Tag Archives: Inspiration

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

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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

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“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.

 

 

 

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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

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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

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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

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“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”.

 

 

 

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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

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So validating

Posted on May 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

You are loved, Kelz. The alone times are opportunities to connect with the Universe – to understand what is uniquely ours to do in this life. Reading your blog is freeing, your photos and writing speak to the soul and spirit. May you never feel alone – we’re all in the journey together. Your friend – with love, Missy XXOO

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Posted in Believe, Blogs, Inspire, Kelz Belz, Passion, Reblogged, Soulful Writing

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No one can take it away from me :)

Posted on May 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

Art at its very best – beauty and love combined.

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Posted in Believe, Blogs, Inspire, Kelz Belz, Reblogged

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Remembering my Mom, Roma Sarah (Goodman Maternal Maiden name) Rofern – Blanchard

Posted on April 27, 2014 | 9 comments

Mom and Grandma 2

Mom and Grandma Bert from around 1994 in Winona MN

http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/2014/04/pope-francis-proclaims-pope-john-xxiii.html

Remembering my Mom on my 52nd birthday. Follow the link to learn more.

Mom will always be in my heart for without her there would be no me.  God bless all the Mothers everywhere may you know how much of a difference you make.  Peace.

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Posted in Believe, Blogs, Health, Hope, Inspire, Nutrition, Walk, Weight

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April 26th March For Babies Walk

Posted on April 26, 2014 | 2 comments

188

Follow the link below to see more pictures from my @MarchForBabies walk today at Como Park in St. Paul MN.  Great day for a walk.

http://instagram.com/melissablanchard62

If you want to, you are still able to give at http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=5171265&ct=4&w=6548952&u=mbwork2011

International and local gifts are welcome.

Help prevent premature births and save the tiny babies that leave Mom to soon.

Thanks to #LetsMove or LetsMove.org for getting me to move at least 30 minutes a day.  Little by little you gain so much strength in mind, body and spirit.  Keep on moving. everyone:).  Thanks to all who walked, organized or gave.  Together we make a difference.  Peace.

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Posted in Giving, MarchForBabies, Walk, Weight, Wellness

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#LetsMove Update – Lost 4 more pounds

Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Here’s the link to my #LetsMove video for today:  http://youtu.be/AcZR-vZ0tBM

See my whole video blog  journey on You Tube #LetsMove for exercise daily since February 24th, 2014.  Keep moving everyone.

Exercise and eating right, and watching portion sizes works.  3 oz protein and not more than 11 oz total for each of my 3  daily meals works for me.

How to make the most out of your food choices?  See my book review link below for

“It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways,” by Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig

– that book works.

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/?s=It+starts+with+food

Believe you can make a difference in your life and you will.

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Posted in Believe, Blogs, BookReviews, FindingOneself, Health, Hope, Inspire, Lifestyle Change, Tips, Weight, Wellness

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A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2], by Lindsay Townsend

Posted on April 14, 2014 | 6 comments

A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2] Amazon imageImage from Amazon

“A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2]”, by Lindsay Townsend

Why do I recommend “A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2]”, by Lindsay Townsend?

1. The medieval portions are interesting – so many different worries in that time but in so many ways the same – self doubt doesn’t change no matter which century.

2. The writing is excellent.  Lindsay brings her characters to life in the narrative, along with the country side, the horses and the villages.

3. Lindsay tackles prejudices in this tale of class and being different whether it be in how you act or what you look like. I like that those with differences triumph over those that are closed minded.

4. The mystery never fails in engaging my attention. How will the Knight and Witch find the lost girls, will they be safe? All questions are answered as the story unfolds.

5. A secret is disclosed that changes the Knight and Witches relationship.

I so hope that Lindsay will continue the Knight and Witch’s story with a book 3. These characters deserve to have many more adventures. Thank you, Lindsay Townsend for creating a world of adventure and acceptance. I appreciate you share your world of imagination with me. Keep on writing.

I got my Kindle e-book via iPad for Kindle app and Amazon at this link:

This book is the sequel to “The Snow Bride” by Lindsay Townsend, here’s a link to my book review:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/26/recommend-the-snow-bride-by-lindsay-townsend/

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), BookReviews, Books, Disfigurement, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Hostage/Kidnap, Inspire, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, Witch

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