Friday's Fractured Features...

Today's Feature is another recipe to go along with the refreshing drink.  :O)
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Chicken Tortilla Soup
(This makes enough for a big family or a nice luncheon)
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1/3 C. Butter
1/4 C. Flour (More for thick & creamy or less for soupy)
1/2 Small Onion (More or less according to taste)
2 Cans (14oz) of Chicken broth (I use 1 can for thick & less soupy)
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Melt the butter in a large sauce pan, add the onion until tender. Add flour to make a roux, then slowly  add cans of Chicken broth. Mix until creamy with no lumps. Add:
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1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (or a fresh clove of garlic)
1-2 TBSP Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper to taste
Boil for a few minutes then add to crock pot of bean mixture:
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Pace Picante Sauce to taste
2 Cans Great Northern White Beans
2 Cans Black Beans
2 Cans Kidney or Pinto Beans  (I use Kidney)
2 Cans of Whole Kernel Corn
2 Cans of Green Chilies
2 Cans of Chicken or (I use 2-4 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts) Shredded



  (I put the Chicken in the crock and cook for several hours until done, then shred it and add back to the Crock Pot.



 *Drain all cans BEFORE adding to Crock Pot of Chicken.



 ; then add the roux sauce to Chicken mix.

 


 Cook until heated through;



  serve with Tortilla Chips, Cheese, Sour Cream, etc.

Ladle into big bowls & go ahead and eat it with a fork!

Serve it with a refreshing drink such as the one posted here this week.  :O)

 



~ Enjoy ~

Wacky Wednesday...

Well, Wacky Wednesday is here
Gonna go for another year!
Now wackiness does abound
Over the town and all around.

Now I'm gonna share with you
Something so extremely good too
So you wanna quench your thirst?
This recipe is easy and versed.  :O)


Refreshing Water:

1 sprig of mint
1/2 slice of Orange
Ice Cubes
Water

 





Enjoy!

 

Monday's Musings- Big In Japan a Book Review...

The past couple of weeks, I spent some of my time reading. One novel I read was: Big in Japan by Jennifer Griffith.

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This is Jennifer’s forth novel. Jennifer is another of those novelists that can grab your attention at the beginning of the book and keep you spellbound to the last surprising chapter and page. Jennifer has a knack of transporting the reader into the story where they experience the action, loves, and heartaches of the lively characters within.

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This fictional account is a story set in Texas and Japan. Big in Japan is about Buck Cooper and his struggles as an obese man who seems to be invisible to his colleagues and the girl he has a ‘big-as-him’ crush on and those he comes into contact with. His life is changed drastically when he goes to Japan with his mother & father to help promote a product his father has invented.

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Buck is faced with decisions that will take him from the life he has known, (which not only he’s good at but that he thinks he loves), to the love of another kind. Buck finds that a bigness that has caused him ridicule and grief his whole life is the very thing that brings him fame in Japan. I found myself frustrated with Buck at times and excited and happy for him as well. You will cheer for him and fear for him as he climbs a foreign ladder into the world of sumo wrestling, where foreigners are not so happily welcomed. Having grown up on what I lovingly call “a poor dirt farm” in Arizona, I could relate somewhat to Buck – the guy who never got the girl and with some of the crude ways he was forced to live (and this is stretching the imagination).

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Life for Buck in Texas has been one of a total contrast from the life Chocho’s had to live being the “princess” daughter of the sumo world’s kingpin leader in Japan. She is impressed and inspired by Buck. It seems all of Japan is taken with his winning smile and ability to captivate those around him. But Chocho knows nothing can come of their friendship for it would be a forbidden love. Her father would never stand for a blonde, blue-eyed son-in-law; he would see his daughter sold to the highest sumo wrestler first… to him that would be an honorable match, love or no.

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Buck finds life in the sumo world to be one of great challenge. The decisions Buck eventually makes seem to have little regard for the cost to himself and even to his beloved father’s successful venture in Japan. I found that I admired his tenacity and persistence in being able and willing to do some of the things required of him, and his stick-to-it-ivenesss (I know that’s not a word but regardless, it seems to fit).

