Going . . . going . . . Done!


I was in a creative mood last night. The inspiration flowed. I finished the last chapter and the epilogue in my second novel of the romance series! Yippeee!

Earlier in the week I wrote the next-to-last chapter, but wasn't sure about where I took it. I dithered, partially rewrote, and finally abandoned it, to just get on with it! Results: last night's work.

That doesn't mean I'm finished. Far from it. Major edits, cuts, additions, and critiques are still in store for the immediate future.

But that also doesn't mean I can't get on with my writing. Joy, joy.

Last night (sneaky, pleased grin here), I began the third romance in this series. Almost completed the first chapter and am tickled to death with where this story is going. I love the main character for starters. She's sassy, impulsive, clumsy, big-hearted, and homely. I hope she'll be lots of fun to write about!

She's entirely different from her two friends (from the two previous romances).

• Toni was Italian, gentle, sweet, and too forgiving. She runs a construction business and fell in love (and married and adopted a baby girl) with a grouchy professor/writer.
  
• Starli, on the other hand, appeared cold and blunt on the outside, but was generous and craving real love. Talented and beautiful, she had a major problem with trust until fun-loving Sir Joel--her new chef--appeared in her life.
  

Then I have a youth novel begun. I'm working on a cozy with a middle-aged couple. And I have several others started that I need to get back to. Not counting I really need to do some major work on the second in my Tara Layne and Hickory series suspense.

Anyone know of a way to add more hours in a day? Laugh.

There you have it. An update on my writing.




Today's hints (to make life easier) are sent in by friend Ann. Thank you, lady!

• A sealed envelope: put in freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. Hmmm. Maybe I can use this trick in a mystery!
• Empty toilet paper rolls: use to store appliance cords. Keeps them neat & you can write on the rolls to identify the cords.
• Icy door steps: Put dishwashing detergent in warm water and pour over steps. Shouldn't refreeze. (Caution: test to be sure)
• Old wax from a glass candle holder: put in freezer for a few hours. Take holder out and turn upside down. The wax should fall out.
• Crayon marks on walls: apply a little baking soda to a damp rag. Should come off with little effort!
  

A quick reminder: coming up in July. Cindy Woodsmall's interview and a drawing for her newest book. Be sure to watch for it!


Quote:
Living the truth in your heart without compromise brings kindness into the world. --18th Century Monk

Blessings

Why Do I Act the Way I Do?


One of my critique partners recommended Tim LaHaye's book: "Why You Act the Way You Do." She had a valid point (critiquing my two main characters in "Chef Over Love" [second in my romance series] ) so I ordered it from Amazon, received it yesterday.

I read a few chapters last night before I went to bed, but couldn't sleep well. About 1:30 a.m. I was up. Hubby was, too, and I tried talking to him, but I'm afraid all he was interested in right then was getting back to sleep. Since I was jumping out of my skin, I grabbed WYATWYD and read more. About 3:30 I went back to bed. Sigh.

Anyhow, the results? Now I'm dissecting everyone's personalities, including my own! Ergggh!

For me, it's lots of fun, but it's also useful. I love applying the contents (what I've learned) to my characters, and I predict will be a big help in projecting their personalities on paper. So . . . tax write off? Grin.

Here are the four basic personalities Tim lists. Remember that a person's personality can also have secondary personalities, and perhaps even a third one. There are lots of varibles, including our environment, our parents personalities, our raising, and life in general.

Sanquine:

• Positive traits: outgoing, responsive, warm and friendly, talkative, enthusiastic, compassionate
• Negative traits: undisciplined, emotionally unstable, unproductive, eggocentric, exaggerates

Choleric:

• Positive traits: strong-willed, independent, visionary, practical, productive, decisive, leader
• Negative traits: cold and unemotional, self-sufficent, impetuous, domineering, unforgiving, sarcastic, angry, cruel

Melancholy:

• Positive traits: gifted, analytical, aesthetic, self-sacrificing, industrious, self-disciplined
• Negative traits: moody, self-centered, persecution-prone, revengeful, touchy, theoretical, unsociable, critical, negative

Phelegmatic:

• Positive traits: calm, quiet, easygoing, dependable, objective, diplomatic, efficient, organized, practical, humorous
• Negative traits: unmotivated, procrastimator, selfish, stingy, self-protective, indecisive, fearful, worrier

There you have it. Don't forget there's lots of secondary personalities. No one person is all of the above, good or bad. But if this catches your interest, make sure you're entirely honest with yourself. It doesn't do any good to cover up that negative trait.

God's salvation can make the stingiest person a better giver. His work in a heart can produce forgiveness instead of revenge. That's what makes it all so interesting.

At least to me.




Here are a few fun license plates you can try to figure out. Enjoy!

ICUR2YS
CABE4U
ONOIML8
BNKTLR
LDYNLV
URAQT
RESQME
URGR8
JTSKER
CUL8R
URFUNE2


Quote:
Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's forthcoming attractions. --Albert Einstein


Blessings.

Murder and Mayhem . . .

You know I love to write mysteries. Love the thrill of the chase in suspense. Love that dangerous feeling . . . IN MY MANUSCRIPTS!

But that's imagination and words and an imaginary world; not real life. Real life is real (duh! profound statement!) and real life murder, rape, and theft is not fun or funny. It's easy to say it won't ever happen to me. Or I'm careful--I keep my doors locked. How many criminals stop at a locked door? How strong are you against a crime?

Today's blog and hints are combined. Read and take heed. It's better to be prepared than sorry . . .

1. The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!


3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.


4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

5. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF. Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it . As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

6. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

• Be aware:look around you,look into your car,at the passenger side floor ,and in the back seat

• If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door . Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

• Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
  

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)


7. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot.
This is especially true at NIGHT!)

8. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, in a zig -zag pattern!


9. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP ! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked for help into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

10. Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last. She called the police because it was late. The police told her, "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.

The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do,
DO NOT open the door."

He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they hadn't verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they'd heard baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

Be aware of tricks that can get you to open doors. Don't!

Reminder: Those who comment (you know the drill--email, blog comment, phone call, letter) will be entered to win Cindy Woodsmall's newest book next month. Get ready . . .


Quote:
Don't compromise yourself; you are all you've got. -- Betty Ford


Blessings

Never

I was given some advice yesterday. B-a-d advice.

I don't know what the person was thinking. Except I know the person and they haven't ever been very determined about much in their life--and I've known them a long time.

What was the advice? Give up on my writing group--in other words, quit writing. Because I'm a bad writer? Because they think I can't write? Nope.

Not at all. The only reason they touted, was that it's been so-o-o long since I've submitted and haven't heard back from any of those publishers.

Rubbish.

Four months isn't long for a publisher. Eight months isn't long. Even a year. (Long for us patiently (or unpatiently) waiting souls, but for those poor overworked editors, it's not really long. They have hundreds of manuscripts to wade through.

Am I using excuses why I haven't heard anything yet? Again, nope. I'm stating facts.

Of course, perhaps I would have heard something by now if I'd had myself in gear and submitted MORE. I'm working on it.

But quit? Never. Never until I'm too feeble to hold a pen. Never until my mind is gone and I can no longer think through my day, alone write something. Never until I'm published.

When? Some of my critique partners chide me for being pessimistic. Dream. Hope. Determine.

When will it happen? This year! This month! Today!

I can hope.

And work toward that goal.

And I will NEVER quit.

Hints for a good day in June:

• Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams, don't have much.
• Don't judge people by their relatives.
• Remember the three R's:

1. respect for self
2. respect for others
3. responsibility for your actions.



Cindy Woodsmall's interview coming up soon. Look for it around July 13th!



Quote:
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

Ah!


Blessings.

Testing . . . Testing . . .

For Smart People . . .

And I've determined that you qualify. The following short quiz consists of 4 questions and will tell you whether you are qualified to be classified as a smart person.

Scroll down for each answer(if you're brave enough). The questions are NOT that difficult. But don't scroll down UNTIL you have answered the question! No cheating.


1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

Give up? Ah, come on. Surely you can come up with something.




The correct answer is: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe,
and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do
simple things in an overly complicated way.


Okay, okay. So you didn't know the answer. You've still got another few coming. Try this one:

2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?


Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close
the refrigerator?

Wrong Answer.




Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put
in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to
think through the repercussions of your previous actions.


