Did You Exercise Today...

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.

Something that made me worry today...

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.

June 10, 2011

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.

What makes a good friend?

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 fiction.

What does it take?

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 “For Sale” signs on my vision board. Ten years ago I took a ‘one day’ management class where the teacher spoke of vision boards and how if you have a “vision” and add “Passion” you would create a realty…not sure what vision boards had to do with management but I’ve been using vision boards for the past ten years and I believe they work just like prayers to St. Joseph and St. Anthony.

But the reason I started blogging… was not just because I have a new story coming out…”Looking for Henrietta” which will soon be released by The Wild Rose Press…

I received a great gift from my good friend Joe, a five year journal with 365 questions…

So, it is here that I begin:

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 to 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 fiction.

Where have you been?

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?

Happy To Announce

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 Gable
A Kid To The Rescue

Elaine Grant
No Hero Like Him

Janice Maynard
Hot Mail

Terry McLaughlin
A Small Town Reunion

Kay Stockham
Simon Says Mommy

Linda Warren
Caitlyn's Prize

SINGLE TITLE

Toni Blake
One Reckless Summer

Marilyn Brant
According To Jane

Robin Kaye
Breakfast in Bed

Susan Mallery
Hot On Her Heels

Karen White
The Lost Hours

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Kylie Brant
Waking The Dead

Marilee Brothers
Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam

Ava Gray
Skin Game

Sandy James
Free Falling

EROTIC

Jaci Burton
Riding On Instinct

Red Garnier
The Satin Sash

Lara Santiago
Rogue's Run

Shelli Stevens
Take Me

Tracy Wolff
Full Exposure

SHORT HISTORICAL

Jennifer Ashley
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Caroline Fyffe
Where The Wind Blows

Carolyn Jewel
Indiscreet

Margaret Mallory
Knight of Pleasure

Elizabeth Rolls
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride

Christine Wells
Wicked Little Game

LONG HISTORICAL

Anna Campbell
Captive of Sin

Hannah Howell
If He's Wicked

Hannah Howell
If He's Sinful

Regina Jeffers
Darcy's Temptation

PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL/FUTURISTIC

Sharon Ashwood
Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten

Maureen Child
Vanished

Lisa Childs
Immortal bride

Gail Dayton
New Blood

Cynthia Eden
Midnight's Master

Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams

Sharon Sala
The Warrior


INSPIRATIONAL

Sandra Bricker
Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida

Amanda Cabot
Paper Roses

Irene Hannon
An Eye for an Eye

Trish Perry
Sunset Beach

Marlo Schalesky
If Tomorrow Never Comes

Missy Tippens
His Forever Love

BEST FIRST BOOK

Marilyn Brant
According To Jane

Red Garnier
The Satin Sash

Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams

Glynna Kaye
Dreaming Of Home

Living The Dream

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.

New Wheels....

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.

A Night Owl Top Pick

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 found real love last summer at least he thought it was love. He never expected that the woman of his dreams would steal his Toby Keith signed hat. One minute he saw a future with her then he saw hatred. A beautiful woman like Alexandra bewitched him like no other woman yet he is confused. He knows she is unlike any woman he has known but something about her speaks of a second chance. Each time he sees her Ben remembers the passion he shared with her. The couple of days he shared with her proved that no other woman can compare to her. Is he crazy to give Alex a second chance? Is there more to the theft?

The Perfect Country and Western Story is truly a romantic story of two people getting second chances in an unusual way. Two people who only had one summer to get together find out that it is a summer of unforgettable memories. Alex has waited all summer to get her man and won’t let anything stand in her way. I liked that Ben had all these doubts all year long and when he sees Alex the chemistry explodes between them. I loved it. Great job to Christine for showing a reader that everybody deserves a second chance and Alex is definitely one woman who deserves all the love she can get.

It’s Not Writer’s Block –

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’s Butt.

Now this isn’t the first time I experience Parker’s Butt – a long, long time ago I had a husband and he took one look at me and said, “You know what your problem is?”

Being Young and Naïve, I shook my head, opened my eyes wider and waited for enlightenment.

He voice was steady and sure. “You are afraid of success.”

For many years I thought that I had a strange defect and that I was afraid of succeeding…until the day I realized … I wasn’t afraid of success and I wasn’t afraid of rejection. I wrote and I submitted a number of writing projects – some were accepted and some were not.

Now a person who is afraid of success – would stick all of their writing in a drawer – or on an external hard drive…but not me I was submitting my work – clearly I was not afraid of success…

If my ex-husband had any insight fifteen years ago he would have said, “Honey, the only thing wrong with you…is a little Parker’s Butt.”

If I could park my butt down in a chair – I could write.

So, first thing tomorrow, I’m going to start looking for a cure for Parker’s Butt.

Tonight’s blog was accomplished with the following aids… Big Bowl of Popcorn and Little Glass of Wine.

Tomorrow, I might try Big Glass of Wine and Little Bowl of Popcorn…

Stayed tuned to see how this author cures her Parker’s Butt.

Night Owl Review Top Pick

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.

I Can Do That

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.

Stop By

http://justwritewithannemarienovark.blogspot.com/

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

The Perfect Country And Western Story GREAT READ!, 5 out 5 Stars

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!

Six Pack

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.

Brian Storming Process....

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/

5 Diamonds

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 come to this year’s fest, with his hat. He was no longer interested in anything more from her.


But love can be a complicated thing. It can twist a person’s emotions around and make them be stubborn at times. And yet sometimes it finds a way to bring people back together. If you enjoy second chance at love stories as much as I do, then this book is for you.
Posted by GOT EROTIC ROMANCE? at 5:59 PM
Labels: Christine Columbus, Starla Kaye, The Perfect Country and Western Story, The Wild Rose Press


http://goteroticromance.blogspot.com/2010/02/perfect-country-and-western-story-by.html

First Book Signing A Success

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.

Saturday I'll be signing books....

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.