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In the end, does Buck go back to his accounting life in Texas? Does he finally win the girl at the office that has snubbed him before? Or does he climb to the top of the sumo wrestling world and the cash money that could save his family’s threatened farm? Does he stay in Japan, a country he’s learned to love and win the forbidden love and a true friend? Those are questions you may ask and certainly find out if you read this book.

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Jennifer Griffith paints a picture of human struggles in epic proportions. Trials of integrity, loyalty, forgiveness and the courage to face the decisions we make are all an intrinsic part of this story, where Jennifer takes us into the characters hearts and the life of a sumo wrestler that will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning page after page. If you’re interested in a good book to read, I highly recommend Big in Japan by Jennifer Griffith. I would give this book five stars!  ~Joyce

 

 

Children's Book Writers - Blog Hop...

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Have you ever had any of those days where you felt like your day wasn't yours? Well that's what happened to me. I was supposed to post this blog yesterday... well better late than never... A day late a dollar short... :O)
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If you are new to my blog, welcome, welcome! Take a look around and have fun with what you find.  I was invited to be a part of a blog hop for writers of children's books. A blog hop is fun; it's where we get to talk about our busy lives as writers. It also helps people find new and exciting blogs and its fun to connect people all over the world. If you're following the tour you most likely came here from Mikey Brooks blog at http://writtenbymikey.blogspot.com/2013/08/childrens-writers-blog-hop.html#.Ugj4lG1FLbA

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Thank you Mikey for inviting me to join this hop. The classification of children's literature encompasses a lot of ages. I write picture books (ages 0-9). So while on this hop you might find someone who writes a picture book or someone who writes for teens. That's the fun of it. .

We were asked to answer 4 simple questions. I hope you find my answers insightful. I also invite you to check out the stops on this blog hop so we can keep you discovering new and talented writers. We were asked to give the links to 3 other blogger's who write children's books (anything from picture books to teens) and get them to post a week after our post. It’s easy breezing. Here goes: .

1. What are you working on right now?

Joyce – right now I’m working on several books. The one I’m currently working on is the second edition of my children’s books of Albert’s Adventures, titled: Albert Has A Family a bear’s tale. I have completed Albert Goes Camping a bear’s tale and it’s for sale at Amazon.

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?

Joyce – Albert Has A Family is a children’s picture book where the story and photographs are by me. Think: Who likes to play in Tonka Land and needs to chase away the monsters under his bed? Albert, a lovable stuffed teddy bear, that’s who!

      This book is thirty-nine pages of a fun, rhyming, climbing concept book about Albert’s adventures. In this delightful picture book Albert tries to get along with his sister and brothers, even when sometimes it’s hard. Albert Has A Family is a gentle story for children ages one through six.

3. Why do you write what you do?

Joyce – That’s simple; because I enjoy it. Well, I’ve always liked reading books to my children, then grandchildren. I have fond memories of sitting next to my mother and her reading to me – so that’s always been a dream to write my own. Plus I’ve written about ten other children’s books that someday I will shake the dust off of and submit them as well.  :O)

4. How does your writing process work?

Joyce – Favorite practice: I like to sit down in the morning when it’s quiet and no one will be calling me and just go to work. I’m a pants-ter, so I just start going at it without any format – just the story in mind. I do the same thing with my paintings. I have never been a format-ter.

With my children’s books, a story formulates in my mind, I grab my camera and Albert, and then go pose him and possibly one or two others all over the place. I currently have the pictures taken for the seven other Albert books. I just look at the picture and figure out what Albert wants to say. I’ve had a lot of fun creating Albert Has A Family as I have with the first one, Albert Goes Camping.

Your next stops on the blog hop will take place 1 week from today (August 26th) but please don't hesitate to go check out Mikey Brooks’ blog and the others listed on his site today. You'll enjoy what you find. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful morning, day, or evening (depending on what time you’re reading this).

 

Author Elana Johnson:

http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

Author Sara B. Larson:

http://sarablarson.blogspot.com

Author Kathryn Purdie:

http://purdiewriting.blogspot.com

Author Cindy R. Williams:

 

 

OMGG It's August ALREADY!!!

OMGG stands for oh my goodness gracious! So OMGG it's August and I can't believe its here already! My last post was in May for crying out loud... sheesh. Where has all of my time gone? Oh yeah I remember - writing, reading, creating Albert books, taking pictures, going to ANWA retreat, going to Michigan, going to Texas, going camping, going CrrrRAzzzY! 
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I love it when a plan comes together, but as of late - my plans keep flying out the door, (along with my sanity I might add). No just kidding. But I had a blast creating another Albert book that will come out later... name you might ask... Albert Goes To Michigan - that's what.  :O) Anyway taking my camera and my stuffed bear and posing him all over the place was fun.
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Today this is a short little note just to let you know I'm still alive and kicking. My bff is coming to town tomorrow and we are gonna grab our other friend and the three of us are taking off to the country and all I have to say is once we all get together... Watch Out World! We've been best friends for fifty-five years (Yes, longer than some of you are old). We get together and all boundaries leave - no limits held. Our motto: “I’m over 60 and I can do whatever the heck I want.”  :O)  {Well within the law – we do NO law breaking here!}  :O)
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Take care people, I’ll be gone a week but will be back to tell you about my writing and I think a book review is way past due.  ~ Joyce

 

Monday's Musings...

          Today just seems to be a lazy day for me... I can't get motivated for much. Although I have done a little more work on another Albert book. Albert's adventures is a series of children's books I've started to publish. The first one is: Albert Goes Camping. The one I've been working on today is: Albert Has a Family. I've been taking pictures of my stuffed bear and putting the idea to storyline; its been a lot of fun and rewarding at the same time.

This is the Albert Goes Camping info:

 Albert Goes Camping 

A Bear's Tale

Authored by Joyce P. Smith
Edition: 1

Join Albert, a lovable stuffed teddy bear, in this fun based rhyming concept book about his adventures while camping. His momma and daddy help Albert have good manners when he's in the mountains camping.

Albert climbs trees; he learns about pine cones and the wonders of the forest. When he's good his Momma takes him to get ice cream at the camp store. Albert's favorite game is hide-and-go-seek. His favorite dinner is corn on the cob, and he learns about safe campfire building as well as using soap and water when washing for dinner.

 

Albert Goes Camping is a gentle camping story for children ages one through six.

 

Publication Date: Apr 11 2013

ISBN/EAN13: 1483958639 / 9781483958637

Page Count: 36

Size:  8.5" x 11"

Language: English

Color: Full Color

Related Categories:

Juvenile Fiction / General

If you have children or grandchildren who like to read or be read to go ahead and order this book.
Thanks ~ Joyce

Wacky Wednesday...

For Wacky Wednesday - what's more wacky than to have a chance to win a FREE book AND a $10 gift card?
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So, hey everyone - don't forget that you only have two and a half - yes, 2 1/2 days left to get in on this great deal of Tina Scott's. So if you haven't done it yet - hop to it:
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This is the last week to enter for a free copy of Farewell, My Denmark, and a $10 Target gift card. Anyone who entered before but didn't win, can enter this week for another chance. http://totallytinascott.blogspot.com/

Monday Musings... An Interview

Interview with Tina Scott and Book Giveaway

 

Today I have the privilege of interviewing my sister, Tina Scott.

Welcome to another week of Tina Scott's blog tour for her soon-to-be-released debut historical novel, Farewell, My Denmark! I am delighted to host an interview with Tina here at Zany G's World this week; thank you Tina for joining me here.

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Tina is also giving away a copy of her novel (June publication date), along with a $10 Target gift card. For a chance to win, leave a comment on this interview. For additional chances to win, Tweet or Face book this giveaway and leave a comment here, letting Tina know you've Face booked or Tweeted about her giveaway. Tina will we checking out the comments and a winner will be selected at 5PM PST on Friday (April 26th). BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS so Tina can contact you if you win! (Any international winner will receive an e-book only... Sorry.)

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JPS: Welcome, Tina. Lets break the ice first and learn a little bit about YOU. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

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Tina:  I'm going to have to say, Pistachio Nut, since that's the flavor I always get; even when in Denmark that was the flavor I always bought.

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JPS: Out of all the pets you've had in your lifetime, which was your favorite/most beloved? Name? Why this one over the others?

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Tina:  I would have to say Rex, he was a golden Lab and played soccer  with the kids and went camping with us and was just a fun old dog. 

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JPS: When did you start writing?

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Tina: I think it was in First grade. They had us write stories for English assignments and mom would buy the old newsprint paper that came in rolls. I would make it into books and write stories about Trolls and draw pictures of them that our brother Steve taught me how to draw; And I got good grades too.  :O)

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JPS: I remember you always collecting Trolls; do you still have your collection? I know you and our older sister went on two vacations to Denmark. How did those experiences help you with writing Farewell, My Denmark in descriptions and feeling?

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Tina: Yes, I still have my Troll collection and I found out that Trolls originated in Denmark. The sad thing is I didn't know that when we went there and I didn't buy a Troll while there. My experiences there helped because we went to the Den Fynske village where they have all the different buildings that would have been common during my story timeline. I was also able to get a feel for the fauna and flora of Denmark. 

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JPS:  Cool. Tina, can you please tell us your favorite part of Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: Wow that's not a fair question, there are lots of parts I like. I like the beginning because I was able to put in things that I experienced while I was there. I also liked when they boarded the John J. Boyd and got to write about some of the experiences our ancestors had. I really like the whole book, it makes me proud.

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JPS: I'm proud of you too. Now would you please tell us a  short blip about your historical novel Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: I'd love to. A failed engagement sets seventeen-year-old Catherine Erichsen on a faith-building journey of self discovery as she follows her parents and other Mormon Saints on the 1863 immigration to America. When precious heirlooms start disappearing aboard the John J. Boyd, Catherine nearly loses her life at the hand of thieving sailors and fears she won’t live long enough to fulfill the desires of her heart.

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JPS: Farewell, My Denmark is set in 1863. Is there a particular reason you chose that year?

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Tina: This is the year that one set of our ancestors emigrated from Denmark aboard the ship John J. Boyd.

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JPS: So there's a link to our own family history; that's so exciting isn't it!?!?! What did you find most fascinating about this time period?

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Tina: It was a time of transition for modern technology. Bicycles had been invented, but chances that a farm girl would have seen one were slim. They traveled by train part of the way, but many of the immigrants, I’m sure, had never seen a train before they stepped aboard, and so many of their experiences were different and exciting.

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JPS: I remember our dad always speaking fondly of Denmark and the Danes. In fact he spoke fluent Danish to the day he died. Do you think he would be proud of you for this book and the love you've gained for the Danes through this effort?

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Tina: Well, we could hope so, I would always like to make my daddy proud. Grandma too - she wanted me to write.

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JPS: I’m interested in how authors research historical novels such as yours. Could you tell us a little about how you researched the historical background for Farewell, My Denmark? Was it mostly Internet surfing?

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Tina I got my information from a variety of sources. My family history gave me the idea for the story. I found other immigrants’ histories in the Mormon Immigration Index to broaden my perspective on their experience, I resourced a few books, and the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I went to Denmark where I visited the Den Fynske Landsby, or Funen Village. It is here that they’ve brought antique homes and buildings from various regions of Denmark and turned it into an open air museum, and give snippets of their peasant history.

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JPS: Oh, wow, can you share with us your top three favorite research books or other resources?

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Tina: Going there in person trumps anything else. *grin*

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JPS: Yes, it would, I'm envious I didn't get to go with you guys. Are there any other historical figures from that era who particularly intrigue you?

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Tina: I would have to say Hans Christian Andersen. I grew up hearing his stories and loving them. And, when I was young, Danny Kaye starred in a movie about HCA, which I watched with delight.

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JPS: Oh, that's right, I remember momma having those books and reading them to us. What a hoot that was.  :O)  So what inspired you to write Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: There are so many well written stories about the American pioneers, but I hadn't encountered any about the Danish pioneers. I feel that their stories are unique and interesting, and deserve to be told to.

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JPS: I agree. I look forward to exploring this "less told" aspect of the LDS history. Are you working on any new projects? What are some of the other works-in-progress you're doing?

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Tina: Yes, I'm in the middle of writing a story about Catherine's sister who ends up staying in Denmark.

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JPS: That's intriguing. Where can readers obtain copies of Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: Farewell, My Denmark will be available in June on Amazon, Kindle, and Smashwords.

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JPS: Tina, thank you for joining me today on my blog; it's been fun.

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Tina: You are very welcome.
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Now remember, for a chance to win a copy of Farewell, My Denmark along with a $10 Target gift certificate, leave a comment on this interview. Tweet and/or Facebook for additional entries before 5 PM EST, Friday April 26th. DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

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Thank you for joining us today ~ Joyce P. Smith

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Friday's Fractured Features...

Wow, I don't know what happened to the last three months... I've been gone, I've been busy, etc,  - is all that I can say. 
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Since today is Friday I thought I would share a Friday's Fractured Feature with you... so here goes, an excerpt from
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Just Another Player

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Sneering at the Firemen; Semi; car; and the lapping flames, he felt depraved of his intent. 

He reached into his coat and pulled out a silencer for the Glock-34 he held in his hand. With lips curled in hatred, and his eyes trained on the car that held Dielan captive, he screwed the silencer into place. His chuckle could barely be heard.

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In a yard close by, a large dog started barking.

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Shooting an evil look toward the noisy dog he scowled, and swore evil profanity under his breath, “… you better be quiet you noisy beast or you’ll get yours. I am the Great One!”

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He pulled the dark hood closer to his face and flipped up the collar of his jacket. He stuffed his hands and the gun in his coat while he waited a moment for the dog to quiet down. Moving silently, he went to a spot farther from the growling dog and any attention it might bring.

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The big dog barked more excitedly, and charged the chain link fence with its head down, growling, with its sharp teeth bared in a vicious and aggressive attitude. He growled louder with each lung forward.

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The Great One slowly lifted his arm; the target changed. Taking perfect aim with his gun pointed at the dog. A soft pop sounded, silencing the dog forever.

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The Great One stood with a satisfied grin on his face; eyes fixated on the blood that trickled from the head of the fallen dog onto the frozen ground.

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“I am the Great One - I decide!”

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... I hope you've enjoyed the sample...

~ Joyce P. Smith

 

I will try to be more diligent in posting on here in future.  :O)
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Friday's Fractured Features...

Today for your fractured features, I've decided that its about time I give you another teaser from my current WIP (Work in Progress) Just Another Player:

... While sitting there, uneasily looking around, the hair at the nape of her neck stood on end; she could feel eyes were watching her.

Malicious

Dark

Ugly fear coursed down her spine.

Suzanna jerked her head around, in time to see a man duck behind a pillar.

Heart racing, perspiration beading up under her nose and at her spine, Suzanna sat with her purse and packages held tightly to her chest, ready to leap up and run.

Thump, thump; her heart pounded in her chest.

Terrified now, Suzanna sat looking toward the pillar where having last seen the man duck. Feeling something brush against her arm, Suzanna jumped up and knocked into a woman trying to get passed her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.” Suzanna apologized.

“Obviously not; you have your chair sticking clear in the isle; no one can get past you.” The woman said while pushing past Suzanna and muttering: “These young people think they own the blasted mall...” The woman went off shaking her head and mumbling her egocentric chatter.

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I hope you've enjoyed the sample of my story. Have a great day!
~Joyce P.

Wacky Wednesday...

Wow its already Wacky Wednesday and I haven't posted on here for a month. As you can see I've changed my look from the Christmas theme to one of poster boards and writing. :O)
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Today hasn't been so wacky so I won't attempt to rhyme this post.
In fact I've spent the day writing and working on blog and fb changes and clearing out some way overdue e-mails. AND giving my husband a well overdue haircut. See this is what happens when you're a licensed Beautician... you get to cut the hair of your family... whether you're retired or not.  :O)
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This week I've spent a lot of time working on my Albert Goes Camping children's book. Hopefully I will get that one figured out and will be able to get it published soon... wish me luck! In the meantime I'm also working on my Novel Just Another Player trying to get the edit finished to the point I will be ready for some Beta Readers to take a look at it.
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My brave act... I signed up to do a pitch at our upcoming ANWA Conference. Yikes!!!
Okay, I've got to get back to my Novel so I'll be ready for said pitch.
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~Joyce P