Month: February 2024

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Follow Me

ellenparkerwrites

Do children still play “follow the leader?”

A person can get themselves in a bit of a situation if the leader has longer legs and takes the stepping stones across the creek. (You’re on your own to explain the wet shoes to your mother.)

In defense of the game, if the leader is knowledgeable, you won’t get lost in the woods.

Advice? Know your leader.

Follow me, children. Stay together. The pond and swimming lessons is just the other side of the highway.

In the sweet, historical romance, New Dreams, Hans wants to end up in the same place as the ‘prettiest girl on the sailing ship’ When they travel on the same small boat from St. Louis to fictional Elm Ridge — he counts it as his good luck.

Book information here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Blog

Slow the Pace

ellenparkerwrites

Have you had a busy week? Has this year taken off at a running start?

In an effort to maintain your mental balance, I advise taking a few deep breaths, changing the scene (if possible), and relax for a moment.

Do you have (or have you ever had) a fish tank? Even apartment dwellers where landlords forbid cats and dogs are generally allowed a few fish. Watching the animals glide, turn, and dive often has a calming effect. Admire their streamline shape instead of dwelling on the phone complaint. Or hum a little music in the same tempo one particular fish swims from one end of the enclosure to the other.

Fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois is located on the Mississippi River and creeks north and south of town rush spring melt and rainstorm into the mighty waterway. Did the residents eat fish in 1851? It’s easy to imagine both boys and men dipping in a line in hopes of a tasty treat for supper.

Find out more about Elm Ridge in the sweet historical romance, New Dreams. Click here for more information: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Farmyard Staple

ellenparkerwrites

They’ve been a constant presence on farms in the United States and many other countries for generations. In recent years they’ve become rather popular in certain suburbs.

They require shelter and a fence if you want to be a good neighbor in the suburbs. These items are also a good idea if you want to be able to find their eggs in a timely manner and or catch one for supper.

The chickens on our farm (up to 600 laying hens) lived their adult lives inside. The greatest value was the eggs we sold to a broker. The bonus was the taste of the few roosters mixed with the hens.

The farms, and some of the village households, in the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, kept a few chickens. Louisa, in the bakery, was always glad for the gift of a few extra for the cakes and cookies.

For more information on this 1851 story set in Illinois, click here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Blog

Friday? Did you say Friday?

ellenparkerwrites

Some occupations are intense. You need to stay alert every moment on shift. The boss wants the project to keep moving. Deadline’s approaching!

Thanks to organized labor, millions of American workers end the workweek on Friday. They look forward to having two days away from the factory or office. Whether they use this time to relax, do chores and errands for their family, or work a second job in an “essential” sector is their choice. The boss from the first paragraph is not involved.

This particular creature, lives and works in the same place. Perhaps he looks forward to weekends with a different blend of people to watch. Or…perhaps his favorite is the school groups which visit during the week.

When I find a good viewing spot — I give it my best effort. After all, a bear needs to take a rest from entertaining duties.

Funny thing: Not one person from the other side of the glass wants to give me a manicure.

Comfort Zone, a sweet contemporary romance, includes a visit/date at the St. Louis Zoo. Click on the link below to find out more about this story full of second chances. https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Dressed for the Season

ellenparkerwrites

It’s smart to consider the season before you dress for the day. Perhaps you listen to a favorite radio or television report. Or take a glance out a window.

Raining? Better locate the umbrella or rain coat.

Snowing? Where did I last see my boots?

Winter? That’s the current season in the Northern Hemisphere. Consider an extra layer, thickness dependent on your exact location.

Our animal friends — they grow their own. Dogs, cattle, horses — all grow a thicker coat in the fall and hang on to it until well into spring. Even this camel at the zoo grew a fine winter coat and continued to wear it into April.

Yes, tomorrow’s camel day, Wednesday, hump day. Do you suppose this fellow celebrates twice?

No camels specifically mentioned in Comfort Zone, a sweet contemporary romance. However, the characters live in St. Louis and have been known to visit the exact zoo where this one lives. Do you suppose they took a similar photo? Check out the book here: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Caution: Ice Ahead

ellenparkerwrites

Winter weather, especially in the American Midwest, is unpredictable. One day the sidewalks are clear and brown grass is peaking through thin spots in the snow. The next day you and your shovel struggle to arrive at the mailbox. And don’t forget the ice!

Whether it arrives in a storm of its own — or results from a daytime thaw and freezing night — a person needs to be cautious.

Ice? Yes, we can walk on ice. Just let us finish this grooming session before we demonstrate.

Snow and ice arrive annually in fictional Crystal Springs, WI. Check out Starr Tree Farm, (currently on sale for 99 pennies) for a sweet, winter romance full of second chances. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Let me think on it

ellenparkerwrites

A reasonable response when faced with a question.

Of course, the type of question will influence the amount of “thinking” time required.

Which flavor ice cream? Take the umbrella? Most days, these questions require only a moment or two to decide.

Should I resign my job? Marry the woman/man beside me? These are the sort of decisions which require careful thought. Often you find yourself following the options — will I be able to find another job? Can I actually afford to retire? Do I want to live with that other person the rest of my life?

What do you imagine this Longhorn is thinking?

Silly humans: holding up little rectangles at everything? Or: almost time for a drink of water?

Laura Starr Tanner is faced with several decisions in the sweet romance novel, Starr Tree Farm. Where in Crystal Springs should she open her books and office supply store? Is Brad, the grown-up “boy down the road” trustworthy?

Currently on sale — I urge readers of sweet romance to check out this small town story. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

Blog

Welcome to February

ellenparkerwrites

Hi! Just me popping up to wish you a pleasant Ground Hog Day!

Did you know today is the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox?

So…hang in there. Winter will yield to spring before I get another decent nap. Oh — be sure to include pork sausage in today’s menu.

This black-tailed prairie dog digs at the St. Louis Zoo. Scared of his shadow? I don’t think so. He and his friends are experts at tag and hiding.

Illinois hosted miles and miles of prairie in 1851. However, I’d expect to find a woodchuck rather than the ancestor of this fine fellow above.

For a sweet romance featuring humans — plus a nod to horses — check out New Dreams. The German immigrants find much new and strange in America.

Find the book here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE