Cleaning Day - Gotta Love Those Totes!

I'm approaching the end of my little book tour and I'm oh so thankful for the person who invented plastic totes. My faithful bin has been incredibly helpful carrying my books, posters, book stands, easels, and other odd-n-ends to my signing events.

I use these same totes for storing out of season clothes, hunting clothes, sporting goods, camping gear, holiday decorations and rummage sale items. With a label on each bin, searching for an item is easy.I love the clear bins so I can see exactly what's inside. Plus, using these bins helps clear the clutter!

They stack nicely in a closet, on a shelf, or against a wall. Items inside are protected from mice in the attic or a flooding basement. I like to keep cedar bars or fragrant sachets in bins holding clothing. I even have a wafer-like disc that smells like leaves and dirt I put into the bin holding my husband's hunting clothes.

I've taken three small bins and made them into time capsules for my sons. The outfit each boy wore the day he came home from the hospital and the one he wore for his baptismal are in the bins. Early artwork, items from birthday parties, notes from relatives, newspapers from the day each was born... these are all items in their bins.

Several bins hold art supplies for the classes I teach. Having such organized bins makes it easy for me to pack for a lesson outside of my studio.

Uses for totes are endless and you can still use those fun packing peanuts.
What can you fit into a tote?

You know... that bin might get a bit too heavy and you might need a little help carrying it.

Another Stop on the Painted Soul Tour

I woke to rain at 6am in Caro, MI on opening day of firearm deer season. I was in the Thumb and this area is known for having large deer herds. During breakfast we watched deer cross the field next to the driveway.

On our drive to Deckerville for the book signing event, we were very alert watching for deer. Some ran across the road in front of the car, others simply ran out of the woods into fields. Every acre had a pickup truck parked on a two-track or a deer blind with a flash of orange inside. Welcome to Michigan!

Deer hunting is a part of life in many parts of this state. Especially in these tough economic times. My husband already brought in two deer from bow season and are now neatly packaged in our freezer. Many wonderful dishes will be made this winter for my family with the meat.

Anyways.... once arriving in Deckerville we wandered Main St. for a bit. Cute little town. Most of the traffic was hunters coming in for breakfast. There was a large craft show "crowded with deer hunter widows" being held at a school. The Deckerville high school football team was in regional so two busloads of locals left to cheer the players.

We dallied for a bit in a quaint resale shop. All proceeds from the shop stay in the community for charities and the local food pantry. I purchased a long leather coat for $20, a pair of black jeans for $1 and a few small items. My friend Deb found a few treasures as well.


Tracy, the owner of TLC Used Books, greeted us when we walked in and helped set me up at a lovely antique wrought iron table. We had fun chatting with customers and shared some laughs when I passed out Hersey kisses saying, "Do you wanna kiss?".


Despite the dreary day, the event was successful. Thank you to Tracy for inviting me! I hope to return in the spring!

Book Signing Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with friends over coffee.

Enter to win a Diva Gift Basket from Mary.

Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.


Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.



Saturday, Nov. 15
10:00am
TLC Used Books
Deckerville, MI



“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told. I will be looking for more of Mary’s work; that is for sure!” -Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer.

Humpday Help - Give me Coffee!!!!!

I love flavored coffee! It really picks me up any time of the day. I don't mean the caffeine... I simply enjoy the hot beverage. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still am a tea totter.

On November 29th, I'll be at a friend's coffee house promoting my book. I look forward to sampling her teas. There is an array of natural flavors I've never seen and look forward to trying; especially those with "Vanilla" in the name. Yep... I can see myself lounging by the fireplace in the shop sipping my tea, chatting with the regular customers.

However, I love how I can go up to the counter and say, "I like coffee and chocolate. You decide." My friend, Bambi or her daughter, will smile and begin making me a wonderful surprise. It's like a mini Christmas gift when I hold that cup in my hand; not really knowing what is inside. Is it a Latte, Cappuccino, does it have whipped cream? I may know it's coffee with some kind of chocolate flavor, but there are so many varieties. Mocha, Mocha-caramel, Choco-mint, Choco-almond, Choco-cherry, Choco-hazelnut... the list is endless!

What? I can get it hot or iced! Oh wow! Can I have both?

Mary Quast featured at Barnes & Noble Fall Authors Event

Romance Writer
Mary Quast

The author will be participating in Barnes & Noble Booksellers Fall Authors’ Event signing copies of her latest novel, displaying the original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul, and chatting with readers and fans.



Copies of Painted Soul will be available for purchase.
Painted Soul, the debut novel of Quast’s Soul Series is edgy and fresh. A contemporary romance with a twist, Painted Soul is a story that takes the reader on a wonderful ride in an artist’s life, through the streets of London, and into the shadows of the underground.

“Quast’s emotionally charged and intensely romantic novel is so well researched and so exquisitely told,” says Karen Mayes, contemporary romance reviewer, “I will be looking for more of Mary’s work, that is for sure!”

Painted Soul can also be purchased online at http://www.amazon.com/Painted-Soul-Mary-Quast/dp/0981473938/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226075392&sr=1-3

Saturday, November 8
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Barnes & Noble
3311 Tittabawassee Rd
Saginaw, MI
(989) 790-9214

Humpday Help - "What's a Bodice Ripper?"

Being a writer in the romance genre, I hear the term "Bodice Ripper" occasionally. Today's writers don't care for the term too much and are quick to correct the person who uses the phrase.

"Bodice Ripper" is considered a derogatory term for all romances. It was inspired by some early historical romances that featured rape fantasies or included rape as part of the plot. This term is used most often by people who do not read romance books.

Today's romance is sensitive to the needs and emotions of women. Rape is not part of today's storylines! Romance writers focus on the emotion and sensuality between characters; providing the reader a chance to escape from every day life into a variety of plots and a world of passion.

Erotic romance sometimes referred to as "romantica", is a story at the more erotic end of the romance spectrum. These adventures will include intense details of sexual liaisons that may happen frequently between the main characters and are vital to the plot. These stories are usually very sensual and emotional as a strong relationship develops between the characters.

Take a break this Humpday and check out an erotic romance. If you hear somebody call it "a bodice ripper" tell them to read one... they'll be hooked! Passion is such a wonderful word and so much, much more.

I think we all would like to have this sort of passion in our lives... but we certainly don't want our bodices ripped! We prefer them to be slowly undone with tender kisses and soft caresses.

Cleaning Day - Make Your Home Cozy

A cozy home is the result of mixing comfortable surroundings to create a nurturing and relaxing atmosphere. One doesn't need expensive furnishings but a cozy, welcoming home can be developed during your cleaning day.

I'm a junker. I love finding treasures at sales and using them to make my home cozy. But you don't have to run out to a sale to find treasures; clean out that closet or rummage around in the basement and attic. Look for items such as an old lamp that with a bit of elbow grease will shine a new light. Gather some photos and put them in some old frames to arrange a new display on a boring wall. Rescue vintage plates and display them as artwork.

If you're not in the mood to wrestle with a large project such as cleaning the attic; then tackle the washing. Wash your comforter or bedspread in lavender scented detergent for that cozy feeling in the bedroom. Wash those dingy curtains and look at a different way of hanging them; try some tiebacks, a new valance, or perhaps a homemade grapevine & silk floral swag. Take some old throw pillows, throw them in the dryer with a scented sheet then recover them with lovely silk or sheer scarves; attach a vintage pin for a fabulous new look!

Speaking of scarves... I love to drape them on tables for a romantic look. I also use them as a valance on curtains. Depending on the size and shape, you can create many items from scarves. I collect ones that catch my eye from rummage sales and Goodwill.

So, today while you're cleaning look for the small things you can change to add a little comfort to your home. Make your space the refuge from the busy world and the shelter from the storms of life. A cozy home is a place where you can be yourself and spend some valuable time be cozy with someone you love.

Happy Halloween

Have a fun day, an adventurous evening, and a mystical night.

Humpday Help - A Lesson From the Dogs

You've been working hard all week, your body is spent, your anxiety is high so you plop into your comfy chair. Up trots Furball with that happy-go-lucky face and unlimited enthusiasm. Not able to resist such a cute face you give into the soft whines and head out the door for a stroll. Furball is straining at the leash sniffing about, happy to be in the fresh air.

A dog loves life wholeheartedly, adoringly, without reservation or judgment. He greets each new scent or sight with boundless joy and unselfconscious glee. His world is delightful.

Look around you and see the world through dog's eyes. Apply his exuberant enthusiasm to your own view. Be open to the small joys of living and appreciate what is.

For the rest of the day, set aside negative thoughts. Let your anxiety fade, relax, take a deep breath and find enjoyment in everything - the good, the bad, the indifferent. I think I'll take a walk in the woods with my dog, Maggie. But don't expect me to get on the ground and sniff!

"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action." - Henry Chester.


Oh, have a Happy Halloween!

A Happy Ending to a Sad Day

Yesterday as I waited for the time to pick Devin up from school and filled with dread of the news I had to tell him, I began thinking. My little 8 yr old loved his guinea pig and was really becoming responsible with taking care of his pet and his chores. And there was the possibility Dev would want another pet... so... I called around... just in case... to see if any of the local pet shops had piggies. I found one and it would be on the way home from my eldest son's piano lesson.

Mark took Trevor to his piano lesson while I picked up Devin. I told him that we needed to talk. I think he knew something was wrong because he kept distracting himself with the dog and baby brother and ignoring me. When I finally told him that Fluffy has passed away, he threw himself headfirst into the couch and sobbed.

I picked him up and carried him to the lazy-boy chair; rocked him and cuddled him. 3 yr old Nate knew something was wrong and patted his big brother's back. I spoke soothing words to Dev and once he calmed down I asked him if he wanted another piggie. He nodded his head and wiped his tears. Mark called and we informed him to stop at the shop to pick up the piggie. We cuddled and discussed the Rainbow Bridge and Devin's eyes lit up with the thought of Fluffy playing with Cookie and Ruby while they wait for him.


During the next couple hours, Devin did all his homework eagerly and ran down the driveway at least three times looking for his dad's truck. We talked about names and prepared a fresh cage for the new baby.

Mark arrived and handed a box to Devin. We all gathered around the dining room table for our first glimpse of our newest addition. It was love at first sight! Dev took his baby to the chair and began reading to him. By the end of the evening he was given the name, Champ.



Dev told me that he would take even better care of Champ and love him just as much as he did Fluffy. At bedtime, Dev informed me that I needed to love up Champ for at least an hour while he was at school and make sure I had one of his shirts on my lap when I did so Champ would smell him and think it was he who was petting him. When I checked on the boys before bed, Dev couldn't have been any closer to his piggie's cage.





Saturday, we'll have a funeral. Fluffy will be buried with his brother, Cookie next to my dog & their pal, Ruby.