ROBUST discussion

Where I live there's a thriving downtown (just a few blocks) with nothing but small businesses in the vintage buildings. There's a restaurant I frequent where I can sit by the window and watch the customers going in and out of some of those businesses. It makes me happy to see how busy they are.

That was Bridge Street in the Harbor when I was in my 20's. We even had a bookstore and a beach.

There wasn't a job to be found - still isn't.

That would be great for humanity, Kat, where my dd lives here in Ozz is on a peninsula south of the big city of Melbourne (which in itself seems small and is charming, but...). Because each side is on the water, one side quiet bay with fabulous beaches for families, the other crashing turf for surfers and 'wilder' beaches with occasional bunch grasses and rock pools and the like, and because in between these 20 km (about 12 miles), there are fabulous wineries and other agriculture, there are thriving towns all the way down on both sides, with the old mom and pop stores. I'm not really a shopper but I tell you, poking around in those stores (not to mention the wineries!) is a joy! And I've bought a few things too, as my eyes don't glaze over looking at racks and racks of stuff.

I have two blogs. My author one, Tahlia Newland, author, illuminating reality & challenging perception http://publishersearch.wordpress.com/... and the Happy Honkers - helping you be happy, a mix of wisdom and whimsy. http://happyhonkers.wordpress.com

J.A. wrote: "Nice. I bake pies, too. :) (Only form of cooking I actually do, oddly enough)."


I know an author whose day job is a baker. What is it about writing, reading and baking? I've also discovered quite a few writers who love cats. I do, but I can't have one because hubby is allergic to them and they eat native birds.

Coral wrote: "I don't remember how old I was when I found out about Santa, but the betrayal of being lied to ruined the whole thing for me for a long time. If I ever have children there will be no mythical being..."

I never lied to my daughter about Santa. When she asked if he was real, I said that it depends what you mean by real and that Santa is real to the extent that he represents generosity.

I'm extremely allergic to cats. :/

I've got 2 Jack Russel's - I adore them.

I have news for you, Kat. Jack Russells are dogs, not cats.

I have a Jack. Most adorable thing. Sleeps all night, sleeps half the day. Hardly ever chews things. Does love to jump though.

Dakota - Jack Russells are WHAT?

You can't use the D-word with a creature so clever, fastitious, loving and loyal. Not to mention they are the world greatest lap-warmers, foot-warmers and hot-water bottles.

Claudine - I adore my two boys. They are hunters, which means small cats, chickens, ducks, rats and mice are on the menu.

I had to get the meanest she-cat ever for the barn. She takes no sass from them.

Was the d-word on Frasier a Jack Russell?

He chases things too. The feral cats don't cone into our yard nearly as much anymore. Everyone warned us against getting one. I am really glad we didn't listen. He's a pleasure, so lovable.

Yes Eddie was a long haired Jack. They are highly intelligent.

Brilliant - like Boarder Collies, they are one of the smartest breeds.

Trouble, my young JRT, is always into something. He will bring me toys. I can see the wheels in his brain turn sometimes.

This is a good picture.

http://jordanscroft.blogspot.com/2011...

http://lifeandstuffclaudine.blogspot....

Our one. Lightning. That's a cutie!

Ohh - and he's a puppy still?

Trouble has made being cute his job. I'm always surprised how good he is at his job...but Frizzy has been tormenting Trouble - and getting some prime lap-time. So there is a rivalery between them.

He just turned 2.

For several days I've been fighting the urge to get a dog. I'm sure I would not adapt well to having to live on a dog's schedule.

See if someone will lend you a dog. After a week, you'll know if you're a dog person or not.

My pit/snauzer mix trained my parents in 2 weeks. Had them on a schedule and everything.

He never did that with me - but they followed his lead and enjoyed having him.

Those Jack Russells are way too cute.

I looked after the Ozz family's Kelpie for a week while they had a vacay on a houseboat. He was adorable and we had a great time together. When they came back he still never left my side (he stands to attention with his chest out like the best soldier), and when I was packing he ran around giving me the dirtiest looks. But do I want to be tied to one? Nah, I'm too used to my freedom...

I wish I could take my dogs everywhere with me. They are so much fun and so interested in everything.

But we have to keep them confined here on the farm because of the high traffic. They won't stay within the fenced areas, they want to roam the neighborhood.

We have ours confined to the yard too. Our neighbourhood is fairly quiet but the way people drive here it's not safe in the streets.

One of the biggest problems we had and why we waited so long to even contemplate getting a pet for the kids was what to do with him when we go away over December and January. Here the school year runs Jan - Dec with a 6 week long holiday at the end of the school year. The kids and I usually go to my inlaws and my sister for the entire time. We don't like leaving the dog alone at home for the time my husband still has to work until he joins us or asking friends to feed and water him. This past holiday we put him in a kennel at a cost of around $565. The kennel is a good one, has a great reputation. He enjoys his time there and they send us email updates.

I have a friend who has three Westies. She sent me photos recently and they are enough to steal your heart.

My latest blog post is about my new book... but if you want to skip that, scroll down to the one on Cuba:

http://www.libbyhellmann.com/wp/?p=968

I was lucky enough to visit in February and wrote about my experiences. I'm still not done... one of these days, I'll write about publishing in Cuba, as our trip focused on writing and publishing. It was fascinating. Promise I'll get to it. Soon.

Libby, I enjoyed your post. I was married to a Cuban, a political refugee at first but now an American citizen. Much of what you wrote matches what he has told me about Cuba.

I'm so glad, Patricia. The trip really did change me, still in some undefinable way. I wish I could be more articulate about it -- it has something to do with the contrast between their lives... which are real lives, pain and suffering as well as joy... and our shadow lives online which seem to be stripped down, witty, and maybe even contrived.

Somehow, we've -- well, I'll speak for myself -- have lost sight of a real life. So that's my new project for 2012. To actually get one going again.

And as you might suspect... my next thriller will be set largely in Cuba. :)

You might enjoy looking at some of my ex's paintings. He's an artist living in Chicago, but importing into his work the tropical colors of his youth.

http://paulsierra.com

If you find the secret of reestablishing a real life, let me know. I'd like to do that, too.

They're remarkable. The Cuban influence is very apparent. WOnderful palette and colors.

As for real life, one step at a time. I may even get a dog this summer. Actually, two... a friend is moving and doesn't want to take them.

Then, who knows?

Good luck to you. Are you in Chicago?

Nope, I'm in Ohio.

I've been fighting the urge to get a dog. So far, so good.

Patricia, your ex's work is extraordinary. I'm guessing you are the model in many of them, The Swimmer perhaps, or Lupus maybe.

Libby, nice to see you here. Seems getting back to a 'real' life is a theme for many right now. And about time too for many...

I was his model a few times, but that was decades ago. He's had two wives since then to take on that job.

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of our divorce and it seems to be working out.

Finally, I am getting caught up on my commitment to our Boomers and Books blog.

Since the culprit is my recent travels, I thought it behooved me to write some about them. The first of two is a piece on a remarkable Museum of Art found in a little-travelled area of Washington State.

Here's a tweet which can be copied and retweeted for anyone so inclined (with a link to the post included):

New blog post to #Boomers&Books. Fabulous #Maryhill Museum of Art in Wa State hinterlands! Check it out: http://bit.ly/LEOq2N

It's a pretty long post. I promise Part II will be shorter...

Tweeted.

Me too.

Thanks, you two! Much appreciated!

Tweeted!

Jeremy might particularly be interested in Regency guest author Alicia Rasley's blog post on our group Boomers & Books site, writing about research:


http://bit.ly/Lt9ycr

Posted a new blog on our Boomers and Books blog site, called 'Rootin' for the Home Team. Check it out here:
http://boomersandbooks.wordpress.com/...

For anyone so inclined, here is a Twitter post which can be copied:

New Boomers & Books blog 'Rootin' for the Home Team. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/O3AAMw #Boomer #Sports

Tweeted for you.

My blog is just book reviews (or should I say opinions) and author interviews (Andre, I'm still waiting on yours) http://joobook.blogspot.co.uk/

I've also started a FB page with just the author interviews, to keep them tidy and get them out there. A like would be appreciated ;p
https://www.facebook.com/JoosAI

Thanks, Kat!

Joo The Grand Inquisitor wrote: "My blog is just book reviews (or should I say opinions) and author interviews (Andre, I'm still waiting on yours) http://joobook.blogspot.co.uk/"

As soon as I knock my next book into shape. I have your questionnaire sitting on my desktop, pointing an accusing finger, whispering, "Promises, promises."c

My blog, Kissing the Blarney, is at http://coolmainpress.com/ajwriting/

PS, tweeted that for you, Sharon.

Tweeted for you, Sharon.

Thanks Andre and Katie!

Another blog post for yours truly, catching up and getting ahead of group blog committments, last one for a while methinks.

I reviewed the British movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (for the elderly and beautiful). A laugh a minute with a message!

https://boomersandbooks.wordpress.com...

Some twitter copy for those so inclined:

Exotic Marigold Hotel Brit movie a hoot! New review on #Boomers & Books group blog. Check it out: http://bit.ly/M4h9hU #BestMarigoldHotel

I just blogged about not feeding the trolls -

http://kates-scribbles.blogspot.com.a...

That was a good one.

I never reply to reviews by strangers - and I've gotten some 'drive by' 2 stars. (No comments, just a low rating.)

Ever driven through a rainbow? I have. A magical, mystical experience! Read all about it at our group blog, Boomers & Books:

http://bit.ly/QiMXkt