In Romance Novels the Journey to Love Comes in All Forms ... Delsora Lowe

Everyone wishes for love. That is why romances are the highest selling genre of any type of book. We all want to believe in the magic.

According to MasterClass,“Romance novels are perhaps the most popular genre in terms of book sales.”

The romance genre is filled with every imaginable sub-genre one can imagine. If want an upbeat story with a happy ending, despite the tumultuous journey and angst that might occur in between the beginning and the end of the book, look for a romance.

As romance writers, we each have our unique way of telling our stories. That is where the magic comes in. Out of the imagination of an author a story is born and grows. Add in that particular authors’ background and experiences and even if the storyline is similar to others, the uniqueness of each book comes from within every author.

Why is the romance genre so popular?

According to MasterClass, “These stories are aspirational, optimistic, and provide escapism.”

I think we can all agree, that is a great combination to find in a story. 2020 was a long tough year, and we all need to surround ourselves in optimistic endeavors. We need to escape to a story that fills us with optimism. These stories give us hope that the world is a better place than what we see on the surface. Romance stories, by definition, must have a happy ending. That ending can be happy-for-now or happily-ever-after, but the readers know what they are getting at the end of the book.

So, as you read stories that take place on another planet or are a comedic romp or have a suspenseful situation that you are sure the hero and heroine may not get out of, deep down, you know that if that story is a romance, it will end in an optimistic way.

Huey Lewis had it right. That’s “the power of LOVE.”

“It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life
That's the power of love
That's the power of love”

It’s February, a usually dreary time of the year, with a valentine thrown into the mix. So, run, don’t walk, to your nearest reader device or retail outlet and grab a romance or five or ten or twenty to get you through this winter.

What’s your favorite genre within the romance genre?

My Valentine Story
MOONLIGHTING

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Moonlighting-Serenity-Harbor-Novella-Starlight-ebook/dp/B075TK7KYS/
Books2Read
books2read.com/u/mZ5eop

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~
Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine.

Social Media Links:
Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe
https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/

Attributes:
8 Popular Book Genres: A Guide to Popular Literary Genres - 2020 - MasterClass
Huey Lewis & The News: The Power Of Love (Official Video) - YouTube lyrics to power of love - Google Search
Free Free Heart Images, Download Free Clip Art, Free Clip Art on Clipart Library (clipart-library.com)
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Power of love and rainbow heart - Download Free Vectors, Clipart Graphics & Vector Art (vecteezy.com)
Romance novels are perhaps the most popular genre
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5 Questions on Love - Blog-Versation

I'm Judith Ashley, one of the Blog Queens. I write light paranormal, romantic women's fiction and non-fiction. Learn more about me and my books on my website.  

I'll be popping in here throughout the day USA, Pacific time) to hostess conversations on the following questions. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas as well as invite people you know to chime in. Since we have readers from around the globe, do check back in until Monday morning (USA, Pacific time).

One: “What Is Love?” You might want to check out Eleri Grace's post this past Tuesday for her perspective.

Two: “Can we truly love someone else if we do not love ourselves?” There is a perspective that we must first love ourselves and there is the Bible saying paraphrased here "do unto others as you want others to do unto you."

Three: “How to keep a romantic relationship alive?” What's your favorite or "go to" way to infuse romance back into your relationship or to keep it humming along?

Four: “Favorite expressions of love.” Endearments, flowers...what are some non-verbal ways you know others love you.

Five: “Is it okay if one is not in a relationship to still celebrate Valentine’s Day by buying oneself flowers, candy or a special take-out dinner?“ Last year I read that some people were taking exception to the "big deal" and people who were not in a relationship were being left out. Do you agree that it makes being unattached more difficult?

What is Love?

 Hi, I’m Judith Ashley, author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic women’s fiction with light paranormal elements. My stories show you what life could be like if you had a place like The Circle where you are unconditionally accepted, supported and loved. And where, with this support, you make choices to overcome the darkest nights and choose love and light.

As a writer of romantic women’s fiction and contemporary romance this month’s prompt Love might have been an easy post to write. That would have been nice but that’s not what happened. However, since I’m also leading the Blog-Versation the weekend of February 13^th, I now have 5 questions aimed at creating conversation.

