Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

romance readers

Satan, Cookies And Bears?

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Is it just me, or is 2020 having an epic hangover into 2021? Have you seen the above Match.com commercial with Satan and 2020 getting connected? They’re still dating! Maybe Mother Nature can split those two apart, she’s got massive game.

As a romance author I’m not usually encouraging the break up side of things, but in this case I will make an exception. On the other hand, is Satan built or what? Far be it from me to ignore the amazing muscles on this guy. It’s research. I’m REQUIRED to check out men. Love my job!

It’s one of the many writer things I miss not being out people watching. I need input! In the before times, being free range gave me all kinds of human behavior to observe and use in my stories. And eavesdropping is awesome. It’s amazing the ideas you can get from people out in public on their phones who think no one can hear them. Beware. Authors lurk in person. Hah!

Those times will return when we get our vaccine shots and move forward. I had so many immunizations in my military days, I’m a well preserved Twinkie. Bring it on! Actually got a shot for the plague when I went on Desert Training at Fort Irwin, California. You would think that one would count now, but no, viruses are sneaky!

(The Fort Irwin prairie dogs had the plague, so in case we engaged with infected ones, we needed to be immunized. Fun fact, Army folk spend a lot of time in the dirt. As do prairie dogs. I love prairie dogs. Not sure who gave them their get well shots.)

While out on my once a week excursion to pick up mail and groceries this week, I added a very important item to my basket. The pink love bear I didn’t buy the first time I saw him. But he waited for me and came home to join my stuffed animals squadron. He was also on sale, thirty percent off. A bear bargain!

(Bag one bear at checkout along with hand sanitizer, veggies, fruit, and eggs. The glamour of it all.)

Then while picking up my mail packages, I discovered a pile of fliers on the counter for contactless ordering for Girl Scout Cookies. Local delivery. YES! We will make it through this mess if we have delivery cookies. I am a thin mint addict. They also freeze really well. If they make it to the freezer.

I will do my patriotic part and support this young woman entrepreneur by ordering rations. Keep the economy moving. You can go to www.girlscouts.org and look for cookies by zip code starting Feb. 1!

And keep moving/walking too, especially for those of us eating cookies.

Now I’m going to do some card crafting for my mental health. Mailing cards I make is fun for me and people seem to appreciate getting them. A definite two-fer! I’m working my way up to finger painting. Embrace the mess. Why not?

Hang in there people of earth! Safety first, shots next.

P.S. BIG NEWS – I forgot to let you know our beloved Polar Bear Nora, former Oregon Zoo resident, is moving back to the zoo this spring! We have fabulous new digs for her and she gets a wing woman buddy in the fall. Excellente!

 

 

 

 

 

 

December Daydreams And Gnome Gratitude

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I haven’t gotten everything done on my to do list this year. I’m not even sure where the to do list is in the house. And I think there are several. One is on a steno pad. So I wouldn’t misplace it. Like that worked!

Not that I’m disorganized. The darn lists breed like rabbits. Don’t get me started on the Post-It Notes. I prefer to think of 2020 as overwrought. A nice Jane Austen kind of term for batsh*t crazy.

How do I cope right now? Denial and decorating. Didn’t have time to make my home festive the past two years, so I went a little nuts this November. And started early. I blame the gnomes at Dollar Tree, who showed up in October. Luckily, I pounced on the one I found like the combat shopper I am, because gnome mania hit. Scouring Dollar Trees masked up and spraying hand sanitizer became a new Olympic sport.

When I saw one YouTuber DT haul who ordered a case of the big gnomes, my thought? “Why didn’t I think of that?” I could have been the gnome elf, dropping off the little guys to friends and family doorsteps far and wide. Okay, my neighborhood is now far and wide, but you get the drift.

In the midst of my decorating frenzy before turkey day, my sister called. “What ya doing?” “Dressing my bear in his reindeer outfit.” Didn’t even phase her, she knows me. We find our jollies where we can this year.

Reflections on 2020? Almost over kids. Can’t wait to kick big parts of it to the curb.

But. There are many things I am grateful for at the end of this hairball of a year. I’ve kept a gratitude journal for over a decade now. It reminds me every night before I go to bed of the five things I appreciate from that day. Many times there are more than five. Some days it’s a challenge, but I always find five.

If I’m in a real bind, chocolate and cookies are always a topic. But most of the entries are family and friends support, noticing nature, sleep, and always the helpers; whether nurses, doctors, firefighters, law enforcement, frontline workers, veterans, active, reserve and guard military members. And our scientist warriors nailing it on vaccine developments. Science is sexy!

