My Little Corner of Texas

I had a lot of Real Life going on in March separate and apart from the COVID-19 disaster. As a result, my brain couldn't come up with a real honest-to-God blog topic.

Since all my books are set in Texas, I decided to share some of the Texas items that are in our home. I don't know about other states, if you incorporate state-like items in your decor, but many Texans do. We have other things, too, but our home has a decidedly Texas flavor.

Here's a shot of our mantel. As you can see, a mix of stuff. But the Lone Star flag is the most prominent.

No Texas home - or blog post :) - would be complete without bluebonnets and these are ours, in a watercolor given to me by my sister. This hangs in our living room, between two windows and across from the mantel.

Next up is cotton, which grows throughout most of the state. These are not real cotton stalks, but they're a good lookalike from the craft store. Real cotton is not as uniform, dirtier looking, and has debris embedded in it. This sits in a wall niche near the everyday table between our kitchen and living room.

Last, the Fiesta San Antonio poster from 2009. Each year artists submit their work and a committee chooses one they believe best fits that year's theme. I no longer remember what the theme was eleven years ago, but I still love this poster. And the story behind the poster. Since it isn't my story, I don't feel comfortable sharing it here, but it is a perfect example of serendipity. This is the artist's version of Mission Espada, now part of a World Heritage Site. This hangs near the cotton.

Now that you've taken a little mini-tour of my home and my state, here's another Texas related item.

Don't Mess with Gracie, Book 3 of The Amazing Gracie Trilogy, will be on sale for 99 cents from April 20-26.

   The mysterious Mr. Ott is trying to intimidate Gracie Hofner into being his internal spy at The Bastion Group. She’s learned a lot about him through several sources, even using information provided by the pair of ghosts trying to save their granddaughter. But it isn’t enough. Mr. Ott is an expert in hiding his true identity.
   Gracie isn’t as worried for herself as she is for her family, her friends, and her new tenant, Milo Porter. Her feelings for him have grown, but she can’t show them. Mr. Ott’s threats involve those she loves, and one friend has already been killed. Besides, she’s certain there is someone else in Milo’s life.
   It takes Gracie and her growing support team to unmask Mr. Ott, but it’s what Gracie learns along the way that shows readers the wisdom of the advice Don’t Mess with Gracie.
   This is the conclusion to The Amazing Gracie Trilogy—a story so big it takes three books to tell it. Gracie’s adventures begin with Jalapeno Cupcake Wench, continue with Bluebonnet Ballerina - all set in San Antonio - and conclude here.

I hope your April is filled with renewal and the promise of a better future. I also hope you and your families stay safe and free from the COVID-19 virus.

I plan to be back here on Wednesday, May 7.

Virtual hugs to all!

Carol