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Following Mother’s Advice

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American Explorer

ellenparkerwrites

The name of this son of an English immigrant blacksmith is familiar to millions of Americans. It is necessary to separate fact and fiction when hearing or reading of several of his exploits — for the record is murky.

Born in Pennsylvania, he moved with his parents to North Carolina during his teens. An excellent hunter, he served in the militia and traveled on several expeditions. His survival skills would be tested on several occasions. One of his most notable achievements was finding and using what became known as the Wilderness Trail through the Cumberland Gap.

An assortment of firearms from Daniel Boone’s era. The explorer lived in what became Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Missouri during his long life, ending in 1820. From the accounts I’ve read, he was a fine hunter and likely decent to draw a map. But he made bad land deals and lost in the courts. He ended his days at his son, Nathan’s home in Missouri.

Adventure of a different type faces new arrivals in the fictional town of Elm Ridge, Illinois in the spring of 1851. Will Louisa find a job and be able to use her baking skills? Will Hans remain an honest man — with an honest job? Readers will find the answers in the sweet romance, New Dreams. Follow the link for the complete blurb. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Pretty in Pink

ellenparkerwrites

Also in white, orange, and any flower color except blue.

When I found this bed of lilies one June at the Missouri Botanical Garden, I couldn’t resist. I wonder how many other visitors snapped their photo that day. Or in the years since?

When I was a child, we called the orange ones “tiger lily”. It was pretty much the only color we saw. According to my recent search, they are Asiatic lilies. Of course, that’s rather misleading. Since the plant is native to North America and Europe as well as large portions of Asia.

Regardless of name and place of origin — they are a credit to any garden.

In the mid-19th century, many American gardens included a few flowers among the vegetables. They added a splash of color. Sometimes they also furnished medicine or a little pest control. In the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, one of Louisa’s first tasks at the bakery was to tend the garden. Fenced to keep out the animals which tended to wander, the garden contained raised beds of vegetables, herbs, and (I like to think) a few flowers. Check out this summer read at the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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The Boat’s Coming

ellenparkerwrites

Do you hear the steam whistle? Can you feel the energy?

Four weeks from tomorrow — March 22 — the steamboat The Perch will land at fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois.

Well, that’s the first day you can buy the story which includes the landing. However, the story begins months before and thousands of miles away. Oh — and in the past — 1851 to be precise.

So mark your calendars — or pre-order for your Kindle here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Hans and Louisa will meet you on the page!

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September Beginnings

ellenparkerwrites

Many years, and several hundred miles, ago…

If your social media feed is similar to mine — the previous week or two has been filled with photos of friends sending their children to school. Some are posing with smiles. A few look very uncertain about the whole procedure. You see the entire range of kindergarten to off to college.

My mother also recorded the event in our household — at least for her youngest child. I think she actually took the picture a day or two before school started. After all, it was going to be an outside photo (we didn’t own a flash camera).

My preparation involved learning to pronounce the name of my teacher. It wasn’t a difficult name — much easier than my own which I had actually learned to spell by the time school started.

Mother purchased my supplies: tablet, pencils, crayons, and paste.

Ready for First Grade!

A clean dress, white socks, and probably new shoes and I was all set to conquer the world!

Reading was my favorite and continues to be a great joy in my life. In fact, I like reading well enough that I’m making a second career out of writing.

For a peek at a fictionalized, current look at this small, Wisconsin town — try one of the trio of Crystal Springs Romances. First in the trilogy is Starr Tree Farm. Kindle:https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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August Advice

ellenparkerwrites

A little advice is a good thing. When it comes from an expert, it’s even better.

So here are the professor’s tips for staying comfortable on hot, August days.

Seek the shade.

Drink plenty of water.

Eat your fruits and vegetables.

Professor? Well, for the month of August, I decided to explore close to home. Yes, for many people this is prime vacation time. But for a multitude of reasons, some people are unable to travel. So take a look around and see what you can find within a drive of two hours or less.

Professor Chimp dispenses his advice and demonstrate a carefree attitude at the St. Louis Zoo.

Do you live near a zoo? Have you considered a stroll among the animals as a place for a “date”? Light and casual courting in Comfort Zone, a sweet romance, includes a zoo date with emphasis on elephants.

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Pretty Pair

ellenparkerwrites

Some things pair well — bread and butter, salt and pepper, or cat and dog — often come into our minds as a duo.

Glancing around my home recently, I discovered a few book and mug pairs that I wish to share.

When curiosity about one of my favorite insects strikes, the book comes in handy. Perhaps I saw one on a walk. Or I’m writing and my character would know the correct name. That’s the purpose of Field Guides.

Taking a little time and enjoying tea or coffee with my reading? The mug from the Butterfly House makes the ideal companion.

Do you have any special book and mug pairs?

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Spooky Fun

ellenparkerwrites

A sunny, crisp day in fall can contain a lot of fun.

Imagine the swish of leaves as you walk under a tree. The sight of a lone maple in all it’s golden or red glory. The scent of charcoal from one of the last bar-b-que’s of the season.

Or perhaps you prefer the sound of children playing games. Or gathered around a fire pit telling the latest in ghost stories.

In an October past, these figures gathered around a tree at the zoo for a dancing good time.

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Active Fingers

ellenparkerwrites

Busy fingers make happy hands. Keep your mind active. Read. Write. Work math or word puzzles.

Or…

Early this year — when Covid 19 was first getting an official name and riding airplanes and ships throughout the world — I decided to work jigsaw puzzles. My goal was to keep my fingers busy with puzzle pieces instead of food while watching evening TV.

Months later — results are mixed. Lots of puzzles have been worked. Some I owned, a couple I checked out from the library, and a timely gift of dozens of used ones filled some boxes.

Did I stop eating? No.

Gain weight? Not much.

Enjoy the challenge? Definitely!

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Hope or Fear

ellenparkerwrites

What’s on the other side of the door?

Will the events or items inside feed your inner optimist? Or will they feed the downward spiral of your thoughts and turn you into at least a temporary pessimist?

Can you tell by the door’s appearance?

These mid-20th century doors could do both. They happen to be the main entrance to the campus science hall. The building was almost a second home — right behind my dorm room in hours spent within the walls.

Some days, at at least a class or two, were delightful. My attitude and abilities fit with my major. Other days– not so much. How did I do on that quiz? Why doesn’t the sugar crystalize? Do I care which direction the electrons flow?

Do you have similar doors in your life? Does your experience run more to unexpected pleasure or disappointment?