A Sad So-Long

February 22, 2016 darlenedeluca This and That, Uncategorized Bloomsbury Bistro, carrot cake, dining, lunch, restaurants

final cake Things happen. Trends run their course. Friends move away. Businesses come and go. The world keeps spinning. You move on. I know I will, but I want to take a few minutes to give high-fives and kudos and some serious boo-hoos to a quaint little restaurant where I have logged many hours over the past 15 years.

It’s been a go-to place for a consistently good girl lunch. Friends and I have commiserated over school and kids and parenting issues. We’ve celebrated birthdays and Fridays and I-just-need-to-get-out-of-the-house days. Pretty sure we’ve solved world problems (if only the powers that be would listen to us!) over a fresh salad, tasty soup and a generous hunk of the most amazing carrot cake I have ever tasted.

Until two days ago The Bloomsbury Bistro operated inside a local antique mall. A small place with fresh flowers and white paper on the tables, it was cozy and friendly. It was decorated with paintings and murals of women enjoying food, and friendship and conversation that seemed to beckon and invite patrons to gather and lunch. Though the menu changed seasonally, standard favorites kept customers coming back (did I mention the fabulous carrot cake?). The food was fresh and creative. I never had a bad meal or service experience there. Ever. I can’t say that for any other restaurant, and I eat out a lot. This place was amazing. It was special, and I’m going to miss it.

I ate there several times in its last couple of weeks. It seemed everyone wanted a last lunch at The Bistro. My mother and aunt drove three hours for one last visit. Everyone wanted one more slice of that incredible carrot cake. Yes, I indulged on each outing! Let me pause a moment to describe, if I can, the carrot cake — a sinful two-layer cake, served warm with a delicious cream-cheese-and-pineapple filling, drizzled with warm caramel sauce, and topped with candied walnuts. The. Best. Ever. I’m pretty sure I will never eat another slice of so-called carrot cake from any other bakery or restaurant.

On the final day at The Bistro, the wait was more than an hour for those without reservations. (Luckily, I had made reservations a week earlier for a group of my book club friends.) To say the place was popular would be a serious understatement. I’m not sure the owner ever imagined the deluge of customers and outpouring of compliments and good wishes she received. And earned. I was honored to be invited to a champagne send-off on the last evening of the restaurant’s life. Along with friends and associates and staff members, I toasted the years of great meals and memories. I say again, cheers to the Bloomsbury Bistro!

Are you missing a special place that left its mark on you?

Give me sun, not snow!

January 20, 2016 darlenedeluca Home & Family, This and That, Uncategorized cold, snow, winter, writing

snowman Well, it’s January, it’s freezing cold, there’s snow covering the yard, and I haven’t written about winter yet. I guess it’s time.

I hate winter. I seriously despise snow. I don’t like to be cold. The cold immobilizes me. All I want to do is curl up inside a blanket and stay warm. That’s not conducive to writing, to getting the housework or laundry done, or anything, except maybe reading. I like to read. But, somehow, it doesn’t work out for me to curl up and read all day on every cold day of the winter!

Sure, the snow can be pretty. I have indeed taken pictures of snow and ice glistening from trees, a bright red cardinal against the white wonderland, the buried patio furniture, etc. I know it’s great for sledding and skiing, fun activities for kids and adults. Yes, I have pictures to prove that I was a good mom – we built snowmen in the yard, and I took my kids to a local slope for this wintry exhilaration when they were young.

But I’ve also seen injuries occur from people shoveling snow and falling on slippery sidewalks. Last year two young adults died at two different universities (that I know of) from exposure on frigid winter nights. People die in car accidents on slick roads. Property ruined and lives ravaged. Because of snow and cold. That makes me sad. Of course there are dangers lurking everywhere, but winter adds another element of worry. Yesterday one of my kids flew through a snow storm in New York. Two days ago I drove to Ohio with the other one so that he could have his car at college — his first winter there with his car. Why did both of them end up in cold, snowy climates?! Those brochures from Florida schools and the University of Hawaii are looking awfully sweet right about now.

These days I find myself dreaming of a winter home in Palm Springs. I’m pinning and posting photos of summer on social media. Counting the weeks until spring break. Looking forward to warm temps and sunny days!

