tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16972447727016509642024-02-20T19:29:33.088-08:00Carol Stephenson's BlogEscape to Compelling, Heart-Racing Stories.Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.comBlogger540125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-90574184325802241982012-11-03T07:29:00.001-07:002012-11-03T07:29:21.441-07:00FRW Halloween Contest Winners!Congratulations to Sabrina Shields and Rebecca Lord! They're my winners in the FRW Halloween Contest! Thank you to all who participated. I hope you had as much fun as the authors did!<br />
Here's a photo of the prizes:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvKc1gimqyyjotBsBW_FWk0k3avGFBWr5Zqhf0RivJhp3T0zn-r2H4Xym1dwK4uR74dI6WK6XASUYrrc6-lirbQMroQgjbq1Q6Em-_HvIT76dOuetXYm-ZWTx0ih6c9lgmh2lOK-4c6Dt/s1600/contest+prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvKc1gimqyyjotBsBW_FWk0k3avGFBWr5Zqhf0RivJhp3T0zn-r2H4Xym1dwK4uR74dI6WK6XASUYrrc6-lirbQMroQgjbq1Q6Em-_HvIT76dOuetXYm-ZWTx0ih6c9lgmh2lOK-4c6Dt/s320/contest+prize.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I also had a blast at the Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore on Halloween Night. Here's a few photos. :) Carol<br />
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Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-43745189684335713332012-10-28T12:18:00.003-07:002012-10-28T12:18:46.673-07:00Halloween Spooktaculuar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">FRW Cyber Spooktacular</span></span></span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Join me and other authors of Florida Romance Writers for a
Boo-tastic Online<br />Halloween Celebration. You don't even need to dress up.
From Oct. 28 - 31<br />visit author Websites & Facebook pages to collect your
Witches Brew<br />Ingredients and win great prizes!<br /><br />Participating authors:
Demi Alex, Heidi Lynn Anderson, Nancy Cohen, Linda<br />Conrad, Shelley Freydont,
Heather Graham, Traci Hall, Joan Johnston, Karen<br />Kendall, Marcia King-Gamble,
Sandra Madden, Kathleen Pickering, Mona Risk,<br />Carol Stephenson, Cynthia
Thomason & Bonnie Vanak.<br /><br />For complete details and to enter, visit </span><a href="http://www.booktalk.com/Halloween"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.booktalk.com/Halloween</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In honor of this contest, I have spooked up the cover of my book <strong><span style="color: #783f04;">HER DARK PROTECTOR</span></strong>, a 2013 EPIC finalist in Romantic Suspense! [woot, woot!]</span> </div>
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Also here's a picture of my prize contributions, Halloween jewelry!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coming up in terms of the blog, I will be talking about my vacation of a lifetime: my road trip across the heartland of United States and posting photos of both the gorgeous and the eclectic. Here and there I'll throw in bits and bobs of my new passion scrapbooking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy the Halloween Spooktacular by FRW authors and good luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:) Carol Stephenson </span></div>
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<br />Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-16367989406710857582012-06-17T19:53:00.001-07:002012-06-17T19:58:43.771-07:00Escape to Healdsburg, CAI'm really excited about an upcoming road trip to Grand Tetons National Park, WY. I've been really fortunate to travel to amazing places during my lifetime along with fabulous photos, most on film/print. However, I got a photo scanner for my birthday so I plan on sharing my adventures and stories. <br />
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One of my fav places is Healdsburg, CA. I discovered it on my first trip to Napa Valley. My friend and I traveled over to Sonoma Valley. At one vineyard someone mentioned the beauty and wines of northern Sonoma so on impulse we drove up and explored Healdsburg. Not only did I love the beauty of the town but also I fell in love with Sephesio zinfandels. When we returned to the wine country last year we had to make the journey up there. <br />
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The town's population runs a little over 11,000. Three wine-producing regions (Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley AVA's) converge in Healdsburg. Towering redwoods ring the 19th century plaza. I love the shops and boutiques, especially the Powell's candy store with every treat imaginable from nostalgic to current favs. The wine tasting rooms are straight-forward and reasonable, but the one I have to visit is the one for the 100 year-old Seghesio winery. The first time I visited I tasted a peppery zinfandel that received a high ranking by Wine Spectator. <br />
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I hope you enjoy these photos of Healdsburg. :) Carol<br />
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<span id="goog_1769355837"></span><span id="goog_1769355838"></span>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-42113771032162496992012-06-03T19:14:00.000-07:002012-06-03T19:14:06.099-07:00The Adventure of Learning<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma.” ~Eartha Kitt</em></div>
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My first memories are of the joy of learning. My parents read to me every night, taking me on trips of the imagination. By age four I devoured books. Kindergarten was okay, but come first grade, I found enlightenment.<br />
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I loved school, couldn't wait to go to class and generally was the person who sat in the front row [yeah, throw spit balls at me]. Every day presented an opportunity to learn something new and exciting. <br />
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That love of learning permeates my writing. No matter how many books on writing I've read, workshops I've taken or books I write, I don't think I'll ever learn all that there is to know about writing. That's why I'm excited this week to start a new online workshop with Laurie Schnebly Campbell: The Alpha Female.<br />
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As I work on my next Justice Hunter book about a woman on a journey to discover herself, I look forward on interweaving points of illumination from the class.<br />
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:) Carol<br />
