A #Feline Christmas Wish--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith

As I prepared for the arrival of Christmas this year, I was, of course, "helped" by all my furry babies. In the busyness of all the preparations, it is so easy to become perturbed and irritated by all the "help." But as I stepped back and watched the feline antics, I soon realized that if I, like my pets, live in the moment, I would enjoy the season much more. 

So this year I attempted to enjoy all the little things...the beautiful decorations that brought back memories of Christmases past, the wonderful smells of holiday baking, the joy in the eyes of someone opening a package that I had wrapped...and ignore the list of everything that needed to be done before December 25. I snapped some photos as the cats and I enjoyed preparing for the holiday festivities.     

"I like the new Christmas throw. I hope
you weren't planning to use it!" (Zoie)

"But these bells are going to jingle
every time the door opens. I hope you
 don't plan to interrupt my nap! (Zoie)

"This garland is all tangled up. I'll help
untangle it!"  (Paddy) 

I thought Santa  Claus came down
the chimney, not the stairs!"  (Paddy)

"Did Santa lose his cap going down
the chimney?" (Paddy)

"You know I don't like hats. How long is
this photo session going to last?" (Halo)

 

"How did Santa fit in this bag?" (Paddy)

So Christmas may come and go and everything that I had done in previous years may not be a part of this year's celebration, but, thanks to a lesson from my furry family, I have enjoyed the little things that make the holiday special. My wish for everyone is that you have the opportunity to enjoy the little things in your life, because, in the big picture, they are the things that truly matter. 

"Don't bother waking me if Santa comes.
I'll open my presents when I wake up." (Halo) 

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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 97th novel will be released in 2017.

Karen and Paddy

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. 

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©2016 Karen Rose Smith

Christmas Legend--Why Tabby #Cats Have An "M" On Their Forehead by Karen Rose Smith

The holiday season is filled with myths and legends explaining many of the symbols and customs that surround us at this time of the year. Since I am a feline lover, one of my favorite myths is how tabby cats got the "M" that is often so prominent on their foreheads above the eyes. It has been circulating on social media, so I thought I would share it with you, along with pictures of some very special furry babies who would do exactly what the cat in the story did to earn him his unique "M" mark. 

How Did Tabby Cats Receive Their "M"?

All tabbies have an "M" marking on their forehead, and on some this mark is very distinct. The "M" is often referred to as the mark of the true tabby.

There are several legends about how tabby cats got their 'M' marking.

Clyde's M

The most popular of these legends tells us that when the baby Jesus was lying in the manger he started to shiver with the cold. Mary covered the baby with blankets but still he kept shivering. Mary then ask all the animals to move closer to the manger so that their body heat would warm Jesus. The animals stood as close to the manger as they could but the baby Jesus remained cold and shivering. After a time a small cat with tabby markings jumped into the manger and snuggled next to Jesus. Before long the baby had stopped shivering and was sound asleep, contented and warm.

In her gratitude to the tabby, Mary made the mark of her own initial

upon the cat's forehead so that tabby cats will forever remind the world of how they saved Jesus from the cold.

Halo loves the warmth of the bed and would have been the
first to jump in the crib to snuggle with the baby. Her gentle
spirit and wonderful maternal skills would have earned her
Mary's special mark.

London's "M" was very prominent when she
was a kitten and, even though many of her
other markings have faded, her 'M' is still
prominent today.

Mason, Halo's second-born kitten also sports
the "M" amid his beautiful facial markings. 

My wish for you this holiday season is that you will be touched by the warmth and kindness of those closest to you and that their love will leave an indelible mark on your heart that will last a lifetime.

NOW AVAILABLE!

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HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Barnes and Noble

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

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.

Karen and Paddy

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. 

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Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

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Karen on Twitter

©2016 Karen Rose Smith

Small Town #Romance Giveaway, Kindle Fire & 60 books!

To celebrate the beginning of all, I've teamed up with more than 60 fantastic small town contemporary romance authors to give away a huge collection of novels, PLUS a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner!

You can win my novel TOYS AND BABY WISHES, plus books form authors like Jean Brashear, Shirley Hailstock, Mindy Neff, Ann Roth and Linda Barrett.




Enter the contest by clicking here:

Small Town Contemporary Romance and Kindle Fire Giveaway

And when you're done, please leave a comment to let me know you've entered!

NOW AVAILABLE!

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Amazon

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Barnes and Noble

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

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.

Karen and Paddy

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. 

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

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS Boxed Set, 3 #Christmas #Romances by Karen Rose Smith

I'm so excited to announce my release of a Christmas boxed set--HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS. This bundle includes THE DAD WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS, WISH ON THE MOON and TOYS AND BABY WISHES. All 3 romances give a special meaning to the magic of Christmas. In the Comments, please tell me why you like to read holiday romances! 

From *** USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR***KAREN ROSE SMITH

Three holiday-themed romances

THE DAD WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

Contemporary romance/marriage of convenience/Christmas
Five-year-old Jakie is hanging mid air on a harness, practicing for the Christmas pageant and Faith Hewitt, his foster mom, can't reach him. Seconds later Nick Clark appears as if he was sent by the angel Jakie is trying to be. Nick lowers Jakie to safety and Faith is hit by her attraction to Nick that she thought evaporated years ago.

Faith had a crush on Nick in high school. But they ran in different crowds and he married a beautiful cheer leader and prom queen. But the gossip mill in Winding Creek worked well and Faith heard that marriage didn't last long before they both left town.

Now Nick was back at least overnight and stranded by a snow storm. He owns a toy store now but isn't in tune with the joy of the Christmas season. She offers her spare room and he accepts. When Nick learns Faith wants to adopt Jakie but that adoption is threatened, he steps up and offers a marriage of convenience.

But is it convenient? Or does the past interfere too much?

Christmas is a time of love and forgiveness. Maybe Faith and Nick can find the spirit of Christmas together.

TOYS AND BABY WISHES

Contemporary romance/Christmas
Joshua Flannigan owns successful toy stores and is protective of the aunt who raised him. When he returns from a backpacking trip to find his aunt's new "friend" Alexandra Kittredge helping her make major life changes, he's suspicious of Lexa's motives. After all, she looks more like a model than a job counselor!

Soon Josh realizes Lexa's sincerity and compassion for others runs her life. Protective of her younger sister who is pregnant, Lexa intends to adopt Dani's baby. But is that really the right move for both of them? Is her compassion blinding her to her sister's actual needs? And what is the secret Lexa is keeping that will affect her life as well as Josh's?

On Christmas Eve, Lexa and Josh find a lifetime of happiness can be just a jingle bell away!

WISH ON THE MOON

Contemporary romance/Christmas
Laura Applegate Sanders' world is turned upside down when Mitch Riley appears on her doorstep with the news her estranged father is about to undergo heart bypass surgery. For the past few years, Mitch has been her father's partner in the jewelry business Laura once dreamed of sharing--until her father disowned her when she married Doug Sanders, an artist with no money and few prospects.

Mitch loves and respects Laura's father as he never could his own. His dad was a drunkard and a gambler who died leaving his wife and two sons destitute when Mitch was fourteen. Knowing how much it would mean to Ray Applegate to see his daughter again, Mitch takes it upon himself to travel to Ohio to ask Laura to come home. To his surprise, he learns she is a widow with a four-year-old daughter, Mandy.

Mitch is prepared to dislike Ray's rebellious daughter because of the pain she caused Ray. But when he meets her, her self-confidence and the love she feels for her daughter throw him for a loop. In self-defense he clings to the image of Laura that Ray has fostered, that of an irrepressible, spoiled rich girl.

After getting to know Laura, Mitch finds her irresistible and their passion takes their relationship to a new level. But Mitch has been betrayed in the past. His lack of trust in Laura causes him to back away to the old life that has left him alone. Soul-searching leads him back to Ohio to admit to Laura his life won't be a happy one until she is in it permanently. A few days before Christmas he returns to Laura's doorstep to give her a ring he designed especially for her. Laura accepts his proposal, eager to find happily-ever-after with him.

NOW AVAILABLE!

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Amazon

HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS on Barnes and Noble

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

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 97th novel will be released in 2017.

Karen and Paddy

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. 

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

Sign Up for Karen's newsletter!

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

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen on Twitter

Do You Have a #Bliss #List? by Karen Rose Smith

Did you ever make a list of your bliss--those things that you know make you at peace, happy and fulfilled?  Sometimes I forget that I play a part in finding my own happiness.  Yes, it's like a butterfly flitting here and there, but sometimes I can help it land.  My bliss involves work and play.  Maybe my list will inspire yours.

A day writing with characters I love, a plot that's compelling and no phone calls, emails, blogs or electronic devices beeping at me.

Watching hummingbirds play and eat in the hummingbird garden I grew for them.

Playing "catch a shoelace" with our three cats, one at a time or all together.

Hanging sun catchers at the windows so I have rainbows dancing on the walls all year long.

Sitting at a picnic table with friends and catching up on each other's lives.

Listening to my son's voice and remembering him as a child, as well as appreciating him as an adult.

Visiting a place of power like the red rocks of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, the Big Horn Mountains where the wild mustangs still roam.

Spending time at a nearby wolf sanctuary and appreciating their beauty and the dedication of the volunteers who care for them.

Watching a favorite TV show with my husband and shutting out the rest of the world.  a favorite TV show with my husband and shutting out the rest f the world.
Becoming lost in a new book I can't put down.

Listening to music that opens my emotions and fills my soul.

Rising before sunrise to watch a day break wide open in golden beauty.

If you'd like, feel free to share your blissful moments in the comments.  Maybe yours will inspire more of mine.  To much bliss in all of our lives!

©2014 Karen Rose Smith

 

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#Heirloom #Tomatoes and #Garden Therapy by Karen Rose Smith

For the past few years I've planted heirloom tomato seeds to fill our garden, as well as our friends and family's gardens, with lush plants that produce terrifically tasty tomatoes.  Each year, I use one or two of my favorite varieties and also add new ones.  Since tomatoes are one of my main staples for soups and sauces, I like to have my freezer stocked full.  Most years I can freeze enough to take us through the winter.

Last summer we had a particularly weak growing season.  So I bought tomatoes from a local vegetable stand to see us through. But this year I'm hoping for a bumper crop again.  My varieties this year consist of three favorites--Marianna's Peace--a huge beefsteak, Anna Russian--a heart-shaped wonderfully tangy tomato, and Big Italian Plum.  In addition I'll plant these seeds too--Brandywine--Suddath's, Missouri Pink Love Apple, Amana Orange, Beauty and Lilian's Yellow Heirloom.

Heirloom tomatoes have history and the seeds have been handed down through generations.  Although I've purchased from several sources, Tomato Fest  seeds always seem to do the best.  They are organically harvested.

Raising tomatoes isn't only practical and economical for us, but it's therapeutic for me.  I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, and winter is usually my worst pain season.  Starting seeds in March gives me a jump on spring as well as a therapy-type past time.  Standing, planting, reaching, lifting in all stages from the gentlest with seedlings to the quart pots by May enable me to transition from winter to spring to summer gradually with physical activity.  

I'd love to hear about your experience with heirloom tomatoes and planting them in your gardens!  Let's hope we have a produce friendly year.

©2014 Karen Rose Smith

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