Sharing a wee bit of Ireland

I recently took a trip to Kenmare, Ireland and thought I would share thr trip with you. I'm going to share the pain, the fun, and the images of where I went and what I did. Stay tuned for more to come!

Day 1 Ireland –

After a very long trip and no sleep, I arrived at the Cork airport a little late with snow coming down. SNOW!

Nothing like New England snow, more like a drizzle of snowflakes. By the time I got into my rental car the weather had turned to a sunny rain. As I drove almost two hours to Kenmare on the left side of the road the first thing I noticed were the Daffodils popping up in giant patches of yellow along the road. These weren’t in someone’s yard. They were on the side of the road. It looked like spring everywhere.

Everything was going along smoothly until I had to drive through some tiny town where the two-lane road really should have been a one-lane road when cars are parked on both sides.

Here is where my passenger-side mirror slammed against a parked car’s mirror. It wasn’t until I had the living crap scared out of me that I noticed that most parked cars turned their mirrors inward. Apparently, for just such incidents. Good to know.

Oh! And just because a road looks only narrow enough to fit one car going one way, don't believe that's how the Irish use their roadways. As I drove down the narrow, one-lane road that led to the stone cottage, I practically ran headlong into another car coming at me. Holy cow! Talk about give a girl a heart attack.

Lucky for me the young man that almost took me out took pity on me and backed his car up until he found someone's drive and pulled in so I could pass. Yes, this is a regular occurrence on many of the roads in Ireland. At least where I have been so far.

Note to self and anyone else every traveling to Ireland...rent the smallest car you can possibly get. Think mini-Cooper or clown car.

Here is a picture of the stone cottage's front door. Notice the green paint color. Almost every door in Ireland is painted a different color than the surrounding neighbors.

I arrived at the cottage at 2 PM Ireland time and waited for the caretaker to show. The caretaker, a very nice gentleman by the name of Raymond, brought some daffodils with him to put in a glass and set them on the dining room table that overlooks the bay.

Raymond gave me instructions on how to turn things on and off. I had to flip a switch to use an outlet or turn the stove or microwave on. Interesting.

The cottage wasn’t as quaint and cozy as what I had hoped, but the view was fantastic. Water, birds, mountains. Breathtaking!

I made it into town, found my first pub called O'Donnabhains and had my first Guinness with Irish Stew. The Guinness wasn’t bad…This coming from a girl who is very fond of IPAs. The stew was excellent and too filling. Unlike our stews where everything is cut up into tiny bites, this place served it with half potatoes in the center, big slices of carrots, and chunks of meat that fell apart at the touch. Yummy!

After my walk and brief tour of Kenmare, I returned to the cottage my first night, curled up under a blanket in the living area with the gas fire in the fireplace going and read until my eyes and my body finally gave out. I am too old to stay awake for 48 hours, but not too old to enjoy doing it.

I hope you'll stop in tomorrow for more pictures and tales of my trip to a beautiful country with friendly people.

Writing prompt Thursday

Before I give you this week's prompt, I should probably share what I wrote for last week's. Last week's writing prompt was: The sound...

The sound of a door screeching open at the end of the hall sent shivers up her spine. When she heard footsteps echoing off the walls her heart pounded and blood roared in her ears. They found her. They were coming after her. Run!


Now for Today's writing prompt: At the end of the dock...


Remember, don't think, just write. Let your imagination go and your fingers do the work. Most of all, have fun!

Writing “The End”

Is there any more heady feeling for an author than writing the words, “THE END” at the end of a manuscript?

Since I wrote those words on my fifth manuscript this past Monday evening, I can honestly say, “No!”

It’s the best. You get this warm, fuzzy feeling inside you that kind of worm itself around inside your body until it bubbles up to the surface. Then you want to shout your giddiness to the world.

Yes, I did just that. I opened up my back door and yelled, “I did it! The End!!”

Who cares that it was only ten degrees outside and that I was standing in my yoga pants and a tank top yelling this into the cold night air at the top of my lungs. Who cares that my neighbor called to see if I was okay. All that matters is that writing THE END was well worth getting a little frost bite on my tiny tootsies. Not to mention other places that I won’t mention. [wink-wink]

It does not matter how many days or months an author labors over the writing of a story. It could be three or thirty months. It is all a labor of love, rather like being pregnant for nine months and then pushing that baby out. It’s all in reaching the end target of producing that wonderful child or story that will not happen until the words THE END are written on that last page or you’re holding your squirming, beautiful child in your arms.

I say rejoice in your ending, shout it out to the world, and celebrate.

Because tomorrow, the next story will come and you will have no choice to start your another labor or love.

Tom Sawyer Day in Florida

If you saw a sign that said, Tom Sawyer Day, what would you think? Perhaps people were getting together to read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Uh, no. Tom Sawyer Day in my father's mind is a community event to wash the community fence.

First of all, you need to know that not every person is aware of who Tom Sawyer is. My father did receive several phone calls asking that question.

On the other hand, everyone knew what BYOB meant. Or did they?

Actually, they did not. In this case, BYOB was not bring your own booze, but stood for bring your own bucket.

The incentive for this laborious project that encompassed 850 feet of fencing was free drinks, of the water and soda variety.

Yes, this was a successful venture! Thanks to 12 people who brought their buckets, brushes, and their great attitudes for wanting to experience literature in the true sense of the word. . .by washing a fence just as Tom Sawyer did.

Wait! Tom Sawyer didn't wash the fence. He somehow convinced the other boys that washing the fence was fun.

Ahhh. Now I get it. My dad played Tom Sawyer today. He got others to do the work all in the guise of it being fun.

Lucky for him everyone did have a blast hanging out with their neighbors, getting wet, and enjoying the sunshine.

Great job, Dad!

Writing Prompt Thursday

It's been a while since we had a writing prompt but since I am in the middle of working on the ending of my work-in-progress I thought it fitting to boost some creativity. And the best way to do that, at least for this writer, is to start off with a little writing prompt.

Writing Prompt: The sound of. . .

Remember to have fun! Write whatever comes into your head and just let the words flow.

Share what you come up with by posting back here.

Happy writing!!

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Bacon Cheeseburgers, and any other kind of burger.

Today the rest of the world is discussing Valentine's Day, love, boxes of chocolates, and best dates. I thought it would be more interesting to talk about burgers.

No, not a McDonald's or Burger King burger, but a little place you like to go to eat a burger when you have the craving.

I am actually not a huge hamburger fan, but on occasion I do get a craving and when I do, I want it now. For example, yesterday. I was driving to the paint store to pick up some paint (obviously) to paint a little table for my library. As I was driving, this little pang of hunger hit me and I thought, "Cheeseburger."

Seriously! That is how my mind and stomach work together. It's actually worse than that. My stomach was very specific as to where I wanted the cheeseburger from. It spoke to my head and said, "Windham Junction."

Not kidding!

When I was in the paint store the guy behind the counter asked one of the girls there if she wanted to get lunch. He said he wanted a burger.

I asked him, "Where are you going to get a hamburger from?"

OMG! Yes, he said, "Windham Junction."

That clinched it for me. After painting my table, I packed myself up into my car and bolted to Windham Junction for one of the best cheeseburgers.

What makes a good cheeseburger or hamburger? Or what draws you to a particular place for a burger? I mean you can get a burger almost anywhere, right?

Well, what makes the burger so ggod at Windham Junction is not just the fact that it is made fresh right when you order, but that the bread is not a typical bun. It doesn't come from some grocery store plastic bag. It isn't served on a sesame seed bun. It's a fresh type of ciabatta roll. It's soft and delicious and unlike any bun you've ever had a burger on.

The meat is cooked just right so it's not dry and is Angus beef. You can hear it sizzling in the background while you wait with hunger pangs gnawing at the inside of your stomach. Then, of course, they don't assume you want cheddar for your cheese, you get a choice of cheese as well as toppings.

Let's just say this is one burger you will eat even when you are beyond full.

Where do you go for a great, out of the box, hamburger? Why?

Friday night author and wine event!

A Literary Evening - Author's Night at Zorvino Vineyards !!!

FREE !!!

Need a special night out or a good book to read? Tonight is the night!

Join us for a very special evening on Friday, February 11th at Zorvino Vineyards as we feature as many as 50 different New England authors who will be on hand to discuss, sell & sign their novels.

Meet the writers in person!!!

This is also a fantastic charity event for the community as we will be partnering with 4 New Hampshire libraries to help bring the joy of reading to all. Each library will be offering raffles of different items including signed books by our authors plus wine & other great prizes. Check with the individual libraries to see what they have to offer and to purchase raffle tickets. Current libraries who will be involved are the Sandown Public Library, The Colby Memorial Library from Danville & the Plaistow Public Library with two more ready to join us.

This event will run from 6 pm to 9 pm and will be free to all. Zorvino Vineyards will also be offering a FREE raffle of our own. Everyone who signs up for the evening on our website will be entered into a chance to win a " Private Wine Tasting & Tour For Up To 20 People."

This event will include a cheese & cracker platter and a walk around tour & tasting of our facility. Just sign up online, print your ticket & bring it to our book signing to be entered.

We will also offer a cash bar and will have the winery open all night for complimentary wine tasting so you can browse for books, wine & gifts for that special Valentine for the following weekend.

You need not be here right at 6 pm. Come to the front door of the function facility anytime after 6 pm and stay as long as you like until 9 pm.

See you there!

Author's Night at Zorvino Vineyards !!!

A Literary Evening - Author's Night at Zorvino Vineyards !!!

FREE !!!

Join us for a very special evening on Friday, February 11th at Zorvino Vineyards as we feature as many as 50 different New England authors who will be on hand to discuss, sell & sign their novels.

Meet the writers in person !!!

This is also a fantastic charity event for the community as we will be partnering with 4 New Hampshire libraries to help bring the joy of reading to all. Each library will be offering raffles of different items including signed books by our authors plus wine & other great prizes. Check with the individual libraries to see what they have to offer and to purchase raffle tickets. Current libraries who will be involved are the Sandown Public Library, The Colby Memorial Library from Danville & the Plaistow Public Library with two more ready to join us.

This event will run from 6 pm to 9 pm and will be free to all. Zorvino Vineyards will also be offering a FREE raffle of our own. Everyone who signs up for the evening on our website will be entered into a chance to win a " Private Wine Tasting & Tour For Up To 20 People."

This event will include a cheese & cracker platter and a walk around tour & tasting of our facility. Just sign up online, print your ticket & bring it to our book signing to be entered.

We will also offer a cash bar and will have the winery open all night for complimentary wine tasting so you can browse for books, wine & gifts for that special Valentine for the following weekend.

You need not be here right at 6 pm. Come to the front door of the function facility anytime after 6 pm and stay as long as you like until 9 pm.

See you there!

Telephone SCAM my Dad

Telephone SCAM my Dad? No way!

The brief story you are about to read below is true and happened to my father this week and told in his own words. Please read and beware.

It all started out with a call from 891-536-8430. The caller identified herself and asked me to confirm my name. She then related to me that I was a recipient of a Government grant of $10,000. My response was that I had not applied for any grant. She then assured me that I was selected at random and the grant was indeed for me without any application. She told me that all I would have to do was to go to the nearest Western Union station and collect the money that would be transferred.

Now, here comes the catch. I would have to bring along a picture ID and have $200 available in cash or a credit card. These funds were for a security check and would be returned upon completion of the entire transaction. Upon arriving at Western Union, I was to call 209-890-9011and I would then be given the necessary instructions for the “security check.” I responded by stating that I thought this was a SCAM. She assured me that it was not and indicated that I could verify this by checking out a web site, www.grantsus.net.

Sure enough, there is a web site with this address and yes, the telephone number given is listed on the site. However, that site is really for applying for grants. Nothing about the site indicates its validity as being part of the government. They do indicate on the site that they have been seen on CNN and the four major TV networks. Of course, this proves nothing.

After this conversation and my falsely agreeing with the person on the phone that I would go to Western Union, I tried to dial the calling number. When I did, the call immediately went to an announcement after dialing 1-891, informing me that 891 is not a valid area code. After not appearing at Western Union in the agreed upon time, I started receiving calls from both the numbers listed above. I chose not to answer. The calls continued to come in that evening and the morning of the following day.

I have reported this information to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office so they would be alert and could use their communications to alert folks in the county if they so choose. The Deputy responding to my call was extremely courteous and agreed that it was a SCAM. He opened up a report and placed it on record.

The moral of this story is that it was indeed a SCAM and you should be aware that you should not fall into this type of trap. I hope that this information is helpful to you and increase your awareness that there are folks out there that will attempt to bilk you out of your hard earned money.

Snowball Anyone?

You've heard about those people that strip down and dip their half-naked bodies into the ocean for ten seconds, well that's nothing compared to snowball.

Snowball is a game that twenty people, including me played last Saturday.

What is Snowball? Snowball is softball in two feet of snow and played with a 16" ball.

You start with a pristine field covered in two plus feet of snow. But where's the baseline? Well, to get a baseline you have to plow the field. Notice I said plow, not plough. This is not a wheat field. This is a ball field covered in snow sow you have to create you own baseline.
Here's how. You line everyone up and shuffle down each baseline and make way for the runners. The beer is optional and the women are last in line cus you know, why not let the men show their big strong muscles.


You gotta be careful while playing cuz you don't want to get too cold or too hungry. So stock up on hot cocoa (spiked, of course) and homemade rice krispy treats.

Do you think they're smiling a little too much? I think they touched the spiked cocoa before the game started.

After the second or third inning of hitting full team lineups, no matter how many outs, when you start to have to use the dugout fence to hold yourself up and you look bedraggled like this, don't forget to take a break.



The snow makes for a great sofa. Oh! The beer is optional.



Be careful using a white softball as it may disappear. "Where did the ball go?" Or maybe she just wants to show off her derriere. We started out with a red, white, and blue softball, but since it got so wet we switched to the second ball which was all white. And yes, at one point four or five people were on the ground searching for a ball in two feet of white, cold snow.

Then again, it may not be the white softball that you can't find. It could be first base. "Somebody help! Where did first base go?"





Where did the ball go? It wasn't supposed to go up!










Then you have the smiling hitter who in the back of his silly and possibly sloshed mind saying, "Bring on the heat! Let's knock this ball out of the park."








Of course, you may actually hit the ball. Look at that surprised grin! "Did I actually hit it. . .that far?" Shh. Don't tell him I said so, but it probably only went three feet in front of him.







The best part of the game, besides the new friends that you'll make, and the achy muscles that you will have for days is the party after the game. Check out these smiling faces who are thinking, "The game is over. Bring on the food!"

I hope these pictures have inspired you! Go out, grab twenty of your closest friends, a ball, a couple of bases, bats, and some munchies, and have a blast.

We did!!

What to do with all that snow?

Has the snow got you down? Are you feeling the winter blues?



<------ Well, you don't want to try this.

Instead, turn back the clock and remember when you were a kid. Remember how whenever it snowed you would press your face against the window and fog it up watching the snow fall, hoping school would be cancelled. And when it was what did you do?

You went outside and played in the snow. You made snow angels, built snowmen, built snow forts, and generally just froze your tushy off while enjoying the cold white stuff.

Well, you're a little older now so maybe the idea of snow forts and snow angels don't appeal as much. I mean who wants all that cold snow trickling down their back. Brr!


However, your entrepreneurial spirit kicks in and you realize you can do something with this snow and make a buck at it. No, I'm not talking shoveling someone's driveway. I'm still talking about tapping into your internal kid.

Go on outside and build a snowman!!

Another idea you would normally think would be a summer time idea, but no, you have to think outside the box. Or in this case, outside.

Remember when you were a kid you would go outdoors to play in the snow and inevitably you would put some in your mouth and eat it. Admit it! You did.

And of course, your mom would catch you and tell you to spit it out or she would warn you about the yellow snow.

You probably still think about eating that snow (mostly cuz your mom told you not to). Well, now you can. Try this little recipe for Snow Ice Cream!

1 gallon snow
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk

When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl outside to collect the flakes. When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk for the desired consistency. Serve at once.

And your mom said eating snow was bad. Ha!


Try these ideas soon, before it's too late. Sunnier days are around the corner and soon you will be chillin'.

Sendoff to a friend re-deployed overseas

There are days, weeks, and even perhaps months that the war on terror probably slips our minds or gets put on the back burner of our lives. Unfortunately, there are many people that this same war affects every day or has affected permanently.

This week a friend of mine prepares to go active back to duty and defend our freedom. He will be leaving for training and then shipped off with a bunch more men and women to a destination unknown.


Before Duane gets on a plane and travels away from his family and friends for who knows how long and to who knows where, I want to share with you how special this person is and give him a send off he won’t soon forget.

There are those people you meet who pass through your life in a fleeting moment, then there are those who do not pass through, but stick around for the long haul and become real friends, and later something more, they become family. Duane is that friend in my life. He has been there for the long haul, through thick and thin, good and bad, laughter and crying.

You see, Duane is a friend who for whatever reason fate deigned to be my guardian. Duane is the one man besides my father who has been a constant in my life, a significant influence, and the person who has an invisible link to me that can never be broken.


He is the person in my life when shit hits the fan he is somehow there scooping up the mess and putting the pieces back together. Of course, he does also contribute to that shit storm as well. Let me share a couple of examples.

I met Duane when I was fifteen when we both played soccer for our high school teams. We both looked a lot different then, but I always looked better. One night he and I went on a double-date with my parents to dinner.

Picture Duane and me sitting next to each other in a booth with my parents sitting across from us. Naturally, we should have been nervous, but my folks are cool and they had met Duane on several occasions prior to this dinner date, so no big deal, right?

Wrong!

My father waits until after the waitress takes our order and then goes for the kill. He leans in with his elbows on the table, his fingers tapping together in a teepee shape and says, “What are your intentions toward my daughter?”

Of course, I am flabbergasted, mouth hanging open, and saying in a whiney voice that I do not possess, “Da-ad.”

My mom sits back and smiles.

Then you have Duane or as most people refer to him Dewey. Dewey leans back, wraps his arm over my shoulder and says, “Well, sir, I plan on doing her every chance I get.”

That one sentence, while mortifying to me, ingratiated Duane into the bosom of my family from that day forward.


When I got divorced, Duane was the first person I told, albeit through email at the time since he was overseas. The first opportunity Duane had he called my parents and blabbed.

My mother responded to this shocking news by saying, “She what?”

Shortly after that call, my friend Duane calls me. I answer the phone and the first words out of his mouth were, “I can’t believe you didn’t tell mom and dad you got a divorce!”

I answer, “I can’t believe you told them!”


Duane is also the person who has this uncanny knack for showing up when I least expect it. Let me show you how.

One Saturday night when I was in college and out dancing with some friends I step out of the ladies’ room and who do I quite literally bump into? Duane!

This is significant because at the time I was living in Virginia, he was stationed in Texas, and we ran into each other in DC. I mean seriously, just how many times does that happen?



The weekend I bought my home, Duane called me stating that he was back and in DC. I told him, “Fly your butt up here and see my house.”

He had no clue I was buying a house. He flew up that day and the next morning Duane was the first person to see my new home. He was in half the photos I took of the house to send to my family so they could see…my house, not him.



Duane is the man who showed up at my father’s 60th birthday party as a surprise and turned my father speechless for the first time ever in his life. I’m telling you it does a woman good to see two of her favorite men turn to mush, even if they try to hide the tears by swiping at them and saying, “It must be the hot wings.”


Even now when I send Duane a text message that says nothing more than “Call me,” I know that the minute he can, he will.

Duane ~

While I love and adore you as a longtime friend, I respect and admire you for your courage, compassion, and dedication to keep my family, friends, and every other American safe. I applaud your bravery to stand the wall and fight for our freedoms.

Please know that for every day, hour, and minute that you are gone, you will be missed. You will be in my heart and in mind every day until you return home safe and sound.

Come home soon!

Love ya,
Denise


Duane,

You do know that Mom and I dearly love you and that the door is always open for you. As you might expect, we will worry about you in your absence, but we understand that what you are doing is extremely important for the freedom that has only been provided by our soldiers, you being one of them.

We will be thinking of you and praying that you will be returning someday soon to pay us the long overdue visit.

You have made us proud of your accomplishments while you have been in harm’s way.

Love ya,
Dad & Mom

If you haven't attended a mystery event...

What are you waiting for?

This past weekend we did another Mystery Event at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, NH. What was different this time was that we did the event 2 nights in a row. The event sold out on Saturday so Tom Zack asked if we wanted to do a second night.

Heck, yeah! And are we glad we did.

Look at the crowd!
Why are these events so successful and fun?

I believe the answer has multiple parts. In no particular order, one of the things I heard from the guests those two nights is that the price was right. For one fee, the participants received a 3-hour event that included the interactive mystery, food, a wine tasting, and of course the best part. . .a book to take home and read.

The event is interactive. There is no sitting on your duff and watching a show. You are PART OF THE SHOW. The actual mystery itself unfolds before your very eyes and ears. It's your job to watch, listen, and investigate. As a matter of fact, I overheard some women say, "Next time we leave the men at home."

I guess that tells you who was sitting on their behinds while who was actively involved.

Another thing that was mentioned to me several times was that the authors were accessible. We weren't standing behind a table. We were part of the show and at the same time always willing to stop and sign a book or discuss a story.

Writing Prompt Wednesday

I decided to start today's writing prompt with a question. Let's see what you come up with to the writing prompt question.

Writing prompt: "What do I have to do to convince you?"

Have fun writing!

Thought provoking Tuesday

Tuesday is the day I ask a question that provokes a little thought.

Today's thought provoking question: If not now, then when?

Want to learn about my most embarassing moments?

Then stop on by my last book blog tour stop for NEVER TEMPT DANGER at My World. . .in words and pages where I reveal. . .

Today, I had the opportunity to talk with Melissa at My World. . .in words and pages where she asked me a few questions and I shared some little known details about me. Stop by and ask a question and shh. . .maybe even learn a secret or two about me.


Melissa also wrote a very nice review of NEVER TEMPT DANGER and is giving away a copy of the book so stop by My World. . .in words and pages and leave a comment of your own or if you haven't had a chance to read it yet, see what Melissa and others have to say about my latest novel.

Writing Prompt Saturday

It's Saturday and a good day to write. To boost your writing creativity here is a little writing prompt to get you motivated.

Writing prompt: She stood by the river. . .

Write as much or as little as you want and have fun!

The road to fame

I saw a quote this morning that touched me. I won't share all of it, but a brief bit to inspire you.

"'for sitting on a cushion
Is not the way to fame, nor staying in bed;
And without fame, a man must spend his life
Only to leave such traces upon the earth
As smoke leaves in the air; or foam in the water."

~Dante's Divine Comedy
Inferno XXIV 43-60

Thought Provoking Tuesday - What makes you smile?

Every once and a while it's a good idea to ask a question. Not just any question, but a question that will make you think and hopefully make you respond.

This should be a fun and easy one. Try it out and leave your answer to the Thought Provoking Tuesday question.

Thought Provoking Question: What makes you smile?


What makes me smile. . .

Seeing a friend,
Watching a little girl trying to eat an ice cream cone that's too big for her and getting chocolate all over her face,
Being called 'sweet-cheeks' by my dad,
Watching the sun rise on a warm summer day,
Seeing my garden bloom,
Watching a little boy kick a ball that is almost as big as he is,
Hearing that a friend is safely back from overseas,

the list could go on and on. What makes you smile?

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Today seems like a good day for a little writing motivation so let's do a writing prompt.

Your goal should you choose to accept it is to write. Write as much or as little as you like, but write something that finishes this sentence.

Writing Prompt: She picked up her glass. . .


Enjoy! Have fun and just write whatever pops into your head.


Here is what I came up with:

Jane picked her glass up and swallowed liquid courage. Then gulped some more. Whew! Her head felt a little light. She shook it off then stiffened her spine.

“I had sex with Cooper,” she blurted out.

David was mid-drink when he set his glass with great care onto his desk then leaned back in his leather chair, clasped his fingers together across his stomach and stared at her.

Was it hot in his office? She was hot. She started fanning herself and tugging at the collar on her blouse.

“I see.”

He sees? What does he see? She had sex with Cooper. A cop. Not just any cop, the mother of all cops. The gosh-darn-frickin’ Chief of Police.

“More than once,” she divulged and downed the rest of her champagne. She hiccupped as she set the glass on the desk in front of David.

She hiccupped again and slapped her fingers across her lips.

Second Night added to next Mystery Event!

What happens on January 21st AND January 22nd at Zorvino Vineyards? Another MURDER, of course……

The demand for this event was so great that Zorvino Vineyards asked the authors to host a second night of Loud and Lethal Murder Mystery Event.

If you haven't bought your tickets yet...do so today!!! You now have two nights available, but HURRY.
Visit www.zorvino.com to get your tickets!

Join us for a very special evening in January as we present LOUD & LETHAL - A Rock & Roll Murder Mystery. Once again, we bring together a group of 4 talented Mystery authors to help create the perfect crime…one that actually happens while you’re here at Zorvino Vineyards !!!

Our theme this time....? ROCK & ROLL !!! Enter the sordid world of the music industry as our favorite band, LOUD & LETHAL has mechanical trouble with the tour bus and has to spend the evening in our winery. But wait...there's already a huge wine bash going on ! What happens when a vortex of vipers, vagabonds, vixens, varmints & vino vault into our vineyard venue ! Viola !

This is a general admission event…Doors will open at 6:30 pm and we ask our guests to be present in the great room at 7 pm for the evening’s kick-off. The murder will be solved at 9:30 pm sharp as we share the details of the mystery with everyone. The one person who comes closest to figuring out what happened will receive a prize. The authors will be on hand at the end of the evening to personalize books and chat with their fans.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

Loud and Lethal - Our next Murder Mystery Event

What happens on January 21st at Zorvino Vineyards? Another MURDER, of course……

If you haven't bought your tickets yet...do so today!!! There's only 40 left.
Visit www.zorvino.com to get your tickets!

Join us for a very special evening in January as we present LOUD & LETHAL - A Rock & Roll Murder Mystery. Once again, we bring together a group of 4 talented Mystery authors to help create the perfect crime…one that actually happens while you’re here at Zorvino Vineyards !!!

Our theme this time....? ROCK & ROLL !!! Enter the sordid world of the music industry as our favorite band, LOUD & LETHAL has mechanical trouble with the tour bus and has to spend the evening in our winery. But wait...there's already a huge wine bash going on ! What happens when a vortex of vipers, vagabonds, vixens, varmints & vino vault into our vineyard venue ! Viola !

This is a general admission event…Doors will open at 6:30 pm and we ask our guests to be present in the great room at 7 pm for the evening’s kick-off. The murder will be solved at 9:30 pm sharp as we share the details of the mystery with everyone. The one person who comes closest to figuring out what happened will receive a prize. The authors will be on hand at the end of the evening to personalize books and chat with their fans.

Sharing a lesson from my mom

Sometimes it really does pay to listen to your mom. And I mean that in the literal sense of the word, "pay".

A long time ago my mom taught me to throw change in a jar. She said, "If you want to save up for something fun to do on a rainy day, throsing it into a jar is the way to do it."

When I got a little older and was living on my own or when I was first with my ex-husband and was dirt poor, I remembered those words of wisdom.

At the end of every day we would toss our change into a jar. In a month's worth of time we could take our coins to the bank and could afford to go scuba diving. For the first few years of our marriage that was how we saved for fun, whether a dinner out, a movie, or a one-day dive trip we scrambled through that jar for our fun funds.

After a while we started adding whatever dollar bills we had at the end of the week into the fun funds. Wow! What a hugs difference. Then we could afford to order a pizza in once every two weeks or do a weekend dive trip.

To this day, thanks to my mom, I still do the "fun fund jar". And let me tell you it does add up. The best part is you don't even realize you are saving because you're not having to go to the bank every week to ensure that you are putting money aside. You are just doing it.

A few months back I took a trip to see my sister and her family and just so happened that I had packaged my fun fund up to take to the bank but never made it there. Instead, I had the money with me when I went to see my niece and nephews. Long story short, I tossed the plastic baggies with all the coins and dollar bills to my nephews and told then that if they counted it they could have it...with one caveat. They had to take their mom, dad, and sister out to dinner with part of it and then they could spend it on whatever else.

First, you have to imagine the chins dropped to their chests and their mouths catching flies. Too funny and a great precious moment. You would have thought they hit gold after they finished counting. Too funny!

This is the best part. After they realized how much cash they had in their hands they wanted to know how I saved all that. I shared with them the same wisdom my mom shared with me. . .

Find a jar, a bucket, a basket. Then sit it in the corner of a room and start emptying your pockets every evening and tossing your change inside. Put it out of your mind other than making it a routine habit.

Then when you really decide you want or need something you don't have to break your wallet open, you can turn to the jar and if the money is there, "Go for it."

I spoke with my nephews this evening and since then they have both been saving their money and it appears to be working for them.

Moms are brilliant people and it really does pay to listen. And I am so very glad that I got to pass my mom's words of wisdom on to my nephews. Maybe this little family treasure will help you in the new year to come.

Thanks Mom!!

Visiting Inspired Quill

Today I had the opportunity to stop by Inspired Quill and have a quick chat with Sara about NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Please drop on by Inspired Quill, say hi, and leave a comment.

What says holiday cheer more than a free book

'Tis the season for family, friends, fun, and free so let's have a little fun and give a free book to family or friend.

How to win is easy. Tell me who you want to give one of my books to and why then leave your email address with something like (drobbin AT comcast.net) so the stupid scammers don't get your mail. ;-)

If you want to give a specific book of mine to a person then mention that book in your post. Who knows, I may pull more than one name and/or book out of the random hat.

In case you haven't seen my four novels they are:













If you have a cook that is always on the look out for new recipes to try then perhaps a recipe book put together by a group of authors donating recipes might be a fun and unique idea.

An authors loves to hear

I love weeks like this!

The other day when I was at breakfast a woman who is reading NEVER TEMPT DANGER told me, "The book is getting really good. I was still reading at 2 in the morning."

HA! That's my idea of being hooked.

A couple who have read all my books (yes, both of them) introduced me to their kids as "their favorite local author."

Love the warm and fuzzy feeling that gave me.

A blogger contacted me and said she is just waiting to see my name on the list of attending authors for the Authors After Dark.

Then another reader emailed me to let me know she is loving my books (She's read NEVER TEMPT DANGER, CONNECT THE DOTS, and has KILLER BUNNY HILL) and is going to give one of them to the local library and convince them to carry the others.

I love hearing these things. I am feeling the author love.

OH! Wait! One more. A friend of mine called me from Minnesota and the first thing out of his mouth was "My family wants to know when the next book is coming out?"

Is he kidding me? NEVER TEMPT DANGER came out less than two months ago.

What do I have to say about that. Double arm pump and "Yippee! I'm one of those authors who can't write fast enough for her readers."

I have authors I love that can't write enough for me so that is an amazing feeling.

What does all this do for me? Makes me want to write and write and write some more. I've written 2500 words this week just by writing a little each morning.

For those of you that read my books and send me messages, "Thank you. You are great inspiration."

Writing Prompt Thursday

After being out and about the last two days touring the blog scene I thought today would be a good day for a writing prompt.

We'll keep it short and sweet. You ready?

Writing prompt: OMG!


Write as much or as little as you want but that little bit should leave it wide open for you to go in any direction. Play with it, have fun, and most importantly write.

I'm off to another blog stop

Today on our our book blog tour we are stopping over at Babbling about Books, and More.

Katie and I chatted the other day and she shared with me that she had a few or more writer friends interested in getting published. I am stopping by Babbling about Books, and More.
to share with Katie and her friends my journey to getting published and hope you will find it inspiring. *Look for a few tips at the end of this journey.*

JoJos Book Corner

Join me today at another stop on my blog tour. I'll be over at Jo Jo's Book Corner along with Gilly and Lucas from my latest novel, NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Join in the fun at Jo Jo's Book Corner as Jodie asks my characters some very interesting and fun questions.


Stick around and ask your own question to possibly win a copy of NEVER TEMPT DANGER for yourself or a loved one. It'll make a great holiday gift!

Daddy’s little girl…

Today is my father’s birthday and today I wanted to take the time to share with you how much I love, admire, and respect him. I want to share with you why I am daddy’s little girl.

Daddy’s little girl…

I’m daddy’s little girl, of this I know is true.

I’m daddy’s little girl because he loves me too.

He tucked me in, held my hand, and soothed my broken heart.

He clapped with joy, bought me ice cream, and shared a little part.

I’m daddy’s little girl, as no man will ever do.

I’m daddy’s little girl, he is the man I compare every man to.

He’s caught me when I’ve fallen and dusted me off to take a new flight.

He’s helped me soar and fly to my destiny.

I’m daddy’s little girl and that is how it should be.

I love my daddy and he loves me.

I’m daddy’s little girl.

~by Denise Robbins for her father

Many of you know that my father, Keith Goodman, is my first round editor of all my books. He has endured every word, every scene (don’t forget I write romantic-suspense), both good and bad at least twice. He does it because I ask.

This is the same man I shared with you months ago who wrote a poem about me when I was about two years old and kept it. I think I get my writing ability from him.

I admire my father for his common sense, for his ability to take on anything and do it right, for his undying love even when I probably get on his nerves. I respect him for holding his own against an establishment and taking care of the folks who worked for him.

Ten years ago we had this tremendous surprise birthday party for dad and the number of people who came out to hug, kiss, and surprise him was overwhelming. Even a high school friend of mine flew in from overseas to see my father’s face when everyone showed up. This is a guy who for whatever reason became my father’s adopted son and has been since I was about 15 years old. At the party, I heard story after story of how great my father was. I’m here to tell you that I know this first hand.

My father is the person I turn to when I need to talk something through. He’s the first person I called when I got my first book published. Heck, I still call him whenever a book is bought or I get the book cover. He was here when I bought my house and helped me clear out all the Forsythia that had taken over the yard.

When I was a kid, dad was the one who helped me learn to ride my purple banana-seat bike. He was the one who introduced me to different books to read. Dad was the one who endured algebra with me. Let me tell you…that was not pretty. While both my parents went to all of my sporting events it was my dada who was on the field with me as coach and friend, and the person who would play with me in the yard when I couldn’t get the throw or the kick quire right.

Both my parents support me in everything I do and for this I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Happy birthday, Dad! Hugs and kisses and birthday wishes.

I'm visiting A Buckeye Girl Reads today

My blog tour continues at A Buckeye Girl Reads!

Today I was invited to stop by Colette's for a quick interview and a giveaway of NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Stop on over, say "Hi," learn a little more about the heroine of NEVER TEMPT DANGER.

Leave a comment so we know you were there and to possibly win the giveaway.

Writing Prompt Wednesday

I'm trying to reach another two thousand words in my WIP today and thought a writing prompt might help me get there. How about you? Could you use a little creativity boost?

Today's writing prompt: He found Jack. . .

Write whatever pops into your head. Don't think, just write. Write as much or as little as you want and share it back here when you finish.

Hook that reader and make us want to read more.

Happy writing!

Do you love your yard?

I do!

Then you need Finer Cut Lawn Maintenance.

David Resnick, a longtime friend of mine owns and operates Finer Cut. He is the best yardman you could possibly find.

Why? Because he cares.

Yesterday I came home from work to find David blowing and raking leaves in my yard and then sucking them up with the riding machine. I can now see my beautiful rock wall again. Last spring he did the same thing and saved me days of work. My whole neighborhood was jealous.


Look! No leaves!










This summer when I had an old tree removed from my front yard I needed some dirt to fill it in. I picked up the phone, called the friendly owner or Finer Cut Lawn Maintenance, and that day I had dirt delivered. Unlike a lot of people, David didn’t just drop off the dirt. He hefted it from truck to hole and raked it so it looked nice and I could put plants in it.

Of course, Finer Cut Lawn Maintenance does more than blowing leaves and filling in dirt holes. Finer Cut does mowing, landscaping, pruning, mulching, even snow removal. You name it Finer Cut does it. And they do it well. Actually, Finer Cut Lawn Maintenance does it better than any.

Don’t just take my word for it. Ask my jealous neighbors.

In the meantime, call David Resnick at 603-645-1711 and tell him you are ready to have a Finer Cut Lawn today.

Procrastinating Sunday

With the way people's lives are nowadays it seems that Sunday is the only day we can relax. If even that day. I don't know about you all, but because I work over 40 hours per week and have a 90 minute commute each way every day I cannot get some of the things I want or need to do during the week. Most evenings by the time I arrive home I am too exhausted to get back in the car and run more errands. If I don't stop on the way home the chances of me going back out are slim to none.

When Saturday rolls around instead of chilling out on your deck or in front of a cozy fire with friends, what do we do? We run those errands or do those chores we were too tired or too busy to do during the week. When the work week was invented (who knows when) I don't believe this was the idea of the weekend. Sure we do yard work because, hey, that's what weekends are for. But we do yard work Saturday mornings so we can BBQ with neighbors in the afternoon or evening. And we do yeard work because it gives us an opportunity to commune with nature. For me, I like to just play in my garden.

The problem is that it's no longer just yard work on Saturdays. It's running errands to the grocery store, picking up and dropping off dry cleaning, making trips to the post office, and doing all those other pesky chores that should have been/could have been done if our work week wasn't consumed by 50 to 60 hours of work and commute that we don't even get paid for.

Then we have Sundays. Now Sundays for many are spent getting up and getting ready for church and then having a family breakfast after that. But then what? Do you get to sit on your hiney and enjoy a day of rest? Isn't that what Sundays were meant to be?

Or do you procrastinate on Sunday because you really do have chores that need to be done, but your heart is saying, "Please, please can we just chill out?!" At least that is what my heart is saying.

So how do you procrastinate? Maybe you have a really LARGE cup of coffee. You know, a cup that's three times your normal kickstart in the morning.

Perhaps you listen to icky Sunday radio? I mean I swear this is the one day of the week that the radio stations forget that radio producers forget that people are listening and want to be entertained. I don't want to hear about how to raise my child in a green world, how to tune my car, or hear for the umpteenth time about some idiot politician screwed up. On Sunday the last thing I want is boring stuff. I want something that's going to make me laugh and forget that tomorrow is Monday and that the week starts all over again.

Maybe you watch the Sunday shows where some pompous opinionated person gives you his or her take on the world, economy, foreign politics, or whatever other topic there is that will blow your mind away on a Sunday. Instead, your heart is now pounding out of your chest because for 60 minutes you have listened to people who tell you they are smarter than you tell you how we can make everything better. But have they done anything about it? Nope. They just argued on national television about how it could or should be done.

How do you procrastinate?

Me, I should be writing on my latest novel. This is the one day a week I try to put aside for just my writing. So how do I procrastinate?

I get up, go for a cinnamon roll and Mountain Dew. Yes, I need caffeine, just not the coffee variety. I write a blog post like this one just because it popped into my head. I will then do a small amount of writing before the place I'm sitting in gets too busy and loud. And, of course, that's usually when I get on a roll in the story.

Then I get in the car and run more of those errands that I should have, would have run during the week if I hadn't worked so much. Or I decide I need silk flowers in my living room and I go to the little shop in Bedford because it's the only time I can make it to the place since it closes at 5 PM during the week. Occasionally, I get in my car and go for a drive. It doesn't matter where, just drive and stop wherever I want. Sometimes I head to Kittery to walk around the outlets and get some fresh air. I might even drive up to Gilmanton to get those terrific apple cider donuts I may have mentioned before. And yes, I will make that 45 minute drive just for those donuts.

After doing those things, I go home and look around and realize I need to vacuum or I need to put that floral arrangement together that I bought the flowers for. By the time I sit down to finish the chapter I started in the morning I am exhausted and my mind is already on work for the next day. Dang! Is that sad or what?

What do you put Sunday aside for and how do you procrastinate?

PS - I'm off to start writing. :-)

Holiday Craft Open House

If you missed or skipped Black Friday (not that I blame you), but still want to get some holiday shopping done then I have a fun venue for you.

Holiday Craft Open House!

This Saturday, November 27, is the 3rd annual Holiday Craft Open House.

Join us from 10 AM to 3 PM at 5 McGrath Street in Salem, NH for Refreshments and Handmade crafts.

Handmade items available:

Soy candles
Fresh Holiday Arrangements for decorating
Purses
Blankets
Doll clothes
Jewelry
Sweets
Painted glass and gifts


Oh, yeah, and I'll be there with my books! So if you haven't gotten your copy of your favorite local author's latest, here's your chance to get a great stocking stuffer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's to another holiday giving us the opportunity to be thankful for family and friends. Here's to a wonderful meal filled with loud conversations and laughing, fabulous home-cooked food, and your favorite pie for dessert.

Whether the dinner is at your place or someone else's, cheers to you and yours and I hope you have much to be grateful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!