Author Carole Brown
Family
Oceans and Beaches. Old world
tours. Museums and Concerts. National parks and Fun escapes. Camping and
Hiking. Spending time with family is priceless. It might sound trite or old,
but nevertheless, it’s so true!
Since our sons have grown up,
we’ve learned to appreciate the time we get to spend with them, their families
and friends. Am I making it sound all rosy and cozy?
Well it isn’t. Here are a few
things we’ve learned through trial and error, time, experience and vacations
with family:
Ÿ Give in. To have a successful and fun vacation with
your grown up kids, don’t be afraid to give in. They have their own lives now,
especially when they have families,
their own set of “rules,” and their own way of thinking. We taught them
to be responsible and to think on their own (I hope so!), so when touring the
museum doesn’t appeal to them and they’d rather visit a comedy show, go with
the flow. If it’s totally against the grain, then what’s wrong with going
separate ways for an evening or day? When they choose to eat at a fast food
restaurant rather than enjoy a good meal in a fancier place, grin and bear it.
Vacations only last for a few days or weeks.
Ÿ Be ready to adjust. This might seem like the same as above, but it’s a little different. My
sons are still night owls, and though I usually stay up pretty late, my hubby
likes to head to bed at a decent hour. But when you are one who likes
organization and have each vacation day drawn up in an orderly fashion--hour by
hour--prepare to be disappointed at best and frustrated at worse. Realize that
all will not happen as or when you want. Be prepared with special times and
things to do on your own. Go relax in a sandy beach chair. Enjoy an early
morning breakfast at that diner you wanted to try. Fish. Take a walk. Read.
Ÿ Separate. Yeah.
Don’t spend every minute together. Acknowledge and encourage their time alone,
either as individuals or as a family. This can be a time when you, by yourself
or with your companion, can do a really special thing by YOURselves. Appreciate
that. Accept it. Whether you have a romantic evening, sit in a hot tub or view
the stars, whether you sign up for a park forest walk in the dark or a
helicopter flight to view the city, it’s YOUR time to be alone. Enjoy.
Ÿ Don’t overbook.
Everyone needs downtime, and especially when you have children. Spend an
evening with no plans, relaxing, playing games, riding a bike, or whatever pops
into your head. Most of all, have a restful hour or time so that you’ll be
refreshed for the next phase of your vacation.
Ÿ Have fun!
Don’t be afraid to experience new things. Capture lots of pics for your
scrapbooks and photo albums. Share laughter, make memories, and be willing to
stretch not only your ideas but your imagination.
Family times are
priceless. Cherish them while you can.
This dessert is easy,
quick and delicious. We especially enjoy it during summertime, but holidays are
great times to serve it too.
Strawberry Wonder Dessert
Sponge cake (home made or
store bought)
Strawberries
Strawberry gel
Cool whip (light if you
prefer)
Prepare cake (I like to bake
my own, but you can also use a store bought, ready made one)
Once cool, tear cake into
bite sized pieces in a large glass rectangular casserole dish.
Lightly combine 2/3 of the
cool whip with the sponge cake pieces. Press down lightly all over till surface
is fairly smooth.
Layer strawberry gel onto of
the cake/cool whip mixture base. Spread evenly.
Wash and clean strawberries.
Drain. Slice strawberries into halves or quarters (depending on how big of
bites you like). Drop strawberry pieces onto of gel and press in lightly.
Reserve a few for decoration.
Add remaining cool whip.
Swirl the cool whip on top of the gel but don’t worry about it if the gel and
cool whip combine. It will give it a lovely pink color!
Add reserved strawberry
pieces for decoration as you wish.
Place in fridge for an hour.
Enjoy and be prepared for it
to vanish quickly!
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With Music in Their Heart
Blurb:
Angry at being rejected for
military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a
civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a
spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed
ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors
pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.
He’s instructed to obtain a
room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma
Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even
as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up.
While Tyrell searches for the
murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles
with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy
thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong
willed as she is.
As Tyrell works to keep his
double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma
Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of
another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win
Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the
trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is
Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style
they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?
Will their love survive the
danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?
With Music in Their Heart
Brown not only has her award
winning (Nominated for an Epic Award, RWA International Digital Awards finalist
in Inspiration, Laurel Award finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist)
debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase
now, but a companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of
Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia,
quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and
discussion questions for the novel.
November, 2013, the first
book in her mystery series, Hog Insane, released. It’s a fun,
lighthearted novel introducing the characters, Denton and Alex Davies. Look for
the second book, Bat Crazy, late 2014 winter.
Released November 1, 2014, is
the first book in a new WWII romantic suspense series: With Music In Their
Hearts. Three red-headed sisters. Three spies. Three stories.
Besides being a member and
active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring
beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books,
along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for
outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but
have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they
enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and
did she mention their grandsons?
Connect with her here:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
I also am part of several
other blogs:
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
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