Survived weekend running challenge

This picture demonstrates how happy I was to FINISH the Memorial Weekend Race challenge. It does not, however, show the excrutiating work and sweat that went into those runs. (That's me on the left and my new friend, Kate on the right.) We both survived the weekend challenge!

On Saturday, I joined a bunch of folks to run for The Sons of Italy 5K to benefit Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, Inc. Haverhill, MA. I ran in my friend Duane's name who is serving overseas today.

I did survive the 5K, but barely since it turned into 5 and a half miles. Yes, you read that correctly. What was supposed to be 3.1 miles turned out to be almost double that.

Why? Because the race road was not marked AT ALL. At the beginning, the marshall even started us off going the wrong direction. Luckily, someone noticed his mistake and he turned us around. Then when we started off down the street no one knew what direction. I asked the police officer and he said to go up Ferry Street. So I did.

Unfortunately, I got ahead of the pack and when we hit the water station there no one knew where we were to go. Yes, you read that correctly. Yours truly went all the way up and then down Ferry Street until it dead ended. By that time, I was off the track and did not know where to go.

The sad part is that other people followed me. Big mistake!! We wended up in Methuen and not Lawrence, MA. And we ended up going an additional 2.4 miles. Oh, what fun!

Day 2 of this very eventful adventure, I am happy to say, turned out much better. The race was flat and the directions were easy. In additiona, the people at the water stations actually knew where we were to go. Imagine that.

Day 2 of the weekend challenge was a 5-mile run hosted by the Garibaldi Club in Haverhill, MA and benefitted the Eric Steinman Scholarship Fund.

Not only was the event well managed and fun, but afterwards there was music, adult beverages, and a BBQ with burgers and dogs. Can you say...HUNGRY?

And my prize for participating in this no holds bar, sweat my butt off fun was...

A mug!!

One tip for all these folks hosting these events. One of the purposes of giving participants a number to wear is and/or should be to track the fact that someona has not returned in a "normal" amount of time. It would be good practice to verify that all people who start the race actually finish and if they don't please feel free to send out the cavalry.

Wouldn't this make your day?

I return home from having breakfast with a friend yesterday morning and I find a fun message that put a smile on my face and made my day. Check it out.


You Are AWESOME!!! I got my books yesterday. We went out of town for a couple of days so they were probably there Tuesday. Thank you so much! I'm very excited about reading them! I love books! They smell so good! OMG! That's sounds totally nerdy doesn't it?

Thank you so much, again!


Tell me that would not put a huge grin on your face.

Simple pleasures in life

It's the simple things in life that bring pleasure to us.

For me, this past weekend it was a couple of small things that made me smile. As a matter of fact, Saturday was filled with little pleasures.

Saturday started out by having breakfast with a couple of friends. Always nice to share a meal and a chat with friends.

When I left Big Easy Bagel I went to my favorite post office to see Jane and give her some books to ship off to the folks who donated to my "give a book, get a book" giveaway for the troops. Looking forward to shipping more books this Memorial Day weekend.

After the post office, I did a quick run into Staples to pick up some photo printer paper so I can print pictures from my trip to Ireland. Cannot wait to get some framed!

As I walked out to my car I noticed an older couple doing a walk around my SUV and talking. When I approached to put my bag in the car I asked if they wanted to see inside the vehicle. That little question sparked a very nice 15 minute conversation about SUVs, BMW, and I learned about the BMW Car Club of America. I left the parking lot with a smile on my face.

Then I went to an event that occurs only once a year. I went to St. Philips Greek Food Festival. Oh, yeah! I look forward to this event one weekend a year.

Why? Because it's the only time I can get a good Gyro with the best tsaziki sauce. This year was especially sweet. A woman was standing in line be hind me who and she had never had a gyro or even heard of it before.

Okay, yes, my chin dropped to my chest because I was flabbergasted by her statement. I proceeded to tell her what it was and how much she would love it. I even offered to buy her something different if she didn't like it. I mean, we were at a Greek food fest so there was plenty of options to choose from.

Later in the event, the woman found me stuffing my face with dessert and told me how she really enjoyed the gyro and thanked me for recommending it to her. She loved it so much she got another one to take home with her for dinner. I told her not to forget dessert.

What was for dessert? Loukoumades!! Loukoumades are little honey puff pastries topped with cinnamon, sugar, and walnuts. OH-MY-GOSH! They are fantastic!

I left the festival fat and very happy.

On my way home, I saw a sign for a flower sale. Well, if you know anything about me you know I love flowers. I whipped down the street (shh! don't tell the local police), saw the tables lined with flowers and immediately parked. And yes, I bought some flowers. I bought some Irises.

Who wouldn't be smiling after purchasing a couple of gorgeous flowers from a local garden club?

Oh, I could go on and on about how my neighbor who moved in last year across the street came over to see the new vehicle as soon as I pulled into the drive. It's a guy thing! Or how the magician who is here performing the spring shows at Canobie Lake Park dropped by to share a couple of beers and catch up since he left last summer. He loved my garden and deck. He saw it before I stained and finished it so now he's seen it and says my paradise is looking like a small oasis. So true!

What's the moral of me sharing all of this with you?

It's the little things in life that bring us pleasure. Remember to stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the small moments, and smile when they happen. You'd be surprised how good you feel when you do.

Go out and smile today!

Writing Prompt Wednesday

It's Wednesday and you know what that means...Writing Prompt!!

Every now and again we all need a little creativity boost. It doesn't matter that you aren't a writer. We all need that extra incentive now and again and a writing prompt is a good way to get your mind to open up and have some fun.

How does this work?

I post the beginning of a sentence and you finish it. You can write one sentence, a paragraph, or even a page if you like. Just let your mind go and write whatever comes into it. You'd be amazed at the results. My 5th novel, Phish NET Stalkings came from a writing prompt.

Today's writing prompt - The plane. . .

Now all you have to do is write. Finish the sentence and if you feel like sharing we would love to see what you come up with. It's amazing to see how we all go in different directions.

Most of all Have fun!

Send books overseas

In honor of our military men and women overseas, I am doing a book giveaway.

This giveaway is a "Give a book, get a book." You have to give me a book, any NEW book you have sitting around and I in turn will give you a NEW copy of CONNECT THE DOTS. If you've already read CONNECT THE DOTS let me know and I will happily exchange one of my other books for a book you send.

"What am I going to do with the books you give me?"

I have friends in the military and I know they could use a good book to read so I am going to send all the books I collect to the military.

This is a "Give a book, get a book" giveaway and should be a lot of fun.

Come on fellow authors, readers, and bloggers. . .you know you have a book you can give away!

All you have to do is give away a book to get one and help our military folks overseas.

Here's what you need to do. Either leave me your email here as a comment so I can contact you or email me by going here Contact Denise and sending me a note saying you want to give a book away.

We'll exchange information and I will send you a copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

Or, if you are local to New England and like to get up early on a Sunday then I invite you to join me for breakfast on Sunday morning between now and May 29th. Join me at Panera in Bedford, NH between 7 AM and 9 AM and exchange a book with me right then and there.

I will be doing this giveaway until May 30 or until I run out of books. On Memorial weekend I will ship the books to our military men and women.

BTW - You are not limited to donating just one book. Thanks to some terrific friends and bloggers, I have received a box of books from several people. As thanks, I sent them one of each of my books.

I really hope you pass this "Give a book, get a book" giveaway on and help me send some books to our military friends and family.

Thanks,
Denise

Rainy day ideas

What do you do on a rainy day?

Perhaps you sing the song you learned as a kid "Rain, rain, go away. . ." Maybe you curl back under the covers and hide, tuning the pounding of the rain on the roof out.

How about some ideas that might be a tad more interesting? Here are some rainy day ideas.

Go bowling. Yeah, I said that. When was the last time you called a couple of friends up and said, "Let's go bowling." You can't beat throwing a ball down some wooden alley and watching it crash against ten pins. And you'd probably lean this way and that trying to help the pins tumble. Not to mention that a bowling alley usually has pub food and beer. This is a great way to blow off rainy day steam.

See a movie. Take your best friend or that special someone and check out the latest chick flick or romantic comedy. A good laugh and a bucket of popcorn will chase those rainy day blues away.

Go to the mall. No, I did not say go shopping. I said go to the mall. Get out of the rain by going into the mall and walk. There is nothing so entertaining as people watching in a mall. Seeing a man with a flat top cut wearing black horn-rimmed glasses dressed in red dockers, green polo, beige sadal shoes will put a smile on your face. Or perhaps you see the woman with five pigtails in her hair all dressed up with colorful bows and ribbons wearing a rainbow sweater, sweat pants, and a tutu. Actually, I see this everyday and it always makes me grin.

If you're a writer, why not write. Take that laptop, a cup of flavored coffee (maybe spiked) then curl up in your favorite chair and write. Don't just write anything. Write a scene that takes place in teh rain. I picture a scene with a killer stalking his prey through the woods while she runs, heart pounding in her chest, wet bangs blurring her vision while she tries to stay upright and not slip and fall on the wet leaves. Or maybe it's a rainy day love scene. The hero shows up and sees the heroine standing out on her deck in a white T-shirt, the rain dropping down in heavy rivulets, the shirt sticking to her body. Now words are needed. Just a look. . .

Whew! I might have to go write that love scene.

Have a wonderful rainy day!!

Writing Prompt Wednesday

It's Wednesday and you know what that means...Writing Prompt!!

Every now and again we all need a little creativity boost. It doesn't matter that you aren't a writer. We all need that extra incentive now and again and a writing prompt is a good way to get your mind to open up and have some fun.

How does this work?

I post the beginning of a sentence and you finish it. You can write one sentence, a paragraph, or even a page if you like. Just let your mind go and write whatever comes into it. You'd be amazed at the results. My 5th novel, Phish NET Stalkings came from a writing prompt.

Today's writing prompt - She watched as. . .

Now all you have to do is write. Finish the sentence and if you feel like sharing we would love to see what you come up with. It's amazing to see how we all go in different directions.

Most of all Have fun!

Authors, book bloggers, and readers - help our troops out

In honor or me finding a box of books and our military men and women overseas, I am doing a book giveaway.

This giveaway is a "Give a book, get a book." You have to give me a book, any NEW book you have sitting around and I in turn will give you a NEW copy of CONNECT THE DOTS. If you've already read CONNECT THE DOTS then let me know and I will happily exchange one of my other books for a book you send.

"What am I going to do with the books you give me?"

Such a good question. I am not going to read them. I am going to give them away.

I have friends in the military and I know they could use a good book to read so I am going to send all the books I collect to the military.

This is a "Give a book, get a book" giveaway and should be a lot of fun.

Come on fellow authors, readers, and bloggers. . .you know you have a book you can give away!

Now that you know about the giveaway, all you have to do is give away a book to get one and help our military folks overseas.

Here's what you need to do. Either leave me your email here as a comment so I can contact you or email me by going here Contact Denise and sending me a note saying you want to give a book away.

We'll exchange information and I will send you a copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

Or, if you are local to New England and like to get up early on a Sunday then I invite you to join me for breakfast on Sunday morning between now and May 25th. Join me at Panera in Bedford, NH between 7 AM and 9 AM and exchange a book with me right then and there.

I will be doing this giveaway until May 25 or until I run out of books. Then on Memorial weekend I will ship the books to our military men and women.

I really hope you pass this "Give a book, get a book" giveaway on and help me send some books to our military friends and family.

Thanks,
Denise

Buying a new car is like picking out a new lover

First, you have to identify one that looks good and you are attracted to.

Do you want something with some power or are you more interested in comfort?

Do you like a muscle car, a vintage car, a sporty car, or a simple domestic?

Are you looking for something steady and reliable or something more sleek, fast, and with a hint of danger?

Once you’ve identified a possible winner, you have to examine it more closely. You know, check out the features.

Do you want an automatic so you can sit back and enjoy the ride or do you prefer a stick-shift where you get to be in control and wield a little power?

Can you picture yourself driving it? If you can then perhaps you’re ready to take it for a test drive.

When you first get in you have to make a few adjustments because it’s not a one-size fits all. Once you are prepped and ready to take it for a spin, I suggest you start out slow and easy, kinda like going out for a lazy drive on a sunny afternoon. Let it warm up a little bit.

Once the engine is revved, let it go, and see what this baby can do.

When you put your foot on the gas is it smooth and fast, rough and hard, or does it do the herky-jerky?

Does it hold a steady course, slip and slide, or just miss altogether?

Does it hum along, whisper quietly in your ear, or roar and rumble as if never driven before? Then again, maybe you want one that has no mileage instead of some.

At the end of the test drive you have to shut it down. Does it sputter, go quietly into that good night, or is it revved and raring to go for the next ride?

Before you can make a decision to keep this ride, you have to consider the maintenance costs. Is it high-maintenance and after a short period of time you will want to trade it in or low-maintenance where you can cruise for a while before you have to worry about bumps in the road?

What’s the warranty?

Writing Prompt Thursday

Since I'm on the verge of a breakthru with my next scene and I need a little boost, I thought today would be a good day for a writing prompt. Maybe this will make the next scene just start flowing out.

Today's writing prompt: On her door. . .


Hm. Now this could be interesting. See what pops into your head or flows from your fingertips.

Share what you come up with and most important - Have fun!!

Give a book, Get a book

I found a box of books. . .It's your lucky day!

The other day I was cleaning the house or maybe I should say shuffling stuff around from one room to the next and I came across a box. I got a little excited because I thought it was a box of bookmarks. When I opened it, I was shocked that it was a box of books.

What does this have to do with you?

Well, you've heard that old cleaning saying, "Haven't used it for six months then you should get rid of it." Something like that anyway.

I am certainly not going to throw a box of perfectly good, perfectly readable books away. I am, however, going to give them away.

Yes, you heard right. It's your lucky day. I am going to give them away.

Shouts of excitement roar across the room, state, country. "Woohoo!" "Yippee!" "Squee!"

There's a catch.

"Ohhh," whines a reader nearby.

This is not a bad catch. This is a good catch.

"Is there any such thing?"

Of course there is!!

This giveaway is a "Give a book, get a book." You have to give me a book, any NEW book you have sitting around and I in turn will give you a NEW copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

"What are you going to do with the books we give you?" someone yelled out in the crowd.

Such a good question. I am not going to read them. I am going to give them away.

"Wow!" "What?" "Is she kidding?"

Nope. I have friends in the military and I know they could use a good book to read so I am going to send all the books I collect to the military.

This is a "Give a book, get a book" giveaway and should be a lot of fun.

Now that you know about the giveaway, all you have to do is give away a book to get one and help our military folks overseas.

Here's what you need to do. Either leave me your email here as a comment so I can contact you or email me by going here Contact Denise and sending me a note saying you want to give a book away.

We'll exchange information and I will send you a copy of CONNECT THE DOTS.

Or, if you are local to New England and like to get up early on a Sunday then I invite you to join me for breakfast on Sunday morning between now and May 25th. Join me at Panera in Bedford, NH between 7 AM and 9 AM and exchange a book with me right then and there.

I will be doing this giveaway until May 25 or until I run out of books. Then on Memorial weekend I will ship the books to our military men and women.

I really hope you pass this "Give a book, get a book" giveaway on and help me send some books to our military friends and family.

Thanks,
Denise

To my mother on Mother’s Day…

To my mother on Mother’s Day…

To the woman who gave me life
And made me a girl
~ my mommy

To the woman who taught me how to make my bed
And bake cookies
~ my mom

To the creative side of the family
The woman who can out sew anyone
And made my dolly clothes
~ my ma

To the woman who taught me finance
And gave me my first allowance
~ my mom

To the woman who showed me life is more than living
It’s meant to be lived
~ my mommy

To the woman who said I could be and could do anything
And helped me grow into a writer
~ my mother


To my mother,

You gave me the world and your love
and all I can offer is my love

Happy Mother's Day
I love you

~ your daughter and best friend