Just when it seems like a bit of good news would be exceedingly welcomed, comes this true story (I’ve checked it with Snopes) about a woman hand feeding hummingbirds.

Isn’t it great that with the Internet we have a way to easily share these experiences that we might never hear about otherwise?!

Thanks to Cathy for sharing with me in the first place!

It’s a reminder to me that “God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the world.”

from “Pippa Passes”

The year’s at the spring
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hill-side’s dew-pearled
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in his Heaven -
All’s right with the world!

Robert Browning (1812-1889)

Is it possible that in these difficult times we could trust more deeply that God will feed and clothe us, as he does the birds and the lilies? Whether we are literally in need of food, shelter, clothing, water, health, employment or any of a myriad of other needs, the most basic need is for the ideas that will lead us in the right direction and out of limitation.

Ideas are always limitless! (This goes along with the short movie I posted earlier.)

Not too long ago while pondering how I should schedule my day, though my first inclination the night before had been to get on down the road and back home, I felt it was all right to meander a bit. In doing so, I had a number of interesting conversations with strangers, some welcome time with a friend, and a bit of fashion enjoyment, including some time with perfumes.

After I’d been back on the highway for a while, an electronic sign informed me of an accident 26 miles down the road. One lane was closed. (I learned later that it had only cleared about an hour before I got there.) If I had hurried my way home, I would have been stuck for hours while they cleared the road. I was able to get past it without any lost time.

Sometimes we do not know what we or others are protected from, but this time it was apparent. And it could have been far worse, but thankfully wasn’t. On this busy stretch of road, many more could have been involved in this accident but were not.

That’s just a small example of how ideas will clear our day for us. Expect ideas today and always that will help you!

Karin

• Adoption Corruption 6) Hold non-profit adoption agencies accountable

• Free dictionary

• Can someone explain why…

• Thursday, Holy Week, part 5

• Living by song titles or lyrics

• Internet Businesses Websites Businesses for Sale Opportunities

• Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement

• Hand Tools Parts Tools Clocks Collectibles

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• Hammers Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement

Imagine the possibilities!

Here’s a 3 minute short movie on flying outside the box.

When we think we’ve run out of opportunities, we need to shake that box and see what else we can shake out!

Karin

• Thinking about life

• Talkin’ about circuitous thinking

• Creative thinking part 2

• Adoption Corruption 7) Encourage agencies to hold foreign partners responsible

• On the subject of what the hell are they thinking

• Real Estate Opportunities

• Businesses for Sale Opportunities

• Life Savers Candy Nuts Advertising Collectibles

• Tydol, Veedol, Flying A Gas Oil Companies Gas Oil Advertising Collectibles

• A Bugs Life Pixar Collectibles Contemporary 1968-Now Disneyana Collectibles

This is such a heart warming story about a man who has a 37 day encounter with a butterfly.

After all the negative news, it is good to read something so precious.

Share it with your children!

Karin

• Butterfly card

• Recognizing a blessing when you see one

• 50 hugs or kisses or love pats or…

• Lancome perfumes in the airport

• Reader of the day

• Butterfly, Moth Insect, Butterfly Animals Collectibles

• Insect, Butterfly Animals Collectibles

• Bee Insect, Butterfly Animals Collectibles

• Beetle Insect, Butterfly Animals Collectibles

• Dragonfly Insect, Butterfly Animals Collectibles

The Frog Prince is a modern day fairy tale. Because I liked Flirting with Forty so well, I had high expectations for this one.

In a mere 371 pages Holly goes from being a devastated, whiny, soon-to-be divorcee to a sense of personal empowerment. Shortly after Holly marries, she finds her husband evidently never loved her, but felt railroaded into marriage. And he chooses the venue of desire (or lack of) to make his point in a harsh way. Holly is unable to accept what a complete jerk he is. She calls him when she is low and demeans herself more than once, until he basically tells her not to get in touch with him again.

And she thought he was in love with her? I wondered if she was only a field for his homosexuality. She never considers that seriously. I would under the circumstances. Even though he ends up in another heterosexual relationship, I’m not convinced, and I think he would do something similar again with another woman. Not a good bet, for sure. OTOH, Holly was particularly needy. This would be an issue, except the new woman is even ‘needier’ and he is even more railroaded into marriage, though he is the one making the choice, evidently. Give me a break. He’s adult enough to say what he means without a sham marriage.

Meantime, Holly is challenged at work by her boss who ends up sabotaging her. But along the way Holly proves her meddle, makes modest friends, and determines that friendship might be better than having a lover.

In the end, she finds herself and gives a new definition to good girl. She’s good, but she’s no pushover. When she comes out on top, you think, ‘It’s about time!”

I’m not entirely sure that someone who is so far from being empowered could be empowered in a short period of time. Maybe. But in RL, it’s probably harder to move out beyond old habits.

It’s hard for me to relate to her, because I can’t imagine myself this whiny, though I have been devastated more than once in my life in other sorrows. Well, perhaps one person’s whine or rant is another’s deep sorrow. Maybe I was whiny too, but I doubt it. I was grieving, but so is she.

I give it a 2.5. It’s only fair to say there are a lot of positive comments about this book, but it seemed less adult to me than Flirting with Forty, not that I don’t like a good romp with the best of them. This tries to be serious, to have serious subjects, but the connecting points aren’t as well connected.

Karin

• The year of the frog(s)

• Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter

• Jane Porter speaking about life

• What grows in the garden of your heart?

• Meet the Robinsons, my review, no spoiler

• Frog Animals Collectibles

• Apparel Frog Animals Collectibles

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I enjoyed this book by Fern Michaels. It is only the second one I’ve read by her.

Central to the story are three sisters ranging in age upwards from 69. They were so funny to me, especially when they instigate a ‘kidnapping’ of sorts, which is really a rescue. I suppose what I like about them is that I want to be like them when I get to that point in life — feisty, involved, loving, fun to be around, engaged in what is going on around them, taking care of their families. I wasn’t enamored of the amount of drinking they did. And there is a brief mention of a child born and left to be raised in Japan.

Alongside their stories (and two brief forays into romance for two of them) is the story of their grown niece, interwoven with the stories of the historical nature of where they live, as well as those who live in their neighborhood.

Also central to the story is the subject of organ donation (which was done against the will of well-beloved character.) It ultimates in finding those who received the donations (by computer hacking) — and ultimately redemption.

It is a story of love, affirmation and good will, with a tidy ending, perhaps tidier than real life would be, but evidencing forgiveness.

I think I enjoyed it as much for the older women and their relationship to each other as anything. In some ways they reminded me of a beloved grandmother. While there are difficult subjects tackled, they are tackled in a light way. Sort of like the substance of whipped cream. Not real satisfying, but an attempt to be deeper than the average romance novel.

I give it a 2.5.
Karin

• Space for recuperation

• Obsession (fragrance)

• National Treasure 2

• Feeling good about yourself

• Habit(s)

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• Toy Story Pixar Collectibles Contemporary 1968-Now Disneyana Collectibles

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I’m happy to share this online interview with Jane Porter. She was gracious to spend some time with us. I think you’ll agree that she is a voice we’d like to hear more of.

Jane, I so much enjoyed your book Flirting with 40, and I’m really looking forward to it being a movie! Thanks so much for joining us today.

I understand you have options on another book(s)? I have a friend who has had options also. It’s quite exciting to see it come to fruition on screen. Did you write the script or have any say in the script?

Hi Karin, thanks for inviting me! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. I didn’t write the script. Sony contracted a scriptwriter for the job and she did it beautifully. I was lucky enough to get a peek at it while it was in progress and it was really cool to be included, even briefly, in the process.

The whole book-to-movie experience is great. I spent a week on the set in Hawaii and had a lot of fun. I got to be an extra in beach scenes on two different days, and then wear a headset and sit behind the director and listen in as they filmed. I have to say that it’s been a bit surreal having a movie made of my book, especially starring Heather Locklear.

Were you able to give any input into the casting?

I was asked for suggestions so I got my readers who hang out on my board to help me. We had lots of fun coming up with possibilities but in the end, it was really up to the studio. I n the end it was great that Heather could take the role as she’s a Lifetime viewer favorite.

How did you find yourself writing in the genre that you write in? How did you become an author?

I wrote my first story in pre-school. I was four or five and I’ve written stories ever since. My father was a professor and he wrote-and my mother loved literature and was already reading to us-so writing seemed natural to me. I thought all kids sat down and made up stories, and growing up my favorite books featured girls who wrote as well like Jo from Little Women or Laura from the Little House on the Prairie.

I chose to write stories that appeal to women - that are about women and real life because it’s a topic that fascinates me the most. I love women. I think we women have to be compassionate towards each other, but also ourselves and being a teacher, I just found it easy to write stories that encourage and support each other.

What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?

I love historical and paranormal romances! I was on a Mary Balogh binge for a few months, and because I go on binges I’ll read as much as I can by a particular author and then rotate authors to get a new style. Some of my favorite authors this past year include JR Ward, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, and Anna Campbell. Outside romance I read everything I can by Marian Keyes, although Watermelon is probably still my favorite. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year is Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it.

I notice that you have a book title contest. That’s fun! Have you done this before? I often wondered whether it was the author that titles a book or the printing house.

They are fun! I’ve done them before and it’s always interesting to see what titles everyone comes up with for the same story. Unfortunately as an author, I don’t really have much say in the title but the publisher asks for input and that’s my purpose for hosting the title contest. I want ideas and suggestions and I send them all to my editor once they come in and after that, it’s out of my hands. Marketing has the final say on titles because they know exactly what has better chances o selling the book.

How do you decide character names?

Sometimes the names just pop into my head as I think of the story and I know it’s the right one. Other times, it takes some time and inventive research to find the right name to fit the right character.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?

As with anything, don’t give up. Don’t accept defeat. Keep learning, keep applying what you learn about the craft, about the world, about you to the story. Writing is a muscle and requires muscle. Learning to write well takes time. It’s like hitting the gym to build a bicep. You only get a better, stronger muscle by working it. Well, the same is true for writing. Of course good writers make it look easier than it is so don’t be discouraged if you have to write and rewrite.

What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off? What kind of research do you do, if any? Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?

I love writing romance and find it very rewarding as love really does make the world go round. I don’t know if one genre is harder than another to pull off. I’m fascinated by them all and enjoy researching for my Harlequin Presents. I tend to read lots of historical accounts, biographies, travel logues, travel books, cook books, and magazine articles when outlining and planning a new book. I want to know as much as I can about a country and culture and the conflicts between men and women in that culture. Obviously a sheikh from Dubai will have a different way on interacting with women than an American or an Italian. The climate is different in every country, as are the foods and customs and I don’t just want to write a ‘romance’, I want to write a rich layered fantasy that seduces the reader and the senses.

I prefer personally to read a more emotional, intense romance. I love deep conflict and angst and sensual love scenes but those love scenes must come out of the character’s emotion and conflict, not just stuck on top. Great writers are writing these books and I’m just lucky I’m able to read them!

Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?

I don’t believe in writer’s block. I see difficulties in writing related more to craft or knowledge, or sometimes physical fatigue. Sometimes I make a mistake writing a story which leads me to a dead-end. I won’t know I’ve taken a wrong turn until I can’t seem to move the story forward, or if I’ve begun to make a series of wrong decisions. Then I just end up in a muddle and I won’t write for awhile until I figure out where I went wrong.

The most difficult part of writing for me is the time alone, and also the wear and tear on the body from sitting in one place so long and typing like mad for hours. I have to be sure to get lots of exercise when I’m writing hard as the days tend to be long and it’s easy to get carpal tunnel like symptons in my wrist and elbow.

Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent?

It was hard. Lots of hard work – but totally worth it. It took me fifteen years to sell my first book. I had over twelve rejected manuscripts before I finally sold my first book in January 2000. I actually write for two publishers–very different stuff–and since January 2000 I have written and sold 30 novels. It’s been an a lot of work but I’m living my dream. I’m read around the world. I’m published in over twenty-five countries and nineteen languages. I even have Sony and Lifetime making a movie out of one of my books (Flirting with Forty). This is why I didn’t quit. I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to know I could achieve it. I wanted to prove that anything is possible.

Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book?

Yes. I think every writer’s life revolves around deadlines. We just have to develop a system to handle them as works best for us.

I try to plan in advance as much as possible and then block out time. If I know I’m on deadline for a book, the last 4-6 weeks will be grueling with 10-18 hour days at the computer so before and after I block out dedicated mom time, time where I don’t need the sitter over, and I plan a fun trip or weekend activity with the boys. Same thing for my social life. Once I’ve been freed from my deadline, I try to catch up with girl friends and have coffees and lunch as when I’m writing hardcore I literally only leave my house to take kids to school and sport events. When the pressure is on me, everything falls away but work and kids.

What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one? (I know I’ve been turned away from books where it was crude.)

These can be tricky and I can read things I can’t write, but I’m writing fewer love scenes than I used to. I think we all know what sex is and in a book where there isn’t a lot of emotion a love scene reminds me of a game of Twister–right hand on yellow dot, left foot on blue–so for me, the love scene must not just be about physical desire and physical pleasure but the emotional, psychological and spiritual connection between the two.

How do you define love?

Love validates the self. Love makes one feel important and valued and real. Which is why I like to write about all kinds of love in my books–not just romance, but love between friends, sisters, parents and children. Love really does make the world go round.

What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?

As I touched on above , I write about women, for women. If we want the world different for our daughters we have to be the ones to demand change and although I have boys not girls, I want the world different for all the little girls coming after me. I want to be strong, powerful, courageous and encourage children to be the same. We should teach our girls to be brave and encourage them to face discrimination and talk about what makes us hurt and what makes us hope and make sure that we’re part of the decision making. It’s important girls understand that life’s hard, sometimes very hard, but it’s also gorgeous and fascinating, challenging, rewarding and complex and that there will be times life is going to smack you and hurt you and knock you to your knees but you can get up. Falling down won’t break you. Falling down is just part of getting stronger and smarter and more compassionate. Falling and failing happen to all of us. And this is why I write. I want women to know what it’s taken my forty years to figure out–that life is only as good as you give, and you have to fight hard for what you want, including fighting for happiness. We all deserve love, joy, freedom, peace and respect. We all deserve the good stuff but the good stuff doesn’t just fall into our laps. We’re going to have to work for it.

What do you do to relax and get away from writing? I’m sure you find ideas all around you! Is there something that really gets you away from it all?

When not writing, I read, and travel. Love to travel, be with my kids, love new places and new experiences. I am always looking for a new adventure!

What are your hopes for the future?

More books, more time with friends, more travel, and hopefully, one more baby.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?

I’m so glad you invited me to join you. This has been great fun. I always have lots of contests and conversations over on my website, www.janeporter.com, including info on my next book which is a July ‘09 release from 5 Spot. For the Harlequin fans, I’ll have another book out late in 2009 as well.

Thank you, Jane, for being here.

Jane has offered us a signed copy of Odd Mom Out, her September book which is the first of the two connected novels set in Bellevue. If you’d like to be included in this contest, leave a message here, and we will include you in this contest.

Karin

• The Frog Prince by Jane Porter

• Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter

• Speaking of libraries

• Speaking of interesting older women

• Speaking of spam

• Jane Iredale Foundation Makeup Store

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We recently took a trip cross country to see family — we had a lovely, lovely visit — on American Airlines. Interestingly enough, we did not fly a single flight that we had booked and all of the seats were, of course, different. Granted, we might have taken the first flight (which was delayed) but we would have arrived later than the flight we rebooked to.

Sometimes you just hafta go with the flow.

On the way out: the first flight to Los Angeles was delayed, which would have caused us to miss the connecting flight. There was a second connecting flight, but it was full, likely we would not have been on it, though likely our luggage would be (it was irretrievable and would make its way without us.) We could have made the third flight and arrived at 9:30 at night. So we rebooked through Dallas and arrived at 7:30 within minutes of our baggage arriving on the second flight that we would not have been able to get on. That was serendipitous.

We were in the far back of the planes for these flights, but the flights were smooth, so it didn’t matter. I stood for a time because the middle seat was too middle, if you know what I mean. S.Q.U.I.S.H.E.D. But I got there!

On the way back: our flight was canceled. Of course, we did not know this getting to the airport really early. The good thing was that we were about 6th in line for canceled flights. It was a very slow line. In the meantime one of our cell phone rings and an automated message tells us that we are rebooked the next day on a flight 2 hours earlier. Hello! What if we had checked out of a hotel? What if there was then no more room in the inn? (Meds were a problem for my dh.) And interestingly this earlier flight and our flight were both canceled going to Dallas, so what were the odds it would work the next day?

The young woman at the desk was competent and frazzled. The woman next to her was also competent and very kind. I complimented her on her demeanor. First the woman we were working with booked us through Chicago, which dh was having none of because of possible weather issues. We would have arrived at the home airport at 11:30 at night, assuming the connecting flight got out of Chicago. She got special permission for us to be on it. Then she had to cancel it, after she ended up booking us through Los Angeles, again with special permission, on a flight that left in minutes, then two stops and home at 9:30 (which turned out to be 10:30 with delays.)

If we had been any later getting to the airport or any farther back in the line, we would not have been able to make that flight. There were at least 200 people behind us in line. If we had been later or tried to check in at the curb, we would not have made the flight she was able to book us on.

As I said to her, they must put their best people on the desks. She was dealing with a lot of unhappy folks and did it with elan. She said she had been there since 4 am without a break.

Never mind that dh says he will never, ever fly American Airlines again. And was not. a. happy. camper.

I found a lot on the trip back that made me happy. Compatible people to talk with. Lots of interesting people watching. An art exhibit in one of the airport pathways. Taking a shuttle to the main terminal that crossed the tarmac — a birds eye view of planes taking off and landing, way cool. Sees candy! One of the airports had beautiful inlays in the floors, something more to look at.

A friend told me today that I saw this because I’m an optimist. I don’t know about that, but I had to do something to trust in the serendipities of the moment.

Just before our flight out of Los Angeles, there was a group of young kids, from about age 2 to age 4, simply adorable. The lone boy was dressed in a bright red Santa outfit. The girls were all in white, except for their Santa hats. White velvet coats; white tights with ‘fur’ trim; white shoes. They sang and danced to Christmas music, both in English and in Spanish. (They were Spanish speaking.) I tell you, it was a precious moment. Travelers were enthralled, using their digital cameras or cameras in their cell phones to capture the spirit. Smiles all around.

I wonder how they were allowed out to the gate?

Never mind, it was a gift from heaven. And if I’d been in Dallas as planned, I would have missed it. I wouldn’t even have known it either!

It’s kind of funny, really, that when we were booked through LA, we went through Dallas, and when we were booked through Dallas, we went through LA.

It took us 18 hours to get home, but we are home. We had a good trip. I was very glad I wasn’t getting on a plane to head out somewhere again. That would have been too much. But I have flown 15 hours on a flight to and from China. It is doable, especially when the end goal is in sight. Give me a few days and I could do it again, especially if it were somewhere I wanted to go or someone I wanted to see.

Take happiness in the moments. Don’t overdo during this time of year. I have yet to finish cards or even get all the gifts out. I hope I can, but I’m not going to make myself crazy. I have to go with the flow.

Karin

• A little perfume tidbit

• Can someone explain why…

• Update on Michigan ice storm

• A little trip serendipity

• 50 ways to leave your lover, Paul Simon

• Flight Covers Australia Stamps

• Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Women Discount Fragrances Store

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• Cross Country Skiing Winter Sports

The largest single gift to a secondary school has been made to the George School, a Quaker school in PA.

What I find particularly interesting about this is that it is a pay it forward kind of story. Because of being treated well…and then being treated well again…

Never underestimate the power in treating someone well.

Remember that if the opportunities for great deeds should never come, the opportunities for good deeds are renewed day by day. The thing for us to long for is the goodness, not the glory. F.W. Faber

It reminds me of the story of the hotel in NYC. Many years ago a man needed a room when there were no rooms available. The desk clerk, really the manager George C. Boldt, gave the man his own suite of rooms, moving his family out. A friendship developed out of this. Eventually he became the manager of the Waldorf-Astoria. The man who needed a room was William Waldorf Astor. Snopes has the full story.

Karin

• Capturing the imagination of millions

• A great website for the 60’s

• Ni hao, Kai-Lan IHappy

• Dream Girls

• Meet the Robinsons, my review, no spoiler

• Toy Story Pixar Collectibles Contemporary 1968-Now Disneyana Collectibles

• George V UK Great Britain Stamps

• George VI UK Great Britain Stamps

• Single Bits Drill Bits Power Tools Tools Home Improvement

• Single Router Bits Routers, Bits, Accessories Power Tools Tools Home Improvement

Velvetsky put up a picture to my haiku on her blog. Thanks, Mary!

The moon hanging bright
like a silent companion
against the night sky.

Karin

• ‘Kylie goes Surfin’ by Pascal Glanville

• A little perfume tidbit

• ujjaini Aishwarya Pardesia

• Jake Shimabukuro LIVE Concert: Dragon

• Vanishing nail polish

• Night Lights Lamps, Lighting Collectibles

• Mary Frances Handbags

• Night Cream Skin Care Store

• Night Lights Housewares Contemporary 1968-Now Disneyana Collectibles

• Picture Frames Cat-Domestic Animals Collectibles

There we were minding our own business walking along in early morning when a younger couple came toward us. He was carrying a drink, with his other arm heavily across the girl’s shoulders. She did not look comfortable. I suppose they were in their mid-20’s, but who can tell. He had drunk more than was good for him (or her.)

He said to us, thinking he was funny, “I want you to know she really is beautiful inside, but she is not beautiful outside.”

He spoke with an accent, which I would say was likely Scandinavian. They were both attractive blonds. I don’t know if she spoke English, but a flash of hurt went across her face.

All I could think of was, WT? I wish I had known what to say that would not have made it worse. I don’t know which of them I felt more sympathy for. I hope she doesn’t let him affect her own sense of herself. I hope he has the good sense never to comment like this again, though that is unlikely. I hope this attitude is not set in stone in him.

It gave me something to think about for the rest of that day (and even today.) I think that is why we saw it, so our thoughts could be a help and healing.

It was surely a form of abuse. How likely is it that he would change…was this a one-off or something habitual? Or is every similar comment a one-off? Or is it just when he has been drinking too much (and how often is that?)

It is possible to love someone but know you can’t live with them.

What would your advice be for the girl, if she asked you? I was speechless. (I know, hard to believe.)

Karin

• Powerful quote

• Respite care

• Ujjaini-Aishwarya Oye oye ke

• Tom Ford Private Blend

• Like to get to know you well Howard Jones

• Comfortable Womens Shoes

• Girls Handbags

• Walking Womens Shoes

• Early Commemorative Coins US Coins Paper Money

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