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Focal Point

ellenparkerwrites

Many neighborhoods and communities in the United States have one particular place of importance. It may be a park, a museum, a natural feature, or a building.

Where I grew up, the focal point of the community was a spring fed pond. During my lifetime, changes have been made around the edges. One building was torn down. Curbing was installed. An aerator was added. A veterans monument was build. And trout — stocked for a child’s fishing contest during a celebration — then fishing prohibited aside from a few hours per year (some recurring celebration) has allowed these trout to grow and multiply.

At various times the grounds surrounding the pond have been used for outdoor movies, ice cream socials, and band concerts. A picnic table under a small shelter welcomes guests.

Fish are visible as shadows if the photo is enlarged.

Does your hometown have a focal point — a gathering spot — that “must see” place for returning travelers?

The fictional village of Crystal Springs manages to induce a few new residents over the course of three wholesome romance novels. Check out Starr Tree Farm as an introduction to the location. Prepare a warm drink — the story takes place during a Wisconsin January. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Warning Sounds

ellenparkerwrites

May in the American Midwest means many different things.

In among the various Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and graduation celebrations are other, less noticed dates. Various crops or flowers are planted, or in the more Southern portions, gathered for bouquets.

The month also brings storms. The year I was eleven, a tornado came through on a sunny Saturday and damaged much property. (No people were injured.) More recently — a tornado damaged portions of St. Louis. (Unfortunately, people did die.)

So during May, keep your ears tuned. Unlike when I was eleven, many communities in the Midwest now have warning systems — often sirens — in addition to alerts sent to your phone.

Fog Horns

Audio warnings are not new. These fog horns at Split Rock Lighthouse in Minnesota were activated at the times the light may not have been visible. “Stay off the rocks. You’re getting too close to shore.”

Dogs provide a different sort of warning system in the fictional village of Crystal Springs. Visitors to Big Cat Farm are announced by one or more German shepherds in the wholesome romance, SEED OF DESIRE. The animals also demonstrate a good indicator of the visitor’s character. Check out the book at the link: https://amzn.to/2RDFgxH

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Going Home?

ellenparkerwrites

Two words. Rather simple. Both are words in an early reader’s vocabulary.

But they are far from simple.

How do you say them? With joy? Dread? Where’s home? Is is the place you currently live? A home you grew up in? A place? Or a group of people?

Often, when I meet a new person, they will ask where I’m from. Do they want to know where I live now? Or where I grew up? Are they the same?

When I first became serious with my writing, I remembered the advice to “write what you know.” This turned into digging into memories of my childhood and combining them with more current aspects gained from visits “home.”

If you enjoy small-town stories — perhaps because you have good memories from one or more — you may enjoy this trio of sweet romance. Visit Crystal Springs, Wisconsin (you won’t find it on a map) and discover hard-working people in a variety of occupations.

Here’s a link to the first one published: Starr Tree Farm. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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All Together

ellenparkerwrites

Does your family do reunions? Are plans made for everyone, local and from a distance, to gather in the same place at the same time? Perhaps a picnic in a park with a reserved shelter near a playground, or lake, or softball field.

Today I present a different sort of reunion, represented in the photo below.

Six titles published via The Wild Rose Press over a decade. Looks like I missed the goal of one each year. On the other side of that statement — I believe each book contains an interesting story. St. Louis romance with a drop of suspense? Check out Stare Down at the following link. http://amzn.to/1LXiTwP

Are you looking for seasoned, or mature, characters? Check out the trio of Morning Tryst, Comfort Zone, and Fine Lines.

Or perhaps you’ve been hankering for an American historical. How does an Illinois river town in the 1850’s sound to you? This was a time of great change due to immigration, arrival of the railroads, and tension centered on slavery. I suggest either New Dreams or Stitching a Dream. Here’s the link to the first: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

If you live in or near St. Louis, look for me and this selection of titles at selected craft shows — exact shows will be highlighted on my FaceBook page close to the event. All titles are available 24/7 at your favorite on-line retailer.

ENJOY!!!

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The Observer

ellenparkerwrites

I’m being watched. I’m certain of it.

Pardon me while I check out my surroundings.

Oh — there he is. No problem for me. Wonder if he’s eaten today. I’m surprised he’s sitting on such a slender perch.

Below, in the tall grass at the foot of the bushes, imagine a mouse glancing upward.

Ooops! Poor time to venture out to collect seeds. If I wait here will he move to a different perch? Or sight one of the chipmunks new to the neighborhood. Not that I wish ill on my neighbors — but I could use a distraction if I’m to snatch those seeds and get them to my burrow.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hawk surveys his portion of this county park. Hunting is good near the hiking trail. Humans are a rather noisy creature, chatting to each other as they walk, or mumbling low as if thinking aloud. Some have objects in their ears which leak sound. Fine with me — prompts the smaller creatures to move.

