tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12839872618152732802024-03-19T03:46:51.611-05:00UNDER THE TIKI HUT UNDER THE TIKI HUTCarol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15168273312704732896noreply@blogger.comBlogger864125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-86232299375469486892024-03-06T06:00:00.126-06:002024-03-06T06:00:00.138-06:00What Makes You Stop Reading?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8d1Nt4bgidfK3LA4sqMxQ7VaUO0Lb5opiYBeJG1jhyphenhyphenHMsnMbagzpsTj_X7KMcbcrsAQM8IN4xGgyDaVhXa1odsJrAPX_BWO-6NV-S3teqUWCLzA-ALtYjMHdpGRA8Ns0mq3aYpqUyICXjiyYxY2IF3t-YLGukjeGDcP435w8avYU0t3etLk1f3FDY4At/s640/book%20graphic%20for%20blog%2003.2024.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8d1Nt4bgidfK3LA4sqMxQ7VaUO0Lb5opiYBeJG1jhyphenhyphenHMsnMbagzpsTj_X7KMcbcrsAQM8IN4xGgyDaVhXa1odsJrAPX_BWO-6NV-S3teqUWCLzA-ALtYjMHdpGRA8Ns0mq3aYpqUyICXjiyYxY2IF3t-YLGukjeGDcP435w8avYU0t3etLk1f3FDY4At/s320/book%20graphic%20for%20blog%2003.2024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've had difficulty deciding what to blog about this month. This is something that happens to me every so often. The last time... last year, I defaulted to a Top 10, which turned into a whole string of them. So not doing that again this month.<p></p><p>Instead, I'm going to chat about writing and reading. More precisely, about writers and readers. Actually, about one writer/reader in particular. Myself.</p><p>Y'all know I'm a slow snail writer. I'm a slow reader, too, especially when I'm reading a good novel. I love to take my time and mosey through the story reading it at my own speed. I rush through some pages and linger over others, often reading them more than once. I read all kinds of novels by all kinds of writers.</p><p>Currently, I'm reading a new novel by a well-known NYT bestselling author who writes mostly suspense thrillers. Everything was fine until a little before the halfway point. The chapter d-r-a-g-g-e-d. I thought I would never get through it. It contained a lot of detail that was somewhat repetitive and dull. It was a long chapter, nearing twenty pages, that had little to do with the story. I wondered if it was something that should have been omitted and was overlooked. Toward the end of the chapter, the reason for it being there showed up. It shouldn't have taken up 20 pages of the book. But it did. Ten would've been tighter and more appropriate. In my opinion, which is worth what you paid for it.</p><p>I left the book alone for about a week. I really didn't know if I wanted to finish it. Finally, I decided to try another chapter. It was back to all the previous chapters, filled with movement and voice. So I kept reading.</p><p>A few chapters later, the main character did something mystery writers learn early on to never do to their main character. I was like <i>What!?</i></p><p>It took me only a few seconds to see a different way the author could've achieved the same result that wouldn't have caused the problem it did. Would my option work as the story moves forward? I don't know, but so far it makes no difference in the story. In fact, I'm actually wondering why that small bit needed to be there at all. I thought I knew, but I'm less certain now. I'm nearing the end, and I'll continue reading. So far, the rest of the story has been as good as the first part. <i>Updating: I finished this book, and this incident that bothered me had zero to do with the rest of the story. It should've been cut. Again in my opinion.</i></p><p>I'm not saying that I expect something close to perfection in any book I read. No book is perfect. What I'm saying is that I don't enjoy being pulled from a story by a sloppy chapter and a beginning writer mistake, especially when the book has been written by a acclaimed professional author. Both author and editor should know better.</p><p>I noted some other things that aren't worth mentioning and that we all miss at times. Things like time inaccuracies and what-was-available-when type things. More thorough research would have helped, but sometimes I'm guilty of this sort of thing too. It didn't affect the story here, and that was okay with me.</p><p>How would you handle this? Would you blow it off and keep reading or stop at the first incident of something not quite right and close the book? Or are you somewhere in between? Like me.</p><p>In this instance, I'm glad I continued reading. The story was great overall, with lots of ups and downs and many surprises along the way. </p><p><i><b>Disclaimer</b>: The image above is from a random book I pulled from my shelf. It is not the book mentioned here. It did, however, let me see how much dust had accumulated up there. #notagoodhousekeeper because life is more fun to let dust just do its own thing :) </i></p><p>See y'all next month :)</p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-51515935838529402042024-02-07T06:00:00.074-06:002024-02-07T06:00:00.138-06:00Witches, Wings, and Other Things<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0fTbmUeRUkXAUOuFz7TR9fqtxj-oLpU7_H7BIvtz00WWRB3LTEsU2owz9q638ZnkYuL_qntJq75RB01bm2v-bfCXRN1vPIOOVOUndzrhg7JSEkt0ZrBqlkcZbfNZNKdZQhgYm-jxNDVxoDCI9uqFgyjhN-3g8OWOQIY9qodWE7sK7nku53xu5CYXXtFG/s640/feb%202024%20blog%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0fTbmUeRUkXAUOuFz7TR9fqtxj-oLpU7_H7BIvtz00WWRB3LTEsU2owz9q638ZnkYuL_qntJq75RB01bm2v-bfCXRN1vPIOOVOUndzrhg7JSEkt0ZrBqlkcZbfNZNKdZQhgYm-jxNDVxoDCI9uqFgyjhN-3g8OWOQIY9qodWE7sK7nku53xu5CYXXtFG/s320/feb%202024%20blog%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here I am! My break seems way too short. I made a long list of things to accomplish. I marked some items off, but not nearly enough. I feel as if I didn't get much done, but the projects I tackled were big ones. So maybe I did more than I thought. That's what I'm going with :)<p></p><p><br /></p><p>You'll notice I didn't get my format changed here. Maybe on the next break!</p><p>Currently, I'm working on the third House Witches book. It's moving along at a really fast snail's pace. So as long as it's moving, I can deal with that. Charli and Brielle say hi.</p><p>I also totally revamped my writing space. And my favorite sailor gave me a laptop for Christmas. It's making a big difference in how and when I write, but I'm still trying out different ways to get it to be the best way for me. I should know pretty soon.</p><p>Even though I'm working as diligently as possible on the third Witchy book, I haven't had a lot of time to actually put words on the screen. That doesn't mean words are not coming. I'm forever, writing in a notebook, or in a different book in a different place. And without the new laptop, which was supposed to solve that problem. And it will going forward, because I finally got it set up the way that will work for me. Thank you Dell Support.</p><p>Having it with me, will solve many problems except those that fly in on a wing and fly off again if I don't jot those lightning bolt thoughts down right when they arrive.</p><p>So that's what I've been doing in this new year. What about you? Anything new and exciting in your life? New books? </p><p>Here's to a happy, healthy, and safe 2024 for all of us.</p><p>See you next month!</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-33431508599743803062023-10-04T06:00:00.001-05:002023-10-04T06:00:00.241-05:00<p> Here it is, five o'clock Tuesday afternoon, and I just realized tomorrow is Blog Day.</p><p>So let me tell you about my year. The month we just finished up. September was wild and wooly for me. Normally when I release a new book, I have everything ready a month ahead of time. With this one, I barely slipped in under the wire of having things ready a week ahead. During the entire writing, editing, pre-production, and Amazon-related duties, everything under the sun happened to keep me from doing things on my schedule for days - and sometimes weeks - at a time. This was both in real life and within my own little writing universe.</p><p>Somehow, everything came together. It was a miracle. A mini-miracle for sure, but nonetheless, it counts. The book went live on September 25. It's the best release I've had so far. And I thought the last one was pretty darn good. Amazon even awarded it a little red banner. And the book already has a few good reviews.