tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143737122024-03-14T07:23:02.674-04:00CHAT WITH CHERYL NORMANCheryl Norman is the author of the "Mustang Sally" series from Medallion Press and the "Drake Springs" series. She now writes for Salt Run Publishing and has self-published four cookbooks in her Hasty Tasty Meals series. Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-53169720636784950322018-04-30T07:46:00.002-04:002018-04-30T07:46:46.287-04:00Springing Back<b>I apologize for neglecting this blog and you faithful CHAT WITH CHERYL readers. We've had a rough couple of years, most recently ending with the death of my dear mother-in-law whom we cared for in our home. Six months earlier, we lost our precious dog Ginger. We hardly celebrated the holidays. </b><div>
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<b>Life has its ups and downs, and we all have our troubles, so let's move on to the writing world. My keyboard fingers are rusty. Still, I'm back to writing again and have a story in the works, THE CHRISTMAS DETOUR. It's a romance with a little suspense thrown in. I have more fun writing when I can throw in a dead body, you know. ;-) </b></div>
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<b>Also in the works is HASTY TASTY MEALS UNDER PRESSURE, my newest cookbook in which I update the out-of-print HASTY TASTY MEALS to include the new electric multicookers (i.e. Instant Pot, Power Pressure Cooker, etc.) as well as stove top pressure cooker recipes. Unlike the plethora of electric pressure cooker cookbooks on the market, my recipes focus on building block meals (AKA Creative Leftovers). If there is anything you'd like to see in the new cookbook, please email me at <a href="mailto:hastytastymeals@gmail.com">hastytastymeals@gmail.com</a> and put <span style="color: blue;">HTMUP</span> in the subject line (that acronym is what I label my file and will immediately get my attention). </b></div>
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<b>Thanks for visiting Chat With Cheryl. Look for more regular posts again. As always, you can find me cooking at <a href="http://hastytastymeals.com/">HastyTastyMeals.com</a> too.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP Rachel and Ginger<br /></td></tr>
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Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-30485787788402233272017-06-13T14:41:00.002-04:002017-06-13T14:41:34.520-04:00The Chill Factor Part 2<b>I posted a couple of years ago about my struggle to find the perfect refrigerator for my kitchen. I love the Maytag I bought, but if I had it to do over, I would not have chosen it. The Whirlpool in my mother-in-law's home is older, better, and has the best ice maker. Furthermore, because of her failing health, she now lives with us and our "perfect refrigerator for two people" is too small. </b><br />
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<b>To give us more cold storage, we bought a new upright freezer for the garage, replacing our tiny chest model, and all is well with the world again. But the moral of the story is no matter how you try to plan for every eventuality, you can't. Just buy what you want at the time and adjust with the changes life brings you.</b><br />
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<b>Speaking of adjusting to the changes life brings you, have you noticed I've been MIA on my blog and the writing scene in general? I'm slowly resuming my writing career, and I am loving my new publisher, Salt Run Publishing. But it will be a year before you see my next book in print.</b><br />
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<b>I still publish a monthly newsletter, and I invite you to subscribe if you haven't already. </b><br />
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<b>Have a super summer! And may your ice maker keep up with your iced tea demands. ;-)</b><br />
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Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-5035084354484009052016-06-21T07:16:00.002-04:002016-06-21T07:16:44.731-04:00REBUILD MY WORLD + Bonus short story available now!<b>Click to buy:</b><br />
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<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-38224406910995177952016-06-03T08:34:00.001-04:002016-06-03T08:39:11.823-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Coming soon!</b><br />
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<b>After my publisher, Turquoise Morning Press, closed its doors, I found a new home for my books. I published the series romance novels through Amazon's CreateSpace. But my romantic suspense, REBUILD MY WORLD, found a home at Salt Run Publishing, LLC, Since it's part of my Mustang Sally trilogy, it needed better exposure. This time around, the novel has added bonus material, a short story sequel of sorts called<i> Veiled Threat</i>. If you read TMP's anthology <i>The Wedding Day Collection</i> (now out of print), you may remember <i>Veiled Threat.</i> Both have been reedited and revised.</b><br />
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<b>Soon REBUILD MY WORLD with its bonus VEILED THREAT will be available. I'll keep you posted. I am super excited to be working with the folks at <a href="http://saltrunpub.com/" target="_blank">Salt Run Publishing</a>! </b><br />
<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-22439754300409219832015-08-02T16:32:00.000-04:002015-08-03T08:27:06.432-04:00REMEMBER MY LOVE<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's a bonus for readers of my books, especially the ones set in fictional Drake Springs, Florida. In <i>Reclaim My Life</i>, Sam Drake, brother to the hero, had just broken up with Victoria Draper. Later, in <i>Return to Drake Springs</i>, the heroine helps her mother cater their wedding at Drake Oaks. What happened to reunite Sam and Victoria?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The answer is in the short story (no longer in print, it originally appeared in the anthology <i>All Bets Are On!</i>) <i>Remember My Love</i>. If you missed this story and are curious about what happened to the characters from the three Mustang Sally Books (<i>Restore My Heart, Reclaim My Lif</i>e, and <i>Rebuild My World</i>), you're in luck.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here is the story in its entirety. Enjoy!</b></span></div>
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<b>REMEMBER MY LOVE</b><br />
<b>Cheryl Norman</b><br />
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<b>Samuel Drake moved toward the entrance to Churchill Downs, feeling more a part of an Easter parade than a sporting event. Suddenly he froze and stared at the woman ahead of him, a vision in pastel blue. A bit of blond hair—with unusual reddish striping he’d seen on only one woman, although she had called it highlighting— peeked out from beneath the hat that matched her dress. If only she would turn and show her face. The familiar figure couldn’t be Victoria, could it?</b><br />
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<b>His brother Wilson bumped his back. “What’s the holdup, Sam?”</b><br />
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<b>Samuel nodded toward the woman just as she turned and showed her profile. “I thought I saw someone I know—” He gasped. It was her! “Victoria Draper.”</b><br />
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<b>“Your ex?” Wilson crowded beside him and followed his gaze. “Where?”</b><br />
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<b>“And why would she be here?”</b><br />
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<b>“Duh.” Sofia, Wilson’s Louisville-native wife, chuckled behind them. “Same reason everyone is here—to see the Kentucky Derby.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wilson held hands with his very pregnant wife. “I don’t think Sam and Victoria parted on the best of terms.” An understatement, indeed. </b><br />
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<b>Sofia eyes twinkled with mischief. “Introduce us, Sam.”</b><br />
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<b>He mentally rehearsed his approach. But he needn’t bother. His gregarious brother saved him the trouble and called out, “Victoria!”</b><br />
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<b>She turned, facing them, and smiled at Wilson. “Sheriff Drake.” Her smile tightened almost into a grimace. “Samuel. This is a surprise.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sofia reached past Samuel, offering her hand. “I’m Fia Drake.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Victoria Draper.” She shook Sofia’s hand. “So you’re here to see the big race, too?”</b><br />
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<b>Sofia moved forward and walked beside Victoria. “This is Sam’s first Kentucky Derby. Mom lives here, and I helped fill her house with guests this week.”</b><br />
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<b>Victoria winced. “Poor Mom.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Oh, on the contrary. She loves company.”</b><br />
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<b>“Sofia’s mother is a most hospitable hostess and fabulous cook, too,” Samuel said, but Victoria avoided his gaze. “She graciously gave me her Derby ticket.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“How generous.” She directed her smile at Sofia</b><b>.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sofia gave a dismissive wave. “Mom doesn’t enjoy the derby since Dad died. My brother’s wife is way pregnant and the last thing she wanted was to dress up and face this crowd. He won’t leave her side.”</b><br />
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<b>Victoria gestured toward Sofia’s abdomen. “You appear ‘way pregnant,’ too, and Wil dragged you here.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Hey, this was her idea, darlin’.”</b><br />
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<b>Samuel tried again to capture Victoria’s attention. “Perhaps we’ll see you in the clubhouse.”</b><br />
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<b>She finally met his gaze, and her smile slipped. “Perhaps.” The chill in her voice said otherwise.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Samuel didn’t blame her. Three years ago he had dumped her, with appalling behavior. Victoria fled town before he’d had the good sense to make amends, and he had suffered since. Never one to be romantic, Samuel had been frightened by the truth. He’d chased away the only woman he loved. Could fate be handing him a second chance? Or was he three years too late?</b><br />
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<b>Victoria gave a finger wave. “Nice meeting you, Fia. I need to catch up with my friend.”</b><br />
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<b>Friend? Or lover? Samuel’s gut twisted with jealousy. His gaze stayed glued to her bonnet as she moved toward the steps. She plowed through the crowd as though determined to escape. He must not lose sight of her. Friend or no friend, he had to talk to her alone.</b><br />
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<b>Wilson nudged him. “You gonna let her get away?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Are you suggesting I chase after her?”</b><br />
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<b>Wilson snorted. “If it were Fia, I’d already be shoving and elbowing my way through this mob.”</b><br />
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<b>*</b><br />
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<b>Victoria’s stomach fluttered with nerves and her hands shook. After all this time, Samuel still had the power to rattle her composure. He’d hardly changed. He was still distinguished and oozed Southern blueblood, although now his reddish hair grayed more at the temples. But it was his piercing green eyes that stole her breath. She clung to the memory of their last meeting. He’d been a pompous, intellectual snob. How could she find such characteristics appealing?</b><br />
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<b>She’d almost gotten over him. Out of sight, out of mind. Seeing him again resurrected too many memories. Fate could be cruel. She hurried to catch Jonie, her friend who had persuaded her to attend the Kentucky Derby, shoving her nemesis from her mind. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>A firm grip on her elbow slowed her. “I need to talk to you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Samuel. She didn’t turn to face him. She couldn’t. He’d see how upset she was, and she’d be damned if she would give him the satisfaction of witnessing her mortification again. Once was more than enough, thank you very much.</b><br />
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<b>“Victoria, please.” His voice pleaded with desperation and something more. Vulnerability?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She could stay angry at haughty, confident Samuel, college dean from a pedigreed Southern family. But vulnerable Samuel melted her resolve. She turned to face him. “What could you possibly have to talk to me about?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“More than you might imagine. Can we get a drink or something?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I suppose.” She sighed, motioned Jonie ahead, then turned back to Samuel. “You can buy me a mint julep. I’ve always wanted to try one.” And right now, she could use a stiff drink.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>His face relaxed into a smile. “Splendid. I’ve wanted to try one as well.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>His hand on her elbow, he steered her away from the seats toward the interior, probably to Millionaire’s Row or some such elite area where she’d be out of her element. But wasn’t that the crux of the matter? With Samuel, she always was in over her head, and he’d never let her forget it. He seemed determined to talk to her, however, so she’d hear him out. He undoubtedly wanted to apologize for his brusque dismissal of her three years ago. She’d give him closure, pretend indifference, then rejoin Jonie in their seats.</b><br />
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<b>*</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Samuel had no idea where one wined and dined at Churchill Downs. He finally settled for the third floor concession area, where he and Victoria stood with their drinks. A mint julep turned out to be bourbon, sugar, and water served over ice and muddled fresh mint leaves. He took a cautious sip, although Victoria had already downed half of her drink. She’d hardly imbibed three years ago. Was he now driving her to drink?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She’d changed. Stunning, Victoria turned heads in the concession area. She had more poise, an air of confidence. Her familiar fragrance hadn’t changed, though. Like a subtle but delicious blend of Oriental spices, it never failed to fuel his hunger for her. His imagination raced ahead, picturing her at his side at faculty functions, at home sharing an intimate meal, at the altar... Whoa! First he had to engage her in a dialogue so he could convince her he’d changed, too.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“You look very nice, Victoria.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She leveled her blue-eyed gaze at him. “Thanks. So do you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Is this your first Kentucky Derby, too?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She nodded. “I’ll admit I didn’t know so many other activities surrounded the race. Jonie took me to a balloon race, a steamboat race, the Pegasus parade—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“You stood in that rain?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“It was worth it. Besides, it quit right before the parade started.” She took another sip of her mint julep. “You were there?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Yes, against my better judgment. Sofia’s mother insisted, and I have a feeling few people say no to Lucinda Desalvo.” He found it easy to comply with the family matriarch’s demands. “My brother is fortunate to have her for a mother-in-law. She’s a lovely lady.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Fia’s a lovely lady, too. I gather her mom is excited about having two new grandbabies.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Ecstatic.” Pregnant women typically made Samuel uncomfortable, but being around Sofia and her sister-in-law Sally this week had infected him with an unfortunate case of envy. Here he was forty years old with no prospects of a family of his own. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “So where have you been since you left Drake Springs?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Sacramento for two years. I had a job as an assistant to one of the state representatives.” She held up her julep cup as if proposing a toast. “A step up from running your campus bookstore, eh?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I’m not sure what you’re implying. No one since has been able to replace you, so I’m not surprised by your success.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Aren’t you?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Certainly not—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Let’s not kid ourselves, Samuel. The last time you spoke to me, you made it clear I wasn’t good enough for you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“That wasn’t my intention.” He hung his head, unable to deny her accusation. “I was an ass.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Yes, you were.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I’m sorry, Victoria. Genuinely sorry.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Apology accepted.” She finished her drink and stepped back. “I wish you well. Now don’t you think we should rejoin our friends?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Wait.” Something akin to panic squeezed his chest. If she left him, he might never again find her. “I don’t know how to reach you or find you, and I really want to talk awhile. Several races precede the Derby, so we won’t miss it. Please stay.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He’d said please, and for the second time. Victoria caved. “All right.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Good. So you said you worked two years in Sacramento. Then what? Did the state representative lose reelection?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She shuddered. “Actually, she died in office. Assassinated.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“How dreadful.” He snapped his fingers. “Shelia Woosley?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Yes.” She would never forget the horror of standing next to her boss and mentor just as her head exploded from the assassin’s bullet. “Did you see it on the news?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Of course, but also Taylor was living in California when it happened. Her photographs helped police solve the case.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Right. The Pulitizer-prize-winning little sister. Another reminder that she, Victoria, didn’t fit in the Drake family’s world. “I didn’t realize that.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sofia seemed outgoing, though. Her off-the-rack maternity dress was expensive, but hardly designer fashion. And no one was as down to earth as her husband, Wil, the antithesis of his brother. Could Samuel be the one out of his element instead of Victoria? The thought took root and lingered.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“You said two years. What about lately?” he asked.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Mom wanted me to stay with her while she had knee replacement surgery, so I’ve been in Tampa the past year. Now I’m sort of at loose ends.” She gave a humorless laugh. “I don’t have to tell you about the tight job market.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Tampa. I wish I’d known.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Yeah, right. “You didn’t try to find me, Samuel, so don’t pretend otherwise.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Samuel gave a hangdog look. “Candidly speaking, I wasn’t proud of my conduct toward you. I wasn’t sure you’d welcome my overtures.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Candidly speaking? Overtures? Good grief. Why couldn’t the guy talk like a normal person? She’d call him pretentious, but such vocabulary rolled naturally from him. He was clueless how stiff he sounded. “So I wasn’t worth taking a risk.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He shrugged. “It isn’t like that. You know I’ve never been a risk taker.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Whatever. We’ve both moved on—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Have you? Is there someone in your life, Victoria?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>How did she answer? After you crushed my ego and my heart, I couldn’t put myself out there again. No. She wasn’t about to expose her feelings. Instead she asked, “Have you?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He shook his head. “No one’s measured up—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“No surprise there.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I mean, no one can measure up to you.” He stabbed his drink straw repeatedly into the mint leaves. “I regret every pompous, arrogant word I said to you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She lifted her julep cup to take a drink only to find it empty. “Whew. I’ve never seen this side of you, Samuel.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Much has happened in the past three years, and I’ve seen the error of my ways. Truly. If you would give me the chance, I’d show you how I’ve changed.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Her heart pounded, racing with hope she dare not recognize. But still. He’d said give me the chance. “What do you mean?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He stepped closer, so close the subtle scent of his expensive citrusy cologne filled her senses. “I want you in my life, sweetheart.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Caution overruled hope. Long ago, he’d led her to believe she was special to him, then he’d back-peddled. He couldn’t expect a few words of remorse to erase the pain of his rejection. “You’re right, Samuel. Much has happened in three years, and I’ve changed, too. I’m not the starry-eyed grad student overwhelmed by the handsome college dean. I can’t pick up where we left off.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I don’t want to resume what we had, because I wasn’t ready for it. I didn’t appreciate it. Victoria, the powerful bond I had with you frightened me beyond reason and I panicked.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Frightened you?” So he’d pushed her away. Had she overreacted by running? She’d loved him, but pride wouldn’t let her stay in town. “I never suspected.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Earlier you accused me of not searching for you, of not taking a chance. But you didn’t gamble on me, either.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“For a college dean, you have a poor recollection of the facts. I told you”—she lowered her voice—“that I loved you. I exposed my feelings. We both know how that ended. If that’s not taking a risk—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“But you blindsided me. You should have stuck around and given me time to—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Time to what? Humiliate me further? No thanks.” A tiny voice in the back of her head said he had a point, though. Had she overreacted, too? Should she have fought for him?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>That fire hadn’t been in her eyes three years ago. Now fierceness laced her tone and her scowl. Victoria had changed, indeed. For the better. He wanted, needed her in his life. How could he convince her? He couldn’t shake it’s-now-or-never syndrome.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I apologized for that. Can’t you forgive me, ever?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The public address system blared with a voice announcing the first race. Victoria flinched, but whether from his question or the loudspeaker, he couldn’t say. “I do forgive you, Samuel.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I’m asking for another chance. I’ve missed you.” He held his breath for her response.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She shook her head. “Forgiveness is a long way from reconciling. We aren’t the same people we were. Who says we’d be good together?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I say.” What more could he say to erase the doubt in her eyes? This was no time to play it safe. He had to bet it all. “I’m talking about going the distance, Victoria. I want to marry you, raise a family with you, spend my life with—”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“How can you say that, Samuel?” She looked around then lowered her voice. “You bump into me at a horse race and decide to propose? Even an educated man like you can see how ludicrous that is.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Point taken.” He drained the last of his mint julep. “I guess I deserve to lose you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“Lose me? Listen to yourself.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I’m not a charming man like Wilson. I may be educated, but I know zero about romance. I know I’ve made mistakes, but—as clichéd as it sounds—I promised myself if I had a second chance with you, I would move heaven and earth to make amends.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“You’re calling a random encounter at Churchill Downs a second chance?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I’m hoping it is.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Her cell phone rang, derailing whatever she was about to say. She checked the display then answered. “Hey, Jonie.” She opened her race program. “Yeah. Put twenty on Remember My Love to place.” </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Another pause. “I know it’s a long shot...Okay...See you soon.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Remember my love. Samuel picked up on the irony. He wanted Victoria to remember his love. Then it hit him. She didn’t know! He’d never said the words. How obtuse could he be?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She closed the phone and shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for a long shot.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I suppose I am, too. I’d bet everything on you. On us.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>She blinked then flashed him a dazzling smile. “Oh, my. And you said you knew nothing about romance.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I also said I wasn’t much of a risk taker.” He took a deep breath, but it failed to steady his jittery hands or his racing pulse. “You are worth the risk, though, Victoria. I love you.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“You love me?”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I love you.” He took in his surroundings. A public concession at the Kentucky Derby was hardly the right milieu for such an intimate moment, but what choice did he have? “It took three lonely, agonizing years to accept the truth, but there is no one else for me.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Victoria held his gaze and gave him a sad smile. “I’m speechless.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“I ask only for a chance.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>He’d said the magic words. He loved her! Not that she’d run and jump in his arms, marry him on Monday, and do anything crazy and impulsive, but...he loved her! Pure joy filled her with giddiness.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“All right, Samuel. We’ll give it a shot. As I said, I’m a sucker for long shots.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>His shoulders relaxed, and he smiled. “This time, sweetheart, you’re betting on a sure thing.”</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>“We’ll see,” she said, but hope filled her. This was not the man she’d left three years ago. This Samuel was tender, sincere, and loving. They could make it work.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>They left the concession area, Samuel’s hand possessively at her back emerging in the stands in time to see Remember My Love win the race.</b><br />
<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-42237468699518833702015-07-10T10:34:00.000-04:002015-07-10T11:01:04.142-04:00My Mother the CFO<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVfAQwdM6S56R2UDpgjpug3af8yRKCMG1rlGsAmR1H_Dg_AoAFs2IeBON_s366jL8hXqLmGuUOPexzF-4Vel5d_a1NrY6aeixsKmH8OEgfMZYQPgN28M6fZdgWIQZYKUJq1WV/s1600/BigApple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVfAQwdM6S56R2UDpgjpug3af8yRKCMG1rlGsAmR1H_Dg_AoAFs2IeBON_s366jL8hXqLmGuUOPexzF-4Vel5d_a1NrY6aeixsKmH8OEgfMZYQPgN28M6fZdgWIQZYKUJq1WV/s320/BigApple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Big Apple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My parents never went to New York. I doubt they even knew the city's nickname was <i>the big apple. </i>In our house, <i>The Big Apple</i> meant financial management. My parents worked hard in blue-collar jobs to make ends meet. Somehow they kept the bills paid and their spoiled-rotten daughter in Bobbie Brooks clothes and Bass Weejuns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My earliest memories of payday found my mother at the kitchen table with The Big Apple. Inside were mysterious pieces of paper and the checkbook. I later learned the pieces of paper were bills to be paid or receipts saved for income tax filing. I knew The Big Apple was important because she kept it high on top the refrigerator out of my reach. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I grew older, I was trusted with The Big Apple. Mother would say "Get me The Big Apple." I knew that meant she had financial business. Either she needed to pay bills or organize receipts for our income taxes. Daddy deferred all financial responsibilities to Mother. He'd bring in a receipt and ask, "Want me to put this in The Big Apple?"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Years later, after I'd married and moved away, Mother and Daddy maintained The Big Apple method of financial management, and it apparently worked for them. With their spoiled-rotten daughter gone, they emerged from debt and even managed to save enough to retire. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I saw another big apple at an antique store and learned it was a semi-valuable collectible cookie jar. Cookie jar? I doubt Mother's big apple ever held a cookie in its life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both my parents are gone and my family has divided their few possessions. I am now the proud owner of The Big Apple. I don't use it for a cookie jar or a file cabinet. It sits empty in a place of honor in my own kitchen to remind me of my family "riches." Mother and Daddy may not have had financial wealth, but they gave my sister and me a secure, loving childhood that's worth more than gold.</span></div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you have something displayed in your home to remind you of your childhood? Do share.</span><br />
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Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-19007747439341760462015-06-27T11:46:00.002-04:002015-06-27T11:46:59.633-04:00DO YOU EAT WHAT YOU WRITE?<span style="font-size: large;">I have a question for writers: Do you eat what you write?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I realize that's a strange question, but in the interest of research I often drink or eat or at least sample what my characters are consuming. I do so as part of character development. I want each of my fictional people to have individual likes and tastes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Years ago, I discovered all my heroines drove Ford Mustangs. I drive a Ford Mustang (I'm on my fourth). A rookie mistake is to give your protagonist all your preferences, so I studied other makes of vehicles to add variety to my writing. It's a little thing, but readers notice. My latest heroine (who is interested in reducing her carbon footprint) drives a Chevy Volt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Same with food, music, shows, furniture, and clothes. I had to listen to or watch genres outside my comfort zone. I browsed magazines for photos of the latest in people and home fashions. And I tried regional and different cuisines to understand their appeal to my characters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This morning, my heroine made a pitcher of sweet tea. Typically I drink mine unsweetened, but to get in the writer's zone I sweetened a glass of tea and drank it sweet. I totally get the appeal (and the calories). Now I can describe its taste.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I used to hate coffee and so did my heroines. But that's not realistic. The majority of people in the United States drink coffee. I sampled coffee a few different ways and a few different brews and now I drink coffee! I discovered I like it a little sweet and with half-and-half.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In trying to expand my characters' individual tastes and preferences, I've expanded mine, too. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-4048560033987914062015-05-09T08:00:00.001-04:002015-05-09T08:00:39.210-04:00Crossing Romance Genres<h4>
Here's a question for readers. How do you feel when an author suddenly shifts to a different genre? I recently moved away from romantic suspense novels to sweet, contemporary romance novels and inspirational short stories. Now I've written my first historical romance, a novella titled THE RANCHER'S SPECIAL DELIVERY. Why?</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Writers love to write. Otherwise, we'd have a different profession. To improve as writers, we need to stretch our creative muscles and go out of our comfort zone to try new genres. If I'm not growing as a writer, I should retire. Writing a historical (No, it's not <em>an</em> historical! I don't live in England.) provided new challenges, especially in research. I had to study train routes, dress styles, climate, and language from a century + ago. Avoiding anachronisms in dialog was the biggest challenge for me. I couldn't have my characters chatting in modern language using expressions that didn't exist at the time. </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
But I wonder if you as a reader get a bait-and-switch feeling when authors try new genres. If you purchase THE RANCHER'S SPECIAL DELIVERY, will you feel hoodwinked because your last Cheryl Norman book was a contemporary?</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
As a reader, I don't mind. I recall reading SKIPPING CHRISTMAS, a total departure for John Grisham from his legal suspense novels. Frankly, his holiday story delighted me. Yes, it was a different genre, but the cover art and tag line clued me in that this was a different John Grisham story. Not that I'm comparing myself to the talented Mr. Grisham! His foray into a new genre proved successful, judging from book sales and later a movie version (CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS).</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Some authors use pseudonyms for different genres, like Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle or the late Evan Hunter/Ed McBain. I used a pseudonym when I wrote erotic romance fiction. But my Cheryl Norman brand, whether it's a suspense or an inspirational, is the same. I write about characters learning lessons. THE RANCHER'S SPECIAL DELIVERY continues this theme in 1899 Colorado. It's a mail-order bride story, and I loved writing it.</h4>
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THE RANCHER'S SPECIAL DELIVERY is a June release from Highland Press, both as a novella download or as part of the anthology HEARTS OF THE WEST, which will be available in both electronic and print versions. Let me know what you think.</h4>
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Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-88628906957430601742015-03-16T18:41:00.002-04:002015-03-16T18:41:37.498-04:00Spring Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Greetings from Florida, the state everyone loves to hate in the winter. Well, Spring arrives this weekend, so let's get our happy on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Most of us celebrate the season with Easter candy or outdoor barbecues, and we do, too. I bought my first new bedding plants of the year today, and started sprucing up the yard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So here's a question for you. What is the first thing you do to enjoy that break in the winter weather? Wash the car? Garden? Go on a picnic? Open the windows and let in the fresh air? Put the top down on your convertible? Share.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Spring to you!</span><br />
<br />
<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-77866888763263532402015-02-11T14:49:00.000-05:002015-02-11T14:54:40.576-05:00Valentine's Day Movies<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is your favorite all-time romance movie to watch on Valentine's Day each year? Mine is, like many incurable romantics, <i>An Affair to Remember</i>. I've watched earlier and later versions of this movie, but none get me teary eyed and sentimental like the 1957 version. Much as I like Charles Boyer and Irene Dunn in the original, I relate better to the Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant version. I later learned that Kerr and Grant improvised some of their lines, so they truly were a good casting fit.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNDkxODc3MDE3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzEyMzU3Mg@@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNDkxODc3MDE3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzEyMzU3Mg@@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why is this a sentimental favorite? (It's still one of the most aired movies during February and was voted the #5 greatest romance film of all time*) For me, it has the elements I look for in a good romance story. (<span style="color: red;">Spoiler alert: If you've yet to watch the movie, stop reading now</span>)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Conflict. </i>Each is engaged to marry someone else, but they're attracted to each other.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tough choices:</i> Their significant others aren't villains or jerks. In fact, Terry's ex-fiance is a nice guy who remains her friend. We can't help but like him.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sympathetic characters</i>. Neither Nickie nor Terry wants to hurt anyone and truly tries to do what is right. They're honest and up front.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tragic event</i>: Terry is hit by a car on her way to rendezvous with Nickie. The accident leaves her wheelchair-bound.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Secrets: </i>Terry hides her injury from Nickie. Nickie hides his heartache from Terry.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Character growth:</i> Nickie, the rich playboy who hasn't worked a day in his life, proves he can be a successful painter. Terry finds a productive outlet in teaching music to children.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Pacing</i>: The promise to meet in six months is exchanged precisely halfway through the movie.</span></b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Happy ending</i>: Reunited and filled with hope, the two commit at the story's end.</span></b></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I want a happy ending, which is why I have little enthusiasm for films like <i>Message in a Bottle </i>or <i>Dr. Zhivago</i>. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you share my love for this movie, tell me your reasons. If you have another favorite, please share. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day! ♥</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b>*The American Film Institute</b></div>
Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-19641348144695989192015-01-29T08:10:00.000-05:002015-01-29T08:10:17.040-05:00Movie Talk<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An author posted the question on Facebook re: books made into motion pictures. Are there any movies that you enjoyed <i>more</i> than the book upon which it was based? My first thought was <i>Doctor</i> <i>Zhivago</i>. I tried reading Pasternak's novel in college while studying Russian lit. Not at all readable. I made it through <i>One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich</i>, <i>Anna Karenina</i>, and <i>Crime and Punishment </i>just fine. But the movie <i>Doctor Zhivago</i> captured the horror of war, the ruthlessness of Lara's husband, the incredible Russian scenery, and the emotional battle within a man in love with two women. The book did not, at least not for me.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then there are motion pictures that borrow the title of a book and little else, like Ian Fleming's <i>The Spy Who Loved M</i>e. I enjoyed the book, but except for the James Bond character, it bore no resemblance to the movie. Alas, the movie was more entertaining. Then there's Jean Shepherd's <i>In</i> <i>God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash</i>, which is a delightful read (not a novel. More of a collection of vignettes from Shepherd's childhood) but not quite as entertaining as its film version, <i>A Christmas Story</i>. Who doesn't enjoy <i>A Christmas Story</i>, with Ralphie's quest for the ultimate boy's Christmas present, a Red Ryder BB gun?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I could write a post every day about movies that fail to do the book justice, but that's been done to death. Borrowing from my colleague's question, <span style="color: #cc0000;">is there a film you thought was an improvement on the book?</span></b></span>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-5987779289303227662015-01-20T18:11:00.001-05:002015-01-20T18:11:14.093-05:00The Chill Factor<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I'm on deadline and have no time for this, but I am shopping for a new refrigerator. I would rather shop for a new car or a new dishwasher. Just about anything else! I dread cleaning out the old, moving it (we're keeping it. It goes into my husband's garage), cleaning the embarrassing dirt hidden behind/beneath it, etc. Agh! When am I supposed to do all this when I'm trying to write my romance novel?</b></div>
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<b>It's quite a process. After all, buying a refrigerator is a commitment. It's an appliance I hope to live with at least 20 years, although my current model is only 11. It works great. So why am I putting myself through this angst?</b></div>
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<b>BECAUSE THE BLASTED THING IS TOO BIG!</b></div>
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<b>I thought I wanted 26 cubic feet with double door, etc. Yet it sticks out into my kitchen like a giant footstool. Two people don't need 26 cubic feet, especially if they have a second model plus a chest freezer in the garage. So I'm downsizing.</b></div>
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<b>Husband and I agreed on the following criteria:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must be made in USA</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must have external ice/water dispenser </b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must be counter-depth</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must be no taller than 69.8"</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must be Energy Star rated</b></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Must be either white or stainless steel</b></li>
</ul>
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<b>We discovered few models fit our criteria. Or our kitchen space. Funny how many refrigerators are 70"+ tall. Not that many qualify as Energy Star, either, but that's a must for us. But we've narrowed it down to a couple. Right now the frontrunner is a Maytag 20.6 cu. ft that fits all the criteria. And it's on sale at Lowe's! </b></div>
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<b>But we're still shopping. Stay tuned in the new refrigerator shopping saga.</b></div>
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Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-53200038651966276982014-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-11T16:13:43.159-05:00Resolutions?<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>I recently posed the question on Facebook: Resolutions--yay or nay? Do you resolve to improve some aspect of your life in the coming year?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>As one poster says, if we don't, we aren't growing. Good answer. But I've abandoned those typical "lose weight and get fit" generic resolutions. I've learned the more specific the resolution, the better.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>For instance, last year I resolved to write 1000 words every day, five days a week, and stuck to it as much as possible. This past year, 2014, turned out to be my most productive writing year in a decade. I also resolved to walk an hour every day possible. I have and will continue both resolutions.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>My new resolution for 2015 is to clear out my sewing room (it has become a Christmas gift-wrap, catch-all mess) and get back to sewing. I love sewing and miss it. I intend to take a quilting class this year at our local fabric store.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>When you make resolutions, follow the guidelines for any goal setting. Make your goals specific and realistic. Don't set yourself up for failure with overly ambitious resolutions.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good luck and happy 2015!</b></span><br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="26943e5c4" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26943e5c4/" id="rcwidget_yelsv1ea" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-22991447183582821332014-12-16T00:30:00.000-05:002014-12-16T12:29:28.126-05:00Release day for A Dose of Romance (Drake Springs Book 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERxkw_hzpgeBa9yZKXg2X6Qvao7rQqUbIDh8pGOa6P323ldIikiHmpqGOWtWfplDPynpCnENDvWJ76EKdvfsZWdWGuJvQn2V_IgqHRhHbcZa_k8kTk5I-5MsldbaWDfX48QKM/s1600/DOSEOFROMANCE-FINAL-MD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERxkw_hzpgeBa9yZKXg2X6Qvao7rQqUbIDh8pGOa6P323ldIikiHmpqGOWtWfplDPynpCnENDvWJ76EKdvfsZWdWGuJvQn2V_IgqHRhHbcZa_k8kTk5I-5MsldbaWDfX48QKM/s1600/DOSEOFROMANCE-FINAL-MD.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: #6fa3f2; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.1000003814697px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-dose-of-romance/id941930264?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" style="border: 0px; color: #0b108f; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">IBOOKS</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dose-Romance-Drake-Springs-Book-ebook/dp/B00PM6T8I2/ref=as_sl_pc_ss_til?tag=lifune-20&linkCode=w01&linkId=BGMGCFJSEQWLZMND&creativeASIN=B00PM6T8I2" style="border: 0px; color: #0b108f; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dose-of-romance-cheryl-norman/1120792219?ean=2940046406863" style="border: 0px; color: #0b108f; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">BARNES & NOBLE</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-dose-of-romance-1" style="border: 0px; color: #0b108f; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">KOBO</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/492985" style="border: 0px; color: #0b108f; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">SMASHWORDS </a>| </strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Authors love release day. Months of hard work--writing, editing, proofing, revising, copy editing--culminates in a finished product ready for readers. You! I'm no different. I'm thrilled to have readers download A DOSE OF ROMANCE and read Tiffany and Woody's story. It's set around the holidays but isn't strictly a holiday read. </b></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">This is book 3, you say, and you haven't yet read books 1 and/or 2? Don't let that stop you. While it's fun to read a series in order, you don't have to. My number one rule in writing a series romance is to make the story stand alone. Threads from other stories need to be reintroduced. I don't want my readers lost or scrambling to re-read a previous story. So even if you've yet to try the Drake Springs series, dive in and read A DOSE OF ROMANCE. If you like it, then you may want to buy previous titles. Or not. Your decision.</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Happy reading! And don't forget to enter the raffle for a $10 iTunes card.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tiffany rushed in to Fox’s Apothecary right before closing and headed directly to the pharmacy.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The pharmacist turned to greet her. “Help you?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was him. Woody Fox. Mister <i>light<b>-</b>brew<b>-</b>with<b>-</b>half<b>-</b>and<b>-</b>half</i>. Her heart stuttered and her breath caught. “Um, yes, I’m here to pick up a refill for my dad. Er, Drew Blair.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His smile widened. “Drew Blair is your dad? I guess I didn’t realize. . .that is, I didn’t know your name was Blair.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You know my dad?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes, I do. Not sure where I’d be without him. He keeps my old Bronco running.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Don’t know where I’d be without him, either.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He turned to search through the white bags of filled prescription orders. “His is the best auto repair shop- in town.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She did an eye roll at his back. “Right. He’s the only shop in town.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He turned his dazzling smile on her. “Here you go.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She took the bag and thanked him. “Well, I guess I’ll see you Monday.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He frowned. “You don’t work Saturdays?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I do.” She pointed to her temple. “Duh. I’m brain dead from too much studying.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“What are you studying?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Business. I’ll have my associate’s degree in May.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His hazel eyes flashed with interest. “I didn’t realize you were a college student.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m not going to wait tables all my life, not that there’s anything wrong with it.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I know what you mean. What will you do with your degree?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have a few ideas. Dad says I can run his shop, but that’s risking everything on one business. It’s better to diversify.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Right. Spread the risk.” He leaned against the counter. “I didn’t know they taught business classes at Drake College.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“They don’t. I have to commute to Florida Gateway College.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is that in Lake City?”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Right.” She’d stalled long enough. He might think she was flirting. She turned toward the front checkout counter. “See you later.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sure. I’d like to talk more about your business ideas.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Uh, yeah. But not at the diner, okay? I don’t want to discuss it on the job.”</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Gotcha.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boyd and Lorraine didn’t know her plan. No one did yet. So why had she mentioned it to Mister <i>light-brew-with-half-and-half</i>? Mister <i>engaged-to-be-married</i> light-brew-with-half-and-half?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-77835278579488833862014-12-12T14:02:00.000-05:002014-12-12T14:04:56.910-05:00iBooks-the emerging giant in eBooks?<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know about you, but I do just about everything on my smartphone. I carry an iPhone 5S and love it, which surprises me because I resisted all things Apple for so many years. Live and learn.</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I now have an app called Map My Walk that tells me how far I walk, what route I take, my splits (how long each mile takes), calories burned, etc. It emails me reports with summaries of my workouts. It even tracks how many miles are on my pair of shoes so I know when they should be replaced. </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have an app that holds all my store loyalty cards. No more plastic tabs clogging up my key ring. Love that! I use the calendar app to track my family's appointments and activities, the email app to check for messages when I'm away from my PC, the MapQuest app when I need directions, the various social networking apps to check my friends' statuses, and the weather app to check the forecast. I can take photos and post them from my iPhone. I keep to-do lists and grocery lists stored, too.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Occasionally, I use the iPhone to place a call, although I now prefer texting. Who knew I'd be such a slave to one device?</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While waiting in a doctor's or dentist's office, I read. I didn't realize how handy reading on my iPhone would be. Now I love it (and my iPad knows right where I leave off). </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I'm late to the iBooks game, which I've learned is the fastest growing platform. News to me, but I see why. I can buy iBooks via the iTunes store using the iTunes account I already established for music, ringtones, and premium version of apps.</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of my books are available via iBooks, too: </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/cheryl-norman/id417449386?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/cheryl-norman/id417449386?mt=11</a></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are ready to jump into iBooks, you'll need an iTunes account. This month I'm offering a $10 iTunes gift card to a random entry. I hope you'll participate. If you win, you can download some iBooks and start reading wherever you go.</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Holidays.</span></b><br />
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-16566905956074191032014-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:002014-12-01T08:00:00.722-05:00Holiday Stories<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I've posted before about my love of holiday themed stories. I re-read <i>A Christmas Carol</i> by Charles Dickens every December. I watch all the corny holiday movies on the Hallmark channel. I have my own copy of <i>A Christmas Story</i>. I admit it. I'm a sucker for Christmas stories, especially romances.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">The first Christmas romance I wrote was for Wings ePress. My contemporary romance <i>Last Resort</i>, which was inspired by and loosely based on the old Alec Guinness movie <i>Last Holiday</i> (this was before Queen Latifah's updated version---and yes, I have that DVD, too), earned me the 2003 EPPIE (now EPIC) award for best contemporary romance.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Last year, I wrote my first inspirational romance story, <i>The Christmas Prayer</i>, part of <i>The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Christmas-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00GDXEO14/ref=sr_1_16?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414866770&sr=1-16" target="_blank">Heart of Christmas</a></i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Christmas-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00GDXEO14/ref=sr_1_16?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414866770&sr=1-16" target="_blank"> </a>anthology from Highland Press. The feedback I received from readers overwhelmed me. I didn't expect to find many readers for my foray into the subgenre of inspirational romance. Evidently, there's a market.</span></b></div>
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<b>T<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">he reception for that story motivated me to write another, a sequel of sorts, titled <i>Hometown Blessings,</i> which is included in the <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Blessings-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00OYUIV4Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414866770&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Christmas Blessings</a></i> anthology from Highland Press. (Note: All four stories connect to the four stories in the previous anthology, and there's talk of doing a third in the series for 2015). The "hometown" is fictional Harper, Georgia, a small community in the North Georgia mountains. The subject matter may be controversial, but I was moved to write the story. It's a timely issue--sexual predators within the church--and tough subject matter. Yet it's a happy holiday romance, too. I hope you'll give it a read.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Blessings-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00OYUIV4Y/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><img alt=" Click to Purchase" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6Vdru3tsxKGNQ4Bj90SoIqtc-ynJ2CHZKXmXiKAsTF-44mIwrqnI2U8SgWarYKRDFU0mnFO0cNF7RQauUEN8eiIdhxM5CkznjsgFXWdTA6VKPu-JXjmKMn7B6dXnF_iGgqe8/s1600/Blessings.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Since it's gift giving season, consider copies of these anthologies as presents to the romance readers on your list. The anthology is offered in both print and e-book, or you can download the individual stories for .99 each.</span></b><b style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">And don't forget to enter the drawing for the iTunes gift card.</span></b></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-18667394911487835772014-11-15T15:07:00.000-05:002014-11-15T15:07:00.485-05:00FOSTER CARE ~ Drake Springs Book 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>What do you think when you hear "Foster Care?" In Drake Springs, "Foster Care" isn't used in the usual sense. Foster Care, located in Foster County and run by the two Foster sisters, is a nursery school and daycare facility. Actually, it's<i> the </i>nursery school and daycare. Drake Springs is a small town, and before the sisters opened Foster Care, working parents had few options for childcare. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kirby and Mandy Foster share a passion for children and education, so their chosen career paths make sense. Both vow to keep Foster Care open even in the event they marry. In Kirby's case, marriage is highly unlikely. She's gun shy after her ex betrayed her. Older sister Mandy is just too picky to find Mr. Right.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When a private investigator asks Kirby out to dinner, she knows it's a safe date. He'll soon head back to New Jersey, and she's not serious about any guy. But Nick Tomasi isn't just any guy. He's amazingly easy to talk to (and amazingly easy on the eyes, too). In fact, he seems eerily familiar. It's as if she's known him her entire adult life. How could that be?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As for Nick, could the pretty red-haired Kirby knock him off his game? Soon he falls victim to her "Foster Care" and almost forgets his real reason for the trip to Drake Springs. When Kirby finds out, all hope for a future with her <i>almost soul mate</i> evaporates. Can Nick save the day and win the girl, or will he ride off into the sunset?</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Foster Care is available in digital formats from the following sites:</span></span></b><br />
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-28149730548190662642014-11-13T02:00:00.000-05:002014-11-13T02:00:04.752-05:00Where is Harper, Georgia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The fourth and final holiday story in <a href="http://amzn.to/1o26TA0" target="_blank"><i>Christmas Blessing</i>s</a> is mine, <i>Hometown Blessing</i>s. The title's "hometown" is fictional Harper, Georgia, which is located vaguely near Cleveland, Georgia, in the mountains.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you visit Cleveland (or any of the area's towns) you'll get a feel for the small town of Harper. My mental model for the town actually was Jasper, Georgia, but I wanted it located a bit closer to Gainesville and Atlanta. Folks in the North Georgia mountains get along. As with most small towns, they band together to help neighbors in need. Plenty of churches of all denominations dot the landscape, and there's a town square with the county courthouse and surrounding local businesses.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And there's good eats! In fact, the "Good Eats" man himself, Alton Brown, is from Georgia. The Smith House in Dahlonega and the Dillard House in Dillard are just two of the many family style restaurants where great local cuisine is served in large bowls (all you can eat!) that get passed around the table. Some of these seat you at large tables with strangers, but you won't be strangers long. Nothing breaks the ice like breaking bread together--usually cornbread.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Moonlight Diner sits right in the center of Harper, right on the town square, and owner Maudine Jones serves the best biscuits in the South. It's where locals gather for the lunch special or simply for a coffee break. If you're law enforcement, Maudine gives you free coffee, so guess where local cops take their breaks.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Right before Thanksgiving, Harper decorates the town with lighted candy canes on each lamp post. Every place of business participates with lights of their own. The first Saturday in December is the parade and festival, followed that evening by the tree lighting and, weather permitting, street dance.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Welcome to Harper, Georgia. Y'all come on in and sit a spell. Get to know the friendly folks and yummy food. Enjoy Hometown Blessings.</b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And don't y'all forget to enter the giveaway! You can enter again today even if you've already participated.</span></b></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-32781598757199550812014-11-12T07:30:00.000-05:002014-11-12T07:30:03.437-05:00Tour Low Lake, Florida<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Multi-published romance author <a href="http://pattyghowell.com/" target="_blank">Patty Howell </a>is today's guest blogger, and she created her own southern town for her Christmas story, Low Lake. Patty calls Suwannee County, Florida, home now but has lived all over the world. She's known as a skilled editor, too. And she's also known as my friend and colleague. Be sure to read her story, <i>The Blessing of Forgiveness,</i> part of <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1o26TA0" target="_blank">Christmas Blessings</a></i>.</b></span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_33532" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The setting for <i>the Blessing of Forgiveness</i> is Low Lake, a fictionalized small town in North Florida that borders Suwannee County. The town has grown over the last twenty years and now hosts about 20,000 residents. For big-city shopping and more elegant dining the townsfolk can travel to Jacksonville, Tallahassee, or Gainesville.</span></b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_33539" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Low Lake’s fame is its churches. Almost every denomination is served and they work together to take care of the less fortunate living among them. Although snow isn’t an attraction at Christmas time, the love and warmth of its residents will melt even the coldest of hearts.</span></b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_33542" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Some of my characters were born and raised in Low Lake, others have moved here from far and wide, but all agree on one thing: even in its growth, Low Lake takes care of its own.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Don't miss Christmas in Low Lake, Florida. And don't miss out on the giveaway. You may enter every day for a print copy of <i>The Heart of Christmas</i>.</b></span><br />
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-91522963930032713692014-11-11T07:30:00.000-05:002014-11-11T07:30:00.763-05:00The Magic of Mistletoe, Tennessee<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">When it comes to Christmas tradition, no town does a better job than Mistletoe, Tennessee. Just ask its creator, author <a href="http://judithleigh.net/" target="_blank">Judith Leigh</a>, our next guest poster. Judy is a good friend, and her compassion and sensitivity show up in her writing.</span></b></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18284" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18283" style="font-size: large;"><b>My setting for <i>Mistletoe Blessing</i>s came about one day when I was looking through a travel magazine. I spotted a picture of a snow-covered town, the kind that you see on a Courier & Ives Christmas card. The caption read <i>Why Not Spend Christmas on Lookout Mountain. </i>I knew where I was going to send my heroine, and since they grow Mistletoe around the area that is what I named my town.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18284" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18283"><b></b></span></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18290" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18289"><b>Mistletoe is in Tennessee. The small town has grown somewhat and boasts a population of 7,950 residents. When they want to do heavy shopping and fancy eating, they go to Nashville or Chattanooga. Mistletoe is noted for its magical happenings. Many tourists have experienced the strange feelings that come over them while looking at the town’s angel statue. It stands near the center of town next to a Gazebo. <i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18315">It’s a place where dreams come true. </i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18290" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18289"><b><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18315"></i></b></span></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18300" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1415275836588_18299"><b>Many of my characters were born and raised there. Others left then returned to stay forever. Warmth and love surround this town. The citizens are always there for each other with a helping hand and encouragement. It’s a place that once you come here you don’t want to leave; and if you do leave, you’ll come back again and again. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Don't forget to enter the giveaway. You may enter every day! </b></span></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-52703445241572594332014-11-10T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-10T07:00:07.891-05:00Welcome to Stableton, Florida<div style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Today's guest post is from <a href="http://susanrsweet.com/" target="_blank">Susan Sweet</a>, friend and author of inspirational stories for Highland Press and mysteries for Wings ePress. Susan takes us on a tour of her story's small town.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dan Forest returned to his home town Stableton, Florida, after losing his wife and daughter to the devastating floods of Hurricane Katrina. He needed to be around his family and friends to put his life back together.</span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stableton is a fictional small town in northern Florida, where there are fewer than 25,000 people. It boasts one major fire department, a sheriff's office, one hospital, and one large shopping strip which includes a major grocery store. Everyone there either knows you or has heard of you, but in a nice way. The closest major town is Jacksonville. If you need the attractions that city holds, you have to travel only 35 miles.</span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The citizens are friendly, helpful and actually care about the well-being of their fellow neighbors and friends. This is the town I've picked for my character's haven. This is the town where Betty and her daughter Amber rejoin their family to try and move on after tragedy struck them. You'll see how the family atmosphere of this small town steps in to do just that very thing.</span></b></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Don't miss<i> A Flood of Blessing</i>s, the lead story in <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1o26TA0" target="_blank">Christmas Blessings</a></i>. And don't forget to enter the giveaway. You may enter every day.</span></b></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-23491225795009696822014-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:002014-11-08T09:38:45.928-05:00Small Town Holiday Stories<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a sucker for corny holiday stories. When George Bailey races through the snowy Christmas Eve to the town square of Bedford Falls yelling "Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter" I choke up. <i>It's a Wonderful Life</i> is a wonderful lesson in appreciating what we have.</span></b><br />
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</b> <b>Shopping for books, I'm drawn to cover art featuring a snow-covered town square decorated for Christmas. During November and December, my default channel on my TV is Hallmark because the network shows holiday films every day. Some I've watched a dozen times, like <i>November Christmas</i>, and I still boo hoo when the town pulls out all the stops to move up the calendar for a leukemia-stricken little girl (Spoiler alert: She lives. I couldn't watch it if she didn't).</b></span><br />
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</b> <b>Sure, good holiday stories are set in large cities, too, none better than <i>Miracle on 34th Street</i>. My first trip to the Big Apple included a shopping trip to the Macy's on 34th. Of course. Unfortunately, it was August and St. Nicholas wasn't there yet. Most of my favorites, though, take place in small towns.</b></span><br />
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</b> <b>My writing colleagues (and now my good friends!) and I put together an anthology of inspirational stories featuring feel-good Christmas stories set in small, Southern towns. Over the next few days, we'll give you a tour of each story's community.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacmEf0_fA_64Q-FrlldLCD7iNpJyTaDcU6XxhLsbjP_b4bFMmYYwRYbKDf4f682KY4RT489KKNOC0Rn3pM1qlBz0Ckxo5-A1PbeaBRLIkiRJLemPISsjr0xrrJ-we6iX0y9v4/s1600/Christmas+Blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacmEf0_fA_64Q-FrlldLCD7iNpJyTaDcU6XxhLsbjP_b4bFMmYYwRYbKDf4f682KY4RT489KKNOC0Rn3pM1qlBz0Ckxo5-A1PbeaBRLIkiRJLemPISsjr0xrrJ-we6iX0y9v4/s1600/Christmas+Blessings.jpg" height="200" width="129" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We believe <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Blessings-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00OYUIV4Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414866770&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><i>Christmas Blessings</i></a> makes a good gift for the readers on your list. You may enjoy our previous anthology, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Heart-Christmas-Cheryl-Norman-ebook/dp/B00GDXEO14/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_3" target="_blank">The Heart of Christma</a>s</i>. The set would make a doubly good gift. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win a free copy of <i>The Heart of Christmas</i>. You can enter every day!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL1rs6A9fW8X-svkQwZOFZnIWJsaZ84JjAk1Vc_KsMoiWRvkr1IiDhROQnKeP1b1f06_nyKq2s1CtXWPrpGghuHpM7_R8WQLmdkbI5jSLifFYWGn70ikbH07kXWasAiJRPi_O/s1600/The+Heart+of+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL1rs6A9fW8X-svkQwZOFZnIWJsaZ84JjAk1Vc_KsMoiWRvkr1IiDhROQnKeP1b1f06_nyKq2s1CtXWPrpGghuHpM7_R8WQLmdkbI5jSLifFYWGn70ikbH07kXWasAiJRPi_O/s1600/The+Heart+of+Christmas.jpg" height="200" width="137" /></a></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-56304236900100839202014-11-01T10:08:00.002-04:002014-11-01T10:14:58.793-04:00NATIONAL AUTHORS DAY<b>Who knew? November 1 is, among other things, officially National Author's Day, a day when you show your appreciation for authors you've read, especially those whose stories made an impact on your life.</b><br />
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<b>So many authors have impacted my life. Where to begin? Of course, there are the classics, like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Mark Twain. Leo Tolstoy, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald. </b><b>But today I pick one, and sadly he's gone. Died too soon. Here is my tribute to...</b><br />
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<b>Michael Crichton.</b><br />
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<b>I first read Michael Crichton after seeing a movie in the 1970s called<i> The Carey Treatment</i> (starring James Coburn and Jennifer O'Neil). The film credits mentioned the novel upon which it was based as <i>A Case of Need </i>by Jeffrey Hudson (It would be decades before I learned Jeffrey Hudson was a pseudonym for John Michael Crichton). I found the book and read it. A page turner, it surpassed the movie (although the film was exciting!), as is often the case with novels-turned-movies. </b><br />
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<b>After discovering his work, I couldn't get enough and devoured every book he'd written. I soon learned he was also a screenwriter, and his screenwriting credits included such gems as <i>Runaway</i>, <i>Westworld</i>, <i>Twister</i>, and Robin Cook's novel-turned-film <i>Coma</i>.</b><br />
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<b>But the novel that grabbed me and wouldn't let go--for whatever reasons--was <i>Jurassic Park</i>. In childhood I had a fascination with dinosaurs that led me to books like <i>Lost World</i> by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and <i>Mysterious Island</i> by Jules Verne, and I guess it lingered. I read the book on the MARTA on my way to work in downtown Atlanta and became so engrossed that (thank God my bosses never caught me!) I once smuggled the book into the Ladies Room so I could sit in private and finish a chapter. Now that is one compelling read! I finished it in a day (during my ride home) and then wanted more!</b><br />
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<b>Soon as I finished the book, I heard there would be a movie. The movie doesn't follow the book exactly, of course, or they'd lose the PG rating and younger audience. The film version is good but could never engross me the way Crichton's book had. I still rank <i>Jurassic Park</i> among my top ten favorite books, right up there with <i>A Christmas Carol,</i> <i>Pride and Prejudic</i>e, and <i>The Great Gatsby</i>. Yeah, I liked it that much.</b><br />
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<b>I never met Crichton--more's the pity because I sure wanted to--and now he's gone. Too bad. I would like to wish him Happy National Authors Day.</b>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-84577329922944953122014-10-29T17:50:00.000-04:002014-10-29T17:50:26.590-04:00Happy Halloween!<b>I love Halloween. I don't think it's satanic or evil. It's fun. </b><br />
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<b>I love costumes and makeup, too, which may have something to do with my passion for Halloween. The first year of our marriage, my husband and I threw a costume party. Here's an old Polaroid shot from that event:</b><br />
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<b>The next year we dressed as cavemen (or I suppose I should say, <i>cave people</i> LOL).</b><br />
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<b> I won't post all our costumes, but here are a couple more favorites. He was a bunny rabbit and I was...well, not sure what I was supposed to be. A skeleton, maybe? :-)</b><br />
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<b>The last party we threw I was a space cadet (don't say it!) and he was Zorro.</b></div>
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<b>We developed other Halloween traditions, too. We watch creature features during the month of October, including (always!) Mel Brooks's <i>Young Frankenstein</i>.</b></div>
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<b>However you celebrate this time of year, have a safe and FUN Halloween!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14373712.post-56278848968284771032014-10-23T12:33:00.003-04:002014-10-23T12:34:06.001-04:00Next Stop on the Tour...<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Join me today at <a href="http://storeybookreviews.com/2014/10/blog-tour-giveaway-return-to-drake-springs-by-cheryl-norman/">Storeybook Reviews</a>. </h3>
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<br />Cheryl Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09990039633807567449noreply@blogger.com0