On a positive note, I had stocked the freezer/fridge this week in preparation for “Restaurant” week around here. We eat out a lot, and this week is actually a huge inconvenience. Too many people, long waits, “special” menus, etc. So, we’d planned to eat at home as much as possible. The timing is good. It’s bitterly cold, and I don’t want to leave the house! Hopefully, by the time Restaurant week is over, it will be warmer, and we can venture out again.

I’ve been typing for a while now. So my exposed fingers are chilled, and my cup of tea has turned tepid. Time for a warm-up. For the next couple of minutes my hands are going under the keyboard — thawing in the warmth of the computer!

Hope you all are staying warm and cozy. But if snow is your thing – enjoy! And stay safe!

So . . . snow. Love it or hate it?

Time Out!

November 26, 2015 darlenedeluca Uncategorized grateful, readers, reflection, thankful, Thanksgiving

CUdZZn0VEAA4cXZ It’s that time of year – time to take a break, sit back, relax, and reflect on the good things in your life. It’s amazing how hard it is to stop the busy-ness, turn off the television, close the laptop, ignore the calendar and forget about the to-do list for a few minutes. There’s grocery shopping to be done, piles of laundry, a turkey to cook, tables to set, etc., etc. I know!
The house is quiet right now. Everyone’s doing their own thing, so I’m trying to sneak a few minutes of calm before holiday festivities begin. I have much to be thankful for. There’s the big stuff, of course – living in the U.S., freedom of choices, and good health. I suppose, like most of you, it comes down to people. I’m so very thankful to be the mom of two awesome kids who’ve grown into decent, responsible young adults. I’m thankful they can be here for the holiday – and happy that they WANT to be here! 🙂 I’m thankful for a supportive spouse who works hard and provides our family with a wonderful lifestyle. Without his dedication, I wouldn’t be able to devote my time and energy to starting a new career. I suppose, in a way, I am also thankful that I was laid off from my corporate job a few years ago, which is what catapulted me into the world of fiction writing. At the time, it didn’t feel so good, but I know I probably would not have taken the steps that led to becoming an author otherwise.
That, of course, brings me to many other people to thank. So grateful for critique partners, editors, beta readers, friends who cheer me on, readers and followers! I recently ran a promotion in which I gave away thousands of one of my women’s fiction novels for free. Not everyone will like or even read the book, but I’ve been touched by the number of people who’ve bought one of my other books, who’ve taken the time to write a review or give a rating, and those who’ve left kind words of praise. Many thanks to all of you!

I’m looking forward to spending Thanksgiving Day away from my computer, not writing. I’ll be eating, and hanging out with family and friends, and eating some more – sharing fun times that will turn into treasured memories (that’s the plan, anyway :-). And when it’s all over, I’ll get back to work with renewed energy – thanks to the encouraging words from so many enthusiastic readers.

I know some people will be working today, some are facing personal crisis, some are missing loved ones and not feeling particularly thankful. But I hope you all can find some peace and quiet, a little time to reflect, and something or someone to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Darlene

Release Day! Read All About It!

September 11, 2015 darlenedeluca Uncategorized giveaway, Her Greatest Risk, new book, prizes, reading, romance

Woo-hoo! It’s finally here — release day for my new contemporary romance, Her Greatest Risk! That means there’s a lot going on today! First, the book is now available in digital and paperback versions at Amazon.

Second, to celebrate, I’ve put all my other romance novels on sale this weekend only for 99 cents. Makes it a great time to stock up! 🙂
Over on my Facebook Author Page I’ll be discussing the book throughout the day and giving away a few digital copies of Her Greatest Risk. Follow the page, share or comment on the post there, and you’re entered for a chance to win!
You can also visit Goodreads and register for my paperback giveaway there. Good luck, and happy reading to all!

What it’s all about . . .

Clashing over the fate of a historic building, Jennifer Aukland and Michael Reynolds are on course to become adversaries. She’s an architect devoted to green building and restoration. He’s a developer hell-bent on ripping down the old hotel she’s racing to save to make way for a new casino.