</p><p>Now I'm wondering if in the past I tried too hard to make things as perfect as possible. Maybe the magic touch is trusting my gut when it says <i>Move on. You don't need to recheck that. Leave it!</i></p><p>After this blog, I'm taking my annual couple of months off for the holiday season. I'll be back in February. Until then... Be spooky. Be thankful. Be merry. And still be here in 2024.</p><p>Oh, and in case you haven't seen it floating around social media, here's the book that got written in spite of interference from everything else:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdqHzmZn0wi4iHbU6tu_fUQvCo2j-LWN6XK7bL_3UUXldCwv8Uq6JmgH99rr1nXHdbgBbls4c-0M8b9U5hSXkSK5_g57YDJyV98DQRiEjT-Rr_xws6hb51pRWUbdFgLdONKYygbqmGhaMEhw8VaeyhpjvKTsnNWCRgvmKDr9r80Cd3CsS4l5MUw9bOMTx/s2800/HMB%20-%20graphic%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdqHzmZn0wi4iHbU6tu_fUQvCo2j-LWN6XK7bL_3UUXldCwv8Uq6JmgH99rr1nXHdbgBbls4c-0M8b9U5hSXkSK5_g57YDJyV98DQRiEjT-Rr_xws6hb51pRWUbdFgLdONKYygbqmGhaMEhw8VaeyhpjvKTsnNWCRgvmKDr9r80Cd3CsS4l5MUw9bOMTx/s320/HMB%20-%20graphic%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-4200492773105492352023-09-06T06:00:00.021-05:002023-09-06T06:00:00.139-05:00What's for Dinner?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQx3UZ0209WEZ_PaL9D-JAR3eSliPoNpsF90iXMm-LryZU2q7vV_Q0spo9n3-rBTXqMBsJtkNQbXlZ9b5eqZnidEdoTTWINayuo66nqUfA30aNQPchhCFeAPds-O8Qr3NUtzwk7bYk04TzPJWZN6AJekWPQoBG_qoovj2h1rR7az3YC9ba9vJUcboK-Vp/s640/dinner%20pic%20for%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQx3UZ0209WEZ_PaL9D-JAR3eSliPoNpsF90iXMm-LryZU2q7vV_Q0spo9n3-rBTXqMBsJtkNQbXlZ9b5eqZnidEdoTTWINayuo66nqUfA30aNQPchhCFeAPds-O8Qr3NUtzwk7bYk04TzPJWZN6AJekWPQoBG_qoovj2h1rR7az3YC9ba9vJUcboK-Vp/s320/dinner%20pic%20for%20blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>One more Top 10 blog because I'm seriously behind in getting everything done on my book that will release--<i>I hope</i>--on September 25. It's the second House Witches Mystery, and y'all will be hearing about it soon enough. I'll just say that Brielle is more in charge in this one.</p><p>I have no other news, except it's still blazing hot here in my little spot of Texas. We've had 96-110 degree sunny weather and no rain since July 4. We're all a little fried and frazzled. I may not get to your blogs today, but I will aim to visit by the weekend. And I'll see you all back here in October.</p><p>So here we go. I have much recent experience with this Top 10:</p><p>Top 10 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes. Not guaranteed to be especially healthy or inexpensive. But they are quick and easy :)</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>meatball subs</li><li>pizza on Brooklyn Bred or pre-made crust</li><li>any type of meat/protein with a rice mix skillet meal and served in a bowl or with a salad</li><li>pre-formed turkey patties with green sauce and a salad</li><li>pre-formed beef patties and fries</li><li>chicken, potatoes, broccoli sheet pan dinner</li><li>crock pot stew served over noodles</li><li>grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup</li><li>rotisserie chicken and potato salad - both from grocery deli</li><li>spaghetti or your favorite pasta, with good olive oil, black olives, white beans, and basil</li></ul><div>What's your favorite quick and easy dinner go-to?</div><p></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-10641488925078240662023-08-02T06:00:00.015-05:002023-08-02T06:00:00.145-05:00<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmyoYUQrVMsZo4gnKP60_WDya68T106-_PV4uoB4t4pEavhZj8IfyD02Jw5cWfUUKUdaJ5paS4-o6Q66zvfhV58TMOJS_VlSsEpEmpiICgAAyQ-vhaaGLAnK7Kt_Qj5S1XzXuPsh9G61TjM89w7ZPUIhn1_kik6edISoKOHYd5Uo6b3bkjHfmplwwEjib/s640/uncharted%20waters%20mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmyoYUQrVMsZo4gnKP60_WDya68T106-_PV4uoB4t4pEavhZj8IfyD02Jw5cWfUUKUdaJ5paS4-o6Q66zvfhV58TMOJS_VlSsEpEmpiICgAAyQ-vhaaGLAnK7Kt_Qj5S1XzXuPsh9G61TjM89w7ZPUIhn1_kik6edISoKOHYd5Uo6b3bkjHfmplwwEjib/s320/uncharted%20waters%20mug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Since I'm busy working on getting the next House Witches book out, I'm going to do another Top 10-ish list. Hey... at least the subject matter is different :)<p></p><p>This one is about waiting and/or procrastinating. How many of these do you do? What is your favorite way to procrastinate?</p><p>There are some healthy and/or beneficial things:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>walking</li><li>working out</li><li>yoga</li><li>gardening</li><li>loading/unloading the dishwasher</li><li>laundry</li></ul><p></p><p>I could go on, but you get the idea.</p><p>Then there are relaxing things:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>listening to music</li><li>reading</li><li>watching TV or a movie</li><li>puzzles of all kinds</li><li>video games</li><li>chatting with friends in person or text or phone</li></ul><p></p><p>And so on.</p><p>Then there are the soul-care things:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>coffee</li><li>tea</li><li>ice cream</li><li>smoothies</li><li>chocolate</li><li>pastries</li><li>bacon</li></ul><p></p><p>Ahhhh... :)</p><p>Are you hungry yet? Want to goof off all day? If so I did my job.</p><p>See y'all next month.</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-32176175921614071842023-07-05T06:00:00.007-05:002023-07-05T06:00:00.141-05:00Interesting Neighbors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2xwgWE__hyScKkeSTcuRldIuLVcilT-quFqcJjXq4YLl73MnLOCPiZWxrPF3q4l6USQsXMGjG_VkYI5TpA0TsHullREZon8zYULPsDqnXffoVfKUxdmrcVL29ywS9oKlMkKf4KYp4RVURDzCpJbPwPslPOwaU9sraGfyu_b2u970DWwitYTVqiMsY8nK/s640/july%201012%20blog%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2xwgWE__hyScKkeSTcuRldIuLVcilT-quFqcJjXq4YLl73MnLOCPiZWxrPF3q4l6USQsXMGjG_VkYI5TpA0TsHullREZon8zYULPsDqnXffoVfKUxdmrcVL29ywS9oKlMkKf4KYp4RVURDzCpJbPwPslPOwaU9sraGfyu_b2u970DWwitYTVqiMsY8nK/s320/july%201012%20blog%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Today's blog was inspired by H.R. Sinclair's June newsletter. If you'd like to sign up, visit her blog <a href="https://www.iamhrsinclair.com/blog/">here</a>. Her newsletters rock. In the June one, she asked herself questions, and one of them was who was her most interesting neighbor. That was the question that started me thinking about this blog.</p><p>I've lived a lot of places. Not so many as a child, but a dozen or so being married to a Coast Guard officer. In light of that, I decided to do a top-ten type list of interesting neighbors I've had over the years. It's not in a top-ten type format exactly, but more from when I was a kid up to a few years ago. No one where I live now would make this list, at least not as far as I know. I could be wrong.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A playmate who became a lifelong friend.</li><li>A man who played practical jokes on my dad, who hated every single one of them.</li><li>A man my dad swore was Mafia-connected. Not the practical joker.</li><li>A teen who taught me to skate - mostly by shoving me down her steep driveway.</li><li>Not one, not two, but three different men who later went to prison. And not the one my dad believed to be a mobster.</li><li>A woman who talked incessantly and was the spreader of all gossip and malicious rumors while painting herself and family as saints.</li><li>Another woman who was a fabulous baker who liked to share her bounty with her neighbors. Even she couldn't teach me how to make a pie curst.</li><li>A kid who grew up to be a reality TV star.</li><li>A law student who is now a famous criminal defense attorney.</li><li>Two law enforcement officers in our block who worked for two different agencies.</li><li>And last but not least, a wildlife trail that ran through our property. We were visited by a variety of National Forest animals on a daily basis, including a neighborhood bear that liked our deck.</li></ul><p></p><p>I've probably forgotten some that should've been included, but maybe not.</p><p>See you next month. Happy Summer!</p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-66557623255543822282023-06-07T06:00:00.061-05:002023-06-07T07:28:55.659-05:00A New Top 10<p> I haven't done a Top Ten in a long time, so I decided to give it a go. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFJPhB08CTxvjwz4hYJWl1SBoZyGQRkBp_kRzHmyvZE5G8kaQKFU10f1-70EExUrOgJyIwZS2FA5esMh3Xt5jA75DaSdDI0jEtAkbyYiZWtLRrBClrkl_21greLKOCb2RAgXDK63zgSCpmIN46AYc_lfBU3GNzksVpLP8bvx9vj5XsjQ2f3YHMH2U4w/s640/top10%20pic%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFJPhB08CTxvjwz4hYJWl1SBoZyGQRkBp_kRzHmyvZE5G8kaQKFU10f1-70EExUrOgJyIwZS2FA5esMh3Xt5jA75DaSdDI0jEtAkbyYiZWtLRrBClrkl_21greLKOCb2RAgXDK63zgSCpmIN46AYc_lfBU3GNzksVpLP8bvx9vj5XsjQ2f3YHMH2U4w/s320/top10%20pic%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Skim or ignore this paragraph.</b> But first I have to write some words up here at the top because of the template I use. It runs everything together on the opening page and the whole entire rest of this short blog would show up here and there would be nothing left on the following pages. So if you like, you can just skip all this and go ahead and <b>click READ MORE</b> <br />and get to the real guts of this month's blog. If you're reading on your phone or other mobile device, I don't think it does that, but I'm not sure. I don't know if I've put enough in here but I'm tired of typing gibberish, so I'm taking a chance. After I finish the book I'm currently working on, I'm going to change the template here, but that will be a few more months down the road. This should be enough.</p><p>Top Ten Reasons I Blog</p><p>10. I'm nosy. I enjoy reading your blogs and seeing what's going on with you and/or what you think about certain things.</p><p>9. I play fair. I try to give you something interesting in return that I hope makes you smile and not have to think much about.</p><p>8. It gives my brain a rest. I can still write, but I don't have to think about characterization or plot.</p><p>7. I'm always up for a challenge. Some months I have to stretch for a new topic.</p><p>6. I like to travel. I just threw that in to see if you're paying attention.</p><p>5. I'm lazy. These top ten lists are easy for me to come up with.</p><p>4. Yes, I know I'm not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition.</p><p>3. It's a habit. I've been blogging for about 15 years and don't know how to stop.</p><p>2. I like learning new things. Sometimes I have to research something I'm blogging about. Other times, like now, it's a non-researchable topic.</p><p>1. <i><b>I love y'all!</b></i></p><p>See you in July :) </p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-39195402554604482552023-05-03T06:00:00.046-05:002023-05-03T06:00:00.146-05:00There once was a man from... OR Fun with Writing<p style="text-align: center;">Another blog day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Indecision? Not this month.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Today I'm prepared.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Read on.</p><p>I often write in my head. If it gets serious, I'll stop and search for something to write on. Sometimes I write real words, sometimes I think about the way something will look on the page. Sometimes things pop into my head pretty much fully formed.</p><p>If I stop to write on paper, I try to gather these up at the end of the day and put them on my desk. I usually have to clean off my desk more than once a week so I can tell what's important and what isn't. Sometimes what I write during this time is a keeper. Sometimes I look at it and stick it in the shredder because it doesn't quite make sense.</p><p>Other times during the day, I'll do a writing exercise. Sometimes I write these on paper or the computer. Sometimes, I just do them in my head. I love to write flash fiction or sometimes just a paragraph or two about a photograph. That's my favorite. My next favorite is writing a story or a stream-of-conscious thingie from a list of words, like "Wednesday Words," sometimes hosted at Elephant Child's blog <a href="https://myjustsostory.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>.</p><p>I also write poetry. I suck at it. Always have, and most likely always will. But a friend who was a real poet encouraged me to keep at it. He passed away a year or so ago, but I honor his memory by continuing my hand at it.</p><p>I especially like haiku, like the one at the top of this blog. It's short. It has rules. It's supposed to be about the natural world. I think. But I write it about anything. And I can do that in my head while I'm doing dishes or laundry or whatever.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, about that man in the title of this post. I also like to write limericks. I suck at those more than I suck at haiku. Here you go:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span> There once was a man from Seattle</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Who once bought a boat he could paddle</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>His wife lived in Maine</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>His mother in Spain</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>And his kids all wanted to tattle.</p><p> Now you know why I write fluffy fiction - like the cotton below :) </p><p>See you next month!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniZ8ZWSa8nkCfx14HOCZVdzsVwwxDymgPeJeDHJ1vnPG_cqbvm3SYDcUpPYKQSiWdfi1ClvGCSTMZ5f48er2rLSZmO1PQn2PlqP4AXPKv_y2zWGqxic_4KJFmuwjwTg7YkyPgq3ZZrZAaFP5JfGP0x47hwaGJtEjuBG5MKWHahHVFCtCSTkWCxHgUCQ/s1512/IMG_0506%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgniZ8ZWSa8nkCfx14HOCZVdzsVwwxDymgPeJeDHJ1vnPG_cqbvm3SYDcUpPYKQSiWdfi1ClvGCSTMZ5f48er2rLSZmO1PQn2PlqP4AXPKv_y2zWGqxic_4KJFmuwjwTg7YkyPgq3ZZrZAaFP5JfGP0x47hwaGJtEjuBG5MKWHahHVFCtCSTkWCxHgUCQ/s320/IMG_0506%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-59351399087660293642023-04-05T06:00:00.059-05:002023-04-05T06:00:00.227-05:00What? It's April already?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufqsWIMlNFjEwtY_9cc0F1R0NIz8VfwfRFdv4GbRrfutgTB6f1EaMerZrDNIZDgt_rlCuugesg13T17VUvR3H4cJIm7SnoJxjrWpM27wpCuDPdMkpAgoAHqEPBBjgoGtgdvx6PwwPSLa5GUI9FtHn4fxjLXLIO7lMDnuYke6URZhxuGWsTyQFbUvBqg/s640/roses%20for%20april.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufqsWIMlNFjEwtY_9cc0F1R0NIz8VfwfRFdv4GbRrfutgTB6f1EaMerZrDNIZDgt_rlCuugesg13T17VUvR3H4cJIm7SnoJxjrWpM27wpCuDPdMkpAgoAHqEPBBjgoGtgdvx6PwwPSLa5GUI9FtHn4fxjLXLIO7lMDnuYke6URZhxuGWsTyQFbUvBqg/s320/roses%20for%20april.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i> "It was the best of times... it was the worst of times."</i><p></p><p>What do I mean?</p><p>It's blog time again. I love connecting with everyone! AND I have no ------- idea what to write about this month.</p><p>Ideas usually come to me when I sit in front of the screen, but this month? Nada.</p><p>What did occur to me in the span of about five minutes? I marked them all off.</p><p>Spring. Again.</p><p>Flowers. Again.</p><p>Happy things.</p><p>Kindness. Nope. Everyone talks about it. And I am actually seeing some of it in action and hearing about other bits. I try to practice it myself. But I share memes about this all the time on Facebook, so... go there for kindness this month :)</p><p>Love songs about April.</p><p>Funny things dogs do.</p><p>Funnier things cats do.</p><p>Something actually about writing.</p><p>What being an indie author is like.</p><p>And a few more ideas that might not be appropriate to share here.</p><p>But I did come up with half an idea, even if it is one I've blogged about before. I think. But it's been a while. So here we go. Texas towns with, shall we say <i>strange </i>pronunciations.</p><p>In alphabetical order:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gruene - GREEN</li><li>Iraan - EYE-ra-ANN</li><li>Leakey - LAY-key</li><li>Manor - MAIN-er</li><li>Palacios - puh-LASH-us</li><li>Salado - suh-LAY-doh</li><li>Uhland - YOU-lund</li></ul><p></p><p>So there you have it. It's my official blog about not-much-of-nothing for this beautiful month of April.</p><p>Maybe I have spring fever.</p><p>Happy April Blog Day!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-89480988546796901642023-03-01T06:00:00.062-06:002023-03-01T06:00:00.194-06:00March ... the month of Mars<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2kkVvBu1LNYK6XECm1V0Ak8zcAF00qKX52VomKIdP229wUEJt5X1W7XFVOH8h4xX0zJCWZ5Z-_rPBgF8p8i4luAyyWTBIpi1odfPQtUp7Y9CucAdrENUIpc8eN81WSPXux2f_3IfCMuJv13SYQL1g7v14uYWygbOCbekVLUqUWE75GBuiASBXek36Q/s640/daffodils%203.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2kkVvBu1LNYK6XECm1V0Ak8zcAF00qKX52VomKIdP229wUEJt5X1W7XFVOH8h4xX0zJCWZ5Z-_rPBgF8p8i4luAyyWTBIpi1odfPQtUp7Y9CucAdrENUIpc8eN81WSPXux2f_3IfCMuJv13SYQL1g7v14uYWygbOCbekVLUqUWE75GBuiASBXek36Q/s320/daffodils%203.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Mars. The Roman god of war. <p></p><p>Sometimes, the way the March winds blow makes us wonder if March is at war with itself. Other times, the month is sunny and peaceful, represented by March's flower, the daffodil.</p><p>Here in Texas, things begin to green up. The grass begins to grow, trees bud out, and the sun is not only higher in the sky, but it sticks around longer, too.</p><p><br /></p><p>Speaking of Texas, the newly formed country declared its independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. Today we celebrate that day as Texas Independence Day, even though it is no longer an official holiday. Also in Texas, March is the month for spring break. And the beginning of bluebonnet season.</p><p>For all, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day--the day we're all Irish, even if we're not. And what's St. Paddy's without at least one green beer?</p><p>March is also <i>the </i>month for all basketball fans. The excitement and tension brought by March Madness crackles through the air and spurs conversation even among strangers. </p><p>Like candy? There's a Mars Bar.</p><p>Moving along... there is also a day of the week named for Mars.</p><p>Wanna guess?</p><p>Got your answer?</p><p>The first English word for Mars, the god of war, was Tews. In English, we call Mars' day <i>Tuesday</i>. In Spanish, the day is Martes. French is Mardi, and Italian, Martedi.</p><p>Were you correct?</p><p>What's your favorite thing about March?</p><p>How about Tuesday?</p><p>This was fun, but enough research for me today.</p><p>Be nice to each other out there. I'll see you back here in April.</p><p>Hugs,</p><p>Carol</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-74041661248006332892023-02-01T06:00:00.015-06:002023-02-01T06:00:00.215-06:00Seriously... It's Really Me<p> Once upon a time, there was a writer who routinely took a Winter Hiatus from blogging. And yes, that writer is me.</p><p>Each year I really do need this break to relax and renew my writer soul. Also to get all, or at least most, of all the holiday and birthday things done.</p><p>While I was away, I did actually accomplish some writerly things, too.</p><p>I read through the first half of my WIP, the second House Witches book. While I marked a lot of things, tweaking for things we all look for, I'm happy to say that overall it's pretty good. Better than I remembered from writing it. I didn't read anything that made me want to throw up and hang my head in shame.</p><p>I did rework one chapter, changing the viewpoint from Brielle to Charli.</p><p>I also set my goals for 2023, done amid a pile of gift wrappings with a big slice of cake at the ready.</p><p>And I spent some quality time with my awesome husband and my favorite beagle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSQ4Fu_jfvnGsJ_TBvHbg7FWFbOfFLol2Fa7mMDoYxE5jzHhoH1WF9rl94G1C44rHGPHZuEGKAy87ObRh7yl18_MOtjAkfiMyHqoe7__3CDrMfT7Txmf6HZBk5fD6zYm_O3URsARf_CZXDQs-DTHh9FgOQO83eHh0UDWFSFPOUPqa4gfgpNDKH_UPKg/s514/Boogie%20blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSQ4Fu_jfvnGsJ_TBvHbg7FWFbOfFLol2Fa7mMDoYxE5jzHhoH1WF9rl94G1C44rHGPHZuEGKAy87ObRh7yl18_MOtjAkfiMyHqoe7__3CDrMfT7Txmf6HZBk5fD6zYm_O3URsARf_CZXDQs-DTHh9FgOQO83eHh0UDWFSFPOUPqa4gfgpNDKH_UPKg/s320/Boogie%20blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Now I'm back and ready to rock-n-roll. Also ready to chat and visit with all my blog buddies to see what you're up to these days.</p><p>Let me know what's new with you.</p><p>See y'all again in March!</p><p>Carol</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-40106363208700862882022-10-05T06:00:00.010-05:002022-10-05T06:00:00.217-05:00Hallow-Thanks-Mas<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3l-1nHGtJlcPrRaBu1zD5kRqWZQaHmd5VWVzZXUPA-5jNwdH53kq2-1Yj0IfVMN2k5Nu_QH6GPcVjhduVXOKmtvEpvIVfJddvs2DPw0pQ6t1XQjni3pl9iltII6oRgjcJJHf1cC3bKOtMhGeILUr-ikHFhgHLJkVJoX3R4MYQaU68dSimqKiWVuLew/s957/square%20clocks%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3l-1nHGtJlcPrRaBu1zD5kRqWZQaHmd5VWVzZXUPA-5jNwdH53kq2-1Yj0IfVMN2k5Nu_QH6GPcVjhduVXOKmtvEpvIVfJddvs2DPw0pQ6t1XQjni3pl9iltII6oRgjcJJHf1cC3bKOtMhGeILUr-ikHFhgHLJkVJoX3R4MYQaU68dSimqKiWVuLew/s320/square%20clocks%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Once again it's fall in North America - even here in Texas where it's still too hot for soups and stew and chili, much less pumpkin spice anything.<p></p><p>Also once again, it's time for me to take a blogging break over the holidays. I think I'll be back in January, but I may decide to take that month off, too. So January or February... somewhere in there.</p><p>Halloween...</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>witches - btw, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witches-Fairies-Tacos-Oh-My-ebook/dp/B0B5S9HW34/">Witches and Fairies and Tacos... Oh My</a></i> will be priced at 99 cents the week of October 10</li><li>ghosts</li><li>pirates</li><li>and more, all wanting treats :)</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanksgiving - here Nov 24 and Canada Oct 10</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>turkey</li><li>dressing or stuffing</li><li>pumpkin pie</li><li>family</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Christmas</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>also Hanukkah</li><li>decorations</li><li>parties</li><li>gifts and hugs</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>New Year's</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2023</li><li>packing up holiday decorations</li><li>endless days of football</li><li>a new beginning</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Fall is a busy and fun time. Throw in the ten birthdays in our family over these three months, and I meet myself coming and going some days.</p><p>Y'all take care, and I'll see you early next year.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-39805167310241048402022-09-07T06:00:00.018-05:002022-09-07T06:00:00.189-05:00The Writer Is IN<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlEXh9DJRsP81UmGlxQ1M_8xJeJO7ISlkZtt_jokqnxjH01LVdoliFPATAbfj63ZiGgW4e_KhWsZEx46IFY9lVJSeRBjSqNvHDrn2rc9-2vMnaNbReAcd2shyIXyCPIeg-GCsUJWUAo_CPE7eSL4jEv4pKCE3o49qilEizkPpL3d5_lLlxSZjyCntmg/s2364/NOLA%20sq%20door%20(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="2364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlEXh9DJRsP81UmGlxQ1M_8xJeJO7ISlkZtt_jokqnxjH01LVdoliFPATAbfj63ZiGgW4e_KhWsZEx46IFY9lVJSeRBjSqNvHDrn2rc9-2vMnaNbReAcd2shyIXyCPIeg-GCsUJWUAo_CPE7eSL4jEv4pKCE3o49qilEizkPpL3d5_lLlxSZjyCntmg/s320/NOLA%20sq%20door%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Writers often know when they meet another writer before any words are ever spoken. When you see someone you know who is a writer or you attend a book signing or a writer is invited to your book club, there may come a quiet moment when the writer is just staring out into the distance. That's when the writer is IN.<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In a trance</li><li>Lost in space</li><li>In a world of her own making</li><li>In a fog because that last plot point doesn't quite gel</li><li>In a tizzy because the characters are totally not behaving the way she expected</li><li>Listening in on a conversation between two of her characters</li><li>In a personal quiet zone because she's tired from all the chaos in her head</li><li>In a panic because she can't remember what she's making for dinner</li><li>In touch with her muse</li><li>Writing a scene in her head</li><li>Going to be in trouble if she doesn't find a title before Monday</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Hope you have a fabulous September!</p><p>See you in October.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-15847245436139222432022-08-03T06:00:00.151-05:002022-08-03T06:00:00.209-05:00Witches and Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoJBrvsLCApcFTS92IwKeEChbky6c_nmSVrXuVzhkyAB0qLxoXLQXL2QlY_wn0_qU0MKhI7wHGStNXCES0W06bVGyZMEXcq928uxyNHh1MGLdsBHQjAAO4gF8HfXLvgBrDoQrxs4RJnrTWY2F4LY6qlx8gUr_2LOTtEi9nlFxMjNzxrnwaSr3RLq3OQ/s600/WFT%20teaser%20white%20wgw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoJBrvsLCApcFTS92IwKeEChbky6c_nmSVrXuVzhkyAB0qLxoXLQXL2QlY_wn0_qU0MKhI7wHGStNXCES0W06bVGyZMEXcq928uxyNHh1MGLdsBHQjAAO4gF8HfXLvgBrDoQrxs4RJnrTWY2F4LY6qlx8gUr_2LOTtEi9nlFxMjNzxrnwaSr3RLq3OQ/s320/WFT%20teaser%20white%20wgw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">First of all, thanks to all of you who supported the launch of</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b>Witches and Fairies and Tacos... Oh My</b></i><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">You helped give it a great start.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div>The pace has finally slowed and I'm able to spend much more time now writing the second <b><i>House Witches </i></b>book. I think you'll like this one, too. And that's all I'm saying about it for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>While some areas of the U.S. have seen horrible flooding, here in Texas we've now been two and a half months without measurable rainfall and daily high temperatures between 95-105. Over the last couple of weeks, we've had a rainy afternoon or two, but have accumulated less than one inch of rain. We are more than twenty inches behind for the year, and for a while, we were under Stage 3 Water Restrictions because a major water main broke. Don't even think about what may be coming next. We need that box to stay securely sealed.</div><div><br /></div><div>After one of those five-minute showers, several little green anole lizards appeared on the leaves of shrubs outside my writing window. They were licking the drops of water from the leaves. I looked over at one point and saw the biggest lizard I've ever seen in my life on the brick support for the roof of our porch with his head down and tail up. Biggest outside of large iguanas, that is. He was the same reddish-brown color that is in our multi-color brick. His skin was not smooth like the little anoles we have everywhere. I tried to guesstimate his size. His head and body were about 7-8 inches total and his tail another 8-10 inches. His body was about two inches across and his head at least one inch. Maybe he was the Godfather Anole</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally... Do you know what you call a guppy wearing a bow tie?</div><div> <i>Sofishticated </i>:) </div><div><br /></div><div>See you in September!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br />Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-11080026265855581682022-07-06T06:00:00.056-05:002022-07-06T06:00:00.220-05:00WITCHES and FAIRIES and TACOS... Oh My<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>P</i></b><b><i>ractical Magic </i>m</b><b>eets <i>Bewitched</i></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p><b>First Book in the new </b><b>HOUSE WITCHES MYSTERY SERIES</b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZr49mddZWUBFIKS-hKVg_qhOsEBgd61X1dCEUKhnHKeaPPfkoYHlWykR_r1y5PgfzBZO3-AoxsmZ-0y-PiVRGry5WD2cGB9lg92mNVax72SYdMAFbP-jVCtAylb3xK6_XRUi1u-WSZRqup-RCye_mMkgVzAudTxg8VNyZhfkgjiatr4A4skGVMm3ew/s2560/WFT1%20final%20Kindle%20cover%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZr49mddZWUBFIKS-hKVg_qhOsEBgd61X1dCEUKhnHKeaPPfkoYHlWykR_r1y5PgfzBZO3-AoxsmZ-0y-PiVRGry5WD2cGB9lg92mNVax72SYdMAFbP-jVCtAylb3xK6_XRUi1u-WSZRqup-RCye_mMkgVzAudTxg8VNyZhfkgjiatr4A4skGVMm3ew/w125-h200/WFT1%20final%20Kindle%20cover%20(2).jpg" width="125" /></a></p><p>Charli Quinn and her sister Brielle own House Witches Cleaning and promise to clean like magic. They may not be your everyday, run-of-the-mill witches, but they are… something.</p><p>When Charli finds the husband of one of their clients dead, the wind warns her to beware the man with eyes of green. As the sisters search for the ominous man, they find themselves in danger and rely on their real magic to outsmart the killer.</p><p>Along the way, Charli and Brielle have help from a group of fairies, and even a talking cow. And Charli falls head over broomstick for a tall, sexy deputy with dreamy blue eyes who saves her from being hijacked by a water sprite.</p><p>Of course, it wouldn’t be Texas without tacos.</p><p>They are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> Best friends</li><li> Work partners<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li><li> Sisters</li><li> Witches… <i><span style="color: #990000;">wicked good witches</span></i></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYQy2qJi5gcKrU1rFuaLNlw0Vo13r0rp8QR68Qi2Z1vulrxAdCR7GhTSYuBbdEgJmYlHPB1deNEANWsOkvVRwXVBfwOYRyxa9Bzz2b_s9-6xa9EYBSIeWcSQAMPIH_0ntNH7nDVXVHxVuIf4XNY9TsY5LWNLGyEXWmQyYtW2sr__1Zmdcd0UmVZIZNw/s600/wft%20graphic3%20dark%20spell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYQy2qJi5gcKrU1rFuaLNlw0Vo13r0rp8QR68Qi2Z1vulrxAdCR7GhTSYuBbdEgJmYlHPB1deNEANWsOkvVRwXVBfwOYRyxa9Bzz2b_s9-6xa9EYBSIeWcSQAMPIH_0ntNH7nDVXVHxVuIf4XNY9TsY5LWNLGyEXWmQyYtW2sr__1Zmdcd0UmVZIZNw/w340-h170/wft%20graphic3%20dark%20spell.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here' s the story behind the story. A few years back, we were moving from San Antonio to an area near the fictional setting of this book. are located. We were driving around this new area looking at different locations, different types of houses. All of a sudden, <i>House Witches</i> popped into my head. I had no idea what it meant, but it didn’t go away. I pulled my notebook and pen from the tote I nearly always have with me, and wrote it down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I wrote those two words, more ideas flowed. I added sisters, house cleaners. Then witches, with a couple of question marks following. Over the next few months, as we moved in to our new home and I finished the book I was working on, the House Witches stayed with me. I knew the next book I wrote would be about them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day I sat down in earnest to begin making House Witches story notes, their names came in my head. Brielle’s came first followed quickly by a few C names. I texted my own sister at that point and asked her which she liked better. And Charli was born.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charli then told me the name of the deputy. I tried to give him a very Texas name. Finally she yelled at me, “Doug! His name’s Doug!” So Doug it was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charli and Brielle led me through the full story. I thank them. It was such fun to write. I’m looking forward to the next story they decide to share with me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Release Date: July 18, 2022</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kindle | Paper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Available in Kindle Unlimited: July 25, 2022</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you would like to learn more about this book and series, sign up to receive my newsletter and also receive a free copy of the first book in the Amazing Gracie Mysteries, <i>Jalapeno Cupcake Wench</i>. To sign up, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/804acef8e4c7/jcw-landing-page" style="font-weight: bold;" target="">click here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-50715404815572524632022-06-01T06:00:00.042-05:002022-06-01T06:00:00.225-05:00Wanna Play Would You Rather?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlSKEKavENhEifcnr1LP617G1Q6XoqZMoleKsOlOMeyjEj0ODQYHb_DFKzApqXCskcUc8Gw-DG9gknQtRcB-K1EALawbuzFvEtnlLsUZOxISYq_-JMz2QORetlATGZegXqfnmZxQFblmDbhswY9TlGu8zvHIY16a2y_WDqRjT5ecFiFbOoiaGLR-OXg/s640/Boogie%20either.or%20blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlSKEKavENhEifcnr1LP617G1Q6XoqZMoleKsOlOMeyjEj0ODQYHb_DFKzApqXCskcUc8Gw-DG9gknQtRcB-K1EALawbuzFvEtnlLsUZOxISYq_-JMz2QORetlATGZegXqfnmZxQFblmDbhswY9TlGu8zvHIY16a2y_WDqRjT5ecFiFbOoiaGLR-OXg/s320/Boogie%20either.or%20blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>If you're reading, it's too late. We're gonna play. Pick two and answer in the comments. Really you're free to answer as few or many as you'd like :) </p><p> 1, Would you rather read a book or write a book?</p><p> 2. Would you rather always be lucky in life or lucky in love?</p><p> 3. Would you rather live in the heart of the city or on a farm or ranch?</p><p> 4. Would you rather eat burgers or pizza? </p><p> <i>(think vegan or vegetarian options if you are one)</i></p><p> 5. Would you rather be a kid playing with adults or an adult playing with kids?</p><p> 6. Would you rather be able to converse with animals or be able to fly?</p><p> 7. Would you rather play drums or guitar?</p><p> 8. Would you rather be an artist or a scientist?</p><p> 9. Would you rather wear boots or flip-flops?</p><p>10. Would you rather hold a lizard or a frog?</p><p>Have fun with this little game!</p><p>Next month, I PROMISE, I'll talk about my new book and new series. It's hard for me not to talk about it now, but it's still a little too soon. But here's another little hint:</p><p>They are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Best Friends</li><li>Work Partners</li><li>Sisters</li><li>Witches... <i>Wicked Good Witches!</i></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>Happy June 😊</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-72826814740806937132022-05-04T06:00:00.009-05:002022-05-04T06:00:00.220-05:00Maybe. Maybe not.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gSu1QodBtUmLeCzhIfDFYbgyrkeDsbieOXRLwFEhSPM8VvtzNyzyyKYVh0H4igwawShzCE48iAtcgoRjqYCggc4fGWN2Sz9qq6E5AfjEWVLQI_Sz2AgbaV0oJVzjW-DyAnFIubtbaEHe8Cu77hf1fa4PV1r4G11CZbx0AOK7pYk5kBNOnYnigu01vg/s640/sunflower%2004.17.2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gSu1QodBtUmLeCzhIfDFYbgyrkeDsbieOXRLwFEhSPM8VvtzNyzyyKYVh0H4igwawShzCE48iAtcgoRjqYCggc4fGWN2Sz9qq6E5AfjEWVLQI_Sz2AgbaV0oJVzjW-DyAnFIubtbaEHe8Cu77hf1fa4PV1r4G11CZbx0AOK7pYk5kBNOnYnigu01vg/s320/sunflower%2004.17.2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Our Boogie's first Gotcha Day was a couple of weeks ago. He got a new toy, a little white squeaky sheep, but he loves nothing better than to go for rides. Car rides are a very close second to food for him. So on his day, we took him for a good long ride out on country roads. He got to see and smell all kinds of things: cows, wildflowers, more cows, a long freight train, and did I mention cows!</p><p>I'm very thankful we didn't encounter a snake along the way. It's high season for them here now, but Boogie must have kept them all away. After we returned, my neighbor told me she'd found two in her backyard.</p><p>As for me, I'm working on completing the last of the edits for my upcoming release. I was hoping to be done by now, but it appears I edit as slowly as I write. However, it's not always me lost in thought or a daydream.</p><p>The other day, I was happily making really great progress when I heard a loud crash and breaking glass. Boogie did a little freak-out at my feet before we followed the sound.</p><p>A huge full container of liquid laundry detergent had fallen from a shelf above the dryer and crashed on the top of the dryer. It shook the dryer so hard, I guess, that an open cardboard box filled with three glass candleholders and three candles slid off and fell to the floor.</p><p>The detergent ALWAYS sits on this shelf. For almost three years now. Although the container was still full, little puddles of blue liquid dotted the laundry room floor. I have no idea how any of this occurred.</p><p>Unless we have a ghost.</p><p>Except for the broken candleholders. That one's a no-brainer.</p><p>By the time I got the mess cleaned up, I was ready for a glass of wine... but it was only 11:30. So I settled for a short break and another cup of coffee.</p><p>May you have a wonderful May, with no laundry detergent falling on your dryer.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-83935409303233440212022-04-06T06:00:00.010-05:002022-04-06T06:00:00.201-05:00Is It Spring Yet?<p> I ask because I'm usually ready for spring right around Valentine's Day. If you follow the science, our spring here is like a month later than its usual arrival. I live northwest of Houston, and the normal date for our last freeze is February 26. This year we had a freeze sometime around March 20. So it's not just me.</p><p>Finally last week tiny baby leaves poked through the bark on our elm trees. And I saw a monarch butterfly on our milkweed plants. If I'd had my camera, I would've taken a shot and shared here. So beautiful. I hope he tells his buddies to come visit the new Milkweed Cafe. The food is fresh and the location is great :) </p><p>I have a secret to share. I started writing the second book of my new series. I've only just begun, but it's off to a flying start. The series is centered around two sisters. The first book was told by the younger sister. In this one, the older sister gets her turn. The first book will be available before you know it, so stay tuned.</p><p>That's about it from here, except that I am busy doing real life family things all this week. It will be the weekend before I'll be able to respond to comments here and to visit your blogs. But I'll get around to everyone, even if it takes longer than the weekend.</p><p>In the meantime, y'all be good and have fun. Happy Easter and Happy Passover.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQx455zA2PU3Co2wQYB3zCl43EI0sk6YPMEHZFgEHvT9iY0w-igcPR_pt5QaXCwNa6aoDp-DxZZNrblSnNXNQ_UPIOhLGOXxencz8ueHfV0UMsgRG6Jyth4B8AEma2eF_bZJjrE08R-QEr8yT7uoztjc1-xhcEXD4w0hgH_56Bfx6NbV4HmkLIx1OvQ/s640/no%20adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQx455zA2PU3Co2wQYB3zCl43EI0sk6YPMEHZFgEHvT9iY0w-igcPR_pt5QaXCwNa6aoDp-DxZZNrblSnNXNQ_UPIOhLGOXxencz8ueHfV0UMsgRG6Jyth4B8AEma2eF_bZJjrE08R-QEr8yT7uoztjc1-xhcEXD4w0hgH_56Bfx6NbV4HmkLIx1OvQ/s320/no%20adult.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-12965140661184864842022-03-02T06:00:00.026-06:002022-03-02T06:00:00.220-06:00No place but Texas<p> I'm ecstatic to share with you that just the other day I finally typed <i>The End</i> to the first book in my new series. It will soon be headed to my awesome editor, after which the real work begins in order to have it ready for you this summer. Where is it set? <i>No place but Texas.</i></p><p>And March has finally arrived. In Texas, March means the arrival of wildflowers, especially bluebonnets, our state flower. Bluebonnets are a type of lupine that grows, wait for it, <i>no place but Texas.</i></p><p>These gorgeous little wildflowers start blooming in the Rio Grande Valley and along the coast, and as the weather warms, they proceed north and west. Depending on the temperature, they can begin in early March or finish as late as the end of April. Our bluebonnets are every much an event such as Fiesta, Rodeo, or the State Fair. And they bloom in pastures and along roadways all across the state. Take a drive, and you can enjoy them for free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFH5ZenqoUXWOlwbopv09-z0JZtvNbAauWZGHzyEK6FC65QnJwUgCr0ZKjVoiqXaWzNlyl7ZLUj_K4jEVgzkJBzBW0iNITBCRTNI6HaNdypNbCx2IuySy6Kiwf4gVQDnlOEgM9ltcLWXr3upy9d731E7M3Jdy23tt2m8wClJ4AaF6yBSIvZBQarz0l8A=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFH5ZenqoUXWOlwbopv09-z0JZtvNbAauWZGHzyEK6FC65QnJwUgCr0ZKjVoiqXaWzNlyl7ZLUj_K4jEVgzkJBzBW0iNITBCRTNI6HaNdypNbCx2IuySy6Kiwf4gVQDnlOEgM9ltcLWXr3upy9d731E7M3Jdy23tt2m8wClJ4AaF6yBSIvZBQarz0l8A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>What is the state flower of your state?</p><p>Does it bloom all over your state?</p><p>Does it bloom for only a short time, like our bluebonnets, or does it blossom for most of the year?</p><p>And for Ukraine, a sunflower:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0em7IOvnS6Its0euBL2K8CYVNalFMQ7wPSq9joFxPOycvX3YOzKZ4dQsmNSsAiWfdkWmVk7-zJfVU4rkLk0oRw7BV-tWMHozCQg-vTaC-zQdh7vcCF1BCTGvk6p65MDBYbWRsEtkrP5-o3hmbzFy4mHRIBJ0AlFMF4BNKbrdmNH1rGF2YgG7DAoqX6g=s2448" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0em7IOvnS6Its0euBL2K8CYVNalFMQ7wPSq9joFxPOycvX3YOzKZ4dQsmNSsAiWfdkWmVk7-zJfVU4rkLk0oRw7BV-tWMHozCQg-vTaC-zQdh7vcCF1BCTGvk6p65MDBYbWRsEtkrP5-o3hmbzFy4mHRIBJ0AlFMF4BNKbrdmNH1rGF2YgG7DAoqX6g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-89692347440615029852022-02-02T06:00:00.105-06:002022-02-02T06:00:00.223-06:00Read any good books lately?