Old Family Photographs

Nothing makes you appreciate the past more than finding old family photographs, generations worlds apart. What were they thinking in this picture? Where were they? How old were they? The picture above is one of my favorites of my dh's grandmother and grandfather. She was so sassy! I love it! Look at her hand on her waist posing for the camera, the other draped over her man.  

I can't tell you the countless hours I have spent rummaging through old family albums. Amazed and awe-inspired, I gaze upon their faces, their untold stories calling out to me. They were so young, so full of life. The picture below is another one of my favorites. I remember when my dh's grandmother gave it to me. 

I was sitting on the floor in her living room and there it was. "This is a beautiful photograph of you," I exclaimed, pulling it out of its binder.

Sitting back in her chair, she sighed, her eyes drifting back to a far away place. "Walter and I were just dating. That was taken at the waterfall at my Uncle Jerry's... so long ago." 

Even though her husband had passed away several years earlier, I will never forget the look upon her face. The love they held for each other was evident, never fading.

Every time I gaze upon this lovely photo, I think back fondly of my dh's grandparents.

Of course there are other pictures that just down right make me laugh. When I view the one below, this is a picture of my grandmother on her horse. Growing up, we heard the same story countless times. She was in the barn and that darned horse kicked her in the arse, embedding two hoof prints in her hind quarters. Running out of the barn in tears, my great-grandfather chased the horse with a pitchfork.

Do you enjoy old family photographs? What do you do to preserve the past? 

And Let the Gaelic Begin!



I love the sound of a velvety Scottish brogue. Frankly, it fascinates me. Dragging the clan to as many Scottish festivals around the area as possible, my ears perk up as soon as I hear the rolling tongue. 

Writing Scottish historical romance, I love to place a little flair of Scottish Gaelic into my manuscripts. I think it gives the reader a little taste of Alba. My CP's only request is that I must put in the translation. It frustrates her when the novel she's reading has Gaelic and she must inference the meaning. Donna want to upset the CP! 

Last year, I was able to attend a Gaelic class at one of the festivals. Whenever I get my hands on any material, I'm like a kid in a candy store. Hand-outs? Hand them over! Books? I'll buy them! Class? Sign me up! My kids can speak more words in Gaelic than they can in Spanish. I still haven't decided if that's good or not, but they're supporting mom's writing career. ;-)

As a pre-published author, I have attended classes on GMC, synopsis and query writing, etc. Yep, a necessary evil, but what excites me is when I get to attend a class that I know I will enjoy wholeheartedly. Gaelic class starts April 1st with one of our resident chapter experts and I am so thrilled.

To all of those attending... I'll try not to be the annoying kid in class sitting in the front row asking all of the questions. ;-) Anyone else attending Sharron's class?

Channeling Your Muse

Sometimes she deserts me. Now and then she awakens me in the early hours of the morn. At times she's my biggest obstacle and every so often she's my best friend. My muse. *sigh* What a fickle creature.

I have to admit, she does cooperate the majority of the time, but there are moments when I could literally (no pun intended) strangle her. How can the words flow out onto the keyboard as if I am a mere vassal serving her brilliant mind and then other times I have absolutely no idea where her thoughts wondered off to? What was she thinking? My 6 year-old could have written better than that.

On occasion, she surprises me. Believe me... those times are not only welcome, but treasured. The other day while riding and writing on public transportation, *cringe*, I was deep into an emotional scene between my hero and heroine. Verbal swords were drawn like daggers and disparaging words were thrown like stones. "Last stop" is announced over the speaker just as I clicked off the Alphasmart. Perfect timing.

Bypassing the herding cattle, I show my ticket to the poor agent enclosed in the metal box and climb the stairs to my car. All of a sudden, I take a mental step back? What is the matter with me? My heart is racing a mile a minute. My blood is pounding. In fact, it's boiling. I was cognizant of the fact that I'm actually angry... for no reason. 

PMS? Not quite! The muse not only kicked into gear, but she was in overdrive! Almost as if I was an actor immersing myself into a role, my characters came to life within me. Needless to say, Liadain and Declan's sparring match impacted my mood. After a few calming breaths and laughing at the depths of my creativity, I only pray she decides to grace me with such gifts again.

Tell me. Has your muse ever influenced your life?

Bear-ly Able to Watch... Cape Wrath, Scotland

I will be the first to admit that when I do occasionally get my hands on the TV remote, I force the dh to watch what I want. You know, skimpily clad gladiators, vampires, serial killers, men in kilts... It serves him right for all of the times he coerces me into watching every fishing, hunting, manly show under the sun. I'm sorry, but there are only so many times a gal can watch Alaskan crab fishing! Every episode is the same!

After being married for so many years, we read each other well. For instance, I will make him a nice dinner and say, "Do you mind if we watch...?" He usually caves. On the other hand, I'm more difficult to persuade. My son and daughter join in and we outnumber his vote, overthrowing the king's command. Due to our rallying efforts, it has influenced the dh to be much more creative.

One of his favorite shows is Man vs. Wild. Yep, I could not tear my gaze away when Bear Grylls drank his own urine the first or the second time and let's not talk about when he actually ate bear excrement. Any man that drinks his own man juice... *cringe* 

Anyway, the other night the dh says, "I taped something for you. I really thought you would like it. I think it was filmed in Cape Wrath, Scotland."

"Really?" I ask with excitement. "What was it?"

"Now before you say anything and roll your eyes, it was Man vs. Wild."

He has me cornered, knowing I'll watch anything about Scotland.

The show starts off with Bear jumping out of a helicopter, living in a life raft and then swimming to shore. Hey, this isn't so bad! The scenery is beautiful and it's Scotland. Wait, he realizes he's on the wrong island and must swim the channel. No big deal. Is that... a baby seal? He's not. Please tell me--he's not.

Pulling out his blade, he cuts the head from the seal. What is he doing? Oh, that explains it. He's making a baby seal wet suit to wear over his chest to protect him from the elements of the sea. Donning his stylish blood soaked skin; he swims the channel--not as shark bait. He made it. Mmm...

The remote scenery of Cape Wrath was breathtaking, but next time, I think I'll leave the Bear at home.

Olde Stonewall Castle

Who would've thought a castle was in your own backyard? More like an hour away, but close to home nonetheless.

The clan and I ventured to Ellwood City, PA to Olde Stonewall Castle and Shakespeare's Restaurant and Pub over Valentine's Day weekend. As if this historical author would pass up an opportunity to wander around a castle!

Sitting upon 269 acres and actually known for its golf course, Olde Stonewall was rated as one of the top 50 places to play golf in the USA. For me, the only interest I have in the sport is the miniature kind. I don't think dunking the ball into the treasure chest would quite fit in here.

Imposing wooden doors that are 12-feet high and weigh 800 pounds have matching intertwined gargoyle door handles. Once you enter the fortress, a 6-foot knight-in-shining-armor greets you in the entryway. Envisioning yourself in the 16th century, clouds are depicted upon the ceilings with medieval chandeliers casting their mystical glow. The owner has antiques displayed in corner nooks and along the walls, mostly which are imported from Spain.

Shakespeare's Restaurant and Pub has a delightful medieval theme. The waiters and waitresses dress in peasant tops--although no kilts are donned--to add to the European atmosphere. Hanging in the main dining room, chandeliers were recovered from former churches in the Pittsburgh area and restored. The food is outstanding and the choices vary from sandwiches to prime rib and lobster. The price fits anyone's budget.

The elevator takes you to the second floor which also boasts several antique rugs and medieval weaponry. Period pictures are also displayed in several additional banquet rooms.

Unfortunately, we did not get the chance to roam outdoors due to the weather, but there is a 20-foot oval water fountain and a flower garden in the back of the castle. We will definitely be returning in the summer months to enjoy the outdoors.

When Scotland is so far away, why not enjoy a Sunday drive to a castle that's so close to home?

Valentine's Day Special--Worst Date Ever

We've all had them. Dates from hell.

In lieu of Valentine's Day, I thought it would be fun to share some torturous moments that all of us are forced to endure--dating. God help you if you are in the dating pool with the sharks and cads. What ever happened to men actually wooing a woman? We used to ask, "Did you kiss him on the first date?" Can anyone actually remember that? In today's world it's, "Did you sleep with him on the first date?" Are you freaking kidding me? No woo... no can do!

Prior to meeting my wonderful dh of 21 years, I had some winners. I'm hoping someone can top me!

I double-dated (aren't those the best?) with a friend of mine and a 'college boy,' only to be taken to a cemetery in the dark hours of the night. Mmm... maybe if I was Bella and the guy looked even remotely close to Edward or Jacob.

Another date I had was with a man who worked at Daily's. When we found out we had absolutely nothing in common, he proceeded to instruct me the entire time on the different products Daily's made. You know, orange juice, popsicles. Yes, let's talk about popsicles and all of the different flavors offered for two hours straight! Yikes!

So I'm attending a really nice dinner and having a reasonable conversation with a seemingly normal guy. Bill comes. "I don't have my wallet." Kill me now.

While I'm ranting, let's go back 'several' years. Prom Night. My 'escort' popped an entire box of No Dose and was ill the entire night. I managed to have a good time by myself, but seriously.

And the best for last... I'm in college. Far away from home. Made a few friends and this is my first college date. He drops me off and is sitting in my living room. He wipes the sweat from his brow and starts to look unwell. "Victoria, there's something I must tell you." Casting me a serious look, he grabs my hand. "I worship the devil. If you want, I can bring him here right now." Pulling out Runes from his pocket, he tosses them on my table.

How could I possibly make this up? Care to share your worst date ever?

Stairway to Seven

I know. What does historical romance have to do with sports? Absolutely nothing.

Where will you be this Sunday when the Steelers make football history (again)? Rest assured that this gal will have her butt parked in front of the TV cheering on her favorite hometown team.  

You could actually feel the excitement in the air in downtown Pittsburgh this week. Between pep rallies in Market Square, Black and Gold Day, Terrible Towels and Steeler mania, Steeler Nation was heard loud and clear. In fact, shh... can you still hear it?

We had lots of laughs at the day job. Food was plentiful and camaraderie was in abundance. Our boss found it amusing that the following document was presented to him this afternoon from the department.

* * *

Official "Won't-Be-In-On-Time" Permission Slip

In celebration of the Pittsburgh Steelers appearance in Super Bowl XLV, I hereby request permission to report late for work on Monday, February 7, 2011.

I plan to join the entire Steeler Nation by participating in the following activities on Super Bowl Sunday:

1.  Shop for appropriate Steelers attire to wear all day and night on Super Bowl Sunday

2.  Stop by the nearest Giant Eagle to stock up on all Steelers essentials (chipped ham, jumbo, etc.)

3.  Listen to "The Pittsburgh Steelers Polka" and other Steelers songs on the radio

4.  Tune into pre-game TV broadcasts and laugh at the stories showing the dirty, smoky city of yesteryear, knowing Pittsburgh doesn't look like that anymore

5.  Wave the Terrible Towel throughout the Super Bowl player introductions or until my arm gets tired

6.  Chant "Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go" non-stop, beginning at noon

7.  Consume large quantities of pierogies, kielbasa, Heinz products and IRON CITY

All of these things will tire me out and make it necessary for me to come in late on Monday.

Boss, I appreciate your cooperation in this important matter and sincerely thank you for your understanding that my heart belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Go Black and Gold!!   

Come on folks! Who's cheering with me for the Pittsburgh Steelers?