Welcome to the Weekend With... Art by Steve A Roberts

Ok I admit, I'm being a tease. I don't have an interview for you today. I'm actually taking a Spring Break from posting until Monday, April 5th and as I was looking for a fabulous Spring themed dragon picture to post for you I stumbled upon an amazing artist. You have to go see his galleries, I want them all. I will be contacting him and hoping to entice him into doing an interview so please leave, go visit his site (http://preview.fantasy-graphics.com)  and then come back and leave some comments and or questions. I'll try to work my magic and get an interview.

Here are two of his wonderful works:

Dragon Spring by Steve A Roberts

Magic Evening by Steve A Roberts

I wish every one a safe and happy week and Easter.

More Mini Reviews

Gold Digger Nation: Why You Should Remain Single by Hal Roback

Sadly, in our modern society this book should be a must read for anyone contemplating marriage. Yes, the title implies that marriage is a bad thing and you can trust no one. But really, this book is an advocate of a true loving and trusting relationship. This book isn’t a man stereotyping women type read. Gold Diggers comes in both genders and all sexual orientations. What this book is, is a resource that will open your eyes to your, as well as others motives, in all your relationships, romantic and otherwise. Four out of five stars.

Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male by Philip Nork

When you read the title you instantly assume this is a self-help book and boy do I know some men who need this. However, Nork has written a very poignant coming of age story about a boy’s journey to manhood with an absent father figure and a strong woman in his life as a role model. It is through the telling of the story that the lessons in sensitivity are shared. These lessons could be universal. We should all strive to be more caring and nurturing individuals. Four out of five stars.

Change Your Mindset, Not Your Man: Learn to Love What’s Right Instead of Trying to Fix What’s Wrong by Sally B. Watkins

Although we may be loath to admit it, we are all guilty of wanting to change something about someone we love. As we mature, most of us hopefully realize that the only person we can change is ourselves. Therefore when you are invested in another person it is best to learn to embrace all of who they are. As women, we have a bad tendency of sabotaging out relationships because we need to “fix” the other person. Watkins shows us ourselves and teaches us how to look at why we react the way we do, what we are feeling and how we affect others. While this book sets out to help with your relationship with a significant other, it can help you with all your relationships, including the one with yourself. 4.5 out of five stars.

 
 

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

Although set in a different time a place this book reminds me of a movie series called Love Comes Softly. It is a story that portrays the good and the bad of human nature, Higgs could have been a fly on the wall in the lives of real people of the day because her story and characters portray a unparallel depth. Set in Scotland in the 1700’s, the story takes many of it’s elements from the Book of Ruth in the Bible. The story centers around a mother and daughter- the secrets they must keep, the trials and tribulations they must face and conquer. Through the joys and pains, losses and redemptions, they will find hope. Five out of five stars.

Watch the video provided by Waterbrook Multnomah:


 
All of these books were provided by the authors or publishers.

Around Town... Down To Earth

Welcome to the wondrous apothecary Down to Earth. If you visit their website you will find their many aromatics, but to really experience what they have to offer you must step inside the store located in The Cotton Exchange (a former cotton mill). The store is a mystical delight of the senses. In addition to a vast array of aromatic items they have beautiful jewelry, statues, jars, kimonos, figurines, pendulums and more.

As you walk through the front door you will be tempted by the Buddha Board and directly to your right perking out from the displays is an enchanting dryad. The owners and staff will greet you with a smile and answer any questions you may have about the multitude of products. Watch out, you will have so much fun chatting with these lovely ladies time will slip right past you. They are also great at helping you pick out and put together gifts.

Let’s take a stroll around the store (and as always if you see anything you like that is not on the website contact them and they will be happy to help you).

Several people have asked on past Around Town Posts if I take the pictures you see and the answer is yes. With my little point and shoot camera I try to capture as much of the stores for you as I can.

Reviews

Deadly Codes by JP O’Donnell

Deadly Code revolves around private investigator, Gallagher. He is torn between finding a new career to ease his new bride’s mind and continuing to do what is in his blood, investigating. This book reminded me of the classic private detective stories but with modern twists. When asked to look into the death of a woman’s sisters, Gallagher will discover things are never what they seem. A fast paced non-stop action ride with superbly written characters. Four out of five stars.