Today I’m off in a different direction…a spin-off on the question “What Is Love?” There are many different loves. The love of a parent for a child and a child’s for a parent is one example. In romance novels, there is the romance between the main characters.

In my books, while each has that love story between the main characters, there is an underlying love story. That love story is not sexual or romantic. It is however about demonstrating unconditional acceptance of each other thus being able to “show up” however it is needed.

My own life includes being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother along with being a niece, an aunt and cousin (first and on down the line). Showing up is something I have done personally and professionally. Asking someone to show up for me is an aspect of life I’m working on.

There is a gift we give someone when we ask for assistance. It can strengthen our connection to others by inviting them to be an important part of our lives.

Because we celebrate love and relationships on Valentine’s Day, it’s important to not lose sight on February 15^th, that this month as in every month we improve the quality of our own lives when we look for ways to enhance our connections to others.

A first step is to look at what we are doing and saying that creates distance and disconnection. Listen to your tone of voice, your word choice and preferably stop or at least limit criticizing yourself and others. Taking responsibility for how we feel and what we do instead of blaming others isn’t always easy but it can be done.

My books illustrate how you can create those unconditionally supportive relationships. I also share tips in my monthly newsletter. You can sign up for Choices here.

Look for my next non-fiction Yes, You Can Create The Life You Love by late spring aka early summer. And if you need guidance on handling stress, Staying Sane in A Crazy World is available as are all of my books at your favorite e-book vendor. Be sure to ask your local library if you’d prefer to read my books through that resource.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshley.net

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2021 Judith Ashley

The Science of Love

 By Robin Weaver

Perhaps because it’s close to Valentine’s Day, there seems to be an abundance of ads for online dating companies. One of those services claims to match couples on umpteen categories of compatibility. While I think dating sites can provide a way to meet new people (with proper safety precautions), I’m compelled to ask: Can people really find love via a questionnaire?

To my knowledge, no happy couple ever said: “We had the same answer on 72 questions and have been inseparable ever since.” No, what the lovestruck typically says is: "I just knew." (*The amount of time required for the knowledge varies from person-to-person.) Obviously, I’m talking eros—or romantic love, not the love of friends, children, or world peace. Specifically, I mean the magical, practically undefinable, make-you-crazy miracle that occurs when the chemistry is right between two people. 

So how, exactly, how do we “just know?”

According to some scientists, a little thingy called a pheromone might be tweaking the old heartstrings. Even scientists aren’t clear what role these little critters play in finding love, or probably more accurately—in sexual attraction. Pheromones, if the research is correct, act like little Cupids. The precise definition of the pheromone has been debated since pheromones were first identified in 1959, but supposedly, we secret a substance that can be detected by another creature of the same species. I don’t know about you, but nothing about secretions sounds sexy.  Still, that secretion theoretically can cause sexual arousal in the recipient. 

Can love (aka mating) be as simple as picking up on the chemical cues? Possibly. Humans and other animals can distinguish thousands of odors with our noses. So why not love smells?

For over 50 years, scientists have known insects and animals can release chemicals detectible by other creatures.  For sea urchins, the relationship between pheromones and mating is undeniable. These ocean nymphs release pheromones into the water that triggers other urchins to eject their sex cells simultaneously--I wouldn't want to swim in that water!

The female silk moth releases a trail of bombykol which never fails to attract her man (or men).   A molecule in male mouse urine accelerates puberty in young Minnies.  (And we thought pubescent pimples and training bras were bad.)

According to some studies, human pheromones are “highly individualized, and not always noticeable.”  Well, duh.  If the aren’t noticeable…never mind. More important, if pheromones do play a role in love (aka attraction), do our individual signals seek out specific mates, or do we just attract the first available recipient. Ay-yi-yi. I’m so confused.  And I’m not alone.  Research has made little progress in defining exactly how—or even if—these mysterious pheromones affect us humans.

Scientists have had some success in demonstrating exposure to body odor gets responses in humans. They suspect that armpit is sending all kinds of signals from casual flirtation to panic alerts. Pheromones might be present in all bodily secretions and most studies are specifically geared toward sweat.  In 1986, Dr. Winifred Cutler, co-discovered pheromones in our underarms. Her team found that once any overbearing underarm sweat was removed, odorless materials containing pheromones remained.* Assuming our pits do contain love signals, does deodorant block more that stink?

