Sunday, November 01, 2009

Interview with a Musician: Vicki Blankenship

BlueFlameTrance-VickiBlankenshipVicki Blankenship is not only an Indie Singer/Songwriter, but she’s also president of IndieGrrl.com, a celebration of women in the independent arts. As a member of IndieGrrl, I’m glad to have Vicki here to talk with us about her music and her organization.

I’m also happy to announce that the lyrics of I’ve Waited For You, from her newest album, will be the music epilogue for Off The Moon, my fourth novel due out this month.

LK:  Hi Vicki! First, a public “thank you” for allowing use of your lyrics in my novel. It’s amazing when I was searching for indie songs that would fit with the story, just how well I’ve Waited For You fits. It’s nice to have you here chatting with us.

VB:  Thanks for using my song and promoting my music and lyrics.

LK:  First things first, how long have you been in the music business? When did you first pick up a guitar?

VB: I first started playing guitar and drums when I was 5 years old thanks to a grandfather and great grandfather who were both musicians. I’ve been in the music business off and on since college (1976 – 1981) but went full time in the music industry in 2003 with my first solo release “Don’t Forget To Breathe”.

LK:  It’s wonderful when young children get into the arts! Your music career echoes my writing career a bit – my first release was also in 2003. ;-)

So tell us a bit about your newest release, Blue Flame Trance.

VB:  My latest release Blue Flame Trance was originally slated to be called “Elements” because the songs selected for this project were different elements of my life and the songs were songs I had written from 19 years old to present. Many of my friends suggested that I consider using the name “Blue Flame Trance” as the title of the CD because they considered the song “Blue Flame Trance” an unforgettable song and the name would stand out more. The song itself is about Moonshine which is very prevalent in Franklin County Virginia the area where I grew up.

LK: Your music is reminiscent of 60s/70s folk rock, mixed with a touch of a country flair. At least that’s what I think of when I listen to it. Phoebe Snow comes to mind, but also Martina McBride; it’s both soulful and soothing. Who are your musical influences?

VB:  I grew up in the 60s/70s folk rock era so that is the music I know and love and the style in which I write. I loved bands like Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Crosby Still Nash & Young, and Fleetwood Mac. I am a HUGE Lindsey Buckingham fan. Three other songwriters that I love are Mary Chapin Carpenter, James Taylor and Carol King.

LK:  Ah, some of my favorite artists there, also.  I have to tell you I grinned when I went through your website and read about Kiva, your rescued Dalmation. I have a rescued lab mix who is also such a joy, and Off The Moon features a rescued dog. Would you like to share a bit about your Dalmation rescue mission?

VB: Dalmatians were over bred when the 101 Dalmatians movie came out. And Dalmatians tend to be very active dogs that need a lot of attention. So a lot of them got abandoned when they grew older. I have helped place many Dalmatians in good homes that will work with them and show them the attention they need. Kiva is one that I kept myself. She is deaf and is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. She understands a doggie sign language that I made up and is very obedient. She knows no strangers and is friendly to everyone so she makes a good travel companion on the road.

LK:  Just for fun and since I ask everyone, what is your favorite color? Do you have a favorite artist or art style?

VB: My favorite color(s) is a toss between royal blue and purple. I love Vincent Van Gogh and my favorite painting is The Starry Night. I also like Georgia O’Keeffe and Klimt. I also paint; mostly oils and acrylic, and most of my paintings would be classified in the contemporary abstract style.

LK:  How did you come up with the idea of founding IndieGrrl? Will you tell us about it?

VB:  Actually Holly Figueroa founded Indiegrrl as a networking forum for female singer songwriters in 1998. I joined the network in 2003. Later I founded Indie Music For Life in 2004, a non profit to raise money for cancer research and other programs. I took over Indiegrrl in October 2005 and brought it in under the umbrella of Indie Music For Life. Now the non profit has completed revamped as of this year and in February we officially changed the name to Indiegrrl Women in the Arts, Inc so that we could include all aspects of the arts into the non profit and build on other things among networking. Indiegrrl Women in the Arts, Inc. works to create networking, educational, and showcasing opportunities for women of all ages involved in the arts. We also produce several festival events to help raise funds for various charities and are working to raise funds to build an Indiegrrl Music and Arts Camp for children between the ages of 7 and 17. Indiegrrl also produces an annual conference as an educational and showcasing opportunity and we are working on other educational forums, workshops, and seminars to help with entrepreneurial development in music and other aspects of the arts. If you believe in what Indiegrrl is trying to develop please go to our website and make a contribution. http://www.indiegrrl.com

LK:  I better wind this up so I don’t take too much of your time, but before I let you go, I’d love to hear what you’re working on now.

VB:  I am working on developing many Indiegrrl Women in the Arts programs and opportunities. Personally I am starting to promote my new CD “Blue Flame Trance” which you can find at http://www.spottedkivaproductions.com

LK:  Vicki, thank you again! Please leave any links you’d like us to know about.

VBhttp://www.indiegrrl.com and http://www.spottedkivaproductions.com are the main links. There are also Myspace links http://www.myspace.com/indiegrrlrecords and http://www.myspace.com/vickiblankenship and the facebook link http://www.facebook.com/vicki.blankenship

A note to readers: A signed copy of Vicki’s CD, Blue Flame Trance, will be included as part of the release party give-away for Off The Moon. Stay tuned here or sign up for my newsletter for more info.

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My BLOG TOUR for Off The Moon, featuring Vicki’s lyrics, “I’ve Been Waiting For You” kicks off TODAY! 

Here’s the first link: http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/?p=673

To follow the tour, find the schedule either at CRR Promotions:

http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1520

Or at Elucidate Publishing:
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net/events.html


Today is my Author Introduction. Leave a comment for a chance to win a so-far-unpublished prequel short story, signed and mailed!  On Tuesday, I’ll be talking about Artistic Vision And Creative Doubt, hosted by Jane Richardson, author of “A Different Kind of Honesty.”
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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Wolves and the Moon: Metaphorical Symbolism in Reality Fiction

Why do wolves howl at the moon?

Well, they don’t, of course. Not in reality. They howl while the moon is out and literature – yes, we writers – perpetuates the howling wolf at a full moon scenario so often they are forever intertwined. Why not? Myth and legend are powerful things. In a strange way, they help us rationalize our world when nothing else makes sense. And it can be a lot of fun.

I don’t write paranormal, but I couldn’t help jumping in on the paranormal event here [originally posted at Lindsay’s Romantics Oct 2009)  since I do draw on symbolism that comes from supernatural events to create metaphor in my next-to-come, Off The Moon.

The biggest superstition I pulled was that of the full moon relating to insanity. The book title is a hint at the heroine, Kaitlyn, who could be an actual case study for a psychologist (and may become that). It’s said that there are more “crazy” happenings and more suicides under a full moon. Statistics don’t verify that, but it’s so ingrained in our cultural myths by now that statistics hardly matter.

I hear you scientist type people out there groaning about now. But few will deny the power of the mind. Do strange things happen because of the full moon? Yes, I’m quite sure they do. Why? Because so many of us tell ourselves they do and thoughts are highly self-perpetuating. In other words, because we expect strange things to happen, we help cause them to happen or we relate it to the full moon when otherwise we wouldn’t.

I also used the wolf symbol as a metaphor. Wolves are strong animals, and familial. We all know the phrase, “wolves mate for life.” Wolves are also seen as lonely because of their mournful howl. In my novel, Ryan has a thing for wolves although he thinks of himself as rather an antithesis of a wolf. He’s independent but only to the point he has everyone else doing everything for him, pop star fashion, and he thinks his temporary companionships are all he wants in between his musical freedom. The wolf touches his soul, though, and he can’t deny its spirit within himself. Some authors have a hero turn into a werewolf to show his powerful animal nature. I have my anti-hero draw on his wolf spirit to turn into a hero.

Off The Moon is reality fiction highly steeped in symbols and metaphors often used in the paranormal world. The mating of the “crazy” heroine with the “wolf” anti-hero brings about sparks diffused by the calming symbolism of water.  


Happy Halloween!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Story
:

"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.

Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

I’m Going On Tour!

CRR Promotions has done a wonderful job booking me on blogs all through November to talk about my books and to promote my newest, Off The Moon, release date November 27th!

Come follow me!  I’m giving away a new short story, unreleased, that goes with the novel as a bit of a prequel at each blog stop. A drawing will be held by each host. The story will be printed, signed, and mailed to each winner at the end of November. Also, anyone who follows me to at least 8 of the 15 stops is eligible for a drawing for a signed print copy of Off The Moon!

THANK YOU to the following blog tour hosts!  Content will be different each day, to include author and character interviews. (I’m missing two links below but they will be added well in advance of the dates.)

I’ll be here to post reminders of where I’ll be and the subject for each blog. If you’d like an easy way to keep up, subscribe to my blog with the form to the right. Your email will not be shared or used for any other purpose than notification of new posts here.

01-Nov

    Judah Raine
http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/

03-Nov

    Jane Richardson http://janerichardsonhomethoughts.blogspot.com/

05-Nov

    Sue Perkins
http://sueperkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

07-Nov

    Linda Banche
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com/

09-Nov

    Sandra Kay
http://www.sandrakayauthor.blogspot.com/

11-Nov

    Liana Laverentz
http://lianalaverentz.blogspot.com/

13-Nov

    Nancy O'Berry
http://obe-romancingtheblog.blogspot.com/

15-Nov

    Sandra Sookoo http://www.sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/

17-Nov

    Lainey Bancroft http://www.elaineforlife.com/LaineysBlog

19-Nov

    Lindsay’s Romantics http://lindsaysromantics.blogspot.com

21-Nov

    Maryann Miller


23-Nov

    Sandy James
http://www.sandy-james.com/stable

25-Nov

    Lizzie Starr

27-Nov

    CRR - Release Date http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/

29-Nov

    Steph Burkhart
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com/

Off The Moon - LK Hunsaker

"Riveting" Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is, until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a promise that threatens to destroy his career.

Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing your world to implode.

Elucidate Publishing
November 2009
http://www.elucidatepublishing.net

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Smashwords Supports Operation Ebook Drop

Anyone who has known me for any time knows I'm highly military supportive. So when I found this new project yesterday that combines my support of the military with my support of literacy (and love of reading in general), I had to sign on.

Operation Ebook Drop, formed and run by indie author Edward C. Patterson, allows independent authors to donate free copies of their Ebooks to deployed servicemembers. [I'm unsure about contracted authors -- you would have to check with your publishers.] I signed up last night and already have a list of names to contact. Only five weeks into the program and there's a long and growing list of servicemembers looking for books to help fill down time, and over 70 indie authors signed up. If you have a loved one deployed who would like to be included, or if you are an author interested in signing up, more info is at the link below.

Smashwords: Smashwords Supports Operation Ebook Drop

I'll be sending out emails today and will post updates as to how it's going. If the link doesn't work for you, contact me directly at info @ lkhunsaker.com (take spaces out) and I'll send you the info you need!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Book Review: Fire Eyes by Cheryl Pierson

FireEyes-CherylPiersonFire Eyes
Cheryl Pierson

The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 1-60154-470-7
available in Ebook & print

Kaedon Turner is a federal marshal in the days just after the War Between The States. After his parents are killed by Indians, Kaed is rescued and raised by the Choctaw before setting off on his own path, first as a soldier, than as a marshal. When he is severely beaten trying to rescue two young Choctaw girls, the Indians rescue him and drop him at the door of Jessica Monroe.

Jessica is a young widow caring for a baby not her own in the wild Oklahoma Territory. While taking care of the marshal and nursing him back to health, she finds herself falling for his advances. He shows a promise of giving her the attention and devotion she never received from her husband. Still, she’s wary, especially when she learns he’s on the track of the notorious Andrew Fallon – the man who murdered her husband.

Both Kaed and Jessica enter the story with plenty of personal baggage. Fire Eyes is the story of how they face their own intimate fears while battling external dangers. Jessica is afraid of the Choctaw and of allowing herself to trust Kaed. He, in return, is haunted by his own loss and determined not to feel it again. Along with these two deep, true-to-life characters are several supporting characters we get to know well and care about. Fallon is one of the most evil villains you’ll run across, complete with background. The side story of two young girls who escaped Fallon’s clutches is endearing and adds a wider scope to the whole picture.

Along the way, we get lush detail of the landscape as well as some historical background of the times. Cheryl Pierson has a knack for creating intensity with both description and plot that refuses to let you out of the story until you’ve read the whole thing, and even then, it stays with you. There are no clichès concerning the ‘wild west’ or Native American life. I wasn’t always fully convinced that the group of marshals would be quite so open with their emotions as they were, but at least they did have emotion instead of being impervious to their pasts and present (ie John Wayne). 

Overall, Fire Eyes is a smooth, realistic read with wonderful characterization, real dialogue, and an absorbing fullness. Any reader interested in romance and westerns will enjoy this one!

A light note of caution: this is on the spicier side of non-erotic romance in places, but readers can easily move past those short scenes if bothered by them.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

September Whispers


Rise and Shine at seven forty-seven
first breaths unremembered
unhurried
There was always love surrounding
warm arms waiting
a soft blanket against crisp fall air

Paper hats & piñatas & chocolate cake
& smiles deeply felt
The virgin in her protective shell
keeping each part of life in its separate place
messy must-be-heres

Nature’s palette adds its own paint
shifting greens to golds
newness to ne’er-do-well
and it falls
tumbling, dancing, orange-red to the ground
not the first
but the deepest

Another beginning at the start of death
branches baring solid stems
stalwart
never mind, they whisper
all things heal
regrow
re-begin


©LK Hunsaker
September 17, 2009

© LK Hunsaker

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Blog Awards

Thank you, Linda, for sending along these two blog awards! (Which reminds me I had 2 from Andra some time ago I forgot to post. *blush* Now I can’t find them. Yes, I need help.)

The first is:

onelovelyblogaward

I’m passing this one along to--
S.G. Cardin – http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Lisa - Peel the Onion - music, society and humor
Paul - http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendId=492549152

Check out their blogs. You won’t be disappointed. :-)

And:

KreativBloggerAward

With this one comes Q/A …

When posting the award, list 7 of your favorite things, 7 of your favorite activities, and 7 things no one knows about you.


Okay then, I’ll give it a go but as long as I’ve been blogging, there may not be 7 things I’m willing to share that’s not already known. ;-)

Favorite Things:
1- Family
2- Writing
3- Art
4- Music
5- Gorgeous Scenery
6- Scottish Coffee (any good coffee, but in particular)
7- Chocolate (of course)

Favorite Activities:
1- Swimming
2- HD Biking
3- Traveling
4- Getting to know people and chatting (seriously, although I’m not as available for it as I’d like)
5- Gardening
6- Reading
7- Learning stuff on the computer (design work, etc)

Unknowns (at least largely unknown):
1- I have a phone phobia. I rarely pick it up even to call family.
2- I’m actually a Type A personality although most who kind of know me would think I’m a B.
3- I took dance lessons most of the time I was growing up but don’t like to dance in public.
4- I have 3 siblings and 9 first cousins.
5- I have original signatures of 23 singer/musicians on photos or albums
6- I also have a signed thank you from Laura Bush for sending her a copy of my first novel. I have tons of respect for her and wish I could have met her personally.
7- I have a collection of M&M items for my kitchen and Seraphim Angels in the rest of my house.

I’m sending this to:
Andra – http://www.almarquardt.com/blog/
Dawn - http://blogs.myspace.com/dawncolclasure
David - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/1461602
TC – http://thewritegardener.blogspot.com
Charlotte - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/1028995
Jen - http://www.writing.com/main/books/item_id/931550 (this one is restricted to members)
DJ – http://blogs.myspace.com/mtclimber1976

So.. if you like blog-hopping like I do, skim around and check out these Lovely, Kreativ Blogs!

And many thanks to Linda Banche, romance author:
http://lindabanche.blogspot.com

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Lest We Forget

Pentagon2-Sep2001-lkh

Pentagon – September 2001

I took this photo and the one below about a week after September 11th. We lived 15 miles away.

Pentagon3-Sep2001-lkh

In June 2002, we took relatives into Washington DC. This was an eerie site:

WMon&plane-lkh
A plane over the Washington Memorial.

I was also in Northern Virginia when terrorists with a white van were on a random killing spree. I still cringe when I see white vans.

In September 2002, we visited New York City and Ground Zero:

GroundZero1vc
GroundZeroCrossvc

I have yet to visit Shanksville, Pennsylvania, but I will.

Now, photos taken of the September 11th mastermind by the Red Cross are being spread around by Al Qaida terrorists and sympathizers in order to garner support for another attack.

We cannot forget. And we cannot let our guard down.

Be safe, America. Freedom cannot be destroyed. We can’t allow it.

There hasn’t been one September 11th yet I have not shed tears for my country and the families and friends of the victims. I hope it never becomes enough “past history” that I’ll stop. For some of us, it will never be in the past. It will always be with us. 
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Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Music Review: Yellow Submarine

YellowSubmarineCD

While listening to a short band interview the other day where they talked about pyrotechnics and wanting MORE for each tour, I had to wonder why it’s so hard now to go to a “simple” rock concert and just … well, LISTEN to the music. How about getting rid of all that elaborate, expensive menagerie of stuff, lowering the price, and focusing on the music?

I guess I’m a tad old-fashioned. I go to concerts for the music. I like bands because of the music, not because of the looks and hype. I listen to words. I pay attention to intricacies.

So, when I find new music that takes me back to the days of concerts focusing on music, I can’t help but share it.

On September 9th, 1971, 38 years ago today, John Lennon released the “Imagine” LP. Even those who know next to nothing about Lennon or the Beatles know the title track. Imagine. The Seventies were very much about imagining. It was a creative, highly artsy time. I was only 5 when the album was released so to me the Seventies meant starting grade school and family birthday parties and little contact with the wider world. There was, however, music. Within music of the times, as I mentioned in an earlier post, we find the inner depths and attitudes of the times.

Now, in the form of an intriguing, enlightening new CD titled “Yellow Submarine” and produced by Marino De Silva, we have a nice recapture of the times and soul of the Sixties and early Seventies.

I have to say when I first heard about the CD, I was less than overwhelmed. I expected it to be all Beatles remakes and in general, I’d rather listen to the real thing than to a remake. There are exceptions.

Why did I order it, then? I’m big on research. I have to be for my job. So I researched the CD and found that not only do proceeds from the CD benefit Angels on Earth, De Silva’s foundation to help children with autism, but De Silva has also been an advocate for assisting the military and their families. That sold me. What can I say? As spouse of a retired soldier and Desert Storm veteran, I do have fondness for those who at least try to understand and care about what the military deals with, and especially those who try to do something to help. I’m also supportive of children’s charities. I didn’t order one. I ordered two.

The review: What can I say? I’m so impressed with this CD I’m thinking I should have bought more than two and used them for gifts. I still might. I’m a sucker for acoustic music, especially acoustic guitar, and for music that highlights individual instruments. With Yellow Submarine, there are lots of acoustic and highlighted instruments. I’m enamored with Steven Swinford’s Two Of Us acoustic guitar track and John Argent’s gorgeous piano version of Lady Madonna. The flute highlight in Jethro Tull’s Pavane is impossible to work through instead of stopping to listen (and I can work through most anything). The production of songs featuring greats Jimi Hendrix, Roger Daltrey, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, and Jimmy Page is so well done I can hear every sound in all its glory. It’s crisp and clear and about the music, not the hype. I was introduced to a few names I didn’t know and will now remember. Of course De Silva’s guitar work shines through and the title track by Duncan Faure featuring Marino De Silva is one of the exception remakes, a great cover.

Along with incredible music, there are clips of interviews with the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

I love this mix of music old and new, all in the same style and texture and technical excellence. There is no mush here. This is music by those who excel at music.

This is a must-have CD for anyone who enjoys 60s-70s sounds, as well as for anyone truly into the sound and skill of music at its best.

Find it here: YellowSubmarineCD.org  and add them at Myspace

Find info on Marino De Silva on his website.

~~~
Since I have an extra CD, I’m using it as a giveaway – a raffle for anyone who comments about this review. Leave your own review if you’ve heard it or just say hello! I’ll run it through the weekend to allow time and make the cutoff date Monday the 14th at noon Eastern. I’ll throw in a few things of my own, as well. ;-)

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Weeds and Flowers

There is Scottish Thistle growing along the roads beside our house. We’re in western Pennsylvania, which apparently has such deep Celtic2314-400lkh roots and ancestry that thistle happened to spring up from the earth. Okay, I suppose someone brought some back from Scotland. It wasn’t us, although we were there last summer, and although I had a lot of  fun admiring the country’s national emblem growing wild in the highlands and along roads and being depicted on street signs and shop signs. I didn’t notice it here before. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention.

To be honest, it likely didn’t have the chance to grow as well as it has this year because … well, our state has yet to approve a budget so weeds alongside the roads aren’t being cut. At least that’s my theory as to why they’re taking over the sideline landscapes.

Yes, I’m enjoying the purple thistle. It reminds me of Scotland and I have a true, deep love for that country. It doesn’t quite match the love I have for my own, but it would be one of two places I would relocate if I every got kicked out of here (and with some of my political opinions, maybe I will be). The other would be Italy, but then I’d have to learn Italian. The Scots at least speak English: not quite American English but close enough to catch on quickly.

No, I don’t have plans to move, but when I mentioned to my husband that a local plant nursery had thistle growing in front of their building, which I thought was very cool, he said, “I can’t imagine why anyone would plant a sticker bush.”

Oh. I suppose he has a point. As I thought about it, I decided I wouldn’t actually want it in my yard, either. It’s a weed, you know. It will spread and take over if it’s allowed. And although I enjoy the bit of it I see, there is a line things need to maintain or else they cause havoc.

I also enjoy the goldenrod not being cut down. I’m allergic to the stuff and definitely don’t want THAT in my yard, but in my car as I’m driving past with the windows closed, it’s very pretty. [Now I’m hoping I’m naming that bright yellow weed correctly. TC, my professional gardening friend, may correct me, a gardening amateur.]

EdinburghBut that’s the way it often goes – something that looks like a very cool idea in its bright and shiny glory at a distance changes once you start looking closer.  I think we see that in politics a lot. I’ll leave that thought for the moment. I blog politically blatant at Myspace and sometimes at Facebook, but not here. Don’t worry. I won’t start.

I know we see it in everyday life. And I see it in writing. Adverbs are weeds, for instance. In their proper place and kept at a minimum, they  are pretty words that help a writer get an image across. Left to spread uncontrolled, however, they muddy the waters and we’re left with so many of them it’s hard to see the grass. I love grass. It’s the basic structure, the spreading earthy grounding soul of a yard, and of a book. I’ve become obsessed with grass after living in the south for 12 years and having such a time trying to keep my yard green and fresh. I planted some recently here and go look out at it every day. It’s thriving. I did nothing but prepare the soil, throw some straw over top to hold it and mulch it, and timed it just before a few days of rain moved in … and it’s thriving on its own. A beautiful site.

The patch that was nothing but packed dirt and weeds is now soul-soothing (green will do that for you) and makes me feel like my thumb is a touch more natural than I thought.

Of course I have flowers, also. The marigolds in the photo above are now planted here and there around my flower beds. Many don’t like marigolds because they smell bad. Yes, but they are natural pest deterrents. Critters don’t like their smell, either. I put marigolds in with my veggies this year and have had very little trouble with Japanese Beatles.
Scottish Thistle in Scotland
Flowers are the extra description of a novel. They highlight the story, bring color and beauty. Again, though, too much of it and it  overpowers everything until the story is too hard to find.

Nature is about balance. Grass should be central. The Japanese would disagree with me, but I’m an American and so my statement stands. We like pretty yards of rolling grass without weeds and highlighted by flowers. That’s how I like my fiction, also. Rolling grass [story] with maybe a dandelion accent [weeds] here and there and a flowery [descriptive] highlight. 

~~~
Tomorrow (September 4th)  I’ll be introducing myself during Classic Romance Revival’s “Author Intro” month, part of their grand opening celebration. Come by and see what you can win just by commenting!
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog

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