Filed under Entertainment
Celebrate Fall with TWO FREE Reunion Anthologies
September is here and the kids are back in school. A time for reflection…the years go by so fast. Maybe you’re remembering your own school years and feeling a little nostalgic. Why not take a trip down memory lane to a high school reunion? And the best part is you can do it for FREE!
We’re offering our Serendipity Reunion Anthologies free for a limited time Sept. 16th through the 19th. Six complete stories in two volumes. Classmates from Serendipity High make a return trip to Vermont for their 20 year high school reunion. Will they get a second chance at love?
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Road To Serendipity by Jannine Gallant
Will a twenty year high school reunion inspire old classmates to risk it all for love?
Lonely Road To You
Kate Abbott is content with the life she’s built in Seattle, even if her son thinks she’s in an uninspired rut. Former rock star Tyler North is happy on the Montana ranch where he fled to escape the ravages of fame and fortune. Neither plans to attend their high school reunion, but fate throws them together on a journey of discovery. Can Kate and Tyler put aside fear of change to take a chance on love?
Rough Road Ahead
When Chantal Day’s cosmetics company is consumed in a hostile takeover, she’s left broke and homeless. Abandoning Manhattan for the Adirondack Mountains, she discovers her high school flame is back. Widowed with a daughter to raise, Flynn McKenna doesn’t need a sexy woman tying his life up in knots. They broke each other’s hearts once. Will they find common ground before an old threat finds them?
Winding Road Home
Adam York attends his high school reunion hoping to see his old running pal but is doomed to disappointment. When Chloe Lane walks off the set of Get Lei’d with her dignity in shreds, she swears off men…until she runs into Adam on the course of the Lake Tahoe Marathon. Attraction threatens their friendship with the promise of something more, but will Chloe risk her heart before it’s too late?
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Saturday In Serendipity by Margo Hoornstra
A twenty year high school reunion changes the lives of former classmates and leads to unexpected futures.
Three Strikes Thursday
Barry Carlson, a pro baseball success, could have any woman he wanted. Except one. Twenty years before, Barry won Amanda Marsh’s love, only to crush her heart. He’s returned to Serendipity, determined to win her back. Recently divorced, Amanda is happy—until Barry slides back into her life. Can they put aside old wounds and new misunderstandings to find a forever love?
Two On Tuesday
Blane Weston’s construction company needs the venture capital Matt Durand has. With his reputation for hostile takeovers, she wants no part of him. Mixing business with pleasure, she’s off to Serendipity to hook up with a former flame. Not used to being denied, Matt follows. How can Blane enjoy a journey to her past when Matt is determined to dictate her future?
One Fateful Friday
His high school reunion in Serendipity over, hospital CEO Jake Holbrook regrets his single state. When a special woman from his past tumbles back into his life—and his bed—he’s determined to keep her there. Family practitioner Bethany Thomas avoids an entanglement with her new boss, but unknowingly betrays him. As the holidays approach, can they overcome a lack of trust to find their Christmas miracle?
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Margo Hoornstra is an empty nester from Michigan with an awfully full nest! She balances her writing with long walks around her small town and plenty of time spent with her grandchildren. Visit her Website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Jannine Gallant lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe. She squeezes time for cathartic hikes in the woods with her dog between writing, a part time job and keeping up with two teenage daughters. Visit her Website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
Juelle’s Legacy
Catch Me If You Can
Another Man’s Son
Heavy Netting
I LOVE this series idea. I only wish I had time to write and submit a Lobster Cove story for the series myself. Maybe soon…
In the meantime, I invited the authors to come visit and answer these questions on my blog today:
Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea?
What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?
Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life…that you can tell us about, that is?
Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?
What do you love that most people would find odd?
What do you dislike that most people would find odd?
Check out their answers and their lovely covers, and learn a bit about their characters and what’s going on in Lobster Cove:
Carol Henry with Juelle’s Legacy
Other than I love lobster, and visiting Maine as often as I can to get my fill of lobster along the coast, I found the whole premise of Lobster Cove intriguing. Helping to build a town with interesting characters going about their business was inspiration in itself.
This was the first time I worked on this type of project, and I found working with the other writers fun and inspirational. Having characters I needed to use in my novel fully developed by those writing for the Town of Lobster Cove made the town and people more real to me.
I think there is always a part of someone you know in many of the characters we create. The biggest event in Juelle’s Legacy that was taken from real life, was having to make a decision to remove life support. A sad event, and similar to the decision my mother and I had to make in regards to my father’s death several years ago.
I really enjoyed writing about Eugenia McClintock. Although she causes most of the conflict in Juelle’s life, she is motivated by her childhood and the loss of her loved ones. She has a strong community presence and looks out for the downtrodden. At times I felt as if she was the main character. I had to step back and remember who the story was really about 🙂
I love to listen to a gentle breeze blowing through the trees on a warm autumn day and watch the colored leaves spiral to the ground. My favorite time of year.
I dislike trips that include driving along narrow roads that have mile-long drop offs, especially on the passenger side of the car, and even more especially when there are no guardrails. Riding in a bus on such roads is even more disturbing. And yet, I find myself signing up for excursions that somehow take me over hairpin turns up mountainsides with these types of drop offs.
Blurb:
After an accident puts Juelle McClintock’s husband, Sebastian, in a coma, she’s left to care for her small daughter on her own—and to deal with the guilt over her plan to divorce him. When Juelle is faced with the decision of whether to remove his life support, her grief-stricken mother-in-law calls her a murderer. Matters become more complicated when Hunter McClintock arrives in town, claiming to be Sebastian’s half-brother.
Hunter McClintock is summoned from Hawaii for the reading of his father’s will—a father he never knew. Despite his qualms of dredging up bitter emotions, he goes to Lobster Cove, Maine, and walks head-first into a hornet’s nest, and a beautiful, sexy, grieving widow who is married to his half-brother.
An unexpected stipulation is revealed at the reading of the Will, and Hunter and Juelle are faced with decisions that will alter their destinies. Will Juelle’s legacy complicate her life further, or lead to the contentment and love she deserves?
Excerpt:
Juelle had all she could do to hold back her own tears. Could she do it? Could she tell the doctors to let her husband go? And if she did, would it be murder, as Eugenia accused? She lowered her head and shut her eyes before her tears could fall. She fisted her hands, and took several deep breaths, swallowed. God, she was tired of holding it all in. She swung away from the scene in front of her, and headed for the door, only to be brought up short by a man standing there as if he’d been gob-struck. The man she’d seen at Mariner’s the night before blocked her exit. Before she could ask why he was here, Eugenia’s gasp drew her attention back to her mother-in-law.
Clasping the back of a chair, the woman looked ready to pass out. Eugenia recovered so fast, Juelle wondered if she had imagined her mother-in-law’s reaction.
“What the hell are you doing here? Get him out of here. He! Is! Not! Family!” Eugenia screeched.
Juelle did a double-take. If she considered Eugenia sounded like a banshee before, with her ear splitting shrieking, her tone now was so venomous it had everyone stopping in their tracks and staring in disbelief. The strange man was the first to recover. He walked into the enclosed room. Juelle recognized the astonishment in his pinched lips, raised eyebrows.
“I am family.” His voice was calm, well modulated, and confident. “Allow me to introduce myself—Hunter McClintock. I assume you know my father?”
Juelle’s mouth dropped open. She couldn’t form a single sane word. Eugenia, however, had no trouble.
“Liar! Hunt McClintock’s only son is lying in that bed.”
BUY LINKS:
The Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/12aso6N
Barnes & Noble Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/juelles-legacy-carol-henry/1120059999?ean=2940149652839
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1ok7J4g
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Carol+Henry
Contact/Social Media
Website: http://www.carolhenry.org
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/carolannhenry
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6582676.Carol_Henry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.a.henry.14?ref=tn_tnmn
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/carol-henry/17/736/811 /
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Mitzi Pool Bridges with Catch Me if You Can
I don’t really know what inspired this story, but I love a mystery, and I love a strong female character. Catch Me has both.
Coordinating with other writers didn’t sit well with me as I’m a fast writer and having to look up and check to see if everything I wrote was in harmony could get dicey. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought and ended up well.
There was no part of this story taken from real life.
My second fav character after the H/H was Jackie, their daughter. I liked her spunk.
I think what I love that most everyone else hates is to bake cookies. I baked around 170 dozen last Christmas and everyone groaned, then at them like pigs.
Blurb:
Can an FBI agent from the big city find love with a small-town sheriff once he discovers a fifteen-year-old secret?
Excerpt:
He couldn’t be here. Not now. Not ever. He was part of her past. He’d made sure of that.
It took him a minute to get to her. She spent every second willing her heart to still, her anger to subside.
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Glenys O’Connell with Another Man’s Son
My musician husband sings an old folk song about a man who marries a wealthy lady instead of the woman he loves. There’s a line: “At night when I go to my bed of slumber, when I turn around to embrace my darling, instead of gold sure tis brass I find.” My mind shifted to the 21st century and I wondered why a modern woman would choose to marry for money – and pregnant, lonely, desperate Kathryn Morgan appeared on my computer screen…..
I’ve never worked on a series before for a publisher, and the Lobster Cove is a special case. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s multi-genre and each book would be capable of standing alone – but they go great together! You could read any of these books out of the published order and still have a full story experience. All the authors taking part in the Lobster Cove authors list worked well together and were generous with their information, so it was comfortable to use Lobster Cove details and characters from other books. Lori Graham was wonderful at keeping us all on track and coordinating the project.
Some of the characters were inspired by people I met while working as a journalist and as a counsellor.
I think it’s hard for any writer to choose a favorite character – we even loved our villains! But I think my favourite in Another Man’s Son would be seven year old Alex Morgan, the character in the title, who struggles to understand why he has been kidnapped and locked away in a dirty old cellar. Why doesn’t his mommy come for him? Why did the Man lie to him? Will the Man hurt him? Will his Daddy come and rescue him, or will he ignore him as he’s done all his life? Poor Alex tugs at my heartstrings.
What do I love that most people would find odd? I’m embarrassed to say that probably a lot of things. Solitude. Painting walls. White wine with orange juice. Perhaps oddest of all, going to the local landfill site (garbage dump) to watch the bears rummage for fast food…..although that’s entertainment out here where I live 🙂
BLURB:
Kathryn Morgan broke Ben Asher’s heart when he returned from military service in Afghanistan to find she’d married her boss, wealthy banker Ket Morgan Jr.
Ben vowed he’d never return to Lobster Cove but now, seven years later, he is back as an undercover FBI agent sworn to expose the Morgan family’s criminal activities. Will his vow to bring down the notorious Morgans extend to the woman he still loves?
When Kathryn’s son is kidnapped, she is forced to swallow her pride and reveal the secret of another man’s son. Can Ben protect Kathryn and her son from Ket and his sinister friends, or will old hurts and secrets destroy them all?
EXCERPT:
Kathryn drew in a sharp breath. How could she possibly explain all this to Ben? What words could she use to convey the nightmare her life had become, the sense of burning shame within her that she’d made this choice? There was no way she could bear to see the contempt in his eyes when he saw how trapped she was, like a fox in a leg trap. But, like that fox, she’d be capable of gnawing off her own leg for the sake of her son. If she had to, she’d bear the humiliation.
“What the hell is wrong with this family?” Ben exploded. “There’s a missing child whose parents are too busy fighting between themselves to co-operate with law enforcement in finding him. Dammit all, Kathryn, it seems neither of you can say for sure the boy is really missing!”
His anger sparked her own. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that, Ben Asher! Especially not now, not when…”
“Not when what, Kathryn?” His voice was gentler and he moved to stand beside her, close enough so she could smell the clean masculine scent of him that shone through the light citrus aftershave she remembered so well. She swallowed, then stood to face him. He didn’t step back, even though there were just inches between them.
She ran her tongue over her lips to moisten them, but even so her voice sounded cracked and dry to her own ears. “Not when I need you. Need your help.”
She needed more than that. She needed Ben to take her in his arms, to kiss her; to let her taste his mouth and find out if it was as magical as her heart remembered. But she was another man’s wife and the hard planes of his face told her without words that he would never forgive her betrayal. Kathryn sighed and began to turn away, but his next question stopped her.
BUY LINKS
TWRP: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/LobsterCove/conversations/messages/2311
B & N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/another-mans-son-glenys-oconnell/1120192528?ean=2940150621367
Contact info:
Website: www.glenysoconnell.com
Blog: www.romancecanbemurder.blogspot.ca
Email: glenysoconnell@msn.com
Twitter: @GlenysOConnell
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Nicki Greenwood with Heavy Netting
The Wild Rose Press’s Editor-in-Chief, Rhonda Penders, came to our local RWA chapter to speak, and she introduced us to the brand-new series, Lobster Cove. I’d never written for a publisher’s series before, but she also mentioned that her most successful authors wrote books of varying lengths in varying genres. That was enough of a challenge to me! After that, the hero of HEAVY NETTING took my words and ran away with them. It was a fast and fun book to write and an exciting change for me.
It was one of the most amazing experiences of my writing career! There’s such an energy among the Lobster Cove writers, and an enthusiasm for the overall project that feeds into every story. We collaborated on so many things, and observant readers are going to find lots of interconnected little “Easter eggs” in each book. I now feel like I could be dropped in Lobster Cove and find my way around as if it’s one of my favorite vacation spots.
The hero of HEAVY NETTING, Branson Cudahy, hails from one of my favorite places on earth: Lexington, Kentucky. I took a trip to Lexington one weekend to visit the Kentucky Horse Park. I’ll never forget it, and as we toured around looking at some of the sprawling horse farms, I remember thinking how I would have loved to be born into a big, horse-breeding family. That’s Bran, although his career did take him down an alternate path. *grin*
I’d have to say either Bran’s best friend, Rudy, or another author’s character, Carlos Young. Both are very vivid in my mind. Rudy gives Bran a lot of guff, but he gets away with it because they’ve had such a history. Carlos may be one of Bran’s favorite people in town because he runs the local gourmet coffee shop. Bran does love his coffee!
Probably editing or web design! I started out as an editor for The Wild Rose Press for two awesome years before getting published myself. I now freelance edit and design websites, in addition to writing fiction. It’s a lot of nuts-and-bolts work that could make a person tear her hair out, but I adore it.
I don’t think any of my dislikes are terribly unusual…although sunlight and I don’t get along very well without some high-test sunblock on!
BLURB:
Branson Cudahy is as southern as it gets, a cyber crime investigator from happily-landlocked Lexington, Kentucky. He has been chasing a hacker for three years, and now the trail has led him to Lobster Cove, Maine … which is a real problem for a guy with a shellfish allergy.
Jenna Sanborn waits tables to pay the bills, but she dreams of opening a quilt shop in the heart of town. She’d never even think of leaving Lobster Cove, but the handsome newcomer is tempting beyond her wildest imaginings.
Bran and Jenna never expect the whirlwind romance that comes out of their meeting. As hard as they fight to control their feelings, their hearts are fighting to push them over that dizzying lover’s leap. Will love win out, or will the hacker—and their dreams—slip the net?
EXCERPT:
“All right, Jenna,” he said. “Tell you what. I’m gonna be there about four o’clock. If you want to meet me there and talk Lobster Cove, I’ll be all ears. If not, no pressure.”
She giggled. Giggled. Like a teenager going to her first concert with a cute boy. Mortified, and now convinced that her cheeks were as red as a stop sign, she backed away. “I’ll keep it in mind. See you later, Mister Cudahy.”
His grin sent a flutter through her midsection. “Bran.”
“Okay. Bran.” She waved goodbye, then hurried off down the street with her groceries and would-be-truant oranges.
As she walked, she sensed his gaze on her, and she beamed, flattered and flustered, and for once, feeling beautiful.
BUY LINKS:
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
Today, I have asked a handful of other Elvis fans to join me in sharing what he means to them. A few of them are my sisters and a few I met through an awesome Elvis Facebook page: Elvis Presley on Facebook
I asked them to answer the following questions and share some of their favorite photos:
How long have you been an Elvis fan? How did you become an Elvis fan? Although I know it’s almost impossible to put into words, what do you love about Elvis? What is your favorite memory of Elvis? I realize it’s difficult, if not impossible, for an Elvis fan to name their favorites, please give us one of your favorite songs and movies and why.Gabriela Curt from Buenos Aires, Argentina…
I‘ve been an Elvis fan for more than 30 years. I became an Elvis fan watching his movies on TV in the seventies.
I love almost everything about Elvis. I love the way he looked, his amazing voice. But most of all I love the person he was. That he was a caring person, his spirituality, his search for a greater knowledge, his sensitivity, and the fact that he was a giving person. His life philosophy, the way he smiled, the tender look in his eyes. I also think he was a forgiving person, and I feel he put others’ needs ahead of his own. I know I didn’t have the chance to meet him in person, but this is how I feel after hearing his many interviews, and also because of the things some of his closest friends have said. I love that he was human, and he had the ability to show himself as a real person. He was sincere with people around him and his fans. I‘ve listened to many live concerts in which he talked to the audience as if he was talking among friends. Although I know he wasn’t perfect, he was the closest to perfection. He wasn’t afraid of being himself, and if he was nervous he would let the audience know it. The one thing I admire the most about him, is that he was a man of his word; he was generous in so many ways, I learned he gave a woman he didn’t even know a car; not for the material fact, but because I find it as a symbol of his generosity.
Unfortunately he died when I was only 9 years old, but by that time I’d watched most of his movies. I was devastated when he died. I couldn’t see or listen to him, until last year. I started taking singing lessons and I had to choose the songs I wanted to learn, as I was making amends with some persons and situations in my life, I chose “Always on my Mind”. That’s when I began listening to Elvis again. One song led to another, until I found on August 2013, the 2005 movie: “Elvis The Mini Series”. It starts with Elvis minutes before the 1968 Comeback Special, and then it jumps back directly to 1952, and starts telling his story. It shows some of the fights he had with the Colonel about the movies and his desire of becoming a serious actor, and singing opera. It also caught my attention the relationship he had with his hairdresser, Larry Geller, and all the talks they had about religion and spiritual matters. The Colonel, forbidding Elvis and Larry being together alone, and also, putting a time limit of 2 hours to their meetings!!! It also shows Elvis feeling sick when he has going to shoot a new movie. Let me tell you, it touched my heart and soul. I cried all through the movie and for a few more days. And then I watched it again. It was a wakeup call!! I was trying to do some changes in my life but I haven’t had the courage to do them till then. The one thing that gave me the courage was seeing what he went through doing things, such as the movies and never becoming the serious actor he wanted to be. It also shows his temper, but what the heck, he’s human!!! In so many levels he is an example to me. In my own way, I try to do what he had done helping people. I think he gave us so much more than his music.
My favourite song is: “Bridge over Troubled Water”, it has become my inspiration every time I ‘m feeling down, especially when he sings: Sail on Silver Girl… I feel somehow Elvis ‘s talking to me.
My favorite movie is: “Change of Habit” because of the message it gives about following your own bliss.
Angel from Minnesota…
I have been an Elvis fan consciously since I was 5 years old – exsposed to him always as my aunts, parents and Grandma all listened to his music at different times in my life.
I became a true Elvis fan when I saw him on television for the first time.. I remember being star struck, standing motionless in awe. He was the most fantastic thing I had ever seen in my five years! From that point on, I had posters, garage sale cassette tapes and Elvis in my heart! My grandmother visited Graceland when I was very young, returning with photos and souvenirs just for me!! It was quite special…
What I love about Elvis – impossible to describe – as best I can, I will say he’s beautiful inside.. his heart was like a flowing fountain, his generosity and charitable good deeds made him like an Angel to a lot of struggling people. He was funny, laughing and being silly is the key to a personalities loving existence and he sure had it! He was smart and looked for deeper meaning, he was spiritual and wanted to know his purpose – because of his influence, I began to seek the same answers about life for myself… I will always be thankful to Elvis for pointing me down that path. … he was gorgeous – seeeexaaa!! Adonis! More so because of the inside, but definitely on the outside too!!! He had raw sex appeal – the best part is, he knew it and worked it like a magician works magic… there is yet to be another star who can do that. And then – the music… always there for me – to cry – to laugh – to sing – to dance- to mourn – to celebrate – to pass a rainy day – to brush my cares away – to wake – to eat – to sleep – its always a good time to have Elvis…. even if there is no sound, I can sing his every word, endless, timeless. He will always be there.
So hard to pick one favorite song – but if it must be one, it would be the one I sing most often – ”lead me, guide me”. – when I need strength and I am feeling flustered for one reason or another, I always catch myself going there for comfort. My favorite movie is ”king Creole” – I am a huge fan of Carolyn Jones and her and Elvis are my favorite on screen couple…
My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElvisPresleymylove
Photoshop of Elvis and I
Ruth Zimmerman from Miami, Oklahoma (My sister)
How long have you been an Elvis fan? How did you become an Elvis fan?
I have been an Elvis fan since I was 5….45 years!
My sister, Alicia, came in our bedroom saying “Hurry Ruth! That guy is on t.v. that momma thinks is so cute!” I followed her & ended up laying on the floor staring at this GORGEOUS creature in Harum Scarum! I never knew a turban could be so sexy!
There are many, many things about Elvis I love! #1 is his drop-dread, out of this world looks! I made a comment at work one time that he literally DRIPPED with sex! It grossed a few out & I was like….gross??? That’s not the 1st thought that came to my mind!!
I love his music! No better singer….ever!!!!!!! The fact that he loved & respected his momma so much! He never forgot his roots OR who gave him this Heavenly voice….our Lord & Savior…Jesus Christ!
Through the years…I figured out what I TRULY loved about Elvis, which is the most important thing! He became a constant in my relationships with my sisters!! We have all 5 loved him, shared him, & appreciated each others love for him! I am not saying we NEEDED Elvis to have a close, loving sister-hood. But we will never know…will we?
I have so many favorite memories of Elvis:
Seeing him in concert for the very 1st time…at the ripe old age of 11…with my sisters! We were finally seeing ELVIS in person!!
Also…Me & my husband taking my sister, Alicia to Memphis for her 40th birthday! We finally got to experience “Elvis Land” together!!!
If I had to pick JUST 1??? I guess it would be seeing him in concert in May of 1977. Little did I know that was the last time I would get to experience the magic of a live Elvis concert. I wish I would have appreciated it more….but I don’t know how I could have??? Again….just as all Elvis memories…my sisters were there sharing that spell bounding night with me & my EP!
SONG….”Bridge Over Troubled Water” It kind of became my anthem to my sister Alicia! As my older sister….she had been there for me many times in my life. My other sisters had too but Alicia & I shared a closeness that’s hard to explain. When she had went thru some rough times in her life & I got the chance to return the favor (s)….albeit minimal to what she had done….This song was playing as I was thinking of how I could help her like she had helped me. And that’s when I decided…I would always be her “Bridge Over Troubled Water”!
MOVIE….I am assuming you don’t want us to include documentaries??? My all time favorite on screen Elvis was his ’68 Comeback Special! But if you want a Hollywood scripted movie??? “Live A Little….Love A Little” WHY??? He never, ever looked sexier & showed his “manness” like he did in that movie! Well….can I also add “Change Of Habit?” Same reasons!
Christi from Moore, Oklahoma (another sister)
I have been an Elvis fan my entire life. I was born into it-some kids were rocked to sleep with lullabies…for me it was Elvis songs.
I love his smile, his eyes when he smiles….his gorgeous face…I love how Elvis interacted with people and I love how he has fans being born today 37 years after his death. I love how Elvis bonds friends, sisters, mothers & daughter and families. He is just like no other.
I did not get to go to an Elvis concert. I do not even have memories of a world that had Elvis living….My favorite memory of Elvis is growing up an Elvis fan, growing up being part of something very special. Being an Elvis fan is special and wonderful-being a Robertson girl is too. Being both is rare and a gift there are only 5 of us in the world.
Favorite movie: Jailhouse Rock, Clambake
Favorite Song: Love Me, If I Can Dream, One Night, Suspicious Minds, Devil in Disguise
This is too hard and these are not my only favorites at all-there are way too many!
Graceland pics me and my girls
🙂 And a few of my favorites of Elvis!
Tommy French, Louisville, Ky. USA.
I have been an Elvis fan since age 14. When Elvis passed away no one in my family listened to Elvis, so I wondered what was so special about Elvis that the entire world was mourning his passing. So, between his death and the winter tv season, there were numerous special about his life that I watched, then in January 1978, I sent off for a Elvis album advertised on tv, and when I got it, the first time I played it, I was hooked, and I knew it would be something that would last the rest of my life. There are many things I love about Elvis. His talent of course. And I can appreciate his 50’s style because he was different, and radical, and his created a new and entirely different style of music. Then, there is his ability to communicate a song in such a way, that everyone listening feels as if he is talking directly to them. I appreciate his willingness to serve his country when called upon to do so. Then, there is the fact that Elvis was a God fearing Christian man, and sought to bring the gospel message of Jesus Christ to his fans. And that he was sincere in that presentation. In his 70’s style, there were several elements I appreciate. One is his sound being created by some of the best musicians ever assembled in one band. His use of the best Southern Gospel quartet in the business at that time satisfies my love of quartet singing. The Sweet Inspirations were great, and his use of an orchestra and the vocals of Kathy Westmoreland satisfies my love of Classical music. Then, Elvis stage outfits, being a combination of Victorian, and Colonial or Georgian style, satisfies my love of that period of history. As far as how Elvis has impacted my life, there have been many lonely periods of my life, my divorce 23 years ago for example. Besides the Lord’s presence in life, Elvis’ music helped take my mind off of the sting of that period. As far as my favorite song is concerned, I have two, I’ve Lost You, and American Trilogy. As far as movies go, I have two favorites, Charro, and Change of Habit, because I feel he showed some great acting ability in each of these two.
Auburn “Rusty” Jaquess
I have been an Elvis fan all my life. My sister Evelyn was an Elvis groupie on the 50s.
Everything. The respect he showed others, his charisma, his voice, his impact on my life, etc….
My dad, and JD Sumners were friends for years, and we went to watch the Stamps a lot in the 60s. As you know he became backup for Elvis. Which sets up my favorites memory. Elvis was performing in Ft Worth, Texas. My dad called JD, and told him how big a groupie I had become in the 70s going from concert to concert. JD set it up so I could go backstage with my brother to get his autograph. I was at that moment transported to heaven. Even though the four girls behind me pretty much had his attention.
I lived, and breathed Elvis. I would listen to his records in the morning when I was getting ready for school. If any of his movies came to town, or on TV I couldn’t resist no matter how,many times I’ve seen them. He was always there, and knowing that made life easier. When he passed when I was in college it devastated me for years, and I know I’m not the same person now that I was then.
Favorites song? That is a hard one if I had to choose one I would choose his favorites ” If I Can Dream”. Movie? Again I would choose his favorites ” King Creole”
Filed under Entertainment
Today, I have asked a handful of other Elvis fans to join me in sharing what he means to them. A few of them are my sisters and a few I met through an awesome Elvis Facebook page: Elvis Presley on Facebook
I asked them to answer the following questions and share some of their favorite photos:
How long have you been an Elvis fan? How did you become an Elvis fan? Although I know it’s almost impossible to put into words, what do you love about Elvis? What is your favorite memory of Elvis? I realize it’s difficult, if not impossible, for an Elvis fan to name their favorites, please give us one of your favorite songs and movies and why.Gabriela Curt from Buenos Aires, Argentina…
I‘ve been an Elvis fan for more than 30 years. I became an Elvis fan watching his movies on TV in the seventies.
I love almost everything about Elvis. I love the way he looked, his amazing voice. But most of all I love the person he was. That he was a caring person, his spirituality, his search for a greater knowledge, his sensitivity, and the fact that he was a giving person. His life philosophy, the way he smiled, the tender look in his eyes. I also think he was a forgiving person, and I feel he put others’ needs ahead of his own. I know I didn’t have the chance to meet him in person, but this is how I feel after hearing his many interviews, and also because of the things some of his closest friends have said. I love that he was human, and he had the ability to show himself as a real person. He was sincere with people around him and his fans. I‘ve listened to many live concerts in which he talked to the audience as if he was talking among friends. Although I know he wasn’t perfect, he was the closest to perfection. He wasn’t afraid of being himself, and if he was nervous he would let the audience know it. The one thing I admire the most about him, is that he was a man of his word; he was generous in so many ways, I learned he gave a woman he didn’t even know a car; not for the material fact, but because I find it as a symbol of his generosity.
Unfortunately he died when I was only 9 years old, but by that time I’d watched most of his movies. I was devastated when he died. I couldn’t see or listen to him, until last year. I started taking singing lessons and I had to choose the songs I wanted to learn, as I was making amends with some persons and situations in my life, I chose “Always on my Mind”. That’s when I began listening to Elvis again. One song led to another, until I found on August 2013, the 2005 movie: “Elvis The Mini Series”. It starts with Elvis minutes before the 1968 Comeback Special, and then it jumps back directly to 1952, and starts telling his story. It shows some of the fights he had with the Colonel about the movies and his desire of becoming a serious actor, and singing opera. It also caught my attention the relationship he had with his hairdresser, Larry Geller, and all the talks they had about religion and spiritual matters. The Colonel, forbidding Elvis and Larry being together alone, and also, putting a time limit of 2 hours to their meetings!!! It also shows Elvis feeling sick when he has going to shoot a new movie. Let me tell you, it touched my heart and soul. I cried all through the movie and for a few more days. And then I watched it again. It was a wakeup call!! I was trying to do some changes in my life but I haven’t had the courage to do them till then. The one thing that gave me the courage was seeing what he went through doing things, such as the movies and never becoming the serious actor he wanted to be. It also shows his temper, but what the heck, he’s human!!! In so many levels he is an example to me. In my own way, I try to do what he had done helping people. I think he gave us so much more than his music.
My favourite song is: “Bridge over Troubled Water”, it has become my inspiration every time I ‘m feeling down, especially when he sings: Sail on Silver Girl… I feel somehow Elvis ‘s talking to me.
My favorite movie is: “Change of Habit” because of the message it gives about following your own bliss.
Angel from Minnesota…
I have been an Elvis fan consciously since I was 5 years old – exsposed to him always as my aunts, parents and Grandma all listened to his music at different times in my life.
I became a true Elvis fan when I saw him on television for the first time.. I remember being star struck, standing motionless in awe. He was the most fantastic thing I had ever seen in my five years! From that point on, I had posters, garage sale cassette tapes and Elvis in my heart! My grandmother visited Graceland when I was very young, returning with photos and souvenirs just for me!! It was quite special…
What I love about Elvis – impossible to describe – as best I can, I will say he’s beautiful inside.. his heart was like a flowing fountain, his generosity and charitable good deeds made him like an Angel to a lot of struggling people. He was funny, laughing and being silly is the key to a personalities loving existence and he sure had it! He was smart and looked for deeper meaning, he was spiritual and wanted to know his purpose – because of his influence, I began to seek the same answers about life for myself… I will always be thankful to Elvis for pointing me down that path. … he was gorgeous – seeeexaaa!! Adonis! More so because of the inside, but definitely on the outside too!!! He had raw sex appeal – the best part is, he knew it and worked it like a magician works magic… there is yet to be another star who can do that. And then – the music… always there for me – to cry – to laugh – to sing – to dance- to mourn – to celebrate – to pass a rainy day – to brush my cares away – to wake – to eat – to sleep – its always a good time to have Elvis…. even if there is no sound, I can sing his every word, endless, timeless. He will always be there.
So hard to pick one favorite song – but if it must be one, it would be the one I sing most often – ”lead me, guide me”. – when I need strength and I am feeling flustered for one reason or another, I always catch myself going there for comfort. My favorite movie is ”king Creole” – I am a huge fan of Carolyn Jones and her and Elvis are my favorite on screen couple…
My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElvisPresleymylove
Photoshop of Elvis and I
Ruth Zimmerman from Miami, Oklahoma (My sister)
How long have you been an Elvis fan? How did you become an Elvis fan?
I have been an Elvis fan since I was 5….45 years!
My sister, Alicia, came in our bedroom saying “Hurry Ruth! That guy is on t.v. that momma thinks is so cute!” I followed her & ended up laying on the floor staring at this GORGEOUS creature in Harum Scarum! I never knew a turban could be so sexy!
There are many, many things about Elvis I love! #1 is his drop-dread, out of this world looks! I made a comment at work one time that he literally DRIPPED with sex! It grossed a few out & I was like….gross??? That’s not the 1st thought that came to my mind!!
I love his music! No better singer….ever!!!!!!! The fact that he loved & respected his momma so much! He never forgot his roots OR who gave him this Heavenly voice….our Lord & Savior…Jesus Christ!
Through the years…I figured out what I TRULY loved about Elvis, which is the most important thing! He became a constant in my relationships with my sisters!! We have all 5 loved him, shared him, & appreciated each others love for him! I am not saying we NEEDED Elvis to have a close, loving sister-hood. But we will never know…will we?
I have so many favorite memories of Elvis:
Seeing him in concert for the very 1st time…at the ripe old age of 11…with my sisters! We were finally seeing ELVIS in person!!
Also…Me & my husband taking my sister, Alicia to Memphis for her 40th birthday! We finally got to experience “Elvis Land” together!!!
If I had to pick JUST 1??? I guess it would be seeing him in concert in May of 1977. Little did I know that was the last time I would get to experience the magic of a live Elvis concert. I wish I would have appreciated it more….but I don’t know how I could have??? Again….just as all Elvis memories…my sisters were there sharing that spell bounding night with me & my EP!
SONG….”Bridge Over Troubled Water” It kind of became my anthem to my sister Alicia! As my older sister….she had been there for me many times in my life. My other sisters had too but Alicia & I shared a closeness that’s hard to explain. When she had went thru some rough times in her life & I got the chance to return the favor (s)….albeit minimal to what she had done….This song was playing as I was thinking of how I could help her like she had helped me. And that’s when I decided…I would always be her “Bridge Over Troubled Water”!
MOVIE….I am assuming you don’t want us to include documentaries??? My all time favorite on screen Elvis was his ’68 Comeback Special! But if you want a Hollywood scripted movie??? “Live A Little….Love A Little” WHY??? He never, ever looked sexier & showed his “manness” like he did in that movie! Well….can I also add “Change Of Habit?” Same reasons!
Christi from Moore, Oklahoma (another sister)
I have been an Elvis fan my entire life. I was born into it-some kids were rocked to sleep with lullabies…for me it was Elvis songs.
I love his smile, his eyes when he smiles….his gorgeous face…I love how Elvis interacted with people and I love how he has fans being born today 37 years after his death. I love how Elvis bonds friends, sisters, mothers & daughter and families. He is just like no other.
I did not get to go to an Elvis concert. I do not even have memories of a world that had Elvis living….My favorite memory of Elvis is growing up an Elvis fan, growing up being part of something very special. Being an Elvis fan is special and wonderful-being a Robertson girl is too. Being both is rare and a gift there are only 5 of us in the world.
Favorite movie: Jailhouse Rock, Clambake
Favorite Song: Love Me, If I Can Dream, One Night, Suspicious Minds, Devil in Disguise
This is too hard and these are not my only favorites at all-there are way too many!
Graceland pics me and my girls
🙂 And a few of my favorites of Elvis!
Tommy French, Louisville, Ky. USA.
I have been an Elvis fan since age 14. When Elvis passed away no one in my family listened to Elvis, so I wondered what was so special about Elvis that the entire world was mourning his passing. So, between his death and the winter tv season, there were numerous special about his life that I watched, then in January 1978, I sent off for a Elvis album advertised on tv, and when I got it, the first time I played it, I was hooked, and I knew it would be something that would last the rest of my life. There are many things I love about Elvis. His talent of course. And I can appreciate his 50’s style because he was different, and radical, and his created a new and entirely different style of music. Then, there is his ability to communicate a song in such a way, that everyone listening feels as if he is talking directly to them. I appreciate his willingness to serve his country when called upon to do so. Then, there is the fact that Elvis was a God fearing Christian man, and sought to bring the gospel message of Jesus Christ to his fans. And that he was sincere in that presentation. In his 70’s style, there were several elements I appreciate. One is his sound being created by some of the best musicians ever assembled in one band. His use of the best Southern Gospel quartet in the business at that time satisfies my love of quartet singing. The Sweet Inspirations were great, and his use of an orchestra and the vocals of Kathy Westmoreland satisfies my love of Classical music. Then, Elvis stage outfits, being a combination of Victorian, and Colonial or Georgian style, satisfies my love of that period of history. As far as how Elvis has impacted my life, there have been many lonely periods of my life, my divorce 23 years ago for example. Besides the Lord’s presence in life, Elvis’ music helped take my mind off of the sting of that period. As far as my favorite song is concerned, I have two, I’ve Lost You, and American Trilogy. As far as movies go, I have two favorites, Charro, and Change of Habit, because I feel he showed some great acting ability in each of these two.
Auburn “Rusty” Jaquess
I have been an Elvis fan all my life. My sister Evelyn was an Elvis groupie on the 50s.
Everything. The respect he showed others, his charisma, his voice, his impact on my life, etc….
My dad, and JD Sumners were friends for years, and we went to watch the Stamps a lot in the 60s. As you know he became backup for Elvis. Which sets up my favorites memory. Elvis was performing in Ft Worth, Texas. My dad called JD, and told him how big a groupie I had become in the 70s going from concert to concert. JD set it up so I could go backstage with my brother to get his autograph. I was at that moment transported to heaven. Even though the four girls behind me pretty much had his attention.
I lived, and breathed Elvis. I would listen to his records in the morning when I was getting ready for school. If any of his movies came to town, or on TV I couldn’t resist no matter how,many times I’ve seen them. He was always there, and knowing that made life easier. When he passed when I was in college it devastated me for years, and I know I’m not the same person now that I was then.
Favorites song? That is a hard one if I had to choose one I would choose his favorites ” If I Can Dream”. Movie? Again I would choose his favorites ” King Creole”
Filed under Entertainment
I am so pleased to introduce my guest today, Kathryn Knight. I first became acquainted with Kathryn when she submitted a wonderful story to me at The Wild Rose Press titled Silver Lake. Unfortunately, at the time I was only editing suspense, so another lucky editor ended up with her book. Now, she has a Young Adult story that I can’t wait to check out.
Now, for a little more about Kathryn and her latest release…
Thank you for having me, Alicia!My pleasure, Kathryn.
Where did you get the idea for DIVINE FALL?
I wanted to try a YA paranormal romance this time, and I had in my mind a male character who had both a light and a dark side. The hero had the potential to love, but was also dangerous…a Fallen Angel began to emerge, an outcast in both worlds on a quest for vengeance. His forbidden lineage makes him secretive, but he realizes he must get close to 16-year-old Jamie once he discovers she’s the key to what he wants.
Sounds fascinating. I love a character with conflicting characteristics.
What book have you read that you wish you would have written?
OUTLANDER, by Diana Gabaldon. Anyone who has read it will know why!
I have not read it, nor seen the show, but with all the hoopla, I might have to check it out. 🙂
Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and how do you like it?
I work as a fitness instructor; I teach classes ranging from step aerobics to weightlifting to Zumba, 5 days a week. I’ve been doing it for 23 years now, with only short breaks after having my sons. So it’s safe to say I love it! It’s a great part-time job that keeps me active, which is especially important when I spend so much time sitting at a computer and writing during the rest of the day.
