Sugar Cookies from Grandma

Sorry for not posting yesterday - it was definitely a mundane kind of Monday. I was sick. Bleh. Not a happy experience.

For today, I want to share a recipe that I consider comfort food in a major way. My Grandma Ruby (Dad's mom) was a phenomenal cook. A virtuoso (or is that virtuosa) in the kitchen. Here is one of her best recipes for a crispy sugar cookie.

Grandma's Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. crisco (or other vegetable) oil

1 c. margarine

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 t. baking soda

2 t. cream of tartar

2 t. vanilla (or to taste)

dash salt

5 c. flour

Preparation:

Cream oil, margarine, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs. Mix. Add vanilla, soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Slowly mix in the 5 c. of flour until dough is stiff. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour - longer is better. (Do this part with your hands) Roll balls of dough so you create small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press balls flat with sugared glass.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake cookies for 10-15 minutes until cookie is lightly/golden brown. Keep an eye on these if your oven runs hot.

NOTE: If you've never flattened cookies before, I find a glass (an actual GLASS cup works best - doesn't stick). I run the glass over the bowl of dough then sugar the bottom of the glass. I press a cookie flat, then resugar. You can use colored sugars, flavored sugars or whatever makes you happy. I recommend cinnamon sugar - tasty.

Word of warning. I find the biggest trick to getting cookies baked and shared with others is my desire to eat the uncooked cookie dough. It is so delish! Enjoy these cookies - baked or raw. Either way, it's a good thing. ;-)

I Love Rock Stars!

More specifically I love Nickelback. I got hooked right after they released How You Remind Me. I loved the song and the video was really hot. They have great voices, excellent lyrics and a driving rock beat. Not only that, they have an amazing sense of humor! For proof, check out this video from their YouTube channel NickelbackMusicTV.
The song is, I Wanna Be a Rock Star.

Is that great or what? I also think Chad is definitely hot. He got a great voice and he's cute. Who could ask for more?

Visit their MySpace page too.

Left at the Altar

Prompt from The Writer's Block by Jason Rekulak:
Write about a wedding during which a bride or groom changes their mind.
____________________________________________________________

"Where is Lori?"

Damia looked at their mother and rolled her eyes. Lori had tried to tell mother last night she didn't want this dynastic handfasting but when Carol Raven doesn't wish to hear bad news... Well, ignorance is bliss.

"You know as well as I do mother, she didn't want this. She told you and told you. But you wouldn't let her out of it."

"She ran?"

"Wouldn't you?"

Carol looked her up and down. "You wouldn't have."

"But I wasn't given the option. Was I?"

Damia glanced toward the altar where Trevor Falcon paced. Periodically, he glanced over at his mother who was actually biting her spectacular claws. Anyone who went to the expense of having her nails manicured really should chew on something else when they were nervous...like the furniture.

With a sigh, Damia settled into one of the chairs near the beautifully ornamented altar. For some reason the Falcons were adamant that one of their own must commit to a Raven. Today. She didn't know what the issue was, but if the scowl on Trev's face was any indication, it was big. The Goddess knew she would have accepted Trev in an instant but he'd taken one look at Lori and decided she was the one. Men were such idiots.

"You know where she is. I'm sure of it."

She jumped,looking from her clenched hands to Trev's angry amber eyes. "I don't."

"She's your sister. You must have some idea."

"Why aren't you grilling my mother?"

"Because she wouldn't know a clue if it walked up and introduced itself."

"Well really!" Carol hissed. "And you would? She's been your fiancee for three months. Surely you've had at least one conversation. Didn't you realize she was unhappy?"

Trev tightened his jaw so hard, Damia expected to hear his teeth grind. Why on heaven or earth he wanted to marry into their clan she had no idea, but she was glad his attention moved away from her.

"No, Carol. I did not." He turned to look at his mother, raising his eyebrows. She shrugged, nodded her head in Damia's direction. He sighed, then reluctantly nodded. He turned to Damia. "You'll have to do."

"Do what?"

"I need a mate and you're it. If we can't find your sister, it's your duty to fulfill this contract."

"Now wait just a minute buster..."

He grabbed her hand, dragging her to the altar and the High Priest standing there. "We're ready."

The High Priest frowned at Trev then turned gravely to Damia. "Are you willing to complete this handfasting ceremony in your sister's absence?"

"As her proxy, you mean?"

"No, as the bride."

Damia's jaw dropped, turning to look up at Trev. "You're joking right?"

"I'm not joking, Damia."

Damia laughed.

"This is no laughing matter."

"I'm well aware of that, Trev. Why me? Just wait for Lori to come back and make up with her."

"I need a Raven bride before sundown and you're the only marriagable Raven woman here so I'll marry you."

"This is insane."

"The contract specifies a Raven bride. It doesn't name Lori."

"But you picked Lori."

"Now, I'm picking you."

"Trev, you are such a jerk."

"I know. We only need to stay handfasted for a year and a day."

"I can stay here?"

"No, we must live together. It's...required."

"Why?"

"It just is." He finally met her gaze, running his large hand through his thick black hair. "Look, I'm sorry. But I have to do this."

"Live together? Is that all?"

He looked away. "If that's all you want."

"It is. I'm not going to be your substitute for Lori." She laughed bitterly. "Goddess knows I bear no resemblance to her."

Lori was tall, willowy and blond. Gorgeous. The worst part was that not only was her sister a beauty on the outside, but on the inside too. Sensitive. Sweet. Damia had never been able to compete on any level.

"No, you don't look like her and I'm not asking you to be her."

Damia met his gaze again. She had to be the stupidest woman on the planet, but at least the Ravens and the Falcons lived in different cities. Different states. She could do this. She should. She'd just gotten "downsized" at work and she hadn't told her mother yet. Now she wouldn't have to.

"All right. For a year and a day. No more. And we have separate bedrooms."

"Agreed."

Damia's lips twisted. Yeah, he was probably thrilled about that particular condition. But no way was she going to be a duty screw. She turned to face the High Priest and held out her hand.

"Okay, tie us up and get this thing done."

Thirteen Reasons I love Aragorn

Thirteen Reasons I love Aragorn

1. Viggo Mortenson... I can't imagine any actor finding the essence of the character any better than Viggo did, and can you say Hot? I knew you could!

2. Chain Mail. This man looks stunningly hot in chain mail. Hey! So I like a man who jingles. So sue me. ;-)

3. He's got a really big sword AND he knows how to use it.

4. I love it when he swears to protect Frodo. Any man who can say "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will" makes me sigh. Even if he does make the promise to a hobbit.

5. I love a guy who makes a commitment and sticks to it even when it's tough.

6. Aragorn - horse whisperer.

7. He has a dry sense of humor.



8. He tosses dwarves with great skill.

9. Hope isn't just a word to him, it's a way of life.


10. He's the kind of friend who always has your back.



11. He salutes his enemies before he fights them. Even if they're orcs or Urukai.

12. Even though he wants to protect his woman/elf, he lets Arwen make her own decisions.

13. The Kiss. It is without doubt one of the best kisses in cinema history. I LOVE this scene!



(copyright for the video belongs to New Line Cinema - NOT me. This is here for your viewing enjoyment only)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

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Library Thing...the next new thing

So what is LibraryThing? It allows readers to catalog/list their entire library then connect with other readers who share the same reading interests. You can tag your collection. Tagging is the ability to put classifications on a book.

You'll notice I always try to "tag" my blog posts. It lets readers of my blog to find posts about similar topics. In fact, I'm adding a daily tag to all of my new entries. For example, if people like the recipes I post, they can click on the Tummy Tuesday tag and find other entries. Now, as of today there is only one entry. But in a few months, there will be a bunch.

LibraryThing lets you do that with your books. I can label my books erotic romance or historical romance, or paranormal romance. Heck, I can label them with all three if the tags fit. LibraryThing also builds a book community by assisting readers to connect with each other via talk and group communities.

Another cool part of LibraryThing is author promotion. Say you have created a profile and entered your catalog. You want to let everyone know about a new book or an author signing or something. You can ask LibraryThing to make you an "official" LT author. This give you another place to announce your signings and promote your work. Cool, huh?

LibraryThing has also created a wizard so readers can add random books from their library to their blog and/or web site. I've done that here so down along the right side of the blog are several books which I have read and have in my personal library. This is a fun way to promote your favorite authors, friends, and your own work too!

It's a different kind of social networking opportunity for authors and readers. Check it out and join the LibraryThing revolution!

I'm in love with my Crock Pot!

I bought my first crock pot at the end of last year... Well, no I had one before but I put vermiculite in it and used it to cool my glass beads. Cooking yes, but not anything edible. Anyway, they had one on sale at HyVee grocery so I bought it, and I'm glad I did.

Now I haven't used it a LOT, but I've used it often enough to pay for itself and that's all I needed. I've made a few things with it but my absolute favorite slow cooker delicacy is...Macaroni and cheese. I kid you not. It makes the BEST mac and cheese I've ever had (sorry, Mom).

I went to All Recipes.com to look for slow cooker recipes and I found one to use as a basis for mine. I don't deviate too much from the recipe I found, but I've discovered how to make it a little creamier. So today I will share my recipe for the ultimate in comfort foods.

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese (Francesca Style)

INGREDIENTS:
12 ounces (1 1/2 c.) elbow macaroni (pre-cook al dente; about 10 minutes)
1 8 oz block of extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (this makes up 4-5 c. cheese)
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk & 1 (5 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups milk (if you want moister, go to 2 c)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

optional: If you want something with a bit more kick add 1 medium onion, sauteed.

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, 4 cups of the sharp Cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a slow cooker that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese.

Cover, and cook on High for 1 hour and Low for 4 to 5 hours. Or if you want to walk away and leave it, set to Low for 5 to 6 hours. Check the macaroni as you get to the end of the cooking time and turn to "Keep Warm" once the mixture is firm and golden around the edges, otherwise it will get too brown and crusty at the edges. Do not remove the cover or stir the mixture until the mixture has finished cooking. Serve warm.

***

This is YUMMY. Now, I admit this is better on a cold winter's day. However, there are cool spring days and it is very nice then too. It would also work well for a summer picnic. Enjoy!

Do you have any slow cooker favorites? Please share by leaving a comment!

Manic Monday

Greetings everyone,

Last week was wild. I had three programs and I'm dead beat. Even so, I had fun. On Sunday (4/13), we hosted Kali VanBaale for a book signing. On Wednesday (4/16), a local barbershop quartet performed at the library. On Thursday (4/17), author Carol Bodensteiner visited to sign books and talk about her memoir. It was a full rich week.

I finished The Space Between by Kali VanBaale on Saturday night. It was definitely one of those books that was hard to put down. It was gripping and sad all at once. The book is the story of a mother whose son is being bullied at school. One day he goes to school and shoots two of his classmates and kills himself. The book focuses on the "then what?" that we all wonder about after such a shocking event. How do the family members deal with the tragedy? Does the family survive? It was so well written, but I must admit that on my own it isn't one I would pick up to read. I write romance because I like a happy ending, nor tragedy. In my romances, the characters are tortured by the writer but then they come together to overcome all adversity and live happily ever after. The Space Between is about survival but not "happily ever after." In short, it's excellent literary fiction. I enjoyed it but it made me sad. Kali has also received several awards for her book and I know why. Having Kali at the library was really interesting and she is a WONDERFUL speaker. She had some good advice for writers and answered questions in such an open and friendly way. It was a pleasure to meet her. I will look for future books by her because I'm sure they will be as enthralling as this one, regardless of the topic.

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting Carol Bodensteiner the author of Growing Up Country: Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl. This was a very different book though I'd only gotten about halfway through. Carol wrote a series of short essays about her life growing up on a farm in eastern Iowa. I really enjoyed it and it made me remember my youth. Now I wasn't a farm kid, but my grandparents had owned a farm. By the time I was of age to visit they had long since moved into town but I the chapter called "Country Hospitality" helped me realize why Grandma always had treats in the freezer in case anyone dropped by. I remembered stories my mom told me. She and Dad had lived on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa right after they got married and things kind of clicked as I read. I may not be a farm girl myself, but I could relate to Carol's stories. She also enjoyed sharing them with those of us who attended. Carol had chosen to self publish this book and I think her readers are glad she did. It is a fun read for anyone with memories of farm life, whether they are from Iowa or anywhere else.

We had fairly small crowds for our author visits, but the barbershop quartet packed an audience of sixty-two people into the library. It had been a nice spring day so the room was unpleasantly warm, but the crowd stuck it out. It was an SRO evening and when we get low on chairs - I end up on my feet for the duration. I loved the concert, but my feet did not.

I can honestly say I enjoyed National Library Week, but I'm glad it's over for another year. Now comes the time when I gear up for Summer Reading. Two months of insanity instead of just one week. Wish me luck! :-)

Inspiration and the Absolut Hunk

I didn't watch the original airings of Sex and the City, but I've caught this show in reruns and I love it. I especially love Smith Jerrod - or in reality actor/model Jason Lewis. He has to be one of the hottest men on the planet.

He's also the inspiration for my latest hero, Lord Godwin Kempe. When you read about Godwin, think Jason. It will give you a happy, smiling face.

For your Sexy Saturday viewing pleasure, I share with you my inspiration for my latest hero. Enjoy...



From his Sex in the City days...

Close up...

A more recent image of hotness...

A Bonding Experience

First of all - what is flash fiction? Visit this great Web site for an explantation: http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/flashfiction.html


In brief it is a fictional story that is 300-1000 words in length. I'm not sure I can get as short as 1000 words, but I'll keep it short. For me that's very good. I'm a wordy gal. But flash fiction should have all the things any other fiction has: characters, setting, plot - basically a beginning, middle, and an end.


***


Prompt from The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood:

Think of a mismatch between a person and a place. It may be someone in the wrong house, the wrong job, the wrong school, the wrong political party, the wrong club, the wrong chair, the wrong...




Sarah looked down at the address in her hand as she walked into the old theater building. There was no way this was First National Bank. Crap. Either she wrote down the address wrong or... There was an odd silence and she looked up to find a roomful of eyes fastened on her. She blinked.


"Miss Moneypenny? You are here for Miss Moneypenny aren't you? She's missing." A white haired man with a fake British accent approached, waving his hands.


"Miss who?"


"Miss Moneypenny. Go over there with the others, we're ready to start and we need our Miss Moneypenny in order to begin."


Now wait a minute. Wasn't Moneypenny the secretary in James Bond? The lovesick one? No frigging way.


"Yes, you'll do. Suit. Nice touch, dear." He patted her shoulder patronizingly.


"Who are you?"


He struck a pose, grasping the lapel of his jacket. "Bond. James Bond."


"Um... There must be some mistake..." Oh God. Him? Tall, skinny, white hair? James Bond was Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan. This guy was soooo not James Bond.

He waved her away and to avoid the flailing hands, she joined the others. All of them looked a bit shell-shocked so maybe she wasn't the only one in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now what?

"Let's begin. I've called you all here to organize my next mission. Q, what do you have for me?"

The crowd exchanged glances. Was this guy for real? Did he really think they were in a James Bond novel? The white haired man strutted over to stand in front of a tall, handsome dark haired man. Damn. Talk about role-reversal. One of them was James, but it wasn't the guy who thought he was.

"Well, Q, out with it, man. I need some spectacular gadgets to take on the villain of Grosvenor Square."

"Who?" Q asked.

Sarah held back a sigh at 'Q's question. Even his voice was wonderful. Now he was a Bond she could realistically be lovesick for...if she had to be. Not that she wanted to be Moneypenny or anything.

"C'mon Q. I need to get started. After all, the Queen depends on my loyal service."

Sarah rolled her eyes. Yeah, right. If Queen Elizabeth depended on this guy, she was doomed to disappointment. Time to end this farce.

"James, I have something to tell you." Sarah strode forward, striking a painfully dramatic pose as she knew it was the only kind this guy would understand.

"You love me. I know. I've always known, Moneypenny."

She frowned at him. If there was one thing she hated it was a smug expression and he wore one on his pursed little mouth.

"No, James. I don't love you." The way his face fell almost made her relent until she caught the dancing eyes of Q. "I'm in love with Q. I always have been but I didn't want to hurt your feelings so I've strung you along. Q and I are leaving the Queen's service today and never coming back." She patted the man's arm. "I'm sorry to break it to you so publicly."

"But this is not true. It can't be. I've planned everything so carefully." He stamped his feet like a two year old denied his favorite toy.

"I'm sorry, James." She grabbed Q and planted a big wet kiss on him. He pulled her close kissing her back with a pleasing thoroughness. When he lifted his head, she stared into his eyes and he grinned.

"She's absolutely right, old man. We're going to be together. The rest of you, come join us for a drink at a nearby pub."

"Sorry James, you're on your own with the villain of Grosvenor Square. Hope it all works out." She grabbed Q's hand and dragged him from the room while the other confused people followed in their wake.

Outside on the pavement, the others left. Ran, actually. She could hear "James" ranting and raving inside.

"We'd better go, Q." She tried to pull her hand from his, but he didn't let go. She met his dark gaze, holding back a sigh. Too gorgeous for her.

"Join me for a drink, Moneypenny?"

Sarah grinned. "Why not? You can show me all your geeky gadgets over a mug of ale."

"Sounds like a bang up good time."

My Thirteen Favorite Things about Cats

My Thirteen Favorite Things about Cats 1. Even though they are "domesticated" they are still a wild animal. 2. They can act like a kitten without feeling stupid or embarrassed. 3. Cats don't roll their eyes when you use baby talk with them (however tempted they might be). 4. Tom cats live by the motto, "chicks dig scars." 5. Tom cats are guys with fur. 6. Even when they do something incredibly idiotic, like run into a closed window or slide off a table, they pick themselves up and look at you coolly as if to say, "I meant to do that." 7. They look like they are thinking deep and mysterious thoughts, when they really are thinking things like "I smell mouse" or "I want to eat bug." 8. They are brave enough, or foolish enough, to try anything fearlessly. 9. Cats think dogs are way too easy - in every way. 10. Even when hanging from a ledge, or the curtains, they don't look scared. 11. They remember the old days, when humans worshipped them as Gods. 12. They know how to delegate to their loyal minions...humans. 13. My two boys let me live in their house because I clean their litter and provide food and water.

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OMG - I'm a finalist!

I had something else prepared for this week's Writing Wednesday - but hey - who can beat something THIS good? I finaled in the historical category of the Stroke of Midnight contest with my manuscript, Seeking Truth. SOM is a contest for erotic romance sponsored by the Passionate Ink chapter of RWA.

I was fortunate last year to final in the SOM and place third in the paranormal category with Crime of Passion. This year, different story...different category...same thrill! Wherever I finish I'll be happy, but I have my fingers crossed for a win. We'll see.

Congrats to everyone else who finaled in either the Passionate Plume or the Stroke of Midnight contests.

Here are the lists of finalists (SOM first, then PP):

Passionate Ink’s Third Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest Finalists announced!
3rd Annual Stroke of Midnight Finalists

Contemporary:

• Cathleen Ross - Love, Lust, and Lies
• Anne Calhoun - Liberating Lacey
• Crystal Kauffman - Laws of Attraction
• Jayne Rylon - Nice & Naughty
• Reece Butler - Trading Favors

Historical:

• Crystal Kauffman - Wild At Heart
• Francesca Hawley - Seeking Truth
• Nadia Aidan - Show Me–The Spartan Chronicles
• Noelle Henderson and Barbra Moser - Plantation Rule
• Ava March - A Gentleman For Her

Futuristic/Fantasy/Sci-fi:

• P.M. Black - Almost Darke
• Sindee Sexton - Wings of Desire
• Barbara Morgan - Soul Bound
• Leanne Karella - Fairy Prince
• Maggie Nash - Goddess in Trouble

Paranormal/Time Travel:

• Nara Malone - The Tiger’s Tale
• Hortense Powdermaker - Minotaur
• Ella Drake - Bluebeard’s Hunger
• Violet Summers - Saving Jenna
• Corinne Davies - Believing is Seeing

Novella:

• Ella Drake - Scenting Cinnamon
• Ava March - From Afar
• Constance Denson-Hamilton - Him, Memoir of My Second Marriage to the Egyptian God of Fertility
• Alannah Lynne - Reaction Time
• Tiffancy Kenzie - Full Moon

Passionate Ink’s Third Annual
The Passionate Plume Contest for Published Authors Finalists announced!
3rd Annual Passionate Plume Finalists

Contemporary:

• Mechele Armstrong - Nothing To Lose
• Shayla Black - WICKED TIES
• Opal Carew - Twin Fantasies
• Portia Da Costa - Suite Seventeen
• Ann Jacobs - Roped

Historical:

• Elizabeth Amber - Nicholas, The Lords of Satyr
• Monica Burns - Mirage
• Samantha Kane - At Loves Command
• Kate Poole - Anchor and Storm
• Brenda Williamson - One Bashful Lady

Futuristic/Fantasy/SciFi:

• Mechele Armstrong - Settler’s Mine 2 : The Lovers
• Karen Kelley - Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
• Rena Marks - Born Again
• Aubrey Ross - Seducer
• Denise Rossetti - Tailspin

Paranormal / TT:

• Sunny Chen - Mona Lisa Blossoming
• Marie Harte - Ethereal Foes: The Dragons’ Demon
• Sharon Page - Blood Red
• Sharon Page - Blood Rose
• Jory Strong - Mystic’s Run

Novella:

• Denise A. Agnew - Male Call
• Anna Leigh Keaton - Rescue Me
• Susan Lyons - Hot Down Under
• Mackenzie McKade - Second Chance Christmas
• Leigh Wyndfield - Desert Heat

Congratulations to everyone!!!! Great Job!!!

Medieval Food

It's Tummy Tuesday everyone! Rumbly tumbly in my tummy. Time for something good.

Yeah, I know Pooh always says something sweet. I like to be different. I'll go for savory today.

Something new about me. I joined the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) in 1997. When I was a kid I was a painfully picky eater, but when you're in the SCA you learn to adapt or starve. I adapted. Now, I'm really glad I did. Some of the food I've sampled has been incredible. Some, not so much.

I live in the Kingdom of Calontir. There are any number of truly extraordinary cooks in this Kingdom. One of them is Mistress Catherine Anne Applebee. She redacts recipes and does all kinds of magical things with food. Today's recipe is MY version of one of her recipes. My version isn't period (which means they wouldn't have used these incredients in the Middle Ages, but I love it anyway).

Mushroom Onion Tart (a la Francesca)

I start with a pre-made pie crust and blind bake it at 425F until just done - don't brown it.

Next cook the following in a skillet:

Heat olive oil. Then add:

• 1 medium to large sweet onion, diced.
• 1 pkg button or baby bella mushrooms, finely chopped. I leave off the stems.
• salt and pepper to taste
• minced garlic to taste
• desired spices ** (more about these later)

Cook the entire tasty mess until tender and the onions are translucent. Let cool.

In a bowl mix:

• 3/4 c. sour cream
• 3 eggs lightly beaten
• 1 scant teaspoon nutmeg
• minced garlic to taste (yes, I LIKE garlic)
• 1 T chives (or other herb**) to taste
• 1 8 oz. pkg of grated cheddar cheese (I prefer sharp or extra sharp)
• salt and pepper

Mix together the sour cream, eggs, herbs, nutmeg, salt & pepper. Combine with the cooled mushroom and onion mixture. Add the cheese last. (Yes, I said nutmeg. It makes the dish. Really!)

Pour into the pie crust and bake for 20-30 minutes at 425F until set and lightly brown. The middle should NOT jiggle like Jello.

What emerges is a tart fit for a King. Queen. Lady. Or just me.

**Note: I discovered the most AMAZING ready to use herb...stuff. It is called Gourmet Garden Italian Seasoning Herb Blend. It squeezes like green toothpaste and looks less than appetizing but it smells like heaven! And it tastes like it too!

Celebrate libraries @ your library

It's National Library Week again! April 13-19, 2008. That wonderful time of year when librarians try to make ourselves and our work extra interesting. So what is it? Exactly?

To quote ALA (American Library Association):

"First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support."

For me it means lining up a lot of programming and pretty much exhausting myself. But I really like NLW. The first year at my library, I didn't do anything special. Since then I've tried to add programming and the last two years have gone much better. I have a barbershop quartet concert and two author book signings scheduled. I really hope I get good turn out for all three.

Regardless, I'm pleased to make my library a "go to" location in the community. What will your library be doing this year? Will you be attending? Do you use your libraries? Share library memories with me to help me celebrate!

New Topic Format

Hi all,
You may have noticed that I don't blog on a real regular basis. I could post about anything under the sun. Well, all that infinity is a bit daunting.

Starting next Monday, I'm going to try to institute a new blog schedule which will help me focus on exactly what the topic of the day should be.

• Mondays will be life, the librarian and everything.
• Tuesdays I'll focus on food - and post a recipe or two.
• Wednesday will be a day to think about reading and writing.
• On Thursday, I'll try to join the Thursday Thirteen revolution.
• I had so much fun participating in the flash fiction exercise at The OtherWorld Diner that I'm going to dedicate my Friday posts to fiction - short, original fiction or excerpts of my stuff.
• Saturdays will be dedicated to a hunk of the week - or more than one. Why limit myself. :-)
• On Sunday, I shall rest (or just shoot the breeze).

I hope that by giving myself a set schedule, I'll have better luck becoming a regular blogger. If you visit my blog, please leave a comment. It will help to know I'm not talking to myself in the vast wilderness of the Internet.

Francesca

Flash Fiction

Hey guys,
We are doing a fun exercise at The Otherworld Diner this week. We are all taking a turn at writing flash fiction based on some prompts created by our "Day Shift Manager" Jody Wallace. My entry for the week is titled, "Holding Out for a Hero." Let me know if you enjoy it! Post comments here and/or there.

More Snow???? In April?

It is April 3. It snowed. Oh my Gahd! I can NOT believe it. Big fat fluffy white flakes. Will this torture NEVER end? Here's a picture from an area newspaper. Click on the photo and follow the link for the story.

photo credit: John Jennings/Newton Daily News