Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 04-30-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

For the next couple of weeks I'll be featuring some Guest Writers. Friends of mine who have graciously offered to fill in for me while I'm gone. I'm having surgery tomorrow (Friday), but not to worry. It's minor and I've probably scheduled too long of a recovery time, but I always try to plan for the unexpected. I'll still be reading my email, just not writing for a few days.

It's weird how my mind works. For the past week I've been pruning and prepping as if company were coming. You know how that goes--when folks are coming to visit, you clean the house and attend to all of those little details you've been meaning to get around to. And that's what I've been doing, fixing up Suzanne, getting ready for company--the surgical team. After all, I certainly wouldn't want someone to shout out after they've put me under, "Look at the hair on that woman's legs and look at those nasty split ends!"

So every inch of me is groomed, my son and daughter-in-law bought me a beautiful new nightgown to lounge around in after the big day, and I even treated myself to some new 400 thread count sheets. I'm ready! Bring on the company!

I know you'll enjoy my guest writers; you've met them before, so in a way it will feel like company is coming to visit. Don't be shy about emailing, writers always love to hear from readers.

I'll be back soon. Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to know I'm reading with friends like you.

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors; Sean Dixon, The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal; Philip Baruth, The Brothers Boswell; John Pipkin, Woodsburner; and Judy Duarte, Entertaining Angels. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 04-29-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

If I'm supposed to attend a meeting at 3 p.m., I'm killing time in the lobby at 2:30, just in case. Just in case I get stuck in traffic, or I show up at the wrong building. It's happened.

A few years ago I had an appointment at the corporate offices at Saks in New York City. The woman I was meeting didn't give an address, so I assumed it was SAKS on 5th Avenue, the fancy building with the clothes in the window I can't afford unless they're on a sale rack. Our meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m., but when I showed up at 9:30 looking for an open door, the only way to get in the building was through the employee entrance. And that's when the security guard informed me that the corporate offices were around the block.

Around the block in New York City can be a 20 minute walk, 25 if you're wearing "presentation heels." The heels I bought at Saks the night before. But those stylish, stupid shoes hurt my feet so badly that I couldn't stand to have them on more than 30 minutes, and going for a walk was out of the question. But a cab had dropped me off and the only way to get to the corporate office was to put one foot in front of the other. Limp, limp, stop and adjust the heels, with the pointy toes that were digging into my feet, moan and groan a bit--only seven minutes before my appointment--so I took the pain in stride and sprinted the last few feet. I made it on time, but just barely. It was a great appointment, but I was sorely disappointed that no one commented on my shoes.

Can you tell that being on time is one of my pet peeves? And it's one of the traits that my husband and I have in common, except when it comes to meeting friends for an informal occasion.

If the party starts at 7 p.m., then my dear husband expects us to be walking through the door in harmony with the big hand on the 12 and the little hand on the 7. Now if this were a job interview or a first date, punctuality would make me stand out in a good way. But when you show up on the dot for a party, the first to arrive, it's an awkward feeling. So I try to find ways to stall. For instance, my husband thinks I'm typing column notes this very minute, (and I am) but really it's a ruse. We have a dinner date with our neighbors this evening and we offered to drive to the restaurant. My husband is hurrying-me-up because it's eight minutes to lift off. "It's time to go, Suzanne, we'll be late!"

But it's only a two minute walk to our neighbor's house and we're driving, so you do the math.

"I'm coming Dear, still typing column notes."

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Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 04-28-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Whoops! I almost let the month slip by without baking chocolate chip cookies for readers. There are three days left in April to enter the drawing. This month's drawing is simple as can be. There's nothing special to do, I'll send you cookies and you send me a photo of you eating them. What a deal, huh?

If you need inspiration, just take a look at some of last month's cookie winners. To view the photos and to enter this month's cookie drawing, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookie309.html

Don't forget, I have ten copies of the book Nutty Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids to give away this week. Write a knock-knock joke, then enter the drawing. Go to, http://tinyurl.com/dcvy4m

* Some readers have been asking who won the Library Stimulus Packages. Winners will be announced next week. AND...Goldie, the feral cat I finally caught (if you missed the column, you'll find it at http://tinyurl.com/ck78jy ) showed up Sunday looking for dinner and again on Monday. Goldie keeps his distance now. He prefers a "table for one" rather than eating on the porch with the other cats, but that's okay, I understand he needs time to feel comfortable around me again. Time and turkey with gravy, I'm sure I'll win his heart.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-27-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Knock-Knock.
Who's there?
Ida.
Ida who?
Ida never thought I'd have to write my own knock-knock joke. And Ida hope I never have to again.

Well, actually I didn't even write that knock-knock joke. I tried, desperately tried to write a funny knock-knock but no sale. So I asked the people I work with if they could craft some funny knock-knocks. Amber wrote the Ida knock-knock and here's another one of my favorites that Patrick wrote:

Knock-Knock.
Who's there?
Police.
Police who?
Police stop telling these awful knock, knock jokes!

I blame this Knock-Knock craze of mine on a publisher who sent me Bob Phillips latest book for kids, Nutty: Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids. Phillips says, "Laughter is only a knock-knock joke away!" so let's give it a try.

I have ten copies of the book. Write a knock-knock joke, submit it and you're entered in the drawing.

Knock-Knock Who's there?
Poor me.
Poor me, who?
Poor me can't write a funny knock-knock joke--can you help me?

To enter the Knock-Knock Contest, go to: http://tinyurl.com/dcvy4m

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors; Sean Dixon, The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal; Philip Baruth, The Brothers Boswell; John Pipkin, Woodsburner; and Judy Duarte, Entertaining Angels. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 04-24-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I receive such inspiring emails from readers. These three stories set the tone for my day when I read them, I hope they bring you peace and contentment, too. I love to hear from readers. Tell me a story any time. I'm listening.

From my Email Bag:

"Suzanne, I had to smile at your column where you mentioned how you have multiples of everything. My Dad passed away on April 1st and I had to travel back home to take care of the house. My Dad had multiples of every single thing! I have enough toothpaste now to last a family of four for a year. I shipped three pods of household goods, furniture, and collectibles to my home.

After I thought about it, I think it was more about getting out and being around people. He lived alone and had to be lonely. And you can't go to the grocery store or Walmart without buying something, so he'd just buy more of what he knew he would use.

So now when I brush my teeth or use any of the zillion things I'm still unpacking and working into my household...I smile and think of my Dad."--Debbie

"CONGRATULATIONS on catching Goldie. Some just don't understand those with a heart for cats but I and my aunt in Wisconsin do!

I had a cat like Goldie, her name was Tangerine. Tangerine came to my house when the farm she was staying at closed. Tang would let me pet her. She did not want to come into the house, but we coaxed her and when she finally did, then she wouldn't leave the kitchen. When I had to move I couldn't keep Tang, but she found a home with my aunt in Wisconsin. We put Tang on a plane and she flew to Green Bay alone. Aunt Elizabeth now has Tang and she lives the life of luxury. Twice a year Elizabeth and Tang fly to my house in Atlanta from Wisconsin to visit. Tang is a well seasoned, happy traveler in her kitty house. Amazing that a cat from a Georgia farm flies the friendly skies twice a year, and is so happy and adjusted in her apartment life."--Kris Bone

"I learned this trick from the best vet I've ever had. This came up when a client was moving, and the owner was concerned that the cat would try to trek back to its old stomping grounds. First, let the cat walk around a little bit. Then you put something the cat will like (butter, say) between its toes. When the cat happily licks the butter (or whatever) off its feet, it gets the odors and flavors of your house along with the butter. This allows the animal's instinct to instruct him that this place is in his domain. He knows he belongs there, else why would those flavors be all over his paws?

I may be anthropomorphizing here, but I think you could use the help, as I'm not sure Goldie's going to find his neutering the bonding experience you seem to hope for. I can't say exactly why, but ask your husband. I bet he'll back me up!"--Thomas

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with Carla Neggers then read about great thrillers from: Mark T. Sullivan, Carla Cassidy, Laurie R. King, John Darrin, Heather Graham, Kyle Mills, Lisa Jackson and Keith Gilman. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Dear Reader Column 04-23-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

A quick update today on Goldie, the feral cat I wrote about in Tuesday's column. If you missed the entry, you'll find it at: http://tinyurl.com/ck78jy

My husband and I have been feeding Goldie for over a year. Eight months ago our vet offered to fix Goldie, at no charge, if we could catch him. But that cat is one crafty kitty. It took us a long time to do the deed, but finally we lured him into a cage. So now Goldie's fixed, up to date on his shots and surprisingly there wasn't anything else wrong with him.

The sedation meds had worn off and our Golden Boy wasn't in the best of moods when my husband and I picked him up late yesterday afternoon. Goldie had been pretty quiet on the trip to the vet the day before (maybe he thought we were taking him in for a day at the spa) but the ride back home was a snarly one. The vet had given us the okay to open the cage and set Goldie free once we got home. Good thing, too, because we had one upset kitty who was desperately trying to find a way out of the cage. When we opened the door, he bolted and sprinted across the yard. What a beautiful boy.

I didn't have any expectations when my husband and I went to pick up Goldie. I'd taken a collar along, just in case a miracle happened and Goldie was suddenly a loving affectionate cat, but deep down I knew better. Eventually Goldie may settle in and want our love and affection, but then again he may continue to keep his distance, or he might be so upset with us, that we never see him again. But whatever happens I'm fine with the outcome. Cats, people, I believe sometimes we're called to play a part in someone's life, maybe it's simply for a brief moment, but it's an important task we're called to do and I hope I'm always listening.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Dori Carter, We Are Rich; Lis Wiehl and April Henry, Face of Betrayal; Laura Hayden, Red, White and Blue; Latayne Scott, Latter-Day Cipher; and Natasha Mostert, Keeper of Light and Dust. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 04-22-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Congratulations to the water bottle winners: Joyce Loredo, Gail DiTommaso and Terri Tyler. Your autographed bottles are going in the mail this week.

When you're looking for something new to cook, or if you're like me and just looking through cookbooks is relaxing, bookmark my Recipe Blog. Not only does it include my favorite recipes, but the guaranteed-to-get-compliments favorite recipes of other bookclub readers.

Here's the link for the recipe blog: http://tinyurl.com/yuf6aq

And finally you can win a cookbook today. Sheila Thomas sent me 10 copies of the book Recipes Worth Sharing: Recipes and Stories from America's Most-Loved Community Cookbooks. It's a tribute to community cookbooks, which are my favorites. My daughter-in-law loves cheesecake so I think I'm going to try making the Hazelnut Raspberry Cheesecake first. A recipe submitted by "Grouper to Grits" The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, Clearwater, Florida.

Simply email me one of your favorite recipes that I can post at my Reader Recipe Blog and you'll be entered in the cookbook drawing: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookbook042109.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 04-21-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I finally caught Goldie!

Goldie is a feral male cat who's been showing up at my house every day for over a year now. The two of us have developed a relationship; well, maybe it's actually more of a ritual. Every morning Goldie sits outside on my lounge chair and waits for me to get out of bed. When he hears me shuffling around in the kitchen making coffee, then he comes and sits on my front porch. My feline buddy is expecting the usual: one can of turkey with gravy, one scoop of dry cat food and a fresh bowl of water to wash it all down.

In his own way, Goldie seems very happy to see me, yet he keeps his distance. I already take care of two other outdoor cats that a neighbor abandoned, so the plan has always been to catch Goldie, get him fixed and attend to his medical needs, too. My vet even offered to do the surgery for free, but every single time I've tried to catch Goldie, either the trap failed or Goldie was too smart to even venture in.

Trying to catch Goldie has been extremely frustrating. He's been comfortable enough to walk in my house, if his food was sitting just inside the door, but if I reached out to touch him he'd hiss and run. I've tried several heart-to-heart talks, explaining that I just want to help, and I honestly think he understands I'm not out to hurt him. Because every morning when I open the door and talk to Goldie his eyes say, 'I want you to pet me and love me,' but then he remembers that a family used to love him, and they abandoned him, so he's afraid of trusting again. At least that's my theory. My husband smiles when he hears me talking to Goldie, but who's smiling now--Goldie's out on the front porch captured in the cage and my husband is out there talking to him this very minute.

Yes, I finally caught Goldie, so I can take him to the vet. And when I bring him back home, I hope I can catch his heart.

