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There are quite a few events I’ve lived through even if I wasn’t there in person. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and  Martin Luther King, and the attempt on George Bush Sr.’s life. The first landing of men on the moon. The fall of South Vietnam and the rout of the US military. The attacks of 9-11.

But the one event I wish I could have been at? Hands down, Woodstock. The original one.

Why? The music is the big thing. So many talented musicians sharing their hearts and souls to a crowd that reflected the love right back to them. Great songs that live on today.

How about Joe Cocker ?

Or Santana?

How about Joan Baez? And so many others?

But what do I find most attractive about Woodstock? Sure, it was an imperfect event, but for a brief moment, peace and love reigned. People shared food, water and “other things” and helped their neighbor, even when that neighbor was someone they met walking the long road to the concert. Love was in the air in more ways than one.

There have been many attempts, but I don’t believe any event has ever matched what happened those four days. I wish I had been there.

To find out what moments in history our other authors wish they witnessed, follow the links below. (If they aren’t working, they should be soon.) If you want, tell me about what event you wished you witnessed in the comments.

January 9 – If you could witness a moment in history, what would it be and why?
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There are quite a few events I’ve lived through even if I wasn’t there in person. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and  Martin Luther King, and the attempt on George Bush Sr.’s life. The first landing of men on the moon. The fall of South Vietnam and the rout of the US military. The attacks of 9-11.

But the one event I wish I could have been at? Hands down, Woodstock. The original one.

Why? The music is the big thing. So many talented musicians sharing their hearts and souls to a crowd that reflected the love right back to them. Great songs that live on today.

How about Joe Cocker ?

Or Santana?

How about Joan Baez? And so many others?

But what do I find most attractive about Woodstock? Sure, it was an imperfect event, but for a brief moment, peace and love reigned. People shared food, water and “other things” and helped their neighbor, even when that neighbor was someone they met walking the long road to the concert. Love was in the air in more ways than one.

There have been many attempts, but I don’t believe any event has ever matched what happened those four days. I wish I had been there.

To find out what moments in history our other authors wish they witnessed, follow the links below. (If they aren’t working, they should be soon.) If you want, tell me about what event you wished you witnessed in the comments.

January 9 – If you could witness a moment in history, what would it be and why?
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Happy New Year! We’ve made it to 2017 and have a chance to start fresh. At least, that’s what the pundits tell us. Over and over again. So let’s talk about making resolutions.

The experts also tell us we should use the new year to make resolutions. Things about ourselves that we want to change. Butt my question is, why wait?

So the simple answer to the question of “Do you make New Year’s resolutions?” is a resounding NO!

I prefer to make my resolutions throughout the year. No waiting for a new year. If I need to make a change in myself, I need to start now, not in a month or two. Or three.

Experience has shown that most people don’t keep their resolutions anyway. Ask the experts at the fitness places.

So what is my current resolution that I made before the New Year started? I owe my readers a couple of books, one in each series. I’d like to get them both published during the first half on 2017. I’m this close to finishing the first draft of Wolves’ Gambit, then I can go into an editing frenzy for both it and The Baron’s Cufflinks.

So do you make resolutions? You can tell me about them in the comments. And to find out what our other authors have to say, check out the links below.

January 2 – New Years resolutions or no? If yes, what are yours? If no, why?
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Happy New Year! We’ve made it to 2017 and have a chance to start fresh. At least, that’s what the pundits tell us. Over and over again. So let’s talk about making resolutions.

The experts also tell us we should use the new year to make resolutions. Things about ourselves that we want to change. Butt my question is, why wait?

So the simple answer to the question of “Do you make New Year’s resolutions?” is a resounding NO!

I prefer to make my resolutions throughout the year. No waiting for a new year. If I need to make a change in myself, I need to start now, not in a month or two. Or three.

Experience has shown that most people don’t keep their resolutions anyway. Ask the experts at the fitness places.

So what is my current resolution that I made before the New Year started? I owe my readers a couple of books, one in each series. I’d like to get them both published during the first half on 2017. I’m this close to finishing the first draft of Wolves’ Gambit, then I can go into an editing frenzy for both it and The Baron’s Cufflinks.

So do you make resolutions? You can tell me about them in the comments. And to find out what our other authors have to say, check out the links below.

January 2 – New Years resolutions or no? If yes, what are yours? If no, why?
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It’s the day after Christmas, and I hope that whatever holiday you celebrate, your day was happy. Although Christmas is about so much more than gifts, there’s no denying that most of us look forward to receiving a package or two. So this week we’re taking about the favorite present we ever got, as well as the ones we wanted and didn’t get.

The best gift I ever received? That’s an easy one. My daughter. She was born a few days before Christmas. The tree was up before I went into labor, thank heavens, and even at a few days old she appeared to watch the blinking lights. I was glad she was born before Christmas, on not on Christmas itself, so we’d always be able to make her birthday about her.

And the gifts I wanted and didn’t get? Two come to mind. The first was a Bible, interestingly enough. I think I was a sophomore when I asked for Bible for Christmas and didn’t get one. I never asked why not, but I got other things on my list. My parents were religious folks, so it didn’t make sense to me. That’s probably why I remember it. (When I got my first job, I bought one.)

The second thing I remember asking for and not receiving was a Carrom board. It was a wooden game board that had several different games—checkers, backgammon, a game loosely based on pool that used plastic rings instead of balls, and another game on the back. (see picture.)

And why, you may ask, does this one stick out from all the things I may have asked for and didn’t get? You see, my parents encouraged us to make lists from the Christmas catalogs so they had an idea of what we wanted. We all knew we wouldn’t get everything on the list and there was a limit to the money they’d spend, but at least we’d get something from the list. So what was so memorial about this particular toy?

One of my older brothers got it! I’m assuming he had it on his list as well. I remember being hurt when he unwrapped it, and knowing there wasn’t any way Santa had brought two. I’m sure I got other things on my list, and my brother did share it with all of us kids, but it always bugged me that he got it and I didn’t. I eventually bought a copy for myself.

So what did you always want for Christmas that you didn’t get? And what was your favorite present? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And to find out what our other authors wanted, follow the links below.

December 26 – What your favorite Christmas present ever received? What’s the Christmas present you never got and wished you did?
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It’s the day after Christmas, and I hope that whatever holiday you celebrate, your day was happy. Although Christmas is about so much more than gifts, there’s no denying that most of us look forward to receiving a package or two. So this week we’re taking about the favorite present we ever got, as well as the ones we wanted and didn’t get.

The best gift I ever received? That’s an easy one. My daughter. She was born a few days before Christmas. The tree was up before I went into labor, thank heavens, and even at a few days old she appeared to watch the blinking lights. I was glad she was born before Christmas, on not on Christmas itself, so we’d always be able to make her birthday about her.

And the gifts I wanted and didn’t get? Two come to mind. The first was a Bible, interestingly enough. I think I was a sophomore when I asked for Bible for Christmas and didn’t get one. I never asked why not, but I got other things on my list. My parents were religious folks, so it didn’t make sense to me. That’s probably why I remember it. (When I got my first job, I bought one.)

The second thing I remember asking for and not receiving was a Carrom board. It was a wooden game board that had several different games—checkers, backgammon, a game loosely based on pool that used plastic rings instead of balls, and another game on the back. (see picture.)

And why, you may ask, does this one stick out from all the things I may have asked for and didn’t get? You see, my parents encouraged us to make lists from the Christmas catalogs so they had an idea of what we wanted. We all knew we wouldn’t get everything on the list and there was a limit to the money they’d spend, but at least we’d get something from the list. So what was so memorial about this particular toy?

One of my older brothers got it! I’m assuming he had it on his list as well. I remember being hurt when he unwrapped it, and knowing there wasn’t any way Santa had brought two. I’m sure I got other things on my list, and my brother did share it with all of us kids, but it always bugged me that he got it and I didn’t. I eventually bought a copy for myself.

So what did you always want for Christmas that you didn’t get? And what was your favorite present? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And to find out what our other authors wanted, follow the links below.

December 26 – What your favorite Christmas present ever received? What’s the Christmas present you never got and wished you did?
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“Walking in the rain with the one I love …”

I’ve never been one to be afraid of being out in whatever weather the day throws at me. (with a few exceptions—thunderstorms and -20° temperatures come to mind.) Taking a walk in a gentle rain is a great way to clear my mind. Having lived on the Oregon Coast, I’ve experienced lots of rainy days and gotten wet (by choice or by accident) many times. Taking a walk along the beach (dressed properly for it) with your favorite person is an experience I hope many of you will have.

But sometimes, you want to stay inside. So what to do then?

The first answer is easy. Read. Better yet, put on some of my favorite music and listen while I’m reading. Add a cup of hot cocoa or tea and a favorite blanket and you have the makings of pure bliss. Do I need to even comtinue?

But I will, because if I don’t, this will be a ridiculously short blog post.  And what do you expect from an author but writing? A rainy day is as good excuse as any to avoid yard work and stay inside and write. The rain can be inspiring, bringing with it the scent of fresh air and moist earth, simple joys for a country girl.

Yes, I’ve danced a time or two in the rain when no one was watching. And I’m not a good dancer!

One more thing I like to do when it’s raining. It’s the perfect excuse for a long session of needlepointing. I spread my yarn over the nearest surface, settle into a comfortable chair, and watch the pattern develop as I weave the needle in and out of the canvas.

Want to find out what the other authors have to say? Follow the links below the next video. And feel free to tell me what your favorite rainy-day activity is in the comments.

December 19 – Describe a rainy day activity
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“Walking in the rain with the one I love …”

I’ve never been one to be afraid of being out in whatever weather the day throws at me. (with a few exceptions—thunderstorms and -20° temperatures come to mind.) Taking a walk in a gentle rain is a great way to clear my mind. Having lived on the Oregon Coast, I’ve experienced lots of rainy days and gotten wet (by choice or by accident) many times. Taking a walk along the beach (dressed properly for it) with your favorite person is an experience I hope many of you will have.

But sometimes, you want to stay inside. So what to do then?

The first answer is easy. Read. Better yet, put on some of my favorite music and listen while I’m reading. Add a cup of hot cocoa or tea and a favorite blanket and you have the makings of pure bliss. Do I need to even comtinue?

But I will, because if I don’t, this will be a ridiculously short blog post.  And what do you expect from an author but writing? A rainy day is as good excuse as any to avoid yard work and stay inside and write. The rain can be inspiring, bringing with it the scent of fresh air and moist earth, simple joys for a country girl.

Yes, I’ve danced a time or two in the rain when no one was watching. And I’m not a good dancer!

One more thing I like to do when it’s raining. It’s the perfect excuse for a long session of needlepointing. I spread my yarn over the nearest surface, settle into a comfortable chair, and watch the pattern develop as I weave the needle in and out of the canvas.

Want to find out what the other authors have to say? Follow the links below the next video. And feel free to tell me what your favorite rainy-day activity is in the comments.

December 19 – Describe a rainy day activity
Rules:
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2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
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So, I’m old. I remember TV shows that are in the history books. Roy Rogers on Saturday morning. Ed Sullivan Sunday nights. The original Captain Kangaroo. Art Linkletter on the rare afternoons I stayed home from school because I was sick. Yep, back in the days when everything was in full black and white.

But those aren’t the shows I’d bring back. People have tried and failed.

The original Hawaii Five-O was interesting, but I haven’t seen the remake. The Rockford Files never really grabbed my attention although I may have had a bit of a crush on James Garner. I certainly had a crush on Dennis Weaver in McCloud. It was the story of a modern western lawman in New York City (horse and all!) Think Longmire goes to the big city. Small town cop out-thinks and outwits both the bad guys and the good guys. It gets extra points because one of the shows even had John Denver as a guest star. So                                                                                       that’s the first show on my list.

The second show I’d bring back is the Smothers Brothers. The show was a mix of comedy, variety and social comedy. Granted, some of the humor went over my head when I orginally watched the show, and I look back at some of the clips and go “My parents let me watch
that?” In some ways, the give-and-take between the two brothers reminded me of my own family. I had a soft spot for one of the continuing guests, Pat Paulson, who ran for president six times, starting in 1968. I’m not so sure he wouldn’t have won this year if he was still alive.

Because I like to do things in threes, I’ll give you one more show that I’d like to see come back to TV.  I might even be talked into watching it. I only saw the reruns because the show is older than me but I loved the idea of the noble lawman coming into town, righting wrongs, and disappearing into the sunset, leaving behind a silver bullet. The man behind the black mask was a superhero in his own way, long before Batman came to the small screen. Yes, I’m aware of the various reincarnations of the show, but nothing matches the original.

So that’s my short list. Honorable mention goes to Remington Steele. Although I wasn’t a chold when it was on, and I didn’t watch every episode, I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two main characters played by Pierce Bronsan and Stephanie Zimbalist. I know other shows have tried (and failed) to emulate that partnership, but I don’t thonk it’s been matched.

So what shows from your childhood would you bring back? Let us know in the comments. And find out what the other authors have to say tn the links below,

December 12 – what television shows from our childhoods would we bring back and why?
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3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
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So, I’m old. I remember TV shows that are in the history books. Roy Rogers on Saturday morning. Ed Sullivan Sunday nights. The original Captain Kangaroo. Art Linkletter on the rare afternoons I stayed home from school because I was sick. Yep, back in the days when everything was in full black and white.

But those aren’t the shows I’d bring back. People have tried and failed.

The original Hawaii Five-O was interesting, but I haven’t seen the remake. The Rockford Files never really grabbed my attention although I may have had a bit of a crush on James Garner. I certainly had a crush on Dennis Weaver in McCloud. It was the story of a modern western lawman in New York City (horse and all!) Think Longmire goes to the big city. Small town cop out-thinks and outwits both the bad guys and the good guys. It gets extra points because one of the shows even had John Denver as a guest star. So                                                                                       that’s the first show on my list.

The second show I’d bring back is the Smothers Brothers. The show was a mix of comedy, variety and social comedy. Granted, some of the humor went over my head when I orginally watched the show, and I look back at some of the clips and go “My parents let me watch
that?” In some ways, the give-and-take between the two brothers reminded me of my own family. I had a soft spot for one of the continuing guests, Pat Paulson, who ran for president six times, starting in 1968. I’m not so sure he wouldn’t have won this year if he was still alive.

Because I like to do things in threes, I’ll give you one more show that I’d like to see come back to TV.  I might even be talked into watching it. I only saw the reruns because the show is older than me but I loved the idea of the noble lawman coming into town, righting wrongs, and disappearing into the sunset, leaving behind a silver bullet. The man behind the black mask was a superhero in his own way, long before Batman came to the small screen. Yes, I’m aware of the various reincarnations of the show, but nothing matches the original.

So that’s my short list. Honorable mention goes to Remington Steele. Although I wasn’t a chold when it was on, and I didn’t watch every episode, I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the two main characters played by Pierce Bronsan and Stephanie Zimbalist. I know other shows have tried (and failed) to emulate that partnership, but I don’t thonk it’s been matched.

So what shows from your childhood would you bring back? Let us know in the comments. And find out what the other authors have to say tn the links below,

December 12 – what television shows from our childhoods would we bring back and why?
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
WordPress:



Custom Blog:

Code for Link:

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