The lady stands guard in my back yard, watching over all, and smiling as the seasons change. She is a constant with her grace and beauty in any weather. A reminder to me to stay calm.
I have not posted here since spring. At that time I was planting roses and delighting in work being done on my ranch house. Then I do what I do best, I took a spin in another direction. I had an idea for a book, and the last months had me working at the computer, the work on my house at a standstill. This week, in the middle of an ice storm that has kept me locked in my house for several days, my book "Danger In Her Words" was published and available on Amazon on February 12. The Kindle version will be up for sale next week.
My character Susan moved from the city of Atlanta to a fictional town to live in her dream farmhouse, a late 1800s Victorian cottage on two acres of land in a tiny town with a population of 323. The cottage in my mind became a reality in my book. The farmhouse was a mixture of all the cottages I've looked at over the past two years. It was fun to have a romantic, sexy, bit of a thriller, take place in an environment I dream about.
Did I finally come to peace with my ranch house, or do I still dream of cottages at night? I think my house fantasy still lives on, although I am more in love with my old surroundings since I've made some changes.
My house is a mess. In the middle of the changes, when I changed course, things were left undone. I still need to hang paintings, move cupboards, and do the final decorating I love to do. Today I finally took down my Christmas trees. I am back on track...a little...somewhat...for me, a few steps forward.
A friend made a suggestion that started new plans for me, a garden fantasy. She visited my house for the first time, a few days before the snow drifted in. I am slow to invite people into my house, six dogs are a bit overwhelming for others. For me it is a lifestyle I love. My friend met the dogs and, after the initial bit of bedlam, they settled down, and we walked out to my deck and patio. She looked around at all the dried branches, plants that were dormant, bushes that might be dead. I am not a gardener, but hope for the best, expect the miracle of life to continue in nature on its own. Her words, like music to my ears, "What a perfect spot to have a spring book launch! With a bit of work this place will be lovely." I refrained from saying that with no work, the yard is lovely with established beds in the spring and summer. But she planted an idea. I may just have my book launch, or at least a garden book signing for my friends, when the winter weather has vanished and spring peeks in to say hello.
I will also post photos of my decorating as I start to pull it and myself together.
And what about my book? Here is a bit of a blurb.
A TV sitcom pitch gone wrong turns dog-column writer Susan Meyers
in a tailspin. Sex Sells was the
topic of the day at the writers’ convention. Susan decided to try something new
and a steamy romantic novel seemed just the answer. A widow who hadn’t dated in
three years, Susan was out of practice with men and sex. She turned to an
online dating site to find inspiration for her book and unleashed a predator
with the words she wrote. Tucked an hour away from her friends in a small town
where she kept to herself, with only her tiny dog for company, Susan felt safe
from the world. Little did she know her life was about to change.
A romp of a story about writing and finding yourself in this
book within a book. If you love
girl-talk, farmhouses, antiques, country towns, a touch of murder, a sprinkle
of suspense, and a bit of naughty fun, come join Susan as she learns about life
from her character Jamie. Two widows looking for love in all the wrong
places might still get it right if they live long enough.
The yard in winter. We'll see how it looks this spring! I see planters of fragrant herbs on my deck and the old garden furniture placed a bit more artistically. One can never have too many garden statues, and I am working on a plan to make my yard the perfect cottage garden, if not with flowers, than with garden art. A little wine, some cucumber sandwiches, and cheese straws, would be lovely for an old fashion book signing. Ha! Who am I kidding. I'll want my Margaritas and chips. . .It is fun to dream and sometimes dreams do come true
Oh Barbara ~ How GREAT to see you here and read about your new book. That is really exciting! It sounds good to me. A book signing in your back yard would be lovely and I like the idea of margaritas and chips too. :-)
ReplyDeletePretty soon you'll be playing outside. I look forward to seeing more of your ranch remodel and redecorating too.
Have a wonderful weekend ~ Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady