Angel's Christmas

My cat and I had a very quiet Christmas week. Well, with me just getting over surgery, I wasn't ready to go out and kick up my heels.

Angel is a very spoiled cat! She has more toys that a lot of children and I keep buying more. But does she have enough? Oh, no! She made all the ornaments on the tree hers as well! But I love her anyway!

Merry Christmas, Angel!

Merry Christmas!

May all the love and warmth of the season  fall upon all of you. Please take some time to count your blessings during this joyous time of the year.

My Christmas wishes to all of you are love, hope, and joy found in little things. Whether you are a gift-giver or a well-wisher, deliver with love and mean it. Those of you who are fortunate to receive gifts and good wishes, embrace the thought behind it in your heart.

The important thing to remember is that we can have too many sweaters or ties, but we can never have enough love.

Merry Christmas!

A special congratulations to Sharla Shults for her three blogging awards this month. Way to go, Sharla!!

Surgery successful!!

I haven't had any entries lately because I had surgery. Yes, I'm fine. I had a total hip replacement that was long overdue. Ten days in the hospital and a rehab facility and then I was sent home, where I have been receiving at-home Physical Therapy. The PT just left a little while ago. He says he's impressed with my progress. I am graduating from a walker to a cane, and then hopefully, soon without a prop.

I didn't get much done while I was recovering, but sometimes that's a good thing. I did some reading. In fact, I read a very good motivational book, "Ten Life Changing Lessons" by Winsome Campbell-Green. The author offers some good advice, backing it up with disclosure of her own life. I certainly couldn't fault any of the advice. Ms Campbell-Green has good, strong insight. If you need some motivation or if you just want to reinforce your drive, this may be a good way to start. Seriously, it has some healthy viewpoints to jump start your future or to further your career.

What a wonderful reivew for "Going Home"!!

Here is a review left on Amazon! Many thanks to the reviewer! 5.0 out of 5 stars A Refreshing, Romantic and Enjoyable Read, November 23, 2012 By K. Green "/(W.C-G)" (Jamaica) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Going Home (Kindle Edition) I deliberately delayed finishing this book because I simply did not want it to end. I fell in love with the story and got just as emotional as the characters. Its been awhile since I have willed myself to read a romance book and I was not disappointed. However, Going Home is much more than romance, its about forgiveness, its about love, its about mending the broken familial ties, its about courage and bravery but most of all its about redemption. I do believe in happy endings and when I thought the author gave the reader just that. Its just a wonderful, refreshingly good book. Hope you enjoy:)

New eBook Available for the Kindle

"Going Home" my latest book is now available for $1.99!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A619IUG/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb


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  Fifteen years ago Cassie fled her hometown, taking with her an undeserved bad reputation and a broken heart. She reluctantly returns for her father’s funeral and comes face to face with the one who broke her heart. This encounter sends her packing again, only this time it’s not so easy to just leave and forget. Her visit opens old wounds, stokes old flames, and uncovers lies and deceit. It’s showdown time!

 

Show More

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Spotlight on "Choices"

Take a look at the link below. "Choices has been Spotlighted. And it's right in the center of the page!! the book can be purchased right there!

A Big THANK YOU to the Spotlighters!!

http://indieauthoranonymous.com/2012/10/24/spotlight-book-choices-by-carole-mckee/

Spotlight Book! "Choices" by Carole Mckee

Spotlight Book! "Choices" by Carole Mckee

It has been awhile....

I haven't posted in quite a while; I know. Life is ever-changing. I drove to Pittsburgh this month because my mother was in intensive care. She pulled through with flying colors and is currently about to be released from a rehab center, where they have been working with her to regain her strength. Not bad for an 85-year-old woman, huh?

Well, anyway, I did get to visit with my brothers, who I haven't seen in quite a long time. I missed my oldest brother by a few hours, however; but it was good seeing the other three. My two youngest brothers have beauiful families, and I'm so happy for them. Mike, the second brother is not married, but quite happy. He and I arrived in Pittsburgh within moments of each other and spent a lot of time together.

So I left Pittsburgh and drove to Charlotte, NC and spent the night at my youngest brother's beautiful home. His wife was just super to me. Since I'm not used to be waited on, it was a real treat.   

I returned home to a very joyful cat! She missed me! My neighbor took care of her while I was gone, and she was not happy about it. (She doesn't like men!) I Started going through my emails--all 1800 of them--and that took a few days. If there is ever a good reason to invest in a laptop, that was it.

Just as I got caught up, my computer picked up a virus. I immediately got it to a repair shop where they removed it. Fortunately, nothing was damaged, but I had them put another virus protector on my computer, since the one I was using missed the virus--which was called a ransom virus, by the way. Nasty thing, it was! Everything is fine now. Not to worry.

Some of you who knew about my mother's illness sent notes of concern and prayer offerings. THANK YOU! Your caring and your concern was appreciated.

Here's Another One

And I can't believe I'm doing this one. Maybe it's because my 2nd and 3rd grade teachers pounded this into our heads that I find this error such a surprise, but here it is.

To--Too--Two

To--a preposition. The start of a prepositional phrase. (Ex: I am going to the store.)
Too--an adverb. Too = Also. But it can mean more than enough or extremely.
         (ex: I want to go, too.) or (ex: The water is too hot.)
Two--is the number 2.

I just very recently saw to and too mixed up and used incorrectly. I stress that this is not to criticize. It's to help. Little things like these mistakes are what make Indie Authors unpopular with the readers, the publishers, and the agents. I wish every author success.

Typos

Typos are so common, especially when spell check isn't used. But even with spell check they can occur. Since I am a good speller, it disturbs me when I see anything I've posted having a misspelled word in it. I like to think that the word isn't misspelled--it's a typo. And it usually is. In my last post the word 'immediately' has the a missing. I hate that!

So my apologies for that missing letter a. Now for another misused word:

Your vs You're:

Your.........denotes ownership--belonging to you.

You're....is a contraction for you are.

That's it for today. Happy Sunday!!

I Read...a lot!

Since I am an independent self-publisher, I enjoy supporting other authors who are in the same position. I have noticed a lot of common errors in writing. Of course there are typos. Even the best of authors with expensive editors and agents cannot catch every typo.

I am referring to common grammaical errors and word usage. When I see them, I automatically  want to correct them. Since I cannot do that, I am going to put the misused words here in this blog, and post the correct usage. This is not meant to be condescending or hurtful, but I hope it can be helpful. I want every writer to succeed. There can never be too many books. So here are the words that immeditely come to mind. As I see more, I will post them here.

its vs. it's:

It's..............a contraction for it is. 
Its................belonging to it.

Then vs. Than (This one is so commonly used incorrectly.):

Than is used to show a comparison.  Bigger than; taller than; The water was deeper than she thought it to be. (Test: The water was deeper than she thought it was deep.) Than is actually a conjunction.

Then is used for sequence of events or sometime time frames. Ex: The days seemed longer back then. She hurried to straighten up the room, and then she went to the door. Then is an adverb.

Their; There; They're:

Their......an adjective showing ownership. Their job; Their car; Their purpose.
There.....denotes a place or position. Over there. Put the book there. Adverb.
They're...A contraction for they are. And without the apostrophe (theyre), it is not a word.

That's it for today. As they come to mind, I will post them. Remember, I only want to be helpful.

I Moved!!

I have been soooo busy with this move. After living in the same apartment for 8 years, I finally moved into my own place. You can just imagine how much stuff one can accumulate in 8 years! I felt sorry for those guys who had to carry all those boxes of books. I know they were heavy, guys! Sorry! I'm a book freak.

Anyway....now I'm living in my place and still looking at mountains of boxes to open and unpack. One box at a time....that's all I can do.

My computer desk didn't survive the move. It looked like it exploded when they were carrying it down the steps! I finally got a new one. It was really uncomforable trying to answer emails hunched over the chair my monitor, mouse, and keyboard sat on, so I didn't do much else other than get through the emails.

Hopefully I can spend a little more time here at the computer now that my transition is all downhill from here.

Have a great Sunday and a fine week.

Interview at "An Avid Reader's Haven"

I am the featured author at An Avid Reader's Haven this Week! Please go visit the site!

http://anavidreadershaven.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-interview-wcarole-spalino.html

Thanks to Louise and Deanna for the lovely time and the opportunity to appear on their blog. I'm very proud of the interview!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of you fathers. I'd like to reflect on my own father for a moment. He passed away from cancer in 1997,  just before his 81st birthday. I still miss him.

Was he perfect? No, of course not. Did he always say the right things? No. Did he always do the right things? No. But he was there. When something broke, he fixed it. When we needed something, he was there to give it, and not always without a lecture. He taught me that to be on time was to get there at least five minutes early. He taught me that you earn what you get. Hard work and integrity pays off, and that your work defines you. He believed that we are all here to help each other and he told us that success was good as long as we remembered to give back.