Parks, especially those maintained by the local county, feature in the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. Business — when trouble arrives. Pleasure — during a charity run. Either way parks make a fine micro-setting in a novel. Check out this story at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Ready to Load

ellenparkerwrites

The list is almost complete. Aside from a few items which must wait until loading time — extra water & lunch — all is ready for the craft show.

Books — always a guess as to how many of each title to pack. Tablecloth, sunbonnet, and price list — a time saver to remember where the tablecloth is packed since it will be the foundation for the display. Swag — business cards, sticky notepads, and bookmarks. Book stands — help the display look professional. Collapsible wagon — a real step saver.

Is that all? Is it enough? Will it be pleasant weather for loading & unloading? Or will it rain? Will volunteers be available to assist?

Duffels and bags with zippers assist in keeping raindrops (or snowflakes) away from books and supplies. I’ll add lunch bag and purse at the last minute. The stash by the front door usually (no plan is 100%) enables me to pack ALL the necessities for the day.

New book for craft shows going forward — Fine Lines. This contemporary romance features later-in-life characters. Set in St. Louis, you’ll be introduced to a few events and locations of interest. (Locals will find them under new names.)

Follow the link to read the entire blurb and/or order the Kindle edition. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Lady Justice’s Workplace

ellenparkerwrites

Welcome to the courtroom. Observers need to take a seat in the rear portion of the room. Silence or hushed tones to not distract from the business of the court.

The space below is restored to represent an active 1860 court. A current court maintains many of the same features.

The judge will sit at the high desk/bench. The court clerk will have a prominent place. Tables and chairs — usually a matching pair — serve prosecution and defense. A witness chair is often on one side of the judge. A dozen chairs for the jury (plus one or two for alternates) are close.

Have you ever served on a jury? Been a witness at a trial?

Courtrooms are familiar to the main characters in Fine Lines, a later-in-life romance. One is called as a witness on a semi-regular basis and the other defends her clients. Will they pursue a relationship without crossing the conflict-of-interest line? Check out the book at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Contemporary Style

ellenparkerwrites

Let’s talk hairstyles, especially for the ladies.

Dozens of lengths and arrangements have been considered stylish at one time or another over the past century.

Do you like a “bob”? Short and sleek? Step into a loose-fitting dress and dance to jazz in the 1920’s.

Let your locks grow a little longer, add waves, curls, and perhaps a “victory roll” to survive the 1930’s & 40’s.

1950’s? Tired of your pixie? Let it grow and style into a ponytail. Keep going into the 60’s and let it hang free. Unless you decide to put it in a beehive for a formal occasion.

Keep showing your own style into the 70’s and 80’s. All that hair you’re backcombing – tame into layers in the 90’s.

New century = new look. Highlights, bright color accents, and sparkly accessories take the spotlight.

And today?

Easy care natural look. Bangs are in — but don’t stress about straight lines. After all, a girl has enough complications in her life without adding time-consuming or difficult hairstyles to her morning routine.

Easy care hair is a matter of choice for the characters in the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. She wears it short. He shaves his head. Will professional disagreement or personal meshing win the day?

Here’s a link where you can read the entire blurb. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Thinking…Do Not Disturb

ellenparkerwrites

Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. After all, my type of farm animal is rather intelligent.

You may call me swine, hog, or domestic pig. Be sure to include domestic when using the final. I don’t want to be confused with the wild branch of the family.

Humans and my kind have been interacting practically since the beginning of time. I used to forage in the forest, stir up the soil with my snout for some easy planting. I’m not a fussy eater — leftover produce and crops are welcome in my diet. In case you wonder — I’m not being lazy. With my rather small lungs — stamina is not my strong suit. Heat also bothers me and I’ll seek out puddles or other shallow water to find relief. (Not unlike humans with their beach and swimming habits.)

What am I thinking about today? I’m puzzling why I didn’t get mentioned in Fine Lines. Here I was, reading along and enjoying the story. I actually got a little excited when they started talking about the park where I live. But did they mention me? No — hay storage. Poultry. Longhorn. They get a line or more. And me? Nothing. It’s enough to make me go find some mud and sulk.

Aside from my absence, Fine Lines is a great read. It’s an excellent choice for any weekend or even a mid-week escape from the chores and cares of the day. Here’s a link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Walking Add-On

ellenparkerwrites

Many parks include walking/hiking/biking trails. Visitors can enjoy interesting scenery while getting exercise — a win-win. Degree of difficulty may vary. An asphalt, fairly level is great for grandma to push the stroller. Others, with a mulch surface and sharper inclines, are designed with the serious hiker in mind.

Occasionally, you encounter a park trail with optional activities. Do you want to increase balance? Arm strength?

Grab and pole and step up! Again! According to the directions posted at a corner of the space, this exercise will air balance and give leg muscles and extra work-out. (As if they need more. Have you seen the hill?) A person will be exhausted if they attempt even half of the stations on this “fitness trail”.

In the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines, fitness is required for Cal’s position as a police detective. Mandy, a defense attorney understands the importance and attempts to keep her body in good shape — after all, she does complete a 5K. Check out the book at the link to discover what other interests these two professional share. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF