Serious Wednesday: Researching What?

 

I LOVE research! Of course, I have to confess: I seldom stick to the ONE thing I'm researching. So
many interesting items pop up when you're researching, which means I detour to research those items that MIGHT be used someday.  

Here's a partial list of things I researched for my latest book: Hunter's Rose, book two of the Troubles in the West series:  

* Names. These are really important to me. I like to know what they mean and their country of origin.  Since one of my protagonists is Mexican, I wanted a Mexican name for her. Something authentic and pretty. After all, she came from an important family. Rosita is the name I picked.

*  Flowers. Since Rosita was a protagonist, I thought it fitting that she should love roses. Hunter, the other protagonist knew this and surprised her with a gift of roses.

* Trains. Rosita, traveling with an older friend on a train--I needed to know how fast it would go in the late 1800s, what meals might have been served, layovers, etc. 

* Food. I wanted to know foods that not only Rosita might prepare, but also on the train as she traveled. Quite interesting!

To me, research is important and a fun activity. I may not get everything exactly right, but I sure try hard to do so. 

Remember, authors, to do your research. You'll be glad you did. 

If Life Were a Rose

If Life Were a Rose

by John Roxell

 

 

If life were a rose would I smell it?

Or would the fear of the bee's sting hold me back?

 

 

If life were a rose would I take pleasure in its lucid color?

Or would the brevity of its glow cloud its sunshine?

 

 

If life were a rose would I marvel at its delicate changing form?

Or would the falling of its petals bury the moment of its triumph?

 

 

If life were a rose would I pick the frail flower to be my own?

Or would the thorns create a barrier causing me to leave it behind?

 

 

If life were a rose.

 

 

 

Blessings.

Happy Birthday--Me

Thought I'd share a pic of my gorgeous roses hubby gave me for my birthday Tuesday. Pretty snazzy, huh?

And up close . . .

Sigh.

And for a closer personal glimpse, here's what the card said he gave me. I loved it!

In a world that does its best

to make us a little fuzzy

around the edges,

some people still manage

to have bold outlines.

They know who they are,

what they're about,

and what they alone can give,

And just like them,

the gifts they share are bold,

bright, beautiful.

You're someone who doesn't compromise

on being the person only you could be,

someone who doesn't hold back

on sharing the gifts only you can give,

and especially today,

I, for one, just want to say

thank you, thank you, thank you.

I love you.

You can see why I had a lovely birthday.

Smile.

Have a great weekend.

Blessings

A Welcome For Us

Sharing with you . . .

Our hostess had picked these roses and placed them in our room. Right away I noticed that they matched the flowers in a local artist's still life that hung on a wall. Lovely, aren't they?


Blessings!

My Sunshine Maker

The last of my roses. Hubby brought them in to me the other day so they wouldn't get frost bitten. I think there was another reason too. Smile. Aren't they lovely?

Ah, true love!

Quote:

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. --James Matthew Barrie

Blessings!