Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Time to Diet again


Image result for big thanksgiving dinner
http://nutricaoeassuntosdiversos.blogspot.com/2012/12/dicas-para-ceia-de-natal-e-ano-novo.html

After all the holiday food, many of us will need to shed a few pounds.  

Sigh. 

Wouldn't it be lovely to eat and never gain?

In the story I'm working on, Sarah and the Magical Makeover, Sarah must help a lady lose seventy pounds. The woman hides behind weight and uses her size as a shield from pain. Sarah is petite, but she can appear in any masquerade.


Sarah intended to answer Valerie’s ad for a roommate, but if she appeared too glamorous when they met, Valerie might be intimidated and that would never do. 
Calling forth a cheval mirror, Sarah finally decided on a disguise. She added fifty pounds to her short height and gave herself frizzy, dull, brown hair. She placed large, red framed eyeglasses on her nose, wore no makeup and donned mismatched clothes. What was a fitting name for this masquerade? 
How about Chastity?
Nope. This image didn’t fit that lovely name. Even though she was chaste, angels experienced no sexual appetite, and in this get-up, she just didn’t look the part.
How about Naomi?
That was a lovely Biblical name. Ruth’s mother-in-law was an ideal role model for her daughter-in-law, but the name was dated, and Sarah wanted one more current.
All names were given for a purpose, and parents tried for beautiful and meaningful names. Well, Sarah’s Father had given her this task and He wanted her to reach a child of His. How about if she called herself Oceana? She loved watching the ocean, even though it often terrified her. The sound of the waves produced a melodic sensation. Perfect!

Wouldn't it be lovely to have Sarah's skills? With a nod,  we could change our size?

Come January, I'll diet...again.  How about you?


Date night and dinner. 

Please visit my author page.




Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Cowboy Josiah

I thought you might like to hear Josiah's side of meeting Emily and Sarah. The angel is disguised as an elderly Estella in this novella. Angel Sarah accepts missions on earth to bring couples together, and her assignment from the Commander in The Heavenlies on this undertaking is to introduce Emily to Josiah. She just didn't expect to do it in a bizarre Texas blizzard at Christmas.

When you sit down with a book, imagination takes over. In my mind, Josiah is a handsome hunk, much like the guy pictured blow. In your mind, you might picture him with a scruffy beard. However you see him, believe me, he's a sexy cowboy.  Most of the time in Texas, even in winter, a cowboy can go without a shirt, but in this story, he definitely had to have a winter coat. When the time came for Emily to see Josiah without a shirt, hmmm, well? She was in for a treat. Right?


https://hotmuscleboys.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/cowboy070.jpg


Meet Cowboy Josiah
From: Sarah and the Cowboy’s Lady
By Gay N. Lewis

My name is Josiah Kenyan and I live in central Texas, halfway between Dallas and Austin.. Last winter, during a bizarre ice storm, I met two interesting women at an isolated convenience store. One was about my age—a knockout. A man would have to be blind not to notice her. An older woman, who I guessed was the grandma, tottered in with the beauty. Grandma acted a bit wacky, and I thought she might be senile. She found out I was a rancher and then wanted to know if a horse had ever kicked me in the head. After a few more comments, I decided this cute little granny might be from another planet.
I wished them well and we said our goodbyes. Turns out that the young woman’s car wouldn’t start. The roads were frozen, the hour was late, no hotels were nearby, and it was Christmas week. I had no choice, and neither did they. I took these ladies home with me. I’m a bachelor, but my grandmother lives with me, so I assured the ladies that we’d be properly chaperoned.
I discovered Emily’s fiancé had broken their engagement and she’d lost her job—all on the same day. Texas men don’t treat women the way this guy did. I wanted to saddle Pedro, ride into Dallas, and teach the bozo some basic Texas manners. Emily said the former boyfriend was from Pennsylvania, so I decided to leave Pedro in the barn.
Road closures kept us inside for days. In short order, I fell in love with Emily Stanton.
As weird as it sounds, Emily had just met Estella a few hours earlier in Dallas. So here we were. Stranded strangers at Christmas. I found both women enchanting.
We ate Grandmother’s Mexican casserole one night by the fire. Estella had never tried the dish, but she ate it with gusto. I was in love with Emily and enthralled with Estella.
Something odd always happened when Estella was around, but she was lovable. You should’ve seen the guy who came to take her home. Talk about peculiar! I’ll never forget him or Estella. You wouldn’t either if you met them.
That snow storm changed my life. Emily doesn’t know it yet, but I’m planning a Texas Bluebonnet wedding when the thaw comes.


Grandmother’s Mexican Christmas Casserole

Ingredients
12 eggs
1 lb. sausage, cooked, drained, crumbled
2 cups milk
1 cup sharp cheese, shredded
1 box croutons
1 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp. Dry mustard (optional)
2 tsps. hot sauce (more if you like spicy) Grandmother uses the brand, “Hell on the Red, extra hot," but other brands will work. Texans love spicy.

Mix all ingredients, pour into greased 9 x 13 casserole. Bake at 350 for about 30 to 40 minutes.







Monday, November 28, 2016

Decorating a Thanksgiving Wedding



We are about to shoo the leftover turkey out the door and clean his remains from the frig.


http://laplaine.blogspot.com/2008/11/turkey-in-disguise.html

 It's time to usher in Santa Clause.


Image result for bing images santa clause

http://bing-gallery.com/santa-claus-vector-clip-art

Before we leave the Thanksgiving season altogether, I thought I'd talk about decorating around a wedding at Thanksgiving. We didn't use turkeys.

A client asked me to help with table décor for a rehearsal dinner. The dinner was to take place in the church fellowship hall following the rehearsal. We decorated the span of the room as much as possible. We left the white screen to show videos of the couple when the meal ended.  

The client loves white pumpkins. I had her gather several different sizes, white tulle, candles and glass holders.

Various heights and sizes made an interesting display.  

If the budget had allowed, I would've covered the chairs in white fabric and draped a bow at the back.  When choosing a design, one needs to consider budget, style, surroundings, and personality of the client.  Other factors come into play also, but these are important, especially budget. Weddings are expensive. Right?

 At night, with the lights dimmed, the candles glowing, people buzzing with happiness, I doubt anyone noticed the chairs. 





In my book, Sarah: Laney's Angel, Laney is an interior designer. I wrote it based on several of my personal experiences. I didn't have a stalker, Laney did, but I had a few close calls in vacant houses. Laney needed a guardian angel, and I'm sure I had one along too.

Sarah is sent to help Laney find romance with her boss, Cannon Carlson. He's a builder/developer in Houston. It's a fun read, and you might pick up a few design hints.



Sarah: Laney's Angel is available in eBook, print, and audio

2.99 in eBook.


Sunday, November 27, 2016

Whew! Made it again!


This disguise saved me from the oven again this year.

Every year I masquerade as a fake turkey. I end up on the table, but no one knows I'm a real bird. I'm a decoration.

Disguises are amazing. Aren't they?

Gay is about to put me in the yard and take out Christmas displays. Sometimes I hang around in this get-up so she won't get the idea to fry me for Christmas dinner.

It sure is a relief to make it through another Thanksgiving--still alive. Now to get through Christmas.

Gay's friend and angel, Sarah, uses camouflage all the time. She's appeared as an angel figurine on a Christmas tree in past episodes, but she's never been a turkey.  She's donned some mighty peculiar human cover-ups.  Have you read any of Sarah's adventures yet? You'll find Gay's books on her Amazon Author Page. Gay specializes in faith and humor.


Friday, November 25, 2016

Josiah needs romance



All this pony needs is a macho cowboy.


Have you met Josiah?

Now he's one handsome, sexy cowboy.

He doesn't know an angel is about to help him in the romance department.




Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Turkey Talk

Image result for two turkeys

https://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyllovet/2643757601
"He said he only loved me for my breasts."

"Then tell him to find another bird."


"Nah, I told him to bug off."

Image result for images of bugshttps://www.pinterest.com/octoberbaby57/dont-let-it-bug-you/




Have a blessed Thanksgiving!


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Pardon the Turkey




Pilgrims pardoned this turkey

Wasn't that nice of them?

They decided to eat corn, berries, deer, and goose. This turkey is a pet. They named him Mr. Goble. The man and woman captured him, and fattened him up for the table.

But they grew fond of him.

When it came time for the old chop, chop, roast, roast, they couldn't do it.

The moral of the story? Don't make friends with your food.



Monday, November 21, 2016

What's on your menu?



What's on your menu for Thanksgiving?


Image result for sweet potato
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-berardi-phd/potatoes-health-benefits_b_7010712.html


I'm making my grocery list today. Sweet potatoes will not be on the list.

Oh, we love them, baked and spread with butter. Hubby especially enjoys them candied, but they aren't on the menu this year.

The nearby daughter will bring ham, green bean casserole, and a pie. I'm guessing it will be from the Goode Company. They have several Houston locations, and their pecan pie is famous.


http://www.goodecompany.com/brazos-bottom-pecan-pie-in-wooden-box.asp

If you haven't eaten a bite of this delectable dessert, you're missing a huge treat. They ship. If it's too late to get yours for Thanksgiving, Christmas is around the corner.

As for the rest of the food on our table, I'll bake chicken (we shun the traditional turkey), fry apples and onions, mash potatoes and maybe prepare a sweet corn casserole.  I'll probably add an additional side, but there's only a few of us, so our feast can be on the smaller side. My contribution for the dessert table is lemon ice box pie. It will take me a year to remove the pounds that pie adds to my frame.

I've been busy telling you about my latest Sarah book, so now I've got to hurry up with Thanksgiving prep. That means cleaning the house, shopping, and cooking.

When the company leaves and you settle down for a nap, pick up my book. Sarah will bring a smile to your face.  The Sarah series is available in print, eBook, and some are on audio. You can quickly purchases an online copy at any of your fav online sites.  Here's my Amazon page. Check out the Sarah books and try one. 


Here I am at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. So much fun to see Sarah on the shelf.



My Amazon page shows my books, but you can get them in other locations.





Friday, November 18, 2016

Christmas and Cowboys in Texas






CHRISTMAS TIME 
in TEXAS

Down here in Houston, we seldom have snow on Christmas.  About two or three years ago, we did. By 10:00 AM, it had melted. I drove around the neighborhood and admired it.

As a child growing up in the DFW area, snow sometimes came, and it was an exciting time. I visited my sister in Arlington, TX a few years back and an ice storm hit. It was several days before I could drive back to Htown. Visiting her with a roaring fireplace and sipping hot chocolate is a precious memory.

In my cowboy story, Sarah and her charge, Emily get stranded in a bizarre snow storm in central Texas. Oh the fun in this story!



Sarah, the haphazard angel, returns to Texas. Her mission this time is to bring comfort to a young woman who is about to receive devastating news at Christmas. Sarah brings solace, gets caught in a freak snowstorm, and introduces Emily to a wealthy Texas cowboy. In this episode, Sarah gets the job done, but not without plenty of mishap that make the humans laugh as she bumbles her way through Texas.



I'm introducing two new angels in this book.
Eve and Sparkly. Come meet them. I'd like to introduce you to Sarah too, if you haven't met her already.

I love writing fantasy, but I really believe we have angels who guard us. They also give us hints as to what to do or where we should go.  None of the real ones are as goofy as Sarah. Sarah has a few human qualities and these cause her to create havoc from time to time.

I hope you'll buy my Sarah book and enjoy it for the holidays!


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Meet Pedro


Meet Pedro

Pedro inspired my cowboy story. 


Sarah and the Cowboy's Lady

Pedro, owned by Marsha Jane Lewis and Forreal Farms, was once sick...very sick. We didn't know if he'd make it. Marsha posted daily updates on Facebook, and his fans prayed and rooted for Pedro. I think you'll love this book based on a real horse named Pedro.  

Hallelujah! He is now well.

Photo by Marsha Jane Lewis
Zoe on Pedro


Marsha Jane Lewis, Ruby, Zoe
Photo by Jennifer Rudolph Photography



Marsha Jane Lewis, Kirk Lewis, Ruby, Zoe
Photo by Marsha Jane Lewis of Forreal Farms



Photo Forreal Farms
https://www.facebook.com/ForrealFarm/photos/pcb

When Prism Book Group asked me to do a cowboy Christmas story, Pedro came to mind. I fell in love with this beautiful horse via Marsha's Facebook posts. He is now a vital part of cowboy Josiah's ranch.

Animals can see and hear things we don't. Sarah, the goofy angel I write about, didn't know this. She flew too close to Pedro's nose to admire him. Oops! Pedro didn't care much for the idea of a winged angel flying near his nostrils. He, along with his companion horse Pablo, raised a ruckus. One like Josiah, the cowboy, had never seen before.

Sarah had. She causes havoc where ever she goes. She's used to causing trouble.

Do you think Pedro will ever learn to like Sarah?

Check out Forreal Farm's Facebook page. Dr. Marsha Jane Lewis has a lot to offer anyone who loves horses. Dr. Kirk Lewis is a renowned veterinarian in Austin. Ruby and Zoe love animals as much as their parents. Marsha helped me write about horses, and you'll find more information about her and the family on the acknowledgment page.

I have a feeling that when Josiah and Emily marry (the characters in my story), they will name their two little girls Ruby and Zoe. What's your guess?  

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Texas Hill Country Ranch



Last summer while I was writing Sarah and the Cowboy's Lady, the picture below of a home in the Texas Hill Country popped up on my Facebook page. It fit my story perfectly. Read the excerpt below as I describe Sarah and Emily see a ranch similar to this for the first time. In the story, Texas is in the middle of a rare snow and ice storm in central part of the state. I think sitting at this fireplace, bundled in blankets and drinking hot chocolate with a sexy cowboys would be sooooo romantic. Don't you?

traditional

http://www.vintageoakstexas.com/life-at-vintage-oaks/blog/buying-vs.-building-a-texas-hill-country-home

Excerpt

Josiah pulled into a narrow asphalt lane. After he progressed in a safe manner for about a half mile, a magnificent house with a circular, concrete drive came into view. With the porch and yard lights blazing, Sarah could see a covered veranda built completely around the exterior. The porch would welcome rocking chair conversations—in better weather, of course.
From her position in the backseat, Sarah determined the house was large and had at least one room upstairs, but the majority of the home was on one level. Although sight conditions remained inadequate, Sarah surmised a large portion of land accompanied the house.
This cowboy must have big bucks.


“We’re home.” Josiah parked the truck on the circular drive. “I’m going to take you ladies inside, introduce you to Grandmother, and then I’ll come back to park the truck in the garage.”

***
Sarah and Emily trailed Josiah into a room behind the art gallery. A huge stone fireplace took up most of the space on the vestibule divider’s wall. Sarah drifted close to the cozy hearth while Emily inspected the rest of the magnificent chamber. The ceiling soared two stories and the room was filled with comfortable, brown leather furniture. The far glass wall opposite the fireplace had double doors opening to a courtyard. With the exterior light blazing, a tile floor and another wood burning fireplace could be seen highlighting the covered patio.


***

Sarah's assignment is to bring comfort to Emily who lost her job and fiance all in one day. She also needs to create a romance between Emily and the cowboy, Josiah. Here another excerpt.

Emily sighed. “This has been the worst day of my life—oddest too.” Her face contorted into a grimace. “My car isn’t in the best of shape. Estella was stranded as she waited for a bus. I thought there was safety in numbers, so I invited her to ride with me.”
Josiah gave a low whistle. “Estella seems harmless, but I doubt she could help much if danger came along." 
“Well, anyway, I mentioned I was going to Austin at a gas station. Estella heard me and requested a ride.”
“A perfect stranger in a store? Even though she looks harmless, you picked up someone who might hurt you and took her in?”
Emily choked as if a bite of food obstructed her breathing. “You did the same thing. In fact, you are letting us—two perfect strangers—sleep under your roof.”
Josiah chuckled. “I guess I did. Touché.”
“Besides, does Estella look as though she’s a mob boss for a gang of criminals?”
Josiah titled his head back, placed thumbs in his pockets, and narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be picturing Estella as a hooligan, and then he laughed heartily. “I see your point. No, that image doesn’t fit her. But she seems a little daffy at times—like asking me if I’d been kicked in the head by one of my horses.”
In midair above their heads, Sarah tapped her tiny foot. Ugh. Can I help it if I don’t understand all the phrases you humans use? She didn’t know much about human occupations either. What was a mob boss?
“She says strange things, but I assume it is because she’s from a different generation than we are. Would you believe she doesn’t know how to drive?”
“Seriously?”
Emily absently rubbed her bare finger. “I think she’s just a sweet, older lady who hasn’t matured and doesn’t know all things adult.”
Josiah touched Emily’s shoulder. “Or maybe she’s from another planet.”




Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Cowboys and Angels



Cowboys and Angels

Do they mix?

Not when the angel is named Sarah.






Here's an excerpt. In this scene, Sarah is disguised as an elderly grandmother. She and her charge, Emily, have stopped at a convenience store on their way from Dallas to Austin. She sees a cowboy talking to the cashier. An ice storm is approaching. Sarah  decides he might be the right cowboy for Emily.

Sarah lifted her scrutiny to the towering cowboy. “I’ve never met a cowboy before, and I assume you are one. What do cowboys do? Ride cows?”
Cowboy grinned. “No. I’m not a bull rider. I’m a rancher. I spend time on horseback when I round up cattle around the spread. I also barrel race in the local rodeo.”
“Sounds dangerous. Has a horse ever kicked you in the head?”
Cowboy and cashier laughed.
“No, ma’am. Do I look or sound as if a horse kicked me in the head?”
Sarah gestured with her right hand. “No. No. Didn’t mean that. The thought recently came to me that a man might die that way. Truth be told, I’ve never been around horses, but I saw one from above once. The animal lifted his rear and tried to throw the rider off.”
“They do that until you break them.”
“Huh? What’s that ya say? God wouldn’t approve of you breaking a creature’s bones or other body parts. That’s not nice.”
Cowboy and cashier chuckled again.
“No, ma’am. No worries. It’s a term. A trainer begins a lengthy process when the horse is a foal. Once the colt grows confident with people, a man then mounts and rides. In a way, the horse’s fear is broken or removed—not his bones.”
Sarah placed a hand on her cheek. “Oh pshaw! How about that? I’ve got a few fears I’d like broken. Could a horse trainer work with me?” She closed one eye. “On the other hand, the Almighty has the power to break and mold me—I just don’t allow Him to do it too often.”
Cowboy and cashier glanced at each other as if to say, “We’re talking to a real piece of work with this little granny.”



Monday, November 14, 2016

A Cowboy for Christmas



Escape with Sarah


2.99 on Amazon eBook


Sarah, the haphazard angel, returns to Texas. Her mission this time is to bring comfort to a young woman who is about to receive devastating news at Christmas. Sarah brings solace, gets caught in a freak snowstorm, and introduces Emily to a wealthy Texas cowboy. In this episode, Sarah gets the job done, but not without plenty of mishap that make the humans laugh as she bumbles her way through Texas.



I'm introducing two new angels in this book.
Eve and Sparkly. Come meet them. I'd like to introduce you to Sarah too, if you haven't met her already.

I love writing fantasy, but I really believe we have angels who guard us. They also give us hints as to what to do or where we should go.  None of the real ones are as goofy as Sarah. Sarah has a few human qualities and these cause her to create havoc from time to time.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Remembering





We honored our Vets on Veteran's Day this past Friday. Let's continue to remember the living ones in prayer, and give thanks to the ones who've gone on to their eternal rest. Without the men and women in uniform, our country wouldn't enjoy life as we know it.




My Mom and Dad
Platoon Sargent Edward Earl Morton and Jeanette Morton

This picture was taken before they knew I'd come along. I hope I brightened their lives when I arrived.

My dad survived the Normandy Invasion. He never talked about it. Most vets don't give details of their service. War is too gruesome.

Dad always possessed a fantastic sense of direction. One of his assignments was to get his platoon to a certain town in France. He memorized the concordants and then destroyed the map. If caught, the enemy didn't need to know the plans of the platoon.

Mom was totally opposite. She had absolutely no sense of route. I inherited her ability. The angel I write about, Sarah, has none either. I find it easy to write about Sarah based on my mother's and my experiences. We were always lost.

I suppose my mother's brother had no directional ability either. Dad once drove my mom and her brother from Texas to Alabama. He had no need of a map, he just possessed that innate sense of knowing where he was going. At one point in the wee hours of morning, he grew tired. He pulled over and told his brother-in-law, "stay on this road while I sleep a few hours."

He awoke later and asked, "where are we?" Mom answered, "We're just now coming into Jackson Mississippi."  Dad responded, "XXXX. That's where I pulled over and let you have the wheel." He was in the Army, but he knew a few words a sailor might use. Brother and sister had driven in a circle...absolutely lost.

Mom fought hard all her life to weigh one hundred pounds. I didn't inherit her metabolism. Dad had platinum hair from the time he was a teen. I inherited that.

The Presidential election is over, and thanks to our vets, we can vote. I've often wondered who my dad would've voted for this past week had he been alive. I think I know, but I'm not sure.

One thing I'm certain of. He would be displeased to see citizens rioting in the streets and burning the flag. He and his men went through hell to make sure we had freedom, but that freedom shouldn't include disrespect for due process and laws.

Thanks Dad.





PBG Insider: Gay N. Lewis Introduces her "Sarah" series

Sarah at Christmas