I Performed at the Ritz....
I had a great time and the emcee Geoff said, 'I hope you'll do lots of readings for your upcoming novel. You have a knack and you pop on stage.'
My good friend Teri who watched the performance and took pictures said, 'you were great...funny...etc., etc., etc.,'
And Teri and I only had one martini....
And Matt Peiken from 3 minute egg said the broadcast should be online Thursday
http://3minuteegg.org/
I'm Excited...
I've been selected by one of the judges to be a finalists for MnArtists' MiniStories competition.
My piece will be published online.
I'll be reading my work next Monday at 7pm in the lobby of the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.
And I'm in the running for grand prize, which is a commission to write a longer story.
All good stuff.
My piece will be published online.
I'll be reading my work next Monday at 7pm in the lobby of the Ritz Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.
And I'm in the running for grand prize, which is a commission to write a longer story.
All good stuff.
When did you know that your life was going to be so wonderful? Or did you always know this?
Interesting question… and it makes me wonder…. Did I know how wonderful my life was when I worked at Minnegasco… looking back I know that I have been blessed – like you – I’ve always been grateful for my kids, their health, my health - and being able to provide for them – but I remember being angry, too.
So, I’m not sure – but all I can say is I have never been happier than I am now… and everyday things get better and better… and I am not angry anymore – I wake up smiling and I go to bed smiling… (sometimes the grin is a little bit bigger than other nights) And I wish everyone could feel as good as I do… I’m so grateful to be happy and to have found happiness when I did – I would have hated to have grown old and when people thought back all they remember was how crabby or angry I was…
When I went away for the weekend and a couple of the gals commented about how funny I was – it made me feel so good. When I can get people to laugh – I feel wonderful… I like it when people laugh and feel good… that make me feel like I have a wonderful life – which might be why I enjoy being a mom so much – it is so easy to please kids and make them happy (harder to get teenagers/young adults to laugh with you – but I can get them to laugh at me) and they are so appreciative – send them some rice crispy bars or offer to make dinner for Bridget and Dustin and they’re happy – how easy is life and wonderful is life.
So, if my goal was to be rich and famous – then I guess my life wouldn’t be wonderful because I haven’t accomplished those things – but because I only want to make people happy and hear them laugh – I am accomplishing my goals and therefore I have a wonderful life.
So, the answer to your question is – when I decided what was important and then started to find ways to make it happen – I knew I had a wonderful life.
Pretty simple, huh….
Hmmmmmmmm Power Tools
Reflections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bloomington Art Center’s Literary Council is producing Reflection, an exciting fusion of music, dance and poetry. The poetry and prose of Christine Columbus of Robbinsdale and other Minnesota writers is featured in this year’s production. Her poem, ‘Hell is’ will be performed in this year’s production:
Christine Columbus is a Romance Novelist for The Wild Rose Press. Author of ‘Christmas Mischief’, ‘Uncle Mike’s Love’, and soon to be released, ‘The Perfect Country and Western Story’ along with several other books and articles in the genre of children's stories, creative non-fiction, prose and poetry. She has received, Reviewer Top Pick from Night Owl Romance, for ‘Christmas Mischief’ and number of favorable reviews from Cocktail Reviews, Coffee time Romance, The Long and Short of It, Molly Stark Reviews and in November 2006, Fallen Angel Review recommended read for ‘Coffee and Love To Go’. You can find her at www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
Reflection is a portrayal of thoughts, images or glimpses of life in a mirror through music, dance, visual arts and spoken word.
Reflection takes poetry back to its roots as a spoken form of story telling. The poetry tells the story of life, exploring its joys and sorrows through both the spoken word and lyrics from Broadway, popular music and art music that is performed by metro vocalists Staci Stringer, Heidi Peterson and Sue Reddin and other cast members. Actors, Jill Blihovde, Maureen Kurtz, Peter Skarman, J.B. Eckert, Heather Kurtz and Diane Wubbena make the poetry come alive. Kirstin Doyle and Michelle Doyle of Deuxmensions Dance Theatre, have further explored moments in time with original choreography performed by Deuxmensions dancers. A new dimension has been added to this year’s show. A mini art show featuring original work by Terri Stark will be an integral part of the set.
The audience “experiences” this show. The poetry, music, and dance take them through the range of emotions, from the trauma of death to the power of love, from indifference to divorce to lasting love, from to pain to acceptance to recognition of the role art plays in our life.
“It is magic,” said an attendee of a prior year’s show, Simple Gifts. “The show touched me and that was good.” “It is hard to explain what happens in this show. It is unlike anything else at the Bloomington Art Center.” Director and poet Kathleen Pettit is striving for that magical experience again in Reflection.
Performance: Friday, September 5, Saturday, September 6,Time: 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 7, 2:00 pm
Black Box Theater, Bloomington Center for the Arts, 98th and Logan in Bloomington
Tickets: Adults, $17, Seniors and Students, $15. 952-563-8575 or bloomingtonartcenter.com
The Bloomington Art Center’s Literary Council is producing Reflection, an exciting fusion of music, dance and poetry. The poetry and prose of Christine Columbus of Robbinsdale and other Minnesota writers is featured in this year’s production. Her poem, ‘Hell is’ will be performed in this year’s production:
Christine Columbus is a Romance Novelist for The Wild Rose Press. Author of ‘Christmas Mischief’, ‘Uncle Mike’s Love’, and soon to be released, ‘The Perfect Country and Western Story’ along with several other books and articles in the genre of children's stories, creative non-fiction, prose and poetry. She has received, Reviewer Top Pick from Night Owl Romance, for ‘Christmas Mischief’ and number of favorable reviews from Cocktail Reviews, Coffee time Romance, The Long and Short of It, Molly Stark Reviews and in November 2006, Fallen Angel Review recommended read for ‘Coffee and Love To Go’. You can find her at www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
Reflection is a portrayal of thoughts, images or glimpses of life in a mirror through music, dance, visual arts and spoken word.
Reflection takes poetry back to its roots as a spoken form of story telling. The poetry tells the story of life, exploring its joys and sorrows through both the spoken word and lyrics from Broadway, popular music and art music that is performed by metro vocalists Staci Stringer, Heidi Peterson and Sue Reddin and other cast members. Actors, Jill Blihovde, Maureen Kurtz, Peter Skarman, J.B. Eckert, Heather Kurtz and Diane Wubbena make the poetry come alive. Kirstin Doyle and Michelle Doyle of Deuxmensions Dance Theatre, have further explored moments in time with original choreography performed by Deuxmensions dancers. A new dimension has been added to this year’s show. A mini art show featuring original work by Terri Stark will be an integral part of the set.
The audience “experiences” this show. The poetry, music, and dance take them through the range of emotions, from the trauma of death to the power of love, from indifference to divorce to lasting love, from to pain to acceptance to recognition of the role art plays in our life.
“It is magic,” said an attendee of a prior year’s show, Simple Gifts. “The show touched me and that was good.” “It is hard to explain what happens in this show. It is unlike anything else at the Bloomington Art Center.” Director and poet Kathleen Pettit is striving for that magical experience again in Reflection.
Performance: Friday, September 5, Saturday, September 6,Time: 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 7, 2:00 pm
Black Box Theater, Bloomington Center for the Arts, 98th and Logan in Bloomington
Tickets: Adults, $17, Seniors and Students, $15. 952-563-8575 or bloomingtonartcenter.com
Where I'll Be.....
September 13, 2008
11:30 - 12:30 - Program
Room 351 at the Edina Community Center
September's meeting features three authors published with small presses -- Christine Columbus, Jannifer Hoffman, and J L Wilson -- whose work ranges from short stories to full-length novels. They'll share details about what it's like to work in two formats (e-format and print), and how it differs from 'real' publishing in terms of the publishing process, promotion, marketing, and sales. Be prepared to ask questions and see their finished work on e-reading devices and in print.
www.midwestfiction.com
11:30 - 12:30 - Program
Room 351 at the Edina Community Center
September's meeting features three authors published with small presses -- Christine Columbus, Jannifer Hoffman, and J L Wilson -- whose work ranges from short stories to full-length novels. They'll share details about what it's like to work in two formats (e-format and print), and how it differs from 'real' publishing in terms of the publishing process, promotion, marketing, and sales. Be prepared to ask questions and see their finished work on e-reading devices and in print.
www.midwestfiction.com
Stacy Holmes, Senior Editor, Yellow Rose at Wild Rose Press
I was so excited.... when I turned it the last chapter for 'The Perfect Country and Western Story' she wrote:
"I will admit though that I was curious enough I had to do a quick skim and I love the last line before the epilogue! Great job!"
Bet you'd like to know what the last line is.....
"I will admit though that I was curious enough I had to do a quick skim and I love the last line before the epilogue! Great job!"
Bet you'd like to know what the last line is.....
Still sitting in bleachers and still laughing...
Dang it's been a while
Turns out muscles do have memory… For the past two years I spent the spring cleaning my house for high school graduation parties… this year with both kids in college the weather turned nice on Saturday and my body went to work cleaning house, washing windows, shampooing carpet, raking, uncovering flower beds… makes me want to have a party anyways.
Got to love mid life crisis… Thursday I turn 49 – last year quit my job after 27 years. This year – already started a new job after 6 months at the old one and I’m signed up for motorcycle classes…
Doesn’t get much better then this…
A Great Review
Score (1-5) Hearts: 5
Ms. Columbus writes with such humor. I was cracking up with Charlie’s innocent antics and feeling so sorry for Amber not having the easiest of times trying to get to Grandma’s house. I love Ms. Columbus’ writing style and I look forward to reading more stories from her. You will not be disappointed if you pick this one up for yourself.
For the complete Review....check out the link below
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1134
Ms. Columbus writes with such humor. I was cracking up with Charlie’s innocent antics and feeling so sorry for Amber not having the easiest of times trying to get to Grandma’s house. I love Ms. Columbus’ writing style and I look forward to reading more stories from her. You will not be disappointed if you pick this one up for yourself.
For the complete Review....check out the link below
http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1134
I've been interviewed....
Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
Hello Carol Ann,
I’ve been writing all my life… 336 dog years and writing for The Wild Rose Press for a little over a human year.
This year I’ve become an Empty Nester…both my children are in college and I’ve decided to have a mid-life adventure.
For years my children choose my friends for me, I spent my evening chatting with their school mates parents or cheering next to their teammate’s parents.
One of my adventures as an MT Nester involved going to a singles dance…even though I don’t dance.
There I was at a big ballroom dance in jean, t-shirt and rubber soled clogs sitting at a table with ex co-workers enjoying the music and watching everyone else dance.
A man approaches me, “Would you like to dance East Coast Swing?”
Shrugging my shoulders, “I don’t know how to dance.”
He reaches out his hand, “I’ll teach you.”
We dance (and I use that term loosely) in front of the band. I can’t hear a word he’s saying – so I smile and nod. Toward the end of the song he moves closer to me and I hear, “Have you ever been bit?”
My heart is pounding, and I thought I was nervous before. What a weirdo. Does he think he’s a vampire?
I take a deep breath and smile as my rational mind takes hold. –he must have meant bitten by the dancing bug. I give him a big smile and another nod.
He holds me tighter, starts to lean me backwards, my foot comes off the floor, my clog just about goes flying off, I’m struggling to stay upright - my body stiffens – my only thought is …I don’t want to be bit!
The corner of his lip twitched, “I guess you don’t dip on the first date.”
Oh dipped.
The reason I was at the dance with ex co-workers ......
was after 27 years of working for a utility company ---
My boss said, “If you’re not happy why don’t you quit.”
So, I did.
I started a new job working as an AA in the Public Works Department for a City and I love it.
And when my new co-workers heard why I left my old job, they laughed and commented. You’ll be here until you retire, because now we know not to dare you.
If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
Of my published stories, Amber from Christmas Mischief because she meets Tony and he’s what dreams are made out of.
Soon to be published, I like to be Alex, she is the heroine in my novel that I just signed a contract with for The Wild Rose Press. “The Perfect Country and Western Story.”
Alex too is heading out on a new adventure and I can identify with that.
But in the story there is also Julia a secondary character who has a wicked evil streak and I think I’d enjoy being her, but for just a day or two.
Who is your perfect hero? And why?
The perfect hero has to be a man that the heroine can dance with. He has to be worth following, otherwise when he takes a step back, there would be no reason for her to step forward.
And of course the perfect hero isn’t going to mind when she steps on his toes.
Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?
Well, before I quit my old job, I was seriously thinking of writing murder mysteries. Just joking.
How do you balance real life and your writing?
I write in the morning, I set my alarm clock an hour early and hit the computer before doing anything else and in the evening, if I have time, (after my dance lessons), I write some more.
I’m lucky, I don’t like to watch TV so I have to entertain myself and one way is to write.
How can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have seven short stories available at The Wild Rose Press. Happy Meal, Coffee and Love to Go, Drama Queen, Uncle Mike’s Love, First Class Male, Christmas Mischief and Hard Day on the Farm is available in Rose Petal’s Vol II.
What would be the best way for readers contact you?
ChristineColumbus@hotmail.com
www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/christinecolumbus
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SweeterRomanticNotions/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWildRosePress
Thank you Carol Ann, it has been my pleasure to again be interviewed by you.
In case anyone is curious as to my next adventure…Hoola Hoop lesson on Jan. 10th.
Look for Christmas Mischief at www.thewildrosepress.com
along with Happy Meal, First Class Male, Coffee and Love to Go,
Uncle Mike’s Love, Drama Queen, Rose Petals Vol II (Hard Day on the Farm)
www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
Comments Off
SRN January First Friday News Blast
January 4th, 2008 SRN, author, newsletter, announcments, First Friday News Blast, Uncategorized
Hello Carol Ann,
I’ve been writing all my life… 336 dog years and writing for The Wild Rose Press for a little over a human year.
This year I’ve become an Empty Nester…both my children are in college and I’ve decided to have a mid-life adventure.
For years my children choose my friends for me, I spent my evening chatting with their school mates parents or cheering next to their teammate’s parents.
One of my adventures as an MT Nester involved going to a singles dance…even though I don’t dance.
There I was at a big ballroom dance in jean, t-shirt and rubber soled clogs sitting at a table with ex co-workers enjoying the music and watching everyone else dance.
A man approaches me, “Would you like to dance East Coast Swing?”
Shrugging my shoulders, “I don’t know how to dance.”
He reaches out his hand, “I’ll teach you.”
We dance (and I use that term loosely) in front of the band. I can’t hear a word he’s saying – so I smile and nod. Toward the end of the song he moves closer to me and I hear, “Have you ever been bit?”
My heart is pounding, and I thought I was nervous before. What a weirdo. Does he think he’s a vampire?
I take a deep breath and smile as my rational mind takes hold. –he must have meant bitten by the dancing bug. I give him a big smile and another nod.
He holds me tighter, starts to lean me backwards, my foot comes off the floor, my clog just about goes flying off, I’m struggling to stay upright - my body stiffens – my only thought is …I don’t want to be bit!
The corner of his lip twitched, “I guess you don’t dip on the first date.”
Oh dipped.
The reason I was at the dance with ex co-workers ......
was after 27 years of working for a utility company ---
My boss said, “If you’re not happy why don’t you quit.”
So, I did.
I started a new job working as an AA in the Public Works Department for a City and I love it.
And when my new co-workers heard why I left my old job, they laughed and commented. You’ll be here until you retire, because now we know not to dare you.
If you could be one of your characters – Who would you be? And why?
Of my published stories, Amber from Christmas Mischief because she meets Tony and he’s what dreams are made out of.
Soon to be published, I like to be Alex, she is the heroine in my novel that I just signed a contract with for The Wild Rose Press. “The Perfect Country and Western Story.”
Alex too is heading out on a new adventure and I can identify with that.
But in the story there is also Julia a secondary character who has a wicked evil streak and I think I’d enjoy being her, but for just a day or two.
Who is your perfect hero? And why?
The perfect hero has to be a man that the heroine can dance with. He has to be worth following, otherwise when he takes a step back, there would be no reason for her to step forward.
And of course the perfect hero isn’t going to mind when she steps on his toes.
Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?
Well, before I quit my old job, I was seriously thinking of writing murder mysteries. Just joking.
How do you balance real life and your writing?
I write in the morning, I set my alarm clock an hour early and hit the computer before doing anything else and in the evening, if I have time, (after my dance lessons), I write some more.
I’m lucky, I don’t like to watch TV so I have to entertain myself and one way is to write.
How can readers find out more about you and your books?
I have seven short stories available at The Wild Rose Press. Happy Meal, Coffee and Love to Go, Drama Queen, Uncle Mike’s Love, First Class Male, Christmas Mischief and Hard Day on the Farm is available in Rose Petal’s Vol II.
What would be the best way for readers contact you?
ChristineColumbus@hotmail.com
www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/christinecolumbus
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SweeterRomanticNotions/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWildRosePress
Thank you Carol Ann, it has been my pleasure to again be interviewed by you.
In case anyone is curious as to my next adventure…Hoola Hoop lesson on Jan. 10th.
Look for Christmas Mischief at www.thewildrosepress.com
along with Happy Meal, First Class Male, Coffee and Love to Go,
Uncle Mike’s Love, Drama Queen, Rose Petals Vol II (Hard Day on the Farm)
www.christinecolumbus.blogspot.com/
Comments Off
SRN January First Friday News Blast
January 4th, 2008 SRN, author, newsletter, announcments, First Friday News Blast, Uncategorized
Sweeter Romantic Notions
To contact the members of Sweeter Romantic Notions, please feel free to comment on the blog, follow the author’s links to their websites. Or join our group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sweeterromanticnotions
Contact Diana Castilleja, owner of Sweeter Romantic Notions at
Diana@sweeterromanticnotions.com
http://www.sweeterromanticnotions.com/news
Tagged
My friend and fellow author, Carol Ann Erhardt tagged me for a game of tell-us-stuff-we-didn't-know...
http://carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/
The rules are: List seven things about yourself
Link to the person who tagged you (see above)
I’ve been tagged. Impossible, I was always the one who never got caught. Must be getting old and slow…
Here we go…
1. I might have had a mid life crisis (so, I’ll live to be 96)
a) changed jobs after 27 years
b) changed boyfriend after 10 years
c) bought a dog
2. Blood type is B + and the blood bank loves me and it’s best to make an appointment on Monday’s because they get a fresh shipment of cookies.
3. Got a contract for my first novel “The Perfect Country and Western Story”
4. Became an Empty Nester. Both my kids are in college.
5. Took a Hoola Hoop class.
6. Took Swing dance lessons.
7. Have yet to be dipped.
www.mollystarkbooks.com
www.jayellwilson.com
www.bessmcbride.com
www.judithrochelle.com
www.skhyemoncrief.com
www.maggietoussaint.com
Thanks for stopping by!
http://carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/
The rules are: List seven things about yourself
Link to the person who tagged you (see above)
I’ve been tagged. Impossible, I was always the one who never got caught. Must be getting old and slow…
Here we go…
1. I might have had a mid life crisis (so, I’ll live to be 96)
a) changed jobs after 27 years
b) changed boyfriend after 10 years
c) bought a dog
2. Blood type is B + and the blood bank loves me and it’s best to make an appointment on Monday’s because they get a fresh shipment of cookies.
3. Got a contract for my first novel “The Perfect Country and Western Story”
4. Became an Empty Nester. Both my kids are in college.
5. Took a Hoola Hoop class.
6. Took Swing dance lessons.
7. Have yet to be dipped.
www.mollystarkbooks.com
www.jayellwilson.com
www.bessmcbride.com
www.judithrochelle.com
www.skhyemoncrief.com
www.maggietoussaint.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Christmas Mischief Reveiw
Christmas Mischief
Amber has had a tough time of it since moving to the city. But now that she is going to visit Grandma in the country things seem to be looking up. She packs the car, puts her big, friendly dog in the shotgun seat and takes off, Christmas packages filling the back seat. Of course when she gets a flat tire on a cold afternoon her luck doesn’t seem to be holding out. Then, Charlie, her dog, pushes the button that locks her out of the car. Just when she is about to bash a window with a rock a tall, dark stranger shows up. Tony seems to be the answer to her troubles.
Christmas Mischief by Christine Columbus is a great little read. It is the perfect size for lunch hour reading. At first Amber seems like another helpless female and I was poised to be annoyed by her but quickly I saw what the author was doing and where this was going. Amber has overcome a lot of things and is making a new life for herself. She and Charlie, the burping dog, are family oriented enough to be making the trip home to Grandma’s house. Amber very quickly becomes a sympathetic and likeable character. Even Charlie will steal readers’ hearts! This is fun, a good holiday choice if you’re looking for something that is fast reading. Well done!
4 Angels.
Reviewed by: Marlene
Amber has had a tough time of it since moving to the city. But now that she is going to visit Grandma in the country things seem to be looking up. She packs the car, puts her big, friendly dog in the shotgun seat and takes off, Christmas packages filling the back seat. Of course when she gets a flat tire on a cold afternoon her luck doesn’t seem to be holding out. Then, Charlie, her dog, pushes the button that locks her out of the car. Just when she is about to bash a window with a rock a tall, dark stranger shows up. Tony seems to be the answer to her troubles.
Christmas Mischief by Christine Columbus is a great little read. It is the perfect size for lunch hour reading. At first Amber seems like another helpless female and I was poised to be annoyed by her but quickly I saw what the author was doing and where this was going. Amber has overcome a lot of things and is making a new life for herself. She and Charlie, the burping dog, are family oriented enough to be making the trip home to Grandma’s house. Amber very quickly becomes a sympathetic and likeable character. Even Charlie will steal readers’ hearts! This is fun, a good holiday choice if you’re looking for something that is fast reading. Well done!
4 Angels.
Reviewed by: Marlene
Coffee And Love To Go - 4 champagne flutes
Coffee and Love To Go Wild Rose PressDecember 24, 2007
REVIEWED BY:http://cocktailreviews.wordpress.com/
SCORE:
4 champagne flutes—Glad you reviewed the book. Would buy it/recommend to someone else. You liked the characters/plot/dialogue. Good characters/plot/interest level/writing.
Author: Christine ColumbusPublisher: Wild Rose Press
REVIEW:
Since his divorce, Dan’s friends have been trying to find him a new woman. However, Dan has found one himself—only he hasn’t got the confidence to approach her. He sees Missy every day at the local coffee shop. To his surprise, while listening to the radio, Missy’s voice comes over the airwaves—and she mentions him!
Well, he’s sure it’s him…
Will Dan pluck up the courage to speak to Missy?
Find out in Coffee and Love To Go!
REVIEWED BY:http://cocktailreviews.wordpress.com/
SCORE:
4 champagne flutes—Glad you reviewed the book. Would buy it/recommend to someone else. You liked the characters/plot/dialogue. Good characters/plot/interest level/writing.
Author: Christine ColumbusPublisher: Wild Rose Press
REVIEW:
Since his divorce, Dan’s friends have been trying to find him a new woman. However, Dan has found one himself—only he hasn’t got the confidence to approach her. He sees Missy every day at the local coffee shop. To his surprise, while listening to the radio, Missy’s voice comes over the airwaves—and she mentions him!
Well, he’s sure it’s him…
Will Dan pluck up the courage to speak to Missy?
Find out in Coffee and Love To Go!
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Chance Meeting Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus May 9, 2025 By Long and Short Reviews Leave a Comment Chance Meeting by Christ...
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Chance Meeting - will be available January 8, 2025. Order your copy now. Available through these fine retailer: Amazon, Walmart, In...
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