IN WOOLEN BIKINIS – COMING SOON

Are you ready for in Woolen Bikinis? This 2nd novel in the Jean and Rosie series is anticipated to be available by the end of June. Here’s a short synopsis of what it’s about:

All Women Need Their Own Simple Pleasures . . .

Jean and Rosie are involved in a new adventure together—they’re both excited about it—and they’ll introduce you to some interesting characters along the way.

But, while Jean is also busy dealing with numerous “man” issues, Rosie, her best friend, has plenty of issues of her own:  she’s facing the “empty nest” syndrome, her husband is recovering from heart surgery, and she’s finally prepared to solve a deep, dark secret from her past. Then, there’s the unexpected news that could shatter her optimism and faith.

In Woolen Bikinis is an engaging story about the unexpected twists and turns that can happen in any woman’s life, as well as a strong friendship, one Jean and Rosie are fortunate to have, that can help carry one through.

It’s also about Simple Pleasures, plenty of them (like woolen bikinis?).

Be prepared to be delighted.

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DARN COMMAS!


comma

Comma usage confuses me. I was taught to put commas in places where nowadays they are no longer needed. Therefore, I continuously debate back and forth in my head whether to continue using them in certain situations. My “old school” teachings tend to win out—at least until my editor gets a hold of whatever I’m writing.

But we writers are under tremendous pressure whenever we write a blog post. Most of us do not have an editor looking over our shoulder telling us the correct punctuation, proper usage of words, etc. Honestly, sometimes it takes hours to write a few paragraphs! And when we finally do publicize a post, we’re still not sure we’ve punctuated or written it correctly. (I’m really speaking for myself, but I’m sure others feel the same way.)

Last night, after posting a blog entry, I was haunted by a specific comma I used and spent most of the overnight worrying about it. Should that comma have gone there? Maybe I should’ve restructured the sentence instead? Oh, no! I probably need to remove it before anyone notices what a screw up I can be!

I didn’t end up changing a thing, but self-doubt kept at me and kept me awake.

Today (notice the comma here), I Googled my dilemma and found different answers. Most said the comma was optional. I also found this link supporting my “old school” ways.

http://www2.ivcc.edu/rambo//eng1001/commas.htm

I feel better about it now, for the moment at least. No reader has commented on it yet, either, and I’m glad I’ve shared this with you.

So maybe I can sleep now?

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NO MORE BLAHS

Today, I didn’t take my usual walk because it looked like it might rain. Then, after work, I wasn’t motivated at all—I just felt blah. It’s the first day in over 3 weeks where I didn’t get at least 15 minutes of exercise in like I promised I would.

Earlier this evening, I also wanted to write a blog post, but no matter how much I tried to start something, the “blahness” kept with me, so I finally gave up. Nothing was getting accomplished.

“I need to pull out of this,” I told myself. “Please give me something to blog about.” I prayed.

And then, while my husband and I were watching Vimeo tonight, we came upon an amazing short video by Author David Foster Wallace–a commencement address he gave to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon College.

It’s exceptional, so if you haven’t seen it already, you can view it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmpYnxlEh0c

After you watch it, Google the author and find out more about him, but don’t let what you discover ruin the inspiration and insight this gives you.

(I should’ve known the day wasn’t over yet–I wrote my blog post after all! Sometimes you have to give up to be open for inspiration, I guess. As for exercising, well, tomorrow’s another day!)

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REMEMBER THE MOMENT

For the past few weeks, I’ve been walking along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee most weekdays during my lunch break. While doing so, I’ve enjoyed the sights: kayakers, other walkers (some with dogs), people fishing from docks or boats, children daring to dip their hands and feet into the still cold water, and, of course, the wonderful natural lake and mountains views.

One day, I saw a group of young children huddled together near a concrete bench with dedication words engraved on the side of it. The oldest one, acting like she knew how to read, impressed the younger ones with a tall tale of what was written there. I listened in while passing by and it made me think about the wonderful imagination kids have and how we tend to lose our imaginations as we grow up. (I’m happy to say I’ve never completely grown up—out maybe, but not up.)

Lately, during my walks, I’ve started to think about how someday I’d like to live in this beautiful lakeside town. Someday . . . Someday . . . I think of the living space I’ll have, how I’ll write at a desk while gazing out at the bay, and how I’ll be able to enjoy even more walks. Doesn’t sound like a bad thing to do, right? Wishing for something so wonderful?

But, while reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert last night, I read a very significant line and that’s when I realized I was beginning to lose my focus. By wishing so much for a future event, I had begun to deprive myself of the full pleasures of the present moment—the only thing I’m assured of.

Yes, someday I’d like to live there, but when I’m enjoying these walks, or even when I’m looking out at the same beautiful view from my “day job” desk (yes, I’m fortunate), I’m already there—praying, loving, and okay, maybe not eating much, but breathing in the fresh, clean air, enjoying the sights, and living—REALLY LIVING!

(BTW – Did you know a walk like this is even more pleasurable than food?)

All we have is the present moment, and sometimes we ruin it by trying to live in the future instead—or maybe even in the past.

The past is gone. The future isn’t guaranteed.

Live in the moment.

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Interview Revisited

If you missed my online interview with Morgen Bailey earlier this year, be sure to check it out at http://morgensauthorinterviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/author-interview-no661-with-catherine.html .

(I’ll blog again within the next few days, but just to let you know, I’m still walking and the scale is beginning to go in the right direction!)

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in Polyester Pajamas featured on The Edible Bookshelf 4/24 – 4/26

From Wed – Fri (4/24-4/26), my book “in Polyester Pajamas” is being featured online at The Edible Bookshelf. Something different every day. Please visit and please share with others. Enter to win a book or ebook, too!

Wednesday 4/24 – Introduction

Thursday 4/25 – Interview

Friday 4/26 – Review

These can be viewed after 8 am (est) on the day they are featured.

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HEALTHY LIVING CHANGES

Just wanted to let you know it really works.

After declaring my intentions to start exercising on this blog site last week, and despite my busy schedule, I’ve managed to exercise at least 15 minutes a day for the past 8 days.

All of my exercising was done by walking, but I was able to walk up to an hour on some of those days, and there were a few days when I didn’t feel like moving at all, but did anyway. Why? Because I told you I would.

I also made healthier food choices overall. Unfortunately, I didn’t drop any weight yet, not even a pound, but the weight loss is coming because I’ll be continuing my walking (at least 15 minutes a day), along with the healthy eating. I’m also going to add some squats, crunches, sit ups, and push ups to pick up the pace.

Funny thing about all this is I didn’t feel like I lost any time with the new daily exercise routine. This past week, I also joined http://thenextbigwriter.com, spending a few extra hours posting and reviewing there. Plus, despite all my other work, including writing and social media stuff, I had more time for pleasure reading. (Right now, I’m reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Love it!)

All I can figure is by exercising and breathing in more oxygen, I started gaining more energy. By having more energy, I accomplished more. Amazing!

Yes, it really works, and I plan on keeping at it. Be sure to check back next week for another progress report. Also, consider your own healthy living changes. I’d love to hear about them if you do!

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