Happy Sunday!!!

Wanted to share some exciting news with everyone.

It is official, the “Mash” family will be celebrating a very Blessed and beyond happy, special day on Nov. 16th, 2013.  My youngest son, Mark and my beautiful future daughter-in-law, Jess, have booked their wedding.

Even though, we have known for a while that Jess was the one who held our son’s heart and even though we were excited when Mark proposed on July 13th, now that we know the date, I am feeling so many emotions.  Love, happy, excited, thankful, beaming, being so proud of both of them, lucky that I am getting a daughter that we truly love as our own.  I am also recalling so many memories of the past 26 years.  When did my baby, he is our youngest, grow up and become a man that both Steve and I are so proud of.  We are truly blessed.

It seems like yesterday that Steve and I were on our way to the hospital to welcome our 2nd child into the world and to find out what “it” was.  I can vividly remember, because we hadn’t agreed on a name.   I was a few weeks early, and in between contractions  trying to decide on a boy’s and girl’s name.  Unfortunately, there were complications and I was rushed to the OR .  As I was waking up from the anesthesia, the nurse said to me, “meet Mark James”.  At first I was just so relieved that he was OK, that it was then that I realized “it” had been named by Steve.  We had discussed the name Mark so I was fine with it.  And the years that followed, I can honestly say were the happiest moments of my life.  I was lucky to be a SAHM for both boys and enjoyed every minute of it.  Even though, there were times that they, both Paul and Mark, almost pushed me over the edge lol.

Mark:  You will always hold a special place in my heart of being my baby.  And right now, my heart is overflowing with love and pride.  Even though you had your moments like when you “painted like Daddy” your room with vaseline, when you accidentally gave your brother a concussion after hitting him with a golf club at the range, or like the day when you picked up “your” first car and within 15 min had an accident.  I will always treasure those special days that were “ours” right before Christmas when you helped with our Christmas Eve feast, decorating the house, watching you build your 3D puzzles, always wanting to learn whatever crafts that I was working on, your compassion towards others, your sensitivity and caring, overcoming obstacles and graduating college Magna Cum Laude and so much more.  I want to publicly thank you for Jess.  I love you.

Jess:  Welcome to the family, officially.  We liked you the minute we met you when you were “friends” with Mark while in college.  We were so happy when Mark told us that “it was official, you were a “couple”.  As time went on, I could see that you had Mark’s heart and knew that you were the one.  We always loved you for being you, but you will always hold a special place in my heart also.  You make my son so happy and for that, I love you.  I can hear it and see the special smile when he says your name and can see the love in his eyes.  In my heart, you are much more than my future daughter-in-law, you are our daughter.  I love you.

I am looking forward to this upcoming year.  So exciting!!!  My baby is getting married and I am getting a daughter.   And how could I not include and say thank you for another special member of our family……….Baylee!!

This was a picture of her the first time that she was coming to visit from PA to RI.  They will be here in a few weeks to attend a family wedding and I can’t wait to see the 3 of them.!!   I love you!!

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Hello Sunday Saloners!!  It’s been a while since I have posted but due to being in a reading slump and busy with PICT and PBP tours, there hasn’t been much to report.  But this week is  different.  I started reading again and also had an event take place that I wanted to share.

Reading:  As I mentioned, I have been in a slump, reading just one book in September.  And   after spending so much time in front of a computer, working on tours for Partners In Crime Tours (PICT) and the newly launched Providence Book Promotions (PBP), my eyes are too tired to read.   I had even signed up to participate in Seasons of Reading Read-A-Thon, hoping that would help, but unfortunately I didn’t make it.  But then I knew just how to jump start my reading, and that’s reading one written by a favorite author, Vincent Zandri.  He is touring with PICT this month with one of his newly published books, The Disappearance of Grace.  Yup!!  That’s what I needed!!!  And now, I am looking forward to the Dewey Read-A-Thon this coming weekend. 

Blogging:  Besides working on tour to-dos, I have, also,  fallen behind on my blog.  A few weeks ago, during a 2 week span, I had spent time away from the computer for long periods of time due to RL issues, and have been trying to catch up on my posts.  I like to draft up my guest author showcases and giveaways in advance so that they are ready to go and not have to scramble at the last minute, which is what I have been doing and not liking it. 

Real Life:  This was definitely the highlight of my week!!!!!  Months ago, I had read and reviewed a book for WOW!, Ragdoll Redeemed: Growing Up in the Shadow of Marilyn Monroe by Dawn Novotny.

The book, a memoir, blew me away!!  It left quite an impression on me!!.  I had read it way in advance of my scheduled tour date, and knowing this was the first time the author was on tour, I sent her my drafted review to let her know what I thought.  From there we corresponded through emails and a friendship developed.  Dawn, in one email asked where I lived and when I told her, she responded that she was coming to RI in October for a conference.  We instantly made plans and was so looking forward to meeting her.  This past Tuesday, the day was finally here.  I picked her and an associate up from the airport, which was kind of funny, because they loaded the car with their luggage and jumped in, since it was raining and it was like I was picking up an old friend who just returned home.  The conversation just started to flow on the way to their hotel.  Once at the hotel, they checked in and Dawn and I met at the restaurant.  Again, without missing a beat, the conversation started and didn’t stop.  She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  Absolutely beautiful!!!!

We talked about anything and everything.  Unfortunately, due to her long flight and the time difference, we called it a night.  I am just amazed by her story, her life, her outlook, her accomplishments.  She is a true inspiration!   Matter of fact, a couple of things we talked about, were so powerful, that I sat back and just took it in.  But knew from that moment on, I would be using her philosophy on life.  On Wednesday night, I had just finished eating, the husband had left on a business trip, and I was just relaxing and waiting for the Presidential debate to start and the phone rang.  It was Dawn, and again without missing a beat, the conversation started and continued, talking about dinner the night before, politics, her conference, etc.  She was, like me, resting from her day and waiting for the debate to air.  I know that this friendship will continue via phone, emails and hopefully another night out in the future!!

Hosted by Marce  at Tea Time with Marce

 It is all about Networking with Bloggers and Authors who love to read and write Thrillers, Mystery, Suspense and/or Horrors. The goal is to find new blogs and bloggers with similar interest in those genres and of course add to our huge TBR and Wishlists.

Yesterday started the Blog Hop, it will stay open all week, feel free to join, go here. respond to the Thrill Ride Questionnaire, link up and network.

Thrill Week Brain Teasers

Day 2
Many enjoy being Detective, put your skills to the test, can you guess the answer to these Mystery Brain Teasers?

Mystery Brain Teaser 1
The Notes

Detective Brown reviewed the information they had on the case so far. A lady was found shot and they already had a list of suspects – John, Mark, Sarah, Henry, and Carol. Plus, there were five notes that were found that were from the killer. The first was found in a supply room. The second was found in an art studio. The third was in a restroom, the fourth in an animal shelter, and the fifth at the harbor. All of the notes read the same thing, “The clues are where you find the notes.” Yet, nothing was found at anyplace the notes were.

Taking one more look at all the clues, Detective Brown immediately solved the case.

Who did it?

hmmm..This is why I love mysteries, however, I usually don’t figure them out until the end.  I was thinking John because of the location of the third note but then thought it might be Mark, (lol not my son Mark) because the killer was leaving his “mark” at each site. 

Detective Wesley carefully examined the scene before him. He was in a hotel room about 3 miles from the victim’s home. The victim’s body lay in front of him peacefully on the bed. It was January 7th, 3:15 PM, the body was discovered by a hotel maid. The man’s name was Sean Donovin. He was in his late twenties, a successful business owner, a Sunday school teacher, and was soon to be married. The detective shook his head in disgust. He whispered to himself, “Why would anyone commit suicide when they had everything going for them?”

The detective saw this as suspicious. The only potential suspects would have to be people he trusted. According to testimony from his coworkers and friends, he only trusted 3 people: his sister, Hannah, who was very close with the victim and who often assisted him while he taught at the local church; his brother, John, who owned a smaller, semi-successful business; and his fiance, Jenna.

The apparent cause of death was by injection of poison. At least his death was peaceful, the detective thought. The detective continued to search the hotel room, when he stumbled upon a suicide note. It read:

Jan 04/2009 4:10 AM

My loved ones,

Jenna, Sis, John, I would just like to tell you how sorry I am. Blame God for why I am to die today. Blame Him. Seek Him if you want to know why I did leave you. Do not mourn my death. Please move on.

Goodbye,
Sean

The detective saw this letter as somewhat suspicious. His last words were abrupt, almost impersonal. Why would a Sunday school teacher blame God?

The body was taken in for medical examination. Days later, the coroner would determine that the body died from a poison which killed instantly. The coroner would also determine that the body was only dead a mere 3 hours before it was discovered.

The detective then realized that the date and time used on the note were completely false. All 3 of those mentioned in the letter agreed the handwriting was indeed Sean’s.

The detective realized that the identity of the murderer was given inside the suicide note. After a thorough examination of the note, Detective Wesley quickly arrested the murderer.

Who was it?

I’m thinking that is John, his brother because the note said “seek Him” and there was only one male on the note.

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Hello Sunday Saloners!  And how was your week?   The Mash family had a very exciting week!!

Real Life:  Friday the 13th turned out to be a very lucky day for my family.  If you follow my blog, you know that I have talked about my 2 fantastic and wonderful sons, who both live out of state because of their jobs.  Well, my husband and I can now officially say we have a daughter!!  My youngest son, Mark, proposed to his gf and she said YES!!!!!!  We have loved Jess from the minute we met her.  And over the past couple of years we have fallen in love with her more and more because she makes my son so happy.  They truly are the perfect couple.  Jess, I am publicly welcoming you into our family.  Thank you for loving Mark as you do.  And, I know, Mark has your heart.  I can see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, see it in his smile.  Mark, thank you for giving us the daughter I always wanted!!

Congratulations Mark and Jess!!!!!

Don’t think the rest of my week can even come close.  My husband and I are elated!!

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Hello Sunday Saloners!!!  Another week has flown by and am very disappointed in my reading, or I should say lack of.  But the big news is the new look, which was unveiled yesterday.  So, what do you think?  Like, dislike, like the old look better, any suggestions, etc., etc.  Would love to know your thoughts.  And now to my week.

Reading:  This is awful, and I’m quite embarrassed to say, that another week has gone by and I still haven’t finished my current read.  Not because it’s not keeping my interest and/or is an awful read.  Quite the opposite.  It’s because I haven’t had the time to really sit and read, for a few reasons.  I have spent a lot of time in front of the computer, busy with blog to-dos and organizing tours.  Plus my DH, took some time off this past this week and since he isn’t a reader, doesn’t understand the concept when one has a book in hand, it means conversation can’t take place lol.  It was like he had a GPS implanted for when I would pick up my book lol.  Plus I haven’t rectified or found the solution to be able to read while wearing my CPAP mask (for sleep apnea).  

Blogging:  I did have a productive week computer wise.  Drafted up a lot of future posts for showcases, giveaways and work for Partners In Crime Tours.  I also spent a wee, some, more time than I should have, on shopping.  If only my favorite sites didn’t send me emails with great bargains, I might have had more time for reading lol.

Real Life:  Exciting week for deliveries.  Haven’t had one of these weeks in a while.  Between the mail and UPS, I received some great books, which I will share tomorrow.  I think it is so funny how excited I get when I see that big brown truck stop in front of my house.  It’s like Christmas morning lol.  The holiday was a quiet day.  I was hoping to spend the day reading on my reading float with a frozen mudslide but my DH wasn’t able to vacuum the pool due to a broken hose so I spent a couple of hours reading in my ac’d reading room, the only day this week while the hubby was out.  And I did have that planned frozen mudslide lol!!!!

So how was your week?  How was your holiday?  Did you get a lot of reading done?

I am so excited!!  I have gotten many compliments on my blog look over the past year but lately have been wanting a new look.  I have hired Gina from Hott Books and Hott Designs to create a new look.  Gina also creates all my tour banners for Partners In Crime Tours.  She is amazing when it comes to design and computers in general.   Yesterday she gave me a sneak peek and I LOVE IT!!  Not sure when the unveiling will be because she is now working on the details but I hope you like it as much as I do.  I can’t wait to show you!!!

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Happy Sunday Saloners!!  Welcome if this is your first time visiting.  I hope you find something of interest.

Another week has gone by in a flash, however, as I look at my calendar and recall what my week entailed,  I don’t feel I accomplished much, especially in the reading department.

Reading:  I didn’t get much done in this category.  I have been reading you take over from here by Pamela Ribon but have put it on hold to start Sweat by Mark Gilleo because it has been booked to go on tour with Partners In Crime Tours the end of August (more on this later).  I do a lot of my reading either in the afternoon if I’m caught up on blogging to-dos or at night  before falling asleep, however, this week I have had to get used to equipment that I am now prescribed to wear each night during sleep (more on this in Real Life)

Blogging:  This is where I spent most of my time.  I hosted 4 guest authors this week and drafted up future posts for guest authors that will be visiting and also some giveaways that are scheduled.  I participated in my daily memes, which does take time, because of visiting other blogs that also play along.  But I so enjoy my memes!!!

Partners In Crime Tours:  This was where I spent most of my time this week.  Two (2) tours were booked and I was busy doing the preliminary work for them.  One tour starts the end of August and the other in September.  Click on the links to read the synopsis, and if you would like to review either one or both, email me at CMash@Partnersincrime tours.net, and I will provide all the details.

                            August-October          September/October

Real life:  For the past couple of months, during my afternoon reading time, I was dozing off while sitting in my reading chair and fall into a deep sleep for a few hours.  This was definitely not my norm.  I was so frustrated because now I am behind in my reading and the TBR pile is growing.  My doctor scheduled a sleep study appointment.  It was found that I stop breathing every 4 minutes while sleeping due to apnea.  It was explained that even though I was not aware that I was waking up that often, my brain did and it was not getting any rest.  Kind of scary when you think about it but at least I knew why I was so tired during the day.  So I now have to sleep with a CPAP machine that forces air via a face mask. I have been trying to get used to wearing it.  The only problem is that , and trying to see how to rectify the issue, is that if I don’t put the mask on when I get into bed and start reading,  I tend to fall asleep without it.  If I do put the mask on, I can’t read because my glasses can’t be worn with the mask.

There is some humor to this situation.  It is thought that my husband has the same problem and is also scheduled for a sleep study.    I was saying to him the other night, that since we will both be going to bed with this new attire, that if anyone one came into the house at night, they would think that we are under attack and probably run right out. 

If anyone also uses the assistance of a CPAP during the night, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

How was your week?

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Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, especially my dear hubby, Steve who will be on the golf course today with our oldest son!!  Which means a nice quiet day for me lol.  However, I will be taking time to remember memories of my Dad, who passed when I was just 16.

Another week has flown by but looking forward to the first day of summer this coming Wednesday.  So how was your week?  Here’s a recap of mine:

Reading:  I finished 2 books, Banal by Vincent Zandri (a short story) and Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore by Barbara Conelli and am currently reading Tumbleweeds by Leila Meacham.

I also received a couple of books that I am looking forward to reading but will showcase those tomorrow in Mailbox Monday meme.

Blogging:  This past week was busy with hosting 3 guest authors and 4 giveaways.  Don’t leave without checking the sidebars for current giveaways, in case you see one of interest and you would like to enter.  Also posted are the giveaways that will begin this week.  And I have 4 authors visiting that will be introducing their latest books to us.

Real Life:  I tried something this week that I thought I never would have thought of.  And it was definitely the high point of my week.  Being a former nurse, I was always of the mindset of traditional medicine but my son had a session and said that he thought of me after he went because of my chronic pain.  So a few weeks ago, he made an appointment for the 2 of us for this past Thursday.  It was for acupuncture (that is not me in the image).  I drove to his house, he lives one state over 60+min drive, and then went to the office for our appointments.  I was utterly amazed!!!  Mark, the acupuncturist did a brief verbal intake, then took my pulse but not the usual 15-60 second count but for a couple of minutes and was able to tell me what was wrong and he nailed it on everything….scary!!  He then proceeded to insert the needles, painless, down my back, both sides of my spine, down my legs, and in my stomach area.  I stayed lying on my side for approx 30 min. and then he removed all the needles.  After my last 2 back surgeries in 2010, unknowingly, part of my lower spine collapsed and healed in a kyphotic (bent) position, which I am mechanically unable to stand straight.  When I sat up and then got off the table and stood up, I was standing at least at an 80 degree angle, which normally is like 70.  And I was even able to move with more flexibility. First time in 2 years.  And if that wasn’t enough I then spent the best part of the evening, taking Paul out to supper and spent some quality time with my oldest.  And then it was time to drive home.  Since then I have also been able to sleep straight through the night, whereas before, I am usually up multiple times due to the pain and have had to take less pain pills during the day.  I am now looking forward to my next appointment.  

Has anyone else had acupuncture?  What did you think?  And even if you haven’t, do you think you would consider it?  I am being totally honest in saying, if it wasn’t for Paul, I would never have tried it, but so glad I did.