Nice! Yes, that’s a perfect way to stay active for a writer.
What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?
Spiders. I think they’re amazing. They create beautiful, intricate webs and catch and eat all the truly bad bugs. I never, ever kill them. In fact, I don’t care if one’s crawling across the ceiling while I’m in bed reading. We both go about our business.
Uh, yeah, I don’t think most people would ‘get’ that.
What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?
Cooking and cleaning. I hate both, but unfortunately, they’re both fairly necessary tasks.
One of these days, maybe we’ll be wealthy enough to hire a cook and a maid, right? 🙂
What’s your favorite childhood book?
JANE-EMILY, by Patricia Clapp. This was my first “Paranormal Romance”, a very sweet historical romance between two young adults, complete with a vindictive child ghost determined to get her way even from beyond the grave. This combination of love story and ghost story resonated with me so much, even 30 years later, that I wrote two of my own for adult readers: SILVER LAKE and GULL HARBOR.
I’ve never heard of it, but it sounds like it’s right up my alley.
I’d love to throw that question back to visitors – What was your favorite childhood book?
One of mine was The Little Match Girl (twisted, I know)
Thank you for visiting with us, Kathryn. Readers, check out her latest release:
Excerpt:
He gazed out into the night again, his hands still curled around the steering wheel. “My situation is…complicated,” he said. His jaw tightened beneath the pieces of hair falling around his profile.
“Okay.” I wasn’t sure if he was trying to let me down gently or actually explain something. I dug my ragged fingernails into my palms, trying not to think of how perfectly our hands had fit together all night.
Ridges of muscle rose along his arms as he gripped the steering wheel. “I don’t want to hurt you. You’ve been through a terrible loss.”
“So have you,” I whispered. I was beginning to appreciate my complete lack of a social life. This was torture. He was right—I barely knew him, and yet his words were creating a tiny network of cracks in my heart.
“Enough loss for a lifetime,” he agreed dismally. “We should…be careful.”
“Okay,” I repeated. My throat was starting to swell. I wanted to make it to the safety of my own car before I started crying.
He nodded again, as if we’d come to some understanding. But I was clueless. And torn. Part of me wanted to jump out of the car, and the other part couldn’t bear to leave him.
Shifting in his seat, he turned to face me. His hands left the steering wheel and linked with mine, sending a shiver up my wrists. He pulled me in and leaned his forehead against mine.
Our breath mingled for a heartbreaking moment; then he released me with a sigh. He cursed softly. “You’d better go before I do something I shouldn’t.”
Blurb:
After tragedy tears Jamie Brandt’s life apart, her only goal is to finish high school so she can leave her small hometown behind. In the meantime, riding her horse is her main source of solace, until a mysterious stable hand shows up at the barn. There’s something not quite right about the handsome new employee, and the more Jamie sees of him, the more determined she becomes to figure out what he’s hiding.
Dothan Reed came to historic Huntsville, Maryland, for one reason—revenge. But his plan can’t move forward until he finds the missing piece he needs to enhance his powers. As the only surviving Nephilim, Dothan is not only weaker than full-blooded angels; his forbidden lineage makes him an outcast in both worlds. When he discovers Jamie is the key to locating an ancient weapon, he’s forced to interact with a vulnerable human girl—a task that becomes more appealing with each encounter.
Jamie soon learns Dothan isn’t the only one with a dark secret. Each new revelation further threatens her safety, and Dothan’s betrayal shatters her heart. Forgiving him seems impossible, but the thought of turning her back on him is equally painful.
As their connection deepens, Dothan will have to make his own difficult choice: continue on his path of vengeance, or protect the girl he loves. And when Dothan’s actions thrust Jamie into an unforeseen danger, he must seek the help of his enemy…or risk losing her forever.
You can find Divine Fall here:
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Divine-Fall-Kathryn-Knight-ebook/dp/B00M36YW0I/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_d_1
iTunes-https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/divine-fall/id903144718?mt=11
About Kathryn:
As a child, Kathryn Knight kept her parents on a constant quest to find enough reading material to last her through each week. An early fondness for books about horses later gave way to a lasting preference for both love stories and ghost stories; as a writer, the paranormal romance genre is a perfect fit. Silver Lake, Kathryn’s debut novel, was a Reader’s Crown Finalist in Paranormal Romance at RomCon 2013. Her second novel, Gull Harbor, enjoyed 19 consecutive weeks as an Amazon Kindle bestseller. The recently published Divine Fall is Kathryn’s first YA novel. When not writing or reading, Kathryn teaches fitness classes and attempts to garden. She lives in New England with her husband, her sons, and a number of rescued animals. Please visit her at http://www.kathrynknightbooks.com or on Facebook at Kathryn Knight books.
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
This is going to be brief, but I didn’t want to skip a week. It’s been a very, very busy week. And a sad one. I lost my precious Uncle Peck this morning. He was 95, and he was ready to go, but those he left behind will feel his loss deeply.
(See, I love him so much, I even posted a pic of him wearing a Sooners cap :))
Also, we learned that my son, Presley, who is twenty-one, has fibromyalgia. That is heartbreaking as well, because he’s such a great kid, such a big-hearted and funny and wonderful young man. I hate the thought of his going through so much pain for the rest of his life. But, we are also extremely grateful, because the doctor was testing him for something more serious, such as possibly ALS. So, while I’m not thrilled about the diagnosis, I’m considering it a blessing.
As always in my life, when times are difficult, Elvis makes me feel better. Therefore, I’ll just share something brief about him. First of all, a funny memory (funny to me). When we were little, I used to tell my sister, Ruth, that when Elvis sang ‘Stuck on You’ he was singing to me because of the line: “I’m gonna run my fingers through your long black hair.” (I had long dark hair). She would get SO mad. 🙂
Now, a beautiful pic:
And, in closing, an amazing performance of Elvis singing How Great Thou Art. This is for you, Uncle Peck.
Filed under Uncategorized
This is going to be brief, but I didn’t want to skip a week. It’s been a very, very busy week. And a sad one. I lost my precious Uncle Peck this morning. He was 95, and he was ready to go, but those he left behind will feel his loss deeply.
(See, I love him so much, I even posted a pic of him wearing a Sooners cap :))
Also, we learned that my son, Presley, who is twenty-one, has fibromyalgia. That is heartbreaking as well, because he’s such a great kid, such a big-hearted and funny and wonderful young man. I hate the thought of his going through so much pain for the rest of his life. But, we are also extremely grateful, because the doctor was testing him for something more serious, such as possibly ALS. So, while I’m not thrilled about the diagnosis, I’m considering it a blessing.
As always in my life, when times are difficult, Elvis makes me feel better. Therefore, I’ll just share something brief about him. First of all, a funny memory (funny to me). When we were little, I used to tell my sister, Ruth, that when Elvis sang ‘Stuck on You’ he was singing to me because of the line: “I’m gonna run my fingers through your long black hair.” (I had long dark hair). She would get SO mad. 🙂
Now, a beautiful pic:
And, in closing, an amazing performance of Elvis singing How Great Thou Art. This is for you, Uncle Peck.
Filed under Uncategorized
Christy Effinger with Say Nothing of What You See, a Paranormal New Adult Novel
What haunt us most are the ghosts of our own creation.
Fun fact:
As a Midwesterner, I have long been fascinated by grain elevators. I once lived down the street from one when I was a broke college student. Say Nothing of What You See began with the mental image of a woman standing at the edge of a huge silo. I wrote the novel at night while my husband was taking MBA classes.
A few favorite lines:
I remembered the way she fell. The way she fell without a sound.
Like a pirate’s prisoner walking the plank. Like a bird too young to fly. Like a wounded moth, a dead star, a torn kite.
ON SALE!!!!! ONLY $3.00
50% off through Wild Rose Press site (you can download it easily to your reading device)
Available here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MW5HTZ0/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
Find Christy here:
Website: http://christyeffinger.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/christyeffinger
Tumblr: http://christyeffinger.tumblr.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/christyeffinger
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/christyeffinger
Google+: http://google.com/+christyeffinger
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/christyeffinger
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Maggie Toussaint with Rough Waters, a Romantic Suspense Novel
A treasure hunt turns deadly
Fun Fact:
I was inspired to write about a florist because once upon a time my mother owned a flower shop. I spent many an afternoon playing in the shop, building forts with blocks of foam, and watching mom work magic with a bouquet of flowers.
Writing about shipwrecked treasure came about due to my close proximity to Blackbeard Island. Rumors still circulate about Blackbeard’s treasure being buried in coastal Georgia. But my science training taught me that islands shift positions through time due to actions of wind and water. It seemed logical to me that an unmarked shipwreck of the 1800s might be in a different place. And if someone found a hand-drawn treasure map, he would think he really had something.
Rock’s survived war, his mother’s terminal illness, and a boat explosion. Jeanie’s been abandoned as a wife and mom and reinvented herself as a florist. In Rough Waters, a florist and a former SEAL join forces to reach their goals. He wants his stolen treasure returned, or he will lose everything he’s worked for. She wants to catch the creep who broke into her home and business so she can bring her kids home. Rough Waters…
A few favorite lines:
She didn’t need to be worried about her kids right now.
He’d worry enough for the both of them.
ON SALE!!!!! ONLY $2.50
50% off through Wild Rose Press site (you can download it easily to your reading device)
Available here:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MW553CQ/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
Find Maggie here:
http://www.maggietoussaint.com
http://www.twitter.com/MaggieToussaint
http://www.facebook.com/MaggieToussaintAuthor
http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com
http://www.pinterest.com/maggietoussaint
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1276258.Maggie_Toussaint
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
Elvis bought Graceland in 1957 for $100,000 for his mother. Sadly, she died a year later. Elvis continued to live there for the rest of his life. I think it’s admirable that he remained in his home town, rather than moving somewhere more upscale or buying lavish homes all over the country.
Graceland was opened to the public in 1982 and is the third most visited home in the United States. More than 600,000 people from all over the world come to see Elvis’ home each year. I have been to Graceland five times, and I plan to go again. Everyone, especially Elvis fans, should experience Graceland at least once. I cannot fully convey the feeling of being in Elvis’ home. I swear, you can sense his spirit. There is something humbling and awe-inspiring about entering the place where the ‘real’ Elvis dwelled, where he found refuge from the insanity of the outside world.
My trips to Graceland:
1978 – The summer after Elvis died, I had the opportunity to go to Nashville and Memphis with a friend and her family. At the time, the house was not open, so we only toured the grounds.
1992 – My youngest sister, Christi, my two daughters, and I were flying to San Antonio to visit another sister, Sheri. I was pregnant with my third child, my son, (who would be named Presley, although I didn’t know it at the time, because I hadn’t convinced my then husband to agree to it. :)) We had a layover in Memphis and due to various mechanical difficulties with various airplanes, our wait ended up being 12 hours. We decided to take a cab to Graceland. We had our carry-on luggage with us, and it was quite interesting going through the narrow stairway with huge bags on our shoulders. I was afraid we were going to break something priceless. 🙂
2001 – My sister, Ruth, and her husband, Tom, took me to Graceland for my fortieth birthday. WOW, what an amazing trip that was. Not only did we spend a lot of time on Beale Street, experiencing Graceland with the person with whom I shared such a close Elvis bond was incredible and unforgettable. My brother-in-law, who had never been a big Elvis fan, was overwhelmed by Graceland and the whole ‘Elvis’ experience. Funny story, while we were there, one of the fans was arrested for jumping into the pool at Graceland. I heard she had to pay a $200 fine. I’m sure it was worth it to her to be able to tell people she took a dip in Elvis’ pool.
2006 – I drove to Atlanta for a writer’s conference with two of my friends, Jody and Christy. We spent the night in Memphis and went to Beale Street, and they wanted to see Graceland, at least briefly. So, we stopped by and hung out for a little while in front of the gate.
2013 – I took my adult kids, Lana, Lacey, and Presley, and my niece, Madison, on a trip to Memphis and Atlanta. (We traveled to Atlanta for Vampire Diaries stuff and Cincinnati Reds/Braves games, but spent the night in Memphis on the way). We stayed in the Heartbreak Hotel and toured Graceland. I’ll have to say, the rooms in the hotel are sub-par, but the lobby is pretty spectacular. The kids were impressed with Graceland and we all had a wonderful time. Presley was especially moved. On the tour, a lady in a wheelchair was watching an Elvis video in one of the exhibits, with tears streaming down her face. In the meditation garden where Elvis is buried, the woman’s son was taking a pic of her, and she was still crying. He said, “Stop crying so I can take your picture, Mama.” 🙂 It was so precious. We saw her after the tour in front of the house. Presley patted her shoulder and knelt next to her chair and said, “My name is Presley.” He pointed at me. “Thanks to her. She’s my Mom.” (or something along those lines) Her eyes lit up and she said, “Aww, can I shake your hand?” He gave her his hand and she squeezed it and kissed the back of it. We were all in tears. Such a poignant moment.
Madison, Lana, Lacey, Me, Presley
Lana, Madison, Lacey, Presley
Such beautiful memories. I can’t wait until the next trip to Graceland. I would love to go sometime during Elvis week, or especially at Christmas. I bet it is breathtaking during the holidays. Have you ever been?
Filed under Entertainment
Author Alicia Dean 