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3a-dOMdHmj3d2NIH2nFKe53DS-kmWu5yEcd5aGIXmy6JFdZtCGKqfKwPHRt0Wd2dSGPpAOSEN5HjaC7tX048G4vKN3x4L622M0h4GemRrxbBYkfLoB5xJyn7tjuq6gVLdu444U0kuzIiHI5j-T4114FaMCp2v_dyIxuGvh4fkF70_u8x1nB3f5LHFwA=s364" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="273" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3a-dOMdHmj3d2NIH2nFKe53DS-kmWu5yEcd5aGIXmy6JFdZtCGKqfKwPHRt0Wd2dSGPpAOSEN5HjaC7tX048G4vKN3x4L622M0h4GemRrxbBYkfLoB5xJyn7tjuq6gVLdu444U0kuzIiHI5j-T4114FaMCp2v_dyIxuGvh4fkF70_u8x1nB3f5LHFwA=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div> Boogie says hi and he hopes all of you are having a good 2022 so far. He was found on a busy Houston street in March of last year and he found us through a local beagle rescue group in April. I can hardly wait to celebrate his first Gotcha Day!<p></p><p>It seems forever since I blogged, but I only missed two months. As much as I love all of you, I thoroughly enjoyed not having to write blog posts in December and January. Those of you who are long-term bloggers will totally understand where I'm coming from. But I missed chatting with all of you. So it was a trade-off.</p><p></p><p>Our holidays were wonderful and I hope yours were, too. Santa brought Boogie lots of toys! I came close to finishing my new novel--the first book in a new series--but I still have a couple of weeks to go. I'm not ready to talk about it yet, but stay tuned.</p><p>Speaking of books, what are you reading?</p><p>I was looking forward to a lot of reading during my blog break. Starting in about October, I started a string of books I could not finish. Does that ever happen to you? It does to me, but not often. Every two or three years, I start and close a lot of books in a row. I don't know if it's me or the books. Probably some of both.</p><p>I lost count of the books I started but didn't finish. It wasn't just one thing. Some contained too many errors--typos, grammar, formatting, things like that. Some were boring in various ways. Those were the major problems. I'm happy to say that none of these DNF books were by any authors that I know or have read before.</p><p>Does this ever happen to you? If so, is there a trick you use to work through it or do you just keep trying book after book? I'm so ready to read a good book!</p><p>It's February, so stay warm. Keep your significant other warm. And today is Groundhog Day! Did the groundhog see his shadow where you are? I'm hopeful for, but not expecting, an early and long spring.</p><p>Have a happy Valentine's Day. And if you're in the U.S., enjoy the long President's Day weekend.</p><p>See you next month.</p><p>Carol</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-68490917147510719482021-11-03T06:00:00.065-05:002021-11-03T06:00:00.218-05:00Thankfulness is a Warm Turkey<p> Well, more than warm, actually. Nobody wants to get sick from eating an underdone bird. There's also the joy of turkey sandwiches in the days that follow. My fave is cold turkey with lettuce and good mayo. Pure bliss. What's your favorite Thanksgiving leftover?</p><p>I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, no matter if you're here in the U.S. or halfway around the globe. No matter what else is going on in your life, it is a wonderful feeling to sit, share a meal with friends and family, and simply be thankful. My wish for you is that you may also experience the calming peace and tranquility that thankfulness brings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUTR6CWTuM42ONjiAyAVd7d-2mBxqDoFcH2oI4PRJlpBTpU08Ji7FZV3DrF2Vvt4lTHMyA3L98AlfrrqZyxpIhlxi1GotyK8ui_tZNua11dl18EwFuc1BneEAZ-1Wg2St5q9fiS0MX3sR/s640/texas+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUTR6CWTuM42ONjiAyAVd7d-2mBxqDoFcH2oI4PRJlpBTpU08Ji7FZV3DrF2Vvt4lTHMyA3L98AlfrrqZyxpIhlxi1GotyK8ui_tZNua11dl18EwFuc1BneEAZ-1Wg2St5q9fiS0MX3sR/s320/texas+wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Or the stories that will be told in the gatherings following a family blow-up, usually brought on by a little too much Thanksgiving wine. <i>Remember the year Uncle Pete....</i></p><p>If you find it hard to be thankful for something, be thankful you didn't burn the turkey. At least not much of it.</p><p>I'll be taking a break in December and January, so I won't be back here until February 2. I will still have books on sale in those months, so if you're reading this on my newsletter, you'll still hear from me there.</p><p>I'll also be scrambling to finish the first book in a brand new series. I think you'll like it. I hope so! It's a ton of fun to write.</p><p>In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and have a good time with any holiday I forgot, too.</p><p>Be kind to one another. I'll see you in February!</p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-13812696106340906842021-10-06T06:00:00.121-05:002021-10-06T06:00:00.253-05:00Size Ain't Everything<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv8A_eKM8cis3hOVgtaGI5OYNHDfKBpHvLuyr2AzNNPFiYDUhjzqExQD7UL3Lkmwcss1v5WmWHA_2ZWH4SuFKo7ooX4a6_Wee9ijZPgAVnbdQRCyYxrc3ajbjFGDKvJnAOuFhMZuMOzTn/s1280/pumpkins-13192401954dp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1280" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTv8A_eKM8cis3hOVgtaGI5OYNHDfKBpHvLuyr2AzNNPFiYDUhjzqExQD7UL3Lkmwcss1v5WmWHA_2ZWH4SuFKo7ooX4a6_Wee9ijZPgAVnbdQRCyYxrc3ajbjFGDKvJnAOuFhMZuMOzTn/s320/pumpkins-13192401954dp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Since all my books are set around the great state of Texas and many of you have never actually been here - not even passing through one of our airports - I decided to talk about one aspect of it this month. <p></p><p>Why now? It's October, and October is the month of the State Fair of Texas held in Dallas every year. The mascot of the fair is a really huge Texas cowboy named Big Tex. How big? From <a href="http://@bigtex.com">bigtex.com</a> here are Big Tex's measurements:</p><blockquote></blockquote><table class="tablepress tablepress-id-17" id="tablepress-17" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: none; color: #003a54; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin-bottom: 1em; width: 580.667px;"><thead style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr class="row-1 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px transparent; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 32px 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: bottom;"></th></tr></thead><thead style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr class="row-1 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px transparent; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 32px 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></th><th class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px transparent; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 32px 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: bottom;"><br /></th><th class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px transparent; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 32px 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: bottom;"></th></tr></thead><tbody class="row-hover" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr class="row-2 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Height</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-bottom: none; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">55 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-3 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Chest</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 ft. 9 in.</td></tr><tr class="row-4 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Biceps</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 ft. 9 in.</td></tr><tr class="row-5 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(243, 243, 243); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Boots</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(243, 243, 243); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(243, 243, 243); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-6 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Hands</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 ft. 6 in.