Airport Kindness

 by Diana McCollum    

A while back I was flying from Bend OR to Sacramento, CA. From Bend to Portland OR passengers were asked to put their carry on luggage on a baggage cart as the smaller jet didn't have overhead compartments. So easy, peasy.

Arriving in Portland I picked up my bag from the baggage distribution center, and proceeded to go to the next gate. 

I had to go down to the next floor and the escalator was not working. My carry on was large and heavy. it did have wheels so I could roll it arround from place to place.

Escalators wahen not working have very tall steps. I am a short 5'1" person. I stood pondering what to do as the elevator close by was out of commission.

A very nice young man asked if he could carry my overnight bag down the escalator for me. I said yes. What a kind person he was for doing that. I didn't ask him he just took it upon his self to do it.

I got on the plane and couldn't lift the bag into the overhead compartment. Another gentleman saw me struggling and took it from me and stashed the bag in the overhead compartment, and got it down for me when we landed.

On the trip back home to Oregon I was blessed with two more kind gentlemen.

I try to smile and open doors for people. I always talk to the waitresses, store clerks, and compliment them on earrings, clothes or hairdos. It makes their faces light up that someone noticed. 

As human beings we should always be kind to one another. Kind, gracious and courteous are good actions to incorporate in our daily lives.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

The Weird Things That Make Us Laugh ..... ..... by Delsora Lowe

Commercials— There are some that attract our attention, others that speak to us, and still others that just mystify us.

One that always makes me laugh AND mystifies me, is the Kayak commercial – with a woman farmer who says if you need something done, you have to do it yourself. It’s funny and unexpected. I love her feistiness as she stuffs her clothes with straw, marches out to the wheat field, stands up and put her arms out over the wooden stake that usually would have a hanging scarecrow, and hollers. All the blackbirds rise and leave her crop alone. 

As an author, I would love to create such a visual that would spark my reader's imagination.

I wasn't sure what the company who sponsored the ad does, but… I do laugh every time.

Of course, I immediately conducted a search on what Kayak is. It is a search engine for travel. Now I get the gist of the commercial. You don’t have to do everything yourself. We’re here to help you plan your trip. Unlike the woman who insists on doing, by herself, the shooing off of unwanted birds who feed on her crop, Kayak will save you from having to search every area in the country, every transportation and lodging source, etc. *

Want a laugh? KAYAK: Don’t do it yourself (Scarecrow) - YouTube

·        Disclaimer: this is not an endorsement, since I have never used Kayak and only figured out what they do as a company when I researched them for this piece.

Those commercials that call to you, might be because they remind you of times when you were young. Or remind you of the products you used as a kid and are no longer the “in” thing that this next new and shiny product could be used to replace the older version.

Then there are commercials that, for me, defy explanation. It most likely is that I am in the older generation that grew up in the sixties. And products that might be used by younger generations baffle me. Or, in the case of the above, I don’t know what they do. Or, I don’t see the need for them, when I already have an older product that is useful in the same way as the newer, more sparkly version.

Of course, learning about and eventually embracing new “things” can be a good thing. A time saver or a product that does what you never knew you needed. Such as speaking to someone without a telephone wire attached. Full disclosure: I haven’t had a land-line in years.

Remember those days—before cell phones? 

I do. Driving round and round on one-way streets that went the opposite direction I needed to go, when I was on a work trip to Boston. My goal? Looking for a pay phone that actually had a parking spot nearby, to call a friend and get the right directions, since the policeman directing traffic didn’t have time to help a stranger to the city. His only goal—keep traffic moving—as he waved me along. I ended up in tears. I was confused and needed one kind word or the point of the finger to direct me in the right direction. I soon had no recourse to turn around, as I was now on the on-ramp headed toward 95 through the city and over a bridge headed north…in rush hour.

But I digress.

These days, we need the newer and shinier version of products. If we don’t adapt and upgrade, we are left in the dust. Especially when it comes to machines that use technology. If we don’t keep up, we may find ourselves in a void where we, and our machines, can no longer communicate with others.

In this world where more and more folks are working from home, or need to use the latest versions to keep up in an on-site workplace, we can be shoved out of jobs.

And for those of us who work independently and from home, keeping apprised of the newest technologies that can make our jobs easier, and help us produce work faster and with more efficiency, it is important to keep up.

So, whether you see advertisements on your computers or on the TV, or hear about them on the radio, or word of mouth from those who share the same profession, it is imperative to be aware of what’s new out there. If only to stay competitive.

So, peruse those ads. Find the humor or joy in them. And ignore (as in the prolific use of the mute OR delete buttons,) those commercials that don’t call to you.

 

Do you have a favorite commercial? And what is it
that draws you to that particular ad?

Welcome to Serenity Harbor, Maine, a small coastal town where the Starlight Grille is a favorite meeting place. A three novella and bonus short story, sweet with a bit of heat, collection. 

Amazon

e-book and print

&

Books2Read

e-book 

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 (most recently, an Easter romance in the April 1, 2024 edition.) The Love Left Behind is a Hartford Estates, R.I. wedding novella with Book 2 on the way. A Christmas novel (The Inn at Gooseneck Lane) and novella (Holiday Hitchhiker – the youngest brother of the Mineral Spring’s ranching family) were the most recent releases. Look for book 3 of the cowboy’s series, as well as book 2 of the Hartford Estates series, to be released in late 2024 or early 2025.

 

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/

Photo and Clip Art Credits:
Typewriter: typewriter-vector-5.jpg (650×650) (getdrawings.com)
Phone: free clip art images of rotary telephone - Search Images (bing.com)
Smile: Smile Clipart Images | Free Download | PNG Transparent Background - Pngtree

New adventures

As this goes out, I've just landed at Gatwick airport in the UK. I'll be staggering off the plane after a sleepless (unless a miracle occurred) flight. Nothing new there. We'll spend a week in London, which I've visited many times, but we're foregoing the usual tourist haunts. Instead we'll explore cemeteries like the one in Highgate where such disparate personalities as Karl Marx and George Michael are buried. 

Sure, I'll pop into a few of the usual bookstores like Waterstones and Foyles, but I'll also investigate Watkins, a special sort of bookshop that will help to inspire a secret project. 

And rather than ending the day in a cozy pub, as usual, I'm eager to experience thrills and chills on a London Ghost Walk.

And then we head north to the city of York for a new experience as neither of us have been before. We'll take in as many mandatory attractions as we can fit into four days, like The Shambles, York Minster, and maybe another ghost walk? 

Followed by the newest of the new, a walking holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. We've hiked plenty of trails in our day, often with a pack on our backs. But it's been in either Canada or the US. In about two weeks we'll hike The Herriot Way through the landscape familiar to everyone who watches All Creatures Great & Small. Our packs will be day-packs and the rest of our luggage will be moved from town to town by a sherpa service. We'll stay in cozy inns and B&B's, eat at village pubs, and soak up bucolic scenery. I bet we'll get rained on too, but it'll be Yorkshire rain! 

Lots of new in the next few weeks. But I've taken along my trusty little travel companions, Humphrey the miniature bear and Rover the miniature terrier. Both were created by my friend who runs Little Scruffs.

I'm sharing our adventures on Instagram, so be sure to give me a follow.

Luanna Stewart has been creating adventures for her imaginary friends since childhood. She spends her days writing many flavours of romance. When not torturing her characters, she’s in her kitchen baking something delicious. She lives in Nova Scotia with her patient husband and a hen.

Website ~ Instagram ~ Bookbub

Prince William Sound, Alaska by Lynn Lovegreen

 Since a kayak trip in Prince William Sound was on my bucket list, it seemed fitting to post it on Romancing the Genres this month. This was first posted on my website at www.lynnlovegreen.com.

Prince William Sound is my favorite place. The snow-capped mountains cascading into the ocean, the lush temperate rainforest, the glaciers--all of it adds up to beautiful scenery. Last week, I had the opportunity to kayak from Whittier to Blackstone Bay with a few special people. I am so grateful for the experience. Here are some photos for you.

Looking toward Passage Canal

Decision Point Marine State Park

17 Mile camp area in Blackstone Bay

Beloit and Blackstone Glaciers

Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. 

Bitten by The Travel Bug!

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble  

www.lovemarcia.com

One of my first jobs ever was that of an international flight attendant. It was the perfect job for a young single with no ties.  Back then, being a flight attendant was a coveted position, and came with some prestige. You had to be the best of the best in many areas.  The airline that hired me required me to have a second language. Please don’t ask me mine. It now has gone the way of the spinning wheel.    

In any case, my life has been one travel adventure after another. I left the airline business and entered the cruise industry. Some people acquire things, I acquire travel experiences, and while intangible it’s money well spent.

