Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

joy

Happy May Day Everyone

By

A bee hard at work in the azalea. Nature keeps working. That always gives me hope.

Just returned from a walk around the neighborhood on this warm, lovely afternoon. Wanted to take a posey picture to share with you. Sun is always a big deal here in Oregon and today is a bonus day of eighty-degree weather. May always heralds the true start of moving from spring to summer for me. Flip flops and naked toes are on the horizon.

While I can’t decide whether to do some mixed media art or take a nap right now, I’ve been doing a fine job of avoiding my current work in progress, Forbidden Warrior. I’m twenty-seven chapters in and this couple are having deep conversations and surprising me with things I didn’t know about them. While some romance authors strictly dictate what their couples do, I give mine a little wiggle room and they go rogue every time. That’s the fun part!

My obsession with Jane Austen continues as I discussed in my last post and now OPB/PBS is airing the short series Miss Austen on May 4 at 9 p.m. Why did Cassandra Austen, Jane’s sister, rush to locate the letters Jane wrote to her friend Eliza after the author’s death? What could have been in those letters that Cassandra wanted kept secret? Intrigue! Can’t wait.

Then there is my new HGTV fetish Castle Impossible, set outside of Paris with a young couple working to renovate/save a massive French chateau. This is home improvement on steroids. Plus, I don’t have to lift a brick, paint brush, hammer or timber and still get to visit beautiful France. 

Another way to celebrate May first is Lei Day, a state holiday in Hawaii. The people of the islands celebrate the love, friendship, and spirit of Aloha symbolized by the lei. The flowery necklace is a symbol of the Hawaiian culture, their connection to the land, the people, and the Aloha spirit. Whether made from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, or other natural objects, they are a way to demonstrate love, caring, and welcome.

I’ve enjoyed wearing flower leis on my visits to Hawaii. I even keep fabric ones on my dresser mirror to remind me of my island times. This morning, I switched out my Easter decorations for a Hawaiian summer flare in the house. Complete with Cabana Boy pillows!

Wishing you all a very happy May Day.

The Aloha spirit is a wonderful thing to embrace and spread.

Aloha!

 

 

Celebrating Jane Austen

By

Some of my teacups surrounded by my two new Jane Austen books. It’s always time for a relaxing tea party and a good novel.

Want to escape?

Me too. So that’s what I did last weekend, I retreated to Jane Austen.

For me this meant rewatching Hallmark’s Paging Mr. Darcy and then streaming Austenland. And then I was down the research rabbit hole.

Discovered this is Jane’s 250th birthday year. Then I found a new book about the women authors who inspired Jane’s writing. Off to Barnes and Noble I went and pounced on that volume, then found a collection of all seven of her novels. Score! Snatched that up too.

Austen confessions. I haven’t actually read the books. Not growing up. Not sure how I missed her in all my high school literature classes. But I was reading Harlequin books from the git go. And a huge Shakespeare fan, so not sure how I got derailed. But then, I saw the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice. With Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden.

Sweet mother of boots and breeches.

I know. Let’s all take a moment. In reverence. Make sure to breathe.

The rain scene?

Then when Darcy strides across the fields?

Never in all my born days… Vapors. Swooning. Breathing optional.

I adore that film so much I have two DVD copies in case one gets scratched.

Say what you want about us Baby Boomers and our analog media, but the Army taught me; if you don’t have it, you don’t HAVE it.

Then I discovered something else.

It’s the 20th Anniversary of the movie and they are bringing it back to the big screen in selected theaters on April 20th!

Not sure my heart can take it. I checked locally and it is in three theaters here in Vancouver, Washington, and in Beaverton, Oregon, on April 18. Ladies and gents, check your theater listings. It’s movie go time!

Now, if for some unromantic reason you don’t prefer Jane Austen, you do you, but here are some other escapes.

Opening March 28th is The Penguin Lessons, which I didn’t know about, based on the book of the same name. A story of a teacher and his bird. Based on a true adventure. This is a must see for me.

Last night on Netflix I started watching The Residence, a murder mystery series set in the White House. It is brilliant. Of course, Shonda Rhimes produced it, so expect only the best. I stopped at three episodes. Not easy. Had to get some sleep. Back at it tonight.

Or go outside for a promenade.

It’s been rumored we might have three days of sun next week. Always a win.

Or hunt down where you can view other Jane Austen inspired movies from Hallmark like An American in Austen, Sense and Sensibility, and Jane and Love from 2024, or Unleashing Mr. Darcy from 2016. Or the gazillion others made over the years. Emma is a big favorite of mine too, with Ann Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, and Bill Nighy.

Right now, I am reading Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos.

Love is the greatest power on earth.

Let’s refill our hearts and work toward everybody getting a happily ever after.

Inside and outside the book pages.

I leave you with the 20th Anniversary film trailer to make your day.

You’re welcome.

 

 

 

Happy Galentine’s and Valentine’s Days!

By

Happy Galentine’s Day Eve and almost Valentine’s Day!

As a romance writer, this is my season. It’s the best time to shop for Valentine goodies to decorate my home office. I start doing recon in January to get the good stuff. And this year I scored big time. A welcome mat with Snoopy mailing Valentine’s Day cards. On sale. For $13.99. (See above)

Pretty sure it’s staying outside until the Turkey mat switches in November. If I can get a perfect Valentine doormat on sale? Golden. It was the last one. Obviously, divine intervention.

My rations are stocked up too. A new candy obsession is the Reese’s thin peanut butter cups made with dark chocolate. Be still my heart. Somehow, I’ve convinced myself they save calories. I write fiction for a reason, people.

We are having crisp weather here in Oregon with lots of sun. But that ends early tomorrow morning with potential snow and freezing rain. Always a good time to stay inside when my neighborhood becomes a skating rink. After all, tonight is the full Snow Moon. But I switched out my dead TV cable box all by myself, so let the romantic comedy movies play!

Sending you all Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day wishes.

And candy, if I could. You know my top favorite right now.

Never forget.

Love is the most powerful force in the world.

Snoopy believes.

And so, do I.

Sending Valentine Wishes

By 1 Comment

The Double Delight rose is one of my favorites. You can see why. From my backyard in a past summertime. Ah, summer. Soon…

They say people give the gifts they want to receive, so I must love cards, Dove dark chocolate, and roses. I do! But I can’t push those things through the interweb, so a photo will have to do. Was going to use a picture of my blooming Yuletide Camillias, but it snowed on them last night. They’re a tad droopy and cold this morning.

So, into the archives! Wanted to share a rose bloom from a while ago.

The thing I love most about today is we celebrate love.

And the world needs so much more love these days.

Only one of many reasons I am proud to be a romance author.

Spreading love every day of the year!

Cheers to more love on our planet.

And the comfort only love can provide in challenging times.

Love is the greatest power in the galaxy.

I hope you take some time to be kind to yourself and others today.

And all the fur babies.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

P.S. Happy 164th birthday to the State of Oregon too! 

 

Sending Valentine Wishes

By 4 Comments

Wanted to make sure everyone gets a Valentine today. And if it’s from me, you know it’s going to be a little quirky. Because that’s how I roll.

First, I wanted to share some chocolate cake. Too bad I can’t send it through the Wifi, but feel free to scavenge your own. I use Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil’s Food cake mix for birthdays and Valentine’s Day. Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting tops it off. I got the small six-inch heart pan from Michael’s some years back. Think it’s the Wilton brand. Takes about twenty-four minutes to bake. See box for directions. And the leftover mix makes cupcakes. A two-fer! You still have time to bake. (If you only have a round or square cake pan, just carve a heart after it bakes. Frosting hides everything.)

Second, do something for yourself today. First thing in my home office this morning I went to my craft corner and die cut a pink foil paper castle. It’s an Anna Griffin die set I adore. Made a purple one earlier, and a couple for cards, but I needed a pink castle to add to my writing desk. Because writers are dreamers and castles in the mind are where we spend a lot of time. Now I have a classy abode to stay in when I visit.

Third, hug a fur baby, a loved one, a stuffed animal, a potted plant, a friend, a tree, chocolate cake (though that might get messy – go for it.) Given the roller coaster tilt-wheel ride we’ve all been on these past several years, do what works. A walk around the block can help too. I’ve been keeping a close eye on my neighbor’s crocus patch, and they opened yesterday. Spring is coming!

Enjoy your day.

And try to light up somebody else’s. 

From me to you, Happy Valentine’s Day!

For a cute bonus? How about Leaping Lemurs from the Oregon Zoo. 

 

 

 

Happy Valentines Day! Eat Cake!

By 6 Comments

 

This is the mini chocolate cake I made for my Mom’s 94th birthday. I took a picture of today’s, but WordPress won’t let me upload it. Gah! Suffice it to say, it looks like this, but on a red heart plate. I use Betty Crocker Super Moist Devil’s Food cake mix and also Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy milk chocolate frosting. In case you need the secret recipe. For emergencies.

Happy New Year! Happy Valentines Day! I lost a month. More like two. Actually three, to be exact. Long story short, my mom had medical challenges and three months later here we are, coming out the other side. Tonight we get to celebrate her 95th birthday at her new Assisted Living home.

Since she is also a Valentines Day baby, it is especially sweet she is doing much better and we know she has a fabulous group of minions helping her out. Besides my sister and myself. We’re good, but very human. We wear down.

So now that mom has more staff, we are trying to get back on track with our to do lists, right after we finish clearing out her apartment this next week. And sell the car. And sort paper files.

Can we chat about stuff? I had too much of my own mess before this move. Still haven’t cleaned out all the stuff from Mom’s prior move two years ago.

If you’re thinking about downsizing or moving, start cleaning out yesterday. But not my new craft supplies I purchased when I had five or ten minutes to kill between running errands, buying groceries, and helping mom. I call it craft therapy for when you don’t have time to get to an actual therapist.          

On this holiday I am grateful for family, friends, hugs and well wishes. Good thoughts helped too. Especially appreciated my friend Kathy helping me wrangle two bookcases, one LaZBoy, and a very stout round kitchen table into my house. My dad built the kitchen table in my youth and it could withstand a nuclear blast.

It also didn’t fit inside the hatchback. I volunteered to be ballast and we drove with the tabletop on the bumper and me holding on for dear life to the bottom pedestal. It was a long block, but we made it. Now Spec Ops Cat thinks he has a new cat enrichment gym. And I need to rearrange my house and get rid of more overstuffed chairs. Still stuff.

While we celebrate this day of giving thanks for love, I want to acknowledge all the good in this world. Especially by the people who give a small part of themselves when they don’t realize how much it can mean to a brain dead, exhausted caregiver unable to even do simple math. Bless you all.

Like texts from friends just checking in, when they know all you’ve got time for is to maybe send an emoji. And they still care.

Grocery checkers who smile at you and make you laugh, when you really need a lift to your spirits.

Medical professionals who can’t give you a definite answer, but try to help.

Your dentist gets you in pronto to fix a tooth you just broke in half eating a Wheat Thin.

Your brother-in-law figures out why the new GFCI plug isn’t working so you don’t have to keep manually hurking your garage door up and tripping over the extension cord running from the house to the freezer in the garage.

Les Schwab mechanic angels figure out your flashing low tire pressure light isn’t right, but it needs to be replaced. And they do it.

The two sets of craft stamps you really want and thought you missed, miraculously show up on a flying trip in and out of Tuesday Morning.

Chocolate chip cookies, Goobers, cinnamon toast, a Big Mac and fries. And I only started gaining weight this week. It’s back to chicken, broccoli and rice!

For all the caregivers out there, hugs and best wishes. There are no calories for you today. Really. Take a deep breath. Now another. You’ve earned it.

Yes, you can make a cake just for yourself. Or buy cupcakes, cookies, or anything else you need to cope. And there are free meditation lessons on YouTube.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day everybody!