Monday, April 27, 2009

Look what I ordered!


Look what I ordered for myself on etsy .com. I can't wait for this to arrive!
It's a microwavable heating pad that fits neck shoulders and upper back. Pure luxury and a little bit of heaven.

If you order something, they ask who referred you. Don't know why they ask, but I'm CherylStJ.

For Abi: Gil Favor


New Fillies in Wildflower Junction!

There's a great big FILLY SHAKE UP at Petticoats and Pistols today! Drop over and see who's coming and going!

Meanwhile, I'm creating a new story for the LIH Mother's Day anthology for next year. Have any good ideas for character names for me?

How about a picture of a hero? I need inspiration. Let me post a few of my favorite faces for you, and you tell me what you think.

ONE



TWO



THREE



FOUR


See anyone you like?

Chautauqua 2009 in Plattsmouth, NE

“Bright Dreams, Hard Times”
America in the Thirties

June 24-28 • Plattsmouth, NE

• Will Rogers
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt
• Zora Neal Hurston
• Huey Long
• Aimee Semple McPherson
• Adult/Children Workshops
• Food/Music
• Historic Homes Tour
• Church Service
• Antique Machinery
• Quilt Show

Tent shows nightly at Rhylander Park

www.plattsmouthchamber.comwww.knchautauqua.org • 402-298-8209

Something for Everyone!

History of the Chautauqua

Chautauqua began as a summer school for Sunday School teachers in Chautauqua, New York, in 1874. By the turn of the 20th century, Chautauqua had developed into a nationwide traveling educational and entertainment program. Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauqua “the most American thing in America.”

Traveling Chautauquas in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought the world to rural communities across the nation, including those in Kansas and Nebraska. Chautauqua combined programs of political oratory and lectures about health, science, and the humanities with entertainment, such as opera singers and stage performances of Shakespeare. Well-known speakers and politicians such as William McKinley, Rutherford B. Hayes, William Howard Taft, and William Jennings Bryan toured the Chautauqua circuit. Audiences heard about national issues and discussed their views with their neighbors. For many rural Kansas and Nebraska towns, Chautauqua week was the most important week of the year.

Modern Chautauqua

The Kansas Humanities Council and Nebraska Humanities Council rekindled their states’ Chautauqua traditions in 1984 with modern Chautauquas that use public forum and discussion to focus on a particular historical era. Rather than use contemporary speakers, the modern-day Chautauqua features history professionals portraying famous figures from the past. In the spirit of the original traveling Chautauquas, the Kansas and Nebraska Humanities councils have brought their programs to rural and remote communities that may not have direct access to humanities or cultural centers.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Chautauqua '09



Chautauqua began as a summer school for Sunday School teachers in Chautauqua, New York, in 1874. By the turn of the 20th century, Chautauqua had developed into a nationwide traveling educational and entertainment program. Theodore Roosevelt called Chautauqua "the most American thing in America."

Traveling Chautauquas in the late 1800s and early 1900s brought the world to rural communities across the nation, including those in Kansas and Nebraska. Chautauqua combined programs of political oratory and lectures about health science, and the humanities with entertainment such as opera singers and stage performances of Shakespeare.

Well-known speaker and politicians such as William McKinley, Rutherford B. Hays, William Howard Taft, and William Jennings Bryan toured the Chautauqua circuit. Audiences heard about national issues and discussed their views with their neighbors. For many rural Kansas and Nebraska towns, Chautauqua week was the most important week of the year.

The Kansas Humanities Council and Nebraska Humanities Council rekindled their states' Chautauqua traditions in 1984 with modern Chautauquas that use public forum and discussion to focus on a particular historical era. Rather than use contemporary speakers, the modern-day Chautauqua features history professionals portraying famous figures from the past.

In the spirit of the original traveling Chautauquas, the Kansas and Nebraska Humanities councils have brought their programs to rural and remote communities that may not have direct access to humanities or cultural centers.

The Plattsmouth Chautauqua, to be held on June 24-28 at Rhylander park, will explore "America in the Thirties" with President Franklin D. Roosevelt; Louisiana Gov. Huey Long; evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson; folklorist Zora Neale Hurston; and humorist Will Rogers.

