Drink Some Water! 💦

Mental Health Mantra

You've seen the memes on social media: Drink more water. Get some sun. Turn off the television. Though Mental Health Awareness month is in May, it's important any time of year. Summer is coming soon to the Northern Hemisphere, and with it the opportunity to get out into the sun and shake off those cold-weather blahs.

Even if you're not able to get outside, summer is your chance to open a window and chase out the stale air. You can do the same with your mind. Stuck in a loop of old ideas? Challenge them with a new book, a new podcast, or some creative expression through art, cooking, crafting, or design. If you're not the crafty sort, pay a visit to the zoo or a museum. A little movement and a new locale are great for helping you switch mental gears.

Finding Your Reset Button

"Health" is my watchword for this year. That means I need to focus on mind, body, and financial wellness. This spring, I went on a writing retreat at Mt. Hope House, a historical bed and breakfast in Rochester, NY. After a few setbacks of various sorts this winter, I was having a rough time getting back into writing. The visit to the retreat was just the thing for jarring me out of my rut. Between that and some fresh creative pursuits, I'm feeling much better and ready to get back to putting real words down. If I falter, I can always remember the expression of this fellow who was hanging in the dining room at the B&B, "Cavalier" by Alex de Andreis. He looks quite ready to scold me for slacking off, doesn't he?

I hope you find time for your own reset, too. If you have a favorite pastime for unwinding, I'd love to hear it. Stay healthy, and Happy Reading!

Sticking to It

Promises, Promises

Everyone knows promises are important. As a child, you pinky swore to be besties forever (and some of us are still friends to this day. Go, us.) As important as promises are to others, don't forget the ones you make to yourself. You matter just as much as the people around you.

Every year, I choose a word and try to make it my "word to live by" for the year. This year's word is HEALTH, and that includes my mental and physical health.

The arrival of COVID-19 derailed most of us across the world. All the work I had done in the prior few years went right out the window with everything coronavirus brought with it. I will freely admit I stress ate and gained back all the weight I'd worked so hard to lose. Things were Not Good.

Getting the Gear to Get In Gear

This, I decided, is the perfect year to work on my health again. I work from home in my day job, so I have a standing desk, but that alone isn't enough. I need to do some real work. With those two aspects of my health in mind, I decided to add yoga back into my routine. Yoga works the body while helping you calm your mind with focus and meditation. I had taken classes previously, and an opportunity came up earlier this year that sounded uncannily like the universe telling me to get off my butt.

I have no excuses (well, nothing good unless you count watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy again), so I decided to get some pretty new yoga gear to encourage me to Do the Thing.

You can do yoga in a T-shirt and sweats, but if you have the means, new gear is a fun way to encourage you to keep new habits...and a lifestyle change of eating better and getting more movement (I will never call it a diet, because I won't stick to it) is, essentially, building a new habit. There's no exact science to habit building. It takes anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year, according to experts. Do whatever it takes to form that good habit, whether it's small steps or treating yourself to an inexpensive step in your goal. I got a bag, mat, and yoga blocks for less than $27.00 new...and don't forget the secondhand stores.

Staying the course takes a certain amount of willpower. Don't get too hard on yourself if you made a New Year's resolution, then faltered on keeping it. The beauty of it is, you can get back to it. Support networks are a huge bonus in this. Social media groups, friends, and family are just a few connections you can cultivate to help you through the tough periods of sticking to your goals. (I don't know where I would be without my friends and family after 2020.)

 Got a resolution you're working on? Feel free to drop me a line about it, or subscribe to my newsletter to follow my journey and get other updates from me!

Happy Holidays! / Updates at Greenwood House

The Holidays are Here!

Every year, our family hosts a Friendsgiving "Holiday Dinner" where we make the main dishes, and friends each bring a side to help celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. This was our 19th year, and it was a great time. Our house isn't often this full with people, and I love hearing the laughter and stories as we all come together over a delicious meal. (If you haven't tried BBQ Pit Boys Apple Cider Turkey, you definitely should. We make it every single year. 😋)

If you're looking for a unique holiday gift for the book lover in your life, you can order personalized signed copies of any of my books! Don't want to wait for a print book? Check out any of my books available in ebook or audiobook, and have them delivered straight to your loved one!