<br />Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-41562897256933110512012-05-06T20:17:00.000-07:002012-05-06T20:17:03.302-07:00The Power of Friendship<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQwXA7dtQ6Bno71nJUm20FRBCVTNa6KC3_WQuAH45CCUdXYKBw6r-vuRJIhmp6Yja-AlBkXqGSDS3FITYPuYSfudHtk3j7CFgAOat5Of8ayFo7sZxn8qtup4GmUQ2XyLIsAQV5WShKq8H/s1600/IMG_6742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQwXA7dtQ6Bno71nJUm20FRBCVTNa6KC3_WQuAH45CCUdXYKBw6r-vuRJIhmp6Yja-AlBkXqGSDS3FITYPuYSfudHtk3j7CFgAOat5Of8ayFo7sZxn8qtup4GmUQ2XyLIsAQV5WShKq8H/s320/IMG_6742.JPG" width="320" /></a>When I was a girl scout we would gather around in a circle and sing:</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Make new friends,<br />but keep the old.<br />One is silver,<br />the other is gold.</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7GNW4C3Ac48smJKGE_dSWjbDQPWqESQLtFjWFby_BY4Eir50pkNVifxG10pcdKQqKLJW4HNKtkYc9J5HDFo-pSldspUn-OCZNdC7sP10-46iMr1neXeqlr74w5pSptU2o-4Kg0PiuZ4u/s1600/San+Francisco-Napa+Valley+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7GNW4C3Ac48smJKGE_dSWjbDQPWqESQLtFjWFby_BY4Eir50pkNVifxG10pcdKQqKLJW4HNKtkYc9J5HDFo-pSldspUn-OCZNdC7sP10-46iMr1neXeqlr74w5pSptU2o-4Kg0PiuZ4u/s200/San+Francisco-Napa+Valley+083.JPG" width="200" /></a>Little did I truly comprehend at that young age the true scoop of friendship. After all, family is blood and those connections are complex, but ultimately a family's duty, loyalty, tolerance and love flows from being related.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc4vzvvz8RL-bfj4iG_hF9QULrIIMqRKUYqcXtVx-QUvjc91c2ydoIsKzgqVHEYH4IhGU1O1to-YKvBnzAB2m8hzduPFEXG_uorXOf1W-eubjBuTfzEB4jqZcd5DHjYaDcEp8xtEVzpVj/s1600/frw+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc4vzvvz8RL-bfj4iG_hF9QULrIIMqRKUYqcXtVx-QUvjc91c2ydoIsKzgqVHEYH4IhGU1O1to-YKvBnzAB2m8hzduPFEXG_uorXOf1W-eubjBuTfzEB4jqZcd5DHjYaDcEp8xtEVzpVj/s200/frw+6.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fu-Vo7_U2KLU7e0w2rc6JsyWQloGJI3KX8zb8L9HXry2of6N2k5ViTUSrFy1QUZYJauwr5cT2TPqjNDcx_pFhrAAeSHLCkCDYMuoJYf6MFiozzUJjalZxnB6bwMwTI2G533BoGrCXnrN/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fu-Vo7_U2KLU7e0w2rc6JsyWQloGJI3KX8zb8L9HXry2of6N2k5ViTUSrFy1QUZYJauwr5cT2TPqjNDcx_pFhrAAeSHLCkCDYMuoJYf6MFiozzUJjalZxnB6bwMwTI2G533BoGrCXnrN/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a>A friend, however, can choose to walk away at any time and not look back. The connection is based on that mysterious karma of simply liking another person. A tenuous thread that could snap at any time or strengthen over the years. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbGY69gfzRsg5PdLYgR3Bv6D6_PkLDBM3_KKvt204wZux1tzf7gLq7anfhEFN7uTOfyxh6CgGbUpg082He4yKAHcin6bmlCzR20msuBxrBgxRfD4OmmMoKOQhlfkjlgO_QHCgONPBU8Gl/s1600/New+Orleans+2007+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbGY69gfzRsg5PdLYgR3Bv6D6_PkLDBM3_KKvt204wZux1tzf7gLq7anfhEFN7uTOfyxh6CgGbUpg082He4yKAHcin6bmlCzR20msuBxrBgxRfD4OmmMoKOQhlfkjlgO_QHCgONPBU8Gl/s200/New+Orleans+2007+065.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
With the loss of my parents and no immediate family living close by, I've been blessed with circles of friends who are my family. Some people I've been friends with for over a quarter of a century; others within the past year. They're all precious; they all enrich my life beyond comprehension.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoHk4x5nbanObMxR3fDSJxjuUo1nnZpALPPcqf8pe0ZR2rdbhy8qRzLV8RcIIFw9NwvzoBoqKAjBM8mhTFXu8drY9wa664pvhmTTEofoSoYVReiFBYNFQEfMGCEF82ZH3MwmH2-ejl35T/s1600/frw+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoHk4x5nbanObMxR3fDSJxjuUo1nnZpALPPcqf8pe0ZR2rdbhy8qRzLV8RcIIFw9NwvzoBoqKAjBM8mhTFXu8drY9wa664pvhmTTEofoSoYVReiFBYNFQEfMGCEF82ZH3MwmH2-ejl35T/s200/frw+party.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr0LN9biTgEVL1JvJR4ChLCLLEQIvZTQeiKGmTGtDzjo9X9VX-3_5xYa5-pMLbqMAd4DF8FGEJEff7vlu6NUXcC3MiRAfiwwEfpS81Jw5IScyVjAVVJlSyHA9HAfR7-HYc6VIp0ssY4Cs/s1600/balloon-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAr0LN9biTgEVL1JvJR4ChLCLLEQIvZTQeiKGmTGtDzjo9X9VX-3_5xYa5-pMLbqMAd4DF8FGEJEff7vlu6NUXcC3MiRAfiwwEfpS81Jw5IScyVjAVVJlSyHA9HAfR7-HYc6VIp0ssY4Cs/s200/balloon-7.jpg" width="160" /></a>This fabric of my life is reflected in many of my books. The three law school friends in the Legal Weapons series who form a criminal defense law firm [<strong>Courting Danger</strong>, <strong>Courting Disaster</strong>, <strong>Courting Death</strong>]; Emma-Lee Dalton's relationship with her ailing college girlfriend in <strong>Chasing The Truth</strong>; and Gail Malloy's bond with Angela Rivera in <strong>Her Dark Protector</strong>. Although the women may differ on many things, they have each other's back. They listen, give comfort or a kick when needed. For them friendship is thicker than blood or water. <br />
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Make new friends but keep the old. What is your favorite story of friendship?<br />
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Carol<br />Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-85814292039464313562012-04-29T18:27:00.002-07:002012-04-29T18:27:10.194-07:00Brenda Novak's Online Auction for the Cure for Diabetes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On May 1, author Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction for the Cure of Diabetes. Since this fight began, the auction has raised over 1/3 million dollars to find a cure for diabetes. One has to register in order to bid, but it's an easy process:<br />
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<a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf">http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf</a><br />
<br />Once more the literary community has joined in the effort and you'll find many wonderful items up for auction. Carina Press authors have loaded a Kindle, Kindle Fire and Nook with their books [including yours truly with <em>Her Dark Protector</em>]. The link to our page is:<br />
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<a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/AuctionHelp.taf?S=N&_start=1">http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/AuctionHelp.taf?S=N&_start=1</a><br />
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Nora Roberts is offering a one night's stay at her Inn Boonsboro; you can lunch with Steve Berry. Grab an autographed copy from your fav author or name a character in an upcoming book. Find birthday and Xmas presents that are unique. There are even daily 'blue plate' specials so you don't need to wait until May 31 to get a special item. <br />
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Diabetes can be a cruel, debilitating illness. For my mother, it all began with her stepping on a needle and the wound becoming affected. That's when we first learned she had diabetes and began a nightmare of endless doctor visits. Eventually the never-ending complications took her. I wouldn't wish what she went through on anyone. That's why a cure is so important. With your support of Brenda's auction, the research can continue.<br />
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Join the fight during the month of May by bidding. And I thank you. Carol <br />
<br />Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-87285207189702423132012-04-22T19:37:00.000-07:002012-04-22T19:37:58.853-07:00Remembering Dick Clark: Dancing to the Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It would amuse my friends who know I listen primarily to country music that Dick Clark's American Bandstand was my first musical love.<div style="text-align: left;">
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I would race home from school to watch the show from Philadelphia. And dance. How I loved to dance. I yearned to be one of the dancers on the show. That dream later moved on to wanting to dance on Shindig! and Hullabaloo.</div>
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Alas, the desire to be a dancer faded as I grew older, but Dick Clark introduced me to singers from Pat Boone to Chuck Berry, from the Four Seasons to Buddy Holly and the Crickets.</div>
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To me the early days of American Bandstand was a rich, idealistic period when rock & roll exploded on the scene with experimentation and excitement. And Dick Clark was right there in the middle, as he often sat among the members of the audience. </div>
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When Dick began rocking in the New Year, I was right there with him, including this year dancing in 2012 with my Shih Tzu Maddie. </div>
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May heaven hum with music, Dick. </div>
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Carol</div>
Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-64515632818800556512012-04-17T17:57:00.001-07:002012-04-17T17:57:57.921-07:00Writing Process: West Palm Beach settings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRIL_wCcj2A8LuBF89IyyNgDEd88bdMvm1scD27Sc9Rjs-ACcWtAGHpNdVFUxwGx5JaiT9Haktlk823X2mPdObTEHqT23H-vK78QOa1FezJ9Hp-SOzILVvEdDIjvIetpkDtmwOGTac9Fa/s1600/2012-04-1712.47.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRIL_wCcj2A8LuBF89IyyNgDEd88bdMvm1scD27Sc9Rjs-ACcWtAGHpNdVFUxwGx5JaiT9Haktlk823X2mPdObTEHqT23H-vK78QOa1FezJ9Hp-SOzILVvEdDIjvIetpkDtmwOGTac9Fa/s320/2012-04-1712.47.36.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's almost an annual tradition, my receiving a jury summons. Once more I cooled my jets in the jury assembly room the entire day and was never called up on a panel. <br />
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However, during the lunch break, I took a few pictures as so many of my books have centered around downtown West Palm Beach. Years ago my office was in a buiding along Clematis Street, which is featured in both COURTING DANGER and COURTING DISASTER. I remembered all too clearly the smells emanating from the alley that ran behind the buildings on the north side of Clematis.<br />
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Here's a shot of the alley by the parking garage showcased in the first chapter of HER DARK PROTECTOR where Gail Malloy is in trouble when the mysterious Jason Hawke first appears. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyYh20UiAYV8y20DetP7o3QNBIjrPZQ1D-CszQgHNGPQ73YXVsbJCOXYCXFDftmh81sMqvzco4XLIQ_WgseT9CIPPQi7i-FuJi_bv1v1KQU_6Ox5QkFB1yTy8jD7BdWFlThrCLM6Ye0mW/s1600/2012-04-1712.43.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyYh20UiAYV8y20DetP7o3QNBIjrPZQ1D-CszQgHNGPQ73YXVsbJCOXYCXFDftmh81sMqvzco4XLIQ_WgseT9CIPPQi7i-FuJi_bv1v1KQU_6Ox5QkFB1yTy8jD7BdWFlThrCLM6Ye0mW/s320/2012-04-1712.43.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdaGUiQD8hlA9VBqWG-ts-xKy3COahbH750_ooDp2aENk-VBrKzI5MpgDTIhjlQRV7aJJxDnl6aJzSj99dRlZ-4PBZTD1FuJNbA4Y51-BgX_3ieCbJGyov84DtgXOHoNs3Olj50K04Ug0/s1600/2011-12-0217.05.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdaGUiQD8hlA9VBqWG-ts-xKy3COahbH750_ooDp2aENk-VBrKzI5MpgDTIhjlQRV7aJJxDnl6aJzSj99dRlZ-4PBZTD1FuJNbA4Y51-BgX_3ieCbJGyov84DtgXOHoNs3Olj50K04Ug0/s320/2011-12-0217.05.57.jpg" width="320" /></a>I wrote in a frenzy to get COURTING DANGER out before the renovation of the old Palm Beach Courthouse was completed. Here's the outside of the restored building, which now serves as a museum, and the view from the balcony of the double-decker courtroom where the heroine Kate Rochelle hides during a climatic scene.<br />
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Finally here's the Palm Beach County Courthouse where the Legal Weapons team of the Courting series--Kate Rochelle, Carling Dent, and Nicole Sterling--try cases and appear for hearings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd165J-4dYqMkA1gBXV2A4hdVe9TWX4YOl3TY_7VxYSkXLtuZo8FwzZgvtUUzbSUNoRJH7GHcYu6INjnsW6XS3haMKF5_IksUsWgyEV8FK6jIClbMI5E1Q_cNK5pEDytSEH29bwXEyrpoF/s1600/2012-04-1712.44.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd165J-4dYqMkA1gBXV2A4hdVe9TWX4YOl3TY_7VxYSkXLtuZo8FwzZgvtUUzbSUNoRJH7GHcYu6INjnsW6XS3haMKF5_IksUsWgyEV8FK6jIClbMI5E1Q_cNK5pEDytSEH29bwXEyrpoF/s320/2012-04-1712.44.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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:) CarolCarol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-81137259313986768032012-04-07T19:38:00.000-07:002012-04-07T19:38:02.679-07:00Happy Easter!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm2Q2EsjHHxahvQVTZwf7DOYMkuqnLHP6rdLnYo-zqQqOpnFmRDo1KabcUp898B3Nr47JzIUsCEtGG3X4quvlrxs0XLoTbuXJaD6EUZQ8wurjAJ-hqSvJUvlwqf08nW5NnZuo9B0JXFIx/s1600/Maddie+in+Easter+finery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm2Q2EsjHHxahvQVTZwf7DOYMkuqnLHP6rdLnYo-zqQqOpnFmRDo1KabcUp898B3Nr47JzIUsCEtGG3X4quvlrxs0XLoTbuXJaD6EUZQ8wurjAJ-hqSvJUvlwqf08nW5NnZuo9B0JXFIx/s320/Maddie+in+Easter+finery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easter doggie Maddie here. Carol tells me chocolate isn't good for dogs so I can't share in her basket of goodies. However, she promises me a special treat so I'll give her a thumb's up. <br />
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She'll be spending the day with friends, but we'll start the day out with a long walk. What she doesn't know is I plan to sniff every blade of grass. Heheheh. <br />
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We wish everyone a Happy Easter and special day with family, friends and fur babies. <br />
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<strong><em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maddie</span></em></strong><br />
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Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-91415441520844662392012-04-01T19:02:00.001-07:002012-04-01T19:02:15.704-07:00The Writing Process: How Bits of a Writer's Life Come into Play<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weekly I play on a trivia team so obviously I love
information, from the well-known to the obscure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When developing the character of Jason Hawke,
the hero in <strong>HER DARK PROTECTOR</strong>, I wanted him to have a hobby that would reflect
his involvement in a secret justice society as well as reflect his wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a look at sports memorabilia and collecting
fighting implements, but then Jason ‘told’ me he preferred fighting with his
hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I researched the world of
boxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s quite a world of collectors,
from autographed photographs to fight worn gloves championship belts and
trophies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It should come as no surprise that Muhammad Ali’s
memorabilia transcends all others. However, as I dug deeper, I came across the
name of heavyweight champion Marvin Hart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hart held the championship from 1905-06, but was not a favored champion
and reportedly signed few autographs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a fighter Hart was described as tough, determined, but he followed a very
