Mystery and Mayhem (and my writing, too) - Barbara's Blog

It's like Jello

2023-03-17T14:16:00.006-03:00

Again, it's been ages since I wrote a blog, and I am sure my followers have forgotten all about me.

But when life takes you on a trip, regardless of your own desires, there is nothing to do but travel and pray that you arrive safely.

My life this year is a bit upended. I had wanted to be published again, or at least under contract, but it was not to be. And I realize now that the way it has turned out, partially my own fault, partially not, it was for the best. Sometimes, we don't have the reserves for writing, and we need to recharge.

So, while I am recharging, we are downsizing our home. And in that process, I had a dress in the back of my closet. I hadn't worn it in decades. It was a bridesmaid dress, as I had been one at the last minute for a friend whose own bridesmaid backed out. I offered it on a local buy and sell for $10, but in the space of a short time, a woman was interested in it as her wedding dress. It was cotton candy pink.

Then, I remembered something my own daughter-in-law did years ago. She was marrying my son and still had a wedding dress from her previous marriage. It's actually harder than we all realize to sell wedding dresses. Brides want new ones, or ones that have meaning in their lives. So my daughter-in-law offered to give it away.

Many brides to be came by to try it on, but like that glass slipper, they were a bit too big for it. Then, one day, while I was sitting at her home with her mother, chatting because my daughter-in-law had to pop out for a minute, the doorbell rang. Another bride to be. We directed her to a bathroom, and a minute later, she came out wearing the dress.

It fit perfectly. But she burst into tears.

Aghast, both of us jumped up to embrace her. Her tears were tears of joy. She was dead broke, on her second marriage, and as a single mother, she had no money for a dress, let alone a wedding. To find a gorgeous wedding dress that fit her tiny frame was a Godsend, and she couldn't stop crying.

I never forgot that incident. It touched me. The casual act of giving away a dress suddenly became a lifeline for a woman who wanted something nice to wear to her budget wedding.

Today, I gave away my bridesmaid dress. It fit the bride to be like a glove. (reminding me of how small I used to be!) and I can thank my daughter-in-law for giving me such a good example to follow. Her act may have been casual, but it meant so much to someone else. The dress today meant so much to the woman I met. My own little casual act. So you never know what small thing you do will mean to others.

There will be some of you nodding. And others knowing how important your small acts of kindness can be. You never know what is going on. You never know what will happen.

Kindness is like Jello. And there is always room for Jello.

Well, so much for getting stuff done during the pandemic!

2022-10-18T10:28:00.003-03:00

I haven't written a blog post in over two years, and I don't blame anyone for giving up on me.

When the pandemic isolation started, I had grandiose plans of writing, editing, advertising my books, and even cleaning my house. Yet, one week in, after we had gone away and were ordered to quarantine, my hubby was starting to pace, and I couldn't stand it. We started to do things together. It was too early to plant the garden, so we would walk up and down the lonely road on which we lived and collect beer cans.

HOT TIP! Want a good investment? Buy stock in Bud Light. We collected $40 worth, and at 5 cents a can, that was a lot of cans.

As I was saying, my plans to get things done went out the window. Instead, we walked, talked, cooked, and did everything but the mental list I had created.

And now, two-plus years later, the world has changed, we have changed, and my blog recorded none of it.

But I did do a bit of writing. I had one proposal rejected and the other is still pending. But this last one, whose conflict was pumped up by some of my helpful writer friends, is a keeper nonetheless. I managed to get its first draft written. After isolation ended.

I also did other things. I went glamping, toured the Carolinas, and checked a few things off my bucket list. In the coming days, if you stay with me, you're going to journey with me to those wonderful places. Here's a hint of what's to come.

A crazy set of stairs

What is he planning to do?

Or, more interestingly, where is he going?

Glamping, anyone?

Palm trees and wild weather!

Tell me what you did during the pandemic isolation. Did you get your list done?

I see the finish line!

2020-03-25T10:15:00.003-03:00

Our last day of quarantine looms ahead. In some way, it's been like a vacation. Or a stay-cation, and there is a part of me that didn't want it to end. I wonder how our outgoing friends are doing, and whether they snuck out early. Probably.
We biked up a lonely country road this morning, battling the ever-present wind on our way home. We counted beer and soda cans along the route. One must have a challenge, you know.

We also made up a grocery list. Remember when I told you we could live until last summer on our pantry items? Yes, it's true, but after a while, one gets a craving for something uncooked. I thought we had no fresh veggies in the house, only to discover hubby has finely shredded the last of the cabbage and been sneaking it into everything from frittatas to soup. Sneaky.

This morning, after our western sandwich with cabbage for brekkie, we reorganized our grocery list into two categories. One for the things I will get, and the other for hubs. He wants to get all the sale items. It's a thing he does to make him feel better. I get to pick up the Poise liners. Apparently, hubs didn't want to do that.

We played our daily game of crib. Hubby decided to concede to the greater player, but I reminded him that he didn't give me the game, I took it, fair and square. Yes, I won. Gracefully.

Tomorrow is our first day of freedom and it will be my last blog entry in this series. I thought I could pull off a funny post each day, but while I haven't had any difficulty, it hasn't always been funny. I've had to cancel my trip to visit my kids, commiserated with others who had wonderful plans, prayed for those whose health is not good, all these things, and more. I've napped while 'reading' my Bible, and I exercised to dance videos. I still want to finish the proposal for my novel, a painting I need to do, and some weaving that I started.

But as I watch the world go into lockdown, I wonder if I will get it all done.

Day 7-12

2020-03-23T17:44:00.001-03:00

Okay is Day 7. I think. The days run together. It might be later, but it doesn't matter because I'm combining the next five days into one boring blog.

via GIPHY

Each day was a repeat of a repeat. We got up, we ate breakfast, we dug through the freezer to pick something out for supper, we went for a walk, we came home, we ate leftovers for lunch, we exercised, read, showered, watched the news, had supper, watched TV and went to bed.

Even to an introvert like me, who thinks of this isolation as a balm, found the routine a bit much.

Then something happened.

The two neighbouring provinces shut down. Yes. We cannot go into Nova Scotia nor can we go to Prince Edward Island.

via GIPHY

To put it into perspective to you south of us, it's like you live in a rural area and must cross the state line to get groceries and medicine, but they just stopped you. Your doctor and pharmacy are just a few miles away and you're not allowed to get there and your prescriptions are running low.

We spent the morning on the phone trying to sort things out.

I know this blog is supposed to lift you up, but I can't lie and say it wasn't tense for a bit. We had planned to get some groceries, too. Man cannot live on lentils alone. At least the man in my house can't. Believe me, it's hard to live with him with all those lentils in his system.
That reminds me. Add Beano to the list.

One last thing.
I was scheduled to go out west on April first. I have had to cancel it. It breaks my heart not to see the kids and grandkids, but I can't risk giving them the virus (from the airplane, cus I am sure I have safe right now). Or worse, bringing it home.

So that was our life in the last few days.

One more day. Just one more day.
via GIPHY

Rediscovering the world around you

2020-03-22T09:13:00.001-03:00

Day 5

I have finished my income tax, edited my proposal, lost some weight, drank enough water to fill a bathtub and cleaned my house. In fact, my house has never been this clean. The day is clear and sunny. Outside beckons me.

We're going for a walk, my hubby announces. Now, I need to preface this. We live in a rural area. There are more cows and cats than people. So, it's not hard to go for a walk and not meet another living soul.

But that wasn't the case today. As we headed out past the end of our very lonely road, we did meet another living, breathing creature.

A dog, at the end of our road at a very quiet farm. The farmer was nowhere in sight, but the dog trotted out, tail wagging, acting as if she was thankful the world had not gone to pot.

We didn't break the news to her. And she happily chose to accompany us on the trip.

The world beyond the road is only just starting to awaken from winter. The top layer of snow had melted and was hard enough for us to walk with ease across the fields. The channels cut through the bulrushes on the marsh are still frozen, allowing us an easy path to follow. We watched a pair of mated eagles build a nest.

Can you see the eagle to the right of the nest?

When we got within a few hundred yards of them, one wisely moved away from the nest, while keeping its eagle eyes on us.

And a bonus in the walk! Hubby found three buckets! I'm thrilled beyond measure. Wow! Buckets!

Still, the day is good. The dog continues to walk with us, just happy to check out her world with humans. Hubby and I clocked 10,000 steps on our Fitbits and incredibly, we found a single footprint on the channel. Who made it, we wonder?

So, our day ends with us thankful. We still have loads of food, a house and home, and our health.

He's Starting to Pace

2020-03-20T05:13:00.001-03:00

Day 4

He's starting to pace. Hubby is getting a fever. Cabin fever.

via GIPHY

I have, however, a treatment. Not a cure, but something to stop him from peering over my shoulder as I do my income tax.
I smile up at him. "Honey, why don't you try your hand at making pasta? Like the stuff we had the first night home?"
I then frown with concern. "I wonder how you make bean pasta. Oh, nevermind. It's probably too hard."
His eyebrows shoot up. A challenge?
I hold my breath until he trots off into the office.
First some research on the internet. (one hour of peace because it's easy to get distracted)
then finding the ingredients (ten minutes)
then discussing with me (who wasn't really listening) the best types of flour to use (ten minutes)
then rechecking the internet in case he can make substitutions (another hour, damn those distractions),
then making the product (ten minutes) and finally, the end result!

For both of us!
I had two and a half hours of peace.

And thus ended Day 4 of self isolation.

It's You, Again?

2020-03-19T05:30:00.000-03:00

Day 3

We've settled into a routine. Hubby has even called his mother every day.

via GIPHY

We've done our chores in the morning and exercised and napped in the afternoon. I napped on the chaise, lulled to snoozing by my Bible app. If I didn't know what happened with Joshua at Jericho, I'd have to listen to it again.
SPOILER ALERT! He wins. Jericho falls.

via GIPHY

But, the horrors of quarantine! Bad news on the horizon!

Hubby has decided generic coffee whitener is unacceptable!

via GIPHY

To combat such a terrible affliction, we ordered some groceries. Hubby's brother delivered them, sneaking them onto our back deck before texting us to alert us to their presence. We crack open the door and snatch the bags up.

Thank God, the cream has arrived!

And life goes on. Our daily pattern of life continues and day 3 winds down.

Day 2 Does anyone really know why?

2020-03-18T04:30:00.000-03:00

It's Day 2. So far, so good.

Okay, the first day was busy and full and we were practically enjoying ourselves. The quiet is resounding. We looked at the freezer with satisfaction and the larder with joy.
We're set for self-isolation.
As a result, Day 2 was fine. We slept in, we relaxed with coffee and the news, and the paper came as expected. Self-Isolation isn't so bad.
Then came word that toilet paper was being hoarded. I'm not sure of the reason, but I can only think of one thing.
People are mistaking it for food.
via GIPHY
It has to be that, 'cus it's not that kind of bug, folks.
But, just in case, my husband has started a list of supplies we will need when certain people I know give up on the racketeering prices they're asking for toilet paper.
Me, I need nothing.
via GIPHY

DAY 1 OF SELF ISOLATION

2020-03-17T13:26:00.000-03:00

Day 1

(Some of the links below may earn me revenue. You may find you would like to buy them. Click on them at your own peril!!)

My traveling companions, who love social interaction of all kinds, think it's Day 2. They are including the day we landed. I'm not. I'm going to milk this for all it's worth.
Today, we unpacked only to discover that we had so much laundry, I didn't have enough laundry detergent.
I can't get out to the stores!

No problem for this isolationist. She's going to make her own detergent.

Wait! Aren't we suppose to have fun with this self-isolation? Isn't this blog supposed to be uplifting? Isn't this supposed to be amusing?

via GIPHY

Doing laundry isn't uplifting, nor is it amusing, but hey, it does add steps to my Fitbit.

So, to that end, we're gonna have fun. We're gonna make our own laundry detergent. Okay, yes, I realize that you'll need to purchase some items, but you can either ask a friend to deliver them, and e-transfer the money, or you can order online.

You'll need a bar of cheap laundry soap like this:

(the US link.)
https://amzn.to/38VL6Cv

or this:
(the UK link)
https://amzn.to/38VL6Cv

Preferably it should be blue glycerine, like this,

https://amzn.to/2IP4c2r

Blue soap is preferable because the slight blue tint helps to keep whites looking whiter. But you may want to search around for a good price. Even though the bar will last you ages and ages, and you're only doing this to alleviate boredom, you will still want to save as much money as you can.
You'll need washing soda, which I have discovered is only available around here at a hardware store.

Stuff like this:
https://amzn.to/3a9Movb

(the UK link) https://amzn.to/3b0J4SX

Here's what we have to start with.

Grate out one-half cup of the blue soap. You don't need anything special. Your cheese grater is fine. Just wash it before and after, please! No soapy lasagna!
Then measure out one-half cup of washing soda. Mix them into a litre of warm water. This is what it will look like.

Pour into an empty laundry detergent jug, and you're set. Just use the same about of this mixture as you would the store-bought variety. One small warning. It's messy to pour out with the dispensing lid and leaves a dried powdery spot on the floor, but it's super easy to wipe up and won't hurt anything. I measure it out over the laundry sink. But it works out to be about 5 cents per load, and that works for me!
There! We have helped take another dozen plastic bottles out of the environment, and we saved money. All that's left is to do the laundry. Are we having fun yet?

via GIPHY

Just as an aside, you may want to try soap nuts. A friend of mine has been using them for six months and loves them, even with three kids and a busy husband. But if I just focused on them, (which is fine) I wouldn't have the fun of telling you all about making your own detergent, would I?

(the UK link)
https://amzn.to/2QiEhV9

(the US link)
https://amzn.to/2Wkfgwq

Our local bulk food store stocks them, and I hear they are much cheaper.

Well, that filled Day 1. Time to relax and get caught up with my Netflix streaming.

Self Isolation? Bring it on!

2020-03-16T10:18:00.000-03:00

Okay, in the coming days I am going to discuss my self-isolation. You see, we went on a cruise and returned to a Canada that was asking us to self-isolate.
My friends' reaction?
Oh no!
My reaction?

via GIPHY

Okay, first up, I want you to know that I am NOT making light of the seriousness of this situation, but rather, lightening the attitude. We have all seen the local and national news, we all know that our friends like Poppy Harlow are very serious, but we need to counter the dread and smile on.

via GIPHY

These next few posts are my attempts to show you that we can still smile.
Enjoy them!

Switching Gears to Gold Cream and Big Bang Theory

2019-12-20T22:46:00.000-04:00

Note: I may earn a small commission on these items.

I usually natter on about books or even weirder stuff like my life.
I'm switching gears. Well, sort of.
As I have now passed that invisible barrier where I get a discount on most things (yeah, okay, I'm sixty, all right?) I look at my face a whole lot more critically. So I have decided to double down on my daily regime of what my hubby calls 'Lotions and Potions'
Enter Las Vegas. No, I didn't win anything, I was on holiday recently and got to sample Hermetise Yubari King wrinkle eraser.

Okay, yeah, I was practically ambushed, but I had seen this stuff advertised and figured I would try it out.
Now, to be honest, it does work, but their sales pitch is a bit misleading. That first treatment isn't 3% of the effect. If so, I would look like a toddler by now. It's not accumulative. I still bought it, after haggling the saleslady down quite a bit.
So why am I talking about it?
For starters, I didn't just have dark circles under my eyes, or 'smooch lines' around my mouth (and I don't even smoke!) but I also have some slightly larger pores on my nose. And I was pleasantly surprised that Hermetise Yubari King wrinkle eraser actually worked on them. My pores shrank considerably.
And like most of you, I have this one deep wrinkle between my eyebrows, but I have spent a lot of time pressing those brows together and giving people the 'are you nuts?' look. I guess I'm paying for it now. So, why not try this stuff on it? The trouble was, I used it only in that area and a few minutes later, I found that I had this one area nice and wrinkle-free. But I forgot I have a forehead that inconsiderately stretched across the top of my face.
So, yeah, it does work.
Now, here is the thing. As I was surfing around the net to see what it said, I came across the ingredients list. Of course, I can't find that site anymore, but there were a few things that stood out to me. Yes, there is gold in it, but I won't get rich off of the amount. But there is also witch hazel. Yeah, witch hazel. Like this stuff here.

Witch Hazel

In case you don't know, witch hazel is a natural toner. It tightens the skin. And it doesn't cost very much.
So, while I am still using this gold-infused yubari stuff by Hermetise once a week, as instructed, I am using just plain old witch hazel twice a day.
And guess what?
My pores are smaller, my jowls smaller, but those dark circles haven't left completely.
I desperately needed a good night's sleep.
Enter a sleep study. The whole reason for one is best put off for another blog, but I am trying out a CPAP machine, using stuff like this.

Luke, I am your father.

And when I look at myself first thing in the morning and ignore the straplines, I no longer see what I have faced for quite a while. Dark circles.
Hmm. But then again, in the words of the great Raj Koothrappali "Tyra Banks says the most important item in your makeup bag is a good night's sleep."
That's what I needed. My takeaway from all of this is the cream works. But it should only be part of your regime. Good inexpensive toner and a good night's sleep are way more important.
So, consider these:

Yubari King (expensive, but it works)

witch hazel toner (cheap but essential)

and a good night's sleep. There is no link. Or else I would have bought the company.

2019-12-18T12:01:00.002-04:00

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Sign up for my newsletter. I've got some things cooking on the back element, so don't miss out! Just scroll down and fill it out!

Things are strange

2019-12-16T11:29:00.001-04:00

from Twenty20

Yes, that's a curious title, but allow me to explain.

As we get closer to Christmas, I find myself excited about it. That in itself is strange because I'm not one who looks at Christmas with rose-coloured glasses.
No, this time, I'm excited about all the curious things that will happen.
It'll be our second Christmas alone, as only some of the kids are coming home, and that won't happen until later Christmas Day. But also, I published a trilogy of Christmas themed novellas and look forward to making millions on them.

Yeah, right.

No, I think writing those books has helped my usual lack of holiday cheer. And I'm involved in several group promos, which I've never done before. The promo that will soon expire is
Winter Romance Sale, and having perused the titles, I've discovered there's a great selection there for every taste.

And today is the last day for Holly Jolly Romance, so be sure to hop over and see the holiday-themed books there.

There are a few more, but I won't overwhelm you. Next time!

It's not just those that make me both excited and curious.
Outside, we're experiencing weird weather. We had snow, then mild temperatures, then a lot of rain, then really gusty winds. Now, it's brilliantly sunny out! Go figure! At least our solar heating is doing its job.

And to top the list of curious things, my hubby is actually going through his old clothes! And planning to donate some to Goodwill! Let's have a rousing round of applause!

Not everyone likes Christmas books.

2019-12-14T16:15:00.005-04:00

I may receive a small commission for some of the links below.

For years, I didn't want to read Christmas books, nor did I want to watch Christmas movies. I still haven't seen It's a Wonderful Life. It just wasn't my thing.
I may read some now, but I respect that you may not care for holiday stuff. And in that spirit, I offer you some historical and fantasy stories you can indulge in, instead. And all the books are on sale!

Do it, and don't be ashamed.

Books on sale!

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/a279d1a4-19f9-11ea-bebc-5bceed24a74f

Book Fairs and Missing Villlages

2019-12-09T11:35:00.000-04:00

I grew up in Ontario. The tiny hamlet was called Jackson's Point. It was the kind of village where everyone knew everyone, so you didn't dare act up. It was close to the bigger village of Sutton West, and other villages like Keswick and Pefferlaw.
Now, though, it's all one town called Georgina, which used to be our township. I suppose it was meant to be, but I do in one way, mourn the loss of those villages.
But we still move on, and as a writer, I need to keep going, keep moving with the times. This year, I wrote a few great Christmas stories, and am trying to learn social media and places like Mailchimp and Story Origin.
To that end, I have been accepted into this book fair. You'll find a wide variety of great books!
And don't forget the Amazon gift card for your friends. Get it here! https://amzn.to/2LDWvhjhttps://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/7ac32664-f335-11e9-8ce3-6f01114ac799 The author may receive a small commission on these links. Thank you for checking them out!

Are you in the Holiday Spirit yet?

2019-12-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

When we visited the kids out west, we had an early Christmas as some aren't coming home at Christmas. There was snow on the ground, and the Christmas themes are already up in the stores.

And my baby grandson noticed the Christmas tree. He can just reach up and touch the lowest ornament, and we moved the presents from under the tree.

I remember years ago moving all the ornaments to the upper half of the tree, and not putting tinsel on it. You see, we had two cats at the time and read that they like the taste of tinsel.

In fact, I pulled a long tinsel strip out of my cat's mouth.

And one of the cats left me a 'gift' under the tree one year. I must say, my hat goes off to the manufacturer of the tree that can convince my cat she's outside.

So my memories of my family when they were younger consists of a half bare tree with no tinsel.

These memories help me get into the Christmas Spirit. Here's another good thing to help. Wonderful cozy stories.

Great deals here!

(I love this photo. We have a gazebo and even the big bandstands in the center of town are fun to sit in.)

A holiday promo

2019-11-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

Just a nice friendly reminder to you that one of the Christmas promotions I'm involved in is ending today. You can get some quality Christmas reading here for a fraction of the price. Only 99 cents!

Great Christmas Savings here!

If that link above isn't working, just click here:

https://storyoriginapp.com/bundles/e52e047e-018b-11ea-822d-23557e948030

Thank you for supporting authors, and if you have the time, share us around!

2019-11-15T01:33:00.001-04:00

A snip of my new newsletter. Click below for more details.

https://mailchi.mp/57e07c9fd4e1/jacks-ashes

Coffeegate, or big mistake?

2019-05-07T09:18:00.002-03:00

How do we know that the coffee cup left in that GOT's scene was an accident?

Let's look at this with a jaundiced eye. That scene took millions to make and had loads of people to check and recheck the sets. The video is edited very carefully. It would have been easy to digitally remove the cup.

Yet it remained, sitting in plain view of hundreds of set designers, actors, directors, etc.

They say it was a mistake.

While everyone makes a mistake now and again, how could ALL those people make the same one?

And...what was your first thought when you read that the crew admitted it was a mistake?

The same as mine. You thought, 'what other mistakes did they make?'

BUT...let's look at this from a marketing point of view. Hitchcock put himself in a minor role of every one of his movies. Why? Because people would then go searching for him.

And when the GOT has been binged to death and people are on to the next great thing, what will the next generation do with this series?

They'll watch it for mistakes. For quirks. For that 'Hitchcock' moment. Afterall, we all think we're smarter than our parents' generation.

That one (perhaps tongue-in-cheek) 'mistake' will live on and keep people talking. But more importantly, it will keep them watching.

I say it wasn't a mistake that a cup was left there.

It was brilliant.

CNN's coffee cup

I shouldn't have left her alone!

2019-02-11T17:21:00.000-04:00

That crazy Georgina has done it again! I left her alone for a few minutes, and now another one of her books is free!

Get it here!

Shop owner Selena Davids has received a giant cookie just before Valentine's Day. It's not for her, though. It's for her handsome competitor, Thomas Waite. When she delivers it, she offers to help him find out who sent it. That sets them on a fun little romp that is sure to satisfy your sweet and romance cravings without adding a single calorie!

5100 words.
15 minute read

It's a fun little read, and perfect for prepping you for Valentine's Day! You may as well download it now because I will soon ban her from Amazon!

Only a few more hours!

2019-02-09T20:53:00.000-04:00

It's only fair to warn you that there are mere hours left in my good friend Georgina Lee's Valentine giveaway.

Red Velvet Valentine is a fun and sweet short story that's a perfect warm up for Valentine's Day!


Red Velvet Valentine

And the best news is it's still free! Yes, FREE!

Be sure to check out The Chocolate Chip Valentine, also!

The Chocolate Chip Valentine

and (coming soon) A Vintage Valentine

Each short story is the perfect warmup to February 14th and sweet without the calories! What better way to spend a lunchtime, or ride home? It could even help you get into that little black dress!

Sweet and Calorie free!

2019-01-25T17:25:00.000-04:00

My good friend Georgina Lee has a short story out. Now, that wicked woman doesn't always deserve a shout out, because she's always getting me into trouble, but I love this story! What can I say?

The Chocolate Chip Valentine

The Chocolate Chip Valentine is sweet, fun and best of all, calorie-free. These are the mini chocolate bars of the reading world!

Short storyShop owner Selena Davids has received a giant cookie just before Valentine's Day. It's not for her, though. It's for her handsome competitor, Thomas Waite. When she delivers it, she offers to help him find out who sent it. That sets them on a fun little romp that is sure to satisfy your sweet and romance cravings without adding a single calorie! 5100 words.15 minute read

If you haven't already figured this out, it's a Valentine's Day story. And if you have Kindle Unlimited, it's a free read for you!

Here's hoping your weekend is as sweet as The Chocolate Chip Valentine is!

But I really like this cover!

2019-01-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

As a self-published author, I am responsible for my own covers. I have to be aware that covers sell the books. Yet at the same time, I am one to buck the rules. I was a soldier a long time ago, and I must confess, I bucked them back then, too, even though it was drilled into me to shut up and obey. Perhaps that's why I don't want to follow trends.
So this tension has taken me to this point. I made my own covers or my Bay of Fundy Romantic Suspense series, and I love them. I took the photographs myself, enjoyed the travel to those mysterious places, but frankly, nice sunny shots of famous locales don't really scream suspense.
Here is the cover for Cape of Secrets.

Cape of Secrets

Do you see what I mean? It's a great cover. Nice, interesting shot, good, sunny colours and a balanced layout, but would you get mystery/suspense from that?
I don't think so.
What are your thoughts? Is it time to redo the cover? Let me know.

New Cover, new content, powerful book

2019-01-20T21:01:00.000-04:00

Trust No One.

I mean it.

Helen couldn't and Nick wouldn't.

But somehow they managed to figure out the love they shared.

But would the killer get to them first?

Trust No One

https://amzn.to/2We59qG

This book originally published in 2002, but has been totally updated, refreshed and ready for you to enjoy.

Time to showcase some books and sites!

2019-01-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

I've joined a great FB page and want to share their Youtube channel with you.
Come listen to four authors of sweet romance chat about all things writing!

The Writing Gals

And here is another site with some excellent reviews and links for all things romance!

https://www.theromancereviews.com/

I'm excited to tell you about Margaret Daley's newest book! She's a fabulous USA Bestselling author who is a must to read!

Trapped

And lastly, my book Cape of Secrets is available for free to those of you on Kindle Unlimited. And those not on, this exciting story is at a great price.