Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-28-19

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

Dear Reader,

In last week's column I asked readers, "What did you want to be when you were growing up? And what do you do now?"

Reader Replies:

"The answer to that [question] is: MANY things, one of which was taller--I was vertically challenged. I do know I wanted to join the military (both of my parents were veterans), but I was never tall enough.

I also wanted to be a cowgirl, a nurse, a farmer, a race car driver, a wife, a mother, a veterinarian, and a writer. I wrote journals. I wrote poetry. I wrote and wrote and wrote. I wanted to write a book, but I never knew about what. I took a writer's course at one time, but beyond writing the required short story, I never got any farther. I guess a book just isn't in me. But I still write journals that are just my thoughts and feelings, that really wouldn't be of any interest to anyone, and might make people think I've 'lost it.' I write to get things off my chest and to help me be able to think things through. I've always been an avid reader and envied those able to write. With books, I can go anywhere and do anything. I become part of the story, I live that life and feel what the characters feel, I see what they see. Blessed are those like you, who can write." -- Kathi M.

"What a great topic. I turned 66 on the 6th, and it caused me to spend a little reflecting on my life. But I didn't go way back until I read your column.

I remember being about five or six years old, playing with my dolls and thinking that I wanted to be a mommy. My dolls were good practice, but they weren't as much fun as my real live 'cat child'. Big Mike was a fluffy orange tabby, who let me dress him in my doll's dresses, who would sit in my doll's high chair, and eat 9 Lives cat food from a tiny spoon, and who would lay in my doll carriage (wearing a dress), and let me walk him up and down our block.

At age seven, I wanted to be a nun briefly after making my First Holy Communion. At age thirteen, I wanted to be a GoGo dancer in a cage like the girls on Shindig. In college, I met Bob, fell in love, got married, and wanted to be a real mommy. It was the time of Women's Lib and marches. Women were told they should want 'more' than motherhood. I didn't want more, but I sometimes wondered if there was something wrong with me for wanting to stay home and raise our kids. I was also a foster mom to cat families for a local rescue group.

Fast forward to our kids out on their own and the 'empty nest.' Empty? Our nest has five cats, four of which have special needs. So I must admit that a Cat Lady was my calling, and I danced around it throughout my life and ended up back at Start." -- Linda F.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

KIDSBUZZ: Two fantastic novels for teen readers: He's counting on her silence; she has to count for herself. Find out why in Laura Sibson's YA novel THE ART OF BREAKING THINGS. Fitting in, standing out, defining self-worth and encouraging kids' dreams. All in Cordelia Jensen's YA verse novel THE WAY THE LIGHT BENDS. For a chance to win a free copies and learn more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

Dear Reader Column 06-27-19

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

Dear Reader,

We're celebrating 20 years at the book club this year, and today I'm taking a look back in my own life. A photo says a thousand words and these photos bring back cherished memories for me.

My grandchildren and I made this a few years ago. It didn't turn out perfect, but it was fun to make and it tasted great, too.

Eleven-Layer Rainbow Cake

My husband and I used to take photos and keep them in an album. Now photos are digital and yes, they are stored on my phone, but it's a chore to find favorites, so instead we put together photo collages. Two of our favorites, Fluffy Chicken and Black Bear, are from vacations in the Smoky Mountains.

Fluffy Chicken

Black Bear

I hope you enjoyed the look back through photos.

* Congratulations to Annie W. the winner of Wednesday's cat toy giveaway.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-26-19

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

Dear Reader,

A lot of mail about readers and their TV watching cats. Reading your emails make my day. Cats love new toys, be sure to enter today's kitty giveaway. To enter click here.

"Suzanne: The more I know of you, the more I like you. You're my age, from the Upper Midwest, you love to read and now I know you're a Crazy Cat Woman! If you like to drink wine, we could be twins! The Master in my house is a 4-year-old solid white, blue-eyed, deaf Turkish Van rescue cat. My husband Tom and I bow to his superiority daily." -- Lois S.

"I can't stop laughing! Thank you. You're not officially crazy. I'm the same way with my dogs!" -- Angel P.

"Speaking of cats, Suzanne, as soon as I sit down in my reading chair, Gigi climbs up and lays. Hard to change pages and drink my tea, coffee or wine, but I do let her stay--most of the time. They are treasures. Have a fun day!" -- Terri S.

"I enjoyed reading about your cats, especially their 'hunting' for the critters that suddenly disappear when you turn off the TV. Continue what you do. I enjoy your observations, your column, the books you feature...you often 'make my day!' Thank you!" -- Alice M.

"I just wanted to let you know how much your column helped me through a difficult time in my life. I look forward to seeing your email every weekday! I feel like I am hearing from a friend each time. I love hearing your stories and thoughts, reading the book excerpts, and connecting multiple times a week. It is so fun that you make your cookies and share them with readers. I could go on and on with this, bubble lady! Thank you for your column and thank you for being you!!!" -- Alisa S.

Enter the cat toy giveaway, click here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

KIDSBUZZ: Two fantastic novels for teen readers: He's counting on her silence; she has to count for herself. Find out why in Laura Sibson's YA novel THE ART OF BREAKING THINGS. Fitting in, standing out, defining self-worth and encouraging kids' dreams. All in Cordelia Jensen's YA verse novel THE WAY THE LIGHT BENDS. For a chance to win a free copies and learn more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

Dear Reader Column 06-25-19

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

Dear Reader,

Karen Barnett, author of the Vintage National Parks Novels, is a former park ranger. She worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Mount Rainier National Park and Oregon's Silver Falls State Park. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, and public speaking. She lives in Oregon with her family.

Learn more at KarenBarnettBooks.com. Contact Karen at http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/contact/

Please welcome author Karen Barnett to our book club...

I balanced the stuffed animal on a sign pointing to Yellowstone's Old Faithful Geyser and lifted my phone for a quick picture. The teddy bear, dressed as a park ranger, tumbled off his perch.

"Can I help? I'll hold it for you!" An older woman hurried over.

Heat rushed to my face. I'm always afraid of becoming that person who spends more time on Instagram than enjoying the epic beauty of a national park. "That's very kind. Thank you!"

"He's adorable." She held him next to the sign, the geyser steaming in the background. It had erupted thirty minutes earlier and most of the tourists had retreated inside the warm visitor center.

I snapped the picture and we stood chatting for at least twenty minutes more, ignoring the drizzly rain. I learned about Liz's grandkids and their many visits to Yellowstone, each child getting a special trip with Grandma. I told her about my days working as park ranger and my current life of writing novels. Liz and I became friends that day, all because of a stuffed bear.

It started as a whim on a family beach trip. My teens were being camera-shy, so I documented the vacation using RangerBear. Friends loved the pictures and asked for more. Before I knew it, the hobby blossomed into an Instagram account (@RangerBear_Adventures), a Facebook page, and Twitter presence. It's about the goofiest thing I've ever done, but something about the bear makes people smile--and turns strangers into friends.

There were the long-distance bicyclists pedaling their way along Crater Lake's Rim Drive, Japanese tourists at Mount Rainier, and kids at Yosemite. His online followers now include park enthusiasts, teddy-bear lovers, and other plush toys from around the world. He's BFFs with a traveling bear named Andy, and I've spent time chatting parks with Andy's "ranger-mommy." We even have lunch plans with a stuffed moose the next time we're in Montana. And at one national park, a ranger recognized him from social media and posed for a selfie. "I can't believe I got to meet RangerBear! My roommate will be jealous."

A young woman walked up to my table at a recent author event, and I asked if she'd like a signed novel. She smiled. "Actually, I'm looking for RangerBear." I adjusted his hat and handed him over for a selfie. It was a humbling moment, but that's fine. I'll let him work his magic and maybe--just maybe--I'll have another new friend.

Karen Barnett
http://www.karenbarnettbooks.com/contact/

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-24-19

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

Dear Reader,

When I was a kid, people always asked me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Now they ask, "Did you always want to be a writer?"

No, I wanted to be a missionary.

Obviously I changed my mind, but I don't remember ever making a conscious decision about becoming a writer. I used to think I simply stumbled into this career, but now I'm not so sure.

When I look back now, I can see how things were constantly shifting--heading towards the career I have today. In fact, all of my previous jobs were the ideal training ground for the skills I use now. Hindsight makes it so easy to see it clearly, but at the time, I wasn't even aware I was changing directions. When I'd start feeling bored with what I was doing, I'd tell myself, 'I'm good at this job and basically I'm happy.' I'd quickly shrug off any doubting feelings, and stay with what was so familiar to me. But I couldn't let go of a feeling that something was missing--that I needed something different.

So I took up some hobbies, volunteered, and started reading about other things that interested me. At the time I thought they were simply for-the-fun-of-it activities, but what I was really doing was trying on new careers. And I'm so happy I did, because look at what I'm doing now, and I love it!

What did you want to be when you grew up? And what are you doing now? I'd love to hear from you.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

* Congratulations to the winners of The Cranky Mom Fix by guest author Becky Kopitzke: Patty J., Carol R., Theresa N., Donna C., and Hope P.

Dear Reader Column 06-21-19

Dear Reader,

When I first started writing a daily column, I didn't want the person who edited my column to read anything I'd written when it was still a work in progress. But over the years that changed, because I gained more confidence and I realized that whatever shape my thoughts were in when I began, eventually after editing, moving copy, and tossing out ideas (some that I loved) because they just weren't going to work at the finish line, I would end up with something I felt really good about.

If I did have to show someone a work in progress for some reason, I would always preface it with a couple nervous rounds of, "This isn't finished yet, these are just ideas and thoughts I'm working on." But I don't bother with an explanation anymore, writing is a process and besides, in my heart, "I know, that I know, that I know," in the end, it will work out.

"I know that I know that I know," is a sentence that's been a rock for me in my life. When things feel out of control, when I'm not sure about anything and I'm afraid, I look inside myself, searching for reassurance and that sentence assures me that I am doing what I'm supposed to be doing--right now. So I grab hold and believe it. I might not understand "it" at the moment and things might not look promising, but "I know, that I know... " and so I must believe, because it's a gift that has been given to me.

It's a reassurance I've shared with my grown children when they've called with heavy hearts, worried about how things will turn out. "This is one of those times," I assure them, "that you have to dig down deep inside yourself and stand on the words...

...'I know, that I know, that I know' this is where I'm supposed to be at this very moment."

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-20-19

Dear Reader,

Has anyone done a study?

How much TV time is too much for a cat?

I think I better call and ask our vet, because four of my five cats are hooked, actually they're binging on the streaming series Movies for Cats. Perched on the edge of my bed, their tails glide back in forth in sync, with eyes glued to the TV screen as they watch song birds and squirrels eating at a feeder in the Smoky Mountains. When a bird flies off the TV screen my cats start hunting, searching underneath and walking around the back of the television screen that sits on the chest of drawers in my bedroom.

Okay, so maybe Cat Daddy, Jackson Galaxy, might call me on the carpet as being an enabler. "Suzanne, why don't you simply turn off the TV? I doubt if Natie, Barry, Cooper and Claire have learned how to use the remote." But when I turn the TV off my four kitties are staring me down and meowing...they're so cute...I wouldn't want to disappoint them...let's face it I have a difficult time saying no to them about anything. It's really their house and they allow my husband and me to live there with them.

When you walk into my house the decor screams cats live here. Cat trees, cushions, play toys in every room, and a cat door that leads out to a screened-in porch--wouldn't want my kitties to get bored--and a bowl of toy bees for Natie. They're her favorite. Toss a bee and Natie will retrieve it, setting it down by your foot. Natie loses bees every day (they slide underneath things), but at night she hunts them down and in the morning there's a bee in your shoe and a bee in every dry cat food dish. Our cats own my bed, too. They anticipate when I'm getting tired and they hurry to the bed and settle into their sleeping positions. Whatever cramped spaces are left, I squeeze into.

My cats are particular about what's on the daily menu. Claire, my black cat, is the worst offender. Dry food is served in the morning, canned food in the late afternoon. Claire decided one day that she didn't want to eat the same canned food the other cats liked, so I placed a special order for her "chosen" canned chicken. I put an X on Claire's cans of food, so they're easy to recognize in the cupboard. She lets me know when it's dinner time and she expects to be served in her special place.

But yesterday when I opened a can of Claire's food and put it in her dish, sniff, sniff, for some reason, she didn't recognize it. Claire looked at me crying for her "chosen" food, and soon I heard myself saying, "This is the food you like Claire." But she continued to give me the evil eye, demanding her special canned food. Back and forth we went. Finally I resorted to holding up the can in front of her and said, "Claire, do you see the X on the can? This is your food!"

I have officially lost my mind.

Has anyone done a study?

I think I may have a problem.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-19-19

Dear Reader,

The 12 year old boy was sitting in the plush chair next to my husband. They were both in the hot seat. Periodically the boy's mother would come out of the dressing room with a different outfit on, turn her head slightly, smile and ask her son, "What do you think?" And then, just as the boy's mother was leaving the runway, I would appear wearing my latest "hopeful". Hopeful that the red print skirt looked as good on me as it did on the hanger, and now it was my turn to ask my husband, "What do you think?"

Back and forth, back and forth, you could tell both the boy and my husband were familiar with this routine, and neither of them seemed to mind. The chairs were cushy and the two of them were talking nonstop, and laughing and looking around, as if to see if anyone was listening.

"You're going to be in this position many times in your life," I overheard my husband telling the boy as I was heading back to the dressing room, "so let me give you a few pointers. Some things I've learned through the years."

Hmm, pointers? What were these secrets my husband was passing on to the younger generation? Of course I couldn't resist listening in. So I hid around the corner and eavesdropped in-between runway appearances.

My husband told the willing student, "Let's say your mom, girlfriend or wife (you'll probably have one of those last two someday) is showing you a dress, but you don't like it. When she asks what you think, don't ever come right out and tell her you don't like the dress. Instead, withhold your opinion, and say something that will encourage her to take another look in the mirror, so she can decide for herself about the dress."

"What could I say to avoid giving my opinion about the dress?" the boy asked. My husband recommended a long pause, followed by a drawn out..."Well, I don't know."

"Well, I don't know?" Hey, wait a minute. Didn't my husband just say that to me a couple of minutes ago, when I was modeling the red print skirt? Where's the mirror?

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-18-19

Dear Reader,

Authors love to hear from readers, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to "meet" today's guest author, Carrie Turansky.

Carrie is an award-winning author of inspirational novels set in Edwardian England and the US. Her new release, No Ocean Too Wide, follows an unlikely pairs' inspiring quest to rescue countless British Home Children from an unjust system, and reunite a family torn apart. Carrie loves weaving heartwarming tales about family, faith, and lasting love. Her novels have been translated into several foreign languages and enjoyed by readers around the world.

You can reach Carrie via her website and blog: http://carrieturansky.com, or email and say hello: [email protected]

Please welcome Carrie Turansky...

Say Yes to the Call of Adventure

I usually consider myself a brave person. But sometimes, when I'm invited to do something challenging, I've been known to make excuses and try to find a way out. Let me tell you how I learned the importance of saying yes to the call to adventure.

A few years ago my husband Scott, who is a pastor and author of parenting books, was invited to speak in Kenya, East Africa. I didn't even take time to consider going along. No way did I want to travel halfway around the world to Africa! But I didn't want to sound too close-minded so I said, "Oh honey, I think the children are too young for us both to go." So Scott took our oldest son Josh, who was eight at the time, and they had an amazing trip.

Two years later Scott was invited back to Kenya. I sort of considered going along, and I even felt a twinge of guilt when I said, "I just don't think it would be wise for me to go with my health issues." So Scott went without me, again, and had another amazing trip.

But then, a wonderful Kenyan pastor and his wife came to stay with us. They became dear friends, and my fears of traveling to Kenya began to fade. They invited our family to come for a year. We talked about it and considered what a great learning experience this would be. I finally said yes, and that was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

How do we find the courage to say yes to the call of adventure when our knees and hearts are quivering? I learned that wherever I go, God goes with me. I can count on his help and strength when I face challenges. The greatest rewards come to us through facing the greatest challenges.

Saying yes to the call of adventure and spending that year in Kenya changed the course of our lives. We fell in love with the Kenyan people and learned much more than we taught. Our children's hearts were stirred with compassion and a desire to love and serve others. My desire to write fiction was born that year, and I've gone on to write twenty novels and novellas.

Maybe you haven't been invited to spend a year in Kenya, but I imagine you have faced challenging choices that could take you out of your comfort zone, like changing careers, sending out that book you've written, or moving to a new city. I encourage you to say yes to the call of adventure and see where the journey takes you!

-- Carrie Turansky

Welcome Carrie to the book club, email [email protected]

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 06-17-19

Dear Reader,

"My husband or wife (you fill in the blank, the sickness affects both men and women alike) cleans the house before the housekeeper comes." It's the classic joke and it's true.

In our house, it's my husband who's the brunt of the joke. Every third Wednesday, early in the morning, my considerate husband is scurrying around, trying to get things tidied up before Leticia, our housekeeper, comes to clean. He empties wastebaskets, picks up the rugs, slides furniture out from the wall so it's easy access to vacuum, and if anything looks "too used" since the last time the housekeeper visited, my husband gets the bottle of cleaner and gives the filthy offender the once-over. After all we wouldn't want Leticia to think we got things dirty, would we?

But at 9 a.m., when Leticia walks through our door, my nutty husband instantly reverts back to his normal routine. And then I pick up the joke and take it a step further.

The sickness doesn't appear only when Leticia comes to clean. If someone is working in my house, cleaning, painting, fixing the air conditioner, it doesn't matter what the task is, I feel the need to be busy, too. Heaven forbid I'd be sitting on the sofa, watching television or reading a book when someone was vacuuming in the room next to me. Even if I could offer a perfectly good excuse for my idle behavior, "The reason I'm sitting on the sofa reading, is because I was up all night writing," it wouldn't be justification enough for me.

Napping, in the middle of the day, is another no-no that should only be done "undercover" and I'm not the only one who thinks it should be kept a secret. When my husband woke up from a nap yesterday afternoon and I told him a business associate had called while he was sleeping, my husband was horrified. "What did you tell him? You didn't say I was taking a nap, did you?"

"Of course not, Dear, I'd never say that. I told him you were lying on the sofa in your underwear, eating bon-bons and watching your favorite soap opera--and since this is the day Annabelle finds out who her real mother is--you couldn't be disturbed."

No doubt about it, my husband and I both have the "fear-of-slacker-sickness" and I'd love to figure out why, but right now the plumber is knocking at my door, and so I need to go look busy.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]