Well, I knew that you had problems, but come on . . .


3. The Lion is hosting an animal conference. All the animals
attend ... except one. Which animal does not attend?

You give up? Sigh. No comment.





Correct Answer: The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator.
You just put him in there. This tests your memory.

Okay, even if you didn't answer the first three questions
correctly, I'll give you one more chance to show your true abilities. Before I scratch your name off my friends' list. Now, think carefully . . .

4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?

What? You don't know? Think again. Strain your brain. Look in the dictionary. Try a little harder.





Correct Answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Have you
not been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal
Meeting. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

Sorry. You failed the test. Does that mean you're not smart?




I've talked a lot about animals this week, so . . . hints for them:

1. To ease an upset stomach, put a little warm live yogurt and a drop of honey into your pet's food bowl.
2. Dilute dog shampoo with water in an empty squeeze bottle: lasts longer and goes through the coat easier.
3. Start at shoulders and work backward, leaving the head until last as this is what makes them shake.
4. Pill time for pet? Hide it in a piece of cheese or other treat that he likes.

Quote:
Victory belongs to the most persevering. --Napoleon Bonaparte


Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget: Coming up next month: An interview with Cindy Woodsmall. Look for it!

Blessings.

By Hook or By Crook


Some people are born crooks. Right?

I don't really know. I suppose I think that it has a lot to do with someone's circumstances or the way they were raised more than anything to do with heredity.

A couple months ago Son No. One had two break-ins. Of sorts. And the reason I'm saying of sorts is the manner of the first one.

Son No. One has tried hard to do for himself, his own place, responsibly taking care of his bills, making a life for himself. He's kind, mannerly, and friendly. He's helpful--almost too much so. Let me give you a scenario:

Last winter, he was asked to help a young man (of age) by allowing him to stay at his home for awhile. (Of course, in the aftermath, everyone can see that he should have said a firm no!) This young man would help with obligatory bills, etc., in exchange for housing. Yeah, yeah!

In about three months, he moved out. (Very little, if any money was forthcoming. And as I said before, Son No. One should have put his foot down then, but because of his generosity, he didn't). Within days, Son No. One's home was "broken" into. Money, games and other electronic equipment, fishing gear, etc. was taken. Only a few people knew where Son No. One kept an extra key, and this young man knew. He also immediately left the state.

Hmmm. Sounds fishy to me. Guilty? Probably. But we'll no doubt never know.

Yeah, I know. Son No. One made several mistakes. He was too trusting. Too naivete for his own good.

And is that right? Shouldn't we be able to trust people who are suppose to be "friends"?

I think not. In this day, in this society, there are few that can be trusted. And that's a shame. It's not right. Those who are trying to make it, trying to be responsible, trying to live enjoy life, should be able to do so without the above result.

But--as the old saying goes--who ever said life was fair? Or . . . it rains on the just as well as the unjust. We've gotta go with the flow.

Not easy, not enjoyable, and certainly not what any of us want. But true.

And as for the second theft for Son No. One: Someone smashed his back door in (and there are a lot of details that I won't go into) and stole many valuable items from him. The two who are probably responsible are in jail, but the items may never be recovered.

Life goes on . . .



Some good ideas:

• Lock all external doors, windows etc.

• Take keys out of locks and put them away. This makes it more difficult for thieves to make a quick exit if they have made a forced entry.
• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots or hanging on a string beside the letterbox.

• After dark, leave lights on (not just in the hallway) and close curtains. An automatic time switch can be fitted to lights. Leaving a radio on can also help as it gives the illusion there is someone on the premises.

• Keep electrical equipment out of sight whenever possible.

Quote:
I can feel guilty about the past, apprehensive about the future, but only in the present can I act. --Abraham Maslow


Blessings.

Woof!

• As you know, we adopted Noah, our BIG collie dog this spring. He is such a sweetheart and a big baby. If you pet him, he'll literally lay on you. Taffy, our little squirt, growls (from jealousy) and tries to stand between him and us. She's so possessive!

Anyhow, the other night I got my bread machine out and turned it on. Noah must not have been able to figure out what that weird noise was, because he kept growling and barking! I tried to coax him over to it to show him it was not an unseen monster, but he wouldn't go. I think he was afraid!

He's an outside dog, but because he has such a heavy coat of hair, I feel sorry for him, and allow him in some when the temperature is extremely hot. I know, I'm a softie.

Then last night we had a storm with thunder, lightning and rain. Noah must have thought a big-foot monster was coming, 'cause he kept growling at the thunder rolls. What a dog! But I already adore him. Sigh. Me and my animals.

• A few weeks ago we heard the Red tail hawk's babies crying for food. Loved the sound and would have loved seeing those babies!

• On another note, we've got a calf. It was on again, off again, on whether this strange cow was pregnant or not. But toward to the end, hubby kept saying, hmmm, the signs are she's pregnant. Sure enough, I came home one day this spring, and there was this little chocolate coated calf beside her. Darling creature!

• Sunday, the blue jays swooping and squawking in their raucous voices. I walked out to my big flower garden and in one of my cherry trees sat a baby blue jay, making his first foray into flying. Or at least, he was thinking of it. He sat forever on that little branch. I ran out to rescue him once from Sandy (the cat) and risked getting my head pecked from Mama and Papa Blue jay. He finally rallied enough courage to take off.

• And last, but not least, from the animal front: I saw a hummingbird Monday, when I worked in my garden. I've been meaning to get a couple feeders, but kept putting it off. Now that item is at the top of my list! I love hummers!
  

Attention, Ann and Livia: As you know we had a tie for the Father's Day Contest. To try to break that, I've prepared questions from my previous blogs. See how many you can answer. You can look back if you want. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

1. Name two things that cause moodiness (good or bad) in me.
   
2. What color of elephant do I want?
3. Which of my pets do I claim was God-sent?
4. How many pets do I have?
5. What's a favorite dessert of mine?
6. What bird did hubby and I enjoy watching this spring?
7. What kind of hat would I love to have?
8. Name one thing I'm afraid of.
9. What sandwich is one of my favs?
10. How much money would I give to each of mine and hubby's brothers and sisters if I were a millionaire?
    

Remember: I'm looking for specific answers. Send them to me by email, comment, or phone. Best!




And today for fun I've got a new breakfast (or use it anytime!) item for you. If you love fruit, you'll sure to love this.

Fun Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• 1/3 c. red seedless grapes
• 1/3 c. green seedless grapes
• 2/3 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup nonfat yogurt
• 1/4 c. dried coconut, shredded
  

Notes:

• Use any fruit you like!
  
• Instead of coconut, use granola, nuts, or raisins ( or use your imagination).

Directions:

1. Prepare the fruit by washing the grapes, washing the apples and cutting them into small squares, peeling the bananas and cutting them into chunks, and cutting the pineapple into chunks, if it's fresh. Put the fruit onto a large plate.
2. Spread coconut onto another large plate.
3. Slide pieces of fruit onto the skewer and design your own kabob by putting as much or as little of whatever fruit you want! Do this until the stick is almost covered from end to end.
4. Hold your kabob at the ends and roll it in the yogurt, so the fruit gets covered. Then roll it in the coconut.
5. Repeat these steps with another skewer.

Then enjoy!



Quote:
Time is not a line, but a series of NOW points. --Taisen Deshimaru


Blessings

Problems and Solutions!


Hey, everyone. I've had computer problems all day until now (late afternoon!). So . . . in view of that, I haven't been able to check everyone's messages to see who entered & sent the right answer to the contest--until now.


AND we have a tie. Ann and Livia are the two with the correct answer.

The questions I asked:

Who was it? Patricia
What clue did Noah give her? He loved seniors
How did Ali fiture it out?

• Patricia is a senior and likes dogs (including Noah).

• Noah likes her because she's a senior and likes him.

• She has tons of valuable articles in her home, so she would be interested in this book.
  

• She used the distraction of her dog getting lose to send the staff scampering after him. It would only take a moment for her to reach into Ali's office and lift off the key to the case from the bulletin board. In minutes she would be following the staff and effectively hushing her dog's excited barking.

Note:

• Terri is not a senior, in spite of her hatred of Ali.
  
• Neither is Joshua in spite of his capability of stealing to get money.

