Thursday, June 30, 2016

Visiting Our Grand #Kitties--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


We have just returned from a trip half way across the country to visit our son and our grand kitties. While it is tough to leave our own feline crew behind, we were fortune to have a wonderful house sitters, my bff and her daughter, who tried to keep Paddy, Halo, Zoie and London on their regular schedules. Our felines seemed to have enjoyed the extra attention they received, although it didn't take Halo and Zoie long to reclaim their spots next to me on the bed when we returned.

Willow

Our son's felines, also rescues, seemed glad to see us.  Since they are home alone when our son is at work, Joey and Willow enjoyed the extra activity and soon settled for their afternoon naps despite the interruption to their schedule.  Willow is the social one and quickly settled next to my husband or I for a massage. My cozy mystery sleuth Caprice De Luca's cat Sophia is modeled after Willow. She is a beautiful long-haired calico and is every bit as lovable in real life as Sophia is in my mystery series. She loved our shoes and followed me around the house, even into the shower! 


Joey
Fifteen-year-old Joey, on the other hand, is much more independent. As soon as I settled on the living room recliner, she jumped on my lap for a quick appraisal and a short massage. Then she was off to her special chair for to watch the proceedings on her terms. 

 Joey has had a lot of medical problems this past year, but seems to be doing well. She is our son's soulmate and a simple meow will signal him to vacate the chair he is sitting on for her to settle for her afternoon nap. She was glad for our company but preferred the passive role of observer rather than actively engaging us for attention. She did immediately take to the catnip turtle I had tucked in my suitcase for her. 

 Willow inspected our bag before we left! But I don't think she was considering coming along. She likes her life with her sister and cat dad.  Cats might like company and some extra attention.  But they also enjoy, like humans, getting back to their regular routine.

May all your travels be happy ones!


****************

You can read about Caprice, her pets, her family
 and her penchant for solving murders in 
the Caprice De Luca Mystery series.


Staged To Death
Deadly Decor
Gilt By Association
Drape Expectations
Silence of the Lamps
Shades of Wrath--December 2016



******************

Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

at 1 comment:

Thursday, June 23, 2016

#Summer #Feline Siesta--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith






Summer officially arrived this week, but the Smith felines have been in summer siesta mode since early spring.

It's interesting to watch the switch in locations for those summer snoozes...usually depending on the location of the sun and the availability of refreshing shade. 
The outside cats now ignore the sun room in favor of outdoor napping spots.  
This week I captured some interesting siesta shots. Watching Bonnie and Clyde wash themselves under the corkscrew willow reminds me how thankful I am for the warmer weather when I don't have to worry about their warmth and safety on cold wintry nights. There seems to be adequate shelter under shrubs and bushes to protect them from a stray afternoon thunderstorm and Clyde particularly likes the shelter that the plants in the vegetable garden provide.
The inside cats also change their usual napping spots, sometimes to soak in the warm summer sun, other times to seek out a cool spot away from the direct rays of the sun.

This bench holds a feeder with a timer that dispenses food twice a day. Zoie is taking a nap while she waits for it! 




Have a restful and refreshing summer with lots of special "siesta" moments to just enjoy the outdoors, picnic with friends or soak in the sun's rays at your favorite garden spot.


*****************

NOW AVAILABLE!


THE WEDDING PROMISE
Book 8, SEARCH FOR LOVE Series

Sequel to HER SISTER



Beth Crandall has known trauma. Kidnapped from her birth family when she was three, abandoned at a mall by her kidnapper a few months later, traumatic amnesia has prevented memories from plaguing her as she was adopted and ushered into a "normal" life. But a twist of fate reunited her with her birth family recently and now she's attempting to move forward in a way she couldn't before.

As a teenager, Beth's face was scarred in an attack at a group home where her best friend lived. Now Beth is seeing a plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Benedict, so he can remove the scar. Sam volunteers his time to the foundation Kids Cause which sends doctors all over the world to help children. Sam, who came from an abusive home, feels children need to be listened to and fixed. He and Beth connect on a deep level from the first moment they meet.

Beth has believed a romantic relationship is impossible for her given her background. But during integration into her birth family and throughout a search for her teenage best friend, Sam remains by her side. He helps to heal more than the scar on her face. Neither of them realize that Beth's search for her friend with the help of psychic Gillian Bradley (continuing character from other SEARCH FOR LOVE books) will land them in a fight for their lives.


THE WEDDING PROMISE is now available in print and audiobook formats, too.
  

******************

Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 




at 1 comment:

Saturday, June 18, 2016

My #Dad's Service Diaries--A Gift by Karen Rose Smith


My dad was born in 1916 and was never very vocal or emotive. At least not when I knew him. After my mom passed on, I inherited his service diaries. I didn't read them for many years. I took a cursory look at first and did not realize the wealth of information about him that was in them. So much that I never knew.