Or maybe, like me, you love watching those holiday movies. If that's the case, pick up either of my holiday novellas, THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL or THE GINGERBREAD SHRED, in ebook, or in print in HOLIDAY HEARTS!

What's Happening at Greenwood House?

On a sad note, we had to say goodbye to my soul dog, Macey, in October. She was with us for twelve and a half wonderful years, and I miss her terribly.

The house was so quiet the week after we had to let her go, and I was not in a good place. It's strange how you get used to the sounds of dog tags jingling and the ticking of claws on the floor. Not to mention how sad it is when you want to hug a furry family member and they're not there. Fortunately for us, I remembered that a good friend worked with Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter, and she found us Archie, a Shiba Inu mix with a great personality and extensive expertise in cuddling. Archie is now a happy part of our lives, and the house is full again with the sounds of fur family.

In between training and playing with our new pup, I've been writing in a new contemporary romance which I hope to have out next year (although I never count my chickens, because life). However you celebrate the season, I wish you a festive and happy one. Lift a cup of your favorite warm beverage, and toast good cheer to your friends and family. Happy Reading!

Practicing Gratitude

Saying Thank You ... Often

I get it. We live in a very busy world, and it seems like things are not getting any less busy no matter how many time-saving tech gadgets we throw at them. I'm guilty of dropping the ball now and then, or putting down that load for a while to decompress.

Life as an author can be stressful. We have to balance our craft, often with a family, a day job, and a social life. Somewhere in there, we might get a little sleep.

You might not think it, but there's one thing you can do which will take some time, but improve the rest of the time you spend on tasks ... and that's to practice gratitude. Before you get started with your day, you might think about three things that make you thankful. It could be something as simple as that first sip of coffee. (Or a pretty coffee cup. Or the existence of coffee.)

How to Make an Author's Day

Today was a busy day at the day job, and that's after very little sleep. It's no stretch to say I lived on caffeine today just to get the work done. I came home just about running on empty. I had a couple of things to do tonight before I was allowed to relax, and while I was at it, I popped online to check my book reviews (Yes, I do read them!).

What I found was a lovely review for WATER, and it was such a gift after a long day. Not only did the reviewer like the book, but they also mentioned how much they were looking forward to reading more of my work. That made my soul happy today. Reviews are the elixir of life to an author, and they revive flagging spirits as well as any magical potion.

Thank You

So, today I want to thank that reviewer from the bottom of my heart. It was a very kind thing to do, and while it might seem like a little thing ... it's not. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.

Happy Reading, gang!

Goodie Haul: Beaver Lake Nature Center's 45th Annual Golden Harvest Festival

Goodies!

There's nothing like autumn in Central New York. While the trees haven't dressed out in their fall colors yet in Baldwinsville, NY, Beaver Lake Nature Center's seasonal spirit was in full swing last weekend at the 45th Annual Golden Harvest Festival.

I can't seem to attend a book signing at a craft fair or festival without finding a treasure (or several) to take home. This festival was no exception.

My first stop was Link's Stained Glass Creations, where I picked up this gorgeous autumn-toned piece for a window in my living room and a sweet bookmark-sized piece featuring pine trees, which now has a home in my office.

Next, I visited Woodpecker Turnings, where I scored a tiny Russian olivewood bowl, and a larger one of spalted maple. As a graduate from a forestry and agricultural college (and an all-around fan of nature, if my name wasn't any indication), I have a deep love of trees and woodworking.

 

Finally, I nabbed the cutest, tiniest little rattan basket for an empty hook in my living room, where it will now display seasonal flowers. Bouquet of Baskets offered hand-woven baskets of all sizes and in different shades. Anyone who's seen the inside of my house cannot deny my love of baskets and lanterns.

 
Buy Local, Buy Small

It's important to buy from local artisans and small businesses when possible. Not only are you supporting your local economy and human creativity, but you're also getting handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods that you'll never find in those big-box stores. Your purchases also act as reminders of memories made with friends and family, as I have over my years of traveling to shows with The Wandering Wordsmiths. I love looking around my house and finding little reminders of good times. Who doesn't want more of those?

Hope to see you at a future event, readers! Until then, Happy Autumn from NY!

For the Love of Dogs

Leave 'em Home...

It's finally getting warm out during these spring days in New York. While I'm glad about that (and my garden is, too), I spotted an uncomfortable sight yesterday: two dogs, shut in cars in a supermarket parking lot. While the windows were cracked a bit, it was easy to see those poor pups weren't happy about the sun beating down on their vehicles. Fortunately, someone was already notifying the store staff about them, so they wouldn't be waiting for their owners' return much longer.

If you live in a sunny climate, please remember your car is essentially a mobile greenhouse in such conditions. Your dog can suffer heatstroke or even death if left in the car while you go into a store.

It's just not worth it. If you're headed to a place where your pup isn't welcome, leave them home where they'll be comfortable until you return, and ready to join you on your next pet-friendly adventure.

...Until They Can Come With You

Fortunately, there are lots of great places to bring your furry bestie. More and more establishments are welcoming dogs, because let's face it: everyone knows they're our family too.

The big box hardware stores near where I live all love to see people's dogs (maybe even more than the people). Parks and campgrounds welcome well-behaved pets. And don't forget the pet stores. They love to see your pets, dog, cat, or otherwise!

Boop That Snoot

Owning a pet has always meant taking on a big responsibility. Your dog will be with you for (hopefully!) years, and will return your care and diligence with a wagging tail and wet nose. If you're lucky enough to have a canine best friend, give their nose a kiss from me, because dogs are beyond awesome.

Slow and Steady

 

It's been quite a day! I'm spending a lot of time learning the ropes at my new day job (where I'm an editor, and if you know anything about me you know how happy that makes me). The writing has taken a general pause in light of this, though I will be able to devote most Fridays to my works in progress.

Meantime, I've been solving problems with my website. Every so often, it's good to sanity check your website's pages, links, and code to be sure it's still up to snuff. (Even if you operate a website off a template such as WordPress, it's still good practice.) I discovered some out-of-date links on my Books pages since many of my books are available in audiobook from various retailers such as ACX, Audible, and iTunes (like FREAK FRAT, which is brand-new in audio!). I also fixed some odd scrolling behaviors on a couple of my pages. All good now!

As to my works in progress, worry not! I plan on finishing the companion to THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL for the 2023 holiday season. Look for news here on the blog, and if you want to be the first to know, click the Subscribe button at the top of this blog.

Happy Reading!

The Drip

This year, my mission is to clean out our house of things we don’t or won’t use, then sell them in a summer garage sale or donate to goodwill. I’m a big believer that if you keep “clutter” that you’re not using and/or don’t love, it’s only going to weigh you down. I sometimes get militant about the need to bulldoze these unused items out of our family’s lives.

I’ve been through our kitchen and bedroom, collecting things that need a new home. Among them were some pieces of jewelry, not particularly valuable, that would get better use from someone other than me. That meant going through the vanity dresser handed down to me from my grandmother, a piece that’s sentimental to me, as it connects three generations of the women in my family.

There’s a value to antique furniture, but it isn’t always monetary. Over the course of a piece’s lifetime, it collects stories. Even a scuffed old table can tell tales of family dinners, game nights, and school projects.

Sometimes when I open a little-used drawer of this vanity, a whiff of my grandmother’s perfume still drifts up from the decades it sat there. The vanity’s been mine for many years now, and I hardly use that one drawer, so weeks may go by without me actively thinking of my grandmother.

Then there’s the drip. I had seen it before, but it spent a while hiding under collected clutter in the top drawer. Once I cleaned out unused items, it peeked out again.

I thought about cleaning it up, then I remembered what it was: Grandma’s nail polish, the exact color she used to wear, tipped over in some accident prior to going out for an evening. Mental images of my grandmother, neatly dressed, hair done, makeup on, and the scent of her perfume all came rushing back, now completed with that nail color. What a treat to add that to my stash of family memories.

Because, even while you’re cleaning out the clutter, there are some things you need to keep.

Buy It, It Likes You

 Get Up and Go

It’s been a long, looooong winter. By the time February rolls around, most of us in upstate New York are going a little stir crazy even if it’s been a pleasant holiday season. Between the worries of Covid and the contention with snow, cold, and gray skies, my family and I were feeling the need to get out, walk around, and maybe get in a little retail therapy. (It’s good for guys, too!)

Our location of choice today was Ithaca Commons in Ithaca, NY. This town has a special place in my heart, as my husband and I have made many fond memories there. I couldn’t have picked a weirder day. The weather, quiet but gray the entire drive down, turned whiteout in the time it took us to have breakfast at Collegetown Bagels (our favorite stop for a hearty breakfast sandwich. Take your time; there are a ton of delicious options!).

 

Individuality and Creativity

Ithaca is what a college town ought to be: diverse, active, and full of the creative energy that happens when class is in session. Even on a snowy day, the Commons was full of people walking, shopping, or enjoying a meal. Everywhere you look, you’ll find evidence of creative thinkers and people who make their mark, which is what I love best about this town. There’s art on the buildings (keep an eye out for the sunflowers!), and sometimes, you’ll find a humorous bit of personal artwork.

...But the Shops!

The best part of Ithaca Commons is the shops. Among those we checked out was Sunshine’s Creative Designs inside the Dewitt Mall. This shop had every gemstone and fossil you could possibly imagine, including a mammoth tooth, geodes, and several pieces of bismuth (yes, it really does crystallize that way naturally, and the rainbow color is the result of oxidation):

We visited Ithaca Guitar Works next, where my husband fell in love with a Gibson Les Paul Classic. (He played it the minute we got home.) The staff there are knowledgeable, helpful, and more than willing to let you test the merchandise. While Hubby tried out the guitar, I chatted with the guitar technician and learned a few things that may make it into a future book.

Next up, we stopped at Mockingbird Paperie, home of the most gorgeous stationery and wrapping papers ever. I consider it a mark of good parenting that when our 15-year-old son saw the calligraphy pens, he got all excited. The shop assistant was very helpful in explaining the care and feeding of these beautiful pens. My son and I walked out of Mockingbird Paperie with a pen and pewter stand each: a snake stand and clear pen for him, and a Buddha stand and iridescent pen for me. If we were indulging in such awesome pens, we needed stands that were equally awesome to show them off, after all, and the stands were perfectly suited to us. (He loves snakes, and I have a small collection of tiny Buddha figurines.)

While my son already has a leatherbound book in which to write, I needed one of my own, so the last stop of the day was the one where we started: 15 Steps. This store specializes in merch created by local and national artisans. The leatherbound journal in the tall white case had whispered at me when I first visited the shop, but at the time, I wanted to see what else the day’s travels had to show me. In kismet-like fashion, the pen and pen stand agreed that I needed to go back and get that journal.

It was still waiting for me by the time I got there, so I scooped it up, thanked the lovely staff for their help, and we came home to end the day with our prizes. Now, here I sit with the snow blowing outside, ready to write in the brand-new book that was totally meant for me.

Moral of the story? Every once in a while, it’s good for the soul to spend a little “mad money” on yourself. (Might want to wait until it’s not a blizzard out there, though.) Happy hunting!

Adventures in Computing (or, Apple vs. Windows)

It’s no secret that I have a contentious relationship with Windows. I’ve been a Windows user since the dawn of computers, so I know my way around better than the average user. In recent years, however, I’ve lost days of writing productivity to Windows’s whim to update just as soon as I get inspired to sit down and get words in. No writer likes being denied the ability to write, especially when the impulse is hot.

I finally decided that (thanks to my wonderful husband buying me an iPad Pro for Christmas) it’s time to give up the ghost (at least mostly) on Windows. I have long been wanting a slimmer, more streamlined writing device, but the price of an iPad had been a major sticking point. Since Hubby made the decision for me, I’ve been tinkering with the iPad and tailoring it to do those tasks I have always reserved for my laptop. So far, so good. I have cloud storage, an external hard drive to solve some pesky storage issues, a mouse, and a few other apps that help me do things I can’t otherwise accomplish without a laptop. Oh, yeah, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Pencil, which are two must-haves if you’re interested in an iPad of your own (and don’t forget Procreate if you’re artsy)!

In short, the iPad isn’t a perfect solution, but it definitely does those lightweight word processing and task functions I need in the course of a day. I may still dust off my laptop if I need certain things (and iPad has yet to allow us access to iTunes), but for now, I’m a fairly happy camper with my Apple experience.

Bonus? Even with the peripherals, I’m not lugging several pounds of equipment around on my shoulder each day. I can live with that!

Happy writing, and Happy New Year!

FREAK FRAT Presale / Back to Normal / ICE CREAM DELIGHTS

FREAK FRAT Presale!

Book day never gets dull. While I was disappointed to see the shipment arrived imperfect, with some bent corners, I’m in discussions with the shipper to correct it. FREAK FRAT’s first copies have officially arrived, and the thrill of seeing one’s own books in print is always special.

Back to Normal

Our son starts his freshman year of high school tomorrow, and if you’ve followed our trials, you know this is a big milestone in his health progress. I am so proud of his progress and his drive to chase the things he loves, like math and science as well as his ever-present love of snowboarding.

For me, the return to normal means going back to the day job regularly. I hope that also means a return to my routine of morning writing sprints. I often get more done in a half hour of writing than in hours of allotted time. This means (I hope) more books, sooner, for you!

ICE CREAM DELIGHTS

Finally, a happy surprise for you: SUNCATCHERS AND SHERBET is now available in print! ICE CREAM DELIGHTS is a delicious anthology in the One Scoop or Two series featuring two contemporary romances sure to help your summer linger all year long! Order it at The Wild Rose Press by clicking here: https://www.thewildrosepress.com/product/ice-cream-delights

Back in the Saddle

After the upheaval of 2020, even a little bit of "normal" is a very welcome thing. I was watching a TV show just this morning where two of the characters were simply having coffee at a diner. I didn't even realize how much I miss that: the simple act of going out for a meal. It's something I simply took for granted, pre-COVID. Now, it's one of many things "on hold" in this new dynamic.

Fortunately, life and time do not stop even for a pandemic. One of the blessings of living in this new era is that things must change. We will find an end to this worldwide quarantine, and life will continue. We will get back to having dinner out with friends and family.  Flowers still grow.  Gardens can still be planted.  The beach is still there, waiting for us.

One surprising thing that has carried me through this enforced "quiet" is writing.  The first quarter of the pandemic was financially my best ever as far as my writing was concerned.  It helped enormously when we experienced the emergency of my son going into the hospital, and I can never be grateful enough to the readers who helped me support my family in that way.

Since things closed down, I've also had much more time to write.  For a while, I didn't want to.  It was hard to get into the groove when the entire world was scared and suffering, but eventually, my muse convinced me I needed that therapeutic release from the world's woes.  Art is good for the soul.  In fact, it's necessary.

And it worked.

I submitted a new novella to my publisher.  I'm back to writing in a book that had been frustrating me for ages.  I'm getting new ideas.  Maybe, just maybe, my muse knew what she was doing, and that I had needed this enforced rest to refill the well.  It's good to be getting back to normal, with the promise of more normalcy to come.

In the meantime, I can still get a coffee.

Goodbye, 2020 - Don't Let the Door Hit You

New Year's Eve Reflections

 

Like many of us, I am extremely happy to say goodbye to 2020. It's been a long, awful year, and even though I know 2021 isn't going to be better as soon as the year kicks over, the symbolic turning of the page will feel so much better.

 Themes

For 2020, I started with a word that was to be the theme of my year. I wrote it in my journal.

The irony is, I didn't know how much I was going to need this word. Everything went wrong this year, and when I tell you the one good month I had was January 2020, I'm not kidding. I had to remember, every day, to be like water and flow around the rocks I couldn't move. It was hard. It was so hard. I cried a lot. I leaned on friends and family more than I ever have. I learned a hell of a lot about gratitude. I learned how undeserving we humans are of the dogs in our lives. My Macey kept me sane that first two weeks when my son was in the hospital and my husband there with him.

Somehow, I managed to start feeling like myself again. The world is still a mess, and COVID-19 is still a thing, but there is light at the end of this tunnel, and despite what I'd been feeling, it is not an oncoming train. I don't feel as strong as people say I have been, even though it's nice they think that. But I am amazed at how many hits I can take and remain standing. More than I thought I could. It is tiring, though. I kept coming back to that theme. If I could not fight 2020, I would have to flow with it. Adaptability has never been my strong suit. I am a very stubborn, very Capricorn woman of habit. So it took the mountain that is 2020 to move me.

Back to the Beginning

These days, I find myself falling back to the things that brought me joy when I was growing up. Drawing. Reading. Watching old movies and TV shows. And it occurred to me that I needed a new theme word for 2021.

This year, I'm going back to the basics. I'm going to revisit that excitement I experienced as a kid and let it fill the things I do. Just because I am an adult, doesn't mean I have to give up the wonder and joy I felt as a girl. Instead, I'm going to dive into the things that make me happy. Getting my hands in the dirt. Sketching and reading new books. Decorating a room in a fresh way that makes me smile.

I'm going to let being happy become my goal. Nothing fancy, nothing flashy. Just happiness, wherever I can find it and in whatever measure it's there. Like a joyful scavenger hunt. You're welcome to join me. Happy New Year!

How a Construction Project Saved Our Sanity

This year has been quite a ride, hasn't it? It's been hard here at Greenwood House. In May, our son went into the hospital for emergency surgery, and he's been recovering ever since. A medical problem with your child is difficult at any time, but in this post-Covid era, it's downright scary. Our family has been struggling, no doubt.

When I looked in our living room at the hodgepodge of storage we had for books, games, gaming consoles, and DVDs, a light bulb went on. This family needed a win in this year of setbacks. It was high time to make the entertainment center this room needed. My husband never shrinks from a challenge, so when I sketched out a plan with some measurements on a scrap piece of paper, he took up the gauntlet.

During this process of building and planning, we discovered a bonus side effect: much-needed family bonding. My husband, son, and I worked together on various parts of the project, from concept to paint. My son got some experience with various power tools, and I got in some therapeutic painting.

Start to finish, this project took about a month. For all of us, it was amazing to have something to focus on that had nothing to do with pandemics or medical care. While the entertainment center is mostly complete (still needing doors on the lower front), what will last is our visible reminder of something much more important: this family is strong, and even a world with coronavirus won't beat us.

Fear Itself / The Fudge Ripple Effect now available for pre-order!

Fear Itself

It's been a difficult 2020 for many of us. My day job is at a pharmacy, so in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I am faced with equal parts blessing and curse. On one hand, I am fortunate to have a job where I am needed. The virus has put some 22 million Americans to date out of work (not to mention the world numbers), and many are struggling to put food on the table both financially and logistically, given the restrictions on food purchases and days we're allowed to go out.

On the other hand, I'm terrified. The first day the seriousness hit me was the day our children got pulled out of school. I cried on the drive home. I sat on the floor of my kitchen hugging my dog, and cried some more. I didn't want to get out of bed and go to work the next day. I didn't want to get out of bed at all. The entire world is suffering.  We can't fight this virus, and can't run from it.

But.

People with sewing machines are making masks for complete strangers. Others with 3D printers are making face shields. Companies who never turned a hand at the medical industry are making ventilators. Some are sharing food or going out for their at-risk neighbors. Gardeners (including me) are gearing up for the growing season to provide food for family and friends. Still more are trying their hand at canning, cooking and baking and getting their families involved in the process. Artists are sharing their work with the world and helping us ease our worries for a little while. We're turning our attention to each other. We're remembering our connections. This is hope. And we can hang onto that.

The Fudge Ripple Effect on Pre-Order!

I am happy to share the ebook pre-order release of THE FUDGE RIPPLE EFFECT! This short, sweet read is only $1.99 on Amazon, releasing June 15th, but you can pre-order it right now!

ABOUT THE FUDGE RIPPLE EFFECT

Love is unpredictable...but it sure is sweet.

Jax Thatcher loves creating stained glass, but love can't pay the bills. After a disastrous relationship, love lands her back in Narragansett with her overbearing parents and a mountain of I-told-you-so's. Broke and brokenhearted, she's forced to abandon her romantic and artistic dreams. Fortunately for Jax, fate is making waves on her behalf.

Sawyer Hennessey, the handsome owner of a generations-old soda fountain, has been burned in love himself. When an accident shatters the stained-glass transom of his shop's front window, Jax splashes into his quiet life.

Suspicious of their growing feelings, Jax and Sawyer can't resist testing the waters. They have a lot to learn about the ripples people make in each other's lives, and how one little drop might lead to an outpouring of love.

Click here to pre-order THE FUDGE RIPPLE EFFECT!

Bee Cozy: Visiting Liverpool, NY's Golden Bee Bookshop

I've recently become a fan of the Danish art of hygge ("HOO-ga"), a lifestyle that actively practices comfort and contentment. Hygge often involves multiple senses such as touch (soft blankets), taste (good food), and smell (scented candles - or food again!). Hygge isn't limited to practice at home. You can do it at work, with friends, or out and about. That's how I spent this morning at Casey Rose Frank's Golden Bee Bookshop.

Casey's bookshop is the very definition of hygge. It's a visual feast, with books she has handpicked for their beautiful covers and intriguing stories. If you're any kind of book lover, you won't be able to resist browsing the shelves, filling your field of vision with gorgeous, artful covers bearing flowing script, or touching the satiny-smooth book jackets. Casey's shop also offers scented candles, bookmarks, notecards, and artwork, all of which are book-themed.

The Golden Bee Bookshop opened in November 2019. Located in the village of Liverpool, NY, it's conveniently situated right next door to a coffee shop. If you're in Liverpool some morning, you can visit Golden Bee and let Casey know what sort of stories you enjoy. Casey will use her unique superpower of selecting exactly the right kind of book for you. (I know; I've seen that superpower in action twice.) Then take your prize to the coffee shop and read away the morning in perfect contentment over a hot cuppa.

Now that's hygge!

About Golden Bee Bookshop

The Golden Bee Bookshop was dreamed up by writer and life-long-book-lover Casey Rose Frank. Casey grew up in North Syracuse, NY; attended Niagara University, and lived in Chicago and New York City before coming back upstate to settle in Liverpool.

Casey loves recommending books and has read at least fifty percent of the titles available for purchase in the shop. She hand picked the bookish merchandise at Golden Bee, showcasing the talents of creators she met through the "Bookstagram" community on Instagram.

She runs the business with the help of her husband Rob Ringham, and her cat Mia, who likes to help put in book orders from the comfort of the couch.

Visit Golden Bee Bookshop online at https://www.goldenbeebookshop.com/.

Thistle Dew, A Writer's Dream

 

Anyone who has ever met me knows how much I love a house with an old soul. They also know writing feeds something within me. I found both this past weekend at Thistle Dew, a bed and breakfast owned by Andrea and Walter Kaczor. Andrea and Walt are two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Andrea, a fellow writer, opened the B&B up to fellow authors several years ago for weekend writing retreats. She and her husband purchased the property and have spent the past several years turning it into the charming getaway it is.

The original stone house was built in 1809 by land agent James Sheldon. Today, the property at Thistle Dew encompasses nearly 300 acres of rolling hills, ponds, a tennis court, barn, cabin, and countless little hideaways fit for walking, exploring, or sitting in peaceful silence. It's full of antiques brimming with history and patina. It is a perfect place to soak in the quiet and let your imagination flow.

I had the distinct pleasure of sharing this wonderful weekend with a handful of other author friends. We each made a meal for part of the weekend, and shared great conversations as well as peaceful nights under the stars. Andrea and Walt explained some of Thistle Dew's rich history, from its beginnings as a tavern and carriage house to hosting officers during the War of 1812. They invited me to explore the property at my leisure, and when indoors, I wandered the house checking out all the interesting collectibles and antiques.

Outside, it is just as much a feast for the senses. Wildlife is everywhere, from deer roaming the fields to birds and pollinators of every variety. Andrea and Walt's dog, Lowca (pronounced "WOLF-ka" and meaning "hunter" in Polish), is the unofficial greeter and host to everyone who stays at Thistle Dew.

Our final evening at Thistle Dew ended with a beautiful rainbow, then sunset. Andrea and Walt saw us off the next morning with goodbyes and invitations to visit again, and I don't doubt I will. It's rare to go away and feel immediately at home where you land, but Thistle Dew is definitely that sort of place. I'm so glad I finally made it there!