Chemistry leads to compromise, and for a time, they’re on the same team. Jennifer adds Michael – and marriage – to her safe and steady plan for the future. But when Michael throws caution aside and lands in a life-threatening situation, Jennifer’s world comes crashing down. In her family, she’s learned that recklessness leads to tragedy. She must decide if she can commit her life to someone who takes unnecessary risks with his. Will she take control of her own destiny, even if it means leaving Michael behind? Or will she risk everything for love?

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A Sneak Peek

August 21, 2015August 21, 2015 darlenedeluca Books, Uncategorized, What's New coming soon, new release, peek, romance

This is always an exciting yet anxious time. I’m getting ready to release a new book – my sixth published novel! The title, which took forever to decide on, is Her Greatest Risk, and it’s a contemporary romance. Some of my books are more general fiction with romantic elements and have additional story lines. This one is pretty much straight romance with low to medium heat level.

Planning the cover reveal on Sept. 1 and the release on Sept. 11. Hope you’ll check back for both of those, and join in the celebration. I’ll be doing a giveaway or two, including a Goodreads Giveaway of paperback copies. Fun times ahead! 🙂

Here are a couple of short excerpts. Get your copy soon to read more!

Fascinated and shocked at the same time, Michael watched as a woman pushed against the window, shouting fiercely, her face so distorted that it reminded Michael of one of those wavy mirrors at an arcade. Will simply nodded his head as he inched the car forward. People yelled and pounded on the car. Signs blanketed the front of the windshield.

He brushed a thumb across her lips, and another thought slammed in. That call. That damned phone call from him. She said she’d call him back later. Would she yet tonight? And what would she say? Michael swallowed hard. It wasn’t something he could ask. All he could do was . . . wait.

What was Lost is Found Again

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015 darlenedeluca Home & Family, This and That, Uncategorized Colorado, keys, lost, vacation

Oh, the little things . . . just back from a week in Colorado, and I’m so happy to have all of my personal belongings.
See, I had a couple brain cramps and missing items – which is definitely out of character for me. I’m usually very organized, and not only do I keep track of my own stuff, I pretty much do the same for the rest of the fam.
So, egads, in one trip I lost my good sunglasses and my car key, neither of which are cheap items to replace. And replacing the key would be a pain. (The friend I was with when I purchased the sunglasses would probably say the same for choosing a new pair!)

As we were on our way down the beautiful Eleven-Mile Canyon near Florrisant, Colo., I suddenly realized I didn’t have the glasses. We’d just spent more than an hour meandering up the canyon, stopping along the way to take pictures, look at the creek, explore nature, etc. After searching purse, backpack, car, bags, we determined that I must have dropped them somewhere along the way. Great. How to trace our steps and stop at all the same pull-offs, find the same rocks and scenic spots we’d been to? I was feeling pretty annoyed and not terribly bright, but as luck would have it, my husband was able to look back through the photos he’d taken and determine approximately when I’d last had them. Believe it or not, we actually found the stop, and the rock that my daughter and I had earlier perched on. There, indeed, were my glasses, just hanging out on the rock! Note to self: keep track of your stuff!

Fast forward a few days. My car key goes missing – a day and a half after I’d last driven. OMG. Trying to figure out when I’d last had them, and all the places I could’ve dropped them or left them was ridiculous. I called restaurants and stores, tore through the house and car, dumped my purse, computer bag and backpack more than once, and still did not come up with the key. By now, I’m feeling like I must be in the early stages of dementia, Alzheimer’s or some such degenerative disease. This was not like me. So I spend a couple of days fuming and fretting. The last two times I’d been to Colorado, I ended up having to replace the windshield on my car after a rock popped up and cracked it. Was I destined to have a car-related expense on every trip?

The morning we left, I’m feeling around in my purse for the house key, and realize there’s a small hole in the side of the pocket where I kept the key. I figured I must have poked at it so many times in my hunting, that I’d caused a rip in the fabric. In the car a few hours later, it hits me. If the tear had been there before, could my key with fob and keychain have worked themselves through that hole? If so, the key would not drop into the purse, but in between the purse and the lining. Would I not have heard or felt them? No, indeed. We stopped for a fast-food lunch, and as soon as I could, I wiggled my fingers down between the purse and lining. Sure enough, there was the key. Whew! Not only was I relieved to have the key back, I salvaged my reputation, and could put to rest fears of senility! (Sincere apologies to all the people I had hunting for that dang key!) Very glad to not have to add getting a replacement to my list of post-vacation tasks! 🙂

Now This is Eye Candy!