popular champion and held the HW championship only briefly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consequently, a simple signed piece of paper
from Hart sells for $8,000-$15,000 and is considered one of the rarest signatures
to collect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqodVX9DkhHXLuz5yznqbxUi2sqWlqjllsKGEk1t-jzgohWyK0vLQubCbRqVUWt3FmpV_vjNJA8wCI-a5ICkhWjY6L8rjGqw_AYzaEH7uS8ee_KIWook-1xgyb0_dvo0LbsdKNoVZ3DHS_/s1600/200px-MarvinHart1902CDNews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqodVX9DkhHXLuz5yznqbxUi2sqWlqjllsKGEk1t-jzgohWyK0vLQubCbRqVUWt3FmpV_vjNJA8wCI-a5ICkhWjY6L8rjGqw_AYzaEH7uS8ee_KIWook-1xgyb0_dvo0LbsdKNoVZ3DHS_/s320/200px-MarvinHart1902CDNews.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">[photo from Chicago Daily News}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here’s how the trivia
played out in the scene from <strong>HER DARK PROTECTOR</strong>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The length of at least three bedrooms, the
workout room contained the latest state-of-the-art exercise equipment. A
punching bag hung from a beam. Rolled mats were stacked along the sides.
Another wall fitted with brackets held an assortment of poles, batons and
chains that caused her to swallow. Some serious martial arts training could go
on here. Jason stood by the bank of windows speaking on his phone. He gave her
a brief nod but continued talking.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">However, it was the line of glass display cases
that drew her attention. She wandered to the nearest one and studied the ragged
piece of paper with a faded autograph on a black velvet stand.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Pocketing his phone, Jason approached. “Marvin
Hart held the heavyweight boxing championship from 1905 to 1906. However, he
wasn’t a very popular champion and consequently his autograph is scarce.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">“You collect boxing memorabilia? With all the
martial arts gear, I was expecting swords or other weapons.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">His mouth quirked. “No, but you’ll find one in
the third case down that was used by Bruce Lee in a movie.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">He slid his hands into his front pockets. “As I
trained with the Alliance, I became fascinated with the history of boxing and
other hand-to-hand fighting along with the various philosophies.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Carol</span><br />Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-44363985965710022392012-03-26T04:47:00.000-07:002012-03-31T18:16:46.466-07:00HER DARK PROTECTOR: My newest release is here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Vr3tEZxwejCuvTgm5JcxdQVpu7M-j6mksW0Q69WaCxDGJXzIZIhmaZ8xPcJqdheg6_miOCUlWJriYaIXry9fuR0LMUbsWEAnTCNcWKbMtcdxt5UhGZAjmwHd5yFTsUKtMvcxyk9jlmu/s1600/Her+Dark+Protector-cp+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Vr3tEZxwejCuvTgm5JcxdQVpu7M-j6mksW0Q69WaCxDGJXzIZIhmaZ8xPcJqdheg6_miOCUlWJriYaIXry9fuR0LMUbsWEAnTCNcWKbMtcdxt5UhGZAjmwHd5yFTsUKtMvcxyk9jlmu/s320/Her+Dark+Protector-cp+site.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Without justice courage
is weak</span></i><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">. — Benjamin Franklin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A state attorney with a death wish; a business mogul haunted by tragedy. Together
they must find incredible courage in order to fight the highest levels of
corruption in the justice system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my
latest Carina Press release, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HER DARK
PROTECTOR</b>, I introduce the Justice Hunters and a hero and heroine who are
both deeply scarred by loss. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hero <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jason Hawke</b> is devastated when his
wife, pregnant with their first child, is a bystander during a drive-by
shooting and is killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he learns
the identity of the killer, an enforcer for a drug gang, Jason’s determined to
exact his revenge until a long-time friend and mentor convinces him that there
is a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A shadow
society, the Justice Alliance for centuries has guarded justice and the rules
of laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever chaos threatens to
reign, the organization steps in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Calling themselves the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Justice
Hunters</b>, the members come from all segments, from pawn shop owners to world
leaders, but most have something in common: they have lost a dear one to
violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As opposed to vigilantes, they
strive to protect witnesses, find evidence and otherwise help to maintain
order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have eyes and ears
everywhere from the courtrooms to the streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However,
Jason’s initial sense of renewed purpose fades as the killer continues to evade
being charged and instead rises in the drug world until he is a power kingpin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason
learns that a rising star prosecutor is building a case against the drug lord,
but orders have been issued to kill her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason’s mentor warns that the case is too personal for him, but Jason
takes on the role of guarding the prosecutor at all costs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She becomes the instrument of his
revenge...if he can control her reckless ways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scarred
by a childhood tragedy with the loss of her parents and brother, the heroine <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gail Malloy</b> grows up haunted by
survivor’s guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guilt continues as
other loved ones are killed or die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
channels her restless, tortured spirit into becoming a state attorney who relentlessly
brings criminals to justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But rather
than bringing her a sense of accomplishment, little by little she is dying
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even relationships with men
bring her back to life...until a hooded stranger in a dark alley sparks
something more dangerous than she’s ever faced before: all-consuming
desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can she survive long enough to
show Jason there’s a different path than revenge? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I hope to keep you on the edge of your seat with this thriller.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> What do you love about reading romantic suspense?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Happy reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Carol Stephenson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Congratulations to Mary, Ona & Traci! Maddie looked at the 3 names in the pot & decided all of you should get a free copy!</span></em></strong> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">To celebrate the release of <strong>HER DARK PROTECTOR</strong>, two lucky commenters will
win a digital copy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em><strong>Giveaway ends 9 p.m. EST on March 30</strong>. Please supply your email in your
post. You may use spaces or full text for safety. (ex.: j lunchbucket at
gmail dot com). If you do not wish to supply your email or have trouble posting
please email cstephensonauthor@gmail.com with a subject title of HER DARK
PROTECTOR giveaway to be entered.</em></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My Links:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><a href="http://www.carolstephenson.com/" title="http://www.carolstephenson.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Website</span></span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">;</span></u></b><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Carol-Stephenson/213023628712811" title="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Carol-Stephenson/213023628712811"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">;</span></u></b><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><a href="http://twitter.com/CStephensonFL" title="http://twitter.com/CStephensonFL"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></span></b></a><b><u><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">;</span></u></b><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><a href="http://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/" title="http://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Not Your Usual Suspects</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Buy Links for HER DARK PROTECTOR:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Her-Dark-Protector-ebook/dp/B0070Y35EC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1332467747&sr=1-1"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-dark-protector-carol-stephenson/1108375177"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes & Noble</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://ebooks.carinapress.com/132F34AA-FE82-4C36-A1F7-E37F18BC8AB4/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=A5C27E79-B159-4BA5-849B-037DF0535656"><b><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Carina Press</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-68245445603964353702012-03-04T15:35:00.000-08:002012-03-13T20:37:17.808-07:00Her Dark Protector-The Art Fact SheetAuthors complete an art fact sheet to help the marketing and art deparments in placing the book and creating the cover. I've raved about Carina Press covers before as I loved the film noir quality of COURTING DISASTER and COURTING DEATH covers. However, to me the cover for HER DARK PROTECTOR is my best one ever. Did the Carina Press teams pay attention to the art fact sheet I submitted? You be the judge.<br />
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<strong><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-highlight: yellow;">VISUAL
<st1:stockticker w:st="on">HOOK</st1:stockticker>/MOOD: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">action-packed, suspenseful, dark; Justice
Hunters</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;">STORY LOCATIONS:</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>At
night the heroine encounters the hero in an alley where she is to meet a
snitch.</strong></span></div>
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COMMENTS: <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most action occurs at night. </span></span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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Gail Malloy, suspended state attorney:<br />
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Jason Hawke, crime-fighting business tycoon:<br />
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So there're the elements, and here's the cover. I think they captured the essense. :) Carol<br />
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<br /></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-82701303139457974832012-02-26T18:54:00.001-08:002012-02-26T18:54:11.068-08:00Movies, here's to storytelling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fDrWGwfKjYQM-bsG5Fk_vBWTLnD-tLfUdGxv6JANKTyVUkevtaZHArGBvls_mwLfbdDq2Z6C6i2EcQAYOrxxfXINXq9o2840UTc-Qy2noK1QaZfAdsW8unfdPCVCXicRVpoiZmLwut8o/s1600/king+kong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fDrWGwfKjYQM-bsG5Fk_vBWTLnD-tLfUdGxv6JANKTyVUkevtaZHArGBvls_mwLfbdDq2Z6C6i2EcQAYOrxxfXINXq9o2840UTc-Qy2noK1QaZfAdsW8unfdPCVCXicRVpoiZmLwut8o/s1600/king+kong.jpg" /></a>As I watch the Oscars, I think about the first movie I remember seeing. While I know I saw several Disney movies before, the one that first made an impact was the original 'King Kong'. I don't even recall how I managed to swing seeing it since I stayed up waaaaaay past my bedtime to finish watching it on the television.<br />
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I suspect my parents figured I would learn a lesson about begging to see it. <em>Noooo, Mom. Of course I won't be terrified. The movie won't give me nightmares.</em></div>
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Right. Even then I didn't like to watch frightning movies. </div>
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And scary didn't even begin to describe how 'King Kong' came across to a young, impressionable girl. Although technology is now leap years beyond the 1933 film, then the ape was pretty darn impressive. Still the Empire State Building scene was traumatizing.</div>
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My parents were right. I began to have nightmares with King Kong chasing me. Finally one night I decided I was going to change the dream. I made the ape my friend, and we suddenly were going on great adventures in my dreams with me riding on his shoulder.<br />
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This was the start of my storytelling albeit in my dreams. As I experienced more and more movies, I would replay them in my dreams and change those bits I hadn't liked. I would make them mine.<br />
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Later I would write my own stories, but I still imagine riding on King Kong's shoulder as we swept across my dreamscape.<br />
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:) Carol<br />
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Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-42172902339777435922012-02-22T04:25:00.000-08:002012-02-22T04:25:35.472-08:00Not Your Usual SuspectsI'm blogging today about theme braiding and writing light bulb moments on Not Your Usual Suspects.<br />
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<a href="http://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/2012/02/theme-braiding.html">http://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/2012/02/theme-braiding.html</a><br />
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:) CarolCarol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-32587080691822632352012-02-12T19:14:00.000-08:002012-02-12T19:14:18.756-08:00Grammy Trivia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Grammys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I write this I’m watching the Grammys since so many
trivia questions are about music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As</span>
I only listen to country, I always look at my team mates with a blank
expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Except last week when the
DJ asked what is the drinking implement featured in Toby Keith’s latest hit
(answer: Red Solo Cup)] </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I admit much of it the program’s isn’t thrilling me so I
decided to look up trivia. I smiled when I found out that the Grammys were
originally called the ‘Gramaphone Awards’…that name certainly wouldn’t cut it
with the current audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if
the kids even know the gramophone once was used to play records.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise do the winners know they’re latching
on to a ‘stunt’ trophy because the real one, which is handmade, is too
delicate? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like the fact that the person who has won the most Grammys
at 31 awards is conductor Sir <br />
Georg Solti, who led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 22 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alison Krauss comes in 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> with 28
awards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Age doesn’t matter in this peer-based award: LeeAnn Rhimes
is the youngest to win at age 14 while Pinetop Perkins is the oldest at age 97.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most Grammys for consecutive albums honor goes to Pat
Metheny and his band at seven while Jimmy Sturr [18 out of 24 Best Polka Album
before the award was discontinued in 2009] and Bill Cosby [6 years running for
Best Comedy Album] have won the most consecutive awards in the same category.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone who doesn’t want to be confined to any particular
music genre is </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9la_Fleck" title="Béla Fleck"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Béla Fleck</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, who has been nominated in more
categories than any other musician, namely country, pop, jazz, bluegrass, classical, folk and spoken word, as well as composition and arranging.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With respect to the song of the year, t<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">he only multiple winners in this category include
Henry Mancini 1962 and 1964), James Horner (1988 and 1999) and the band members
of U2 (2001 and 2006) winning two times each. On the other hand, songs written
for Andy Williams and Roberta Flack have received this award twice.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Has a song in a
foreign language ever won song of the year? Oh yes, “Volare” in 1959 by
Domenico Modugno in Italian. Best music memory ever for me…listening to ‘Volare’ while gliding along the Venice canals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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:) Carol</div>
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</div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-56423529015784532552012-01-22T19:42:00.001-08:002012-03-13T20:37:55.809-07:00Sketching a BookI don't often post about the writing process as there are a lot of blogs with inciteful posts about writing. However, as I slide back into a writing frame of mind, working on a new book, I am aware of one different approach I use: sketching a book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7dz_UFOylAGa9lylhWGfzT9bgWSaJeBxldZihBT1qqthXcoA8YFZ13Vjw6JHWAAQgv_nk6yp_D6je_wkxThqFce0Pu4meVsbJXNN8e8ldWT4_gWX_26KxmAJgsqdJrjVoNOBMczZhDHN/s1600/sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7dz_UFOylAGa9lylhWGfzT9bgWSaJeBxldZihBT1qqthXcoA8YFZ13Vjw6JHWAAQgv_nk6yp_D6je_wkxThqFce0Pu4meVsbJXNN8e8ldWT4_gWX_26KxmAJgsqdJrjVoNOBMczZhDHN/s320/sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a>I already have an OneNotebook [electronic notebook] in process for HIS DARK GUARDIAN with GMC'S in process, research growing, etc. Over the weekend I curled up with sketch pad in hand and jotted notes. I started with one central plot idea in a corner and drew from there. Nothing has to make sense or be sequential as the sketch is not a chart. They're thoughts. <br />
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They may trigger notes to research; they may lead to taking a second look at a character. What they mean is the book starting to mesh together. I am a visual person and need to 'see' the ideas laid out. For a while I toyed with changing the hero's occupation but when I saw the fleshing of the theme, I knew I'd been right with the original decision. <br />
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My next step of the process is to draw columns for each major character and start listing various incidents and possible reactions to them. As I braid the events in the columns, the characters' themes emerge. In my latest release 'Her Dark Protector', the themes were justice is society's glue, law of the jungle, 'I am above the law', justice has failed. Depending on his/her theme, a character's going to take a certain action in response to a situation. Their reaction may cause another character to react, again in accordance to his/her theme, etc. :) Carol<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UR0sXGb-iIWLzY7-_OwTEXofK4EgH8HgCpKJ6kd_PEhUcp4m33guiR4vrwbJPzlxb80JezfCeRSo0nw0gWnDbA0tkE2ETk7F2H_c8W7VOVgK2lRhA9HMDVpSHBe642ieajDQPutidMor/s1600/braiding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UR0sXGb-iIWLzY7-_OwTEXofK4EgH8HgCpKJ6kd_PEhUcp4m33guiR4vrwbJPzlxb80JezfCeRSo0nw0gWnDbA0tkE2ETk7F2H_c8W7VOVgK2lRhA9HMDVpSHBe642ieajDQPutidMor/s320/braiding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-89401118439537805022011-12-31T06:05:00.000-08:002011-12-31T10:58:50.722-08:00Let There Be FriendshipThis year's theme for the Times Square crystal ball really struck a chord for me: 'Let There Be Friendship'. My parents are both deceased and what little family remains is scattered throughout the country. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6bIUbX5dUJ2vjYdeJ50rfQlDFbo14WmIMNOhY7ubdFy_vrtAMAz0X6bpA7OypjwDCUDgbwhDkq9wz5uKjGWyyAs7PZ09E8VrCPZKc_8wZjmfhcSaxkpq4uGpdXspYM-DXl2FqFRNh6R8/s1600/Xmas+2009-Maddie+%2526+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6bIUbX5dUJ2vjYdeJ50rfQlDFbo14WmIMNOhY7ubdFy_vrtAMAz0X6bpA7OypjwDCUDgbwhDkq9wz5uKjGWyyAs7PZ09E8VrCPZKc_8wZjmfhcSaxkpq4uGpdXspYM-DXl2FqFRNh6R8/s320/Xmas+2009-Maddie+%2526+me.jpg" width="320" /></a>However, over the years I have been blessed with circles of friends. Friends from writing, friends from practice of law and friends from playing trivia, etc. This Christmas I sat at the table along with ten others at a friend's house. We'd had a great meal and were simply talking when one person brought out a deck of Christmas trivia cards. Whenever a question pertained to a song, we would break out singing; for other questions we would shout out answers before the question was completed. At some point I looked around at the laughing, smiling faces and realized over the years I had built myself a family. Not one of blood but of love and fellowship.<br />
