Showing posts with label #tasteful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #tasteful. Show all posts

December 12, 2017

The Goodbye Lies - Peeper-Perfect Purity Almost

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida 
Present Day

   Jane Marie writes:   My friend, Johanna Eversole, showed me this photo of a Great Egret she'd taken here on Amelia Island, Florida and let me share it with you. She and her son occasionally cast a net for shrimp.  This beautiful birdie, she kindly calls Freddie the Freeloader, watches for them and accepts any of the tidbits they offer. Not only is this creature pure and perfect, but smart. 

Here is a link for more info. 

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Fernandina, Florida                                         

Late 1800s

     Grandmother Peeper writes:  I seen one a them birds aflyin' the other day.  I admit to it.  It was a pretty thing, but sure as a croakin' frog can wake the dead at night, them egrets fly high up and let loose, if ya understand my meanin', and it always lands on the clean clothes ahangin' on the line.  That's the way of it.

The Goodbye Lie Diaries- What are they?
     Through the magic of electronics, the characters in my Goodbye Lie Series set on Amelia Island can talk to me from the late 1800s and I to them.  It makes for some interesting conversations.- Jane Marie

September 22, 2017

Perfect Romance-Hollywood Hearts


If you've never seen Barbra Streisand in the 1970 On A Clear Day You Can See Forever movie, you are missing one of the most ultra-romantic songs ever sung or filmed. Play the video in this post and you won't be disappointed. While the movie is often silly, as it is meant to be, about a character with ESP (extra sensory perception) who has past lives, the tasteful love scenes are spectacular.  This particular song,  Love With All The Trimmings, has lyrics that would inspire Cupid, himself! Add the lush surroundings and her over-the-top costuming, plus the memorable melody and that equals perfect romance, in my book (The Goodbye Lie -hahaha).

Read the lyrics to Love with All the Trimmings:

My dearest love who existed in a dream
Till this evening when a wave came and swept me out to sea.
None of the loves that you have known
Could prepare you for the love raging everywhere in me.
For all the arms that have covered you
The hands that have touched you
And the lips you have lingered on before,
Added together would be less than an olive
In the banquet of love I have in store.
Love seasoned to entice,
Love with all the trimmings filled with spice,
Love flavored to your whim,
Served piping hot with all the trimmings.
Ooo... For I'll decode every breath and every sigh,
Till your every lover's wish
Is fulfilled before it's made.
Toss in some jealousy and doubt
Should it be required,
Not to rest till there's nothing more desired,
Thus loving as I do,
Never, never will you ever be untrue.
Having love with all the trimmings
Waiting home for you ...

There is another wonderfully rich romantic song I will post, but at a later time.  I don't want to overwhelm your heart ...

First on Broadway, then adapted for screen, On a Clear Day was directed by Vincent Minnelli with Barbra Streisand, Eves Montand and, yes, Jack Nicholson.

Thank you to YouTube.



#BarbraSteisand, #OnAClearDay, #romance, #romanticsong, #lovesong, #tasteful, #sensual, #romancenovel, #AmeliaIslandRomance, #drama, #series, #Irish





August 29, 2017

Found Funny Email-Goodbye Lie Diaries-Aunt Noreen

Free Clipart: Child | People     Oft times, my e-mails overwhelm me.  I don't delete as I should.  I found one from 2013, which I don't remember composing, so as I read it, I chuckled out loud.  I thought I would share.
     I am writing to a friend who is engaged.  We are chatting about our early beaus.  This is me talking: 
     Tell your fiancĂ©, my first boyfriend, when I was a little kid, was named Henry.  He was a neighbor and he squinted all the time.  He also ate worms. Seriously.  I think I remember your mother saying I ate worms.  Well, I didn't and still don't.  I also think Barbra, our daughter, had an early boyfriend who licked rocks. With beginnings like that, it's a wonder we didn't end up marrying men who chew their own toenails. - Jane Marie
   
***
Aunt Noreen
Late 1800s
Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Aunt Noreen writes: I am beginning to see a nasty pattern with regard to your writing, Jane Marie.  If you are not scribbling something mean about me in your Goodbye Lie series (GBL), you are making up less than socially acceptable stories in this blog of yours. My stars, but I would think you might make better use of the hours in your day by counting flower petals or listening for bird calls.  That's what I do.

***
Present Day
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

Jane Marie writes: Dearest Aunt Noreen,
      I think YOU might make better use of your hours by trying to improve your disposition. 
     Just so you know, by comparison to many authors in our 21st century, my writings are tame.  I had a reader send me an email which said: There is no raw sex [in The Goodbye Lie] and it's still a good story.  I put her comment on this blog because I am extremely proud of that fact.  My intention, all along, is to keep my work family-friendly and tastefully romantic.  After all, I dedicated The Goodbye Lie to my father, so I would not be embarrassed when he read it. 
     And another thing.  Quit hogging all the entries in the GBL Diaries!  Give some of the other characters a chance to correspond with us.  I'm beginning to get complaints from our readers.  Enough said, except have a lovely time counting your petals whilst you think how you might do a kindness to ... Peeper. Everybody know how much you concern yourself with her business.  


With all their shenanigans, Aunt Noreen and Grandmother Peeper are comical characters in The Goodbye Lie series.

#funny, #silly, #childhood, #GoodbyeLie, #series, #dramatic, #Irish, #tasteful, #gracious, #GoodbyeLieDiaries, #AmeliaIsland, #Fernandian, #beach, #AuntNoreen, #Peeper

April 28, 2017

New Friends

Meet my new friend, Samiksha Bose from St. Augstine, Florida.  She is originally from India and we got to chatting, along with her lovely daughter.  If you know me, I'm the Question Meister. So, I asked all about her native land and customs.

After we parted,  I wondered why she would have an interest in my Goodbye Lie series.  Then, I realized how she very well could be curious about the late 1800s on Amelia Island, Florida, the same way I am curious about her world.  Good thing my stories are historically correct, to the best of my  research, particularly at our Amelia Island Museum of History. 

P.S. Don't take my glum expression in the photo above at face value. Clearly, I am thinking very heavy-duty thoughts.

#deepthoughts, #India, #custom, #novels, #drama, #AmeliaIsland, #tasteful, #friend

February 25, 2016

Judge By Its Cover


The Goodbye Lie Series Available HERE
Go ahead.  Judge my books by their covers because each of those covers in The Goodbye Lie series offers major clues as to what is inside. That, of course, is as it should be. While I like to tease an audience, it probably would not be very nice or smart to have a sweet unicorn on a cover and the contents be about an ax murderer.   

So when people ask me to tell them about each story, I start by pointing out objects and details on the cover. The following is what I say to you folks about The Goodbye Lie, the first book in the trilogy. (As you read below, refer to the photo above.):

"Most people don't realize that this is a woman's glove and this is a man's glove." (I cover the man's glove with my hand.) "Is he protecting her, is he holding her back, is she trying to get away?

"The red ribbon represents all the twists and turns in the plot.  All the book covers have these ribbons. I love it when a reader tells me they didn't see that coming.

"This is sand from our Amelia Island beach. These are flowers from my garden.

"And this little pewter box belonged to my mother.  Curiously, Victorians called it a jewel casket.  The little medallion inside is right here, I wear it everyday, and it plays a part in the story, but I can't tell you what..."

That's when I show them the medal and most seem surprised that something on a book cover would be right there in front of them to see.
Miraculous Medal reads : "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee." 

Synopsis of The Goodbye Lie: 


Men will die for Breelan Dunnigan, the lead female player in the heart-wrenching romance and unexpected drama called The Goodbye Lie.  Jane Marie's first installment in her historical series is set in 1882 on Florida's Amelia Island. Breelan, an aspiring writer, is literally swept away, first by a tornado and then a handsome stranger, who steps into her home and into her soul. Escape to New York City brings new love, but when Breelan returns to Florida, her life has turned upside down. Strong family bonds and values are soon pitted against passion, jealousy and murder in this satisfying tale. Readers will rejoice in the clever twists of plot. Rich characters, late Victorian conventions and gentle humor flavor up the mix of romance, honor and treachery.

So there you have a taste of The Goodbye Lie. Why not try a bigger helping? (Pretty cute, huh?)  The Goodbye Lie Series Available HERE

September 21, 2015

Naked Ladies Return plus Goodbye Lie Diaries by Aunt Noreen

Present Day -
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

Jane Marie writes:
Yes, I thought the title to this particular blog entry might catch your attention.  I was right because here you are! Some will be disappointed to find out the subject matter.  However, the gracious gardeners in the crowd will appreciate the information, if they don't know anything about this particular flower.  Yes, people, we're talking flowers today. 

About 15 years ago, a friend from Arizona gave me half-a-dozen bulbs and told me to "stick them in the dirt."  I did just that, except we have sand on Amelia Island, Florida, as you can see in the pictures. As soon as I planted them in the "back forty," I just as quickly forgot about them.  Did I mention I'm easily distracted?  Sometime later, oh maybe a year or so, I noticed the eruption of large broad leaves in the spring. Those leaves came and went and I didn't have to cut them back because they just disappeared on their own. The next fall, I was was surprised to see tall thin stocks shoot up quickly with no leaves on them, hence Naked Ladies. When the bud on top of each stock opened, there were these delightful red, whispie blossoms! 

I found some folks also call them Surprise Lilies, Lycoris (the real name) or Dancing Farmer Flowers. They are hardy in zones 5 though 10.  Being perennials, my favorite kind of flowers, plant a few bulbs and let these Naked Ladies entertain you for years!

For more info, visit this site:  Gardeningknowhow.com

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 1880s
Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Aunt Noreen
Aunt Noreen writes: Jane Marie, being a woman of good character, as you should strive to be, I have read every word of your books through what you call "the magic of electronics." I must say, some of the passages are less than decent.  I freely admit I have told my Orchid Society, my church ladies, Mrs. Ickles and the new librarian in town all about the depths of depravity into which you have descended.  They are all with me on this, so much so, they, too, want to read every word of your books, just to realize how far you've fallen. The final blow is you referring to such lovely floral specimens as Naked Ladies.  It is almost more than I can endure. We call this flower a Resurrection Lily.  In closing, you may be hearing from one or two of my outraged friends by way of this "magic" of yours, so be prepared!
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Jane Marie responds: Dear, dear, Aunt Noreen, I mean no disrespect, but my, oh my, how you carry on. I intended no corruption with the use of such a common name in our time as Naked Ladies.  I certainly love the beauty of your name for the flower. With regard to my novels and their, what did you call it, depravity, let me proudly declare that I dedicated The Goodbye Lie to my blessed father.  I did not want to be embarrassed when Daddy read it, meaning, to my mind, I write tastefully romantic stories.  I understand how the years between your generation and mine, sadly, have coarsened.  Rest assured, compared to much of what is written in my time, my stories a like nursery rhymes and I shall continue to keep them wholesome so my children will not be ashamed. 
 
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Aunt Noreen is a featured character, and I do mean character, in The Goodbye Lie series.

PURCHASE GOODBYE LIE NOVELS HERE


May 26, 2015

Advice to Aspiring Authors-Author's Digest Interview cont.

Posted May 18, 2015 by M Burns
This time, Jane Marie tells us about the inspiration for her book, as well as her advice for other aspiring writers.



Jane Marie, what inspired you to write your book? How long did it take you to finish it? 


My husband lost his job due to company downsizing, and we were forced to move from our small town of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. How might I remember this place we had come to love and would miss so very much? I’ll just write a book, I thought. You should write what you like to read, right? I love historical fiction. Since I had taken docent training at our wonderful Amelia Island Museum of History, I had those basics down. The rest came from my imagination. My intention was to write one book and put it in my daughter’s hope chest for posterity.

Mark of a ManWe moved back to Amelia Island after two years. Little by little, family, friends, acquaintances and strangers read The Goodbye Lie and provided encouragement; the result was a confidence which filled me. When a woman I very much respected emailed me with: “GBL (Goodbye Lie) is a real world to me,” I felt validated. It was a sort of permission to continue to find out what happened to the other grown children in the fictional Dunnigan family. As a result, I ended up with a completed trilogy, each book taking about two years to finish… with a wonderful life, weddings, a grandchild, and politics slowing the process between novels.
What’s the one message you’d like to convey to readers about your book?

It’s simple. The key to happiness and love is forgiveness.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Someone told me once to make a wall hanging or pillow before I tackled the sewing of an entire quilt. It’s the same with writing a book. Complete a short story first, then another, then move onto longer pieces. If you don’t mind the hours falling away as you write, or the sun yielding to the moon without you realizing it, or not talking aloud to anyone for extended periods while you silently converse only with the characters in your head, then writing is for you. Let go and enjoy!

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For more information about Jane Marie and her books, check out her blog [here] at www.GraciousJaneMarie.blogspot.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

Amelia Island’s Goodbye Lie Trilogy is available at Jane Marie’s blog or at the following links:

The Goodbye Lie

Amelia Island’s Velvet Undertow

Amelia Island’s Mark of a Man




May 5, 2015

A Tasteful Treat for Mother

This month, we honor all mothers and women who are like mothers to us.  With that honor comes respect and with respect comes good taste.  In that vein, I proudly declare that my historical Goodbye Lie mystery/romance trilogy has been compared to Little House on the Prairie and Gone With The Wind.  I deduced my fictional Dunnigan clan is similar in family devotion to the Ingalls family.  The beautifully passionate romance from the thoughts of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind , is similar in style to that of my heroes and heroines, or so I've been told.

I humbly invite you to read a more gracious style of story-telling from the past, a classic style that, for many of us, is lacking in the present time.  Get to know each of the grown Dunnigan children in the series and witness their deeds and misdeeds in the late 1800s in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida. May they, and so many of the other characters, become your lifelong friends, the same as they are mine.    

THE GOODBYE LIE - It is 1882. Men will die for Breelan Dunnigan. Her foolish vault into folly alters the lives of many, too many. Honor is relentlessly tempted by jealousy. Will it hold against the attack? The lure, the love, the legend …

Amelia Island's VELVET UNDERTOW - It is 1889.  Carolena Dunnigan is judgmental and dismissive. Lured by a world famous conductor to Charleston, South Carolina, she finds deceit creeping all around, which drives her into the horrific Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood.  His want, his will, his way … 
    Amelia Island's MARK OF A MAN - It is 1898.  Amidst the Spanish American War and a great hurricane hitting their enchanting island, hero or heel, Pat Dunnigan lives hard and loves wild.  His sister, Marie, is an innocent magnet for trouble.  Their days and nights are laden with jarring conflicts and assaulted by haunting mysteries. The rains, the rage, the romance …
     
     
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely A Must Read Book ! 
     [The Goodbye Lie] from Blue Sparrow
    Format:Paperback

    WOW! I didn't see ANY of that coming! The characters have depth. No one is ALL good or ALL bad. They are likable, lovable, and detestable.
    I thought only real life could have so many unexpected twists and turns.
    Jane Marie is a master with words. She really brought me into the story and made me feel a part of the action.


    Available in paperback and eBook at book sources everywhere.