* For cat lovers, yes there's a photo, go to:  http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/goldie.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with Carla Neggers then read about great thrillers from: Mark T. Sullivan, Carla Cassidy, Laurie R. King, John Darrin, Heather Graham, Kyle Mills, Lisa Jackson and Keith Gilman. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Dear Reader Column 04-20-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It used to make me feel more secure when my pantry was stocked and I had a second one of each of my favorite things on hand. And it wasn't just multiple food items that brought me a sense of "all-is-well-with-Suzanne." Favorite tops, socks, pens, even when I finally found the perfect pan for a one layer cake, I decided to buy two--just in case. If one was perfect, two must be divine!

That's the theory I was operating under two weeks ago, when I went searching for the perfect reusable water bottle. I drink a lot of water and I'd been feeling guilty about the number of plastic bottles I toss into the recycle bin each week. So after two weeks of searching, I was thrilled when my husband brought home a blue, not too big, not too small, just the right size water bottle. Environmentally friendly, convenient to use and easy to wash--I absolutely loved it. Seeing how much I loved the water bottle, my husband bought me another one--and that's when I discovered that less is better for me.

When I only had one bottle, I always knew exactly where it was, but now that I own two, I can't seem to find either one of them. You'd think a girl wouldn't have to pay so much attention to keeping track of her water when she owns two bottles, but apparently less is better for me. Too much of anything and suddenly it's not quite as precious as it used to be.

*Win a water bottle of your own. I have three brand new water bottles to give to readers--and I'll even sign them. To enter the drawing, send an email, including your name and address to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/waterbottle.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Dori Carter, We Are Rich; Lis Wiehl and April Henry, Face of Betrayal; Laura Hayden, Red, White and Blue; Latayne Scott, Latter-Day Cipher; and Natasha Mostert, Keeper of Light and Dust. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 04-17-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Looking for a great book? Visit your local library. Looking for the love of your life? Visit your local library.

From my Library Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne, My husband and I met while working at our local libraries. We were married on October 10, 2008 and we have the Dearborn Public Libraries to thank for it. I worked at the main branch at Henry Ford Centennial library and he worked at Dearborn's Esper Library. During renovations in 2001 all of the Esper part time employees came over to our library to work. I trained my husband on the Periodicals Desk and the Internet Desk. We have been together ever since. I am forever grateful to the Dearborn Libraries because without them I would not have met my husband, the love of my life. He is still employed by the Dearborn Libraries. There are quite a few couples that have met while working at the libraries. Not only do these libraries offer excellent services finding books, helping patrons and educating the masses, they helped us find love."--Erin Connors

"Suzanne, the library saved my marriage. It's true! My husband is an avid reader, he consumes books. When we got married fifteen years ago he bought all his books. Not only was it expensive, the books were stacked everywhere. We couldn't afford his habit and I wasn't happy about the 'library' that was building in our apartment. I had plans for a house and children, so I encouraged him to use the library more often. Today we live within walking distance of a branch (Beaumont Branch, Lexington, KY) and his job is close to another library (Paul Sawyer Library, Frankfort, KY). Both libraries have staff that knows him by name and he visits several times a week, sometimes daily. My husband is now an expert on inter-library loan, and we have a house and three amazing girls. We also have A LOT of books in the house, but if not for the library that might have been all he had." -- Jennifer Kelly

Not only can you find a great book or the love of your life at your local library, Marsha Fuller, Regional Public Relations Coordinator for the Western Maryland Regional Library reminds us that any information you're looking for, you'll find it at the library. To view Marsha's list, go to: http://tinyurl.com/cf9mah

In honor of National Library Week, be sure to enter your library in the Dear Reader Stimulus Package. Email a note about why you enjoy your local library (include the name of your library) and I'll forward your comments on to the director and staff--who doesn't like to get compliments? Then, I'll enter your name in a drawing and if you're a winner, I'll send you a $25 gift certificate to Target and I'll send your library a check for $25 (that's the Dear Reader Stimulus Package). I have eight gift certificates and eight stimulus checks for libraries. It's a fun way to celebrate and spread some good will.

Hundreds of readers have already written, join in the fun. I'm waiting to hear from you. Thanks for joining in the celebration, send your note to: [email protected]

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.DearReader.com