Happy Thanksgiving

Have a cooky.

With a grateful heart, here's wishing you all a blessed, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving.

The quote is: Turn the page.

There comes a day when you realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.


T. Malik.




Inspiringandpositivequotes.com

Kind of where I'm at right now.

The quotes for  "turn the page,"  with a Google search are endless. Some are really good.


So what's next in your life?


Catch you all later, guys.

Merry Xmas everyone!

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

A book review, and an awesome Great sightings poetry link from a poet I admire.

Hi all,

While I continue creating and editing, I leave you with a awesome poetry blog link, from a poet I admire, and another book review. Enjoy.


The Valley of Amazement By Amy Tan. 5 stars.



What a charming read. Amy Tan managed to transport me to a faraway land, old China, and the struggle of a Geisha girl and the choices she made that obscured her fate, yet captivates the valor and strength to survive in spite of the odds. She portrayed this life style at the turn of the century with amazing charisma. The blatant sex surprised me a little, but overall I concluded it made this type of story more real. It was daring of Amy Tan to portray the naked truth. The history and her characters were captivating and memorable. I enjoyed learning the details of the various levels in this profession amidst this culture. I felt it could have been a shorter novel. I started to grow tired toward the end and wanted their ordeal to be finished already. It is an impressive and unique story, beautifully told. The writing, without a doubt is excellent.


For those of you interested in viewing more, here is Amy Tan's USA Amazon link.

http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Amazement-Amy-Tan/dp/0062107321/ref=la_B000APXZIO_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437849623&sr=1-3






Great sightings

Awesome Poetry Blog link- Shadow.

I would also like to give a shout out to a wonderful poet, I admire, named Shadow, and hope you will visit and read some of her awesome poetry at her blog. She sure knows how to reach the core of your soul. And she places up some amazing images with her poems.

Shadow:  http://gsp-shadow.blogspot.com



Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Jacqueline.








 

I've decided to continue showing the helpful author links and fun links from my last post for convenience sake at the bottom of my post, this time around while I work on my own WIP. And I may just add a few more to the list later. They are always handy to just click on to see what new updates everyone's talking about.

Jacqueline Howett's WIP. (C) photo J. Howett. 2015.
 

So here are some helpful blogs for authors I've been stalking.



Helping writers become authors.
http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com


Fiction Factor has a nice feed on 1st person.
http://www.fictionfactor.com

Jody Hedlund
http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com


Anne R Allen
http://annerallen.blogspot.com


More on the advantages of 1st person POV
http://www.novel-writing-help.com/first-person-point-of-view.html



Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
http://writershelpingwriters.net/



Kristen Lamb
https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/





http://www.thewritersalleyblog.com/




Michael J. Sullivan's blog on POV is interesting.
http://riyria.blogspot.com/2011/07/writing-advice-6-point-of-view.html
also, a link on show and tell
http://riyria.blogspot.com/2011/07/show-and-tell.html



Blood red pencil
 Check out their resource links.
How Layers Can Deepen Your Story’s Impact
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-layers-can-deepen-your-storys-impact.html#comment-form



Nathan Bransford
Nathan, has created a very nice listing. A one stop place for everything.
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/06/writing-advice-database.html

You might also want to check out Nathan's forum with your questions. There's also varied topics you can take part in. Here's the link.
http://forums.nathanbransford.com/





More great sighting links to come, in my next post.

And here's a link for the fun of everyday living.
Photography, travel and places, people, relationships, beauty, fashion, and food. Hopefully, to inspire and motivate your zest for life. Enjoy!


Diana Mieczan' Blog   exPress-o  http://diana212m.blogspot.com/





Also,


Check out Karen Jones Gowen's blog,
Coming down the mountain: Ex pat writer Living Abroad.

Great photos of her new life in Guatemala.

http://karenjonesgowen.blogspot.com/



Genie--Paris and Beyond.
Great photography! Worth taking a look.

http://parisandbeyond-genie.blogspot.com/



EASTER IN FRANCE
 Twelve glorious days in France
http://chocolateandcroissants.blogspot.com/

This blog you must see.
Another Paris.
http://chocolateandcroissants.blogspot.com/2015/04/paris-les-boulevards-review.html





 If you have any links to add to help authors, or fun links, please place them in the comments. Thanks.

 Here's wishing you all, a creative and blessed 2015!


 

A wonderful day to edit some shorts! Plus 2 interesting links!




My writing nook!


Yay! I'm happily cutting and re-shaping today various short stories. When you put it away in a drawer for a long while, it's amazing how much easier it is to cut massive sections to make it tighter.

Need I say more?

Happy writing or reading!

And I'll leave you now with a few links of interest!


A nice hang out!
Romanic Friday Writers is open to everyone. Join in, or simply just enjoy the read. Submit flash fiction, poetry, prose, WIP. A nice blog I found inspiring to read! The present theme is based on Honeymoon! So there's just two days left. You can also get critiqued, in part, by e-mail!  Check out the blog for more information.
http://romanticfridaywriters.blogspot.com.au/

To Pen name, or not to Pen name, that is the question!

I think you will find this an interesting read!


The murkey world of literary libel

Written by John Preston, of the Telegraph.

Lawsuits, pulped books, family rifts: when novelists base their characters on real people, trouble tends to follow. John Preston investigates literary libel.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/10172292/The-murky-world-of-literary-libel.html





Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Those of you interested in my art, here's my link to my art blog: http://jacquelinehowettart.blogspot.com/

A poem by Jacqueline Howett

To whom this rhythm of our hearts seek?

Art work by (c) Jacqueline Howett

To whom this rhythm of our hearts speak?

To whom the river of our hearts to seek?

Amidst the empty shell now peaceful sleep,

No longer flow the tears on earth to weep,

A new beginning, a new peak to reach,

The struggles upon upward climbs, who greets?

And this revealing light beneath my feet,

Each step knows we have crossed a timeless fleet.

(c) By Jacqueline Howett



Art work by (c) Jacqueline Howett

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your comments are always appreciated!



Art lovers- This weeks Tuesdays Art View painting is titled - Capricious.
http://jacquelinehowettart.blogspot.com



My Art is now available as prints at Fine Art America

I'm sure you have all noticed, how much I've been into an art craze, lately. Its been lots of fun changing hats for a while. Well, I just wanted everyone to know,  you can purchase my prints for as low as $36. Greeting cards, poster, canvas and metal media are also available.


 Most Tuesdays I have an art view of my art on my art blog:          http://jacquelinehowettart.blogspot.com/




Title: colored gold. Acrylic on canvas. (c) Jacqueline Howett

            The original is also available for 'Colored Gold'  Size w:16" X H:20" X 05" Price:$1,600 It was created with thick texture, and heavy layers of acrylics on a black background.  Prints now available at Fine art america. Contact me by e-mail for the original. 
       
                                            Fine Art America - Prints






Title: Warrior. Art Print  now available at Jacqueline Howett (c)  Fine Art America. Original NFS.



   Fine Art America - Prints

Contact: jacquelinehowett@yahoo.com

                                                Thanks for stopping by! I hope you like the art!



       If you're passing by facebook, I'd appreciate your liking my art fan page. Thanks Jacqueline.


                                     https://www.facebook.com/ArtByJacquelineHowett

POETRY REVISTED WITH JACQUELINE HOWETT

                                   TO MAKE A WARRIORS SOUL.



Original greeting card created by (c) Jacqueline Howett. From the Cards By Jacq Collection.



In my native land,
they tell stories
of the never ending road,
that they have travelled on.
They want me to know
about the why
that I am being here.
They look at me
and I see their hidden tears.
They have gathered, everyone of them,
feathers for my journey.
They talk of the heart
I will come to know.
That will break first,
in order to be strong,
to make a Warrior's soul.



Copyright (c) 2008-2013  Jacqueline Howett

                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                

JACQUELINE'S FISH- VEGE- GARLIC- SOUP RECIPE.

Jacqueline's fish, vege  garlic soup.

 I usually cook this soup, once a week.

Cut up 3 large carrots, 2 celery, 1 onion, and boil in a quarter of water in a medium saucepan. When they really start to cook, add 1 chopped potato, then 1 green and yellow zukini, (optional.) Or any other vege you desire. Add a few bulbs of garlic, (also optional.)

Add herbs: dash of pepper, marjoram, dash of cilantro, oregano, thyme, (Tiny dash of salt - optional.)

Top up with 1/4 of vege broth, or chicken broth. I like using vege broth.
Add a piece of Cod or Haddock, or any other white fish you like. Cook until fish breaks up. Voila!



I like to eat this soup mostly clear, but you can add cream if you like, or a dash of milk, with a nob of butter at this stage, or if you prefer it red, just add tomato sauce or just a tin of crushed tomatoes, and a tiny dash of tabasco.



Serve in bowl, drizzled with olive oil and stir.  I like to pour in the olive oil last, these days, to get the full benifit from the oil, as heating olive oil on high heat is no good for you, apparently. (Dash of lemon juice - optional).

Enjoy!
Jacqueline

SUNDAY ART VIEW - Jacqueline Howett

Welcome to Sunday Art view!  Every Sunday I show a piece of art work at my new art blog. Click on link to be re-directed. Thanks for stopping by!

ART ON SUNDAY - 04/21/13  (c) By Jacqueline Howett. #22. Acrylic on canvass. Size: 16: X 20" Price: 450.



Contact: jacquelinehowett@yahoo.com  SUNDAY ART VIEW QUERY.

Link to be redirected to my art blog: SUNDAY ART VIEW  http://jacquelinehowettart.blogspot.com

Inspirational piece on "Detachment" by Jacqueline Howett



Buddha-Detachment.  Photograph by (c) Jacqueline Howett.

                                                   


WHEN YOU LEARN NOT TO WANT THINGS SO BADLY, LIFE COMES TO YOU.   - Jessica Lange.



I took this picture while living in Maine. I placed a huge Buddha under a tree, next to my herb garden. It was a time in my life I wanted to understand detachment from all things, feelings, etc., and letting go of all I had learnt, or processed through my life up to that point. I was seemingly opening my mind to see various points of view that I was normally closed to.

Funny enough, it was a time I still went to church every now and then. One day, after a period of time had elapsed in my growth, I sat in church and a strange impression came over me. I had a shaved head like a Buddhist monk. I think I knew then my initiation was over. Soon after, I left Maine and came to live in Florida. Florida had been a state I was thinking I might go to live, after I found myself shovelling snow for the first time. But before all that happened, I thought I heard Jesus talking to me, saying, it was okay to be with Buddha and other spiritual roads of understanding for a while, but in the end he knew I was from his flock. 

It was a time my mother had just died, and when I first came to that house, I remember digging my herb garden with just a tiny, table spoon. Everyone told me to use the garden tools in the garage, but I wasn't there yet. I was thinking maybe of my mother as I turned the soil. However, later, I did use the tools and created a beautiful garden of serenity. It was also a time of amazing creativity in my life. Everything I did was not planned, it just happened spontaneously. I think I had for a time, everything I ever wanted, but I still felt empty in the big picture of the world. I still hadn't fully realised all. Looking back, I had awkward, uncomfortable parts about myself, something inside that was holding back, and I also realised how shallow I still felt about certain issues. There were other times I felt like Alice in Wonderland. I had a certain stage fright about facing reality in my learning new ropes. In many ways the pendulum can swing the other way, by being to detached from reality, or the world. I guess my journey at that point could only go so far. 



It's true to a degree, that saying, "You can only understand life backwards." I had so much to be thankful for back then, but I was still not developed enough. I realised little things about myself. How critical I could be about the lives of others. (Much of this from how I was brought up, that I was now peeling away, but it was hard to do.) Wisdom takes time, and much of that may hopefully develop with age. Each segment of our lives is a gift. And yes, maybe it's not seen to be so at the time. We only have to look at the way everyone thought in the fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, wow!

Anyway, it was a time I had nothing. It was like living in an invisible world, (Detached.) And yet, in a few short years I had accomplished so much. I was given so much of what I always wanted. But most of all, the "time" and "space" to do it- in various pockets of time with a certain ease. I created art cards and sold them in book/gift stores. (This I remember I always wanted to do, ever since a very young girl. I had passed a shop outside of a London Museum that sold geometric looking art cards. OMG! I knew I wanted to do that! I recognised it in my soul, but had no words for it at the time, or how it would come about. Then out of the blue, as a matured woman, I had art exhibitions, wrote novels, poetry, created my poetry book and placed that in local stores, I had become quite the gourmet cook, I biked around Maine and enjoyed the scenic wonders with my health at its Marathon peak, and I had suddenly acquired friends who I went to dinner with, or hang out with.

 I basically got the things I thought every normal human being had. I was living the dream to a degree. Life was good living in the moment. And yet, every now and then, there was an undercurrent reminding me there was more to it. A wild in me, still searching in my soul. More living to do.
I think what I'm trying to say, is that there are times in our lives when everything comes together. Passages of time when you get to experience all those things you felt in your soul you wanted. Not all at once, but over a time span. And then there are other times, nothing happens, it might seem. There's another learning process going on, unconsciously. And here I guess I shall place the quote: "When you learn not to want things so badly, life comes to you."

There are some places, and people in our lives, more so than others, that seem to have passed on to us the best of memories, and who took part in the unfolding of many of our dreams, without our realising it until much later.


                                            
Did you get to do all the things in your life yet? or are you still waiting? No, it's not a bucket list, necessarily. Most things will come in some shape or form. How they come as we grow, is another matter. What was it that you really wanted and got? And once you had it, how did it make you feel? Were you still empty inside? Did the glory moment pass all too quickly to really complete you and make you satisfied? Or was it a wow moment? How long did it last?  Here's the key. "The essence of the way is detachment."

On the other hand, you'll get to experience things, you never thought of doing, like maybe a ride in a hot air balloon or something. (Maybe that will have more to do with getting a grand picture of things, or how wonderful life can be, or how small we are, or simply about overcoming certain fears.) At other times a lesson might turn into a gift. Actually, detachment has many meanings, when I think about it, but I just can't express them all into words, as they float on by- right now. We live in a time when we want everything "now." Maybe detachment is learning to let go a little more, or not hold the reigns of life too tightly, or it maybe a way of thinking you're ready to let go of towards a greater realisation of self, or it might be in this day and age a greater detachment from social networking. A relationship. And the big one is, finding a new way to breaking bad habits.

I'm sure many of you will have your own version of detachment that will trigger off thoughts that you never thought would be connected to such a word, like some of my versions. Whatever detachment is to you, I hope at some point it will make your life better.



I've started one of those creative visual boards. You know, where you cut out pictures of stuff you still want to see happening in your life on to a board. I guess you could do the same by cutting and pasting images from the net, and create a collage visual board that way too into a document.


Enjoy your week! Jacqueline Howett

Book recommendation-Build a Man by Talli Roland

           'Build a Man' is the first in the series of Serenity Holland books.

Grab a copy from Amazon while its still Free for prime members or buy for 99 cents.

This is an enjoyable, light-hearted chick lit read with captivating and memorable characters that pull you in right from the get-go. I loved the humour and interesting story line set in a London cosmetics clinic. A highly recommended read. I look forward to reading more fun books by Talli Roland. If you're looking for some romantic comedy, this is a good place to start. 'Build a Man,' is the first of three books in a series, called the Serenity Holland Books.


Product Description

The perfect man is out there . . . he just needs a little work.

A Top 15 Pick of 2011 by Chick Lit News and Reviews
Voted a Top Ten Book of 2011 by Trashionista

PRAISE FOR BUILD A MAN:

This is a hugely entertaining book, light-hearted yet with hidden messages of self belief, hope and about following dreams. --Kim the Bookworm 

Build A Man had characters I really, really cared for, it had an inspired plot (Talli is a plot genius!), it had warmth and humour . . . I can't recommend it enough.  --Chick Lit News and Reviews

A light and charming read, I found the main character, Serenity Holland, to be reminiscent of the loveable awkwardness of Bridget Jones. --Novel Escapes

DESCRIPTION:

Slave to the rich and the rude, cosmetic surgery receptionist Serenity Holland longs for the day she's a high-flying tabloid reporter. When she meets Jeremy Ritchie -- the hang-dog man determined to be Britain's Most Eligible Bachelor by making himself over from head to toe and everything in between -- Serenity knows she's got a story no editor could resist.

With London's biggest tabloid on board and her very own column tracking Jeremy's progress from dud to dude, Serenity is determined to be a success. But when Jeremy's surgery goes drastically wrong and she's ordered to cover all the car-crash goriness, Serenity must decide how far she really will go for her dream job.

To get your copy at Amazon UK click here

 .
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-A-Man-ebook/dp/B00642BCX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320691738&sr=8-1

or Amazon USA.

http://www.amazon.com/Build-A-Man-ebook/dp/B00642BCX2

***

 

 The next book in the series, Construct A Couple, is now available. The book launch was on June 13th. I haven't read this one yet, but the reviews say it's even better than the first in this series.



Construct a couple is the second title in the Serenity Holland books.



Product Description

"This is the best Talli Roland novel I've read so far. For me, the book has a special depth - it's much more than a romantic comedy. A well constructed (pun intended), enjoyable read." --High Heels and Book Deals

"If only all chick lit could be this enjoyable." --Kindle Users' Forum Official Review


Is any relationship strong enough to survive a string of secrets?

With a great job at a reputable magazine and a man who's the perfect match, Serenity Holland thinks she's laid the foundation for an ideal London life. When a routine assignment uncovers a shocking secret threatening her boyfriend's company, Serenity decides to leave nothing to chance, taking matters into her own hands. Soon, though, she realises keeping secrets isn't as easy as she thought . . . and the consequences are far worse than she ever imagined.

To buy on Kindle for 99 cents in Amazon UK, Click here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Construct-A-Couple-ebook/dp/B008A6V1CW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339415649&sr=8-1

or click here to buy at Amazon USA
http://www.amazon.com/Construct-A-Couple-ebook/dp/B008A6V1CW


I just love where Talli Roland is taking us with the third novel  (still in the works) from the 'Serenity Holland books' titled, 'Marriage to Measure.' Wow, that should be interesting. Talli is a hard worker. With several other novels published, these two extra books came to me as a complete surprise. She seems to have done a wonderful job at bringing out some fun quality books at rapid speed. She also creates all her own book covers. I love the arty feel about them.

Please check out her book launch interview over at high heels and book deals. She talks about the many drafts she went through to complete 'Construct a Couple.'
 http://highheelsandbookdeals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/construct-couple-talli-roland.html

About the Author

Talli Roland writes fun, romantic fiction. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine). Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories—complete with happy endings. Talli’s debut novel The Hating Game was short-listed for Best Romantic Read at the UK’s Festival of Romance, while her second, Watching Willow Watts, was selected as an Amazon Customer Favourite. Her novels have also been chosen as top books of the year by industry review websites and have been bestsellers in Britain and the United States.

You can learn more about Talli and her other published book at http://www.talliroland.com/

You can also check out Talli Rolands other forthcoming titles and fun bits on her blog:

http://tallirolland.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Jacqueline

Yay! Re-reading and writing with no distractions!

                                              Seriously guys, a writer must write!          

I can only smile:) For the time has come to allow myself to get some re-reading and writing done, on various 'other' works.

                                                 ***

   And I leave you all on a special note, The Greek Seaman is now in the hands of an excellent proofreader, T.J. Proofs, who comes highly recommended.

Here's the link to TJ's Blog.

http://manuscriptproofing.blogspot.com/

More news about all this, coming soon!

                                                                                           



If you need me, just e-mail! 



I wish all you authors lots of luck doing the same, bringing about that balance with not being online so much, when you really should be writing.  How you might achieve this however, I feel is quite a different and unique growth experience for each of us on our journey. Anyways, one thing's for sure, the internet will always be there!                                         

Although I'm still learning the social internet, it almost feels like I've reached some sort of graduation. It's as if one has to keep feeding the beast of curiosity a certain appertite, until with time it is diminished to a degree. After my extensive online presence,  I now hope to add all that I've learned to my own work. So here's a little thank you to all the encouraging e-mails I have recieved, and the posts and comments from my blogger, twitter and facebook friends, for being so helpful in my own amazing process. 

  Jacqueline

Where does your burning fire of inspiration come from?

Do you think it has its season?

Some of my best moments writing are done with such discipline. Taking a nice walk is as important as part of the writers routine, and looking back they click as being some of my very best memories. I remember I use to carry salami sticks and bread in my pocket, and hike up a mountain or to a good stretch of beach, or loose myself in the trees or bike somewhere far to take in breath-taking scenery. Looking back, it’s what being a writer is really all about-mostly, when submerged into solitude as its process. I would return home hungry and look forward to eating before starting another session. And yes, cooking can also help in the process. Just the homely smells of food, especially on a cold day makes you want to create that safe cocoon about yourself. For some of you, I know its music.

But do writers really need to be alone? It’s amazing how we can be so sociable in this new tech age of blogs, twitter and face-book. Some I hear need the noise and hectic combustion of people about them. I’ve heard some sit in busy train stations or airports to pick up that energy to write something down. Sometimes one can thrive on chaos. Mostly for me I’m inspired immersed in the solitude of nature. I have been known to take sporadic moments off to my car to write in my note-books, during a break at work. Some I’m sure have switched their computer screens from office work to their word story they were working on. Sometimes it might be star-bucks or a library for a change for some, or just to get away from the noise that is at home with family by transforming one noise for another. Other times it’s just a simple balance requirement, a new perspective that one needs to reach first.

Writers are also sensitive. I have been convinced at times I shouldn’t write, when I need to concentrate on certain realities that need my immediate attention about me. Things that should be top priority, before my writing, like survival. But when nothing is moving in me- nothing gets done. And then out of the blue one’s writing appears again, saying, ‘I’m top priority, not the other stuff in reality I’m worried about.’

My fears take over and nervousness runs through me, and I’m filled with anxiety and I’m probably watching another re-run by now of the Kardasians, or it’s another cooking show, or the home buyer’s channel. Living on the edge, trying to fight- not to write, is hell. I tell myself, that there is no time for the writer right now. I must do these other things first, but the other things continue to hide. I make no lee-way with them, but now the writer is allowed TIME?

Either way, I seem to be in a dilemma, so, If I’m allowed to write suddenly- then I write, and voila, I feel happy again. That strange feeling in my gut has gone, and I can say at this point, what ever comes, I will deal with it when it shows up. All which seems to need another kind of inspiration to address those other matters now placed on the back burner again. Quite a writers process, eh?

Other times I could just be sitting quietly on the house porch with my coffee, where no note-pad is necessary and walk back inside the house to jot down notes. This has been my way mostly these days since social internet took over. But it’s the very alone moments I seem to remember mostly where I thrive in writing, when I capture the sky in a certain way, or light passing through a forest- that brings that feeling of being so alive, or reflections in the water. Feeling the chill or a warm sun and the walk home satisfied, knowing I had written so many words that morning. I would then take a substantial lunch before the next session of writing began. If I was really immersed in the writing process, I would take another short evening walk and get a third session in before the day was out, and then start all over again the next day.

But really, where does inspiration come from? And does it also have its seasons? Do you think evolution has a play in it? I have known those long periods with writing absolutely nothing too. Waiting for inspiration sometimes it’s dark and deep, or it can make you feel hopeless and drive you nuts. It can feel you have stewed forever, while learning to grow another inch or two before any inspiration returned. Maybe we need to know that other side of the coin to get inspiration. Sometimes it feels like a complete letting go is required. How many weeks or months or years elapsed for you without writing? Did you ever give up thinking you would ever write again, or even want to? What was it that hindered you?

Was it just your basic survival in these economic times? Does inspiration take faith?

To quote some passages from the bible.

A cool inspirational link that is relevant: http://bible.org/seriespage/diem-count-social-security

Matthew 6:26   Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:27   “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Then out of the blue, a little angel sprinkles inspiration dust all over you?

Suddenly you are actually writing words down again in a rush of excitement, that you can’t get them down fast enough. Did it make you suddenly feel so alive? How did that happen for you?

From whence it comes and whence it goes- I do not know, but did you ever thank that wondrous presence called inspiration after? Who and what is inspiration to you?

Jacqueline Howett

Christa Polkinhorn -Love of a Stonemason reviewed by Jacqueline Howett.

I give it 5 Stars. Love of a Stonemason by Christa Polkinhorn is a wonderful book, I highly recommend. Being a bit of a traveler and artist myself, I could really relate to the world of culture, which I really found enjoyably described, and a refreshing change. I especially liked how the heroine's thoughts were conveyed through her brushstrokes on canvass as an artist, giving the story depth. The Stonemason, the artist meets, known for his tombstone's, is also semi famous, creating shiny sculptures that are placed in the nearby towns. You then enter the world of two very different artists in their habitat, going to events and places together and the story of their love unfolds, but in such a realistic way. It's the honesty and the growth of the relationship that really makes this book, and leaves you wanting more. You are so hooked watching them develop. Also, the author managed to bring my expectations of the places visited, so alive. I felt I was really there. This is a well written captivating story that keeps you curiously entertained until the very end.

I hope some of you will think about putting this book on your To-read list, or at least download a sample to check out later, if you're not buying today. Thanks.

Product Description

The talented young painter, Karla Bocelli, is all too familiar with loss. When she was five years old, her mother died in a car crash in the south of Switzerland. Her Peruvian father lives at the other end of the world, and a year ago, her aunt and guardian passed away. Now, at age twenty-four, Karla almost gets hit by a speeding car. As if this wasn’t fateful enough, Andreas, the driver, turns out to be a sculptor and carver of tombstones. In spite of his profession, Andreas is anything but morbid. Quick-tempered and intense, he exudes a rough-and-tumble energy. After a tumultuous start of their relationship, Karla comes to see in Andreas the "rock in her life," the perfect antidote to her fears of abandonment and bouts of depression. Andreas, however, wrestles with his own ghosts: an alcoholic father who abused him as a child and his own fits of anger. Together, the two artists must confront the demons that haunt them.

Love of a Stonemason is a story about the struggle of two artists with their past, their family, their creativity, and their love for each other. Told from the point of view of Karla, it depicts the world through her painter’s sensibility. It takes the reader on a journey full of sights, smells, tastes, and sounds from the south of Switzerland to Italy and the Peruvian Andes.

About the Author 

Christa Polkinhorn, originally from Switzerland, lives and works as writer and translator in Santa Monica, California. She divides her time between the United States and Switzerland and has strong ties to both countries. Her poems have appeared in various poetry magazines. She is the author of Path of Fire, a collection of poems published by Finishing Line Press. Love of a Stonemason is her first novel.

Amazon Buy or download a free sample to your Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Love-of-a-Stonemason-ebook/dp/B003JH84V8/ref=cm_cmu_up_add_glance

Christa Polkinghorn's Blog: http://christa-polkinhorn.blogspot.com/

Micro Fiction 100 words

The next take was published in Alien skin magazine before it transformed. On the rare occasion I write in this genre. Micro Fiction is a nice way to explain a lot in a condensed form. Have you written any micro fiction of a 100 words you would like to share? drop me an e-mail and I'll post it up on my blog sometime. If not, hope you enjoyed the read, and have a great day.



Space craft - Copyright Jacquelie Howett 2011

 The Next Take
Micro Fiction
By Jacqueline Howett ©2010

My former lives, melted into a puddle of mercury.
In the next take, came magic.
I went with the flow. I merged comfortably into the new era with pierced body parts and tattoos. But I still tremble, knowing it took black holes of time to my rebirth.
I was crawling around on all fours for a time in my living room, separating myself from my sticky embryo. I became a wild nymph like cave creature, who had entered up through the earth where the sky greeted me as one. I spoke in tongues in the process of being born anew, in my developing metamorphosis, wiping the sticky slime from my eyes.
I touched my new form in the mirror. I was pleased.
As I evolved, I started wearing jeans lower on the hips.
A happiness came I had never known. With my first real freedom, I merged into your world.

Nostalgia and the Authors journey across the pond.

Baxter Island, Maine

 As nostalgia goes, here is a poem I wrote when I first came to America.

Baxter island, Maine, USA 1988.

SANDS OF TIME

Traces of life revealed,
Smoothed over by a gentle tide,
Across sands and landscapes wide,
Reaching out across time,                                 
In silent echoes we hear.
From so far-- is felt so near.
How 'all life's' precious, my dear. 
         
Dec (c) 1988/9-2011. Jacqueline Howett

I wrote this poem. 'Sands of time,' to my entry into America, when I seemingly fled as if with my life from Old England in 1988, at the beginning of the first Arab invasion, not long after the Arabs became educated in London. And while running away from all that was Europe in change, (it was also the beginning of the computer era.) I was looking back across the channel from my new Cape Cod style home right on the water in Falmouth, Maine relieved yet somewhat puzzled this was New England. Baxter Island was at my doorstep. A beautiful untouched landscape on rock where I frolicked with my two Pekinese dogs I had brought with me. I wrote three sessions a day to my novels and carried some bread and salami sticks on my walks, a habit I still had from living as a writer/hermit in the mountains of North Wales, UK, but I still dressed in my crazy London fashions when on occasion I went out to dinner. I was still blind to what Mainers were wearing. My walks across a bridge from my house to Baxter Island, was a solitary place for the death, dumb and blind, and yet, I felt this is what I had done to Europe for a time.

From a seat bench I looked across the waters to Old England at my whole life that seemingly was vanishing.
So I kept looking across the pond. On the other hand, I didn’t want to forget all I had lived up to this point on the other side across these oceans, as I hadn’t fully understood it. So, in my silence I kept looking just like a puppy dog or the caped lady in the movie, the lieutenant’s woman. After all, it was my place of birth, my roots. But the spirits had by now already moved me on and mingled me in with new faces and places yet to see. However, I was allowed to look across the ocean. It was as if God felt amused by my expression and yearning feelings to something I coudn’t describe or quite fathom yet. I had moved house several times, left the state, then returned to live in Portland, Maine, but I always drove or biked back to look. This time I found another outlet to the sea on a small stretch of beach that looked over across the water at the Cape Cod house surrounded by water on every side where I use to live, just passed a section called Back bay. Once again, I would reflect upon the time factor moving me along from the past. The people that had come and gone in my life since then, and how I continued to write all through it what ever came my way. I could still see old England from there. How often I would return and look when I was out on my bike, and this was a carry on I did until I left Maine. It had become a part of me. I wanted to hold on to it for as long as I could. I have a funny feeling that this time Maine, I am never coming back.

But who really knows...
So you see, I now carry a little of that with me.

I have another poetry book coming soon, called Sands Of Time, This poem will the opening of the book. Here is a glimpse of the book cover. Although it has been mentioned before, I thought it fitted in well here to give it another mention.

Jacqueline Howett Author of The Greek Seaman and Amorphous Angelic, Selected Poems and The secret Passion of Twins, (a short story).