tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-276624002024-03-17T02:20:03.795-05:00Riding With The Top DownBlogging with romance authors Leanne Banks, Kylie Brant, Helen Brenna, Deb Dixon, Kathleen Eagle, Cindy Gerard, Lois Greiman, Michele Hauf, Betina Krahn, and Christie Ridgway.Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comBlogger1585125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-51049742473045108312011-01-03T01:14:00.001-06:002011-02-07T19:55:03.343-06:00We’ve Moved…<p>…to a different road. Here’s the map: <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfgEODFJSjG6bdprjC0_2vTYpyXf3rT55kjONOBJnPye-efeiTFeq1Ws9sSbusrZMJuGpjoEHZ1opuCAIviQ_NjzoNOHv8EsVjjxhih36VcrAnL2QfQ-YotiUnPgR5wPfnq2F/s1600-h/wkw015driving4%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wkw015driving4" border="0" alt="wkw015driving4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR9RPk6ZAN8VfFHUt8cL9bdj8wUClCRLmK0A0yvwNV1lm9HMeejFvpmPDfV_6MjEcXdskD-qnb9yy7mSI08hCNMRHQ6uXP4_l2pqX2QYqygfSB8bsij2VwMaHz87-5OGrpd1V/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="161" /></a></p> <p>We’re talking about our books and the writing life and whatever tickles our fancy, so come on along!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-19958058278811829122011-01-02T10:58:00.001-06:002011-01-02T10:58:03.422-06:00Complete Moving Party Winners List<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJBmLW5VhYbH9v-jN68Uaqyx0YHSjVVq89Ppyqbn2-8Ei0XHK13rr7yq6RZTI4w6JwJqT2cXDehS6mtwJCfgZisDgudapa8mG3GKM5Vj7Y_xQ4rWbUKu-IkrqM1csJeODgGrC/s1600-h/and-the-winner-is%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="and-the-winner-is" border="0" alt="and-the-winner-is" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBQdE5FLLOatep6kXjTljmHYlTn6QOXFE-XoApoBbj38ovDqg-lLtK_FiXj0-enhjndqyACQ2PNzLTO37RPm_q75OCHt-y1DWqx65ia-UfVP83mgOS50zEZ7YDeCMUMm1MlRf/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="198"></a> </p> <p>Head over to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> and check the December winners list. Names and contact info are all there. If you haven’t claimed your prize, don’t wait another minute! </p> <p>Get involved in the conversation tomorrow (Monday 1/3) and you can still be eligible for the big finale—the Shower Of Books!</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-25485981769809107722011-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:002011-01-01T00:00:07.572-06:00New Year, New Address<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9phNsxJpmJAqsJfQIze0_XHUypRaM8Eyt3HG8SYHgtnlAs4x5_wyousazO62e7fOEuAG2UDyPrGsUQ0mGcFN-rJ8vV5ArZ5paV5j1lMwX3sv7BmfwLo44ess7U1wb6-ea8iG/s1600-h/happy_new_year_2011_3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="happy_new_year_2011_3" border="0" alt="happy_new_year_2011_3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIme7fSYH_9NDFLfE2vNIWHZb07WeumOcT2mqIZlM4i_gd4CJ55avZCwITNK5HdrqfVS08XEuxZm46PoBbYNrhXmxdmHY_bgaUd1MZJfKvBk_0gwebOlK8wJRW7_lykoewmoi/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>You’ll find us at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a>. Come on over and bookmark us.</p> <p><font color="#0080ff" size="6">Happy New Year—Happy Reading!</font></p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-16404351256630432052010-12-31T02:49:00.002-06:002010-12-31T02:56:51.225-06:00Movie Review and Shower Of Books<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0h8ODAchUjPLYn9mx36n_1jCXLDzsOeeVhv0UJUdMdoRnZz6KGsCs3QC-OdowD5CDtyM0mqItrSsJigJzxu_kFBms9G7VfG88IpdD4qlKazQtb7fQHpta7NfQF3MiCSBkZ19/s1600/Flying_books.36381031_std.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0h8ODAchUjPLYn9mx36n_1jCXLDzsOeeVhv0UJUdMdoRnZz6KGsCs3QC-OdowD5CDtyM0mqItrSsJigJzxu_kFBms9G7VfG88IpdD4qlKazQtb7fQHpta7NfQF3MiCSBkZ19/s320/Flying_books.36381031_std.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556766143186851730" border="0" /></a><br />Check us out at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> where today Kathleen reviews the new "True Grit" for theater goers and "Town" on DVD. <br /><br />Be sure to join in the discussion and become eligible for our fabulous "Shower Of Books." One name will be drawn on January 3. Good luck!Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-51317114701555945562010-12-30T00:19:00.000-06:002010-12-30T00:01:17.889-06:00Thursday’s Child Is Leanne Banks<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xO1OxgB3wMVzbL8q2NlzgQWiQjpS_v-DS117852ZtjfL5O7dnYzUPKKqUoBxRq5lLPYbGzi59Q94vCWAhU3kxRqFBsNkSryuP5l29qLfwBDl-6EZ68epXtBcbJiiynM3SD6M/s1600-h/flying-books1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="Book fall" alt="Book fall" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8hkJ83TbXq6nUi7uxKjSSqvpFTPAJzF1EwZ48v78LBL4RyJ_P3V-DZNj_SmQCuXKatNrUjTsYt1WI7veCW-_m6QfYjrYZ-fbV-CJY7JXm0GY-_7XiAljGzG7SC1H6FPYZBTM/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="244" width="124" /></a> </p> <p>Meet us at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">our new address</a> and share your thoughts with Leanne and the Riders today. We’re cruising toward the big “Shower Of Books” to be announced in the New Year—January 3rd to be exact. Names of all who comment between now and Monday will be eligible, but only one will get rained on. Books from all the riders, including DEADLY INTENT and WAKING NIGHTMARE (Kylie Brant); NOT JUST THE NANNY and CRUSH ON YOU (Christie Ridgway); AN ACCIDENTAL SEDUCTION and ONE HOT MESS (Lois Greiman) And that’s just for starters. Visit <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdow.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdow.wordpress.com</a> and get in on the discussion. And bookmark us!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-74983754481639051272010-12-29T01:41:00.001-06:002010-12-29T01:41:07.093-06:00Cruising Into 2011 At Our New Address<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckrfXpMYBYKz1kPKVFhFmds7Tz4WeXVCwyYLAFO_CG94ID2sC1qYw9FGlQOonOc0S_ajCGe6QeqmkXO06SI2vyNjECcBPgQla4Rl10C5CsN2XbiVEq7ZX6dDxB0IPVEbsrB9B/s1600-h/Flying%20Books%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Flying Books" border="0" alt="Flying Books" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKou2LqKN_LQRdTcDZtkMZzGoZRjElRvreyxg45mJ5i94YSHmkketTANBSUn4GBZ3903phLHEj84-OX0BIS6Klr62va01-BiG0qATyd6oOu4jTfblJXC6lQ9dHf_w6uX0xGVtQ/?imgmax=800" width="187" height="244"></a> It’s going to be raining books!</p> <p>We’re finishing out his week’s blogging at <a href="http://www.ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://www.ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> with Cindy Gerard on Wednesday the 29th, Leanne Banks on Thursday the 30th, and Kathleen Eagle on Friday the 31st. On Monday night (Jan 3), Christie Ridgway will draw one name from our Dec 29-Jan 3 commenters, and that person will be showered (by mail) with books written and autographed by our Riders. Isn’t that a fine way to start off the New Year? So get in on the conversation.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">And do bookmark our new address!</a></p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-11333827067681992002010-12-28T00:58:00.000-06:002010-12-28T00:58:00.129-06:00We’re Moving<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSlmiHXmuAyq8xmiq2WE20xVokcehwQqE75_JLLNu-J6S0mxPKoY0LA85UvX1goNNgVqvT6Ek4vxSS-_KW7cG3pYG0ipR4NqM6Cj54mmAJ_uzDQVt1UNK4csF05YWQYLDC3VH/s1600-h/t-shirt%20001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="t-shirt 001" border="0" alt="t-shirt 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXpGmo6inTjLJEgGANgjzoDOMnsR5sxvBa1bgIR-_OZqIUikwY3aCq30tpr5DFdoSqaLqDWnk5_tMrGof741r5_g5pVYXiObsiS68lqraNeLam0CnOn4MTkLi96t2m7-nfJ2q/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> </p> <p>Get dressed and come with us. Michele Hauf is talking up her latest book today and drawing for this one-of-a-kind Riding With The Top Down T-shirt. Go to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> and put in your two cents for a chance to win.</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-50942448602421351112010-12-27T11:26:00.001-06:002010-12-27T11:26:00.678-06:00Saddle Up and Ride With Lois Today<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL22gU022bDloR-2ZFKmtfP3dFfQ-9sxR-nKOMNYZ1G_9wIbquhdCfeweG3qZnYEU7H8Q-K-QDXwMWqr6Zc4-gEVdP3oGiDScizAeaY-J9aLwFgutUdrIPqtMdzgdUPJU_2Z4/s1600-h/hidalgo6%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="hidalgo6" border="0" alt="hidalgo6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSRRnc5z85HE50yvBk98-6kFtx66cCY3ZvtI0e2zkau_pDDHCFAk5mUpYEIe_35yl_SxFbD7iwJKBXb79ezV90RErQAj2OKziL6N_xsJYkLNVhAXuhwFOaTkspKxn6PMFDhKR/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="132"></a> </p> <p>Lois is talking 2010 highlights today, and hers have to do with riding. <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">Follow this trail to our new home</a> and make a comment. You’ll be eligible for Lois’s giveaway—sapphire earrings! And be sure to check our updated winners list. If your name has been drawn, you’ve got some contacting to do.</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-44020293242253312472010-12-27T00:53:00.001-06:002010-12-27T00:53:57.767-06:00You get a prize! And you get a prize! And you get a prize!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDp0jeMKaIRVX70ieD3K67aFWXv4H_UD6RUEKTTww0UhPF25rwZkJIF_dazn5C7tVAtdjCG_OLEt09L61zXSqia9veMLWQNHBVotn3CXzycW8yZq0CwUqHLtR-YiAwrM_XDHH/s1600-h/And%20the%20Winner%20Is3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="And the Winner Is3" border="0" alt="And the Winner Is3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rAPLWfPQBVMvJbqbBX-AMUWv9Wxb4iMbhrHRdC5uaVJow-d_7mIQ46qRdRQRVTYSR6pjpml-Nl5s-ECpX7LtXdO70vQRtecvdO1ZnMWV3alqwSdVNKffvpJoElxuo6dizYYF/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>But you’ll have to jump over to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> to find out who YOU are. 2 weeks worth of prize winners are listed. Our moving party lasts another week, so bookmark us!</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-87528781175571818922010-12-24T00:34:00.000-06:002010-12-24T00:34:00.738-06:00BIG Christmas Eve Gifting<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PfqGhp2JJtvMIKmh-b64TFuEXX6015LPJVfQ6Dtj0AsNvdESuz_kNXF5RdwXPv_Eq7niNcXs6bcgPIZyYpTvlbI-QbrZ238ezOIeVgxzaGWLa_agXoPBtTMpNchQkG4LQZra/s1600-h/christmas-wreath-clip-art-christmas-wreath-graphic-1%5B3%5D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="christmas-wreath-clip-art-christmas-wreath-graphic-1" border="0" alt="christmas-wreath-clip-art-christmas-wreath-graphic-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsOBnBLZ-gTd93vnJ9RLmEHhLT5OsgIO1122KhDbajqcXGhBK38QTkOyfc6giOiJU5SjHXARQwB3O3NYgMEjdwymusCxWlNfgc5GkdyzM-XsWiAqeGaJ2xbA8dFDWfLH3rVCj/?imgmax=800" width="66" height="82"></a> </p> <p>Taking in a movie over the holidays? Cindy has a review and a big prize to offer—a digital photo viewer/alarm clock worth $30—for one Christmas Eve visitor at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a>. See you there!</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-20980379480371528412010-12-23T00:47:00.001-06:002010-12-23T00:47:00.340-06:00Another Day, Another Prize<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0tkKn_Ig5UnQEMjGZ-4P4vwkJNoNWvhHdsmdczKhcYVMEYdTxw6bZQlnCWKNom2ada4VjVV8IdKiPb2tZLlZNOSudVDuvV9IWRWA5jigfX4F53z5qEAIQm0ucx-jqW1Im-ri/s1600-h/200174130-001driving6%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="200174130-001driving6" alt="200174130-001driving6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJ7Bnqceo1BA2ld6AGUBjWq-OJ_M6xnrS3wLlpZa-jTlYAhhUihr8yYhS96FPjtDp05zo1KdI7rYoDatzPv8o_avxAP_JTAx9lNJu-TxmjhI2CJcCvnqNx6RQ7TlgOHD-5tPa/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="110" width="174" /></a><br /></p><p>If it’s Thursday, it must be time to turn the keys over to <strong>Helen Brenna</strong>. Wanna go for a ride-along? Backseat drivers welcome at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com.</a> One commenter will receive a $15 gift certificate from Borders Books. Don’t forget to bookmark us!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-19846438521531779212010-12-22T00:16:00.002-06:002010-12-22T12:04:07.428-06:00Counting the days until . . .<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MrAJUzyUTxXvyjsxC5u5vltUlrkbqvuDwLSAqMgrgnqyU6QLXFHsCzCC-QObbSflUw1Wyhayaypu0vKMLAVr0H0HSKcVpNmwvTm5F53KxK96ZFWvS7w4oPcVY6WYhRqFb_IB/s1600-h/ridersincolor-1%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="ridersincolor-1" alt="ridersincolor-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaz4QBJPO2vxnpCZnbs7317WQHUHU4UvgKrDkFTVXke6lotg4vc6vkAkEV-HfXS8hP6zAwHi8kEz1yh9AzfKuiYXvsPJ74fXFIhQhctiS1En2k9oxLnKxB6FVlNPppmBE8NauX/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="182" width="244" /></a> </p> <p> . . . our big finale on January 3? Well, don't be a wallflower. Join in the lively conversation at <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">our new address</a>. You'll love Deb's YouTube blog today, and she'll be giving one commenter a $15 Amazon gift certificate. Bookmark us!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-62579290459162003342010-12-21T00:35:00.002-06:002010-12-21T00:35:00.172-06:00Holiday Road Trip Continues<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc2JH8kH8H3b-obpIMJDXzHiWf_gfG9rqDcyWdIbEY1kaMr7ukuhZtHExSGtIr9hkcgAe6T3XLbq4eVLcO21yrZEnrGNrF6TlSm2KV3zj_4E3wFiX1FiHAO8iePnY_7_wsMUc/s1600-h/2driving2AA052405%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="2driving2AA052405" alt="2driving2AA052405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92V2hd9gMJIs1eB7zvaD2GK3rbr1tpjbaE_PyCvyv_JYdtKs6FwDxwuWYzsAlzvAycqwFEi35ECT1yVcxQVuDpdqSCbTYclAqcCAYwOJt3bsecEoy-KRHi5ZfifWdvcNFqwkl/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="138" /></a><br /></p><p>It’s <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kylie Brant</span> Tuesday! She’ll be drawing the name of one lucky commenter, who’ ll receive a $15 Amazon gift certificate. So cruise on over to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> and get in on the conversation. Don’t forget to bookmark us!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-53984915298072768232010-12-20T10:52:00.001-06:002010-12-20T10:52:13.314-06:00Debra - If you give it, they will come...<p>Jump in the car and follow me over to our new blog site on WordPress! I've got a blog waiting for you and a giveaway of four books from the BelleBooks or Bell Bridge Books catalogue.</p> <p>Come on...you know you want to. The new blog is just a click away: <a href="http://www.RidingWithTheTopDown.WordPress.com">www.RidingWithTheTopDown.WordPress.com</a>.</p> Debra Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03992776098849029414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-83153845627694543232010-12-18T10:42:00.001-06:002010-12-18T10:42:23.797-06:00This Week’s Winners<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGBIYYBnciftUPU1MqwJ5VTzUSrb9Lc1818MyQLKicrQN-agJ-7hshvx_UZPtaOIPC5-LrojA7J5I0okT9XBnxnmnmQEY2X_xZvIsWF6I9l0RnvGG5IiT5Ix9jQvIRdFcV5-0/s1600-h/winner%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="winner" border="0" alt="winner" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTsiSSgb1HxUkCFjQzfi7gU5Jo3huzhwa2TEwT4KrNLcVb9ggtKH_SqJakbAhXgJQ42P8PtKn_MxZXsjHH8ElDHCyy4S1s-VT5azE1V_JTdEVER02pvibwiWpsuG3c5rXKZjG/?imgmax=800" width="105" height="105"></a> </p> <p>We’re making a list. <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">Go check it once or twice</a>. Whether you’re naughty or nice, if we drew your name, you get a prize!</p> <p><strong>Congratulations Winners! Our party continues through New Year’s weekend with more prizes and more discussion. <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">Bookmark us!</a></strong> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-75508163485671329092010-12-17T01:36:00.000-06:002010-12-17T01:36:00.122-06:00Watch Out! Kathleen’s Driving Today<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0Ie41V1PJlQ_yqTaEv_hrZJ4C5WTwDDRHECoQLxbU7z3d6xSo95p1YUwgIIDDdx3VjixoVOngkw8qnHylzoIqyxLoJ7H6D_zD3Hpp5Tvd7iHuBWD9p_lNYplMR15d-7xAzFs/s1600-h/twk027driving3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="twk027driving3" border="0" alt="twk027driving3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzoql_0oQkHYDli4QucalfOAvVZZ1ipj4QHhUSRhN7rykQirny6414wJDXkTi5BA-jgCaVx_VehYGdQXg1le9I1LUXW1vZ0C8aosfweFN_DSpWdJ55w5SWTUdGCMalZ0itefI/?imgmax=800" width="174" height="139"></a> And she tends to get distracted. She’ll award a $15 Amazon gift certificate to one backseat driver with a good sense of direction, so move on over to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a>, bookmark us, and, yes, tell Kathleen Eagle where to go. She’s discussing a recent article about fiction, fantasy, and yearning for a simpler life.</p> Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-47902753723997780932010-12-16T01:26:00.001-06:002010-12-16T01:26:00.329-06:00Michele’s Serving Chocolate Today<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSS1x0v57hIuPKPSy-dX5H74SZsMh2DC3uhC1VEhNrHflL2bwh2E0o86jhMq0TOlytL_1I2ANDVQnI8iMOtv-_xvVhF1Y-diDjdWZkbZo7zIaLDqtgX5p5EIgROjwqOlF0uHUE/s1600-h/michele%5B2%5D.gif"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="michele" alt="michele" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG3Z8G3_EHTFruWyAL1cCpxxNdc96V_hr-1uOuq6cP6cWVofPAgkvOzn04f3kuElE3_mlljMPGXJpvUNJVAx-0M3HPQ6gL2fBgZqF7WGmwjyUc_QENDbeqpPLIcA6wadsv7JB/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> Follow our tracks to the new home of <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">Riding With the Top Down</a> where Michele Hauf is hosting a gala today. She’ll send one lucky commenter a box of yummy Decadent Chocolates. Be sure to bookmark <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a>. See you down the road!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-49749488986229392412010-12-15T09:48:00.000-06:002010-12-16T09:48:40.524-06:00MAUREEN is winner for Amazon Gift Certificate Dip Drawing!<p>CONGRATULATIONS MAUREEN!  You are the winner for the Amazon Gift Certificate!  Please send your name and email address to leannebbb @ aol.com (no spaces) so I can send it to you pronto!</p> <p>Thank you to all my fellow “dippers”!  Merry Christmas!!<img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T6ydzwIz4efyB6vmnF4S7NhSoLk8PmkpsFK9RsXVSEA884ggofUiDf2CQFjtTuN3tG5Ot6MQOTYD3ZD5uqQnYwfkz773WDpVyowmouT_WX_U0CcI-bIMGU5AR151JYxKHokfLA/?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>xo,</p> <p>Leanne</p> Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12903033094866182246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-86666570908446026422010-12-15T01:18:00.002-06:002010-12-15T01:18:00.198-06:00Go For a Ride With Samantha Hunter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6CUsjrzMdfoV24GN8MNzV-r_XCZetr7mr7fQIy-po69lue6qU7sDt_1pzudxfaKpy4jnTKAwsdgqhDLMp0OtAH1hSOrjJtP1xMixVLI0vdrf5JtoXShznQE5gC1kd9wX3SIC/s1600/xmasbasket.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6CUsjrzMdfoV24GN8MNzV-r_XCZetr7mr7fQIy-po69lue6qU7sDt_1pzudxfaKpy4jnTKAwsdgqhDLMp0OtAH1hSOrjJtP1xMixVLI0vdrf5JtoXShznQE5gC1kd9wX3SIC/s320/xmasbasket.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550589125989724194" border="0" /></a>We’ve moved from here to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">here</a>, and we’re taking author Samantha Hunter with us today, and look what you might win if you ride along!<br /><p>One commenter will win a basket with Samantha's December release, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I'LL BE YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS</span>, Joanne Rock's Christmas Blaze, <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNDER WRAPS</span>, some promo items from both authors, soaps and chocolates. Wow! Samantha also has a new Blaze coming out in June 2011, <span style="font-weight: bold;">MINE UNTIL MORNING</span>.<br /><br />Join us on our holiday road trip and bookmark our new URL. <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">We’re Riding With the Top Down</a>. </p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-61792803410494158642010-12-14T00:15:00.002-06:002010-12-14T00:15:00.146-06:00We’re moving. Need a ride?<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0Fp6carIu8jZyfJUIGR7HPlwR3cjtGAJ_ZeN7cjb5UXEi1j4BNEl2SoJQgQQ4SW0HbO4LrkVAtlxH7pbBQth3nW2S_P6-on52naspeFTEto9YaH2404PUKA_1I_mHNtc_Acb/s1600-h/wkw015driving4%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="wkw015driving4" alt="wkw015driving4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqCNuodKr7n_sIzB3Bek2fCFmChLH_RK-RrBUevB4XQctoHSHrYqaNHx1V9Dqf2a1nnpCnACJQe99jytBRaGX4p1hAEYaS2D8C6YDfRWf8Pd-2DCEHpL5HbFjs2pNnZ3DY1n-/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="161" width="174" /></a> Christie Ridgway is blogging today about the January release of THEN HE KISSED ME, a story that begins on New Year’s Eve. She’ll be drawing for a $15 Amazon gift certificate at the stroke of midnight tonight (or thereabouts) to be given to someone who comments today. All you have to do is go to <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</a> and join the party. Bookmark our new site, and visit every day during our 3-week holiday road trip for some of the best giveaways we’ve ever offered.</p> <p>We’re <a href="http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com/">Riding With The Top Down</a>. Hop in!</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-43833459218224817122010-12-12T21:58:00.002-06:002010-12-13T01:00:02.896-06:00Dip Dip Doo Wah… and a Christmas Pressie for one of you!<p><span style="font-size:130%;">It’s that time of the year. Christmas gatherings, potlucks, parties. What to bring? Share your favorite dip or potluck recipe with me and I will draw from your fabulous responses to give one lucky winner a $15.00 gift certificate to Amazon! How’s that for Christmas spirit? </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">What have I been taking to holiday soirees? Dips. I have a few faves such as Buffalo Chicken Dip. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZvPvv-yI/AAAAAAAAAJY/VAIedegSdmk/s1600-h/franks%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="franks" alt="franks" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZvsTPPzI/AAAAAAAAAJc/E93lVqFXc6Q/franks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="244" width="244" /></a>Easy peasy to prepare. 1 large can of chicken breast drained. 1/2 cup Frank’s regular hot sauce (more if you can stand it) 8 oz reduced fat softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup reduced fat Ranch dressing, 1/2 cup grated 2% cheddar cheese. Mix everything together and spread in a glass 9 inch pie plate. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir. Microwave for four more minutes. Enjoy with Tostito scoops or some other more healthy carb alternative. There’s never much left of this. I took it to my mother’s house at Thanksgiving and it was gone within 45 minutes of when I set foot inside her door.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">A more healthy dip that I love. Texas Caviar. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZwXrNx8I/AAAAAAAAAJg/Qtxifr9sBB8/s1600-h/texas_caviar%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="texas_caviar" alt="texas_caviar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZwwVUFoI/AAAAAAAAAJk/lCNwMwpOBas/texas_caviar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="208" width="244" /></a> This can be made several ways. Here’s my fave because green pepper and I do not agree. 1/2 cup chopped red pepper. 1 chopped jalapeno pepper (or 1/4 cup chopped from Jalapeno slices in jar), 1/4 cup thinly sliced chopped onion, 1 15 oz. can Black-eyed peas drained and rinsed (you may substitute a can of black beans or kidney beans), 1 can white corn, 1/3 cup low-fat balsamic vinegar dressing, 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (OR 1 can of tomatoes and chiles), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Combine all ingredients in bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving (24 hours is best). Keeps for days. Serve with tostitos or healthier carb alternative. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">I have a third choice and it is usually reserved for deadline. It’s terrible, wicked bad for you and I rarely purchase it because it’s like crack for me… although I’ve never had crack. I’m just imagining. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZxWi27FI/AAAAAAAAAJo/TeuqGT9BPOQ/s1600-h/heluva-good-dip-coupon%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px;" title="heluva-good-dip-coupon" alt="heluva-good-dip-coupon" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZxmV196I/AAAAAAAAAJs/OLCYzSJkBZ4/heluva-good-dip-coupon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="174" width="244" /></a> Heluva Good French Onion dip with ridged potato chips. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">There’s another Mexican layered dip that my husband and I enjoy for Super Bowl, but I think I’ve given you enough calories to ponder.<img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZx93mGxI/AAAAAAAAAJw/3RtAsMs6VXo/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">So, now it’s your turn. What do you take to a potluck party? One of you lucky responders will receive a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. CAN’T WAIT for you to show your stuff!<img style="border-style: none;" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aWJHZU42z7I/TQWZx93mGxI/AAAAAAAAAJw/3RtAsMs6VXo/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">And starting tomorrow you'll find us riding with our top down at a new address. We're celebrating our move for the rest of the month with prizes galore. We go live tomorrow (Tuesday 12/14) so bookmark </span><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">http://ridingwiththetopdown.wordpress.com</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> and party 'til it's 2011!</span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Merry Christmas!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">xo,</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Leanne</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p>Leannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12903033094866182246noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-58371633088878080632010-12-12T19:08:00.002-06:002010-12-13T00:50:04.869-06:00We’re Throwing a 3-Week Party, and You’re Invited<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGunolJCqMDXWZJzgVg83NVORPKdMW7HnCHSaqGfWjvMNHnrhAld_R4K-OilQUzrnrZlq4nlTrFYq2F1_naIj-ChloJ3kbw8VUNvtyInSB-Z99nDmHiQUwIHkEPzqhAgoTtgG/s1600-h/2driving2AA052405%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline;" title="2driving2AA052405" alt="2driving2AA052405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuHBRMLigmwTSEF7ksDAhxvk3G5s3kA5RAXpaPGIi1cuJrP3xZ-mPOXcJm-cYYcIkaTNJ6TJtCn-CK7s19CwxAvINHCZhZV-lvIxAEmH_FEtn2TOWa-nsha2ObalY6lLsTUUp/?imgmax=800" border="0" height="129" width="138" /></a> Don’t miss our 3-week road trip with daily prize drawings beginning December 13 and ending in 2011. We’re moving, and we want to take you along. So stop in daily. Our new site goes live on Tuesday. You’ll click a link and bookmark our new URL at wordpress. Be sure to comment every day. We’re celebrating with prizes, prizes, prizes.</p>Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-20488407125553146672010-12-10T00:00:00.001-06:002010-12-10T00:00:01.570-06:00The Bushman - booga boogaI had the great good fortune to be invited to speak in Oakland, Ca. last week at the Black Diamond RWA chapter (hey girls!!!) And since the nice ladies invited me out there, I decided to make a little 'fun' trip out of it and extend my stay in San Francisco for a couple extra days. What fun is a visit, however, without company? Not too much so I cashed in some frequent flier miles and had my wonderful daughter-in-law, Eileen, and my 9 year old granddaughter, Kayla, join me.<br /><br />We spent Sunday and Monday 'doing' San Francisco, let me tell ya. Had a great time with two of my favorite girls. And, let's just say that if there was something to see or do, we saw it and did it!<br /><br />On a city bus tour, early on the trip, the bus driver/tour guide told us this tall tale about the supposedly famed San Francisco Bushman. The story goes that this man hides along the sidewalks down on Fisherman's Wharf, using nothing but eucalyptus leaves to cover himself. He ends up looking like a potted plant. Anyway, the tour guide warned us to look out for him because he would pop up when we least expected it and scare us half to death.<br /><br />Needless to say, Kayla didn't think too much about the idea that the Bushman might scare us and was constantly on the lookout for him. Eileen and I pretty much dismissed the possibility that he even existed or if he did, that we'd ever run into him ... and yes, you guessed it. We were rushing along the street, trying to catch the last cable car of the night. It was pretty dark. We were single-minded in our purpose. And bam! He got us good. He jumped out from behind his leaves, roared and Eileen and I almost wet our pants. Kayla, who had been looking out for him EVERY MINUTE, was not one bit surprised, except by how high we both jumped.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr8XBc1OWmLCvtnYCaHFF4B_qmpGpaJm0QKt-ROPQ0ZJVF3R7oDjXSHPOdY-8JPcN9po58xC-jV8LPnoc1ZUajbve5ri4Mt4YeWplUOQ0c7riUfVmoPk5h9WPLxP3abotJKdV5Q/s1600/fwbushman.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr8XBc1OWmLCvtnYCaHFF4B_qmpGpaJm0QKt-ROPQ0ZJVF3R7oDjXSHPOdY-8JPcN9po58xC-jV8LPnoc1ZUajbve5ri4Mt4YeWplUOQ0c7riUfVmoPk5h9WPLxP3abotJKdV5Q/s400/fwbushman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548900666274227794" border="0" /></a><br />So guess what HER trip highlight was? We made a visit to Muir Woods and the ancient and giant redwoods, we lunched in Sausalito, did Chinatown, rode the cable car, rode not one but TWO different ships on the Blue and Gold fleet out into the bay and under the bridge and around Alcatraz, saw the Aquarium of the Bay, The Wax Museum, went to a live production of SHREK, the Musical at the Orpheum (it was FANTASTIC!) and still, it's the Bushman, who she talks about when someone asks her what she did.<br /><br />Go figure.<br /><br />That ever happen to you? You go on this trip, see all the sights and some odd, unexpected event is what you remember most? What's the best vacation you've taken recently? And what was the best thing about it? For me, it was being with my girls~Cindy Gerardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13311224531297908704noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-71902459629816736152010-12-09T00:00:00.001-06:002010-12-09T00:00:08.370-06:00'Tis the Season--for Online Shopping!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRCvEnhTiMR60WUGENjsS0RnYYj0Hz-SGhV1aKDKKAWmsK2AtLn7jZx1dBztGmrmKVugFAN-IqfWD_L7-AfzsaCPBNkPoxDkcRJoxcMxshA3Vc81mBASByelqdBJ3fLvZfoWcSA/s1600/img2m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRCvEnhTiMR60WUGENjsS0RnYYj0Hz-SGhV1aKDKKAWmsK2AtLn7jZx1dBztGmrmKVugFAN-IqfWD_L7-AfzsaCPBNkPoxDkcRJoxcMxshA3Vc81mBASByelqdBJ3fLvZfoWcSA/s320/img2m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548520870769074690" /></a><br />Confession time: I hate shopping. Although my mother was the consummate shopper, as were her sister and my oldest sibling, that gene is missing in my DNA makeup. I'll go without something I need for weeks until sheer desperation overcomes my loathing and I'm forced to dash into a store. I don't linger recalling other things I really need to pick up, either. It's all about getting in and out in the shortest amount of time possible. Which means I go without a lot, unless I can con my husband into going for me.<div><br /></div><div>He actually does do a bit of my shopping. Strangely, he's never minded (except at this time of year.) He'll go and bring home some sweaters and new pants for me, which I can then keep or have him take back,. You have to admit, that's a pretty sweet deal. It's like having my own personal shopper, albeit one whose tastes run to the low-cut and slutty. (Those are the ones he usually has to take back.) I'm a huge Christmas junkie, so my shopping aversion used to be set aside at this time of year. But as I get older I have even less patience for the crowds<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.84px; ">, lack of inventory and unhelpful clerks. Too much going store to store has me plotting homicide, as evidenced by my marathon excursion on Sunday. (You hear that, Toys 'R Us employee???? They would *never* find your body!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>That's why one of my favorite things about Christmas is online shopping.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahh. Now *that* I could wax poetic about! Last week, Christmas lists in hand, I spent 4 1/2 hours one night getting started on my shopping. Afterwards there was no braving the cold to haul packages out to the car. No jostling crowds in the mall or trudging from one place to the other looking for that must have gift. Just me stretched out on my chaise lounge, Diet Coke in one hand, credit card in another, in search of deals.</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA_pW8HgKHNYMtQDP4Jt_hAgMcgDliXY9WfyCP8ypWFyLAKb_gumi1hk5_b8R2vAmJvarh26oimCC9BuSXyklK2XTwcP88ru8miuhgz3WOpO7Dibl7E9GkDZBtPjsvAcUmzv8Mw/s320/pTRU1-5108117reg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548521194883665970" /><div><br /></div><div>Online shopping fills me with childlike wonder. Free shipping makes my Christmas holiday all shiny and bright :)</div><div><br /></div><div>And then there's the packages. Like magic they begin to appear on the porch every afternoon, two and three a day. And each of them represents more than a gift: they represent one less store I had to force myself into. So far I have successfully avoided the reality that next week, I'm really going to have to start wrapping. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I insist on Christmas lists from my kids before they leave after Thanksgiving. It's a bonus when I get one that comes complete with links! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What are your favorite parts of the season? Any least favorites? Do you have the shopping gene or are you a mutant like me <g></g></span><g><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">?</span></g></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KylieBranthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-68937271035105614152010-12-08T07:19:00.008-06:002010-12-08T09:27:07.529-06:00Guest Author: Holly JacobsPlease welcome guest author Holly Jacobs who has a new, December Superromance out now, HOMECOMING DAY and she's a novice basket weaver, too! She's having a contest giving away a basket she's made. Here's Holly ...<br /><br />Thanks for inviting me to visit today, Ladies!<br /><br />I’m pretty sure most readers aren’t surprised to discover that writers are readers, too...generally they’re readers first! I can't remember a time I didn't read. My first book love-affair was with The Hobbit. To be honest, all my first crushes were on characters from books. Aragorn in LOTR, Lazarus Long in Heinlein's works. I grew up in books. As an adult, I was the kindergarten story lady for years, even after all my kids had moved up in grades. There was something so exciting about seeing the kids fall into a story. Most years we all read our first big-kid chapter book together.<br /><br />I can't fathom a life without books.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WKctvf-pO3uaAjMUKOWO2P9sZkOd0A-Pq34OfoATqFKkt2gXZk9AYWLSMepYrc5FwunYJgQlgj6Zq6SnZkAaifnwYiTFEFpL0pvyCu4AHmvT2R7Cnte7VgLucP1ZquLhhQjT/s1600/HOMECOMING+DAY.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WKctvf-pO3uaAjMUKOWO2P9sZkOd0A-Pq34OfoATqFKkt2gXZk9AYWLSMepYrc5FwunYJgQlgj6Zq6SnZkAaifnwYiTFEFpL0pvyCu4AHmvT2R7Cnte7VgLucP1ZquLhhQjT/s400/HOMECOMING+DAY.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548304690339375458" border="0" /></a>I guess that's why I touch on the idea of functional illiteracy in this month’s SuperRomance, Homecoming Day. JT, the high school freshman in the book, can read. It's difficult and ponderous for her, but she can do it...she just can't do it well and that impacts her school performance and her self-esteem. And it goes without saying that she has never read for pleasure.<br /><br />My hero and heroine come together because of her and they work with her. The better she reads, the more her grades improve, the more she opens up.<br /><br />Now, I'm going to confess, I think I rushed the JT's reading progress. I don't think most kids who have difficulty reading can overcome their problems in just a few months of one-on-one work. But hey, I'm writing fiction and there were a few time constraints, so let's just agree that she's an anomaly and did improve that quickly. What I don't think I exaggerated was the idea that one person can make a difference in someone else's life. That having someone care about you can alter the course you take.<br /><br />And I'm totally certain that I didn't exaggerate the notion that reading can enrich your life and open new ideas and vistas. So many writers helped raise me. When I felt lost, they helped me find myself. I wouldn't be who I am today without those authors in my past.<br /><br />Laura, the heroine of Homecoming Day, is a teacher. I have so many family members who teach and I know what a rare and wonderful breed of person they are! And the hero, Seth Keller (whose brother, Zac, was the hero in last year’s Unexcepted Gifts), is a cop. Now, I love cops...actually one cop in particular. My husband is a police Captain, and two brothers are also police officers. So I do think police officers make great heroes, even if they’re not saving the world, but are saving a few kids.<br /><br />Both Laura and Seth have suffered a devastating loss. They need to heal before they can fall in love. My blurb for this book, as I wrote it, was, Life Gives Second Chances...Sometimes So Does Love! I hope you enjoy their story...that you enjoy READING their story.<br /><br />See how I did that? I circled back to reading...literacy! Yeah, I’m that good! LOL Let’s talk books that made an impact on you. Is there a particular book you can remember reading when you were young...something that still stays with you?<br /><br />Holly<br />http://www.hollyjacobs.com/<br /><br />PS. According to National Right to Read Foundation, “42 million American adults can't read at all; 50 million are unable to read at a higher level that is expected of a fourth or fifth grader. 20% of high school seniors can be classified as being functionally illiterate at the time they graduate.” (My heart breaks over these numbers!)<br /><br />PPS. I’m having a contest to celebrate the release of this book. I need to preface the contest info by saying I’m a VERY novice basketweaver. And a number of friends and readers asked me to give one away, so I am!<br /><br />To enter, just share a favorite Christmas memory...something that gives you that warm glow of homecoming and family. That’s all it takes. (Of course, I do hope you’ll purchase a copy of Homecoming Day, too! LOL) You can find out more at <a href="http://www.hollyjacobs.com/contest.html">http://www.hollyjacobs.com/contest.html</a> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;color:black;" ><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>Helen Brennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.com23