I am eager (and hesitant) to stretch and move outside of my blogging comfort zone. It is one of the main things that I'm hoping to achieve through participating in Blogtoberfest. And so, based on today's prompt I bravely share two poems I composed this morning.

In the pumpkin patch
beneath the harvest moon
the soil packed firm from the summer’s rain
I think of you and wonder

Pie or Muffins?

Words swirl
Like a tornado I see them

Ubiquitous azalea stunning flamingo transcontinental sea-glass magician fireworks

Together I worry they mean nothing
Make no sense

And yet they are
Part of me
Subconscious

What is their story?

What is my story?

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. If you like the little pumpkin, check back later and I'll tell you all about it!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Amanda Quick writes novels set in the past.  Jayne Ann Krantz writes in contemporary times and Jayne Castle's novels take place in the future.  She usually writes in series (often trilogies) with one book by each author making up the group.  Confusing right? The thing that makes it all okay for me is that I enjoy her books.  Not so much things in the future, but the others always seem to work, so I'm willing to accept her multiple personalities. Her formula is pretty consistent - murder/mystery, a love story, and paranormal energy / psychic talents.  This book is no exception.
The Crystal Gardens is the first book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series.  (I expect that there will be three, but I'm not sure and I couldn't find any info from the usual sources).  Set in a time that is unidentified, but clearly the past, in Little Dixby which is "far from the streets of London", we are introduced to Novelist and Professional Companion Evangeline Ames.  Ms. Ames has taken refuge in a rented cottage to mend and restore her well being following an attempt on her life. 
Lucas Sebastian is the new owner of Crystal Gardens, and Ms. Ames' landlord.  The Gardens, which he inherited from his recently departed uncle, possess mystical powers and energy that draw the two toward it (and each other) while terrifying the townspeople.  Following a second attack Ms. Ames takes shelter in the Garden.  Together she and Mr. Sebastian attempt to determine who is trying to murder her and why.
In addition to this main story line several sub plots develop creating unexpected twists, an interesting blend of intrigue, romance and paranormal treasure hunting!  So what did I think?  I enjoyed it.  It felt a bit familiar, but I've read many of her books - and being predictable isn't always a bad thing.  It's light (well for murder!),  it's easy and kept me interested all the way through. A good escape from the everyday and I'm sure I'll read the next in the series.
With Crystal Gardens finished, I immediately dove into The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark.  Another mystery, this one involving murder, adultery and a parchment thought to be the only know writing of Jesus Christ! Be sure to stop back and see how I liked this one.

I'm linking up today's post with An Accidental Knitter.  She's been running something called the Thursday Book Challenge.  Although interest may have waned some, I'd doing my part to help revive it - because I think sharing books once a week is  a great idea! If you're interested drop by and give her a nod. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Alrighty friends, that'll do it for today.  So glad you came on by.  Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Creative Friday – Over at Natural Suburbia Linda has set up a linky for all of us to share our posts about any kind of creative goodness!  There are lots of participants and since I recognize many of the names of people who posted this week I’m betting that there’s lots of visiting and sharing going on. Leaving (and getting) comments is a great way to build your network.  Plus it just feels good doesn’t it??! I’m looking forward to making new friends and learning lots of interesting things!

The Universal Craft Blog Directory – Back in October of 2011 Craftyrie started this linky and it appears to have grown by leaps and bounds!  Tremendously simple to sign up for, it randomly shows all members in one ever morphing list.  I clicked about and found some interesting places, so I went ahead an added my name.

Crochet Blogs by Ringsurf – Now this one I’m not so sure about.  Initially I was lead to a list of over 400 crochet blogs and it was easy enough to click to check them out.  Signing up was challenging.  It seems like I had to enter my name and password multiple times before I was able to add my blog, and then I had to write a rather lengthy description of my site. Maybe I was just tired, but it seemed cumbersome.   I added the badge to my blog and when I tested it I was disappointed to find that several of the sites it brought me to were quite old (one was 2008!).  I’ll give it some time, but if it seems that this is the norm than I’ll probably remove it.  I don’t want to promote something that’s hard to use and has “stale” information.

And finally there’s The Blog Guidebook – This site appears to have a bounty of bloggy goodness along with a place to share your link.  I haven’t listed my blog yet because I need to create my badge.  I want it to be special (since it represents me!) and well honestly I have no idea how to build one! Like so many things on my blogging adventure I’ll figure it out, just not today!  My brief tour through this site proved quite informational and I’m looking forward to spending more time learning ways to improve our blogging experience! Plus I love the way this site looks!

There you have it friends.  I’d love to hear your experience with any of these sites or recommendations for others that you enjoy.

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!