March 25, 2015 darlenedeluca This and That, Uncategorized cactus, flowers, Huntington Gardens, photos, spring break

Just got back from spring break. Tons of fun in (mostly) sunny California! Had a great time watching my son play tennis and hanging out at several beaches with the fam and our friend. But one of the best days was when I stole away all by myself to visit the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. This place is just amazing. Beautiful. Restful. Peaceful. So many lovely places to just relax, read and reflect. I did all of that, but I also took a bunch of pictures. The wisteria in the Japanese garden was stunning. May have gotten a little carried away in the desert garden. There are some strange and incredible plants on this planet! Here’s a little peek!

Of Belles and Books

March 16, 2015 darlenedeluca Guests, Uncategorized author, historical fiction, Nashville, stories

Hello, everyone! Happy Monday to you! Today it’s my pleasure to have Belle Blackburn as my guest. (It’s okay if you suddenly have the urge to belt out a chorus of “Be My Guest, Be My Guest, Be My Guest.” I did.) Belle is, of course, an avid reader, but also a talented writer who enjoys mixing a variety of genres into her novels.

Welcome, Belle!

What genre(s) do you write?
Primarily historical fiction but you could slip it into a few other categories like mystery, romance, history and medical.

How did you become interested in that genre/topic?
This sounds so cheesy but it was seeing Gone With the Wind when I was 14 years old. I knew there had been a Civil War but it was just some dates and battle names in a history book, which bored me immensely. My mother took me to the movie and it really made an impact on me. That was the first time I had heard about how war affected civilians as well as soldiers. I still remember the shot of all those wounded soldiers lying in the sun (half of which were dummies). My brother was in the military at the time so I was very sensitive to that. I then read the book and have had an interest in history since, though I usually focus on civilians. If you are looking for book spotlighting the military, battles and weapons, there are many out there by experts in that field and I am not one.

How long have you been writing and how many published works?
I have planned to write since second grade and got a minor in journalism, but did not produce my first book until a couple of years ago. I wrote a murder mystery and needed it to be set in a time without forensics and since Nashville was a busy and important place during the Civil War, I chose that time period. I like to discover history in the setting of a good tale so I slipped Nashville’s war story into it. It does take a ton of research but I love it. I am now writing the sequel.

What’s your favorite part about writing?
Experiencing the flow. Sometimes I just can’t get it on paper quick enough and it takes on a life of its own. I have had bossy characters who insisted on having things their way, which I had not planned. I know to appreciate those times because sometimes it drags. And, of course, five star reviews are pretty awesome. ☺

In writing historical fiction, you must have done some research. What are your sources? Are there any particular historical “nuggets” you found while researching? And travel required?
I spent a lot of time in the Nashville Room at the main library. I loved finding books that were eyewitness accounts. I also contacted several of the local historians, who were very helpful. I discovered a thesis about daily life in Nashville in the 1850s at the Vanderbilt Library and that gave good insight to the city. My biggest problem was finding out about the law of the time and I finally found a legal historian. The research into the medical practice of that time was very interesting in that it held no resemblance to today’s medicine at all. It is so easy to deride their medical practices but I know in 150 years they will be feeling the same way about our time. I often wonder if our generation’s time will be known as The Chemical Age. And I have to say researching is tremendously easier with the internet! As far as travel, it was mostly limited to within the city – libraries, historical sites, presentations or to meet a historian. I’m sure there was some European connection to Nashville in the Civil War that I will have to go research!

Tell us a little about your main character.
Kate is…a bit flawed. Mostly she is just young and inexperienced and, like people of that age, thinks she has all the answers. She is a bit brash in her thoughts, which she at least has enough sense not to vocalize. She does grow a lot in the 1+ year this book covers. She is at the core a good person but stubborn when she has something in her head, and doesn’t always make good choices. I sometimes have inspiration for a character from a real person but Kate is just purely out of my head.

What do you hope readers will enjoy or take away from reading your book?
I hope first that they enjoy a good yarn and love the characters, but secondarily I would like for them to learn things they never knew before.

