing. As almost everything in the world eventually changes (let's face it, even the earth doesn't stand still. Mountains rise and fall, coastlines recede and lakes dry up).
That said, I don't think print books are going anywhere. There just may not be as many of them printed as there were in the past (meaning smaller print runs per book, not fewer books purchased). Of course, that's just pure speculation, but it's obvious that ebook sales will have some sort of effect on the market now that they're becoming more mainstream.
Still, I do worry about the demise of brick and mortar bookstores. We all know that Borders is in serious trouble (hopefully they're making changes that will win them converts), Barnes & Noble have had their difficulties (again, hopefully the Nook has brought them business) and just last week I saw that a local used book store that had been in business for almost 40 years was closing its doors due to a dwindling customer base.
I'd hate to see that happen (although again, maybe that change is coming. When Borders and Barnes & Noble came to town, many indy bookstores had to close). We'll see how all that plays out.
Just for fun, here's Dylan singing his song:
And here are my thoughts regarding ebooks (yes, I do have a Kindle) and print books.
E-book Readers
nCan hold an entire library (good for people with limited space and people with dust allergies)
nIs good for travel
nYou can read one-handed (who knew this would be a plus?)
nAdjustable font sizes for ailing eyes
nDoesn't kill any trees (although it may have some other type of environmental impact as people discard old models for new ones)
nNo one knows what you're reading so you can reread a book without anyone questioning your choice
nNo waste in terms of bookstores tearing off covers for return and recycling the rest (or worse, tossing them in the garbage)
nEventually, there may a wider choice of types of books available than there are in paper (publishers don't like to buy a book that won't sell to a very large audience, because printing and distributing one isn't cost effective. With an ebook, however, that's no longer an issue).
nInstant access to a dictionary if you run across a word you don't know
Print Books
nCovers (once you have an ebook, there's no pretty cover to look at)
nThe scent (there's just something about the smell of paper and ink)
nConversation starters when people notice what you're reading
nGood for collectors
nCan be easily shared or resold
nIt never needs charging
nYou can read in the tub or at the beach if that's your preference
nNo matter how good an ipad is, I can't see it replacing a big book with lots of glossy graphics. Paper still rules in this respect, IMO.
So, there are pros and cons to both. One other pro I've found with the e-reader is I tend not to stockpile too many books because I know that I can buy my next one with a few clicks. In other words, my TBR pile is still at the store.
But I do still buy and read paper books, I still enjoy it and I can't see completely going to an ebook format. I'm hoping that there will be room for everyone at the table and that in the end, this new technology will be a good thing for the industry as a whole.
So…what are your views on ebooks? Interested? Not interested? Or are you in the "wait and see" camp?
The other day, the topic of dogs in novels came up (with the stipulation that it couldn't be a sad book), and while I could name a few romance novels I'd enjoyed that had dogs in them, (Dogs and Goddesses by Jennifer Crusie, Anne Stuart and Lucy March, Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer, to name a few), I had trouble remembering all the books I had written with dog characters.
Well, that's not exactly true. There's a dog on the cover of Prince Charming's Return and I distinctly remember writing the beginning scene of Angel Eyes, where the heroine is talking to her dog (and the scene in The Black Knight's Bride, where the hero is talking to his dog), mostly because I've gotten in trouble for having my characters have conversations with their pets before (not necessarily those two books, but once you have someone chide you for that, you think of that criticism every time you do it). Still, I love pets in books, so...I let that type of criticism roll off my back and I persist.
So, what books have you read that had dogs in them (or pets in them) that you especially liked or ones where you felt that the pet added something important to the story? For today, let's keep it to fiction (because yes, I sobbed my way through Marley and Me, too, but I'm looking for books where dogs or other pets are...not real).
What's your decision? Yes on pets or no? Or doesn't it matter? (And do you have a problem with people talking to their animals as if they understand them? I'm curious).
Last of all, do you have pets of your own? (I don't, although I did have a dog when I was growing up and might someday have one again).
And for the cat lovers (because I don't want anyone to feel left out)...
I got my first pair of glasses when I was six-years-old, so I couldn't wait to get contacts (it happened when I was 16, and it was life changing). Strangely enough, I gave up contacts once I had my first child (my eyes were too dry to wear them comfortably), but I still remember the thrill of my first pair of contacts.
Over the years, there have been changes in the industry (colored contacts, special ones for people with astigmatism, bifocal contacts and yes, decorative contacts). Here, from Oddee are some of the more unusual designs. I especially like the ones with Swarovski crystals. Those, I would brave the discomfort to wear to a party. How about you?
Here's the link for the rest of the story (and the rest of the contacts).
By the time you read this I will have gotten back from the theater where I went to see Aida, a production I've never seen. We trot out every few months to a local theater that specializes in mostly musicals. And it's always a gamble since you don't get to see trailers with a theatrical production. But I like the adventure and surprise of that.
The last play we saw was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which I was rather surprised the theater had chosen. It's been around a long time and I was afraid it would be rather dated. I also was of the opinion that the storyline was a bit sexist (there was kidnapping involved if you haven't seen it). But after expressing this opinion to some Facebook friends, they convinced me that I might be looking at things the wrong way and that the kidnapping had been set up in such a way that there was nothing malicious about it.
I'm not sure if any of you have ever seen it, but here's the trailer from the 1954 movie:
Have you seen it? If so, what did you think? And if you haven't seen it, what's either your favorite play or your favorite musical (movies count). Or...do you not like musicals at all?
I'll check back in later to see what everyone had to say.
We all have different fun things we look for on the Internet. I happen to have this weakness for create your own "substitute you" avatar programs, although I'm careful which ones I go on. I have about 4 avatars. My favorite and pretty much the only one I use is the one you see on my comments and in the sidebar of this site. I think it's the cup of coffee that does it for me (that and the fact that I can perpetually look exactly the same). Kind of Stepford Wives creepy, but I just like the fact that no matter what the mirror says, no matter how my hair misbehaves, my avatar always looks good.
So, now and then, when someone recommends a new one, I have to play around with it just for fun. Sometimes (maybe most of the time) I don't even keep the image once it's done. It's a bit like playing paper dolls (for those of you old enough to remember those) or Barbie dolls or dress up, although not nearly as fashionable as Barbie. Rather fun.
The other day I was on one of my favorite blogs and came across a "Create Your Own Clay Character" site. Here are my results.
Okay, it's a little weird (especially the ear sticking out). But it reminds me a bit of Wallace and Gromit, so I got a bit of a kick of it. If you'd like to play around with creating your own clay character, here's the site. Let it load to 100% (it takes a few seconds) and then create a clay you! You don't have to download and save it like I did, but you can if you like (hope you do better on the ears than I did). Have fun!
When my last cowboy book came out, I had a post on the eharlequin.com Harlequin Romance Authors blog about the term "Cowboy Up," which prompted a discussion of what it actually meant. I think we finally decided that this video (below) said it all. And since our discussion of country life and westerns yesterday, I decided to post it, just because I like it. Clint Eastwood was a baby in this!
And if you're not into cowboys, don't worry. Tomorrow's post has more to do with Wallace & Gromit than cowboys. (And if you haven't seen Wallace & Gromit, you must watch one of the dvds. They're great fun)!
I just drew the first winner and it is Virginia C.! Congratulations, Virginia. I'll be emailing the $10 Amazon gift card. (I assume the email address on your profile is the correct one? If not, let me know. I'll wait a day to send it).
Now we begin the second week and the drawing for week 2.
Since I've spent the last 2 days discussing my books (see first post of the day below), I thought I'd give you all a break by adding a little extra something to the mix. In keeping with today's Montana/cowboy theme, however, I've made it a poem written and published by Arthur Chapman in 1917 (which puts it in the public domain). It's a bit old fashioned, but I think it still epitomizes how the pioneers who tamed the land viewed the west. And while my Montana books are very much set in present days, a little bit of that spirit still remains.
Out Where the West Begins
Out where the handclasp's a little stronger,
Out where the smile dwells a little longer,
That's where the West begins;
Out where the sun is a little brighter,
Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter;
Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter;
That's where the West begins.
Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,
Out where the friendship's a little truer,
That's where the West begins
Out where a fresher breeze is blowing,
Where there's laughter in every streamlet flowing,
Where there's more of reaping and less of sowing,
That's where the West begins.
Out where the world is in the making,
Where fewer hearts with despair are aching;
That's where the West begins;
Where there's more of singing and less of sighing,
Where's there's more of giving and less of buying,
And where a man makes friends without half trying,
That's where the West begins.
Back in the year 2000, I was asked to take part in the well known and beloved Montana Mavericks series, one of the most popular continuity series Harlequin has published. Just Pretending would be part of a 4-book series that would be available only by direct mail. I have to tell you, I loved writing that book! There was a murder investigation, tension, romance, Montana, a strong heroine and a super hot hero. What more could an author ask for? And to top it off, they gave the books great covers. A short time later, all 4 books were released (in stores this time) in 2 big 2-in-1 volumes. Again, the covers were gorgeous. Here's the original Just Pretending cover and the follow-up 2-in-1 (called Montana Bred, which included my Just Pretending and Christine Scott's Storming Whitehorn).
Now the 4 books are being released again (and again with wonderful covers). Here's the new cover of Just Pretending, followed by the other 3 books in the series. (If you click on the images you'll be taken to the Amazon paperback versions, although all are available as Kindle ebooks and Nookbooks).
I'm very happy for these books to be back in print, and if you get a chance to read them, I hope you enjoy them!
I don't really like standing on a tabletop and shouting about my books, but I am proud of them, so whenever a new one comes out, I can't help mentioning it. Today is the release date for Riches to Rags Bride, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and eharlequin.com and at bookstores and department stores. It's in both print and ebook form (That was for all the people over the years who ask me where my books are carried. And yes, I know that some department stores don't carry them. It varies from place to place).
Below is the cover and a brief intro of Lucas and Gen's story. For those of you who read it, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. HOWEVER, I want to note that I never ask people if they've read my books, or if I know they have read them, I never ask whether they liked the book. In my opinion, what goes on between a reader and her books is private unless she chooses to make it public. We're all different, we all like different things, and I don't want anyone to ever feel uncomfortable or put upon. So...if you're entering the contest, which requires a comment, feel free to simply say: "Congratulations!" or "Glad to hear it," or "Man, it's cold in my part of the world today!" You get the picture. Anything will do. Really. We're all friends here, and I want you to feel comfortable coming here, not worrying that I'll be bugging you or fishing for compliments.
When her cheating fiancé steals her inheritance, ex-heiress Genevieve Patchett has to get a job—fast! She secures an audience with Chicago's most belligerent boss, Lucas McDowell, but his disarmingly attractive presence leaves her tongue-tied!
Lucas is confident that Genevieve's passion and talent are what he needs to get his women's shelter off the ground. And it's personally important to him that it's a success. Genevieve could be the perfect colleague as long as he can turn a blind eye to her beautiful face, her shimmering red hair and absorbing green eyes….
Also, advance warning, a reissue of one of my favorite books is happening today, too. To be continued tomorrow...
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