tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78958700848237389642024-02-19T02:07:58.891-06:00The Gentle Art of ConversationGillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-48345832641367715342012-03-25T08:34:00.002-05:002012-03-25T08:42:01.735-05:00A Day For DreamsTwenty-four hours from now, cell phones across the world will start to ring....or remain obstinately silent. The RWA website will be compulsively downloaded. Chocolate, coffee, cola, and eventually champagne will be consumed in mass quantities.<br />
It's Golden Heart and RITA time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_OZAhFO_X_Z7KI3ZkF7JFaaXD-JVSFMRU1YEuWHUHVvu1a1N0hGlhkO1pP2DRZ3qdO4-Ly-ip6tWfqwqpgDJwaA3g2n_aJnccyM9DPj-y2nlvBzMxx2mVCCGErphQFbNccpVf7sTCFqw/s1600/fireworks_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_OZAhFO_X_Z7KI3ZkF7JFaaXD-JVSFMRU1YEuWHUHVvu1a1N0hGlhkO1pP2DRZ3qdO4-Ly-ip6tWfqwqpgDJwaA3g2n_aJnccyM9DPj-y2nlvBzMxx2mVCCGErphQFbNccpVf7sTCFqw/s320/fireworks_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The excitement is contagious, especially the joy expressed by those experiencing their first nomination. Twitter and Facebook will be ablaze with results, but you can also follow along at these sites (just click on the names for a direct link):<br />
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<a href="http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/category/blog/">The Ruby Slippered Sisterhood </a>will be a wonderful place to celebrate with the finalists!<br />
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<a href="http://judifennell.wordpress.com/ritagh-blog-parties/ritagh-2012/">Judy Fennell </a>throws a rockin' blog results party!<br />
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<a href="http://community.harlequin.com/forums/write-stuff/golden-heartrita-waiting-room-party">Harlequin has a GH/RITA</a> waiting room that's sure to be buzzing!<br />
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I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow! Enjoy the celebrations!Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-26486879325792947942012-02-20T14:52:00.001-06:002012-02-20T14:54:21.007-06:00For Your PleasureIs there anything more delicious than Alan Rickman? I think not.<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06qrlwQNdpo&feature=related"> Enjoy his rendition of Sonnet 130....</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38eClq7wUQ2DiPIkGr4G1vdP5RqeNaXJp0ZHvnohzWJg-H7XE3sBW-5uO9Bw4OxvDFXrdpuNTGkaSlU_9p89qVj-703aUxaUyCpsZOUCkZeLMnrLtSe2RqDqW7gDINFFjKr8AkByotCH/s1600/Alan_Rickman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht38eClq7wUQ2DiPIkGr4G1vdP5RqeNaXJp0ZHvnohzWJg-H7XE3sBW-5uO9Bw4OxvDFXrdpuNTGkaSlU_9p89qVj-703aUxaUyCpsZOUCkZeLMnrLtSe2RqDqW7gDINFFjKr8AkByotCH/s400/Alan_Rickman.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;<br />
Coral is far more red than her lips' red;<br />
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;<br />
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.<br />
I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,<br />
But no such roses see I in her cheeks; <br />
And in some perfumes is there more delight<br />
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.<br />
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know<br />
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;<br />
I grant I never saw a goddess go;<br />
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:<br />
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare<br />
As any she belied with false compare. </span>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-18745680227589300932012-02-06T05:17:00.001-06:002012-02-06T05:19:50.647-06:00Romantic Reads and Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUozatHpSBXJSeFtDvbBw3xIhGUAcREZuyq9jdPgd0DlSCzn3yV7lNigz7LASqd6iHpyVUlZ9dMamtGRpTTnV9hcfuK_oqhUXhjWeNzYl3Jbkbs3HHfbJuRz6Sufx3jbe-82xp_hKWfWm/s1600/Heiress+Without+a+Cause.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUozatHpSBXJSeFtDvbBw3xIhGUAcREZuyq9jdPgd0DlSCzn3yV7lNigz7LASqd6iHpyVUlZ9dMamtGRpTTnV9hcfuK_oqhUXhjWeNzYl3Jbkbs3HHfbJuRz6Sufx3jbe-82xp_hKWfWm/s320/Heiress+Without+a+Cause.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>First the delightful read: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heiress-without-a-cause-sara-ramsey/1107134848">Sara Ramsey's<b> <i>Heiress Without A Cause</i></b></a>, first in the Muses of Mayfair series, about a group of women who each have a secret artistic vocation in Regency England. Exclusively on Nook until the 24th, and then at all your other favorite on-line vendors.<br />
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Is the cover not <i>stunning</i>?You can read more about Sara's lovely debut here at the <a href="http://dashingduchesses.com/?p=556">Dashing Duchesses blog</a>.<br />
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To enjoy with our new read, a serving of decadent <b>Strawberry Mascarpone Crepes</b>.... I'll take mine served in bed, please. :)<br />
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<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM6WHkLOZcTqMNJVB4cMAc9aCnjyuMv0YGHQ_qdpNbn0KuvtuUVdiCvTJOgvXiMXreHw7aiLogDG3JX8xmI7CNBk7yo7N2CgmWniRJBxORg35F9l30OVv5RcToWHZ7dFqKCLDk2xkquAD/s1600/strawberry+mascapone+crepe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM6WHkLOZcTqMNJVB4cMAc9aCnjyuMv0YGHQ_qdpNbn0KuvtuUVdiCvTJOgvXiMXreHw7aiLogDG3JX8xmI7CNBk7yo7N2CgmWniRJBxORg35F9l30OVv5RcToWHZ7dFqKCLDk2xkquAD/s200/strawberry+mascapone+crepe.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="recipeDetails"><span class="ingredient"></span></span></span></div><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients</span></h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name"><b class="sIngredient">BATTER:</b></span></i></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name">3 eggs</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">plus 2 tablespoons milk</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">all-purpose flour</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">5 teaspoons </span><i><span class="name">butter, melted</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 tablespoon </span><i><span class="name">sugar</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 teaspoon </span><i><span class="name">vanilla extract</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 teaspoon </span><i><span class="name">salt</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name"><b class="sIngredient">FILLING:</b></span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 cup </span><i><span class="name">(8 ounces) Mascarpone cheese</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons </span><i><span class="name">confectioners' sugar</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3 to 4 teaspoons </span><i><span class="name">minced fresh basil</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 teaspoon </span><i><span class="name">lemon juice</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1-1/2 cups </span><i><span class="name">sliced fresh strawberries</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name"><b class="sIngredient">STRAWBERRY TOPPING:</b></span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 cups </span><i><span class="name">sliced fresh strawberries</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 cup </span><i><span class="name">sugar</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons </span><i><span class="name">orange juice</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name">1 teaspoon strawberry <i>or</i> vanilla extract</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">Dash </span><i><span class="name">salt</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name">4 teaspoons butter, <i>divided</i></span></i></li>
</span></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="instructions"><h2>Directions</h2><ul class="directions"><li>In a blender, combine the batter ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. </li>
<li> Meanwhile, for filling, in a small bowl, combine the cheese, confectioners' sugar, basil and lemon juice. Gently fold in strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. </li>
<li> For topping, in a small bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, orange juice, extract and salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. </li>
<li> Melt 1 teaspoon butter in an 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat; pour about 1/4 cup batter into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between. </li>
<li> Spoon filling over crepes; roll up. Serve with strawberry topping.<b> Yield: </b>8 crepes.</li>
</ul></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1737304331"></span><span id="goog_1737304332"></span>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-59135073817142920822012-02-02T07:45:00.001-06:002012-02-02T13:17:36.489-06:00Romantic Treats and ReadsLet's celebrate February!<br />
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Today we'll kick off a tasty mix of delicious recipes and the perfect books to accompany your indulgent treat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtPPU_OMUBO85OP-Pqw-v_9E29T4qCpUsgvu5yaG6QJOsMF20wC4NwKYWuKPXXqnSoFtl5U6ejaaTjYoqwngv-4NiA7HDcw2PSK4qlmxp_tOQoXAJp-22KhtGfrF_7X4lAQJp0JMMPo6G/s1600/AnAffairwithMrKennedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtPPU_OMUBO85OP-Pqw-v_9E29T4qCpUsgvu5yaG6QJOsMF20wC4NwKYWuKPXXqnSoFtl5U6ejaaTjYoqwngv-4NiA7HDcw2PSK4qlmxp_tOQoXAJp-22KhtGfrF_7X4lAQJp0JMMPo6G/s1600/AnAffairwithMrKennedy.jpg" /></a></div>Our romantic read of the day: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Affair-Kennedy-Gentlemen-Scotland-Yard/dp/1451629001/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327633821&sr=1-1"><b>An Affair With Mr. Kennedy </b></a>by Jillian Stone. A sensual, intelligent adventure set in 19th century London. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhQiZC_uNMpzvAYH-hiF2qwjnyGg0Jta9-Mk7DRxk1GICsgPHf_iKYQKP72wkJ0wscMMs3nu0l2ynn7d0Ny2FxkJbNvFq34Md_geZ5z9xIEhpCpTt_JF3hy6STsOdyAo-Q20dEZgYNES9/s1600/chocolate+pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhQiZC_uNMpzvAYH-hiF2qwjnyGg0Jta9-Mk7DRxk1GICsgPHf_iKYQKP72wkJ0wscMMs3nu0l2ynn7d0Ny2FxkJbNvFq34Md_geZ5z9xIEhpCpTt_JF3hy6STsOdyAo-Q20dEZgYNES9/s200/chocolate+pizza.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Chocolate Pizza Heart</b><br />
<span class="recipeDetails"><span class="ingredient"></span></span><br />
<h2><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients</span></h2><ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1-1/2 cups </span><i><span class="name">milk chocolate chips</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 cup </span><i><span class="name">butterscotch chips</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">miniature marshmallows</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">chopped salted peanuts</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">crushed potato chips</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 tablespoons </span><i><span class="name">flaked coconut</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name">7 maraschino cherries, halved</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 cup </span><i><span class="name">milk chocolate M&M's</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"></span><i><span class="name">2 tablespoons vanilla <i>or</i> white chips</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 teaspoon </span><i><span class="name">shortening</span></i></li>
</ul><span class="instructions"></span><br />
<h2><span class="instructions"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions</span></span></h2><ul class="directions"><li><span class="instructions">Using a pencil, draw a 10-in. heart on a waxed paper. Place paper, pencil mark down, on a baking sheet; set aside. </span></li>
<span class="instructions">
<li> In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butterscotch chips; stir until smooth. Stir in the marshmallows, peanuts and potato chips. Immediately spread on prepared pan into heart shape. Sprinkle with coconut; top with cherries and M&M's. </li>
<li> In a microwave, melt vanilla chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over top. Refrigerate until firm, about 1-1/2 hours. Remove waxed paper. Let stand for 10 minutes at room temperature before cutting.<b> Yield: </b>1-3/4 pounds<b> </b></li>
<li><b>Do you have any favorite new releases? Any favored winter treats?</b> </li>
</span></ul>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-36712291188806777832011-12-18T09:23:00.000-06:002011-12-18T09:23:40.303-06:00Holiday FunHope everyone is having a bustling, blessed holiday season! Here are my favorite Cranberry-White Chocolate cookies:<br />
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<div class="colA"> <div class="sponsorAd"> <span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzv3gxqwz6niwU-PD2Cw4tVFG-Md6Y__e8i3d7HsthSw2PR5fWK18W3KWYQUF2bT_J0IAfZqsDyurGvtcu6W4-oeP4Cndo_epByzhlPFfQbKj3SBSOJSROz-nlA8xt4Gahyphenhyphenz_fEZ8q9Jk/s1600/cranberry-white-chocolate-cookies-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzv3gxqwz6niwU-PD2Cw4tVFG-Md6Y__e8i3d7HsthSw2PR5fWK18W3KWYQUF2bT_J0IAfZqsDyurGvtcu6W4-oeP4Cndo_epByzhlPFfQbKj3SBSOJSROz-nlA8xt4Gahyphenhyphenz_fEZ8q9Jk/s320/cranberry-white-chocolate-cookies-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="sponsorAd"><span> </span></div><div class="sponsorAd"><span>Recipe from</span> <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/"><img alt="from Southern Living" src="http://img4.myrecipes.com/static/i/from_southernliving.png" /></a> </div><div class="moreFromPub">Ingredients </div></div><div class="toolbar clr"><br />
</div><ul><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">2 1/2 cups</span> <span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> baking powder</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> salt</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/8 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> baking soda</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> butter, softened</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 1/3 cups</span> <span itemprop="name"> sugar</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">2 </span> <span itemprop="name"> large eggs</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 cups</span> <span itemprop="name"> white chocolate morsels</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 </span> <span itemprop="name"> (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li>
</ul><h3>Preparation</h3><ol itemprop="instructions"><li>Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; set aside.</li>
<li>Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.</li>
<li>Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in white chocolate morsels and cranberries.</li>
<li>Drop cookie dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets.</li>
<li>Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.</li>
</ol><b>My holiday wish for each of you is the time to enjoy these while reading a wonderful book!</b>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-55096430608683790882011-11-24T06:44:00.000-06:002011-11-24T06:44:25.829-06:00Happy Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeds9NN2QGNUghH_4ycT45Vo6FFeHFv8nUuj8pTdMuSQ03ABvhFh2CD7J9ENTUXr8wpsxQKy74fCMxa5OAWmxP-xFvCSocFQN0uxOLekeaaPxikIKQ_dtQTy2o0UONBO5ZJCnqQUFhHcZ/s1600/thanksgiving-dog-cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeds9NN2QGNUghH_4ycT45Vo6FFeHFv8nUuj8pTdMuSQ03ABvhFh2CD7J9ENTUXr8wpsxQKy74fCMxa5OAWmxP-xFvCSocFQN0uxOLekeaaPxikIKQ_dtQTy2o0UONBO5ZJCnqQUFhHcZ/s320/thanksgiving-dog-cat.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>A blessed Thanksgiving day to each of my friends and loved ones. I am grateful for each one of you!<br />
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May peace, contentment, and a table full of friends, family, and delicious food grace your day.Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-15360769066645790662011-11-13T19:52:00.003-06:002011-11-13T21:27:15.926-06:00The Night Before the Ball...And I'm giddy with excitement! Come join me at the <a href="http://dashingduchesses.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Dashing Duchesses</b></i></span></a> romance blog Monday the 14th to discuss the romance, fascination, and celebration of history! If any of my visitors are unfamiliar with historical romance, let me assure you it runs a full gamut, from prairie school marms to the ballrooms of Regency England to eighteenth century Japan to the Ottoman empire! There are a wide variety of sensuality levels as well, from erotic to inspirational.<br />
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The Duchesses adore all historical romance, so come dressed as your favorite heroine.<br />
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Stomp those cowboy boots! Twirl those flapper beads!<br />
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Our doorways arch nicely, so don those exquisite Georgian gowns. We have plenty of room, and the party won't be the same without you!<br />
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What's your favorite historical time period or location?Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-8090611049600336532011-11-06T19:38:00.000-06:002011-11-06T19:38:16.977-06:00NANO Day Six: Possibilities<i><b> <span class="body">Our thoughts and imagination are the only real limits to our possibilities.</span></b> <b><br />
</b></i><span class="bodybold"> <i><b><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/orisonswet157910.html">Orison Swett Marden</a></b></i> </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhMWxJ4L5sSCJrqiALvWsqJnlu5mUIPmRIY_Wbxme-_HeM6BZylTVZCsXyVcRSW6W2-Fc0UKwH31yrqTyrvA3e8nmL9RDI_5hQsZVoAVvOl0aop7__fhOzQkoqMqVV9GBUWENIPDK4M0o/s1600/Lightbulb_idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhMWxJ4L5sSCJrqiALvWsqJnlu5mUIPmRIY_Wbxme-_HeM6BZylTVZCsXyVcRSW6W2-Fc0UKwH31yrqTyrvA3e8nmL9RDI_5hQsZVoAVvOl0aop7__fhOzQkoqMqVV9GBUWENIPDK4M0o/s200/Lightbulb_idea.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> One of the great things about Nano (I think) is exploring the possibilities of your story line. And the very best thing (I'm certain) about exploring those possibilities is the time limit-because you have no time. You should be writing, baby!<br />
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You don't get to agonize over the implications of your secondary character's decision in regard to what will happen to the heroine sixteen chapters from now. You don't get to contemplate the psychology that's driving your hero to act like a madman.<br />
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You just write it! Two chapters later, you might not recognize your original story. Hurray! Maybe it's a better story! Maybe your tangent will inspire a completely different book!<br />
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Best of all, you don't have to (or get to) worry about it until December 1st.<br />
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You just get to savor the possibilities. <br />
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<i>Word count: 7489 (I didn't add in the last couple of days individually, like I should. Oh well. :)</i>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-59205098007632189742011-11-03T04:48:00.000-05:002011-11-03T04:48:12.132-05:00NANO Day Two: Motivation!<i>Day two count: 1346 Total: 2303</i><br />
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<i> </i>So, in between spitting out a few paragraphs and wondering where my secondary characters are guiding my heroine, I love to procrastinate by reading author advice. Love it! Romance writers love to offer writing guidance, support, mentoring, encouragement. They are one generous bunch!<br />
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Julie Leto, NYT and USA bestselling author, has a rockin' <a href="http://www.julieleto.com/"><b>website</b></a>, which nicely complements her rockin' books. Under the heading "Articles and More", she has a reprint of her 2003 RWA National Conference workshop:<b> Ditching </b><a href="http://www.julieleto.com/articles/ditching-the-book-of-your-heart-for-the-book-of-my-voice/"><i><b>"The Book of Your Heart" for "The Book of My Voice".</b> </i></a><br />
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Wow and wow. This article gave me so much to think about, in the best possible way. Most importantly, after I read it I was fired up and ready to attack the Nano again!<br />
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Motivation is a good thing. :)Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-4513523657435055672011-11-02T07:31:00.000-05:002011-11-02T07:31:33.502-05:00NANO For You?Well, I'm in.<br />
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To be specific, I'm 953 words in, as of midnight, November 1. Around nine o'clock last night, it hit me--approaching re-writes as if this was a completely new book (which it will be) and the friendly peer pressure of <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/dashboard">National Novel Writing Month </a>( the best peer pressure around!) means I can expect a great deal accomplished by the end of turkey day.<br />
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Anyway, that's the plan. And who doesn't need a great excuse to ignore cooking dinner or cleaning the house?<br />
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Are you NaNoing this month?Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-58316793095702225332011-10-18T07:54:00.001-05:002011-10-18T09:05:24.536-05:00Win a Copy of Shine!Ok, winning a book catches everyone's attention...but the reason behind the giveaway will touch every writer's heart.<br />
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Go<a href="http://ericaorourke.typepad.com/blog/2011/10/no-takebacks-win-two-copies-of-shine.html#comment-6a0133ec9d4215970b0162fbb96c73970d"><b> here</b>: </a>Read the blog. Be outraged. Go buy a copy of Shine. Then spread the word....Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-59763367035644336492011-09-11T07:53:00.001-05:002011-09-11T07:54:44.302-05:00God Bless America<dl><dd><i>While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,</i></dd><dd><i>Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,</i></dd><dd><i>Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,</i></dd><dd><i>As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.</i></dd></dl><i> </i><br />
<dl><dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-i6mnwNDjRr6WacvTl9nL8RWjJaTPxWvxI6URIgh8j8QT64i2C9LitiIK9BO_Rrc_ob1eySv2KbuoX4lH2mudv2p0V6bylu26JEEIa4BqrOhMVbKXgLYUr0zbZfnWk9j_vP8m4UQh33x/s1600/flag+in+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-i6mnwNDjRr6WacvTl9nL8RWjJaTPxWvxI6URIgh8j8QT64i2C9LitiIK9BO_Rrc_ob1eySv2KbuoX4lH2mudv2p0V6bylu26JEEIa4BqrOhMVbKXgLYUr0zbZfnWk9j_vP8m4UQh33x/s320/flag+in+field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God" title="God">God</a> bless <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">America</a>,</i></dd><dd><i>Land that I love.</i></dd><dd><i>Stand beside her, and guide her</i></dd><dd><i>Through the night with a light from above.</i></dd><dd><i>From the mountains, to the prairies,</i></dd><dd><i>To the oceans, white with foam</i></dd><dd><i>God bless America, My home sweet home</i></dd><dd><i>God bless America, My home sweet home</i></dd><dd></dd><dd>Take a moment today to Remember, to Honor, to Give Thanks, and to Share an Act of Kindness with a stranger. </dd><dd></dd></dl>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-64985547138577913562011-05-08T03:26:00.000-05:002011-05-08T03:26:25.133-05:00Thanks, MomMother's Day pleasures....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSjhrx9ByITsdqNVG6rmOjP6VWb23EZRtN09VaC3dTZeV-xEV2JmJjYZKt10vuYZYDeSMB8mXkRHE1JFPBhyitfNqfOniha0lPYrtpFTgWTs9Oka6MjvRiDvkHAfuQzt2zd9IwgFzPrzj/s1600/12677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSjhrx9ByITsdqNVG6rmOjP6VWb23EZRtN09VaC3dTZeV-xEV2JmJjYZKt10vuYZYDeSMB8mXkRHE1JFPBhyitfNqfOniha0lPYrtpFTgWTs9Oka6MjvRiDvkHAfuQzt2zd9IwgFzPrzj/s200/12677.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Watching Phineas and Ferb with my girls...It makes me laugh every time...and they are never "snarky", sarcastic, or mean....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM7TNDu2-2tZ9rz9XZncwZp5c9LiCoHAqKr1U86i3Zcibn7mRTRSbojMi-yveanaWhJ3rYzlsM1vQYcjC0Xe5Ag60VWNqCiaxK0T2q-UvDBiLH6-aXPUcCEVlhUZFQCZ233tiz77LinBN/s1600/woman+engrossed+in+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM7TNDu2-2tZ9rz9XZncwZp5c9LiCoHAqKr1U86i3Zcibn7mRTRSbojMi-yveanaWhJ3rYzlsM1vQYcjC0Xe5Ag60VWNqCiaxK0T2q-UvDBiLH6-aXPUcCEVlhUZFQCZ233tiz77LinBN/s200/woman+engrossed+in+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I haven't read more than a couple of pages here and there in over a month....Reading more than one book....again, I'm big on emphasizing humor these days, so it will be some classic, snort Coke out of my nose Stephanie Plum, and then a new (for me) cozy mystery series about a Mom who's a private detective (so appropriate, right?)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR51u52Iwc7YDpxcGPqu3-RHEGeC4GdAd7G5wN9kdZIlpjjdpisq7r-HwYaJGsx434tZp91Xl_Lla7vTH4UvOrwgONhg8V7hfch7Paw9zknnNYus2WJNDmqseqIUOfIBewRRNO28JuJMqi/s1600/dreamstime_cup-of-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR51u52Iwc7YDpxcGPqu3-RHEGeC4GdAd7G5wN9kdZIlpjjdpisq7r-HwYaJGsx434tZp91Xl_Lla7vTH4UvOrwgONhg8V7hfch7Paw9zknnNYus2WJNDmqseqIUOfIBewRRNO28JuJMqi/s320/dreamstime_cup-of-coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Indulgent, over-priced, coffee drinks will be involved....I'm stuck on iced Hazelnut with soy (and a shot of half-an-half once I've had a big drink and there's room in the cup). Yum.<br />
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And I will tell my Mom <i>thank you</i> today. She's amazing. So is my dear, dear mother-in-law. All you "Mom's" out there, whether you have kiddos of the two or four-legged variety, or are the official "mom" to a dear child related by the heart, if not the blood, I hope you have a beautiful day.Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-1816799141584490852011-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:002011-04-23T08:00:19.813-05:00EasterWhy Easter Eggs? I am very familiar with our Christian views and the fun Easter egg hunts shared with the children, but I wondered what I would find if I went on a web search. Here's some of what I found:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSlXYGXB0xNCKwSCBhVrQw2rZMJrCNVLqSDEFgGHg6hwQHDZ8DKFnDGoRs2Vhj_dYkuN-txw4ciJpeQdMpsfzmpc1lzyZDqSPXMjaJW9k7ynDczUgO4hRZHOGfWPJmXr5IpEpM_sopQRO/s1600/Eostre3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSlXYGXB0xNCKwSCBhVrQw2rZMJrCNVLqSDEFgGHg6hwQHDZ8DKFnDGoRs2Vhj_dYkuN-txw4ciJpeQdMpsfzmpc1lzyZDqSPXMjaJW9k7ynDczUgO4hRZHOGfWPJmXr5IpEpM_sopQRO/s320/Eostre3.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>Evidently Anglo-Saxon legend tells how the Saxon goddess <strong>Eostre</strong> found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare, so that it could survive the Winter. The hare found it could lay eggs, so it decorated these each Spring and left them as offering to the goddess. <br />
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From <span class="f"><cite>www.englatheod.org/<b>eostre</b>.htm:</cite></span><br />
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"Eostre is a very obscure Goddess, and uniquely Anglo-Saxon Pagan. She is not mentioned at all in the Norse corpus and only fleetingly in the Old English by Bede in <i>De Temporum Rationale</i>. Her material is so scant that some scholars have speculated she was not a Goddess at all, but that Eostre was merely a name for the holiday. Her name is connected for words for "east" and "shining."<br />
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Grimm in his <i>Teutonic Mythology</i> maintained that "Ostara, Eástre, was goddess of the growing light of spring." The date of the holy tide would make this a reasonable conclusion. Holy water in the form of the dew or water collected from brooks was gathered at this time. Washing with it was said to restore youth. Beautiful maidens in sheer white were said to seen frolicking in the country side. Also according to Grimm, the white maiden of Osterrode, was said to appear with a large batch of keys at her belt, and stride to the brook to collect water on Easter morning. Cross buns were of course baked and eaten. While this could be a Christian addition, that cakes were often use in Heathen rites is apparent in any survey of the lore. And the cross may be symbolic of the rune Gebo or the buns may represent the sun wheel. Easter eggs seem to go fairly far back in both English and continental celebrations, and of course symbolize the beginning of new life. The hare also known for its fertility appears fairly early in Easter celebrations."<br />
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<b>Have a lovely holiday</b>!Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-51304201373503237682011-04-01T06:13:00.000-05:002011-04-01T06:13:42.378-05:00April PleasuresLet's lure Springtime from her hidy-hole, shall we? This is walking attire from April, 1807....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGaM9Gvq7SuYsRXJUCkEjvMEe7d614QzFOYd0wKi3VAXRBGPIxOIMd-jHEUweLgOWjHxJ2p5B4nRddO3ZGzU5AcBjW1C7mU4WuBx7Bv4RWBjwy66t9kcTPyk6YPsDjXKCxHdlyXmXGm5L/s1600/April+morning+walking+attire+1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="203" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGaM9Gvq7SuYsRXJUCkEjvMEe7d614QzFOYd0wKi3VAXRBGPIxOIMd-jHEUweLgOWjHxJ2p5B4nRddO3ZGzU5AcBjW1C7mU4WuBx7Bv4RWBjwy66t9kcTPyk6YPsDjXKCxHdlyXmXGm5L/s320/April+morning+walking+attire+1807.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Now this dress is from the Spring of 1894. She's ready for our chilly temps now as well....perhaps spring has always been this cold?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAyUk4ZvTB9dXStmr1c8QNlVeUkeNC5O7jDmjPeuCJuRkTYwi0epkJSDoKuuknDavUvnP_IbRq99MJkSrloUYHVxEDyKSKNTz8W1-6FoeV7MfD9sTfFUDGMGdMba6U7ZhXDR5f61jZC7E/s1600/Spring+1894+victorian+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="204" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAyUk4ZvTB9dXStmr1c8QNlVeUkeNC5O7jDmjPeuCJuRkTYwi0epkJSDoKuuknDavUvnP_IbRq99MJkSrloUYHVxEDyKSKNTz8W1-6FoeV7MfD9sTfFUDGMGdMba6U7ZhXDR5f61jZC7E/s320/Spring+1894+victorian+dress.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>Either of these delights would do well with our current sprinkling of snow...how I wish it was an April Fool's prank! Alas...Mother Nature is the only one teasing around here.<br />
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If I could wave a magic wand, April first would look like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mX1PNcmlxLL542R-TpOnB-pRdrpAWQG5PoMvUytRLOBakv9ii11B-P7FoEz08_Gy8hOWvaWv5PoIWiT66S8yIa1kYNC3Ov8yLgjlJYcq5cZOlJhv5_5C0nUk-30x_1UjPpW5bkgMSRiq/s1600/Pretty-gardens-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="205" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mX1PNcmlxLL542R-TpOnB-pRdrpAWQG5PoMvUytRLOBakv9ii11B-P7FoEz08_Gy8hOWvaWv5PoIWiT66S8yIa1kYNC3Ov8yLgjlJYcq5cZOlJhv5_5C0nUk-30x_1UjPpW5bkgMSRiq/s320/Pretty-gardens-0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And I would choose one of these lovely frocks...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL4zLXinrR9m11Jjt92R2oZTUtKo4tkfWe9gpkBK7g4kzI1K_YIUs1WTLggel7W5a98sDeIVvAxmgKVqLUgNlR15DQzMPoHVJId33GRKJlUc4PBndV7-NZ1F8UPAtV0V2JGW77qRB8gVE/s1600/spring+dresses2.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="206" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggL4zLXinrR9m11Jjt92R2oZTUtKo4tkfWe9gpkBK7g4kzI1K_YIUs1WTLggel7W5a98sDeIVvAxmgKVqLUgNlR15DQzMPoHVJId33GRKJlUc4PBndV7-NZ1F8UPAtV0V2JGW77qRB8gVE/s320/spring+dresses2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>to wear on my way to tea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZAcqx95yFDW8-H9igp5MnFo1tsJe8KU_l6zPM5IZWUHhhb8ELatAzyNn1J9GhyuKPo-SXRBpRzBNLL0GVVtpdJ-3YJ00wtHKjH2v5RqwW4Pfa5-rAYwjBlXgw657szG1qFmLrnxXuzTw/s1600/spring+garden+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="207" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZAcqx95yFDW8-H9igp5MnFo1tsJe8KU_l6zPM5IZWUHhhb8ELatAzyNn1J9GhyuKPo-SXRBpRzBNLL0GVVtpdJ-3YJ00wtHKjH2v5RqwW4Pfa5-rAYwjBlXgw657szG1qFmLrnxXuzTw/s400/spring+garden+party.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Little Sooti . http://littlesooti.blogspot.com/ What a lovely blog!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And to top it all off, perfectly practical sandals to tiptoe through the tulips.... ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL0BOjAqLv6idfbQCuIU9CQA6PWY6gUPEGx1eVsuRWoj3gTiKDqh298nwJXsVzib3Ffu4xVNQTRcjVO_kD0N0Os8wxPbycSWuML07tPQEOsTSmp0sfAcLUUhLxLmqLf6gqjMYph6holx9/s1600/Christian_Louboutin_Petal_Pink_Sandals564.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="208" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZL0BOjAqLv6idfbQCuIU9CQA6PWY6gUPEGx1eVsuRWoj3gTiKDqh298nwJXsVzib3Ffu4xVNQTRcjVO_kD0N0Os8wxPbycSWuML07tPQEOsTSmp0sfAcLUUhLxLmqLf6gqjMYph6holx9/s200/Christian_Louboutin_Petal_Pink_Sandals564.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <br />
So.... how are you welcoming April?Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-45472884373962200862011-03-22T08:20:00.000-05:002011-03-22T08:20:15.617-05:00Cozy Nook or Coffee Shop?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OTJRGW7Rhm1z7A_1J_ti1OkGe_FWHQ6jePw7wiXFA3XwuTYyg9PyvNtsCG0Hn5rUK2a70AjZvL_MYcwARh12ccWGfoEPdC0QPbjEoJyjYAO8hJ8F-V9Ic-IsN0Je9d53OYnavevWSSeL/s1600/74Pallisers23Alicereadingwindowseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="195" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OTJRGW7Rhm1z7A_1J_ti1OkGe_FWHQ6jePw7wiXFA3XwuTYyg9PyvNtsCG0Hn5rUK2a70AjZvL_MYcwARh12ccWGfoEPdC0QPbjEoJyjYAO8hJ8F-V9Ic-IsN0Je9d53OYnavevWSSeL/s200/74Pallisers23Alicereadingwindowseat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Where do you read? I can read anywhere, although I'm so good at blocking out distractions that I will miss appointments every time...<br />
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If I have my choice, however, I love a rainy day, a quilt, and my worn sofa with my cat trying to position himself between me and the pages. Bright and sunny means I should be outside working! :)<br />
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I also love sitting in my truck and reading while waiting for the girls to finish their school clubs, meetings, etc. It's very cozy. <br />
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Now look at this reading room...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJC861Ao9pKzfTF7c6L-HsJPP-wY_EcI8pyVbKsOR5lM-izDAytDKrOS1E8M68O65-X97Tm8j74ZxmPxA_xNFQ4lP6iqWL_qEIUQ-_wjP0cu-lK2IRAX-kYjQq4E6Vr1RpbpsEf6gxvKR/s1600/Reading+room+budapest.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="196" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJC861Ao9pKzfTF7c6L-HsJPP-wY_EcI8pyVbKsOR5lM-izDAytDKrOS1E8M68O65-X97Tm8j74ZxmPxA_xNFQ4lP6iqWL_qEIUQ-_wjP0cu-lK2IRAX-kYjQq4E6Vr1RpbpsEf6gxvKR/s400/Reading+room+budapest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="photo-desc" id="description_div2892679608"><div id="yui_3_3_0_1_13007998273211107">The Szabo Ervin Library in Budapest, Hungary is a beautiful place. Much of the building is a modern library, but in the central library is a preserved palace, Wenckheim Palace. It was built by Count Frigyes Wenckheim (1842 – 1912), a well-known aristocrat of the end of the 19th century, the owner of a vast estate with the membership of the Parliament.</div>The City Council purchased the building and converted the beautiful palace rooms into reading rooms for their new library in 1931.<br />
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If I had a teleport machine, this would be mine!<br />
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Where is your special reading place?</div>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-91653736887740816382011-03-17T21:13:00.004-05:002011-03-18T06:25:44.458-05:00What a difference a year makes!Head over to the <span style="font-size: small;"><b style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/unsinkables-rising-what-the-golden-heart-class-of-2010-has-accomplished-this-year/" linkindex="19">Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood blog</a></b><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>on Friday, March 18th and check out what the 2010 Golden Heart finalists, otherwise known as the Unsinkables, have accomplished this last year. For those not familiar with Romance Writers of America, "<span class="default">The purpose of the Golden Heart® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding romance manuscripts." </span><span class="default">A GH final is as good as it gets for an aspiring romance writer, until that 'call' telling you the book has sold. :)</span><br />
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Not everyone has reached that signed contract . . .<i>yet</i>....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB5PtQ8eVpl6LeqJazQ0gLiGnbov8xDCjHqdrTCXHL5q89ZHZSztPDuXZWIM2Ood0t3bIM4KIFBFiRzDY4smzAFg-O8dJFrEvRqeU4l1op5EZkSDNz2VZbESjyOuUoNoNw6ZJO__943ad/s1600/dory.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB5PtQ8eVpl6LeqJazQ0gLiGnbov8xDCjHqdrTCXHL5q89ZHZSztPDuXZWIM2Ood0t3bIM4KIFBFiRzDY4smzAFg-O8dJFrEvRqeU4l1op5EZkSDNz2VZbESjyOuUoNoNw6ZJO__943ad/s1600/dory.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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but we're all still swimming!Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-13923209147212995722011-01-31T11:20:00.000-06:002011-01-31T11:20:45.260-06:00Essentials for a Memorable Snow-in....Ok, after a really mild winter we're going to get hammered over the next couple of days. (Unless <i>they're</i> wrong. Oh,<i> how </i>I hope they're wrong.) I've got water, batteries, flashlights, blankets, non-perishable foods, firewood, de-icer (not that we'll be driving again for two or three days), blah, blah, blah. But what makes a non-welcome snow day <i>FUN</i>? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNu-Jj2TwBh9C6xpi4abAD9t-ecrQ_lDX8ifFIlo6K_HG5mdBSuRUXG_xiwJ1BUD48gtxt7aBQKGaVOWDd0tNsLnPBPDxLRNYCCrQIgHwPYkMPLzUoM8dcDsLDiJvYl8_0BP3opflCvEn/s1600/electric+lineman.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="197" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNu-Jj2TwBh9C6xpi4abAD9t-ecrQ_lDX8ifFIlo6K_HG5mdBSuRUXG_xiwJ1BUD48gtxt7aBQKGaVOWDd0tNsLnPBPDxLRNYCCrQIgHwPYkMPLzUoM8dcDsLDiJvYl8_0BP3opflCvEn/s320/electric+lineman.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>Seriously. Nothing sexier on this planet than the man who's going to fix our electrical lines when it's ten degrees below zero outside (and quite possibly, inside). Whatever these heroes get paid, they deserve double. Triple. And a batch of chocolate chip cookies, to boot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HKpiXjyOm08hK9tXpk9KIizsUulIEJSRTeGumOv1_uU-pOzJbMM35lUaffjYN4HpCyvN4iKvNZ0cDdPK72XO5mPcqd1JXFBY7gkcx6Lt91ActsWxAlCPhuOaJBNw1iXCdJKOTyJxREBZ/s1600/harrypotter.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="198" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HKpiXjyOm08hK9tXpk9KIizsUulIEJSRTeGumOv1_uU-pOzJbMM35lUaffjYN4HpCyvN4iKvNZ0cDdPK72XO5mPcqd1JXFBY7gkcx6Lt91ActsWxAlCPhuOaJBNw1iXCdJKOTyJxREBZ/s320/harrypotter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Harry Potter audio books. My first choice would be some of my favorite romances on audio, but I won't be snowed in alone, so we'll all enjoy these. They'll go perfectly with this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBbzZYsTz50fndqKTQNgjn7JsF8TbpoD1daTrXLy-3UlZqzawFodPaI8KnScRatdrXZomvvENkWZU5pmvm3Avn6EM9DKyOvv4GcEDvoaiWCxWF1E0FHAZ8b5nWJ3h0ZkdG7-ro768TkPo/s1600/fireplace-main_Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="199" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBbzZYsTz50fndqKTQNgjn7JsF8TbpoD1daTrXLy-3UlZqzawFodPaI8KnScRatdrXZomvvENkWZU5pmvm3Avn6EM9DKyOvv4GcEDvoaiWCxWF1E0FHAZ8b5nWJ3h0ZkdG7-ro768TkPo/s320/fireplace-main_Full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv5uQCar56hRTaGnfTQiFOwFyJCen84PH0IEq2F7sdeAho2xiLYOK6dUOBKqlt6MGe_4l7A8xrOZgopz_syt5vnAEHSrUb90GS6GPU7Xig6eJ4gQPCsADPHRoP8eF2_Q-0qhCeGHJeMst/s1600/long-handled-popper.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv5uQCar56hRTaGnfTQiFOwFyJCen84PH0IEq2F7sdeAho2xiLYOK6dUOBKqlt6MGe_4l7A8xrOZgopz_syt5vnAEHSrUb90GS6GPU7Xig6eJ4gQPCsADPHRoP8eF2_Q-0qhCeGHJeMst/s320/long-handled-popper.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>So...what's on your essential snow-day list? Who else can't <i>wait</i> for spring?Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-82149032920108080332011-01-20T10:03:00.000-06:002011-01-20T10:03:04.502-06:00Need a Stocking Cap, Crave a Bonnet<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQS_i-cqdL00PwHCNlqsBDiKQWDPvarTPkQXHgrci6KaUdUe58EajneEKTWlDHeS2C_zuigZHiP_0Jr8dnaP90Cajkkzknw96Qw04pHdN27LD4Vm0i00IyOc5zgI9zPkN4ZX4rEJbxQwR/s1600/stockingcap07.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="201" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQS_i-cqdL00PwHCNlqsBDiKQWDPvarTPkQXHgrci6KaUdUe58EajneEKTWlDHeS2C_zuigZHiP_0Jr8dnaP90Cajkkzknw96Qw04pHdN27LD4Vm0i00IyOc5zgI9zPkN4ZX4rEJbxQwR/s200/stockingcap07.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(All right, she's adorable.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Baby, it's <i>cold</i> outside. Common sense dictates something stretchy, thick, and hair-flattening (or static-inducing). Flattering, they're not. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7-8Pi0LY_y-dkVCbU4xU2lvGl0qbfcHLBtnTQrTqGdJ0CF9tu9co32jK94g3-Z7FcpR7U0-booeeug5Kewm-unN9I2Ng1ZPFTX1FMutrvSMH7azOmrh4tzrENH6ufXXG9WjuO15K5FFt/s1600/ear+flap+stocking+cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="202" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7-8Pi0LY_y-dkVCbU4xU2lvGl0qbfcHLBtnTQrTqGdJ0CF9tu9co32jK94g3-Z7FcpR7U0-booeeug5Kewm-unN9I2Ng1ZPFTX1FMutrvSMH7azOmrh4tzrENH6ufXXG9WjuO15K5FFt/s200/ear+flap+stocking+cap.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(It's eleven degrees outside. Sensible!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Or maybe this clever little number.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But the heart wants what the heart wants, and today I'm in the mood for one of these:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uIfYchphlq6IluJwk8Xvx49Ogsv_keZLxeJWxxMjSo_p2njSkHxrZRPwKmLs-gVe_0whnPmaFZCLhiym2TNewlMvFl8YBcgAagKRk79FOYX-ZLW1dXHUnRTQdpRCzNF5b1FanKFqQ-B_/s1600/Regency+Hats+Oct+2010+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="203" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uIfYchphlq6IluJwk8Xvx49Ogsv_keZLxeJWxxMjSo_p2njSkHxrZRPwKmLs-gVe_0whnPmaFZCLhiym2TNewlMvFl8YBcgAagKRk79FOYX-ZLW1dXHUnRTQdpRCzNF5b1FanKFqQ-B_/s320/Regency+Hats+Oct+2010+066.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Absolutely lovely)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Or maybe even this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HlizJSYCQkgOq2ln_lPrYcO2patBgso2643ucjIBGN039UIvLp5UrJkP7-cmbax7_0nbtInWWrjtmniylB006KCMkhurVWDHnMVLevGAe6EJ_eSzXchxCFgrBlFPd4ahCLL_9WsyjYfO/s1600/Regency_Hat_with_496a27f2dc32d.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="204" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HlizJSYCQkgOq2ln_lPrYcO2patBgso2643ucjIBGN039UIvLp5UrJkP7-cmbax7_0nbtInWWrjtmniylB006KCMkhurVWDHnMVLevGAe6EJ_eSzXchxCFgrBlFPd4ahCLL_9WsyjYfO/s320/Regency_Hat_with_496a27f2dc32d.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Be still, my romance-loving heart...)</td></tr>
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Spring, where art thou?<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-62660814868692870372011-01-02T22:34:00.000-06:002011-01-02T22:34:31.775-06:00Research and a Spot of TeaWelcome! I've done a bit of blog redecorating in celebration of the new year, and quite enjoy the change in color. I'm also in a researching frame of mind, and came across a link I'd like to share with you: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj3KG5CxYoN-f_MHGUuEQWFZB1Dd7jZVV4nQs3z8Qs5lBYwAM-VVnqeGZtfXnObTTEPDLhnRhxQdQHyG0UC55OknB-voPWMKRHQS440RtpErUhGQSkYSU_U0s0PCaJ7Qa-NAOHwr87gIP/s1600/woman_reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="57" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj3KG5CxYoN-f_MHGUuEQWFZB1Dd7jZVV4nQs3z8Qs5lBYwAM-VVnqeGZtfXnObTTEPDLhnRhxQdQHyG0UC55OknB-voPWMKRHQS440RtpErUhGQSkYSU_U0s0PCaJ7Qa-NAOHwr87gIP/s200/woman_reading.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="http://www.library.unt.edu/rarebooks/exhibits/women/17th.htm" linkindex="58">Women Writers: 17th and 18th Century </a><br />
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You'll read about women such as Aphra Behn, a young woman who went from early widowhood to a short career as a spy, to debtor's prison, to writing over sixteen plays and fourteen novels, only six of which were printed in her lifetime. Fascinating!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNcgv-ZWdr4qbrDWgNWNJhRMCi2Z2kG6uvtyB6q6f0Jc9I9kmMkgJV384QbEITzrfajRvXbDkLS2Pex2sWsc2Tm8PhBqknQUozcLCrcxruUQxoCq_wu6mNSBsg-WmSdRwOEko39oEFOhW/s1600/BLUEBERRY-TEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="59" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNcgv-ZWdr4qbrDWgNWNJhRMCi2Z2kG6uvtyB6q6f0Jc9I9kmMkgJV384QbEITzrfajRvXbDkLS2Pex2sWsc2Tm8PhBqknQUozcLCrcxruUQxoCq_wu6mNSBsg-WmSdRwOEko39oEFOhW/s1600/BLUEBERRY-TEA.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Tea of the Week: Celestial Seasonings Blueberry Tea. Such a delight! I let it sit for two or three minutes, sprinkle with a packet or two of Splenda, sip, and dream of spring. I adore this tea, and cannot wait to try my raspberry packets.<br />
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Have a lovely week! Any new favorite January drinks? Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-56793377979061305942010-12-23T19:39:00.001-06:002010-12-24T06:50:15.941-06:00Snowbound Blessings...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PyKj8UHda5P6WaTkZWcOqgfmodJBBSySzAo0gtASV58uJVOhhGpwrnEShlBfqUSBW6GGqqz6vPbIh-RSnK2n4OlCtqv3IH7moNcOLH0vFY_LZDlAgVQjxyKenCDuZdqgaYqyxKnF-yvr/s1600/snow+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PyKj8UHda5P6WaTkZWcOqgfmodJBBSySzAo0gtASV58uJVOhhGpwrnEShlBfqUSBW6GGqqz6vPbIh-RSnK2n4OlCtqv3IH7moNcOLH0vFY_LZDlAgVQjxyKenCDuZdqgaYqyxKnF-yvr/s320/snow+path.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>If you can't get out...if the snow is blowing and ice glazes each glittering tree branch and country road...<br />
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If your cupboards are full and tea's steeping in your mug...if you have heat, light, and your loved ones with you...<br />
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If mother nature has decided your holiday shopping and preparations are as good as they're going to get...<br />
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Take a moment to embrace the simple peace and hope of the Season.<br />
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Merry Christmas to each of you. :)<br />
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<i>P.S. </i> If you find yourself with a bit of time on your hands after the 25th, you might visit <a href="http://averyl.com/attic/" linkindex="20">Averyl's Attic</a>, which features lovely Victorian clip art. Beautiful!Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-64735371015142348962010-12-19T09:03:00.000-06:002010-12-19T09:03:21.295-06:00Christmas All Week Long Do something special for yourself each day this week as you ready for the holidays. Relish a perfect cup of eggnog. Get up very late (or very early!) Monday night and watch the <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/17dec_solsticeeclipse/" linkindex="100">lunar eclipse</a>. Go to a child's Christmas concert. Count your Blessings! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJoufdHCDSZYhYIhT5qIw8EyixqodOrBbI0WwB4Ww1ZgnAsKa_eWaahhjDqY76o_TVIrJlzYP3-Y86iwB0nNTcLpsaB5eeEAzmz0-nsDvVeaDlcq32jsIlhQljc-jU4zyUkSBxemj0iHF/s1600/nesting+tea+mugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="101" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJoufdHCDSZYhYIhT5qIw8EyixqodOrBbI0WwB4Ww1ZgnAsKa_eWaahhjDqY76o_TVIrJlzYP3-Y86iwB0nNTcLpsaB5eeEAzmz0-nsDvVeaDlcq32jsIlhQljc-jU4zyUkSBxemj0iHF/s1600/nesting+tea+mugs.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">Present of the Day:</span> Starbucks <b>Nesting Tea Mug Set</b>. So darling. So practical. Something pretty I could use each day. <br />
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Writing Quote of the Day: "<b>A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper</b>." E B White (1899-1985) Wow, do I love this one. And absolutely treasure the work of E.B. White, which only makes it better.Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-11138177468302611842010-12-16T14:07:00.000-06:002010-12-16T14:07:31.770-06:00Cures for the Hum Bugs!Happy, happy holidays...busy, busy, happy days...frantic, frenzied, wired days! Joy to anyone who can balance the bliss and bedlam of this season. I know what I do when it's all just too much: <i> hibernate</i>.<br />
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Now, the hibernation may consist of an entire day, or only a stolen hour or two, but if it's intentional and deliberate on your part, with all those things that you love most around you, it goes a long way toward enjoying the rest of the holiday festivities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_8TzUi1UjO-Vsn9uWWslJM_6uDpb5IhatsQ0QRsOHHzuMVl4HJjGnZFT1h4a5YZQkOw7Z9JwCPLjvFT6tbVIU5dnPoGAkw_WdzjcL5MRaOlaMYiLJ2yAcwcQNA5dFPufCJv9cgtOI4Yc/s1600/Cats+napping.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="14" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_8TzUi1UjO-Vsn9uWWslJM_6uDpb5IhatsQ0QRsOHHzuMVl4HJjGnZFT1h4a5YZQkOw7Z9JwCPLjvFT6tbVIU5dnPoGAkw_WdzjcL5MRaOlaMYiLJ2yAcwcQNA5dFPufCJv9cgtOI4Yc/s320/Cats+napping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Naps are essential. You need the coziest blanket you can find, after you've wrapped up in the coziest sweater you own. Curl up on the couch. Light some candles, turn off the lights, and drift away. Preferably at one o'clock in the afternoon. Most of the free world has this right. Only crazy, work-obsessed Americans push through an entire day ninety-to-nothing and then wonder why we're so cranky. Channel your inner todler, and sleep...<br />
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Perfect Hibernation Book: The Long Winter, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's full of adventure, happy endings, and a description of the most mouth-watering flapjacks. You'll crave pancakes for days. Indulge yourself.<br />
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Perfect Hibernation Food: Fudge. There is my Mom's fudge, and all other fudge. This is my Mom's fudge. <br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="LEFT" bgcolor="#ffffcc" class="title" nowrap="nowrap" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 206); border-right: 2px solid rgb(221, 221, 157); border-top: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 206); color: #8caa9e; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px;">FANTASY FUDGE</td><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 206);"> </td></tr>
<tr><td bgcolor="#ffffcc" colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 2px solid rgb(221, 221, 157); border-left: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 206); border-right: 2px solid rgb(221, 221, 157); padding: 20px;"><div style="display: none;"><br />
Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,189,152182-243194,00.html<br />
Content Copyright © 2010 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3-d9iXBLygDoNmAsj_8lh025mbvuGK39aNcgH8bRGCriFrXHRA-RsinYXUHw78_k-slDRujCaG_PuSnKMWq4BTWDfgWocP-GYiHbHcXiTZzq4latSAIkep6mCxh4Zt5zHKdYrnzELwFq/s1600/fudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3-d9iXBLygDoNmAsj_8lh025mbvuGK39aNcgH8bRGCriFrXHRA-RsinYXUHw78_k-slDRujCaG_PuSnKMWq4BTWDfgWocP-GYiHbHcXiTZzq4latSAIkep6mCxh4Zt5zHKdYrnzELwFq/s320/fudge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; padding-left: 20px;">3 c. sugar<br />
3/4 c. butter<br />
2/3 c. (5 1/3 fl. oz. can) Carnation evaporated milk<br />
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate pieces<br />
2 c. Kraft marshmallow creme<br />
1 c. chopped nuts<br />
1 tsp. vanilla</div><div style="color: #772222;">Combine sugar, butter and milk in heavy 2 1/2 quart saucepan; bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate pieces until melted. Add marshmallow creme, nuts and vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour into greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool at room temperature; cut into squares. Makes approximately 3 pounds.Double recipe: Use this full 13 ounce jar of Kraft marshmallow creme, doubling all ingredients. Prepare fudge as directed, using 5-quart Dutch oven. Pour fudge into 2 greased 13 x 9 inch pans. Makes approximately 6 pounds.<br />
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</tbody></table>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-15236655325271575992010-12-12T22:06:00.001-06:002010-12-12T22:08:00.534-06:0013 Days to Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVCSBUbmvph-w8-AN2mJVXsIrhHMZZ7zIqUCiuIf6dESJ6XMUzeg_XlBpXxDHj-vPAehD3JBYjrc-PNfOEdwkD61YNKRTFgIgCIbkA1nPmZljMQrQGGpyyV6sLaudWdDgE2YUNs-3UxFF/s1600/tosca+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVCSBUbmvph-w8-AN2mJVXsIrhHMZZ7zIqUCiuIf6dESJ6XMUzeg_XlBpXxDHj-vPAehD3JBYjrc-PNfOEdwkD61YNKRTFgIgCIbkA1nPmZljMQrQGGpyyV6sLaudWdDgE2YUNs-3UxFF/s200/tosca+christmas.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>Christmas Book of the Day: Tosca's Christmas by Matthew Sturgis. Christmas picture books are magical. This is one of my favorites.<br />
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Christmas gift of the day: <a href="http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/u/Calligraphy-Pen-Sets/379000610/?cds2Pid=24282&linkid=1590303" linkindex="20">The Writing Sets from Barnes and Noble</a>. Just the perfect combination of practical and pretty. I love them all. <br />
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The Writing Quote of the day: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." <br />
— <a class="authorNameRegular" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1655.Mark_Twain" linkindex="21">Mark Twain</a>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7895870084823738964.post-56060918395078792102010-12-08T11:30:00.002-06:002010-12-08T11:38:40.079-06:00Sugar and Spice<i>Christmas recipe of the day</i>:<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Decadence-Yule-Log/Detail.aspx" linkindex="16"> <b>Yule log</b></a>! Isn't it pretty?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavK-EVUw-uykDlWDasc7YKAimT4_b-SHl21JqQcpMjny-QS1xo4A2L8Kx6FjnBlnXUSwnoItcneahpBX-rOWOHZks3oOaOLP35v49gdJ0gcq_-vapRgwvPJBv6N8v_LHUzMo-tKiMw70l/s1600/Yule+Log.jpg" /></div>My oldest and her boyfriend make one each year for their French club contest. They have more patience than I do.I like my food fairly quick and easy. But this is oh so impressive on a Christmas table!<br />
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<i>Christmas book of the day</i>: <span style="font-style: italic;">A Holiday Yarn</span> by Sally Goldenbaum. A yuletide Mystery!<br />
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Writing quote of the day:"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." - <em>Frank A. Clark </em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000;">Have a lovely day! </span></em>Gillian Laynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15772849187702478349noreply@blogger.com4