starr words

I forgot to wear RED!

2012-02-03T07:03:00.001-06:00

This morning I was half way to work when I realized that my lime green shirt wasn't what I wanted to wear today. I'd forgotten my RED!

The first Friday in February is -National Wear Red Day^®-to show support for women's heart health. And as someone whose heart strives to be healthier, I should have remembered!

To make women more aware of the danger of heart disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and partner organizations are sponsoring a national campaign called The Heart Truth^®. The campaign's goal is to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about their risk of heart disease.

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by NHLBI. The Red Dress^® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action.

The wearing of red as a symbol came about a year after I had my surprise--now I wear my scar with pride. Today, I want to encourage everyone to know and understand the risks of heart disease, hopefully to prevent having to go through the same fun times I have. And if not for yourself, then for your loved ones...never underestimate the effect heart disease will have on family and friends--even though they may never say a word.

Luckily have have red aprons here at work. So I'll wear a red apron for heart disease awareness... and to keep my clothes clean. :)

Are you aware of the dangers of heart disease? Do you wear red this first Friday of February? Be healthy everyone!

^®National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA

Now we know the Mayan truth...

2012-01-25T09:23:00.002-06:00

Me, too! (Once again, thanks to Mary D. for the news)

My Books Go Visiting

2012-01-20T06:50:00.000-06:00

Two of my books are featured at two special spots today.

By Keltic Design is one of today's great books at ISelfPub

And Keltic Flight, along with an interview, is at Romance Books R Us

Stop by, leave a comment and discover a new tale or two.

Happy Reading!

Dogs Barking Can't Fly Without...

2012-01-19T06:50:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this has nothing to do with umbrellas, Whoopie or Jumpin' Jack Flash.

But how can you not love this? And as my friend Mary says--best commercial that has nothing to do with the product! My congrats to VW for sticking with a now universal theme to catch everyone's attention. And, isn't that what marketing is all about?

My fave--Chewie. Which pup is yours? Now, go ahead. Watch it again. I know you want to!

Dyslexic Turn Signal Girl

2012-01-06T07:22:00.000-06:00

That was what I had to call myself the other day. And not just then. I've noticed an unfortunate tendency in my turn signal usage.

After happily sitting in a left turn lane, waiting for a long light, I made my turn. But my turn signal didn't stop. Those who know me will understand that moment of panic (Monte is an older car with an assortment of aches and pains). Now what's wrong?

Uh, nothing was wrong except that I'd had the poor car signalling to turn right all that time. Worse yet...this wasn't the first time I'd done that.

At least my turn signal dyslexia has only shown up with intended left hand turns. I think.

Maybe I should use the old fashioned hand signals.

I hope other drivers just shake their heads at my lack of concentration. (Yeah, that's it. I'm plotting stories, thinking about a hero...)

Hey, I've indicated that I'm turning. Even if I do go the other way. That's more than a lot of drivers do.

So, if you see me waiting to turn left, but the right turn signal is blinking away, give me props for my turn signal use and don't worry. I really do know where I'm going.

How's your signal use? How angry do you get with folks who don't use their signals?

Drive safe everyone!

Blog hop winner times three

2012-01-05T20:33:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and shared New Year's memories. I decided that because I have three books available, I'd award three prizes.

So I called upon the sibs random-nator (Hey, where's Perry?) who picked the numbers for:
Ely Y.
Sherry S.
Susan W.
I'll be contacting you for your choice of book.

Thanks again everyone! Stop by anytime. You never know who or what might show up on starrwords!

Oh, there you are.

New Year Memories Blog Hop

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to starrwords--blogging home of author *lizzie starr. I'm thrilled you stopped by.

For this hop we're sharing New Year memories. I thought a long time about this and realized I don't have a whole lot of memories because I've never done much on the eve. But, let's see... my first official 'date' with my ex was at a huge dinner/dance New Year's Eve party.

The party was at a local country club, so I spiffied up with a new dress and my coursage. Yep, that was quite a party! We partied with two other couples then continued the party into the wee hours at one of their homes. I learned a lot about those folks that night. :)

No, these weren't our friends...but what fun!

Watching the celebration in Times Square

I'm sure at one time I may have seen Guy Lombardo but my real memories start with the ageless Dick Clark. This year I listened to the neighborhood fireworks, wished my family and friends a wonderful upcoming year and crawled into bed.

Such a party animal. Not.

Now, on to the fun stuff! Leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of one of my ebooks.

And each comment is also entered in the drawing for the Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire. A second prize of an $80 Amazon gift card will also be drawn. So click on one of the blogs below and hop on to another New Year Memory and another chance to win!

And have a memorable New Year!

It's finally New Years

2012-01-02T12:53:00.001-06:00

I know it's the second of January and the new year started officially yesterday, but it just didn't seem like New Year's Day.

Now it does.
And why is that? Because I've watched the Rose Bowl parade and now it's football time.

As usual, the Rose Parade was spectacular, although I always wish they'd spend a little more time showing the equestrian groups. Especially those lovely miniature horses. I watched HGTV and they did spend a bit of time on one horse, though--Roy Roger's Trigger.

I haven't decided whether I think it's cool they put the real, mounted Trigger (and Bullet the dog) on the float, or if it's kinda morbid. The float honoring Roy Rogers was sponsored by a local cable network (RFD-TV) based out of Omaha, and since they own Trigger now, it makes sense.

Football time--Nebraska vs. South Caroline in the Capital One Bowl.

Lots of red there, but of course, for me, it's the Nebraska red that counts--no matter the outcome of the game. Still, a Go Big Red win would cap the day nicely.

So finally--for me, it's a Happy New Year!

Come back and visit starrwords on the 4th. I'm part of a New year Memories blog hop. Comment at each blog for chances to win lots of prizes including a Kindle Fire!

Cello Week--A new favorite artist Adam Hurst

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

I've spent more time than I should searching out cello music to share with you, but I've loved every glorious minute of the sounds and sights. Today I'm featuring a new discovery, one that will take a prominent place in my playlist. Please enjoy the gypsy inspired music of Adam Hurst.

Cello Week-- The Final Countdown

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

And hope for the future of cellists. These musicians are 16 and 17! Enjoy!

Of Course--YoYo Ma for Cello Week!

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

I just found out my ex's mother played cello in high school. So, Maxine, as you look down on us from your new existence, enjoy Yo Yo Ma.

Queen for Cello Week

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

And what else but...

A Week of Cello--Four on One?

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

One cello.Four musicians.Bolero!

A week of cello! The Phantom Cellist

2011-12-25T12:09:00.001-06:00

Today we mix cello with favorite movies. May the Force be with you!

Happy Starr-filled Holidays!

2011-12-25T11:46:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite carols, on one of my favorite instruments.
Enjoy!

Song for Today--Just Glue Some Gears On It...

2011-12-08T06:47:00.000-06:00

Sweet Serendipity on Saint Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T21:21:00.001-06:00

Not my lunch room, but you get the idea!

Yesterday at work, part of my lunch room became transformed. A cozy round rug covered the cool tile. Colored lights twinkled on a slim Christmas tree. Beside the tree sat a comfy rocking chair.

Before long the pre-kindergartners left their coats and shoes lined up in the hall and gathered on the rug for a story to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day.

I was in the middle of baking for lunch, adding the warm, sweet aroma of peach muffins to the homey atmosphere. But between turning the pans and checking the muffins, I listened to a story of Saint Nicholas. Our storyteller had a wonderful voice, keeping the kids, and me, enthralled and engaged in the story. It's a difficult task to keep that many four and five year olds quiet and listening. This is the book he read, one I recommend adding to your holiday.

Here's the blurb from the cover flap: As parents and grandparents, we know that timeless tales generate endless questions about our holiday traditions, such as "Where did Saint Nicholas come from?" "How does he visit so many children in just one night?" "Why does he leave gifts for girls and boys?" Nicholas could not use his legs, so the children in his village did not play with him. He became skilled with his hands, and decided to fix as many broken and unwanted toys and dolls as he could. He would then anonymously give them to village children on their birthdays. Nicholas had a very unselfish wish. After delivering a special gift to a little girl on the other side of the mountain, Nicholas became lost in a terrible storm. His selfless act of love was witnessed by angels, and his wish was granted, affecting the world forever.

And the best part of the day? While the story was being read, Saint Nicholas left small bags of goodies in all the kids' shoes!

Fly Well and Free, Anne McCaffrey

2011-11-23T06:57:00.001-06:00

Anne McCaffrey

April 1, 1926-November 21,2011

I read my first Anne McCaffrey tale when I was in college. And so started my love affair with the many different worlds of this talented lady. From dragons to psi talents, alien invasions and romance, Anne carried me from world to world, never giving me the chance to doubt the reality of what I read.

Through my encouragement, others discovered these worlds, eagerly awaiting each new tale, then devouring that book as soon as it hit the shelves. What great discussions we've had!

As a writer, I've been told I create believable fantasy and far distant worlds. A good part of the credit for that goes to Anne McCaffrey and the example she set, both as a world builder and as a pioneer and master of science fiction.

She is my writing hero.

There's much written about her on the web, but if you're interested in a summary, wikipedia does a fine job.

Homemade Bread Day

2011-11-17T09:55:00.001-06:00

November 17 is Homemade Bread day! Imagine the bright yeasty smell of bread just pulled from the oven. Sweet or savory, fresh bread is a treat too many of us forego in our busy lives. Even stopping at a bakery for a loaf takes planning and time, but isn't it worth the thrill on your taste buds?

Thank goodness many grocery stores now carry a wide variety of freshly baked breads.

I enjoy baking bread, for more than just the lovely aroma. I love the feel of the dough, the soft, elasticity that comes from proper kneading. The stretch and pull as the gluten knits together. Mmmm.

I'm planning on making a huge batch of my special sweet dough next week in preparation for holiday gatherings. Since my shoulders won't take the amount of kneading needing :) to be done, I'll prep the dough at work where I have a large mixer with a sturdy dough hook.

But don't worry. I'll still be getting my hands involved. I can almost feel that perfect texture now.

So, do you make your own bread? What's your favorite kind to make--or eat?

My Latest What If...

2011-11-08T07:10:00.002-06:00

A few days ago I watched Disney's Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite of Disney's animated tales. And as is often a welcomed curse to my writer's mind, a 'what if...' came calling.

In the movie, Beast saves Belle from a pack of wolves and is bitten.

If that wolf had been a werewolf, I wondered if Beast, since he was already cursed, would become human at the full moon.

And just because he made a wonderful Beast...

So, what do you think? Would a full moon bring out the human in Beast?

Keltic Flight

2011-11-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

The third book in The Double Keltic Triad is now live and available for your e-reading pleasure.

Korin Goodfellow loves the Gentry maid, Nanceen. In order to woo her, Korin bargains with his evil king, who sets seemingly impossible tasks. The first? She must believe in him.
But the folk of Faerie, the Gentry, don't believe in the odd assortment of beings who make up the wee folk. And definitely not in fairies.
Nanceen doesn't know what she believes. Until Korin calls to her, then makes his way into her world, becoming a wingless man she can see, touch, believe in.
Will the rat king's conditions drive a wedge between them, or force Korin to confrontation, to battle, risking his life?

Look for it on Amazon
Barnes & Noble
and Smashwords

Your Man Reminder

2011-10-28T05:58:00.000-05:00

For an extra treat and an important reminder...

Enjoy and don't forget your routine TLC!

Another automotive Milestone

2011-10-27T06:55:00.003-05:00

When Monte's tires were replaced, the mechanics switched the odometer from trip to the full mileage counter. Not that I pay too much attention--except to see how many miles I can possibly go before having to buy gas. (Which is this afternoon, right after work--or I won't make it home!)

But I did glance down yesterday to discover Monte was only a few miles away from flipping over to a 0000 number. That's always fun.

So this morning, I watched closely. Luckily, there was no other traffic on the street at just the right moment, so I drove slowly. Watching. Waiting.

Then finally--cheering as Monte hit 170,000 miles! Congratulations to Monte! It's been a tough road, but look at how far we've gone. :)

this isn't my Monte--too clean--but he looks pretty much like this

I've Been Re-Tired

2011-10-25T07:04:00.001-05:00

Retired. Now, after all these years in the workforce, doesn't that sound grand? However, such is not the case.
I've been re-tired.

I put quite a few miles on my car every week, including a round trip to another city. I've been lucky. My driving angels have been busy!

Seems I let the alignment of my car lapse into forgetfulness and wore an entire set of tires bare in places.

Oops.

An expensive oops. But now, I have a brand new set of tires, just in time for winter driving. And they're completely aligned. And I'll be receiving emails to remind me it's time to rotate. Yeah, I need all the help I can get when it comes to car stuff.

The moral of these **100 blog challenge** words: Pay attention to your vehicle.

Now, about that coolant leak.....

Does this mean rubber gloves?

2011-10-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

see more funny videos, and check out our Yo Dawg lols!

Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bread

2011-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Today's **l00 blog challenge is over at mz *lizzie cooks with a new carrot bread recipe!

Cold Desk Woes

2011-10-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

As the lunch lady I spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen cooking. Until I have to make a trip to the walk-in cooler and freezer, the temperature at this time of year is usually pretty nice for working.

As the lunch lady I spend quite a bit of time at my desk menu planning and ordering, doing required paperwork, blogging (no really, some of it is work related). My desk is also where I take my breaks. Unfortunately, the desk is in a corner of the kitchen where the air paths of two vents intersect and gather. Which means... sometimes it feels as cold as the walk-in.

I know I'm not the only person who suffers from an overly cool work station, but I mean, really... How is anyone expected to produce optimum results when your fingers are so cold you can hardly type. At least I have the opportunity to go stand by the stove or ovens to warm up. And I do keep a sweater here, today may be the day it comes out of the drawer for the winter.

As fall continues to get cooler (at home we went from open windows to the furnace in one day. Sheesh.) I'll get more accustomed to the cooler temps. But, not at my desk. Yeah, I've put a thermometer on the shelf above my desk. It's gotten down to 62.

Okay, enough whining on this **100 blog challenge**. Besides, it's time to start cooking lunch for the kids! Oh, oven warmth. How wonderful!

Weekend of Beautiful Arms

2011-10-17T07:07:00.001-05:00

If you're following the **100 blog challenge**, yesterday I was at Creativity for Happy Endings talking about Yamato--the Japanese Drummers. Besides the marvelous drumming, the play of muscles in the drummers' arms was amazing. Even as far back as I was forced to sit, the muscle definition held my attention. It made no difference if the drummer was male or female, they all had beautiful arms. I can hardly imagine the power and strength used to play as they do. If you haven't seen Taiko drummers--visit CHE for a sample.

But that wasn't the end of beautiful arms!
Meet one Hugh Jackman in the movie Real Steel. Now, those are some very nice arms. For some, I need say no more. : )

So, I won't...

A Good Year for Spiders

2011-10-14T08:06:00.000-05:00

A good year if you're a spider. A bad year for spiders if, like me, you find them frightening. In either case, spiders have prospered this year, large numbers of them growing big and fat--and moving inside now that the weather's getting cooler.

Ewww.

Yesterday I got home from work and opened the garage door. My car was half way into the garage when I noticed a not so small spider hanging from the garage door opener. Right where I'd be opening my door in just a few seconds. Needless to say, I didn't go any further. In fact, I backed up a bit. Got out of the car. Edged around the other vehicle in the garage until I got to the broom.

It's not easy for me to dispose of a spider. I truly believe they'll come back and haunt me. However, once one enters MY space... there's only one thing to be done. And I did it. Got back in my car and parked. I didn't stop having the 'crawlies' until safely inside the house with the door firmly closed. Sure, I know there's probably spiders in the house, but as long as I don't see them, we're both okay.

And I really do try not to exaggerate a spider's size when I see one, but fear always seems to magnify what we're afraid of, doesn't it? The garage spider was about the size of the cute spider picture. Only hairier.

This morning? I turned on the garage light and scanned the area before I moved to the car. My spidey sense wasn't tingling, so I was safe.

And I like feeling safe.

**This spider brought to by the 100 blog challenge**

Safe Harbors?

2011-10-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

A ship in a harbor is safe,

but that's not what

a ship is built for.

~~Unknown

A ship in a harbor...is like a story (or any creative endeavor) you never share with the world. Safe. No risks. And, no stepping out of your comfort zone.

For this **100 day challenge** blog, take a step outside your comfort zone today. Then come back and leave a comment. Let's sail from our safe harbors together!

I took the weekend off.

2011-10-10T16:54:00.001-05:00

Yep, didn't do my *100 day challenge** blogs at all over the weekend. Other things to do, places to go, people to see. If you've ever tried to do things consistently, you know the drill.

I started out this challenge, not even a month ago, with high hopes of blogging on one of four blogs every day. I could be bummed about having messed up so soon, but I'm not. I do plan to catch up eventually though--before I run out of my 100 days.

How often do we start something--writing a book, a diet, an exercise program, a class, a craft project, anything--and we stall out for some reason? That's pretty human of us, don't ya think? The key is what you do after you stall.

I'll pull out my blogging jumper cables, give myself a jolt and get on the road again...

What do you do to get yourself going again when you fall off your plan?

Spider in the Kitchen

2011-10-03T18:58:00.003-05:00

not my kitchen

Picture this... the kids are moving along nicely in the lunch line, happy about the chicken sandwich and corn on the cob when one observant fourth grader points out there's a spider in one of the light fixtures. Now, the spider is the focus of everyone's attention. Which isn't too bad, unless, like me, you're scared spitless of spiders.

A big light fixture--three feet long, two wide--makes a great playground for a spider as long as my finger. Well, I suppose he wasn't playing, but trying to find a way out of the bright space. Back and forth, from one end to the other. He was, however, chasing chills up and down my spine with each pass.

I've grown a lot in my ability to deal with this fear. A few years ago, I wouldn't have been able to remain in the kitchen, continue serving lunch or talk spiders with the kids. Once I was able, though, I did leave the kitchen for awhile. When I returned, the spider was gone. Now, one of my heroes could have come and taken care of the creature, or he found his way out. I don't much care, as long as I can't see him. (Although the thought of him crawling around above me isn't comfortable.)

It was interesting watching him--sort of. You don't see the underside of wolf spiders as a general rule. I was fascinated by the tiny round pads of his feet.

As a writer, this experience made me think. We look for the right character traits for our story people, then give them a flaw to go with that trait. But, how often to we give them a phobia? There's usually a good internal fear for them to deal with on the emotional level, but what about an external fear that causes a visceral reaction? Something that has no apparent reason...

I'm thinking about my characters now, and how I can deepen their relationship with my readers by adding a fear. How about you? On this **100 day challenge** leave a comment about what fear you might give to one of your characters.

As much as I love to add pictures to my blog--there was no way I'd put a spider on here. I'd never be able to come back!

I Love Rocks

2011-09-30T07:01:00.002-05:00

Uh oh. I missed blogging yesterday with a computer cut free from the internet. Withdrawal? You bet. But the router has been upgraded and things seem to be moving along nicely this morning. So, here's a short 100 day challenge blog for today. (I'll try to catch up with the missed blog later!)

I love rocks. Plain weathered rocks from a path or shaped and polished to gem quality, I just love 'em. Some are for holding and contemplation. Some for studying and admiring. Some are just because I like the shape, size, color, feeling... Guess it comes down to the fact I simply enjoy surrounding myself with stones. I've been told I have an earth spirit, so that makes sense!

I'm not the only one in my household that is a rock lover. Whenever we go to a rock show, my brother picks at least one geode from the bin and has it split. This is one of my favorites--in fact, I kinda appropriated this one. Although you can't see it well, there is a bit of pale amethyst among the crystals. But what I like best is the shape of the cavity.

I write romance. What a bonus to open a geode and find a heart! Okay, some folks may not see the raggedy shape as a heart, and that's okay. It's my rock and I'll see what I want in it. :)

Oh, and did I mention that my favorite shape for a polished stone is a sphere? Yep, I love balls too. (and you can make of that whatever you will!)

Star Wars and Writer's Block

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I was going through a drawer where I've stashed empty journals. Like so many writers (and others) I have a thing for paper, and notebooks, and journals and pens. So... the drawer. I found some interesting things--like the attempted start of a journal after I was divorced. Hey, at least now I can figure out the date. Never let it be said I have a good sense of time in the day/month/year aspect.

One of my stashed blank books is a Star Wars journal celebrating 20 years of the phenomenal galaxy far, far away. (Not a new journal, huh?)

Star Wars... (the original movie, the first one made, which is now the fourth movie, arrgh, it gets so confusing...THE Star Wars). There's always been something about this movie that sparks my desire to tell my own stories. In fact, long ago, in a notebook thankfully far, far away, I started a story to explain the beginning of The Force and Yoda's birth and subsequent part in developing the ancient religion. At that time, it wasn't a well written start--although there are still promising ideas that come from that beginning.

Even now, watching Star Wars makes my fingers twitch to start storytelling. It doesn't matter if the tale I'm working on isn't space fantasy--the movie sparks my muse. Writer's block? Hey, it's a great excuse to watch a movie.

There are other movies in my list of block breakers... but Star Wars will forever stand at the top of the list.

How about you? After reading this **100 day challenge post** are there movies that help you get past the tough spots in writing--or life itself?

Waiting for Windows

2011-09-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

The house where I live is getting new windows! Hooray--I'll be able to open and close them for fresh air without having to stand on the crank to get it to turn. And I'm not putting the mini-blinds back up. I don't need 'em. I don't want 'em. When I pull back the curtains I want a clear view of the world outside...

when Goku isn't in the way, that is. Handsome fellow, isn't he? I'm sure he'll enjoy the new windows too, batting at bugs and those things that only kitties can see.

And so will Lessa... until she gets dog snot all over her level of viewing.

When there comes a day I'm having trouble thinking of what words to use to fill up my 100 word challenge, maybe I'll write about what my four-legged housemates see when they look out the window.

I don't have to wonder what the fish think...
Feed me. Hungry. Hungry....

What ideas come to you when you look out a window?

**this has been a 100 day challenge post

The Tower of Bable

2011-09-23T07:05:00.000-05:00

I'm not talking about the tower that was the starting point for the world filled with multiple languages, but rather the stack--okay, stacks--taking over my space. I'm talking books here, folks. Towering stacks of books.

BABLE--Books Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy

I love books. Writers do, ya know. I loved books and started my towers long before I decided to commit to writing my own. My earliest book memories are of Beatrix Potter's Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse. This was the first book I could read by myself. Over and over again. And then the Golden Book We Love Grandpa. This book told the story of Grandpa babysitting a young brother and sister. At that time I didn't have any siblings, but I sure did love all the time I got to spend with my Grampa.

So, I've collected books. And books. And even more books. Will I ever be able to read them all? I doubt it, but it sure is fun trying.

And I love all formats of books, paper, audio, electronic. One special benefit to the audio books on my Ipod and the ebooks on my Kindle is that they don't contribute to the actual, physical tower! Thank goodness. Otherwise I might end up on a new reality show--Book Hoarders. Come along dearies. Wind your way through the mountains of my books. Sadly, I can visualize that.

How about you? Do you have an overpowering tower of books?

**This post is part of my journey to create somewhat intelligently for the next 100 days. You''ll find these 100 day challenge posts here or at Creativity for Happy Endings, Mz *lizzie cooks, or Heartland Writers Group. Follow me around this mini-blogging universe and see what trouble I get into--uh, I mean, what fine thoughts I discover!

The creativity alphabet moves on to G

2011-09-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Stop by Creativity for Happy Endings

and see what Dee Ann Carlson

has to say about

the letter G!

Yarrrrr!

2011-09-19T07:26:00.000-05:00

Aye, me hearties.

Don't be fergettin'

t' talk like a pirate

this fine day!

Perseverance

2011-09-09T07:01:00.000-05:00

Remember

when you see a man

at the top of a mountain,

he didn't fall there.

~Unknown

Photo credit: clarita from morguefile.com

Ann Stephens gets to B Creative!

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Author and fellow Heartlandian Ann Stephens is visiting Creativity for Happy Endings today to talk about a B word. No, not that one... about Balance!

Plot Device

2011-08-09T10:04:00.000-05:00

Who couldn't use a new plot device from time to time?

Plot Device from Red Giant on Vimeo.

Guest blogger at Creativity for Happy Endings

2011-07-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Stop by Creativity for Happy Endings and see what Certified Hypnotist and author Sue Thornton has to say about creativity!

Aliens Attack! What' cha gonna do?

2011-07-04T10:22:00.002-05:00

My friend Mary D. always finds the best stuff. Here's a mash-up of what to do when aliens attack. Hey--it is Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

By Keltic Design

2011-06-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

I'm joining the ranks of authors who are releasing their older books on Kindle and Smashwords. My very first book By Keltic Design (Double Keltic Triad: Book One) is now available for your ereading pleasure.

Allyn Keely, Celtic artist and friend of Faerie, finally finds a man she can love. But she's older than he is and faces the insurmountable task of helping him realize his destiny in the Faerie Otherworld.

Successful businessman Jaye Zeroun prides himself on his realistic, but lonely, view of life. Until Allyn knots her way around his heart and fills his life with a fantasy he refuses to believe. Then danger threatens their love, forcing him to either accept a deadly battle or lose the very thing he never thought to include in his life: a family and a love beyond his wildest imagining.

At Smashwords Here!
Find it at Amazon Here!

Truthfully, it's a bit scary promoting an older book, a first book. It's been 13 years since I wrote it, and I have learned so much about writing since that time. Still, it's a good tale and as timeless as the Faerie Otherworld.

What about this beautiful cover by Jingraphix! It's perfect for the story. Simply perfect.

I'd love to hear what you think of Jaye and Allyn's story.

Creativity!

2011-06-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Creativity for Happy Endings

A new blog focusing on…

Creativity!

Visit by pressing

Here!

Pendulum Wave

2011-05-19T15:19:00.000-05:00

This is brilliantly cool. Mesmerizing. And just plain fun!

Muthahood

2011-05-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Mary Connealy for finding this great celebration of moms...

Happy Mother's Day!

Decorah Bald Eagles--Live!

2011-05-03T10:33:00.000-05:00

Live Streaming by Ustream.TV

Support Your Local Lunch Lady!

2011-05-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

It's

Child Nutrition Workers

Appreciation Week

Check it my thoughts at

mz *lizzie--the lunch lady

What are your lunchroom memories? Any favorite meals you remember? Let mz *lizzie know--maybe she'll put it on her menu!

Born to Perform--Weird Al

2011-04-21T07:11:00.000-05:00

I love Weird Al and am always impressed by his musical re-stylings.

There's a bunch of bruhaha over this parody and whether or nor Lady Gaga's responses are factual. I really don't care. I enjoy the song from both artists. And this version will be on Al's next album.

He says "As promised, all my proceeds from the song (and the MUSIC VIDEO… I can’t wait…) will go to the Human Rights Campaign." All right, Al!

Thanks Al--and Gaga.

Video Blog--Peter Jackson's The Hobbit

2011-04-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

We're returning to Middle Earth! Huzzah!

One man Disney Movie

2011-03-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

Blowing Mommy's Nose--Scary or Funny

2011-03-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Here's one on the newest laughing babies to go viral.
He's a cutie to be sure!

How to Autograph EBooks

2011-03-12T19:37:00.000-06:00

There's an app for everything! Check out autographed ebooks here.

Photo credit: Alvimann from morguefile.com

40 Years Old Already?

2011-03-07T07:02:00.000-06:00

That's right... E-Books are 40 years old today! And to celebrate Michael S. Hart's first e-book, it's

READ AN E-BOOK WEEK!

If you've never read an e-book, now's a good time to try one out. There are free e-books offered all over the internet this week. Check out a listing at Books on the Nob .
Visit some of these sites--no matter what you like to read, there's a free book out there for you this week.

In fact, if you leave a comment on this blog, I'll send you a pdf of your choice from my backlist. You can find a listing of my books on my website or at my publisher Wings ePress.

Now, I'm gonna go search out some excellently free e-books!

Happy Reading!

video of the week--organizing the bookcase

2011-03-05T17:21:00.002-06:00

When you need cheering up...

2011-03-03T14:46:00.000-06:00

There's nothing better than a baby laughing!

Congratulations Hickory

2011-02-16T10:25:00.000-06:00

GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, aka Hickory, is the first Scottish Deerhound to win Westminster Kennel Club's Best in Show.

Congratulations to Hickory, her owners and trainers and everyone who loves Scottish Deerhounds--and love to Duncan, the sweetest Deerhound, who shares a home with my Aunt and Uncle.

Presenting Hickory--Westminster Kennel Club's 135th

Best In Show!

After some special treats--like a steak from Sardi's Restaurant--and a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, Hickory is retiring to her home in Virginia--a farm where she loves to chase deer and rabbit.

Happy Extraterrestrial Culture Day

2011-02-08T07:12:00.000-06:00

Even though this picture is of the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada, New Mexico is the state that celebrates a holiday the second Tuesday of February--Extraterrestrial Culture Day.

This day is "to celebrate and honor all past, present and future extraterrestrial visitors in ways to enhance relationships among all citizens of the cosmos, known and unknown."

Enhancing relationships with extraterrestrial visitors. Hmm, a popular theme in science fiction and futuristic romances, isn't it? Even if one of the worlds isn't our own earth.

My own tale Dancing the Stars is the story of people from different worlds and the merging of their cultures. Here's an excerpt:

He lifted his glass and encouraged her to drink and watched while she took her first sip.

His teasing grin met her startled exclamation. When her mouth puckered from the blast of sourness flowing over her tongue, Niallan leaned forward quickly and kissed her. Cooling and refreshing her mouth, a soothing sweetness followed the sour. Irisa ran her tongue along her teeth to chase the strange mix of flavors.

“This is wonderful.”

Niallan took a sip and closed his eyes. “Ah, ambrosia. A flavor to be remembered through the coming seasons.... The sour is to remind us of the old, the passing year. Whether the past was bitter or sweet, on this night we remember. And with that remembering, we pledge ourselves to the Changing Year, changing our lives to meet our new challenges."

Drumming began in the distance, the deep throb pulsed through her body. Horns blasted from another direction. A different, opposing melody, composed of human voices, sounded from a third direction. The wailing of Halibatt’s unusual, eerie instrument, pitched both high above and as a base counterpoint to the other instruments, filled the air from across the square. Irisa swiveled her head from one direction to the next, until a mass grouping of instruments began to play from the end of the fifth street that opened onto the square.

She winced. Each group played a different song, differing rhythms filled the entire square with loud discord. The noise increased as the groups moved closer....

The drummers entered the square as each large man beat a differing tempo on a variety of skin-headed drums. The other groups filled the square, followed by a noisy trail of people waving banners and tossing small packages into the crowd. Niallan caught many of the shiny squares and piled his collection in her lap.

The noise in the square became deafening. The cheers and calls of the crowd elevated the discord of the musicians high into the sky. The bells rang again, bringing silence to the city.

When the last of the metallic ringing faded away, a single voice lifted in soft song. One by one, the musicians joined the singer, each playing the melody or a pleasing harmony. Niallan rose and lifted Irisa to her feet. The tiny packages fell to the ground. With his arm around her, they began to sway, matching the movement of the crowd.

A rumble vibrated along Irisa’s side. Confused, she glanced at Niallan. He was singing...

Whether you are a believer in Ancient Aliens or not, the glorious multitude of cultures on just this one little planet are worthy of discovery...and celebration!

Find out more about Dancing the Stars here!

Steanpunk Music Video--Eye of the Storm

2011-02-03T17:02:00.000-06:00

Beauty. Dragons. Airship. What more do you need?

Favorite Video of the Week--Frozen Bubbles

2011-01-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

Is Walking Boring?

2011-01-13T08:50:00.001-06:00

Walking for exercise is great, but sometimes, just sometimes, it can be pretty boring.
Try walking the dinosaur...

Or maybe, you'd rather...

Reflection and Changes

2010-12-30T08:40:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year--when we spend moments in reflection of the past year in order to create our goals and plan the changes we wish to make in the following months.

In honor of change... a little music.

Wizards in Winter--Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T10:53:00.001-06:00

Maddux Lights - Wizards in Winter from Joshua on Vimeo.

Hark the Herald Gutenberg

2010-12-23T09:04:00.001-06:00

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. The words to this traditional Christmas hymn were written by Charles Wesley and first appeared in 1739 in Hymns and Sacred Poems.

In 1840 Felix Mendelssohn was commissioned to create a cantata to celebrate the quarter centenary of the invitation of movable type printing, by Johanes Gutenburg. An excellent moment in time to celebrate to my reader/author mind. It's quite a stirring piece, I guess. :)

Finally English musician William H. Cummings adapted the music to fit the lyrics we know so well.

Here's part of the original cantata

Hallelujah Flash Mob

2010-12-10T08:48:00.000-06:00

Cowboys & Aliens

2010-11-18T15:02:00.000-06:00

Finally--a mix of two things I love!
Cowboys and Aliens. Starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig.
Watch the trailer here.

I'm makin' candlesticks

2010-11-10T20:55:00.000-06:00

I think.

Writers like to categorize ourselves--the most common monikers being plotter and pantser. Here's a great blog defining us in other, unique ways--The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

http://writerunboxed.com/2010/10/29/the-butcher-the-baker-the-candlestick-maker/

Which one are you?

Puzzled over Star Wars?

2010-11-09T06:56:00.000-06:00

Take the Star Wars puzzle challenge. http://www.starwars.com/games/playnow/puzzle/

But don't spend too much time there. Surely there's other things you should be doing.

SplurgenShitter

2010-11-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

Fave youtube of the week--writer's time management

2010-11-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

November 3--National Start! Eating Healthy Day

2010-11-03T08:52:00.002-05:00

Start! Eating Healthy Day signifies the dedication of the American Heart Association's Start! initiative and its partners (such as Subway Restaurants) to the health and wellness of every community.

Start! is the American Heart Association's national initiative calling on all Americans to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthier lives.

Visit http://www.startwalkingnow.org/ and download free tools like the Holiday Healthy Eating Guide. And look for your local Start! Heart walk.

NaNo Day 2--Music to Cheer You On

2010-11-02T08:47:00.002-05:00

Cranky!

2010-10-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

It's National Cranky Co-Worker Day. Now, I don't know if that means you need to join them in their crankiness or simply be understanding. Or avoid them.

A couple days ago I was one of those cranky co-workers--although a good deal of the attitude was for fun. In my guise as the lunch lady, I work hard planning meals I think my kids would enjoy--and trying out new items to vary our menus. However, there's a couple classes this year who have a thing for the alternative main dish--peanut butter sandwiches. On this day, way too many kids chose peanut butter, even when I explained the main item was one of their favorites (pizza) simply in a different form.

I should know better.

I frowned and told the kids I was cranky since they wouldn't try my good food. Yeah, like that worked. "But I like peanut butter." And, in truth, better they eat a pb&j rather than nothing!

The next day, one of the kindergarteners asked me if I was still cranky. I made a silly face and said 'no', and was rewarded with a smile.

So, be kind and understanding to your cranky co-worker today. The reason may be nothing more than a peanut butter sandwich!

Today is also the National Day of Meditation. A good way to counteract the crankies. And help them, and yourself, feel calmer and more in tune with your surroundings.

Whichever day you plan to celebrate, enjoy.

Playing for Change--Song Around the World--Stand By Me

2010-10-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

Stand By Me from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Playing For Change
Song Around The World

Favorite Blog of the THIS Week

2010-10-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

And it's only Monday!

The Write Soul-- Learning How To Swim Over The Internet.

Photo credit: click from morguefile.com

This is gonna be a great week!

Favorite Blog of the Past Week

2010-10-16T21:55:00.000-05:00

Nathan Bransford is away from his blog for the week and has had some excellent guest bloggers.
This blog, by Quill, 'Writing Practice, What Works For me' is filled with great possibilities. Well worth the time to take a look!

Make sure you read Scooter Carlyle's comment!

Unadilla Hog Hunks--The Bartling Brothers

2010-10-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

Remember these brothers? Muscles, hair, smiles, hair, book covers, hair?

Today the Lincoln Journal Star has an update of the Unadilla hog farmers.

Check the article out here

As a teaser..."Jim, 44, lives on the farm near Unadilla. He's divorced and has two sons -- one a student at Doane, the other being recruited to wrestle at Ohio State.
He and his sons work out most nights at the gym the brothers built in Unadilla.
And for the record: Jim recently did 52 wide-grip pullups. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 40 times without stopping. (His chest: 51 inches.)"

The Bartling brother past wasn't all that long ago for romance authors and readers. It's great fun to catch see waht they're up to now!

Word Smile Day 2010

2010-10-01T00:01:00.017-05:00

One day in 1963, Harvey Bell, a commercial artist from Worchester, Massachusetts created the smiley face. We all know how commercial the smiley has become, and worried about that prospect, Harvey declared the first Friday in October to be National Smile Day.

Smiley faces know no politics, no geography, no religion and for at least one day a year, neither should we.

Since the first Friday of October, 1999, we've been celebrating World Smile Day. Dedicate yourself this year to this one day of smiles and acts of kindness.

Click on the poster and visit the official World Smile Day site.

Rude? Or Not?

2010-09-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

Not being a fan of the highly overrated young man, I think this is hilarious. But I can just imagine the number of girls wearing this tee shirt, little pink hearts and all.

Beware of the Book

2010-09-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

A proclamation for this week...

WHEREAS, the freedom to read is essential to our democracy, and reading is among our greatest freedoms; and

WHEREAS, privacy is essential to the exercise of that freedom, and the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others; and

WHEREAS, the freedom to read is protected by our Constitution; and

WHEREAS some individuals, groups, and public authorities work to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label "controversial" views, to distribute lists of "objectionable" books or authors, and to purge libraries of materials reflecting the diversity of society; and

WHEREAS, both governmental intimidation and the fear of censorship cause authors who seek to avoid controversy to practice self-censorship, thus limiting our access to new ideas; and

WHEREAS, every silencing of a heresy, every enforcement of an orthodoxy, diminishes the toughness and resilience of American society and leaves it less able to deal with controversy and difference; and

WHEREAS, Americans still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression, and can be trusted to exercise critical judgment, to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe, and to exercise the responsibilities that accompany this freedom; and

WHEREAS, intellectual freedom is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture; and

WHEREAS, conformity limits the range and variety of inquiry and expression on which our democracy and our culture depend; and

WHEREAS, the American Library Association's Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year as a reminder to Americans not to take their precious freedom for granted; and

WHEREAS, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them.

It's banned books week 2010.
There are many lists of banned books--and many reasons people find to ban them. Me? I'm all for banning the people who think they can decide what I can read. I understand some issues may not be politically correct in this 'enlightened' age...but books--even fiction, maybe especially fiction--contain our history. If we hide or ignore that history, what is to become of our future?

Here's a list for your perusal. How many of these were assigned to you for reading in high school and college? As a Nebraskan, I'm surprised at the Willa Cather books listed!

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
3. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
6. Ulysses by James Joyce
7. Beloved by Toni Morrison
8. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
9. 1984 by George Orwell
10. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
11. Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov
12. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
13. Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
14. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
15. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
16. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
17. Animal Farm by George Orwell
18. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
19. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
20. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
21. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
22. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
23. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
24. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
25. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
26. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
27. Native Son by Richard Wright
28. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
29. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
30. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
31. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
32. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
33. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
34. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
35. Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
36. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin
37. The World According to Garp by John Irving
38. All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren
39. A Room with a View by E. M. Forster
40. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
41. Schindler’s List by Thomas Keneally
42. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
43. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
44. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce
45. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
46. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
47. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
48. Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
49. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
50. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
51. My Antonia by Willa Cather
52. Howards End by E. M. Forster
53. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
54. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
55. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie
56. Jazz by Toni Morrison
57. Sophie’s Choice by William Styron
58. Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
59. A Passage to India by E. M. Forster
60. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
61. A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor
62. Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
63. Orlando by Virginia Woolf
64. Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence
65. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
66. Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
67. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
68. Light in August by William Faulkner
69. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James
70. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
71. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
72. A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
73. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs
74. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
75. Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence
76. Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
77. In Our Time by Ernest Hemingway
78. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein
79. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
80. The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer
81. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
82. White Noise by Don DeLillo
83. O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
84. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
85. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
86. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad
87. The Bostonians by Henry James
88. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
89. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
90. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
91. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
92. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
93. The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles
94. Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
95. Kim by Rudyard Kipling
96. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald
97. Rabbit, Run by John Updike
98. Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster
99. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis
100. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

The best thing to do during Banned Books Week? Go out and read!

T-Rex on the Interstate!

2010-09-26T20:11:00.000-05:00

It was a calm, uneventful drive home from a food show in Grand Island. Until, at the Milford exit... a life sized T-Rex!

I'm sure I swerved a bit when I saw it. I hadn't heard of a dinosaur invasion. But, it appears there has been one--in the form of a Dinosaur Museum and Haunted House just to the south of the interstate.

It's kinda difficult to take a picture going 75 down the interstate, but when I got home I turned to a trusty search engine and found out all about this new Nebraska attraction. Here's a bit from the news.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to be visiting!

Happy New Year--September Style

2010-09-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

I 'celebrated' a birthday last weekend with friends and family. And a beautious angelfood cake with icing so sweet it made my teeth hurt. A wonderful time.

A friend, who also recently enjoyed a birthday, spoke of how she considers her birthday the start of a new year, a time to make changes and resolutions. I thought that a marvelous idea, really much better than starting anew on January first. There's just something about that time when everyone's making resolutions--knowing they're probably going to fail anyway.

Been there too many times--done that just about as many.

So, I'm taking Eve's words to heart. I've started a new year in my life, and it's going to be grand!

Making changes is hard. Concrete boots at the bottom of the river have nothing on the holding power of my current habits of procrastination and non-activity. I'll admit it. However, I have made steps in the right direction. And plans for more steps. One step at a time.

Don't cha just love platitudes?

Did you know there's only 100 days left in 2010? So, for one of my changes, I'm joining with others in my local RWA chapter, Heartland Writers Group, in a Power 100 Challenge to write at least 100 words a day for 100 days. Returning to a firm habit of daily writing will not only keep me on track as an author, but make my soul smile.

photo by John Shaver

Happy New Year!

Favorite Post of the Past Week

2010-09-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

Nathan Bransford ~~ When Dreams Become Expectations

photo by John Shaver

A Song to Start Your Meowerning

2010-09-14T06:55:00.002-05:00

Bubbles as good as Sparkles?

2010-09-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

As a way of lifting prayers to heaven?
As a balm to the soul?
Brilliantly so!

Find out where *lizzie writes

2010-09-09T01:00:00.001-05:00

Stop by the Classic Romance Revival blog and see where I do some of my writing.

I even cleaned up a bit for you.

Who Needs to Proofread?

2010-09-03T17:31:00.000-05:00

Zombies Walk in Lincoln!

2010-08-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.lincolnzombiewalk.com/lineup.html

Saturday August 28, 2010

I Write Romance!

2010-08-16T16:40:00.000-05:00

Friday the 13th--Cake Wreck Style

2010-08-13T10:20:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite places to visit online is to Cake Wrecks, where professional cake decorating takes on new, and delightfully sinister meanings.

Especially on this... Friday the 13th!

Writer friends will especially enjoy the TSTL aspects.

2010-07-19T12:18:00.000-05:00

To realize a dream, you must have a dream to realize. -Mark Victor Hansen

Old Spice Spoof--Go to the Library!

2010-07-16T10:38:00.001-05:00

My friend Mary the librarian (yes, Mary, not Marion--arrrgh, the musicals are running rampant in my head!) found this and I love it, so can't resist passing it on here!

Enjoy! And go to the library!

I can't resist...

2010-07-15T10:37:00.001-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I Write Like...

2010-07-14T09:20:00.001-05:00

With all the 'What (name of book or movie) Character Are You', and 'What's your fantasy/vampire/robot name' dohickies roaming around the web, here's a fun one for writers. Paste a bit of a WIP or blog into the analyzer and it'll tell you who you write like. I'm pretty sure this is based on word choice and sentence structure--things like that, but it's fun!

This write like is for work in progress Starway to Paradise.

go here!

I write like
Ray Bradbury

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

A Visit from Billie A. Williams

2010-07-08T01:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Starr Words, Billie! I'm so glad you're stopping here on your blog tour!

And readers, don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible for prizes...

Each person who comments on your blog will have a chance to win either a $100 note pad, a $100 pen, or a $100 bookmark magnet. (They all incorporate the hundred dollar bills into their design)

Everyone that comments and sends me their email address (starrauthor@hormail.com) will receive a bookmark with the cover of Money Isn’t Everything and one lucky winner will get an autographed poster of the cover of Money Isn’t Everything.

For the readers/commenters Billie will draw one name from all the blog sites to get an autographed copy of the print version of Fin, Fur and Fatal another Mystery in the Zodiac Sleuths Series. (That is stateside – if the name drawn is overseas or Canada-- it will be a download version.)

So comment away, m'friends!

And check out Billie's recipe at mz *lizzie cooks

And now, without further ado...

Dilemma: Entertainment or Donation to Your Favorite Charity In Today’s Economy? Why Choose, You Can Do Both.

Named best-seller by her publisher in May of 2010 Billie A Williams
donates 25% of her royalties to light up Amberg, Wisconsin for Christmas.

In today’s economy sometimes it’s a tossup between affordable entertainment and a charitable donation. Billie A Williams solves this dilemma with her, appropriately titled book, Money Isn’t Everything, released May 2010 by Wings ePress, Inc. Publisher, by donating twenty-five percent of each of her quarterly royalties to the Amberg Community Action Association she hopes to help buy Christmas decorations and lights for the streets of Amberg.

This is Williams twenty-ninth novel with two more scheduled for release one in July and one in September of 2010.

Money Isn’t Everything. It isn’t love, it isn’t security and it can’t buy loyalty. It can be a tool –OR—a murder weapon and it can be a donation to a worthy cause.

Best-selling, award-winning, multi-published author, are a few of the honors bestowed on Williams since her first published essay “Dandelion With Angel Wings,” hit the pages of Thema, Literary Magazine in the year 2000. Her first novel, Death by Candlelight, soon followed in 2001. More releases followed every year since, some under a pseudonym and they now total thirty-four, with five of the published books being nonfiction dedicated to the art and craft of writing.

Every one of her published books gives twenty-five percent of her royalties to a worthy
cause, charity or organization.

Money Isn’t Everything is available in bookstores, online, from the publisher or autographed copies from the author. Won’t you join her and help celebrate Christmas in Amberg. To learn more, check out her many releases and read some excerpts, go to http://www.billiewilliams.com

MONEY ISN'T EVERYTHING,
A Mary March Mystery/Suspence
May 2010 release
ISBN 978-1-59705-443-2 (electronic)978-1-59705-592-5 (print)
MARY MARCH is a CNA at Idle A While Nursing Home
When she discovers elder abuse and financial
mis-dealings, misappropriation of residents funds--
she puts on her sleuthing mind and sets out to find out
who, why and how. Dr. Tanner Irish and her friend
Penny Lane try to help. Jayde Blarney is out to see
none of them survive let alone spill the beans.

The next stop on Billie's blog tour is with author Janice Kaat!

Blog Tour Stop Tomorrow

2010-07-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, July 8th, author Billie A. Williams will be making a stop at Starr Words! Come on by and find out a little about Billie's love of giving--and mystery.

Flowers and Memories

2010-06-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

When I moved last July, I dug up a few flowers to transplant at my new home. July in Nebraska is not an opportune time to be transplanting much of anything. Including people! But these were plants that came from my Grampa's garden, flowers that had moved with him as long as I can remember--and even before I had memories. So I couldn't leave them behind.

With fingers crossed, and my brother's help, we transplanted iris, daisies, peonies, and what my family has always called Burdetta lillies after my grandmother.

Knowing peonies take a couple of years to settle in when they're divided and transplanted under good conditions, I was delightfully surprised when one of my plants had a single blossom.

Smaller than the mega blossoms next door, still, isn't it a beauty? For another brave Nebraska peony, take a look at Mary's beautiful blooms.

I didn't worry about the daisies. They're efficient growers and love to spread. That's what I'm counting on.

Burdetta lillies--These are special, like the iris I posted about earlier, because they were part of the flowers my great grandfather helped plant along local highways. There are still a few places where the long ago plantings still bloom along the road, making a trip down a slower paced, shady highway a treat. I watched the area where I planted them carefully and hallelujah--they prospered and bloomed.

With these flowers around me, memories of my grandparents are strong in my heart. The memories--and the flowers--will follow wherever I go!

**Photos courtesy of John Shaver

Nothing Else Matters

2010-05-27T18:28:00.000-05:00

There are songs that stick with you forever. This is one of mine. I could put this music by Apocalyptica on an endless loop and listen over and over.

Missing Lost already!

2010-05-24T06:51:00.001-05:00

starr words

I forgot to wear RED!

The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by NHLBI. The Red Dress® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action.

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The centerpiece of The Heart Truth is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by NHLBI. The Red Dress^® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action.