Fourth of July

What I Did for the Fourth of July 

I invited all my closest and dearest family. I spent a week cleaning the house, yard, and pool. Ordered and prepared my menus. So Friday evening, after beaching all day, we enjoyed Maria's of Scituate Italian subs poolside. On Saturday, extended family arrived for stuffed mushrooms; lobster rolls; fried chicken; peppers, pickles, tomatoes, and cheese; fruit custard cream pie, apple pie, ice cream, and a cooler full of a variety of beverages. We played Bocce, Cornhole, and swam. We talked and laughed and hugged goodbye. It was such a wonderful day, I didn't have time to take pictures. On Sunday, Scott and his guest went to the beach again... then came home and swam. Meanwhile, I'd prepared Greek salad with homemade olive oil from my sister-in-law's olive trees... with rosemary roasted potatoes and barbecued steak. We all had the best time... still no time for pics... sorry. 

My darling niece did take a closeup of the lobster roll.

This morning I slept until 9 a.m. Life is good. My blessings are too abundant to count.

Mother's Day Travels

I had a wonderful Mother's Day trip visiting my sons in Western Mass and Vermont. They cooked me a barbecue and fish, took me canoeing and hiking, gave me flowers and an excellent dinner at Hoagie's where we watched the Celtics, and allowed us some rest at a scenic hotel.

Even after two days sitting in the back of the car the flowers still look beautiful.

Rising clouds eclipse the mountains.

My heart sang with joy to see them both relaxed and planning for the future. I love them and feel so grateful that they enjoyed showing us such a good time.

Blessings and peace to all,

~Shirley~

www.ShirleyAnnHoward.com

New England Chapter - Romance Writers of America

As usual our annual conference was fantastic... the speakers, the workshops, the people. Thanks to the committee for all their hard work.

Here we are relaxing after dinner and the awards presentation.

Here I am with my book display... and that's tea in the cup.

Can hardly wait for next year.

~S~

www.ShirleyAnnHoward.com

Testing My Camera on a Beautiful Scene

In preparing for the New England Romance Writers conference this weekend, I decided to test my camera batteries and thought forsythia, lilacs, and a blue sky would make a good subject. I remember showing you this same corner of my yard blanketed in snow, not so long ago. And now look, spring has blossomed in my little corner of the world.

My camera works and I'm already for the conference. Life is good.

Peace and love,
~S~
www.ShirleyAnnHoward.com

Book Fair

Mark your calendar for April 28 and plan a trip to Salem, MA. New England authors are gathering for their annual conference and will hold a Book Fair for Literacy at the Hawthorne Hotel. Open to the public at 4:30 p.m.

http://www.necrwa.org/conference/NEC-Book-Fair-2012.pdf

Did you ever see a finer group? Stop by to say hello. Would love to see you.

~S~

Confession

I have a confession to make. I've used a pseudonym—temporarily so far—but I could resurrect it in the future. Shhhh—it's Carol Stephens. I had originally intended to use this different name for my Young Adult novel, TALES OUT OF THE PSYCH OFFICE, a very common practice when writing in a new genre. But... this book was also part of, and at least somewhat related to, my TALES series. So I had, as they say, a conundrum. Should I use the pen name I'd spent so long deciding on? Or stick with my own? By now you know the answer and I'm not exactly sure why I'm even letting you know this now. I guess it's just a confession, something I've had on my mind, and now I don't. 

Peace, love, and Happy Spring,
~S~

A Woman's Tale is coming.....

April 27, 2012.....

Kristina Lansing is a Harvard-educated MBA employed as an executive for the Boston Bobcats, a professional baseball team. As the lone woman in management she struggles to prove herself daily, even though—or maybe because—her family owns the team. To complicate matters, she becomes involved with their 'ace' pitcher due to become a free agent at the end of the season. Shareholders, the media, other players, and rumors of trades produce an atmosphere where business, sports, romance, and family collide in a quagmire of corporate in-fighting. Can Kristina find the skills to succeed? Or will she succumb to the many emotions she feels as a woman?

More info and links when available.

Happy Spring !

~S~