Farewell to a fine Author-- Robert B. Parker passes on...

I just found out today that one of my favorite authors, Robert B. Parker, passed away last week. I discovered this as I ran through a book store to catch the elevator to get to the restroom. As the doors were closing, I quickly caught a glance at an end-cap that was featuring some of his novels. The sign on top of the end-cap said Robert Parker.....with something kind of small next to his name. My X- ray vision was not working at the time, so I decided to stop by on my way out. Considering I have read every single one of Robert B. Parker novels, I wasn't quite prepared for what the sign stated.

As I came back down the elevator, I went to the end cap and saw the sign. It simply stated "Robert B. Parker 1932-2010". My heart dropped. Never met the guy, but he was one of those authors who writes so well that his characters come to life and you feel like you know them. Spenser novels are still my favorite, but in the last few years, Mr. Parker created several new characters like Sunny Randal, Jesse Stone and the Old West characters Virgil Cole and Evert Hitch in the Appaloosa series.

My reason for going to this particular book store was to purchase a couple of children's books that I love. However, when I saw that Parker had passed, it took the breath out of me. I may be emotional, but when an avid reader loses one of their favorite authors, it truly stinks. This reminds me of when Lawrence Sanders passed and my beloved Archy McNally series stopped. Even though Vincet Lardo co-authored and tried to replicate Sanders description in the last few books of the McNally series, the Sanders style that captured my heart was gone.

I feel sad for the Parker family. It much have been fun having such an talented writer in the family. I would love to have met him, but somehow I feel I have through Spenser. I'm glad for the Internet interviews that I can hear, and the next few books that will be out. But in the long run, no one, or nothing can replace the space in my heart for Robert B. Parker and his superb stories.

Creating Your Water Garden Book - Step-by-Step Pond Building

Step-by-Step Pond Building

Add a waterscape to your backyard using this great book: Creating Your Water Garden as a guide.

This brief work offers information such as designing and installing your pond, as well as tips for stocking it with plants and animals. Pond mechanics are briefly discussed, and a troubleshooting section answers common pond questions.

The back pages of the book list common water garden plants, and the easy-to-read piece includes several photographs and illustrations to better demonstrate correct installation. Creating Your Water Garden is a perfect read for anyone thinking of building a waterscape.

The first section of this book looks at all the design aspects you need to consider, from siting a pond to selecting the most appropriate water feature for your garden. A unique aspect of the book is the way in which the author explores the thinking behind existing water gardens.

Whether you have a patio, small city courtyard, or a larger suburban plot, you will find the right water garden design for you. The second section contains all the practical information necessary to construct a garden pond or water feature, and features numerous step-by-step illustrations showing how to install them safely and efficiently.

Essential information is included on buying and selecting suitable plants to create the right setting for your pond or water feature.

Features: a number of different inspirational pond designs for gardens of all shapes and sizes; practical step-by-step advice on all aspects of constructing a garden pond or water feature in your garden; full color photographic glossaries of plants and fish; and troubleshooting sections on keeping fish healthy and plant maintenance.

Get Local in 2010 with Professional Business Listings

It's a New Year and we wanted to share a fresh new way to jump-start your small business:

Professional Local Business Listings Package

An affordable local business listing package, offered by The Michigan Business Directory in partnership with SmartFinds Internet Marketing, is allowing small businesses to reduce the cost of local online marketing. Internet based Local business listings are free through the major search engines and display in search results, as well as on mobile devices.

The additional benefits include adding coupons, offers, discounts, photos, videos while changing them anytime.

But navigating this new world of "Online Local" can be difficult and that is where the professionals at MBD (experts in online local) can affordably help.The benefits of "online local" to small business are incredible. "To be available to local prospects" right when the customer is looking for them ( around town with their mobile device) is a huge marketing advantage.

The ability to update your business offerings anytime gives you endless possibilities including (but not limited to) coupons, seasonal specials, clearances, the ability to push out the latest industry news and more.The Michigan Business Directory offers a low priced one-time fee of $395 to update your local business listing with their 15 year Internet expertise. This includes the six primary websites that include Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask, Local.com and Yelp.

In 2010, no one can argue that the mobile device industry will grow exponentially. Not only the iPhone, but also Blackberry and Palm are coming to market with new products and mobile applications, mapping, GPS and even localized advertising solutions.

Now is the time to jump on the bandwagon and get your business "online local". This is not limited to Michigan businesses, any business in the United States can take advantage of this wealth of experience at this economical price.

Puppy Care & Training Book - Don't Get a Puppy for Christmas without it!

The first book in this series to focus on the specific needs of puppies, Puppy Care & Training

This book shows how to prepare for a puppy’s arrival and explains how to feed, groom, and train him during this impressionable stage. It also discusses preventive care and how to deal with common health issues in puppies to encourage a longer and healthier life.

The Puppy Care & Training Book is a revolutionary breed-specific quide that includes a free training DVD inside. The first book in this series to focus on the specific needs of puppies.

You don’t need to bang your head against the wall with a three month long obedience training program that makes you do endless repetitions. Buy this book for your new puppy or as a Christmas gift for someone that recently got a new puppy and share the gift of sanity!

Positive training methods
Current health care information
Convenient diet options
Easy-to-follow grooming instructions
Terra Nova Series / Hardcover Book

Wild Bird Lover Books for Gifts

Our backyard birds seem to capture our attention significantly more than any other type of wildlife, which may explain why 60 million Americans are feeding and watching birds. Below are a few selections that may interest you or possibly be a good gift for the wild bird lover / watcher on your list this Christmas season.


Quick & Easy Attracting & Feeding Wild Birds

This is the perfect book for anyone interested in having wild birds in the backyard, offering tips on types of foliage and seeds that attract birds, and descriptions of 19 common varieties of birds. 64 pages / softcover

Stokes Field Guide to Birds- Eastern Region

The best, easiest-to-use, and most comprehensive field guide available. Great for beginning to advanced birders. Fast-access color tab index makes it easy to look up a bird. Inludes more than 900 beautiful color photos.

Stokes Beginners Guide to Birds: Eastern Region

Whether you want to identify the birds that come to your backyard feeder or you've decided to take up bird-watching as a hobby, you'll find everything you need in this easy-to-use guide.

Stokes Bluebird Book

Bluebirds, an uncommon sight in recent years, are now coming back, thanks to conservation efforts throughout North America. And with the Stokes Bluebird Book, you can bring these charming and beloved birds into your own yard.

Stokes Hummingbird Book

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures found throughout North America. This beautiful guide will make it easy for you to attract these tiny jewels to your yard, identify them, and understand their fascinating and varied behavior.

Stokes Bird Feeder Book

An Easy Guide to Attracting, Identifying, and Understanding Your Feeder Birds. Now you can start to enjoy the birds at your feeder more than you ever have before. We have written this book to help you in three important ways!

RachelsRobin.com - a popular online birding website with tips and products is offering Free Shipping during the holiday season (weight restrictions apply). Use coupon: freeship when checking out. Free Shipping on Bird Feeders

Hey Booms, Beat It--- The Beginning of a book series for kids ages 4-7.

Hey Booms, Beat It ©2008 by Carol Kalvelage

The first in a brand new series of books designed for kids ages 4-7 by Carol Kalvelage . Illustrated by Sister Diane Payne

July 29, 2009- Must be something with the 9's! I finally- or we- finally did it. The Beat It Books ©2008 by Carol Kalvelage are officially "out there". I finished the last of the copying, my mom finished the last of the editing, and I presented my first draft to a publishing house. We shall see....... This is where the fun begins. For me, anyway, because I believe in possibility. And I believe in truth.

The truth about this book series is that it is based on my personal experiences with my daughter. Every night at bedtime, I tell my daughter a story. We will read a book together, but she likes it best when I make one up. She likes it even better when I add her, her animals, her family members and her day to the story line.

One night, after I told her the Beat It Booms story, I thought to myself "You know, that one was pretty good. You should write it down." So I did. And it stayed there on my computer for a year. But I wrote it down. That was huge.

Then I shared it with others. I actually let somebody read what I wrote. I held my breath and probably turned blue as she read it, but I stayed put. And then I heard the words- " this is good. Here is some advice......." and I took the advice.

Now, here we are. Looking to get published. I believe it will happen. Perhaps not in my time frame (RIGHT NOW!), but at the right time. I'm so grateful for Sister Diane Payne the illustrator. She knows firsthand how my daughter and I interact, so she was able to construct the photos from her experience with us.

Michelle Lannoo/Wardowski gave me her time one afternoon- she didn't know that she got ambushed. I took her away from her one year old child and her 6 year old child and her husband and said "I need you alone for 5 minutes".

Of course as Michelle and I retreated into a quiet space, everyone followed us-- including my 4 year old daughter and my husband. I knew they would follow us. So I said- Beat it everyone.....and they left. Except for Edgar, the one year old. That was o.k. with me because I was able to play with him and try not freak out while Michelle read the rough copy with photos. Michelle is a gifted artist, illustrator and designer. We have known each other for 30 years, at least. I watched as Michelle went through the rough draft and worked her magic. She arranged, then re-arranged, and then gave me her professional input-- To me that was magic and I'm positive she probably has no clue as to how that helped this book materialize.

I also want to thank my sister, Mary Joyce. Mary gave me the opportunity to start writing again. She put no limits on what I could do- just said "go for it". I've struggled at times with the whole internet blogging/marketing/writing thing. It's nice to have family members who believe in and support you. Without Mary, I would not have this blog to blah, blah, blah on. You have helped me in more ways than you know.

Diane Melton, Joette Lambert, Sharon Miller, Kim Kern, Kim Retherford, Sara Arbenowski, Jenn., J.P. Gonzalez, Chris Garland, Pat Hartner, Laurie Scholler, Marge Redmond, and Meta Lothman. The best safety net in the universe.

My husband Ken, who has put up with my "idiosyncrasies" for almost 16 years- and Madison, who came into our lives as a miracle in 2004. Without her, the creativity may have come to an end.

And special thanks to Joe and Suzy Fucini, who gave me a start in the world of public relations and writing. It has been a long time since we've connected, and I will always be grateful for their guidance,

Now I truly feel like a published author-- or at least someone who won an Academy Award. Imagine, writing your thank you speech before you receive an award.........hmmmm.......................now that's an idea.

Stay tuned for more fun and exciting news from the Beat It Book series

P.S.- This is only my second post because I was too scared to write, but I did see the Secret Life of the Bees movie. While the actors were top notch entertainers, I did not feel the connection like I have with the book. To me, imagination is a much better canvas than the silver screen.

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