Dad had a lot of people who loved him. He was jokingly called "The Mayor" in his neighborhood. When someone needed help, he was the first to show up, sometimes carrying his toolbox. He volunteered his services when the local church was having a 'hoagie' drive. He was there assembling the submarine sandwiches the night before deliveries. Eventually, he joined that church.

He wasn't a demonstrative person. He didn't show a lot of affection, but we all knew it was there. We just knew that although he was tough on us, he cared. He cared about his family, and he cared about his community, and he cared about mankind, in general.

Dad? If you can read this from Heaven, I just want to say "Happy Father's Day" and "I love you." Your daughter, Carole

And a special Happy Father's Day wish to my son Eric, who couldn't wait to be a father. Unfortunately The Lord took him before he got to hold his son. But I know Eric is watching him from above.

An Earlier Poem by Terry Miller

Terry wrote this poem shortly before he met his wife, Brenda.
                           Where

Where are you?  Do you live near-by?
I pray for you.  For your faith may see.
God loves you, so know we’re special.
Do you pray for God to bring you me?

Where is my mystery lady tonight?
I pray for us.  Too soon to be a team?
God is working in both our lives.
He will answer to make real this dream.

Where am I?  Am I ready for you?
I pray for me.  For truth and trust.
Success comes by putting God first.
Please God, make You and me and her, “us.”
                  terry miller

Remembering Eric McKee

I'm no poet, but this comes from the heart:

Lord, I hope You are happy.

I see no reason You would not be.
You see, it is ten years to the day
That You took my son from me.

 I am sure You had Your reasons--

Reasons I can not understand.
You took him without asking,
Ending all the things he had planned.

 No, it was not an accident;

It was the PNH disease.
I remember I begged You to spare him.
I begged and begged on my knees.

 The world lost a great man

That day Eric drew his last breath.
He had so much of himself to give;
But his giving ended with his death.

 He was such a joy here on Earth;

So I hope You can truly see
The wonderful husband, father, brother, son
You took from his wife, his child, his sister,
                                                            And me………….

Please visit www.pnhdisease.org for more information about PNH.

Another Poem by Terry Miller

                A Date With…?
Time is everything.  Death knows nothing.
Time can bring every pleasure known,
And even bringing sadness and
Distress to every child born.

Our bodies age tho’ minds remain hopeful.
Goals can be met and dreams come true.
Wars are fought and history changes.
No one knows when time is through.

How will they hear Who gave them life,
If, unsaved, they toil without sight?
Alone towards a date with the grave,
Dying to dark, not living for future Light.
                terry miller

Congratulations to Marshall and Masuko

My brother Marshall and Masuko, his lady of 30 years finally decided to tie the knot. FINALLY! Well, I always considered her to be family, anyway.

I had to laugh though, because they got married at the Court House--nothing fancy--but she wore a tee-shirt I had sent her. The LOGO:

 Books by Carole McKee

"Second Chances" at Barnes & Noble

"Second Chances" is now available at Barnes & Noble. for some reason the manuscript did not upload properly the first time, so I re-uploaded it. It is there now for all Nook users. Enjoy!!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-carole-mckee/1110946246?ean=2940014431705

"Second Chances"

Second Chances is now available on Smashwords as well as Amazon.com. Guys! You can read this, too! There is not a lot of mush in it. I know how you guys hate all that huggy-kissy stuff. Well, you won't find it in this book.

But don't turn away, ladies! There's plenty of the warmth that we all look for in a novel.

This is slightly different from my normal writing, but my editor, Diane assures me that it is good. So give it a try!

Second Chances will appear at Barnes & Noble soon.

New Book!

"Second Chances" is now available for Kindle and Nook readers.

About the book:

Melanie Thomas believes that sometimes people who are down on their luck just really need that little boost upward to improve their quality of life; and she can provide that. Since she started her tee-shirt embossing shop she has made a difference in her employees' lives by giving them a new lease on life--hope--a second chance. Her employees are grateful and dedicated to her, but someone else wants her property for his own purpose. Things start happening after he approaches her with an offer to buy her building--an offer she immediately turns down. When inspectors start showing up, Melanie believes it's a ploy to force her to sell and she silently laughs about it. But when the building burns, she knows exactly who to accuse. It hurts because she was falling in love with him. It seems everyone needs a second chance now and then.

I believe both men and women will enjoy this book.

"Second Chances" will be available on Smashwords soon.

Hello again.....

I have been overwhelmed with emails lately. Sometimes it takes me 4 or 5 hours to go through them. However, I don't mind. Emails can mean that people are thinking about me, or they can mean that people ae including me in their circle. It's all good.

I got through my birthday. Wow! This was a big one! I have always known that President Lincoln was shot on my birthday, but until recently, I wasn't aware that the Titanic hit the iceberg on April 14th. So is the date National Disaster Day, or what? Lincoln--Titanic--my birth...........hmm. (Ouch!) It's probably just a coincidence, don't ya think?

Looking forward to May.....

My Birthday

Well, yesterday was my birthday. I had a lovely dinner at the Outback with my editor, Diane. Thank you to all of you who sent cards or birthday wishes through Facebook. I received phone calls from all four of my brothers and of course, my Mom, the person responsible for my existence.

So on to another year!

Author Interview

Author, blogger, Sylvia Ramsey has interviewed me. It appears here in this link:

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/2012/03/story-behind-author-carole-mckee.html

Please check it out! Thank you, Sylvia!

Book Review

Many thanks to Dennis Moore of SDWriteway, an affiliate of East County Magazine in San Diego for his wonderful review of "Choices".  To visit his page, you can go to www.sdwriteway.org

Choices

by Carole McKee (AuthorHouse, Bloomington, Indiana, 2008, 590 pages.)

Book Review by Dennis Moore

We all have choices to make in life … some good, some bad. Carole McKee, the author of Choices conveys passion and emotion in her spellbinding book of romance and tragedy, inducing the readers to laugh and cry with the characters in the story. Choices is a modern day Romeo and Juliet, so emotional that I found myself crying throughout the book, mostly because it reminded me of my teenage daughter Brandy and my aspirations for her professed love and happiness.

Lindy and Ricky are young and in love. Lindy is pretty, blond and petite, and is still grieving over the loss of her mother and sad because her father ignores her. Ricky, tall, dark, and extremely handsome, still misses his father who died suddenly from a heart attack when Ricky was thirteen. Since he just can’t get along with his nagging mother, she sends him away from Chicago to live with his uncle in Pittsburgh. On his second day in a new school, he meets Lindy, and from the moment they meet they are dazzled by the strong electricity between them. By the end of the day a strong bond has already begun to form between them. Their relationship is challenged by many adversities, but through it all, the bond only becomes stronger and makes them even more determined to be together. Ricky’s Uncle Nick loves both Lindy and Ricky and recognizes that their love for each other is very real. He becomes a strong ally in their corner as they challenge the rest of the world defending their love and the right to be together forever.

Readers will fall in love with Lindy and Ricky, the central characters in this well written book by McKee, as they evolve from youth to adulthood. The author weaves into this story elements of tragedy that is eerily similar to my own family life. A case in point would be Lindy losing her spleen in an accidental gunshot injury, just as my own son Damien actually did.

This book, worthy of a full length movie, has all the elements of human tragedy, which includes a murder mystery … along with the requisite heroes and villains. It has strong characters as well as a redemptive spirit. It has poignant moments in which the teenage characters, Lindy and Ricky, teaches adults who had seemingly fallen out of love with each other, Nick and Liz, how to love each other again.

This is a tremendous book, that I highly recommend for so many reasons.

Dennis Moore has been a member of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild and has been a freelance contributor to the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper and EURweb. He is also the author of a book about Chicago politics; “The City That Works: Power, Politics and Corruption in Chicago.” Mr. Moore can be contacted at contracts_agency@yahoo.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.

Thank you!

I have received 2 reviews for "Maddie's Garden" on  Smashwords. Both were 5 Stars!!!!

Thank you!!! 

Smashwords "Read an eBook" Week is long gone

And "Maddie's Garden" did quite well during that week. Hopefully, some of those readers who purchased "Maddie's Garden" will remember to go back and post a review--hopefully a positive one?

"Maddie's Garden" is available for 99-cents at all eBook stores.







Also available on Smashwords is "Kisses from the Heart" for 99-cents.

This is new to Smashwords, but it has been available on other sites, with a different cover (and price), for about 4 months.

Free! Free! Free!

 
"Maddie's Garden" is FREE! this week!

Maddie's Garden

My last published book, "Maddie's Garden" is available only as an eBook, at this time.

Growing up in an unstable home, and then being tossed into the home of her estranged father and his new family, Maddie knows how it feels to be unwanted. All she longs for is a normal family where there is love, peace, and harmony. When she finds the twins hiding in her yard, her heart opens up and love spills all over them. They are running away because their widowed father is going to marry a woman they hate, and they claim she hates them, too. Maddie is taken in by the twins, and soon becomes good friends with their father. She steps in and helps out when he asks her, and she is glad to do it. When Adam has set a date for his wedding, he backs away from Maddie, hoping to give his future wife a chance to bond with his children. It is then that Maddie realizes that she is in love with Adam, and her heart breaks. Maddie isn't the only one who is sad. The twins are devastated and resort to drastic measures to get Maddie back. In spite of their sad little faces, the wedding day arrives, and it is up to Adam to make it right.

Available on all eReader sites


for 99 cents!!

Poem by Terry Miller

I want to share this poem by Terry Miller with you.

    Someone Who Cares

I’m writing to tell you of someone who cares,

Whose life and death brought something I must share.

At night when you lay your head on the pillow,

Do you wonder what future brings the morrow?

Will it be smiles or tears that await your day?

What if its death and you cannot run away?

”But, I’m too young,” you say.  “That won’t happen to me.

I have too much to do.  I see no tragedy.”

Should you live; will you be happy and secure?

Or will it be another day of peer pressure?

Is there someone at your side, what’s their excuse?

Does true love keep them there, or are you their use?

Who can solve your problems in life and death?

Who gives you hope and answers past your last breath?

Is it parties and sunrises until we’re dim and old?

Is it selfishness and greed until we’re grave cold?

No!  There are answers.  Not mine, an eternal promise!

There’s something and someone you must not miss.

The Someone sweat blood knowing the painful end.

He gave His life, for your life to forever extend.

Spit on and flogged, He accepted horrible pain.

This unblemished lamb, God’s Son, did not complain,

Even as He hung on a cross.  Death is sin’s price.

The something is salvation!  The Someone is Christ!

                                                         

 terry miller

Terry Miller writes poetry from his heart and soul. He is the friend of Diane's (my editor). I'll be passing along his poetry from time to time.



Kisses from the Heart

In December, "Kisses from the Heart" became available as an eBook on all the eReader sites. Unfortunately, this is only available for eReaders. So if you have a Kindle, Nook, Apple, or any other type of eReader, this book is available to you.

Mindi Adams is an independent young woman who is sharp witted with a sharp tongue to match.  On the night of the terrible storm, when thunder shook the earth, lightning slashed the sky, and the wind howled like a Banshee, a prison bus overturned, allowing twelve prisoners to escape. One of them is in Mindi's house!

                                    Excerpt:

Mindi felt the hairs on the nape of her neck stand up as soon as she walked into the room.  She stopped just as the arms came out of the dark and grabbed her, holding her in a vice-like grip.  The impact of his body slammed her body onto her bed, as one hand clamped down over her mouth.  She was being held with her back up against a hard, wet, smelly body.  She felt her stomach lurch downward and then upward as the rest of her insides crumbled and turned to liquid.  She couldn’t breathe and she gulped for air, but the hand over her mouth was obstructing her air passage.  The pounding of her heart was echoing in her ears.  She never felt terror like this!  Struggling was of no use, so she just lay there limp, waiting—expecting to be raped, murdered, or both.  Tears were falling from the corners of her eyes onto the pillow.  ‘What is he waiting for?  Just get it over with!’  Her mind silently screamed as a sob caught in her throat.  He began to speak to her in very low tones.

            “I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispered into her ear.  “Do you understand?”

Mindi nodded. “Now….I’m wet, cold, dirty, tired, hungry, and not in the best of moods.  Get the picture?” Again, Mindi nodded.

Read to see what happens!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

As a romance writer, I consider this day an important day for love. But it can also be a sad day for those who have not found love, or who have lost love. If you are one of the latter, today can be a special day for you, too. Be good to yourself. Buy yourself some flowers, or a box of candy, or both. Take yourself out to dinner or treat yourself to a movie--maybe go with friends. Open up a bottle of wine and pour yourself a glass. Sip from the glass while you rest your feet on the coffee table. Like yourself. If you like yourself you can love yourself, and when you love yourself, someone else will, too. Happy valentines's day!

The Full Nelson

The last published book in the "Choices" series is "The Full Nelson." Both men and women have enjoyed this one. Men like it because it is written from a man's point of view, and women like it because he is one good-looking, sexy man.

Nelson wants the chance to tell his story. He wants the chance to prove that he is not really a bad guy. Once you read it, you can judge for yourself whether he is a villian or a victim.

One final book in the series will be published. Coming soon:  "Consequences."

Stupid error!!

I want to acknowledge that I really do know how to spell 'received' but sometimes my dyslexia gets hold of me and I slip up. So I apologize for reversing the i and the e. I guess I shouldn't edit my own work, huh? Where's my editor, Diane!? Diane!! Edit this stuff for me next time!

Actually, Diane caught the error and emailed me with an "I told you so!" So from now on, Diane will edit my work before I put it on the blog. Next time, Diane.

The Bushes are Red

Well, I got caught up on everything and got my taxes done. That's a relief! Ugh!

Now I want to introduce you to the second book in the "Choices" series. "The Bushes are Red" recieved warm reviews, encouraging me to keep the series going. I hope you will enjoy reading it.

<><> <><>

         Lindy and Ricky are all grown up and have children of their own. Through hard work, perseverance, and determination they have made it! They are living the American dream, surrounding themselves and their two children, Samantha and Michael with love and comfort, and a safe environment. Still wildly in love with each other, Lindy and Ricky focus on their family and a lifestyle that provides their children with security and the knowledge that they are loved. Their house is full of love and happiness until….Samantha is gone!

        Where? Who took her? Why?

        Lindy and Ricky’s emotions go on a wild rollercoaster ride as they face every parent’s worst nightmare. They are grateful for the love and support of the family and friends who rally around doing whatever they can to help, because Lindy and Ricky can only focus on one thought: They have to get Samantha back!  They only clue they have to go on is that Samantha is somewhere where the bushes are red.

The Day After

Well, I hope some of you or most of you were happy about the outcome of the game. Both teams are winners, but somebody has to be on top. Congratulations to the New York Giants. And Eli Manning--congratualtions on being the MVP.

Happy Superbowl Sunday!

Today is the day! I don't know about the rest of you, but I am a huge football fan. Of course, since I'm from Pittsburgh, you can guess who my favorite team is. That's right! I'm a Pittsburgh Steelers fan! Well, they aren't in the Superbowl this year, but maybe next year. So....of course, I will watch the Superbowl, but I won't tell you who I'm going to cheer for. Enjoy the game, and if you're going to be at a party,have fun but BE SAFE!
~Carole

Choices

Already February 4th. My goodness! Time is flying by!

Today I want to introduce you to "Choices," my second book. Some say this is my best, but you can decide for yourself. "Choices" was supposed to be a single one-title book, but those who read it didn't want it to end. They wanted more Ricky and Lindy! So I wrote another book following their story. A third book came after that, but it wasn't about Ricky and Lindy (Alhough they were mentioned in it). I will be adding those books to this blog in a couple of days.

Lindy and Ricky are young and in love. Lindy is pretty, blond and petite, and is still grieving over the loss of her mother and sad because her father ignores her. Ricky, tall, dark, and extremely handsome, still misses his father who died suddenly from a heart attack when Ricky was thirteen. Since he just can't get along with his nagging mother, she sends him away from Chicago to live with his uncle in Pittsburgh. On his second day in a new school, he meets Lindy, and from the moment they meet they are dazzled by the strong electricity between them. By the end of the day a strong bond has already begun to form between them. Their relationship is challenged by many adversities, but through it all, the bond only becomes stronger and makes them even more determined to be together. Ricky's Uncle Nick Loves both Lindy and Ricky and recognizes that their love for each other is very real. He becomes a strong ally in their corner as they challenge the rest of the world defending their love and the right to be together forever.

According to the reviews on "Choices" many people couldn't put it down, and many read all 500 pages in 2 days!! Was I flattered or what? You bet I was!!

"Perfect"

I want to thank all of you who have visited my blogsite and those of you who have joined me. You're awesome!
Now I want to introduce you to my first Novel "Perfect" that was published in 2007. This book won an honorable mention in a self-published book contest and I was so thrilled that I continued to write! "Perfect" is available in paperback on any online bookstore or can be ordered through your local bookstore. It is also available as an eBook. Enjoy!

Emails, Editor, Correction.

I have just spent hours catching up on my emails. Thankfully I am caught up. I took a break and answered a call from my editor, Diane. She's one in a million, that woman is. I'm so happy to have her as an editor. If there are any authors visiting my blog, I am willing to share her. She's reasonable and she is a good editor.

I should have had her edit my last blog, I guess. The line should read: I still miss him terribly. Sometimes my keyboard drops letters. I don't understand this, because it's a new keyboard.

Jackson

                                                                                JACKSON

Pictured above is Jackson. I still miss him eribly.

As Promised--A Tribute to Jackson

Okay....well I'm not real certain I have it ll figured out but I'm working on it. As Promised, here is my first piece of writing. I hope you enjoy it. As you all get to know me, you will understand how much I love my pets.