Please share a couple of favorite lines from your book.
This is like asking me to choose a favorite child but I will settle on one from the first page – “I went to church to practice hate and revenge.”

Where do you get your story ideas?
History guides my story. My characters have to operate within the confines of true history, however, their own stories can come from anywhere. I have incorporated some of my own experiences as well as others. Most of it just comes out of my head or my husband’s. He is my male muse since he has a great imagination and creative mind. I will get stuck at points and I will ask him how this character is going to get to this place or how I can make this happen and he usually has a good idea.

Is there anyone in particular who has influenced your writing career?
I am grateful to the teachers who encouraged me along the way. The author Susan Howatch influenced me with her intelligent and insightful Starbridge series of books, as well as Wheel of Fortune. I learned that no matter how much I think I know a situation, other people see the same thing quite differently. And most people do not even know themselves. She likens the personality to an onion, where the outer layer is the glittering image you present the world, then you start stripping off the layers until you get down to the very core, and your true self is usually not what you think it will be at all.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
It usually involves my hands in the dirt or on an animal but very soon it will involve my first grandchild. I will wash my hands first before handling him, afterwards with the other two.

What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?
I was voted Most Mischievous in high school.

What’s next on your writing journey?
The sequel to the first book. Got some loose ends to tie up.

So, I’m curious have you ever (or how many times) dressed up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast?
I have now!

Connect with Belle!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Doctors-Daughter-Journey-Justice/dp/0615690955

www.belleblackburn.com

https://www.facebook.com/belle.blackburn.3?fref=ts

Celebrate all the love!

February 14, 2015 darlenedeluca Uncategorized celebrate, friends, love, Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love! I know, right now you’re thinking, well, duh. That’s what Valentine’s Day is all about. But it seems to me that more and more the holiday is touted as a romantic day, a special time to get away with your sweetie, spouse, significant other. It certainly is that, and I enjoy my chocolates, flowers and special dinner. It’s more than that, though.

I enjoy lots of aspects of Valentine’s Day – including the non-romantic ones. I often send cards to friends. This year, since neither kid is home, I mailed them both Valentine packages full of goodies. This is a first – included in my son’s package is a little gift for his girlfriend. 🙂 Yesterday, I left cookies for a favorite waitress at a restaurant we frequent. I used to sit the kids down with construction paper, doilies, markers and stickers and have them make valentines for grandparents and neighbors. I remember the excitement of picking out valentines for classmates, and making special “boxes” to collect the valentines in year after year with my kids. For several years, I hid little cut-out hearts around the house and sent the kids on a heart hunt. I know lots of kids had Valentine parties at school yesterday. I’ve seen adorable pictures on Facebook of girls in big pink hair bows, red sweaters, and red and black leggings with hearts all over them. Lots of fun stuff!

Often at this time of year I see posts from people lamenting Valentine’s Day, especially if they don’t have the aforementioned sweetie, spouse or significant other. If that’s the case, I hope there’s an opportunity to celebrate all the other love in your life. Spend the evening with a parent, a sister, or friend, and share a bottle of wine. Send cards to family, neighbors and friends. Not all love is romantic love, but it’s all worth celebrating. Earlier this week, I had lunch with a friend who’s never been married, has no children, and has lost her parents. That may not sound like it has the makings of a stellar Valentine’s Day. But this gal has a huge heart, and lots of friends. She’s loved by many, and that’s something to celebrate! You don’t need a “love life” to celebrate the love in your life.

Cheers to all the love in your life!

Drum roll, please . . . here it is!

December 21, 2014December 21, 2014 darlenedeluca Books, Uncategorized, What's New cover reveal, friends, Kansas, new release, women

Here it is, the cover for my new women’s fiction novel “Second Wind!”

The cover says so much about the story, but of course, you’ll have to read it to understand how the images and title and storyline all work together.

I love the bright colors, and the sunflowers, which capture a windy day on the plains of Kansas, where the story is set.

“Second Wind” is book two in my Women of Whitfield series featuring a group of longtime best-buddies who support and encourage each other through life’s ups and downs in the small town of Whitfield.

They raise kids, manage homes and careers, run community events and organizations, laugh, live and love.

Pick up a copy of book one, “The Storm Within,” to get to know these women – people you’d want to be friends with in real life!