Normal holiday seasons are always fraught with peril; whether family disfunction, too high expectations, tight finances, crazy travel, or all four. I’m praying for boring holidays this year. Everybody go to their rooms and stay there. Cuddle up, wear sweats, Zoom friends and family, and make your fur baby’s day. Avoid holiday travel in any weather.

Take a complete time out for the holidays. As much as you can. No awkward work holiday parties. You can dress up from the waist up for Zoom. Be safe. Be sane. Save our health care worker’s lives and the ICU beds. Standing down in the military is called rest and relaxation. R&R. Even warriors have to come off the line. Now we can do it for those who can’t stay home for the holidays.

Stay cozy at home America!

P.S. If you’d like an ebook to read, Semper Parrot, my latest romantic comedy is available on Amazon. Or, you can dress your teddy bears!

Semper Parrot

 

 

Romance Books? Especially In Pandemic Times

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When last we chatted, my goal was to get my next book out pronto. Nothing happens fast during a pandemic, except transmission. Bollocks!

But with dogged determination, lots of cookies, and too many donuts in the house, my new book is out. Only about seven monthsMission: Canine Hearts behind schedule. I’m giving myself an A for effort. Because I could write like a wild woman in lockdown, but not edit. Brain fade, fog, or avoidance. Let’s assume all three.  Then family medical issues, not Covid. Focus can be a challenge. Right?

Please check out my new book, Mission: Canine Hearts.

Enough marketing. Back to our regular programming.

It seems, for some unknown reason, I can upload pictures again. Priceless! Through the power of procrastination, somebody in WordPress-land fixed that debacle from several months ago. Thank you so much. I hope it lasts. So, to celebrate before I lose that capacity again, let’s look at some pics!

@#$%^ Spoke too soon. I have to make my pics smaller. Argh! I’m sure it’s a pixel issue. Let me hunt down the frozen chocolate donuts first.

In that case, let’s look at some videos! This Oregon Zoo video made me howl a few weeks ago because it is exactly what’s been happening in my fiction critique group Zoom meetings. Someone’s tech is always going sideways. For no rhyme or reason, but we plow on. And look a lot like these humongo Hornbills in front of the webcams. Either Claudia’s smoke alarm beeps when we meet, never at any other time, or we can’t see Cindy.

She has tried to get us to see her face. Halfway through our last meeting, Cindy’s face popped up from a black screen and startled the rest of us. I’ve had to hack in from the main web site when the prior meeting email worked fine. Such are the times we live in. I like everyone’s creativity and the willingness to adapt.

Soapbox alert. The Army and Air Force taught me that masks save lives. Mine and others. Whether it’s a gas mask or an oxygen mask, they work. It’s an educational moment to be standing in the gas chamber in Army basic training. You can feel your skin crawl when they pop the gas. You learn to trust your mask in the chamber.

Then they make you take off your mask to really appreciate it. You have to repeat your name, rank, and something else unimportant, to keep you inside long enough to take a fine whiff of chemicals before getting permission to leave. Very educational.

Our scientists, healthcare personnel, and essential frontline workers have become our modern day fighter pilots, like in the movie Independence Day. As ground support crew to them, our cloth face masks are one crucial tool to fight this global enemy and support our new pandemic fighter pilots. Mask up America!

Off my soapbox. Where was I? See, this is what happens during these times. Squirrel!

I’d like to close with a few items I’ve been doing to keep me from going nuts. (And I bet you think it’s not working!) 

  1. Taking walks.
  2. Listening to Great Meditation on YouTube
  3. Following The Minimal Mom on YouTube to help edit out the clutter in my home.
  4. Watching way too many YouTube videos.
  5. Major League Baseball. (I’m an NFL gal, but I’m enjoying their efforts. Calms me down.)
  6. Giving myself a break. If we only get one thing done a day, bloody brilliant!
  7. Taking flower pictures.
  8. Laughing with friends on the phone and on Zoom.
  9. Filling up my local Goodwill with donations.
  10. Writing things in my After Pandemic To Do booklet.
  11. Being grateful to write the stories of my heart.

Hope you are all healthy, safe, and coping. Hugs to all. We are in this big earth SUV together, so let’s quit fighting in the backseat and get along.

Moving forward together is the best way to defeat this damn virus. Onward America! 

We’ve got a lot of work to do.

Right after I chomp on a frozen chocolate donut.

Blessings.  

And because we need it. The Red Panda cub at the Oregon Zoo!

 

 

Pandemic Puttering In Place?

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Thought I’d revisit some favorite Oregon spots we can’t go to right now. This is near Boiler Bay, just north of Depoe Bay. Inhale the sea air!

Welcome to the Middle Ages. This is what happens when new viruses hatch. It’s the ultimate game of keep away.

Hope you all stay safe and distant from each other, try not to wash the skin off your fingers, and don’t breath anyone else’s air.

Given my military and medical disaster background, wanted to offer a few ideas.

If you have shelter, stay there.

Now is the time to inventory your food. Frisk the pantry. Not only does this let you know what you have, but there are bonuses. A friend of mine found a purse she was missing.

Inventorying Spec Ops Cat’s canned food, I found my rum! Score. Gonna need that at some point. I did have to pour out the expired (2007) bottle of Baileys on St. Patrick’s Day, no less. But even I can’t drink chunky Baileys. Zombie apocalypse? I’d chew it. For sure.

I suggest an Indiana Jones adventure if you’ve got a refrigerator freezer or one in the garage, like I do. I checked online to see how long a frozen turkey is good. There is one hiding behind the blueberries. I’m afraid to look at the date on the tag. But, good to know all your assets.

Inventory your technology. Thought my power computer got hit by malware last week, but it checked out okay. In the meantime there are five computers in this house, I think. Most can be used as boat anchors. I bought a used Apple from my friend Carol, to help with manuscript formatting. But I’ve never used an Apple. My tech doctor told me not to start now. I believe he is heading my phone calls off at the pass.

For gold bonus points on the tech inventory, try to locate the matching manuals too. HA!

And now I have all the time in the world to fix all the online tech issues I’ve got with my web site redesign, my WordPress photo upload issue, and trying to remember how to use Instagram.

Which are all reasons why I am actually getting some writing done. Avoidance and procrastination. A two-fer!

Normally I enjoy being home and puttering in place as I call it. PIP. Now we’ve upgraded to Pandemic Puttering In Place, so PPIP.

Since I have a lot of boxes in my house from clearing out my mom’s apartment the end of February, plus my own boxes of papers to sort, I can keep busy for months. Then there are all my hoarded craft supplies.

Used some of my craft paint to make a big sign to wave at mom through her window at the Assisted Living Center. Because we got her moved in just in time for a pandemic lock down. That’s how my family’s luck rolls.

But the staff is doing a great job of keeping her safe and trying to entertain everybody and keep them fed, medicated, and active. Lessons we can all take to heart.

So, since I can’t add new photos to this post yet, I’m going to use old ones and make up new captions. Because I can.

But I wanted to leave you with some fun and calming videos to watch in your spare time. And to possibly save the hair of some parents who now have to teach their kids. All the time.

The Oregon Zoo staff is working hard to take care of the animals while the zoo is closed. But even a flamingo needs a hug. I have not seen an order for flamingo distancing yet. So they’re good.

If you want to go to the beach from your couch, this week the Oregon State Parks is live streaming whale watching on the Oregon Coast from Depoe Bay from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT through March 29th on YouTube live. Depoe Bay is one of my favorite places on the planet. We had our family beach house there for twenty-five years. World’s smallest harbor located between Lincoln City and Newport. Plus, I Iived there when I worked as a reporter and photographer on the Newport News-Times newspaper. 

If you miss the live stream during the day, you can watch the reruns! Four hours of glorious coastal waves and fabulous Park Rangers giving whale info every day. So park the kids in front and go for it. They even sighted a pod of orcas yesterday! (Time stamp 3:28:20)

In the meantime, I am going to try and find my Scooby Doo postage stamps, which have been missing for eighteen months in this house. Luckily, they are forever stamps. 

P.S. And for those of you who might enjoy ebooks, Amazon KindleUnlimited is free for two months! You could read my two romance fiction books for free! The next book in the Vintage Veterans military romance series is almost ready to go. Doing my best to concentrate and get that out there.

Stay safe, stay inside, stay sane.

Clean if you must.

And eat chocolate.   

Hugs from Oregon!

Need A Break From The Holi-Daze?

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Kimberly A. Cook
Spec Ops Cat offers his holiday advice. Including letting me know it’s time to scram with the camera, so he can nap.

It’s official. The holiday crazies are here. At a time of year when life is normally hectic, between crazy weather and a quick-turn between Thanksgiving and the holidays, coping is required. No matter how I try to slow down the days, get organized, and stay on top of things; life happens.