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So for 2012, my wish for everyone is friendship. I only hope your life is as enriched by friends as mine is. <br />
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<em><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"><strong>Happy New Year! Love, Carol and Maddie</strong></span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJHvYJkB_p86M4FlXyMLZR0sLfyERvMt4vsD-czqbttYFjKMeQ51prD2SqCMAZtBOcdeqAgsin0Ge4aiiJiMwIr-iw9oQS0WGbx1zFtYlhEtBMjNmNfpYa1_W9rdm4igOoJIHXDMPSOkL/s1600/IMG_6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJHvYJkB_p86M4FlXyMLZR0sLfyERvMt4vsD-czqbttYFjKMeQ51prD2SqCMAZtBOcdeqAgsin0Ge4aiiJiMwIr-iw9oQS0WGbx1zFtYlhEtBMjNmNfpYa1_W9rdm4igOoJIHXDMPSOkL/s200/IMG_6625.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-87591856518594168492011-12-19T19:20:00.000-08:002011-12-19T04:13:46.217-08:00Xmas Traditions: Food Glorious Food<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food from the mundane to the unsual plays an important role in festivities across the world. Sit down for Xmas dinner in Norway and you may smell the aroma of old blue cheese. What you are actually getting a whiff of is </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kiviak, a delicacy made from the raw meat of an auk in an advanced state of decomposition after the bird meat has been buried under a stone
encased in a sealskin for a few months.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Belgians serve cougnou, also called bread of Jesus. A sweetbread molded in the form of baby Jesus, it is given to children on Xmas along with a cup of hot chocolate. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Slovakia not all food ends up being eaten. Slopping the ceiling is a tradition at Xmas Eve dinner. The head of the family takes a spoon of
Loksa (a dish made out of bread, poppy seed filling and
water) and throws it up at the ceiling. The more mixture that remains glued on
the ceiling the richer his/her crops will be the following year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Want your wish to come true? Then in Great Britain you would stir your Christmas pudding clockwise. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iEVkzXf2UbqJiNqegyWNGmyi_mSLo0wUWqliqtKFI00HwaVmtKLFZLFS__ciY-0uUofmICTtXF2G70VbigBlDcEsheKrU4ByEha7ad_pC15o0rOFrMZtm7xVXzcNTkncn4PFiMKrgLTn/s1600/xmas+pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iEVkzXf2UbqJiNqegyWNGmyi_mSLo0wUWqliqtKFI00HwaVmtKLFZLFS__ciY-0uUofmICTtXF2G70VbigBlDcEsheKrU4ByEha7ad_pC15o0rOFrMZtm7xVXzcNTkncn4PFiMKrgLTn/s1600/xmas+pudding.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Expect a few surprise guests in Portugal where 'consoda' is a special feast served on Xmas morning. The table is set with extra seats for the souls of the dead and food is offered in the hopes the souls will bring the family good luck. <span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Japan come Christmas day fried chicken is the food of choice and lines form around Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, McDonald's is offering chicken specials . Hold the pickles...speaking of pickles...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">:) Carol</span>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-11403360630611661072011-12-14T20:26:00.000-08:002012-03-13T20:38:24.765-07:00Her Dark Protector cover is here!!!We interrupt our exploration of holiday traditions to bring you the just received cover for Her Dark Protector, my Marh 26, 2012 release. The Carina Press art department has done it again. I love this one! <br />
:) Carol<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLGsaeJKcWSczjrh6owuQmJaEM7Xs3Hsm4FWNj1w7Jq8RkWxG2yws-XhKvNETfHKwXXP3PvHGSK3-Ek0a2AnknwuzEiD0C8hpm1a7aroUBb2w9Q5JjIPUUsI6u3CDWWYvhyh6n6BbYpxM/s1600/her_dark_protector_30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLGsaeJKcWSczjrh6owuQmJaEM7Xs3Hsm4FWNj1w7Jq8RkWxG2yws-XhKvNETfHKwXXP3PvHGSK3-Ek0a2AnknwuzEiD0C8hpm1a7aroUBb2w9Q5JjIPUUsI6u3CDWWYvhyh6n6BbYpxM/s400/her_dark_protector_30.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-40718575693803163402011-12-13T17:21:00.000-08:002011-12-13T17:56:44.226-08:00Warding Off Evil-Another Xmas TraditionSanta Claus and his reindeer had better watch out for they're not the only ones out and about on Xmas Eve. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcsCtQObz9g8iOAkpFxqEYWcPaENUqppt7LW6kpSZLcdBSlF2pExCYYDn3ciJCuFjWsCIc8IEWaUnB3SWjzJRE7ZPrMZ0kGUtOlgANQg-t0ToV41Ltbo3MUc8xLHekXgoiruYfr5b5SWy/s1600/broom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcsCtQObz9g8iOAkpFxqEYWcPaENUqppt7LW6kpSZLcdBSlF2pExCYYDn3ciJCuFjWsCIc8IEWaUnB3SWjzJRE7ZPrMZ0kGUtOlgANQg-t0ToV41Ltbo3MUc8xLHekXgoiruYfr5b5SWy/s1600/broom.png" /></a></div>
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In Norway people hide their brooms for witches and evil spirits are bent on stealing brooms for a joy ride. Mops and brushes are also hidden. Men sneak out of the house to fire shotguns to scare off the witches...or just to make a lot of noise. <br />
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The Greeks may build a crackling fire or hang pig jaws inside chimneys to fend off evil spirits called Kallikantzaroi. Descriptions vary, but these half-human, half-animal pests live in the earth only to surface for the twelve days of Xmas to wreck havoc. Good thing. During the year they spend their time sawing the World Tree. The dawning of Xmas distracts them from sawing and they go to the surface. When the sun begins moving again on the Epiphany, the Kallikantzaroi return to their world only to discover the Tree has healed itself. Back to the sawing for these folklore goblins. <br />
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Carol Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-41157416166028337812011-12-11T20:10:00.001-08:002011-12-11T20:55:16.495-08:00Christmas Traditions Across the World<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the days leading up to December 25, I'll be exploring different Xmas traditions around the world. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If they followed tradition, girls in the Czech Republic are currently waiting to know their marital future as part of their Christmas celebrations. On December 4, girls put cherry twigs in water. If the twig blossoms before Xmas Eve, they will marry sometime during the year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, children have been definitely behaving for St. Nicholas aka <b>Svaty Mikalas</b> climbs to earth
down from heaven on a golden rope along with his two companions: an angel [<em>Anděl]</em> and a
whip-carrying devil[<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em>Čert</em> ]</span>. For those kids who have been nice, they get presents from St. Nicholas; those on the naughty list they get visits from the devil with the switch. Talk about good cop/bad cop. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, the naughty or everyone else for that matter might really want to avoid <strong>Krampus Night</strong>.
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Krampus is
Santa’s evil twin whose job is to beat and punish all the children who have
misbehaved. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) party-goers masquerade as devils, wild-men and witches and drunkenly run around towns hitting people with
sticks and switches. The Krampus legend originates in the Germanic alpine
regions and is widespread throughout Hungary, Bavaria, Slovenia and in Austria.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Carol</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-57294541989718460152011-12-04T19:19:00.001-08:002011-12-04T20:14:01.807-08:00More Pint-sized LibrariesThe British phone book library that I featured in the last post has caught on. As phone booths fall into disuse, other enterprising individuals have converted them into 'libraries'. Clinton, New York uses a bright red British kiosk to house about 100 books. The Book Booth even has a Twitter and Facebook following. <br />
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Think an American open-box style of a phone booth can't be used as a library? Think again. Several have popped up and the one in Highland Park, CA is labeled with a Book Crossing serial number.</div>
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Small-sized libraries are not limited to phone booths. This miniature book depository known as a corner library is located in Brooklyn, New York. About the size of a doghouse, it contains a small scale of resources one can find at a regular-size libraries from books to CD's.</div>
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Walking in a park and have an urge to sit and read a book? This book stand is located in a Korean park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaUskE5c_XNI65mLoTK4MF8XY6P6Dob310pFYaGAJ7V0BowRwikkjcz7W6iihQU9PcNAngIsEMEuTwzMn7U07hbyJZMtiUuZ_gHf8QsDDn21-Tfa9sAL6nf7HWHeVAUf4plyJePpD8BoA/s1600/park+corner+booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaUskE5c_XNI65mLoTK4MF8XY6P6Dob310pFYaGAJ7V0BowRwikkjcz7W6iihQU9PcNAngIsEMEuTwzMn7U07hbyJZMtiUuZ_gHf8QsDDn21-Tfa9sAL6nf7HWHeVAUf4plyJePpD8BoA/s320/park+corner+booth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Laying claim to being the smallest freestanding library in America is Norman, AK's, which is the size of a small bedroom, about 177 square feet.</div>
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I love these gems of libraries. :) Carol</div>
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<br /></div>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-29480295641866800822011-11-29T20:46:00.001-08:002011-11-29T21:09:59.981-08:00Sandra Hyatt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnlkYU2i2Ska7mhsRVZp5MSte4n9lSX4NnPBvBx45f61rnqYQ9iY7M9WXTfRQP3cTNSSzcdEwOZl4Lrb5oPiR4ra7G83V5Sq_WdFYLlEk3RVOfvZlRX8ybLh__4H1czJrAmvcvHZNBeiD/s1600/sandra+hyatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnlkYU2i2Ska7mhsRVZp5MSte4n9lSX4NnPBvBx45f61rnqYQ9iY7M9WXTfRQP3cTNSSzcdEwOZl4Lrb5oPiR4ra7G83V5Sq_WdFYLlEk3RVOfvZlRX8ybLh__4H1czJrAmvcvHZNBeiD/s320/sandra+hyatt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The talented USA Today best-selling author Sandra Hyatt passed away this year. Her last book Lessons in Seduction is being released today in print and on December 1 in e-book. I'm joining others in the romance community in getting the word out about the book. <br />
<br />I had the privilege of meeting Sandra at the RWA Convention in Washington, DC and then again in San Francisco. She was bright, energetic and very giving of her time and talent to others. Her writing was superb as evidenced by her best-selling status and it is no surprise that Romantic Times Magazine has rated her last book with a 4.5 star rating. Here are a few buy links but the book is available on many other sites and in your favorite bookstore.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amazon print: <a href="http://amzn.to/s7nHHg">http://amzn.to/s7nHHg</a></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kindle edition: <a href="http://amzn.to/sTItby">http://amzn.to/sTItby</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sandra, thank you for all the great reads. Carol</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
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</span>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-67262546345961812512011-11-27T17:30:00.001-08:002011-11-27T17:41:35.100-08:00Unusual Libraries<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Typewriter";">After
learning about the Derby Line library, I wondered if there were other unusual
libraries. To my delight, there are. This little gem is private, built to house
a Tolkien collector’s extensive collection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlSX4QH0DA3jH2pX4sTRPtSXJiF2JacxTZGrcJZCJYW_2jjpk4Io9LbFowyN-3_epapNUI_5Q900pla5nfHX8IWAC91y4vVxaDOljqcBGpWBqcfarIpjbKxXTfxtr1-knSB37CfMXKXVJ/s1600/hobbitlibrary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlSX4QH0DA3jH2pX4sTRPtSXJiF2JacxTZGrcJZCJYW_2jjpk4Io9LbFowyN-3_epapNUI_5Q900pla5nfHX8IWAC91y4vVxaDOljqcBGpWBqcfarIpjbKxXTfxtr1-knSB37CfMXKXVJ/s320/hobbitlibrary.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Typewriter";">Then here’s one of the
world’s smallest libraries in the world. When a British phone company wanted to
take away the iconic red phone booth in the England town of
Westbury-sub-Mendip, the locals rescued the booth by using it as a library.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufC_P9Y8eWKnBYwtjXSms58p1GDkNAd_g2_TDvFSGUysj70qdmwyJhmp1rsquwOmJAQQI_cqqBrnZbpF7Wxu34lr2wY3VxsgGOWa2Jv5SLBHcM_OvDU3XbKUU8NODop7-PaMSYxp2szV6/s1600/phonebooth-library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufC_P9Y8eWKnBYwtjXSms58p1GDkNAd_g2_TDvFSGUysj70qdmwyJhmp1rsquwOmJAQQI_cqqBrnZbpF7Wxu34lr2wY3VxsgGOWa2Jv5SLBHcM_OvDU3XbKUU8NODop7-PaMSYxp2szV6/s320/phonebooth-library.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Typewriter";">Open 24 hours a day, the
booth has a light inside for midnight browsing of the 100 books, CDs, and DVDs donated
from the libraries of the townsfolk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Typewriter";">I want one! Carol <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1697244772701650964.post-49490779661448598502011-11-21T19:47:00.000-08:002011-11-21T19:47:14.750-08:00A Library With No Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8NB6DPG4AbgZJzEWM6GQkWSwo0l1NNC3xzphlJXMYt8l3O2Cazpl7W11r4GTaw1rLpXWWuPoMKqVwY77kcrCjL5JZiXhwXkyrd3N3CWhuRkk9LT015GCUSISMMALjaw4EDJj1EZoMiiw/s1600/150px-HaskellLibraryBorderLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8NB6DPG4AbgZJzEWM6GQkWSwo0l1NNC3xzphlJXMYt8l3O2Cazpl7W11r4GTaw1rLpXWWuPoMKqVwY77kcrCjL5JZiXhwXkyrd3N3CWhuRkk9LT015GCUSISMMALjaw4EDJj1EZoMiiw/s320/150px-HaskellLibraryBorderLine.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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International border line within the library</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the United States there's a library with no books and an opera house with no stage, and they're both in the same building.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been researching Vermont as the setting for my next book and came across an interesting oddity. The village Derby Line that borders Canada has a library deliberately built to span both countries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Derby Line was incorporated in 1791 but because of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an erratic survey, the border separating Canada from the United States was drawn incorrectly by the surveyors in the 18th century, above the 45th parallel which was the agreed boundary. Derby Line was founded based on that line, above the 45th parallel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A binational couple, the Haskells, chose to construct the Haskell Free Library and Opera House on </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the international border in 1904 so that people on both sides of the border would have use of the facility. Patrons of the library from either side of the border may use the facility without going through border security.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">library</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> collection and the opera</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> stage are located in Stanstead, Canada, but the door and most opera seats are located in Derby Line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The library/opera house isn't the only place with the international border running through it. For some individual homes, a meal may be prepared in one country and eaten in the other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library" title="Library"><span style="color: #0645ad; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">library</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> collection and the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera" title="Opera"><span style="color: #0645ad; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">opera</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> stage are located in Stanstead, but the door and most opera seats are located in Derby Line. Because of this, the Haskell is sometimes called "the only library in U.S.A. with no books" and "the only opera house in U.S.A. with no stage". Its two addresses are 93 Caswell Avenue, Derby Line, Vermont and 1 Church Street, Stanstead, Quebec.</span>Carol Stephensonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00321447534996724331noreply@blogger.com0