(*The validity of this study is now in question. Praise Cupid.)

·       First—ewww!

·       Second, if you have a cold, does that mean you shouldn’t bother?

·       Third, if pheromones are emitted via your pits and sweat is an aphrodisiac, singles should forgot bars and dating services and go directly to the gyn—eh, I mean gym.

If love truly in our sense of smell, that might explain why Eskimos rub noses.**

(**Previous statement is probably politically incorrect, no matter how adorable.)

I don’t know about you, but this science geek has had enough pheromone talk.  I’d rather believe love is finding your split-apart.  For those of you who haven’t seen The Butcher’s Wife (which, BTW, is an excellent Valentine Day movie), the idea is souls were “split apart” at the beginning of time and the two halves search for one another to regain a sense of wholeness.  Kinda fits with the Big Bang, huh?

As the day of lovers approaches, I’d like to send a special valentine nose-rub to my Eskimo, T.  And a very happy V-Day to all of you!  May the pheromones be with you--assuming they can get past your mask.

Creative Lawnmowing...Musings on a Summer Day ...by Delsora Lowe

Musings on a summer day, you say? But it’s February.

Despite the snow on the ground and the chill of winter in the air, I can still dream of the summer to come. Gardening. Mowing the lawn. Long walks without wearing eighteen layers. And summer may mean I am finished with book edits.

Frosty February

But it is February and I am ensconced in edits and a 30K writing challenge for the month, so I hope you don’t mind that I dug out an article I wrote a few years back. This piece won me a certificate for best article written for our state chapter newsletter, bestowed on me by my Maine Romance Writers. So…enjoy and dream of summer, as I tell you a bit about my writing methods.

And now for the article that fits our topic this month…marching to a different drummer.

Creative Lawnmowing – Musings on a Summer Day Originally released in June, 2008

What’s a May without the lawnmower not working? It sits in that cold garage all winter and craves exercise. When I finally haul it out, it moans and groans and hisses its dissatisfaction at having to work, until we change the oil, put new gas in it, sharpen the blades, and take a wire brush to the spark plugs. Then we’re off. Glad to be back at it.
 

Remind you of anything? That dry spell when our muse decides to take a mid-winter break?

By the time I get the mower in shape for the summer season it is mid-June, my grass is hovering half way up my calf, and the telltale signs of Black-eyed Susans and Daisies are popping up. Just like my writing muse, percolating with snippets of ideas. So, I mow around each stand of wildflower greenery. Then I wander off toward a tree and mow around that, before I realize I’ve veered off course. Seems I can’t mow a straight line to save my life.

As I was mowing my creative course around the yard, preserving the wildflowers and trimming around trees and gardens, it came to me—I mow like I write. I know where I need to begin and I know where I need to end—the garage in both cases. I also understand that my goal is to mow the entire lawn—complete the job.

I complete my mowing assignment the same way I write a book. I pull the lawnmower out of the garage and then I pantser (as in writing by the seat of my pants) my way across the lawn. I take the same side-trips I do when I write. Just like my characters take on a life of their own before I have to rein them in, my mower takes a trip of its own design before I have to straighten out in order to complete the task of mowing the entire yard.

My mower comes to obstacle after obstacle in my lawn—usually because I didn’t plan ahead. I didn’t take the time to pick-up the lawn before I started the mower. A downed limb, buried under the long grass, means I have to stop the mower to pick up the limb and toss it in the discard pile—interrupt my mowing pace. Or, I can choose to toss the limb aside in the area I just mowed, then go back and discard it later.

As a pantser writer, I usually get inspiration from a kernel of an idea, rev up the computer and start writing. I keep moving around the obstacles, highlighting them in yellow so I can revise later, and continue writing while my muse is comfortably seated on my shoulder. Who knows how long she’ll stay before she gets restless. Once that happens—once my muse has returned to the garage—I go back and do the tedious job of picking up and tossing the waste into the discard pile (my outtake file, since I hate to throw things away).

When I’m mowing and come to a stand of wildflowers soon to bloom, I take a detour around it. I preserve the waving green-leafed stalks, knowing they’ll blossom into something beautiful if I nurture them along. In my manuscript, these soon-to-blossom flowers are highlighted in gray before I move on with the story. Later I go back and ponder the best words to bring the bud to bloom, to give the sentence more pizzazz or deepen the character’s POV.

Now it’s mid-July. I’m back to mowing. We’ve finally had enough rain to encourage the grass to grow again after weeks of drought. My stands of Black-eyed Susan are in full boom. It’s easy to mow around them because I can identify them as blossoms, rather than trying to determine which leafy stalk lives or dies by the mower (or the outtake file). I’ve fixed the problems from my first draft. The editing and revising gets easier—I can straighten out the mower again. The repetitive motion of the lawnmower going back and forth along straight lines, frees my mind to daydream—conjure up the next bit of trouble I can throw at my character before we get to the big black moment and the happily ever after.

A Valentine Story – ON SALE until end of February

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Moonlighting-Serenity-Harbor-Novella-Starlight-ebook/dp/B075TK7KYS/

Books2Read

books2read.com/u/mZ5eop

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~
Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.
Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine.

Social Media Links:

Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Author FaceBook page: fb.me/delsoraloweauthor
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe

Clip Art:

Purple Marching Band: http://cliparts.co/clipart/2383123

Lawnmower: https://www.clipart.email/list/lawn-mowing/

Flower: www.allthingsclipart.com/black.eyed.susan.clipart.htm

Winding footpath: https://www.dreamstime.com/vector-foot-tracks-footpath-perspective-walking-away-point-view-image99957323

Happy Trees: https://www.fotolibra.com/gallery/34958/happy-trees-illustration/

Favorite Romantic Movies Round 3 by Kristin Wallace

Okay, this month I get to review more romantic flicks in honor of Valentine’s Day, which we just celebrated on Friday. 

Be sure to check out my previous roundups if you want.

Volume 1

Volume 2

2020 Romantic Movie Review

While You Were Sleeping

Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a lonely single cashier for the L-train who pines after the handsome man she sees taking the platform every day. When he’s attacked and falls onto the tracks, she saves him. At the hospital she gets mistaken for his fiancé and then she begins to fall in love…with her “fiancés” family, especially his brother Jack (Bill Pullman). 

Groundhog Day

Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a cynical weatherman who gets stuck (or cursed) to relive Groundhog Day over and over as he covers the annual Groundhog Day festival in Punxutawney, PA. This is one of the most innovative romantic comedies

I’ve ever seen, with a brilliantly funny performance and a sweet love story as Phil tries to woo the news station’s producer, Rita (Andie McDowell).

13 Going On 30

When a girl (Jenna Rinc) makes a wish to be “Thirty, Flirty and Thriving” on her 13^th birthday, she wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old woman (Jennifer Garner). She doesn’t remember anything about the intervening years. To help her put the pieces back together, she looks up her childhood friend, Matt (Mark Ruffalo). Turns out Jenna has the life she dreamed of, as an editor for a NY fashion magazine. Or does she? This is totally Jennifer Garner’s movie as she pulls off the feat of acting like a typical teenager, and as she slowly realizes the kind of life she really wanted.

Something’s Gotta Give

Diane Keaton is Erica Barry, a successful playwright and divorcee who seems perfectly happy on her own. Until her 20-something daughter brings home her new boyfriend…who happens to be a much older man (Jack Nicholson), who only dates young women. This is a great story about a “mature” couple finding each other and realizing they were both missing out on a real love.

The Proposal

Sandra Bullock again, only this time she plays Margaret Tate, a tough-as-nails senior editor at a book publisher. Turns out she’s Canadian and is unknowingly in the US illegally. In order to stay and keep her job, she ropes her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds). This story is unique as it’s the woman who has the power in the relationship. At least until Andrew takes Margaret home to meet his family…in Alaska. Hilarious and such great chemistry between the two leads who at first hate each other. A classic “hate turns to love” story.

The Princess Bride

I can’t believe I’ve never included this movie on my list! It’s one of the funniest movies of all time, but at its heart we can never forget that it is also the epic romantic tale of Westley “As you wish” and his beloved Buttercup. I’m sure most of you can quote some of the best lines. The cast is incredible, and every role is perfection. If you haven’t seen it in awhile, do yourself a favor watch it again. 

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. The Christmas in Shellwater Key boxes et will release this winter. If you're not tired of holiday romances, scoop up Christmas in Shellwater Key, a holiday boxed set with three Shellwater Key novellas (Finding You At Christmas, Falling For You At Christmas, and Loving You At Christmas). It's still available on Kindle Unlimited. 

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Head or Heart?

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

When asked what I do, and people learn that I’m a romance writer, eyebrows shoot sky high. Sometimes there’s even a visible smirk. Translation, this woman’s head is in the clouds; she’s not reality based. The irony of it is, I consider myself  a romantic realist. Gotta love with  both your head and heart.

“There’s no such thing,” many say, shaking the very same head they should be using  to help make sound decisions.

Those who know me would agree that I am very realistic in  matters of  the heart. I believe in loving with both head and heart. Without using both, you’re heading for disaster.  Agreed, I'm no pushover and can be somewhat skeptical when actions don't match words, but that’s not because I don’t believe in love. I do, I do. Love to me is an extension of  friendship. The qualities I look for in  a friend, are the same I look for in  a lover, with one exception;  my heart needs to beat  just a smidgen faster, and I need to feel a tingle somewhere down south. The below picture,  is my friend who was torn with making a decision. Thankfully she used both head and heart. Today they are still married. 

The cautious side of me won't rush into a situation without knowing and examining all the facts. A man who abandoned a wife with a nursing baby, I would think long and hard about thrice. If you’re coming on strong with the platitudes, I’m not falling for that stuff.  I come from the school of show me, don’t tell me, and I don't believe love conquers all. I am also a firm believer when a situation is unhealthy or broken; a wise person takes a step back. You might even make the tough decision to walk away. That is not to say with some effort, and space, the issues can’t be resolved, and the breakage mended. I do strongly believe that accepting, unacceptable behavior is teaching people how to treat you.

Years ago, I was an online moderator for eHarmony; the online advice board,  not the dating site.  Participants could post globally and anonymously. Frequently, it became a battle of the sexes. I learned Men are indeed from Mars and Women from Venus. After many years, the website was shut down for a number of reasons. Through a stroke of fate, I ended up writing for Michael Fiore’s Digital Romance Inc., even penning a column with a male friend, titled, "He Said, She said."  As to be expected, his views and opinions were often the direct opposite of mine.   

 That stint lasted many years, and out of reading and responding to so many lovelorn stories, my current Spicy Sunday column was born. For those readers unfamiliar with this online column, it’s posted on my Facebook page on Sundays. https://www.facebook.com/MarciaKingGamble

Once a week, I post a different romantic challenge and ask my readers how they would handle it. Many of the questions are sent to me anonymously; though some I have experienced personally. At times it does become The Battle of the Sexes, but I have learned and grown from the myriad of opinions and so have my readers.

In any case, switching it up, between fiction and nonfiction has benefited my writing immensely, and made me a better romance writer. When I write male dialogue now, I have to think long and hard. Would my hero say that? Would they really react that way? A woman might, a man never.  My male characters are better developed. He certainly isn’t thinking about his heart beating hard when he meets my heroine the first time. Other parts of his anatomy are throbbing.

  

In my personal life, I’ve learned not to over think male comments. Words I might consider a blow off, I now understand as the male way. This is not to say that I’m confused if the language is demeaning or abusive. I don’t excuse abuse. I run away.

Some of the male/female communication issues may have to do with girl babies developing speech and language faster.  This continues through adulthood. Men, on the other hand, tend to be literal beings. They get to the point with no fluffing. Diplomacy is usually not the male way.  So when my long winded question receives a one word answer, rather than sulk, I shrug and keep it moving.  

What writing about relationships has done for me is made me a better partner.  I am able to meld what I’ve learned from writing advice columns into writing my fiction books. And in my personal life, I look for a person who has all the attributes of a best friend, but still makes my breath hitch. You should too.     

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook:http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her mailing list.

Amusing Family Stories of Life as a Daughter of a Twin ... Delsora Lowe

I grew up the daughter of an identical twin. Needless to say, living with a twin wreaked havoc, in hilarious ways, for my sister, cousin, and me. From the time we were small, none of us could tell out daddies apart. We’d point and look at the others for confirmation, “Is that your daddy or mine?” We finally figured out that although both had sandy-blond hair, my uncle had a penny-sized patch of white hair in the back of his head. So, each time we got together, we three girls would circle back behind “the boys” and point. “That’s your daddy, and this one is mine.”

My uncle on the left and my dad on the right. Notice the similarity in their outfits?

Obviously not Christmas or they'd both have on their red holiday vests and bright ties.

The day I was born, my parents moved out of an apartment into a new house. My uncle helped them move. When Mom went into labor, the three drove to the hospital. That was back in the day when husbands sat in the waiting room, or more likely paced. Dick sat with my dad. When the nurse came out to inform Dad he had a daughter and told him to follow her, the two trotted behind the nurse. When she turned around and saw identical men, dad said the look on her face indicated she thought, “Oh my. Does this lady even know who the father is?” Dick realized, whoops, not his party and quickly retreated back to the waiting room.

Both my dad and uncle went to law school. My uncle finished up a year or so before my dad. When my dad got married and wanted to go on a honeymoon, he was told he could not miss any classes. So, my uncle sat in for my dad during his honeymoon and no one ever knew the difference.

Grinning Dad and Uncle Dick taking his best man role seriously!

My dad and uncle had the habit of showing up at holiday parties dressed identically, even though they never consulted. It happened year after year. On more than one occasion they also chose the same, as in exact, presents for their wife’s birthday, despite their birthdays being at different times of year. One year, my aunt was visiting, and said to mom. “I have that exact vase. Where did you get it?” My mom said, “Oh, Bob gave it to me for my birthday last year.” Aunt Martha replied, ”Dick gave the same vase to me for my birthday last week.” This also happened multiple times without the brothers ever comparing notes before-hand.

When my dad had hernia surgery, my uncle waited in his room until he was wheeled back from recovery. My dad looked at my uncle. “Want to have some fun? Walk by the nurse’s station just down the hall, wave and say I’ll be back in a few hours. Going out for a movie.” You can imagine the chaos that ensued as nurses ran after my uncle, while others ran down the hall to my dad’s room, only to discover him in his bed and laughing that his joke worked so well.

One rather amusing scenario caused problems until all parties could explain what happened. You have to understand, my dad was the talker and jokester of the two. My uncle was not a conversationalist. In fact, my sister and I used to laugh that Uncle Dick grunted more than he spoke. Even when he initiated a telephone call, he’d ID himself, then say nothing. On our end, after a long silence, we would finally have to prompt Dick by saying, “what can we do for you?” before he realized he hadn’t said a word after “hello.”

One night my uncle dined with my aunt. A couple approached the table and started yakking away. Dick just nodded a few times and probably said something about “nice seeing you.” A few days later the rumors were flying among dad’s friends that he was seen out with a woman who was NOT his wife. My uncle never explained he was the twin brother. His explanation was “I just figured he knew I was your brother.” It took some sleuthing on my dad’s part to even figure out who the couple was who thought he was stepping out on his wife. In the end, luckily, everyone had a good laugh.

Can you tell, from description above, which one is Dad?

The moral of this story, about twins in families, is there is never a dull moment. One of these days, I’ll have to write a story (or maybe two stories) about twins.

Do you have any funny family stories that would add to the plot of a fun story – either one you’d like to write or read?

A Valentine Story - On Sale through February

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Moonlighting-Serenity-Harbor-Novella-Starlight-ebook/dp/B075TK7KYS/

Books2Read

books2read.com/u/mZ5eop

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet romances and contemporary westerns from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine.

Social Media Links:

Author website: www.delsoralowe.com
Author FaceBook page: fb.me/delsoraloweauthor
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe

ClipArt Credit:

Nurse Chasing Patient: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364862007283701135/?lp=true

Baby Twins: https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/it-is-twins-vector-9461256

Bundled Twins: https://www.google.com/search?q=free+funny+twins+clipart&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjt_qu3s9nmAhUCPN8KHVlXDvMQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=free+funny+twins+clipart&gs_l=img.12...217224.218166..223918...0.0..0.163.607.1j4......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i7i30j0i8i7i30.7IQKskMj_AI&ei=edgHXq3eOoL4_AbZrrmYDw#imgrc=oUFvQjaJXcKkSM