Being a senior was the main clue. If you notice, I wrote a lot about seniors in one way or other. Sometimes it was used to distract you (by mentioning so many different ones). The index cards and the bubble gum wrappers were red herrings. Lots of the people who visited the library either used index cards or chewed gum, but only three were actual possibilities: Patricia, Rev. Tattony, and Tommy Reece and Billy Mace (together). Ali had decided that Rev. Tattony couldn't be a suspect because he was a reverend and also because he was so generous in giving away books. Tommy and Billy were ornery enough to do it, but too feeble and slow to get away with it.

That left Patricia.

• She owned valuables, some old
  
• She loved dogs
• She was a senior
• I didn't mention her using index cards or chewing bubble gum--that should have been a dead give-away that she was a good suspect.
  

Tomorrow morning, hopefully, I'll have a second round ready for you two.
And thank you to all you emailed and commented with answers. Good job!


Quote:
From quiet homes and first beginning out to the undiscovered ends. There's nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends. --Hilaire Belloc



Blessings.

New and Wonderful!


Don't you just love new things?

I walked outside this morning after a terrific storm last night--and the whole world (mine, anyway) was fresh and clean and beautiful. Gone was the dust and humidity and thirstiness from yesterday. Ah, I love it!

What do I love today that stirs my senses?

• Today's crisp morning.
• A house being built--love the smell of wood, the exciting feeling of birthing (a house, of course!), and the way my imagination soars.
• Babies--all kinds (stirs my maternal-ness. Laugh.)

• New books in my hands-I can't resist--I have to scan through them before I read them! They teach me in my craft of writing and serve as relaxation.
• Homemade bread--taste and smell says it all!
  
• Seeing my flowers growing--satisfaction!

• Feeling your excitement in my Father's Day contest!
• Having one of my sons call me. (Makes me teary-eyed. Yeah, I know I'm sentimental.)
  
• Having hubby come up behind me with loves for me. HMMM!

Too many things and too little time. I probably should have added . . . beginning a new novel. Or thinking about writing conference. Or anticipating a new trip this evening. Or finishing my second romance in the career series this weekend! Or . . .




Special Gift Ideas for Dad that are sure to please!

1. Swiss Army Knife
2. Bridle Leather Dress Wallet (thinner and trendy, more for the professional)
3. Fishing Gear
4. Auto Card Manager (can carry all important cards in one functional and compact device)
5. Grooming Kit (facial hair scissors, skin care tool, nail file, toenail clipper, etc, etc.)
6. Watch
7. Other Sport Equipment

Contest Addendum: Each person can only submit one solution, but you can change your submission before Tuesday, next week (June 19). Just let me know what answer is your final one if you do this.

Quote:
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is.
In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness;
touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it
because in the last analysis
all moments are key moments and life itself is grace.
--Frederich Buechner

Last blog this week. Have a great weekend. See ya all Tuesday . . .

Blessings

The Fun of Being a Father

The top things a teenage daughter (and son) doesn't want to hear from her dad.

1. “Let me explain what 'deductible' means on car insurance.”
2. “Your mom’s almost ready. Where are we going on our double date?”
3. “Seems to me your last year’s fancy dress still has some life in it.”
4. "I signed us up for the 'pairs karaoke contest' this Friday night.”
5. “We ate possum toes like popcorn when I was a kid.”
6. “Let's get ice cream, my treat! Just let me grab my jar of coins.”
7. “I am proud that you decided to keep the family unibrow.”
8. “You don't need to go shopping after all. I picked out a purse for you on my way home.”
9. “I ran into Bobby at the grocery store. I told him that you're really hoping he'll ask you for a date.”
10. “By the way, I had to borrow your deodorant yesterday.”

Here are five benefits of being a grandfather:

1. A chance to feel young again and a sense that your name, character, and family will extend beyond your lifetime.
2. The sheer joy of being related to such adorable and talented grandchildren.
3. Feeling useful through supplying advice, family history, and some financial support.
   
4. Taking personal pride in a grandchild’s performance or character.
5. "Spoiling” the children is a hoot! And it's a pleasure you may have denied themselves as parents.
   

And for great tips on honoring dad this Sunday, think about these:

• Once you have a good cache of memories, think of a meaningful way to honor your dad:

• Write him a letter and read it in front of him and the whole family.

• Buy a book of blank pages and write one item you’re thankful for on each page: “Thanks, Dad, for teaching me how to throw a curveball.” “Thanks for the evenings playing chess together on the front porch.” Encourage other siblings to contribute.

• Write a “Dad Quiz” with questions like “What was dad’s first car?” and “How did dad propose to mom?” Give the quiz to the whole family.

Some of my very favorite quotes and saying about dads:

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass."
"We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys." ~Harmon Killebrew

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

It is much easier to become a father than to be one. ~Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son: Reflections on Becoming a Man, 1994

And one that's always been a special one to me:
Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~Author Unknown


Blessings.

Contest! Contest!

Yep. Today's the day. I promised and here it is.

So . . . you think you're smart? How good are you at detecting? (Larry? Austin? Bro?) Read on to find out!

For our contest, I'm going to give you a scenario of a mystery with a few clues, some red herrings, the suspects, and the main protagonist(s). Whoever can figure it out (whether two or twenty) will move on to the second phase until we have only one winner!

Remember:

• If you have a question, feel free to ask. If I can, I will answer.
• There are red herrings. Some things are not what they seem.
  
• You must pay attention to all of what is written to get the real clue. It's obscure (I think), so pay attention!
• I tried to make it easy enough for everyone, yet hard enough that the best detectives (of my readers) won't guess right away! (That was no easy task, let me assure you!)
  
• And if I see that I missed something, or something's not clear, I will expand later in the week.
  
• You'll have till early Tuesday morning (when I'll announce either a winner or ties) to get a solution to me. Email me, write a letter, phone me, or comment on this blog.
  

Disclaimer: I had thought to give you just a paragraph or two, but found out I couldn't do that. Sorry! I tried my best to NOT make this into a story, so it's a little disjointed. Take it for what it is: a fun contest for you, only!

Happy sluething!


The Case of the Stolen Valuable Book
Allison (Ali, for short) Peters is a young 52 year old head librarian in the small town of Happy Tales. She works six days a week, half days on Thursdays and Tuesdays. She knows everyone and everyone knows her. Almost.

On Saturday, the library was hopping. Lots and lots of town folk were there returning books and checking them out. The computers were constantly in use. Several of the town retirees used the tables to read and check out all the newspapers. A couple of students and a few teachers were doing research.

So you can see that the library was REALLY busy.

Ali brings her dog to work with her every day. He's a big ole dog--a collie--black and tan and white--spoiled rotten and affectionate to those he loves. The children love him, and he puts up with their antics--tugging his ears and pulling his tail. But it's the senior people, that frequent the library, who he really adores. He loves all of them. Almost.

Noah also was a self-appointed guard of her office. No one got past him, unless he wanted--or Ali commanded--them to.

Now the library wasn't only a place to read and borrow, it was used (in this small town) as a popular place to display quaint and valuable (or unvaluable) items by individuals and organizations. On display now was a rare book collection, housed in a glass case. Inside this locked case was one book that was especially valuable.

That evening after all the customers had gone and the employees headed to their homes, Ali walked slowly through the library:

• straightened a chair and picked up an index card that lay on the seat
  
• checked that all computers were shut down (although the other employees were supposed to do that) and frowned at the gum wrappers that lay under the computer where someone had shoved them
  

Then she walked through the aisles of books, sniffed at the musty smell of the books on the shelves. She loved it all! Noah--the dog--tagged along behind her.

• She scooted several books into a neater row. "Fussy, fussy. Why must I do this every Saturday as if this place is my home?" She reproached herself even as she kept on tidying the shelves.
  
• She refiled a book that was out of order and shook her head. "A mystery in the romance section." Hmmph!
  
• She picked up two books that lay on their backs as if someone had wanted to check them out and hadn't, and refiled them. She smiled to herself. Someone liked intriguing books. "How to Install Any Kind of Padlock" and "How to Be a Sagacious Criminal." Someone taking up a life of crime? Some student, no doubt. Ali stood and thought about it for a minute.

When she'd finished doing her weekly straightening, she walked over to the display case and studied it. She smiled, delighted at the sight of the books. Then she frowned. On the small pedestal in the very middle of the case rested a book, but not the one that was supposed to be there. The one she herself had placed there. The really valuable one. Ross' valuable book.

Ali sucked in a breath and counted the books in the case. Nine. She counted again. The really valuable book was missing.

Ali looked at the lock on the case. It looked okay. Wasn’t broken. She looked all around the case. Noah was nosing something under the case, so she bent to see what it was and picked up a gum wrapper crumpled right behind the front leg of the case. Where had that come from?

Ali locked up the library and walked home in a daze. All day Sunday, she wondered who could have taken the book. Once she searched in her jacket pocket and found the index card she’d stuck in it Saturday evening. She read what was on the card. Hmmm. A list of the rare books in the case. Who’d written this?

She knew she should call the police, but she was ashamed that someone had taken that book right from under her nose (so to speak). She rung Ross’s phone number, ready to confess what had happened, but his sister told her he was out of town.

On Monday morning Ali arrived early at the library before anyone else was there. At her desk, she sat down at her computer and pulled up the names of all who’d been in the library on Saturday.

Then she sat back. How could anyone have gotten the keys to the case? She had the only available key (the other was in the safe) which she kept on the bulletin board that hung just inside the door. Anyone who’d wanted a key would have had to enter her office while she was out, lift the key and find a time when no one was looking to open that case.

So . . . who was it?

Ali taped a pencil on her pad. She got up and walked back into the library. Then turned around and walked past the case, down the hall past her office, then further to the restrooms.

Hmmm. Could it have been someone going to the restroom while she was out of the office?

She thought back. Did she remember anyone on Saturday using the facilities?

• There had been Sally Darlington and her little boy, Samuel. Sally and her little boy were both poor, timid and had no knowledge whatsoever of what was valuable and what was not.
• Patricia Prentiss, seventy—and not a day younger—and well-dressed, had passed her office, with her small terrier (who’d gotten loose inside the library on Saturday and caused a ruckus by running clear across the library and barking at some of the children) tucked under her arm, and waved at her. Rich and glamorous with tons of valuable articles in her home, Patricia was one of the biggest benefactors to the library. But would she steal a musty book to add to her collection of antiques?
• Oldsters Tommy Reece and Billy Mace had crippled passed her, arguing and not even seeing her. Billy owned a book from the late 1800’s that Tommy was always wanting to buy. Tommy and Billy both were cantankerous enough to snitch the book, but too feeble to get away with the theft. Weren't they?
  
• One young teacher had been to the restroom, Joshua Mosley, a guy who dabbled in a small way in buying and selling. She’d heard he’d sell anything for money. And he chewed gum. Ali didn’t particularly like him; he seemed sneaky.
• Several of the students had gone to the restroom, but would they want an old book? What were there names? She could remember Lyon and Ryan, the twins; Sasha, Sherrie, and Lydia. Then there was Nicki and Adam and Benjamin. They all used index cards for school, but she’d known these kids from the time they’d been in diapers. Good kids.
• Reverend Tattony had stopped and chatted with her for a few minutes after his restroom visit. He used index cards all the time. Said it was handier than scribbling on paper. His own beloved collection of books was huge, but he was honest and too generous. He gave away books, didn’t steal them, did he?
• And several of the library workers had gone there. Index cards were plentiful here at the library.

Could it have been Terri Stockingdale, her assistant? She loved books and did want Ali’s job. She’d been very disgruntled when she had not gotten the head librarian job two years ago; had thought her age at forty-five would give her the advantage. Ali knew she grumbled about it to anyone who would listen. She used index cards and chomped gum. But would she toss the wrappers around the library? Not likely; she loved the place as much as Ali did. Yet, would she steal the book to get Ali in trouble so she could have her job?

She crossed out the students and Rev. Tattony’s name. Then Tommy and Billy were crossed out. Sally and Samuel were next to go. She just could not believe any of them had stolen the book.

That left Patricia, Joshua, and Terri. She looked at her list of suspects.

• Rich Patricia who loved valuable things.
• Young Joshua who’d sell whatever he could get his hands on to get money.
• Terri, her disgruntled assistant, who wanted Ali’s job. Would she do anything to get it?

When the library opened, Ali stood to one side, spoke to her employees, and watched as patrons begin coming. All day she kept her eyes open, listened and thought.

• She accepted a gift of a self-published book from a local elderly gentleman while Noah, panting at the gentleman’s feet had taken the dog bone the man offered him.
• Later, Noah sat up when Tommy passed by, but the older man ignored the dog, and Noah lay back down.
• She smiled when she saw Noah rise to his feet from the doorway of her office and follow sweet old Tilda Manley to the restroom. When they returned, Tilda stopped, patted Noah on the head with her wrinkled hand, and hobbled back to the library while Noel took his sentinel position just inside her doorway.
  

Ali stared at Noah, her thoughts racing, and suddenly she knew. There was really only one possibility out of her list of suspects. Only one person could have gotten that key and taken that book.

She picked up her phone and punched in a number. When the voice on the other end answered, Ali said, “I know you took the book. You have till closing time to bring it back. Or I’ll have to call the police.”

Who was it?

What clue did Noah give her?

How did Ali figure it out?

Now don't forget: your prize is a $10 gift certificate to Bob Evans Restaurant!



Quote:
Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. --Japanese proverb

Blessings.

Weddings

We went to a wedding Saturday. It was beautiful--all red and white and black. I loved the attendants outfits! Red two pieces, with that ruffle that slashes up the skirt. Usually I don't care for two piece outfits, but these were gorgeous.

The ceremony was held in an old Methodist church--aisles not very wide. The bride could hardly maneuver down it with her hoops and long train. But she looked great, in spite of that.

I did notice with all the attendants turned sideways (you know how they all stand!) that Son No. 2's girlfriend had the only eyelashes that could be seen from the pews. And they're not fake. Doesn't mean anything to you, I know. But I kinda liked it.

With all that romance in the air, the word "love" came up in the young adult class I taught on Sunday. What is love? And how to define it.

Love has two primary meanings:

• the first being an indication of adoration for another person or thing,
  
• and the second being a state of relational status

Love is not easily defined!

• People think they experience it
• Songs are written about it
• Philosophers talk of it
• Ministers preach it
• Books are written of it

How do we show God we REALLY love Him? How do we know we have a deep love for Him? The answer was easy. By obedience. When we love Him we want to do what pleases Him.

So is the love that we experience when we're teenagers the same kind of love that a couple has when they've lived together for 20 years or more? Is the love you feel for your pets the same kind of love you feel for your kids or family? Just a different depth?

Does love fade and dwindle away from boredom after seven years of marriage? Is the tingling sensation gone when you touch his fingers as you pass the turkey platter? When you hold a songbook together? Do you enjoy sharing a secret glance together when only you two know what the look is about? Is it still fun to hold hands? Is your idea of fun a date with your wife? Your hubby?

Chinese symbol of lovel.
From a teenager with their "puppy love" feelings, to a newly wed who thinks they'll never experience anything deeper than the emotion they're feeling standing in front of the officiating person, to an older couple who've gone through trials and hardships and life together and still hurt when their companion hurts, what is love?

That first feeling of love enters a child's heart--albeit it's a selfish love--when they adore their parents or caretakers. As they enter into teen years their world expands--still selfishly--to include someone who can absorb their heart-throbbing emotions. A few more years with schooling and a little more of life--gives them the maturity (let's hope) to responsibility choose someone who can and will share the rest of their life. All previous experiences of loving and being loved has led them to this place. What happens then will no doubt be a product of what happened previously in their lives. (Sometimes, but not always).

If all things go well (between the couple), they will sail (and battle) through the rough seas of life. Temptations, financial worries possibly, sicknesses, stress, loss of jobs, and other not-sought-for events will cause upheaval. Whether a couple survives depends on many things. If they do, it will be, no doubt, some what because of their tenacious grip on their determination to make it.

Sigh. It sounds like such a vaporous thing to do all that work for! Enough philosophizing . . .


Dum ta dum dum . . . Contest begins tomorrow!



Trivia Question:
How many flowers does it take to make one tablespoon of honey? (The poor bees!)

Today's quote comes from Garrison Kellor's
"Good Poem's for Hard Times" he compliled. Enjoy!

I asked how can you ever be sure that what you write
is really any good at all.
And he said you can't. You can't; you can never be sure.
You die without knowing whether anything you write was any good.
If you have to be sure, don't write.

Blessings.