tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64774972818052754462024-03-20T05:04:08.338-04:00Penny Watson AuthorPenny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14368435416101875612noreply@blogger.comBlogger1066125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-41006712297971135842023-10-18T14:53:00.004-04:002023-10-18T15:06:57.941-04:0031 Days of Halloween<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85_6JkOSMf_PrgOXG1uhqTrb825MMY5i1EY44Wpa5NcgM8wiz14pWX5aVMDYSRYUQbEExi3wjSGE5aiVq3nAo71gTspDTmFnnfj3W-h3KY3j8XuZVKpgDdjAvKIk38O4NRydDVFENSZoYWUxmfsV7f4y5niJ8HkY7Jqbjt9qLQVCsGSRvXo1wUUEGQd6/s1474/31%20days%20of%20halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1474" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85_6JkOSMf_PrgOXG1uhqTrb825MMY5i1EY44Wpa5NcgM8wiz14pWX5aVMDYSRYUQbEExi3wjSGE5aiVq3nAo71gTspDTmFnnfj3W-h3KY3j8XuZVKpgDdjAvKIk38O4NRydDVFENSZoYWUxmfsV7f4y5niJ8HkY7Jqbjt9qLQVCsGSRvXo1wUUEGQd6/w400-h341/31%20days%20of%20halloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Time of the Year!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Oh, how I adore October. I usually celebrate the 31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN by enjoying a horror movie extravaganza. However, this year I am diving into horror fiction. Here is a brief overview of some excellent stories I've read recently...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGBCDqnLGqKI0eOp3dztDWCWkrwInFdZT77yU7BLMdeVLjgvVF-MDK8S7zznTAzNe0B-0QExW0MF4D_mx83wB1YRop4XNLHv6p7B6I-tnezcmBmEV0NxPJ6Xmp2IotHhHWYYmeidX2tTYGf2JPt-lIdTqDSwZm1pFynU1GCZdjvmHCHdtLJiDfIpflCHV/s2550/a%20house%20with%20good%20bones.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1657" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGBCDqnLGqKI0eOp3dztDWCWkrwInFdZT77yU7BLMdeVLjgvVF-MDK8S7zznTAzNe0B-0QExW0MF4D_mx83wB1YRop4XNLHv6p7B6I-tnezcmBmEV0NxPJ6Xmp2IotHhHWYYmeidX2tTYGf2JPt-lIdTqDSwZm1pFynU1GCZdjvmHCHdtLJiDfIpflCHV/w260-h400/a%20house%20with%20good%20bones.jpeg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>1. A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES by T. Kingfisher</p><p>Hilarious protagonist, laugh-out-loud humor, creepy storyline, very suspenseful, satisfying ending. Perfect Halloween read. Grade: A</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9d-U8i57QO-f1Okqb-V5xfuxIYlmsh-IoWhdCBHvWqYUIReakSLdAbkO0Yi3ULh2Q00jbNp2KpfIEbx0iVDlsguWx0w3AyyAlhX0P5Go_V25PsQq0eW_z8zqr-0w7xdVYta02msKZ5bku17Z1Dp8x8S_Scr6T_3slKfi03w3NdM8aeZncXLyDt_FgMzm/s500/the%20other%20side%20of%20midnight%20cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9d-U8i57QO-f1Okqb-V5xfuxIYlmsh-IoWhdCBHvWqYUIReakSLdAbkO0Yi3ULh2Q00jbNp2KpfIEbx0iVDlsguWx0w3AyyAlhX0P5Go_V25PsQq0eW_z8zqr-0w7xdVYta02msKZ5bku17Z1Dp8x8S_Scr6T_3slKfi03w3NdM8aeZncXLyDt_FgMzm/w259-h400/the%20other%20side%20of%20midnight%20cover.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p>2. THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT by Simone St. James</p><p>This is not a horror novel but it's still suspenseful, creepy, and filled with intriguing woo-woo biz. This paranormal historical mystery has an excellent combination of historical details, mysterious characters, a touch of romance, and a shocking twist at the end. Love this author! Grade: A</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCqq4xnON2nO873Ll-3Nt2x8A_mVerxg2WC7MD-1WUMUgPpxrAbJ4Ynv3cHq8aBa-6X-k92lQmEQLw7Y0RzanaXvwHKtNuBcn1fg4B8kPF7jStGcjYJQNXh7W9ikr5PGsVXHb7u3tOyN4WzanhTUZIGqvT0EOdwDTG_Zj8WwUv8X3DmzaE9mBls_sVMzc/s500/the%20only%20one%20left%20book%20cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCqq4xnON2nO873Ll-3Nt2x8A_mVerxg2WC7MD-1WUMUgPpxrAbJ4Ynv3cHq8aBa-6X-k92lQmEQLw7Y0RzanaXvwHKtNuBcn1fg4B8kPF7jStGcjYJQNXh7W9ikr5PGsVXHb7u3tOyN4WzanhTUZIGqvT0EOdwDTG_Zj8WwUv8X3DmzaE9mBls_sVMzc/w400-h400/the%20only%20one%20left%20book%20cover.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>3. THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager<div><br /></div><div>Very well-written, compelling storyline. This is a "haunted house filled with secrets" horror novel at its best. The plot jumps back and forth between the past and current times, doling out just enough details to make you race through this book to find out what happens. I did not anticipate the big surprise at the end. Loved this book! Grade: A<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd51fYARtxTcTKTvtuxU80bBDwT7RyayRjPjo770LAE65dusU24uqvke8d8OufNXv0bH6ofbfQ2FTLTaYY8FBBMmOp-u96kiDtPL9YR3lKS39Ntm7botuew5xWIV4nUbpuu1KjPMHDPtBlGQB5D89B_31XGPTnzHBQINyFzbPqOGczIdgvX3c11monRX-j/s500/we%20sold%20our%20souls.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd51fYARtxTcTKTvtuxU80bBDwT7RyayRjPjo770LAE65dusU24uqvke8d8OufNXv0bH6ofbfQ2FTLTaYY8FBBMmOp-u96kiDtPL9YR3lKS39Ntm7botuew5xWIV4nUbpuu1KjPMHDPtBlGQB5D89B_31XGPTnzHBQINyFzbPqOGczIdgvX3c11monRX-j/w263-h400/we%20sold%20our%20souls.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><p>4. WE SOLD OUR SOULS by Grady Hendrix</p><p>This is a heavy metal vs. evil story, and it does not shy away from gory, disturbing parts. Ack! Reader Beware! There were a few plot holes, but overall I enjoyed this one. If you're a metal head, you'll love it. Thumbs up. Grade: B+</p><p><br /></p><p>Bonus Halloween Recipe: Baked Apple Cider Donuts</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS-lmcxRYJo6pnOiVG0ZHgfl7coMouQd6vGEej8_yfoY3QvFxVGxJbbHTV3Pk6_KpQgkQFvc8ifIurX609OD_h3ii6uXf4ug1Mf8iccQUyF1-z-7qoQICucQSoLdwa5rPb6DTOv3dS7bfTxP3q-XBhBbb8BtKnW7-1yg2MgkTh6jEsPeWHdxUgoj0porJ/s4032/apple%20cider%20donut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS-lmcxRYJo6pnOiVG0ZHgfl7coMouQd6vGEej8_yfoY3QvFxVGxJbbHTV3Pk6_KpQgkQFvc8ifIurX609OD_h3ii6uXf4ug1Mf8iccQUyF1-z-7qoQICucQSoLdwa5rPb6DTOv3dS7bfTxP3q-XBhBbb8BtKnW7-1yg2MgkTh6jEsPeWHdxUgoj0porJ/w300-h400/apple%20cider%20donut.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>My family absolutely loved this recipe. It has apple cider, lots of warm spices, and instead of deep-frying, you bake them in the oven. They taste like professional donuts from a bakery. Highly recommend this recipe from <a href="https://cakewhiz.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts/?fbclid=IwAR1JsGf8dULcO4SG6L_2ja5clbb2eDA2TipBYLkqrX4zXcrqsVR_zxetl8c">Cake Whiz</a>. </p><p>Happy Autumn 🦉🕸🎃🦇🕷🧟♂️</p><p>Love, Penny </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxHSaMQ34MQqsp8DwZUftRXNkTZcCUVVBPgMgrYjYwS4SYBWuzhA3Y02iCQ8NtdqYfSaLsHPuOQ3_MIhqpFhadW6b8GiD-c456oR0hnO_7vpdtKIaIJRl1iolAREW6GHVZsY0V82RSKpUcTV4Mopd6kpzwbxplnRlIsLKEFHajBZNLUGYqQvnXFfNcenA/s4032/fire%20pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxHSaMQ34MQqsp8DwZUftRXNkTZcCUVVBPgMgrYjYwS4SYBWuzhA3Y02iCQ8NtdqYfSaLsHPuOQ3_MIhqpFhadW6b8GiD-c456oR0hnO_7vpdtKIaIJRl1iolAREW6GHVZsY0V82RSKpUcTV4Mopd6kpzwbxplnRlIsLKEFHajBZNLUGYqQvnXFfNcenA/w300-h400/fire%20pit.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-4676270552301836862022-01-03T11:38:00.001-05:002022-01-03T11:38:52.871-05:00Start 2022 with a bit of MAGIC<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRTNqD0rd3aZmqlwo7WEsXF2msiUpeh44PeBNMzy4uTEegcZeXktF3HQC-42jefyDgcQzQKjvqKis19glj07PuQ0c6TuJ9Nb6yQfLi21rMDYOuxId3HExiRbKRY2lNM1uH2QklnCU-K4sHJKU_zOdRjAmY2XuuJtMgExyZ30bqylQGkGoo20VMqa3q6g=s1782" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1782" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRTNqD0rd3aZmqlwo7WEsXF2msiUpeh44PeBNMzy4uTEegcZeXktF3HQC-42jefyDgcQzQKjvqKis19glj07PuQ0c6TuJ9Nb6yQfLi21rMDYOuxId3HExiRbKRY2lNM1uH2QklnCU-K4sHJKU_zOdRjAmY2XuuJtMgExyZ30bqylQGkGoo20VMqa3q6g=w400-h326" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Let's get 2022 off to a magical start!</p><p>All of the Penny Watson books are 99 cents at Amazon, Barnes/Noble, and Kobo in digital formats.</p><p>They are also available in print--see <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html" target="_blank">my book page</a> for purchase details and book descriptions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZKmgZ-u0tVxEEoPnrXH6Hek9sQZKA-bN4ejIA7sN4GcfD9iwcOW3pZZPwRiWxEiELiLz1RMrwHBIeFLgyTsuGYyBAIzGCEcpKIWIEiifY0zWZxAXosg1cG5zcrtm7mqpY26H2yX9-oOVJqCyQY8FGomOWE1FXbDywwQBbQt4zsfCa4rr89J2hQZS4nw=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZKmgZ-u0tVxEEoPnrXH6Hek9sQZKA-bN4ejIA7sN4GcfD9iwcOW3pZZPwRiWxEiELiLz1RMrwHBIeFLgyTsuGYyBAIzGCEcpKIWIEiifY0zWZxAXosg1cG5zcrtm7mqpY26H2yX9-oOVJqCyQY8FGomOWE1FXbDywwQBbQt4zsfCa4rr89J2hQZS4nw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you need a bit of quirky fun, happy-ever-afters, and magical romance, please check out the collection.</span></div><p>Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! ✨</p><p>Love, Nina/Penny</p>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-67571966087921264262021-03-14T13:30:00.001-04:002021-03-14T13:31:23.795-04:00Carl's Chai<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoniP8p9D749OoYA1bMEK4AJuYXDxH_u5TnGpOABHyJ1tMDh3AxzwrUoIWcnLJnqEFmUc1Oc33b6-QJNZIWauvePi5Qx32aw0_EJGnXvPwll88HrxmYOoWKlJOddQ21HqdPVGn01kd6IQ/s2048/chai+tray.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoniP8p9D749OoYA1bMEK4AJuYXDxH_u5TnGpOABHyJ1tMDh3AxzwrUoIWcnLJnqEFmUc1Oc33b6-QJNZIWauvePi5Qx32aw0_EJGnXvPwll88HrxmYOoWKlJOddQ21HqdPVGn01kd6IQ/w400-h300/chai+tray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">A new family tradition is our "Chai Time." My husband has been making chai tea from scratch. He grinds the spices with a mortar and pestle, and then steeps the loose tea leaves with soy or oatmilk so my vegan daughter can enjoy it, too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">Lots of folks on my Facebook page asked for the recipe, so here it is.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">This is not a quick tea process. It's a ritual. It's worth the extra time to make it from scratch because it's as close to authentic Indian tea as you can get.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">It's also one of the only foodie rituals that our whole family can enjoy. We have multiple diets going on (vegetarian, vegan, carnivorous, diabetic-friendly).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">You could definitely add more sugar if you like it sweeter; we keep it on the low-sugar side.</span></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>Recipe for Carl's Chai</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">1 pinch fennel seeds</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">About 15 cardamom pods</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">4 peppercorns</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">2-3 allspice</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">3 coriander seeds</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">A sprinkle of nutmeg</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">2 pieces cinnamon sticks</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Fresh ginger, 2 thin slices, lightly mashed</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">2-3 T. loose black tea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">2-3 t. sugar, to taste</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">1-2 cups milk (full dairy, or dairy-substitute like soy or oatmilk)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">About 1/4 cup water (to taste)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Mortar and pestle</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Tea pot with strainer</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>Directions:</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajn9g2DASBn83H5EdVV1cvPFmRGmC_Fjp2d5iehr32yZ9QgWf4wz-vMA17VNS6cpEGXUuBYu1QsX9wUY7pWgMoRlQ4bBW1ssNzTgpj8JsK3NZoUtG34i7XwnUEyOehwFEWFbgUG2joG6P/s2048/chai+grind.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajn9g2DASBn83H5EdVV1cvPFmRGmC_Fjp2d5iehr32yZ9QgWf4wz-vMA17VNS6cpEGXUuBYu1QsX9wUY7pWgMoRlQ4bBW1ssNzTgpj8JsK3NZoUtG34i7XwnUEyOehwFEWFbgUG2joG6P/s320/chai+grind.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: courier;">1. Put fennel seeds, cardamom pods, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds in mortar and pestle and grind up. Add powdered spices, too.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_NmVXIUXxP_DCL25YZUybKwskZcQzgu8ApotITtk5Lha6BUJsKkAMX4w29d6WQtZBrLZqIX27FebEF6pQuaRy0pxkMSJboyciQKoFKIyi_AU8CdmR6lPaADDK0IhLeRKDDkV09_a2-b/s2048/chai+ginger.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24_NmVXIUXxP_DCL25YZUybKwskZcQzgu8ApotITtk5Lha6BUJsKkAMX4w29d6WQtZBrLZqIX27FebEF6pQuaRy0pxkMSJboyciQKoFKIyi_AU8CdmR6lPaADDK0IhLeRKDDkV09_a2-b/s320/chai+ginger.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier;">2. Put slices of fresh ginger and ground-up spices into a pot on the stovetop. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMKt7lZxU30ICJvrrO-HRSn_yfP_-axmmvCwIc2d2IKd_xPPem84ZWigiw3ye7WAZ7ObJAow9PSohU6ll9ZWc4PKKzg7qdz7bR4LA4qs7gtHo7_F0bDWHjgCTkpK0Z7FcPWRXAeYBwNaA/s2048/chai+milk+pour.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMKt7lZxU30ICJvrrO-HRSn_yfP_-axmmvCwIc2d2IKd_xPPem84ZWigiw3ye7WAZ7ObJAow9PSohU6ll9ZWc4PKKzg7qdz7bR4LA4qs7gtHo7_F0bDWHjgCTkpK0Z7FcPWRXAeYBwNaA/s320/chai+milk+pour.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR52lToR8llXgGx5nTgmLchfZLXv8c9vzvmCLEvt-6FZ_0jhz7foSlluTxRLFd7-dPBR5vtReVNt0UeVIwmJsOjccTMsu6SXv84IyOEghpLa3-aFNt8czfgRDMzfIh5_RQ6mLzbemhT8ck/s2048/chai+milk+and+spices.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR52lToR8llXgGx5nTgmLchfZLXv8c9vzvmCLEvt-6FZ_0jhz7foSlluTxRLFd7-dPBR5vtReVNt0UeVIwmJsOjccTMsu6SXv84IyOEghpLa3-aFNt8czfgRDMzfIh5_RQ6mLzbemhT8ck/s320/chai+milk+and+spices.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">3. </span><span style="font-family: courier;">Add milk (dairy or dairy substitute) to the pot. If you want it less creamy, add a bit of water (1/4 cup). Simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljCkUS6zQ17lg_qn3ZwBhf5-LlGn_isVfLL5LhCZqBoDsuvvpzdJ1N5taInecCDdUVv4LEbFOYKqM2PhlXeKgMPri-MJeZO7tmGPoOFCUTT7YPpoMJ62lqvYex3k3aG9AVebIcHcZT9WL/s2048/chai+sugar+one.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljCkUS6zQ17lg_qn3ZwBhf5-LlGn_isVfLL5LhCZqBoDsuvvpzdJ1N5taInecCDdUVv4LEbFOYKqM2PhlXeKgMPri-MJeZO7tmGPoOFCUTT7YPpoMJ62lqvYex3k3aG9AVebIcHcZT9WL/s320/chai+sugar+one.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">4. Put 3 teaspoons sugar (more or less to taste) at the bottom of a teapot with strainer.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6UJT_bmGJvnDpZdDRAlyn3gJDWcMPBthEUYmV_1PR1l18wpO6iRNkx0a2ILq-FnQR7mVs93pSMo131cJE62qG3ZgoFq7dIxCCIlA_NLiEwLaLX4C9XzbOyz68Cn0LsCBdf7J974q5gLb/s2048/chai+pot.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6UJT_bmGJvnDpZdDRAlyn3gJDWcMPBthEUYmV_1PR1l18wpO6iRNkx0a2ILq-FnQR7mVs93pSMo131cJE62qG3ZgoFq7dIxCCIlA_NLiEwLaLX4C9XzbOyz68Cn0LsCBdf7J974q5gLb/s320/chai+pot.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier;">5. Add the loose tea to the simmering pot on the stove. About 2 tablespoons.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgKI7w26jacZ2Yc7n43YWgR5VQ1uMVC756aJTUigPC_CvKI4lk-_13L7HM4K9ggu3MULmry6e-chyphenhyphen0XHuI_SbSmT0nDO0BaGyJdFgWVklSBGULH9Yxwqocb95404sb7nVLypN6z2R2k7R/s2048/chai+steep.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgKI7w26jacZ2Yc7n43YWgR5VQ1uMVC756aJTUigPC_CvKI4lk-_13L7HM4K9ggu3MULmry6e-chyphenhyphen0XHuI_SbSmT0nDO0BaGyJdFgWVklSBGULH9Yxwqocb95404sb7nVLypN6z2R2k7R/s320/chai+steep.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier;">6. Simmer 2 minutes, allow the tea to steep and darken the milk. It will become pink/orange. The darker the color, the stronger the tea.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvAgTbcKCHYh0gCBVqhs_JpWQ6XEmyDwQlJK4YHhblGzBZ3nyHPYVcLCPI59wqvvQIpB1csQ0tpKLVvuhct93zYGy6f4IVYzkOmplLinl49LuWbMooJr80DdMgq_PGbfwvnt-sg0ov6HU/s2048/chai+pour.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvAgTbcKCHYh0gCBVqhs_JpWQ6XEmyDwQlJK4YHhblGzBZ3nyHPYVcLCPI59wqvvQIpB1csQ0tpKLVvuhct93zYGy6f4IVYzkOmplLinl49LuWbMooJr80DdMgq_PGbfwvnt-sg0ov6HU/s320/chai+pour.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">7. Pour tea mixture into strainer in teapot. It will strain out the spices, and mix with the sugar in the bottom of the pot. Throw out spices, and mix the sugar and hot tea mixture together until sugar dissolves.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh075L9Zxlewnx8csGS9IKeX4j4vtE7fGl7uIqGk20EBaIQHWIoc0_mV6veBdZYJsXB-kS7BPSXhzJ6nu0ROdZTNqqVBzlWXT8duzfJMuc0lH5Zd41ewf2agxx8QBs8gsfuxMXKYiK-0_e4/s2048/chai+final.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh075L9Zxlewnx8csGS9IKeX4j4vtE7fGl7uIqGk20EBaIQHWIoc0_mV6veBdZYJsXB-kS7BPSXhzJ6nu0ROdZTNqqVBzlWXT8duzfJMuc0lH5Zd41ewf2agxx8QBs8gsfuxMXKYiK-0_e4/s320/chai+final.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: courier;">8. All done! Pour chai into tea cups.</span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Happy Tea Time! ☕️</span></p>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-76975352241170644252021-02-17T08:00:00.005-05:002021-02-17T11:18:17.658-05:00Guest Review: LATER by Stephen King (Review by J. R. Barrett)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhqJwtSfQQsrPhTVSGbmOc5jr9-ZbqLhao8WsImpU-YlKIl5W20TsM81nNVPMyam6XA-vVH-GCGqmR8AHpOwTP0c5BWLTeNwrCwYZPrEtg-E8SF9s7Yj0ugBujVom9g2YDHU7h2gxkwNP/s499/LATER+by+King.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhqJwtSfQQsrPhTVSGbmOc5jr9-ZbqLhao8WsImpU-YlKIl5W20TsM81nNVPMyam6XA-vVH-GCGqmR8AHpOwTP0c5BWLTeNwrCwYZPrEtg-E8SF9s7Yj0ugBujVom9g2YDHU7h2gxkwNP/w251-h400/LATER+by+King.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As all of you know, I am an obsessive horror aficionado. I love reading horror. I love watching <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2017/10/viva-halloween-5-favorite-horror-movies.html">horror</a>. I am even writing a horror novella (<a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2019/10/excerpt-from-little-shadow-man.html">LITTLE SHADOW MAN</a>).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I was introduced to horror via Stephen King and countless creepy mystery novels. In the SK universe, THE SHINING is my personal favorite, and PET SEMATARY is in last place. I also wrote a college essay about THE STAND, as one does.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Color me surprised when I found out my friend J. R. Barrett is a newb to the horror world, Stephen King in particular. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Without further ado, here is Barrett's review for her very first (<i>VIRGIN!</i>) horror novel, <b>LATER</b> by Stephen King. This book will be released by <a href="http://hardcasecrime.com/">Hard Case Crime</a> in March 2021.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>GUEST REVIEW: LATER by Stephen King</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>Review by J. R. Barrett</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Am I the only person in the world who has never read a book by Stephen King? (<i>PENNY: Um, yeah, pretty much</i>).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Until now, that is. I'm serious. Up until yesterday, I had never read a Stephen King novel. I've never even read an excerpt from a Stephen King novel.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Call me crazy, but horror horrifies me.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I haven't watched a single horror movie (<i>PENNY: *faints*</i>), certainly not anything based upon a book by Stephen King. Well, I have seen The Simpson's Halloween version of The Shining...<i>no beer and no TV make Homer go something something</i>... Does that count? Nah, probably not. I avoid horror and resulting sleepless nights. A single note of the theme song from The Twilight Zone or the Outer Limits is enough to keep me awake for a week. My husband once owned a Twilight Zone-themed watch. Can you imagine? I smashed it with a hammer and threw it in the trash can far far away.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Why?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">It kept playing doo-doo-doo-doo doo-doo-doo-doo in the middle of the night, cuz, like, yeah, that wasn't weird at all.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">When Stephen King's publicist emailed me and asked me to review his upcoming novel LATER, I was like...Ummmmmmm...Ummmmmmmmm.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">But then I thought, hey, why not, indeed?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">The book is officially coming <i>later</i>, pun intended, in March 2021, with <a href="http://hardcasecrime.com/">Hard Case Crime</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">I've reviewed for them before, mostly Lawrence Block stuff because he's an oldie but goodie and one cool crazy-ass dude. And although he and I haven't chatted recently, I consider him a friend. I suspect Lawrence is why I was contacted about LATER.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Speaking of LATER, let's speak of it!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">LATER is yummy. Like a fine chef, Stephen King has created a delicious, deceptively simple and aesthetically pleasing tasting menu disguised as a fractured fairy tale. From the appetizer to the many multi-layered amuse bouche, to the dessert; the first taste of the story is marvelous, it awakens the reading palate, the middle courses keep you glued to your seat in anticipation; the last taste of the book? One word--sublime. The story arc, the characters, the first-person voice, are all delightful. And yes, I do mean delightful, albeit in a surprising, funny, weird, upside down, shocking, yet oddly relatable way.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Is LATER creepy? Yes, of course, but it is deliciously creepy. What the story is, is damn satisfying. (Was I tempted to smash it with a hammer and toss it in a trash can far far away? No way!)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">LATER, at 250 pages, is the right kind of afternoon read. As it happens, on the afternoon I read the book, the temperature outside was -25 degrees. Thus, I had the perfect day to plop down in front of the fire, wrap myself in a nice soft blanket, and bury my hose in fantasy. The protagonist, James, or Jamie as his mother (a <i>romance</i> literary agent) calls him when we first meet him, captured me with word one. His voice so hooked me, I read nonstop for three solid hours. I don't often review. When I do review a book I definitely don't summarize the plot for readers. Why should I steal your reading thunder? My suggestion is, don't be afraid. Read LATER soon rather than later.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">So now I'm wondering, why? Why on earth have I avoided Stephen King all these years? Oh, the <i>Misery</i>! (That's next on my list!) (<i>From Penny: Good choice, J. R.</i>)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Read LATER. It's fun. It's fast. It's engrossing. As I said, it's yummy!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">And by the way, the retro cover is gorgeous.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>LATER by Stephen King and Hard Case Crime, March 2021</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><b>Review by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/J-R-Barrett/e/B003AKG9NE/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">J. R. Barrett</a>, author of the award-winning science fiction romance novella, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T72M86G/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p2_i2">CAPTURED</a>.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Big thank you to J. R. for this intriguing review. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Here are some Stephen King recs from me...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">BOOKS: THE STAND, THE SHINING, THE DEAD ZONE, his collections of short stories, also.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">FILMS: STAND BY ME, the original CARRIE, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE GREEN MILE.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">TV FILMS: I like the original IT (1990) with Tim Curry.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">HAPPY HORROR TO ALL!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Penny/Nina</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-85929865080307298702020-12-27T09:49:00.002-05:002020-12-27T11:12:46.880-05:00Review for BRIDGERTON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_F30mD_avKDoRsF1PP6xCwWqSKw_G6DVMzklujDij8rDbDCKSLdIyu08O1i1P4Fb4bO2Jnq7BmHPgBVelRHryxjSKXuVKv77CGUsk-GYahAH7m_YzlyCTss-HFIV0Qdc5eL_eYr7HCrS/s2048/bridgerton.feat_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_F30mD_avKDoRsF1PP6xCwWqSKw_G6DVMzklujDij8rDbDCKSLdIyu08O1i1P4Fb4bO2Jnq7BmHPgBVelRHryxjSKXuVKv77CGUsk-GYahAH7m_YzlyCTss-HFIV0Qdc5eL_eYr7HCrS/w400-h225/bridgerton.feat_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Review for BRIDGERTON (on Netflix)...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As I was drunk-posting (on Facebook) last night about my BRIDGERTON binge (yes, I binged the whole thing last night, was up until 2 AM, and yes, I was drinking at the beginning, but unfortunately my buzz wore off about halfway through and I was stone cold sober for the end)...one word kept popping into my head...CRINGE.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Three main things about the show:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">1. My overall impression was sort of a surreal over-the-top cartoon p*rno. Highly cringe-worthy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">2. This has about as much in common with Julia Quinn's books as RIVERDALE has with the original Archie comic series...which is to say, almost nothing. Sure, the characters have the same name, and it loosely has the same setting, but other than that, it was merely a jumping-off point for a surreal cartoon p*rno.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">3. It's entertaining. (Although I was bored a lot).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Julia Quinn's series may not be a literary masterpiece (I once called her the Master of Marshmallow Fluff), but those books had a lot of heart and soul and sweetness. I would call them "wholesome" even with the sex scenes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The film version is not wholesome. It also lost the heart and soul of the books (which isn't uncommon with book-to-film).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">One of Quinn's strengths is characterization. Her plots are often weak, but the characters felt real. (I chose the name "Penny" based on Penelope Featherington for a reason). The characters in the film version lost that magic. The acting was not great, and the characters were flat and cartoonish.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The Ariana Grande song at the beginning was a false lead. I thought this show was going to be clever, edgy, quirky, ironic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But the cringe-worthy stuff started right away. The sex scenes were redundant and boring. In all fairness, THE DUKE AND I is one of the weakest books in the series, with a sort of convoluted plot and problematic issues.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Were there highlights?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Oh, yes!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Gorgeous colorful costumes (although I would reckon anachronistic, not sure about that), gorgeous colorful sets. Flowers! Swoony! The color palette thing going on with the Bridgerton family (whites, pale blues and violets)...utterly stunning. Fun music, too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The queen was fabulous. Lady Danbury was fabulous. The boxer was great. The actors-of-color stole the show.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Whoever did the casting for the white peeps--Bridgertons in particular--bleh. The Bridgerton guys were not sexy at all. In fact, they sort of creeped me out. Hee hee!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I will say that the final scene in the rain with Daphne and Simon was well-written and romantic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Overall...a weird adaptation, although entertaining enough for me to binge-watch with a glass of Unicum.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For some thoughts about the Quinn Series, check out this <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2011/10/bridgerton-re-read-extravaganza.html">link</a>.</span></p>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-62599852394698544102020-08-29T10:35:00.003-04:002020-08-29T10:35:28.224-04:00Review for BACKYARDS HAVE BODIES by Barbara Wallace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o6xN29yCgKHFJbjbZYp2aPZnGOGoPvXStdc88qv0l-DFDI_8ma2CFD7pEf-LAAh_1RWq3faRzN6UZdICorp16DtsVstAk4faGDVkVaiHIjdI0GfvrkT8_8fxULKeHri8N7Yd9eF-TNyF/s1600/BackYardsHaveBodies_FINAL.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9o6xN29yCgKHFJbjbZYp2aPZnGOGoPvXStdc88qv0l-DFDI_8ma2CFD7pEf-LAAh_1RWq3faRzN6UZdICorp16DtsVstAk4faGDVkVaiHIjdI0GfvrkT8_8fxULKeHri8N7Yd9eF-TNyF/s1600/BackYardsHaveBodies_FINAL.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I love the concept of a squeaky clean and wholesome setting hiding a slew of dark secrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Barbara Wallace’s SADIE MCINTYRE MYSTERY series centers on the quirky townsfolk of Woodbridge, Massachusetts. But behind the mature maple trees and well-maintained colonial homes are shady secrets and messy lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A yummy combination!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">BACKYARDS HAVE BODIES is the second installment of this series. Sadie McIntyre is the perfect cozy protagonist. A widow/real estate wanna-be saleslady, she has her finger on the pulse of this complicated little town. The mix of eccentric characters—including a former British boy band-star, amorous neighbors, hunkalicious police detective/romance interest, and hilarious obsessive crime show fan—will keep you guessing until the end about the resolution to the mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The pacing is fast (just the way I like it). Sadie is adorable—a mix of vulnerable and sassy. Throw in a horror-inducing snowman, secret affairs, a competitive real estate boss, and “evidence-schmevidence” as Sadie would say, and you have a 5-star cozy all the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I think my favorite thing about this series is the humor. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments and clever details. Bravo, Barbara Wallace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I highly recommend this series for cozy mystery fans. I would suggest starting with the first book, THE SUBURBS HAVE SECRETS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There is also an intriguing twist on Sadie’s own background story that promises more exciting storylines in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Grade: A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">For more information about Barbara Wallace and her books, check out her <a href="http://barbarawallace.com/bookshelf/#.X0pnW2dKi7w">website</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">BACKYARDS HAVE BODIES on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Backyards-Have-Bodies-McIntyre-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B08DTN9T51/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=backyards+have+bodies&qid=1598711705&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</span></div>
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Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-30565263162849488852020-07-01T09:24:00.000-04:002020-07-01T09:24:35.490-04:00Celebrate Christmas in July with the Klaus Brothers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oz679QPkYH3leeSM7YLvc2ZA6P6vGmp9YfmRRiehetRVeGpkRfaHyCVQIa6hL-7wk2kBJhjx35JzW7ApxlgXNm3ubJlXniMdvYsNXMRSqQywTlzHkWlN11apUvWj3ivDU2AMxSdoQZ29/s1600/christmas+ad+2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="639" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oz679QPkYH3leeSM7YLvc2ZA6P6vGmp9YfmRRiehetRVeGpkRfaHyCVQIa6hL-7wk2kBJhjx35JzW7ApxlgXNm3ubJlXniMdvYsNXMRSqQywTlzHkWlN11apUvWj3ivDU2AMxSdoQZ29/s640/christmas+ad+2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Are you melting from the summer heat? Do you need something light-hearted to cool you off? Award-winning, bestselling holiday fiction? A quirky series about the five sons of Santa Claus, a bunch of rambunctious elves in the North Pole, and plenty of romance?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>THE KLAUS BROTHERS SERIES </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>is now on sale </b></span><b style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">for the month of July!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All books are available in print and digital formats, at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Each book is now only 99 cents!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For more information about the books, plus purchase links, please check out the <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/the-klaus-brothers-series.html">KLAUS PAGE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For more information about the whole Penny Watson Collection, check out the <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">BOOKSHELF</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stay cool and safe,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Penny/Nina</span></div>
Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-80843320874116894952020-04-09T12:50:00.002-04:002020-04-09T12:50:50.438-04:00A Sampler Trio Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5C1KejM-2h-Q036eDUnI23lgdTiZ7RJhqbq82NxZh2MoyienKzLx7lG8Y9xqSDb_7E8qvygKWAzXstLayfi0WWNDb7LUaPADnDotnzSj9folAzEZD5j6O1fY023-JLdGH8srP5s4hgew/s1600/trio+special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1139" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5C1KejM-2h-Q036eDUnI23lgdTiZ7RJhqbq82NxZh2MoyienKzLx7lG8Y9xqSDb_7E8qvygKWAzXstLayfi0WWNDb7LUaPADnDotnzSj9folAzEZD5j6O1fY023-JLdGH8srP5s4hgew/s640/trio+special.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you need something to brighten up your day? A little light-hearted distraction?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How about a book sale that includes a superhero weenie dog, a grumpy Scottish chef, an ill-fated Thanksgiving dinner, and a missing garden gnome? Also...plenty of delicious food, "mature" romance for folks over 40, and a touch of glorious Vermont.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For grown-ups:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>A TASTE OF HEAVEN</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>APPLES SHOULD BE RED</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For kids of all ages:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>LUCY THE WONDER WEENIE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">All ebooks are on sale for 99 cents. Available at Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Amazon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Check out the <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">book page</a> for more information and all purchase links.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To all of my readers: Stay safe and healthy and take care of yourselves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Please share this book sale link on social media if so inclined. Thank you very much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">xoxoxoxoxoxo</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nina/Penny</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><br /></b></span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-83064670418387060152020-02-18T09:45:00.000-05:002020-02-18T09:45:04.085-05:00Positive Changes for a Healthier Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sdEWJN9dNHyuJThCemXsFZ0jN4hh2_IqVBCHAcwVUOJwC_3M8cyMcPa_QvVL0yKcRtDAHHHJvtggWO3pijN7JZkBuxHozU_g_15vu106PfHI53rdGuBGUUYm6MU93yI3mx151m6LNsqM/s1600/iced+tea+with+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sdEWJN9dNHyuJThCemXsFZ0jN4hh2_IqVBCHAcwVUOJwC_3M8cyMcPa_QvVL0yKcRtDAHHHJvtggWO3pijN7JZkBuxHozU_g_15vu106PfHI53rdGuBGUUYm6MU93yI3mx151m6LNsqM/s400/iced+tea+with+flowers.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I thought it was a good time to post some updates about my health.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Last summer I mentioned that my blood sugar was too high, and I was dieting to lose weight and bring down my A1C.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What happened?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>BEFORE: CHUNKY CHEEKS</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cPtLiW-q7_8vJ7waQ-M46EqFz_lTsIBibzy-a87VggHjUz8jYYn-DMNgYdqMCRhR7e9VS5BFeqoA5MeXWbmJvikvQLZqFyXdz0G-DdTFEEB7E2RRsI0K4dc5gay6aGy9SlK6xVPKISgl/s1600/nina+chunk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cPtLiW-q7_8vJ7waQ-M46EqFz_lTsIBibzy-a87VggHjUz8jYYn-DMNgYdqMCRhR7e9VS5BFeqoA5MeXWbmJvikvQLZqFyXdz0G-DdTFEEB7E2RRsI0K4dc5gay6aGy9SlK6xVPKISgl/s400/nina+chunk.JPG" width="163" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>AFTER: 30+ POUND WEIGHT LOSS</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw9BrXu2K9RF6yg-pUGQB9Pnij3DadEXotn2zVzId3gdRfns69Z8l8O6BNNSWYJNPJtUWk6VnczfEWqCqOXijhTbWkMp6F8qQltEe8cO9kF1hMqYx-Bgzbdb0Q_AcXCS_FOIlzkYrvFAv/s1600/Nina+pic+Budapest+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="711" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDw9BrXu2K9RF6yg-pUGQB9Pnij3DadEXotn2zVzId3gdRfns69Z8l8O6BNNSWYJNPJtUWk6VnczfEWqCqOXijhTbWkMp6F8qQltEe8cO9kF1hMqYx-Bgzbdb0Q_AcXCS_FOIlzkYrvFAv/s400/Nina+pic+Budapest+hat.JPG" width="235" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well, here's what happened. The doctor put the fear of God in me, and I went gangbusters with a low-carb diet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's eight months later, and I'm still losing weight (albeit at a slower pace). I also brought down my A1C. Yipppeeeeee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How'd I do it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First of all, here is my truth: exercise has NOTHING to do with my weight loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I walked when I was chunky. I walk now. I walk every day for about an hour. It's good for my heart. It's good for my mental health. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, it doesn't have anything to do with my weight loss. That's the truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My weight loss is all about THE FOOD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are my <b>TOP FIVE TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT</b>:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1. The Snack Shelf</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's really important to have low-calorie, healthy snacks ready to go. When you get home from work and you're starved and there are cookies on the counter (kids gotta eat, too!), it's way too easy to grab that cookie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You gotta make it easy to grab a mini carrot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Every Sunday is "prep day" for me. I hard boil about 6-8 eggs and put them in a bowl in the fridge. I chop up carrots, celery, cucumbers, red/yellow/orange pepper, radishes, and add cherry tomatoes to a bin in the fridge for quick snacks. I have cheese sticks and low-carb yogurts on the shelf, too. I also prep fruit and have a "fruit bowl" in the fridge. On the counter, I have a variety of nuts, like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have a favorite blue cheese dressing I use as a dip. I also recommend hummus, ricotta cheese, and baba ganoush.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Set yourself up for success! When you have low-calorie snacks ready to go, it's a life-saver. You can also use these pre-cut veggies on a salad anytime. Make your life easier with a little weekend prep work.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKx8HJWgKQ2Pyuv8-d62i4u6A-MjhK3KT0HgjRFzxRy2b3XhkHs9eFzqoYUhz4f0N2wrY_QgI2JON9Ov2220MgQ9u9cYVFbcfbZzk4laIa2xSxw_rZjxtux-ZthrvSkRbSdnFKI4br159/s1600/hummus+and+veggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKx8HJWgKQ2Pyuv8-d62i4u6A-MjhK3KT0HgjRFzxRy2b3XhkHs9eFzqoYUhz4f0N2wrY_QgI2JON9Ov2220MgQ9u9cYVFbcfbZzk4laIa2xSxw_rZjxtux-ZthrvSkRbSdnFKI4br159/s400/hummus+and+veggies.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Homemade hummus and dippers</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2. Put Food Away: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I realized I was doing a lot of "mindless" eating. If there was a bag of open chips on the counter, I would grab a handful when I walked by. Same with plates of cookies, snack foods, anything there for the taking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My kids still need to eat, and they love chips, cookies, and other snacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I move ALL THE FOODS into the pantry, which is in another room off the kitchen. Everything is wrapped up and put away to prevent mindless noshing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you don't have a separate room, use a drawer. Or even wrap things up in tin foil to make it harder to access. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The only thing I have in the kitchen for constant access is my water cup. I fill it up all day long. That's a good habit!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-zzQfy_BO9f1Rnne5_3PjhQHd_95DwwOsqZLI-mNE5OK37khz-E_BKsOLZt2KYBXQm-aPYghDvxTRG9aXJIqp45AbmzNRjmVavY9n3jXfqZvvgWbEGjQC9ZbtN4bkOf9ychzMCU9ZlNm/s1600/water+glass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-zzQfy_BO9f1Rnne5_3PjhQHd_95DwwOsqZLI-mNE5OK37khz-E_BKsOLZt2KYBXQm-aPYghDvxTRG9aXJIqp45AbmzNRjmVavY9n3jXfqZvvgWbEGjQC9ZbtN4bkOf9ychzMCU9ZlNm/s400/water+glass.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Add citrus slices to iced water for a bit of flavor.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3. Eat Early and Light.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Are you hungry at 5 pm? Eat dinner. Don't wait. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to overeat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I realized I was eating TWO dinners each night. The first one was mindless snacking which added up to a lot of extra calories. And then I would eat with my family. TWO DINNERS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, I eat when I'm hungry, which is around 5 pm. I make a big salad of greens, toss on some protein and cheese and nuts and homemade salad dressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'll still join my husband for dinner later, but I don't eat a second meal. Maybe an orange and some water. Or just tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sometimes you need to make the right choice for yourself, and that might mean eating alone at 5 pm. It's okay!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmioeOpNbwAzL11j5CuICO2_uzbCvKd9ify1avgXF66kx9czHzMeePnvNPgp5_Gd5Ixeaq-oCqxlmlmGRNkQrNhQybHPUyWacB7cVX2qNuF1gSuJUGR7chRSrk4tKZ-Z6ovz3K9BwGqTg/s1600/caesar+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmioeOpNbwAzL11j5CuICO2_uzbCvKd9ify1avgXF66kx9czHzMeePnvNPgp5_Gd5Ixeaq-oCqxlmlmGRNkQrNhQybHPUyWacB7cVX2qNuF1gSuJUGR7chRSrk4tKZ-Z6ovz3K9BwGqTg/s400/caesar+salad.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Homemade Caesar salad. Don't forget the anchovies!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>4. Cut Your Food in Half, Cut the Recipe in Half.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When I realized I needed to watch my carb intake every day, I made a point to read the labels on all my food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That was shocking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was probably eating 3 times the recommended serving size, which adds up to way too many calories and carbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Instead of eating a whole sandwich (bread = 40 carbs), how about half a sandwich? 20 carbs. That works.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stuff the 1/2 sandwich with tons of veggies, and add a small fruit salad for dessert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Cut your serving in half, cut your calories in half. Lose weight. Fill up on salad, veggies, super low-calorie, high-fiber food. YOU CAN DO IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also stopped making full recipes. Full recipes mean you have way too much food--too much for individual servings, and too many leftovers which can lead to overeating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Make a single serving. Make 1/2 or 1/3 or 1/4 of the recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Do whatever you need to in order to control portion size. That's key for weight loss.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvgnKxQGKw9xDHz7dVyNGhfRgwWULg9xY-KYb2OWZyKnRni53auCDXZmEVYZrC5V-UVVC05qfeMgz6kjT6fNLN4YJxAY0HtdhcYh0JTOw6jxaw6Gsp8zwEn20tvO446-aIygFpNRRLXdY/s1600/salad+with+edible+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvgnKxQGKw9xDHz7dVyNGhfRgwWULg9xY-KYb2OWZyKnRni53auCDXZmEVYZrC5V-UVVC05qfeMgz6kjT6fNLN4YJxAY0HtdhcYh0JTOw6jxaw6Gsp8zwEn20tvO446-aIygFpNRRLXdY/s400/salad+with+edible+flowers.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Home-grown cuke, tomato, and edible flower salad.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>5. Grow Your Own Food.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There is nothing better than getting up in the morning, heading out to your garden, and picking fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, cukes, and arugula greens for breakfast. Drizzle on some olive oil, and you're ready for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I highly encourage folks to start their own kitchen garden. If you don't have space, use pots. Growing fresh herbs, veggies, and fruits is a fabulous way to invest in good health.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwVugtSu_nbew7E_uH1qRNgIn3rZaSFz5O6yF8X-THjqyIwh5eZ1FkOv6tDrfdmX4fB2G0JM0qe_0q7NVyb8fMOUVgYHTnB8BekAXyF8zkn6gJRfsRWKPvt2420tn1MYuszmqM7457McL/s1600/raspberries+and+pretty+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwVugtSu_nbew7E_uH1qRNgIn3rZaSFz5O6yF8X-THjqyIwh5eZ1FkOv6tDrfdmX4fB2G0JM0qe_0q7NVyb8fMOUVgYHTnB8BekAXyF8zkn6gJRfsRWKPvt2420tn1MYuszmqM7457McL/s400/raspberries+and+pretty+flowers.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Grow your own raspberries!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">These are my top tips for losing weight. This is not an easy process. December was tough...so many cookies and sweets. I weigh myself daily and check my blood sugar daily. These things hold me accountable and keep me on track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How are all of you doing with health goals? Any good suggestions? Let's chat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Wishing all of you good vibes with your health in 2020,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina/Penny</span></div>
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Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-16207808064687484082020-02-17T10:03:00.000-05:002020-02-17T10:03:11.945-05:00Hard to Kill: NO, not James Bond, Tough Indoor Plants!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_ZExaRF8SW_S6il_1PJ763ofgZcnvGu9jt_nOzzLlHU4OIxsT8aSnlN60p0cdDE5i3i0AzOEEIsX4uBBaHs1fua2y-KcsX8bPL7_SBPtkPr_8IvrBR5iUB3gCTLaLyvdU504GBewIUZF/s1600/Alworthia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_ZExaRF8SW_S6il_1PJ763ofgZcnvGu9jt_nOzzLlHU4OIxsT8aSnlN60p0cdDE5i3i0AzOEEIsX4uBBaHs1fua2y-KcsX8bPL7_SBPtkPr_8IvrBR5iUB3gCTLaLyvdU504GBewIUZF/s400/Alworthia.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You'd think since I have degrees in plant taxonomy, horticultural science, biology, and floral design, that I would have an extremely green thumb with my indoor plant collection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You'd be wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I'm embarrassed to admit that my indoor plants have a greater than 50% chance of death. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I like to call my plant collection "Darwinian" in nature. No prissy, high maintenance plants survive here. They need to be tough and able to thrive in less than perfect conditions (erratic watering schedule, iffy light situation, fertilizer--what's that?, temperature extremes, dachshund interference, etc).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This also applies to my outdoor garden, where plants must deal with enormous weeds, hungry bunnies, and at times, overly zealous lawn guys with weed wackers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I thought it would be nice to give a shout-out to the big winners at my house: the plants with a truly Darwinian nature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">The survivors!</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfNXx2Y-W56ygAaTeF_S1u5hEN1y1m0aem7RfNar4tUODkVO4h4MhiHyA7s_Kz2FAUzdNPVPAPjCvfA1AB2_gUM1RKs_lGxHqgaN1yKrfNsl9nw1EX0Q-yjC0VMFiDUXVEFGzRDKgf7r2/s1600/fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="450" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfNXx2Y-W56ygAaTeF_S1u5hEN1y1m0aem7RfNar4tUODkVO4h4MhiHyA7s_Kz2FAUzdNPVPAPjCvfA1AB2_gUM1RKs_lGxHqgaN1yKrfNsl9nw1EX0Q-yjC0VMFiDUXVEFGzRDKgf7r2/s400/fireworks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Survivors! Yee haw!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Before we get to the survivors, let's talk about the failures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Ferns.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I love ferns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ferns, however, do NOT love my house. I've tried Boston fern, button fern, maidenhair fern, bird's-nest fern, Blue Star fern, Rabbit's Foot fern, and more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">They always croak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Their need for high humidity and fairly constant moisture makes them vulnerable at my house. I have a tendency to bring my plants to the brink of death, and then revive them in an exciting manner! (My husband has another way to describe this process).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After another sad end to my latest fern attempt, I made the decision to ONLY BUY SUPER TOUGH PLANTS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">These are the ones that are crushing it at my house...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>1. <span style="color: #38761d;">PHILODENDRON SELLOUM</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I adore this plant. It has a great color, hardy foliage, a cool leaf shape, and you can basically ignore the crap out of it and it doesn't mind at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Every once in a while, I plop it into the sink, water it until it drains, give it a nice misting, and then ignore it again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A+</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>2. HAWORTHIA FASCIATA "CONCOLOR" or Zebra Cactus</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My daughter started a succulent collection in our office, and this is one of the best. It has a rich dark green color with a funky white dotted surface, nice spiky foliage, and I swear, it would survive the zombie apocalypse and look fabulous. As with most succulents, if you forget to water it for a few days, weeks, months...don't worry about it. IT WON'T DIE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>3. <span style="color: #38761d;">ALWORTHIA "Black Gem"</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Another wonderful succulent that is actually a cross between an Aloe and Haworthia. It creates lots of offsets ("baby Alworthia plants") which can be repotted if you are so inclined to create an Alworthia dynasty. This does well with bright light, and again, will survive dry conditions. I have a "mini" version of this in a tiny pot--and thus it dries out very quickly after watering. God bless this sweet little plant...she doesn't care. Will go for months without water and still looks fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>4. <span style="color: #38761d;">PACHIRA AQUATICA, Guiana Chestnut, or Money Tree</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This plant is incredible. No matter what kind of light, how infrequent you water it, how much you ignore it...it grows like a weed and looks amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Right now I have it squeezed on top of a kitchen counter where it gets low light and it seems happy as a clam. I water and mist it maybe once a week? It's also in a teeny tiny pot, and I do think I will repot it soon although if it grows anymore, I will probably have to move it to the floor. Love this one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A++</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>5. <span style="color: #38761d;">NORFOLK ISLAND PINE TREE (<i>Araucaria heterophylla</i>)</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This adorable indoor evergreen is a popular item during the Christmas season, but honestly, it's a great indoor plant all year long. It has the potential to grow quite big, so if you're interested in that, you can repot it. I water/mist weekly. The foliage is a bit prickly, so beware. I recommend adorning it with fairy lights and ornaments in December. *wink*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">TOTALLY UNEXPECTED BONUS PLANT:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Most of the time, <b><span style="color: #38761d;">poinsettias (<i>Euphorbia pulcherrima</i>)</span></b> are "disposable" throw-away plants. After the holidays, they usually end up in the compost pile. They seem pretty wimpy, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Well...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Shockingly, my adorable poinsettia planter is still going strong! I'm impressed. Will keep this going as long as possible. I also think the white ones are less "Christmas-y" looking and are perfect for year-round decor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My indoor plants are definitely helping me get through the long and painful New England winter. However, I am still dreaming about <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">S</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">P</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">R</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">I</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">N</span><span style="color: #351c75;">G</span></b> and my outdoor garden!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I had a weak moment at the farmer's market recently, and bought all of these seed packets...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Almost time to plant! Not really.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Only a few more months to go, right? Sob.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do any of you have recommendations for super tough, hard-to-kill indoor plants? Let's chat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Dreaming of spring,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Penny/Nina</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-48800130467852155082020-01-03T09:51:00.000-05:002020-01-03T09:51:00.396-05:00Happy New Year 2020!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP34h7OhXmLbVriAqWN9OTOqq5GYovDZQTwZrWUAvOeZX8Lf01_5BsFU0p79qZr4cPR3-UHgLRcg_HZv1H6rZs3nze1I-aX0YE_8M4w8QsCNfYq1YJ4tI2CwRbxgSbrH29ajFJK4wUvUw/s1600/year+of+the+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1209" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP34h7OhXmLbVriAqWN9OTOqq5GYovDZQTwZrWUAvOeZX8Lf01_5BsFU0p79qZr4cPR3-UHgLRcg_HZv1H6rZs3nze1I-aX0YE_8M4w8QsCNfYq1YJ4tI2CwRbxgSbrH29ajFJK4wUvUw/s400/year+of+the+garden.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">HAPPY</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">NEW</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;">YEAR</span><span style="color: #351c75;">!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have some plans for this blog in 2020. I will be adding more frequent posts about a variety of topics, including wellness/health, simple living, gardening life, book reviews, film reviews, travel photos, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Coming up soon...a review for <b>STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yes, I saw it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You all know I'm an obsessive sci-fi girl who watched my first Star Wars movie in 1977.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, the question is...what did I think about the final installment of this series?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stay tuned to find out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">xoxoxoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love, Nina</span></div>
Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-76034695816269067672019-11-18T11:13:00.000-05:002019-11-18T11:13:16.576-05:00Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Penny Watson Collection!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>Time to Celebrate!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's that time again! Holidays, birthdays, adoption days, a fun escape for yourself. If you're looking for a unique gift for friends and family, check out the Penny Watson Collection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have an eclectic mix of books that may fit the bill for your shopping needs. The collection includes women's fiction, romance, kiddy lit, a complete holiday series, romantic comedy, and even a super sweet holiday quickie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">All but one are available in both print and digital formats, at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Take a peek at this list and see if anything is right for you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Are you looking for...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>✯</b></span> A quirky paranormal holiday romance series about the five sons of Santa Claus, a bunch of rambunctious elves, and plenty of magic and charm? This award-winning, bestselling series is complete (5 books). Available in print and digital formats at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Check out <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">THE KLAUS BROTHERS SERIES</a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">***</span></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>✯</b></span> A Thanksgiving-themed award-nominated romantic comedy with "mature" characters? This novella is available in print and digital formats at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Check out <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">APPLES SHOULD BE RED</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>✯</b></span> An award-winning foodie fiction with "seasoned" romance, a cooking competition, and a wee bit of haggis? National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award-winning novel available at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo in both digital and print.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Check out <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">A TASTE OF HEAVEN</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>✯</b></span> A children's book with quirky and charming illustrations about a super heroic weenie dog named Lucy? Precious illustrations by talented artist Sara Pulver bring this tale to life. Available in both print and digital formats at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Check out <b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">LUCY THE WONDER WEENIE</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>✯</b></span> A super short, super sweet holiday quickie set in Vermont? This 99 cent shortie is </span><span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">available in digital formats at Amazon, B/N, Kobo, Apple, and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">Check out <b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">A LUMBERJACKY CHRISTMAS</a></span></b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>✯</b></span> A contemporary romance with a sexy, bearded lumberjack? This bestselling novella is available in print and digital formats at Amazon, B/N, and Kobo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">Check out <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/book-list.html">LUMBERJACK IN LOVE</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">***</span></b>More information about the <b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/the-klaus-brothers-series.html">KLAUS BROTHER SERIES</a></span></b>...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you like baking? Try <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>SWEET INSPIRATION</b></span> (#1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you like snowboarding? Try <b><span style="color: #38761d;">SWEET MAGIK</span></b> (#2)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you like lumberjack/hippie types? Try <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SWEET ADVENTURE</span></b> (#3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you like sexy billionaires? Try <b><span style="color: #38761d;">SWEET CINDERELLA</span></b> (#4)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you like tortured souls searching for love in the Vermont forest? Try <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">SWEET DESTINY</span></b> (#5)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For more adorable gift ideas, stop by the <span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/watsonville"><b>Penny Watson</b> <b>Zazzle Shop</b></a></span>. I have <b><span style="color: #741b47;">EMBRACE THE QUIRK</span></b> totes, T-shirts, and more, as well as <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>LUCY THE WONDER WEENIE</b></span> and <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">APPLES SHOULD BE RED</span></b> items. Grab a mug, hat, or hoodie!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I hope all of you have a wonderful and enchanted holiday season. Lots of love...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Penny/Nina</span><br />
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Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-76608918807361997102019-10-10T09:01:00.000-04:002019-10-10T11:16:10.276-04:00Excerpt from LITTLE SHADOW MAN<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeknPhm7e3raBl8mEdf8IUpOwGjQGUu3UG-pSCmGYBM3PRnzCeY0xJkROS2Z8veTvvEsTBe4kTM77lD0PqrKbb0uZisSKH7EjDinSRmPh16l33g414ozZEIXBaVK9FRrqsc-NsPByd-yK/s1600/LSM+take+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="793" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeknPhm7e3raBl8mEdf8IUpOwGjQGUu3UG-pSCmGYBM3PRnzCeY0xJkROS2Z8veTvvEsTBe4kTM77lD0PqrKbb0uZisSKH7EjDinSRmPh16l33g414ozZEIXBaVK9FRrqsc-NsPByd-yK/s400/LSM+take+3.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Here's an unedited excerpt from the horror novella I am currently writing...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new";">UNEDITED EXCERPT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new";">LITTLE SHADOW MAN</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> It’s funny.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You would think after being asleep--or technically, in a
medically-induced coma--for three years, eleven months, and seventeen days,
that your first waking thought would be something monumental.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Your child’s face.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A memory about your wedding or perhaps the moment you fell in
love.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Possibly something devastating. The day your mother died after
falling down the stairs to the basement? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But for Jenny Kohler, after a four-year slumber of unnatural
causes, her first waking thought was about McDonald’s French fries.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Extra large. With ketchup.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She’d ripped off the oxygen mask and attempted to speak, but
with her atrophied vocal chords the words emerged as “Fra fra.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Obviously, it took some time for her to acclimate to her
surroundings. Figure out where she was, why she was. What she was. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And why the date on the blaring television read 2004.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>Oops. Lost a few years</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On the bright side, she’d finally lost those pesky fifty pounds.
However, no one would mistake her for Sleeping Beauty. Her hair had been
chopped into a boyish cut--easier for care at the nursing home. Her body was
white and pasty and mushy--with bed sores and scabs and scars from the accident
no one wanted to talk about.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then she discovered, after a few days of her brain starting to
function again, that it wasn’t just fifty pounds of fat that she’d lost.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her husband--dear old Jimmy--had divorced her slumbering ass
while she laid in a puke-filled hospital bed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dear Old Jimmy.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And to add the greatest of insults to a near-death injury, he’d
married Marlene.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>Marlene.</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The bastard had married Marlene.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He’d married the bitch from hell and taken Clare with him. They
now lived in Marlene’s three thousand-square-foot condominium on the west side
of town.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenny realized a few days after waking up that the doctors were
not going to be her best source of information.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Neither were the nurses.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It was the orderlies--bless their sweet souls--the ones who
scooped up poop and vomit and other bodily fluids that no one else wanted to
touch, who would answer her questions and be straight with her.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Sure did. Brought that bitch with him. She has a big, shiny
ring on her finger, that one. They spent a couple of minutes at your bedside,
then took off for Barbados.”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenny blinked a few times. Her tear ducts weren’t working so
great, but honestly, Jim didn’t deserve the water works.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“José, was my daughter here, too? Clare? She’s just a little
girl.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>José sent her a pitying look. “That girl ain’t little. She’s
twelve. Middle school is hell, don’t you know. The girl has been here a couple
of times. Not too much. Never saw her crack a smile or even talk. Sullen kid.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>My girl is twelve!</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenny cringed. She’d missed four vital years of
her daughter’s life. She could only imagine what Marlene was teaching her about
growing up.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Did...did any of my friends stop by?” Jenny was dreading the
answer, but she had to know.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah. One. Barb. You know her? She came by every Sunday. Told
me she knew you were in there, in that lifeless body, somewhere. And then she’d
spout off a bunch of religious gobbledygook. You know, about how God was
looking out for you. That God would take care of you. God would bring you
back.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenny stared at José. “I don’t know anyone named Barb.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Really?” José barked out a laugh. “She was here every Sunday.
You sure?”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenny wracked her brain, which probably wasn’t such a hot idea.
It was full of holes and mismatched connections, warped memories, and a bunch
of rage. The rage swam around in the gray matter like an alligator under an
alga-topped swamp. Skimming the surface every once in a while, then diving back
into the scum.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well, I guess I’ll meet her if she stops by again. That should
be interesting.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yeah. It should.” José snubbed out his cigarette on the
linoleum floor. “Gotta get back to work. Let me wheel you home.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jenny’s arms weren’t strong enough to wield the wheelchair yet.
Physical therapy was now a daily occurrence, but her recovery would not be
quick...or easy.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And there would be no cheerleaders. Mr. Ex-Hubby hadn’t bothered
to stop by. Clare hadn’t stopped by. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">The mysterious Barb had
ceased all visits.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No one had stopped by.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well, that wasn’t exactly true.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some<i>thing</i> had stopped by. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some...<i>thing</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the <i>thing</i>, the <i>thing</i> that was stopping by, day
and night, was something Jenny was trying to ignore. Thinking it a by-product
of a long-term coma. Or maybe the meds.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Meds could do strange shit to your brain.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That had to be it.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because some<i>thing</i> was watching Jenny, all day and all
night. Hidden in the corners. So small, tucked into the shadows, like a tiny
bronze afterthought. Always just out of reach, on the periphery.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At first she’d thought something was wrong with her vision. Like
a spot on her retina? A dark spot. It moved as her eyes moved, always on the
edges.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But then one day, the thing...talked.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well, that wasn’t quite right. It didn’t exactly talk. It sort
of...whispered. But low, like the grumbling of a furnace in the basement.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She’d thought it was a furnace in the basement. Until she heard
the words. Actual fucking words.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then the blood that flowed through her broken body turned so
cold she’d thought she’d frozen in place. Like a block of ice.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i>“Wel...come.”</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was it. That one word, over and over. It wasn’t the
furnace. And Jenny was certain it wasn’t the meds. Because she heard it when
she was completely lucid. The blurry spots in her peripheral vision would grow,
almost like an ocular migraine, but full of shadows. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And full of some<i>thing</i> else.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Each day and night, the thing returned. Little Shadow. In the
corner. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Welcoming her. To what exactly?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And strangely, the Little Shadow seemed familiar, almost
comforting. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She’d heard once that people in a coma were aware of everything
going on around them. Who was visiting, words spoken. They couldn’t respond,
but they were aware. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As days passed, Jenny’s memories of the last four years returned
in a jumbled mass of images.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dark, wavy images. Angry images. She hadn’t been aware of visitors
or doctors or nurses or therapy done on her mushy body. But she was sure--as
sure as she could be--that Little Shadow had visited her daily. Because it was
the <i>thing</i> that seemed recognizable. It was the <i>thing</i> that filled
her memories.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And so, in a very odd way, Little Shadow became a comfort.
Something she could rely on, unlike her douchebag ex-husband. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It wasn’t until fifty-four days after she awoke that it occurred
to her that the some<i>thing</i> might be not be a friend or a comfort at all,
but something altogether different. And that she, Jenny Kohler, was in way over
her head with this <i>thing</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That night a nurse came into the room to check her bedsores. Most
of them had disappeared, but a few had become infected. Jenny couldn’t see
them. They were on her lower back. But she could smell them. Something putrid
and foul. And wet, with pus oozing onto the bed sheets.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nurse Wilson was curt and pissy and had about as much bedside
manner as a troll. Usually, Jenny ignored her, rolled over, and let her apply
the topical ointment which was supposed to heal the open sores.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But on this night, the nurse seemed more disagreeable than normal.
When Jenny turned over, the nurse gagged.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Actually gagged.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After all the shit this nurse had seen in this god-forsaken
nursing home, she’d gagged at the sight of Jenny’s sores.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ugh. These are disgusting.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenny got very, very still.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“They smell like crap. Why isn’t the antibiotic cream working?”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenny glanced into the corner of the room, where shadows collected
and the light got sucked right under the door.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Darker. </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Good thing your husband already left you, woman. If he got a
whiff of these, he’d be repulsed.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The shadows in the corner seemed a little larger. Climbing up the
walls like a colony of mold. Growing.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Darker.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ll bet that busty bimbo he’s married to now smells <i>real</i>
good.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nurse Wilson was bending over Jenny’s back. Head low,
concentration focused on the wounds. Jenny reached out and grasped the bed pan
on her table. Her coordination still wasn’t great. Her strength was pathetic.
But somehow Jenny got ahold of that bedpan, twisted in the sheets, and smacked the side of Nurse Wilson’s head.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The nurse wasn’t expecting it. It didn’t hit very hard due to
Jenny’s less-than-stellar physical condition. But it startled the fuck out of
poor Nurse Wilson. So much that the woman gasped, tipped backward, and fell
onto the floor. Smashed the back of her head so hard she knocked herself out.
And cut open a nice slice of her skull.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bright red blood pooled under the nurse’s head.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the shadows in the corner laughed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The shadows in the corner grew.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The shadows in the corner coalesced into a huddled figure. The
outline wasn’t sharp, and the face was hidden by a dark bronze haze. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the nurse finally came to, she remembered nothing. <br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I must have fallen. Damn slippery
floors. I wish they’d stop polishing them at night.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was the start of a new relationship for Jenny.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was the night she realized Little Shadow was actually
Little Shadow Man. He was there, hidden in the corners.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And he was growing.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">LITTLE SHADOW MAN, © 2019, Nina Roth Borromeo</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-21603143243697259672019-08-21T14:19:00.000-04:002019-08-21T14:19:49.483-04:00Summer Wrap-Up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2IezFqyHZhgQFb3CmKNRNeoJmcXYPv0eM9baNhf9v8VS4enfFBhjDz6FnXJttg55wpp8kGxxEx14763LPnMhg6-7V4rgk-09QbgJSZlTy04tBoUC7PtvRnW87pDtUto6seCysAohLd_K/s1600/raspberries+and+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2IezFqyHZhgQFb3CmKNRNeoJmcXYPv0eM9baNhf9v8VS4enfFBhjDz6FnXJttg55wpp8kGxxEx14763LPnMhg6-7V4rgk-09QbgJSZlTy04tBoUC7PtvRnW87pDtUto6seCysAohLd_K/s400/raspberries+and+flowers.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Freshly-picked berries from my garden.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I had plans for this summer. Big plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My daughter was going away for six weeks (art camp), and I was going to finish my novel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Suuuuuuuuuuure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, that didn't happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Things did not go exactly as planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After dealing with concerns about my mother's health this past year, my family decided to move her into an assisted living home in Providence. She had spent her entire life in Pittsburgh, PA, so this was a monumental project. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Moving my mom was at times exciting, stressful, overwhelming, emotional, frustrating, and finally a relief. She is safely ensconced in a lovely (and lively) spot, near to us, and we've been able to see her much more frequently, which is one of the bright spots of this move.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDavy2LUH0Kj8vNH7V7w8wgMOFSFUU5FcefJHD7lNhMpUlns-y2yMZvsYTEyp6e7LmHgdgUVz84_jrUrBH6yrNoirKmdoD6px2Hff9_5r8hYUMK8jz6dCSo_rmJIpPNCP9bLik_rQsYU_/s1600/Mom+and+Cristian+2019.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDavy2LUH0Kj8vNH7V7w8wgMOFSFUU5FcefJHD7lNhMpUlns-y2yMZvsYTEyp6e7LmHgdgUVz84_jrUrBH6yrNoirKmdoD6px2Hff9_5r8hYUMK8jz6dCSo_rmJIpPNCP9bLik_rQsYU_/s400/Mom+and+Cristian+2019.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>My mom and my son, Cristian</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Adding to my stress pile was a troubling doctor appointment that forced me to deal--aggressively--with a worrying diabetes problem. My numbers were getting worse, not better. So, I started a very strict diet/exercise plan, and it worked. I have lost eighteen pounds since July 1, and my blood sugar is way down. I feel much better and will continue to work on healthy eating habits.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Homemade hummus and veggies</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Needless to say, I did not finish my novel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I did not start my novel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I didn't write one single word this summer, and that's okay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My mom is safe and sound. My health is on the upswing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I spent a lot of time in the garden, which was good for body, mind, and soul...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Goodies from my garden</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br />My son completed an on-line class at home, my daughter had a wonderful experience at RISD, and my husband finally got to Canada for his yearly fishing trip.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>Did he have fun? Yes.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We are now about to launch both kids into their junior years--Cristian is going to Budapest for a college semester, and Hazel is gearing up for volleyball season in high school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am <i>finally</i> able to start thinking about writing projects and workshops. Coming up this fall...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. I will be attending the NJRWA conference in October and co-presenting a workshop with the uber-talented Rosie Genova. We are giving a talk called HOT MAMAS, SILVER VIXENS, AND GROOVY GRANNIES: WRITING THE OLDER HEROINE. I will also be participating in the book fair on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 4:30-6 pm. I hope to see some of you there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. I have re-worked the concept for my YA Christmas series that is a spin-off of the KLAUS BROTHERS SERIES. I decided to turn it into a YA paranormal mystery series called THE KLAUS COUSINS CAPERS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">More information and a sneak peek coming this fall!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I hope all of you had a restful, inspiring, and adventure-filled summer. And, even if things didn't go as planned, it's time to forge ahead in September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">HALLOWEEN IS COMING SOON! Woo hoo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love and good wishes to all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina/Penny</span></div>
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Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-27593642579332175252019-07-15T13:54:00.004-04:002019-07-25T16:56:06.518-04:00"SCARE ME IN THE SUMMER" Reviews from Watsonville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Who likes to be scared over the summer?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also, fall? And winter...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ALL THE TIME!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*raises hand*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have three reviews coming up today. One is for a fabulous Gothic story by Laura K. Curtis (coming in October, just in time for Halloween). One is for the third season of Stranger Things. And one is for the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>A DARKER SHADE</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Two of these things were super scary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One was not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let me know if you agree!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. <b><span style="color: #073763;">A DARKER SHADE</span></b> by <a href="http://www.laurakcurtis.com/">Laura K. Curtis</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As you all know, I love scary stuff, especially atmospheric Gothic tales.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Throw in a haunted house with secrets aplenty, and I'm totally in love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of <b>A DARKER SHADE</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This wonderful story by Curtis hits all of my high points...excellent writing, suspenseful mystery, super creepy paranormal elements, a bit of romance, an intriguing family, and a heroine filled with grit and determination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I love the isolated Maine setting, including a brutal winter that any New Englander knows all too well. <b>A DARKER SHADE</b> is a haunted house story in the best possible way for horror fans...filled with many secrets and an </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">unfolding family history that is both tragic and horrifying. Eerie dreams, unexplained accidents, chilling visions, and unseen forces are driving the events at Rook's Rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Molly Allworth--with a Romani heritage and plenty of common sense--is the perfect protagonist. She is determined to protect the Prescott family she cares for, regardless of real or imagined threats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Curtis has created a remarkable Gothic with this book, and I hope she will follow it up with many more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Highly recommended. Available for sale Oct. 1. Available now for <a href="http://www.laurakcurtis.com/">pre-order</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Is it scary? <b><span style="color: #b45f06;">HELL YEAH!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. <b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80189221">THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE</a></span></b> on Netflix.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This came highly recommended by multiple people. It took me a while to carve out time for a binge-watch, but I'm happy I saved it for a summer project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The single season on Netflix includes ten episodes that jump back and forth from the past to current times, and follow the Crain family--parents and five children--as they navigate life in the presence of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...what? Mental illness? Evil spirits? Ghosts who can't let go?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I sometimes find time jumps irritating and unnecessary, but I must say this was extremely well-done. The poor children who are traumatized by this haunted house carry their memories (and the consequences) into adulthood in a believable and terrifying way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And when I say terrifying, I mean TERRIFYING! I had to turn off the TV a couple of times because I was scared out of my mind. That's an embarrassing admission for a horror genre-lover, but this show crushed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The acting was superb, including Timothy Hutton, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Annabeth Gish, and a cast of amazing child actors who impressed the hell out of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The build-up of suspense and horror was as well-done as I've ever seen on film. Walking slowly down a dark hall--which is now the most obvious horror element--was fresh and new and jump-worthy. (Yeah, I jumped out of my seat.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The ghosts were horrifying, the monsters were horrifying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This series was horrifying. *huddles in corner*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I also loved the complex and believable family dynamics going on, and the resolution which included love and family loyalty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There were a couple of spots that needed a bit of editing--some dialogue that went on too long, some scenes that could have been somewhat abbreviated. But overall, I found this totally engaging and effective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Highly recommend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Grade: A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Was it scary? Gulp. <b><span style="color: #741b47;">*whispers <i>yes</i>, don't talk too loud or you'll disturb the ghosts!*</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. <b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281">Stranger Things Season 3 on Netflix</a></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>**WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD, DON'T READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE SHOW YET!**</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have very mixed feelings about this. Troubling feelings. I hate to even bring this up, because I love quirky stuff. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Love love love the quirk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Wes Anderson. Buffy's unexpected musical. Shaun of the Dead. Mixing horror and humor together is usually my thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">However, it needs to blend and not be choppy. And yeah, I get it. That's a challenge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also a challenge is weaving together multiple storylines and making it all work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So, true confession time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I actually did not like the first six episodes of Stranger Things Season 3. Episode seven was getting better, and the final episode was fantastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Was it enough to make it worth watching the whole season?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Probably...yeah. I'm a Super Fan and that made it worthwhile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nevertheless, there were some major fails at the beginning. So, here it goes...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. THE MONSTER WASN'T SCARY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I know. It's hard to make a scary monster. Even with excellent special effects. But Seasons 1 and 2 did an extremely good job by building up the fear, anticipation, growing apprehension of the unknown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The monster in season three looked like a big steaming pile of uncooked hamburger meat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Just...no. Totally didn't do it for me at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Was it gross? Yeah, sort of. Was it scary? No, not really. Ugh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. THE MALL WASN'T SCARY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In Seasons 1 and 2, the setting (The Upside Down) was freakin' terrifying. But Season 3 did not capture that terror. The mall...no. The underground facility...no. The hospital scene was scary, but nothing compares to the The Upside Down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Could you make a mall scene scary? Yes, you could. There are ways to juxtapose quirky, creepy mall images with a monster. But this show did not do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Mall Setting: FAIL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. WHO THE HELL WAS HOPPER?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hopper used to be serious, somber, tortured. So very tortured.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">He was a big goof-ball in this season. WHAT THE HECK IS UP WITH THAT? Goofy with Elle--I get it, adding humor into the teen-parent relationship. But the fear about her safety which was a huge part of the past seasons was totally gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also, the ridiculous scene in the restaurant waiting for Winona Ryder to show up?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">WHO IS THIS GOOFBALL? Ugh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Redeeming Hopper scene: The final episode. Damn. </span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4. PACING TOO SLOW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">First six episodes dragged.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">5. THE QUIRKY STUFF WAS FUNNY, BUT IT MADE THE SHOW FUNNY NOT SCARY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I love quirky. You know I do. But Stranger Things is supposed to be a horror/sci-fi show.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Too many tongue-in-cheek jokes, musical moments, and quirky banter turned this season into Quirky-ville and not Scare-the-bejimminies-out-of-me-ville.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Not a good balance of horror and humor. Too much kooky stuff. (I can't believe I just said that).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">6. DIDN'T FEEL PARANORMAL OR CREEPY. NOT ENOUGH SCIFI.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Related to #5. This hardly felt like a sci-fi show at all. Totally disappointing for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">7. ELLE WAS A NO-SHOW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Elle spent most of her time making out with her boyfriend and having a completely freakin' ridiculous "Cinderella-Makeover Scene" in the mall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">OH MY GOD!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I wasn't sure if this was Stranger Things or a dumb teen movie. Sob.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I WANT BAD-ASS ELLE BACK, PLEASE!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Now for the good stuff! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. STEVE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Steve is the best. His character was one of the bright shining spots of this season. He has grown so much, still filled with teen vulnerability and confusion, but also courageous and loyal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">LOVE HIM SO MUCH!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And he and Robin and Erica were absolutely the strongest part of this show. Sheer perfection. The perfect balance of bad-assery and humor. Well done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. ROBIN, THE ICE CREAM GIRL</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Robin, Steve's new sidekick at the ice cream shop--who just happens to be actress Maya Hawke, daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke--was flat-out phenomenal. Amazing acting, perfect complement to Steve and Erica. Complex character filled with surprises.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also, BAD-ASS and SMART. She took over the part that Elle used to have.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">LOVE ROBIN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. ERICA--"YOU CAN'T SPELL AMERICA WITHOUT ERICA"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Where the heck did she come from? Why haven't they used her character in previous seasons?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She was the bomb! Wicked snarky, smart, funny. So much sass. Hot diggity damn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">LOVE ERICA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4. MURRAY AND ALEXEI</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Best chemistry on the show, hands-down, was this bromance between Murray and Alexei. They stole every scene they had together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was not happy about the sad ending for Alexei.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also, Murray had my favorite quote for the season...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"I hate children." Hee hee!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">5. THE FINAL EPISODE</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I got chills and bawled my eyes out. The scene where Elle is reading the letter from Hopper was one of the best TV scenes ever. So heart-felt and emotional and tragic. Insanely good. This single scene made the whole season worth watching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">A few final thoughts...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The Nancy and Jonathan scenes were pretty much throw-aways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Billy was the scariest part of the show. Scarier than the monster. And I loved his redemption scene at the end. That was well-done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The eye-rolling scene where Dustin and his girlfriend sing the "Neverending Story" was quirky and weird and sort of cute, but also way too long and a huge disruption. I'm not on board with ST turning into a quirky hot mess instead of scary-as-hell scifi horror.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Overall feelings about ST3...it had a split personality, and it showed. Couldn't decide what it was trying to do. I hope ST4 gets back to basics...science fiction/paranormal horror.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Leave the musical numbers to Buffy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Also, please for the love of God--no more Cinderella teenage makeover scenes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">STRANGER THINGS 3: Was it scary?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">No, not really. Bits and pieces were scary, but overall it did not capture the terror of the previous two seasons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">That's it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hope all of you are having a scary summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let me know your thoughts about Stranger Things, The Haunting of Hill House, and A Darker Shade. Let's chat!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nina/Penny</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-21779018389220868242019-04-30T09:07:00.000-04:002019-04-30T09:07:01.844-04:00A Different Way of Looking at Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8UW51LywGvQVSuLasylVk6eN1VOacbaPNWav7nSJSoj_PQHVWbPmm_N9yh8EhIDl0y5b62G2lFoin6qXaKRhOLMniNpVBjAPkShHBjc5MszlsD82wbN1GgmaFc5dMdrqtuOAL8fiLkSP/s1600/writing+approach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8UW51LywGvQVSuLasylVk6eN1VOacbaPNWav7nSJSoj_PQHVWbPmm_N9yh8EhIDl0y5b62G2lFoin6qXaKRhOLMniNpVBjAPkShHBjc5MszlsD82wbN1GgmaFc5dMdrqtuOAL8fiLkSP/s400/writing+approach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've noticed that as the trend in publishing leans more and more towards speed, productivity, marketing, sales, bestseller lists, and social media followers, authors seem to be more anxious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Less satisfied with their writing careers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Constantly comparing themselves to others and finding a perceived failure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Unhappy.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Is there an alternative? Sure. Here's another way to approach writing, or really any creative project. A more mindful way that may offer less stress for those folks who are struggling with the publishing industry right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One of the benefits of this type of mindful approach is that it "fills the well" not only for mental well-being and happiness, but also the well of creative inspiration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've noticed the term "muse" is mocked these days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I don't mock it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I like it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There is nothing wrong with looking for inspiration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">There is nothing wrong with finding the spark that ignites your creativity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I hear this a lot..."How do you get your story ideas? I am running out of ideas."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I honestly have so many ideas that I couldn't possibly write all the books I want to in this lifetime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How do I get so many ideas?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Fill the well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">What does this mean?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">If you isolate yourself and focus only on word counts and publication dates, you are shutting yourself off to myriad experiences that shape who you are and the quality of your life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The "richer" your experiences, the more you have to say, write about, create. This is true of all art: photography, painting, film, sculpture, novels, poetry, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let's break this down into four components...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>1. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Explore</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>2. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Engage</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>3. <span style="color: #e69138;">Absorb</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>4. <span style="color: #0b5394;">Create</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">#1 is <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">EXPLORE</span></b>. This can include "active" experiences like travel, taking classes, trying new sports and activities. You can do these things alone or with friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Examples: Big trips like Iceland and Europe, small trips like Audubon parks or a local zoo. Classes could include a cooking class for Italian food, glass-blowing, or even a writing class for a new genre. How about trying karate or yoga? Maybe wine-tasting, wine-making, wines of the world. (You can't go wrong with wine!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Exploring can also be "non-active" like reading/research/education. Go to the library, do research at a museum, teach yourself a new language or a bit of history. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You never know what new experience will make your brain hum with story ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">#2 is <b><span style="color: #38761d;">ENGAGE</span></b>. This is all about interacting with other people and your environment. Instead of isolating yourself, reach out. Join communities. Learn from others. Make friends with people outside your normal friend group.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Get uncomfortable. Yes, <b>UN</b>comfortable. Why? Because hanging out with the same group of people is safe, but sometimes stifling. Push yourself to engage with new folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Engage with your environment, too. Touch, smell, taste, explore. Look at the world around you. Really look, investigate. All of these sights and sounds are stimulating. They will stimulate new ideas for your writing, your art, and most importantly, for your happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">#3 is <b><span style="color: #e69138;">ABSORB</span></b>. What does this mean? Take the time to think about your new experiences, conversations with people, travel adventures. Keep a journal. What things did you like, what things did you dislike?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Spend time contemplating what is going on in the world around you. Take photos, jot down impressions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pretty soon dialogue will start popping into your head. Characters. Stories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let your mind drift and absorb all the new things going on in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">#4 is <b><span style="color: #45818e;">CREATE</span></b>. After you explore, engage, and absorb, you are ready to create.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Everything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Knit. Garden. Make jewelry. Take photos. Paint. Write. Cook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Once you fill the well, your muse will kick in. You'll see things in a new way, maybe have that necessary break-through with your current work-in-progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Maybe come up with a totally new idea that never occurred to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I know people who think "doing non-writing things" is wasting time. They are either "writing" or "wasting time."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How can you write effectively, to the very best of your ability, if you shut yourself off to life?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Your writing will shine when you take the time to live a little bit. Or a lot a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Will you make a million dollars or be number one on a bestseller list?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">But I do know that your anxiety will decrease, your happiness will expand, and your writing will improve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">It's not a bad goal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Signing off,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Nina</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-75110872739427847672019-04-16T09:11:00.000-04:002019-04-16T09:15:55.583-04:00Making Botanical Dyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fhu9OrCePcoU7tRmNnSYMVodT6nizKIPlX7B29i_TP5bd335sUBrzkvx12qmvOOmF0exD0xzaeKhNhCAGST-jdh9Qv_qigZzadE3SsfNQCewYTbz5YIpUH-spfVywRCoSqz_h4t2GiHN/s1600/easter+eggs+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fhu9OrCePcoU7tRmNnSYMVodT6nizKIPlX7B29i_TP5bd335sUBrzkvx12qmvOOmF0exD0xzaeKhNhCAGST-jdh9Qv_qigZzadE3SsfNQCewYTbz5YIpUH-spfVywRCoSqz_h4t2GiHN/s400/easter+eggs+all.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I finally got to a project I've been wanting to try for about fifteen years!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I created home-made botanical dyes for my Easter eggs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I used a cold dye process (hard boil eggs first, make dyes and cool them, then add eggs to dye jars with a bit of vinegar, soak for an hour).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqA5Fs0r7NetVFVZc-5rjSNKhQC2_OsCtMp_eF6hYGMQRm_EnxEmbrdQ36lY8UOlvt4kvZk7wPKJN3psgIPf0hlvo58CYmibp2VrimE0PYLD1jIyWHT1hh99mowjixeQ1H7Gktf5v-u61/s1600/easter+eggs+plain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqA5Fs0r7NetVFVZc-5rjSNKhQC2_OsCtMp_eF6hYGMQRm_EnxEmbrdQ36lY8UOlvt4kvZk7wPKJN3psgIPf0hlvo58CYmibp2VrimE0PYLD1jIyWHT1hh99mowjixeQ1H7Gktf5v-u61/s400/easter+eggs+plain.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Hard boil 3 dozen eggs</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Assemble materials, including white vinegar, frozen blueberries, paprika, turmeric, grape juice, cabbage, beets, parsley, onions...and I added spinach and coffee at the last minute.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsMn-Ja4hkXHjaBXQd0Ec_9F_iMgTz-_onry1VJQRghKvpajns15T8zMxfWwua1wzMVxN0W-QFcQT9JEWkL6ikkcYTqsK0djNiMkg8E6KHzGEemXIR0rTSCJzeY_r8Rk31d5-YMTiQNaP/s1600/easter+egg+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsMn-Ja4hkXHjaBXQd0Ec_9F_iMgTz-_onry1VJQRghKvpajns15T8zMxfWwua1wzMVxN0W-QFcQT9JEWkL6ikkcYTqsK0djNiMkg8E6KHzGEemXIR0rTSCJzeY_r8Rk31d5-YMTiQNaP/s400/easter+egg+materials.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Start cooking! Throw chopped materials into a pot with 4 cups water. I used 3 tablespoons of the spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTbEIV2wC3z3_FoujdygMfUuz9S-H6hb6aCquKMHFLM4_-GGqvuXXKdwQrLWJ_EyZ-zboK2S-XE8v8LcYPr52Mq_C_6uiZ1OHAu5lAwzb7VuxVSALDWumKObbpYCYKGBWBFr13ikweE7j/s1600/easter+eggs+cook+onion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTbEIV2wC3z3_FoujdygMfUuz9S-H6hb6aCquKMHFLM4_-GGqvuXXKdwQrLWJ_EyZ-zboK2S-XE8v8LcYPr52Mq_C_6uiZ1OHAu5lAwzb7VuxVSALDWumKObbpYCYKGBWBFr13ikweE7j/s400/easter+eggs+cook+onion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Yellow onion, paprika, grape juice, blueberries.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAXqQcglS_HEogTuz9MyKsbmYvNvQjLI0kl8CL0vP_BxxD5juqdeK4ghAho6ID0189ArHnn5TSwBV_Wz7Gj85TyQAx3lARtlo1HvBWEtxmYkQN0kKD-53ELNvbnPt-T_2b-5YP_hbKRBY/s1600/easter+eggs+cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAXqQcglS_HEogTuz9MyKsbmYvNvQjLI0kl8CL0vP_BxxD5juqdeK4ghAho6ID0189ArHnn5TSwBV_Wz7Gj85TyQAx3lARtlo1HvBWEtxmYkQN0kKD-53ELNvbnPt-T_2b-5YP_hbKRBY/s400/easter+eggs+cook.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Cabbage, beets, turmeric, parsley.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After simmering for 30 minutes, allow the dyes to cool, and then strain them into mason jars. When you're ready to dye the eggs, add a couple teaspoons of white vinegar to the dye cups/jars.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkSRgmaIw5nY4bNF5rcg5w8eEujUlDiJe8QOqPe2i0XZ4wEWqQe29AkRFJWdck8YxFyvPnHCwzpGyjTWLblWRRZLPogpDKYiTy-BhwiqR3N5WyXKW3xxg0uTs-eqm1DCrBO5RgGs59bX3/s1600/easter+eggs+experiment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkSRgmaIw5nY4bNF5rcg5w8eEujUlDiJe8QOqPe2i0XZ4wEWqQe29AkRFJWdck8YxFyvPnHCwzpGyjTWLblWRRZLPogpDKYiTy-BhwiqR3N5WyXKW3xxg0uTs-eqm1DCrBO5RgGs59bX3/s400/easter+eggs+experiment.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Mad Scientists!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I let the eggs soak for 30-60 minutes, and then spread them out on a paper towel to dry. They dried overnight, and some of the colors faded a bit. The cold dye process gets some cool speckled textures and variations in color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The only failure was green. I added spinach to the parsley pot, but I still did not get a lot of pigment in the solution. Not sure why. Maybe I needed more than two bunches of parsley! I added a drop of food coloring to the green to perk it up (yeah, I know, that's cheating! Hee hee.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The yellow onion skins made a fabulous super rich orange color, and the cabbage made a gorgeous blue that got deeper if you extended the dye time. Those were my favorites.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTIpfRUdAbLf7dT3I8ppeStiH5QnAcKfzfjTOhQpWI_7SoqhcF-YHMa3Hyitm-sZPKwpih7s7xl2IOQ_JBblrOjmxuSvoQWa0JTN6Xb3V5Xe4e93SbH3rTiDa5RnxD128X2AKwKX7iLrz/s1600/easter+eggs+papertowel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTIpfRUdAbLf7dT3I8ppeStiH5QnAcKfzfjTOhQpWI_7SoqhcF-YHMa3Hyitm-sZPKwpih7s7xl2IOQ_JBblrOjmxuSvoQWa0JTN6Xb3V5Xe4e93SbH3rTiDa5RnxD128X2AKwKX7iLrz/s400/easter+eggs+papertowel.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Finished products look amazing!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUittHXVYdDuqdumEDJt7APKbY2ryuaUstTWG2Zx-svUljGKHLKuARFber01c_9w7mNxdwNF9p4FuY5DF-UqoDulHL8vXgDltjQvAvssEdTFHaXZqgBTC8YpGD1JKFJTe5vu8fRqWp2pLY/s1600/easter+egg+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUittHXVYdDuqdumEDJt7APKbY2ryuaUstTWG2Zx-svUljGKHLKuARFber01c_9w7mNxdwNF9p4FuY5DF-UqoDulHL8vXgDltjQvAvssEdTFHaXZqgBTC8YpGD1JKFJTe5vu8fRqWp2pLY/s400/easter+egg+black.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">This was a super fun project, and I will definitely try it again next year, maybe with different materials.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">HAPPY SPRING!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Love, Nina/Penny</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-66445802182250425512019-04-14T17:05:00.000-04:002019-04-14T17:05:09.148-04:00POEM: It's good till it's not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>It's good till it's not</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Take your coat off</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stay a while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sofa's new, orange twill with flecks of green</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Settle on the cushion,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Still plump and firm and willing to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Prop you up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Stay a while</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Coffee's brewing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bubblin' in the percolator</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">TV's black and white</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You get so comfy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Up and down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For a snack</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A drink</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A potty break</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A phone call</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A neighbor looking for sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A neighbor looking for Sugar, Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A tiny dent appears in the sofa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just the size of your derriere</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sitting there</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Still plump and firm and willing to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Prop you up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Until it's not</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sinking in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A coil escapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The fabric rips and now that</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Pretty orange cushion is tufts of shredded foam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Doesn't smell so good</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Maybe like a coffee spill?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Deeper, deeper,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">No sugar's gonna fix this hole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Snack is moldy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Drink burns going down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Potty is cracked</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Phone's obsolete</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Neighbor died last year</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And the sofa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sofa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hurts to sit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Put your coat back on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Open the door</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Funny, the view looks different</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I don't remember the flames.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
© <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2019 Nina Roth Borromeo</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-19256242254581329512019-03-28T10:09:00.001-04:002019-03-28T10:10:43.848-04:00Jumping From Hearts to Horror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After many years of writing romance, I am now in the midst of creating a horror novella.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Is this a weird switch?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It might seem that way. Jumping from hearts and happy-ever-afters to horrifying creatures, death, and destruction, might make some folks scratch their heads and say, "What the hell?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">But for me, it's not that odd. I have always enjoyed a weird--dare I say <i>quirky</i>--bunch of interests. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Botany, horror movies, puppies, science, art, comedy, nature, sci-fi, and the list goes on. Some of the things are cute and cuddly, and some of the things involve exploding zombie heads.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You get my drift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My love affair with horror has been going on since childhood. Started with JAWS and Stephen King, and it just kept growing. I especially love sci-fi-horror (ALIENS is a favorite) and horror/comedy (think SHAUN OF THE DEAD).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Anyhow, I am finding the switch from Hearts to Horror wonderfully challenging as a writer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Stuff you need to think about with <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">romance</span></b>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. Main purpose is creating a satisfying romance/love story. May include sex or not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. Character-driven stories are best. Readers will forgive a story that really has no plot if the characters are fabulous, but they will not forgive a plot-driven novel with flat/underdeveloped characters. Characters make the romance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. The relationship between hero/heroine drives the book. Pulling them apart, pushing them back together. This guides the story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4. Book must end with satisfying resolution to relationship conflict, and a HEA (happy ever after). Happy ending, for those of you not up on the romance lingo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">5. Characters need to be likable or at least redeemable by the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Different things to accomplish with a <b><span style="color: #741b47;">horror</span></b> story...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">1. Book can be character-driven or plot-driven, or some combination of both. I personally believe creating very strong, well-developed characters strengthens your story no matter what genre you are writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">2. Need some mystery, unknown, question mark. In other words, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">3. Suspense is critical. Author has to build suspense over the course of the book. Can be a slow build-up, or come in fits-and-starts. Whatever. Must be there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">4. Horror is critical. Can be subtle, or bash-you-over-the-head shocking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">5. Ending does not necessarily need a well-defined resolution. Could be vague, open-ended. Could be all wrapped up. Might be shocking. No matter what, the novel still needs to be engaging and satisfying as a horror story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My favorite part of switching from romance to horror, as I discussed in this <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2019/02/from-writing-cave-observations-about.html"><b>blog post</b></a>, is the freedom to create warty characters. They don't need to be perfect. They can be cruel and vindictive and really awful people. And let's face it, after years of creating "nice guys" it's pretty fun to make a warty character pop off the page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have always loved creating an alternate, paranormal universe (see my <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/the-klaus-brothers-series.html"><b>Klaus Brothers Series</b></a>). It's so much fun to stretch your imagination and creativity with other worlds. With horror, I can continue to do this, just with more gruesome outcomes. *insert evil laugh*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Will I ever write love stories again? Sure. I have a lot of up-coming options on my current "writing menu" including YA fantasy, paranormal fiction, love stories, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">But for now I am digging into a bit of the macabre. Maybe it's a better fit for my current emotional state? Or the state of the world? Or maybe I just love Halloween? Whatever the reason, LITTLE SHADOW MAN is floating my horror boat right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For a sneak peek of <b>LITTLE SHADOW MAN</b>, check out <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2018/10/sneak-peek-of-little-shadow-man.html"><b>this post</b></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Happy and Horrible Writing to all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nina</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-11143177029038304792019-03-06T12:00:00.001-05:002019-03-07T08:40:07.384-05:00CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Women Who Shine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Introducing a new event...</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>WOMEN WHO SHINE: </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>A CELEBRATION OF MATURE WOMEN</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How do you feel about aging?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Are you celebrating your maturity, growth, wisdom?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Are you struggling? </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">With menopause, aging parents, empty nest syndrome, reinvention?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How do you feel about yourself? </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Beautiful, strong? </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Vulnerable? Anxious?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Who are role models for women aging gracefully? Who are fierce and inspiring?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">How do others treat you as you age? Are you invisible?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Are your goals, talents changing? How do you feel about this?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Do you welcome the next phase of your life, or are you pining for lost years?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There are so many wonderful facets to explore about women and aging. The good, the bad, the difficult, and perhaps some unexpected and marvelous things as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ideas for submissions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Essays</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Poetry</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Art</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Photos</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Short Fiction</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Articles about films, books, art, etc.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵</span><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Reviews for books, movies, apps, etc.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ <b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Interview friends</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Articles about health</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">✵ </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Anything goes! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Think outside of the box and be creative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've been percolating about ideas for this event (on-line, via websites/social media, etc).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some options:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>One-day celebration</b> with multiple posts. The posts could be collected on one website, or we could cross-post on multiple websites all day long. I would have a master list here with links.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">We could also do a <b>week-long celebration</b>, depending on number of submissions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Each post will be followed by a short bio and professional links, so contributors can promote </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">themselves as well as celebrate women who shine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS/QUERIES TO...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Penny Watson</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><a href="mailto:penelope.romance@gmail.com">penelope.romance@gmail.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Please use the heading <span style="color: #f1c232;">SUBMISSION SHINE</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Deadline for submissions: April 17</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Please leave any questions/suggestions in the comments section, or feel free to email me at the above address with the heading <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">SUBMISSION SHINE</span></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">See more information and links <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/p/women-who-shine.html"><b>here</b></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Let's do this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Nina/Penny</span><br />
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Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-36400906490793066392019-03-05T10:47:00.000-05:002019-03-05T10:47:01.041-05:00waiting to breathe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Title for the poem...waiting to breathe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Also...what you write the day after a 2-foot snowfall in March.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Waiting,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina</span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-243579513449984692019-03-01T09:12:00.000-05:002019-03-01T09:12:37.677-05:00At-Home Retreat: Will It Work?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Recently I saw an ad for a long-term weight loss retreat. It was ridiculously expensive and luxurious and not really intended for normal people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, it got me to thinking...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. Wow, would I love to do a 6-month weight loss retreat (emphasis on mindfulness and wellness and healthy food and hiking in the forest).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. Wow, would I love to do a 1-month/2-week/hell, even a one-week retreat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This would be a great way to soothe my soul and jump-start my weight loss at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Then I started researching the weight loss retreats and I saw the price tag.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*faints*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Also, I still have a teenage daughter at home to care for, as well as a dog, husband, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I can't just run away from home. *shifty eyes*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This got me to more thinking...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b>Why can't I do an at-home retreat? Is this a thing?</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I researched this, and discovered...Yes, this is a thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I read a bunch of articles discussing the concept for a staycation or at-home retreat. They touched on many aspects, including diet, exercise, good mental health. Some were appealing to me, some not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I decided to custom design my own AT-HOME RETREAT. This is essentially to jump-start my weight loss, incorporate good habits into my daily and weekly schedule, and emphasize mindfulness and wellness in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here are the things I'm including...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>NINA'S 2nd RATE AT-HOME RETREAT</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>(TRYING TO MAKE 2nd CHOICE A WINNER!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. The articles suggested trying a new fitness class. I like this idea. My daily exercise is copious walks--both inside (winter) and outside as weather permits. I've gotten into a rut with this. Same thing every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">However, I don't belong to a gym. So I decided to <b>stream some yoga videos</b> to mix it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Maybe some other types of <b>stretching/strengthening videos</b>, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If any of you have favorites--on Youtube, or Amazon, or wherever--please leave a comment with your recommendations and links! Thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. I do the same walk every day, loops in my neighborhood. I decided that one easy change I can make is to <b>vary my walks</b>. Add more hills, go to new places--in my own town, and to other locations. As the weather gets better, this will be much easier. I can head off to nature preserves and do hikes in the woods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Right now I'll do the best I can in my local area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Flexibility for this: If the weather is bad/icy and I have to walk inside, I am going to add more stretching/strengthening exercises to my routine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. Diet: this is the big one. At a retreat, they offer perfectly balanced meals that taste delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How I can recreate this at home when I have to cook for me, my teenage daughter, and my carnivorous husband?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm going to <b>design a retreat diet for ME</b> and implement it. This will take time, but I'll plan over the weekend and start on Monday morning. This plan will include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, all keeping the carb count down (I'm trying to reverse my diabetes diagnosis). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm going to write out my menu in fancy font, print it, tape it up in the kitchen. Hee hee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm also going to try some new recipes, but not too many. I'll keep most meals simple--salads and fresh fruit. If I try too many crazy things I'm afraid I won't be able to stick to my plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And of course, I have to cook for my daughter and hubby at the same time, but they will have a different menu. No fancy font!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">4. Another sweet suggestion in one of the articles was to <b>host a party</b>. It made a point of saying that adding positive social events into your life was a great step towards happiness. I agree. I LOVE this idea!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, at some point I am going to invite some friends over for a healthy evening of good food, good wine, and a relaxing time just hanging out. Maybe we'll do a potluck where everyone brings a favorite healthy dish and recipe printed up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">5. A big part of the retreats is <b>pampering yourself</b>...at a spa or pool or beauty treatments. I'm not really into that stuff to be honest. However, I like the idea of making an effort to schedule some appointments for myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm going to attempt to squeeze in a hair appointment, a nail appointment, and maybe even a pedicure. That's as far as I'm willing to go with the beauty biz, but it's a start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">6. Another big tip on all of the lists: <b>TURN OFF YOUR SCREEN</b>. Totally agree with this. It makes your anxiety go way down, and helps you with mindfulness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Since I read on my phone, I will prepare for this by getting some print books in advance for reading material. Then, I'll try to block out Internet access for at least a day (baby steps), and see how that goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have a feeling this will be incredibly liberating and good for my soul!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">7. If this was happening in the spring/summer instead of winter, I would also add this bit of advice: <b>do outdoor activities</b>! Like biking, kayaking, hiking. Unfortunately, we're in the midst of our hideous New England winter right now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here is my winter alternative...do INDOOR activities that are fun, entertaining, and include walking around. I'm pushing for a trip to the MFA, maybe the Gardner Museum, and a visit to the Boston Flower Show. When the kids are home from school we'll head down to Mystic, CT to tour the aquarium. If the weather is okay, we'll also add on a day in Newport, RI and hike around Sachuest Point in Middletown.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">*******</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's it. I'm working on new exercises, a strict (and yummy) diet, a party, some pampering, a screen-free break, and some new activities.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Although this is not the same thing as a real retreat--where it's all about you, hee hee!--I think it has a good and practical application.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'll be developing good habits that I can continue at HOME. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Have any of you tried an at-home retreat? What did you do?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let's chat!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina/Penny</span></div>
Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-43599037616428725302019-02-21T09:26:00.000-05:002019-02-21T09:26:10.636-05:00From the Writing Cave: Observations About Genre Limitations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Personal observation for the week...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What is the most liberating part of switching from the romance genre to other types of fiction?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(At the moment, I'm working on horror, paranormal fiction, and YA fiction).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Creating truly flawed <i>characters</i>, not <i>heroes</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you ask a reader or author of romance what is the most important rule--unbreakable, sacred--they will most likely answer...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">HAPPY ENDINGS!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As a writer of romance, I never found the happy ending to be a limitation. I generally gravitate to what I like to call "optimistic fiction" whether it's romance or not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The insistence of a happy ending puts limits on <i>plot</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But to be honest, my struggles with the romance genre had to do with CHARACTER not PLOT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When the characters are defined as "HERO" and "HEROINE" there are expectations that squeeze them into a box.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">When you try to break out of that box--Tom in APPLES SHOULD BE RED is 62, a chain-smoker, borderline alcoholic, coarse with language and manners, rude, judgmental--there might be push-back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I discovered something important with that book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There is a difference between...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">1. CHARACTER WITH HEROIC QUALITIES</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">2. HERO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's not to say that all heroes in romance are the same. Sure, plenty of them have gorgeous physiques, but there are others with flaws who are less than perfect. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Likewise, not all romance heroes are good guys, but all of them have a character arc that shows growth and courage over the course of the book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I have seen readers complain that heroes/heroines in romance were not "likable." If you are not rooting for the H/h to get together and have a happy ending, a romance fails.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What happens when you get to write a "character" instead of a "hero?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You gain the freedom to create a real person who may be extremely unlikable. Likability is not a prerequisite for all fiction, as we know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm working on a horror novel right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Not gonna lie. The freedom to create a truly flawed character--with darkness, jealousy, cruelty--is absolutely delicious. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Of course, "real" characters may also exhibit heroic elements and some sort of growth arc over the course of the novel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But knocking the character off that romance pedestal is a freakin' breath of fresh air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This isn't meant as a criticism of the romance hero. In fact, I have issues with "dark" romance where the "hero" is someone who kidnaps, tortures, and rapes the "heroine." IMO, not heroic behavior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I also have issues with cheating in romance. I don't want my romance hero to cheat on his partner. But I'm totally fine with that in a mystery, thriller, lit fiction. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My point is that creatively speaking, the ability to create a character vs. a hero opens up a whole new world for a writer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And creepy (horror novel!)...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And not knowing if the character has good/heroic qualities until the bitter end adds a nice element of suspense that we don't get to play with in the romance genre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So...yeah. I'm enjoying this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">For a sneak peek of LITTLE SHADOW MAN, here's a <a href="https://www.pennyromance.com/2018/10/sneak-peek-of-little-shadow-man.html">snippet</a> I posted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Writer Friends: What is your opinion about this? Do you enjoy creating heroes and that corresponding character arc? Do you like creating unlikable characters with or without redemption?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">What's the most fun, challenging, interesting approach for you as a writer?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Let's chat!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">All my best,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina/Penny </span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-87463912901769286342019-02-05T08:28:00.001-05:002019-02-05T08:28:30.297-05:00Creating Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I love it when something changes my perspective on a certain topic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Looking at things from a different point of view is a way to learn, grow, and change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Recently, I had two separate events in my life that opened up my eyes about writing and publishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One was meeting a woman who wrote her memoir.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The other was expanding my "friends" on social media to include authors of nonfiction, poetry, kiddy lit, mysteries, thrillers, women's fiction, horror, literary fiction, and more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After fifteen years of being totally immersed in genre fiction and the current indie publishing model--write fast, crank out a book every three months, follow trends, write to market, write a series, etc--it was refreshing to get a different point of view about the publishing world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There are myriad approaches to writing and models for publishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some folks write ONE book in their lifetime. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ONE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Just one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Crazy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I met a lovely woman at a book-signing who was selling her memoir. She was bubbling over with enthusiasm about her book. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She'd scheduled talks at libraries, bookstores, and for groups that were appropriate for her topic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">When I asked what she was currently working on, she answered, "No other books. This is it for me. My story."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was flabbergasted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">No other books?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She had written her story. It was her own personal literary treasure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It didn't lose value after three months. It didn't lose relevancy. She wasn't worried about cranking out a book every ninety days, and fretting that readers would forget about her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Her book had a unique title and cover and story because it was her personal treasure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It wasn't disposable. It was written to have long-term value. To be durable, special.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I also found that different corners of the publishing world had very different personalities and goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some were focused on language, emotion. Their goals included being published in literary magazines and winning awards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some reached out to people with shared interests and concerns about the world around them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some were focused on bestseller lists and marketing plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I noticed a difference in the way the books were discussed and treated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some had longevity, timelessness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Some seemed generic, with similar covers, titles, and blurbs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I discovered that I LOVE poets. They respect language. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">They respect each other.</span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> They're all about authenticity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I met people who promoted their books in a professional, non-aggressive way. And others who don't know that messaging a "new" friend with a spam promo is off-putting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I came to this conclusion. There is room for everyone...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...The folks who focus on productivity and speed and commercial success.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...The folks who choose to create one treasure in their lifetime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...Writers who concentrate on language and quality and recognition for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...People who teach and connect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">...And many more. An infinite number of possibilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Most importantly, any kind of book can have longevity and durability. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Think about a favorite dog-eared cookbook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Non-fiction, genre fiction, literary fiction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Any kind of book can be timeless treasure with a long shelf-life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">That's a good goal for all writers, of all types. To create treasure for our readers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Off to write,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Penny/Nina</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6477497281805275446.post-30326009479526479862019-01-11T08:57:00.001-05:002019-01-11T08:57:39.240-05:0010th Year Book Anniversary: Life Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOidyk9NFKdQFDk_OYG_IUNJA1wC9XNErmEZKCX9-jQxX3YS05hGxvTdJZZ2GezW8e3LI5rIVlvHwLTIKOIKSKmJlFGQRaMjGEl-jd7YLQxIikYGuI9ML4h-aCv0wrkjpId-W15zzJ3au4/s1600/cake+celebrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="847" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOidyk9NFKdQFDk_OYG_IUNJA1wC9XNErmEZKCX9-jQxX3YS05hGxvTdJZZ2GezW8e3LI5rIVlvHwLTIKOIKSKmJlFGQRaMjGEl-jd7YLQxIikYGuI9ML4h-aCv0wrkjpId-W15zzJ3au4/s400/cake+celebrate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ten years ago, in 2009, my first book was published.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It was a quirky take on the legend of Santa Claus, complete with drunken elves, five rambunctious brothers, and romance under the Christmas tree. It had won a couple of awards, and was picked up by a small publisher who offered holiday options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Here I am, 10 years later. A decade has passed. How did that even happen?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have now published one children's book, all five installments of the Klaus Brothers Series, an award-nominated short story with "seasoned" characters in their sixties, a rated G snowbound-in-a-cabin quickie, a novella about a treehouse designer, and an award-winning women's fiction about a reality cooking show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In the meantime, I survived a heart attack, raised two kids, a husband, and a wiener dog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've been in three critique groups, attended countless conferences, offered workshops from Florida to Maine, co-hosted an indie publishing symposium, won a bunch of awards, sold a bunch of books, accumulated reviews-</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">-the good, the bad, and the ugly--mentored other authors, befriended many readers, ran a review site, and learned more about the publishing industry than I really ever wanted to know. I even had a film company express interest in one of my books. This amounted to nothing, but it added a bit of excitement to my author journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Yesterday, I spent some time thinking about what lessons I've learned over the last decade. Yes, I've learned a lot of lessons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">But when you really get right down to it, I can sum up a decade of learning into two points...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1. Focus on the writing.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2. True friendships are the golden nugget.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The Writing: I started my writing journey as an eight-year-old, lugging around a dingy white notebook with my first story scribbled in extremely feminine cursive.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was eight. I didn't know anything about marketing trends, agents, or conferences.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">All I knew was that story I could not stop thinking about was growing and expanding and becoming something exciting. I had discovered the "thrill" that a writer experiences with the birth of a novel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And, after a decade of publishing bullshit, I now know that the "thrill" is still the most important thing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Really, the only thing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It's true. I see a lot of authors get caught up in the other stuff--dollar signs in their eyes, and awards season, and so bent out of shape when they get a bit of criticism. But the truth is, if you have the heart and soul of a writer, that "thrill" is the reason you're doing this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">As it should be.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">True Friendships: Doesn't matter who or what you are. Teacher, social worker, stay-at-home mom. Scientist, author, Hollywood actor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Pretty soon you figure out those true, loyal friends are the golden nuggets of your life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">They deserve your time and energy and love. And you learn to push the backstabbers, who are sometimes dressed in sheep's clothing, off the proverbial cliff.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Those true friends are with you every step of the way, whether you're rich or poor or depressed or useful. Long after you write your last book, you'll be laughing together at the nursing home and listening to 1980s Madonna songs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hold on tight to those people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">✯✯✯</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That's it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Those are the lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I expect those same two lessons will still be appropriate years from now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I find it interesting that over the last twenty years of writing, I've come full circle. Started as an enthusiastic writer, became fully immersed in the publishing world, and then found my way back to this basic place where writing is the focus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a good place to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Love and good wishes to all the storytellers out there,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Nina/Penny</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><br /></span>Penny Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14729149456469452771noreply@blogger.com