</td></tr><tr class="row-7 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Head</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 ft. in height</td></tr><tr class="row-8 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Inseam</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-9 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Shoulders</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-10 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Sleeves</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-11 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Neck</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-12 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Waist</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 ft.</td></tr><tr class="row-13 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Collar</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 ft. 8 in.</td></tr><tr class="row-14 even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Hat</td><td class="column-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="column-3" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">95 gallon</td></tr><tr class="row-15 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-1" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">Boot size</td><td class="column-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;">96</td></tr></tbody><tbody class="row-hover" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr class="row-15 odd" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td class="column-3" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(249, 249, 249); border: none; box-sizing: border-box; float: none; line-height: 1.25; padding: 8px 8px 8px 0px; vertical-align: top;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Big as Texas... almost.</p><p>Here's an example of just how big Texas really is. These states and regions can all fit inside Texas at the same time: </p><p>All of New England - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont</p><p>Mid-Atlantic States - New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia</p><p>Midwest States - Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia</p><p>South Carolina and Hawaii</p><p>If I counted right, that's 15 states - close to 1/3 of our total states - that fit inside Texas at one time, with room to spare. In addition, three of the ten largest U.S. cities are in Texas: Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. </p><p>Yeah, we're big. Yeah, we're proud. Does bigger always mean better? Nope. But it's what we have, so that's what we work with. Visit us sometime. You'll find out how friendly most of us are. </p><p>I can't speak for that old grouchy-pants over there in the corner 😉</p><p>Happy Halloween, y'all!</p><p>Carol</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-9572832164674736972021-09-01T06:00:00.024-05:002021-09-01T06:00:00.315-05:00The Author Knows Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PRXWox6FyBQ7ZxjSOm00XQwwyCXelm6hrh9pWPrM5xsAt0Z7X-WGcSMA257sATNwN4Vhz3LQx742IcV70LTsLUGT8eKvdd0tkEL7AvZb286-bAn6yUhIXT7yrA7UjAwy-Gad_eYkuLA/s640/2+yellow+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5PRXWox6FyBQ7ZxjSOm00XQwwyCXelm6hrh9pWPrM5xsAt0Z7X-WGcSMA257sATNwN4Vhz3LQx742IcV70LTsLUGT8eKvdd0tkEL7AvZb286-bAn6yUhIXT7yrA7UjAwy-Gad_eYkuLA/s320/2+yellow+hibiscus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>After a very busy first half of the year, it was time for a little self care. Some yoga, a fresh haircut, some R&R, things like that. But before I dived back into a daily routine, I thought it could be fun to take stock of myself in other ways, too.</p><p>They say knowing yourself is a good thing. Right? So I decided to take inventory to find out what my special skills really are. Some of them really surprised me, and others have inspired me to do better.</p><p>With this new insight, I decided to share my special talents with you.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Waking up with a big mug of coffee.</li><li>Playing with dogs.</li><li>Eating.</li><li>Listening to music.</li><li>Remembering faces.</li><li>Forgetting names.</li><li>Changing my mind.</li><li>Online shopping.</li><li>Relaxing on the patio.</li><li>Drinking wine.</li></ul><p></p><p>You didn't really think this was going to be a serious post, did you 😁 </p><p>Have a great September and stay safe out there.</p><p>Hugs,</p><p>Carol</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-19714288618785341812021-08-04T06:00:00.017-05:002021-08-04T06:00:00.294-05:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v0oVDkJPt01T-kqE2SZxRJ_E0LFvWobvr2G87nNthCWV_QKBbsIFTULd-Ycr3N5Z98AiuOnAic_fdBgKimYqGFHkmcQeTYRfhBpn4l9InkbRJDEeIMZufQqf0n72mQDLqVXmmodDEtzr/s1280/USCG+emblem.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v0oVDkJPt01T-kqE2SZxRJ_E0LFvWobvr2G87nNthCWV_QKBbsIFTULd-Ycr3N5Z98AiuOnAic_fdBgKimYqGFHkmcQeTYRfhBpn4l9InkbRJDEeIMZufQqf0n72mQDLqVXmmodDEtzr/s320/USCG+emblem.jpg" /></a></div><br /> This blog date is August 4, 2021. Today is also the anniversary of the founding of the United States Coast Guard, which was signed into law on August 4, 1790. Happy 231st birthday USCG--Semper Paratus!<p></p><p>My novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0F8DZ2"><i><b>Solomon's Compass</b></i></a> is a Coast Guard story.</p><p>And the best thing about the Coast Guard? My husband. Proud wife of a U.S. Coastie. Retired.</p><p>August 4 is also National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Notice how the Coast Guard emblem is round... like a chocolate chip cookie. Coasties are smart like that.</p><p>In real life, last month, I had a hard time staying focused. The launch of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Trouble-Pinatas-Carol-Kilgore-ebook/dp/B0977QVLGW"><i><b>Gracie and the Trouble with Pinatas</b></i></a> finished up. I was behind in everything, or so it seemed. I'm still behind, but I have marked two large projects off my to-do list. Only two more to go. I'm happy to say I have also actually accomplished some writing on my new book during all this catching up.</p><p>Once I'm caught up, I hope to be able to stay that way for at least a little while. And if I get behind again, I hope it isn't as far behind as I was a couple of months ago.</p><p>My wish is a happy and productive August for all of us.</p><p>What have you been doing this summer? Or winter, if you're in the southern hemisphere?</p><p>Stay safe out there!</p><p>Carol</p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283987261815273280.post-22087110501720220332021-07-07T06:00:00.004-05:002021-07-07T06:00:00.233-05:00Pinata Party<p> A huge thank you for making the launch of <i>Gracie and the Trouble with Pinatas</i> a great success. Today's pinata party consists of virtual tacos, tamales, chips and salsa, and margaritas. Your choice of flan or tres leches cake for dessert. </p><p>The special launch price of 99 cents is no more. <i>Gracie and the Trouble with Pinatas</i> is now priced at $3.99 for the Kindle edition, but it is also now available to read for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xEfLcyZF00Y5RNr5rw8HADjZrYr8Jw66rF4HTOauGVS4kB1L8SA9VZVJueenkjtpxmYE-L8l7mireDQc9a5g9LoPLkfLhyphenhyphendFkvYfreUt2emFYLEZXomv1PwIvrIU6Q-ERl3q7M5A26Sx/s2048/Square+gracie+red.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xEfLcyZF00Y5RNr5rw8HADjZrYr8Jw66rF4HTOauGVS4kB1L8SA9VZVJueenkjtpxmYE-L8l7mireDQc9a5g9LoPLkfLhyphenhyphendFkvYfreUt2emFYLEZXomv1PwIvrIU6Q-ERl3q7M5A26Sx/s320/Square+gracie+red.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>What am I doing now that all the hoopla is over?</p><p>I've been catching up on all the things that didn't get done over the last couple of months--mostly a lot of tedious paperwork and filing. Some new research. And a little writing on a brand new series that I'm totally excited about. I've made a good start on the first book, but I'm not a fast writer like many of my writer friends are. It will be a while before it's ready to see the light of day. That's all I'm sharing about it right now--it exists and I'm working on it.</p><p>Also, I'm thinking about the next Gracie book. I know who it's going to be about. You know this character, too, because he or she has appeared in each of the first four books. You can guess, but I'm not saying yet :) </p><p>Hugs,</p><p>Carol</p><p><br /></p>Carol Kilgorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.com19