The Writer Side of Life

Friday Food for Thought—Lemonade

2009-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

I love lemonade. It makes me think sunshine and picnics and, of course, little kids selling glasses of the stuff from their front yards. Who can resist that? Not me, that's for sure!

In my first book, The Man for Maggie, Maggie served old-fashioned homemade lemonade to the guys who were renovating the house she inherited from her aunt. At my book launch, I served lemonade made from Maggie’s recipe for Luscious Lemonade Concentrate, which you’ll find on my website. I love this recipe because the concentrate that can be stored in the refrigerator and mixed as needed.

On that same page you’ll also find instructions for making Aunt Margaret’s Gin Gimlets.

Enjoy!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—Of Deadlines and Makeovers

2009-07-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

When I sat down to write this Tuesday’s news, I realized I really only have one thing to report, and it’s a biggie. After a long hiatus, I am once again back on deadline and feverishly revising a manuscript that has been in the works far too long. My deadline is July 31 and the tentative release date is April 2010.

As is typical for me and the writing process, the working title of this book has changed. Initially I called it Halfway to the Stars, from that charming old song about San Francisco and its cable cars. I knew that title wouldn’t work for American Romance, but I needed a title back when I still didn’t know the characters all that well.

Now that the story is written and I have a clear picture of what’s important to these characters, it’s changed to Wanted: One Mommy. I’m not sure that will work, either, but I think it’s a much better fit for both my story and the line.

My first book, The Man for Maggie, was much the same. It started out as Maggie’s Makeovers, then changed to Fixing Mr. Fix-It. In the end, my editor chose The Man for Maggie.

On the non-writing front, this morning I am going to be a hair model for a student who is doing her final exam at a hair dressing school. And let me tell you, after a lifetime spent with fine, straight hair, this is something I never thought I’d be saying! Check back next Tuesday for all the details. If I’m feeling really brave, I might even post a photograph.

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-07-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

It’s Summertime and the Living Is Easy with the Wet Noodle Posse.

Monday: Merrillee Whren takes us to The Beach
Tuesday: Terry McLaughlin—Swimming
Wednesday: Maureen Hardegree shares a Mojito Recipe
Thursday: Pam Payne on The Work/Vacation Combo
Friday: Q&A—What Story Came Easiest to You as a Writer?

Until next time,
Lee

Sunday Fun—Beyond Hideous

2009-07-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was searching an online buy-and-sell website, looking for a vintage coffee table and end table for my living room. The phrase “coffee table” led me to this.

My daughter and I had a good laugh. She said it's probably from the Darth Maul Collection, and then explained that Darth Maul is a Star Wars character, described by George Lucas as "a figure from your worst nightmare."

The resemblance? Unmistakable.

The price? $2500.

I have no idea who is trying to sell this furniture, although I can imagine why. It was likely purchased by a young guy who has since asked a young gal to marry him.

Her answer: Get rid of that furniture, and then we’ll talk.

Until next time,
Lee

We Have Winners!

2009-07-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

I’m delighted to announce that everyone who posted a comment yesterday has won a pass to a tea tasting at Silk Road.

Congratulations to:

Rachel
Jodie Esch
Sheryll

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!

Until next time,
Lee

Friday Food for Thought—The Best Iced Tea Ever!

2009-07-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Imagine sipping a delicious cup of tea or drinking a glass of your favorite wine. Now consider combining the best of both worlds into one refreshing summer drink, and what do you have?

Iced tea sangria.

If you’ve never considered turning your favorite tea into an exotic cocktail, think again. The results are quite unbelievable and the possibilities are endless. While I haven’t done a lot of experimenting with this, iced tea sangria is easily my favorite so far. Here’s the recipe:

Iced Tea Sangria

2 teaspoons loose herbal tea
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled white grape juice
2 cups chilled Gewurztraminer wine
fruit for garnish (see below)

I use an herbal tea, a refreshing blend of lemongrass, citrus peel, rosehips and lavender blossoms called Philosopher’s Brew. It’s from my favorite tea shop and spa, Silk Road, and it's available through their mail order service.

Pour the boiling water over the loose tea and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and chill.

Combine the chilled tea, white grape juice and wine in a pitcher. Stir.

To serve:
Fill glasses, goblets or flutes with ice and pieces of fruit (i.e., sliced lemons and limes, thinly sliced seedless grapes, strawberries, raspberries, etc.), pour in the sangria, and enjoy a light and refreshing summer drink. Nothing could be simpler, and yet your guests will be so impressed.

For more intoxicating recipes, all developed in-house, visit Silk Road’s website.

For my readers who live on Vancouver Island or those who plan to visit this summer, I’m giving away two free passes to a summer tea tasting at Silk Road, any day of your choice between now and Labor Day.

To be eligible to win a free tea-tasting pass, generously provided by Silk Road, simply leave a comment on today’s blog topic and mention tea tasting. I'll announce the two lucky winners tomorrow.

Until next time,
Lee

How Do You Dress a Hot Dog?

2009-07-02T02:05:00.000-07:00

I’m blogging today with the Wet Noodle Posse and that’s the topic of my post.

Swing by and tell us about your favorite hot dog condiments!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—Eating and Writing

2009-06-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things!

It’s been a good week. No, it’s been a wonderful week. Every day I have a little more energy than the day before, and at least some of that is thanks to all the farm-fresh food I’ve been buying at the local markets. Carrots, beets (tops and bottoms), new potatoes, and eggs from happy chickens. And lots of fresh herbs from my own potted herb garden.

This week I also bought a pot with five nasturtiums, already flowering. I still have to transplant them into their own pots. If you have never tasted a nasturtium, you must try one. Sweet and delicious, and such a pretty addition to a salad.

I hope you’ll join me at the Wet Noodle Posse on Thursday. To celebrate summer and the advent of picnic season, I’m blogging about hot dogs condiments.

To give you an idea of just how much more energy I have, I’m rejoining my critique group tonight after a hiatus of more than a year and a half. Let’s hope I can still write!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-06-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

This week the Wet Noodle Posse wraps up its salute to fatherhood on Monday and Tuesday. Starting Wednesday, July 1, it’s all about Summertime and the Living is Easy. Please join us!

Monday: Guest blogger Marie Force—“One Magic Moment”

Tuesday: Delle Jacobs—TBA

Wednesday: Introduction to “Summertime and the Living Is Easy”

Thursday: Lee McKenzie—“How Do You Dress a Hot Dog?”

Friday: Noodler New Releases and Q&A—“What’s Your Favorite Summer Drink?”

Have a wonderful week!

Until next time,
Lee

Food for Thought—Farmers’ Markets

2009-06-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is my last farmers’ market post for this month, although I’ll be shopping at the markets all summer.

Last weekend’s expedition yielded carrots, beets, salad greens, rhubarb, and a jar of wildflower honey. The taste of this honey is practically indescribable. It makes me swoon. I used some to make granola the other day, and it is so good. The granola, that is. I’m not going to share the recipe, though. At least not yet. I’m still experimenting to get the right ratio of oil and honey.

A week or so ago I came across a rhubarb topping recipe in the newspaper. I tried to find a link to it, but I guess the paper didn’t put it online. Too bad, because it’s really, really good. I hope the author doesn’t mind me sharing it with you.

Rhubarb Topping (by Ingrid Vaughan)

3 cups chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
2 tablespoons finely grated orange rind
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

Put the first 6 ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, stir it into the rhubarb mixture, and cook for 1 minute.

Hint: One of those little individual-size bottles of Grand Marnier is exactly 1/4 cup.

I’ve mixed rhubarb with strawberries, apples, etc., but never with citrus. We had it with pound cake for Father’s Day dinner and everyone had seconds. The author said it was great served warm with ice cream, and I will attest that it is. Apparently also wonderful with brownies, angel food cake, and as a topping for cheesecake.

In July, I’ll be posting some luscious recipes for cool summer drinks to serve on the patio or poolside.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

2009-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

This month the Harlequin American Romance Authors are blogging about settings. Tomorrow (June 24) is my blog day and I’ll be talking about San Francisco—the setting for my next two books. Stop by and find out what inspired those stories.

In August I’ll be posting a series of blogs on Canines with Careers. Watch for more details over the summer.

For now I’d like you to meet Ida, a shepherd-lab cross who is the customer relations manager at one of my favorite little home decor stores. In this photo, she and her bunny are taking a break behind the service desk.

Although Ida is barely past puppyhood, she’s already a wise and gentle soul. She has a playful side, though, and...ah...yes...that’s a little bit of bunny stuffing on the floor by her cushion.

Many thanks to Ida and her mom, shop owner Kristiane, for letting me take this photo.

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Join these Noodlers and guests for the Wet Noodle Posse’s last full week of “Father Knows Best” month:

Monday: Colleen Gleason—topic TBA
Tuesday: Guest blogger Gina Ardito—“Pride and Prejudice: It's Not Just the Tight Pants”
Wednesday: Debra Holland—TBA
Thursday: Guest Kendra Leigh Castle—topic TBA
Friday: Q&A Day

Until next time,
Lee

Friday Food for Thought—Farm-fresh Caesar Salad

2009-06-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

I only made it to one farmers’ market this week but still came home with a big bagful of fresh veggies, including a bunch of carrots with the tops still attached (guaranteed fresh!), tomatoes, cucumbers, a pint of juicy, plant-ripened strawberries, and a head of romaine lettuce.

The romaine made a delicious Caesar salad. I even made my own croutons and dressing. I start by marinating a thinly sliced clove of garlic in about 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. The longer it marinates, the better.

Cut several slices of french bread into cubes, then heat a tablespoon of the garlicy oil in a skillet and saute the bread in it. The croutons can be seasoned if you like, but I prefer them plain.

Fill a bowl with romaine lettuce leaves that have been washed and torn into bite-sized pieces. Add the croutons and toss.

A traditional Caesar dressing is made right in the bowl over the lettuce, but I whisk mine in a separate bowl and then add as much as I need.

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
freshly ground black, to taste
4 to 5 drops Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons white vinegar
6 tablespoons garlic oil, minus the garlic
1 egg
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Note: because the egg is eaten raw, I wash the shell with soap and warm water before I crack it open.

Whisk the dressing ingredients together, in the order listed. Pour over lettuce and croutons, and toss. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Until next time,
Lee

Castle—Let’s Hear It for Summer Reruns!

2009-06-17T08:34:00.001-07:00

Last month I caught reruns of the first two episodes of Castle and got all excited, thinking I’d have something new (to me) and wonderful to watch this spring. But after those first two episodes, it disappeared. I figured I’d have to wait for the DVD release on September 22. Sigh. Those in charge of television programming are clearly not targeting me.

Just this morning, though, I discovered that this Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 pm, Castle will be back for the summer! They’re starting at the beginning with the first two episodes I’ve already seen, which is fine with me because I loved them that much!

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—Author Runs Away from Home

2009-06-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

That would me. Last Friday I packed a lunch, my laptop and my work-in-progress, and ran away from home.

This is where I went.

To my friends’ house. Make that cottage. This charming little cottage is in their back yard. I have fallen in love with it, and now I’m convinced that every home needs a cottage. It’s a perfect place for an author—or anyone, for that matter—to escape to. Comfy, cosy and no distractions.

Except the garden. A perfect place to take a break and admire the flower and birds. I was particularly intrigued by the antics of a male hummingbird, who feasted on flower nectar and intermittently flew loop-the-loops over the yard. He only weighed a few ounces, and yet I was a little intimidated.

In spite of some periodic birdwatching, I revised, wrote, and revised some more. Forty pages in all, and it felt wonderful to have such a productive day. I’m getting close to “the end” now, and this was just the impetus I needed to press on.

On Saturday afternoon I teamed up with my good friend and critique partner, Rachel Goldsworthy, to present a writers’ workshop on blogging. It was a lot of fun, we received some wonderful feedback, and we hope to have a chance to do it again.

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-06-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

This week the Wet Noodle Posse continues its exploration of the "Father Knows Best" theme. Please join us for:

Monday: MJ Fredrick on “Fathers and Sons”
Tuesday: Guest blogger Jeanne Adams
Wednesday: “It’s a Man Thing” with Karen Potter
Thursday: Merrillee Whren—topic TBA
Friday: Q&A Day

Until next time,
Lee

Friday Food for Thought—More Feasts from the Farmers’ Markets

2009-06-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

I am totally loving summer and all the fresh produce that’s already available. This week’s shopping expeditions to two farmers’ markets yielded:

rhubarb (made a rhubarb-strawberry-apple fruit crisp)
mustard greens (braised in olive oil with a little garlic and hot sauce—so delicious!)
turnips (braised in butter)
striped beets (red and white and yummy all over!)
Swiss chard (more braising going on)
tomatoes
English cucumbers
mixed baby salad greens
red and yellow peppers
homemade granola
freshly baked bread
a bar of handmade Blackberry Bliss soap (heaven scented!)

This woman was selling beautifully arranged bouquets of peonies. So fragrant. I didn't buy one because I have peonies in my own garden but judging by the number of people carrying an armload of flowers, she was doing very well.

And now I'm going to treat myself to a bowl of granola.

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News

2009-06-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a serious heat wave here in the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures soaring to 85 degrees. My potted sunflowers were a lot happier about that than I was. I’m happy to report that the weather is back to normal for this time of year.

I’ve started shopping at local farmers’ markets and my family is dining like royalty on wonderfully fresh, locally grown, organic produce. More about that on Food for Thought Friday.

This Friday I’m running away from home for the day and indulging myself in a solo writing retreat. Check back next Tuesday for all the details, including some photos. I promise you’ll be absolutely green with envy.

On Saturday I’m teaming up with Rachel Goldsworthy to present a blogging workshop for the Vancouver Island Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Guests are always welcome so please drop by if you're in the neighborhood.

Today you’ll find four great new Harlequin American Romances on the shelves. Don’t miss them!

The Chief Ranger
Rebecca Winters

Mommy for Hire
Cathy Gillen Thacker

The Texas Twins
Tina Leonard

Waiting for Baby
Cathy McDavid

Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-06-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

It’s week two of Father Knows Best month and here’s what the Posse has in store for you:

Monday: Lee McKenzie—“The Men in My Life”

Tuesday: Terry McLaughlin shares a story about a “Father-Daughter Dance”

Wednesday: Maureen Hardegree on “Dadisms”

Thursday: Trish Milburn/Tricia Mills talks about “Keith Mars, Fave TV Dad”

Friday: Q&A Day

Until next time,
Lee

Friday Food for Thought—Farmers’ Markets

2009-06-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

I’ve been to two farmers’ markets this week, and have to say it’s one of my favorite things about summer. Everything is locally grown, organic and very fresh. Much of it is harvested the morning of the day it goes on sale.

This week I bought red and yellow peppers, English cucumbers, baby salad greens, asparagus, baby bok choy and a bunch of turnips. I also bought delicious herb-and-cheddar focaccia bread and a whole wheat bagette from a small, local bakery.

All week we’ve been eating 100-mile salads, and the baby bok choy made its way into lemon chicken stirfry. The focaccia is long gone. It was so good, I wished I’d bought two.

We marinated some of the asparagus in equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, and grilled it on the barbecue for a couple of minutes. Yum. But this week’s favorite find was the turnips.

The turnips were still attached to their crisp green tops, that’s how fresh they were. I peeled and diced the turnips and braised them in a 50:50 blend of butter and olive oil till they were tender and a little golden on the outside.

Since the green tops looked so lovely, I decided we might as well eat those, too. While washing the leaves, I discovered the tiniest of baby slugs.

A good sign that these veggies were definitely organic.

At first he wasn’t moving, but then I realized the poor little guy had been in the fridge overnight. So I waited a few minutes and, sure enough, he stretched himself to his full length—about one-quarter of an inch—and waved his minuscule antennae around.

I couldn’t bring myself to wash him down the drain, so I took him outside and gently shifted him from the turnip to a dandelion leaf. Then, with a clear conscience, I sliced the leaves into thin strips and sauteed them with a clove of minced garlic in a little olive oil and several dashes of hot sauce. Delicious.

Tomorrow I’ll be shopping again at one of my local farmers’ markets. Next Friday I’ll let you know what I find.

Until next time,
Lee

More Nature Notes

2009-06-03T02:00:00.001-07:00

It’s June, spring is starting to feel as though it’s ready to morph into summer, and flowers and flying insects abound. All this has me turning once again to Edith Holden’s The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady, and she has some delightful writings and watercolors for us this month.

June 2nd: Went down to a little stream...Found a great bed of Yellow Irises in Blossom.

Her illustration includes a dragonfly, and just last weekend I caught a glimpse of my first dragonfly of the season.

June 4th: Picked Yellow-Rattle, Pink and Scarlet Clover and saw some Moon Daisies in a field. Gathered Foxgloves.

June 9th: Saw a Painted Lady and a Small Blue Butterfly. Rowan-tree in blossom and Elder-tree.

The name Painted Lady makes me smile.

June 15th: Went to Lowry Crossing to sketch pony and foal.

Her sketch of the pony and foal appear in the July chapter, so you’ll have to come back next month to see it.

