tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26498362423216042072024-02-19T16:31:48.504-06:00Lone Star MeanderingsMeanderings that cover Texas travels, romance romps, writing wisdom, and fabulous females -- all shared from a Southern gal's prospective!K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-60562328055876877592019-07-17T00:13:00.000-05:002019-07-17T08:37:46.069-05:00Famous Texan -- The Simple (and Complicated) Life of a Texas Titan: Ross Perot<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>A Texas Titan and legend has left the great state of Texas for the last time. <br />
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H. Ross Perot, age 89, passed away Tuesday, July 9th, 2019.<br />
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This man from humble beginnings rose to great heights.<br />
Perot started as a paperboy -- not your average on-a-bike paperboy. <br />
No sir, this Texarkana native delivered papers from the back of his pony: Miss Bee. <br />
He attended the U.S. Naval Academy before spending time as a midshipman; <br />
then went on to become a self-made billionaire through the launch of his company EDS; <br />
funded a rescue mission of two of his corporate executives;<br />
ran for President TWICE;<br />
supported the Arts & medical centers;<br />
championed POWs and returning veterans;<br />
and lived by the work ethic: hard, honest work & family. <br />
</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://www.apnews.com/0f058258a404438bb2978ffcf4cabed1">Colorful self-made billionaire H. Ross Perot dies at 89</a><br />
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Ross Perot would probably have told any listener that his greatest achievement was that of his family. He was intensely dedicated to them, employing a personal jet and coordinating his schedule so he could be home 'to say grace' for dinner and spend evenings with his wife and children. <br />
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<b>If you read the current news & magazine articles and you'd probably win Perot trivia. <br />
Ross Perot's 1st job? Delivering newspapers in Texarkana, TX.<br />
Ross Perot's billion dollar company? EDS, started in 1962, with a $1,000.00 loan from his wife. Boy, did she make a smart investment.<br />
Perot's employer before starting EDS? Yep, the big, towering giant: IBM.<br />
Perot's run for the Presidency? Twice -- 1992 & 1996.<br />
How much personal capital did Perot invest in his campaign? A cool 63.5 million.<br />
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<b>He was a man who wore many professional and public hats in his life: dedicated business man, entrepreneur, world traveler, world advocate for POWs, Presidential hopeful. <br />
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But is that all there is to his story? </b><br />
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As I read through multiple articles extolling Ross Perot's accomplishments, I had to wonder about the more important basis for his life: his family, his value, his core beliefs. It took a bit of searching, but articles such as: <i><a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/business/2019/07/10/remembering-ross-perot-circus-dogs-traveling-topiaries-tales-left-behind">Remembering Ross Perot -- and the Circus Dog, Traveling Outhouse and other tales he left behind</i>, revealed the man behind the computer brilliance. <br />
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Apparently, odd family pets (a circus dog, a sun cub bear, a fishing eagle, a kangaroo, even a camel); pranks of the most extraordinary nature (initiated by Perot and often reciprocated by his family and friends); unusual family vacations (travelling through war zones); and a man intensely dedicated to his family were the real traits of Ross Perot. <br />
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When learning of Ross Perot's death (and Lee Iaocca, who is not featured here as this is a Texas tale) my husband reminded me of the bible verse: Matthew 19:24, 'I'll say it again-it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.' It was something to consider. Many rich people get lost & disconnected from their faith. Money becomes their master. But in researching the belly of Ross Perot's life, that doesn't seem to be the case. (I will offer the same aside that I told my husband: 'None can know the true heart of another man. Only God knows what dwells inside.') And while good deeds will NOT get us into Heaven, deeds -- especially those kept private -- can often attest to the true nature of a man . . . or woman. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x4tCXi5xrJ4xw2zQ0opA-TjL21ixnHPLom-VhPSJ79lE2VEhz2-fofHQed0ua_UU-G-o0YV3UMgfz_LMHt0otMQpkpz5SNhaO0MY56OBgb4GWpxdv4MQkV9xoXW9pox8goLbS4JJa8-n/s1600/Highland+Park+Methodist+Church%252C+Dallas%252C+TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x4tCXi5xrJ4xw2zQ0opA-TjL21ixnHPLom-VhPSJ79lE2VEhz2-fofHQed0ua_UU-G-o0YV3UMgfz_LMHt0otMQpkpz5SNhaO0MY56OBgb4GWpxdv4MQkV9xoXW9pox8goLbS4JJa8-n/s320/Highland+Park+Methodist+Church%252C+Dallas%252C+TX.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="667" /></a></div>His longtime friends said that he was a morally-convicted man, boldly, and sometimes brashly, charting his life by his own compass. He practiced anonymous philanthropy; many in his family unaware of the extent of his quiet support for people around the world. <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/business/2019/07/16/watch-ross-perots-invitation-memorial-service-begins-2-pm"><i>'Buddies to the End'</i></a> <br />
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'Perot will always be remembered for his "big, bold moves,"' long-time, personal friend, Langone said, '. . . nothing mattered more to him than his family. That came ahead of faith, country and friends — all of which Perot also cherished,' Langone said.<br />
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'He was a legend ... but he was the most down-to-earth, caring individual I'd ever met,' Langone said during the service. <br />
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Additionally, those who spoke at his memorial gave notice of Ross Perot's quiet and consistent dedication to improve people's lives. Perhaps, those who run in Texas philanthropy circle have heard the Perot name bandied about. Chances are, however, it would be his foundation that received the recognition. Living my life in Texas and tuning into local news stations, there were never any 'bragging' stories about Perot's life. Apparently, he truly believed in behind the scenes. It appears H. Ross Perot believed: doing good deeds with the goal of praise and adoration meant doing them for the wrong reason. <br />
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Additionally, Perot supported Scouting. Whether you agree with their politics, whether you are the outdoor type, even whether you think group activities are good for growing youth . . . Perot did. <a href="https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/07/10/ross-perot-longtime-supporter-of-scouting-passes-away-at-age-89/">Ross Perot supported the scouting organizations.</a> Starting in the 1960s, Perot pledged donations to support local and council levels. He was awarded several Scouting Awards including: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver Antelope Award, Silver Beaver Award & the Silver Buffalo Award. He not only walked the walk through his donations, but Perot's son, son-in-law and five grandsons all earned the Eagle Scout Award. And if you know anything about the Boy Scouts of America, you'll understand the convergence of this prestigious award is hard-earned. <br />
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It is with heavy hearts that Texans say good-bye to a legend, a titan, a quietly dedicated man. Texans would say that living in the Lone Star State is like a piece of Heaven on earth. ON July 9th, Ross Perot traded in his cowboy boats for wings in the hereafter. He'll be missed. <br />
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<b>As always thanks for stopping by my porch. <br />
Do drop in again. </b><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-75611679455442350222019-07-12T17:33:00.000-05:002019-07-22T16:32:41.786-05:00Matthew McConaughey Unveiled: his deep Texas roots!<b>For Texans, all paths lead home. That's home to Texas. It seems that actor, Matthew McConaughey is no different. From his native roots of Uvalde, Texas (a South West Texas town of a 17,000 or so residents), then straight up I-35 for the University of Texas (where he attended the graduate program for Film Directing), the actor has traveled quite a few roads in the Lone Star State. He's rather like a Texas tumbleweed, always on the move through the state and his fans never know where he'll turn up next. </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCnLm1nqcn5AoryGx1xgOxOxdjBdzxnbusxifRUrwhdXY9Kcxer6TBW2A1BLYKNOALD90UCn3lrJl6AUu_CDUHl7lH731oCIUqQHTlZBBs8ooXg0JjgnJjvYG39SIufU_z54l1aqAUcfP/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey.X1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCnLm1nqcn5AoryGx1xgOxOxdjBdzxnbusxifRUrwhdXY9Kcxer6TBW2A1BLYKNOALD90UCn3lrJl6AUu_CDUHl7lH731oCIUqQHTlZBBs8ooXg0JjgnJjvYG39SIufU_z54l1aqAUcfP/s200/Matthew+McConaughey.X1.png" width="200" height="100" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><b>For 30 seriously lucky University of Texas film students</b>, they could brag Matthew McConaughey, alumni class of 1993, was their assigned professor as he took the students behind the scenes of his then-current film 'The Free State of Jones'. Few budding film-makers will ever tout this honor. <br />
<a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/07/01/matthew-mcconaughey-teaching-filmmaking-course-at-texas/">Matthew McConaughey teaching filmmaking course at University of Texas.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF9D9tuLViuS4idbboiOcgUQZTitY7Ei812fdkcG7ODkAf6WN68LBglA9EbEL2jcUESp0yYPqmvcnM5uNrQfx-1VpRhKv1rlv9lu1Up9OuU6ANYluN_53xmvEku0a6dyw66wGLbdDdGb0/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey+teaching+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF9D9tuLViuS4idbboiOcgUQZTitY7Ei812fdkcG7ODkAf6WN68LBglA9EbEL2jcUESp0yYPqmvcnM5uNrQfx-1VpRhKv1rlv9lu1Up9OuU6ANYluN_53xmvEku0a6dyw66wGLbdDdGb0/s400/Matthew+McConaughey+teaching+class.jpg" width="400" height="242" data-original-width="660" data-original-height="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHCXcbfjjN91UP3om-siyc1yGv2ekdBcdkmgo4utlRaWyO6GdBOUiQUekJdvH8DsLrGLg-Ysa1I-jN7frAW19f2c_AE1uTGMWxLyXTHu3zDc9d2XHX16Nw3WQ7hxQ7wMgGb0FjjlsxblO/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey+X2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHCXcbfjjN91UP3om-siyc1yGv2ekdBcdkmgo4utlRaWyO6GdBOUiQUekJdvH8DsLrGLg-Ysa1I-jN7frAW19f2c_AE1uTGMWxLyXTHu3zDc9d2XHX16Nw3WQ7hxQ7wMgGb0FjjlsxblO/s200/Matthew+McConaughey+X2.png" width="200" height="100" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><b>Thanksgiving came early for a group of first-responders (firefighters, police officers, 911 operators) in October 2018 as McConaughey spread a little turkey cheer.</b> Showing up with a catered meal at the National First Responder luncheon, McConaughey wanted to give his own version of thanks to those who'd battle against the winds and rains of Hurricane Harvey. The 'turkey' was specific to his connection with the Wild Turkey organization and McConaughey's promotional tour. Before you get your feathers ruffled that this event was just a photo-op, keep in mind that the turkey was tasty, and the thanks sincere. All who watched news and weather coverage of the devastation left from Harvey and the multitude of heroes who stepped up for the challenge know that it doesn't matter who paid for the bird. Gracious thanks should always be offered to those who serve the many. <br />
<a href="https://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/10/29/news/matthew-mcconaughey-gives-back-to-first-responders-in-texas-visit/">Matthew McConaughey gives back to first responders in Texas visit.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_34EkvCDu2apPYho-jghZOdV-JSJLh6oRvV8IHvEqh-il8YNahvR10bSuzWhWZtRsAOch8iqrsfAfY1qQR6oIKZDkDzDmWiuyBodKgE4tCYnM3AKD6lgLRZYl_QgJgqFlSiiA31-OPZvf/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey.+visit+first+responder+in+Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_34EkvCDu2apPYho-jghZOdV-JSJLh6oRvV8IHvEqh-il8YNahvR10bSuzWhWZtRsAOch8iqrsfAfY1qQR6oIKZDkDzDmWiuyBodKgE4tCYnM3AKD6lgLRZYl_QgJgqFlSiiA31-OPZvf/s400/Matthew+McConaughey.+visit+first+responder+in+Texas.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="427" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q751Es4aAaDVhEXZQSHq1cN09WemvbV0pv3OTLnoOkad5sMhIN5Lw83uzPzCyvhHndHcMqmY-4cZJi8dCaXsWvB9_K7OALO9u734JqEiqPmoTgau45yZW5_u-3KBD_d31G20GBZBwDZV/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey+X3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q751Es4aAaDVhEXZQSHq1cN09WemvbV0pv3OTLnoOkad5sMhIN5Lw83uzPzCyvhHndHcMqmY-4cZJi8dCaXsWvB9_K7OALO9u734JqEiqPmoTgau45yZW5_u-3KBD_d31G20GBZBwDZV/s200/Matthew+McConaughey+X3.png" width="200" height="100" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div>Friday Night Football is no laughing matter to Texans, and neither is their Saturday collegiate love affair. <b>Matthew McConaughey, graduate of University of Texas, is a somewhat common presence at his alma mater.</b> He's been known to show up on the sidelines of UT games, the Longhorn locker room, and even during football practice -- clapping and cheering on his favorite team. Clearly, the man isn't afraid of making a UT statement. The most faithful of the 'hook em' horns' alumni will trot out their burnt orange attire, but not many can claim the suit to match the team's uniforms. <a href="https://247sports.com/college/texas/Article/Texas-Longhorns-Football-Matthew-McConaughey-visits-Tom-Herman-UT-football-practice-120737163/">Actor takes in Texas practice.</a><br />
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<b>Oh, and it isn't just football that gets Matthew McConaughey's attention:</b> <a href="https://pressfrom.info/us/news/sports/-224509-texas-alum-matthew-mcconaughey-to-be-minister-of-culture-for-longhorns-basketball-arena.html">Texas alum Matthew McConaughey to be 'Minister of Culture' for Longhorns' basketball arena.</a> Currently, the actor has been dubbed Minister of Culture for Longhorn basketball. Seems as though, if the Longhorns are involved and there's a ball in play, the actor is ready to cheer on the team. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS4f2zxToL90bzER5Sky8z-eeZLzifZotYDDY75PTsts-tRzT0Q_3Cg6iiZHKHwfRO6FYvH_8TWnvHdCYG4cUkmmHczB4v0fJZI_nX5voUuOCZpxK8I1_AwPU9nYZv4T3kF7PBKboC8_r/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey+X4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS4f2zxToL90bzER5Sky8z-eeZLzifZotYDDY75PTsts-tRzT0Q_3Cg6iiZHKHwfRO6FYvH_8TWnvHdCYG4cUkmmHczB4v0fJZI_nX5voUuOCZpxK8I1_AwPU9nYZv4T3kF7PBKboC8_r/s200/Matthew+McConaughey+X4.png" width="200" height="100" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><b>While his energy and enthusiasm for the state can't be denied</b>, Texans are equally enamored with the film star. <a href="http://www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/4249610/matthew-mcconaughey-gets-honored-at-texas-medal-of-arts-awards-with-family-by-his-side-03/">Matthew McConaughey Gets Honored at Texas Medal Of Arts Awards with Family By His Side!</a> The Oscar-winning actor was also the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Alum award: <a href="https://news.utexas.edu/2014/10/14/tower-glows-for-2014-distinguished-alumni/">Tower Glows for 2014 Distinguished Alumni </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9Dzmd65cKsjyv8klTFIn8CCn1igtOPlLrjibGaqNUKkVDGXkayGTyDsOpDQJ53-Qyq4lWtS-HhVHMxs827rB8UYf9efeFf1wEgWpFAvFfmqyAxNusVB8oeg_wfnSf95MdrOacCLUwjtJ/s1600/matthew-mcconaughey-gets-honored-at-texas-medal-of-arts-awards-with-family-by-his-side-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ9Dzmd65cKsjyv8klTFIn8CCn1igtOPlLrjibGaqNUKkVDGXkayGTyDsOpDQJ53-Qyq4lWtS-HhVHMxs827rB8UYf9efeFf1wEgWpFAvFfmqyAxNusVB8oeg_wfnSf95MdrOacCLUwjtJ/s400/matthew-mcconaughey-gets-honored-at-texas-medal-of-arts-awards-with-family-by-his-side-03.jpg" width="268" height="400" data-original-width="818" data-original-height="1222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevAjmJM7YvnLPm-StBm9ch-Td0LgRHev93JX45nS1i9YDQGKekZ8Rtz3L_WXEsNo_55Q3hV1JAdkNAR1bbdsCbpBv8qgMT7DEHMKbH1HTk0IFNWypI18VOvTZpsn8VzFJVDsjT4Zrp60e/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey.+cover+of+Texas+Monthly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevAjmJM7YvnLPm-StBm9ch-Td0LgRHev93JX45nS1i9YDQGKekZ8Rtz3L_WXEsNo_55Q3hV1JAdkNAR1bbdsCbpBv8qgMT7DEHMKbH1HTk0IFNWypI18VOvTZpsn8VzFJVDsjT4Zrp60e/s320/Matthew+McConaughey.+cover+of+Texas+Monthly.jpg" width="310" height="320" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="660" /></a></div><br />
<b>And if you're still wondering if Matthew McConaughey likes Texas parts</b> . . . well, just consider his role in the girl-squealing, power-tool-reeving, larger-than-life bad guy, 1994 remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre & <a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/lights-camera-carthage/">the 2012 film, Bernie</a>. The Texas tale based on an undertaker who murdered a woman in the tiny town of Carthage, Texas then stuffed her in a deep freeze so he could set out to do good for the town with the dead-old-witch's money. Yep, life is surely stranger than fiction in Texas and actor Matthew McConaughey embraced the role of the prosecutin' (that's Texas speak) attorney. <br />
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All-in-all, Texans don't need to head out to Hollywood to rub elbows with famous folks. We just attend a football game or stroll down Austin streets (the actor keeps a residence in Austin -- somewhere) or wait for the next Texas movie to start filming. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKx-uIFWQCjKMAit_tm7KzIqhhQuKyBGajlS2cd9I0V39ujIb-rGRFUF4theRHDH2ms6UiVZ1XC3-AHmPyus1PC3WsOFwvIBocyr6BuX_P2KXYRxykE3q1MLcRCDaOlVbaLqKpZBum7I/s1600/Matthew+McConaughey+on+Texas+streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKx-uIFWQCjKMAit_tm7KzIqhhQuKyBGajlS2cd9I0V39ujIb-rGRFUF4theRHDH2ms6UiVZ1XC3-AHmPyus1PC3WsOFwvIBocyr6BuX_P2KXYRxykE3q1MLcRCDaOlVbaLqKpZBum7I/s400/Matthew+McConaughey+on+Texas+streets.jpg" width="254" height="400" data-original-width="1017" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-78187211644309953012019-07-11T14:32:00.000-05:002019-07-11T15:04:30.034-05:00Whataburger -- Tasty Travels & Tr(EATS) in Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcRqhd3lqKTcbHSHJE6m1D8J1dXnV1ELZP0cjdYVVap-wCserrzfCkM39pjSMtX9dWBzbNplofpKhPEQGFu0e65oIKe4KrzqxnBj8-_h5_p_0RYJF_U8U2RfeI16smSD1R6b8v6ZaY4YZ/s1600/whataburger.original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcRqhd3lqKTcbHSHJE6m1D8J1dXnV1ELZP0cjdYVVap-wCserrzfCkM39pjSMtX9dWBzbNplofpKhPEQGFu0e65oIKe4KrzqxnBj8-_h5_p_0RYJF_U8U2RfeI16smSD1R6b8v6ZaY4YZ/s640/whataburger.original.jpg" width="640" height="511" data-original-width="757" data-original-height="605" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://stories.whataburger.com/since-1950"><b>Whataburger - the Tale of a Legend</b> </a></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>Whataburger opened its first store in Corpus Christi, Texas in August of 1950. <br />
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Hamburgers sold for .35C and milk shakes were .15C. <br />
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No inside – or for that matter outside – seating. <br />
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No Drive-THRU. (Although the drive-in burger joint was already popular.)<br />
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No phone-in orders or GrubHub deliveries. <br />
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ONE walk-up window to place an order. </b></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigghU04EVFxwWCJFvq58Y6Jrxenu4xNBiY3g9D2pXYQQEDmnTc4asAp8RxVFg4g4gunRMQRJSLHlc5RV4IHZKzEl_FqWkN-IMhzFG2XXmxnxoqViHP5VCeT39alt9ums66lqxYofKg4hKN/s1600/Whataburger+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigghU04EVFxwWCJFvq58Y6Jrxenu4xNBiY3g9D2pXYQQEDmnTc4asAp8RxVFg4g4gunRMQRJSLHlc5RV4IHZKzEl_FqWkN-IMhzFG2XXmxnxoqViHP5VCeT39alt9ums66lqxYofKg4hKN/s400/Whataburger+logo.jpg" width="400" height="240" data-original-width="575" data-original-height="345" /></a></div><b>What gave Whataburger the edge?</b> <br />
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Perhaps it was their innovative thinking, entrenched with family-owned traditions:</b><br />
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1) The 5-inch paddy that required two hands to hold. (All others at the time served a 4-inch paddy).<br />
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2) The unique A-frame orange & white striped buildings. (Entrepreneur Harmon Dobson was a pilot and he wanted the buildings to be seen from the air.) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjMu69nGyGbvs0BdLZX_w2SSMXcjucCXm4713dDTjuC0tZujJrH-VzXosdlk2Ka1R2x1_70XLcRPc4oqL9ZRAsvA1BMNQY4VoJbHHMQ3yeax5x8Ll5W28-zoOCnl1xch0XQXHqJ3tjyrq/s1600/Whataburger.orange+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjMu69nGyGbvs0BdLZX_w2SSMXcjucCXm4713dDTjuC0tZujJrH-VzXosdlk2Ka1R2x1_70XLcRPc4oqL9ZRAsvA1BMNQY4VoJbHHMQ3yeax5x8Ll5W28-zoOCnl1xch0XQXHqJ3tjyrq/s400/Whataburger.orange+and+white.jpg" width="400" height="264" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="330" /></a></div><br />
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3) A woman at the helm – ‘Lady’ Grace Dobson took up the reins of Whataburger when her husband died in 1967 and continued until 1993 when their son took over as president & CEO. <br />
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4) Offer additional products that customers loved: Taquito (remember, this is deep in Tex-Mex country), Breakfast on a Bun, and the Whatachick’n, Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. <br />
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5) Running brilliant promotions: the Nickel Coffee Mug, a promo designed to provide .5C coffee for Whataburger customers, as long as it was served in this mug, started in 1983 and instead of running through the year -- the original forecasted plan -- the promo run until 1997. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoXpBX7ruhi4KbHOOJHvma77Pq9iBCfozkWJ7As5vZbuTw0VNdRStWj-W3EfC5zLKuC39zdd5LgcqxRP8NJejo57iCRUJB7uHWeQcoadfojbCDl4smfouRS4ZDfwj1VMakt05dsG-p95z/s1600/Whataburger-Nickel-Coffee-Mug-Buffalo-Indian-Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoXpBX7ruhi4KbHOOJHvma77Pq9iBCfozkWJ7As5vZbuTw0VNdRStWj-W3EfC5zLKuC39zdd5LgcqxRP8NJejo57iCRUJB7uHWeQcoadfojbCDl4smfouRS4ZDfwj1VMakt05dsG-p95z/s320/Whataburger-Nickel-Coffee-Mug-Buffalo-Indian-Head.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><br />
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6) Sponsoring the community: <a href="https://whataburger.com/community">Whataburger Hometown Heroes</a> and multiple volunteer organizations. <br />
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7) And always, always, making the burgers fresh to order.<br />
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<b>Folks who support a Whataburger (and that spelling is correct, and not to be confused with What-A-Burger, a completely separate organization) in their state will claim – loud & clear – their dedication to the family restaurant.</b> <br />
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If you stop by any neighborhood Whataburger, you could see: <br />
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<a href="https://stories.whataburger.com/stories-about-true-love-the-whataburger-way/"><b><br />
A wedding reception:</b> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14lcRtsZ6sTuAQfLLMsMRsgyV0eYPos38RtWJwuRDaqZtQe95_0WgkIWkE2X70C0vZHaVwJhR9hR7XCtbMaXuCwQ-ZJaCsxrFp2UI9ZSMyRxI9v92zNd0KaOm5a5790heuZEgLEBNS5CM/s1600/Couple+celebrate+their+wedding+reception+at+Whataburger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14lcRtsZ6sTuAQfLLMsMRsgyV0eYPos38RtWJwuRDaqZtQe95_0WgkIWkE2X70C0vZHaVwJhR9hR7XCtbMaXuCwQ-ZJaCsxrFp2UI9ZSMyRxI9v92zNd0KaOm5a5790heuZEgLEBNS5CM/s320/Couple+celebrate+their+wedding+reception+at+Whataburger.jpeg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="750" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
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A few faces etched with ‘maturity’ and covered with a bit of snow on the top. <br />
<a href="https://stories.whataburger.com/living-the-bold-life/">Living The Bold Life</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYbvLRpK4E_BueHew4UlpqU7qnAXrtqmkAB-mdsGgRvfliOX0XSSOl4G70jwumejg5mtTl1uyuiiWmpTvjgi9abSfxE8j318TL-5KL_yU9trJLqjpCzP19EnV0qF6-j9HgXVSORAhFyBH/s1600/older+gentleman+at+Whataburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYbvLRpK4E_BueHew4UlpqU7qnAXrtqmkAB-mdsGgRvfliOX0XSSOl4G70jwumejg5mtTl1uyuiiWmpTvjgi9abSfxE8j318TL-5KL_yU9trJLqjpCzP19EnV0qF6-j9HgXVSORAhFyBH/s320/older+gentleman+at+Whataburger.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://stories.whataburger.com/they-were-just-stopping-in-for-breakfast-and-then-a-choir-showed-up/"><br />
Guests from around the world – African Children’s Choir </a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eyP-VaJNKUmLeeMFD6rkTy4Wi2YoRCm_U9i2A1TxhFKPW_7JJu87LfKSxf_W6dwUGSdHit7DtyY99WokqEfrzCB3KYHQ80X_ZIjND-qjY_rgXQEWQmiAMJ0KlTLqLiZZ5HpPd9_KUZKE/s1600/African+Childrens+Choir+at+Whataburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eyP-VaJNKUmLeeMFD6rkTy4Wi2YoRCm_U9i2A1TxhFKPW_7JJu87LfKSxf_W6dwUGSdHit7DtyY99WokqEfrzCB3KYHQ80X_ZIjND-qjY_rgXQEWQmiAMJ0KlTLqLiZZ5HpPd9_KUZKE/s320/African+Childrens+Choir+at+Whataburger.jpg" width="320" height="212" data-original-width="753" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><b><br />
Corpus Christi, Texas still warmly – and hungrily – remembers those Whataburger roots. </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
The original stand may be only a distant memory, but a created-replica sits <br />
@ 4126 South Staples Street in Corpus Christi if you’d like to stop by a photo opportunity. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVaKYIhffq8ojuNj8J0IizAO0Fp8cfFfTGRymYnExzwRSERvBQ53KQx5Wxn8AmeCm5c1YMW4UtVhco_z7j-7E8QCNcsU3WPRFxuPQgeiSHg09txCvbgKo2zdWhQG5XnHReafaHr6zx5uP/s1600/Whataburger+replica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVaKYIhffq8ojuNj8J0IizAO0Fp8cfFfTGRymYnExzwRSERvBQ53KQx5Wxn8AmeCm5c1YMW4UtVhco_z7j-7E8QCNcsU3WPRFxuPQgeiSHg09txCvbgKo2zdWhQG5XnHReafaHr6zx5uP/s400/Whataburger+replica.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="799" data-original-height="533" /></a></div><br />
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<b>But what to eat when you dine at Whataburger? </b><br />
According to <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-whataburger-menu-items/ranker-food">Ranker.com, the TOP 3 items </a> are the Whataburger Patty Melt, French Fries, and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. However, there is a load of Whataburger faithful who swear by the Breakfast Taquito. <br />
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<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/dallas/ranking-everything-on-the-menu-at-whataburger">(2nd ranking list @ Thrillist.com) </a><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Ever stopped off at a Whataburger? <br />
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What's your dining favorite? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kcogUhh7lFo/XSe2DMa8TI/AAAAAAAACQ4/hPd1K4A0vCog0nopy8eihDYxpl-ZyctlQCLcBGAs/s1600/Whataburger%2Bplate%2Bwith%2Bgoodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsyHc2owGOJSU10QeWaGh_7jczvGLQzz8Y80vHoNxmuheWygCimJxv51lWWFLZvZiExYJU2HbYwE_rgIaeiDflCGhLiMlyuLGWmoTfCo_gdtAjopv8S0Sof_KIDt8g4Tlo_udJ2iX0lHF/s400/Whataburger+plate+with+goodies.jpg" width="400" height="271" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="868" /></a></div><br />
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<b><br />
Is it a MUST-DO to travel to Texas for a Whataburger?</b><br />
Nope . . . but there are loads of other reasons for visiting the Lone Star State as well. <br />
However, Whataburgers are located in at least 10 states (Southern United States) with roughly 805 locations. <a href="https://www.quora.com/Why-is-Whataburger-only-located-in-Texas-and-New-York"> Whataburger locations</a> <br />
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On a sad note (at least, Texans consider it such) . . . Life changes and sometimes folks are just ready to retire and start a new chapter in their lives. As of June 2019, the founding family sold the Whataburger organization. <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2019/6/14/18679506/whataburger-sold-bdt-capital-private-equity-firm">Family-Owned Whataburger Isn’t Family-Owned Anymore </a><br />
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The blessings of a 'place' that has become a legend is the individual and shared memories. So many, raised in Texas, could recount some specific story from their childhood or teen years that featured Whataburger as center stage. <br />
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I can remember my dad golfing early every Saturday morning. Instead of visiting the 19th hole, dad came to the house and collected us kids then off to Whataburger we went for lunch. It was one of the original A-frame buildings with limited seating and always a line. Waiting for the burgers to be ready was expected -- because DUH! made fresh-to-order takes time. Then there was the smell of bubbling French Fries and searing meat. It was enough to make any kiddo bounce in their seat and swing their legs, but it was always worth it. BEST ketchup ever! I don't know why it's better; it simply is. That is a sweet childhood memory -- one that existed because of Whataburger. <br />
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My hubby remembers his mom taking him to Whataburger after pee-wee football practice for a large Coke. This is the South, folks, and all carbonated drinks are known as 'Coke' no matter what's in the glass. And please don't leave me a comment about kids drinking soda after physical exercise. This was a loooong time ago, before the invention of super energy drinks and healthy sports liquids. My husband's football coaches gave the team salt-tablets during 2-a-day summer training. Believe me, lots of things were nutritionally different in the 60s & 70s. The point is that he remembers his mom waiting for him in the stands during practice then off to Whataburger where he drank his Coke and she sipped a cup of coffee and he talked a mile-a-minute recounting every play and tackle all under the orange & white striped awnings. <b>It's a good memory, and life should be filled with those. </b><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Do you have any Whataburger memories to share? <br />
Feel free to leave them in the comment section. <br />
All will be appreciated. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<b>Do drop by my porch again. <br />
I'll be watching the lightning bugs with a glass of sweet tea and ready to take on another Texas Travel. </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS15hAB4E68W_5JKoDBwsf4yz6FfTaIk6wE-IWBcFoC7wHQnP6hDQOtnXK6vfiN5QNNivmB__xNqxpAJE9S2-9DEPEXZnJDHJTAC9qjQPIsfQsKd7ienVPJDlsbzMIXfy4ASlpKxvhrPej/s1600/porch+swing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS15hAB4E68W_5JKoDBwsf4yz6FfTaIk6wE-IWBcFoC7wHQnP6hDQOtnXK6vfiN5QNNivmB__xNqxpAJE9S2-9DEPEXZnJDHJTAC9qjQPIsfQsKd7ienVPJDlsbzMIXfy4ASlpKxvhrPej/s400/porch+swing.png" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
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Other Texas Travels:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5QWhluCkHx8iFIJwGKSKrWqO8qYkAbIPvv30jjPlzlJzok4L25qbupwD4BdyqSRu4Z_gOG4sha5n9tQWuzlT-0JXMZavviNbGeKn4VhclwVeG0gxPvTquNXGuaSegcTePXFvD6rOQ9w_/s1600/Giddy-Up+to+Galveston.Pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5QWhluCkHx8iFIJwGKSKrWqO8qYkAbIPvv30jjPlzlJzok4L25qbupwD4BdyqSRu4Z_gOG4sha5n9tQWuzlT-0JXMZavviNbGeKn4VhclwVeG0gxPvTquNXGuaSegcTePXFvD6rOQ9w_/s320/Giddy-Up+to+Galveston.Pinterest.png" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="735" data-original-height="1102" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/06/giddy-up-to-galveston-tx.html">Giddy-Up to Galveston</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyrxmkW8hhoVYNVIudZZAv2KDk1CoZsS72Z1Kcu49C3nDOMRvkgjMFvQJ5dcc-lrDew5g3fxrYzm_kniTI-K6pzgXTEwXU-goElxlpwhJu7vRbCo4wiqaA4xrGRTFdzsnxlCs47a9KCQ0/s1600/Texas+Travels.Best+Barbecue+in+TEXAS%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyrxmkW8hhoVYNVIudZZAv2KDk1CoZsS72Z1Kcu49C3nDOMRvkgjMFvQJ5dcc-lrDew5g3fxrYzm_kniTI-K6pzgXTEwXU-goElxlpwhJu7vRbCo4wiqaA4xrGRTFdzsnxlCs47a9KCQ0/s320/Texas+Travels.Best+Barbecue+in+TEXAS%2521.png" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="735" data-original-height="1102" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/06/a-must-see-eat-for-texas-barbecue-sonny.html">Best Texas Barbecue - Sonny Bryan's</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8yAnRnzS3c6G1T2Ogz8GeI4TXCiG30FpXM7DZYN6umXlVowAMYd_eZqnpEz0Fvh2Mho1hQr9Kzh_3wvaSuB3D4uPnppgyQ9txu8XJvQQrXsXBE5B0TGiKyLh1flfvZJppiV0PJPU_9KG/s1600/Surviving+Summer+Heat.pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8yAnRnzS3c6G1T2Ogz8GeI4TXCiG30FpXM7DZYN6umXlVowAMYd_eZqnpEz0Fvh2Mho1hQr9Kzh_3wvaSuB3D4uPnppgyQ9txu8XJvQQrXsXBE5B0TGiKyLh1flfvZJppiV0PJPU_9KG/s320/Surviving+Summer+Heat.pinterest.png" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="735" data-original-height="1102" /></a></div>And be Summer Smart in the HEAT! <a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/06/6-steps-to-surviving-summer-heat.html">6 Smart Strategies for Surviving Summer Heat</a><br />
K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-66786714391303467392019-07-02T11:51:00.000-05:002019-07-07T15:38:11.480-05:00Am I a Creature of Habit? <blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Grocery shopping – who can relate? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
It’s not like we can ignore the need to purchase food products. Whether we shop in big box chains or the corner greengrocer, the majority of us will grocery shop. <br />
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But shoppers, like planets aligning around the sun, tend to gravitate to their normal shops. <br />
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I visited one of the local grocery stores this weekend – not an unusual occurrence for my weekends – but it wasn’t my ‘normal’ shop. <br />
In the states, grocery chains are huge; one store seemingly much like the next. <br />
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<blockquote><i><b>EXCEPT</b></i><br />
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Chains may share a common name, stock basically the same groceries, even offer like discounts, but serious grocery shoppers (I’d be in that category) can attest that differences – small & great – exist among stores within the same chain. <br />
This particular grocery-shopping experience won’t make one of my top ten excursion experiences. </blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>What went wrong? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJv42nBwrqfm_ZFs_A4M9XERueK8x6vstxIsJJwWUGwUJ8vnDfRj-KSIzFKpyhTeD39oBn1bupSpHslEtFXyqy9atn-bw9_o1q_0N0dT_ztP8DTK6OKvohVONOrK7_k0zuVH-cdjcpoiL/s1600/man+wtih+grocery+cart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJv42nBwrqfm_ZFs_A4M9XERueK8x6vstxIsJJwWUGwUJ8vnDfRj-KSIzFKpyhTeD39oBn1bupSpHslEtFXyqy9atn-bw9_o1q_0N0dT_ztP8DTK6OKvohVONOrK7_k0zuVH-cdjcpoiL/s400/man+wtih+grocery+cart.jpg" width="377" height="400" data-original-width="1131" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>1) The aisles were T-tiny. That’s Southern for waaay too small. Aisles, especially those in the South, should be wide enough to hold buggy races. And I’m talking lined up side-by-side at the starting gate and racing down the straight away. Yep, that’s the right size.<br />
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2) Item signs: those that were visible required 20-15 or maybe 20-10 vision. UNCORRECTED! It was rather like watching baby turkeys in a rainstorm. Everybody looking up, squinting, and bumping into their fellow shoppers. Small signs leads to Road Rage. No really, it’s a scientific fact known by grocery shoppers everywhere. <br />
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3) Stocking during peak hours: As a good 80% of the chains are open round the clock or into the wee hours, stocking should NOT take place when loads of hungry, cranky shoppers are crowding too small aisles, looking for products that aren’t listed on any sign. Refer to Road Rage again. <br />
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Okay, so why didn’t I just leave and wait to buy groceries later? Why didn’t I go to another, possibly different chain, on down the road? Why didn’t I drive across town to find my ‘normal’ shop? <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>All good questions. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlR8C231eksIujuy3AYKXdq5pc6elLZgMQ9J0lP0HXNE5F_1-9wbEZskwW64BGwdZozC6taaIZParUoLqcCx69ZLQlxl8FFZa3ylZvhGUBdEXMoSAA01SkPXufuDLOw9oenZZcr0vVVVm/s1600/Creature+of+Habit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlR8C231eksIujuy3AYKXdq5pc6elLZgMQ9J0lP0HXNE5F_1-9wbEZskwW64BGwdZozC6taaIZParUoLqcCx69ZLQlxl8FFZa3ylZvhGUBdEXMoSAA01SkPXufuDLOw9oenZZcr0vVVVm/s400/Creature+of+Habit.png" width="400" height="146" data-original-width="793" data-original-height="290" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>How, exactly does being a Creature of Habit impact grocery shopping? <br />
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How does being a Creature of Habit impact daily life? <br />
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And why should you, a fellow Creature of Habit, care? <br />
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<b>We are ALL creatures of habit. And those habits personally & profoundly influence our lives. </b><br />
If you’re a writer, the ‘creature of habit’ rule influences your characters’ lives. <br />
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<i><b>UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPTUAL BASIC (don’t get lost in the lingo – keep reading).</b></i><br />
<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creatures-habit/200907/we-are-creatures-habit">Psychology Today </a> has an interesting take on this behavior. Click the link if you want the entire article or let me tuck it in a nutshell for you. <br />
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1) We’re creatures. Seems obvious. But the meaning behind that tidbit is that we have certain physical needs that motivate – or push – behaviors to become automatic. <br />
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We’re hungry (NEED); we eat (BEHAVIOR).<br />
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Suffice it to say that body actions & reactions govern needs that turn into behaviors. <br />
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2) We’re, generally, social creatures. Obscure, but accurate. Most of us crave interactions. <br />
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We’re lonely or bored (NEED); we leave our shelter and seek out others like – and sometime not like – us (BEHAVIOR). <br />
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<i>**This is simplifying needs & responses, but the point is that ‘needy’ factors govern our lives.** </i><br />
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<b>First - How then do we become creatures of habit? </b><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Simple.</b> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0FOk4w04ZgjqQsK3Uvb-zgDEj5Mkyv7p1Ee6iJSs9N0qT8zRvU4pSOBCv2koWhdnNLaKgVxHY9UGCZ3aCSIGPfUI3QsEg5LcHVUEQY4ukDBjmxbcyIDM9-l-feqpCsTS6cBccVKW-mUt/s1600/Frustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0FOk4w04ZgjqQsK3Uvb-zgDEj5Mkyv7p1Ee6iJSs9N0qT8zRvU4pSOBCv2koWhdnNLaKgVxHY9UGCZ3aCSIGPfUI3QsEg5LcHVUEQY4ukDBjmxbcyIDM9-l-feqpCsTS6cBccVKW-mUt/s320/Frustration.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1066" /></a></div><b>If every daily task</b> required studious thought and tedious attention to the step-by-step process, we’d get little accomplished. Most would be overwhelmed by the thought of beginning one multi-step behavior after another. <br />
Consider your morning routine. <br />
We’ll keep it simple. Take 3 basics: <br />
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Morning bathroom ablutions<br />
Dressing for the day<br />
Breakfast preparations<br />
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Now, consider how many steps go into each process. If you were required to focus on each step to start your morning, how far would you get into the day? Hence, the habit or habits. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBTWHzfHgnr8-bU9MxHocqDhyphenhyphenvkzCrv2UG3MGAx0zR4oBoxqeVAo8tAIzbndPIDaXAlqw2nBzF5XxaWOQBYz9crllmkoSi3ae7AI7WFkpVCyDqtyk96S4RtOfMtUqAxH8s9GvEZusYvsr/s1600/Pssst%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBTWHzfHgnr8-bU9MxHocqDhyphenhyphenvkzCrv2UG3MGAx0zR4oBoxqeVAo8tAIzbndPIDaXAlqw2nBzF5XxaWOQBYz9crllmkoSi3ae7AI7WFkpVCyDqtyk96S4RtOfMtUqAxH8s9GvEZusYvsr/s200/Pssst%2521.png" width="200" height="89" data-original-width="780" data-original-height="349" /></a></div><br />
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If you’re looking to change a bad habit, understand your existing habits, or work with kids’ habits, read some of these articles: <br />
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<a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/7-steps-to-changing-a-bad-habit/">7 Steps to changing a Bad Habit</a> <br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@bitchfirstofall/human-beings-examined-as-creatures-of-habit-457b53217e3d">Human Beings Examined as Creatures of Habit</a> <br />
<a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/back-to-school-back-to-routines/">Back to School, Back to Routines </a><br />
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<b>Second – Personally, what’s the impact? </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdPGppKeycUvUO0fPIzRoTREjV5sTspDLpc6r7QJJuQYv-A_zEH4qlPp-ieLNSuG2_RE6rsCvJM0ZzrJdmlakzdSvgMFlCb2Hnr2tf7vqPmq9ZgCwoFGaMNvMV8DGSRdXtfA7Xu8uO8v4/s1600/Creature+of+Habit.X2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdPGppKeycUvUO0fPIzRoTREjV5sTspDLpc6r7QJJuQYv-A_zEH4qlPp-ieLNSuG2_RE6rsCvJM0ZzrJdmlakzdSvgMFlCb2Hnr2tf7vqPmq9ZgCwoFGaMNvMV8DGSRdXtfA7Xu8uO8v4/s400/Creature+of+Habit.X2.png" width="400" height="230" data-original-width="798" data-original-height="459" /></a></div><br />
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<b>The good news</b> is habits keep life moving, keep individuals focused, and allow for goals to be realized. <br />
Exercise – it’s habit. Few start an exercise program because they wake up one day and can’t think of another single thing to entertain. No, it boils down to more essential facts. <br />
1) The doctor orders/warns/threatens (with dire consequences) you do it. <br />
2) A spouse, family member, friend motivates you to do it. <br />
3) A training partner dares – or challenges – you to do it. <br />
Eat healthier – it’s habit. See you know where this is going. <br />
Sleep more . . . study more effectively . . . take play time. WAIT! Really? Folks need to develop the habit to take play time. Yes. Every one of us could name at least one individual who falls into the ‘workaholic’ category. <br />
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<b>The bad news</b> is that bad habits are easy to develop. See the above articles. Just like water, folks will take the path of least resistance. That leads to procrastination, lazy behaviors, terrible eating/sleeping/exercising habits, poor work attitudes. <br />
Self-starting, resolve to complete, ability to meet deadlines: all healthy behaviors take a degree of mental toughness and a tenacity to stick to good habits to offset bad ones. <br />
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The ugly news</b> is that routines and our ‘creature of habit’ tendencies put as at risk to the unscrupulous types. Broadcasting routines can lead to dangerous results.<br />
<blockquote>Do you jog alone? Always along the same path? <br />
Do you habitually park in the same spot at the grocery store? <br />
Do you or a family member leave the garage door remote in the car at night? <br />
Is your in-car GPS programmed with HOME? <br />
When you leave town, do you check-in via social media while at the airport, bus, or train station? </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6oQIA4VB88sbmg-_nURZSeHU0RsBxE4lrQJxRKxtMAyxp6CZhH5g530h-vj1UsrMf0OmVJ9yopU2DC8u_LHjz76521tLbfZP0xn39QpaYg8zprgS0vNY6PBsfKxp4G5yjOVhjYhAoHD_/s1600/Creature+of+Habit+X3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6oQIA4VB88sbmg-_nURZSeHU0RsBxE4lrQJxRKxtMAyxp6CZhH5g530h-vj1UsrMf0OmVJ9yopU2DC8u_LHjz76521tLbfZP0xn39QpaYg8zprgS0vNY6PBsfKxp4G5yjOVhjYhAoHD_/s400/Creature+of+Habit+X3.png" width="400" height="200" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
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None of this is to make you paranoid. Well, perhaps a bit. More importantly, it’s to make you aware. While cultivating our creature of habit tendencies is part of life, learning to vary those same behaviors can keep us safe. <br />
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<b>Third & finally – as writers, attention to detail MUST be paid to a character’s habits.</b> Understanding the motivation or reasoning behind those habits is crucial, but that discussion is for another blog post. <br />
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When developing a character schematic or diagram consider: <br />
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<blockquote>1) Which behaviors or habits would be obvious based on: </blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>a. Character’s career (consider the difference between the truck driver and the attorney),<br />
b. Character’s education (consider the difference between one who struggled to obtain a GED as to the silver-spoon ivy-leaguer),<br />
c. Character’s life choices (single to married; activist to hermit; corporate ladder-climber to civil servant).<br />
</blockquote></blockquote><b>**Disclaimer** </b>Please don’t leave a response to point out that these life choices may or may not be polar opposites. They weren’t designed to be. Characters’ history, back-story, education, career will all impact behaviors and habits and need to be considered – seriously – when writing. <br />
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2) If utilizing suspense, horror, or dramatic elements in a novel, then a careful and detailed analysis must be sketched for any and ALL villains. Without focusing on the layers of the suspense, writers will deprive readers of much needed motivation. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFErBRIujJp4ACvmoL4nvsiQ0ekNovisN482aTSpaXn6D_a4yTBmhaY0BzpbdHtBaI6KIFU0RU-kWWepmMc53KTN9nuH7mqFNNlVIqBCQa-j20FwE_eTf4yjQc-JNl_TxtiqdPU1xOVsw/s1600/Along+Came+A+Spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFErBRIujJp4ACvmoL4nvsiQ0ekNovisN482aTSpaXn6D_a4yTBmhaY0BzpbdHtBaI6KIFU0RU-kWWepmMc53KTN9nuH7mqFNNlVIqBCQa-j20FwE_eTf4yjQc-JNl_TxtiqdPU1xOVsw/s320/Along+Came+A+Spider.jpg" width="201" height="320" data-original-width="251" data-original-height="400" /></a></div><br />
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Along-Came-Spider-Alex-Cross/dp/0446692638/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UP54Y13DLX48&keywords=along+came+a+spider+james+patterson&qid=1562081932&s=books&sprefix=along+came+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C168&sr=1-1">Along Came A Spider</a></i> by James Paterson is one of the most keen to illustrate this point. Multiple layers of villains, each with their own agenda, and each character onion to be peeled before the ultimate crime can be solved.<br />
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3) Consider how the creature of habit behaviors can be utilized in weaving the suspense or horror element into the plot line. Don’t be afraid to consider the obvious and then tweak it to the unexpected. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wIoJ0LJ7zVubnMS83XWU6tmqJHpP1VoslDy2pxgxb4bNzHkUCdlPnchvjtg9e-jt5n9deTd6N3Kyf-XQ5uA-BRMUQV0TFOnomZL9XrCliq0SKBxaMKSq4lRhGdlhqvq2AYMshT0dmFo4/s1600/Innocent+in+Death.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wIoJ0LJ7zVubnMS83XWU6tmqJHpP1VoslDy2pxgxb4bNzHkUCdlPnchvjtg9e-jt5n9deTd6N3Kyf-XQ5uA-BRMUQV0TFOnomZL9XrCliq0SKBxaMKSq4lRhGdlhqvq2AYMshT0dmFo4/s320/Innocent+in+Death.jpg" width="198" height="320" data-original-width="309" data-original-height="499" /></a></div><br />
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Writers, if unsure how this specially plays into a plotline, please read J.D. Robb’s <i>In Death</i> series. As Lt. Eve Dallas, main protagonist and a homicide detective, focuses intensely on the normal routines of murder victims, she whittles down a suspect list until arrowing in on the ‘who-done-it’. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Innocent-Death-J-D-Robb/dp/042521754X">Innocent In Death</a>, my current read, refers to ‘creatures of habit’ in the opening Eve Dallas scene. Broad strokes to narrow lines, the use of everyday is vital in building and then solving suspense. If you prefer a more classic read: select Agatha Christie. <br />
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<blockquote><b>Being creatures of habit is UNAVOIDABLE and not a bad thing. Remember, that your life would move at a snail’s pace if not for scads of daily habits. But never forget to vary your routine for safety sake, and if a writer, never forget to layer in the normal to build the suspense. </b></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3W0AkCnKomVfvkZAKrxuq-nFUICjYhzJc2y9tJ96bTZr4ZuG11-akGuU1xHtyOk-rFcyu2IgdAAx6U1kdgKCUhKWBCgH1poaerf8nMHCn6OhcI0hqKzI2SgcvOGwB3lnX5C3DzYX-er/s1600/Favorite+Suspense+read++question.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3W0AkCnKomVfvkZAKrxuq-nFUICjYhzJc2y9tJ96bTZr4ZuG11-akGuU1xHtyOk-rFcyu2IgdAAx6U1kdgKCUhKWBCgH1poaerf8nMHCn6OhcI0hqKzI2SgcvOGwB3lnX5C3DzYX-er/s400/Favorite+Suspense+read++question.png" width="400" height="200" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div>K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-4810606403124239312019-06-23T13:44:00.000-05:002019-06-25T10:10:25.509-05:006 Steps to SURVIVING summer heat.<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Here in Texas, we take our heat pretty serious.</blockquote></b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq0TBfNk1lTxY1eHGOBpgWbHnMYJnzkIWx1Gl8MwTwmXqUtjUz49Gb40j3KI0gnMCawwLnOZ-ne-V7GIjiqISC2TvcGuuwNtTeOKKYHawgBernue-pHho_DxWOZkLgANTPKhtWPlDJ5F1/s1600/hot+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq0TBfNk1lTxY1eHGOBpgWbHnMYJnzkIWx1Gl8MwTwmXqUtjUz49Gb40j3KI0gnMCawwLnOZ-ne-V7GIjiqISC2TvcGuuwNtTeOKKYHawgBernue-pHho_DxWOZkLgANTPKhtWPlDJ5F1/s400/hot+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="512" data-original-height="384" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><b>Even though Texans can fry an egg on the sidewalk, pop tar bubbles with toes, and get a tan in 10 minutes, that doesn't mean folks in the Lone Star State don't take heat seriously. Real serious. 100 degree weather with 70% humidity = frighteningly high heat indexes. </b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrd1FOu5-BZY01T3V0iNa-gPPsc0eVbGJkDvx9MSRT6TdKl3W-UaxBjH8Xu3VbVlrIm6exG8HoBxrmf15hFiBgLxNiSj7-xXU01Nra4yYKd4QIhjT52Z-YgOeL3a1hGPCuHeaVNPk7ShC/s1600/Temperature+to+reflect+hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrd1FOu5-BZY01T3V0iNa-gPPsc0eVbGJkDvx9MSRT6TdKl3W-UaxBjH8Xu3VbVlrIm6exG8HoBxrmf15hFiBgLxNiSj7-xXU01Nra4yYKd4QIhjT52Z-YgOeL3a1hGPCuHeaVNPk7ShC/s400/Temperature+to+reflect+hot.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="667" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>When temps SOAR, who needs the most attention?</b> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Kids<br />
Elderly<br />
Hard-headed teens<br />
Pets</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>CDC Warning Signs for Heat-Related Illnesses</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html"></a></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3qQOTsIooeAi9Vj5etKiZMHSHtBwxANwABOI7JT3YvI_RA2PxsCOmPjgy26x3HfwrB8ycoYBRDFp4wx36nJPa2zVKIdbl-J08SUfR7ZL3kOFkpSsu6oNuHgP6iNnIrDbPJ9sXJqpPoxr/s1600/Heat_Related_Illness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3qQOTsIooeAi9Vj5etKiZMHSHtBwxANwABOI7JT3YvI_RA2PxsCOmPjgy26x3HfwrB8ycoYBRDFp4wx36nJPa2zVKIdbl-J08SUfR7ZL3kOFkpSsu6oNuHgP6iNnIrDbPJ9sXJqpPoxr/s1600/Heat_Related_Illness.jpg" data-original-width="734" data-original-height="1209" /></a></div><br />
<b>So those are the medical specifics . . . but what actual steps do folks who bake in six months of heat follow?</b> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg5dHGJBDPqWEeJmxzlcm-kqFY-BGiywJvxaEQVFClSKzcq13_WOpTQHr61kaWe9V7tq7yRPvJkmZnchzQx3TbPZe_FGjLNIKO-x_1nRkIbmgYIHZqIxkMMh6XO7Gr73T5fnvwiwKVSrA/s1600/glass+of+water.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg5dHGJBDPqWEeJmxzlcm-kqFY-BGiywJvxaEQVFClSKzcq13_WOpTQHr61kaWe9V7tq7yRPvJkmZnchzQx3TbPZe_FGjLNIKO-x_1nRkIbmgYIHZqIxkMMh6XO7Gr73T5fnvwiwKVSrA/s400/glass+of+water.jpeg" width="400" height="266" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="333" /></a></div><br />
<b>No SKIMPING on water consumption! </b> Room temperature is fine. My farm-boy daddy swore that when you were really hot nothing beat a glass of regular temp H2O. He didn't want his glass clinking with ice. 'No sir,' he'd say, 'just gimme me a tall glass of tap water.' Whose to argue with a man who grew up picking watermelon and corn from a field, and shooing cattle from pasture to pasture? Now, the 'crik' water? That he wanted cold. <br />
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Parenting independent-minding teens is always a challenge, but parents should make certain that teens carry water bottles when headed out for a game of pick-up basketball or an afternoon at the skate park. Refillable (makes the green crew happy) and <a href="https://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/5885/water-fountain-and-bottle-refill-stations">many parks now sport the higher drinking fountains designed to refill bottles.</a> Parents: emphasize to teens that any fast food restaurant will provide water when asked. The fries . . . they'll need to buy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5NaR18iUb1R0yim9pi2NXpH0SUrtwsWuzGhhXkFtRc_JMPK1JyTrpTQsr3DqNWghVwLcI8B4nN0oLhzzKTnsD062aluG0cMLZw95GfgETe_p21KNI6dmPFLN8kOBAY1vNkrZXer6fYo2/s1600/valley.mist.september+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5NaR18iUb1R0yim9pi2NXpH0SUrtwsWuzGhhXkFtRc_JMPK1JyTrpTQsr3DqNWghVwLcI8B4nN0oLhzzKTnsD062aluG0cMLZw95GfgETe_p21KNI6dmPFLN8kOBAY1vNkrZXer6fYo2/s400/valley.mist.september+2015.jpg" width="359" height="400" data-original-width="514" data-original-height="572" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Shade, shade, and more shade! </b> Nothing will take the place of getting out of the sun. Our youngest population can overheat quickly, and none want to sit in the shade when there are swings for swinging and ropes for skipping and little brothers or sisters to chase . . . but getting out of direct sun exposure is crucial to protecting little ones. When temps soar, make certain youngsters take a break in the shade. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC9RUjv9S5GIyWYvo-NBsjtelk8QMZ0cpUpDf6bhEjjIe9Lrq2hi5LQLsaZHyw39uixDGmvvmdStfp14XNimY_UAoNIRsxyxbnx-YyXo8tLWKL_FbnBRQoe4ImRgrUHtapLRz_8tcCe9s/s1600/women+in+straw+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC9RUjv9S5GIyWYvo-NBsjtelk8QMZ0cpUpDf6bhEjjIe9Lrq2hi5LQLsaZHyw39uixDGmvvmdStfp14XNimY_UAoNIRsxyxbnx-YyXo8tLWKL_FbnBRQoe4ImRgrUHtapLRz_8tcCe9s/s400/women+in+straw+hat.jpg" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Perch a hat up TOP!</b> But remember to make it a breathable hat. Closely woven fabric doesn't allow the head to breathe. Yes, that's right breathe. Old myths prophesied that 40 to 45% of the body temp escaped through the head. <i>Some go old-school and believe that wearing a hat makes a body hotter. NOT TRUE.</i> 1st -- According to research from 2008, only 7 to 10% is lost through the noggin, reports <a href="https://www.livescience.com/34411-body-heat-loss-head.html">Life's Little Mysteries</a>. 2nd -- Consider walking a shady path, sitting beneath a cafe umbrella, or even a bus stop awning . . . shade that protects the surface of the head will keep body temps down. Besides, who doesn't like to pull off a nice-sized hat and fan themselves? Not you! Then you haven't been hot enough, yet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi7IDmv2BuS5ondkllRcxui95wOmUaaceTxcklHQ68vokBAKWCqYoeH7vS5ipGSiQCwD2Q0Xzpdq_4LAcUbrlBiev8YH3DAFTzOo1e1yCcH38AEOxa4IKyz646SAEkIQCig4uCl_bs5zC/s1600/woman+dog+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfi7IDmv2BuS5ondkllRcxui95wOmUaaceTxcklHQ68vokBAKWCqYoeH7vS5ipGSiQCwD2Q0Xzpdq_4LAcUbrlBiev8YH3DAFTzOo1e1yCcH38AEOxa4IKyz646SAEkIQCig4uCl_bs5zC/s320/woman+dog+walker.jpg" width="320" height="215" data-original-width="491" data-original-height="330" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Protecting pets!</b> If you can't stand on the concrete--barefoot--for 5 seconds then it's too hot for your dog to walk. People generalize that because dogs come with leathery pads that the surface temperature doesn't affect their furry companion. Nothing could be further from the truth. Serious pet parents know that walking during the heat of the day is to foolishly court overheating for critters & themselves. Morning & evening are the ideal dog-walking times. Remember, too, if it's hot enough for the walker to have a bottle of water then the walking sidekick needs a drink as well. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2_T9QT5LbI_KMGNs6_cm7fPOjNkEABUKHL4MTwILRASCm4dYHfbWHYDSRxik7bFUm0TMslLl9DzYPpqZ1e72e9OhitqzG1VMw0QF2BbNYz7unm1dPHXtlRHjT9WnhxHYureCsIFicD8f/s1600/dog+drinking+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2_T9QT5LbI_KMGNs6_cm7fPOjNkEABUKHL4MTwILRASCm4dYHfbWHYDSRxik7bFUm0TMslLl9DzYPpqZ1e72e9OhitqzG1VMw0QF2BbNYz7unm1dPHXtlRHjT9WnhxHYureCsIFicD8f/s320/dog+drinking+water.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Always . . . always . . . always check the backseat. </b><br />
Have kids -- check the backseat.<br />
Don't have kids, but kids live in the neighborhood? Check the backseat. <br />
Don't have kids, but leave your windows down for cooling when it's parked in your drive? Check the backseat. <br />
Getting the picture -- always, always check the backseat. <br />
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This demonstration shows 80 degrees. For those who live where summer has more of a bite and day-time temperatures can hit 95 to 100, internal car temps can reach 150 within minutes. <br />
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<b>Check the backseat!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGJshVLqGHFPOHk_PVVqJthVj3Wdgo3CKptvMHsZkhR2vxzWFZNR_CgJzd_wUWFYO9vCBpp_a4pIy8Ue-Fd-nI2K3t1CY6yJYEHu9X6bXuTT2oN27D46MS8veA78k2BqD3c_yoSANd_J9/s1600/car+showing+heat+during+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGJshVLqGHFPOHk_PVVqJthVj3Wdgo3CKptvMHsZkhR2vxzWFZNR_CgJzd_wUWFYO9vCBpp_a4pIy8Ue-Fd-nI2K3t1CY6yJYEHu9X6bXuTT2oN27D46MS8veA78k2BqD3c_yoSANd_J9/s400/car+showing+heat+during+summer.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="480" data-original-height="360" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Finally, keep an eye on the sky. Or at least a weather APP tuned in.</b> Spring into Summer can turn vicious: quick-building thunderstorms, flashflood warnings, and tornado watches. Don't speak weather-ese on approaching cold fronts & stationary hot troughs? Rising barometric pressure & potential wall clouds make your head spin? Then make certain to have a weather APP with alarms downloaded to your mobile device. Lakes, parks, family outings are all things meant to be enjoyed during summer months, but being cognizant of rapidly-changing weather conditions can save lives. Yours and those you love. <br />
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<blockquote><b><blockquote>I'd always heard . . . if you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a minute. It'll change. </blockquote></b></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>But seems that adage applies to loads of places. <br />
Common sense should be the best rule of thumb. <br />
Oh, and do keep a sense of humor. <br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-7938856462406287602019-06-21T00:35:00.000-05:002019-06-21T00:37:25.674-05:00Southern Humor - Friday Funnies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaO82ivnN7yFclrpOCwpyDYVOZkgJKD6ITR_XaoRDIQGnsJcsdU5yRNV1vvbdLwLgAdLN8fGXAd7m0uwRhbgIRUTWkY_lXxqjErQ33uB6b8C-fKuTSwOcmUkpsA01DxiT_PGAN2KeuIn5/s1600/A+funny+thing+happens+when+you+send+a+man+to+the+grocery+store.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaO82ivnN7yFclrpOCwpyDYVOZkgJKD6ITR_XaoRDIQGnsJcsdU5yRNV1vvbdLwLgAdLN8fGXAd7m0uwRhbgIRUTWkY_lXxqjErQ33uB6b8C-fKuTSwOcmUkpsA01DxiT_PGAN2KeuIn5/s640/A+funny+thing+happens+when+you+send+a+man+to+the+grocery+store.png" width="640" height="378" data-original-width="867" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YFRUSTiFUs&t=17s">The day I sent my husband to the grocery store!</a></b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
If you need a laugh . . . and who doesn't? <br />
Take seven minutes out of your schedule and watch this YouTube. Not only will you smile -- you'll laugh out loud. <br />
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Whether you have a husband, a significant other, or a roommate, you will relate to Jeanne Robertson's husband's LITERAL translation of her grocery list. <br />
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Being raised in Texas, which we consider part of the South, I can relate to Jeanne Robertson's accent and sense of humor. You do need to wait for the punchline when dealing with Southern humor and certainly Southern women. We don't get in a hurry to reach the end. A good story should end about the time a gal gets to the bottom of her glass. (Could be sweet iced tea . . . could be Mint Julep . . . or could be Sazerac; whatever is in our glass, touch it and die.) <br />
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But you don't need deep South roots to enjoy female humor or a good drink. You simply need a preferred beverage and a place to perch. Could be your front stoop. Could be your favored lawn chair. Could be a back porch. The point is: TAKE TIME, LAUGH, AND FIND THE JOY IN THE EVERYDAY. A tall glass of something cool and wonderful and a place to settle are the only requirements. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Do you have a favorite sippin' drink? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEss1k6OVCZtyDh0A3d36VH5HdjsycM6_ezrriLmkQlJ1ZePQ019s05h2Fe5daiDCkaODCUJFaEVrz7GszM1LpTSbU70zIEt72rLl2ioKt8CT2zkA2zLMbMK7BsDJ3J1nrCfiHgooSV_N1/s1600/glass+of+iced+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEss1k6OVCZtyDh0A3d36VH5HdjsycM6_ezrriLmkQlJ1ZePQ019s05h2Fe5daiDCkaODCUJFaEVrz7GszM1LpTSbU70zIEt72rLl2ioKt8CT2zkA2zLMbMK7BsDJ3J1nrCfiHgooSV_N1/s400/glass+of+iced+tea.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="459" data-original-height="612" /></a></div><br />
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My goal is not to force you to tarry. If you've watched the video, laughed for a bit, put a smile on your face and thought about where you'll settle with a little time and a nice drink, then my late-night (or early morning, depending on your timezone) goal is done. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk-8s71mrSdekBvRNRQywKv4MuXDQZ2Ypiak7zrJzwod1ED91nmpseOWLIaZaSYBfTmSx87I0rgD_I-4uO-gIlEUU09VUJVtj2AUDPjKxH5MRN9cGrCdyT7-ywYrgs82wLHyJ5XFHsVgU/s1600/when+a+Southern+woman+says+hell+no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk-8s71mrSdekBvRNRQywKv4MuXDQZ2Ypiak7zrJzwod1ED91nmpseOWLIaZaSYBfTmSx87I0rgD_I-4uO-gIlEUU09VUJVtj2AUDPjKxH5MRN9cGrCdyT7-ywYrgs82wLHyJ5XFHsVgU/s320/when+a+Southern+woman+says+hell+no.jpg" width="320" height="318" data-original-width="450" data-original-height="447" /></a></div>I will leave you with one of my favorite sayings. As a matter of fact, I want this on a sampler. Maybe, I'll save time and just stitch it right across my kids' foreheads. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Wishing you a wonderful day from my back porch. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvSnbvjBQjA4Gy9ApQPmFvOslWzDFCnWGakQNEo9C46invZDfp5NO3ObsZcaaebfJQCfW-LcTmdT5KXI6aY6ZEApPUt782m2LzyYpjWjX3_6F5EfaAN0WasN4NvJTbZ9zg1YKfjZiBNI4/s1600/porch+swing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvSnbvjBQjA4Gy9ApQPmFvOslWzDFCnWGakQNEo9C46invZDfp5NO3ObsZcaaebfJQCfW-LcTmdT5KXI6aY6ZEApPUt782m2LzyYpjWjX3_6F5EfaAN0WasN4NvJTbZ9zg1YKfjZiBNI4/s400/porch+swing.png" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-3780992607502034302019-06-17T12:56:00.000-05:002019-10-14T16:00:17.984-05:00A Must-See-EAT for Texas Barbecue - Sonny Bryan's landmark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UIOOUFqbuReQjdTRXhViAxJAqQ9xiFCVmYoRb2vd9TugZHGZSlJQeVORWaRnTT4YM0kdA4w53cfjH8-XFh2XWVe6krU7TPJU4QhcAGKR6bd2KjYRvuTB6ZzqebNZKQOGOJZKylBJcbtZ/s1600/Sonny+Bryan+original+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UIOOUFqbuReQjdTRXhViAxJAqQ9xiFCVmYoRb2vd9TugZHGZSlJQeVORWaRnTT4YM0kdA4w53cfjH8-XFh2XWVe6krU7TPJU4QhcAGKR6bd2KjYRvuTB6ZzqebNZKQOGOJZKylBJcbtZ/s640/Sonny+Bryan+original+sign.JPG" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="262" data-original-height="349" /></a></div><blockquote><b>Folks: </b>a term meaning Texans and ‘others’ (anyone who hails from outside the Lone Star State) have enjoyed <a href="http://www.sonnybryans.com/Locations/Inwood-The-Original Photo of original interior.">Bryan’s Barbecue</a> since 1910.</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkH5zz3gj2Nbl9eUTDeT82KtrBIOJdsX7ABuR51AqG15CLJiL80o5oUwOa1cYV-ekH7TDgXgCpLv9tDs0wuo_pdFUrulptDN3UrFN2SJyJ-dif2-ciJfmwA3lO0s__k0k0RtPGOWcc4mFN/s1600/dallas-hotel-skyline-river-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkH5zz3gj2Nbl9eUTDeT82KtrBIOJdsX7ABuR51AqG15CLJiL80o5oUwOa1cYV-ekH7TDgXgCpLv9tDs0wuo_pdFUrulptDN3UrFN2SJyJ-dif2-ciJfmwA3lO0s__k0k0RtPGOWcc4mFN/s400/dallas-hotel-skyline-river-5.jpg" width="400" height="226" data-original-width="1170" data-original-height="660" /></a></div><br />
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When visiting <a href="https://www.dallaschamber.org/">Dallas, Texas</a>, head down I-35, exit for a short drive up Inwood Road and find the original Sonny Bryan’s location. This hole-in-the-wall building (think old, ramshackled, faded paint, completed with a gravel-parking lot and that’s the picture) has been serving Sonny’s finest since 1958. Nestled among towering medical facilities, first-time visitors often think the interior of plank walls and old school desks belong on a movie scene. Regulars know it’s not the place but the food that counts, and old-timers still remember when saw dust covered the concrete floors, Sonny reminiscing about his favorite fishing spot, and brushing shoulders with a few socialite folks, including Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, several of the original cast from Dallas, Robert Duvall, and President George W. Bush. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZMSVetztLzBcwCu0ri2X7B6qgovMECuucyW-6U6qdtyvl9cM5lg-QC_AWqeB7COs233fWenYnDzs_5yN8WRyHNEIplulWClwx-G1aChLJnIdfA9x1_QVw2oi4nj5pkcKlmlLP5VPUTe_/s1600/rest-sonnybrian-custom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZMSVetztLzBcwCu0ri2X7B6qgovMECuucyW-6U6qdtyvl9cM5lg-QC_AWqeB7COs233fWenYnDzs_5yN8WRyHNEIplulWClwx-G1aChLJnIdfA9x1_QVw2oi4nj5pkcKlmlLP5VPUTe_/s400/rest-sonnybrian-custom4.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="480" data-original-height="320" /></a></div>The original location does TAKE-OUT on a grand scale. <br />
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That’s because the building is small enough to resemble the inside of a sardine can. Folks amble through, pick up their white to-go box and amble back outside. <br />
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Some slip into expensive Beamers or Mercedes. <br />
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Some settle on the tail of their beat-up pickup truck. <br />
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(FYI, Sonny’s does house a backroom, called the Mercedes Room which can accommodate parties of up to 50 BBQ-hungry patrons.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SfJPQcdtomOwmJ-6kbFdMSyvzHeHleDPkcxnR6PZfwWUgkZdMnxeG4bgwbLc8jHAdb6sLg_ceFth6scnTvsXfB8yDD8XVDjR6PVVaCb6Hy4tEZTB2Ph84R9VPNtN1BOvRXEtfj-0bqsj/s1600/Sonny%2527s+BBQ+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SfJPQcdtomOwmJ-6kbFdMSyvzHeHleDPkcxnR6PZfwWUgkZdMnxeG4bgwbLc8jHAdb6sLg_ceFth6scnTvsXfB8yDD8XVDjR6PVVaCb6Hy4tEZTB2Ph84R9VPNtN1BOvRXEtfj-0bqsj/s320/Sonny%2527s+BBQ+sandwich.jpg" width="320" height="223" data-original-width="291" data-original-height="203" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-6WD7YHaZJ17gPNR3ALCOEx1Di8BVevSxKiShgBTASQ-GUXtizpnOfm_RvsEpTTb3GdvwR-0aNedwkPGaOKa2zmJwP_-Go5OhmfsGzw1rppcizWzyVTJL5BgNUZM7cxB-H-88SgH6XFs/s1600/Sonny%2527s+Onion+Rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-6WD7YHaZJ17gPNR3ALCOEx1Di8BVevSxKiShgBTASQ-GUXtizpnOfm_RvsEpTTb3GdvwR-0aNedwkPGaOKa2zmJwP_-Go5OhmfsGzw1rppcizWzyVTJL5BgNUZM7cxB-H-88SgH6XFs/s320/Sonny%2527s+Onion+Rings.jpg" width="320" height="223" data-original-width="291" data-original-height="203" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmLyvqiDcmoFkT-q6WWNC5quqIAhFddnMH0h0iBQzB1hVeY51bB5-v1_Wd4SwYeNVA6SFHv0W7wTDc0614j1F8jbQ9_usW9daI9k8WBkUf6eK7WzWtpPF2CXhdgR2nHHHEcQ4DlR42-GS/s1600/Sonny%2527s+Ribs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmLyvqiDcmoFkT-q6WWNC5quqIAhFddnMH0h0iBQzB1hVeY51bB5-v1_Wd4SwYeNVA6SFHv0W7wTDc0614j1F8jbQ9_usW9daI9k8WBkUf6eK7WzWtpPF2CXhdgR2nHHHEcQ4DlR42-GS/s320/Sonny%2527s+Ribs.jpg" width="320" height="223" data-original-width="291" data-original-height="203" /></a></div><br />
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If visitors are looking for an order line, they’ll wait in vain. The building—smoky and warm in the winter and smoky and down-right hot in the summer—is chaos at its best: jammed packed with every type of folk from those shod in custom Italian loafers to battle-scarred workboots to high-end athletic shoes. For those who want their fair BBQ share, speaking up, hollering, or even bellying up to the counter is all acceptable Sonny's behavior. <br />
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Grandfather Bryan first delivered smoky barbecue back in 1910 with Bryan’s Barbecue. The torch was passed to father, ‘Red’ Bryan who coincidentally named his 1930 location: Red Bryan’s Smokehouse. Finally, son, William Jennings Bryan, Jr. (known by all as Sonny) slipped on the white apron, stoked the wood fire, and opened the Inwood location in 1958. In the day, Sonny and crew served up smoked meats until the smoker ran out – or Sonny decided it was time to quit and go fishing – one of these usually occurred each day by early afternoon. But trends change and the area evolved. As of 2016, the original location keeps out their ‘welcome all’ sign twenty-four hours a day. As this quaint building snuggles near round-the-clock medical care, the decision was made to offer extended service for those hardworking hospital folk. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Why drive to the somewhat seedy side of Dallas to eat at Sonny’s place? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQTxRspGuWAyRomIvj4LtHQO3KjEKpKnXorR9Wdp5tBivryV3-Xp4ByFm8a36k_faz2IAwP6NVjFewRK1_rV8gnllSUxYDTduLmZEho-gAZvLFwxwPBxhDgo_y2M0dtOlSXJ-til_8WWQ/s1600/Sonny__Bryans-3A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQTxRspGuWAyRomIvj4LtHQO3KjEKpKnXorR9Wdp5tBivryV3-Xp4ByFm8a36k_faz2IAwP6NVjFewRK1_rV8gnllSUxYDTduLmZEho-gAZvLFwxwPBxhDgo_y2M0dtOlSXJ-til_8WWQ/s400/Sonny__Bryans-3A.jpg" width="400" height="266" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="426" /></a></div><br />
Because these fine folks have been serving up lip-smackin' barbecue for over a century. When Bryan people claim, ‘We know how to smoke it’: consider it gospel. <br />
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For the still non-believers, they’re welcome to check out the award wall highlighting a coveted James Beard Award to Texas accolades from the Dallas Observer & D Magazine to little screen, Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels and onto the USA Today award for 4th best Southern barbecue. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>But it’s not the awards true BBQ connoisseurs consider. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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It’s the smoke in the meat; the ‘bark’ on slab; and the original BBQ sauce to smother it (if visitors choose.) Barbecue at Sonny Bryan’s is good enough to eat with your fingers, lick 'em clean, and then snitch a piece or two off your neighbor’s plate. <br />
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<a href="http://www.sonnybryans.com/Locations/Inwood-The-Original">Sonny Bryan’s</a> chain currently sports 5 locations, all in Dallas. <br />
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My favorite memory of Sonny Bryan's was eating here with my dad. My father was a little sliver of a man, nicknamed RED, and worked in the beef business from the end of WWII and on. He'd learned a thing or two thousand about good meat. He wasn't partial to any barbecue that didn't come from Sonny's or from out of his own smoker. Dad's BBQ sauce was a version of Sonny's. NOT that Sonny gave away his secret recipe, but when two guys are standing around in a kitchen long enough, one of them stirring a pot and adding a pinch of this or a swig of that . . . well, the other one picks up some mighty fine tips. When Daddy finished making up his sauce, we kept it in the fridge (one of the secrets involved). But like most serious barbecue-eating folk, the sauce was nice but not necessary. My Daddy is smoking brisket for a higher crowd these days, but I will always treasure the good memories of eating at Sonny Bryan's with my father. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirA4EeLi6YLD2AY2SRMjY1SkoCxSvanC3a-vsWa_fcZY_HpnrwfGxsrkfRXlWuER6pScHfX2j1XeJHawoYQiohr4KH1LiSxFYqWevYRTWinZickgE8Q6Xx6VdRZT3OziSW07w7ow3_ViR/s1600/Tasty+Texas+Treats.Sonny+Bryan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirA4EeLi6YLD2AY2SRMjY1SkoCxSvanC3a-vsWa_fcZY_HpnrwfGxsrkfRXlWuER6pScHfX2j1XeJHawoYQiohr4KH1LiSxFYqWevYRTWinZickgE8Q6Xx6VdRZT3OziSW07w7ow3_ViR/s640/Tasty+Texas+Treats.Sonny+Bryan.png" width="640" height="320" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Other Texas Travels: </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/06/giddy-up-to-galveston-tx.html">Giddy-Up to Galveston</a>: How to get there, where to stay, what to do. Gotta GET to Galveston! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrz5nrM0RhZRagCZveps2wp-dZDCo0LEMqhb-tNKLVwVQQ6UrUWOXXEi1lZcwH5Ys18e1CInT7GOYEhT-fDcF-Km5PiY5mMK_dx7YyczE-j1G5zLwnQ5opvjfe90OyuB3EWlmZDmQXkhC/s1600/Giddy-Up+to+Galveston.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrz5nrM0RhZRagCZveps2wp-dZDCo0LEMqhb-tNKLVwVQQ6UrUWOXXEi1lZcwH5Ys18e1CInT7GOYEhT-fDcF-Km5PiY5mMK_dx7YyczE-j1G5zLwnQ5opvjfe90OyuB3EWlmZDmQXkhC/s320/Giddy-Up+to+Galveston.png" width="320" height="160" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/tips-for-texas-backroads-weekend-road.html">7 Tips for Travelling the Texas back roads</a> -- weekend road trip! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl8mfGxFiury3sYW44mAAbifjHLl-7Yk36nka37KDVX8o8qUJkWXTlotQZ-m6L6rVk53eKAmcmjYZnT2ONOMHZ0bwLYeeG3Nu8KglaBOFCw4pdYNgeOl4hXC5mZdW4YXIrMvDevYNHH90/s1600/Tips+for+Trips+on+backroads+getaways.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl8mfGxFiury3sYW44mAAbifjHLl-7Yk36nka37KDVX8o8qUJkWXTlotQZ-m6L6rVk53eKAmcmjYZnT2ONOMHZ0bwLYeeG3Nu8KglaBOFCw4pdYNgeOl4hXC5mZdW4YXIrMvDevYNHH90/s320/Tips+for+Trips+on+backroads+getaways.png" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="536" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/03/5-fort-worth-texas-bars-worth-stop.html">5 Fabulous Fort Worth Bars - more than your average Honky-Tonk!<br />
</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyziQzSEKDZk5cLZYEHMB2A9by9ydmnDf0sm52xvmK_9lhWWH3bdBsyYmTw4K6s2-oDMeFBlfgRVCkLpoMnVzFweAaSrRJ9Fxe_x1zGi2hVn_LDkmUXTOzO6nZ98xocrcP4aihaDCmDq_4/s1600/5+FTW+bars+to+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyziQzSEKDZk5cLZYEHMB2A9by9ydmnDf0sm52xvmK_9lhWWH3bdBsyYmTw4K6s2-oDMeFBlfgRVCkLpoMnVzFweAaSrRJ9Fxe_x1zGi2hVn_LDkmUXTOzO6nZ98xocrcP4aihaDCmDq_4/s320/5+FTW+bars+to+visit.jpg" width="320" height="142" data-original-width="1018" data-original-height="453" /></a></div>K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-66541477654156312632019-06-03T13:55:00.001-05:002019-06-18T11:53:46.972-05:00Giddy-Up to Galveston, TX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDHX1OLaNUB2e_Qs5doXpVpb5FmBrEhz3RpsIPpSmVp0_i_hv7-PGkFjN6sVPy52wIAc75B98WJeF24i4KrqIM1tsedb4PqVDzxDmLZ4ZXW1q7VpXfSOXzhd6mDN_VourIU3iLHTuiv43/s1600/Galveston+Beach+with+Pleasure+Pier+in+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDHX1OLaNUB2e_Qs5doXpVpb5FmBrEhz3RpsIPpSmVp0_i_hv7-PGkFjN6sVPy52wIAc75B98WJeF24i4KrqIM1tsedb4PqVDzxDmLZ4ZXW1q7VpXfSOXzhd6mDN_VourIU3iLHTuiv43/s640/Galveston+Beach+with+Pleasure+Pier+in+background.jpg" width="640" height="361" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="577" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote>While Texas beaches may not often be mentioned in the top 5 beachfront areas across the nation, or boast the pounding Atlantic or even gentle lap of Pacific waves against our Gulf coast, Texans have long found a visit to Texas beaches well worth the trip.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>Galveston</b>, is a mere thirty-six miles south of Houston (well, Pasadena, which is South Houston). Houston Hobby is the closer airport if you’re planning on flying to the area. A taxi ride (Uber & Lyft would probably be comparable) is $75.00 to $100 one-way. For those on a budget: Galveston Island Transit operates a connecting bus service around the island and between Houston & Galveston. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>Side-note:</b> if you’re planning a cruise from Galveston (now, the second busiest cruise post in the nation), there are loads of ways from getting between Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) and the port. For more information, go to: <a href="https://www.cruzely.com/how-to-get-from-the-houston-airport-to-the-galveston-cruise-port/">6 Easy Houston to Galveston Cruise Transport Options.</a> </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTSYd5IpHRerBRXF_55zvSFpSM5PxYqwmG56khBcg6FkEKWNw6tY1Gf9tDcA-TCT2dJD5c5g6i6K6V91A8LACX09lD2m-XVmaRZBA6VTsk8qSp33EaKqlVpy0HuljZlSLjY8iF7RyiB-I/s1600/Best-cruises-from-galveston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTSYd5IpHRerBRXF_55zvSFpSM5PxYqwmG56khBcg6FkEKWNw6tY1Gf9tDcA-TCT2dJD5c5g6i6K6V91A8LACX09lD2m-XVmaRZBA6VTsk8qSp33EaKqlVpy0HuljZlSLjY8iF7RyiB-I/s640/Best-cruises-from-galveston.jpg" width="640" height="338" data-original-width="749" data-original-height="395" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote>Also, if you need to stay overnight prior to your cruise, or after returning to port, check out this article on where to stay on <a href="https://cruiseportadvisor.com/best-galveston-cruise-port-hotels/">Best Galveston Cruise Port Hotels.</a> </blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>However, if Galveston is your destination, what is there to do?</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfm8z0eclgisghsnSm-TZOkqnqnjp1ReoUMVTLNNrCyzyb7ZrfgWvvoNe3kjYhZNXysZ5ZTYOGKxZ8WjVKqJ_T1eU8i7mYogPEFYlKuL4L2aE-tZzF2tzXK-RO-H0HT2OUOoYFSZW8FQd/s1600/galveston+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfm8z0eclgisghsnSm-TZOkqnqnjp1ReoUMVTLNNrCyzyb7ZrfgWvvoNe3kjYhZNXysZ5ZTYOGKxZ8WjVKqJ_T1eU8i7mYogPEFYlKuL4L2aE-tZzF2tzXK-RO-H0HT2OUOoYFSZW8FQd/s640/galveston+sign.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1247" data-original-height="832" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Let’s take a look. <br />
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If you have a group – family of varying ages – consider your budget: </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<a href="https://www.moodygardenshotel.com/">Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center </a><br />
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From restaurants that serve Texas shaped waffles to the <a href="https://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/palmbeach/">Palm Beach Waterpark</a> (now, open daily until August 18, 2018)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xePKJvuKIvzX2WyTysoNUAwHmz-njWaKz-Dl07yTSGSV2ZB8H6gAWg9hMSvJD0D8uHPsXmkWHrRJDCa8gO9brvUV_LvO8MYghtyIdtcPVAiO92jgkVxwGbOb6Q159AmcLlrjHqekx8-h/s1600/Palm+Beach+at+Moody+Garden.Galveston+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xePKJvuKIvzX2WyTysoNUAwHmz-njWaKz-Dl07yTSGSV2ZB8H6gAWg9hMSvJD0D8uHPsXmkWHrRJDCa8gO9brvUV_LvO8MYghtyIdtcPVAiO92jgkVxwGbOb6Q159AmcLlrjHqekx8-h/s400/Palm+Beach+at+Moody+Garden.Galveston+Island.jpg" width="400" height="214" data-original-width="570" data-original-height="305" /></a></div><br />
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TO <b><a href="https://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/colonel_paddlewheel_boat/dinnercruises/">Colonel Paddlewheel Boat</a></b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gx4cC-XztMLnnZErlD-XOjLJ0WNtQwFXzoBFyFE5M5yVg90J_o75dDkKbJiT0WC9x_ij9obiZ_Hf9vDepg8VW9fWRxlV8oVwECS6HgCuuqX3_BJ-Zc7eeB1DhqTLCdB4BJo_eDQIX3JR/s1600/Colonel+Paddlewheel+Boat%252C+Galveston+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gx4cC-XztMLnnZErlD-XOjLJ0WNtQwFXzoBFyFE5M5yVg90J_o75dDkKbJiT0WC9x_ij9obiZ_Hf9vDepg8VW9fWRxlV8oVwECS6HgCuuqX3_BJ-Zc7eeB1DhqTLCdB4BJo_eDQIX3JR/s400/Colonel+Paddlewheel+Boat%252C+Galveston+Island.jpg" width="400" height="125" data-original-width="1170" data-original-height="365" /></a></div><br />
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TO the <a href="https://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/ropescoursezipline/"><b>Zip-line course</b></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA2mXGjY78GX2DcDfPlgeTEO-854Q933GLCWeE09fsQery-8e37JhZExZoOmtFEvgpGBQfwuCkF6qOvQtAn2mYMKjut9YcJUpA5exCWO2L8OG10HLAu-6T6l-4Dg8bSGUgflnDUehLZqx/s1600/Zipline+course.Moody+Gardens.Galveston+Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA2mXGjY78GX2DcDfPlgeTEO-854Q933GLCWeE09fsQery-8e37JhZExZoOmtFEvgpGBQfwuCkF6qOvQtAn2mYMKjut9YcJUpA5exCWO2L8OG10HLAu-6T6l-4Dg8bSGUgflnDUehLZqx/s400/Zipline+course.Moody+Gardens.Galveston+Island.jpg" width="400" height="315" data-original-width="470" data-original-height="370" /></a></div><br />
