Sunday, October 02, 2022

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Autumn's Bright Blue Weather

 Autumn's Bright Blue Weather

--Helen Hunt Jackson


O suns and skies and clouds of June,

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October's bright blue weather.


When loud the bumblebee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless vagrant,

And Golden Rod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant.


When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls,

Are leaves of woodbine twining.


When springs run low, and on the brooks,

In idle golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the bush

Of woods, for winter waiting.



O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.

Friday, September 30, 2022

Rambling Friday: Preparing for Spring

I love flowers.

I love beauty.

I love when things I've wanted forever is finally ready to be done! 

Thankfully, I have a husband--who is always busy--who works with my wants as best as he can. 

That statement leads me to this:  We have a steep bank, cause we live on a mountain top--just kidding, but it is a nice-sized hill. The picture depicts some of the hill and some of the plans I have for it. Fall transplanting and fall bulb planting will, hopefully, produce a beautiful display of plants throughout next summer. 

It's only the beginning, but it's a start. Wish us luck! 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Serious Wednesday: A Taste of Readers' Thoughts About Hunter's Rose

Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles in the West series.  my newest published book, according to readers, is a delightful read. Here are some of their thoughts:

WOW, this book was captivating from the very first chapter.

 I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Romance books. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Wonderful read and I hope you take the time to read both books.

Any time I pick up a book by Carole Brown, I know I will enjoy it, and this book lived up to my expectations. The suspense and danger in this book kept me reading. I found the characters captivating and the storyline powerful. Love and friendship highlight the pages of this book. I also appreciated how the story took some twists and turns. So if you enjoy Christian suspense novels, check out this book for yourself.

You won’t want to put down this incredible story, filled with intrigue, kidnapping and more.

If you like plenty of action within a parallel newlywed western, then Carole Brown’s storytelling of “Hunter’s Rose” is about as perfect as can be obtained.



(
Book one is Caleb's Destiny)

If you'd like to order YOUR copy of either or both books,, go here:  https://amzn.to/3erjREA

Let me know what you think.


Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Serious Wednesday: Retreats, Teas and Fun!


Retreats, Teas, and Fun!

When I heard that the recent Women's Retreat (God Can Do the Impossible was the theme), that I was privileged to attend, was having a Tea Party, my heart—I'm sure—beat just a bit faster with excitement. Who doesn't love a lovely Tea Party? 





The setting was beautiful, the colors summery and light. I thought it created a relaxing atmosphere. With friends by my side and light conversation, it was a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an early afternoon tea luncheon.



Of course, the food was varied and delightfully delicious! Mini glazed ham sandwiches, along with chicken salad croissants, stuffed mushrooms and other goodies, plus a delectable selection of sweets served as the menu.


 Everything I ate was totally delicious. I felt I was dining with royalty. :)

When it came to the teas, there was a variety to choose from. 

Let me explain something here:  I'm a late bloomer when it comes to teas. What I mean by this is:  I wasn't raised drinking teas--any kind. 

But after I was married, my husband and a couple of close friends introduced me to a variety of teas, and I've gradually learned to enjoy several different flavors. 

A skit about worrying too much (lots of laughs) inspiring talks that made me cry and smile, fellowship, meeting new friends, singing together and, of course, the laughter, food and relaxation—all created an atmosphere that was perfect for me. 

What a weekend!!


Did you know that...

  • originated in Africa? (Hibiscus Tea)

  • tea first arrived in Britain in the 1650s, where it was served as a novelty in London's coffee houses?

  • in the early 1900s, Jane Austen drank green and black teas?

  • that these states, it is believed, drink the most sweet tea: Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia?


About Hibiscus Tea and the Book:

In my most recent novel, Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles in the West series (a historical, romantic suspense), one of the protagonists—Rosita—is given a hibiscus plant by her Tia (Aunt) Maria, who relayed the tale of her mother bringing it to the plantation in Mexico years ago, after her marriage, and guarding it as if it was a person. Sharing it with Rosita gave the young girl the opportunity to be able to prepare it for her husband and the other cowboys at their new ranch, along with the mint tea that was growing on their land.


Here's a recipe that Rosita might have used, give or take a few ingredients.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Yields: 2 quarts


Ingredients:

  • 2 quarts water

  • ¾ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

  • ½ cinnamon stick (optional)

  • a few thin slices of ginger (optional)

  • Allspice berries (optional)

  • Lime juice (optional)

  • Orange or lime slices for garnish

Method:

  • Boil water with sugar and spices:

Put 4 cups of the water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until boiling and the sugar is dissolved.


  • Steep with dried hibiscus flowers:

Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.


  • Strain:

Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.


  • Add Water:

Add remaining 4 cups of water

Suggestions:

Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or...

Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or...

Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or...

Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.\


Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works for you! Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties! “A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” Sen Sshitsu VX


About the book 


It's the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He's never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita's past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she'll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn't trust him, but because she's worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she'll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.


Buy the Book here:  Amazon

I hope you enjoy the book! 

Happy Reading! 



Sunday, September 18, 2022

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Robert Frost's (and Others) Tidbits of Wisdom

 

When you have loved as she has loved, you grow old beautifully. --W. Somerset Mangan

The best way out is always through. --Robert Frost

Love is an irresistible desire to be loved. --Robert Frost

The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. --Robert Frost

You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things...You can just be an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.  -- Sir Edmund Hilliary


Being controlled by the opinions of others is a guaranteed way to miss God's purpose for your life.  -- Rick Warren

Friday, September 16, 2022

Rambling Friday: Retreat Time!

I needed a break, and although I'd never been to this retreat, I felt I should go. Am I glad I decided to do so! Fun, relaxing, inspirational talks, a skit about worrying, a lovely tea party, walks, and stories that made me cry and smile--and happy that I'd decided to go. 


What's the profit of gying to retreats?
*It's a time or relaxation. Leave your worries behind. Focus on enjoying what's offered. Get the mental strength you need to go home and handle whatever negative things you might have to face. Develop a list of positive things that will keep you boosted even when seemingly impossible things face you. 
Remember:  There's always a rainbow behind the dark clouds. The sun will shine no matter dark the sky seems. You can take control of your life, your feelings, and your thoughts with help from above. Allow God to give you strength. Choose someone you trust and love to share a little.  


If you get a chance to go to a good retreat, take it! I'm sure you'll not regret it. 




Wednesday, September 14, 2022

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. 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Autumn's Bright Blue Weather

 Autumn's Bright Blue Weather --Helen Hunt Jackson O suns and skies and clouds of June, And flowers of June together, Ye cannot rival fo...