Sunday, January 31, 2016


February 1, 2016

Love is in the air, can you feel it?  It was 15 years ago that my husband proposed to me at work in the cafeteria on Valentine’s Day.  Let me tell you, I was surprised at the timing...and so were my co-workers who were all waiting for me upstairs at my desk wanting to know what happened.  I was 46 when I got married for the first time and all I can say is ... it was definitely worth the wait!  I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with such happiness and love.

In this Issue:
Quote of the Month
Featured Author  
For the Single Girls
Recipe of the Month 
Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
Coming Next Month

Quote of the Month:  “For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” ~ Judy Garland (1922-1969)

Featured Author:  Christina Weigand

Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.
With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.
Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?
Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?

“I have sent one who can save them, but he can also bring about their final destruction.
“You, my Guardians, must seek him out. Protect him and ensure he is guided on the right paths.”
Alorn lifted his great, ruby-red head. “Tell us who is he, Lord, that we may fulfill Your wishes.”
“I cannot reveal his identity…yet. Just know there are three who need you now. My power will be seen in all, but only one will be the savior in the end. However, all are needed to bring My Will about and they must all be protected and nurtured.”
“How will we know them?” Stefano leaned forward.
“All will be children of Brandan or Joachim and they will blend the lineage of the three races.”
“We know of Joachim’s children, but Brandan has none.”
“He has one, a half Mantion-half human child. Gorou is the third and he will be the hardest to protect and nurture.”
“Why a child of Brandan?” Cielo asked. “Brandan has already chosen the path of evil time and again. Would not a child of his be exposed to that same evil?”


For the Single Girls

Is Valentine’s Day the worse nightmare for singles? The whole world is celebrating love and you seem to be the only one left out? It doesn’t have to be that way. Here is the action plan for fabulous single girls to enjoy this day.

Come to think of it, even attached girls could use this as well. Look out guys, your ladies are kicking it this Valentine’s Day.

Action 1. Release.
Get the negative feelings out of the way. It’s OK to feel sad. Don’t try to sugar-coat it by pretending to be happy. But remember, being single is way better than being trapped in a troubled relationship. If you have to, give yourself 5 minutes to focus on your misery, (you’ll realize how stupid that is before the time is up.) Check to see if anything is changed. Then move to action 2.

Action 2. Express.
Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic relationships, it’s about the BIG love. Show your appreciation of your friend, your family, your pets, yourself, or planet earth! Send Valentine’s Day card to your loved ones. And remember to pick the most fancy card for yourself and write down reasons why you’re so special and lovable. Make sure it’s big enough, cause you need all the space.

Action 3. Connect.
If you are determined to get out of singlehood, put yourself out there. Prince Charming is not going to come and knock on your door no matter how long you stay home waiting. Think what you are passionate about. Join an interest group and start making friends. Try Meetup, Meet Market Adventures, or groups on Facebook.

Action 4. Have fun.
There are plenty of singles parties on this day. Sign up and have fun! You’ll realize that there is plenty of fish in the sea. You may find the special one on this special day. (Wishful thinking, I know, but be careful what you wish for, cause it might come true.)

Action 5. Get Physical.
If you are not the party type, exercise is a good way to boost your energy level and get you in a good mood. Go to the gym, attend a kickboxing class, try belly dancing, or go swimming in your poker dot bikinis.

Action 6. Indulge.
Before you can love others and be loved, you must love yourself. Pamper yourself with a SPA session or soak in your own tub with music (yes, you are encouraged to sing along) and aromatherapy candles. Enjoy a good massage and paint your toe nails in fuchsia.

You can pick a few actions from the list or do them all. Who knows, this may be your last single’s Valentine’s Day. Celebrate it, your way.


More on Singles on Valentine’s Day:

©     Netflix Movies

Recipe of the Month:

Fruit and Cheese-Stuffed French Toast

2 tbls light cream cheese, softened
4 slices whole-wheat bread
2 tbls strawberry or raspberry all-fruit spread
1 large egg
2 egg whites
3 tbls fat-free milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1 cup hulled & sliced strawberries


1.     Spread the cream cheese evenly on 2 slices of the bread, leaving a ¼ inch border. Spread the strawberry spread on the remaining slices of bread, leaving a 1/8 inch border. Put the slices of bread together to make 2 cream cheese-fruit sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal; set aside.

2.     Beat the egg and eggs whites in a large shallow bowl or pie plate; whisk in the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add to sandwich halves to the egg mixture; let stand until evenly soaked, about 20 seconds on each side. Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwich halves.

3.     Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes on each side.  Serve with the berries.

From: Weight Watchers in 20 Minutes Point Value = 6              Serves 2
photo credit: slashfood

Upcoming Book Signings / Appearances:
©     3rd Saturday of Month:  OKRWA Monthly Meeting, OKC Museum of Art
©     April 13-17, 2016:  Romantic Times Reader Convention, Las Vegas, NV at the Rio Hotel and Casino

Coming Next Month:  Feature author, Brent Archer

With much gratitude, until next time…keep reading.

Maxine                             
Spark your imagination and entice your mind
Be adventurous in your own mind
Take a journey into a new world and be inspired
Enjoy the pleasures of reading ~~
It does the mind and body good.
  

Above photo found on Pinterest
Red Love Heart, Valentines Day Concept image courtsey by cuteimage at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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