I have a photograph album too from his years in the service during WWII. But without descriptions, the pictures didn't tell me much though they did have dates. Once I read the diaries, I could put the photos with his words.

My dad wrote in the diaries every day he was in the service. He was never much of a writer though he did write me letters when I was in college. But in his diaries I saw the names and addresses of the men he served with, I felt the adventurous spirit that was once my dad's, the beauty he felt being on a transport ship sailing toward Naples, the joy when he arrived there, the camaraderie he felt with his buddies. His parents were Italian emigrants and being in the country where they were born had to mean so much.


I learned he was at a base in Oregon, stopped in Utah, traveled through Chicago and ended up at camp Patrick Henry in Virginia.  From there he boarded the General Richardson and sailed with almost 5000 soldiers to Naples.  While in Italy he visited Caserta, Bastia, Florence and Rome. His platoon was even received by Pope Pius XII. We were a traditional Catholic family and I never knew that.

Near the time he was due to be sent home, he received news that his youngest brother had been killed in the Philipines. He mentions it in his diary, though not his feelings about it. But I noticed in his entries after that, he wrote letters home more often.

I wish I had read these when he was still alive.  I have so many questions.  I wish I had read them much sooner.  These diaries are 74 years old and besides my dad's handwriting and thoughts, contain a certificate of proficiency in a course of Armament, a Reservation for Purchase of Defense Savings Bonds, and an enlisted man's pass for Portland and its vicinity. They are a treasure trove of information I never knew about him.


Thank you, Daddy. Because of your diaries I can still feel your presence and remember so much more.


****************


Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 






at 1 comment:

Thursday, June 16, 2016

#Feline Zoie Joy's Anniversary--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith




June 19 is my parents' anniversary. Four years ago on their anniversary date, we found Zoie Joy in a dwarf redbud bush in our back yard, dehydrated, hungry, lost and needing a home. She weighed a pound and a half.  That day and since, I felt my parents gave me this wonderful gift.  She's a sweetie and every day tells us in some way that she appreciates being in our home and being loved.
Zoie's integration into our feline family was a gradual one.  At the time we had two twelve year old cats, Ebbie and London. With Zoie's arrival, London changed from a grumpy older cat to a buddy of Zoie's and although London now spends most of her day in an upstairs bedroom, she and Zoie still like playing "catch the laser light" together.  Zoie seems to be the mediator when London shows her disapproval of our other felines. Ebbie, our other twelve-year-old, was struggling with arthritis in her back and was leading a very still and inactive life.  With Zoie's arrival, Ebbie became more alert, more active and seemed much happier, even though her little "sister" pestered her. Now and then she would search for a quiet spot to escape Zoie's kitten antics.  

 Two years ago we brought Halo, a pregnant stray, into the house and quarantined her in my office. Zoie lost her sleeping quarters and some of her other favorite daytime spots like the table in front of the office window.  A few months later, we lost Ebbie and once again Zoie's world was rattled.  Ebbie had been my constant companion and together Zoie and I absorbed the shock of losing her. We began to develop a special bond and while no one could replace the bond that Ebbie and I shared, slowly Zoie began to nap in some of Ebbie's spots and now sleeps with me every night and is by my side most of every day. She is gentle, kind and loving. She is a comfort when I'm feeling down and, true to her name, a "joy" to have by my side.

 After Ebbie passed and Zoie was in mourning too, it seemed like the right time to integrate Zoie, Halo and Halo's kittens.  We found forever homes for two of the kittens, Mason and Tia.  Zoie immediately accepted Miss Paddington, Halo's first-born kitten, into her world. The two of them often play together, tussle in the sheets when I'm changing the bed and chase each other through the house. For a long while, Halo was wary of Zoie's motives and very protective of her kitten. She would instantly go on alert when Zoie and Paddy were together. Slowly, Halo is becoming more accepting of Zoie and even sleeps in close proximity to her on the bed. They still have an occasional sisterly tiff, but are learning how to share our love and attention.     
 
I named Zoie after a character in one of my books who ran away to find her bliss.  We added "Joy" as a middle name because that's what she's brought us from the first day we found her.  Each day I'm grateful we found this furry little bundle in our back yard.




*****************


NOW AVAILABLE!


THE WEDDING PROMISE
Book 8, SEARCH FOR LOVE Series

Sequel to HER SISTER



Beth Crandall has known trauma. Kidnapped from her birth family when she was three, abandoned at a mall by her kidnapper a few months later, traumatic amnesia has prevented memories from plaguing her as she was adopted and ushered into a "normal" life. But a twist of fate reunited her with her birth family recently and now she's attempting to move forward in a way she couldn't before.

As a teenager, Beth's face was scarred in an attack at a group home where her best friend lived. Now Beth is seeing a plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Benedict, so he can remove the scar. Sam volunteers his time to the foundation Kids Cause which sends doctors all over the world to help children. Sam, who came from an abusive home, feels children need to be listened to and fixed. He and Beth connect on a deep level from the first moment they meet.

Beth has believed a romantic relationship is impossible for her given her background. But during integration into her birth family and throughout a search for her teenage best friend, Sam remains by her side. He helps to heal more than the scar on her face. Neither of them realize that Beth's search for her friend with the help of psychic Gillian Bradley (continuing character from other SEARCH FOR LOVE books) will land them in a fight for their lives.


THE WEDDING PROMISE is now available in print and audiobook formats, too.
  

******************

Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



at 2 comments:

Thursday, June 9, 2016

#Condo Living #Feline-Style--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith





Cat condos are one of the best feline supply investments that I've made over all the years that I've adopted cats. (Sturdy stacked boxes acting as condos can provide the same purpose.)  I have them in various shapes and sizes in almost every room of the house. All of our cats use them. Most of the condos are positioned near or in front of a window to provide ample viewing access to different areas of our yard.  

Zoie and London share the living
room condo for an afternoon nap
The popularity of any one condo seems to vary with the seasons and the time of day when the sun most directly shines on them. A condo can sit unoccupied for days or even a season, then suddenly we have a skirmish over who gets the window view next. They are used to sleep on, to watch the neighbors working in their garden, to watch my hubby as he walks the yard, to scratch on or to be a haven of sorts during mad dashes through the house.
  
This week we added a new cat condo to to our collection because a years-old one was tilting precariously whenever any of the felines jumped on it. Paddy laid first claim, but Halo and Zoie Joy were close by assessing the new arrival.

 It spent several days in the middle of the dining room before it could be moved to its window spot in the kitchen because Paddy seemed to be perched on it every time we were ready to reposition it. 
  

Paddy has her favorite condo in my office. Although she has outgrown it, she sleeps in it every night. It's hard to believe three kittens at one time slept in that little circle!

Since bought condos are an investment, when I choose a new one, I carefully surf the Internet until I find exactly what I need. I look for sturdiness as well as a good carpet cover because all of our felines prefer to scratch on that rather than sisal. When we built a new addition to our home a decade ago, I searched for a floor to ceiling model.  Well-built, all the fur babies still use it. When Halo's kittens were born two years ago, I searched for a smaller condo that they could safely climb and play on. 

 I assess the space where the condo will be placed to determine it I want shelves, play areas, or cubbyholes. For example, I wanted the newest condo to provide a shelf for Zoie to use as an intermediate step from the floor to the table. I also play close attention to the dimensions of the shelf size.  Zoie is weighty at 16 pounds and I wanted a shelf she could comfortably jump to and nap on. The new condo with a 17 inch shelf was adequate.
Zoie tries out the new condo.
                    
As you can tell from this weeks photos, our cat condos have given our furry family abundant play and sleeping areas where I can capture a photo or two!
 
Zoie perches on the top
shelf of the floor-to-ceiling condo.
Halo and Paddy rest after
a wild dash up the
floor-to-celing condo.



*****************

NOW AVAILABLE!


THE WEDDING PROMISE
Book 8, SEARCH FOR LOVE Series

Sequel to HER SISTER



Beth Crandall has known trauma. Kidnapped from her birth family when she was three, abandoned at a mall by her kidnapper a few months later, traumatic amnesia has prevented memories from plaguing her as she was adopted and ushered into a "normal" life. But a twist of fate reunited her with her birth family recently and now she's attempting to move forward in a way she couldn't before.

As a teenager, Beth's face was scarred in an attack at a group home where her best friend lived. Now Beth is seeing a plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Benedict, so he can remove the scar. Sam volunteers his time to the foundation Kids Cause which sends doctors all over the world to help children. Sam, who came from an abusive home, feels children need to be listened to and fixed. He and Beth connect on a deep level from the first moment they meet.

Beth has believed a romantic relationship is impossible for her given her background. But during integration into her birth family and throughout a search for her teenage best friend, Sam remains by her side. He helps to heal more than the scar on her face. Neither of them realize that Beth's search for her friend with the help of psychic Gillian Bradley (continuing character from other SEARCH FOR LOVE books) will land them in a fight for their lives.


THE WEDDING PROMISE is now available in print and audiobook formats, too.
  

******************

Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

at 2 comments: