Blog

Perfect Picnic Place

ellenparkerwrites

Summer is picnic season. A simple, portable meal served in pleasant surroundings with friends or family. I think I found the perfect spot for two or more adults.

Shade tree. Grass. Lake.

Park the car in the lot, grab a blanket and your picnic basket, and cross the road. Stroll down the slope and select your spot. In the shade? Bask in the sun?

What do you have in your basket? Fried chicken or cold-cut sandwiches? Potato salad or chips? Cake or cookies? Wine or lemonade? (Driver better go easy on the alcohol.)

This little portion of Missouri’s Long Branch State Park sparks thoughts of romance in this writer’s mind. A long conversation over an outdoor meal could deepen feelings of compatibility. Perhaps a long-married couple can talk through some problems in the peaceful surroundings. I wonder if that shade tree has witnessed marriage proposals.

Meals at the campsite replace picnics in the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst. Photographer Serena Carter is tasked with capturing images in state parks during all seasons. However, on a few occasions, a special guest joins her for a meal, conversation, or adventure. Click on the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Blog

Long Load

ellenparkerwrites

Here’s a problem for you. You want to move an antique a distance of several miles. The catch is in the dimensions. This object if 151 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 20 feet tall.

This is the situation faced by Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites. They wanted to move Locust Creek Covered Bridge from a site long abandoned by the creek to a lovely spot across the same creek within the boundaries of a state park.

They did not consult me. I suspect some very careful dismantling was involved. (Three sections?) Note every electrical or phone wire crossing the route. Close the main highway for a few minutes as each section crossed. Careful on the turns. I’d want experienced drivers.

Success! Locust Creek Covered Bridge once again crosses Locust Creek. The 1868 bridge waits on its new piers as workers complete the approaches. I’m looking forward to visiting again when pedestrians are allowed to cross.

Fictional photographer Serena Carter recorded the view of all four of Missouri’s covered bridges because they are all located at State Parks or Historic Sites. Check out the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, for an introduction. You’ll also find out what she found in addition to some lovely scenery and history. Follow the link for book details: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Blog

French Roots

ellenparkerwrites

The village of Ste. Genevieve sits on the western bank of the Mississippi River in southern Missouri. The current site, higher than the previous settlement from the 1750’s was first occupied in the 1790’s. The reason for the move? Flooding.

The land was under French rule. Then Spanish. Then French. The Americans took ownership as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Traces of French building style and culture are visible today and preserved as a State Historic Site. Come inside the stone building which has been restore to the original floorplan of trading post and residence. The table is set for you to dine with the Felix Valle family.

While Ste. Genevieve thrived during the first portion of the 19th century, St. Louis soon overtook it in both population and importance. Visit today and find a town proud of their heritage. Close your eyes and imagine early steamboat traffic taking furs and lead to market.

In the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, photographer Serena found much of interest at this historic site and the entire portion of the state — rich with history.

Check out the book at the link: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Blog

Battlefield Necessity

ellenparkerwrites

During the year 1861, many dramatic moments occurred in the United States. Loyalty was tested from Atlantic to Pacific.

Households experienced emotionally charged scenes as sons, brothers, and fathers left their home to join either Union or Confederate fighting units.

One of the early clashes between the two belief systems took place in the town Athens, Missouri. This is located in the far northeastern corner of the state, near both the Des Moines and Mississippi Rivers.

Each soldier brought his own weapon. But the leaders managed to find a few of these to aid their cause.

The shooting was intense. Cannonballs flew across the Des Moines River, between buildings, and in one case — through a house. Fortunately for all concerned, the skirmish was brief (a mere two hours) and the pro-Southern forces retreated.

The battlefield is quiet these days. The town of 500 residents dwindled to a handful and then was abandoned. You may visit the site today and see the restoration work, study the signs, and get a glimpse of mid-19th century arguments.

Photographer Serena Carter visited this and the other Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites in the time frame of Morning Tryst. This later-in-life romance will introduce the reader to several — plus a bartender who is more than he first appears.

Book information is at the link: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Blog

Observing Curiosity

ellenparkerwrites

Are you frequently in contact with children? Do they ask you questions? Lots and lots of questions?

Are they constantly moving objects around? Taking them apart? Attempting to put them together?

I think I still have some child inside me. I enjoy finding out how things work. If I move this…what happens to that thing over there?

According to the artist, this young man is curious about sundials. I hope he doesn’t manage to move it out of alignment. I like the concentration in his posture. He may go far in his studies. Do you think he’ll learn how assemble different types of timepieces?

Police detective by day and fine artist when off-duty, gives a man plenty to do. Will he add a complication to his life? Will her occupation as defense attorney put her off-limits? Check out the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. Set in beautiful St. Louis, home to most of the art featured in recent blogs. Here’s a link to the book: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Blog

Still as a Statue

ellenparkerwrites

Settled on the rocks as elegantly as a movie star posing for publicity shots. Do you want the paws crossed? Should I lift my chin a little. Careful you don’t catch my eyes in the middle of a rare blink.

Still. Quiet. Appearing deep in thought. The photographer at the zoo is wise to keep the secure fencing between herself and the subject.

Unlike many of the photos shared on this site in recent weeks — this is a live subject. Yes, caught during a moment of rest. How do you think this compares to static artwork? If you were a pen-and-ink artist experienced in nature scenes, would the subject appeal to you? Which lines would you emphasize? Do you want to project power and strength in the piece? Or a mild disposition?

One artist often admires work in a different medium. In the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines, the police detective hero admires art from more than one century. Admiration for a certain defense attorney grows into more than professional interest — underlined by backyard games. Click on the link for more book information. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Blog

Let there be Joy!

ellenparkerwrites

The sun rose this morning.

You opened an electronic device and started to read this.

Are you eating breakfast today? Any meal?

Do you have clean clothes in good repair?

Rejoice! Be Glad!

Yes, I am choosing to be an optimist today.

Is the sun shining? That’s a reason to smile.

Is it raining? The plants are getting a good drink.

Americans tend to think about counting blessings and positive items during November — preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, blessings are to be found every day. Find something to make you smile today. It can be a simple thing — such as large, metal, purple ribbons in a park. What will you find today?

With an artist’s eye assisting his detective skills (or perhaps the other way around), the hero in Fine Lines, a later-in-life romance serves his community and learns what his life was missing. Check book details at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Blog

Wagging Tongues

ellenparkerwrites

Shocking! Scandalous! Salacious!

The entire neighborhood — the whole city — was stunned when the statue was unveiled.

Then again, should they have been surprised? The intent was to honor newspaper editors. This occupation is centered on revealing the truth, the entire truth, the Naked Truth.

Evidently, the St. Louis public in 1914 was not quite ready to see this artist’s interpretation of the topic. However, by the time I took this photo, a century later, the figure is accepted.

You’ll find the lady at Compton Hills Water Tower Park. The park’s ornate water tower is a local landmark and historic feature. The entire park is worthy of an afternoon visit – to stroll and admire the flowers. Or perhaps watch tennis, playground, or dog park activities. And discover “The Naked Truth.”

Fine art in a different medium gives a police detective relaxation in the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. His days are full with work and art — no need to attempt more. Until…

Check out details at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Blog

Hi There!

ellenparkerwrites

Farmer Fred welcomes you to the market. What’s on your shopping list today?

We have all sorts of salad fixings. Local fruits. Veggies. Honey.

Do sure how to prepare some of the items? Ask the vendor. Farmers know how to do more than plant, weed, and harvest. You’ll be able to get tips and perhaps recipes at your local farmer’s market.

Surprise your family with a new type of produce — or a familiar item prepared in a new way.

No, this is not an accurate representation of my appearance. (I’m actually more handsome.) Really, I’m just your average person with an above average amount of ambition and an enjoyment of outdoor work. I love the feel of good soil sifting through my hands. The smell of fresh-turned earth makes me take deep breaths. And please — don’t call me a hay-seed. I’m nothing of the sort. Farmers need to be educated — there’s more to growing a crop than tossing seed into the ground and saying a prayer.

The later-in-life romance, Fine Lines, is set in an urban area. The professionals in the story don’t have the time (or desire) to garden — but still enjoy fresh-from-the-land produce. Picture them walking the aisles and selecting items for a salad to accompany grilled meat for a quiet supper on the patio. Follow the link for more book information: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

Blog

Pardon me, did you…?

ellenparkerwrites

A person, or other mammal, should not leave body parts just lying on the ground.

Missing a portion of yourself from battle or accident? Yes, creep off, recover a bit…then please, pick up your pieces and dispose of them properly. Persuade a friend to help if needed.

Now — who’s responsible for this?

Not a human — our eyeballs are measured in millimeters, or perhaps inches. This one set out for everyone to see is perched in a park. Who is missing an eyeball measured in meters, yards, or feet?

Will a monster bear come to reclaim in at dusk? Or perhaps not a mammal. Is the aquarium missing a giant squid?

Who started the rumor that fine art needs to be serious? This playful piece can start all sorts of conversations — with children from three to one-hundred-and-three. (You’re 104? Sorry, out of luck.)

Fine art in a different medium runs through the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. Everyone, including serious professionals, needs a hobby — and if it happens to earn a little side money???? Check out the book at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF