Humpday Help - Hugs

Writing is a solitary profession. It's nice to go to work in pajamas on a bad hair day, but it still gets lonely. However, the Internet now keeps us connected and a writers' community is alive and thriving to dole out ample amounts of advice, support, laughter, and hugs. Yes, even hugs can travel through this network. Even though we don't feel arms wrapped around our bodies, our hearts are touched and soothed.

Hug therapy is an antidote to stress and loneliness.

Studies have shown babies who are touched, loved and held will thrive. While babies who are not hugged or held enough do not grow as quickly. Adults need that loving touch just as much as babies do and unfortunately that is often forgotten.

Look at your own family and close friends. Make sure they get a fair share of your hugs. Children are wonderful huggers and can even teach a person who isn't "touchy feely" into a hugger. Volunteer to help sick children and newborns in hospitals that could use hugs.

When you are online and your friend is in obvious need to "let it out" reach out with a *HUG* There is even cute little icons that will give the hug for you. Trust me, when that little icon or the words pop up on the screen... the hug is felt in the heart.

Remember as a kid signing letters with X's and O'x. Kisses and hugs.

So....try to give at least one hug a day. Cuddle a child, hug a loved one, hug a friend, send a hug over the Internet... just do it.

Hugs,
Mary

Heck with the laundry! I have a new book coming out!

I'm not in the cleaning mood today, I'm simply too excited about my book's release next month. Tormented Soul is the second book in the Soul Series. I spent a year writing it and loved every minute of it. There are so many twists and turns in the story, and I love how the characters develope.

Erick McAlister is my mom's favorite character so I dedicated the book to her. She insisted I tell his story. The poor fellow, such a sexy, erotic, passionate, sensual bachelor... he deserves to find love, she'd say to me. Well, Mom... the characters don't always cooperate with the writer. But Erick definately has a great story to tell!

Check out the video trailer released over the weekend. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVdlSE6A2w The laundry is just going to have to wait! It's Hunky Monday!

Humpday Help - Think About the Moment

It's a busy week but take a moment to refresh your spirit. Here's a little exercise that will help you slow down, even if it's only for a moment.

Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and sit down. If you are a writer, I challenge you to write this exercise down. But I want you to sit still, even for five minutes and look around you. Now think about the moment.


Silence is golden, or at least something to be cherished. Even though I have some smooth jazz flowing into my ears, the lack of the playful noise of my three boys is music to me. I feel my mind sigh in relaxation.

The morning went unusually smooth. No arguments or temper tantrums. Trevor and Devin go up easily, dressed and ate. Devin completed his homework willingly. Both boys boarded the bus on time.

Nathan is still sleeping and even the dog is napping. The guinea pig shuffles quietly in his cage as if he doesn't want to interrupt the moment. Perhaps he is lost in his own thoughts. I am in my own little piece of heaven.

This is my moment.

I’m sitting at the dining room table that is covered with an antique cloth purchased for $1 at a garage sale. A cup of polluted coffee cools next to a carob chip muffin resting on a plate. Fading flowers lay in a tarnished urn on the center of the creamy cloth.

The table is uncluttered like my mind at the moment. Both are a rarity. Everything is smooth, creamy, peaceful. I know the moment is fleeting but it feels so good.

Cleaning Day - The Simmer Pot

There is a gypsy in my books who is wise and has many wonderful tips to share. When I'm cleaning my house I use a Simmer Pot simmilar to one she uses.

A Simmer Pot is any large pot of water placed on the stove to simmer for many hours. Of course one can make a pot of soup, which will fill the home with awonderous, welcoming aroma that will also fill a body with nurishment.

Here are many Simmer Pot recipes I like to use when I'm cleaning.
*add orange slices, whole cloves, and a few sticks of cinamon
*lemon slices, slices of fresh ginger
*lemon slices, sage leaves
*dried lavendar, sage leaves
*lemongrass, dried lavendar, sage leaves
*a handfull of pine needles, couple of cinamon sticks
*a sprig of fresh rosemary, a few drops of peppermint

Now, if you make a pot of soup that simmers all day... make sure you share it!

Wednesday - Humpday Help, Little Indulgence

Everybody gets grey sometimes, and we all need a little indulgence.

Here in Michigan, the temp outside is -4, my furnace isn't working so the heat in the house isn't over 65. My fingers are too cold to type. Hubby is in Florida complaining about how cold the air conditioning is and having to go to Hooters again for dinner. The kids don't have Cabin Fever yet... but I think I do. Everything is grey today. Blahhhhh...

Here is my thought on a little cure for the day.

Buy a bouquet of fresh flowers. They are easy to find at the grocery store these days. Split them up so you can have at least one flower in each room of the house. You can use any kind of container; a small vase, a cute little glass, a teacup, or my favorite - an old salt shaker.

Fresh flowers can also add a touch of romance to any room.
Enjoy the simplicity of fresh flowers! A little bit of life and color can brighten any home on a grey day as well as lift our spirits.

Monday - Cleaning Day, Goin' Green

So what does cleaning have to do with romance?

Nothing. But on Mondays, I take a break from writing my latest and greatest romance novel and return to the "normal" world of being a stay at home mom. I guess you could say I wear a different hat today... more like a ponytail instead.

Today is laundry catch up day. The weekend wasn't too busy and I've managed to maintain a steady flow of clean socks and underwear for the boys. But I began to think about living green... I try to eat a healthy organic diet for my body... but what can I do for my planet?

The boys have started recycling. This means Mom has to remember to save the tin cans, take labels off, rinse and place then into the recycle bin. I'm not sure what the boys are doing yet... perhaps they'll take the bin to the curb for me tomorrow.

Anyways, I was looking into "Green" laundry detergents. Yikes! Did you know that many detergents are toxic...cancer causing agents? But there are many other detergents that are safe for us and the environment.

For years I used detergents from Amway. Those were nice. But now I have one of those High Efficiency washers, so I can't put just anything into it and haven't found the perfect detergent yet. However, I did find some nice and "friendly" ones for other washers.

All Free and Clear, Ivory Snow, Cheer Free and of course Liquid Woolite. But if you want to really "go green" then check with your local health food store or go online.
I found some nice products from these companies:
Abundant Earth www.abundantearth.com
Cal Ben Soap Company www.calbenpuresoap.com
Gaiam, Inc. www.gaiam.com
Kokpelli's Green Market www.kokopellited.com
Real Goods www.realgoods.com
Sun and Earth www.sunandearth.com
Green Marketplace.com
Seventh Generation www.seventhgeneration.com

It's important to be kind to your body and the Earth even when washing clothes. Look for petroleum-free laundry products. Explore the shelves of your local grocery store and health food shop, get some free catalogs and visit Web sites.

Here is my favorite on-line magazine... check it out for some healthy living tips.
http://www.greenmagazines.com/index.php?mag=x

Think green and stay clean!

And while I'm on my expedition to find the perfect detergent, I'll just recycle the plastic bottles and cardboard boxes my HE stuff comes in and keep writing romance to escape it all.

Humpday Help - A Super Easy Meal

Being a busy mom of three boys it's hard to find quick meals they will actually eat. Here's one they love!

Stovetop Ziti
1 lb ziti pasta
1 12-oz bag broccoli florets

Sauce:
1 26oz jar marinara sauce
1 c ricotta cheese
4 c shredded or diced mozzarella cheese
1/3 c chopped fresh parsley (I keep some in the freezer)
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta in a large pot according to directions on the package. Add the broccoli 4 minutes before pasta is done.
2. Mix marinara sauce and about 1/2 the ricotta in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat.
3. Drain pasta and broccoli; return to pot. Add sauce mixture; toss to mix and coat. Immediately add mozzarella and 1/2 the parsley and Parmesan. Stir until mozzarella melts.
4. Transfer to serving bowl; sprinkle with remaining parsley and Parmesan. Top with dollops of remaining ricotta.

Cleaning Day - Get Ready for Unexpected Company

Tis the season for friends to drop in. No need to call in the pro's and don't feel that you have to clean your house on a daily basis. Here's a few simply tips to "fool" people.

Invest in the following items: Foaming bathroom cleaner, scented (lavender or lemon) floor cleaner (check your local dollar store), scented (lemon or orange) wood cleaner such as Pledge.

In the bathroom closest to where guest would be, daily spray the foaming bathroom cleaner into the sink and toilet. Wipe the sink dry and wipe the edge of the toilet bowl. Do not flush... let the remaining foam remain.

Using the scented Pledge dust the tables in the room where guest would be. Once a week is fine... but if you know of some coming and you want that just cleaned smell... Pledge the largest table in the room.

Pour a little scented cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle. With a soft damp cloth wipe TV screen, lamps and door knobs. Scented Windex can do the trick too, and this is a job you can give to a child!

A good scented candle such as from Yankee Candle Company is an added plus to any room to created a welcoming fragrance.

This little routine should not take more than 20 minutes. Don't dally... just make it smell clean!

Happy Holidays!

Last Stop of the Painted Soul Book Tour

Local Romance Writer Mary Quast Featured at Library

The author will introduce herself and talk about her book. Copies of her latest novel will be available for purchase and signing.

The original artwork she created for the cover of Painted Soul will be on display.
Win a Painted Soul Diva Gift Basket!

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.

Thursday, Dec. 11
7:00pm
Montrose Jennings Library
241 Feher Drive
Montrose, MI
(810) 639-6388


“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.

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