tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67611648170841019992024-02-19T17:59:58.301-08:00Literary LoveDiscussions on Books and Life with Suzanne M. LinkSuzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-77264509861531280702023-10-23T10:02:00.000-07:002023-10-23T10:02:04.342-07:00Grief is love with nowhere to go<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"></p><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vUyE4Pj3zFqWG_COfscj4nYmdscKn4vuvj4a_SGq3TnfJvTRrkVoqlbxded38w0dXZrD30LffL-5l8s5uc0ONVigVp3FKsIx9zdNB4yU0W1VG6FU1XLMo9Co2__T7lOlcm7fMtfjiY4vGpV0dwarmmW-OQI_Ve7eIT68nbetrjMehB8-3ERoij6fBcdI/s4032/moms%20birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vUyE4Pj3zFqWG_COfscj4nYmdscKn4vuvj4a_SGq3TnfJvTRrkVoqlbxded38w0dXZrD30LffL-5l8s5uc0ONVigVp3FKsIx9zdNB4yU0W1VG6FU1XLMo9Co2__T7lOlcm7fMtfjiY4vGpV0dwarmmW-OQI_Ve7eIT68nbetrjMehB8-3ERoij6fBcdI/s320/moms%20birthday.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">One year ago, as the morning started sunny and beautiful, capping the weekend of a family celebration, we received the news; you were no longer a part of our world. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">We gathered in the room with you. You seemed so peaceful. Your body, though unmoving, curled comfortably in sleep, your hand under your chin, as if in the happiest of dreams. I remember kneeling at your side, my face pressed to yours, begging you to open your eyes. Please, please, open your eyes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">It was unimaginable that you could have moved on to a place beyond our sight and touch. Even now, it’s just as inconceivable that an entire year has passed without you in our lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">I have been comforted by the fact that you left peacefully, just as you had asked God for. And I also take solace that despite not having the chance to hold your first great-grandchild, there were no umbrages left in your wake — no arguments or bad feelings, no should-haves, wish-I-would-haves, remaining between us. I’m certain you knew I loved you as I knew you loved me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">You’ve left a hole in the fabric of our family, and yet, there are times I feel you with me, quietly observing, wrapping your arms around my grandson as I hold him. I can see your smile, hear your voice in my mind. The large pinwheel I put in my garden in memory of you often spins when I speak to you. Thank you for communicating, for reminding me that even though you aren’t here in physical form, you are with us. Please keep doing that. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">Today, on the one-year mark of your passing, I continue to grieve—heavy moments where I lose my breath and weep as if I’ve lost you anew. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">"Grief is love with nowhere to go." - As someone aptly put it. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">I will miss you for the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></p>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-57330042831218551912023-04-07T07:15:00.006-07:002023-04-07T07:19:22.234-07:00Heartbreaking and Heart-Rebuilding <h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It’s been a whirlwind six months for my family. </span></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This past fall, my daughter surprised the family with the happy news that she was pregnant with our first grandchild—the first baby on my side of the family in twenty-something years! We immediately called my 89-year-old mother in Florida to share the news and let her know that her wish to become a great-grandmother was coming true! <br /><br />Weeks later, the whole family reunited in New Jersey to celebrate my nephew’s wedding. That Saturday, we laughed and danced welcoming a lovely woman into our growing family. Mom was the only surviving grandparent at the wedding, and she got to see my daughter beautifully blossoming with pregnancy, cute baby bump and all. Mom, six months shy of 90, and usually spunky and talkative, wasn’t herself that day. She complained of being cold and shivered throughout the celebration. But it <i>was</i> fall in New Jersey, we reasoned, and Mom, after nearly 30 years in Florida, was unused to the chilly northern temps that dipped substantially when the sunlight disappeared. <br /><br />The morning after the wedding, as our families prepared to check out of our hotel rooms and head home, we were devastated to learn that Mom, curled up asleep on the couch of a rented home, left this world.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Together, we grieved and cried at this shocking and unthinkable loss. </span></h4><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Now, months in hindsight, I can appreciate that Mom gave us a gift leaving us in that way—with our family, her four children, their spouses, and her beloved grandchildren—<i>all together. </i>As we live in four different states, this was a truly rare occasion. And that Mom went peacefully, without fear, gives us comfort even now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: 400; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />The family gathered again in Florida for Mom’s funeral services. My siblings bestowed upon me the honor of eulogizing our mother. It’s been a while since I’d written with such diligence and purpose. I wanted to get this right, for Mom, for all that she was to our family, to highlight her boundless energy, her extraordinary and at times, feisty personality, her gratitude and exuberance for life. <br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I think I did her proud.</span></h4><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">On the heels of Mom’s passing, my grief still very raw, my husband and I took a wonderful trip to England to celebrate his 60th birthday. Unfortunately, I returned with Covid, followed by laryngitis, illnesses that both left me voiceless and knocked me flat for months. And as most know, the first holiday season after the passing of a loved one is particularly harrowing. We are five months into a year of firsts without Mom.<br /><br />On Friday, March 31st, a bright light shined on our family with the birth of my grandson, Finn William. Our family is over the moon. </span><div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">My husband and I are grandparents: Gigi and Poppy!</span></h4><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today, on the cusp of my grandson’s first full week of life, is Mom’s birthday. She would have been <b><i>90!</i></b> We were planning to take her to Savannah, the whole family, for a weeklong celebration she would’ve loved. Instead, today we celebrate her memory.<br /><br />I carry some of Mom’s ashes in a heart locket necklace, so she’s always with me. She was with me when I held my grandson for the first time and whispered in his ear how loved he is. I’m filled with joy touching Finn’s perfect miniature toes and fingers, happily thinking of all the firsts I will have with him, and finally experiencing the joy my mother must have felt holding each of her eight grandchildren for the very first time.<br /><br />The circle of life. Both heartbreaking and heart-rebuilding.<br /><br /><b><i>Happy birthday Mom. </i></b></span><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeEHEYD_insIoMjLair37kohvcFepgR-oDBWApVZTp8_UNJGeIC4BqFheDbMVvgPoEeUmS89XrZHJd3kNqgWJSAiAzONMFkLroO-5SSgEPnQ3q0ngpt_s9dcKQe_6pNJjfApFv7Q3ZyxSIO3qAk0aFHpZcPZi2JFGNwnRJyRzYSgRjVynlH1hKX7dCw/s1556/Mom%20and%20Finn%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1556" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeEHEYD_insIoMjLair37kohvcFepgR-oDBWApVZTp8_UNJGeIC4BqFheDbMVvgPoEeUmS89XrZHJd3kNqgWJSAiAzONMFkLroO-5SSgEPnQ3q0ngpt_s9dcKQe_6pNJjfApFv7Q3ZyxSIO3qAk0aFHpZcPZi2JFGNwnRJyRzYSgRjVynlH1hKX7dCw/w400-h205/Mom%20and%20Finn%20copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;"><br /></p></div></div>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-17656353158410746732023-03-16T07:35:00.002-07:002023-03-16T13:53:49.054-07:00<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> THIS WEEK: Saving Toby - Quick 99¢ sale. Scoop it up here: <a class="x1fey0fg xmper1u x1edh9d7" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EV6K2AC">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EV6K2AC</a></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyu6O3z3Lej4-FhKJD_dWwWziu107nT5TEbRopQ3dyg64Tp18YYvdmqwXk5fAteOMGKSNpslD1qNsXkwFD_6N4eB1_f2sQWRPX2Nxs56RHzCXQ1FwTo0fER2-4MgL4PuG_UqcwzhqxbJBsz3n4DgBFhJbBtN9X7bMUUc3gMKd50IocA5Bd7y9Bjibnw/s1350/ST_99_BookBrushImage-2023-3-16-16-4330.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyu6O3z3Lej4-FhKJD_dWwWziu107nT5TEbRopQ3dyg64Tp18YYvdmqwXk5fAteOMGKSNpslD1qNsXkwFD_6N4eB1_f2sQWRPX2Nxs56RHzCXQ1FwTo0fER2-4MgL4PuG_UqcwzhqxbJBsz3n4DgBFhJbBtN9X7bMUUc3gMKd50IocA5Bd7y9Bjibnw/w512-h640/ST_99_BookBrushImage-2023-3-16-16-4330.png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-18903713996071218062021-10-04T17:00:00.004-07:002021-10-05T17:46:46.460-07:00Just forget it!<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaN2Fulwub-K4hSq8v_71eqz9YZ1IAoayx4cS-gPfdAyA86o4ZPOm32tWk0gqFWBvhiYBjdJ0BgjGCdxtFnKFa1bPNiSgflZ5ZiakK07juwQ4N436njgKtn-MG_TswNoZA1F1RvL0x193/s2048/Depositphotos_23879795_XL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaN2Fulwub-K4hSq8v_71eqz9YZ1IAoayx4cS-gPfdAyA86o4ZPOm32tWk0gqFWBvhiYBjdJ0BgjGCdxtFnKFa1bPNiSgflZ5ZiakK07juwQ4N436njgKtn-MG_TswNoZA1F1RvL0x193/s320/Depositphotos_23879795_XL.jpg" /></a></div>I would like to know who keeps moving my stuff. Things like my cell phone, glasses, and car keys constantly show up in unusual spots around the house.<br /><br />Is it forgetfulness? Today's technology overloading my brain?<br /><br />Whatever it is, it’s becoming a trend. Lately I've been reaching for words I cannot find. Names of people evade me. I get to the top of the stairs and suddenly can't remember why I climbed them. Walk into the kitchen, and the reason I'm there leaves me. <br /><br />While I often cannot recall an actor's name, I can usually drag up the first letter of his/her name. "His name begins with 'T'," I tell my husband. To which he'll reply, "Tim Robbins." Clearly, I've helped procure this information, so I call it a win.<br /><br />When I mention to my friends about getting to the top of the stairs and not remembering why, they nod their heads in understanding. I am not alone, though this doesn't make me feel better when my phone goes missing. Without a landline, losing my cell becomes a game of hide and seek. Was this game actually fun as a kid? I forget.<br /><br />For the important stuff, I've incorporated a 3-tiered memory system: Leaving reminders on the night table, on the bathroom mirror, and a note on the steering wheel of the car and pray no one calls me before I accomplish the task.<br /><br />How my brothers, sister, and I laughed growing up when our father fumbled and called us by each of our siblings' names, and sometimes the dog's name. And here we are doing the same thing. Our children’s names evading our tongues. Oh, how the mighty fall. <br /><br />If I missed your birthday or anniversary, or forgot to return your call, I apologize. Things are progressing, but in the wrong direction. See, I've already forgotten the point of this story. So, I'll just end here.Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-20651886679828809932021-09-10T13:58:00.005-07:002021-09-13T12:21:51.373-07:00 Stop giving a f*ck<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OC6R_vpEbe5LcxTnKNxmWR-Cb9v-4Q00C1pIfNA_hXi0tTmG_875lHcOOjdnfYYpoTe_0EvBUD5tcTaJ-z2LtAu125xyiP0S5dDZ2V4XN9WNvQkQjPprdzexJHIv5nAasw8LiV79jQ8a/s1080/BookBrushImage5208.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OC6R_vpEbe5LcxTnKNxmWR-Cb9v-4Q00C1pIfNA_hXi0tTmG_875lHcOOjdnfYYpoTe_0EvBUD5tcTaJ-z2LtAu125xyiP0S5dDZ2V4XN9WNvQkQjPprdzexJHIv5nAasw8LiV79jQ8a/s320/BookBrushImage5208.png" /></a></div>*<i>Warning: Foul language ahead!</i><br /><br />I’m listening to the audio version of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” <br /><br />This pithy book written by Mark Manson, is a sometimes humorous look at thoughts, behaviors and outcomes; full of logic and f-bombs. Manson pulls apart the concept of why we care about miscellaneous things and how a broad concern for too many things can affect us negatively.<br /><br />Yes, he says, we should most definitely give a fuck about things in our life. But how many fucks is enough and how do we choose what to give a fuck about? <br /><br />Case in point. Mom is an active 88-year-old widow, whose worries over the years have grown dramatically. She is concerned about a broad spectrum of subjects, from the predilection for tattoos by younger generations, to the mere possibility that anyone might get out of paying for their college tuition. She’s upset about facial hair on men and long hair on women. <br /><br />What surprises me most is not only the conviction she has to her opinions but the anger. It steals the air from the room and makes for truly uncomfortable moments during her infrequent visits. <br /><br />In his book Manson says, “In my life, I have given a fuck about many people and many things. I have also not given a fuck about many people and many things. And like the road not taken, it was the fucks not given that made all the difference.”<br /><br />My time and energy go where I put my attention. Though some may disagree, the issues we give our attention to are always a choice, and our choices make a difference.<br /><br />We live in a turbulent time with an abundance of topics to stress about. This book, along with my mother’s visit, challenged me to take a closer look at issues I get worked up over and if they are worth my time and energy. As much as I love my mother, I don’t want to be like her, angered by what other’s do because I don't like it and it’s not something I would do. <br /><br />“You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.” <i>- Marcus Aurelius.</i><br /><br />In essence, Aurelius is saying, stop judging other people. Stop being bothered about what others do and go about your own business. <br /><br />This is what I tried to impart to Mom during her stay. Because she gets worked up and the worrying costs her peace of mind, and she needn’t let it. Her life is good, which, when she is calm, she gratefully acknowledges. Even if college loans are forgiven and everyone around her is tatted with beards and long hair, she will be fine. I’ll be fine. We’ll all be just fine. <br /><br /><i>Who is Marcus Aurelius? </i><br /><br />For those like me who recognize the name but are not familiar with him, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors, and the last emperor of the Pax Romana (27 BC to 180 AD), an age of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire. (<i>Info from Wikipedia.)</i>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-56638926991960796452021-08-19T11:09:00.004-07:002023-03-20T06:39:00.752-07:00Dog Sabbatical <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzDb8dhTR5X6PO_ZffU08fF7zXcpolddH6pXLyzI9ZAJsxXGfFJspie_t6_YPJaLjfzQAFggm0DhB5EqKsrlF8dUvQt3t1SFnh2GadoinQ0T1Wt9OdSrfUO6cgzpJ_F4s3u0UJQB1JFFU/s2048/Depositphotos_25169571_xl-2015.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2048" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzDb8dhTR5X6PO_ZffU08fF7zXcpolddH6pXLyzI9ZAJsxXGfFJspie_t6_YPJaLjfzQAFggm0DhB5EqKsrlF8dUvQt3t1SFnh2GadoinQ0T1Wt9OdSrfUO6cgzpJ_F4s3u0UJQB1JFFU/s320/Depositphotos_25169571_xl-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nearly seven years ago, our son came home with a furry mini tank of a puppy. <br /><br />Only, my husband and I hadn't wanted another dog. <br /><br />After our last dog crossed the rainbow bridge, we were on dog sabbatical, taking a break to travel. I liked the idea that, without a dog, I’d finally have the clean house I'd always dreamt of. With an active young family, cleaning was like shoveling in a snowstorm. When the first kid moved out, I could see the fantasy within reach, toothpaste-free mirrors, and days (maybe even a week!) free of vacuuming.<br /><br />Enter Winston, a beautiful Greater Swiss Mountain, a 120-pound loveable bear of a dog who adores people. He rushes to greet visitors with such excitement, he fully believes they are coming to see him. His size makes him a presence you cannot ignore. Though, if he runs into you, it's like being tackled by a professional football player. <br /><br />My fantasy of a clean house disappeared faster than Christmas cookies. Winston is the messiest dog we’ve ever had. He dirties rugs, smears windows with his nose, and scratches up our expensive wood flooring. He takes bucket loads of water in his mouth and drips it across the floors. Online sites call the breed’s beautiful black shiny coat easy care. Ha! Easy because it just falls out, literally every day, all year long. Tumbleweeds of hair populate by the minute. I can skate across my floors on his hair.<br /><br />Despite all this, Winston grew in our hearts. <br /><br />This past June, my son ventured from the nest and Winston went with him. <br /><br />The house is tidy once again, and hallelujah, without daily vacuuming. There are no more hip checks on the way to answer the door. No being tackled when I get up each morning—that big bowling ball head pressing me into the wall, demanding a morning scratch. But there's also no excited scramble to join my husband and I in front of the TV in the evenings. No adoring eyes watching from across the room as I sit in front of my computer. No quiet companion for my husband's miles-long walks to de-stress. There's no jubilant fanfare when we arrive home. <br /><br />Strangely, it's a little too quiet. Maybe it’s time for my husband and I to end our dog sabbatical — with a smaller, less messy four-legged companion. Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-66342386654914410542021-02-13T14:19:00.003-08:002021-02-13T14:19:19.030-08:00This Valentine's Day, take a trip to Italy!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nv3BBsro2Tp0QXCJhsapq5xM4bgQoHUC9VdAyL2z1UN12tuurSQlp1B5zD7b5kEAuqBHqJIC2znsx7O4OVEq2PpuoGnIvvwk_xazcOB0SDbcArRgGubaIfpanXaWNEkD6g_BdloFk9Lr/s1080/FE+Valentines+Day+Instagram+promo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nv3BBsro2Tp0QXCJhsapq5xM4bgQoHUC9VdAyL2z1UN12tuurSQlp1B5zD7b5kEAuqBHqJIC2znsx7O4OVEq2PpuoGnIvvwk_xazcOB0SDbcArRgGubaIfpanXaWNEkD6g_BdloFk9Lr/s320/FE+Valentines+Day+Instagram+promo.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A chance trip to Italy to find a father he never met will give Edward a chance at love he never expected. </span><p></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0854F62KW?fbclid=IwAR1JwUAnmnykr8xIuj-RizVfVJWZhjMzsriy_7htoev2ZSrBhFlE_7F391M" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0854F62KW</a></span></div>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-21289562388848486252021-02-10T17:58:00.006-08:002021-02-10T17:59:24.531-08:00Girl Fight: A Novel<p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 18.75px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQokYESP3IsZtkjiLRHj3hdE6StNRVUWbkIoQqjTBYpxInETYjMb0wCYcpKd8Ucxg1plNgIcTLGbEQ3ttdU6Hx1kdPy5C1OobQMEPxa5qSYOoTEMd5T4eCCNx00xDqOtYa_U4wtjQU5u/s1050/Girl+Fight+Book+Cover+2copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQokYESP3IsZtkjiLRHj3hdE6StNRVUWbkIoQqjTBYpxInETYjMb0wCYcpKd8Ucxg1plNgIcTLGbEQ3ttdU6Hx1kdPy5C1OobQMEPxa5qSYOoTEMd5T4eCCNx00xDqOtYa_U4wtjQU5u/s320/Girl+Fight+Book+Cover+2copy.jpg" /></a></div>A new book is on the way!<div><br />This is a mock cover of my WIP (work-in-progress), a story I call Girl Fight. The title may change; the cover definitely will. Jayden Jones, the first female wrestler at her high school, returns home to grieve the death of her beloved high school teacher and coach and finds herself having to clean up the mess she left behind as well as put out a few new fires. I'm about 61K through a 2nd draft. Still months of work ahead of me before I push the publish button on book-baby #4, but I can't wait to share it with you!<br /><br /><i>A female competitive fighter returns home to a firestorm of conflicts that tie her fists behind her back.</i></div><div><p></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 18.75px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p></div>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-69469482070105066932020-05-15T10:52:00.000-07:002020-05-15T16:05:56.565-07:00Quarantine Chronicles May 15, 2020<h3 style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 24px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Quarantine Fatigue</h3>
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Last week I was crawling out of my skin. </h4>
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I felt depressed, but nothing was wrong. In fact, I’m fortunate. Everyone I know is safe, and my family still has a source of income. Meanwhile, millions of others have lost their jobs, suffered through sickness and the death of loved ones, or have been forced to surrender to a drive-by celebration of much-anticipated milestones like graduations and weddings. I had none of those things. How can I be depressed?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quarantine fatigue is an actual thing. </h4>
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Despite the decimation of the usual routine of my days and weeks, up until this last week, I was fine. Still, for no rhyme or reason, I felt edgy, ready to lose my sh*t. Lumped on top of that, was a sense of guilt for not having a legitimate reason to feel this way. The mind and emotions are complex. Alone with our thoughts, we get caught up in our own narratives. This is why, in part, socialization and community is important to us. According to a study by the <a href="https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-the-benefits-of-being-socially-connected/" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic: “Socializing is good for your mind and body.</a> ... Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer.” </div>
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In essence, we need socialization. We crave it. </h4>
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Left to alone to wander, the mind can go to dark places—if we allow it to—especially if you’re prone to the ‘glass half full’ outlook. I’m usually upbeat, but last week, I fell into a bleak, uncomfortable funk, struck motionless with anxiety. It felt inevitable. Between pining for the ways of a past we will likely not see soon, if ever, and looking toward a future put on hold, we are trapped in the present. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>But how do we cope with this reality? </i></div>
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Be Grateful. </h4>
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Coax yourself into a better place. Every morning, begin your day with a conversation with the Big Guy or the Universe. Express your fears if that helps, but then, take a few minutes to offer up thanks for the good things in your life. In a negative mindset it might be difficult to think of something good. If you’re stuck, start simple. Be grateful for a comfortable bed, a dog or cat that keeps you company, spring flowers, a sunny day, a rainstorm to water the gardens, the mail that keeps getting delivered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Get dressed. </b></h4>
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If you’re working from home or unemployed, it’s tempting to want to stay in PJs or wear sweats, but if that’s not your typical pre-COVID-19 wardrobe, don’t make it your new normal. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Get moving.</b></h4>
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Take a walk, do yoga, dust off your treadmill or exercise bike, or get outside and do some gardening. As my husband can attest to, digging in the Earth is a great way to beat the blues. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Socialize. </b></h4>
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Find ways to connect with others. Call, email, Zoom, Facetime, Skype. How about writing an old-fashioned letter? I’ll bet receiving a handwritten letter in the mail would really brighten someone’s day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last, if you’re open to it, meditate. </h4>
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Many people believe they can’t do this, but if you start small, just a few minutes, you can build up to longer times… or not. I recommend this quick grateful meditation on the app Insight Timer. Simple and fast. Check it out: <a href="https://insighttimer.com/meredithrom/guided-meditations/gratitude-meditation-9?utm_campaign=app-share&utm_medium=GuidedMeditation&_branch_match_id=762810967145811839&utm_source=Email" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">Gratitude Meditation.</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have some ideas on how to counteract the blues? Please comment below. I’d love to hear your suggestions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Be well, my friends! <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: xx-small;">Photo by </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: xx-small;">Yuris Alhumaydy</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: xx-small;"> on </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">Unsplash</span></div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-34725626835856530692020-04-24T13:38:00.001-07:002020-05-15T16:06:16.042-07:00Quarantine Chronicles April 24, 2020<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: cambria; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
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<b>Inward Thinking</b></h3>
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At a time when we are secluded with the same few people every day—or some of us, alone—we spend a lot of time looking inward. I’m an advocate for self-reflection and improvement, but it’s an important time to consider how others may be dealing with this crisis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Someone with an autoimmune disease is stuck home unable to do much; afraid they will get deathly sick. Someone is battling with depression, fighting a silent uphill battle since the first day of mandatory social distancing. A teacher struggles to learn how to instruct their class virtually and are finding themselves the target of overwhelmed parents’ anger. So many of our neighbors are navigating a new work-from-home situation that is less than optimal. Many are no longer working at all. Lovers are separated. Grandparents haven’t been able to hug their grandchildren. Sadly, some have experienced the loss of a loved one, or celebrated a birthday or a special milestone while isolated from those closest to them. None of these special moments in life can be traditionally witnessed or acknowledged.</div>
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None of us have ever been through this type of event before. Everyone, no matter his or her situation, is going through something.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A suggestion: Every day or a few times a week, pick out one person to call and check in with. Sometimes it’s hard to look past your own discomfort, but in helping others, we help ourselves. The people you reach out to will appreciate the thought. It may surprise you how reaching out to someone else will make you feel better. But it really works that way. But don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-29456436844652284402020-04-17T12:00:00.001-07:002020-05-15T16:07:20.932-07:00Quarantine Chronicles April 17, 2020<h3 style="font-family: "cambria"; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">End of an Era</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";">My mother’s sister, my Aunt Roseann, passed away on Monday. She was 84. On my mother’s Italian side of the family, there are four sisters and one brother. As expected of women of that day, my mother and her sisters took care of their homes, husbands and children, but these matriarchs were far from domesticated wallflowers. They were always fiercely opinionated, and along with my 87-year-old mother, Aunt Roseann spoke her mind. When I was little my aunt often called me ‘foonge face.’ Apparently, she called my older sister the same thing. I guess we weren’t the happiest kids in those formative years, but despite a nickname we never warmed to, we have many great memories that include my aunt. Compared to now, the mid-to-late 70s were lean times. Families were larger, and lower, middle-class ones like mine did with less. As kids, we never felt the pinch. Spending time together made up what we lacked in money. My greatest memories were of family gatherings: noisy holidays, Friday night dinners, sleepovers, backyard barbeques, and trips to the beach—all with an abundance of food. Through most of my childhood, my mother and aunts were together. My aunts were second mothers, and my cousins, my best friends.</span></div>
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With one of the matriarch gone, it truly is an end of an era. Aunt Roseann died from other causes, not COVID-19. But while a death in one’s family is usually a time of sorrow, here, while we’re locked down in our homes, it’s especially challenging. We cannot gather to grieve with family members. I cannot hug my cousins, hold their hands, cry and reminisce with them.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-66075961065403254322020-04-16T10:02:00.001-07:002020-05-15T16:07:35.463-07:00Quarantine Chronicles April 16, 2020<h2 style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Story Sex</h2>
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I don’t like gratuitous sex scenes in movies or what I read. Now, I’m not slamming anyone who enjoys a bit of voyeurism to get the engine primed, but those vamped up scenarios have a specific goal—and a specific audience. Sex scenes within the framework of a literary story are a horse of another color.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I’m engaged in a story, I want the physical action between the characters to mean something. I want their carnal relationship, their chemistry, their emotional connection, or lack of one, to tell me something about them as a couple, and as individuals. Done with intent, authors can use a character’s behavior in the bedroom as a creative avenue for character development, an intimate place to reveal either truths or falsehoods.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-45836270577185034322020-02-15T07:04:00.002-08:002020-02-17T11:44:21.619-08:00New book on the way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nuiLASx-4un9q84fThCz9_R9sXHJD1XQMJ4xuo-Jt08j44EUsaMqsVR_fD5LM8p3XMdr1Ate58UtcY9xo71_Sas4HZR1JIfwRReYaQCSZbP1tcYHHkXDpLmnlJ-dLCChXx0Dp8SbuXbY/s1600/It%2527s+Coming.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nuiLASx-4un9q84fThCz9_R9sXHJD1XQMJ4xuo-Jt08j44EUsaMqsVR_fD5LM8p3XMdr1Ate58UtcY9xo71_Sas4HZR1JIfwRReYaQCSZbP1tcYHHkXDpLmnlJ-dLCChXx0Dp8SbuXbY/s640/It%2527s+Coming.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take an entertaining ride through the countryside of Italy along with Edward, a first-time traveller.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the dying bequest of his grandmother, Eddie Rudack embarks on a trip to Positano Italy to find a family member he's never met. A stranger in a foreign land, he meets a beautiful Italian doctor who offers to help Eddie with his quest. With the beautiful doctor as his personal guide, Eddie will explore the Italian countryside, see the enduring work of the Renaissance masters, sample the traditional, delicious fare of the regions, and form lasting personal connections with a cast of quirky characters for which the likes he's never known. He'll rediscover his life's passion, fall in love, and in the course of it all, find Edward.<o:p></o:p></div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-64631915462921921662019-07-14T07:57:00.000-07:002019-07-20T11:31:05.811-07:00A New Look!<h3>
Saving Toby & Keeping Claudia have all new covers!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGHezmB3Ln5-CpxolGqIIx5coM0U5gBJtVO1r30Y9HdVuUxk7az3Pt_3OwURLf8ieLUWmkWjIhlWpidPpm1SnI-pAwZcnjETrgpZnSyv6UntgIRqdui8PQXvf0Jm8LMSHhmYgge4s5pEX/s1600/SavingToby-f500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGHezmB3Ln5-CpxolGqIIx5coM0U5gBJtVO1r30Y9HdVuUxk7az3Pt_3OwURLf8ieLUWmkWjIhlWpidPpm1SnI-pAwZcnjETrgpZnSyv6UntgIRqdui8PQXvf0Jm8LMSHhmYgge4s5pEX/s400/SavingToby-f500.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqdAxPAmeoqaWdrrzQejW5VRB7XqQUcti0rOJywi9WsMxGJEp3aj1ywl-fEgDVebr6Gp0P6g7FHjkRhojXlYdfjg3KikIS-Jw-HFgB7oz8UEfRk6V6DoTdh16J-xUZ7nXN1qYeMyFJti/s1600/KeepingClaudia-f500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqdAxPAmeoqaWdrrzQejW5VRB7XqQUcti0rOJywi9WsMxGJEp3aj1ywl-fEgDVebr6Gp0P6g7FHjkRhojXlYdfjg3KikIS-Jw-HFgB7oz8UEfRk6V6DoTdh16J-xUZ7nXN1qYeMyFJti/s400/KeepingClaudia-f500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<h4>
What's New:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Eye-catching new illustrated covers.</li>
<li>Newly formatted interiors for all versions, both paperback and ebook. </li>
<li>Revised chapters in Keeping Claudia. The first six chapters were professionally re-edited to provide a smoother, more enjoyable reading experience.</li>
<li>Each book features a new step-back photograph inside the cover. </li>
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<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Saving-Toby-Claudia-Book-ebook/dp/B00EV6K2AC/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for Saving Toby on Amazon</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YPHXG8/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for Keeping Claudia on Amazon</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Suzanne%20McKenna%20Link%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to view on Barnes & Noble.com</span></a></div>
<br />Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-81693300518012520152018-12-31T18:30:00.003-08:002019-01-24T17:57:07.652-08:00Total Hot Toddy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GhL8ApmOUs9XN8W9Tbo7JhrFRkbURlk1YDDLg1ABuVY8GrJoAYrchqHG5z9UlWAX-JPBRXcPilVE8cJAUnMg50JXgN1-myhS_KbAkZ6hJ-BCpF_04FgANTM0as-CY1h5CggD0HDNIyFU/s1600/38341658982_7fff6f6769_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GhL8ApmOUs9XN8W9Tbo7JhrFRkbURlk1YDDLg1ABuVY8GrJoAYrchqHG5z9UlWAX-JPBRXcPilVE8cJAUnMg50JXgN1-myhS_KbAkZ6hJ-BCpF_04FgANTM0as-CY1h5CggD0HDNIyFU/s320/38341658982_7fff6f6769_k.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo <span style="background-color: white;">by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gforsythe/">Giulia Forsythe</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<h3>
Warm drink for a cold season</h3>
It's wintertime here in New York. With temps at or below freezing most days, my hands are perpetually cold. I don't want to hold an iced drink and I want to drink one even less. When I'm relaxing after a long day, I want a hot drink that will warm me all over. Hot toddy fits the bill.<br />
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<h3>
A little bit of history </h3>
If you think the hot toddy is an old-fashioned drink, you'd be right. While no one seems to know exactly when and where it was first created, the hot toddy is rumored to have origins in 1700 Scotland, where pubs in Edinburgh diluted whiskey with hot water and honey to cure colds. Others claim it was created by Irish doctor Robert Bently Todd to ward off illness. Still others claim the hot toddy dates back to India during the 1600s. Wherever it came from, it certainly has a long history.<br />
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Is a Hot Toddy medicinal? </h3>
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There is no cure for the common cold, but the mixture of honey, lemon and a shot of bourbon has been known to offer some relief to sufferers of sore throats and stuffy noses. Because of its long history of being identified as a remedy, it's easy for me to believe it is. Either way, cold or no cold, a warm mug of it always comforts me. And that's all the proof I require. </div>
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<h3>
How to make a Hot Toddy</h3>
<div>
It's really simple, and like any recipe, it can be adjusted to your taste. </div>
<div>
The basic recipe:</div>
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<ul>
<li>1/4 cup of boiling water</li>
<li>2 tsp. fresh lemon juice</li>
<li>1 tsp. honey</li>
<li>1 oz. bourbon</li>
</ul>
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Stir together until honey dissolves. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice. </div>
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Putting your own twist on it</h3>
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Don't have bourbon? Use whisky, dark rum or brandy. I used Jim Beam Apple Bourbon. It adds a sweet citrus flavor.</div>
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Other additions to try: </div>
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<ul>
<li>Cloves</li>
<li>A splash of orange juice and/or slice of orange</li>
<li>A splash of apple cider vinegar for extra health benefits</li>
<li>A dash of nutmeg</li>
<li>Hot tea</li>
</ul>
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Add the ingredients to hot tea. Black, chamomile or ginger tea all work well. Try a cold-busting tea, like echinacea or lemon verbena for extra relief. I bought Gingered Vanilla Toddy flavored loose tea leaves. The tea mix has black tea, ginger root, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla. I steep the tea and add apple bourbon. Smooth, warm and delicious! </div>
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Cheers!</div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-85043767277331043122018-11-18T16:12:00.002-08:002018-11-18T16:13:38.122-08:00Getting Holiday Ready<h1>Deck the Halls for Happy Holidays</h1>
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<p>Whether you opt for fresh-cut or fresh out of the box, trimming the tree is a staple of holiday decor in most homes. However, if you'll be entertaining this season, you may want to go beyond the tree and take your seasonal decorating to whole new level.</p>
<p>Create a scene filled with festive joy and get your home holiday-ready with these tips from the holiday hosting experts at Macy's:</p>
<p><strong>Choose a theme:</strong> Designing around a specific theme is a simple way to keep your holiday decor from feeling cluttered. Your theme might be based on color or a favorite seasonal character like Santa or snowmen. If you're starting from scratch, begin with a few statement pieces and let your collection grow over time. Choose a new item or two each year, and soon you'll have a treasure trove of beloved holiday items that can brighten up your home.</p>
<p><strong>Cook up some fun:</strong> Whipping up dinner for a house full of guests won't feel like such a chore if you rely on cookware that makes meal preparation fun. For example, Martha Stewart's Holiday Enamel Cast Iron collection can bring on the holiday cheer. With its festive plaid pattern and bright colors, the collection makes holiday entertaining special. Oven safe up to 500 F, these pieces can also be used with nearly any cooktop. Choose from gray or red plaid designs and 2-quart or 6-quart pot and lid combos.</p>
<p><strong>Offer cozy accents:</strong> Tables, shelves and mantels tend to get their share of decorative love, but don't overlook the ways you can bring cheer to other parts of a room. A snuggle-worthy throw in vibrant holiday hues and some plush seasonal pillows add practical warmth and good cheer. Another option: fun holiday floor decor, from welcome mats to area rugs to cushy kitchen mats that can make all that time cooking easier on your feet.</p>
<p><strong>Set a stunning stage:</strong> Go ahead and fill your guests with delight before they even sample their first bite. A holiday spread served over festive placemats and cheerful motifs can make your table come to life. Bring vibrant colors and cheeky detailed design to your dinner table with an option like the Cellar Holiday Dinnerware Collection. Placemats and coasters feature seasonal images like snowflakes, ornaments and red and green lettering with a cheerful "Ho Ho Ho." Salad plates and mugs showcase whimsical animal art with beloved creatures like dogs and giraffes.</p>
<p><strong>Add pretties to the powder room:</strong> The bathroom may not be the first place you think to add some holiday spirit, but it's a room virtually every guest will visit, so don't leave it undone. Deck out the room with hand towels in seasonal colors and prints, and add plenty of festive accent pieces like rugs and soap dispensers. Don't forget a candle with a subtle seasonal scent.</p>
<p>Find these holiday entertaining products and more at <a href="https://www.macys.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">macys.com</a>.</p>
<strong>SOURCE:</strong><br/><a href="https://www.macys.com/">Macy’s</a>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-36466333130380910172018-09-24T18:16:00.001-07:002018-09-24T18:19:29.824-07:00Written Escape Bookfest<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RI8L5JKifro" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">
An unique book signing event for those in or near Valdosta, GA.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Written Escape Bookfest is November 3.</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">When authors, readers, & talents connect, something festive happens that only the imagination can create.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is not a normal book signing, this is an escape!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nov. 3, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Find out more at <a href="http://www.writtenescapebookfest.com/">www.writtenescapebookfest.com</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAmcuOVteaSqz7m-69oDoJVmSnZu9vBh51D4MP8vC0IoGgEzeoTaHHvDUI9Qx5WBJ9i6zd3hJFuP102uTX3qe_9jGU9gc0ob7R33Xr3wa0cNAlalIirL5y7YoJBIVAU6ovnr2iIES6KJD/s1600/42441922_2177566645587739_370892622400585728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAmcuOVteaSqz7m-69oDoJVmSnZu9vBh51D4MP8vC0IoGgEzeoTaHHvDUI9Qx5WBJ9i6zd3hJFuP102uTX3qe_9jGU9gc0ob7R33Xr3wa0cNAlalIirL5y7YoJBIVAU6ovnr2iIES6KJD/s640/42441922_2177566645587739_370892622400585728_n.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-34806377460289104472018-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:002018-09-20T11:04:58.992-07:00Fall in Love with Fall<h1>4 Ways to Fall in Love with Fall</h1>
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<h2>Autumn activities for you and your pup</h2>
<p>(Family Features) The leaves may be changing, but that doesn’t mean the end of outdoor fun. Fall is a wonderful time for you and your dog to get out of the house and enjoy the season.</p>
<p>Add these activities to your autumn schedule to make the most of cozy sweater weather with your furry friend.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/14367/14465-detail-image-embed1.jpg?1536069302" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-height:100%; max-width:100%;" /><br />
Photo courtesy of Fotolia</p>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li><strong>Visit a Pumpkin Patch – </strong>Spend a fall afternoon at a pumpkin patch searching for the perfect pumpkin to decorate your home for the season or carve up for Halloween. For some extra “likes” from your social following, snap an adorable fall photo with your pup and your pumpkin. If you don’t have a pumpkin patch nearby, try visiting a local apple orchard then bake your picks into a fresh apple pie.</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/14368/14465-detail-image-embed3.jpg?1536069302" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-height:100%; max-width:100%;" /><br />
Photo courtesy of Fotolia</p>
<ol start="2" type="1">
<li><strong>Browse Your Local Farmer’s Market – </strong>Spend a leisurely weekend strolling your local farmer’s market or fall harvest festival. You can walk your dog as you spy and try delicious seasonal produce, like apples, squash, beets and cranberries. Some stands may offer treats for your dog, or you can bring your own pocketful of fall-friendly pumpkin spice dog treats (like GREENIES™ Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Flavor Dental Treats) to keep your furry friend happy.</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/14369/14465-detail-image-embed2.jpg?1536069302" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-height:100%; max-width:100%;" /><br />
Photo courtesy of Fotolia</p>
<ol start="3" type="1">
<li><strong>Take Longer Walks</strong> – Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you and your dog have to spend your days cooped up in the house. In fact, after months of hot weather, you and your pup might even be able to take longer walks, thanks to the comfortable, cooler climate. It’s also an opportunity to bundle up in your favorite fall layers.</li>
</ol>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d2z0g7klazfonw.cloudfront.net/production/additional_images/14370/14465-detail-image-embed4.jpg?1536069302" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; max-height:100%; max-width:100%;" /></p>
<ol start="4" type="1">
<li><strong>Pumpkin Spice Everything</strong> – Whether you’re sipping on a latte or enjoying some sweets, pumpkin spice is the quintessential fall flavor. Now while you’re baking your favorite fall-spiced treats, you can even share in the popular craze with your dog with GREENIES™ Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Flavor Dental Treats. This seasonal treat provides an enjoyable taste while cleaning teeth and gums, freshening your pup’s breath and leaving his smile sparkling.</li>
</ol>
<p>For more information on sharing in the pumpkin spice craze with your pet, visit <a href="https://www.greenies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Greenies.com</a>.</p>
<strong>SOURCE:</strong><br/><a href="https://www.greenies.com/">Greenies</a>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-88839073471799152642018-03-21T12:22:00.001-07:002021-10-03T09:33:00.073-07:00The Art of Letting Go<h3>
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.</h3>
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</div><h4>If you’re like me, and most of the world, somewhere around the first of January, you made New Year’s resolutions, and set a few goals. Maybe yours was to get into shape, travel or get that promotion you always wanted. This year, I want to write my next novel and another immediately after that. Anyone serious about reaching a goal needs to have a strategy—because ideas without a plan of action are merely wishful thinking.</h4><div>I had a plan, had it all mapped out, and revved up and ready to roll, I sat down to write. I wrote a few paragraphs, but suddenly I had no interest in telling the story I’d started. </div>
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The next day I sat down to try a new story, but my protagonist, suitcase in hand, waved goodbye and sped off to the airport. </div>
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After a couple of weeks, I’d written nothing compelling. I literally felt empty, like I had nothing interesting or meaningful to share. Stressed and depressed, I started to throw darts at the whole idea of a writing career. It was too hard.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
What to do?</h3>
<div>After some contemplation and a great Sunday message from my pastor at church, I decided to give myself an out. I did something unexpected. </div>
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<h4>
I gave up. </h4>
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I know, it sounds counter-intuitive. Most would say push harder, push past it, but pushing harder was an exercise in futility. I wasn’t inspired to write and because of it, I constantly berated myself for not writing.<br />
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It not only sucked the joy out of creating, but out of other aspects of my life, too. It became difficult to summon up the enthusiasm to do anything, even the routine stuff. What I needed was a reset, and the best way for me to do that was to stop writing. Even if it were just for a while (as I hoped and prayed it would be), I had to walk away.</div>
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<h3>
What Does Giving Up Look Like?</h3>
<div>When I say I gave up, I didn’t start binge watching every show on Netflix in my pajamas. I didn’t give up on life. </div>
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If you decide this strategy is for you, fill up those hours with other options, good ones—like catching up with friends, exercising, or volunteering. Or maybe that project you’ve been forever putting off. I decided to focus on my family and to make myself available to other writers who want feedback or support with their writing. </div>
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Don’t get me wrong; it’s hard at first. I love writing, and after years of denying I was actually a writer, it’s finally how I see myself. But the level of stress and anxiety was too high for me to enjoy it anymore. I went through my author email and did a mass delete and unsubscribe. A clean inbox means no more requests for me to read, buy, sign-up or click on anything ‘writerly’—a first in many years. Albeit a bit unnerving at first, it is thoroughly liberating. </div>
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<h3>
Clearing Negative Waves</h3>
<div>After letting go of a stressful situation, work on your inner voice. </div>
We all have that voice. It’s the one that says stuff like <i>I can’t do this.</i> <i>I’m not good enough…smart enough…creative enough. </i><br />
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My self-talk was negative. Every day, I told myself I didn’t believe in my journey to be an author. Who was I to think I could write a book when I had nothing interesting to say? </div>
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I started with journaling to acknowledge my fears. Then, I took a hard look at what makes me happy, what I love to do—and I realized that my writing is a big part of who I am. </div>
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I took a few days to assess and reaffirm my goals, and most importantly, identify my ‘why’ behind those goals. For instance, ‘Why do I want to write?’ I believe my ability to write well is a God-given talent. I have messages in my heart I want to share. I believe I am meant to use my writer’s voice to motivate and inspire people. </div>
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These answers align my goals with what I value. That’s important. Notice, I didn’t say anything about money or fame. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting notoriety and financial wealth, those are not values that inspire long-term transformation. I want to be rewarded monetarily for my writing, but it’s certainly not what drives my writing.</div>
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Refocused, I was ready to rebuild my inner voice. I started with positive affirmations, which can be thought of as a mental reset through positive messages you say to yourself. I give myself about 3 affirmations for the day. Every morning I get up and say them in the mirror. A few examples of my affirmations are: </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am creative. </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am blessed.</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I trust the creative process. </i></div>
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Sometimes I repeat the same ones for a few days.</div>
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<h4>
You can create an affirmation for any and every situation. </h4>
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An affirmation can be about anything you’re are struggling with, such as patience, courage, strength to deal with a difficult situation. Choose a negative thought you have about yourself and write down the positive opposite of that belief, even if you don’t feel it’s currently true.</div>
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<i>I am healthy.</i></div>
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It’s vital that while you say each affirmation, you summon a positive feeling. I often get a tingly sensation, and I feel happy and empowered as if I have spoken my destiny. </h4>
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When doing affirmations, be consistent and 100% invested. Say them with certainty. So as to not forget, leave your list of affirmations where you absolutely won’t miss them.</div>
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Since I started this process, first with releasing myself from the pressure of writing, and then adding in journaling and affirmations, my stress has greatly decreased. There are still moments when anxiety rises up in me, but I can quickly counteract it with positive self-messages. And best of all, a new character has started talking to me. I take notes and let him speak without expectations. I feel happier and stronger than I have in a long while, and every day, my desire to write again grows. </div>
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Tips ~ </h3>
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How to know if you need a ‘Reset’ or to ‘Push Harder’:</h4>
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Growth is uncomfortable. If you’re doing something new, pushing to learn a new craft or skill, improve your financial situation, or anything to better yourself, there’ll be times you feel like giving up. That’s growing pains. In cases like that, push harder. </div>
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If you feel joyless in the things that you once derived great pleasure from, you may need a reset. Pull back, quiet your mind, and nurture yourself until you feel whole again.</div>
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Resisting the pull of old habits: </div>
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In the first few weeks, I was constantly tempted to check reviews or my sales rankings online, but instead of berating myself for it, I acknowledged that I felt no happier after I looked. Remember: letting go is freeing, a heavy weight you no longer have to carry if you choose not to.<br />
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Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-58103647065067735512018-02-16T11:27:00.000-08:002018-02-16T11:30:04.199-08:00Author Interview with The Suffolk County News<h2>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Modern romance </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Local author pens love stories that resonate with contemporary readers </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>By Vanessa Graniello</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMdnIYP95qzeSsTUFEzSIsyvHFnQSYmrIBD5JZ7RODKGZiGjUgfPmaOlFm7bjk8U2CP2uvKr8EyPIczjq0Aac-YYiQa_C9clNkdNv5-Ym3Z0-yTpzx4nROuTfS3s4NAK-s50LU84kvcBY/s1600/Author-Interview-SCN-9-14-17-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="697" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMdnIYP95qzeSsTUFEzSIsyvHFnQSYmrIBD5JZ7RODKGZiGjUgfPmaOlFm7bjk8U2CP2uvKr8EyPIczjq0Aac-YYiQa_C9clNkdNv5-Ym3Z0-yTpzx4nROuTfS3s4NAK-s50LU84kvcBY/s400/Author-Interview-SCN-9-14-17-small.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Suzanne McKenna Link is the indie author of “Saving Toby” and its sequel, “Keeping Claudia.” A Sayville resident and native of the South Shore, McKenna Link puts a modern edge on the clichés of the old-fashioned Romance novel. She skillfully fuses the high drama of the Brontës while navigating the complexities of modern love: the fine line between love and lust; choosing between the independence of pursuing career and the sacrifices of a relationship; and grappling with society’s expectations of marriage, just to name a few. Not to mention, McKenna Link’s characters are so authentic that their behavior has often thrown readers and reviewers alike into frenzied, impassioned debates. McKenna Link spoke with <i>The Suffolk County News</i> about her writing process and how she puts an original spin on timeworn romantic tropes. <br /><br /><b>Suffolk County News</b>: What first inspired you to tell Toby and Claudia’s story? Was the inspiration based on character or plot? <br /><br /><b>McKenna Link</b>: I’d say character first. For many years I’d had the idea of my main character, Toby Faye, in my head. The story I envisioned telling back then was a Cain and Abel tale of sorts—a young guy coping with abuse at the hands of his brother. When I started writing, I had the most rudimentary concept of story structure—escalating conflict, climax and ending— and blissfully ignorant, wrote scenes as I thought of them. It was amazing to write so freely, but I soon learned writing a story without a plan leads to lots of rewriting. Internal conflict is first and foremost what drives my storytelling, but it takes many elements to craft a well-told story. Like building a physical structure, forget even one support beam, and the foundation becomes unstable. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: Both of your novels are told in the first-person point of view, but you skillfully alternate chapters between telling the story exclusively through both Claudia and Toby’s perspectives. How did you decide on this narrative style? <br /><b><br />McKenna Link</b>: Funny thing is, I never intended to write Toby’s point of view. That came during a writing exercise that suggested telling a scene from another character’s perspective. I assumed as a woman, it’d be easier to write a female protagonist’s viewpoint, but telling the story from Toby’s point of view was great fun. Writing his dry wit, and his dark despair too, came easily. His side of the story had to stay. Claudia, the series’ female protagonist, was more challenging for me—not because I didn’t understand her. Her character is linear and makes sense to me, but in being true to her character, I made her more unyielding than most women believe they would actually be in her situation. Readers have responded to her with mixed reviews. Some adore her confidence. Others call her selfish. I call her a driven, Type A personality with staunch principles. In “Keeping Claudia,” the focus is on Claudia’s upbringing and the circumstances that brought about her tenacity. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: I for one appreciated a female character that was driven rather than aimless, which I think can be a catchall stereotype for young millennial women. That being said, you really have a penchant for writing vivid, true-to-life and nuanced characters. What are your methods for character development?<br /><b><br />McKenna Link</b>: I’m extremely pleased when people boast that my scenes play out like a movie. I credit this to the dynamic dialogue, which comes from the extensive personality studies I did. I’ve always been intrigued by behaviors and the reason behind them. I’m a people-watcher, constantly observing behavior, noting and cataloging the quirks and mannerisms of people everywhere. While I didn’t base any characters on real-life acquaintances, details were taken from people I’ve met and known. Growing up, I had a friend whose father’s rigid rules defied logic, just like those of Suffolk Police Department officer Donato Chiametti. My kids, being in the same age bracket as Claudia and Toby, definitely helped me articulate character mannerisms. The young women of my daughter’s Girl Scout troop framed Claudia’s altruistic, self-driven nature, and my son was a terrific resource on how to turn outdated phrases into language today’s 20-somethings use. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: Sayville is the main setting for your novels, and many readers will be pleased with your descriptions of Main Street, Fire Island, and even Corey Beach. What was it about Sayville that inspired you to make it the setting? <br /><br /><b>McKenna Link</b>: As a lifelong resident of the South Shore, it came easy to write about the novelties of our local towns and Fire Island. Surprisingly, outside of New York State, few know of our unique and beautiful barrier island. I chose our area’s quaint, small hamlets chiefly because I wanted to instill the characters’ strong sense of familiarity with their location—to the point of tedium. When the story begins, there’s a sense that judgments have been passed, and their roles defined. Life in a small town becomes an added element of angst for Toby and Claudia because at some point, each feels arrested by it. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: Claudia works in geriatric care and Toby becomes a skilled carpenter and builder. How much research did you have to do in both of these career paths to portray them with such unforced detail and accuracy? <br /><br /><b>McKenna Link</b>: In my opinion, these career paths work well for Toby and Claudia’s personality types, showcasing their strongest attributes. With geriatric care, I had homework to do. I researched advanced degrees in the field and got familiar with what senior living facilities offer. Google was immensely helpful with that. As for the carpentry element—I attribute that to all the home improvement shows my husband and I watched in the ’90s. As newlyweds renovating a home, back then our television was tuned regularly to anything with Bob Vila and HGTV. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: Can you discuss your use of metaphors, such as the waves of the ocean, a whale sighting, birds in flight and even a turbulent nor’easter, to convey the emotional turmoil and exuberance of Claudia and Toby’s relationship? The use of the elements as metaphors for characters’ emotions harkens back to Victorian Romance novels, such as the Brontës’ “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights.” Were those literary influences for you? <br /><b><br />McKenna Link</b>: I remember pulling apart those stories in my English classes. I was, and am still, amazed at the cleverness of writers like Shakespeare and the Brontës, whose brilliantly crafted sentences stretch far deeper than the apparent surface. I assure you, though— my metaphors were not done with conscious intention—at least not at first. Every element in a book should add to the protagonist’s journey and move the story forward—nothing should be random—even the most beautiful of prose. Scenes like the whale sighting, the seagull dance and the gathering storm let me stretch my writing legs, but they had to be relevant to the story. I think I was successful marrying them into the scenes. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: Your novels skillfully fuse elements of classic literary romances with the complexities of modern-day relationships, and I’m wondering if you had a desire to offer a new and refreshing perspective on some worn-out romance clichés. <br /><br /><b>McKenna Link</b>: Toby and Claudia’s love story is integral to the books, and I market the series as contemporary romance. The love story could not be removed without altering the storyline, but the dark, realistic elements do not fall neatly within the genre of mainstream romance. I guess I’m a romantic at heart, but more so, a realist. I focus mainly on writing emotional fiction, the dichotomy of how my characters handle personal relationships—how they hurt, heal and interact with one another—be that romantic or otherwise. I try not to think too much about marketing trends and labels, and just write what I want to write. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: What is the most important theme or message that you want readers to take from your novels? <br /><b><br />McKenna Link</b>: I hope readers will be moved and inspired by the stories. I’m an advocate of personal growth, and I intentionally wrote to reflect that. Toby and Claudia face some disconcerting truths about themselves and their past. I believe the stories’ most powerful message comes from seeing the two of them become more self-aware. They realize if they keep doing what they’ve always done, the end result will be much the same. And they won’t ever truly be happy. They need to make some hard choices to change, and follow through. I want my readers to come away from my stories stirred up, to believe that no matter what situation they consider themselves ‘locked into,’ there’s always a way out. <br /><br /><b>SCN</b>: What’s next? <br /><b><br />McKenna Link:</b> I have my marketing hat on right now, working on getting the word out about “Keeping Claudia.” I have a few author events planned, both online and at two local libraries. The book will be featured on NetGalley, a reviewer website, and I have a virtual book tour with Xpresso Tours (www.xpressobooktours.com). In the meantime, I’ve been trying to decide which one of my story ideas I want to jump into next. One is a family drama, the other about a female UFC fighter. I hope to be able to sit down very soon and focus only on writing. <br /><br />“Saving Toby” and “Keeping Claudia” can be purchased online at Amazon and “Saving Toby” is available at area libraries. To find out more, visit the author’s website at <a href="http://www.suzannemckennalink.com/">www.suzannemckennalink.com</a>. </span>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-71308245857191911962018-01-31T19:03:00.002-08:002018-01-31T19:03:36.941-08:00Fault vs. Responsibility<div style="text-align: center;">
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When you stop blaming others, you empower yourself. </h3>
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Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-37408951505581469892017-11-26T16:59:00.001-08:002017-12-05T17:58:19.190-08:00A Fun New Reading Experience!<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Storyteller Alley’s Author Discovery Box</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>A special reader package designed specifically for Saving Toby! </i></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Limited Time Special Discount: 20% OFF with Discount Code HAPPYHOLIDAYS</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Saving Toby Author Discovery Box includes:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Signed copy of Saving Toby by Suzanne McKenna Link</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Something to make the room smell just like the Long Island shore from A to Z Candles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Something to help you get your date night snack on from Allspice Emporium</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Something to make the world a prettier place from Plantables & Paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Something handmade to inspire a little daydreaming from The Rugged Heart</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Find out more at <a href="http://www.storytelleralley.com/content/saving-toby-author-discovery-box" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">Storyteller Alley</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V3EiI21CeBAJJ_iqvqHzCzS5sFm3QC20fNHOYYDBupD88r6cCM0ZHS06sLriHvlyWP-rhE9dd9UQ2D6qBmfdxtUp_3x1_wy3xeIbMnFay4b8GTAhyhQ1k142CbiR8ucX8ljGz5PJKyFp/s1600/RedBowsm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="216" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V3EiI21CeBAJJ_iqvqHzCzS5sFm3QC20fNHOYYDBupD88r6cCM0ZHS06sLriHvlyWP-rhE9dd9UQ2D6qBmfdxtUp_3x1_wy3xeIbMnFay4b8GTAhyhQ1k142CbiR8ucX8ljGz5PJKyFp/s200/RedBowsm.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perfect for the </span><i><b>Book Lover</b></i> on your gift-giving List! </span>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-4106372805216602872017-09-07T19:22:00.000-07:002017-09-07T19:24:13.844-07:00Paperback Giveaway!<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget248472">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22855044" rel="nofollow">Keeping Claudia</a> </h3>
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7257132.Suzanne_McKenna_Link" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;">Suzanne McKenna Link</a></div>
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Giveaway ends October 17, 2017.
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<script charset="utf-8" src="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/248472" type="text/javascript"></script>Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-38338329586044714312017-07-31T07:17:00.001-07:002017-08-01T05:46:23.526-07:00#HS Readathon Wrap Up<span style="font-size: large;">Time to wrap up another Seasons of Reading readathon, and it's no surprise to me that I didn't manage to get even half way through my TBR. In fact, I deviated from it—a book I'd put on hold at the library came in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I did read: Her Best Laid Plans by Cara McKenna and the defection, God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Her Best Laid Plans </b>was a novella, a quick bit of satisfying romance with a heavy dollop of steam. I hadn't expected the story to be so sexual, though I should've, especially knowing McKenna's previous work—but the prior stuff I've read by this author were longer novels where sexual scenes felt more in balance with other themes in the story. In this case, because the story was so short, I wasn't mentally prepared for the depth of the steam that the story contained. Despite that, Cara McKenna knows her way around storytelling. Jamie is a cool, independent American young woman off on holiday and seeking adventure in Ireland where she meets the handsome </span><span style="font-size: large;">Irish barkeep, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Connor. I love, love, love the way McKenna describes her men. She wrote Connor in a way that was so easy to conjure in my mind</span><span style="font-size: large;">—and of course, he </span><span style="font-size: large;">was swoon worthy and </span><span style="font-size: large;">held my interest</span><span style="font-size: large;">! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I came across <b>God-Shaped Hole </b>on Goodreads and intrigued, requested it through an inter-library loan. It came a day later and I very rudely dropped the Jodi Picoult book I'd started to get to this one instead. This is the type of book I crave—the kind that once you start reading, you don't want to stop. Tiffanie DeBartolo writes the way I like to write (or at least aspire to)—letting her characters think and speak without filters—which in the case of Beatrix Jordan is quite a feisty and sharp-witted manner that gave the story a supremely realistic and gritty flair I simply adored. It's a love story about soulmates, Beatrix and Jacob Grace, two unusual people who find each other in an unusual way. They are quirky characters and so damn amusing together, but the story grapples with some deep themes, one of them as you might allude to by the title, the belief in God—that space inside us all that longs to be filled with a sense of assurance that we aren't alone. Another was forgiveness. It was somber at times, but the writing is, in my opinion, spectacular, and lines like, "Kat’s idea of self-improvement is a good bikini wax" often had me giggling aloud. Highly recommend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Michelle at Seasons of Reading for another great readathon. Hope you will join us next time! Check it out at <a href="http://www.seasonsreading.blogspot.com/">www.seasonsreading.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6761164817084101999.post-48311108643273440902017-07-30T05:37:00.000-07:002017-07-30T05:37:07.853-07:00Kindle Countdown Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the next few days, get the sequel to Saving Toby, the series finale — the book you’ve been wanting to get your hands on — <a href="http://amzn.to/2uJh83L">Keeping Claudia</a> at a reduced price. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://amzn.to/2uJh83L">http://amzn.to/2uJh83L</a></span><br />
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<br /><br />*A Kindle Countdown Deal is a limited-time discount for Kindle-exclusive books. A "Countdown Clock" on its product detail page indicates how much time is left to purchase the title at the promotional price. As time passes, the price rises; the promotion ends once the book is back to full price.Suzanne McKenna Linkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15838002907200693132noreply@blogger.com0