Month: September 2025

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Classic Design

ellenparkerwrites

A wooden side chair with a cane seat.

I can picture the owner of a house, farm, or small business making this request of the local carpenter.

In this case, the result is timeless.

Located in a historic home within Old World Wisconsin, the furnishings are credited to the 1890’s. However, this chair — with or without the large secretary facing it — would be a credit to any parlor or dining room in all of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century.

So have a seat — cane bottom chair is acceptable — and settle in with a sweet historical romance. I suggest Stitching a Dream, a tale of a single mother in 1851. Transport yourself into a fictional Mississippi River town and shed the today’s worries. Here’s a link: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

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A Pair in Sunshine

ellenparkerwrites

Some days a person just wants to slap on the sunglasses, adjust the hat, and soak in warm sunshine. Two of you? Perfect for this pair of chairs.

Fine seating, complete with artwork, welcomes cruise visitors to this Canadian city. Yes, Canada gets a generous supply of sunshine. And it’s not always reflected off snow. On this September day, I can easily imagine two friends, a little weary after exploring, taking a rest before boarding their ship. Dock visitors, human and other, add interest to the scene. What are the gulls trying to tell us? Can you find shapes in the clouds?

The characters in the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, arrive from Europe in a more southern port — New Orleans. New sights, sounds, and adventures await these new immigrants. How many generations are you removed from immigrants?

Click on the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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A Pair in the Shade

ellenparkerwrites

Every year, my legs tire sooner and I appreciate the seating at the public garden more. Consider this pair.

Shielded from strong daylight, an occupant of either of these can relax and enjoy the view.

People -watching is always interesting. What’s the best (or worst) fashion choices on display today? Any service dogs practicing their manners and enjoying the scents? Are the flowers showing interesting colors? Do you spot any birds, pollinators, or small mammals?

Comfort Zone, a sweet later-in-life romance, is set in St. Louis. This centrally located city is often overlooked. But with a top-notch public garden and world-class zoo, the area deserves a second look. Perhaps Janet and Rich will entice you to visit. Click on the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Designed for a Public Space

ellenparkerwrites

Your assignment: Design seating for a large lobby at a venue frequented by all ages.

Hmmm. The building itself is modern with large windows and clean lines. A light, spacious feel to the area.

Yes, this seating is rather comfortable. I tested two or three different back heights. I regard the bench from a distance and wonder at the inspiration. I’m thinking backbone. Dinosaur skeleton? Snake?

If you want to test the fit for yourself — walk into the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Comfort Zone, a clean & wholesome romance is set in St. Louis. The botanical garden is one of several low-cost attractions Rich and Janet might visit while deciding if they want to live with “gusto” or stay in their “comfort zones.” Find the book at the link: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Gather Round

ellenparkerwrites

Imagine the tour guide directing the group to sit on this stylish bench — the more agile might take bleacher seats. Considering the location, Quebec City, I expect the remarks will be filled with history and perhaps clarify some Canadian history for this United States citizen.

Yes, our textbooks included some basics. French explorers, fur traders, and priests travelling by ship, canoe, and foot. They drew maps, traded with the Native Americans, and introduced the Christian faith.

However, travel and reading the information at the base of monuments and tourist literature exposes a person to much more of a rich history. Have you been to Canada? Which portion?

One branch of my family tree, the final group to arrive, entered Canada before making their way to the United States and settling in Wisconsin.

The sweet romance – with a touch of suspense – Starr Tree Farm, is set in a fictionalized version of where the above immigrants settled. Join Laura in her stay in the tiny village of Crystal Springs. Will the year-long mystery of her husband’s death find a solution here?

Here’s a book link: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Have you been in … Kansas?

ellenparkerwrites

Flying over does not count. Have you actually set your feet on Kansas soil? Shopping or restaurant visit on the Kansas side of the line in Kansas City counts. A road trip, either north-south or east-west counts.

This is the heart of the heartland on the map — center of the first 48 states — Lower 48 for an Alaskans. Also cowboy country. Wheat and sunflower farms. Military bases. And wide vistas typical of the Great Plains.

Oh, my. I think I need a break. How thoughtful to provide a rest area along the highway with tourist information, clean rest rooms, and a pleasant view. If I remember correctly, from this pair of chairs you see a plaza with an embedded, oversize sunflower.

Heartland of a different sort is presented in the sweet romance, Comfort Zone. Rich and Janet, mature and secure in their careers, are presented with an opportunity. Will they go for the gusto? Check book details at the link: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Historic City – Modern Touch

ellenparkerwrites

During a one day tourist visit to Quebec City, I saw many historic sites. Old buildings. Commemorative statues. Elegant gardens. I even rode the funicular.

Among all the history, a few modern touches were evident.

After busy hours walking among history, I found this clever, stylish bench. Exactly what is needed by a slightly worn tourist. An excellent place to watch the people, decode the signs (written in French), and plan the next part of the day.

Today’s history was contemporary life to the characters in the sweet historical romance, Stitching a Dream. A seamstress with a young son gets a new neighbor — a shoemaker raised in Pennsylvania. Get more book information at the link. https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh

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Classic Outdoor Seating

ellenparkerwrites

Simple. Functional. Welcoming.

Take a break from a busy sightseeing day on this classic bench. The view is constantly changing — yet also the same.

This prime location gives the tourist, or resident, a fine view of the Halifax harbor. Will you see a cruise ship? A naval vessel? Private pleasure craft? People are walking along from one waterfront business to another.

Sitting and watching a pleasant view such as thing can calm a person. Perhaps you need a little time to work through a problem. Do you need to escape a noisy person or workplace? In general, people in this location will give you the space and quiet to find a new perspective.

Busy harbors and waterfronts were new experiences to the immigrants in New Dreams. This sweet historical romance begins in a busy European port and takes the reader along to 1851 Illinois. Will Louisa find a way to continue when she’s alone? Will the thief stay reformed? Click on the link for more information. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE