Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 08-30-18

Dear Reader,

When my 47-year-old birthday "girl" called me the other day, after thanking me for the Kitchenaid counter mixer my husband and I sent to her, the conversation quickly switched gears.

"Mom, why didn't you tell me about this?"

"This? What is 'this'? What are we talking about?"

"This getting old stuff. It's starting to look like a connect-the-brown dots picture on my arms (it kind of looks like a Pekingese puppy), and lately I hear a little grunt when I reach down to pick something up off the floor. That's me grunting like some old person, Mom! And on top of that, after I blew out the candles on my cake, I realized I was one year older than I thought I was."

My daughter did bring up a good point. When we were young our parents sat us down and gave us "the talk" about the birds and the bees. But who's supposed to give us "the talk" when it feels like the birds and the bees are heading towards assisted living?

I couldn't console my daughter with, "It will be alright, everything will be fine," like I used to do when she was a little girl. And since I'm way past 47, I admit I was actually tempted to say, "Well my dear child, you ain't seen nothing yet." But I refrained, after all it was her birthday!

There are story ideas everywhere. Keep a notebook with you and enter the 14th Annual Write a DearReader Contest. This year you can even collaborate, writing an entry with a friend, relative, spouse, or coworker. And another new twist to the contest, if your entry is chosen as a First Place ($200), Second Place ($100), or Third Place ($50) winner, I will donate a 50% matching gift to your library in your name.

For rules, deadlines, prizes and to read last year's winning entries, click here. Share the contest info with your Facebook friends.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-29-18

Dear Reader,

When something joyous happens in my life, I wish I could picture my parents smiling and telling me how happy and proud they are. Since I never heard those words when they were living, it's been impossible for me to imagine hearing them now that they're gone. But the other day, for some reason in the midst of day dreaming, I pictured my parents in heaven, and the story I told myself changed the way I feel about them now.

My mother found Ron, the love of her life, two years before she passed away. It was truly a boy-meets-girl love story. Both had been married once before, but shortly after they met, like two love-struck twenty-year-olds, they freely announced this was the first time they'd ever really been in love. And I believe they were right. Four years after my mother died, Ron passed away. Cancer had attacked his lungs, but I think he really died from a broken heart.

Such a strong love would never die, so it's easy to picture my mother with Ron in heaven. They're holding hands, tending to their flower gardens and going for long rides in the countryside, while Brandi their poodle hangs his head out the car window and barks at angels passing by.

My dad went through life thinking everyone was trying to take advantage of him. It was a sad, angry life. My father did more drinking than talking, so I never really got to know much about him until I listened to the eulogy my uncle gave at Dad's funeral. With tears in his eyes, Dad's brother recalled the day my father had to quit school in eighth grade, so he could help support the family. I never knew.

That story has helped me think about my father in a different way, and when I picture Dad in heaven, I see him getting the opportunity to do the things that a kid should get to do. Daddy's in heaven attending school, a full scholarship, doesn't even have to be on the football team to earn it. His desire to drink is gone--replaced with the love of learning. Walking to class with friends, reading books, learning about himself and finally getting the opportunity to experience the education he should have had long ago.

Picturing my parents in heaven, and telling myself a new story, helps me let go of the pain. I don't long for the way I wish things had been anymore. Instead I can share in their joy and happiness.

Everyone has a story to tell. Enter the 14th Annual Write a DearReader Contest. This year you can even collaborate writing an entry with a friend, relative, spouse, or coworker. And another new twist to the contest, if your entry is chosen as a First Place ($200), Second Place ($100), or Third Place ($50) winner, I will donate a 50% matching gift to your library in your name.

For rules, deadlines, prizes and to read last year's winning entries, click here.

Please share the contest info with your Facebook friends.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-28-18

Dear Reader,

Vivien Chien, today's guest author, first started writing simple stories about adventures with her classmates when she was in elementary school. As she grew up, her love of books and the written word increased, leading to the attempt of her first novel at age 16. After many struggled beginnings and several different genres, she found her passion in the mystery world.

When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.

She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the third book in her Noodle Shop series and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.

Vivien's new release is Dim Sum of All Fears and she's giving away one copy to a lucky book club reader. Email, [email protected] She'd love to hear from you, and when you email you're automatically entered in the drawing.

My journey down the rabbit hole of decorative planning began about two years ago when I asked a friend, "What's an Erin Condren life planner?" She responded, "Another new trend with planners and journals...have you heard of bullet journaling?"

Guess what my next question was?

For some, I think planning and being organized comes as second nature, but for the rest of us...well, the struggle is real, isn't it? In the writer's world, I'm considered a "pantser", meaning that I write by the seat of my pants. But after starting the Noodle Shop mysteries and realizing that I would soon become a published author with deadlines and authorly obligations, I knew my normal "pantsing" routine wasn't going to cut it.

Enter the bullet journaling system. After my friend gave a brief description, I decided to research it further. I was fascinated and thought it could work for me. Half the reason I've never been good at keeping a planner is because I've never found one I was completely happy with. Either the boxes are too small, the planner too big, or something bothered me about the layout. I think I've managed to find something wrong with every store-bought planner I've ever laid my hands on. But now someone was telling me I could customize my own? All I needed was a blank notebook and a pen. Sign me up! This system created by Ryder Carroll gives you the template to create a planner you can adjust to fit your lifestyle. I fell in love.

Little did I know that I was only scratching the surface. Soon I found that bullet journaling, life-planners and decorative planning were bigger than I imagined. Facebook groups, Instagram pages and blogs were dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and inspirational photos for any type of planning or journaling you wanted to do. Add in: stencils, stickers, colored pens and highlighters. That's where I really got sucked in.

Now, I'm happy to say I've been successful at keeping a planner for the first time in my life. I think the novelty of it becoming a hobby instead of a chore has kept me on the bandwagon. I still borrow from the Ryder Carroll system, but I've since moved on to the traveler's notebook world. It gives you the ability to have multiple notebooks bound together within one cover and allows for you to switch out notebooks based on your daily needs. And, of course, don't forget the stencils, stickers, colored pens and highlighters.

-- Vivien Chien

Email Vivien at [email protected] to enter a drawing for Dim Sum of All Fears.

Everyone has a story to tell. Enter the 14th Annual Write a DearReader Contest. Two new twists this year. You can collaborate with a writing partner, and if your entry is chosen as a First Place ($200), Second Place ($100), or Third Place ($50) winner, we will donate a 50% matching gift to your library in your name.

For rules, deadlines, prizes and to read last year's winning entries, click here.

Please share the contest info with your Facebook friends.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-27-18

Dear Reader,

Today's the day! The launch of the 14th Annual Write a DearReader Contest.

Come on, don't stop reading today's column thinking to yourself, 'I'm not a writer,' because I started the writing contest for someone who doesn't think of them self as a writer. Everyone has at least a 650 word story inside of them (the maximum number of words allowed in an entry), and I'd love to read yours.

It's all about writing for fun and you don't even have to write your entry solo this year. You can collaborate with a friend, or spouse--because for the first time ever, two people can work together on an entry.

There's another new twist on the contest this year, too. If your entry is chosen as a First Place ($200), Second Place ($100), or Third Place ($50) winner, I will donate a 50% matching gift to your library in your honor.

So get busy writing. Write about the day you unknowingly wore your shirt inside out on your first appointment with a therapist. What's your hobby? When does your passion shine? Tell me about the stray cat or dog you found curled up on your front porch and how it was love at first sight. Write about your favorite aunt, a bizarre and whimsical woman who vacuums her living room in the buff. Describe the overwhelming love in your heart when you held your first grandchild, or how lost and alone you felt when your father passed away. Serious, funny, embarrassing, thoughts about life, the topics are endless.

Does the thought of writing something that people will read give you the willies? Perfect, there's your topic--write about your fear of writing. But start writing about something...because it's time to enter our fourteenth annual Write a DearReader Contest.

To review the guidelines and to read last year's winning entries, click here.

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

Start writing and have fun,

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. Please tell your friends. You can share on Facebook by clicking here, or tweet an invitation.

Dear Reader Column 08-24-18

Dear Reader,

My husband and I share the household chores. We haven't written down an official list of "who-does-what," but through the years we've each adopted a few tasks as our own. I take care of our flower gardens, planning vacations, and out of necessity, washing and drying clothes--my husband tends to shrink clothing. My husband is in charge of taking out the garbage, cleaning the litter box, and mowing the lawn (no arguments from me). But sometimes, I shamefully confess, if the lawn looks like it needs mowing on Tuesday, but my husband's planning on getting the lawn mower out on Saturday, I've learned some magic words to get him to change his schedule. No, not the magic words our young granddaughter is learning: please, thank you and you're welcome. Instead, my magic words sound more like this: "Dear, I know you like to take care of the lawn, but I thought that since the lawn needs mowing and I really need the exercise anyway, how about letting me cut it this time?"

"How long have we been married?" is my husband's standard reply.

Which translated, means we've been married 40 years, long enough for me to know that my husband doesn't want me mowing the lawn, pumping gasoline or taking out the garbage, unless he's flat on his back in bed and has two broken legs! My husband isn't sexist, but in his mind, when he sees a married woman out mowing the lawn, he's wondering what the heck is wrong with her guy.

Amazingly, even after 40 years of marriage the magic words (used sparingly) still work every time, and continue to be my own little secret--or at least I thought so. But after last Tuesday's exchange, I'm not so sure anymore.

"Dear, I know you like to take care of the lawn, but I thought that since the lawn needs mowing and I really need the exercise anyway, how about letting me cut it this time?"

"Sure, Suzanne, you mow the lawn today, and I'll get started on doing that big pile of laundry." (Wink-wink)

Okay, I think I've been had, I wasn't planning on doing the laundry until Saturday.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-23-18

Dear Reader,

When I don't want to follow the rules, when I feel like being mischievous, I dust off my sewing machine and make a quilt. I require a lot of myself and whenever I decide to do something, I want to do it right or not at all. But when I make a quilt, I don't care about the right and wrong way of doing it.

I go to the fabric store, pick out different materials I like and estimate how much I'm going to need. I don't care if I don't buy enough material and can't get more if I need it. If that happens, I just deal with it.

Not going to worry about a thing. That's pretty much the way that I attack my quilts. I don't really know how to sew a quilt the correct way. My stitches could be neater, the lines could be straighter, but heaven forbid I'd take a class to learn how, because if I did, then I'd ruin it. You see, making a quilt is the one activity that I just do. I don't care if it's perfect or not. I sit down at the machine, start sewing with no particular idea in mind and see what I end up with. It wouldn't even bother me if I accidentally ruined the whole thing. I'd just toss it out. (But that's never happened.) Every time I've made a quilt, just letting my imagination run wild, I've ended up with something that reminds me that sometimes, it's okay to break all the rules.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. Congratulations to the winner of the writing journal, Shelia W., is getting ready for the Write A DearReader Contest, tune in Monday for all the details.

Dear Reader Column 08-22-18

Dear Reader,

Truly it is as much fun to give, as it is to receive. I offer giveaways at the book club, readers win, and then they write the nicest thank yous. If you've never entered one of the giveaways you should--someone always wins. Next time it could be you. (Enter the giveaway at the end of today's column.)

The summer fun giveaway winners:

Sunny-colored polka dot picnic tablecloth, Amy W.
Fun Cupcake toppers, Kathryn L.
The Miniaturist DVD from PBS Masterpiece, Kim B.

Ten winners of random books from my bookshelf: Michelle C., Rebecca R., Jo Ann W., Kara L., Beverly M., Nancy R., Karen P., Penny T., Andrea C. and Brian C.

Guest authors gave away their books and a gift card: The winners of The Faith of Dolly Parton, by Guest Author Dudley Delffs: Emily C., Nancy R., Bonny C., Donna C., Susan G., Betty B., Peggy T., Angela N., Diane C., and Anne B.

Emily S. is the winner of the $25 bookstore gift card given by guest author M. J. Rose/Tiffany Blues.

Marci V. is the winner of the first two books in the Lobster Shack Mystery series: Curses, Boiled Again! and Against The Claw by guest author Shari Randall.

A Thank You From Guest Author Shari Randall:

"Suzanne, hope this finds you well. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed connecting with the readers who responded to my August 14th column about the book I can never give away. One woman told me she remembered the Hardy Boys Detective Handbook and that my column inspired her to order a copy. It was heartwarming to meet some of the members of the book loving community you have created." -- Many thanks, Shari

Book club reader Iris H., sent a delightful, old fashioned, handwritten thank you note to me:

"Hello, Suzanne this is just a small note to thank you for the book. I love that you encourage the world to read. Thank you for all you do and I hope this added a little sunshine to your day." -- Iris H.

If you've never entered one of the giveaways, now's your chance. Enter to win a ruled notebook journal. (Start writing. I'll be announcing the Write a DearReader Writing Contest soon.) To enter, click here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-21-18

Dear Reader,

Today's guest author, Cindy Woodsmall, is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of twenty-three works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards.

Keeping it in the family, Cindy's latest release is co-authored by her daughter Erin Woodsmall. A talented writer, musician, wife, and mom of the three, Erin has brainstormed and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade.

Today Cindy and Erin are giving away three copies of their third book written together, As the Tide Comes In. To enter the drawing and to say hello to Cindy, email [email protected]

Questions from My Younger Self

"There will always be someone who can't see your worth.
Don't let it be you." -- Mel Robbins

Life is short. Inside of each old person is a young person wondering what happened. I fit that description quite well. I remember times of going through my workday and once in a while I'd catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and suddenly I'd realize I looked my age, which was much older than I felt, which is good...I guess.

Aging sort of sneaks up on us, doesn't it? We're busy building a life--creating families, growing careers, paying bills, kissing boo-boos, helping with homework, fulfilling goals, and weathering times of having our dreams and hearts shattered.

The busy days melt into seasons and the seasons melt into years. All the while--as our hearts soar, break, heal, and soar again--the clock is ticking. We make wise decisions that are easy to live with and bad decisions we always regret.

We want to encourage young people to be mindful of their days, of their words and actions, because soon a decade will have passed, then two, then three...but many young people are weary of hearing "enjoy this time; it'll be gone before you know it," and when they feel that way, we know that the understanding of time is too big to comprehend or define.

It must be lived, just as we lived ours--thinking we understood.

Decades ago I used to look at people who were the age I am now, and I wondered what life was really like for them. Did the day still have awe and excitement? Did life still feel confusing? Did they feel vital to their world?

I have a few answers now. My days still have awe and excitement, perhaps more so because I know from tarnished decades of years gone by how precious a day is. Yes, it is still confusing. But I also have more clarity and understanding than I'd ever imagined possible. I know from weathering years of trying to prove myself to others that life was never about that. Life was only about the pursuit of happiness when happiness equaled sacrifice for the greater good: loving, forgiving, and supporting family, good friends, and the hurting.

Outwardly, my youth has faded, but the passing of time has allowed me to accumulate other things that are far more precious.

In answer to my young adult self about older people being vital--I now know that whether young or old, we are all vital to our world in our own way.

-- Cindy Woodsmall

Enter the book giveaway and welcome Cindy back to the book club. Win a copy of As the Tide Comes In. Email [email protected].

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-20-18

Dear Reader,

I'm not feeling as young as I used to. I'm feeling old(er), feeling my years, seen better days. It's not that I look like a mess (yet), but it doesn't matter what kind of spin I put on it--no doubt about it, I'm getting old. I've struggled with these feelings for a few months now. My life mantra used to be, "The older I get, the sexier I get." When did I stop believing that?

Why, all of a sudden, am I noticing extra wrinkles and mysterious aches and pains? If I want to eat what I used to, if there's any hope of my body parts staying in any sort of proper perspective, I'd better start walking three, maybe four miles a day..

When something's bothering me, like this age thing is, I always try to figure out "why?" I think I can blame feeling old on my 38-year-old son. He's been helping my husband and me solve problems lately. Our son is very talented and I appreciate his help, but it's made me realize the tables have turned and it's making me a little uncomfortable. Our son used to come to my husband and me for help when he had a problem, and we'd give him advice on how to fix it. But now he's doing that for us, oh my.

When my dear husband recognized the "feeling old bug" had bitten he lovingly recited a number of reasons why--at whatever age--I would always be a beautiful, sexy woman in his eyes (what a sweetheart). So I'm getting back in the saddle and believing (at least for another year, until my next birthday), "The older I get, the sexier I get." That's my new story and I'm sticking with it.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-17-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's the last day--the very last day to enter the "Summer Fun Giveaway." Be sure to note on your entry, if your name is chosen, which prize you would like. Choose from a PBS Masterpiece DVD of The Miniaturist, a bright yellow polka dot tablecloth, cupcake toppers, or a random book from my bookshelf. To enter, click here.

Readers write:

"Hi Suzanne, love your vintage kitchen backsplash! (The photo in your recent column.) Love the designs/drawings, the fresh bright colors, the wordings--they serve to uplift one's mood. Love especially the one with the cat stirring something in a bowl. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day." -- Emily

(If you missed seeing my vintage backsplash a local artist painted in my kitchen, take a peek...click here.)

"Growing up we had a coffee table in our living room which after 30 plus years, six kids and four dogs it wasn't in the best shape. My mother had collected tiles from all the places she had been over the years. None of these destinations were exotic in the least but held memories. She cemented the tiles to the table top, creating a new and durable look. Your tiles on your kitchen backsplash brought back flashes of that table." -- Margaret K

"I've been reading your columns for a few years now and thoroughly enjoy your 'slice of life anecdotes.' They feel like I'm listening to a friend. Some weeks I don't get to read them as my own 'slices of life' keep me running, but when I get breaks, I jump right back in, usually reading your emails with a cup of tea. Thank you for sharing with all of us who enjoy reading your email columns and who enjoy reading all types of books." -- Merrill H.

"I corresponded with an author [through Authorbuzz] and now I have a lovely book to read, The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable." -- Mary P.

It's the last day--the very last day to enter the "Summer Fun Giveaway." Enter right now, click here.

Have a fun-filled weekend.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
GETTING SCHOOLED by Emma Chase

(Fiction)
THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT by Jennifer Probst

(Fiction)
HAWKYN by Larissa Ione

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader