Tag: Seasons

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Not on the Holiday Menu

ellenparkerwrites

Deer hunting season in the upper Midwest states tends to be during November. Depending upon the community, social activities might be sparsely attended. After all — hunters want to be in the woods at first light.

No worry for this particular deer family. Not only do they live in a sanctuary — residential section of a metro area — but they have an excellent hiding place from January thru November.

What’s on your holiday feast menu?

Are you traditional with either ham, beef roast, or turkey?

Or do you experiment with fish and wild game?

Serena, the photographer in Morning Tryst, takes a few days off to host friends and attend a wedding during her year visiting Missouri State Parks. Find more information on this sweet romance here: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Cool Birds

ellenparkerwrites

Has winter weather arrived at your location?

Does it include frozen ponds and a dusting (or more) of snow?

These birds, non-residents photographed at the zoo, were making the best of an awkward situation.

No, you can’t go swimming today. How about pretending your webbed feet are snowshoes? Now don’t bother me — I want to tuck my beak under my wing and keep it warm.

Mothers in all sorts of times and situations sound a little alike. Janet, mother-of-the-bride, in the sweet romance, Comfort Zone, is tested while shopping for bridal gowns. Check out this summer and early fall story here: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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New “To Do” List

ellenparkerwrites

Thanksgiving Day and the weekend that follows is history. The turkey (or chicken, or ham, or roast beef) sandwiches have been eaten.

Now thoughts, and actions, turn to a new project.

What’s the deadline to send packages to???

Shipping rates have increased again????

Where did I put the cards that were extra last year???

Sometimes life just goes from one list of tasks to another. The end-of-year holidays are approaching with the steadiest of a drummer. Normal(?) life continues with family obligations, the necessity of work, and regular household chores.

But wait! Time to add the extras. Gifts to buy, wrap, and in many cases — send. Cards to address and mail. Meals to plan. Out-of-town guests arriving? Time to tidy up the guest room and find the clean sheets. Decorations to unpack, inspect, and set out. Music to play or concert to attend.

Don’t forget to squeeze in a little self-care. In my case, that includes taking a book and stealing off to a quiet corner. A sweet romance fits the mood of the season. For one with a step back to a different sort of hectic — try New Dreams. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Keeping Separate Rhythm

ellenparkerwrites

The spinning earth, rotating moon, and central sun all keep their own steady rhythm. Days. Months. Years. The solar system maintains a complicated dance.

This is rumored to trickle down to plants, animals, and humans. Growth and activity cycles are often keyed to seasons, temperature, or length of daylight.

I think one of my houseplants failed to get the memo.

This is definitely NOT an Easter Cactus.

When I compare the leaf shape to a chart, it says Christmas. However, for five years, it has chosen to bloom closer to Halloween (or All Saints Day) than to either Canadian or American Thanksgiving — and certainly not at Christmas.

As a bonus (or symptom of further confusion) the plant has bloomed for a second time, with fewer blossoms, close to Valentine’s Day.

It’s a good thing I’m not fussy with my plants. I choose to enjoy the blooms, no matter the month on the calendar.

For a sweet romance that’s enjoyable at any time of year — check out the historical New Dreams. You’ll step back to 1851 Illinois among the German immigrants.

https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Autumn Stroll

ellenparkerwrites

On a sunny, autumn day, a stroll is just the thing to pick up your spirits. No need for a jacket. Nor a hat. Just wake from a brief nap, give a good shake, and set out. What will I see today?

My sibling, of course I see them. After all, we share a den. Humans populate the other side of the sturdy, glass enclosure of our home. Nice crowd today. Pleasant temperatures and sunshine always increase their numbers. Odd creatures, humans. They talk and gesture and make way too much commotion to ever be a success at hunting. They couldn’t sneak up on a deaf gopher.

Hmm. How shall I amuse the humans today? Perhaps I’ll scratch my claws against the log our keepers provide. There’s enough chill in the air to make the waterfall or pool unappealing. I know, I’ll browse around for a snack. Once, just once, a confused rabbit got into our home. Now that caused some excitement.

Human readers: Do you want to amuse yourself without visiting the bears at the zoo? I suggest a book. If you care for sweet romance, I suggest New Dreams. You can step into the past and pick up a tip or two about traveling and village life in 1851 Illinois. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Giants Grow Here

ellenparkerwrites

Big Oak Tree State Park. Even the name implies size. And yes, this park nestled in the far Southeast corner of Missouri does indeed contain some of the largest trees for their species in the state.

Check the height of the Mississippi River before visiting this quiet jewel. If the river is in flood: roads, park, and farmland in the area may be better suited to canoe than automobile.

At 1,000 acres, this park is one of the smaller Missouri. However, bird watchers will find a treat in the residents and seasonal visitors to this lowland area.

Follow the metal boardwalk to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the lowland forest.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine Serena Carter, the photographer in Morning Tryst, setting up to capture a few of the many birds who favor this habitat. Depending on the season, does she think of the quiet Zack during her workday?

Kindle link for the sweet romance: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Staying Cool in St Lou

ellenparkerwrites

I’ve not done a scientific study, it’s more a personal observation.

St Louis appears to be allowed only three beautiful-for-outdoors days per spring. This year, I recall one. Instead we went from late winter with frosty mornings directly to summer with an afternoon temp at 90.

However, on thar second sort of day — and all the hot days to follow well into September –this brother-sister duo at the zoo has a solution.

Don’t have a friendly waterfall in your backyard?

Hose & sprinkler?

Ice water?

Okay, go modern. I enjoy a nice air-conditioned space as much as the next person.

Or…take a shady hike in a state park. Hat & water bottle are basic– right up there with sturdy shoes for equipment.

Another option– visit state parks via the sweet romance Morning Tryst. Available at major on-line retailers as ebook or print.

Nook readers click here: https://bit.ly/3IQfFeG

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Repairing the Extremes

ellenparkerwrites

Comfort on Call — the fictional heating and cooling firm where Janet Zwingel works, is used to working the hardest during extreme weather.

January deep freeze temperatures keep Janet and the other technicians busy with furnace repairs.

Heat waves, often in August, present challenges with overworked A/C units.

You need to be a special sort of person to repair machinery in these types of extremes. Janet is unique, talented, and dedicated — exactly the traits every employer wants. These same qualities and habits get her noticed in private life — recorded in the clean & wholesome romance COMFORT ZONE. Sample Ellen Parker’s writing now — this sale for the Kindle edition won’t last. https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Winter Doldrums

ellenparkerwrites

Have the short days and long nights of winter gotten you down?

Has it been a long time since the first, exciting, magical snowfall? And now you just wish the cold, snow, and ice would stop?

Cheer Up! I’ve been told that yesterday – Groundhog Day — marks the mid-point between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. We’re on the down slope! Sunset comes later — granted, only by a minute or two.

In the interim — I’ve good news to share. The Kindle edition of the sweet romance Comfort Zone, is on sale for .99 — less than a dollar! This is a limited time sale.

So download today. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and settle in a comfy chair. Meet Janet and Rich — mature people faced with a decision — or two or three.

Learn more here: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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January Promise

ellenparkerwrites

The new year, started fresh and clean — a blank tablet to record the next twelve months.

How are you doing at the end of Month #1? Did you write down any goals or resolutions? Making progress?

In 2022 I photographed a local butterfly garden on the first (sometimes later) day of the month. From the looks of it — 2022 should have been a vigorous year.

Shall we try those goals and resolutions again in February? A new beginning is not limited to the first of the year. How about the first of a month? Or a week? Or a day?

I’ve found goals go better in small bites. My big goal may be to write the next book — but I see better progress when I list it as steps — create characters, sketch out a plot, write first ugly draft (you get the idea).

Now to try it with my body weight. Stop gaining before I set a goal of losing.

May I suggest you set a reading goal? Pick your favorite genre and dive in. Don’t have a favorite genre? I’ll suggest a sweet romance to start. If you favor small towns and second chances — check out STARR TREE FARM. You’ll even find a touch of suspense. More information here: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw