Learning From Cats How To Live In The Moment in Life and Writing by Karen Rose Smith

I'm a planner.  I always have been.  I think I learned a long time ago that planning eased anxiety.   Except sometimes plans cause stress in themselves.  As I've gotten older, as I've had to deal with physical pain, I've learned how to "be in the moment" from my cats!  I've especially learned it from helping to deliver and raise a litter of kittens.

I heard that a pregnant cat will take care of everything herself and birthing kittens is a cinch. It didn't happen that way.  We had to help Halo (the stray who came to our yard last Mother's Day)--from delivering the placenta on one kitten, to breaking the sac on another to the vet's assistance when even we couldn't help Halo.  Each moment of that experience in the fall was "living in the moment."  We had no choice.  We couldn't plan.  We had to watch and wait and follow our instincts as well as counting on Halo's.

She was such a devoted mother, giving each of the three kittens attention when she could, washing each, making sure each one nursed effectively and enough.  We lived in the moment with her.  When the kittens began growing, running, and playing, we lived in each moment with them--most of the time laughing at their antics and appreciatin when they curled up on our laps for a nap. At that moment I was probably more relaxed than I've been in years!  Something about holding a baby kitten and petting one is not only relaxing but a stress reliever.

During this time, Halo was still having physical problems.  We had to feed her every two hours beginning at 5 a.m.  Hubby and I took turns. But during this time I also had writing deadlines.  I loved being with Halo and Tia, Mason and Paddington, but I also had to work.  I did it in a simple way--by staying in the moment with the scene I was writing.  I would shut the world out for short periods of time, be in the scene with my characters and just let them take over.  That method of writing has carried over to today.  Although I've been writing for thirty years, this method is different for me.  In the past, I had blocks of time to think and plan and then execute.  But this is more like "method" writing.  I'm in the moment and let go.

We're given many unexpected gifts in this life.  Halo and her kittens were gifts to us.  Tia and Mason are growing, healthy and contented in their forever homes.  Paddington, the kitten we kept with Halo, still cuddles with her mom, plays with our three year old yard rescue cat Zoie Joy and follows 14 year old London around like a pesky little sister.  They all remind me to live in the moment whenever I can.








My sleuth Caprice in my Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozy mystery series takes in strays and finds them loving homes!  

GILT BY ASSOCIATION on Amazon

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Karen's Search For Love Series Website


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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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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. 

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

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Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

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©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Desserts and Epilogues by cozy #mystery and #romance novelist Karen Rose Smith

I came from an Italian heritage of sitting around the table—talking, laughing and arguing—and making each meal at my grandmother's house an event. Dessert was always a meal extender whether it was cannoli for Christmas, fried dough balls dipped in honey for Easter or Sunday dinner chocolate cake. Dessert gave us extra time to sit at the table and enjoy each other's company. My mother followed the tradition. She was a third grade teacher. Often she would bake layer cake or sponge cake in the morning before we caught the school bus! We'd either use it that night or freeze it for dinner with company on the weekend. Just as she served a salad and crunchy bread every night for dinner, she would serve dessert.

I've followed my mother's and grandmother's traditions because I like to cook. When my son was small, we baked and sold fruit breads at craft fairs. I entered cooking contests. He helped me make at least a dozen different kinds of cookies for Christmas to give away. Each meal was topped with something home-made. Now, of course, life and diets have changed. Fruit is often our dessert of choice. But once in a while I bake for us besides company desserts because we need something special to remind us of traditions I'll never forget.

For me as a novelist, an epilogue is like dessert. Epilogues extend the story. They tell you where the characters have gone and what they've accomplished after the murder mystery and the romantic angst is over! The epilogue is the icing on the cake or the creme fraiche on the blueberry bread. When I spend an entire book with my characters, I don't want to leave them. I want to know what their everyday lives are about after extraordinary circumstances have ended. So my books usually have epilogues. I hope you enjoy these extensions into my sleuth and hero and heroines lives...and enjoy them as much as a dessert!

Speaking of desserts...

My sleuth Caprice De Luca also likes to cook (along with home staging, taking in strays and finding them homes, and wearing retro fashion.)  In DEADLY DECOR, her neighbor encourages her to pick fresh blueberries and this bread is what I and Caprice created.  I hope you enjoy it!

CAPRICE'S BLUEBERRY VANILLA PECAN BREAD

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons sour cream

4 teaspoons imitation vanilla extract

3/4 cup milk (1 1/2%)

2 large eggs

1 cup finely chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, de-stemmed, washed and well-drained.  (I put a paper towel in a bowl and let them roll around on that before adding to batter.)

Preheat oven to 350degrees  Grease and flour two 8 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans.

Beat all ingredients except nuts and fruit in mixer bowl (scraping bowl often) on mix or blend until batter is smooth...1 to 1 1/2 minutes.  Stir in nuts by hand and then fold in blueberries.

Pour even amounts into 2 pans.  Bake 60 minutes at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean.

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DEADLY DECOR on Amazon

DEADLY DECOR Barnes & 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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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.  

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Caprice's Pepperoni and Cheddar Bread #Recipe from GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Mystery Author Karen Rose Smith

I'm always looking for new ideas for me to cook and for my sleuth Caprice! Breads are a staple of my Italian background and I wanted to come up with one that was a little different. This bread is wonderful any time of day but this one is especially good just out of the oven and warm for breakfast! I hope you enjoy it.

CAPRICE'S PEPPERONI AND CHEDDAR BREAD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease and flour a 9 inch by 5 inch bread pan

Ingredients

5 eggs

1/2 cup 2 percent milk

2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 ounces turkey pepperoni, torn or cut into small pieces

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Beat eggs until they are frothy. Add milk, flour, baking powder, ground mustard, and salt. Beat until smooth. Stir in pepperoni and cheddar cheese. Pour into prepared 9 inch by 5 inch pan. Spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Cake tester should come out clean. Remove from pan after 10 minutes. Enjoy warm. Refrigerate remainder when cool.

©2015 Karen Rose Smith from GILT BY ASSOCIATION

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 GILT BY ASSOCIATION

GILT BY ASSOCIATION on Amazon

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DEADLY DECOR on Amazon

DEADLY DECOR Barnes & Noble

STAGED TO DEATH on Amazon

STAGED TO DEATH 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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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.  

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Miss Paddington #Kitty Is Seven Months Old! by Cozy #Mystery Novelist Karen Rose Smith

Tortitude! That's what Miss Paddington has. It's hard to believe that seven months ago, she was small enough to fit in my palm. She was four ounces when she was born. If she stood still long enough for me to weigh her now, she'd be about seven pounds.

Paddington got her name because in those first few weeks, she looked like a little bear! Since my husband and I had read Paddington stories to our son, the comparison just stuck. Now Paddy is long and lean. She's almost as long as her mom Halo.

Paddy has a friendly personality. She loves to play and anyone who plays with her can be her friend. She was the first of Halo and her kitten litter to meet our soon-to-be three-year-old, Zoie. They seemed to become buddies right away. Since Zoie is a sweetie, there wasn't much concern she'd hurt Paddy. When they play, Zoie is careful of Paddy because she's smaller. But they are beginning to act like equals. At first, Halo was protective of Paddy, but now she sits back and watches her with Zoie or lets Paddy and Zoie go off on their own.


Paddy is friendly to guests, too. She'll often dash under the sofa, then as we're talking, tease whoever is on the sofa with her paw. She's not a cuddler with us, but she likes to be close by. She cuddles with Halo. She does like to be petted and right by our side no matter what activity we're involved in. She's always ready for action.


We love Paddy to bits and I think she knows it. I'm so thankful we kept her and Halo together. They enrich our lives every day.

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Karen's Search For Love Series Website


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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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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. 

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

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

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Saving #Cats in this Cold, Cold, #Winter by Karen Rose Smith

This is a cold, cold winter.  This kind of prolonged cold and snow is dangerous to stray and feral cats. Strays and ferals can act like wild animals.  Most of their behavior emanates from fear of being trapped and/or hurt...by humans, by other animals, by nature.  When trying to help them, you need to get into their heads if you can and set up situations that they're comfortable with or would be attracted to rather than repelled from.  Their natural instincts kick in and you have to play into those to help them.

We have several shelters on our property.  Two of them have electric heat pads. (I use K & H specifically made for the outdoors that heat up to the cat's body temperature when the cat is sitting on it.  There should be an area within the shelter that the feline can lay beside, rather than on the pad.)    This winter they are saving the strays lives.  Our temperatures are dipping below zero and we've had continuous cold for about two weeks now that intends to stretch through another.

We have one stray, Sunnybud, who came throughout the summer.  He would eat and leave.  He doesn't usually hang around our property.  When he first began coming, he was straggly, scruffy, malnourished with fleas.  Sunny is a strange stray in that after a while, once he was used to my voice, he would come when I called.  After the summer, he would also let me pet him.  But if I made a sudden move, he would be off like a shot.  So I knew winter would be a challenge.

We had an "igloo" style shelter ( Igloo style with entrance) from two years ago when we took care of a hurt stray.  It was near the patio and we put a heat pad inside.  However, another stray comes around who bullies Sunny away and that wasn't working.  So we moved the igloo farther from the patio into the tomato garden.  We got an outdoor extension cord and still managed to put the heat pad inside.  Instead of just setting the igloo in the garden, we camouflaged the front of it with hay bales. Those would also give it more insulation.  The first thing Sunny did in the fall was to lay on top of the hay bales in the sun.  Then he began marking the pampas grass beside it.  I was hopeful.

Throughout this winter, Sunny has used the shelter often.  He will come just inside the basement to be fed, but runs if he thinks we're going to shut the door and trap him inside.  We've tried it several times and had to build trust all over again each time. The one time we managed to shut the door, he freaked out and tried to climb the walls and dig at the door.  He was only going to hurt himself.  So we had to accept the fact (my husband helps with all of this) that we had to accept and help him on his terms.

Bad weather days, he will sleep in the shelter all afternoon, wait for supper and then return to the shelter.  Some times he takes off for parts unknown and disappears for a while. It's difficult to detach from worrying about him, but we have to do that. Feeding him helps his body temperature. We have to hope the shelter with the heat pad will be enough.

We have another stray who has been spending some nights in our unheated sunroom attached to the basement.  We leave it open and there is a heat pad in there, too.

Our four inside cats are rescued cats.  Last summer we took in a pregnant stray who had kittens.  We gave two to friends and kept mom and one of the babies. They are a joy each day.

I've given links for the other shelters we have on our property which are used now and then.  We put straw--not hay--in those.  Towels and rugs hold moisture and attract mold.  The straw stays dry and reflects some body heat.  (The Ark Workshop Shelters)   We also have straw spread under our deck near the feral shelter.  Sunny often sits on the straw in the sun.

I really believe that this year the shelters are saving cat lives.

 Feral Villa Cat Shelter

                  This shelter has a lower level with two entrances and an

 upper level insulated loft.

GILT BY ASSOCIATION on Amazon

GILT BY ASSOCIATION 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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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. 

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

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

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Karen Rose Smith hosts Delynn Royer--IT HAD TO BE YOU--What Makes a Song Timeless?

My thanks to Karen Rose Smith for inviting me on her blog today to talk about the inspiration behind my latest release, a romantic mystery from Carina Press, IT HAD TO BE YOU.

IT HAD TO BE YOU opens on Thanksgiving Day in Manhattan, 1924. It was the first year Macy's sponsored its parade. It was also the year Isham Jones and Gus Kahn published a catchy tune called "It Had To Be You."

Their ditty was a big hit, but, depending on the list you choose, it wasn't the number one song that year. It had stiff competition. (Remember "The Charleston"?) Since then, "It Had To Be You" has emerged as one of the most enduring romantic songs of the twentieth century.

Ever wonder what makes a song timeless?

Is it a series of notes that causes the toe to tap?  Brings a tear to the eye? Words that ring true to even the most jaded heart? That's simplicity at its finest. And it stands the test of time.

Our favorite books and movies are no different.

When I started IT HAD TO BE YOU, I wasn't sure if it was a mystery or romance--as it turned out, it's both--but I knew exactly what I wanted it to feel like. Timeless.

I wanted reader to step from our hectic, internet-saturated twenty-first century into the soft, sepia-toned set of a classic movie.  You know the kind...The Thin Man, The Maltese Falcon, His Girl Friday.

I had the place--1920's Manhattan--and two leads made to order. One bright girl reporter who could give Lois Lane a run for her money and one homicide detective with a seen-it-all, Philip Marlowe kind of attitude. Toss in a murdered gangster and a sultry ex-fiancee, and I was primed. A little mystery, a dash of noir, snappy dialogue and a splash of romance...

Some things never get old.

What's your favorite film, song or book that has stood the test of time?


IT HAD TO BE YOU

New York City, 1924

Determined to pursue her dream of becoming a crime reporter, heiress Trixie Frank believes she's off to a running start when she lands a job at the most successful tabloid in Manhattan. Unfortunately, her high hopes fade fast when she's assigned to the rewrite desk.

Sean Costigan is a demoted homicide detective on the commissioner's blacklist. The last thing he needs complicating his life is a perky debutante with delusions of becoming the next great American journalist. Too bad she happens to hold one of the keys to solving his latest case, the Central Park murder of a notorious gangster. The other key? Sean's childhood sweetheart, the victim's widow, who has gone missing.

Sean soon has more trouble with dames than any good man deserves. But that's the least of his worries. When he suspects deadly corruption within his own department, it's not just his and Trixie's careers that depend on finding the killer. It's their lives.

IT HAD TO BE YOU is available where ebooks are sold.

IT HAD TO BE YOU on Amazon

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IT HAD TO BE YOU on iTunes

Delynn Royer writes romantic and mystery historical fiction for the light of heart. Aside from the research that inspires her novels, she enjoys classic movies and yoga. Stop by her website at www.delynnroyer.com or follow her on Twitter (@DelynnRoyer)

Delynn Royer's Website

Delynn Royer on Twitter

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Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

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Karen Rose Smith's Romance Website 

Karen Rose Smith's Mystery Website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

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©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Fran's Baked Macaroni and Cheeses Recipe from GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Karen Rose Smith

Winter and comfort food just seem to go together! What's better for a cold night than a steaming casserole of macaroni and cheese pulled from the oven? I often make this casserole ahead of time and then pop it in the oven to bake before dinner. Of course, then it might need a little more baking time. I hope you enjoy its creamy cheesy goodness as we do. This recipe is from my new mystery GILT BY ASSOCIATION which takes place in Pennsylvania in February. My sleuth's mom--Fran--likes to cook as much as her daughter.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fran's Baked Macaroni and Cheeses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 cups elbow macaroni

3 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 small clove garlic, grated

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

3 1/2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 1/2 cups whole milk

12 ounces Cooper Brand CV Sharp Pasteurized Process American Cheese cut into small cubes

(I use this cheese because it melts smoothly and doesn't separate.)

1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

A sprinkle of smoked paprika (optional)

Bring 4 quarts salted (2 teaspoons) water to a boil. Pour in macaroni and stir.  Boil according to package directions--about 10 minutes.  Drain well and pour into a 3-quart ungreased casserole.

Melt butter in 3 quart saucepan.  I use a stainless steel pot on medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and stir for about a minute.  Do NOT brown. Blend in flour, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly on medium heat until smooth.  Slowly stir in milk. Allow mixture to come to a boil (I turn to high-medium heat. If heat is too high, you will get lumps!) Stir continuously so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.  Let bubble until thickened--about 2 minutes.  Lower heat and add cubed American cheese and grated Monterey Jack, stirring often.  Once cheeses are melted, stir the cheese sauce into the macaroni.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. 

Remove from oven and sprinkle with smoked paprika.

From GILT BY ASSOCIATION by Karen Rose Smith--Original recipe

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

 ENJOY!

 GILT BY ASSOCIATION

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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 87th novel will be released in 2015.

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.  

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith