Monthly Archives: May 2014

How Books and Bookstores Have Changed My Life

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/recommend-it-starts-with-food-discover-the-whole30-and-change-your-life-in-unexpected-ways-by-melissa-hartwig-and-dallas-hartwig/
This book changed my life – I had tried so many diets even working with a Health Fitness place but this guide will bring home how the body works and what you need to do to get your weight under control and so much more. Take the time to read it (and its a quick read if all you want to do is get started on the lifestyle that will set you free).
I’m also thankful for Preferred One insurance and Fairview Health Service and Can Do New Thinking, Better Choices program – its helped me find the keys to long term solutions from food, to finances, to interpersonal relationships and finding peace within yourself.
I’m thankful that I found this book at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at the July 13th 2013 book signing with Nora Roberts I’ve lost 60 pounds since then and continue to lose until my muscle, bone and fat ratio is within norms. This is an achievable goal, this is my life and my journey and I control what food I eat, how much I move, and listening to what my body is telling me. See information about my journey to date and my continuing journal at my blogs:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/weekly-photo-challenge-work-of-art/
http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/Your spirit and soul are ready to be heard – tune in and listen. Keep on believing in the possibilities of what YOU CAN DO:)

On this blog click on the Weight link on the left to read about the beginning of my journey.  I’m keeping my ongoing journey in Journal form on http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/

I have to share and celebrate how books change my life and bookstores with heart carry just the books you need.  So glad I traveled to Boonsboro last July, hope all that are able attend this year as well.  Find out more about the 2014 book signing and brunch with Nora on her blog at this link:  http://fallintothestory.com/eventssignings/

Comments are welcome.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

Leave a comment

Posted in Believe, BookReviews, Books, Decisions, Facebook, FindingOneself, Health, Hope, Inspire, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Nutrition, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, Weight, Wellness, You Make a Difference

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Gallery

Weekly Photo Challenge – Work of Art

Posted on May 23, 2014

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Originally posted on Meticulous Mick:
This week’s photo challenge is ‘Work of Art’.  Now thinking of a suitable response has been difficult for this one and alas I have not come up with anything outside the box this time. Anyone…

4 Comments

New on 500px : Sunset at Penon beach by ouitab by ouitab

Posted on May 16, 2014 | 1 comment

Wow, love the subject and the lighting. Amazing picture.

FSD

Shot at “le Penon” beach, south west, France

via 500px http://ift.tt/1g9sEKa

View original post

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

New on 500px : Spring Dusk by TasosKutsiaytis by TasosKutsiaytis

Posted on May 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Excellent picture – check it out:) Happy Friday everyone.

FSD

View original post

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

your ability to choose one thought over another…

Posted on May 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Thanks for sharing. I agree – the best option is in life is to find the positive. Meditation helps me to let go of negative thoughts. There’s so much life has to offer – if we only open our eyes and see. Peace.

Leave a comment

Posted in Blogs, Reblogged, Support

Tagged

Giant Arrow Sunset

Posted on May 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

Beautiful – thanks for sharing magnificent picture:)

Don Charisma

Here’s a panorama shot blended together in Hugin from 5 portrait shots.

The clouds were arranged to give an unusual arrow sunset effect. Quite magnificent.

dannyboybroderick-big-sky-sunset

Taken in London, UK © dannyboybroderick

View original post

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

“Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts

Posted on May 11, 2014 | Leave a comment

Shadow Spell Front CoverShadow Spell Inside Front CoverShadow Spell Signature PageShadow Spell Back Cover2Shadow Spell Back FlapShadow Spell Back Jacket

Why do I recommend, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts?

First, “Shadow Spell” is a mystery that spans the centuries.  Nora does an excellent job connecting the Autumn of 1268 with the Autumn of 2013.  Eamon and Connor are kindred spirits finding common ground in the spiritual world.

Second, I find “Shadow Spell an intriguing study of old and new Ireland from the landscape to the customs.  Especially how each family unit made their income then and now.  Nora’s description of the tourism of modern Ireland makes me want to visit there and see for myself.

Finally, “Shadow Spell” speaks to the heart.  The importance of family in the good and bad times.  Learning how to work through disagreements within the family both those of the blood and those created through love and understanding.  Nora let me see how love grows through sharing and caring.

I hope you find the story of “Shadow Spell” as inspiring and enlightening as I have.  I’m looking forward to reading “Blood Magick” by Nora Roberts, hopefully to be released in October of 2014.  I’m hoping Cabhan gets what he deserves in this final installment.  I feel it will take spiritual strength and heart that extends back to the year 1268.

I purchased the novel “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts online via Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COD2

Requesting signed books is still possible. Please follow the instructions on the website carefully to be sure to get the book signed as you request, see this link for further information https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/

The site is safe and secure – I’ve been using it since August 2013 with great success. I visited Boonsboro, MD last July and am also able to say the staff and store are both friendly and helpful in customer service and layout.

Audio is also available via ttpbooks.com but I didn’t realize until after I purchased the audiobook on iTunes via Brilliance Audio see this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadow-spell-book-two-cousins/id824435002

The narrator, Allan Smyth, has a lovely accent which adds to the feel of traveling to Ireland.  Nora’s excellent descriptive writing does the rest.  I enjoyed listening as I did my daily walks and working on preparing my meals.  Allan’s ability to bring emotions to life with his tone of voice brought depth to the battle scenes.

Thank you Nora Roberts, for giving us this story of family that spans the centuries in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy with Book 1, “The Dark Witch” reviewed at this link:  https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/dark-witch-book-one-of-the-cousins-odwyer-trilogy-by-nora-roberts/ and Book 2, “The Shadow Spell” and Fall release of “Blood Magick”.

You deliver with every book and I appreciate all you share from the romance, to the family love that is of blood and spirit.  I appreciate the signature as well.  I did “Imagine” and found acceptance and love.  Peace.

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, FindingOneself, hawks, horses, Inspire, Magick, Mystery, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, NRBookReviews, Professional Woman, Roberts, Romantic Suspense, Shadow Spell, Tourism, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, Witch

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When Calls The Heart Gets a Season 2

Posted on May 5, 2014 | 2 comments

WhenCallsTheHeart-Cast

      Hallmark Channel announced today there will be a season 2 for “When Calls The Heart”

I’m so glad.  The show has a heartfelt message of redemption, importance of education, surviving tragedy and how a town works together.  The series is based on Janette Oke’s writing see link below for details:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CEEQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hallmarkchannel.com%2Fwhencallstheheart&ei=XNNnU93TIaL4yQGrnYAg&usg=AFQjCNHLArAIhqnKGW2MZhSgg9d4RthB8Q&sig2=mFR5vCGiZQvFscQ3mYpwqw&bvm=bv.65788261,d.aWc&cad=rja.

An added bonus for me has been the opportunity to meet so many excellent people via Facebook, Twitter and the Fan supported website:

Home

So if you don’t like the feel of social media – check out the website – its designed for you – keeping your information secure but allowing you to be counted as a Fan and supporter of great family entertainment with Heart.

I’m thankful for all the original series and movies Hallmark Channel is producing last year and this one especially with Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart and Signed Sealed Delivered.  I hope you tune in and join the Fans – me included – in supporting Hallmark’s efforts to put Heart into TV viewing.

Remember – join the website for behind the scenes information about Coal Valley at this link:

Home

If you like Twitter @WCTH, #Hearties (Fan inspired Hallmark embraced tag) and #WhenCallsTheHeart.

If you like Facebook join at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/544632748969161/

I joined all 3 to get the latest information.  I also created @MjbheartiesFan

Hope you all join in supporting quality family entertainment that reaches people all over the world.

Peace

Melissa Blanchard – #Hearties Fan

2 Comments

Posted in Believe, Crown Media, Facebook, Family Entertainment, Hallmark Channel, Heart of TV, Janette Oke, Support, TV Based On Books, TV Shows, TVShows, Twitter, Website, When Calls The Heart, You Make a Difference

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts

Posted on May 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

Front Cover The CollectorInside Covers Art The CollectorSignature page The CollectorBack Flap Credits The CollectorBack Cover The CollectorBookSpine

 

“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts surprises, entertains and inspires. Lila is charming with how she makes the most out of all situations. She’s always willing to help out which, in one case, may get her into some trouble.

I don’t want to give away any of the treasures you must uncover for yourself, so not much about the details of the story here. This is a murder mystery romance. It’s also an adventure, comedy and drama.

Laughter, crying and anger are the emotions I experience as I read “The Collector”. Nora is very good at pulling the emotions out of me. She also writes page turners I’m unable to put down – home run with this book. Descriptions of the settings are out of site from downtown New York – street level and a bird’s eye view from the 14th floor window – to Italy. Beautiful scenes of the people, city and rural landscape. Nora took me there for an afternoon better than any movie.

The hard cover book is pictured above with cover and without. Note the back flap is hard to read so I’ll give the credits here:

Jacket design by Richard Hasselberger
Jacket photograph of city
Copyright Sandra Kreuzinger/Getty Images
Photograph of the author Copyright Bruce Wilder [Personal note from me – thank you Bruce Wilder for an excellent picture of Nora – love the scene you chose to frame your subject.]
penguin.com
G.P.PUTNAM’S SONS
a member of
Penguin Group (USA)

“The Collector” book is well crafted and very beautiful with burgundy shades and gold lettering on cover and spine. A great edition to any library shelf. Mine also has a signature from the author virtually via the link: http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COLLECTOR_HC

Getting a personalized copy of your own is still an option, just follow the link above and be sure to read my post at this link: https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/
Where you’ll learn all the best practices to get your signed copy anywhere in the world that mail is able to reach.

I also purchased the audiobook from iTunes at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-collector-unabridged/id852344791

Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. Her accents and vocal artistry identified each character for me. Every inflection of Julia’s voice convey the emotions of the characters. I enjoy listening to Julia and will again I hope. Nora’s excellent dialog and seamless narratives did the rest.

I hope you all find “The Collector,” as entertaining and adventurous as I do. Now I’m off to read, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts. I’m loving the Cousins O’Dwyer’s trilogy so far. Thank you Nora Roberts for delivering with “The Collector”.

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Amazon, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Hope, Inspire, Italy, iTunes, MurderMysteries, Mystery, New York, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, NRBookReviews, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gallery

Weekly Photo Challenge – Letters II

Posted on May 2, 2014

This gallery contains 7 photos.

Originally posted on Meticulous Mick:
For my second entry to this week’s photo challenge entitled ‘letters’, I have taken some images of different letters only there is a slight twist to it. ? Have a great weekend and remember to…

Leave a comment