Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Tuesday Tidbits: LAND OF THE LOST


Have you ever arrived at your flight destination to have your suitcase not show up? I’ve had it happen twice, but I got them back both times.
 

Most misdirected luggage is eventually reunited with its owner, but one half of one percent remain unclaimed. That might not sound like much, but when 4.3 billion of pieces of luggage fly every year, that adds up to millions of pieces of baggage annually that disappear. 

Poof!


Gone in a puff of smoke.
 

Now you see them…


…now you don’t.


So what happens to all those stray bags?


They end up in Scottsboro, Alabama at the UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE CENTER. They are the only thrift store of it’s kind. They purchase all the unclaimed luggage, sight unseen. A third of all they unpack is tossed. Another third is donated to various charity organizations. The final third is put in their store. Everyday they stock approximately 7,000 new items in their over 40,000 square foot city block location. They have the largest dry cleaning facility in the state to clean ALL the clothing they keep to sell.
 


The store was started by Doyle Owens in 1970 when he borrowed $300 and traveled to pick up his first load of unclaimed luggage.
 

The store is a destination spot for travelers. Everyday at 2:30 they let a customer unpack and sort a suitcase that hasn’t been opened yet.
 

Some of the items they have besides clothes, shoes, and books—the normal luggage fair—are wedding dresses, sports equipment, sunglasses, cell phones, computers, iPads, eReaders, chargers, jewelry, and anything else one might travel with. Some of the more unusual items are a 5.8 carat diamond ring, a $64,000 Rolex, vacuum-packed frogs, a live rattle snake, and Hoggle from the 1980s movie Labyrinth. 

You can see the Hoggle display in this video, time stamp 1:43.

They have also acquired car engines, moose antlers, a full suit of armor, and a six-foot-tall papier-mâché Tinkerbell.


How do the airlines misplace car engines, a suit of armor, and a six-foot Tinkerbell?

NEW!
THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3) #TheDamselsIntent #HistoricalRomance #FreeKU #KU #ChristianRomance
Can Nicole learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
   Nicole Waterby heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband, not realizing women don’t wear trousers or carry a gun. She has a lot to learn. Rancher Shane Keegan has drifted from one location to another to find a place to belong. When Nicole crosses his path, he wonders if he can have love, but he soon realizes she’s destined for someone better than a saddle tramp. Will love stand a chance while both Nicole and Shane try to be people they’re not?

Free on Kindle Unlimited, or $2.99 to buy ebook.


#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides CollectionCourting Her Amish HeartThe Widow’s PlightCourting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.
Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-five years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

LISTENERS WANTED!!!!!

I am so excited that the first book in my Quilting Circle series recently released in an audio addition. This is the first book I've had come out in an audio addition. I found the process enlightening and fun.

I have a limited number of codes for free audio copies of The Widow's Plight for people who would be willing to listen to it and then consider leaving a review on Audible and Amazon. I am offering these free codes to my email subscribers first.

Washington State, 1893
   When Lily Lexington Bremmer arrives in Kamola with her young son, she’s reluctant to join the social center of her new community, the quilting circle, but the friendly ladies pull her in. Will the secrets lurking in her past cast shadows on her bright future?
   Widower Edric Hammond and his father are doing their best to raise his two young daughters. He meets Lily and her son when they arrive in town and helps her find a job and a place to live. Lily resists Edric’s charms at first, but finds herself falling in love with this kind, gentle man and his two darling daughters. Lily has stolen his heart with her first warm smile, but he’s cautious about bringing another woman into his girls’ lives due to the harshness of their own mother.
   Can Edric forgive Lily her past to take hold of a promising chance at love?

To qualify for a free code:
     ~You must not have already read The Widow's Plight
     ~You need to be signed up for Audible
     ~You would be willing to listen to The Widow's Plight
     ~You would be willing to consider posting a review on Audible and Amazon

If you fit the bill, email me.

Reviews help authors sooooooooooo much. We appreciate them greatly.

If you have left a review for any of my books, thank you so much!


NEW RELEASE!
THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3) #TheDamselsIntent #HistoricalRomance #FreeKU #KU #ChristianRomance
Can Nicole learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
   Nicole Waterby heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband, not realizing women don’t wear trousers or carry a gun. She has a lot to learn. Rancher Shane Keegan has drifted from one location to another to find a place to belong. When Nicole crosses his path, he wonders if he can have love, but he soon realizes she’s destined for someone better than a saddle tramp. Will love stand a chance while both Nicole and Shane try to be people they’re not?

Free on Kindle Unlimited, or $2.99 to buy ebook.


NOW in audio!
Book 1 THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT
FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA
A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $4.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV4XDLH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XaM.DbMKBGBG1
#TheWidowsPlight

Coming soon to audio! Book 2 THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT
FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5
Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $3.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQZVNWY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcM.DbRBRKVQ9
#TheDaughtersPredicament

#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides CollectionCourting Her Amish HeartThe Widow’s PlightCourting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.
Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-five years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:


Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Tuesday Tidbits: Ahhhhh!

I’m pondered the topic of renewal.

I have been through many back-to-back seasons of mega trials and setback over the past decade. Sheltering-in and COVID being the very least of them, a non-event in comparison. As the restrictions are being lifted and people start venturing out, I’m picturing the colorful inhabitants of Munchinland when Glinda the Good Witch tells them all that it’s safe because the wicked witch is dead, and they all start coming out from all manner of places, first cautiously, then with singing, dancing, and a parade.

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RHsb9LnD9Q


Here are some things I find that renew and refresh me.

~Prayer – Refreshes and renews the spirit.

~Food – When you have low blood sugar, there is nothing like food to renew. One of my favorites are fruits, especially cherries, grapes, and berries.




~Music – When agitated or mad, praise music can calm, refocus and renew.

~Crafts – I love doing things with my hands. The act of doing something creative with my hands helps unlock and renew my writing world.



~Writing – One of the most renewing things to my writing is writing. When a scene just flows and seems to write itself, I am renewed from the previous day’s writing struggles.

~Reading – Brings new story ideas or gives an insight into an existing story or character.

~Cats – Just sitting with one of my cats sitting on my lap purring (the cat, not me) is renewing. Or cracking up at watching them run around acting like total spazzes over a twisty-tie. Cats are so weird. I love them.



~Daydreaming – Letting currents characters run wild in scenes that will never be in the book, or meeting new characters and spending time with them.

~A new story idea – Maybe that is not so much renewing as energizing.



~A deep slow breath – Ah, that feels good.

~Sips of cool water — Refreshing.

~Finally, one thing that renews like no other and is the foundation of the others is SLEEP. Pure, restful, deep, carefree sleep. Zzzzzz.



May you be renewed and refreshed.



THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3) #TheDamselsIntent #HistoricalRomance #FreeKU #KU #ChristianRomance
Can Nicole learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
   Nicole Waterby heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband, not realizing women don’t wear trousers or carry a gun. She has a lot to learn. Rancher Shane Keegan has drifted from one location to another to find a place to belong. When Nicole crosses his path, he wonders if he can have love, but he soon realizes she’s destined for someone better than a saddle tramp. Will love stand a chance while both Nicole and Shane try to be people they’re not?

Free on Kindle Unlimited, or $2.99 to buy ebook.
FREE PREVIEW: https://a.co/7xbqxVk 


Also in THE QUILTING CIRCLE SERIES (Available in ebook and paperback)
#TheWidowsPlight – A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? (Now available in audio)
#TheDaughtersPredicament – As Isabelle’s romance prospects are turning in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams. (Coming to audio soon)


MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides CollectionCourting Her Amish HeartThe Widow’s PlightCourting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.
Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-five years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:







Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Tuesday Tidbits: QUILTING FROLICKS, BEES, & CIRCLES

Women coming together to quilt is a long held tradition, dating back two centuries or more. These events are referenced in newspapers back to the early nineteenth century, though these gatherings were likely going on long before they were reported about. In the early days, these assemblies were known as quilting frolicks. Frolick: to play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically. At some point the “k” was dropped. 


There were a lot of activities that used the term “frolick” such as corn husking frolick and apple paring frolick. Usually the frolicking came after the main task was completed when the event turned to music, dancing, and playing games. Another purpose for these for these gatherings was to bring young folks together to get to know one another. When people are spread out across the open countryside, a shindig like a frolick was important. 



Public Domain

Quilting frolicks became quilting bees. Today we think of “bee” most closely associated with children standing in front of room spelling words. Like frolick, bee was used with many activities including quilting, corn husking, apple butter boilings, and more. The industrious activity of the people working reminded one of an active beehive.

Among other activities, it seems a bit of gossip went on.




Neighboring farmers would unite with their teams when a new settler arrived in an area to help cut timber and build him a log house in a single day. This was called a “raising bee.”

Public Domain


Quiltings were also referred to as quilting parties with much the same goings on as frolicks and bees. Here is a great story of one such quilting party.

Bachelors at a Quilting Party
“… Preparatory to a fair to be given by the Warren Street Methodist Church … twelve bachelors of the congregation were induced by the ladies to agree to furnish a quilt of their own making. Thursday evening was fixed as the time for the quilting bee, and an admission fee of ten cents was charged. The bachelors surrounded the quilting frame and worked conscientiously with needles and thread for several hours until the ladies came to their relief and helped complete the quilt. The quilt is said to be a triumph of art. It is composed of sunflowers, old maids, bachelors, baskets, and other quilt combinations, and will be offered for sale at the fair. Among the bachelor quilters were a railroad man, a printer, two brick manufacturers, and no tailor.”

Chester Times 
Chester, Pennsylvania 
December 10, 1883, page 12 

Public Domain

This must have been quite the sight and the event of the year! My guess is a few of these brave bachelors caught the eye of a young lady or two. I’m going to have to write a story or two about a group of such bachelors. They sound like the kinds of men my heroines would fall in love with.

Frolicks and bees seemed to be events that weren’t in a person’s or community’s regular schedule. Whereas a quilting circle denotes more of a regular meeting of ladies for quilting and socializing. These would be a group of ladies who gathered on a reoccuring basis to socialize and sew. 




If the above adage was the case, I wonder how many young ladies sewed extra slow—especially toward the end—so they could take the last stitch.

In my Quilting Circle series, I chose to call my group of quilters a circle because they meet regularly, are dear friends, and help each other. Using the term circle likely came from the women sitting in a circle around a quilting frame.

Whether you call it a frolick, a bee, a circle, or a plain quilting, getting together with others to complete a task makes the work lighter and more enjoyable.

Happy Quilting!


NEW!

 THE DAMSEL’S INTENT (The Quilting Circle Book 3)
#TheDamselsIntent #HistoricalRomance #FreeKU #KU #ChristianRomance
Can Nicole learn to be enough of a lady to snag the handsome rancher?
   Nicole Waterby heads down the mountain to fetch herself a husband, not realizing women don’t wear trousers or carry a gun. She has a lot to learn. Rancher Shane Keegan has drifted from one location to another to find a place to belong. When Nicole crosses his path, he wonders if he can have love, but he soon realizes she’s destined for someone better than a saddle tramp. Will love stand a chance while both Nicole and Shane try to be people they’re not?

Free on Kindle Unlimited, or $2.99 to buy ebook.

In CELEBRATION of the release of The DAMSEL'S INTENT, Book 1 in this series THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT is FREE for the ebook!!!
#TheWidowsPlight


MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides CollectionCourting Her Amish HeartThe Widow’s PlightCourting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.
Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-five years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

Tuesday Tidbits: QUILTING: AN EXTREME SPORT

A Mini Quilt made by ME I’ve been sewing since I was in first grade. I ran my mom’s sewing machine at top speed, much to the consternation o...