A tribute….to Jackson

            He was the best dog in the whole world and his name was Jackson. He was only six weeks old the day he picked me for his very own. I wasn’t looking for a dog.  I was a cat person.  I was there only because a friend asked me to drive him there to see the puppies that were advertised in the newspaper. Golden Retrievers and Black Labrador Retrievers were for sale. We stood there watching the seven puppies as they played with each other, rolling and tumbling on the floor, nipping at each other. One puppy was not participating. He was the only black Lab that was left out of a litter of four. He was all head with feet, and he looked more like a seal than a puppy. He just sat there and stared up at me. I looked down at him and somehow, we connected. My friend picked up a pup and claimed it as his. I looked down again at that cute little Lab and without hesitation, scooped him up into my arms, and said, “I want this one.” I had no intention of leaving without him, and I never regretted that decision. Jackson and I were best friends for eleven years. No human being was ever tuned in to my moods like my dog, Jackson was. When I was sad he would sit quietly, letting me know that he was there for me. My happiness caused his tail to wag and brought bursts of ‘happy barks’. He hated to hear the word ‘bad’, but he brightened at the words ‘good boy’. He always tried to be ‘Good Boy’. Although he was truly my dog—my faithful companion—everyone loved him. Anyone who knew him could tell at least one ‘Wonderful Jackson” story. Jackson was well-behaved, polite, and a very kind, compassionate dog.  He loved babies of any kind—human babies, baby kitties, puppies, bunnies—you name it; Jackson loved it. Once we found a litter of kittens living in the basement of our apartment building. Although he was very gentle with them, he was also very protective. He spent the night lying beside the box we put them in, just watching over them.

            Jackson was one in a million. His intelligence was awesome, and I know he understood everything I ever said to him. I could tell that by his reactions. One thing that was most unusual about Jackson was that he could see shadows. He would pounce on a moving shadow! He knew that this was entertaining to most people, so he would actually look for a shadow to pounce on when there were people—especially children—nearby.  He loved to entertain children.

            We were pals, Jackson and I. Wherever I went, he went. He loved to ride in the car and he loved to go to the beach. I took him to the beach a lot. He was an excellent swimmer and could swim out very far into the lake. Usually he would find a stick floating on the water and bring it back with him. Many times he would drop the stick and go back in to retrieve another one he had seen while swimming back with the first one. He loved being in water, including his bath. Being squirted with a garden hose was a real treat to him, and snow was among his favorites. I would throw snowballs and he would jump up and catch them. We had a little war game we used to play. I would build a row of snowmen and on command, he would ‘attack and destroy’ them, one at a time.

            We spent many hours playing, since he was such a playful dog. We played many games of ‘fetch’ with sticks or balls for however long I could find the time. Sticks were his favorite. When we went to the beach I would tell him to go find a stick and he would bring one back. We would play with it for hours. He always carried it to the car to take home with him. Although it made a mess in the car, I usually let him take it, since he was such a good dog.

            Although he was a lovable and playful puppy at heart, he sometimes scared people because he was so big. Once he got away up at our camp and was found barking at the kids in the pool. They were afraid of him, but actually, he just wanted the kids to splash him with water. Another time, he ran onto a volleyball court in the middle of a game. He only wanted the ball. The players accommodated him by giving him a ball they weren’t going to use any more and he walked around the rest of the day with a face full of ball. When people got to know him, they loved him. Any time I was invited to a picnic, the invitation was also extended to Jackson. He was always put on the clean-up committee.

            Having Jackson for my dog was a joy—a joy I never thought about losing. One day in June of ’95, I noticed that my 120-pound black Lab was not 120 pounds any more. He had not been eating well, but I thought it was because of the heat. That summer was exceptionally hot. I noticed that he was regurgitating what he ate, but again I attributed that to the heat. The weight loss was a reason to call the veterinarian. I made an appointment and when I took him in, I discovered that he had lost 35 pounds! My vet suggested that I leave him there for a couple of days for tests. She had already tested him for the obvious (worms) but that test was negative. I agreed to leave him there. After two long days, I called for the test results. I was given the heart-breaking news that my Jackson had kidney disease. I could not stop the tears from flowing.  

            “What happens now?” I asked. The vet said that we could try dialysis, and that there was a chance that Jackson could live a long normal life, with just certain diet restrictions. She felt it was worth a try, since Jackson was such a special dog. I told her to go ahead, and never mind the expense, because he was worth it. Jackson spent another four days at the animal hospital, going through treatments. In those four days I agonized over whether I had done something to cause his illness. I could not eat or sleep. I called the vet many times just to ask these questions that were running through my mind. She assured me that it was nothing I had done. “It just happens sometimes,” she said. On the fourth day I called to see if I could pick him up. She told me to come in to talk about it. My heart sank a little deeper, because that did not sound good. In her office, she told me that she did not like the numbers she had gotten back from the second set of tests. She said I could take him home, but not to get my hopes up, and to call her if I needed her. Jackson actually looked a little better, but he was subdued. Usually he would have been happier to see me. I took him home and watched him deteriorate for the next four days. We took him to our camp because he loved it there. By Sunday, when we returned home, he was markedly weaker. He would not eat, and even the smell of food made him turn his head away. I tried all his favorite things, but to no avail. He was definitely getting worse. On Monday afternoon, his eyes were pleading with me to help him. He was suffering. I called the vet and told her it was time, and that I could not stand to see him suffer any longer. I wanted to wait until Tuesday, though, for two reasons. One, I wanted him for just one more day, and two, I wanted the night to pray for a miracle. On Monday night I slept beside him on the floor. I talked to him and told him he was always a Good Boy, and that I loved him very much.

            On Tuesday, July 19, 1995 he was very weak. He had lost another 35 pounds. My plan was to take him to the beach that he loved one last time, but he was just too weak to go. Before we left the house, I pinned the blue ribbon he had won in a dog show to his collar. I wanted everyone to see that he was a winner. I sobbed all the way to the animal hospital. Mike, my significant other had to drive the car. I felt as though there was lead in my chest. My heart was so full of pain! We parked in the parking lot and I got out and held the door for Jackson. He obediently got out. He took a couple of steps and then had to lie down. “Come on, Boy,” I coaxed. “It’s only a little further.” He repeated the action all the way to the door—a few steps and then rest. The tears were streaming down my face, but I didn’t even know it. My heart was being torn to shreds. He lay down just inside the door. When I turned around I saw that everyone who worked for the vet was crying. Jackson was one of their favorite patients. Someone handed me a tissue. I took it and sat down on the floor beside Jackson. Almost immediately, one of the technicians opened the door and told us to come in. She led us to a room to give us some privacy and she told me of my options. I chose to have him cremated and have his ashes put into an urn. He would be with me always. I was given the option to stay until the very end, but Mike talked me out of it. “Remember Jackson alive,” he said. The technician left the room so we could say our final goodbyes to the best dog in the whole world. I could barely talk as I knelt beside him. He was suffering—suffering terribly. His breathing had become labored and his eyes were not focusing on anything. I put my hand on his head and held his paw.

            “Jackson,” I whispered. “You’re going to a place where the beaches are nicer than we have here. There are sticks, too, Jackson—better sticks than we have. You won’t hurt any more. There aren’t even any fleas there. Wait for me, Buddy. Someday we will play on those beaches together.”

            He kept trying to focus his eyes on me, but he just couldn’t any more. I looked up at Mike and was surprised to see the tears on his cheeks.

            “You’re a good boy, Jackson,” he choked out.

            The technician came back into the room. I got up and Mike helped me out of the room. I’ll never forget the emptiness I felt as we drove home. My heart was broken like it had never been before. I called my family to let them know. Everyone cried and said how sorry they were. My mother told me that there had been prayers said for Jackson at her church the previous Sunday. Everyone knew him and loved him. I mourned him. I grieved for my best friend. Two days later I received a sympathy card from the vet. It was the first of many that I received. She wrote a nice little note telling me that she knew how special Jackson was. That day, the person who did the cremation called to tell me how beautiful he was. She also told me something very odd. She said that she picked Jackson up from the vet hospital, and when she pulled back the sheet, she discovered that he had his paw in his mouth. She had no idea how that happened. We talked about him for awhile and I conveyed my deep sorrow and grief to her. It was she who suggested that I write a tribute to him. She felt that a dog that was that special deserved some recognition. I couldn’t write this then, because my heart was still raw with grief.

            Three days after he was gone, I was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup coffee. It was a dark and dismal day, and the sky was full of storm clouds. I looked out of the window at the cloudy sky, and there in the sky was a very dark cloud floating by. The cloud was shaped like a black Lab! I smiled as I looked up at it through my tears, and whispered, “God, you just got yourself a damn good dog.”

 Carole McKee   

First One!

I have never done this before, so I hope I don't mess it up. I've been writing since 1996, and can you believe it? I have never learned how to blog!

My first attempt at writing was a tribute to my most beloved black Lab who died when he was 11 years old. He was truly my best friend. I will post that tribute within the next couple of days. (Once I figure this blogging thing out.)