This and That

Between raindrops, I've been exploring the grounds. We missed last spring, so roaming around and rediscovering this and that warms my heart. I thought I'd share some of what's here with you. Ready?

I love daffodils. They make me smile, bobbing in the breeze.

They make me smile in the kitchen, too.

I wish you could smell these hyacinths. Heavenly!

A few weeks ago I cleaned all the birdhouses.

We have nesting going on in every one!

Pussywillows are attractive even after they've put their best face forward. And the tree grew so much since last year. It's huge!

This week when I'm not tramping about, I've been working on a new story. It feels good to write, especially surrounded by so many beautiful sights.

So tell me, what's going on with you?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Eden's Child

I thought I would re-visit Eden's Child, which was a No. 1 best seller at Whiskey Creek Press.

This book was inspired by a back-packing trip that I took around Australia.

I always have had a thing for Australia, from being a little girl I wanted to go there. I read countless books about the country/Continent, and was enraptured. In fact whenever anyone wanted to know anything about Australia, friends would refer them to me. "She knows all about it," they would say.

Going there was a big thing. I hadn't flown for years and had developed a fear of flying but not being a multi-millionaire, I couldn't take the boat. Also I was going on my own, so that only added to my fear.

By the time I had boarded the plane from Singapore, having changed planes twice already, my fear of flying had disappeared. Flying around Australia also helped to show me I had nothing to be afraid about.

And the country of my dreams? Well it lived up to my expectations. It was everything I had thought about and dreamed about. I adored it. If I were younger I think I would go for it and live there but unfortunately I am too old now. Life works out in strange ways but you know what, Australia gave me the will to write again. I do believe that Eden's Child really shows my love for the country and its people. I hope you agree.

"Maddy has lost her memory, the more she finds out about herself the more she loathes herself. Her husband Nevis, handsome and wealthy, lets her know in no uncertain terms that he hates her - she can't blame him, yet she can't stem the feelings she as for him.
How could she have been so despicable to this man when all she longs for is to be in his arms.
Confused by who and what she she is, sometimes she thinks it would be better if she never remembered the past."

The novel is set in wonderful, magical North Queensland.

available from www. whiskeycreekpress and www.amazon and lots of other outlets.

Release Day

Actually it's a re-release. Random House has re-released my 1989 novel, The Way it Happens in Novels. That year Publisher's Weekly called this book, "a romance leavened with wisdom." And over all these years I've continued to get fan mail so hope it has a new life on the Kindle and Nook.

HAPPY EASTER

George

A few weeks ago I spent some time with friends. One of the residents of the household is George, pictured above. He is adorable. You're probably wondering why I'm talking about a cat, aren't you? Stay with me, please. I do have a point.

George is adored by all, especially Aidan who technically "owns" George. If you ask him, he'll tell you George is "his" but I'm pretty convinced that George is all his own. He just lets the young man believe there's an ownership issue.

So why is George such a popular figure in this large family? How can such a small being hold such an esteemed place of honor?

It's easy to understand when you think about it. George has all the qualities we aspire to in ourselves and look to find in those we care about.

He's loyal. Ask Aidan, who finds George snuggling him in the night, keeping his "owner" safe, secure and warm.

George is smart. See the photo? The patch of sunlight was tempting but even more so when Maegan placed her computer case there. George hopped right onto it, recognizing he'd be both sunned and comfortably padded. Brilliant!

The furry one's greatest asset is his ability to love. He enthusiastically displays his affection--for everyone, not just Aidan. George loves, and is loved.

I could go on, but you get the idea. When I sat down to write this blog post I wondered what to share with you today. Then, it hit me. I'd share George. Why not spread the love around?

Spring in Florida

We don't have daffodils or tulips, but here in Florida we have lots of blooms. Below is is the oleander bush in our front yard, and above some petunias that require constant watering.

And while Sarita shovels snow and Margaret hikes in cool weather, It's 90 and higher every day here -- way warmer than normal. Wouldn't it be nice to meet in the middle (some 70's perhaps)?

Taking a Plunge

If you read this blog regularly, you'll know that I've been absent from The Lark Journals for over a year now. Thank goodness, Kathy and Margaret are still blogging regularly and have kept the journal alive while I was away. I am so grateful they did, very appreciative of their kindness and dedication. Also, for their unending support. You see, I have needed all of those items, things these amazing ladies have given so freely.

My brave husband recently lost his battle with a monstrous disease. He was courageous, valiant and loving throughout the ordeal but in the end we didn't have the outcome we all prayed so hard for. I hate it that such a good, kind, brilliant man has had his life cut horribly short. He was my best friend, the joy in my world, and I miss him more than I can begin to say.

So, now you know where I've been. But thanks to my fellow Larks, I've got a warm "nest" to return to, so I'm back. I won't try to pull the wool over your eyes. There have been moments these past weeks when I can barely think and am certain I have nothing to say to anyone. Still, there are hours, more as time passes, actually, when I feel somewhat like myself. So, a blogging I will go.

Thank you, Kathy and Margaret, for having me back. Thank you for keeping this place alive. Mostly, thank you for your friendship and support. I don't know what I'd do without you. You are the best.

It's beginning to look like spring here--finally!--on the farm. Vito's bees are waking up, there are buds on the fruit trees and the vineyard will soon begin to unfurl its slumbering leaves. Flowers will be blooming, baby birds will be taking their first tentative flights and warm breezes will caress my cheeks as I watch dragonflies' reflections on the pond. There will be peace.

I'm praying I will heal. I'm on this journey so unexpectedly it's difficult to know how the path will unfold. All I know is that I'm going to keep putting one foot before the other, and if you'd like to see how this goes I'm willing to share it with you. Honestly? I need the companionship, so please check back now and again. I'll give glimpses of life on this beautiful farm with you and perhaps we'll all be enriched by the experience. That's my hope, anyway.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a peaceful day. I know that's what I'm going to strive for!

Comfort Box

When the blues strike, Sarah Ban Breathnach in Simple Abundance advises readers to have a comfort box tucked away. She suggested having good-quality chocolates, a paper back by your favorite author and some luxury soap or bubble bath tucked in it.

That wouldn't work for me. I would eat the chocolates immediately and tuck into the book at once. I might save the soap. So I have to think of some other cheering items. I like magazines and those I can save. A box of hot chocolate might last for awhile. I have movies that I am waiting to watch. But my favorite item is a brand new floral journal that I'll keep on hand with a pretty floral pen. When I need them, out they come to be used as a gratitude jourmal or a diary.

What would be in your comfort box?

His Other Wife

It's amazing how things come around. A friend e-mailed to tell me that my novel His Other Wife, published in 2008, had snook into my publishers best seller list for April. I have no idea why, unless some wonderful people saw it at one of my talks and decided to purchase. Whatever happened, I am grateful and pleased. How wonderful.

I confess to actually liking this book myself. There is something about Saul that really turns me on! He has everything!

I am including a short extract - why not. Someone other than me likes this book, time to celebrate.

Extract from His Other Wife

Saul parked outside the house. It was a single storey home, detached with a small driveway. Neither small nor big but fairly average. The street had about ten houses of a similar size and structure but in the way of houses in New Zealand they were all slightly different.
The short driveway needed some attention. There was a mail box at the entrance, it was slightly askew but the name had long since become obscured. He went up the drive, then realised that there were two houses on the same plot, one behind the other. There was no number on either but the front lot had a small porch. A large Maori man was sitting in a rocker staring at Saul with more curiosity than suspicion. In the still quiet air he heard a hammer being taken to something, the resounding clang was followed by a mild curse. He decided to follow that sound rather than make enquiries from the man on the porch.
A battered looking car was on the drive; the drive was in a similar state of disrepair as the neighbouring one. A pair of feet in the grubbiest trainers he had ever seen were sticking out from underneath the vehicle. A voice—female he thought—said. “Got you!” He turned around and then realised it came from under the vehicle and was obviously being addressed to something mechanical rather than physical.
“Hello,” Saul said. There was a moments silence and then amid groans and scuffles, the dirty trainers pushed against the gravel, legs began to be revealed, along with a torso clad in grubby men’s blue overalls. The head when it emerged was topped by a baseball cap, the peak pulled low over the face so that the features were hard to make out.
“Yes?” It was a female voice. She quickly scrambled to her feet, her oil stained hand clutching a monkey wrench.
“I’m looking for Roxanne Rawson.”
There was a moments silence and then. “Oh yes? And who can I say wants her?”
“Well I think I would rather tell her that,” Saul answered smoothly.
“Sorry no can do. Roxie never sees anyone without she knows who exactly is doing the calling,” the accent was English. Security was his business; he was very good on accent and nuance.
“I’m not a debt collector.”
“Well we don’t have debt,” the girl said. She appeared to be a girl rather than a woman. “So there wouldn’t be anything to collect. Do I know you?” she asked. “You seem familiar.”
“I don’t think we’ve ever met, but of course I can’t be sure, seeing as I don’t know who I’m speaking to.”
Her mouth opened almost as if she would say something but then she pulled back, she smiled, a knowing smile.
“Nice one,” she said. She lifted her hand; there was a thin strapped watch on her wrist “Look I have to go somewhere…”
“I really need to see Miss Rawson. I have some important news, it might even be good news, well some of it…” His eyes travelled the house; there was a distinct lack of paint and repair. Ten thousand pounds would come in handy. The exchange rate would mean a comfortable sum of money for her.

Blurb

His Other Wife

Roxie does not want Saul to discover her secret past. She knows she should have nothing to do with him but she cannot stop herself from being attracted to him. There is Josh to consider too…he needs a strong man in his life and Saul Hetherington is that kind of man. Perhaps her secret will never be revealed…if she is very careful.

Published in e book and printed book and available from
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.fictionwise.com/

Friends

Today I'm celebrating friends. I'm blessed with so many wonderful friends who inspire me, guide me and keep me on the straight and narrow.