Few people can say they cruised the Nile, saw The Pyramids and visited King Tuts tomb. What about a trip to the Taj Mahal on a brutally hot day? Memories of St. Petersburg,  Russia are now mine to keep.

Years ago, going to places like Hong Kong and Bangkok were long weekend trips. New Zealand is a place still near and dear to my heart and makes the top ten list of my favorite places to return. It’s a place I think I can easily live. Sweden and Denmark are also on my non bucket list. And Italy, well who doesn’t like Rome, Milan, Venice and Capri? Florence is still on my to do list.

My most recent overseas trip took me into London.  First. I visited with a friend, overnighted, and then took the train to South Hampton to board my cruise. This voyage took me to Hamburg, Paris, Rotterdam, and Belgium.  I called it the hop on, hop off, bus.

Vacations and getaways have taken me to Barcelona, Rio, Croatia, and Alaska. But lately, I have been on the See America tour. A contract job has brought me to New Orleans, Nashville, Minneapolis, and Memphis. I’ve flown to Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis to make sure guests have a smooth boarding experience. Seeing America has been just as intriguing as any of those foreign ports.

So, readers where is your favorite place to vacation? Share! Share! Share!       

 

About Marcia King-Gamble

USA bestselling 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 former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards. Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.

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

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

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Travel: Exposure and Experience

 

 

TRAVEL DOES MORE THAN EXPOSE US TO NEW PLACES AND CULTURES

By Dari LaRoche

Traveling is experiencing. Full stop. Seeing new places and revisiting old favorites. It helps us rejuvenate our spirit, relieve our normal life stresses and anxieties, fill our creative well, and expand our cultural acceptance and awareness of others.

I should caveat this by saying that I am a travel junkie. I think it is inherent in my very DNA. My parents did not have as many opportunities to travel as they would have liked. But they loved Hawai’i when they visited the islands, and I have found that I do too. They even strongly considered moving there at one point, getting as far as divesting themselves of many of their possessions. They changed their minds, however, before it all came together. I am sure that the thought of leaving the family behind in the Pacific Northwest factored into their decision. Mom and Dad were voracious readers. Growing up, we owned a set of encyclopedias we used for research for as long as I can remember. Today, we have Google when we want to research other countries, cultures, and life in general before we travel.

But I digress. And that’s okay, because that is what we writers frequently do. Here, I want to talk about one of my recent holidays and about my ultimate bucket list trip.

HAWAI’I ISLAND (The Big Island of Hawai’i)

In the last seven years, the Big Island of Hawai’i has become one of my favorite destinations. I go every chance I get, and this year, that will be a record three times. I never tire of it. My daily walks are regenerative and feed the creative in me, so that when I get back to the condo, I can put in some productive writing time on my current manuscript. I am lucky in that my sister, who most times travels with me, is a writer too, so we are on the same wavelength as far as making time to let the muse overtake us.

Turtles on Punalu'u Black Sand Beach 
Photo by Dari LaRoche

 There is so much natural beauty on Big Island that it is a treasure for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, cultural landmarks, chocolate and macadamia nut farms and factories, petroglyphs, and not least of all, the volcano which still spews lava to this day on the southeastern side of the island at Volcano National Park.

The area north of Kona, called Waikoloa, is frequently where I like to stay, at a resort called the Kohala Suites. It is laid back, centrally located in the area, and not as typically touristy as many places that cater to families and island fun. Right next door is Kings’ Land Resort, which is more of a typical family vacation spot in Hawai’i.

Hawai’i Cares about the Environment and Nature

Hawaii is very protective of their sea turtles. It is one of the things I love about the island. Anaeho'omalu Bay in Waikoloa is home to the Lava Lava Beach Club, one of the best places on the island to have dinner on the sand at sunset. This same beach is frequented by green sea turtles. So, while waiting for our table, we walk barefoot in the sand until we find where the turtles are hanging out so we can take pictures.

The Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm in Kona is one of the places I have enjoyed visiting. It is very rare that a wild-caught seahorse will live for long, once captured and sold into the aquarium trade. This company is in the business of raising and breeding seahorses that only eat frozen brine shrimp (mysis), so they do not starve to death due to lack of natural food. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm raises over thirty species of seahorses and sea dragons. Their operation serves to help protect the wild species and the reefs they inhabit. So, due to their work in farm-raised seahorses, it is not an automatic death sentence to buy and enjoy one of those seahorses in your saltwater fish tank. They have an educational tour that you will find very interesting. 

Pregnant male seahorses at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Kona, Hawaii - Photo by Dari LaRoche

No matter the time of year I go to Big Island, nor how many times I have gone in the past, I always enjoy it and usually find something new to explore. I love the spectacular waterfalls, the lava tubes, and the botanical gardens on the Hilo side of the island. Whale watching trips and sunset sails, as well as snorkeling, diving, and surfing are all fun things to do as well. I do not see how anyone could even consider being bored in Hawai’i.

Rainbow Falls, Hilo, Hawaii
Deposit Photo 10818793

 
The only disadvantage at present is the cost of a rental cars on the island. Perhaps that will even out though as rental companies increase their fleets again after having scaled back during the first two years of COVID.

My Bucket List Trip: Iceland and a Voyage into the Midnight Sun

While I have been lucky to have traveled extensively in my lifetime, I’ve never been to Iceland or any of the Nordic countries. My heritage is Norwegian, and this is the trip that is high on my official “Bucket List.” I happen to love to vacation with Viking Cruises. They suit my taste and travel preferences for a major trip like this with multiple stops. Viking has a special voyage that is called Into the Midnight Sun that I have always wanted to take. If, or should I say when, I manage it, I will spend a few days in Iceland as well. I have to say that I will be saving for this trip for a few years, as it is not inexpensive, but it will be worth it. It is, after all, high on my “Bucket List.”

My Current Work in Progress takes place on St. Eustatius

I love diving and sailing. The Caribbean is one of the easiest places to fulfill that need. Years ago, I made a trip to St. Eustatius, known as Statia. I loved diving there so much that I used it as the setting for one of the first books in my Rescue Series, When the Night Comes. I am in the process of editing this book now and expect to publish it by the end of summer or early fall. 

You can keep up with me and my progress on my website at https://darilaroche.com 

where you will find my social media links and newsletter signup. I am getting very excited as I draw closer to the end of this project and hope you will share it with me.

The prequel to the book I am finishing at present is already available for sale at all your favorite vendors if you would like a fun holiday novella read to find out how and when my characters, Alex and Taylor, first met and started dating. Look for A Sailor’s Perfect Christmas at  https://books2read.com/u/4DxvoO.

Dari LaRoche writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense that will keep you reading long after the witching hour has passed. Her everyday heroes face challenges requiring strength of character, perseverance, and an ever ready dose of laughter to find their way to love and happiness. 

Her Rescue Series takes place in the Pacific Northwest and the Caribbean, settings inspired by LaRoche’s love for travel and passion for safeguarding the natural environment.

Photo Credits:

1. Header pic is Deposit Photos
2. Turtles on Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Big Island, Hawai'i (Photo by Dari LaRoche)
3.  Pregnant Male Seahorses at Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, Kona, Hawai'i (Photo by Dari LaRoche)
4.  Rainbow Falls, Hilo, Hawai'i (Deposit Photos 10818793)

TAGS: Hawaii, Big Island, travel, benefits of travel, seahorses, turtles, environment, writing, volcano

Name Your Top Ten!

By:  Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

Happy 10th Judith and Sarah. You rock! Thanks for the blogging opportunity.

This crazy, past year was a good time to reflect on your life, and what’s important to you. It certainly made me think of all the things I have yet to accomplish or do. With everything closed, I became more introspective about life.  Was this new normal going to be a permanent thing? Would I be forever housebound and no longer able to travel? Travel has been part of my life.

So, what did I do? I used the time to goal set.  There were still places to go and people to see, at least in my imagination.  I set personal goals that would be priority if we ever got out of this mess.  Unlike many others, I have never believed in bucket lists. Bucket lists to me are wish lists that often never come true. I have always been a firm believer that people (at any age,) spend money on what they want to spend money on. The list to me seems just another a reason for procrastination.

My thinking stems from years ago.  I was in my early twenties, and an international flight attendant, without a penny to my name. I was seated at a restaurant in Hong Kong in a nice  hotel. Out of the huge picture windows, I could see several elderly couples all on walkers, hobbling up Nathan Road. It was one of the saddest sights of my life. They had saved all their money for an experience they would never fully enjoy. At that point, I vowed that regardless of how few funds I had, travel would always be a part of my life.  I would enjoy the world while I was young enough, able bodied enough, and have the digestive system enough,  to savor the full world experience. Since then, I’ve never regretted that promise, or  looked back.

While there are those that spend on houses, boats, and cars, I’ve invested my money on seeing the world. And as I have told those that have asked me, travel has been the best Finishing School there is. I learned about wines and art.  Travel taught me how to conduct myself  in cultures that aren't my own.  I picked up the habit of  never leaving home without a shawl or sweater. Bare shoulders or short sleeves are frowned upon in some cultures or countries.  

I also discovered that one of the most valuable and most appreciated gifts when invited to a Japanese dinner party, is a cantaloupe (or used to be.)  I also learned that in some cultures, social distancing is the norm, and that’s been going on, before social distancing became our norm. In other words. keep the hugs and kisses to yourself.  Don’t touch! Don’t point.  Don’t look someone in the eye!

OK enough of that. So now that the world is starting to open again. I thought I would share with you my top ten countries to visit or revisit, and not necessarily in the order listed. They are:

   New Zealand (revisit)

2.       Copenhagen (revisit)

3.       Russia (revisit but Moscow would be new)

4.       Mainland China

5.       Hong Kong (revisit)

6.       Bangkok (revisit)

7.       Sweden (revisit)

8.       India (revisit)

9.       Finland (revisit)

10   Australia

And there are so many more. Now we are slowly getting our lives back, what are your top ten countries or places to visit?

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 former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards.  Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.

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

Be sure to join her newsletter mailing list.

Instagram * Amazon * Website * Facebook * Twitter

A few firsts and a few lasts and a definite re-do...

Whoever said retirement was a time to slow down and take it easy never met me, or my long list of goals.

I was raised by two do-it-yourself parents. Mum grew up in a tiny fishing village on an island. Self-sufficiency was as much a part of her life as dried salt cod. Dad was raised on a small farm on the north shore of Nova Scotia. “Make do” and “fix it yourself” were as deeply ingrained as his love of fresh oysters from the bay. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that if something needs doing or fixing, I’ll give it a try.

Where does this month’s topic of favourite firsts come into play? Well, let me tell you.

When we had our dream home built, I lobbied to leave a few projects undone – hubby and I were free labour, and it would be fun! Right, sweetie?!?

So we built our first garden shed – and we’re still married. It’s now been roofed and painted to match the house but I neglected to take a photo and I’m not at home right now, so…

I don’t fear contradiction when I say this will be the last garden shed we build.

Since the shed was soooo much fun we next tackled our first sundeck. We’d helped with other deck constructions but had no help with this one (aside from Son1 and d-i-l affixing a few planks). Mogget loves to race from one end to the other. I feel safe in saying we won’t be building another sundeck.

Scaling back from the monster shed, we next had a go at our first chicken coop. (Full disclosure, we had previously built a modified chicken tractor but it was not a permanent structure, was about one quarter the size, and unlike our new coop, could not serve as an Airbnb for an adventurous soul.) We’ll finish the interior in the next couple months so to be ready for our laying hens. Is this the last chicken coop we ever build? Only time will tell.

Lest you think all my recent firsts were manual labour related, I also touched the Mediterranean Sea for the first time while visiting a friend in Cyprus. I can confidently say my first trip to Cyprus will not be my last. And – Cyprus was my favourite first.

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

Website ~ Bookbub ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page

Guess who’s moving in next door?

Nicole Bennett is used to bad luck—it’s kind of a family curse. She’s spent the past year stitching her life back together after losing her dream job. Well, it paid the rent. Now stuck working at her family’s grocery store while wrangling a demoralized dad and a spoiled-brat sister, the last thing she needs is for the man who wrecked her life to move in next door, even if it is for only three weeks. So what if he’s sexier than sin and makes her believe in fairy tale endings?

Ross Calvert’s life in the fast lane crashed when he lost his job and fiancée. All he’s got to show for years of hard work are a sleek sports car and a closet full of designer suits – minus the closet. Determined to salvage his relationship with his best friend, he trades in the corporate life for a brief stint as a caregiver. The decision was simple—until he discovers the tempting vixen he wronged lives next door. Maybe she’s what he needs to reboot his life.

What starts off as a no-strings fling soon veers into making promises that might be impossible to keep.

If you enjoy steamy, small town romance with laughter and snappy dialogue, don’t miss the first book in this exciting new series. Buy If I Didn’t Care and escape to MacLeod’s Cove today!