Join the Fun! Round Robin Christmas Chance to Win BIG Prizes!

Merry Christmas! 

Welcome to my website, and thank you for stopping by and participating in this Christmas Round Robin! At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer here:  Google Form


Note: You must answer the questions for every author in the Round-Robin to be considered to win the $350 first place, $250 second place or $150 third place Amazon gift cards.

[Note: these prizes are USD values. If you are not a U.S. resident, you will get a gift card from the Amazon store for your country; however, it will be valued at these USD amounts.)

At the end of my post is a link to the next blog, who will provide a link to the next blog, etc., to the very end.


Here's how it works:

• At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book.
• Provide the answer Google Form

Note: You must correctly answer the questions for every author in the Round-Robin to be considered to win the $350 first place, $250 second place or $150 third place Amazon gift cards.

[Note: these prizes are USD values. If you are not a U.S. resident, you will get a gift card from the Amazon store for your country; however, it will be valued at these USD amounts.)

• At the end of my post is a link to the next blog, who will provide a link to the next blog, etc., to the very end.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Toni DeLuca, the Italian owner of DeLuca Construction, finds herself confronted with doubts about her father and his possible deceptions—all because of the mysterious pink notes she's been receiving.

Relations with Perrin Douglas who has a troubling history—but the first man in years who's interested her—is building to a peak. Yet Perrin's own personal problems and his doubts about women and God, keep getting in the way.

Gossip, a Spanish proposal, an inheritance, and a sabotaged construction business may ruin Christmas for Toni's employees as well as her own happiness.

Will a mysterious person succeed in pulling off the biggest scam Appleton, West Virginia has ever seen? And will this culprit destroy Toni's last chance at happiness with the man of her dreams?

I wanted to show in this book a man hurting from a faithless, selfish wife, a man who couldn't trust women because of her. Along came Toni DeLucca. Strong, yet gentle, understanding, and patient. 

But when Toni's mysterious problems begin, Perrin is pulled into helping her find out who wants to destroy her business, whether he wants to or not. Only a series of events help Perrin Douglas begin healing from the past. And with Perrin's help, Toni's able to find the culprit who's out to destroy her. Love ties everything together. 

Let’s begin this scavenger hunt!

• Go to the book on Amazon
• Find the answer to this question:

What is the name of Toni DeLuca's business? 

• When you have the answer, fill out your answer here under the correct book:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xKGM_SNUbkt0g4B9GiW5iy13ZuVsnY2rvB56wQoKC1A/viewform?edit_requested=true

Thank you so much for visiting!

The next author on the tour is https://amandatru.com/round-robin-once-upon-a-christmas, who is telling us all about her book: Once Upon a Christmas.

Remember that the round-robin will end on December 16th at 11:59 PM EST!

BEST WISHES!

Sunday Morning Sunshine: In Times of...

In Times of...

Storms. Turn to the scriptures:

Isaiah 23:4:  For you have been a refuge from the storm when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Fear. Turn to the scriptures: 

Psalm 91: 2:  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in his will I trust.

Evilness around us. Turn to the Scriptures:

Psalm 91:10:  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come night thy dwelling.

Confusion:  Turn to the Scriptures:  

I Corinthians 14:33:  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

Doubt. Turn to the Scriptures:

Isaiah 41:10:  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Sickness. Turn to the scriptures:  

Jeremiah 33:6:  Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

Needs. Turn to the Scriptures:

Philippines 4:19:  And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory.

Success. Turn to the Scriptures:

Proverbs 16:3:  Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Fun Facts About Palm Sunday

Six Facts About Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday:

1.  Palm Branches are used to represent the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Christ as he rode into Jerusalem.

2. What foods are good to eat on Palm Sunday? Fish, Pax cakes, licorice water, and fig anything.

3. What can you do with the Palm Leaves?  Wave them during Palm Sunday services. Afterward, burn them for the ashes for Ash Wednesday.

4.  What are the colors to wear on Palm Sunday?  Purple for royalty: Jesus was royalty. Red for the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.

5. What does the word Hosanna mean?  Adoration, praise, joy.

6. Where do the Palm leaf branches usually come from?  Usually from Latin countries like:  Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. 

Have a blessed Palm Sunday!

May's Contest Question #3

Contest Question #3

REMEMBER TWO Important THINGS:

*  YOU MUST ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH 
to be considered for the monthly prize

*  You Must check back here on the last Wednesday of the month to see if you've won.
I will usually share the blog link on my Facebook author page, but it's YOUR obligation to contact me here on the blog with your mailing information (or you can let me know you'll share it with email or private message on FB)

May's First Question:

Is there a genre you totally do not like?

May's Second Question:

What makes a wonderful mother?

May's Third's Question:
Fact or Fiction:
Is Carole Brown's Hog Insane book 
about PIGS?

Don't forget to share this site!

PRIZES?

PRIZES?

A kindle copy of either one of my 

Denton and Alex Davies series: 

your choice of:

Hog Insane

OR 

Bat Crazy

(at the right side of this page, click on the link of the books to read the blurbs)

and

A Calendar/Holiday/Special Days Book

Outside

Inside

w/slot to hold notes, cards, etc.

Don't forget to share!

Have Fun!

Blessings!!

Great Day in the Morning! and a CONTEST WINNER

Are you one of those individuals who get up at the crack of dawn?

Confession time: I am. Or at least, most of the time. I love rising and knowing I've got a whole lovely day ahead of me. Fresh and brand new, ready for me to go at it with renewed strength and vigor.

Let me tell you what I like about the early mornings.

• The misty dawn sliding up over the hilltops. We live in the hills--not mountains--hills. I don't know if there's anything more lovely than waking and seeing that beautiful blue-gray mist hanging over a valley.

• Then there are the animals. They waken, and those dependent on us for their nurture--come bounding--big and small alike--awake and crying out for their sustenance of the day. "Feed me. Feed me." the spoiled animals say. And we caring humans bow to their demands. Their innocent and loyal faces ready and waiting patiently--or impatiently--whatever the case.

• I love the dew on the summer grass, getting my toes wet or my nose when I bend to smell the roses. I love the new layers of snow--untouched and clean from the night's storm.

• I like starting anew with a fresh aspect on the day. Sometimes it only takes a night time to clear my brain of a confusing jumble of hesitation, to know what to do about a situation. I like to start my writing of the day with the new idea that came to me in the night.

• I love the sleepy sound of birds beginning their morning songs. I like the sound of my coffee dripping into its pot. I like the tingle of coldness on a winter day before the house warms enough to take away the crispness. I like the patter of raindrops on my roof and on my umbrella when I need to dash around here and there.

Now you see why I titled this meandering post as I did. 

It's because I thank God for mornings.

***

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

It's my pleasure to announce April's Winner! 

Congratulations to...

LUCY REYNOLDS

You have one week to contact me with your addy.

Happy Reading, folks,
join in

and don't forget to spread the word

for May's contest.

(beginning next Wednesday, May 2nd)

Happy Reading!

On Passionate Writing Writing: Vision

Writing is like driving a car at night.

You only see as far as your headlights go.

But You can make the whole trip that way.

--Doctorow

The ability to see--as a writer--

varies from person to person.

Some see a step/car length ahead of them

(seat of the pants writing)

and some see farther

in measures

(as in, outliners).

What is right,

What is wrong?

Neither.

It's the individual's writing journey.

Stepping into the dark is not possible.

Sometimes...

inspiration hits and an author writes.

Sometimes, planning takes place first,

and an author writes.

Either way is a method

of finishing that book.

That poem.

That song.

Whatever.

What works for you?

What advances your writing?

What ideas improve your work?

What kind of journey are you one?

That's what works for you.

Our writing journey is unique.

Don't try to be someone else.

Be yourself.

Led by your own imagination,

ability,

talent, 

and, most of all, 

God.

Happy writing!

***

Don't forget to answer EVERY question this month.

First Question: 

What is one thing you'd like to 

change about your life--if you could--this spring?

Second Question:

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Why or why not?

Third Question (and last one of the month):

What is your favorite early Spring flower?

YOU MUST ANSWER EVERY QUESTION FOR THIS MONTH

to be considered for a prize.

Prizes?
A $5.00 gift card from AMAZON

and 
a kindle copy of any of my books: your choice

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1521631706&sr=8-1

and 

a lovely bookmark 

with an inspiring quote on it.

NEXT WEDNESDAY

I'll announce the winner of 

March's Contest!

Best!

February Contest Weekly Questions

February Contest Question

Since this is the "love" month, 

my last question for the month is:

Share a scripture or a quote about love

or

Anything pertaining to CLEAN LOVE:

advice, an old saying from your ancestors,

or a memory of a precious act of love.  

This is the last question for February.

Next week, February 28,

I will announce a winner! 

Prizes for February:

and a kindle copy of 

Best Wishes! 

Can You Cry Under Water?

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are
considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a
"penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the
clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it
would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby"
when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court,
is it still called a hearing?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and
then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change?
They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp,
which no decent human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares,
why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut,
why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains
on all fours? They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME,
why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables,
what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons,
does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Questions, guestions. Enough to make a sane person go mad.



More good-ole-summer-time hints:

• As always, wash hands and work areas before preparing food.
• Cook foods in plenty of time to thoroughly chill them in shallow containers in the refrigerator.
• Pack foods right from the refrigerator into the coolers.
• Don't put the cooler in the car trunk; Carry it inside an air-conditioned car. At picnics, keep the cooler in the shade and keep the lid closed. Replenish the ice if it melts.
• Use a separate cooler for drinks so the one containing the food won't constantly be opened and closed.

Quote:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." --Jeremiah


Blessings

I Salute Our Military!



A mother asked President Bush, "Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy, "Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"

Another mother asked President Truman, "Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt, "Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson, "Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"

Gettysburg National Cemetary

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln, "Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President G. Washington, "Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked . . . "Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answers to all these are similar -- "So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom." --unknown


I thought the magnitude and the simplicity of these questions--and the answer--were awesome.



Here are six great hints for ways to honor a military person. Try it and see the look of appreciation on his/her face!

• Frame medals and awards - use curio cabinets or shadow boxes
• Create a tribute to their service - Make a notebook filled with poems and tributes from others
  
• Display their uniform - fold it neatly into a shadow box.
  
• Record their stories - Ask them to share their stories. Your children & grandchildren will thank you!
  
• Wall of memories - Frame pictures, shadow boxes filled with memobilia, flags in shadow boxes, poems. Black and white adds a nice touch.
  
• Notes of appreciation - Ask friends of the military person to write short notes about him and place in a small album. Makes a great gift to the person!
  

And the answer to the trivia question from yesterday (which one person expertly knew) is "Damascus!" Here are a few trivia items about the military. Interesting.

1. How did the military salute originate? Some believe it originated in Roman times when assasinations were common. A citizen who wanted to approach a public official had to raise his hand to prove he not no weapon.
2. What is the silver dollar custom? Probably began in England. It is a custom of great honor. The first enlisted soldier who salutes a newly commissioned lieutenant gets a silver dollar from the grateful officer. It is more than just about the money; it's a sign of respect and a love of duty.
   

A quick reminder: this would be a perfect time to order one of Donna Fleisher's "military" novels. Check out my May 4 blog interview with Donna to get her address.

I was hard pressed to pick a quote for today.
This one gave me goosebumps. My imagination took off thinking of it. How might we apply it to our own lives?

Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding.
Impossible to maneuver.
Situation excellent. I am attacking.
--Ferdinand Foch at the Battle of the Marne

Blessings.

The Big Question: Why?

A friend sent this to me this morning. I'll give you a few of the long list. Laughed, but it is so-o-o true. See how much you can relate. Enjoy!

Why:
do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead? Dumb or dumber?

do banks charge a fee for "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough money in that account? Ouch!

does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but checks when you say the paint is wet? Guilty. Snicker.

do kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Afraid of dying?

Whose idea was it to put an "s" in the word "lisp?" Obviously, the person had a sadistic twist.

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes? Tell me another fairy tale.

is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always clear? Never thought about that one!

Is there ever a day when mattresses are NOT on sale? Take that!

do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? Loved this one!

do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum sweeper then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? This is another dumb or dumber one!

is it that no matter what end of the plastic bag you try to open is the wrong one on your first try? Hmmm.

do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures? Smart or dumb?

when we're in the supermarket and someone rams our heel with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, we say, "It's all right?" It's NOT all right. Why don't we say, "That hurt."? Is that a lie?

is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over? Clumsy humans!

in winter do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer when we complained about the heat? Reverse psychology, I think. Laugh.

do you never hear father-in-law jokes? Surely, he's not that much better than your mother-in-law!



Funny: The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four people is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends--if they're okay--then IT'S YOU!



Here are some fun food hints to better your life. They make you more alert, more attractive to your companion, more energetic. Try them!

Chocolate. Besides being good for your heart (in small dosages) it's stimulating and helps you relax!

Hot Chilies. Increases your heart rate, metabolism, and blood flow.

Oysters. Amino acids, zinc are both good for you and your hubby.

Nutmeg. Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Coffee. People who drink it characterize themselves as more attractive to their companion.

Celery. Also makes you more attractive. Works for both of you!

Banana. Coverts carbohydrates into energy. Lots of it.

Honey. On the spot energy and fuel for working muscles.



Quote:
Now is the time to enjoy our lives. Enjoy the lives of those who have gone before us, and the lives of those who have brought us into this world, those we have helped. Write your stories, read your stories, enjoy who you are." --Erma Bombeck after she learned she was dying from cancer.

Blessings.