Tag: benches

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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

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A River Runs Past

ellenparkerwrites

My hometown is less than a dozen miles from the Mississippi River.

My current home lies at a similar distance, farther south, on the opposite bank.

The same river, obvious at times and other times out-of-sight, weaves through my sweet romance novels.

Many benches, tables, and rocks offer inviting places to sit and watch the river. The above view is called Lake Pepin — an area where the river widens to approximately three miles.

No matter if you come to picnic, soak in the sun, meet a friend, or escape from daily cares, an outside bench is a welcome site. Join me in March as we visit/revisit outside seating I’ve seen near home or on travels.

The Crystal Springs Romances: Starr Tree Farm, Hiding Places, and Seed of Desire, are set in a fictional village several miles from the above view. Explore the first of the trio here: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Gentle Assist

ellenparkerwrites

Let’s go for a walk! I want to see trees, and chipmunks, and bunnies!

At times it’s the young who urge the old to get outside and find a change of scenery. Or sometimes, the mature follow an inner urge — leftover from youth?

A few miles from my home — and within a short distance of many homes — is a public space with a paved trail, informative signs, and forest. It’s a nice little change-of-pace place.

At the end of a long, hard day — or week — or month — this particular path of less than a mile offers a place to banish some of those worries and cares. And at the end of this month featuring benches and other public seating, my body appreciates the multiple arms of this model.

A good sturdy aid to stand gets more appealing each year. Guess it’s a good sign that I can still hike/walk from one bench to the next — sometimes I even skip one or two.

Do you enjoy reading about people living an active lifestyle? Try the clean & wholesome romance MORNING TRYST to follow a photographer in Missouri State Parks. Hint: she finds more than beautiful sunrises. Kindle: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Dreamers Welcome

ellenparkerwrites

Perhaps it was where I spent my childhood. Or maybe some of my early reading influences the tendency. Whatever the source, the result is that my imagination slips into a faster gear when I’m in the woods.

The forest does not need to be large. Each year I prefer the path less rugged. But there is something about sunlight filtering through leaves which prompts the brain cells.

Let the thoughts of Peter Rabbit and Alice in Wonderland run free as you sit and soak in the atmosphere at this corner of the English Woodland Garden — inside Missouri Botanical Garden.

I imagine two friends having a serious conversation in a private/public space. Or a pair of writers brainstorming the next novel. Enough shade to give respite on a hot day. Birds and perhaps a small mammal or two darting from one place to another. Listen–leaves swish, conversation of other visitors is muted.

The increasing tempo of the world — the scramble for more money, more work, more prestige — fades into the background while the quiet well is refilled.

The Garden is a gem for all of the St. Louis area and likely visited by all the characters in my St. Louis based clean & wholesome romances at one time or another. Why don’t you try a visit with them — Janet and Rich, a couple who grabbed the second chance, invite you to begin with COMFORT ZONE.

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

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Rainy Day Seating

ellenparkerwrites

How’s your weather? Have you experienced any rainy, fall days? You know the sort — cloudy, cool, and rain heavy enough to make a person think of fireplaces, hot drinks, and books.

A little cool, wet weather doesn’t mean you need to hibernate. (As lovely as it may sound.) Cities and towns have many interesting attractions which are entirely, or primarily, indoors. Have you been to a museum lately?

One of the gems in St. Louis is the history museum. Located within the jewel of the city named Forest Park, the museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits.

The History Museum features a rather modern, and soft, resting spot. You may be drawn to this definitely indoor seating between touring the exhibit rooms. A good place to gather with your group and decide on the next activity — another room? Lunch? Gift shop?

Perhaps the couple in the sweet romance, COMFORT ZONE, spend a pleasant afternoon refreshing their knowledge of St. Louis history within these walls. For more information on the book – click here: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Visiting the Farm

ellenparkerwrites

Shall we drive to the farm? A good question, and proposal for an afternoon, for an urban or suburban family.

Don’t have relatives or family friends that are farmers?

No problem — at least if you live in St. Louis.

I may be best to check the website and find out if anything special is happening. Then, off you go for a relatively short drive to the southwest.

Your bench awaits your arrival outside the Event Center. Are you here to watch dogs? The large, modern building behind this view is where our canine friends are often judged for obedience, agility, and conformation.

Interested in a more traditional farm?

Walk down the hill to a complex of barns and visit the horse, cows, pigs, and sheep.

Love cats? They have their own quarters, complete with clever places to hide.

Yes, children of all ages — including those of us old enough to be as interested in the benches for resting as the walking and looking — can find enjoyment at Purina Farms.

Think for a moment. A pair of young professionals sitting and talking at the above bench. What’s the topic? If it’s the detective and the surgeon from STARE DOWN I’m thinking dogs are under discussion. Perhaps they are comparing the aspects and personalities of different breeds — before they get serious about a pet.

For more information or to purchase STARE DOWN on Kindle, click here: http://amzn.to/1LXiTwP