Friday, June 17, 2011

Father's Day





So often in these modern times we hear about absentee dads or MIA fathers who are with their families and supporting them but not emotionally present. On the reverse side, there are fathers who give their all to their families and many who raise their children alone. In a time of Monster Moms and Deadbeat Dads it’s good to know there are dedicated and devoted fathers doing their best to raise responsible and loving human beings. There are also those fathers who are in the military fighting in wars that never seem to end who haven’t seen their children for years and some who may never see them.

On Father’s Day, we celebrate those men who fathered the next generation and, whether they are good, bad or spectacular dads, we all hope within our hearts that they teach something of value to their children that will carry on through the ages.


The things I learned and still treasure from my dad were small things in comparison to world peace and the end of disease but they were great things to me. Pop was a meteorologist. I went with him to the airport where he worked in his windowed office just above the landing field. The sound of teletypes humming in the background and the noise of planes landing out on the runway blended into an orchestra of comfort. As far as I could tell, he spent most of his time drawing maps with weird lines on them and symbols. He called them fronts. He taught me about how high and low pressure areas work like molasses pouring onto the Earth from the upper atmosphere as if the Earth were a big pancake. I learned all about clouds, the different kinds and which ones will rain and those that won’t. I learned about the stars from Pop and how their positions changed as the Earth rotated and seasons changed.



Pop took my middle sister and I on sacred walks into the woods. He taught us to respect nature and all living creatures. I wish I had paid more attention to the poison ivy talk. Although my dad wasn’t much on religion, he did honor the Earth and all its living things. From his childhood and into his elder years he banned birds and kept records about them for the Fish and Wildlife Service. My cat sometimes interfered with that process by hanging out at the bird trap and taking advantage of the vulnerable birds there but Pop forgave her indiscretions because he knew she was just doing her cat job.


Wherever your spirit resides in this present moment, Pop, I want you to know I’m thinking about you and that I thank you for always being there and teaching me lessons I will never forget.

Sunday, June 05, 2011

Interview With Sarah McNeal

At KMN Books Blogspot:



Sarah McNeal is the author of memorable characters you're sure to fall in love with. Come on by KMN Books Blogspot and find out about her new release, Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride.
Contest:

Sarah will pick one lucky winner for the drawing. Winner's choice of either her time travel historical (1927), The Violin or her contemporary (the only one she's ever written), Bitter Notes.



Just step on over to  http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/  and check it out.  Remember to leave your email addy when you comment for a chance to win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Karen Michelle Nutt

KMN Books

KMN Books Blogspot

Come and see what I have to say and enter to win one of my books when you comment.  I hope to see you there.
Sarah

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Coffeetime Review of Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride


I just received a 4 cup review for Harmonica Joe's Reluctant Bride from Coffeetime Reviews.
HARMONICA JOE’S RELUCTANT BRIDE

SARAH J. MCNEAL

ISBN# 9781461087731

April 15, 2011

Western Trail Blazer

Westerntrailblazer.yolasite.com/onlinestore.php

E-book

$3.99

184 pages

Western/Historical/Time Travel

Rating: 4 cups

Lola Barton does not scare easily. She has experienced the bad side of life and come through it just fine. Until she climbs the stairs to the attic of the house she inherited from her mean Aunt Callie and leaves her life in the present day behind.

Harmonica Joe Wilding resides in 1910 Hazard, Wyoming. He is a doctor of sorts who has won his bride in a card game. The Queen of Hearts not only got him his bride, she may have also brought him the love of his life.

Lola finds a trunk in her aunt’s attic and begins to rifle through the contents. She tries on the clothing found there, but the playing card takes her on a journey of a lifetime…straight into a wedding…in 1910 Wyoming. Joe has played the card game of his life in order to rescue a woman who he believes is Callie, a cold-hearted woman who has stolen money from a man who is intent on seeing her pay for the crime. Only certain traits begin to make him see that this is not the Callie he knows. Instead, her niece has fallen through a rip in time and right into his heart.

Can you just imagine leaving your life behind and stepping into the shoes of someone who not only resembles you but is despised by most of the town? Lola’s attitude towards Joe made me laugh out loud several times. She has a twenty-first century attitude in an early twentieth century world. I found her easy to relate to. The writing pulls the reader into the story and keeps them glued to their seats until the very end. And the love scenes are steamy and sensual. Ms. McNeal has certainly impressed me with this wonderful tale. Beware though, the publisher’s site for this book does give the warning that this is for adults only.

Kimberly

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/harmonicajoesreluctantbridebysarahjmcneal.html