Karma Corn Craze: December 12th and I will be sitting in my favorite...

Karma Corn Craze: December 12th and I will be sitting in my favorite...: December 12th and I will be sitting in my favorite place! In the local Book store which is full of charm and a wonderful addition to the tow...

December 12th and I will be sitting in my favorite place! In the local Book store which is full of charm and a wonderful addition to the town. The night of Living windows is a magical one with the store fronts all lit up for Christmas. This year I celebrate three books and a lifelong dream!



Dozens of storefronts on Jefferson Street will come to life during the 15th annual Living Windows celebration on Thursday, December 12 from 6 to 8 PM. Enjoy carolers, puppet shows, ice sculpting, decorations, crafts, storytellers, treats, free horse-drawn  trolley rides and much more. Stop by Santa’s Cottage in Nancy Neafie Park, too! Don’t miss this special celebration of the season sponsored by the Hawk Eye, with thanks to TD&T Financial and Alliant Energy.
Merry Christmas to all and cannot wait to see you there!

Karma Corn Craze: http://t.co/KxHcGLCRWQ (Click here for the link)...

Karma Corn Craze: http://t.co/KxHcGLCRWQ (Click here for the link)

...: http://t.co/KxHcGLCRWQ  (Click here for the link) Karma Corn was published  one year and one month ago. It has been such a wonderful fir...

http://t.co/KxHcGLCRWQ (Click here for the link)

Karma Corn was published  one year and one month ago. It has been such a wonderful first year with the help of my  family friends and new readers! I often think of myself as blessed to be living a dream that I had as a child. I am glad that I am three books into this new life of mine.
Starting tomorrow Karma Corn will be free on kindle all weekend.
This is a reveiw of someone I do not know and I am happy that I added something to her life and hope that she has read more of my books.!

By 

Love Being Grams "Grandma in need of some help" (Iowa) - This review is from: Karma Corn (Paperback)

I Love books that keep me interested and this one sure did. As soon as you thought you knew where this one was headed, there was another twist and turn that you didn't see coming. Jackie has a unique way of writing that you can see yourself right there in the character that you are reading about. I see a Bright future for this author and can't wait to read her next book, which I hope is SOON.

Karma Corn Craze: The Windy City with memories and laughter! Fifty y...

Karma Corn Craze: The Windy City with memories and laughter! Fifty y...: The Windy City with memories and laughter! Fifty years ago, my mother used to take the train by herself to meet friends in Chicago. This tim...

The Windy City with memories and laughter! Fifty years ago, my mother used to take the train by herself to meet friends in Chicago. This time she went with a friend...her daughter. It marked the fifth trip that Mom, and I have taken as it started as a Christmas gift and now is a yearly tradition. It is unique when you can also count as your mother as one of your best friends. Our trips are very memorable, and I enjoy our time together. This time we rode the train, meeting people and having wine and laughter as the train rambled on to Chicago. We spent our next twenty-four hours wisely with a treat to Dinotto's(This is a restaurant that you can book in addition to the theatre as a package) and the Second City Theatre for a night full of laughs. We went on the  Red Head Piano bar to end the night.  The next morning it was the art museum and then a wonderful lunch in the Russian Tea Party restaurant. This is just minutes away from the art museum. We ended the trip, with new memories and I the luck one to get to re-live a trip as a friend of my mom's fifty years later!

Karma Corn Craze: My wish was that someone could play my piano. When...

Karma Corn Craze: My wish was that someone could play my piano. When...: My wish was that someone could play my piano. When my father bought the piano as a housewarming gift, I  toyed around with the idea that I w...

My wish was that someone could play my piano. When my father bought the piano as a housewarming gift, I  toyed around with the idea that I would play it. I knew that i wanted it used and enjoyed. My ability to play musical instruments is minus ten and counting. I was fortunate enough to watch my beautiful granddaughter start to play and now play quite well. My husband told Chae that he would love to hear the entertainer. Chae is very determined and she learned to play it perfectly.(This is the song she is playing in the picture at the wedding) I remember his face lighting up when she began to play this song. Later, that week my father came over, and she played the song for him. He also smiled broadly and said."Wow that is what I had hoped for when you got the piano. I can't wait for many years of listening to my granddaughter play.

Karma Corn Craze: Guilty pleasure number one is watching Doc Martin....

Karma Corn Craze: Guilty pleasure number one is watching Doc Martin....: Guilty pleasure number one is watching Doc Martin. For those of you on United States soil, the show is on Netflix, and it is a British comed...

Guilty pleasure number one is watching Doc Martin. For those of you on United States soil, the show is on Netflix, and it is a British comedy filmed in Port Issac Cornwall UK. It is a show about a cranky surgeon who has to give up his practice and move to a small fishing village and began as a local doctor. I am presently in the series three and watch at least two shows a night when possible. I find myself wanting to grab some fish and chips and a pint and settle in for a lie down in front of the tellie. I don't of course because we really don't have the fish and chips or the pints that you can find abroad. I settle in as I am awed by the costal part of a world I did not know existed and dream about traveling. I finish the episode and at least for awhile I have visited another part of the world.





.

Karma Corn Craze: Speaking of art you must check out Americus Galler...

Karma Corn Craze: Speaking of art you must check out Americus Galler...: Speaking of art you must check out Americus Gallery. We were able to wander around Fairfield on Friday. One gallery you cannot miss is The A...

Speaking of art you must check out Americus Gallery. We were able to wander around Fairfield on Friday. One gallery you cannot miss is The Americus Gallery, which is part of Americas Diamond right in the center of town. If lost ask to be directed to the purple building which is art itself. Upon entering the gallery you are walking among paintings of the Tuscan Hills. The artist is Christopher Kufner, and his newest artwork is called Gemscapes which enhance Australian opals as a painting. For people that have not visited Fairfield Iowa is its a unusual town to be found at the heart of the corn belt. After leaving the Gallery you visit different countries with such food as...Middle eastern...(falafel at Istanbull  Grill )Thai,(noodle Shoppe)Wood fired pizza(Revelations). Indian..(Taste of India) or authentic Italian (Ila's). To finish your visit you must visit the chocolate shop. We always enjoy our trip to Fairlfeild and hope others make the destination.

Karma Corn Craze: I wake smiling as The skyline of New York, the col...

Karma Corn Craze: I wake smiling as The skyline of New York, the col...: I wake smiling as The skyline of New York, the colors of Monet on my walls give me time to reflect each morning. The skyline was a prese...

I wake smiling as The skyline of New York, the colors of Monet on my walls give me time to reflect each morning. The skyline was a present from my mother that she created with her cross stitch. This hobby has also turned out one of my favorite Monet adaption. The art in the morning puts a smile on my face as I realize what a lucky person I am. The smile that starts the day often fades as life and responsibily charge in. By evening fatigue and unhappiness at something has drained the early morning rapture. Today my daughter and grandaughter will arrive and I believe that will keep the smile on my face all day. I decided to share my art with you in hopes it puts a quick smile on your face and I hope that your smile does not fade by evening.

Karma Corn Craze: A very important cause-,please read the following ...

Karma Corn Craze: A very important cause-,please read the following ...: A very important cause-,please read the following link: http://supportmolly.com/ I have been fortunate to know the Wood family for many y...

A very important cause-,please read the following link:http://supportmolly.com/


I have been fortunate to know the Wood family for many years. I also was lucky to have both Molly and Johnny stay overnight for sleep-overs when they were young. We created some wonderful memories of the children and her well-being as does the family love means the world to our family. If you can see it in your heart to become involved any amount would be greatly appreciated.

Karma Corn Craze: The fabric of our lives and we often pass it each ...

Karma Corn Craze: The fabric of our lives and we often pass it each ...: The fabric of our lives and we often pass it each day. Every refrigerator tells a story. Posted are magnets from different trips and photos ...

The fabric of our lives and we often pass it each day. Every refrigerator tells a story. Posted are magnets from different trips and photos from all parts of your life. I woke today with the blah's. I should have been ecstatic as it is gorgeous out, and soon I am going to  be playing in the dirt. I have had the blah's for a few days. After I started thinking about where the feeling was coming I passed my refrigerator. Each smiling face tells a story. In the middle of the fridge is a lottery ticket that I pinned up. I have been playing the same numbers for several months. It is next to my smiling face and many others. I looked around my kitchen at the memories that I have in this kitchen and the meals which have been shared. I  looked back at my ticket and smiled, I already am a million are in smiles that have been created in a close and wonderful family. I believe in the power of positive thinking, and suddenly those blah's have been swept away. Happy day to all  of you and maybe take a second look at the memories you have created around you. Now I am going to enjoy this gorgeous day and plant a flower or two!

Karma Corn Craze: Celebrating the art of being clumsy, quirky or ac...

Karma Corn Craze:
Celebrating the art of being clumsy, quirky or ac...: Celebrating the art of being clumsy, quirky or accident prone. This summer I fit all those categories! I have the ability to trip ...

Karma Corn Craze: I am going to say the... G word... and then I am g...

Karma Corn Craze: I am going to say the... G word... and then I am g...: I am going to say the... G word... and then I am going to gush about it!!! I have a new friend who has just been inducted to the Grandmother...

I am going to say the... G word... and then I am going to gush about it!!! I have a new friend who has just been inducted to the Grandmother club. It is a wonderful club full of exciting moments. At first, you can't believe you are old enough. At the time, you find out you check yourself in the mirror in your jeans and say, "Yep I can still rock these." ( Hint:Moving quickly and not in a full-length mirror.) Months later you have the precious moment when you see your grand daughter or grandson. I was lucky enough to be with my daughter when, Chae was born, and it was a moment that I will always cherish. Even better as your grandchild grows, and you can create special  moments that you cannot do when you are a parent. Take a midnight walk and steal corn and let her think it is a magic adventure. Yep as a Grandmother you can do that. Make toast in the morning of pure butter and sugar. This  is all legal in the grandmother Bible. Being a grandmother gives you the ability to act like a child and make memories you can't with your children. There is no rule to be strict, and you can be the star in their eyes always!  No is for parents we say yes, and we embellish it when we say it. It is a fairy tale land of stories and fun and re-living your childhood. The best part is you can have all this fun filling them up with sugar and  then send them home. (Side note- sugar filled or not sending home is never easy) I celebrate the grandmothers I know. And the newest member to be welcome to the club... it is awesome!!!

Karma Corn Craze: Forecast- Rainy with a chance of rain! Love to ope...

Karma Corn Craze: Forecast- Rainy with a chance of rain! Love to ope...: Forecast- Rainy with a chance of rain! Love to open the windows and have the smell of rain to start the day. The start of October is just ar...

Forecast- Rainy with a chance of rain! Love to open the windows and have the smell of rain to start the day. The start of October is just around the corner and next weekend we are predicting to bei n the sixties! Living in Iowa is full four seasons and sometimes surprises in each season. As next week it will be back in the eighties. I am hoping for some Fall golf yet and my annual Christmas trip with mom that we take each year. I surprise her with a trip, and we take it in fall. Here are a few fun pictures from the past trips!

Karma Corn Craze: The new weekly feature... Crystal Ball Predictions...

Karma Corn Craze: The new weekly feature... Crystal Ball Predictions...: The new weekly feature... Crystal Ball Predictions...  Most people know that I use to read palms and have had my fair share of phychic a...

The new weekly feature... Crystal Ball Predictions...

 Most people know that I use to read palms and have had my fair share of phychic ability. My paternal grandmother told me that I had the gifts through dreams. I now have 20 some notebooks full of dreams, and some have led to some predictions that have come true. Last night, I had some predictions for this year. They are from weather to Football so here goes....

1. Atlanta Falcons will win in this Sunday's game.- (wrong they did not as I kept seeing Atlanta 10- which ironically when I watched the game is the number they were stuck on. Little rusty on predicting- hope to fine tune the third eye!)
2. Hurricane beginning with an H will be a problem for Texas.
3. Detroit will be the hot spot for record snowfall.
4. Colorado will also have more snow than they know what to do with.

It is seventy five degrees out so enjoy the weather and hope our snow is way in the future.

Karma Corn Craze: Karma Corn is free today.....This year has be...

Karma Corn Craze:  Karma Corn is free today.....



This year has be...:  Karma Corn is free today..... This year has been amazing. How much fun to begin a book series and be able to realize my dream. I ...

 Karma Corn is free today.....

This year has been amazing. How much fun to begin a book series and be able to realize my dream. I want to thank all people that have started to read the series and the ones that are up to date and waiting for the next book. Most people in the Midwest are being blessed with Indian Summer weather. Tomorrow I will get to enjoy some of that weather and occasionally see how well the free promotion for Karma Corn is going. I picture sunshine and feeding my fish. Watching mums peek through the Japanese lanterns and smell the honeysuckle.

 In the afternoon, I will wander inside long enough to see what countries are presently buying Karam Corn. It's nice to know that a warm September day can bring simple pleasures.

Karma Corn Craze: Once Upon A Cupcake free on kindle for Saturday. T...

Karma Corn Craze: Once Upon A Cupcake free on kindle for Saturday. T...: Once Upon A Cupcake free on kindle for Saturday. The second book is like a middle child. I seem to try to squeeze time for it with the first...

Once Upon A Cupcake free on kindle for Saturday. The second book is like a middle child. I seem to try to squeeze time for it with the first novel being close to the heart and the third I so thoroughly enjoyed the character. My middle book was one that I wrote for the busy mother, teenager or person that wanted a good story but may not have a lot of time to devote to a book. The book is set In New York City and is a warm and heart felt read. I loved the exploration of a character who glimpses a stranger for a mere second and the ability to experience where that sighting may go. For those of you that are looking for a fun book to read over the weekend. This book is for you!

http://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Cupcake-Karma-ebook/dp/B00AW1BV1Y

Karma Corn Craze: Sorry Powerball players hoping for another record ...

Karma Corn Craze: Sorry Powerball players hoping for another record ...: Sorry Powerball players hoping for another record jackpot. The Powerball was hit tonight and not by yours truly. This is an easy Crysta...

Sorry Powerball players hoping for another record jackpot.

The Powerball was hit tonight and not by yours truly. This is an easy Crystal Ball prediction because you can check the South Dakota Lottery Internet page which updates by midnight if the Jack pot is hit. My new prediction for Iowa tomorrow is.... yes it will be hot and rain is coming by late Thursday night, but it will be very spotty. Cooler temperatures to come to end the workweek  and this one you did not need a crystal ball... just the weather channel. I am thankful for the fact that my husband did amazing in day surgery. I have a wonderful family. My children, I am happy for the lives that they are creating. Not a lot of predictions at this point because this is just a fun experiment of what is to come. A whole new direction for the blog and I hope it is interactive. It is now Thursday and I am  just going to smile,  go to lunch and be happy that I have what I have.

Karma Corn Craze: Crystal Ball predictions....I am hoping that I c...

Karma Corn Craze: Crystal Ball predictions....

I am hoping that I c...: Crystal Ball predictions.... I am hoping that I can predict a Kansas City Chiefs win tomorrow night by three points. I predict that the ...

Crystal Ball predictions....

I am hoping that I can predict a Kansas City Chiefs win tomorrow night by three points. I predict that the pick three tonight will be 237, as promised, by my son. I predict many people will buy power ball tickets today... Boy this predicting stuff is kind of fun. It may be a weekly event of mine the crystal ball predictions. I'll try to brush up on my very weak predicting and maybe wow you on the blog ... who knows? Of course, there is the unknown. My son and I just experienced that with a happy ending. He has been on a job search all summer and as a mother, my thoughts go right along with every interview. In May, he had thought he had a sure job due to a contact I had made for him. When he was visiting his girlfriend they went to a psychic who told him he would start work in Octuber and make a lot more than he presently was planning to make. The psychic was right as he will be starting in October and 15,000 over what he was soppose to make in May when the job fell through. Life and prediction have funny little twist, and yet it looks like the road you are soppose to take you often do.

Karma Corn Craze: Talking Ophelia Jones over eggs.... We just had ...

Karma Corn Craze: Talking Ophelia Jones over eggs....

 We just had ...: Talking Ophelia Jones over eggs....   We just had an impromptu brunch with Aaron my mom and me. We were discussing one of my favorite top...

Talking Ophelia Jones over eggs....

 We just had an impromptu brunch with Aaron my mom and me. We were discussing one of my favorite topics, which is my latest book. My mother had just read the book and gave me feedback on what she liked about the character and the book. In opening up the conversation it also brought  in to play that I am currently developing characters for the new book. The next book it will be the fourth in the series of Karma Corn and will be a much larger book as it will span ten years. This book will also be a mystery which will be a first for me. I am also hoping to do a little traveling to the places that are in the book before I actually begin writing. The part of writing a series is that the characters that I once thought were just part of a single story have now begun to become  part of a large canvas waiting for new pictures. I smile that Ophelia joined us for breakfast at least in my head. Well, some in my actions I accidentally squirted Aaron in the face with Windex. I spilled milk on the table and myself and burnt my finger. Does Ophelia Jones live with me each day? I most certainly believe she is now a part of my soul.

Jeff Brown- Half Dome

Today's blog is simple. Congrats to my brother on reaching another of his goals. He climbed half dome in Yosemite National Park. He has been climbing for several years and this is a passion that close to skiing he revels in. Last year he was in Canada and was dropped from a helicopter to ski. He has ran marathons and competed in tough mudders. I enjoy watching his adventures and the biggest joy I have is each time I see a picture with his amazing smile. As a older sister I will always worry but everytime he does someting on his bucket list I will be forever proud of him!

I am ready for the cooler weather of fall. We in Iowa are praying for some rain. There are days we look at the blaring sun and wish for overcast days. It has been over a month without a drop. The ground is cracked and hard, and plants are surviving but lack full beauty. My waterfall has flocks of birds each day as it is the only source of water for many. I yearn to open my windows and feel cool breezes as I watch the sky open up with a gentle rain. The leaves turning orange and yellow with bright reds through out. My summer has been a fun and memorable one, but it is football, chili and cooler weather this blogger is craving. I can try to do an Indian rain dance with my lovely boot that I am now wearing. The boot is to protect two-foot  injuries, so I am not sure how wonderful the dance will be. With an Indian dance I might do, we might get October Snow! Ha I said it snow am I really yearning for cooler temperatures!!!

Are you ready for some football?

Aaron at Arrowhead!!!!

 Tomorrow is opening Sunday. Yes, there was a Thursday night game but this is Sunday with all the games and highlights and free NFL ticket. No running to the computer to look up on the ESPN game day and what my team is doing.  The blessed Sunday Noon kickoff  and a full day of football with my son to watch the games with. A long-standing tradition that we have not been able to enjoy as much lately. Life, work or him being away at college prevented the noon kickoff.  Not tomorrow I will be sitting with my son watching our Kansas City Chiefs play and enjoying a vegetarian pizza. Gone are the chicken wings and beef nachos. We pick a different menu but cannot wait to have the day to kick off an amazing football season. I cannot wait to have this time with my son. As a mother, I have been blessed with children whom I truly enjoying getting to know as an adult. Enjoy first football to all that indulge in watching the games.

Tissue journal

Last night, I wrote  about an amazing touching story between a soldier and a grandmother and tonight the tissues are out. I wonder in the food industry if we do touch people, or we are just there as a conversational piece. Tonight, a woman who has been a lively fixture with her partner changed my thoughts about the picture that I imagine. They have been a wonderful couple, her by his side as they told me over a five-year period about all of his frustrations in finding out what is wrong with him. She held his head during a seizure, and I ran to help... I sat with him while she unsteadily brought the car around. I held her hand when they said his heart did not work right. Next, we had his Parkinson's diagnosis and her mouth cancer. Through it all, they were smiles and a couple that  I admired. Tonight she came in by herself, and I feared the worst as she came to me solemnly. I worried that the seizures had taken him. Instead, she told me the story that after her operation, he had left her after eight years. I sat, and we talked of her hopelessness and her fear that he had given up and left because he thought he might not live long. I hoped that I told her the right things but tonight my eyes were not dry as I realize that things are never how we perceive them. I hid my silly, little medical boot under the table because I realized that me wearing a boot for an injury for four weeks pales in comparison to a broken heart. I wish I could help mend this heart, and I realize that when life comes charging in we only wish that we have the words to mend.

A story from the heartland...
I went to work tonight and was quite surprised to receive a call from Belgium. On the other end of the phone was a stranger named Chad. He had one request in that he wanted to have a catfish dinner delivered to his grandmother. We do not normally deliver one meal but something in his voice impressed me, and I knew we should oblige. The catfish was prepared, and a member of the kitchen was soon sent to meet his 92-year-old  Grandmother. She met the delivery with a big smile and much surprise. I answered the phone a half-hour later and was lucky enough to talk to Chad again. He said that even though it was the middle of the night in Belgium, he wanted to know how the delivery had gone. I told him I had included  a little note from him, and she was quite happy could tell he was smiling at the other end as he described how his grandmother had a tough year with falls and that he wished he could see her more. I thanked him that we could be part of a wonderful story. Tonight when I came home CNN blared as my husband had left the television on. I saw comments made on Syria and realized that the war  is for cable tv  but does not touch me often. I pictured Chad tonight as he said he had got on his knees to thank the kindness of strangers. I also imagine his grandmother alone as she ate the catfish thinking of her grandson. How she must worry about him and want to see him again. I picture a soldier far from home, and how much he worries about how much of a shut in his Grandmother has become. I am glad that I answered the phone and could be part of the story as these stories help remind me that I sat in peace in the heartland because of the Chad's in the world.  It was jus a food delivery, but it is one that will stay with me for a long time!

Erica Hofman is having a birthday tomorrow.

 It is the first time I see her name other than the one that was registered at birth. She has been married for two weeks and now has a new life and role in some respects. I would like to honor the child whom I watched become an adult. I loved her fashion sense as a small child. I would have never told her at the time. We were still completely disagreeing when it came to fashion. However, she was always determined to look the way she wanted to. We lived in Dallas Texas when she was little and even at that time she ruled the neighborhood. She has always been a special and commanding force. I cannot wait for our next chapters in life and how we will take on more trips and life together. I am especially looking forward to going back to Napa with her and spending a few days. So happy birthday to my awesome, amazing daughter and I cannot wait for the rest of our lives together!

The only thing that I like about showing my now swollen foot is that my toenail looks really good! My right foot.... I fell over a loose brick in my landscaping  while watering my plants. I want to blame the fact that we have not had rain in 28 days. I would not of been outside watering if the good Lord had just turned nature's faucet on.I would love to say that  the real fault  is the seller of the home ten years ago for not doing the brick in a way that was sure to last. Down deep I have to look at my summer. I write a book about a person that is very clumsy and well maybe it's karma but this has been my summer to become Miss Ophelia Jones. Poison Ivy in my eyes and ears. Injuring my heel to the point that I am to get fitted for a boot on Wednesday on this foot. A severe muscle strain from moving a hedge. Shoes that exploded in Nashville. A side of my mouth that has hurt for over two weeks. A infected finger from a manicure when I never have had a problem with a manicure. My left knee still knumb from a fall at work. I think the universe is trying to tell me something and maybe it is time to listen. The only good thing is that I have been too busy with the other injuries I have hardly noticed the Parkinson's. I think my next book will only be about winning the lottery. That is a safer bet becouse it can take care of medical bills. Smiles to everyone as I just wait for the next accident to appear. Laughing at myself makes it so much easier!

If a writer touches the heart of a stranger, it is in hope that they may one day really know compassion. I often wonder when I am writing my blog who I am writing to. What airless space will my thoughts land upon. Tonight, I was lucky enough to have a wonderful conversation with a mother who is also a grandmother of a special-needs child. She is tireless in her pursuit to bring whatever is needed to her grandson. I see her empathy and I also connect with the world that we cannot grasp. How do we really thank the caregivers of the children who need the extra love and daily compassion? My sister's... I watch and marvel at the fact that they

 both have such full careers and also juggle the special needs of a child. 

My friend has a daughter who is also juggling and always searching or looking for new answers to a cure.

 I realized as I walked my friend out to her car after a wonderful night of conversation that I am so humbled by our amazing care givers in the world. I want to thank the women whom I know that bring the light into a child with special needs. What would we ever do without you? The three that I am talking about keep strong smiles on their faces and bring light to other's around them. So today on Labor day let's all say a small prayer for the caretakers of the children that need a special person looking after them. God bless them all!

Labor day weekend!!!!

The heat is promising to break, rain may enter our lives. Summer and it's heat is coming to end. Around the corner we hope to marvel at fall colors.

Or if you are lucky enough you will golf in October and capture the tranquility of this scene. I was golfing with my mom on this day. I forgot to golf as I gazed at the serenity of the golf course. This one is no longer available to play. It reminds me whatever is the season, take your moment and enjoy your life and make a memory.

Time to read!!http://authorquiz.blogspot.com/2013/08/jacqueline-brockert-author-of-perils-of.html

The End of the Summer...Time to do a special promotion on all books!!!

We wait for the temperature to change and Summer to bring us sunshine and warmth. In Iowa, we must of wished too hard because we have plenty of warmth a little too much! Yet, this weekend signals the end of summer activities for most and the beginning of cool crisp days to follow. I have had a wonderful 2013 with three books now published, the wedding that we looked forward to for soo long and really happy family adventures this summer. I wanted to end the summer with a gift to family, friends and people that I hope to become new followers of my books. On Sunday August 31st, I will be offering all three books free on kindle! 

  

Get the three books!

Pick a favorite spot and dive into a book this weekend!

The images of  Saturday, the day of the wedding flash before my eyes. I smile with quick remembrances of watching my daughter and the bridesmaid's getting ready early in the morning, mimosa's and berries, singing on the bus to the church.

 The moment that my daughter put the wedding dress on, and it was a moment of watching a stunning beautiful woman become a bride. My grand daughter, graceful and perfect in her dress and with her hair swept up and make-up to make her seem almost too grown up for a Grandmother that wants her to stay precious and young. My moment of truth came when my son walked his sister done the aisle. Tears were not there as I instead saw them as my two children young again in different stages of childhood. The joy of watching her brother walk her to her soon to be husband was only eclipsed by the shining smile on the face of the groom as he saw his bride in all her beauty. My son gave her a kiss on the cheek, and a smile and Erica joined Gabe to begin their lives together. We had the amazing reception with the lights of Indy glittering below us and knew we had witnessed a perfect day. The guest had traveled home each happier for the weekend that they shared.

 On Sunday, we had brunch together as a family and were delighted that Gabe, Ethan, Marilyn and Dean also could join us. As I looked around the table and realized that what was created on this weekend was a new family and enjoyed the smiles and love around us. When Gabe's mother hugged me, she added let's hug heart to heart. Today from my heart to all that know me I feel a strong sense of contentment and love that will grow as I watch this couple begin a wonderful life together. For a mother, I can now sleep with peace knowing my daughter is exactly where she should be.

The wedding is now only five days away, and my emotions run deep.

 My little girl who came into this world at two pounds and two ounces. Her determintaion to be in this world had her rolling over the first day. She has never lost her will or spunk. As she easily dives into new tasks and life with that same determination.




She has always known her own mind even in the early days. She loved to dress up, and her style can often take your breath away.





 Her wit, charm and ability to understand any situation and make it better for her as to have touched it. Her compassion and warmth are evident in her ability to love and be a generous and wonderful mother. I am the lucky one to watch a beautiful daughter grow as a woman and get to spend her cherished day with her. All the love of her mother -I can't wait for the beautiful bride's day!

We just made purchasing Karma Corn and Ophlia Jones easier!

 We included both books for expanded distribution. We are also having a special weekend and will be featured on kindle nation. I am just getting some new feedback on The Perils of Ophelia Jones, and I am thankful that my readers are enjoying her antics. My mind has been filled with characters and situation for the new book. I am anxious to start writing again. Thanks for all that has become new readers on this first-year  journey!

The Link to purchase:http://www.amazon.com/Perils-Ophelia-Jones-Karma-ebook/dp/B00DU1NDRI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376584996&sr=8-1&keywords=the+perils+of+ophelia+jones

People often asked me if I am a character in my books. I know that I have a little Ophelia Jones that I carry with me every day,

it is the ability to make fun of myself and situations. I have a new story that is fun to share. You all know the wedding is coming up and my hunt to try to find the Cinderella shoes that will help me magically dance the night away. We all wish, but we know new shoes take a proper amount of stretching. Does anyone really believe that Cinderella slipped a foot in a glass shoe? Of course not and I was not going to take that chance. I decide to wear my new shoes to brunch. I am going to say in an undisclosed city because I am about to commit a small crime. I had gotten away with just two years ago and was ready to go at it again. The brunch is done and I will walk to my crime site overtly make off with my prize and have the getaway car waiting. The wedding shoes were a dream, and I walked to the selected site. A place where I located  the most beautiful flower two years ago. Snuck the seed pod away and brought it to a wonderful flower against all odds. Now, here I was again ready to snip a flower when a tourist decide to follow me. Is my getaway car anywhere in the vicinity. I don't think so. My getaway drivers are busy conversing with waitress or perhaps a passing person wishing them how to do. Whatever the case I have the seed pod burning a small hole in my palm. This new tourist follows me with glazed eyes wondering if I knew where to go for the day. He has a  camera and seem to want to make an event happen. My small attempts at small talk only make him follow me faster. And where is my getaway car? The van slowly turned the corner puffing and huffing as a tourist waved to me as I carried my prize to the car. The getaway was smooth even with the sprinklers going off in all directions. It is easy to see with every ordinary event, we can turn it into a comical and unique way to view ourselves.

Buy ME!! http://www.amazon.com/Perils-Ophelia-Jones-Karma-ebook/dp/

It is just one week and my new book will be advertised on Kindle Nation! It is a day that I am hoping that a new audience will be able to begin the Karma Corn Series! Anyone that has read my books and would like to write a review it would be helpful as many people will be seeing me for the first time! I thank all  loyal fans and am hoping for an exciting week of promotion!

Sixteen days and I will in Indianapolis at my daughter's wedding.(Big box of kleenex crying like a baby I imagine) This year has been amazing as I watched two prepare for their live together as man and wife. It started last July with the wonderful proposal in New York City. ( How happy I was to have Gabe call and ask me for her hand. I smile now thinking of him in the rowboat in the middle of Central Park. Rowing his heart away as he really surprised Erica. I could not call her all week as I was afraid I would spoil the surprise) By August Gabe's house was on the market and they were looking to build their dream house. I was fortunate to see Erica in her wedding dress as we purchased it. I knew the dress was perfect the first time I saw her in it. The dream house took longer but soon they were in it.I tasted wedding cake in their new kitchen in May. The girls all went to Nashville  for memories and I believe their was alchol involved.(Pedal bar,broken shoes,laughter,good food,lots of country music) Gabe and his buddy's just finished up a wonderful time in Chicago. Now, today sixteen days before the wedding I found the perfect dress... the dress that Erica described she would like to see me find. Shoes followed very easily. Like my daughter, first store and first dress was the one I bought. Now we start the final days before the wedding. As a mother I think of what I wanted for my daughter as I watched her run around as a child.
 This. Simple and perfect. Her new life. Just what a this mother always dreamed for her daughter.

Does God Have Elbows?

My young son asked me that question many years ago. I looked at his wide questioning eyes and immidiately said yes. Satisfied he went off secure in the knowledge that I was his mom and must surely know. The same mom that convinced him that fairies flew in the window to retrieve his tooth under the pillow. My morning musings before I got up this morning took me to the question what if we had all the answers. Would I want to know the answer to life and have the veil of secrecy lifted forever? I pondered that and realized that I like the mystery of... Does God has elbows. 
I am happy that we as individuals are always trying to seek to know answers. It's okay to left the veil from time to time. I guess my answer to my own question would be I would like to know some of the answers if it would benefit mankind. (It was so much easier berfore I gave up caffeine! Now, I wake up and it takes ten minutes to wake up and in that time my mind wanders.) Thanks for taking the time to morning muse with me.