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<b>OR an evening spent on the beach with Bands on the Sand . . . Moody Gardens has a great deal for families of all ages. </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBGpgz9c0WreMbSy_Ie7ABzuabhFmoB8o7-WgmMB9L4X8KcAsWMB5GZ_8vCEAbFvbbOJatiAw_KTDn4IKFtW0jIeFa29WODxzN3t2fH_5yUeJoiRrWUufUnYp8HuAg648OqXN6-G2iZiI/s1600/MID-RANGE.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBGpgz9c0WreMbSy_Ie7ABzuabhFmoB8o7-WgmMB9L4X8KcAsWMB5GZ_8vCEAbFvbbOJatiAw_KTDn4IKFtW0jIeFa29WODxzN3t2fH_5yUeJoiRrWUufUnYp8HuAg648OqXN6-G2iZiI/s400/MID-RANGE.png" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="560" data-original-height="315" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhg-s3ze6utXSW4JAdx_7viz708Azjt7V-5TXM4eE_FtyULRzTkoT4CjDpPa7De1wA25YSoI_X88GVLyMNfidqcS16xE6_4CzTKfWZtc726wXTdgEK311hMyEIRhoaaI6DA4FZzBiiGPc/s1600/Hotel+Galvez.Galvestion.TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhg-s3ze6utXSW4JAdx_7viz708Azjt7V-5TXM4eE_FtyULRzTkoT4CjDpPa7De1wA25YSoI_X88GVLyMNfidqcS16xE6_4CzTKfWZtc726wXTdgEK311hMyEIRhoaaI6DA4FZzBiiGPc/s400/Hotel+Galvez.Galvestion.TX.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="855" /></a></div><br />
If your hotel destination requires easy walking distance to most area attractions & right on the beach, consider <a href="https://www.hotelgalvez.com/">Hotel Galvez</a> (A bit more economically priced than Moody Gardens, but still loads of luxury and onsite things to entertain. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDsAf866SUd5NihZTUbb6Ub5hAQqdQaYPo_i4hAF52p5mStJmEWwqGLOcyCL35S42fH0W0MbchfvB72jT4Oeq9wRPx4VgzD4Ez5BFLkpaTVjBlNujCfTZ8kdKyBKCzQ8Rq9UAF9-T2n86/s1600/WORKING+WITH+A+BUDGET.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDsAf866SUd5NihZTUbb6Ub5hAQqdQaYPo_i4hAF52p5mStJmEWwqGLOcyCL35S42fH0W0MbchfvB72jT4Oeq9wRPx4VgzD4Ez5BFLkpaTVjBlNujCfTZ8kdKyBKCzQ8Rq9UAF9-T2n86/s400/WORKING+WITH+A+BUDGET.png" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="560" data-original-height="315" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Consider:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJRMIbBMmwG1qULpRRTBnXqhxRMmhBxdxac4MWTxH887LAHU1G1Z4KwrTh7Qqenmbe283IHPS8u36uCY9Xtnm0FE0dM6zBddnqG-GqXhXrcIb5P5pNACFaYBvZP9dhj9GONLtPfgywEf0/s1600/The+Commodore+on+the+Beach.Galveston%252C+TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJRMIbBMmwG1qULpRRTBnXqhxRMmhBxdxac4MWTxH887LAHU1G1Z4KwrTh7Qqenmbe283IHPS8u36uCY9Xtnm0FE0dM6zBddnqG-GqXhXrcIb5P5pNACFaYBvZP9dhj9GONLtPfgywEf0/s400/The+Commodore+on+the+Beach.Galveston%252C+TX.jpg" width="400" height="261" data-original-width="920" data-original-height="600" /></a></div><a href="http://www.commodoreonthebeach.com/">The Commodore on the Beach (2-Star) </a> Featuring an outdoor pool with waterfall; all rooms have a Gulf view; some rooms with poolside patios; other rooms with private balconies; WiFi throughout property; USB charging stations. <br />
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<a href="https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.44741.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:44741">Best Western Galveston West Beach Hotel</a> (2-Star) On the seawall . . . beaches are within a few steps. High-speed Internet connections available; complimentary continental breakfast; outdoor pool; exercise facility; and inside corridors if that's a requirement. <br />
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<a href="https://www.beachfrontpalmshotelgalveston.com/">Beachfront Palms Hotel</a> located on the Seawall, a stone's throw from the beach. Rooms feature WiFI. Price includes BREAKFAST, but only the morning meal. When it's time to fuel again, take a step outside and stroll down The Strand for loads of variety. Pool with seaside deck and free parking. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXyg8JcdnuG3Lg56P2oTXzOG2dZc4hOnYWvYx38QNZBCN39eYrQOIp4L5KlwCldNTKvSERUcyta1BCLsntXwTpI7VKgj6Y28unOeWNIerfepTkCAb66shCtOwf0MlMnY9PvBjvQ97O0yD/s1600/the-tremont-house-a-historic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXyg8JcdnuG3Lg56P2oTXzOG2dZc4hOnYWvYx38QNZBCN39eYrQOIp4L5KlwCldNTKvSERUcyta1BCLsntXwTpI7VKgj6Y28unOeWNIerfepTkCAb66shCtOwf0MlMnY9PvBjvQ97O0yD/s400/the-tremont-house-a-historic.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="550" data-original-height="412" /></a></div><a href="https://www.thetremonthouse.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=business_listing">or The Tremont House </a>(4-star Historical) One of the most historic hotels in Galveston, Texas, featuring three separate dining experiences; rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, HDTV, Wolfgang Puck coffee, bathrobes; rooftop (beachfront) bar experiences, and more. Oh, and there's valet parking for your convenience as well. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRGxblczJ74T4NSR7FScVsCLjuHG3tYlqDDKYuVNNH1ie2N3biy2g6-38Ar8zPCCyfKuZWdy2R421qRdqwGfrcqMDp_3VuSdvZM8bKFpVKA-aR7yJ0rwfQ7Gv6xbhQZDDOfptKuGxDFi-/s1600/galveston+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRGxblczJ74T4NSR7FScVsCLjuHG3tYlqDDKYuVNNH1ie2N3biy2g6-38Ar8zPCCyfKuZWdy2R421qRdqwGfrcqMDp_3VuSdvZM8bKFpVKA-aR7yJ0rwfQ7Gv6xbhQZDDOfptKuGxDFi-/s400/galveston+sign.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="1247" data-original-height="832" /></a></div><br />
Now that you know how to hit Galveston city limits, and you’ve options on where to stay in Galveston . . . what are you going to do?????<br />
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Want to see a dolphin swim beside the boat? Check out <a href="https://maps.roadtrippers.com/us/galveston-tx/activities/baywatch-dolphin-tours">BayWatch Dolphin Tours</a> <br />
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Are sweets your idea of afternoon joy? Then plan a visit to: <a href="https://lakingsconfectionery.com/">La King’s Confectionery</a> (Demonstration schedules change. Make certain to consult website.) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3OtA8iaS4OapN66OjhvltcikW_HrxflHZS15jj0oIVGxhu0xSRl7xO_He4Te9Ru-sde9nd-VlkCEiEoFnS9Ne3rxJmGLiNt5TFbEaKe6gJbpWQqVRpxicy-sf2_Sqo_jb-rsa0Ry6ptn/s1600/La+Kings+Confestionery.Galveston.TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3OtA8iaS4OapN66OjhvltcikW_HrxflHZS15jj0oIVGxhu0xSRl7xO_He4Te9Ru-sde9nd-VlkCEiEoFnS9Ne3rxJmGLiNt5TFbEaKe6gJbpWQqVRpxicy-sf2_Sqo_jb-rsa0Ry6ptn/s400/La+Kings+Confestionery.Galveston.TX.jpg" width="400" height="285" data-original-width="960" data-original-height="685" /></a></div><br />
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For a true ole-fashioned dining experience, visit: <a href="https://galvestonstardrug.com/">The Star Drug Store</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFjZjjeisHJ3YRadZc_4lG3pdiXNdBoEnDWYrk02CD4Agj_QYdHppXhPIxyNdzvCL9mkpSQOTQCo3aVQKfV00B6X8YuxCzxr5L300R9Ok_NXr953GII5pzOm7RPVLUCvTKZSXj1Nd2PIV/s1600/The+Star+Drug+Store.Galveston.TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFjZjjeisHJ3YRadZc_4lG3pdiXNdBoEnDWYrk02CD4Agj_QYdHppXhPIxyNdzvCL9mkpSQOTQCo3aVQKfV00B6X8YuxCzxr5L300R9Ok_NXr953GII5pzOm7RPVLUCvTKZSXj1Nd2PIV/s400/The+Star+Drug+Store.Galveston.TX.jpg" width="400" height="160" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="400" /></a></div><br />
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And what trip to a coast could be complete without a lighthouse or sailing ship thrown into the visit?<br />
<a href="https://www.crystalbeach.com/light.htm">Point Bolivar Lighthouse</a> (you’ll take a ferry for this one.) <br />
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1877-tall-ship-elissa-audio-tours-tickets-33467567395">1877 Tall Ship Elissa</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhx1RqslTw4dKfNH3Up5kx5_OD9hf0DaUsACiKO8_YgPLoH21evKT4TIJ1yLVD_xDhiLjC3a8mApazpAzayZ3OjUZGNrkpW-O66U1OSpMWlS3GCV0841zuPluMBE62oDb_rOVvqrXTFxp/s1600/1877-tall-ship-elissa-texas-seaport-museum-galveston.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhx1RqslTw4dKfNH3Up5kx5_OD9hf0DaUsACiKO8_YgPLoH21evKT4TIJ1yLVD_xDhiLjC3a8mApazpAzayZ3OjUZGNrkpW-O66U1OSpMWlS3GCV0841zuPluMBE62oDb_rOVvqrXTFxp/s400/1877-tall-ship-elissa-texas-seaport-museum-galveston.jpeg" width="400" height="285" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="712" /></a></div><br />
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And if you’re interested in more lighthouses and additional Galveston history, check out: <a href="http://www.galvestonhistory.org/">Galveston History</a> <br />
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<b><blockquote><blockquote>No matter how you fill your days and nights . . . make certain to leave time to stroll the beaches. </blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWFszoor8opwcm4e2zmjmu7LN8eIf744Hi5ee6D8Yv8oIuSREUitvD0wfznpcDZylgUHtmUJtUVyTbpOcc96owXbiNa7WTNOXGQe-bO2IyNh5cPM5qY22c-vXTFM_NrPuwNmuerooH9j0/s1600/Galveston+Beach.X2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWFszoor8opwcm4e2zmjmu7LN8eIf744Hi5ee6D8Yv8oIuSREUitvD0wfznpcDZylgUHtmUJtUVyTbpOcc96owXbiNa7WTNOXGQe-bO2IyNh5cPM5qY22c-vXTFM_NrPuwNmuerooH9j0/s400/Galveston+Beach.X2.jpeg" width="400" height="250" data-original-width="1170" data-original-height="731" /></a></div><br />
From my Pinterest saves, I linked several great blogs to help you navigate Texas beaches. <br />
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Here’s one family's account of a <a href="http://diapersonaplane.com/seashell-beach-galveston/">Great Seashell Beach in Galveston</a> <br />
And another for a <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/beach-road-trip-tx/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Pinterest">Day at the Beach</a> <br />
And finally, <a href="https://getoutandadventure.com/best-galveston-beaches/">The Best Galveston Beaches</a> <br />
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Special thanks to these travel bloggers who offered thoughtful information and details to aid in Galveston travels. Be sure to visit each of these bloggers for more great travel sites. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5eisx6pv0F-IZsN_6CLBBJEqVlYypvQ5lNQSlMyiHgLCetw6MkktkgNGXoV9iZwfSCAholc-RLienQss3NOBSA7yi0z7CokzXv5qFrvGNKee7FfIyNB-SlGw6nnEirTf2UGdjwhZ7LG4/s1600/Galveston+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5eisx6pv0F-IZsN_6CLBBJEqVlYypvQ5lNQSlMyiHgLCetw6MkktkgNGXoV9iZwfSCAholc-RLienQss3NOBSA7yi0z7CokzXv5qFrvGNKee7FfIyNB-SlGw6nnEirTf2UGdjwhZ7LG4/s400/Galveston+beach.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="533" /></a></div><br />
K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-79741076081440613702019-05-31T12:13:00.000-05:002019-06-01T17:32:14.305-05:00Universal Truths from CHILDHOOD to ADULTHOOD to OLD AGE!<b>As I've aged, I learned several universal truths. I ran across a few of these in past emails and wanted to share the wisdom. </b><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Enjoy!</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>From the youngest to the oldest, it's often the simple pleasures that measure our success. </b></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>Childhood wisdom . . . trial and error. Sometimes, the smartest in the room are the youngest.</b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHLzPpYLaDDjs_rlcKdxShvUw64ozWiP-g5qSDqrVeCBSgLuIMF3KzuAF6o4lG4rowLPF6taxo04hjyZkM-Un3jBcR3gE1Imm72v7j0ee5k9e9RpbYKXpcYBIx7QBeT8Eu0sWl_UXaC3-/s1600/Universal+Truths.X2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHLzPpYLaDDjs_rlcKdxShvUw64ozWiP-g5qSDqrVeCBSgLuIMF3KzuAF6o4lG4rowLPF6taxo04hjyZkM-Un3jBcR3gE1Imm72v7j0ee5k9e9RpbYKXpcYBIx7QBeT8Eu0sWl_UXaC3-/s640/Universal+Truths.X2.png" width="427" height="640" data-original-width="735" data-original-height="1102" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b>Families . . . middle age . . . and adulting when you'd rather be relaxing on a beach with a drink & umbrella.</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uvxE1UKbs0FyQ0H68bGMjggtArRDhz-iCFCYRQOJNy0I1ApDvHz7K4R17_9aaMsdAgnaZVxXc2bZsNmNuNTjijetTfYAF41IEGhOTwMXE10fCWRYZw-2P8AE1kvfgoCXQ5sAHzY0_dD-/s1600/Universal+Truths.fun+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uvxE1UKbs0FyQ0H68bGMjggtArRDhz-iCFCYRQOJNy0I1ApDvHz7K4R17_9aaMsdAgnaZVxXc2bZsNmNuNTjijetTfYAF41IEGhOTwMXE10fCWRYZw-2P8AE1kvfgoCXQ5sAHzY0_dD-/s640/Universal+Truths.fun+blog.png" width="640" height="320" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>And finally, with age comes WISDOM . . . or does it? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Final thoughts . . . too important to be left out: Dog Wisdom</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbpL2TP47HiRlH1j7-e03HOO0OcqfDBZI1PuHSh-q-JnIM5wh85jVHuFBcXSsvaclHXq_FDhZWr0gywJ3bIQrIYVucw00g99Lp8oo2LH1_8uDGIkS5bVKpeBI_EWrKcC8jju-p24eUAs_/s1600/dog+wisdom+from+Mary+and+KM+Saint+James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbpL2TP47HiRlH1j7-e03HOO0OcqfDBZI1PuHSh-q-JnIM5wh85jVHuFBcXSsvaclHXq_FDhZWr0gywJ3bIQrIYVucw00g99Lp8oo2LH1_8uDGIkS5bVKpeBI_EWrKcC8jju-p24eUAs_/s640/dog+wisdom+from+Mary+and+KM+Saint+James.jpg" width="640" height="382" data-original-width="1021" data-original-height="609" /></a></div>K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-42317300832617620432019-05-14T18:09:00.000-05:002019-05-14T18:10:13.589-05:00Marrying Winterborne (The Ravenels #2)<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=marrying+winterbourne+lisa+kleypas&crid=3JEAVFKK6CIT6&sprefix=marrying+wint%2Caps%2C151&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13"><blockquote><b><i>Marrying Winterborne</i></a>, The Ravenels #2 by Lisa Kleypas is my favorite book in The Ravenels series. </blockquote></b><br />
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Lisa Kleypas sets up the perfect opposing protagonists when hard-hearted business tycoon, Rhys Winterborne sets out to seduce and then win the notoriously shy, Helen Ravenel.<br />
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This romantic historical story is guaranteed to make readers cheer for both sides. <br />
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More than reforming a rake: this tale is about redeeming a man who has lived a necessary hard life, who makes no apologies for his tough attitude, and who secretly adores the sweetest of women, Helen Ravenel. <br />
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Captured on the pages of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=marrying+winterbourne+lisa+kleypas&crid=3JEAVFKK6CIT6&sprefix=marrying+wint%2Caps%2C151&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_13">Marrying Winterborne,</a> <a href="https://lisakleypas.com/">NY Times best-selling author, Lisa Kleypas</a> takes readers on a journey that proves the loving touch of a good woman can indeed smooth off the rough edges of a world-weary man.<br />
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<b><blockquote>Additional Book Reviews:</blockquote></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisarBsZke-Wf8pEN_7CpRftqlVORrOtZdPuo53IdAdg3cOk3RSrb1gpVKfcvTsk9I78zrEFxJpv3yieZwTRNWccAT6AQKh4hr2_SSfk-7r21EK5ODMuMroUoNjm0Pm-4QhzIzQQ-FJDRwx/s1600/Magic+Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisarBsZke-Wf8pEN_7CpRftqlVORrOtZdPuo53IdAdg3cOk3RSrb1gpVKfcvTsk9I78zrEFxJpv3yieZwTRNWccAT6AQKh4hr2_SSfk-7r21EK5ODMuMroUoNjm0Pm-4QhzIzQQ-FJDRwx/s320/Magic+Harvest.jpg" width="200" height="320" data-original-width="313" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/09/book-review-magic-harvest-by-mary-karlik.html"><br />
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<i>YOUNG ADULT - FANTASY . . . Magic Harvest</i> by Mary Karlik</a><br />
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<i>FANTASY . . . Michael's Blood</i> by SS Bazinet</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRv8IMNMPNqkpxYnDjx9OMJLgi218xRP9vctSuOgHLEEOGVj4w-aoovg9AppeH0_bOdrqTQ8so7R5JuTYlREnY8mynkNhi4esYMOn72E_I0zcSrN-YxrVhdSIZGPAFEyw9fAZTPCHzRnE/s1600/Bluebonnet+Ballerina+book+review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRv8IMNMPNqkpxYnDjx9OMJLgi218xRP9vctSuOgHLEEOGVj4w-aoovg9AppeH0_bOdrqTQ8so7R5JuTYlREnY8mynkNhi4esYMOn72E_I0zcSrN-YxrVhdSIZGPAFEyw9fAZTPCHzRnE/s320/Bluebonnet+Ballerina+book+review.jpg" width="320" height="266" data-original-width="579" data-original-height="482" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/bluebonnet-ballerina-by-carol-kilgore.html"><br />
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<i>SUSPENSE . . . Bluebonnet Ballerina </i>by Carol Kilgore</a><br />
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<blockquote><b>Additional resources for authors:</b></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJV1wiAA-RUmFTa35JwQ11umkKQwxPjer2CIKoAJkjqY7yj9dGhauW9kgIKzfEsLpTo4J3p5FAmmnWfdX97aleDgXttEW7rOyOkJZ3MIKBCdbEq6TESo7LswqC-ejLWAI_lZSyrMELVGK/s1600/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJV1wiAA-RUmFTa35JwQ11umkKQwxPjer2CIKoAJkjqY7yj9dGhauW9kgIKzfEsLpTo4J3p5FAmmnWfdX97aleDgXttEW7rOyOkJZ3MIKBCdbEq6TESo7LswqC-ejLWAI_lZSyrMELVGK/s320/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" width="320" height="216" data-original-width="769" data-original-height="518" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-entice-readers-5-writing-tips-to.html">How to Entice Readers . . . 5 Writing Tips to Building Book Teasers! </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LLUyxxEreNsA0zuH6fQB9s_rZmOzGkQ9-FLdKo1xaMfKh2LMbY8A8M17TzWtOHXy0ZJtbnI2eKrr0md6GbOxcGNiv7Nl00RjKQM3p7CBPlV7KIaiJW4IItFAJKwtbYtHwNHF2QFA_ny8/s1600/Secrets+to+Writing+THE+PERFECT+PHRASE.pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LLUyxxEreNsA0zuH6fQB9s_rZmOzGkQ9-FLdKo1xaMfKh2LMbY8A8M17TzWtOHXy0ZJtbnI2eKrr0md6GbOxcGNiv7Nl00RjKQM3p7CBPlV7KIaiJW4IItFAJKwtbYtHwNHF2QFA_ny8/s320/Secrets+to+Writing+THE+PERFECT+PHRASE.pinterest.jpg" width="213" height="320" data-original-width="735" data-original-height="1102" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/09/catchy-phrases-101.html">Secrets to Writing THE PERFECT PHRASE</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-26529210909353316142019-03-23T16:20:00.000-05:002019-04-08T14:20:11.424-05:00How to Make the MOST of your Writing Weekends: WORDfest 2019 <a href="https://www.dfwwordfest.org/"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO2eQyRc3gxID1hAmuyUzMxmR14b-8fMIfGldu0PyIC1-Eh8btTNx7WPx5Vu_y7cb2_D6iCxOIpO_eVxtVqyqsuU9mnxVZ1yJKwvJlx8dV9H5sm7Mxj3OqVJai391WotjLkHv0A2m3gqJ/s1600/WORDfest.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO2eQyRc3gxID1hAmuyUzMxmR14b-8fMIfGldu0PyIC1-Eh8btTNx7WPx5Vu_y7cb2_D6iCxOIpO_eVxtVqyqsuU9mnxVZ1yJKwvJlx8dV9H5sm7Mxj3OqVJai391WotjLkHv0A2m3gqJ/s640/WORDfest.2019.jpg" width="640" height="120" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="282" /></a></div></a><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.dfwwordfest.org/">WORDFEST.org</a></b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
Saturday, March 23, 2019 -- a day spent with writers, bloggers, authors, playwrights, educational specialists -- in essence, a day to grow and learn as a writer. <br />
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Like most conferences, there were seminars designed to encourage growth of basic skills to the next level, those for writers who've been around the proverbial publishing block, ones to maximizing online presence and even specialty sessions for groups wanting to grow their membership. <br />
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Visual demographics leaned heavily toward the female gender, but there was a great blend of young and old. Writing isn't for the faint of heart and the smart-minded encourage their common writing sense and find like-minded folks. Writing is for the tenacious . For those who can stand the solitude. For those who are willing to toil. <br />
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I read so many blogs of young women -- and for those reading this, almost all of you will be younger -- who feel a calling, an undeniable urge and a thirst to write and more to share that writing. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>in my typical Texas fashion, I tip my hat -- that's a Stetson, of course -- to you all for that bravery.</b> </blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrHi8bb5VYRzD39zLfLY4gSy4IaJabwhMvT57eTtoRODghKH8SkyxVblTe8hx_Hkz_I1kOkZYiTisFdIlmSllfshgWFmSZMzbyCoUUpE9KSsaM_PZ9oyt-QK6w8g4V6ffeQ-LBrJbPPUT/s1600/man+tipping+Stetson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrHi8bb5VYRzD39zLfLY4gSy4IaJabwhMvT57eTtoRODghKH8SkyxVblTe8hx_Hkz_I1kOkZYiTisFdIlmSllfshgWFmSZMzbyCoUUpE9KSsaM_PZ9oyt-QK6w8g4V6ffeQ-LBrJbPPUT/s400/man+tipping+Stetson.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="612" data-original-height="408" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Writing</b> is a bit like bull-riding. <br />
Hang on, I haven't baked my brain in Texas sun. <br />
The 8-second goal is always on the bull-rider's mind. <br />
That buzzer + being on the back of the bull = SUCCESS. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtMjvAU2r7-L2nwUxSFf6cD_DFCJGVTochFLdSF3NadRvjT0pPj9kxAJgfaxUhNv5CgV2Q1cYs2AkNCh2j8UBtnyKKIeAXq2JCTTJQ35S0pzdZ1R8lSCE5hHJ-KO3-N2B29IKUfvNSmcD/s1600/Riding+%2526+Writing+blog+post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtMjvAU2r7-L2nwUxSFf6cD_DFCJGVTochFLdSF3NadRvjT0pPj9kxAJgfaxUhNv5CgV2Q1cYs2AkNCh2j8UBtnyKKIeAXq2JCTTJQ35S0pzdZ1R8lSCE5hHJ-KO3-N2B29IKUfvNSmcD/s400/Riding+%2526+Writing+blog+post.png" width="400" height="282" data-original-width="726" data-original-height="512" /></a></div><br />
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But ladies and gents, if you believe that it's all about . . . or . . . ONLY about those 8 seconds, then you're not in your 'right-thinking-mind' as we say in Texas. Bull-riders are tremendous athletes who put in hours of grueling training, weeks on the circuit, bruises (in places that we won't mention) even broken bones. IT's hard work. Now, you're getting it. <b>Just like writing is hard work.</b> I will be the first to admit that I have <i>NEVER</i> broken a bone due to excessive writing so bull-riders still win that event. <br />
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My good Texas advice to all you youngsters -- <i>and remember, you're all younger than I am</i> . . . if you're <b>serious</b> about your writing: Find a group, a seminar, a critique partner and invest the time and effort to learn your craft then HONE your craft. <br />
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<blockquote><i><b>Writing Organization worth a look-see: </b></i></blockquote><br />
<a href="https://www.rwa.org/">Romance Writers of America</a><br />
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<a href="http://yarwa.com/">Young Adult Romance Writers of America</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.scbwi.org/">Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.awpwriter.org/">Association of Writers & Writing Programs</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.sfwa.org/">Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.sistersincrime.org/default.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2CXzwvjjEEyLQ6LAf3uwkxjbEuDH8DMUZZIzMBn6g4b-AljeYUicUXa58">Sisters in Crime</a><br />
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<a href="http://horror.org/">Horror Writers Association</a><br />
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<a href="https://writersguild.org.uk/">Writers' Guild of Great Britain</a><br />
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Time between conference seminars is meant for visiting the exhibitors; here's a list of a few of the participating groups at Word(Field) 2019 -- so named this year because it was a combination of WORDfest & the rescheduled WORDfield event. Hence, WORDfield 2019. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://www.lonestarliterary.com/">Long Star Literary Life </a><br />
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<a href="https://www.the-efa.org/chapters/dfw/">North Texas Chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.sistersincrimenorthdallas.com/">Sisters in Crime</a> <br />
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<a href="https://writingworkshopsdallas.com/">Writing Workshops Dallas</a></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<i><b>Happy writing to you all, and remember the 8-second rule: Stay in the Saddle and git it done! </b></i><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-32294815122691549072019-03-15T15:34:00.000-05:002019-07-10T11:57:42.469-05:00Summer Time Fun in Fort Worth -- 5 TEXAS bars Worth The Stop! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWmQcgROOItoxml5_raRA74KETCyf1ojr2prIQZe2wRwpy6ifc9OKvvR3mjOPEgpIqf1icif3fSCF8Jo9avxRIGLhGSmD1WnGipaLvaWfAQvvLmLCw786alWoDdUTaYokkNKV54Rl7Ow5/s1600/5+Fabulous+bars+-+better+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWmQcgROOItoxml5_raRA74KETCyf1ojr2prIQZe2wRwpy6ifc9OKvvR3mjOPEgpIqf1icif3fSCF8Jo9avxRIGLhGSmD1WnGipaLvaWfAQvvLmLCw786alWoDdUTaYokkNKV54Rl7Ow5/s640/5+Fabulous+bars+-+better+graphic.jpg" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="692" data-original-height="692" /></a></div><br />
<b><blockquote>Travelling to Texas this summer? <br />
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Then stroll in for a cool (TALL) drink at any of these bars. <br />
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The heat may bake Texas asphalt, but the sippin' is easy when you know where to belly up to the bar. </blockquote></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA3dd9B8s8_zWeiRFrEpAb-awAUWKOqKBV_QMc5qarMOJOv8Ss1VRLYCxVvpARK7dhZLvWul-4824NXdrCB7lnxbroZXsSy-Y1zjJhJIPbENvcfy2D1cH9DfCayc1tv50PbqqznUuq7mc/s1600/Fort+Worth+Water+Gardens.X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA3dd9B8s8_zWeiRFrEpAb-awAUWKOqKBV_QMc5qarMOJOv8Ss1VRLYCxVvpARK7dhZLvWul-4824NXdrCB7lnxbroZXsSy-Y1zjJhJIPbENvcfy2D1cH9DfCayc1tv50PbqqznUuq7mc/s320/Fort+Worth+Water+Gardens.X2.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="603" /></a></div><blockquote>Much is touted about the large tourists’ bars and Historic stockyard bars in <a href="https://www.fortworth.com/">Fort Worth, Texas</a>. Certainly, if you’ve never strolled down old brick streets, smelled lingering scents of longhorn cattle, meandered among tall cowboy hats and towering Texas hair, you need to visit the Historic edge of Fort Worth. </blockquote><blockquote>However, there is a great deal more to Fort Worth – not the cosmopolitan feel of Dallas, not the Jazz beat of Denton, or even the rolling hills, eclectic sense of Austin – no, Fort Worth is sleek, high-rise towers, tucked among historic revitalized brick buildings (even a few brick streets as well), stunning city parks, a square with dancing water, and a thriving downtown area -- simply put: Fort Worth is more than your average Honky-Tonk. </blockquote><br />
<blockquote>If you find yourself visiting Cowtown, but not looking for the standard tourist stops, then consider cooling your parched throat at one of these watering holes.</blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b><a href="https://www.thelibrarybarfortworth.com/">The Library </a>– 611 Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas.</b> On the perimeter of Sundance Square and along the <a href="https://ridetrinitymetro.org/services/molly-the-trolley/">Molly the Trolley</a> route, this wooden floor, leather-couched bar is open and welcoming. Meshed against towering 20 foot walls, and well above patrons’ heads, are book-lined shelves. There are a few shelves within reaching distance for those who’d like to have a quiet drink and a contemplative read. A small patio area is available and with the surrounding buildings shade can be found in spite of late afternoon sun. The four-sided bar makes easy access for those who want to place their own order or the multiple couches are ready for the weary of strolling. There is a ‘bar’ menu, but we didn’t check out the offerings. Happy hour is an afternoon treat here. </blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqsr8XBYpfbrjUN7f5wkE-Tz-sclvMFBdXPt2GLBzz9P8zRUeu3PaJd1Ynv9l0wa41NSyp98IZzRgiYsnZ49l0W5GZCtCaqKy19BclTTm0EGmAZKXzwLx9ALgX2qq_PUeCOWL9egEYGM1/s1600/The+Library+Bar+in+FTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqsr8XBYpfbrjUN7f5wkE-Tz-sclvMFBdXPt2GLBzz9P8zRUeu3PaJd1Ynv9l0wa41NSyp98IZzRgiYsnZ49l0W5GZCtCaqKy19BclTTm0EGmAZKXzwLx9ALgX2qq_PUeCOWL9egEYGM1/s640/The+Library+Bar+in+FTW.jpg" width="640" height="358" data-original-width="1140" data-original-height="638" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b><a href="http://www.thompsonsbookstore.com/">Thompson’s Bookstore</a> – 900 Houston St, Fort Worth, Texas</b>. From the front entrance across hardwood floors, lush sitting areas are staged for the enjoyment of the aficionado of fine cocktails. The ‘house’ rules alone make this a bar stop worth the visit. The bartenders should be termed ‘mixologist’ as the subtle flavors and nuance of cocktails are their specialty. No matter your favorite liquor or brand (bottom shelf to top) this subtlety elegant bar is a lovely respite from Texas heat. Not to worry if you’re strolling in your shorts and t-shirt, casual attire is welcome, but an inside voice is encouraged. If wild and raucous is on your menu, then there are plenty of other Fort Worth bars more to your style. <b>Now, as an update</b> -- your quiet voice works well during the week, but I've been inside these walls on the weekend and it's a hopping & joyful place. A great enticement to visit Thursday through Saturday is the downstairs 'speak-easy'. No fooling, pardner. Buy a drink at the upstairs bar and on the bottom of your receipt will be the 'secret code' to gain access to the tucked-away, downstairs hide-out. It's a cool throw back to the 20s and well worth the price of admission. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b><a href="http://www.scatjazzlounge.com/">Scatz Jazz Lounge</a> – 111 W 4th, Ste 11, Fort Worth, Texas.</b> A little crazy, a little spicy, and a lot of speakeasy edge best describes the Scatz Jazz Lounge. Heed the Google directions as this getaway is tucked down an alley. Descend in the elevator and enter a jazz environment to make your toes tap and hips sway. Cover required on some nights, not on others; so check their schedule. Excellent talent fills their stage – and sometimes marches around the room with a little New Orleans flavor – bartenders know their drinks and the clientele are there to enjoy excellent music. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b><a href="https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/fort-worth/dining/whiskey-and-rye?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic">Whiskey & Rye,</a> 1300 Houston St, Omni Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas.</b> For those who want a bit more cultured environment, stop by the Omni – doesn’t that say it all – and enjoy a cocktail while snuggled in deep leather seats. Prompt wait staff, still with that Texas ‘howdy’ welcome; the occasional entertainer on their small stage; the quiet click of pool balls on the expensive carved tables and valet service right out the front door. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b><a href="https://www.petesduelingpianobar.com/location-fortworth.html">Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar</a> – 621 Houston St. Fort Worth, Texas.</b> For those who want to group-date, celebrate a graduation or upcoming wedded bliss, or just spend several hours rubbing elbows with their fellow humans in a lively musical stop – this is the place. Expect great music – loud at times; happy, hollering folks – also loud at times; and a good evening. Not for the boot-scooting, Stetson-sporting, bronco-belt buckle type, but if you love a rowdy crowd with a backdrop of ivory-tickling, hammer-pounding musicians then visit Pete’s. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Howdy, and Welcome to Fort Worth. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<i><b>Other great Texas spots to visit!</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/tips-for-texas-backroads-weekend-road.html">Travelling Texas BackRoads</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-53796759434858099442019-03-14T12:31:00.000-05:002019-03-14T12:32:14.532-05:00HARM'S WAY AVAILABLE ON KINDLEUNLIMITED - tips for TheImageApothecary.com & Canva.com<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Donovan-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B075R5WMKX/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=harm%27s+way+k.m.+saint+james&qid=1552579083&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjp2FNdAkaZa_Uvw1cewKwvIbajw-A8emCbzMkotdYNhTQQd8w5LTjxf1lqFqPO13aL6UGkyQcH9LMDGz_wbaI7FWkuFIinhB14xzvA_gG0oDha0-JeNTOehRyibjyGQ0HKTPUu0ln9Uz/s1600/RESIZED.KU+RELEASE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjp2FNdAkaZa_Uvw1cewKwvIbajw-A8emCbzMkotdYNhTQQd8w5LTjxf1lqFqPO13aL6UGkyQcH9LMDGz_wbaI7FWkuFIinhB14xzvA_gG0oDha0-JeNTOehRyibjyGQ0HKTPUu0ln9Uz/s640/RESIZED.KU+RELEASE.png" width="515" height="640" data-original-width="413" data-original-height="513" /></a></div></a><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Donovan-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B075R5WMKX/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=harm%27s+way+k.m.+saint+james&qid=1552579083&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull">HARM'S WAY</a> NOW AVAILABLE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
As I push for completion on the second book in THE DONOVAN LEGACY, <b><i>CHASING DESTINY<i></i></i></b>, I have moved <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Donovan-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B075R5WMKX/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=harm%27s+way+k.m.+saint+james&qid=1552579083&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull">HARM'S WAY</a> to Kindle Unlimited. <br />
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I've spent the past several days on <a href="https://theimageapothecary.com/">THEIMAGEAPOTHECARY.COM</a> downloading multiple images for book release ad-building. Special thanks to FLIP-FLOP SISTER, and fellow author, <a href="http://www.marykarlik.com/">Mary Karlik</a> for the author & marketing friendly insight into <a href="https://theimageapothecary.com/">THEIMAGEAPOTCHECARY</a>. <br />
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<blockquote><b>WRITERS, MARKETERS, BLOGGERS</b> -- looking for a way to build graphics, ads, release teasers????</blockquote>Then visit, <a href="https://theimageapothecary.com/">THEIMAGEAPOTHECARY</a>. Click onto their Instagram page 1st and scroll. Quickly, you will discover the jest of <a href="https://theimageapothecary.com/">THEIMAGEAPOTHECARY</a> and find its multiple uses and reasonable pricing. Read the Term & Conditions so you'll understand the download conditions before you begin. If graphics are not your forte, then a visit to this site is well worth the time. <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Donovan-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B075R5WMKX/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=harm%27s+way+k.m.+saint+james&qid=1552579083&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull"><br />
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I downloaded the images into my local PAINT folder and then moved them into <a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva.com</a> for actual manipulation. I've designed several 'work' graphics and brochures on <a href="https://www.canva.com/">CANVA.com</a> so I had a basic understanding of the graphic design site. Again, user-friendly, and there is a FREE version so you can check it out before committing marketing dollars. The above KindleUnlimited release shows how easy it is to change the colors on a designed graphic. There are more FONTS than you'll ever need, and the ability to easily fold in text on existing images. <br />
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<a href="https://www.canva.com/">Canva.com</a> also has multiple social media release choices. You don't need to know all the standard formatting requirements for the different social media platforms, just click on the required selection and start creating a design. There are also a number of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL-WbHwsbs8">YouTube videos</a> on how to effectively use Canva.com, which I found hugely helpful. <br />
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Finally, it is with the greatest pleasure to offer a massive: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WorwQkJCagAXy7gqhVthZmMiwR_GeKWOgiT0LJoIYXkV8A6SDzsZx7b7wnI4Clm56DB7dqZlvHKXuYC8YgKgXBYKYD0UKOTSOPsgBIvqW4Md0-Or860JBtEbTW-u8jnYBYEn8A8V99tB/s1600/Texas-Thank-You.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WorwQkJCagAXy7gqhVthZmMiwR_GeKWOgiT0LJoIYXkV8A6SDzsZx7b7wnI4Clm56DB7dqZlvHKXuYC8YgKgXBYKYD0UKOTSOPsgBIvqW4Md0-Or860JBtEbTW-u8jnYBYEn8A8V99tB/s400/Texas-Thank-You.png" width="400" height="199" data-original-width="318" data-original-height="158" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>to: <br />
<a href="https://www.ssbazinet.com/"><br />
<b>SS Bazinet</b></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kilgore/e/B008FRCXQY"><b>Carol Kilgore</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.niarg.com/"><b>Carol Marrs Phipps</b></a> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote>These 3 writing friends have offered remarkable expertise and marketing advice. They have graciously given of their time to my many, many, many questions. All are fabulous authors with busy writing schedules, but they have generously imparted their knowledge. </blockquote><br />
May this blog help you with your own ad and marketing building. I have learned from the best -- if you have any questions, please do NOT hesitate to contact me @ k.m.saint.james@gmail.com. <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harms-Way-Donovan-Legacy-Book-ebook/dp/B075R5WMKX/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=harm%27s+way+k.m.+saint+james&qid=1552579083&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizckcYP_RGMyPxm-To30aRE1784_pOAO9B6F5lqdb4DUKjjBZX48H6EcESYNSTLorkIh3WK65MWrMsjCTVD0EKhB2xAw1C1Ms_BIgDHwl6nIuG5gZCiqBKEv1ZmiJ1G7BN_-ySzvjSRN4V/s1600/Harm%2527s+Way+KU+release+-+Laura%2527s+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizckcYP_RGMyPxm-To30aRE1784_pOAO9B6F5lqdb4DUKjjBZX48H6EcESYNSTLorkIh3WK65MWrMsjCTVD0EKhB2xAw1C1Ms_BIgDHwl6nIuG5gZCiqBKEv1ZmiJ1G7BN_-ySzvjSRN4V/s400/Harm%2527s+Way+KU+release+-+Laura%2527s+quote.jpg" width="267" height="400" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="899" /></a></div></a>K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-37384838848833734872019-03-05T13:45:00.000-06:002019-03-05T13:45:09.372-06:006 Kitchen Gadgets . . . better tools for every cook!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoNWViUGX-6_iwtuSvsIyi_nu_D-6zNYa0h0wme02OeP0C3ZH_NEYrzpefTpBW-K5Vu43SMIexZ0jtE7x6QYlcVg8trR8yTds58xoDgG8skPEv8jU-thGivStD9npG-NRL8xKcEgCm0K1/s1600/6+kitchen+gadget+blog+for+Twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoNWViUGX-6_iwtuSvsIyi_nu_D-6zNYa0h0wme02OeP0C3ZH_NEYrzpefTpBW-K5Vu43SMIexZ0jtE7x6QYlcVg8trR8yTds58xoDgG8skPEv8jU-thGivStD9npG-NRL8xKcEgCm0K1/s640/6+kitchen+gadget+blog+for+Twitter.png" width="640" height="396" data-original-width="854" data-original-height="529" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><i><b>Chef’s little helpers . . . KITCHEN gadgets 101</b></i></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b>Disclaimer</b> – This blog is about sharing knowledge – not brand loyalty. <br />
No company or brand is profiting from the advice or products mentioned here. With (4) decades of cooking in my repertoire, these are simple items that aid in that process.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>Loads of unique kitchen toys are available. I’ll be the first to admit they are a weakness of mine. Mainly because spending time in my kitchen is a joy. For holidays and birthdays, there are always new helpful kitchen tools in my gift pile that feed my obsession. Now that I have grown kids who also love to wear the chef’s hat, it’s worse or better – depending on my current cabinet space’s point of view. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>This year’s tested kitchen gadgets:</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<b>Dual-handed oven mitts</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEebHmXL-84U3JT29MIJJNSrH9NwK5dxObSRJ92SxDS9CZugYnCLpd4TFvSqQhMCozec-9wRxvkI0afDijN6ghOTFCVrwVKWt6VeuMHxY-Iu_ftNo7cHfur4In3xUTuJTzw_1hfE33uZ3/s1600/Baking-Delight-Oven-Glove-Victoria-Eggs-lifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEebHmXL-84U3JT29MIJJNSrH9NwK5dxObSRJ92SxDS9CZugYnCLpd4TFvSqQhMCozec-9wRxvkI0afDijN6ghOTFCVrwVKWt6VeuMHxY-Iu_ftNo7cHfur4In3xUTuJTzw_1hfE33uZ3/s400/Baking-Delight-Oven-Glove-Victoria-Eggs-lifestyle.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="1024" /></a></div><br />
I saw these on <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/great-british-baking-show/">The Great British Baking Show</a> and after watching all 6 <a href="https://www.netflix.com/app">Netflix</a> seasons, I craved a pair of my own. My family was smart and bought TWO sets. The mitts are wonderfully deep so any sized hand can find a safe haven and there is an ample selection of colors to fit any kitchen décor (and budget) Nice thing – they hang over oven door handles, or the nearest cabinet door so none of the dreaded kitchen space purging was required. (When searching online: check under ‘1 piece’ oven mitts; ‘double’ oven mitts or gloves, or even ‘quilted long’ oven mitts. It’s a bit of an adventure depending on your neck of the Internet woods what will show up. As I’m in the Deep South, BBQ gloves populated the most frequently. My search browser required a small reckoning before it produced an ample selection.) Oh, and one of my gifted mitts had the silicone lining (VEEYOO), which makes them sturdy enough to handle really hot dishes. (As several of my readers are UK based, I placed (1) link for your convenience – again, it’s more of a ‘how these mitts are named, instead of I recommend this brand’.) <br />
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<b><a href="https://www.victoriaeggs.com/products/baking-delight-double-oven-glove">Double handed oven mitts</a></b> <br />
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Hand blender or kitchen emulsifier</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgnUNZRcaEqZIu2SBTzQpyRa5SFIjrinas8rwwjWQaP1z1yYgR3i5ve81-9WNY_1jtRVcaFeqDJpkaBTwTlvaGGmSnZbYArUnut7_2qIhugAKR49DCon-DTPQ8cAN1ZAOjkGJQfaqNVj7/s1600/black-stainless-steel-ovente-immersion-blenders-hs580b-64_1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgnUNZRcaEqZIu2SBTzQpyRa5SFIjrinas8rwwjWQaP1z1yYgR3i5ve81-9WNY_1jtRVcaFeqDJpkaBTwTlvaGGmSnZbYArUnut7_2qIhugAKR49DCon-DTPQ8cAN1ZAOjkGJQfaqNVj7/s400/black-stainless-steel-ovente-immersion-blenders-hs580b-64_1000.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1000" data-original-height="1000" /></a></div><br />
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Several brands/versions/models are available. Several have been in my kitchen. Lesson learned: don’t skimp here. Purchase one of better quality; just wait for a sale. Mine is a Cuisinart –not with all the extra gear, not necessary in my house – but the basic high quality means it will work each time and work well. So as plain Janes go, this one gets the ‘emulsifying’ job done, and it’s easy to disassemble for washing.<br />
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<b>Mandoline slicer</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxePiFHYOJEx-VSVoKvN5VC_34xl9cz2Gi_TOjjdOAtnBxECHGeypgWiE8ImRS2Ycb9DoAFkDbs6XRxQPdbjL244iFzOwNx1zUDPlFkj4uqSJr3XsQSoG_j5bGEYc2n7rb9qYlML7h6pm/s1600/mandoline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxePiFHYOJEx-VSVoKvN5VC_34xl9cz2Gi_TOjjdOAtnBxECHGeypgWiE8ImRS2Ycb9DoAFkDbs6XRxQPdbjL244iFzOwNx1zUDPlFkj4uqSJr3XsQSoG_j5bGEYc2n7rb9qYlML7h6pm/s400/mandoline.jpg" width="400" height="330" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1238" /></a></div><br />
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Again, mine is a Cuisinart and a simplified version, but this kitchen tool was brilliantly effective at slicing. The scale-down version was a breeze for clean-up. Confession time: I did watch a YouTube on how to use the Mandoline slicer CORRECTLY before I was successful. <br />
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<b>Herb storage kits</b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyYfb233-xmjpuMNfIuDc4V2OgmWVZJzUjQoSNGRNXtT-ZqIHhyphenhyphen4t59asJv282vyAQ6rKrB9w2pyMY1w_DqCOnZTCWA7BdJLj2rGb3zwA7SlJmG9CibGYBJtrxYnDBPDPjUT0d2AHOxrN/s1600/prepara+herb+storage+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyYfb233-xmjpuMNfIuDc4V2OgmWVZJzUjQoSNGRNXtT-ZqIHhyphenhyphen4t59asJv282vyAQ6rKrB9w2pyMY1w_DqCOnZTCWA7BdJLj2rGb3zwA7SlJmG9CibGYBJtrxYnDBPDPjUT0d2AHOxrN/s400/prepara+herb+storage+kit.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1500" data-original-height="1500" /></a></div><br />
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A friend, who knows me oh-so-well, purchased a set of refrigerator herb storage kits. Mine came with these fabulous herb nippers and an herb stripper as well. A great gift. I’ve utilized Mason jars in the past to hold my herbs . . . don’t get me wrong; they serve the purpose (and remember, we in the Deep South know our way around Mason jars) – except, those glass beauties can turn over in the fridge -- and then it's water, water, everywhere -- and the herbs are more exposed to potential ‘refrigerator’ smells. <br />
Several herb storage kits are available online – <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prepara-4-Piece-Herb-Keeper-Set/dp/B079V5J29W/ref=asc_df_B079V5J29W/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241944115878&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17041738389225519914&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027284&hvtargid=pla-432133275255&psc=1">mine is: Prepara</a> <br />
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<b>Hands-free storage bag holder </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGcUtPKXjHIK6blEUfRjJtVK0bv0z5fW__JFVZxb_jTJpSl8Ze0e97WTI44-WsdWYsI2GrD945LjjmSt7pOCrOQjCulwVsJy4J06RxoXEjz-OL8ThsCCnISO-WlJsZhGrS_KBixWHDOp8/s1600/hands-free+storage+bag+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGcUtPKXjHIK6blEUfRjJtVK0bv0z5fW__JFVZxb_jTJpSl8Ze0e97WTI44-WsdWYsI2GrD945LjjmSt7pOCrOQjCulwVsJy4J06RxoXEjz-OL8ThsCCnISO-WlJsZhGrS_KBixWHDOp8/s400/hands-free+storage+bag+holder.jpg" width="233" height="400" data-original-width="699" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div><br />
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Almost sounds like a ‘white elephant’ gift, right? Something your in-law, who doesn’t really like you, might slip under the Christmas tree. Well, if you’ve received one, left it in the box, and buried it in a kitchen cabinet – unearth it! This beauty is a saver for loading zippered storage bags (no brands mentioned, but you know to what I refer). The clips at the top are designed to hold the bag in place while you load. Mine has a dual purpose. For those who are readily green and don’t want the ‘plastic’ storage bags in their house, I utilize the silicone ‘reusable’ bags. The hands-free holder works fine on those and once I’ve washed my silicone bag clean, I turn it upside down on the hands-free holder to aid in drying. See, I told you that you wanted to find that box in your cabinet. <br />
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<b>Hand lotion</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlwL3Ik2XKIIZ6BjqQqoH23HeRvDH6Q87vGqrjtcqbNv99HDCn41s8mr9buFFC1Sbeybe1uJlajR4Ph-_h6jtZsLTVLtdk-xmL9bN-NvNA0-iRYZfqQwCTkITNS34_j4QVe81_orIUUuF/s1600/Burt%2527s+Bee+hand+salve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlwL3Ik2XKIIZ6BjqQqoH23HeRvDH6Q87vGqrjtcqbNv99HDCn41s8mr9buFFC1Sbeybe1uJlajR4Ph-_h6jtZsLTVLtdk-xmL9bN-NvNA0-iRYZfqQwCTkITNS34_j4QVe81_orIUUuF/s320/Burt%2527s+Bee+hand+salve.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="500" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t1LZGwJZRetEzG0pDwqd6h-f7mqdq87YeEqGHYW5rgEGJxcnfkz46i81KIobhVCdo0ITxoytKwdCZQwnLd55xMozHZzfBkCKxpSjhU-rC5tzYAAZbm9G0pMgzZL43kkSjiQk6el0ya_G/s1600/bag+balm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t1LZGwJZRetEzG0pDwqd6h-f7mqdq87YeEqGHYW5rgEGJxcnfkz46i81KIobhVCdo0ITxoytKwdCZQwnLd55xMozHZzfBkCKxpSjhU-rC5tzYAAZbm9G0pMgzZL43kkSjiQk6el0ya_G/s320/bag+balm.jpeg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote>If you’re really a kitchen goddess, then go for the good stuff. Burt’s Bees smooths the chapping, but if that brand isn’t your favorite, check with your local Farmer’s Market or Feed Store. Hard-working folks know to slather on the salve for hand protection, and I’ve found ready, and reasonably-priced, products by shopping with the farmers and ranchers. Udder Butter or Bag Balm – no joke – the stuff is a miracle cure. Because hand-washing is a must, keeping skin from turning desert-dry is an everyday challenge. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>If your guilty pleasure is collecting (and using) kitchen gadgets and tools, please feel free to share. I’m always in the market for the next ‘great’ kitchen gear discovery. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>As the sun is finally shinning in Texas, it’s time to find the back porch with a Mason jar filled with sweet tea. Stop by again.</blockquote><br />
K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-17437320099157760422019-02-28T15:09:00.000-06:002019-02-28T16:19:36.708-06:00Bluebonnet Ballerina by Carol Kilgore -- book review<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJWBT6cRicWEbSc5AlvnA2vU8w3jQVKX-PNhxaSRX6D0UA52IHi3dA3rcA7v7F5EgtT-9YKWBmtZjXj5IibuuAX8hNtHTV8Z117nrwgimPWj-Ffm5MvyhLd8_ZeKnyD55ubhDsgQpfLv5/s1600/BlueBonnet+Ballerina_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJWBT6cRicWEbSc5AlvnA2vU8w3jQVKX-PNhxaSRX6D0UA52IHi3dA3rcA7v7F5EgtT-9YKWBmtZjXj5IibuuAX8hNtHTV8Z117nrwgimPWj-Ffm5MvyhLd8_ZeKnyD55ubhDsgQpfLv5/s640/BlueBonnet+Ballerina_.jpg" width="426" height="640" data-original-width="213" data-original-height="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Ballerina-Amazing-Gracie-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07DYSHBN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bluebonnet+Ballerina&qid=1551382912&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Bluebonnet Ballerina</a> is not your average cops and robbers’ type of suspense. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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<blockquote>Readers can expect characters, both live and the ‘gently deceased’, to appear on the pages of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Ballerina-Amazing-Gracie-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07DYSHBN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bluebonnet+Ballerina&qid=1551382912&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Bluebonnet Ballerina</a>. The cast includes ex-CIA, cops – active to reassigned, a best friend complete with her guiding spirit, a couple of love interests, and even a few decades-old ghosts thrown into the mix. The hard hitting world of human trafficking, guns for hire, and genuine bad guys are counterbalanced by a healthy – and much appreciated – dose of the ‘woo-woo’ factor. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Ballerina-Amazing-Gracie-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07DYSHBN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bluebonnet+Ballerina&qid=1551382912&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Bluebonnet Ballerina</a> is filled with: a plot that MAKES sense – always a pleasant surprise in a suspense novel; characters that are intelligent; and enough Texas scenery to bring the favored destination spot, San Antonio, to life. Through the eyes and exploits of Agent Gracie Hofner, readers can enjoy the city street-by-street. In addition, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kilgore/e/B008FRCXQY?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000">author Carol Kilgore’s</a> veracity of law-enforcement and criminal investigation research guarantees realism on every page.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>As <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Ballerina-Amazing-Gracie-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07DYSHBN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bluebonnet+Ballerina&qid=1551382912&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Bluebonnet Ballerina</a> winds down the roads of South Texas, readers will be shocked by a murder or two and the harsh reality of the dark web, but they will enjoy vivid scenes deep with sultry evening air, condensation on long-neck bottles, and breathing a little fire from spicy tacos. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Ballerina-Amazing-Gracie-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07DYSHBN4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bluebonnet+Ballerina&qid=1551382912&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Bluebonnet Ballerina</a> is the second feature in The Amazing Gracie Trilogy. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kilgore/e/B008FRCXQY?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000">Author, Carol Kilgore</a>, allows frighteningly accurate criminal situations to fully develop, and just like investigations in the real world, readers shouldn’t expect easy answers or for the varied plot lines to wrap up by story’s end.</blockquote><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kilgore/e/B008FRCXQY?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RhjzGO_7Od2CS2K12ejR6Dh-jwPlSSP1lG6ufY8ioMzGk3HcMqXFtaHLuuidmdHZYSqqtf1rDzMq3hdVY6sC14nK9qqHNBLy85ECMOCWYaTuJ7zX1eHYfhDtd58TQyMBnxvrL1tKPZWG/s1600/Author+Carol+Kilgore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RhjzGO_7Od2CS2K12ejR6Dh-jwPlSSP1lG6ufY8ioMzGk3HcMqXFtaHLuuidmdHZYSqqtf1rDzMq3hdVY6sC14nK9qqHNBLy85ECMOCWYaTuJ7zX1eHYfhDtd58TQyMBnxvrL1tKPZWG/s400/Author+Carol+Kilgore.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="336" data-original-height="448" /></a></div></a><br />
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<i><b>Other K.M. Saint James book reviews: </b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyZr4i6BdTa6LYcx73wuAUZ8eLbIUJOwnoyu_KzQhDnI8z4g3HaaoA5upboWVijAm606utw9cRnHl2Fw6nEnqlLuuW-sb3TJ2hZirhG2BJCWNkRQ3U5fRDEcdILyXRJZhLIcX2b2oS6If/s1600/SS+Bazinet.Warlock+Under+the+Mistletoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyZr4i6BdTa6LYcx73wuAUZ8eLbIUJOwnoyu_KzQhDnI8z4g3HaaoA5upboWVijAm606utw9cRnHl2Fw6nEnqlLuuW-sb3TJ2hZirhG2BJCWNkRQ3U5fRDEcdILyXRJZhLIcX2b2oS6If/s200/SS+Bazinet.Warlock+Under+the+Mistletoe.jpg" width="133" height="200" data-original-width="230" data-original-height="346" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/12/a-warlock-under-mistletoe-by-ss-bazinet.html">A Warlock Under The Mistletoe by S.S. Bazinet</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8ZfhJlO3SmZnrwjlIDyTkvc_ONRs_qSIinjD03ZPHsOAmqM6uC25eOD_XXBnEr1C3XKVtgh88L7DG2uZHqNwBeCbBvth8s5I79tOPu93g5ncZ9lMATztjWoykvnnfLbjMHRoizxhGfzZ/s1600/Tempting+Mr.+Townsend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8ZfhJlO3SmZnrwjlIDyTkvc_ONRs_qSIinjD03ZPHsOAmqM6uC25eOD_XXBnEr1C3XKVtgh88L7DG2uZHqNwBeCbBvth8s5I79tOPu93g5ncZ9lMATztjWoykvnnfLbjMHRoizxhGfzZ/s200/Tempting+Mr.+Townsend.jpg" width="133" height="200" data-original-width="333" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/10/book-review-tempting-mr-townsend-by.html">Tempting Mr. Townsend by Anna Campbell</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HcdSZ07R9T5lkm0n8XLlTdCrjvDgxt5Qb_0qVRFvIgxT7HlOEBBaEPkObjEgCsfqW6SPQszPZtwfJFy6WmH6ooQItr5qPbmHyEsvKhcUd_Yo485xMT5YVtsV9C4EMpJvQ0q98EKEDpnM/s1600/Grey%2527s+Lady.Natasha+Blackthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HcdSZ07R9T5lkm0n8XLlTdCrjvDgxt5Qb_0qVRFvIgxT7HlOEBBaEPkObjEgCsfqW6SPQszPZtwfJFy6WmH6ooQItr5qPbmHyEsvKhcUd_Yo485xMT5YVtsV9C4EMpJvQ0q98EKEDpnM/s200/Grey%2527s+Lady.Natasha+Blackthorne.jpg" width="133" height="200" data-original-width="333" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/11/greys-lady-by-natasha-blackthorne-book.html"><br />
Grey's Lady by Natasha Blackthorne</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxXkLfAtF5cKGu3xgQzvpUpkU0SZ2SSQVY1V5iybR83QwhDxRVd895MbWbIofjSRA7pZlLtCkivdKbEwYDmM-K62n3gioZEywsHbdxA7STicay-MdJChX9oQVhPDts6YRyywKUmvLx7h0/s1600/Giving+a+Heart+of+Lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxXkLfAtF5cKGu3xgQzvpUpkU0SZ2SSQVY1V5iybR83QwhDxRVd895MbWbIofjSRA7pZlLtCkivdKbEwYDmM-K62n3gioZEywsHbdxA7STicay-MdJChX9oQVhPDts6YRyywKUmvLx7h0/s200/Giving+a+Heart+of+Lace.jpg" width="133" height="200" data-original-width="333" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/10/giving-heart-of-lace-sweet-and-clean.html">Giving a Heart of Lace: Sweet and Clean Regency Romance</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-43331884749539226722019-02-20T21:53:00.000-06:002019-02-28T16:29:27.470-06:00How to entice Readers . . . 5 Writing Tips to Building Book Teasers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uPcgw5GnKldgNq8JUecztNnazmrzsfvHwZWeOiFgxM-GUiiYdabnn5mk-1A-7WmaovJc65H3glY08T9zLU40dMv9fsyBpEhKdUUWUe4i9GwgcudNLZHuDHyx7dor1vxR4Z-iTnTWZ1Pp/s1600/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uPcgw5GnKldgNq8JUecztNnazmrzsfvHwZWeOiFgxM-GUiiYdabnn5mk-1A-7WmaovJc65H3glY08T9zLU40dMv9fsyBpEhKdUUWUe4i9GwgcudNLZHuDHyx7dor1vxR4Z-iTnTWZ1Pp/s640/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" width="640" height="431" data-original-width="769" data-original-height="518" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Writing . . . writing . . . and writing. The book is nearing its end. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>NOW WHAT????</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
Before you go crazy considering <i>ALL</i> the things to do for a book launch, focus on something closer to your current writing mind-set. <br />
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Every writing day is about producing new words. But it is also about editing what's on page. You polish scene consistency, authentic characters, snappy dialogue, and just enough narrative to set any scene. <br />
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So, while completely enmeshed in the writing and rewriting, here is the perfect opportunity to search out book teasers for the upcoming book launch. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Remember, writing as a PROfessional requires authors to hone their craft, daily.</b> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Teasers -- DO's and DON'T's </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF07hLv18z7rGFJ1xd0qTLO29PrsDH5RcHUsDHKEvlZj6tD4ef6kxBy-dGfNIY6FQ09XyfLzNt17g-Qoj7s5h75nCUBwzI2L7Gt7MwcFdfAdjQiByWFmyMBcoouZTgEnpyrTkuWFzjv4j/s1600/word-counter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHF07hLv18z7rGFJ1xd0qTLO29PrsDH5RcHUsDHKEvlZj6tD4ef6kxBy-dGfNIY6FQ09XyfLzNt17g-Qoj7s5h75nCUBwzI2L7Gt7MwcFdfAdjQiByWFmyMBcoouZTgEnpyrTkuWFzjv4j/s320/word-counter.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
<b>FIRST--</b> THERE is NOT a perfect number of words required to produce a great teaser. Don't believe that it must be one paragraph . . . or two paragraphs . . . or three paragraphs. The word count isn't important. The essence of the teaser -- what is revealed -- is, however, crucial. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnLBSMBcmLLhECfZnuHau5WUmQi1XYv7ZTaGUtfhrotXGV89ZBX2ref6MlFStvgdnIQxTTdyINUjQthm8Gz6n4fWkuy5pzVomu5ry3ISy2Uy6qrwcTbQHt_Bv3LeK54aTzrfUzTzsiPxG/s1600/tf-good-speech-should-be-like-skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnLBSMBcmLLhECfZnuHau5WUmQi1XYv7ZTaGUtfhrotXGV89ZBX2ref6MlFStvgdnIQxTTdyINUjQthm8Gz6n4fWkuy5pzVomu5ry3ISy2Uy6qrwcTbQHt_Bv3LeK54aTzrfUzTzsiPxG/s640/tf-good-speech-should-be-like-skirt.jpg" width="640" height="334" data-original-width="540" data-original-height="282" /></a></div><br />
My mother frequently used the Winston Churchill quote when I was in middle school. Oh, not the good speech part, but the short skirt part. <br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>The concept of just <i>long enough</i> is what's important.</b> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<b>SECOND --</b> IF you lift text exactly from your WIP, the teaser may leave the reader scratching their head. Consider editing the text for dynamic purpose. Does a line or two need to be removed? Is this text section filled with 'he said/she said', but it doesn't really identify the characters? Is there NO scene setting in the lifted text and your characters have that 'floating in space' problem? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH1UqmA2Sxw5_r4cKu0ahf_s2FQXaAmE153jIvjsUXfxlg2RopL7mwTdmYjHTJtNmTP2AI5v7u9zHqSWtSrUor4dqxaX8rzO09_trapX8S8c-9_Aytf5pYlkFSzYMNGFSfIQ9LqNLDfpI/s1600/he+said.she+said.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGH1UqmA2Sxw5_r4cKu0ahf_s2FQXaAmE153jIvjsUXfxlg2RopL7mwTdmYjHTJtNmTP2AI5v7u9zHqSWtSrUor4dqxaX8rzO09_trapX8S8c-9_Aytf5pYlkFSzYMNGFSfIQ9LqNLDfpI/s400/he+said.she+said.png" width="400" height="288" data-original-width="265" data-original-height="191" /></a></div><br />
<b>THIRD --</b> YOU will need more book teasers than you think so it's better to have loads in the hopper then sort through to cull out the best. <br />
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I start by sorting book teasers into short, medium, and long categories. If posting to Twitter, keep in mind the character count. If posting to Pinterest, keep in mind the pixel sizing. Consider where you plan to, initially, launch your social media blitz. Be clear on the perimeters to successfully and EFFECTIVELY target that audience. Very often, less is more. Heavy text even on the greatest artwork becomes too cumbersome for readers to scan. Think about movie trailers and how many scenes are flashed on screen in 30 seconds. Concise and poignant is often the best bet. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3qAUXqB3Tz6_qN1TEM8o8kueGBriukUFVy3KPzQI2gVCwrccTwfi18r_HJq6qxcsFwefkgZjlvTVCg5WpUnej1C0x0g6N9dDIiA6BYZAVT3ats82nFt57Hlr2ZLQd1u1E9AVSf0EHc9p/s1600/math+logo+for+less+is+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje3qAUXqB3Tz6_qN1TEM8o8kueGBriukUFVy3KPzQI2gVCwrccTwfi18r_HJq6qxcsFwefkgZjlvTVCg5WpUnej1C0x0g6N9dDIiA6BYZAVT3ats82nFt57Hlr2ZLQd1u1E9AVSf0EHc9p/s400/math+logo+for+less+is+more.jpg" width="400" height="256" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1025" /></a></div><br />
<b>FOURTH --</b> INCORPORATE artwork into the teasers. The graphic artist is still hard at work on the final cover design for my second book: Chasing Destiny. In the meantime, I utilized basic concepts and it gives me a working backdrop. Depending on your skill set with 'artistically' based programs, you may build any number of options. The point is to consider the best written offering to attach to the artwork for maximum reader impact. <br />
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As I write romance, I select short, medium, and long book teasers that will emphasize sexual tension between my protagonists. <br />
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<b>Long teaser: </b> <br />
<blockquote>“You could kiss me." Jaycee's whisper reflected the ache of her soul. <br />
“I thought we didn’t have a relationship." <br />
Uh-oh, maybe she’d misread the clues. It had been a long time since she’d wanted to seduce a man. Scratch that. She’d never wanted a man the way she wanted Garrick Shapiro. Striving for a lighter tone, Jaycee gave his shoulder a playful poke. “I’m talking a simple kiss here." <br />
“There is nothing simple between us." He stroked a thumb across her bottom lip. “Timing’s not great. You’ve already had a roller coaster day." <br />
“Don’t coddle me, Garrick,” she stressed. Reaching out, Jaycee took the initiative. He wasn’t immune to her, not if the fire in his eyes was any sign. “I’ve lived a lifetime with overprotective males. Assume I know my own mind." <br />
“Full sail ahead and damn the reefs, is that it?" He lifted his head, turning his gaze to the distant horizon as if searching for answers. “So, all you want is a kiss?”<br />
Eyes the color of molten steel and filled with every woman’s dream of pure passion turned her way, capturing her breath and holding her a willing prisoner. <br />
This was the look she’d waited for a lifetime. <br />
Jaycee nodded.</blockquote><br />
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<b>Medium teaser: </b> <br />
<blockquote>When Jaycee didn’t immediately take the proffered material, Garrick extended it further. “Go on. It doesn’t bite.”<br />
“What about you?” Embarrassed heat rushed across her cheeks. Great. Smooth. She’d lost what was left of her mind. With a face that probably glowed like a bright red fire truck, Jaycee reached up, pulling down hard on the brim of her baseball cap. “What I meant was . . . you were in such a mood before. . . earlier.” She jerked at the offered folder. “Never mind.” <br />
“On the contrary, Ms. Donovan. It’s a fair question.” His grip tightened, not releasing their paper tether until she lifted her gaze. Flecks of amusement glittered in his glance. “I will admit . . . I’ve been known to bite, but only when invited.”</blockquote><br />
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<b>Short teaser:</b> <br />
<blockquote>Wanting as never before, needing to be closer still, Jaycee slid into his warmth and melted into Garrick's embrace. She was certain, the world ceased to spin because nothing at that moment—his future or her past—none of it mattered.</blockquote><br />
<b>FIFTH --</b> CONSIDER the audience for your genre. If writing fantasy, what teasers from your WIP best put the reader under your spell? If writing horror, what teasers from your WIP would scare the living bejesus out of them . . . and of course, make them want to turn the next page? <br />
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Finishing the book is a great and fabulous accomplishment. Be certain to celebrate the moment. But on the road to the end, gather a few of your written gems for use as <b>Book Teasers</b> <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Be a Better Writer . . . <br />
AT<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjJlbK-BXOTsaVhr-50BC1dOxmMFGhxqoznXRnXfYlhcu6msWjNhWmcFvPFRtMYfRqVb4YAdqBwxGicEnPt6VvZsHvXeUBIJFEh802GfH5BR0aje3PbYHKoM4An30sdtn_U-tdOsK_GP9/s1600/Teaching+an+old+dog+new+tricks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjJlbK-BXOTsaVhr-50BC1dOxmMFGhxqoznXRnXfYlhcu6msWjNhWmcFvPFRtMYfRqVb4YAdqBwxGicEnPt6VvZsHvXeUBIJFEh802GfH5BR0aje3PbYHKoM4An30sdtn_U-tdOsK_GP9/s400/Teaching+an+old+dog+new+tricks.png" width="400" height="308" data-original-width="864" data-original-height="665" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/10/teaching-old-dog-writer-new-tricks.html">Teaching an Old Dog (writer) New Tricks. Secrets to Better Writing.</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWeO8YWrxGGJqFcU52kFKbWrWjB0jRTTAJq-kNd-QNRh3TrsKadiz-oDZrphrhJZw75QRRWIYSS5uGxJ2lDx9HFWHYxUWFiQTDUx9iCg4xjksjev5sZNYSNt-Z2nn6Bab_iYGPyra7xH/s1600/marked+book+pages.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpWeO8YWrxGGJqFcU52kFKbWrWjB0jRTTAJq-kNd-QNRh3TrsKadiz-oDZrphrhJZw75QRRWIYSS5uGxJ2lDx9HFWHYxUWFiQTDUx9iCg4xjksjev5sZNYSNt-Z2nn6Bab_iYGPyra7xH/s200/marked+book+pages.png" width="200" height="189" data-original-width="434" data-original-height="410" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/09/catchy-phrases-101.html">Writing The Perfect Phrase -- studying the masters! </a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-32013051092664803742019-02-14T13:31:00.000-06:002019-10-24T11:09:12.485-05:007 Tips for Travelling the Texas back roads -- weekend road trip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5vk9uPsM5hwa1P_dCgpwv6t1Zb2BMZRR-aBSpkvJ9nzBWPM3t_17FH9FN2xHXmLx4ZGJQNOMQ0vX3xLmv_2i9FewcdW2QzNEKLKn3aGE1hKsehspgISccpIirCttpw-0aMKrW_VtIDjY/s1600/Tips+for+Trips+on+backroads+getaways.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5vk9uPsM5hwa1P_dCgpwv6t1Zb2BMZRR-aBSpkvJ9nzBWPM3t_17FH9FN2xHXmLx4ZGJQNOMQ0vX3xLmv_2i9FewcdW2QzNEKLKn3aGE1hKsehspgISccpIirCttpw-0aMKrW_VtIDjY/s640/Tips+for+Trips+on+backroads+getaways.png" width="640" height="429" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="536" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote>We in Texas are arrogant folks who believe that spring or summer is ALWAYS just around the corner. We hold this belief with solid evidence to back us up . . . well, at least most of the time. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>This past weekend found me travelling on an East Texas backroads trip for a bit of birthday celebration. Hubby didn’t want a big fuss for his BD, didn’t want entertaining, just some quiet time for the two of us.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>He had fond memories of a lovely drive through the Davy Crockett National Forest and into Lufkin, TX. (for map clarification, this is East Texas.)</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote>Of course, these memories came from one of his trucking runs, which meant it was mainly made in the dead of night. Lots of things look great in the dead of night. I don’t need to go further with that explanation. </blockquote><br />
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Before we embarked on our journey, I engaged in my usual Internet research. If I’m headed out to a destination, I WILL load up on area sites of interest, restaurants to enjoy and to AVOID, hotel reviews, and perhaps more importantly, off the beaten path points of interest. <br />
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I don’t always get it right. And what would be the fun of a vacation without one horror story, but we generally find unique stops and undiscovered gems in eateries. <br />
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So, what did I learn from this excursion?<br />
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<blockquote><b>1) Do not go to East Texas in the dead of winter for the scenery.</b> When it’s been fairly cold, when Texas has actually suffered through a hard freeze or two . . . the trees will be bare and bereft of leaves. Please, don’t misunderstand me. There are times that barren landscapes feed my soul. But when I’m after a cozy getaway—not so much. Consider that if you’re headed into an area or part of the country that’s known for its GREEN, don’t go during the dead of winter. That much barrenness simply becomes bleak.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>2) Be cautious about museums that sport only a handful of ‘open’ hours per week.</b> Also, if you are completely unfamiliar with an area, call in advance to confirm address and hours. Our excursion hunting the Houston County Museum in Crockett, TX turned out to be an exercise in futility. Either the address (from 3 references) was woefully incorrect or my GPS lost its mind. We drove down poorly maintained roads, drove in circles, drove for waaay too long, and still couldn’t discover the missing museum. A call to the location netted their answering machine (quaint accent, but not a live person) and a Google search for the exact museum name from the answering machine listed a location 112 miles away. Um . . . I don’t think so. We did explore Goliad Avenue. Several times. We found the local DQ and shared their last Dilly Bar. And we found our way out of town. </blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b>3) Enjoy the unexpected.</b> The DQ visit netted a couple of good ole cowboys, one complete with spurs. No chaps, but boots, jeans, hat and . . . the spurs. In Texas pickup trucks rule the roads. Freeways, city streets, country roads will all sport a plethora of brand spanking-new to old enough to be held together by rust, duct tape, and memories. Dusty windshields, grimy bumpers, mud-crusted wheels, the working pickup trucks dotted the Crocket DQ parking lot. Hubby & I figured – which is what you do when in Texas – that the cowboys belonged to one of the pickup trucks. We figured right. They climbed into a King cab, complete with animal trailer and one serious-looking bull then were off in a cloud of Dairy Queen parking lot dust. Small Texas towns provide their own eclectic version of everyday folks and for those of us who watch the world, loads of moment-by-moment entertainment. </blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuPkPLTUrwAjrexn-9wFcPE39lrA6XMSXBZBh6lJqPssNS64vfZ8koqwE1tgYUWOC-HVbrQApWKhj6cXrtPn28OtVtRNbxzY3IVBf1iLUlSMyU3vWhlJHuLakRSpvEvvXiJaWpOKZ-pMV/s1600/chevy-truck-generations-old-new-720x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuPkPLTUrwAjrexn-9wFcPE39lrA6XMSXBZBh6lJqPssNS64vfZ8koqwE1tgYUWOC-HVbrQApWKhj6cXrtPn28OtVtRNbxzY3IVBf1iLUlSMyU3vWhlJHuLakRSpvEvvXiJaWpOKZ-pMV/s400/chevy-truck-generations-old-new-720x720.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="720" data-original-height="480" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><b>4) If the area that you visit delivers any type of local newspaper or glad rag, pick it up.</b> A great meal was found at the <a href="http://clearspringsrestaurant.com/nacogdoches/">Clear Spring Café</a> in Nacogdoches, TX. That locale didn’t show up on my Google searches or my Yelp request. I can’t answer why as once I researched the specific name, Yelp loaded scads of happy Texans reviews. Their webpage loaded easily and had all the things that tick the boxes for me. It was a win. The freshly prepped onion rings are worth the stop, and this close to the Louisiana border, the Cajun influence could be found.</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPTq-XVLlgWQ63qCqnuoqx1Th8OQ97qqeL1uaSONZ8VXN8gmjUtdn4T4HjPBsYG8KCLJpOgzDeA8EGQvQVycdxL_lGi-DpYoXTV_QrQPL2QHgaemEr6PYN2ZSuJIE4DLQVxeqD4B7aV83/s1600/Clear+Spring+Cafe+in+Nacogdoches.tx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPTq-XVLlgWQ63qCqnuoqx1Th8OQ97qqeL1uaSONZ8VXN8gmjUtdn4T4HjPBsYG8KCLJpOgzDeA8EGQvQVycdxL_lGi-DpYoXTV_QrQPL2QHgaemEr6PYN2ZSuJIE4DLQVxeqD4B7aV83/s400/Clear+Spring+Cafe+in+Nacogdoches.tx.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="750" data-original-height="1000" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b>5) Talk to the hotel front desk.</b> I will warn you . . . this can provide hit-or-miss results. If the desk clerk responds to your area questions, with a blank look – don’t pursue it. They often struggle to be helpful and you end up with less than sterling results. If, however, the clerk offers ready suggestions and knows details, then you’ve found a mining source for your stay.</blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><b>6) State & National Parks can add to the adventure.</b> We have now purchased a National Geographic book and are hoping for better results on our future impromptu road trips. A National or State park always seems like a good excursion, but driving through the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008441">Davy Crockett National Forest</a> did disappoint. The posted speed limit is 70. Do you know what scenery looks like @ 70? A blur. We saw several upcoming historical marker signs, but never actually saw the memorial. Again, at 70, and below – we were in the right-hand lane – who knows what all we missed.</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawK5MNKjaZ9GW6LtAa8TMWPcJ20Vr4QFYR4ITz7CxVDzSjOqsuDB-wVy8tIJaRBVIwjlaojChT3NINpCGSdPlSMv4ZlehMUqvikhEt21PeuUMZNj6yQt7ZOli_mM7NZaVjdtIcMhu1UNt/s1600/70+mph+speed+limit+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawK5MNKjaZ9GW6LtAa8TMWPcJ20Vr4QFYR4ITz7CxVDzSjOqsuDB-wVy8tIJaRBVIwjlaojChT3NINpCGSdPlSMv4ZlehMUqvikhEt21PeuUMZNj6yQt7ZOli_mM7NZaVjdtIcMhu1UNt/s400/70+mph+speed+limit+sign.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="534" data-original-height="712" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b>7) Historic downtowns – a sure score for <a href="https://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/883/Historic-Preservation">Nacogdoches</a></b>, which is billed as the oldest town in Texas. Old brick streets, buildings with the well-worn wooden floors – creaky and sloped, twenty foot ceilings, even a few with original lead glass. <a href="https://www.visitnacogdoches.org/downtown-shopping/">Historic Nacogdoches</a> didn’t disappoint. Most clerks in the stores were the actual owners. Loads of great stories and folks who’d spent their lives in the area. We discovered an Artesian Stained-glass window & door builder (his shop is part of the store); antique stores (some set-up with the booths for browsing), but one was a shotgun building no more than fifteen feet wide, filled with widgets and gadgets from the former century and that musty, dusty scent you can only find in truly dated buildings; the last store find was filled with a barrel-chested fiddle maker with his pot-bellied red hot stove and his trusty banjo companions strumming away in one warm corner. It was fabulous.</blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFn-UYxJg5JcPmdC_dNLFumVQwZTN1wkc7AyuU8bUg_DYZrdK74TGp7Yeg3SfpH3AIA9pVqnYq2sLtcokaAcgcGnSDqAFIA18cmsgl26w-XRj9l5-p6yuhINJl9j4YA72YAPoZF_rwxIjH/s1600/antique+sign+for+Nacogdoches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFn-UYxJg5JcPmdC_dNLFumVQwZTN1wkc7AyuU8bUg_DYZrdK74TGp7Yeg3SfpH3AIA9pVqnYq2sLtcokaAcgcGnSDqAFIA18cmsgl26w-XRj9l5-p6yuhINJl9j4YA72YAPoZF_rwxIjH/s400/antique+sign+for+Nacogdoches.jpg" width="400" height="125" data-original-width="1400" data-original-height="438" /></a></div><br />
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<b>No matter where we go, coming home is always wonderful. Perhaps the outside scenery wasn’t all we could have hoped for . . . but life is about the journey and this weekend getaway will always hold precious memories. </b><br />
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<blockquote><i><br />
<b>Other Texas Spots to VISIT: </b></i></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvSYdEcWEnazX6ykN1VFxlzeqkP6Fs0Sli-d6GtAYvLAfa1a_AbGXV9WRAvqGGw6oDuaFeImkOF2RJ7eadtpdF3J8u-q8S4enpH7rvVrXyQ8s57SUfEYcn2IXSnKQt_YAEd24bDJoeNXz/s1600/5+Fabulous+bars+-+better+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvSYdEcWEnazX6ykN1VFxlzeqkP6Fs0Sli-d6GtAYvLAfa1a_AbGXV9WRAvqGGw6oDuaFeImkOF2RJ7eadtpdF3J8u-q8S4enpH7rvVrXyQ8s57SUfEYcn2IXSnKQt_YAEd24bDJoeNXz/s320/5+Fabulous+bars+-+better+graphic.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="692" data-original-height="692" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/03/5-fort-worth-texas-bars-worth-stop.html">5 Fabulous Fort Worth Bars -- not your standard honky-tonk!</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-44195072978966997132019-02-06T23:19:00.000-06:002019-03-28T12:44:01.355-05:006 Steps to Editing Like a PROfessional!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXyoN1RmTpbM6u2_YC1C94drgDjSOXJbaJKJT-UOmD3oXvsqwH8rBQ6Lubh4sGTgbO7LWMBHJ6BZNr9zAhTp6SiuZim-JHTnRJJ8PE46qpfuGuGb4XKgonGy15RE94yOwfc5YH0TJRFaZ/s1600/Editing+like+a+PROfessional.6+tips+to+get+you+there%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXyoN1RmTpbM6u2_YC1C94drgDjSOXJbaJKJT-UOmD3oXvsqwH8rBQ6Lubh4sGTgbO7LWMBHJ6BZNr9zAhTp6SiuZim-JHTnRJJ8PE46qpfuGuGb4XKgonGy15RE94yOwfc5YH0TJRFaZ/s640/Editing+like+a+PROfessional.6+tips+to+get+you+there%2521.png" width="469" height="640" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="639" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Editing is hard work . . . anyone who tells you differently is selling something. </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Editing is part of every writer’s job . . . anyone who tells you differently is selling something. </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Finding the time, and more importantly, making that time count is how the PROfessionals edit. </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Below are 6 editing tricks to enhance your writing.</b> </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<b>1) Find your editing groove.</b> For some this is EARLY when eyes are the sharpest and focus is the clearest. For others their peak time might be mid-to-late afternoon. Caffeine kicks in, morning rush dies down and – again, this is about focus – the brain settles into a rhythm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharQRCpDslAf_XhARBKqYg8Hu-BVSbHAB4gryTOGMPa-XGZBjSygJ1gBS-jGNVTZ56r6pSh7kpedD3C8LzXLfMi7hexwei9rDJEjxAM7nSBtkzJlWAZmi4Rt3yaIGvtRvtVmMmZQo9bDU8/s1600/coffee-smil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharQRCpDslAf_XhARBKqYg8Hu-BVSbHAB4gryTOGMPa-XGZBjSygJ1gBS-jGNVTZ56r6pSh7kpedD3C8LzXLfMi7hexwei9rDJEjxAM7nSBtkzJlWAZmi4Rt3yaIGvtRvtVmMmZQo9bDU8/s320/coffee-smil.jpg" width="320" height="214" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1068" /></a></div><br />
I caution against late night editing. Eyes are slower for all the image bombardment of the day. Eagle eyes are needed for great editing. If, however, evening is the ONLY quiet time – then read the sentences aloud. That’s the best way to catch what’s actually on the page. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOFAxnunAnlx2aEoVpCzaSGD8t4QmcP9strnzRcU6Em-uJGLqrrsLnT_1iIdrRzmylcJt_o6kMgwC1qmC_w8ZGE9NrlESd2EJ7gVhuK_cYCs14bvoSGKfvL8QWmTGSql9gPI2Kb1XijBc/s1600/Incredibles+2.X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOFAxnunAnlx2aEoVpCzaSGD8t4QmcP9strnzRcU6Em-uJGLqrrsLnT_1iIdrRzmylcJt_o6kMgwC1qmC_w8ZGE9NrlESd2EJ7gVhuK_cYCs14bvoSGKfvL8QWmTGSql9gPI2Kb1XijBc/s320/Incredibles+2.X4.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="618" data-original-height="412" /></a></div><br />
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<b>2) Highlight sticking points.</b> One particular sentence seem muddy? Dialogue exchange stilted? Blocking in the scene missing? Think about it. Mull it over. But NOT TOO LONG. Don’t get dragged into the writing whirlpool and expect to rescue every drowning sentence. Highlight the sticking points and then MOVE on. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf_nRoMur2idi1RBDlUzRcQsKTcy_1zIWrg1Cs4RbX8-2iDvktHkKQ8kLJmgr26vN40OtYD4esYerCFUDNbNkstQhZDCHgGb8TKgDI7kuXSo4-nd616yDzwciLgu8anEOq_BuNIT9rwIa/s1600/highlighters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf_nRoMur2idi1RBDlUzRcQsKTcy_1zIWrg1Cs4RbX8-2iDvktHkKQ8kLJmgr26vN40OtYD4esYerCFUDNbNkstQhZDCHgGb8TKgDI7kuXSo4-nd616yDzwciLgu8anEOq_BuNIT9rwIa/s320/highlighters.jpg" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="605" data-original-height="340" /></a></div><br />
The solution to the original hiccup may reveal itself a page later . . . two pages later . . . when you’re in the shower. (That’s a biggy for me. My dialogue is suddenly brilliant while I’m in the shower. Ink blots and smudges really can tell a story.) <br />
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<b>3) Great editing is about condensing.</b> <blockquote>A) Don’t be afraid to rip out meandering dialogue. Think about that friend (or relative) who never met a short story. Get to the point. B) Scene setting is necessary; world-building may be a must for your genre. But readers will skip loooooong descriptive passages. Focus on the specific elements that make that particular description important then highlight those aspects. C) Adverbs are NOT a writer’s friend. Use with caution. </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMrwzOaQnKMdBe-_GMDPuckRUk-o_9DFMdQqtJs5RaGuamedKMN6YgJ9VQaKevZkcLzkmEl7afmS_aifD3sHc6qV4QaK108Ke6SiIfp7GCwo2tNvVL9Q6CQeyMBwZsuoXmQeV1HzvVrgW/s1600/Stephan+King+and+no+adverbs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMrwzOaQnKMdBe-_GMDPuckRUk-o_9DFMdQqtJs5RaGuamedKMN6YgJ9VQaKevZkcLzkmEl7afmS_aifD3sHc6qV4QaK108Ke6SiIfp7GCwo2tNvVL9Q6CQeyMBwZsuoXmQeV1HzvVrgW/s320/Stephan+King+and+no+adverbs.png" width="320" height="149" data-original-width="750" data-original-height="350" /></a></div><br />
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<b>4) Enhance chapter hooks.</b> Can you name 3 writers that make it impossible for you to put down their book? Why? Great writing – sure. Good plot – absolutely. Superb characters – goes without saying. But I’d place a bet . . . on chapter hooks. How do you hone that skill? <blockquote>A) Study the timing your favorite authors employ. B) Study 30-minute TV shows. C) Study YA novella authors. </blockquote>One of my go-to authors is Gary Paulsen. He started in short serials before moving to YA novels. He wrote for youth at an easily distracted age, yet he kept them turning the pages. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy7j1VUeYh6L1LvTrBVcUJgcP8SBlZbpn7LpdFnrMzUQb61QpqAMEtd-GTQDhaCRnt2bbcHf8T2dKix3NQsSSFxP-jaoo-0M6-BmdJ7LuSZwzJdBZXoZPyIBFQ1PRFiLsvPI-fWFEgxh8/s1600/Gary+Paulsen.Hatchet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoy7j1VUeYh6L1LvTrBVcUJgcP8SBlZbpn7LpdFnrMzUQb61QpqAMEtd-GTQDhaCRnt2bbcHf8T2dKix3NQsSSFxP-jaoo-0M6-BmdJ7LuSZwzJdBZXoZPyIBFQ1PRFiLsvPI-fWFEgxh8/s320/Gary+Paulsen.Hatchet.jpg" width="218" height="320" data-original-width="340" data-original-height="500" /></a></div><br />
If adverbs should be avoided like the plague, then chapter hooks should be embraced liked antibiotics. <br />
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<b>5) During editing pay close attention to easy-to-transpose words.</b> <blockquote>A) patient vs. patience; B) complied vs. compiled; C) advise vs. advice. D) analyze vs. analysis; E) ever vs. every.</blockquote>The list can be endless, and even tedious. If you’re unsure on the correct version, highlight the word and check for synonyms. Still confused? <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/">Use Dictionary.com</a> or your favorite online word source. I work with double monitors to keep support sources easily accessible. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkWg7-HyMx5PU78yg-sp2snYx8KkvNJSoBuhDOhsaSIWq8YsnYEXBmV-T_SfOGwfkWR_uIH4X5xYAnsEmlrk6_XjEJ9dgjrZUoclY_woBXYWC-a5OwN1z6UDKzKSKKpiFprTE8_UHGgwX/s1600/smiley+face+thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkWg7-HyMx5PU78yg-sp2snYx8KkvNJSoBuhDOhsaSIWq8YsnYEXBmV-T_SfOGwfkWR_uIH4X5xYAnsEmlrk6_XjEJ9dgjrZUoclY_woBXYWC-a5OwN1z6UDKzKSKKpiFprTE8_UHGgwX/s320/smiley+face+thinking.jpg" width="310" height="320" data-original-width="221" data-original-height="228" /></a></div><br />
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<b>6) Step six to editing like a PRO is an extension of step five.</b> Be aware of your go-to words. One of my writing redundancies is ‘back’. Step back. Go back. He moved back. Her back. His back. Back off. Back away. Am I backing myself into a corner? Find a word cloud program, even a Plain Jane version in your document program of choice, then analyze a scene or chapter. If you are guilty of lazy repetition, it will leap off the page. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_r7gU9aWC7-CuGk9zDZMWCk2IiV6o14PiAFpL0HOwkyAhW1TeF_1HHnmbN8IxCjequamAlp8_JR9mZKJzVOMZcf3VZAYiCT7Q7T1Hb5SeobQ7s7ZvicedWyQKEeNCBumcDb8IfkY-cVj/s1600/Harm%2527s+Way.chapter+one.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_r7gU9aWC7-CuGk9zDZMWCk2IiV6o14PiAFpL0HOwkyAhW1TeF_1HHnmbN8IxCjequamAlp8_JR9mZKJzVOMZcf3VZAYiCT7Q7T1Hb5SeobQ7s7ZvicedWyQKEeNCBumcDb8IfkY-cVj/s320/Harm%2527s+Way.chapter+one.png" width="320" height="180" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Good news for writers everywhere: Editing like a PROfessional writer is a learned skill.</b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>You don’t expect to be a fabulous writer first rattle out of the box.</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>As a writer, you’ll create loads of boxes (stories) and each one will require editing (loads of editing).</b> </blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<b><blockquote>Add these 6 editing tips to your writer’s arsenal and you will deliver more concise and enjoyable words to page. </blockquote></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85-IlwbKeBwg4eiZLiSWQm-4ECoFPoMwzZGGtKpxzrs02sQ9izd1q_ot3BuWu6WTzRmRGHoUBa3IRaREZZLsEz63GADjWtnbGNLenZEAqGIyn7s0sg43ibFZu9naIUUfqo2FdsTp3PXj2/s1600/William.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85-IlwbKeBwg4eiZLiSWQm-4ECoFPoMwzZGGtKpxzrs02sQ9izd1q_ot3BuWu6WTzRmRGHoUBa3IRaREZZLsEz63GADjWtnbGNLenZEAqGIyn7s0sg43ibFZu9naIUUfqo2FdsTp3PXj2/s400/William.png" width="311" height="400" data-original-width="355" data-original-height="456" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Be at BETTER WRITER <br />
AT</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CUoRzuOqmZB-nmJMGTRoY5i0W7vm5WON5Cd1xDRLN9_YE2ZutDzn7sHSSo5fzNZA-btmf9_1UBJw1Dm8cig0Bni6TdnAQb2UxVRAkg3EqcJv1HcWWhINoOGxrqmrt9rrbfBSVoYTmL9C/s1600/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CUoRzuOqmZB-nmJMGTRoY5i0W7vm5WON5Cd1xDRLN9_YE2ZutDzn7sHSSo5fzNZA-btmf9_1UBJw1Dm8cig0Bni6TdnAQb2UxVRAkg3EqcJv1HcWWhINoOGxrqmrt9rrbfBSVoYTmL9C/s320/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" width="320" height="216" data-original-width="769" data-original-height="518" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-entice-readers-5-writing-tips-to.html">How to entice Readers . . . 5 Writing Tips to Building Book Teasers!</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQtPVy2F7peqyYHpFckJJVbNQ3pa1CssjvsIDQcrbbscbCFQ8c8fq2lHLmvU1EEYInz-8ziUAT1VC3rqsB6O_qy14ohpLSxXeQq5oFZkEqrZSkjVZpLo6Cj9-2Ox0WxPsD42t8IqhLzsd/s1600/Teaching+an+old+dog+new+tricks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQtPVy2F7peqyYHpFckJJVbNQ3pa1CssjvsIDQcrbbscbCFQ8c8fq2lHLmvU1EEYInz-8ziUAT1VC3rqsB6O_qy14ohpLSxXeQq5oFZkEqrZSkjVZpLo6Cj9-2Ox0WxPsD42t8IqhLzsd/s400/Teaching+an+old+dog+new+tricks.png" width="400" height="308" data-original-width="864" data-original-height="665" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2018/09/catchy-phrases-101.html"><br />
Writing the Perfect Phrase -- study the masters! </a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-13682786137903980442019-01-25T10:36:00.001-06:002019-01-25T10:36:37.899-06:00Book Club Pro - an author promotional and marketing option!<a href="https://www.bookclubpro.com/"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJtqltyspCdrL0U5QLtDa276sh9zv9aSJRxdOjcTeiZQ67d47k2iWzIO_lfpYdiYDKzX8_b4CpNfIFXlvzqmY5Ye5eJCCN9u0dB95c4j1nIecDnryGC3OdxZ3GCRjksbiAS_sQgxeTyEP/s1600/BookClubPro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJtqltyspCdrL0U5QLtDa276sh9zv9aSJRxdOjcTeiZQ67d47k2iWzIO_lfpYdiYDKzX8_b4CpNfIFXlvzqmY5Ye5eJCCN9u0dB95c4j1nIecDnryGC3OdxZ3GCRjksbiAS_sQgxeTyEP/s320/BookClubPro.jpg" width="320" height="157" data-original-width="746" data-original-height="365" /></a></div></a><br />
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I'll start with the obvious. This is a blog about BookClubPro, a promotional and author marketing environment for the Twitter feed. <br />
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I discovered this opportunity on Twitter via <a href="https://twitter.com/SSultrie">Stacie Sultrie</a>, a Paranormal Romance Author. <br />
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Registering for Book Club Pro took about 30 minutes out of my schedule. The registration sheet is comprised of basic questions, book links, author bio, book blurb, and if you have them in your wheelhouse, COMPRESSED TWEETS that Book Club Pro can use to promote your book. As I did not have all this information gathered, there was a bit of maneuvering between my Amazon site and my word document that contained my compressed tweets, but the entire process was painless. And the exercise forced me to compose a few of the missing links for the next promotional adventure. <br />
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I'll keep you posted as to the effect of <a href="https://www.bookclubpro.com/">BookClubPro</a> . . . or if you've used this service or other author promotional services, please share. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Oh, and the best part --it was FREE. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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Writing is hard work and always deserves our best effort. Sharing that BEST effort with readers can be daunting and taxing for authors. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>May 2019 be our year to find great author marketing and promotional sites. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-68784793260682884962019-01-10T23:04:00.000-06:002019-03-28T16:10:47.009-05:00A Writer's Magic - as close as fingertips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4ZlmCwggEJlbAFpwAp4Qcb3cIoMB5P6hyqEiIlSsKD7faK-ziCnUoTtmZCRUlDxCPts9YeBFIndEuFw1KbVmwGuKNEyGiV69ylcOGXI7Wu-ERD6SbqCW9SodKis7PgR-gyx4dZi0JiDU/s1600/A+Writer%2527s+Magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4ZlmCwggEJlbAFpwAp4Qcb3cIoMB5P6hyqEiIlSsKD7faK-ziCnUoTtmZCRUlDxCPts9YeBFIndEuFw1KbVmwGuKNEyGiV69ylcOGXI7Wu-ERD6SbqCW9SodKis7PgR-gyx4dZi0JiDU/s640/A+Writer%2527s+Magic.jpg" width="640" height="425" data-original-width="566" data-original-height="376" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote>Harry Potter used a wand. Bewitched twitched her nose. Harry Dresden wielded a staff. <br />
Writers come with their own special form of magic. <br />
Whether it's pen to pad, stylus to tablet, or keyboard to PC . . . a writer's magic is as close as fingertips. </blockquote><br />
<blockquote>New writers often feel that they must pursue fiction writing as they don't carry a bag of non-fiction writing tricks. </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn5zHEZRKUuzOl7xJPOYLcfCPN2XOnAOF0Rp8DDmG6AeMtBCKsCeNpa3JiIXzuHJ0ODH_O9busPD-refZgjZHW86EVz167vIQXxOTM58Wo8-xl4_N1dI1rwAYSFZa8fdMdAa2VptNrb-E/s1600/Mark+Twain+on+writingjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn5zHEZRKUuzOl7xJPOYLcfCPN2XOnAOF0Rp8DDmG6AeMtBCKsCeNpa3JiIXzuHJ0ODH_O9busPD-refZgjZHW86EVz167vIQXxOTM58Wo8-xl4_N1dI1rwAYSFZa8fdMdAa2VptNrb-E/s320/Mark+Twain+on+writingjpg.jpg" width="320" height="179" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="168" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote>Don't allow the concept of non-fiction writing to intimidate. <br />
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Consider the 3 easily defined categories: </blockquote><br />
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<b>Educating:</b> How-to-manuals, directions, historical explanations, or scientific explorations fall into this category. <br />
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<b>Influencing or persuasive:</b> Every sales brochure, each editorial, even academic critiques are designed to persuade the reader to a certain conclusion.<br />
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<b>Narrative:</b> story-telling, but in the non-fiction circuit it is to be based on facts. Basic journalism to feature writing, and even biographies would fall under the Narrative heading. <br />
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Many authors not only cross genres, but modes of writing between fiction and non-fiction. A writing paycheck can come from a variety of sources and it is the wise writer who pursues all opportunities.<br />
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But, this is a cautionary tale . . . Fiction and Non-fiction are <i><b>NOT</b></i> the same writing beast, and must be courted differently in order to achieve successful results. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW9b7FiVgcWNmUphqXiTaCQ5d-qeQlfkkOAlEdA8dDtpA7DvsEr2nE2eS8LodA-T0W8AHGJwpgOA6ekCnfrigw-0YX-OyAseY3gFm_A4I7kGFuKPH3ytiiB3tUao75JQGWRl_-vjthzWI/s1600/Be+Concise.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW9b7FiVgcWNmUphqXiTaCQ5d-qeQlfkkOAlEdA8dDtpA7DvsEr2nE2eS8LodA-T0W8AHGJwpgOA6ekCnfrigw-0YX-OyAseY3gFm_A4I7kGFuKPH3ytiiB3tUao75JQGWRl_-vjthzWI/s320/Be+Concise.png" width="320" height="216" data-original-width="282" data-original-height="190" /></a></div><br />
<b><blockquote><blockquote>Be concise: get to the point. Getting to the point is crucial in non-fiction. </blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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<blockquote>Know the point of your writing and get on with it. <br />
A) There is some leniency in the narrative form, but study news stories – both print and online – to gauge the quick pacing of these pieces. <br />
B) Educational writing varies wildly and while How-To-Manuals and Directions often taken on the bulleted-format, lengthy historical explanations and in-depth scientific explorations must still contain a very specific path from premise to conclusion. Be careful not to lose your way when working on the longer formats. Outlines can be a non-fiction writer’s best friend.<br />
C) Persuasive or influencing: this writing can be as short as a tag line, a book blurb, a closing sales pitch or deal with weighty issues from politics to retirement planning. A clearly defined goal is the most certain way to achieve the end result of the writing. </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXgwhq9QwPHts3o2vuOqeIAachbanu1jMFQFfoIL919bkYyM6Ui1TyY98WTOeDSv3lT3XLCML3mW4kaNkThGyXzwSn8RtFs9NQUSYN_KauEjlxID463wKl_5SXwFwjPRXFRPSH8a19s8A/s1600/Language+Choices.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXgwhq9QwPHts3o2vuOqeIAachbanu1jMFQFfoIL919bkYyM6Ui1TyY98WTOeDSv3lT3XLCML3mW4kaNkThGyXzwSn8RtFs9NQUSYN_KauEjlxID463wKl_5SXwFwjPRXFRPSH8a19s8A/s320/Language+Choices.png" width="320" height="225" data-original-width="342" data-original-height="240" /></a></div><br />
<b><blockquote><blockquote>Language choices: use power words and precision language. </blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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Keeping in line with the Be Concise attitude, force each of your words to carry their weight. Know (and keep a list) of verbs that are effective and reflective on your subject matter. Equally important, know precisely how to describe the product, the ideal, the event. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Pronouns: the NO-NO for non-fiction writing. </b></blockquote></blockquote>Fiction writers often court pronouns like a torrid love affair. They, those tiny pronouns, can essentially disappear on page and not slow reading. HOWEVER, and it is a huge however for non-fiction writing, especially technical and legal writing, pronouns provide opportunities for confusion. The average fiction reader may not mind re-reading a sentence or even a paragraph if lost in a point-of-view. <i>However</i>, a judge reviewing a motion, brief, or filing will take a dim view of that necessity and <i>however</i>, the mechanic handling a brake job doesn’t want to re-read confusing installation directions due to pronouns. See, I told you it was a huge HOWEVER. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><b>Grammar Rules: they are meant to be followed in non-fiction writing. </b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
Fiction authors, novice to NY Times best sellers will routinely break grammar rules. Unfortunately, many novice writers don’t know they have broken the rules, but that discussion is for another blog post. Non-fiction writers must be intimate with books such as <b>The Chicago Manual of Style</b>; <b>Essentials of English Grammar: The Quick Guide to Good English</b>; and <b>Basic English Grammar for Dummies.</b> <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote>Perhaps, you have read through this blog and questioned????? <br />
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But . . . <br />
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Aren’t these areas equally important for fiction writers? <br />
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<blockquote>Caught me.</blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I will confirm – GOOD WRITING SHOULD BE GOOD WRITING. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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Great fiction writers will brain-storm, outline, and plot in order to begin stories at the most exciting moment and conclude with the perfect resolution. They’ll utilize story-boards, Post-it Notes, Trello boards and various techniques to start and end each scene, chapter, and novel with precision. <br />
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Great fiction writers will hone their language choices, then eliminate sentences, paragraphs and even scenes that drag the pacing. Their characters will always ask the right question, supply the most scathing rebuttal, and declare unfaltering devotion with a prose to rival Shakespeare. <br />
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Pronouns in fiction writing are more acceptable, and can, indeed, speed reading. But ONLY when done well. Great fiction writers pay careful attention to the use of dialogue tags, body blocking, and paragraph construction to guarantee that readers can easily follow along when pronouns are employed. In other words, these marvelous authors utilize precise language to lead the reader through any maze of pronouns. <br />
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Finally, fiction readers will forgive the occasional grammar break, but they depend . . . NO, I believe, they demand that their great fiction writers KNOW those rules and break with intent. <br />
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It’s worth saying again – GOOD WRITING SHOULD BE GOOD WRITING. <br />
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Whether you are starting your blogging career or completing your first manuscript, consider these writing tips to hone your Non-Fiction skills. <br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-16342178821153590162019-01-04T14:03:00.000-06:002019-03-28T16:26:57.701-05:00Marketing Plan of Action - how to start simple and build to great!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QCRtckOQQB9OrMBtBVO6uiqy9eSWcMp6qqq1tTgy7UOSW3Scbk8kvE3iQymgrTF2KS90WhKBCwUALRt25uIaN0p6lOj8fRWfcUTgsmjIoOezmRi5v7rGl1JfhpPyUA2aH2-1_cXqFptc/s1600/Marketing+Plan+for+2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QCRtckOQQB9OrMBtBVO6uiqy9eSWcMp6qqq1tTgy7UOSW3Scbk8kvE3iQymgrTF2KS90WhKBCwUALRt25uIaN0p6lOj8fRWfcUTgsmjIoOezmRi5v7rGl1JfhpPyUA2aH2-1_cXqFptc/s640/Marketing+Plan+for+2019.png" width="640" height="512" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="480" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b>Tim Grahl, author of Your First 1000 Copies and founder of <a href="https://booklaunch.com/programs/launch-a-bestseller/">booklaunch.com</a><br />
believes that Marketing doesn't need to be a 'eew' prospect.</b></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b>So, I've read over a few of his techniques and decided to break-it down into a Plan of Action. <br />
New Year . . . New Goals . . . and all that. <br />
More importantly, it's about finding a way to market that doesn't make the author in me cringe at the idea</b>. </blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>READ ALONG & SEE IF YOU AGREE</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
According to Tim, MARKETING is about creating long-lasting connections. I'd say this is sound business whether you're selling books, artwork or cars off the used lot. None of us want just the ONE-AND-DONE customer. We want repeat business. We want to develop long-lasting connections/relationships that will keep folks coming back because they're pleased with their purchase. <br />
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Tim breaks it down into three categories for connection. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK5HiCQfLd8knzHvoxmLtTe5Uxv5vkTDzj5XMVfvhN67ROMOsXyBq0HzWyImPSqvrzoRrrzsnEE0oFcIMUgeTrx5s8TOSM5LaCloEbxxXMEkrbx2ZptPDF7cmFC2wBmAHiSlCLOw3TS6L/s1600/number+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK5HiCQfLd8knzHvoxmLtTe5Uxv5vkTDzj5XMVfvhN67ROMOsXyBq0HzWyImPSqvrzoRrrzsnEE0oFcIMUgeTrx5s8TOSM5LaCloEbxxXMEkrbx2ZptPDF7cmFC2wBmAHiSlCLOw3TS6L/s200/number+1.jpg" width="200" height="160" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><br />
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<b>1) Outreach – The act of moving people from not knowing I exist to knowing that I DO exist. </b><br />
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<blockquote>Here are my ideas:<br />
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a. Facebook<br />
b. Twitter<br />
c. Pinterest<br />
d. Blog<br />
e. Book-signings<br />
f. Public readings<br />
g. Carrying a business card with my books/blog listed AND handed those out. <br />
<blockquote>i. Where can I leave these? <br />
1. With every receipt/tip I leave on a table<br />
2. Any bulletin board<br />
3. Any clerk that I speak with and mention I'm a writer<br />
ii. Order from Vista-Print</blockquote>h. Get some print copies of books and carry them on vacation – <br />
<blockquote>i. Look for independent book stores and ask if I can donate a few copies.<br />
ii. Libraries </blockquote>i. Interview on Podcast<br />
j. Book reviews<br />
k. Post a lot on Reddit </blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEtVPpJ70jBCyw4ny8u6m8PZwASj6h1bGIUPyjrHLEr_shLrHGMb9jYWYrwtIAlmJnIaSUyMp44K1lALIKJOlW0lyOelQmOB48AV69Xze6d0Ojukvowy9vIV1Nl6DpSCHrmB0fCgjRQIC/s1600/number+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEtVPpJ70jBCyw4ny8u6m8PZwASj6h1bGIUPyjrHLEr_shLrHGMb9jYWYrwtIAlmJnIaSUyMp44K1lALIKJOlW0lyOelQmOB48AV69Xze6d0Ojukvowy9vIV1Nl6DpSCHrmB0fCgjRQIC/s200/number+2.jpg" width="200" height="160" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="1024" /></a></div><br />
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<b><br />
2) Content: Providing a way for people to get to know me and my writing.</b><br />
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<blockquote>Again, here are my immediate thoughts:<br />
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a. Blog writing<br />
b. Book teasers<br />
c. Samples listed on Amazon<br />
d. Samples listed on my blog. <br />
</blockquote><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAywL3FAkWnNcU_o6jn1q2HNEkXphzRlUhwoCz14oahdB8cIc6mwcMap9uG3CWOvogiXKmCuLDFFXoFBiQLmfEn1h-7cttFIrTYQMOML4SBlzaxSorkuMEq0jWknSSMDWTSyUZylUmqDt/s1600/number+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAywL3FAkWnNcU_o6jn1q2HNEkXphzRlUhwoCz14oahdB8cIc6mwcMap9uG3CWOvogiXKmCuLDFFXoFBiQLmfEn1h-7cttFIrTYQMOML4SBlzaxSorkuMEq0jWknSSMDWTSyUZylUmqDt/s200/number+3.jpg" width="200" height="160" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="1024" /></a></div><br />
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<b><br />
3) Permission: A way to stay in contact with people long-term.</b><br />
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a. Build an email list – remember that I'm looking for a way to stay in long-term contact with these folks so that every time I release a book they’ll know about it. <br />
b. Gain readers for the blog – this is interactive: if readers come back to the blog and see the new releases, they'll be more likely to purchase. Readers can't buy what they don't know about. <br />
<blockquote>i. Building readership to the blog is a way to not only introduce my writing, but to encourage folks to experience my voice, my style of writing. Ultimately, I want readers to be pleased with their purchase and feel like their funds were well-spent. </blockquote><br />
So a huge Thank You to <a href="https://booklaunch.com/programs/launch-a-bestseller/">Tim Grahl</a> and his insight. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>To me these are more than goals for 2019 -- this is a Plan of Action. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b>Do you have other ideas????? Other plans that have worked for you?????<br />
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Please feel free to comment, or send me a Twitter reply. <br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/LoneStarMeander">K.M.Saint James<br />
@LoneStarMeander</a></b><br />
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<blockquote><b>Learn More! Additional Writing Tips . . . </b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchGgzOR0fB8H2gGRqG-9UKFT54xlyqdFIVoR3_AFVjZUe2cLn-RkKmNYvvYONMLvAhjW_iucmNxVGnmZm3VkrGqJFuUPrrguEz5Vsq95J1V8B4LaMycDXxM08WhDz2nBaKcW-ggXEpuS1/s1600/A+Writer%2527s+Magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchGgzOR0fB8H2gGRqG-9UKFT54xlyqdFIVoR3_AFVjZUe2cLn-RkKmNYvvYONMLvAhjW_iucmNxVGnmZm3VkrGqJFuUPrrguEz5Vsq95J1V8B4LaMycDXxM08WhDz2nBaKcW-ggXEpuS1/s200/A+Writer%2527s+Magic.jpg" width="200" height="133" data-original-width="566" data-original-height="376" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/01/harry-potter-used-wand.html">A Writer's Magic . . . as close as fingertips! </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2gCWpsUtC7XJtCdJRZhsBMzNOTwwKiKKZSrHEXzmLJXUfCjwoiZMDht7udmSBEOWdVRdhHJTzSkXEGc9pApMvOo-G3pEKKsNOdTSwVZJHWe6viG2pmGRvyCJC4j586dGDs4s2xGyiYQk/s1600/Editing+like+a+PROfessional.6+tips+to+get+you+there%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2gCWpsUtC7XJtCdJRZhsBMzNOTwwKiKKZSrHEXzmLJXUfCjwoiZMDht7udmSBEOWdVRdhHJTzSkXEGc9pApMvOo-G3pEKKsNOdTSwVZJHWe6viG2pmGRvyCJC4j586dGDs4s2xGyiYQk/s200/Editing+like+a+PROfessional.6+tips+to+get+you+there%2521.png" width="146" height="200" data-original-width="468" data-original-height="639" /></a></div><a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/edit-like-professional.html">6 Steps to Editing like a PROfessional!</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-7845840779005556432018-12-31T15:37:00.000-06:002019-02-19T10:42:06.458-06:003 New Year’s Traditions: are they worth the effort?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJNcQUdn2jjCknk-2IOpCZ2c68JQf-9QisGVuGyjfi1z6wh5hMvZSNux6w4uhm95w4DkHG5hE37dJXWdjGM5cRkgtEPMLZ1tcFBgqyISmuwyD-Zg5n-stiZFL0ZTUG2dJ5NVgRwxivPBO/s1600/number+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJNcQUdn2jjCknk-2IOpCZ2c68JQf-9QisGVuGyjfi1z6wh5hMvZSNux6w4uhm95w4DkHG5hE37dJXWdjGM5cRkgtEPMLZ1tcFBgqyISmuwyD-Zg5n-stiZFL0ZTUG2dJ5NVgRwxivPBO/s320/number+1.jpg" width="320" height="256" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="960" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>SHOULD YOU EAT BLACK-EYED PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE?</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3-nKuIFEUGo2Y1pEhkvasryZEMO906V2M98gKhD900HCcQ8oVOu0Ys2YOtbkatgV5MxntKlYg5frDPtytVQSCBp7c-5MDdbXB7h94JX5LiobUBtiSTkxN5y880ENY14b9cC_2AJAxHc4/s1600/instant-pot-black-eyed-pea-curry-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3-nKuIFEUGo2Y1pEhkvasryZEMO906V2M98gKhD900HCcQ8oVOu0Ys2YOtbkatgV5MxntKlYg5frDPtytVQSCBp7c-5MDdbXB7h94JX5LiobUBtiSTkxN5y880ENY14b9cC_2AJAxHc4/s400/instant-pot-black-eyed-pea-curry-300x225.jpg" width="400" height="300" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
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A Southern Tradition, traditionally called: Hoppin’ John (black-eyed peas served with rice, pork, and seasonings. If you follow the full tradition, you’re to eat 365 peas. That’s a mouthful. <br />
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Thought to originate from Civil War days – Sherman on his march through the South left devastated crops, and not much beyond black-eyed peas and salted port, which were considered animal fodder. The reeling South was grateful for any bounty and the practice of eating black-eyed peas (with pork/bacon/renderings) was thought to bring about good luck. Sherman’s marching dates seem to discount this theory, but it’s another Southern story passed along. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-eyed_pea">(Wiki-pedia) </a><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Superstition or not – Black-eyed peas are good for you: </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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"Even though it's myth that black-eyed peas bring good luck, it's fact they can benefit your health. Just one cup of black-eyed peas delivers 20 percent of the daily magnesium, calcium and iron one needs, plus they are a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, according to the Mayo Clinic." <a href="https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/life/entertainment/story/2014/dec/31/beansngreens/280269/">(Times Free Press)</a> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJPx_kdw3ap2Q5gYahFchFud4KL56yFlwFJz9Ux5LbXIRHXv2y37YwaniVhyvi4Ez_T174ooGK1LxWWgiDEGeU6uWxopk9FejNnOPV2a5PuWD1CPOZjPULpo5vN8InqWu6qBwx_8wG6C5/s1600/number+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJPx_kdw3ap2Q5gYahFchFud4KL56yFlwFJz9Ux5LbXIRHXv2y37YwaniVhyvi4Ez_T174ooGK1LxWWgiDEGeU6uWxopk9FejNnOPV2a5PuWD1CPOZjPULpo5vN8InqWu6qBwx_8wG6C5/s320/number+2.jpg" width="320" height="256" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="1024" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>LOOKING FOR A GREAT KISS AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT?</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHUDY-9yVJGq7BW0SDYHi483BMlbWi9xPDzcygDng0KEbAQi4o9MTR1tVtK4OSssMRV8QXWWz_5P37d8bvhq36-0rrvUz8EpTFXELVy4FkK_9sqKyej7DRUJ-pOdG8wbUU52t6457Hyz/s1600/couples+kissing+in+front+of+Fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoHUDY-9yVJGq7BW0SDYHi483BMlbWi9xPDzcygDng0KEbAQi4o9MTR1tVtK4OSssMRV8QXWWz_5P37d8bvhq36-0rrvUz8EpTFXELVy4FkK_9sqKyej7DRUJ-pOdG8wbUU52t6457Hyz/s400/couples+kissing+in+front+of+Fireworks.jpg" width="400" height="266" data-original-width="275" data-original-height="183" /></a></div><br />
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This tradition is thought to originate from an Ancient Roman (8th century BC) Festival of Saturnalia. The party started mid-December and continued on for days. The midnight kiss is thought to be part of this celebration. This theory holds that the kiss was rather just a ‘thing that happened’; no particular significance. <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/132903-why-do-we-kiss-at-midnight-on-new-years-eve-5-facts-about-this-romantic-tradition">(Bustle.com)</a> Personally, if I'd been partying for two weeks straight, I'm not certain that I'd remember one kiss at the stroke of midnight. <br />
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However, The Washington Post offers a couple of different theories: <br />
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According to The Washington Post, Europe’s Renaissance Masquerades were events where anything went as long as party-goers were masked. To cleanse from their decadence, those misbehaving revelers laid one on the first person they saw after pulling off the mask. Something about keeping the evil spirits at bay. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/12/31/why-do-we-kiss-new-years-eve/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f6f135a69227">(The Washington Post) </a><br />
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Or<br />
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English & German folklore offered that the 1st person met/encountered in the New Year would set the tone for the upcoming year. Perhaps, these folks decided to tips good odds in their favor by kissing someone they liked or wanted to like them – rather like tempting destiny, I’d think. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2015/12/31/what-does-that-midnight-smooch-say-a-guide-to-new-years-eve-kisses/?utm_term=.fd047d08b2c6">(The Washington Post) </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwZiyaj2R4gbCBpXrAdz6cVgsEjicmiVyLZg45r2N7uf-qYJALozR30yl6UCmNkcMOTc56tZdGmZ4J9BU7uovzdAxLtQC9Ex0t77v-rKc3Y_HKO9h3nWrIU9GjEcE8h79MRKcbnj1V4tP/s1600/number+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwZiyaj2R4gbCBpXrAdz6cVgsEjicmiVyLZg45r2N7uf-qYJALozR30yl6UCmNkcMOTc56tZdGmZ4J9BU7uovzdAxLtQC9Ex0t77v-rKc3Y_HKO9h3nWrIU9GjEcE8h79MRKcbnj1V4tP/s320/number+3.jpg" width="320" height="256" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="1024" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>PERHAPS MY FAVORITE NEW YEAR'S TRADITION: COLORFUL UNDIES. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<b><i>That’s right. The shade of your panties, knickers, bloomers, thong could influence the upcoming year’s outcome. </i></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECHDLP6XbzR2MYNl9oPzhYq_bpNGyIs9zmAROX4umLvpvkEDArEIdEDg9gPTPMUkDr807vTtHqbZ7NlLEU_HzsFLXou8HmAeAekfLhtVzmh7bM3OrbduHPg-TGRNJiHylyFR79j2av7Hc/s1600/ladies+thong.blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECHDLP6XbzR2MYNl9oPzhYq_bpNGyIs9zmAROX4umLvpvkEDArEIdEDg9gPTPMUkDr807vTtHqbZ7NlLEU_HzsFLXou8HmAeAekfLhtVzmh7bM3OrbduHPg-TGRNJiHylyFR79j2av7Hc/s400/ladies+thong.blue.jpg" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="640" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://www.underwearexpert.com/2012/12/6-lucky-underwear-colors-for-new-years-eve/">According to the Underwear Expert, color matters. </a><br />
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Who knew there was an Underwear Expert????<br />
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<b>Planning your last minute outfit? Don’t forget the color of your drawers: </b><br />
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<blockquote><b>Yellow:</b> Prosperity, Wealth & Success<br />
<b>Red:</b> Passion, Romance & Love (not exactly hard to figure out this one.)<br />
<b>White:</b> Peace, Harmony & Happiness (also won’t show through the color of your garment for the evening.) <br />
<b>Blue:</b> Good Health, Wellness & Tranquility (makes sense. Who doesn’t want to gaze at ocean blue?)<br />
<b>Green:</b> Life, Nature & Well-Being (Mother Earth, I’m thinking.)<br />
<b>Pink:</b> Luck in Love, Harmony (okay, ladies, decide if you want passion for 2019 or luck in love. Remember that those 2 goals are NOT the same thing. At least, not exclusively the same thing.)<br />
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<blockquote><b>However, you spend your New Year's, may the upcoming year be prosperous and filled with joy. </b></blockquote><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-75102113684496262702018-12-12T17:04:00.000-06:002018-12-13T21:40:51.973-06:00A Warlock Under The Mistletoe by S.S. Bazinet - book reviewAre fantasies and fairy tales required for a happy ending? Or is true love the only necessary magic? <br />
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In S.S. Bazinet’s Christmas release, <i><b>A WARLOCK UNDER THE MISTLETOE</b></i>, heroine, Pippa sets out to prove to co-worker and friend, Adeline that real heroes are more than just a fantasy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Warlock-Under-Mistletoe-S-Bazinet-ebook/dp/B07JYJG18J/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544569954&sr=8-3&keywords=a+warlock+under+the+mistletoe"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZO-fgBpZyycOPY6MPHoOw-KEZ06XEnQd3oOlh6HgHi3Tw9JROxzioBn0C74M-5R67PoYlQCUBzFtPlF-ROwxnGyIYxbVz252v2FmFBRG_lrppzqaeG9rnccs6oewfp3fpQRt32RG3fl6/s1600/SS+Bazinet.Warlock+Under+the+Mistletoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZO-fgBpZyycOPY6MPHoOw-KEZ06XEnQd3oOlh6HgHi3Tw9JROxzioBn0C74M-5R67PoYlQCUBzFtPlF-ROwxnGyIYxbVz252v2FmFBRG_lrppzqaeG9rnccs6oewfp3fpQRt32RG3fl6/s400/SS+Bazinet.Warlock+Under+the+Mistletoe.jpg" width="266" height="400" data-original-width="230" data-original-height="346" /></a></div></a><br />
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Readers, world-wide, will identify with Pippa, a heroine who believes in romance of the heart and has her very own true love: Chester. <br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Chester . . . Chester???? Can you really make a HERO out of a ‘Chester’? <br />
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If you’re author, S.S. Bazinet you can. </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>For doubting-Thomas readers, who believe there’s no conflict if the heroine and hero are already a matched pair, S.S. Bazinet proves that trite theory wrong. <br />
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By interjecting a sometimes cranky and always cynical co-worker into the mix, readers are treated to a full dose of the misguided friend and her attempts to prove to our heroine that: ‘People want believable stories, not some gibberish that’s all sweetness and fairy tale nonsense.’ (excerpt from <i><b>A Warlock Under The Mistletoe</b></i>, Chapter One.)<br />
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<b>A bet, a dead-line, and a woman’s heart are all on the line as Pippa must confront her own questions about her fiancé, their relationship, and romantic disillusionment. </b><br />
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Don’t be fooled by Chester’s steady-Eddy personality. Or Pippa’s ever-sunny take on life. There are bumps for these characters along this Christmas path. Change, even inside the most stable relationship, is bound to cause a bit of world tilting. <br />
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No spoiler here: I’ll not reveal how Pippa finds a warlock in her fiancé, Chester, but I will remind all – and especially those who have truly loved another – that magical heroes come in all shapes and sizes and appear in the most amazing places: like under one’s own nose or mistletoe.<br />
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<b><i>A WARLOCK UNDER THE MISTLETOE</i> </b>is a true sweet romance; closed bedroom doors only in this book.<br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Do today’s readers demand the edgy, steeped in reality, border-line harsh styled romance? <br />
Or is there room on the shelf for a sweet read that’s just a really great story? </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
My holiday heart projects that readers will embrace <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Warlock-Under-Mistletoe-S-Bazinet-ebook/dp/B07JYJG18J/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544569954&sr=8-3&keywords=a+warlock+under+the+mistletoe">A WARLOCK UNDER THE MISTLETOE</a></b></i>. <br />
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Discover the magic of Christmas, as Pippa finds love in the strong arms of her Warlock under the mistletoe. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7YeovweyC_JnOWZtVPtY9Fx-uC675fo_4pbuFm1sahYHj1qeAIB9QCs0UyZr_AuA6eaR-RrmFmNo91cO-OlX7ljy5LKxtwxk9q02VIqNbqD2ym8-dBQjNgapPrcmWbT1tbvO0RNLy2un/s1600/SS+Bazinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7YeovweyC_JnOWZtVPtY9Fx-uC675fo_4pbuFm1sahYHj1qeAIB9QCs0UyZr_AuA6eaR-RrmFmNo91cO-OlX7ljy5LKxtwxk9q02VIqNbqD2ym8-dBQjNgapPrcmWbT1tbvO0RNLy2un/s320/SS+Bazinet.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="230" data-original-height="230" /></a></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/S.-S.-Bazinet/e/B0078KS7BO?ref=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000">AUTHOR'S PAGE</a></b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-51432654583150305142018-12-10T17:06:00.000-06:002019-03-28T16:35:47.523-05:00Snapping Photos?? Breathe LIFE into Writing . . . <br />
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<b>I’m old enough that Kodak still means cameras to me. Instant camera was our phrase from the 60s & 70s. Of course, considering today’s technology, it’s ludicrous to think those were instant pictures. </b><br />
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<blockquote>1) First to film – The lucky owned a 35MM, which meant loading the camera was always a treat. Lining it up - perfectly - to catch the leading edge of the film reel (and hoping like crazy that you’d really accomplished that feat so you’d be taking pictures instead of just turning the hand crank). For the novice photo buff, it started with a Kodak Instamatic: a pop-and-click camera.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewzzBKXLriAnKb9Bp-tdU-HROzwMOYnf02Qi7qkyXbOq1-8IKIutXVY13_NgVYPffBgdx4Eg_lxD6Z6G_cIWzODtnoScjYLWrrWSjdc1N66RgmW2x9HZieSMcLSufIiSCgQ7_UNcwDS2j/s1600/canister+of+film.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewzzBKXLriAnKb9Bp-tdU-HROzwMOYnf02Qi7qkyXbOq1-8IKIutXVY13_NgVYPffBgdx4Eg_lxD6Z6G_cIWzODtnoScjYLWrrWSjdc1N66RgmW2x9HZieSMcLSufIiSCgQ7_UNcwDS2j/s320/canister+of+film.jpg" width="320" height="210" data-original-width="580" data-original-height="380" /></a></div><br />
2) No do-overs -- As you shot the roll of film, it was framed or not. Blurry or not. Too dark, too light, the wrong angle OR not. <br />
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3) Film development – Then, budding photographers were off to the photo store to drop the precious roll of film. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NDdn3KXNjBtIHWpjaYhdoOLFogJR9T-ZzJ4QfSPPG3zoplnOqgSTBj9Ry2tI9d2MLePULFqz49Ke2AcgH4CiawFj9hqH8b1OG2Kduxa9XyXVk6O449aSVtvLBIUfCjF5H5ALcYXNHFfa/s1600/Kodak+Fotomart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NDdn3KXNjBtIHWpjaYhdoOLFogJR9T-ZzJ4QfSPPG3zoplnOqgSTBj9Ry2tI9d2MLePULFqz49Ke2AcgH4CiawFj9hqH8b1OG2Kduxa9XyXVk6O449aSVtvLBIUfCjF5H5ALcYXNHFfa/s320/Kodak+Fotomart.jpg" width="320" height="270" data-original-width="660" data-original-height="556" /></a></div><br />
4) Pictures – Finally, the film results were returned. Not just moments later, or hours later, but days later, the camera buff could enjoy their photo reward. Oh, and the sleeved negatives were the accompaniment, in case, a second print was required.</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzJ3F8M75ox3QnuMYIA66GIxBWSQa-tiY1AD7PvaJ3gTcCJdxCoZ3SdTbnP6PTNkmFy7ceJIFZUksVnqoIa-39Lh08RXeU4U6lZycr4fZjnyGi3HLF6bEjodW70IMW6MYmbU9LFeJSt4W/s1600/sleeve+of+negatives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzJ3F8M75ox3QnuMYIA66GIxBWSQa-tiY1AD7PvaJ3gTcCJdxCoZ3SdTbnP6PTNkmFy7ceJIFZUksVnqoIa-39Lh08RXeU4U6lZycr4fZjnyGi3HLF6bEjodW70IMW6MYmbU9LFeJSt4W/s320/sleeve+of+negatives.jpg" width="320" height="320" data-original-width="300" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Stop & Consider: </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>How often did that picture actually match the remembered image in your mind? <br />
The memory of the event, the landscape, the adventure? </b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote>Even today, with the serious advances in iPhones, Smartphones and photography equipment, <br />
does the captured image provide a mirror testament to the moment? </blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Why not?<br />
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What’s wrong? <br />
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Why isn’t that image on our social media, in print, framed and hung on our wall, the perfect recreation? </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<b><blockquote><blockquote>Because – how ever good the photographer – memories are about more than the two dimensional image.</blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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<blockquote><i><b>Memories capture:</b></i><br />
1) Sound: sea rushing to shore, a child’s squeal, a seagull’s scream.<br />
2) Smell: briny ocean, clean air, tempting scents of grilling hotdogs, smoke from a beach fire.<br />
3) Feel: cold wind, warmth of the sun, slick of suntan lotion.<br />
4) Taste: salt on the tongue, hotdogs slathered with chili & onions, chilly rocky road ice cream.<br />
5) Sight: waves breaking against impenetrable rocks throwing mist high; sun illuminating a dad teaching his child to swim; clouds building, deepening, darkening, threatening until the brilliance of lightning splits the sky. </blockquote><br />
The photo can highlight one instant in time, but to truly capture the ‘Kodak’ moment, all senses must be enveloped. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFB9dvYd8mk-HUtlPTUmMfHlPM3NAVqoEHsPbPcyyru05gU4IzY_ZiFDt4T3j9upvNGY-y9KIPJMsj3_Ov32rsx017Njv_nGqDPCjOtD2wqyh7WqmL9GMeUVYXw81BiPAMxgKItmU8Iyr/s1600/setting+sun+over+green+ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFB9dvYd8mk-HUtlPTUmMfHlPM3NAVqoEHsPbPcyyru05gU4IzY_ZiFDt4T3j9upvNGY-y9KIPJMsj3_Ov32rsx017Njv_nGqDPCjOtD2wqyh7WqmL9GMeUVYXw81BiPAMxgKItmU8Iyr/s320/setting+sun+over+green+ocean.jpg" width="221" height="320" data-original-width="441" data-original-height="640" /></a></div><br />
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As a writer do you store these memories to access when creating a scene? Building a character’s backstory? Designing real-life dialogue? <br />
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<b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Life is more than a snap-shot. <br />
It’s more than 3-D. </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF54VafBE39dPx_KkpBEZ72ZYvZFy1-LhXVKEBAorNko580cagEBP39cSwfI-FTdeW7L1cqxUc6U0H15FcNWov_wdT3rfZgbTwNtoSJMzlVSElZzh123VyOumBIuDnRjeLdsZVnjVJ3fNE/s1600/stacks+of+photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF54VafBE39dPx_KkpBEZ72ZYvZFy1-LhXVKEBAorNko580cagEBP39cSwfI-FTdeW7L1cqxUc6U0H15FcNWov_wdT3rfZgbTwNtoSJMzlVSElZzh123VyOumBIuDnRjeLdsZVnjVJ3fNE/s320/stacks+of+photos.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="576" data-original-height="383" /></a></div><br />
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<blockquote><b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Life is meant to be fully dimensional. Writers, then, must create the moments, the experiences and breathe those images onto page.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b></blockquote><br />
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One of my New Year’s Resolutions – and I commit to these sparingly – to develop pics from my camera phone (QUICKLY) then list one or more sensory memories on the back of the photo. I have several underutilized photo boxes (normally filled with junk I simply haven’t cleaned away – ooh, sounds like another worthy NYR). I don’t want to overcomplicate the process, so I’m planning to file under settings. Then as I write a beach scene, I can thumb through these Kodak memories and relive the experience, that slice of living in the moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Yvcw_-FuNSmhBzXhz9ZxrSRjnV-may_ejH6elplbh1MpMZgdb2BwARCbBC1rY_q_sIvazbg7m4j3Ll2nFwXmfAEDxWHvKXnTV1ZE3RjFRskyhwUIzgT6FE-_iP-0uD3wdfjv-uqz2FC/s1600/NEW-YEARS-RESOLUTIONS-calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4Yvcw_-FuNSmhBzXhz9ZxrSRjnV-may_ejH6elplbh1MpMZgdb2BwARCbBC1rY_q_sIvazbg7m4j3Ll2nFwXmfAEDxWHvKXnTV1ZE3RjFRskyhwUIzgT6FE-_iP-0uD3wdfjv-uqz2FC/s200/NEW-YEARS-RESOLUTIONS-calendar.jpg" width="200" height="100" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="800" /></a></div><br />
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<b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>The goal: no matter how good my sense of ‘senses’ can be during a writing session, </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
<b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>I always want to dig deeper, <br />
bring more to the page, <br />
breathe more LIFE into the writing. <br />
</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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<blockquote><b>Learn More! Additional writing tips.</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-00IaKTyyZu4ysg128qdW3xRnp_jsNuVBByjHFsVN80seu5sqAPbFfQ05BSNOi2VPTse3URIoRheHzwvKLkRdkLe_iucErOhRCe67YQFIq-QK_j1_rWBmDyeeAFrbYhDfaZeMqh-epll/s1600/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-00IaKTyyZu4ysg128qdW3xRnp_jsNuVBByjHFsVN80seu5sqAPbFfQ05BSNOi2VPTse3URIoRheHzwvKLkRdkLe_iucErOhRCe67YQFIq-QK_j1_rWBmDyeeAFrbYhDfaZeMqh-epll/s320/5+writing+tips+to+building+book+teasers.png" width="320" height="216" data-original-width="769" data-original-height="518" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-entice-readers-5-writing-tips-to.html">How to Entice Readers . . . 5 Writing Tips to Building Book Teasers! </a><br />
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<a href="https://lone-star-meanderings.blogspot.com/2019/03/harms-way-now-available-on-kindle.html">Demystifying graphics for your advertising needs.</a><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2649836242321604207.post-73082060852868707252018-11-18T09:40:00.000-06:002019-03-28T16:39:35.219-05:00Sunday Morning Construction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G82NNdn2TtXf-s8frzSlr7XhBmy7ic6ntlus-_rYIdiB2S39borQ2npve4m9cgXfTnBl95oFI0PPEYnYix9OYxvEHxjaeaNFHSO8VVuo1pxcYer-qhUejWY382ZAHzuWJMVPFjKdHF89/s1600/Minions-at-work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7G82NNdn2TtXf-s8frzSlr7XhBmy7ic6ntlus-_rYIdiB2S39borQ2npve4m9cgXfTnBl95oFI0PPEYnYix9OYxvEHxjaeaNFHSO8VVuo1pxcYer-qhUejWY382ZAHzuWJMVPFjKdHF89/s640/Minions-at-work.jpg" width="640" height="307" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="336" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b>Why do those pesky 'small' fix-it or reconstruction jobs turn out to be so:</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
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<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>And HOW, oh HOW do we make them easier? </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><b><br />
1) Read the directions<br />
2) Don't be afraid to ask for help<br />
3) Proper tools<br />
4) YouTube Videos are your friend<br />
5) Take pictures</b></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br />
As a serious do-it-all fixer, I've learned -- through my share of mistakes -- a few keys lessons that make installing . . . repairing . . . replacing . . . new construction a bit easier. <br />
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1) Read the directions. And I do mean ALL the directions. Don't skip to what you think concerns you. Read them all. Especially, the WARNING section. If the directions say, wear PROTECTIVE anything -- do it. <br />
I use plastic Barbecue gloves for a lot of my painting/refinishing jobs. They're CHEAP and the come in boxes of 500. Who cares if you strip off the pair every time you change sections of the project? Super useful if you're using that expandable insulator mixture. Comes in a can. Spray in the opening and then it expands. OH - word of warning - USE a very small amount of this mixture. It really, truly expands. READ the directions. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqTG0U1wKPLkjJQIyhu87Kci4DbfLgARsDyen1MdTmCQq_dYgMor2C0IY0rnD46c-hM1TNbfYge3n8_bhzKyp3MMeX4wIbqPViwMqvtbHyfeBd5K1l5EzV_r1X5MG11mzFFelyHPkl9Ez/s1600/follow-directions-clipart-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqTG0U1wKPLkjJQIyhu87Kci4DbfLgARsDyen1MdTmCQq_dYgMor2C0IY0rnD46c-hM1TNbfYge3n8_bhzKyp3MMeX4wIbqPViwMqvtbHyfeBd5K1l5EzV_r1X5MG11mzFFelyHPkl9Ez/s640/follow-directions-clipart-3.png" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="300" /></a></div><br />
2) Don't be afraid to ask for help. Find a hardware store (NOT a supercenter) and ask for insight. Want to refinish a piece of furniture? Then go to the experts and ask for them to talk you through the basics. These experts will save you MASS amounts of time, frustration and expense. I have three different hardware stores, depending on my project, that I'll visit before starting, and I've been handling repairs for a number of years. But products change - there's always something new on the market. Maybe better. Maybe not. But the experts will know if those new products for my PROJECT are worth the investment. Finding the right hardware store has been key for me, and those are the smaller stores. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNpvIqz2oDROZdksOuwZ__Ycoiys_S5CKYtCUMjjyyh5UleYTWibfb_Fm4euP2mm-huhqS2xZWFuNj9KU1YXG4zz7gRswXB2Xp6AXVlYxl24D7DUHgAxztsGT6BitI9_CwxNMIRMJ2LET/s1600/hardware+store.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNpvIqz2oDROZdksOuwZ__Ycoiys_S5CKYtCUMjjyyh5UleYTWibfb_Fm4euP2mm-huhqS2xZWFuNj9KU1YXG4zz7gRswXB2Xp6AXVlYxl24D7DUHgAxztsGT6BitI9_CwxNMIRMJ2LET/s640/hardware+store.png" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="700" data-original-height="467" /></a></div><br />
3) Proper tools. If you're just starting out your remodeling/refinishing/repairing project this can get expensive. (Again, asking the experts WHICH tools are a must can be a tremendous cost savings.) Purchase tools and supplies will be a must. A multi-head screw driver is an excellent investment and hugely helpful when you're stuck under the kitchen cabinet and suddenly realize that it's not a flat-head screw, but a Phillips head. One quick flip on the multi-head screw driver and you're back in business. Don't skimp on your paint brushes. Trust me, picking out the wayward bristles from your finished painting project is NO fun. But you can save money on the Cheap-O drop clothes. .99C at loads of stores. Spread out, use, and discard. Unless you're a professional, the Cheap-O versions are fine. If sanding, buy multiple grits. You must step down the sanding project from roughest grit to lightest grit in order to assure a smooth finish and no 'divots' in your sanding job. (Ask the experts.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KQt6-zStzy0EXHurfFyOIPg-0VG_oICYOeH4Vor9oaN4B1JESkr0XMI7Fc6xyWbxROkJs9ygAC8yr0vTeghVGHdLZmgaPLcR8qy15wCgrvREim46XAf5YldoPqlJTi3pttIM26McV8r8/s1600/Minion+construction.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KQt6-zStzy0EXHurfFyOIPg-0VG_oICYOeH4Vor9oaN4B1JESkr0XMI7Fc6xyWbxROkJs9ygAC8yr0vTeghVGHdLZmgaPLcR8qy15wCgrvREim46XAf5YldoPqlJTi3pttIM26McV8r8/s640/Minion+construction.2.jpg" width="438" height="640" data-original-width="438" data-original-height="640" /></a></div><br />
4) YouTube Videos are your friend. Recently, I purchased a new refrigerator. I paid for delivery, but as I wasn't eliminating the old, it needed to be moved. Into the garage - easy, right? Not so much. It was too wide and hauling it out the backdoor and a sizable threshold seemed like a bad plan. Then it was how to make big fridge fit through small door. Answer: take the fridge doors off. Wait, still not so easy. Water & ice maker in door and they were connected . . . WHERE? In came the YouTube videos. Which I watched no less than 10 times. Yep, because that lovely water hose didn't quite disassemble in the 1-2-3 fashion that the instructions promised. Nonetheless, brawn eventually won out and the old fridge is now in the garage, and the new is in place. YouTube videos . . . yep, watch them. And if the first one doesn't make sense or is leaving out steps, check out another then another if necessary until you find an explanation video that makes sense. Or you realize that this project is outside your wheelhouse and need to call in the professional. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TK4R-_jeog8K_SpCmQ8qw3Rx5ZLhZhnW_qIUxojmB2MFhn8XmpHY_CqmXzBvAklsqQFGbKzcq2adVv4ECXH7hGtco6Jslqs5ZThQnIx-k6UJFKpKS9duFeMrnAV5JagTakXA9tSOuuwb/s1600/youtube-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TK4R-_jeog8K_SpCmQ8qw3Rx5ZLhZhnW_qIUxojmB2MFhn8XmpHY_CqmXzBvAklsqQFGbKzcq2adVv4ECXH7hGtco6Jslqs5ZThQnIx-k6UJFKpKS9duFeMrnAV5JagTakXA9tSOuuwb/s640/youtube-.jpg" width="640" height="315" data-original-width="712" data-original-height="350" /></a></div><br />
5) Finally, take pictures as you go. <br />
a) you'll want to document your success. Yes, you will. When completed, you'll want to post the 'Ta-Da' moment. It's worth celebrating. <br />
b) if you're repairing - that normally entails taking the original apart - then you'll want to remember exactly how it CAME apart. <br />
c) if you get so far into the project and need to visit the hardware store again, those pictures of the progress can be hugely helpful to the experts to advise you. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzrxFRuHE6J9z5isXnfUP9ejvVv3TFZy8BGhyphenhyphenI_X1Et_AfTHxWHE9TJHVrrele8ueyG1SitbmBUaQJPw2Je31rXwPFqRl5rA2S4n4dN5ZqP-Sk5jS_suCTkZYzFst0k9rHcJAYXZHeUm5/s1600/wall+in+progress.final+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzrxFRuHE6J9z5isXnfUP9ejvVv3TFZy8BGhyphenhyphenI_X1Et_AfTHxWHE9TJHVrrele8ueyG1SitbmBUaQJPw2Je31rXwPFqRl5rA2S4n4dN5ZqP-Sk5jS_suCTkZYzFst0k9rHcJAYXZHeUm5/s640/wall+in+progress.final+coat.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-width="532" data-original-height="299" /></a></div><br />
Not every project in your home should be a DIY. Experts exist for a reason. There's no shame in turning over a project to an outside source. But there's no shame in wading into the DIY world and handling 'fix-it' projects on your own. <br />
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<b><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Happy repairing/refurbishing/refinishing!</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></b><br />
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K.M. Saint Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497196465431986957noreply@blogger.com0