Showing posts with label HER SISTER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HER SISTER. Show all posts

Thursday, September 8, 2016

#Feline Exercise--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


As our pets age, napping times become more and more a part of their daily routine. But just as with adults, exercise is very important to their health. A little observation on our part can help provide the incentive for them to stay active. Sometimes a toy that we purchase becomes a favorite exercise tool, other times, some other household item captures their attention. And then there are bugs--those unwanted distractions that provide instant exercise, including running through the house, racing up cat condos, climbing furniture. So this week, I would like to share some of the items that I use to provide exercise opportunities (in between naps!)

A daily scheduled play time is a good way to give the signal that it is time to exercise. Zoie and London know that their play time is before bed each evening. Because I consistently engage them at this time, they both have come to expect the attention and eagerly await my arrival in the living room. They both enjoy the laser light, and London loves to dive through crumbled packing paper to pursue the red dot. Zoie will chase through the bedroom to follow the dot.       

Cats can have a whole basket of toys, crumbled tin foil balls and ping pong balls and yet always migrate to certain items to occupy themselves. Many mornings while I am outside with the stray cats, I can hear Zoie running through the bedroom, playing with the ribbons I have draped over the scratching house. Because I know she likes the ribbons, I always have them available, changing them to match the colors of the season. 

Halo likes a carrot toy with a feathery top as well as certain mouse toys and felt balls. I always resist the temptation to pick up these items, because I want them available when she is in a playful mood. Paddy has a favorite catnip turtle that she carries through the house making little cat squeaks as she brings it in the room where we are working or watching TV. She wrestles with it often rumpling throw rugs in her wake.    

Bed making time can also be an opportunity for exercise. While the intrusion can be frustrating, the cats love to jump on the bed, climb under the blankets, slide though the clean sheets--all healthy activities.


Mail deliveries are also opportunities to provide exercise for the cats. They love to jump in and out of the boxes, competing for the space and this can occupy their attention for extended periods of time.   


For London, our senior cat, a simple jump to the counter for her nightly massage and catnip treat is exercise. She doesn't resist our encouragement and enjoys the attention she gets because of it.  She still races up and down the stairs, though she clearly spends much of her day napping.








The sun catchers in the kitchen window provide pretty rainbows on the kitchen wall, and often a breeze from the heating/AC vents cause the rainbows to skitter around the kitchen. A feline pursuit of the rainbows provides exercise in the guise of playful entertainment. 


Nature also provides other exercise opportunities. Although Bonnie and Clyde, our outside visitors, have numerous opportunities to remain active, the vast array of butterflies in the garden has captured Bonnie's attention and often a chase is the result. 
Halo joins the search
for a wayward fly.
Inside, bugs who find a way into the house, provide the same kind of distraction for Paddy and Zoie. The smallest critter can cause a huge commotion as Paddy, followed by Zoie, chases from window to window in pursuit. Neither rests until the intruder has been eliminated.   
So with some simple attention to the cat toys, household items and activities that attract and hold our felines' attention, we have an arsenal of opportunities to provide healthy exercise. Sometimes we have to step around empty boxes, put up with intrusions while we are doing our household chores and resist the temptation to pick up stray toys. But a healthy cat is a happy cat.
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Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES, Book 9 Search For Love series, on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!



The Wedding Promise on Barnes and Noble

Nathan's Vow on Barnes and Noble

Her Sister on Amazon

Her Sister on Barnes and Noble

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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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Thursday, September 1, 2016

#Sharing Our Spaces With Our Felines -- #Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


One night this week, my husband and I were ready to settle down and watch TV. I settled on the bed and hubby was getting a snack and glass of water. By the time he arrived in the bedroom, his side of the bed was occupied by three felines who were under the mistaken assumption that they would be spending the rest of the evening there. Mistaken? Really? Just looking at the juxtaposition of the sleeping balls of fur on the bed, hubby gave a shrug of the shoulders and quietly plopped on the chair next to the bed.      

Whether or not the bed is made, our furry family seems to have staked their claims to different spots from the top to the bottom. Many of the spats that occur are a result of violation of these claims. One day Zoie decided she wanted Halo's space and, although Halo tried to settle elsewhere, she eventually gave up and grudgingly moved to the chair next to the bed. Paddy enjoys an evening nap at the foot of the bed but eventually leaves after the TV is turned on. Zoie and Halo often have to be re-positioned so everyone can comfortably enjoy a relaxing hour or two of our favorite TV shows.




London spends much of her day in her own heated bed upstairs, but if my husband settles down for an afternoon nap, she quickly joins him on the bed for a session of meowing, crawling over his head and dusting him with her tail. She eventually settles next to him or at the foot of the bed and often remains there after he leaves. She sometimes stays there through the evening until her before bed-feeding and play session with the laser light.  


Even when I am out of the room--working in my office, creating a new recipe in the kitchen or spending time on the patio with the outside cats--Halo, Zoie and Paddy seem to prefer the comfort of the bed. Perhaps it's the comfy softness of the spread and covers or the warmth they offer. Or maybe they feel close to me even in my absence. Whatever the reason, that is where they settle and in their sleeping peacefulness provide some beautiful photo opportunities. 

 




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 Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES, Book 9 Search For Love series, on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!



The Wedding Promise on Barnes and Noble

Nathan's Vow on Barnes and Noble

Her Sister on Amazon

Her Sister 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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Monday, August 22, 2016

Select Search For Love #Ebooks #99cents by Karen Rose Smith



My SEARCH FOR LOVE series is a combination of romance, women's fiction, a bit of mystery with a touch of the paranormal. The novels are connected by continuing characters--particularly Gillian Moore Bradley who has a gift for finding missing persons--friends, sweethearts, family members. The three SEARCH FOR LOVE selections below are 99 cents for a limited time so my readers can catch up with the story lines before the release of book 9, FOREVER IN HER EYES, which is available for pre-order now.  It's release date is September 12, 2016.  I hope you enjoy them all!


Search For Love series, Book 8 
Women's Fiction/Romance
99 cents!!!

 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.





Search For Love series, Book 1
Sweet Contemporary Paranormal romance
99 cents

When Nathan Bradley's ex-wife disappears with his daughters, he does everything in his power to find them. His private investigator hits a wall and suggests Nathan convince psychic Gillian Moore to help him.

At first, Gillian is reluctant. She'd come to L.A. from Indiana to get lost in the crowd...to escape her gift that sometimes seemed more like a burden. As a manicurist, she is learning to relax again and enjoy life.

But when Nathan makes his plea and shows her a picture of his girls, she knows she must help him.

However, the spark and sizzle between them becomes a fascinating impediment to her progress. Gillian, who was once burnt by a divorced dad, tries to keep her perspective.

But Nathan is a force to be reckoned with. Will her gift lead her to love or heartache once again?





Search For Love series, Book 7
Women's Fiction
99 cents

When Clare Thaddeus' sister was abducted, she was five and her family fell apart.  Now, twenty-seven years later, there's a chance Lynnie could still be alive! Divorced parents, a rebellious daughter, and a devoted sister find their lives in turmoil once again.  

This time, will crisis tear them apart or will forgotten love knit them together once more?

HER SISTER on Amazon




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A cornea transplant and memories from her donor haunt Melanie Carlotti.  A search for answers could bring her true love and a family...or heartache.  


Amazon--FOREVER IN HER EYES ebook @ $3.99


Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!



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.
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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Sunday, May 29, 2016

What #Memorial Day Is About For Me by Karen Rose Smith



Memorial Day is just that--a day full of memories. It's a holiday that brings back pictures and vivid recollections.


My Dad
For my first few years, my parents and I lived in my grandfather's house with him and my aunt. In the living room  on a side table sat the induction photos of my dad and his brothers who were in the service. My uncle Johnny died in World War II. I remember studying those photos, not only when I lived there, but after my parents built a house next door and I ran in and out of my grandfather's house often. The sanctity of keeping those pictures on that table is something I will never forget.


These photos of my dad and my father-in-law hang on the wall in our house now.

My Father-In-Law

Another vivid memory is cutting irises and peonies with my mom and arranging them in Mason jars to take to the cemetery. My dad had a Country Squire station wagon and we would load up the back of it with the flowers. My aunt and grandmother accompanied us. The cemetery then was in an out-of-the-way location and I remember all the memorial stones were quite elaborate--from angels to five-foot-high tablets with inscriptions. After we arranged the flowers at each grave of a loved one who passed, we would say a prayer. Sacred times and sacred memories.

Memories of the Vietnam conflict are strong too. I lost classmates in that "war" and I'll never forget the lottery as my husband and I waited for the news of his number and whether or not we'd be able to marry sooner rather than later. One of my most moving moments was to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. when I was writing a book that contained some of our personal story. That Memorial is like a church and always brings tears.


Memorial Day also brings back memories of family get-togethers around the dining room table or in the backyard, weather permitting. The holiday was a family time. This Memorial Day weekend we will be hosting my BFF and her daughter and enjoying talk, laughs and cat stories with them.

Memories can be bittersweet but also filled with rich, deep meaning that's like a shield around my heart, reminding me always what's important, what's lasting and what matters most--the love of family and appreciation of the values I hold dear.

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HER SISTER on sale on Amazon

HER SISTER on sale on Barnes and Noble


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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. 

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Monday, May 23, 2016

A #Spring #Garden in Pennsylvania by Karen Rose Smith





Spring has been slow coming to Pennsylvania this year. I can count on my hands the number of days with sunshine instead of rain! Still plants will grow and the landscape has turned unbelievably green. 
Irises like this weather!
Blooming in spite of the weather in this wet Spring are the irises. The pink with purple are my favorites.

I started geraniums and impatiens from seeds in January and heirloom tomatoes from seed in March. Inside on a heat pad and under a grow light they grew hardy. 

The impatiens are blooming. Now the problem is needing to place them in the patio sunroom and on the porch. But with nights still going down into the 30's until last week, they have stayed in the basement, especially at night, where they are safe. 

Columbine, Forget-Me-Nots and Pansies like the cool and wet Spring. The variegated sage has grown hardy too. I placed a few pots I planted on the patio with hope they can survive the rain. For the few nights in the low 30's, I covered them.



My hubby gifted me with this bird feeder that is fashioned of old glassware. I couldn't wait to put it in the ground. We planted a few snapdragons around it because we knew they'd be hardy in this type of Spring.





A Weigela and bird bath made from old glassware
After the next few days of more rain, we're supposed to have sun and 70 degrees for 3 or 4 days. Yes, I've turned into a weather buff this year. I'm hoping by Memorial Day the gardens will be awash with sunshine and flowers, plants and herbs will be adding color and scent to all of the gardens.
Two of our regular strays


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HER SISTER on sale on Amazon

HER SISTER on sale on Barnes and Noble


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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. 
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