Discover A New World of Romance

  Today my daughter posted the above... and it only seemed like yesterday when they were babies...

What, Whom, or Where is Perfect? According to the Dictionary -  having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be :           make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible :      Life is Perfect although I have to say some days I do find it a little difficult to be as good as it is possible to be...

This is the question for July 10th from the 365 Questions book and the answer is a little difficult because both my parents have been dead for quite some time. But I do remember a couple of my last conversations with my mom. I was working full-time, had two preteen children at home and would stop by her house every night on my way home from work to check in with her and to have a cup of coffee - the coffee was a great way to spend sometime with my mom to unwind after work and also as a way to ramp up for an evening filled with driving my children to and from activities. My mom had a number of aliments, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and emphysema.  She was on oxygen and was finding it harder and harder to breathe and get around. She was unable to back her car out of the garage and unless someone turned her car around she could not drive. Which in my opinion was a good thing, so I conveniently forgot to turn her car around when she asked. She was also ...

Well, I still haven't found a job, but I did get up and walk for 30 minutes today. I also worked on a short story, these are all good things. It's raining outside and I'm nice and dry inside. I love the sun and warmth but I also delight in rainy days - the overcast skies, dripping clouds, and rhythmic splat of fat drops against the concrete, relax and calm me.

"What was your favorite day this week?"  Considering it is only Wednesday... I would say Tuesday.  We rode our bikes from La Crosse to Sparta - round trip 54 miles...   Aha moment...need to buy bike shorts.

"What Do You Consider To Be Your Biggest Achievement?"  Well, today it would be getting out of bed to write...but overall I would say it's letting go of fear.  It is easier for me to do what I did yesterday, which is why I worked at one company for 27 years, and owned the same house for 25 years. It is much easier to repeat a previous day then to blaze a new trail. It has been a year since I've sold a house, quit a job, and headed back to school.  So now I no longer fear change, I fear thing staying the same.

"What Make A Good Enemy" A friend, if good is to mean a strong adversary.  Who knows your weakness better than a friend or an 'ex.'.  'Good'  enemy might also mean the person who puts up road blocks and generally makes life difficult which in turn only strengthens your desire to succeed. A Good Enemy is an antagonist with a pencil bar mustache.  

I once again opened The Book  and today's question, "Who Loves You Today?"  Today is also Mother's Day so the answer is obvious... My Children

Had this to say about Looking for Henrietta... His twenty-fifth high school reunion is in less than thirty days and Henry still has no date. Not willing to be the object of his classmates’ sympathy after his divorce, he turns to an online dating service for help. But things aren't looking good. Rita has been there for Henry for a long time, hoping their relationship might change, but he only sees her as his friend the bartender. Now Henry has this crazy notion that the answer to his dilemma is a dating service. After watching several unsuccessful attempts—in her bar, no less—Rita decides it's time to take Henry's love life into her own hands. Maybe all Henry needs is a little push in the right direction to fall in love... Review: Ms. Columbus gives brief insight into the world of computer dating. A light hearted search for your soul mate along with the many things that actually could and do happen when setting up dates, only to find the one you want has been there right...

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’...