My personal peace...

According to the online Oxford Dictionary of English, peace can mean freedom from disturbance and/or tranquillity; or, mental or emotional calm; or, a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.

In no particular order, here are five things that bring me personal peace, i.e. tranquility and mental calm:

Baking – I’ve only recently come to realize that baking for family and friends is my love language. Hey, I’m a slow learner. Not only does time spent in the kitchen with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs fill me with a sense of peace, but it also brings me joy when the fruits of my labours are enjoyed by those I care for. 

 

Knitting – An excuse to sit and let my thoughts wander while being productive. Like day dreaming with permission, hehe. Particularly calming are dish cloths knitted with a pattern I make up on the fly. Quick, easy, and if I purl when I should have knit, no one will care about the goof because the dish cloth will still do its job. No pressure.

Photo by Margarida Afonso on Unsplash

Camping – What I’ve called communing with nature is what some now call forest bathing. I’ve been reaping the benefits of camping under the stars, far away from civilization, for years. Sure I miss the flush toilet, sure I curse the biting bugs, but watching the moon glimmer on the lake whilst I’m serenaded by loons and owls is worth the primitive conditions and the occasional itchy bite. And waking to the sounds of birds tweeting, squirrels chattering, and frogs practicing their diving is something I treasure. Even the astoundingly loud patter of rain on the tent is calming.

Kayaking – Exercise whilst sitting, surrounded by the mysterious depths of ocean, lake, or stream. Though the streams I’ve explored aren’t terribly deep, so there’s not much mystery, unless the flash of a fish catches my eye and makes me wonder what species it is. The lake is a bit more mysterious, but I’m pretty sure the dark water is hiding only fish, diving turtles, and slimy weeds. I find the ocean a bit scary so I tend to not think about what lies in wait beneath the surface. (Particularly in recent years when Great White Sharks have been spotted in my area.) I’ll happily sit and let the tide or wind carry me where it will whilst I watch the Ospreys fish, wait for the Great Blue Heron to catch something, and pray the seagull doesn’t poop on my head.

Pulling weeds – Another mindless and productive activity that allows for wandering thoughts, and gives me something to show for the time spent outdoors in the sun. I’m striving for a meadow rather than a lawn and so am judicious in the weeds I pull. They are just misplaced wildflowers after all. I have a large planting of what is called bog thistle that I’ve decided needs to go – it’s in the way of foot traffic to and from the hen house. But I’ll wait until late fall to dig it up so the goldfinches will have time to feast on the seeds.

Photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash

What all these activities have in common is they give me time and space for my thoughts to wander. I can’t tell you what I’m contemplating as I sift flour or wind yarn, not because it’s a scandalous secret (I wish! Wouldn’t it be fun to hold a scandalous secret?) but because it’s ho-hum stuff like “I wonder what that bug is” or “the neighbour’s dog WILL NOT SHUT UP!” or “I wish I had pre-cut parchment paper for my round cake tins”. After a while, even those thoughts fade and I’m left with a feeling of tranquility, a large pile of weeds added to the compost pile, or a few dozen ginger snaps.

Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. She spends her days writing spicy romance ranging from contemporary to paranormal. When not torturing her heroes and heroines, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious. She lives in Nova Scotia with her patient husband, two spoiled cats, and five hens.

Website ~ Bookbub ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads 

Eight Dimensions of Me

To paraphrase the perennial classic, these are a few, well, eight, of my favourite things. Not eight discreet items, I’ve lived too long to have only eight favourite things. I do have favourite categories of things though, and after some thought, I came up with my top eight. In no particular order, here they are.

British TV:  I’ve always enjoyed British TV, from comedy (Monty Python, The IT Crowd, Blackadder), to game shows (Pointless, 15 to 1), to panel shows (Mock the Week), to drama (Shetland, The Bodyguard). Given the choice, I’ll stream something British on Netflix rather than watch my local cable TV.

Sweaters I’ve knitted:  I learned to knit as a child but paused for many years for other interests, like piano lessons and boys. I took up knitting again when I got married. I attempted to knit a pullover for Mr. S. but I ran out of wool halfway through knitting the second sleeve – I know! I took up knitting again when I had babies and haven’t stopped since.

Son1 in a cardigan knitted with the wool from failed pullover.

Desserts:  I always eat dessert after supper, a habit established in infancy – or at least as far back as my memory will stretch. Baking is my favourite way to unwind and I love trying new recipes. If you subscribe to my newsletter (www.luannastewart.com/newsletter) you’ll hear about my baking.

Bread:  A theme seems to be emerging – I like food. But I love bread, any flavour, any variety, from a chewy country loaf to a tender, buttery croissant. I could happily eat bread all day long.

Italian cuisine:  By far my favourite. Though I do enjoy the spices in Indian food – cumin, coriander, garam masala – and I enjoy a good stir-fry (check out recipetineats.com for delicious versions and other scrumptious recipes), my true comfort food is pasta topped with a sauce of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

Music:  As a kid, we always had music playing on the radio or on the record player. Mum listened to Englebert Humperdink, Dad listened to Chet Atkins, my brother blasted us with BTO (Bachman Turner Overdrive), and I enjoyed Bobby Sherman and the Bay City Rollers. I mentioned piano lessons in an earlier category. I studied classical piano for much of my childhood early teen years and managed to pass grade eight of the Royal Conservatory of Music. So there I’d be in the living room practising The Horseman, Op. 68, No. 23 by Schumann, and my brother would be in the downstairs rec room serenading the entire house with Foreigner.

Travel:  I love travelling – except for the long uncomfortable plane rides – and would gladly spend half the year exploring foreign lands. We recently returned from a few weeks of travel in Europe culminating in a stay at a friend’s house in Cyprus. I had no idea what to expect from Cyprus and I discovered a fascinating country that requires further exploration.

One of the many spectacular views to be found around every bend in the road.

I also enjoy reading travelogues, or fiction that incorporates travel in the story. One of my favourite authors, Elizabeth Peters, takes us through Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East in her Amelia Peabody series, which I re-read regularly.

Cats:  I’ve had at least one pet cat at a time since childhood. There have been a few breaks in feline dominance but never more than a year. Then the need for a furry friend becomes too strong to ignore and we hie off to the animal shelter to be chosen by our next overlord. We currently share the house with two cats – Bruno and Mogget.

Fiber Arts, Lost and Found by Sarah Raplee

This style, but with a smocked top and
crocheted lace trim on edges of sleeves
and hem - as well as matching slip.

Hello, I'm Sarah Raplee, author of Paranormal Romance that crosses genres into Suspense, Fantasy and Steampunk.

I've loved working with fabrics, threads and yarns since I was five years old. In kindergarten, we were each given a big square of burlap and a huge assortment of yarn and embroidery thread, dull plastic darning needles, buttons and pieces of fabric and told to imagine a scene in nature and recreate it with our materials on the burlap.

I loved the scratchy texture of the rough burlap, the softness of dark green cotton muslin, the slippery feel of brown satin. I pictured an apple tree in a meadow of flowers with the sun shining down. Round red buttons became apples, yellow fabric became the sun. I cut out fabric birds and made yarn-and-button flowers. Happiness bubbled up as my vision came into being.

Later, I learned to making yarn octopuses and sew doll clothes by hand. When I was old enough, Mom taught me to sew clothes on her machine. I took to it like bird to flight.
Years later, I decided to sew my first baby’s christening dress. I was determined to learn to crochet in order to make the five yards of lace trim required. I wanted to create a family heirloom. [I'm traveling, so unfortunately don't have a photo of the actual christening gown and lace to show you. These photos will give you an idea.]

Having my sainted mother, a master (mistress?) of the art of crochet, in my corner gave me the confidence to even attempt such a thing. Mom taught me using a large hook, thick yarn and the patience of—well, my mother. She's an amazing woman.

Although the end goal was to crochet yards of tiny, delicate blue lace, for the first week I made thick potholders. Then I graduated to thinner yarn, a smaller hook, and bookmarks. Lots of bookmarks! Finally, Mom announced it was time to work with a thin-sliver-of-a shiny steel hook and some cotton crochet thread hardly thicker than sewing thread. That was super hard! After a few days’ practice, I tackled the lace. It took weeks to finish the lace and the dress, but I’ve never been prouder of making something beautiful and meaningful with my own two hands.

After that, I loved to crochet. I made hats, booties, blankets and sweaters for my children and for gifts; crocheted scarves and vests and afghans, doilies and lace pillow edgings; and even a beautiful red skirt for myself. The skirt required a knitted waistband, so Mom and I figured out how to knit and purl a little, but it took forever to finish that one small piece! The end result was beautiful, but I hadn’t the patience for knitting.

Through the years, I tried knitting a few more times, but it never stuck. My slogan became“crochet all the way!”

Fast-forward to the present. The second-eldest of my ten grandchildren and her husband are expecting a baby—our first great-grandchild! I so want to make him a blanket, but I gave up crocheting some years back due to arthritis in my hands. It’s just too painful.

A friend suggested I try knitting, because it puts less strain on the finger joints. I decided to give knitting another try. My daughter-in-law gave me a book for beginners, Stitch 'n Bitch: the Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller. I tried, but I struggled with the book until I visited my sister for a few days. She had me knitting and purling in half an hour.

After much practicing with large needles and thick yarn, I knew Knitting didn’t hurt my hands. I bought yarn for the (gulp) soon-to-arrive baby’s knitted blanket. I chose an easy pattern from the book. Last weekend we went for a getaway to Gig Harbor, Washington, where I planned to begin my project. But when I started to knit, I discovered the yarn I’d chosen had NO STRETCH WHATSOEVER! Knitting requires yarn that stretches a little. .

Luckily, amongst the picturesque shops around the harbor, my husband spotted Rainy Day Yarns. I showed the shop ladies my stiff yarn (something they’d never experienced before) and asked them to recommend some yarns that would work in the pattern. They guided me to the area where I discovered an even more beautiful (and elastic)  yarn than my original!

I’ve rolled the hanks of yarn into balls. Tonight, using the virtues of patience and gratitude I’ve learned over the years, I begin a new chapter in my creative life—as a knitter!!! (Although the baby may be crawling by the time I finish his blanket...)

An Interview with Medieval Scottish Romance Author Claire Delacroix

Why Scotland? or What drew you to write Scottish Romance novels?

I've written medieval romances set all over Europe, but after I traveled to Scotland, I knew I had to use it as a setting. I loved visiting all the castles, both ruined and maintained. The land is also very beautiful and the rich history is inspiring, too. I love to include folk tales in my books, as well as fantasy elements, and Scotland has a wonderful history of stories about the Fae. 

When writing Scottish Romance novels, besides the story, what is it you want to convey about Scotland and that time in history to your readers?

Throughout the medieval era, all over Europe, there's a persistent notion that more is going on in the world than what we mortals notice. Many cultures tell stories of otherworldly beings, of gods walking amongst us or even of the intervention of the divine in our world. I love that sense that so much is possible, and also that much of what's happening is hidden. The idea of worlds parallel to our own is fascinating. In my most recent Scottish-set medieval romance series - The True Love Brides - the family at Kinfairlie was caught up in events in the realm of the Fae, because their holding of Kinfairlie is said to be a portal between the worlds. I finished that series with The Warrior's Prize, which was published in December. http://deborahcooke.com/claire-delacroix-books/the-true-love-brides/

What about research? Do you love it or is it a necessary evil?

I have a degree in medieval history, so you can probably guess the answer to that! I'm at my happiest with piles of research books on and around my desk, and maps spread across the floor of my office.

What can we expect on the book shelves in 2015?

This year, I'm starting a new medieval romance series called The Champions of St. Euphemia. A group of Templar knights set out together from Jerusalem, entrusted with a parcel to deliver to the Temple in Paris. They very soon discover that the parcel is sufficiently valuable that someone will kill for it, and realize that they know very little about each other, and the women who have joined their small party. There are four stories in this series, following their journey across Europe to end with a wedding in Scotland. The Crusader's Bride is the first book and it will be out in June. http://deborahcooke.com/claire-delacroix-books/champions-of-st-euphemia/the-crusaders-bride/

You can read an excerpt on my site or download the first chapter from my online store, right here. https://deborahcooke.selz.com/

I also have a new Scottish medieval romance boxed set publishing on February 24. Kinfairlie Knights includes three full length Scottish medieval romances, each of which is first in a series. The Rogue, The Beauty Bride and The Renegade's Heart are all included, and it's specially priced at just 99 cents through March 18. http://deborahcooke.com/claire-delacroix-books/boxed-sets/kinfairlie-knights/

I'm planning to write the story of the last sibling from Kinfairlie (that's Ross) and launch a new series set at Inverfyre in the Highlands, after the Templar series is done. That might just squeak into the 2015 release schedule, so stay tuned!

Tell us a little about your writing process for example are you an inveterate plotter, a write-by-the-seat-of-your-pants author, organic, or some mix of them all.

I'm naturally a pantser but 20 years of working with publishers has convinced me of the merit of a synopsis. I now write the first sketch of the synopsis (maybe a paragraph) then the first chapter of the book. That gives the characters a chance to speak up and interact, and gives me a sense of the story's strengths and weaknesses. Then I finish the synopsis (8 - 10 pages double spaced) and then I dive into the writing of the book itself. One thing I do that is apparently unusual is that I revise continuously - whatever is behind me in the book manuscript has to be clean for me to envision what's next. In that way, by the time I write the last scene of the book, the rest has been edited and revised multiple times. I usually write the last scene, read it once, then spell check and send it to my editor. From what I understand, not many authors write that way, but it works for me.

Claire Delacroix is a pseudonym used by bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke. Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.

Deborah has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself,

Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc. She is an avid knitter, and lives in Canada with her husband.

To learn more:

website http://deborahcooke.com

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireDelacroix

Twitter @Cooke_Delacroix

Tsu https://www.tsu.co/DeborahCooke

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12694.Claire_Delacroix