Friday, July 7, 2023
The Joy of The End by Eileen O'Finlan
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Indoor Dining and Other Joyous Occasions by Connie Vines
We have all been social distancing, staying home, and donning masks for the past year to prevent infection. Depending on the size of your "social bubble" (usually, immediate family members), you are able to interact with others. The vaccine availability seems to have lessened stress levels of many, and for that, I am grateful.
However, here in southern California, we have been "closed" for almost and entire year.
Historic Downtown Upland |
Even outdoor dining was only a very recent and not very frequent option.
Being an Introvert by nature, and a writer with two dogs for company, life hasn't been intolerable for me. However, the days and weeks seem to blend into one another.
And, while my dogs were able to visit the groomer--I was not.
I am not very good at do-it-your-self hair cuts. Still, I am ambidexterous, so my nails are presentable. (Not a good trade-off, but it is what it is.)
When we were given the okay for indoor dining, I realized I have not sat inside a restaurant since Jan. 2020.
Wow.
My favorite restaurant (Souplantation) is shuttered for good.
This gave me a chance to re-define 2021 with a tentative baby-step. Nothing profound, mind you, but a step back into normalcy.
I do love coffee but I also enjoy a cup of Earl Grey tea every afternoon, I realized, pondering a place to dine.
I visited my hairstylist.
I was able to make a reservation at a 'newly relocated' English Tea Room.
The Magnolia Tea Room is only 6 miles from my home. It's also located in the Downtown Historical District in Upland, California.
I thought I'd share my joyous occasion and '1st 2021 Adventure' with you :-).
The Outdoor Garden |
The Afternoon Tea setting |
The scone was delicious (I didn't snap a picture) |
The Ladies' Room |
After I click the 'publish' button for this post, I'm back at my keyboard with a pup in my lap and a cup of hot tea within reach.
Happy Reading! (remember to mention a favorite tea in any comment you leave for me.)
Next Release |
Friday, November 20, 2020
Why Did I Write a Memoir, Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q. Rose
Will the retiring business owners nurture Ted and Janet as they struggle to develop a blooming business, or will they desert the inexperienced young couple to wither and die in their new environment?
Most of all, can Ted and Janet grow together as they cultivate a loving marriage, juggle parenting with work, and root a thriving business?
Follow this couple’s inspiring story, filled with the joy and triumphs and the obstacles and failures experienced as they travel along the turbulent path of turning dreams into reality.
"If you try, you might fail, but if you don't try, you'll never succeed." |
Arranging a Dream: A Memoir by J.Q. Rose Click here to pre-order |
About J.Q. Rose:
Author J.Q. Rose |
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Romantic Tropes, a Shocking Parody by Diane Scott Lewis
When I first read Romance Novels, they were racy, sexy, and a woman could have more than one lover. Now they follow a strict formula, and are toned down, unless it's Erotica.
The man and woman must meet in the first few pages; they can't be apart during the story for large chunks of time; and there must be a HEA: happily Ever After.
I read several, but the formula wore me down. I wanted surprises, better historical details, in other words, I wanted straight Historical Fiction with Romantic Elements.
Finally, I decided to write a romance parody, using all the tropes, but making fun of them. The Heaving Breast, Bodice Ripper, but all presented as Tongue-in-Cheek.
I tried to parody all the tropes writers are supposed to avoid: The arranged marriage. The Alpha make who's a jerk, until our heroine tames him. He's in a position of power over her. He insults her (but in my story, she insults him right back). She's devastatingly gorgeous. He's handsome and brooding There's so many, the list could go on.
But I do give them a HEA.
Excerpt:
“Truth is, I did have business in town, so it’s not a total waste.” He rocked back on his heels, arms now behind his back. His actions were irrational, and totally alien to his usual demeanor. “You intrigue me, Miss Pencavel, such as a wasp might intrigue one. You wonder how close you may hover before being stung.”
"You will feel my sting, sir; but nothing else of my person. I will buzz away from your distasteful reach." She slowly licked her ice cream spoon, her breasts heaving.
Don't be offended, I want you to laugh.
To purchase this novel for farce and parody, and my other BWL books: BWL or Lady Pencavel
Find out more about me and my novels on my website: Dianescottlewis
Diane and husband, at former navy base, Greece |
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Death of King Charles II By Katherine Pym
King Charles II |
Charles' siblings with their spaniels |
Cruel Medicine |
But they were learning. First microscope |
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Barkerville Beginnings, Book Four of BWL Publishing's Canadian Historical Brides Collection
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Recipes for Cooking Over the Campfire by J.Q. Rose
Terror on Sunshine Boulevard Paranormal Mystery Click here to find more mysteries by JQ Rose from BWL Publishing |
Hello and welcome to the BWL Publishing Insiders Blog!
Cooking over the campfire. |
Recipes for Cooking Over the Campfire by J.Q. Rose
A few years ago we camped with our daughter Lee Ann and family over the Memorial Day holiday weekend near Stony Lake in West Michigan. Always the "event" planner, she invited our other daughter, Sara, (who is not a camper) and family to join us on Sunday for a fun dinner with Dump Soup as the main entree.I bet you've heard the folk tale Stone Soup, the story of hungry strangers who convince the townspeople to share a small amount of their food in order to feed everyone. We weren't exactly hungry strangers, and we didn't ask fellow campers to contribute to the soup pot.
Lee Ann coined the term "Dump Soup" because we all brought ingredients to dump into the soup pot. There is NO recipe. That's the fun part. Just whatever is offered is added to the pot. Lee Ann poured in beef broth, beef consomme, and I added mushroom soup as a base for all the other stuff e.g. beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, cans of veggies, etc.
All ready to cook over the campfire. |
Another of our family faves for dinner over the fire is "hobo dinner." I've heard it called foil packet dinner too. We spray the foil with vegetable oil, place bacon on the first layer, hamburger or chicken next, and then add whatever fresh veggies you like to the foil e.g. potatoes, carrots, green pepper, onion, butter, and celery.
Ingredients ready to wrap. |
PS--This dinner can be cooked on your grill at home too.
Dinner wrapped in foil packets. |
What are your easy go-to recipes when having a crowd over to your house or when camping?
Click here to connect online with J.Q. Rose
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