Cello Week--A new favorite artist Adam Hurst

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

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

Of Course--YoYo Ma for Cello Week!

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

And what else but...

A Week of Cello--Four on One?

One cello. Four musicians. Bolero!

A week of cello! The Phantom Cellist

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

Happy Starr-filled Holidays!

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

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

Sweet Serendipity on Saint Nicholas Day

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

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

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...

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

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

For an extra treat and an important reminder...

Enjoy and don't forget your routine TLC!

Another automotive Milestone

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

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?

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

Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bread

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

Cold Desk Woes

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

          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

Stop by Creativity for Happy Endings

and see what Dee Ann Carlson

 has to say about

 the letter G!

Perseverance

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!

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

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

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?

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

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!

Creativity for Happy Endings

A new blog focusing on…

Creativity!

Visit by pressing

Here!





Pendulum Wave

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

Muthahood

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

Happy Mother's Day!

Decorah Bald Eagles--Live!

Live Streaming by Ustream.TV

Support Your Local Lunch Lady!

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

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

We're returning to Middle Earth! Huzzah!

One man Disney Movie

Blowing Mommy's Nose--Scary or Funny

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

How to Autograph EBooks

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

Photo credit: Alvimann from morguefile.com

40 Years Old Already?

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

When you need cheering up...

There's nothing better than a baby laughing!

Congratulations Hickory

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

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

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

Favorite Video of the Week--Frozen Bubbles

Is Walking Boring?

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



Or maybe, you'd rather...