Photo Friday


You know how partial I am to these beautiful creatures.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Update - and a New Pic

Well, the book is finished and has been mailed off. My hubby is on the mend. The dog is on the mend, too - another whole story I haven't yet shared with you.

And I had a few minutes to spend in the yard early this evening, so here's my favorite shot of the bunch.



Tomorrow is my birthday dinner with my girlfriends. This birthday got stretched out because of life dramas, but that's okay. We're going to my favorite Chinese place before critique.

I was good who the two who were voted off American Idol this week.

And tonight Bones was a little too gross. I watched parts between my fingers.

Stop Over

I'm giving away a copy of my June book over at Petticoats and Pistols today!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Photo Friday


I stopped along a country road to take this one morning. The trees were a vivid canopy across the road.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

MAY ONLINE CLASS: Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle

MAY ONLINE CLASS:
Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle

DATE: May 1-31
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW


CLASS DESCRIPTION:
It happens to everyone at some time or another--that muddle when you reach the middle of a book. Ever lost energy and drive? Ever thought you didn't have enough story? Ever panicked because you had too much story?

Every writer needs to know that just because a certain scene or chapter or book is difficult to write, your talent has not deserted you. There are techniques that will carry you across that difficult stretch more effecctively.

In Cheryl St.John's workshop, WORKING THE MUDDLE OUT OF YOUR MIDDLE, she will offer suggestions on how to focus during this challenging stage of the story. After over thirty published books, she knows each book will be a different challenge and that not one solution will always help. She'll show you how to come against destructive self-doubt. Returning to the first love of what excited you about the story is a big part of moving forward, and she will share exercises on how to jump start your creativity. Writers who've taken this workshop come away with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Topics addressed:
* frustration and lack of confidence
* defining the middle
* intuition and first love
* plot points
* tension
* focus


INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Among her achievements, which include over thirty published books in both contemporary and historical genres, Cheryl St.John has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.

FORMAT:
The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, after which you're encouraged to post questions. Most lessons will include a brief exercise pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Perils of Processed Foods


Processed foods are to blame for the sharp rise in obesity levels and chronic disease around the globe, according to the World Health Organization, yet processed, packaged foods have almost completely taken over the diet of North Americans. In fact, nearly 90 percent of our household food budget is spent on processed foods, according to industry estimates.

The majority of processed foods are filled with additives and stripped of nutrients. Look at the broccoli with cheese sauce from the freezer, the can of instant soup from the pantry, or the hot dogs from your refrigerator and try to read ingredient list's fine print. You'll likely find food additives in every one.

Is this healthy? Compared to the foods our bodies were built to eat, definitely not.
Unfortunately, most processed foods are laden with sweeteners, salts, artificial flavors, factory-created fats, colorings, chemicals that alter texture, and preservatives. But the trouble is not just what's been added, but what's been taken away. Processed foods are often stripped of nutrients designed by nature to protect your heart, such as soluble fiber, antioxidants, and "good" fats. Combine that with additives and you have a recipe for disaster.


PROCESSED FOODS OFTEN CONTAIN HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Compared to traditional sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup costs less to make, is sweeter to the taste, and easily combines with other ingredients. We currently consume nearly 63 pounds of it per person per year in drinks and sweets, as well as in many frozen foods. It’s found in all types of breads (whole-wheat and white), hamburger buns, and English muffins. It is in bacon, spaghetti sauce, soft drinks, and even ketchup.

Research is beginning to suggest that this liquid sweetener may upset the human metabolism, raising the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that high-fructose corn syrup’s chemical structure encourages overeating. It also seems to force the liver to pump more heart-threatening triglycerides into the bloodstream. In addition, fructose may zap your body’s reserves of chromium, a mineral important for healthy levels of cholesterol, insulin, and blood sugar.

Look for the words “corn sweetener”, “corn syrup” or “corn syrup solids” as well as “high-fructose corn syrup” on the labels to see if it’s in your food.

For a long time, I've been reading labels and cooking fresh vegetables and other foods for nearly all of our meals. It's more work and more expensive to eat healthy, but in the long run it is worth it. We never eat fast food, but we occasionally have a burger at a restaurant that prepares them in a more healthy manner. You have to have treats once in a while.

CLICK HERE FOR A HEALTHY SUPPER RECIPE I JUST POSTED

Recovery and Birthday

A pretty gift from my friend, Dee.


I just got my husband home from the hospital, and he's doing well, but I've had my hands full, running back and forth, teaching my online class, plus everything else. My Easter dinner was a tray that the dietician at the hospital brought me so we could have dinner together - which was very nice, and it didn't really matter what we were eating, because he's well and recovering. GOD IS GOOD.

Friends are bringing us meals all week. Last night's was wonderful: Spanish chicken, veggies and dip, 9 grain bread, fresh strawberries - and that gorgoeous cake you can see below. Are we blessed, or what?

I have to scan the card Dee gave me. She knows me TOO well! LOL

Inside it says:
Anything worth doing...
is worth over-doing!

And she wrote, "For some reason this card made me think of you!"
Loved it.

Last week we missed American Idol, so we watched last night and enjoyed.
My thoughts are changing. I actually loved Anoop and Danny, but I wasn't crazy about Adam or Lil.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Swedish church unveils Lego Jesus statue for Easter

How cool is this??



STOCKHOLM (AFP) — While most Christians mark Easter with prayers and song, one Swedish church opened its mass Sunday by unveiling a life-size Lego statue of Jesus Christ, its pastor told AFP.

Churchgoers had donated nearly 30,000 Lego bricks to build the 1.78 metre (5.8 foot) high statue, said Per Wilder, the pastor of the Oensta Gryta Church in Vaesteras, about 110 kilometres (70 miles) west of Stockholm.

"This work began a year and a half ago so we saw that the initiation date was fitting in well (with this year's Easter holiday)," Wilder said.

"It is a fantastic installation and it will be there as long as we think it is in a good spot," he said.

"All those I spoke with were full of praise, saying how fantastic the model looks and how much good work we put into this," Wilder said.

The model was based on Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsens's 19th century work Christus, which depicts the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Wilder said the statue would remain permanently at the church and there were no plans to sell it to raise funds.

Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved.

Friday, April 10, 2009

THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, Sherryl Woods

Nothing appeals to me as a writer more than the opportunity to create an exciting new world that will live on through an entire series of books. I've done it before with my best-selling Trinity Habor trilogy and Sweet Magnolias series, among many others.

Now I'd like to introduce you to a new and thoroughly dysfunctional family — the O'Briens — in a series set along the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Shores, which launches on March 31 from MIRA Books with THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, draws you into another world of family, friendships and heartfelt emotions. This series, which continues in late April with FLOWERS ON MAIN and in late May with HARBOR LIGHTS, features the ongoing theme of reconciliation in a setting that's near and dear to my heart.

If you'd like to know more, I'd be happy to send you a newsletter and a bookmark (while supplies last). Just email me at Sherryl703@gmail.com with your postal address.

All best wishes,

Sherryl Woods


It's been years since Abby O'Brien Winters set foot in Chesapeake Shores. The Maryland town her father built has too many sad memories, and Abby has too few spare moments, thanks to her demanding career, crumbling marriage and energetic twin daughters.

Then one panicked phone call from her youngest sister brings her racing back home to protect Jess's dream of renovating the charming Inn at Eagle Point.
But saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her own fractured family, but also with Trace Riley, the man Abby left ten years ago. Trace can be a roadblock to her plans...or proof that second chances happen in the most unexpected ways.
ORDER FROM AMAZON

Photo Friday


My summer garden - makes me even more eager for spring, how about you?
This is a black swallowtail butterfly on a zinnia.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Easter Postcards

I love vintage postcards! I have a few framed in my powder room.
I showed you Valentines Day cards, so I thought it would be fun to look at Easter cards, too.


Tuesday, April 07, 2009

It's Raining Men!



HER MONTANA MAN is #6 on the Top Ten of eharlequin.com's opening page; IT'S RAINING MEN!

Inspiration



Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time. The approach must involve getting something down on the page: something good, mediocre or even bad. It is essential to the writing process that we unlearn all those seductive high school maxims about waiting for inspiration. The wait is simply too long.
--Leonard S. Bernstein

Monday, April 06, 2009

picture me....




...almost ready to mail the book!

thanks for sticking with me while I'm looking so good at my desk here

Guessing game - This time SOCKS!

Another guessing game at the eharlequin cafe. There are already plenty of hints!
DROP IN AND GUESS WHICH SOCK BELONG TO WHICH AUTHOR

Sunday, April 05, 2009

just for fun



I call it "We Three Dorks"

Guess who?

Here I Am All Dressed Up For Easter!

In my Easter bonnet; with all the frills upon it...of course my family was into deco art and used black and white film for special effects. Honest, for no other reason.

Look at that face - my chin strap must have been too tight.

:::snort:::

Want to take me to the Easter parade?

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Moonlighting

Moonlighting ran from 1985-89

Dramedy, romance, fantasy, lightning-quick dialogue and even the occasional song-and-dance, Moonlighting had it all, including a will-they-or-won't-they relationship between private eyes Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and David (Bruce Willis). Off camera, the two leads butted heads, but their on-screen chemistry was scorching, as epitomized in the series' classic spoof of Taming of the Shrew.

Were you a fan? At the time it was a highly controversial show--said to be pretty naughty. But I couldn't wait to tune in and see the two of them battle the bad guys and each other.

Sybil Shepherd was/is gorgepus, and I never lost my thing for Bruce Willis, the only bald guy who still appeals to me. I loved his last Die Hard movie, where he's a hold out from the age of technology, but still manages to crash cars and helicopters.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE

Friday, April 03, 2009

Reading to Eric's Class



I took a road trip this morning. I visited Eric's school and read to the 4th graders. His teacher picked a terrific book about two sisters living in Africa. One was jealous of the other, and wanted to be queen one day. It was a parable actually, about being kind to everyone, not only the people you think will help you get ahead.

The kids were great listeners. The birthday donuts didn't hurt. And they asked great questions. I am always impressed by the intelligent questions students have. One boy, who'd never heard the word plagiarism, asked if you could take someone else's story and make it your own.



Another asked if Eric had any more famous people in his family. LOL That cracked us up.

One of my favorite things to do is take a Japanese translation and asked one of the students to read a page aloud. They always get the funniest look on their face when I open the book.



One girl asked if it was hard to write that book in Japanese. That's not the first time I've had that question. Kids automatically assume that if your book is in a foreign language, you must have written it that way. I explained about translators.

Then LeighAnn and I went to a couple of stores in their quaint little community, I took a few pictures of historic buildings and homes and she took me to lunch.

It was a great day!

Photo Friday week 6


Another road trip picture - taken from the car.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Say Goodbye to ER


This face has inspired many a hero. :::sigh:::

After FOURTEEN seasons, tonight is the final episode, the grand finale of all season finales for ER. I've been an ER addict since the get-go, and even though the writers have tripped up and disappinted me in the past few years, I am sad to see this go. It's like saying goodbye to your steady old friends.

It's been bittersweet watching this season, as past characters returned for an appearance and an update. So many of the great ones are already gone. But they will live on in re-runs. And on and on and on.

Check your local listings. I think it starts at 7pm here.

Cowboys and Outlaws Week

It's an exciting week at Petticoats and Pistols, with blogs and photos from Kathleen Eagle, Maureen Child and Linda Lael Miller! Check it out CLICK HERE
click here: Article about Dean Jacobs and the paper and pen project in the Fremont NE newspaper

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

look what the UPS man brought me!




Picture me writing the end of my book - and starting my April online class!
whoo hoo!

Photo Friday week 10


This is a yellow swallowtail enjoying the nectar of my butterly bushes under my front windows. I can watch them flutter and flit from my living room.

Can you believe I've posted photos for ten weeks? Every Friday like clockwork - well, like blogwork. Are you still enjoying them?