Romance With An Apron

Since the bronze age, aprons have been used by priests, tradesmen and homemakers. In so many of the faded photos in our family album, women are wearing aprons for various designs and lengths.

Gram's aprons were used to hold small cucumbers and tomatoes from her garden. As a small child I enjoyed wrapping myself in the warm comfort of the material while she finished the dishes. I still think of Gram when I look at aprons. 

My mom had several different designs, as she was a great entertainer. An apron for each holiday and event! Dad would often tie Mom's apron for her then with a spin, he'd hold her tight, dancing to a song on the radio in the kitchen.

After ruining several very nice (and expensive) blouses while cooking, I've invested in an apron. 

Well actually, hubby purchased my first one and the boys picked out my second. I find an apron very useful, not just keeping my clothing clean, but also for holding a spoon and quickly wiping my hands.

I even bough hubby his own apron. (He's ruined several shirts while barbecuing.) 

Some of the moments I enjoy the most with hubby are when we have our aprons on, sharing a bottle of wine while cooking together. 

A little bit of romance while wearing an apron. Give it a try.

Cheers & romance from the Quast Kitchen.

New Release from SE Smith and Help a Worthy Charity

S.E. Smith is thrilled to be part of The Glittering World Anthology in support of The Navajo Nation CoVid-19 Fund. Ten fantasy and paranormal stories that will take you away from it all from Elle Boon, Jamie K. Schmidt, Stephanie Burke, Wendi Zwaduk, Lia Violet, Kate Richards, L. Loren, Barb Shuler, Trinity Blacio, and S.E. Smith.

The Warrior's Whisper is S.E Smith's new release story in The Glittering World anthology, coming July 21st.

A lone, modern-day warrior falls in love with the beautiful maiden who saves his life only to realize that she may not be real.

Aditsan Claw, adrift in a world he no longer understands, knows his spirit is slipping away. Lost, alone, and near death, he accepts that he will soon leave the world of his people. When the vision of a woman appears before him, he concludes he must be dreaming—until he feels her gentle touch against his skin.

Angeni heard the soft sigh on the wind. Curious, she follows the heartbroken whisper. Her journey leads her to a wounded warrior.

Forbidden to help, but unable to resist, Angeni risks her very existence to help the warrior. Can two souls, bound by different rules, find a way to stay together in a world where neither belongs?

 *****************

Preorder here 👉🏾 books2read.com/the-glittering-world

 All the proceeds from this anthology will be donated to The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund. Donations to the Fund can be made directly here: https://www.nndoh.org/donate.html 

************

S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.

Readers can contact Susan at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

 

Social Media

Website: https://www.sesmithfl.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

FB Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadersofSESmith/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sesmithfl @sesmithfl

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/sesmithfl/s-e-smith 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sesmithfl

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/S.-E.-Smith/e/B007Y85YQG/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/s-e-smith

@sesmithfl06

Art in Old Town

A recent trip to my hometown of Saginaw, Michigan made me a little nostalgic and proud of the "Old Town" district.

Old Saginaw City, aka Old Town, is one of the oldest commercial areas in the Saginaw Valley. Along the river, history is rich; including tales of Native American battles, a fort, early military and lumber barons. Despite devastating fires in the past and dealing with the loss of several historical buildings, new buildings were designed to keep the antiquity of the past and blend in with the old. Locally owned shops still line the streets that close down periodically to support local art fairs. 

I love how the arts still thrive in my hometown. On my recent visit I witnessed the raising of a sculpture by American painter-turned sculptor, Seward Johnson. Several people gathered to watch and photograph. I could feel the excitement within the community.

Several of Johnson's life size figures are featured throughout the riverfront district and will be on display through October. 

There are a couple of Frisbee players by the hospitals I need to find. I only managed to see a couple but will certainly return to check out more. For more info check out this article about the sculptures taking over Saginaw. 

If hubby is with me, I'm sure we'll stop in the Old Town Distillery. I heard their whiskey is on point, the vodka is smooth and the handcrafted cocktails are excellent. Watch for a review in the future.

Old Town Distillery

Check out Old Town Distillery on Facebook.

Check out Old Town Saginaw Association on Facebook for info on shops, restaurants and events.

Check out Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission of Facebook for more info on events.

New Yoga Partner? Catnip Anyone?

My son's cat joined me for yoga today. I was moving into Downward Dog when I felt her soft fur against my arm. She slithered around my arms and legs, rubbing her face as she purred a happy sound.

Believe it or not, Cat Yoga is a thing. It started back in Asia around 1998. Yoga studios featuring friendly felines have popped up around the county. The yoga features a restorative, slow-paced sequence that allows for plenty of time for fawn over the furballs while still guaranteeing a feel-good stretch. The presence of the cats isn't distracting but actually helps "keep you in the moment".

While I enjoyed the Mona's company and she left a trail of fur everywhere she went. I think yoga tired the little gal out... or bored her to death, she left me to curl up for a nap.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried Cat Yoga!

Coming Soon - The Glittering World Anthology

Have You Heard About The Glittering World Charity Anthology?

My Legend of the Spirit series was inspired by childhood friends who were part of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Every year I looked forward to spending summers together on Coldwater Lake. Native American lore wove it's way into my my life and stayed. Time and life separated all of us but my friends & memories hold a special place in my heart. (I tip my wine glass to my beta readers, Ann & Marion, and I love them like sisters.) 

When I found out some of my writer pals were participating in a big project I wanted in and offered to help promote this wonderful venture. For the next few weeks I'll feature snippets from the writers.

These amazing authors are excited to be part of The Glittering World Anthology in support of The Navajo Nation CoVid-19 Fund. Ten fantasy and paranormal stories that will take you away from it all from Elle Boon, Jamie K. Schmidt, Stephanie Burke, Wendi Zwaduk, Lia Violet, Kate Richards, L. Loren, Barb Shuler, Trinity Blacio, and S.E. Smith.

 Come join the fun, sassy and sometimes heated worlds today. Find a new hero or heroine to fall in love with.

Ten, never-before-released short stories fill The Glittering World Charity Anthology with tales that will take you away. Created with love, authors S.E. Smith, Elle Boon, Trinity Blacio, Jamie K. Schmidt, Stephanie Burke, Wendi Zwaduk, Lia Violet, Kate Richards, L. Loren, and Barb Shuler have teamed up to support The Navajo Nation fundraising efforts in their fight against COVID-19. These ten unique Paranormal and Futuristic Romance stories are filled with diverse characters you can’t help but fall in love with from a Navajo god to futuristic tales of romance The Glittering World Charity Anthology has a story for everyone. 

 

Out on July 21st. 

Preorder here 👉🏿 books2read.com/the-glittering-world

 Preorder on Amazon

Preorder on B&N

All the proceeds from this anthology will be donated to The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund. For more information on this organization, you can visit their website: https://www.navajo-nsn.gov

 

Donations to The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund can be made directly here: https://www.nndoh.org/donate.html