Edith cites numerous poems for June. This one is by a poet I’m not familiar with, but I love the rhythm and rhyme.

HoneySuckle
by E. M. Heath

Wreathing honey suckles winding
with the westering sun
Self entwined and twig entangled
bush and briar o’er run,—
What a mass of yellow bloom!
Clustering beads of sweet perfume!
Finger-buds of rose unfurling
Clariontrumps their tips uncurling
Opening to the azure sky
Waxen throats of minstrelsy!

This is pink honeysuckle instead of yellow, and only here for illustrative purposes.

I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever encountered the word “minstrelsy” before this, and I don’t think I have. It refers to a troupe of minstrels, and a clarion is a clear, rousing sound. Both fitting descriptions for honeysuckle of any color, don’t you think?

Until next time,
Lee

Tuesday News—You’re Invited to a Picnic!

2009-06-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

This June we're celebrating Harlequin American Romance on the eHarlequin forum and we thought, what would be better than having a virtual picnic—a scrapbook of memories, photos, recipes and your favorite things to do to commemorate America's birthday?

It's your turn! Give us your recipes, what you can't live without at your 4th of July picnic, your most requested item, traditional items on the table, tips for keeping away the bugs, your favorite spots and memories—we encourage pictures—and your favorite books to sit outside and read.

Watch for some of your favorite authors and discover new authors this month as we chatter while sitting on our virtual checkerboard blanket!

And there's an added bonus! You’ll also find an online read—What Happens in Texas by Cathy Gillen Thacker.

I hope someone’s bringing marshmallows!

Until next time,
Lee

This Week with the Wet Noodle Posse

2009-06-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

June is Father Knows Best month. Join the Wet Noodle Posse as we celebrate the heroes in our lives. Here’s what’s on for this week:

Monday: Introduction to “Father Knows Best” month

Tuesday: Priscilla Kissinger talks about “My Father; My Romance Reading Hero”

Wednesday: Guest blogger Caroline Fyffe asks “Does Your Hero Deserve a Happily Ever After?”

Thursday: Maureen Hardegree shares “Dad’s Favorite Dessert—Pineapple Upside Down Cake”

Friday: Noodler June Releases and Q&A Day

Until next time,
Lee

Friday Food for Thought—Are There Flowers in My Salad?

2009-05-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

This month I’ve been talking about things to make with edible flowers. Since salads are one of my favorite things, I decided to wrap up the month with a recipe that is quick, easy, nutritious and delicious.

To keep things simple, I buy baby salad greens that are pre-washed and ready to eat, and I support local growers whenever I can. Which usually means they’re organic, so that’s an added bonus. One of my family’s favorites is a “gourmet” blend of baby greens that includes nasturtiums and other flower petals. Very pretty.

To prepare the salad, put a generous handful of greens on each salad plate, drizzle on the dressing, and serve. What could be simpler?

I prefer a nice, light dressing that enhances rather than masks the delicate flavors of the flowers and the baby greens. This one is yummy, and only takes a couple of minutes to prepare.

Honey-Yogurt Dressing
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Put the ingredients in a bowl, whisk them together, and you’re good to go.

To jazz things up a little, add thin slices of apple or pear, a few craisins, some chopped pecans, cubes of mild cheese, or anything else your heart desires.

On a somewhat related note, have you ever tried to identify the various types of baby greens in a salad mix? Earthbound Farm has a fabulous ID chart. Check it out!

Until next time,
Lee

Castle

2009-05-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

Castle—a new-this-season TV show—went into reruns this week. I didn’t have time to watch it when it first aired but have heard lots of raves about it, so decided to give it a try.

Wow! I love, love, love it!

The pairing of an uptight, by-the-book detective (heroine) and a laid-back, smooth-talking mystery writer (hero) is one of my favorites. Reminds me of The Big Easy.

I haven’t seen enough of Castle to pin down the character archetypes, but I’d say they’re perfectly layered. From what I’ve seen so far, Detective Kate Beckett is a Crusader-Librarian and mystery writer Richard Castle is a Bad Boy-Charmer.

Their banter is witty and fast-paced, the first two episodes had lots of laugh-out-loud moments, and early on we see meaningful glimpses into their personal lives. In other words, brilliantly written!

Since summertime is notorious for poor TV-viewing options, I’m so glad I saved Castle for reruns. Now I have something to look forward to every week.

Until next time,
Lee