Posted by monicacollier on Feb 1, 2012 in
General 
Red Press Co.
As a romance writer, when I was asked recently by a friend to define what I consider being romanced by a man, I was quite befuddled.
Society has developed and influenced what it considers the proper romancing of a woman that is further perpetuated by film and print. I myself am guilty through my own work. Flowers, candy, dinner, wine, sex. Sound familiar? While this might be part of that it does not encompass it.
I view romance as not the means to an end but a continual seduction, daily, of my senses, my heart, and my mind. A man must discover what makes me ‘tick’ and then find ways to engage me daily. After all the little things in life are what matter to me. What are my hopes and dreams? What lives in my head and my heart? How do we share that?
Relationships evolve with time. We change individually. So in essence continual discovery, consideration, and love of each other that keeps the romance alive. If you forget the romance then the relationship will flat line.
How do you define romance?
Tags: blog musings, Kissing Hollywood, Love, musings, Romance, Valentine's Day
Posted by monicacollier on Oct 1, 2011 in
General 
I've fallen for Fall.
I rose today with a sense of wonder and purpose. I’m eagerly working on my novels. Answers and ideas for them come at odd times. I seem to have more of them upon rising. Today was wonderful indeed – a perfect Fall morning. Cool. Clear. Breezy. Full of promise.
I’ve never been one to get up early. In fact, my definition of getting up early on ‘off’ days was about noon. As I have aged I discovered something curious about myself – I like getting up early. I find it wonderful to be the first person who is awake in the house. I can make the coffee I like, or tea, and enjoy the quiet moments available. I might ponder last night’s dreams, or tasks I really would like to accomplish on my mental checklist for the day. It might even be something that God has laid on my heart.
Whatever you wake with in your thoughts each day remember to use them well – write them down. I find if I don’t they escape me entirely.
On another note – be positive. Choose to have a wonderful attitude and be happy. You never know – that person you smile and chat with in the coffee line might have really needed to see God through your actions that day.
Tags: answer, God, inspiration, novels, Promises, question, write, writing
Posted by monicacollier on Sep 30, 2011 in
General 
It still amazes me, every time, that I try not to listen to God’s instructions, and when I finally do, how the enormous blessings pour over me.
I recently wrapped up a writer’s retreat, my first, with a group of wonderful women. We all had differing backgrounds but a common goal – to further our pursuit as a writer. How gratifying to see each of them leave with a sense of accomplishment and that grin that implies the knowledge of realization – that they are a writer.
Blessings came to all of us. Even me. I have a renewed sense of purpose and in my material.
Thank you to all who attended – Michelle Wier, Jackie Smith, Sara Boggs, Lorna Alexander, and Lavada J. Rowe. You all helped to bring a dream to fruition – helping others to find success and the writer within.
More details on the next retreat will be available on Red Press Co.’s website and on Where Women Write
Special Thanks to : Jamie Cat Callan for the Writer’s Toolbox, Dianne MacLean at the Art Room, Martha Holbrook at Rosebud Cottage, Candy Pressley at Microtel, Suzanne at Books Unlimited, and Sandy Pantaleo at Main Street Coffee & Tea, and Sara Doolittle.
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Tags: books, inspiration, Where Women Write, write, writer's retreat, writing
Posted by monicacollier on Jul 27, 2011 in
General Where to begin. I watched part two of HP and the Deathly Hallows tonight. I started thinking about Rowling’s efforts in finishing the series.
At times we all hit a wall. Out favorite author’s are no different.
Take time for you. Find your inspiration. The rest will come.
Tags: inspiration, writer's block, writing
Posted by monicacollier on Apr 21, 2011 in
General Still stuck on that idea for a project? Novel? Short story? Fan fiction? Get motivated!
Where Women Write – a retreat specifically designed to help you move forward with the idea rattling around in your head. Set for September 20-23, 2011, in Franklin, North Carolina, this event is sure to fire your creativity and provide sound information for navigating the publishing waters. More details will come along shortly.
Sponsored by Red Press Co.
Tags: books, fan fiction, Franklin, North Carolina, publishing, retreat, Where Women Write, write, writing
Posted by monicacollier on Apr 14, 2011 in
General 
I remember summers from my childhood living in the moutains of western North Carolina. We had rows of corn, bright bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes of every color and shape imaginable. We even had a strawberry patch. As a very young child I slipped around behind my mother after she dusted the broccoli plants for bugs and proceeded to pinch the newly formed broccoli heads off, gobbling them down greedily. She was horrified that I had ingested them with a fresh coat of seven dust. I wasn’t harmed.
I was also stung by a packsaddle worm one summer in the corn. I’ll never forget harvesting that season, for sure.
As a nation we have slipped into the mentality of instant gratification. It hasn’t served us well, as the financial crisis and subsequent meltdown has shown. We feel entitled, when really, we shouldn’t. Patience in all things. It serves us well and teaches us valuable lessons.
Apply that to gardening. Whether it is a small container, a few rows in a petite yard, or half an acre – pleasure, excercise, and sense of accomplishment come with growing something. Children benefit from the experience as well as adults. Having fresh produce on hand reduces grocery bills leaving more money in your wallet. Many sites on the internet will give you gardening plans, advice on organic growing without pesticides, and great information – free. Purchase a few simple tools, some seeds, and get your hands dirty.
Get back to basics in your life. We make life complicated. God makes it easy. Take a bit of time, leave the television off, get outside with your family, or just yourself, and start something growing this year. You’ll be thankful you did. The memories of one simple act can last a lifetime. And who knows? Perhaps your child will make a career from their experience with landscape or horticulture.
Get growing today.
For gardening plans and ideas:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/vegetable-garden-plans/
Tags: broccoli, corn, gardening, North Carolina, seeds, strawberry, tomatoes, vegetables
Posted by monicacollier on Apr 14, 2011 in
General Several of you have asked me how to add your own mini-photo when posting on my blog, and others. Here is your answer – a globally recognized avatar or gravatar. They are used all over the internet in many blogs and the best part- they’re free.
Sign up for your own at
http://en.gravatar.com/
Tags: blog, gravatar
Posted by monicacollier on Apr 13, 2011 in
General 
After many commercials reminding me that Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Season 2, would be debuting on Tuesday, April 12, I couldn’t wait to see it. It was TIVO’d. Sorry Jamie, but Mark Harmon was calling on CBS. After watching the episode it still has me asking- what’s in that?
Our food, food supply, ingredients, each item we consume, and the source for those, is not even in our thought process. It should be. Where does your ground beef, purchased from a supermarket, comes from? Does it have sub par content (what normally goes into dog and cat food)? Probably. Jamie raised a good point to ponder – What’s in that?
The meat industry, which is overseen by the USDA, and is supposed to have our best interest at heart, does not require labeling of our meat, telling us if it contains ‘pink slime’ (look it up) processed with ammonia. Just the concept of cosuming this ‘stuff’ turns my stomach. Know your butcher. Know your food. Know where that cow grazed, what it was given, how it was slaughtered. It matters.
I’m calling Brasstown Beef, today, and finding out who carries their products locally because I know how they care for their beef. It’s organic and pesticide free. My food background is returning me to battle- for my health and yours too. Get on board with the ‘Food Revolution’ today. The health of our children depends on it.
Jamie is battling the Los Angeles school district for they are feeding kids there. He is going to battle for you too.
For more information about this Brit with a cause- our cause- http://www.jamieoliver.com
Tags: Brasstown Beef, Food Revolution, ground beef, health, Jamie Oliver, Meat, USDA
Posted by monicacollier on Mar 31, 2011 in
General 
Each year we get to witness the spectacular show put on for Spring. It brings renewal, it brings promise of great things yet to come.
I was looking out the window this morning at the blooming cherry tree in the yard. My fingers itched to pick up my Nikon. Finally, the itch was scratched.
I posted several on Facebook for all to see.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/album.php?aid=94119&id=1071652827
Earth has her renewal with each Spring. Take the cue and renew your own spirit. God is right there, waiting. Thank you, Jesus!
Tags: cherry blossoms, Promises, renewal, Spring
Posted by monicacollier on Mar 29, 2011 in
General Ina Garten, Food Network star, best known as the Barefoot Contessa, has now agreed to invite a Make A Wish candidate to her show set.
I always felt that Ina was a very generous person. I stood by and waited for her to correct a grievous error in public relations for her alleged refusal to grant a six year old boy’s wish.
Thank you, Ina, for restoring my faith in you, as I knew you would.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/barefoot-contessa-turns-make-kid/story?id=13238578
Tags: Barefoot Contessa, Food Network, Ina Garten