So here are a few tips for my fellow crazed humans trying to survive this time of the year. Heads up. If you’re visiting Costco from now until New Years, it’s official combat shopping season in that arena. Be prepared, take your patience, and pack protein snacks.

At any point in the day, except while driving snowplows or piloting the space station; sit, stay, breathe, blink, repeat.

This is a hectic time for family pets too. Make sure you give them the required cuddle time to calm their nerves. And yours. A two-fer!

Making memories doesn’t require money. A visit and laugh with a good friend does make the world go round.

Everybody has hard times. Reach out to others you know who could use a boost. Positivity is catching.

Get some rest. I saw a USPS truck being towed away yesterday. Obviously it had given it’s all for the busiest season. Nap like a champ.

It’s okay to buy pre-made cookie dough. I have three rolls in my refrigerator right now.  Remember, Martha Stewart has 300 staff. We don’t.

As long as Christmas/holiday cards are mailed before or after the holiday, they count. Friends understand and are just glad to hear from you.

There are no calories in December. Just know they rollover to January, like a cell phone plan.

Cozy is a good four-letter word. Practice it.

We miss folks we have lost this time of year, so let’s revisit a favorite happy memory to be grateful they were in our lives.

The Winter Solstice arrives this weekend. Shortest day of the year? Done! We get another minute of light! Wear your Hawaiian shirts!

If you missed National Chocolate-Covered Anything day on Monday, feel free to celebrate late. It’s all good.

Need more light this time of year? I switched my light bulbs from soft to daylight in the bathroom and about fried my retinas. I may be seeing things I’d rather not, but my body thinks its Maui in there. Wear sunglasses if necessary. Who needs makeup?

Send good wishes and prayers for all the folks dealing with family and health challenges this time of year. And all the first responders and medical staff working to support them. There are angels amongst us.

Buy yourself a present. There are tons of cool and fun things at Dollar Tree. Like my pink paper clip holder in the shape of a mini to-go coffee cup. Cute, functional, and cheap. Three of my favorite words.

Hugs are power transfers from one person to another. Ask permission first when it comes to strangers.

Greet the bell ringers and wish them happy holidays. Thank them for their volunteer time. Give a buck or two if you can.

Take time for yourself. Even five minutes. Take a walk, watch the sunrise, or refill the hummingbird feeder.

Say a wish of gratitude for all our troops serving around the world and their families who support them, whether they are home or far away.

Keep an eye out for Santa. The North American Aerospace Defense Command is on the job clearing his air space. The NORAD Santa Tracker launches in six days.  Rudolph on point.

Hugs and happiness to all my blog readers. You guys are fabulous and extremely good looking.

Let’s gear up for 2020!

Right after I eat all the cookies and finish the eggnog.

 

“Need A Break From The Holi-Daze?” Copyright © 2019 by Kimberly A. Cook. Image Copyright © 2019 by Kimberly A. Cook.

Pumpkin Attack, Cinnamon Rolls Or Speedy Squirrel?

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Packer Farm Pumpkin Patch Hood River

Fall is officially here. I can’t deny it. During this time of year I have two distinct urges:

  1. Stay in my cozy warm bed in the morning and eat an entire pan of warm cinnamon rolls.
  2. Rush around like a squirrel on two double=espressos preparing for the winter zombie apocalypse.

The challenge is I’d look to do both at the exact same time. Does not work out. So far. And Spec Ops Cat refuses to deliver any type of warm food to my bed, so I must get up and feed him breakfast. And the time change is coming this weekend, so I have even greater incentive to linger in bed!

Last month I went on vacation for a week and had a hard time getting out of mosey mode. But I did since I was editing another book, Spec Ops Pig, which is now available on Amazon. Romantic comedy if you need a laugh. It’s the first book in the Matchmaker Cat series, starring our very own Spec Ops Cat, a spin-off from my earlier Vintage Veterans series, Mission: Purple Hearts.

Now I am editing the sequel to Mission: Purple Hearts. Whoever made up this schedule needs a firm talking to; that would be me. Dang it. So, I escape the computer when I can and head out into the wilds.

Earlier this month that included the Packer Orchards & Farm Place pumpkin patch in Hood River. There were rocking chairs in the orchards and the pumpkin patch! My kind of place. Photo above. It was a bit breezy. Bundle up time.

But now I need to get back to editing, so I leave you with this Happy Halloween video. This is one YouTube Channel I follow for research and enlightenment. Shawn Ryan’s Vigilance Elite Channel. He is a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor. Great guy. Pretty sure pumpkins were harmed in the making of this video. 

Happy Halloween!