Discover A New World of Romance

June 14, 2011 Yes, not only did I exercise my muscles on the thread mill for twenty minutes ... I exercised my mind with school and trying to design a postcard...A&P is not going as well as I would like but I know I'll do better.

June 13, 2011 Today was my first test in Anatomy & Physiology. I had good reason to worry it is hard to remember what I learned in chemistry 30 years ago. But it is better to fail a test that to be afraid to take the test.

How Many Cups of Coffee Did You Drink Today? One and it wasn't until after 10 am, it sure is nice being retired and having no classes on Fridays.

June 9, 2011 What makes a good friend? Sometimes it is a person who can listen more than they talk and for some people that’s a pet. But my experience as a pet owner has me believing otherwise. Ruth a jack-a-poo had selective hearing, she could hear me eat a marshmallow and appear within an instant, but if I said, “Want to go for a walk and hear about my day?” The dog disappeared and even the sound of additional marshmallows being eaten couldn't coax her from her hiding spot. So, sometimes a good friend is just someone who is willing to hang out with you. June 8, 2011 What makes you miserable? Gossiping, no good ever comes from telling another person about someone else’s flaws or short comings. I love to hear stories and I love to tell stories, but when the main point of the story is show another person in a negative light, or to feel better about yourself, or to gain favor with the listener … it’s wrong – unless of course it’s fiction. All is fair in ficti...

To sell your house… My story… I listed my house on March 7, 2011, received a purchase agreement on March 31st for $5,000 less than my list price and I closed on May 26, 2011. Of course I de-cluttered my home, painted the walls and removed personal items…interviewed 4 real estate agents and went with the one who offered the most free stuff: home warranty, professional stagger and professional photographer. I listed my house for sale using the price listed on my 2011 Property Tax Statement, $155,000. I buried St. Joseph in the front yard. St. Joseph is a Catholic Saint and the story goes if you bury him in your yard, say a pray and have faith, St. Joseph will sell your home. I also said a pray to St. Anthony who is the patron saint of lost or stolen items. In the past whenever an item is missing I say, “Tony, Tony, turn around and help me find __________it lost and can’t be found.” Sure enough the item appears. So, I asked Tony to help me find the lost buyer. And lastly I placed ...

Busy...tonight I buried St. Joseph and I have faith that he will sell my house. But what I have started contemplating is...Do you think St. Joseph will work on selling stories?

I'm so thrilled to announce - The Perfect Country and Western Story is a finalist for the Booksellers' Best Award. The judges are booksellers and librarians and the contest is sponsored by the Greater Detroit chapter. In July the winners will be announced at the RWA (Romance Writers of America) National Conference in Orlando. What fun it is to see other Midwest Fiction Writers: Helen Brenna and Ann Hinnenkamp Congrats to Everyone! TRADITIONAL Helen Brenna From The Outside Lucy Gordon Italian Tycoon, Secret Son Fiona Harper Invitation to the Boss's Ball Glynna Kaye Dreaming Of Home Joselyn Vaughn CEO's Don't Cry SHORT CONTEMPORARY Christine Columbus The Perfect Country and Western Story Robyn Grady The Billionaire's Fake Engagement Sandra Hyatt Having The Billionaire's Baby Geri Krotow What Family Means Lynne Marshall Temporary Doctor, Surprise Father Cara Summers Twin Temptation Cara Summers Christmas Male LONG CONTEMPORARY Lisa Dale Simple WIshes Susan ...

I am happy living the dream, enjoying everyday and all the people I meet along the way. The Wild Rose Press Retreat - Silver Spur Ranch and Longhorn Saloon in Bandera Texas.

So, after much research and indecision…I decided on purchasing a car. I don’t know why it is – some decisions are so easy – after 27 years at the gas company – I walked away with no regrets…giving my favorite car to my son…no big deal… Purchasing a Car…Tough. I test drove 27 cars… and No I don’t love my new vehicle… it’s more like a marriage of convenience. I needed a car… and I thought this one will work…no fireworks in the sky, no thrill, just an okay – I will take you home. I really thought I’d find a car that thrilled me… I wanted to find a car that made a statement about who I am. Instead I got a car that says…who I’m not.

The Perfect Country And Western Story Review by Melinda from Night Owl Reviews on May 4, 2010. Alexandra is ready for a second chance. Not just any second chance but one that will change her life forever. She’s changed from head to toe and in and out. Everybody has known her as grease monkey Alex always under the hood of a car except this time she is in for a big surprise. She’s tired of always being a third wheel and wants true love in her life. Her mother always believed good things would happen for her. Imagine her surprise when a cowboy hat and Toby Keith brings her a true prince in the form of Ben. Well at least she thought he was a prince. Meeting him again backfires on her and instead of finding happily ever after she is dodging people’s looks of thievery. Everyone is accusing her of thievery, which is not true yet she is determined to prove to Ben that her love is real. Can she change his mind that what they shared before is real and not fake like everyone thinks it is? Ben fo...

Although the last time I blogged was March 21st. and the last time I wrote was March 31st. It’s Not a Mid-Life Crisis – although I did celebrate a birthday and I turned 51. It’s Not Spring Fever…Although for the first time ever – Minnesota experienced a March with no snow. It’s Not Lack of Time – I still have 24 hours in a day and my kids are no longer living at home. No the only explanation I can find is … Parker’s Butt. After 40 hours of sitting behind a computer and answering the phone, “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking,” I find the idea of sitting down distasteful. And when given a moment a free time, I hoola hoop, go to Pilates, pluck dandelions, go for long walks and occasionally do enough laundry to get me through another 40 hours of “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking.” I even paid to have my Aura read, hoping to discover a cure for Parker’s Butt – but the only thing I learned was I’m yellow – very creative…but low on energy – which is the number one symptom of Parker’...

Night Owl Review Top Pick Trust Your Heart – TWRP Melinda said, “This is one that will enchant you. I loved that Michelle was an average middle-aged woman who has dealt with divorce and betrayal yet still is strong throughout the whole ordeal. This book definitely keeps your attention and I enjoyed the suspense of waiting to find out who gets Michelle’s heart…the new guy or the old guy. Loved it. “ Christine Columbus Web Site Tootin’ Cowboys Ingredients • 2 cups uncooked wagon wheel pasta • 1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans • 1 can black beans, rinsed • 1 small can of corn, drained • 1 can tomato soup • Shredded Cheddar cheese Directions Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the chili, tomato soup, rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Mix well; heat through. Drain and rinse pasta; stir into chili. Garnish with cheese if desired.

On Saturday, I spoke about the Journey of The Perfect Country and Western Story from an idea to the novel. The audience was fellow authors at Midwest Fiction. One of the things that I surprised me – besides how long an hour can be when you are standing in front of a crowd. “I Can Do That…” I was explaining that my diverse publishing credits come from my “I Can Do That…” If I’m at a Craft Fair and I see something I like – instead of purchasing the item, I always think or say…I could make that. When I see a posting and someone is looking for Flash Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Romance or Children story. My first reaction is…I Could Write That… and I generally do… My Latest – I Can Do That… my daughter wanted a Snuggle Blanket… and of course I didn’t buy one… Because I Can Make One – Can’t be too hard.

http://justwritewithannemarienovark.blogspot.com/ Stop by Anne Marie Novark – Just Write! – I am the March 10 Spotlight Author…. Stop by and say, “Hi.”

GREAT READ! , March 7, 2010 *** Posted On Amazon*** "Stacy Dawn" Canada What a great read! Along with a wonderfully romantic story, there was a fun, underlying use of song references...and I don't just mean by title. I highly recommend this book to any romance lover...or country music lover for that matter!

Stop by http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com on Saturday March 6 th – leave a comment and have a chance to win a Six Pack… …A Six Pack of Short Stories: First Class Male, Drama Queen, Coffee And Love To Go, Hard Day On The Farm, Happy Meal and Christmas Mischief.

What is your brainstorming process for a new book? You know how there are people who sing in the shower... Writers-on-writing at TessQuinn.com http://tessquinn.com/writers-on-writing-christine-columbus/

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 The Perfect Country and Western Story by Christine Columbus T Rating: 5 Diamonds Heat Level: Sensual Reviewer: Starla Kaye Date: 2-18-09 Alexandra found the love of her life at a music fest a year ago and lost him the same day. A family tragedy tore her away from the event while he’d gone to bring friends back to meet her. Leaving so unexpectedly, she took with her a Stetson autographed by Toby Keith that he’d temporarily had her hold. Guilt has weighed heavily on her as much as her longing to see him again at this year’s event. If he comes…if she can find him in a crowd of 50,000…if he’ll forgive her for leaving with his prized hat. So many ifs. Ben thought he’d found ‘The One’ a year ago, but evidently he’d been wrong. He’d left her alone for a few minutes at the fest and when he’d returned, she was gone, along with a prized hat he’d intended to give to his disabled younger brother. And he hadn’t even gotten her name. All he could hope for was that she’d...

My book signing on Saturday was a lot of fun and a learning experience. I wish I would have told the local paper that I was going to be signing books and that I had given more thought to creating poster/signs outside of the gallery. It was great to see everyone, the turn out was good. I had the response I've had to The Perfect Country and Western Story - has all been positive. A big thanks to everyone who showed up on Saturday, I appreciate your support and next Friday on the 19th - I will be signing books at the Elks 44nClub in Brooklyn Park.

February 13...I'll be at the Robbin Gallery 4915 42nd Ave N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422 ( Signing books from 1 to 3 pm... If you're in the neighborhood stop by and say, "Hi." The Robbin Art Gallery is located two blocks east of Highway 100 on 42nd Avenue North in the Robbinsdale Historic Library Building. Look to your right for a high wooden privacy fence, then a beautiful brick library just before the railroad tracks. Turn RIGHT before the railroad tracks and park on the side street.