The Life O’Reilly by Brian Cohen

Nick O’Reilly is a successful attorney, enjoying all the perks that life has to offer. When his firm starts doing pro bono work to improve their image, he gets a case that will change how he looks at life. The case is a young mother, Dawn, and her son trying to find refuge and protection from her abusive husband. In this gripping legal drama, Nick will discover what is really important in life and an unexpected love. The characters and plot are so well written by Cohen, he takes you on the gamut of emotions and then he leaves you believing in the goodness in mankind and the power of love. Five out of five stars.

The Liberation of Henry Belmont by Steve Godofsky

The Liberation of Henry Belmont is one of those short books that packs the punch of a 600 page epic novel. Reading this, I was reminded of those movies where multiple stories are told, then the story brings them all together. The story reminds you that everything we do affects so many others that we are not aware of. The expertly written characters are real; you get to see all sides of human nature. 4.5 out of five stars.

The Chimera Seed by Matthew Tully

What would you do if you had discovered and controlled the fountain of youth? That is the question Michael must face when he inherits his father’s business. With twists that could have come straight from current headlines, Tully has created an action packed tale full of intriguing characters and impressive scientific data. This is a scientific political thriller at its best. Tully gives you tons of details, yet never lets it interfere with the energy of the plot. This book is sometimes graphic, sometimes gritty but with an underlying dose of realism. You won’t be able to put it down. Five out of five stars.

All of these books were provided by the authors.

Winners & Reviews

First of all, Let me say thank you to everyone who stopped by for last week’s Irish festivities. I picked up an extra pin so I have two winners. B. Miller and Tami are the winners. Please email me your mailing address and I’ll get them out to you.

This week I will be posting a few days of multiple many reviews, starting today.

101 Glam Girl Ways To An Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo

A better title for this tiny book would have been The Pocket Guide to Common Sense Glam. It contains 101 one sentence or phrase tips accompanied by a simple illustration. The tips are good tips, but they are also common sense, such as wear deodorant, wear what you love, etc. While I appreciate the presentation and the tips have value, I can’t endorse a book that literally is so small that it takes up less space than a wallet but costs more. For accomplishing its title- 4 out of 5 stars. For value and practicality (i.e. is it worth the price?)- 1 out of five stars.

The Channel: Stories from L.A. Susan Alcott Jardine

Everyone has an opinion about “LA”, whether you live there, have visited or just know it by reputation. Jardine has given us a collection of stories that not only captures the heart of LA, but it captures life. A refreshingly real read. Four out of five stars.

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen

For a guide written for women, it has a universal appeal. The way Allen guides you thorugh the must see attractions of Italy will have you dreaming of embarking on a traveling adventure while listening to your stomach rumble with anticipation for the delectable food she describes. This guide is all about the fantasy trip, she also offers plenty of practical advice. So pick up this book, dust off your passport and let the journey begin. Five out of five stars.

Size Eight in a Size Zero World by Meredith Cagen

Reviewing this book I am torn. The book is technically well written and I can see a lot of potential form this author. However, this particular story did nothing for me (maybe because I was expecting a light hearted, humorous tale). The book is about a NYC woman. Lindsey is a wife and mother who also has a career, which is a rarity in the Upper east Side. She is married to a high-profile attorney, who when he is working long hours tends to be self absorbed, condescending and demands peace and quiet when he is home. Lindsey feels lonely and unappreciated until she meets and falls for a player in her building that pays attention to her. By the time she finally decides to leave her loveless marriage and narcissistic affair you are just glad the story is over. Maybe it’s me, but I just could not feel for any of the characters and therefore did not like the book even though I thought the style in which it was written would have grabbed me if the characters/subject had been different. If you love The Real Housewives type shows, you will probably enjoy this book. For the way it is written- 3.5 out of five stars. For reading enjoyment (personally) two out of five stars.

All of these books were provided by the authors.

Welcome to the Weekend With.... Yeats, St Patrick and a host of Wee Folk

Today we are going to use a little Celtic magic and step back in time to the early 1900’s in Ireland…

Night has fallen as we walk down the Poolbeg Street in Dublin. Across the Anna Liffey River, the Abbey Theatre is letting out a performance. Soon the patrons may wonder over to these banks for a speck of food and a pint, at Mulligan’s, one of Dublin’s oldest pub. Mulligan’s has been around since 1782 and every true Irishman knows it pours the best pint in all Ireland.

Out on the street, we can hear the sounds voices and merriment. Let’s go in, and see who’s inside. As we walk through the door into the darkened wood-paneled interior, we are jostled about by the crowd. We manage to find a spot to sit at a small table near the bar. At the long table to our left is Lady Gregory, J.M. Synge, William Butler Yeats and Ezra Pound. Flitting about their table top are a dozen or so faerie. Two of which are arm wrestling over and overturned mug, several others are reclining in a bowl of soup as if it were a steam bath. Yeats laughs as a faerie whispers in his ear.

“William, you must share the secret with the rest of us, “Lady Gregory implores. To which he replies, “All in good time, my dear. All in good time.”

At the table behind them is a transparent man in what appears to be monk’s robes deep in conversation with some small couple and what could only be twin leprechauns dressed in mossy green outfits, both have short reddish beards and curly hair, round rosy cheeks and sparkling emerald green eyes that dance with mischief. One wears a green cap and the other a green top hat.

A small group walks through the door and captures everyone’s attention.

“ Maude, my eternal love, come sit by me and tell us of the show.” Yeats called out, standing to grab her a chair.

“ The audience was boisterous and Maude was magnificent and had a line of men waiting backstage as always.” Annie Horniman quipped as she led their party to the table.

Maude spoke to the ghost of St Patrick as she passed his table. “Why, Paddy, you are looking more solid than usual. Consorting with your druid roots suits you. Watch out for Finn and Cillian, the twins always have something up their sleeve to stir up trouble.” The two leprechauns clangs their beer tankards together. Cillian winked at Annie & Maude, and Finn pronounced, “don’t you know, under me cap is where I keep me mischief, lass.”

The patrons continued to drink, caint and make merry into the wee hours of the mornin’. We sat among them enjoying the ale and atmosphere….

You Never Know What You Might Find At The End Of The Rainbow...

As April sat at her desk bored and starring out her window, she longed to escape from her mundane paralegal job. She often worked through lunch and late into the evening being the force behind the lawyers who received big bucks and the glory for all the work she and the other paralegals did. She liked her job and her bosses were good to her, but some days, when the monotony got to be too much, she often wondered what the litigators would do without the dutiful slaves that made them look good. Today was one of those days. She couldn’t remember the last time she had taken a vacation or had done something fun, just for her. As she contemplated this, she ate a power bar at her desk while watching the crowds milling about outside all dressed in green for St. Patrick’s Day. Oh, how she longed to sneak out of the office and join them…

If I could have one wish right now it would be to escape these walls for an afternoon in the park to enjoy some fresh air and…

Interrupting her daydream, her boss Mr Hatami asks, “Are you done with your lunch? I need you to go across town and pick up files from Jake Dillon. Here’s his address.”

“I’m on it, sir,” April said, inwardly sighing. Just once it would be nice to have a full lunch hour.

April looked at the address and decided it wasn’t too far away so she would walk. Grabbing her purse, she headed out. After she had walked several blocks, she rechecked the address. “Well that’s odd. There is 712, and this is 714. What happened to 713?” She walked back a few steps and noticed a narrow gap between the two the two buildings that ended about eight feet in. She saw what looked like a two foot wide door at the back of what must be some sort of alley. “No, there can’t be anything in there. There’s barely enough room for me to fit.” But she decided to give it a try and edged into the tight space. Sure enough, It was a door with a faded 713 number plate. She tentatively knocked. The door opened inward and it was dark inside. As she stepped through, she called out, “Hello, Mr. Dillon?” The door abruptly shut behind her and everything lit up.

“Oh!” April found herself standing in a small field of flowers rimmed with trees. To her amazement, directly in front of her was a rainbow, or rather the end of one. She turned back towards the door but it was no longer there. In fact, there were no doors or buildings anywhere. However, the sight that made her breath hitch, her mouth go dry and her eyes blink was the most beautiful green-eyed man she had ever seen outside of her fantasies. He looked as if he had just stepped out of a romance novel. Not that she read those; well ok, occasionally, everyone needed to live vicariously sometime.

She continued to stare at the tall man before her. He was dressed in faded jeans and an emerald green plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up exposing his well formed arms. His black hair was short, his skin was sun-kissed and seemed to almost glow. He had a mischievous grin that spelled trouble. “Um, I’m looking for Mr. Dillon?” Ok, that even sounds lame to me, maybe I fell and hit my head, this can’t be real.

Chuckling, he said, “ I’m very real and you can call me, Jake.”

“Jake? Jake Dillon?”

“Who else would I be? You made a wish and here I am.” He took hold of her shoulders and gently turned her around. On the ground before them was a tartan blanket covered with all sorts of mouth-watering foods. “ You really should take time to have a proper lunch once in awhile.”

“Wait a minute. What do you mean I made a wish? And I had a power bar,” she said defiantly.

“Did you not wish for a break from monotony; to be outdoors, enjoying some fresh air, fun?” I heard your wish and granted it. And as I said, a proper lunch… shall we?” He motioned toward the blanket and helped her take a seat. As he poured a glass a amber colored liquid and handed it to her, unexpectedly he laughed.

“ How did you know what I wished?” she asked out loud, while in her mind she was running through the past hour… Did I say that out loud? What else have I said out loud that I thought I was only thinking? Is this some sort of trick? Are they… Her rambling thoughts were interrupted as he laughed even harder.

“What is so funny?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that your mind is speaking non-stop as if there are two of you in there having a conversation, yet you speak so few words with your lips.” He had touched her forehead and then her lips as he said this, which made April lose all train of thought, she stared at the finger that had just left her lips.

She shook her head to recover, “You can hear my thoughts? Seriously? How?

“Well, all leprechauns can hear human thoughts, of course we do try to shut them out most of the time or they would drive us mad. It is why we don’t venture into your world often. But during the week before Ostara or the Spring Equinox, we are required to walk your world and pick someone to watch over and grant favors. Over your human years, I have kept an eye on you and decided this year, you needed me.”

This time, it was April who began laughing. “I’m supposed to believe you are a leprechaun? And you are going to grant me wishes? What, like three? Wait, you watched over me?”

Jake frowned at her amusement. “Whever you see a rainbow that is us entering your world, watching. I;m sure you think those are just caused by rain. And let me guess, you think leprechauns are little three foot men with long beards, dressed in green, and always trying to hide their gold?”

At his pointed stare, April abruptly stopped laughing and said, “ a.. well… no… well… maybe.. no… I don’t believe in leprechauns.”

“ You used to believe in leprechauns and since I will be with you until midnight on the 21st, I will have to make you a believer again.” As he made this statement he placed a grape in her mouth.

She quickly chewed it and replied, “Yes, and I used to believe in the tooth fairy too. Bt none of this can be real… wait, what happens at midnight on the 21st…”

Her protest and question were cut off as he leaned forward and with his lips less than an inch from her own, whispered, “I assure you, we are very real.” And then his lips lightly brushed hers….

Around Town... The Celtic Shop

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the day than to take you on a trip to Ireland. Ok, well, I can’t afford to do that, so the next best thing is to take you on a tour of The Celtic Shop in the old Cotton Mill in downtown Wilmington. No passport required for this journey, just a love of all things Irish.

Walking into The Celtic Shop is truly like teleporting to the olde country. When you walk through the doors you will be greeted by the wonderful Laura Lambert (the store proprietor), Flip (the beautiful and most lovable pit bull you’ll ever meet) and if he’s feeling social, Danny Boy (a huge- must be the Irish food and regal tabby). You will hear soothing Celtic music playing as you stroll down the aisles (if you listen really hard you may even hear a faerie or two singing along). Anything you could want, this shop has. They have t-shirt, pottery, cards, pewter, mugs, jewelry, blankets, figurines, flags, cd’s…… you name it, if it’s Irish, Scottish or Celtic you will find it. If you don’t, you really will have to go to Ireland to get it. This is where the stateside leprechauns come to shop and get in touch with their roots, so if you are in town, stop by for a chat and some wonderful gifts, you may even see one of the wee folk peaking out from behind a plate.

I could go on and on, but I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:

Flip

Sadly, there isn’t a web site, but if you see anything in the pictures you can’t live without or you’re looking for a particular Celtic inspired item, give Laura a call at 910-763-1990 and she’ll take care you.

Of course you know I have many items from here; my favorites being a Scottish Kilt Purse and a shamrock and ladybug pin. In fact, I think the pin is so fabulous, I picked up an extra one to give away to one lucky commenter. To be in the drawing to win one all you have to do is comment on one of the Irish inspired post this week.

O’ Shaughnessey: The Faerie Circle by Jeremy McGuire

“The Five-senses-world is a small island in a vast ocean of all we do not know and cannot see; in that ocean, there may be faeries.”

(Taken from the back cover of the book.)

The leprechaun, O’Shaughnessy was first introduced to the world in O’Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun. But like all children, the boy in that first book grew up. In The Faerie Circle, Bobby Mahoney is grown and can no longer see leprechauns. The Faerie Circle is the story of Bobby’s twelve year old daughter, Margaret. Margaret is an old soul; she may only be twelve but she acts much wiser than her years. Can a trip to Ireland allow Bobby to get his Sight back? Will the Irish storyteller, Moira, be able to show Margaret that there is a magical world the logical one doesn’t know exists?

McGuire is a master storyteller and has woven the perfect tae of leprechauns, the faerie realm and the heart of Ireland’s mystical world. This is a magical book for young and old alike; a timeless tale to be passed down for generations. If you don’t believe in the “Invisible World”, read this book and you will become a believer! This book is the pot of gold at the end of O’Shaughnessey’s rainbow. Five out of five shamrocks!!

Be sure to check out his website and blog. His posts are inspired!!
(Black and white pictures are illustrations from the book.)

Fireside with McGuire and O'Shaughnessey

This book was provided by the author. In the paperwork for the press kit was this wonderful quote:

“We are the dream-weavers, the myth-makers, the chroniclers of our world with all its joy and sorrow, mystery and magic. Of all creatures on this globe, we are the only storytellers.”

Here is an audio interview of Jeremy McGuire with BlogTalkRadio: Click here.

This St. Patrick’s Day May Your World Be Filled With All The Magic Ireland Inspires!!

The Latest on Ember....

For Episode 11 go to Anna's Obsession

and for a behind the scenes look at what transpired in the faerie realm while Ember and The Kind One were in the forest and Arial & The Kind One's Reunion go to The Misty World of Arial Hollyberry Be sure to check out the comments, also!

Stay tuned for the next episode in Ember's adventure and some art work......

Welcome to a Week of Green

Being predominately Scotch-Irish and Wednesday being St. Patrick's Day, I'm devoting this week to the land of my ancestors, Ireland.

Today, I'm going to share some recipes inspired by the olde country...

Dilly Corned Beef Dip

1 can (12 oz.) corned beef

2 cups (16 oz) sour cream

2 cups mayonnaise

1/3 cup minced fresh parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons stripped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dill weed

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

assorted crackers or vegetables

Crumble corned beef into a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the sourcream, mayonnaise, parsley, onion, dill and seasoned salt. Pour over beef, toss to coat. Serve with crackers or vegetables. Makes 6 cups.

 

Slow-Cooked Cabbage Rolls

1 large head cabbage

1 egg, beaten

1 can (8oz) tomato sauce

3/4 quick-cooking rice

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)

1 ounce onion soup mix

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 can (46 oz) V8 juice

salt to taste

grated parmesan cheese (optional)

 

Cook cabbage in boiling water just until leaves fall off head. set aside 12 large leaves for rolls; drain well. (Refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use), Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each reserved leaf, making a V-shaped cut; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine egg, tomato sauce, rice, green pepper, cracker crumbs and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Place 1/3 cup meat mixture on each cabbage leaf; overlap cut ends of leaf. Fold sides, beginning from the cut end. Roll up completely to enclose filling. Secure with toothpicks if desired.

Place cabbage rolls in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Pour V-8 juice over rolls. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until filling reaches 160 degrees. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt and cheese if desired. Yields: 6 servings.

Blarney Stones

4 eggs

1-3/4 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

Frosting:

2 lbs confectioner's sugar (about 7-1/2 cups)

2/3 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

6 cups finely chopped peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until thick and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined. Beat in milk and butter.

Pour into a greased 13 in x 9 in x 2 in baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Cover and freeze over night.

For frosting, in a small mixing bowl, beat the confectioner's sugar, milk, vanilla and salt until smooth. frost the top and sides of frozen cake squares; roll in peanuts. Place on wire racks to set. Yields: 2 dozen.

Recipes & photos courtesy of Taste of Home Irish Food & Fun