Grammy Camp Cake Blocks

     There are many recipes for Cake Pops out there. Granddaughter Ava and I call ours Cake Blocks because they are rectangular in shape. 
Here is our simple, estimated ingredients version.  Try not to eat too many.

You'll need:
1 box of chocolate cake mix
1 tub of chocolate frosting
large bowl for mixing
1 package of lollipop sticks
sprinkles
chocolate chips to melt for coating
2 ice-cube trays from the dollar store
parchment paper or cookie sheet

Bake the cake according to the package directions.  When cool, crumble it in a large bowl.  Add half the can or so of frosting into the cake and stir until it's evenly distributed. You need enough frosting to make a firmish-creamy cake texture to press into the ice cube trays. Insert a stick into each and freeze for an hour.  Melt chocolate chips in a small bowl. Dip each cake block in melted chocolate. While the chocolate coating is still melted, gently add/cover each with sprinkles.  Stand each on end on parchment paper or cookie sheet to cool.  Enjoy!  
                                            - Ava and Jane Marie 

P.S.  Not sure exactly how many Cake Blocks we made because the family was wolfing them down as fast as we sprinkled each one.  Oh, what you do with the left over frosting and chocolate chips is your business.  As you might guess, those extras did not go to waste in our house.     

Grammy Camp Mailbox with Birds

          At Grammy Camp, our motto is Why Not?  And here we have the perfect example of that sentiment.  Our multi-colored spray painted mailbox and matching flamingos squawk how Stately Martha Manor (named for Martha Bear, the spokesbear for this blog and all things Jane Marie Malcolm) is a place of laughter, looniness

Martha Bear
wearing her favorite
  Goodbye Lie
t-shirt

and love.  
     Here's how we mastered this project. Wrapping the white decorative metal post in newspaper and securing it with tape to keep it white, we randomly sprayed the plastic box with half-a-dozen cans of paint. And just look at the winning result!  Oh, don't forget the flag on the side.  Granddaughter Ava chose a bright and cheery yellow.   
     Our flamingos have been the watch-birds in the neighborhood for nearly two decades.  Their once pretty pink bodies fade every few years from the mean Florida sun.  So, it was time to spruce them up.  After sitting them on newspaper, we splashed them with color, too.  
     Inspired by the coordinating wreath on our front gate, this was an easy project for a talented artist like Ava and her overseeing Grammy.  Great job, Ava!  Thank you!

P.S.  Just before we began this adventure in art, our yard man texted me that one of our plastic flamingos had flown away!  We decided against replacing it because, after all, these birds are our friends.  So, if we only had one bird, that one bird only would get a new coat.  As we painted near the street, a car slowed down and a stranger said, "Hey, I saw your flamingo down the road by that big sign." We thanked him and jumped in the car to bring home the errant critter.  We looked and looked, but couldn't find her.  After several minutes, we turned the car around to head home, only to slow down as the original man who told us the bird's location, motioned toward us from his car.  "I put your little birdie back in your yard." Wow, and wow!  Who does kind things like that in this day and time? Nice neighbors, that's who!  We love Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida, where people still care about each other.  What a fine example of goodness for my granddaughter and a reminder to me and everyone who hears or reads this simple tale.  🐦

Grammy Camp Flip-Flop Messaging

Smiley face, heart and Goodbye Lie hot glue flip-flop stamps ready to go!

     Granddaughter Ava and I completed another successful Grammy Camp this summer. As always, we had a blast!  Here is a project I found somewhere on the Internet.  It's inexpensive and easy to do. Most importantly, it's fun because you get to tramp around the beach in your flip-flops, and leave a message behind you!

You'll Need:

1 set of flip-flops from a dollar store (Larger rubber sandals will accommodate a longer image or message, but adult feet work best for those to make complete and even toe to heel impressions in the sand.  

Hot glue

Glass of water to dip your finger in case you touch the hot glue

Pen for drawing pattern

Ava's smiley face

Process:

On the bottom of each flip-flop, use a pen (shows up better than a pencil) to draw whatever pattern you want to stamp.  To spell words, you must write them upside down, NOT BACKWARDS.  (This was the hardest part. hahaha)

Cover your outline with two or three layers of hot glue.  The thinker the glue, the deeper the impression, which will make it show up better. 

Tromp about a beach and let your message to the world be seen! 

My Goodbye Lie book title (shameless promotion, as always) -
Note the second O in Goodbye is a bit squished.
 I tried to space the letters evenly and ran out of room.
 All I can say is that never had one lesson thing.
                                                                   - jmm aka Grammy

Ava's heart

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man Excerpt- Pat Dunnigan

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man,
part of The Goodbye Lie Series

      Jack Patrick is a little boy in 1882 in The Goodbye Lie, the first in my trilogy set on Amelia Island, Florida.  He gives his Irish family, the Dunnigans,  headaches and worry and lumps in their throats, but his intentions lean, for the most part, to the honorable. As the years go on, he uses his charms to his advantage when he must. He has a potent sense of right versus wrong, most of the time ...
     The third novel in the series, Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, features Pat, the name he prefers to be called as an adult.  Here is an excerpt from that book, likewise set in the Victorian seaside town of Fernandina. The time is 1898.

     "Mrs. Ickles has two tummies," announced six-year-old Nugget, "but Aunt Noreen wins 'cause she's got five!" 

Pat Dunnigan

      Agreeing with his nephew, Pat  Dunnigan wore a grin until, in the shadows beneath the stairwell, he spotted Marie, fingering the lapel of the cornet player. And she was whispering in his ear! But this reality was not what Pat perceived. No, he saw a stranger bent over an innocent--his innocent--slobbering onto her neck. Then he saw red! Without a word, with no hesitation, he grabbed the man's arm, spinning him off his sister. A solid left fist followed to the violator’s mouth. He damn sure wouldn't be nuzzling necks or puffing on horns any time soon, not with both lips split. 

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, part of The Goodbye Lie Series

Lucy Lotion Plus Peeper in The Goodbye Lie Diaries

Story Central

Present Day 
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida   
  
Jane Marie writes: I am always rattin' myself out by telling you about my Lucy Moments, as in I Love Lucy and her doing goofy things.  Well, here is another moment with a great ending.  
     So there I was, in need of lotion.  I like to slather it on after a shower, the beach, or when my hands feel dry, like everybody else.  I was working on a blog at Story Central and was too lazy to get up to fetch some.  Then I remembered a sample bottle, the kind you take home from hotels when you're traveling.  Yup, there it was in the nightstand beside the rocker. After a minute of application, I thought to put on my glasses to read the name and brand of the lotion because it smelled so good.  Imagine my surprise to discover it was not lotion, but shampoo/conditioner combined!  

     You see, the thing of it is that it wasn't sticky or greasy and it did have a lovely aroma. So, I put it back in the drawer, to use as lotion the next time I needed some.  I hear that's how many discoveries are made, purely by accident.  

*****

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida
Circa late 1880s

Peeper

Grandmother Peeper writes: By cracky, Jane Marie, I ain't quite certain what conditioner is. I'm aguessin' it a potion ta soften your hair - but if that don't beat all.  It's like me and marbles.  I like ta rub my feet on top of a box a them cool round things and I kin also shoot 'em across the room with my toes, if need be, ta scare the cat when he's sharpenin' his toenails on our best chair.  Any one thing that serves two purposes is good.  God appreciates the help, too, not that He needs any. I'm talking about the marbles helping my poor stove-up feet.  The marbles work pretty good and so it frees up His angels ta help other folks who need more aid than me. 

-----------------------------------------------------

Peeper is everybody's favorite grandmother who knocked on the Dunnigan family's front door, walked in, and adopted the family on the spot.  The strange thing is they willingly let her! 

For info, click here →The Goodbye Lie Series 

The Goodbye Lie Series

Musical Discovery

Source: Reprinted from Words for Worship, 2018 Augsburg Fortress.

     I love old-timey hymns, as you might suspect. Along that line, we were in church one Sunday morning singing The Great Thanksgiving, as pictured above.  Mind you, I have been going to church my entire life and playing handbells forever, all the while reading the music to the best of my ability. Never did I notice this particular something until a friend, Katherine Swafford, pointed it out.  Look at the ties or curved lines connecting some of the musical notes. The way they are laid out, your can magically see two black eyes and a wide smile grinning back at you. In the three sets of notes with the ties, you can even see a little nose with the eyes. - And what a perfect place to find them, in this Great Thanksgiving! How simple, sweet and wonderful!!! Thank you, Katherine.- jmm

Doggie Deterrent

     In an effort to keep our spokesdog Chihuahua named Abby off the couch, I refer you to the photograph on the right of this post.  Note the colorful flowers I have ingeniously scattered, dare I say strewn, upon the flowerdy sofa cushions. The effect is lovely, thinketh I ... and so does Abby, for she maneuvers her little self among and between the petals.  I shall continue to try and outsmart her.  My odds are slim, I fear.  -jmm  

Save Our Doggies!

pretty pink puppy paw

      Let's cut to the chase, as they say.  It's just miserably hot outside.  I am often downtown at book signings and far, far too often see owners walking their dogs on the sidewalk which is hot enough to blister their animal's feet. Please everyone, I know you want to show off your dog because you love him or her, as much as I love my Abby, but if you can't stand barefooted on that same sidewalk for 60 seconds or more and not have to put on your shoes, don't take your dog out for a walk.  Test the sidewalk every time in this weather.  Also, how much fun is a walk for your dog if they are fighting thirst, as well? 
     Remember, too, don't take your dog for a run while you're on a bike! Our babies want to please us so much, but they can't tell us when they're in trouble.  Common sense, everybody. Use common sense.

Backdoor Plant with Goodbye Lie Excerpt

      I can't remember where I first heard the hydrangea referred to as the backdoor plant.  No matter, I have always thought that was a charming name. It is especially true in days gone by because, in my research, I found people often planted them near the back door since they were and are showy. Either huge pink or blue flower heads can be your choice, depending upon the acidity of the soil. Want pink flowers?  Add lime.  Want blue? Add coffee grounds!
   

 Hydrangea cutting from neighbor Peggy 

 For details, google the planting instructions for hydrangeas, but they are easy to grow. Put them in well-drained soil in full to partial sun.  Someone told me they like lots of water, hence the name which has hydrate in it or close to it.
     Cut the blooms when they are at their best and let them air dry in a vase to make lovely bouquets. 
     I mentioned this plant in The Goodbye Lie.  Here is an excerpt featuring young Jack Patrick Dunnigan set in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida in 1882.  He grows up to be featured player in Amelia Island's Mark of a Man set in 1898.

The Goodbye Lie, An Excerpt     

     "Look there, Mama," he said pointing to her bruised extremity. "Bree looks like Peeper, the way she carries on about her feet always being swole up."

     "Jack Patrick! All I can tell you, my boy, is it's a very good thing Peeper didn't hear you make such a disrespectful remark or she'd clobber you like a long-tailed rat!"

     "I didn't mean no disrespect, Mama."

     "Any disrespect is correct, son."
  "Yes, ma'am. Any disrespect. But Peeper is always saying her feet hurt her, isn't she?"

    "You're running out of wiggle-room, young man. Now carry your sister's bag to the buggy."  

     "Yes, ma'am." Jack Patrick was forever getting a scolding and could never quite figure why. What he'd said about Peep was the truth. Once he'd transported the valise to the carriage as his mother requested, his thoughts strayed to spending the night at Warren Lowell's house. It would be fun, provided they kept clear of Aunt Noreen. He'd need permission, of course, so decided to ask his father, since so far today, the two of them hadn't had a fuss. But it was still early and there was plenty of time for him to get into trouble. Caution was Jack Patrick's watchword. After his sister and her husband had driven out of sight, he dashed around back of the house to chase the chickens. Then he spied Clover. "Hey, ole pard. What cha doin'?"

    "Just dumpin' a little salt and vinegar on the weeds along your ma's walkway."

     "Seen any slugs around?"

     "Matter of fact, Pat, I did see one crawl under Grammy's backdoor hydrangea bush there. Now that was 'bout five minutes ago, so you might have ta go lookin'."

     Jack Patrick knew he could count on Clover to use his new nickname, at least when his mother wasn't around. "Got any extra salt?"

     "All ya need."

    "Thanks!" On his belly in the sand, Jack Patrick determined that a slug melting from salt was a thing of mystery. Besides, he was safe with Clover. He rarely caught any grief when they were together. As he searched for the slimy creature, he called out, "It was sure good to have Bree home for a spell, wasn't it, Clove?"

Available in E-book and Paperback- Click HERE to Purchase Series 

     

Gone With The Wind Discovery!

     Being a "Windie" from way back, I usually watch Gone With The Wind just about every time it is on Turner Classic Movies. Thank you, TCM!  Since I know the dialogue, I focus on the details including the backgrounds, the sets, the hair styles, the architecture, the costuming, etc., basically everything.  This time, for the first time, I noticed there are holes in Aunt Pittypat's black parasol as she's escaping the Yankees in her carriage!!!  Since I DVRed the movie, I was able to pause it and then took a shot of the scene with my cell phone.  (Notice at the top of the picture is the pink and white glass piece I made many moons ago in my stained glass phase. This is proof of my in home discovery!)  While the designers planned her parasol to look worn and weary, Aunt Pitty Pat is so enthusiastic in her fright, my eyes have always fallen on her performance until now.  What a fun find for a Windie! It is all about those details, details, details! 
     

A Father Remembered

photo by Bob Harkins

Our father, Leo Harkins, planted these daisies in our backyard years ago.  Our brother, Bob Harkins, retired Navy Chief, keeps them well tended.  Each time I look at them, I see the tenderness with which he planted them and remember the tenderness in which he covered his children. Thank you, Bobby, for keeping these sweet delights alive and healthy for Daddy's family.  

Happy Father's Day All

Our Version of Jack in the Box

     Lucky us at Gracious Jane Marie!  You never know when a dog head will appear, so we like to call this week's version Abs in the Sleeve.  Here we have Abby Lou in the cuff of a sweatshirt sleeve, which is part of a pile of clean laundry needing to be folded.
     
     P.S. Abby, our spokesdog for this blog, is pulling double duty as Director of Security for our Goodbye Lie historical romance series.  Since the former director, our bird named Bird, is now flying with the angels after 20-plus years on earth, the Abster is our overly zealous protector.  Her big dog mouth filled with incessant barking at the first rustle of a leaf, squeak of a door or gate hinge or the dreaded, on our part, ringing of the doorbell, is enough to drive away bad guys, plus reduce every ones ability to hear.  

Original Manuscript Unearthed

     Whilst organizing (?) the office, I came across the original handwritten pages of The Goodbye Lie, the first novel in my historical romance series. It made me smile to see where I had written Chapter 1, page 1.  But then, what else would I have put to identify this effort? 
     The gist of the opening scene is basically the same as the published version, yet many of the words are not. I have typed, here, the the first handwritten page as shown in the photo as well as the final, published first page, for comparison.
     For me, it's fun to see how the story evolved.  Hope you find it interesting, too.

Original Handwritten Manuscript - 
Chapter 1, Page 1:   

     She had been looking down as the ground slid past, the pebbles in the road a soft blur.  She was thinking hard about all she had to do in the next. her battle plan. So much to do in the days forthcoming. Thinking about ... Noir screamed.  So piercing was it, that it shocked her into nearly falling off  out of the saddle.  His sleek black coat was instantly covered in a fine mist of fear.  She heard it first coming from the right - Her head snapped up and turned seeing the fast approaching slate grey grey/black inverted tower.  It bobbed and weaved its way forward as if it were a child skipping a madly twirling rope. "Dear God protect us," Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love entrust me here. Ever this day" but she couldn't finish the prayer the nuns had taught her as a girl. Her thoughts froze in her mind chilled with from the horror and the sound of the app nearing tor cyclone.  The wild wind beat her as she automatically clung to Noir's mane for a life line,. This time the wild wind [illegible] and battered them with [illegible].Noir was uncontrolable with his fear, altho she didn't know what to do if she did have power over him. Through all the fury and fear she willed herself to pray for a peaceful end for them both. "Dear God, please" ... Then it was over, as she was struck from behind and thrown to the ground, crushed. under

Published Manuscript

 1882  Sultry Summer on Amelia Island, Florida

Chapter 1

       The girl's body flew through the air.

     Moments earlier, she’d been riding her black stallion down the beach. Conscious only of thoughts of her job at the local newspaper, the girl languishing on her horse's back gave no response to the urgent cry, "This way! Ride this way!" Nor did she hear the distant shouts, sharp whistle or even the pop of gunfire that followed - though her animal perked his ears at the faint warning.

     When the growl of her own hunger invaded her contemplation, the girl realized the hour had grown late. More importantly, the wind was beginning to swirl. She was alert now to her surroundings and noticed the sea birds struggling against invisible air currents. She listened hard for the usual humming of native insects as strands of her hair tangled in the blustery breeze, but all she heard was the ever-increasing whine of wind and pounding surf. Overhead, low-running clouds in a queer yellow domed sky shrouded a heavy sun dropping in the west.

     Noir's unexpected whinny stunned her, and she nearly toppled from the saddle. He reared up, forelegs scraping the air as he sought imaginary rescue. His sleek black hide glistened and the ebony animal bolted forward, taking his mistress with him. The horse was uncontrollable with fear and the girl could smell his terror despite the churn of the atmosphere. As his eyes ballooned with dread and frothy panic dripped from his mouth, his rider called to him, "What’s the matter, boy? You should be used to a little wind and rain. It's Florida, after all." She patted his powerful neck in useless reassurance only to be interrupted by a thunderous roar of nature's authority. 

     Then the girl's head snapped to the right as her eyes took in the ghastly sight of three white waterspouts sprinting just above the ocean’s boiling surface. Lightning charged the sky as pricking needles of rain began drilling the rough sea. The girl rallied all her strength. Winding the reins around her gloved hands, she held tight, flattening herself along Noir's length as he galloped full-fury, trying to out distance death. She refused to look again at the monstrous funnels gaining on them. She knew their purpose - to take them as partners in a heinous pirouette of extinction. 

     The girl gamely chose to spend her last breath in prayer, "Dear Lord, please ..."

     Then everything stilled as she was struck from behind and cast to the ground.

Long Term School Surprise

     This idea is new to me and I love it. My friend, Andrea Grossman, is doing it for her daughter and she showed me her project. (Please refer to the photos in this post.) Near the last day of the first year of your child's schooling, pre-k, kindergarten or first grade, ask his or her teacher to write a little something in the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You'll Go!, which you've purchased beforehand.  Then, at the end of each school year, present the same book to the next teacher your child has, asking for a comment/advice and their autograph. Be sure to have each instructor date their entry. Also,write the grade number and school's name so as to refresh memories when needed.  Surprise your student with the  completed book on graduation day of 12th grade!  What a wonderful gift for them and you.  
     The secret here is not to hide the book so well from year to year, that you can't find it.  That would be my luck and it would happen in the 12th year.  Should this occur, you could write your student a note saying something like, "My best intention was to give you a great book filled with teachers' signatures and advice written throughout your entire school career.  I have misplaced it, if you can imagine me doing such a thing.  I guess we'll come across it when we move, I have to clean the house or when you wheel me into that retirement home, I know you already have picked out.  Love, your Mother." 

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

  I was standing behind a big Marine during  our annual Memorial Day ceremony at the waterfront in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. The scene before me spoke so loudly of the meaning of this most important event honoring our fallen heroes, I had to take this picture. Thank you to each man and woman who died to keep us safe.  May we all be forever grateful, respectful and reverent toward them. 

Once Upon a Bike plus Goodbye Lie Diaries- Pat

Present Day
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, FL

     Jane Marie writes: You know how they say: if the walls could talk?  Well, what about this old bike?  I would bet it could tell a tale or two. Where did it travel? What was the farthest distance it traversed at one time or the entire time it was ridden? How many owners did it have? How did it come to be in the rusty, beat-up stage it was when our wonderful neighbor, Peggy, asked me if I wanted it? Did I?
     I don't know about you, but while I sprayed it with an entire can of blue paint to cover the rust, I wondered these things.  Peggy even  included two metal baskets and moss basket liners. Besides painting, all I had to do was add the flowers.  Next time, I think I will look for plants that drape and hang a little more, per Peggy's suggestion but, bottom line, I like it!  Thank you, Peggy!

P.S.  I am having to water it every day because of our harsh Florida heat. I just saw on YouTube that if you line the bottom of your moss basket with a disposable baby diaper which, of course, holds moisture, it will reduce the frequency of  times you need to water!  I happen to have several new diapers left over after making a baby shower faux cake, so I'm all set. 

***

Late 1880s

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Pat Dunnigan

Pat Dunnigan writes:  I don't want to sound rude, Miss Jane, but what is the matter with you? Why, with a wire brush and some elbow grease, you can clean up the rust and paint that bike a good solid black.  You might have to find the puncture in the tires but, whatever the problem is with the rubber, I can patch it.  Worst case, I would have to get new tires.  All I know is it is less than dignified, covering the handle bars and fender with all those flowers.  Flowers belong in the garden, in a flower bed or in a vase!  Ha! I'll be dipped in mud and covered with lemon peelings, if I don't sound like crabby Aunt Noreen!  Well, so what.  I still mean it!

***

Jack Patrick Dunnigan is a featured player throughout The Goodbye Lie series, but is all grown up in Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, where he shares his story with his younger sister, Marie. Often on the outs with family and folks for his unpredictable behavior, Pat's heart is kind if his actions often turn into trouble ...

Easter Flowers plus Miss Ella and the Goodbye Lie Diaries

Apparently, angels can sleep anywhere ... 
note the angel above on the old rusty fireplace grate

    The Easter lilies are in bloom again.  

     That is a direct ripoff of the calla lilies are in bloom again, Katharine Hepburn's famous line from the 1937 movie, Stage Door.  It may be several weeks past the blessed holiday of Easter, but any time a flower blooms, it is miraculous! And these wonderful lilies bloom annually, with no effort on my part. This is another miracle! - jmm 

***

The Goodbye Lie Diaries
Late 1880s
Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida

Miss Ella Dunnigan

Miss Ella writes: Oh, how lovely, Jane Marie.  In my time, my lilies have already bloomed. Ours are planted by the front steps to Dunnigan Manor.  They are so welcoming during the Easter holiday activities. Every other year, I lift some of the ever-increasing bulbs and give them to neighbors and friends. What a delight it is to take a slow buggy ride around town to witness so many of them in bloom. 
     Your sleeping angel is very precious, indeed.  She tells a tale of silent and safe contentment as she rests beneath the heralding flowers symbolizing purity, hope and the renewing life of spring.  Her placement is perfect.

*****

Miss Ella is matriarch in the Dunnigan family. Featured in each of the novels in Jane Marie Malcolm's  The Goodbye Lie series, she is the backbone of the clan, but don't tell her husband, Michael. 

Mom's 7 Minute Boiled White Icing

Mary Jo Malcolm

photo by granddaughter, Ava

     Did I ever mention I think Mother's Day should be celebrated on the birthdays of a mother's children as well as our national holiday?  After all we put our moms through in their lives, one day a year just doesn't seem enough time to honor them. Just a thought ...   
      My mother-in-law,  Mary Jo, has made what she calls 7 Minute Boiled White Icing and it is her son's favorite.  Because of that, I make it for  Bruce for his birthday every year.  Slathered over a chocolate cake, it forms a crust once spread. When you cut into it, the soft gooey vanilla flavored frosting awaits.  Somewhere in a past website or blog post, I have put up this recipe.  I thought I would again, in honor of Mother's Day. 
     Hope you can read old fashioned writing because it's in Mary Jo's own hand, which makes it all the more special. (Being able to read recipes and love letters written by sainted relatives is another reason to teach cursive in school!) 

Sorry, I cut off the left side of the back of the recipe card when I snapped this picture.  It says: Stir until icing is thick enough to spread  (or until it forms soft peaks). Add vanilla just before it is spread on the cake.  (Spread immediately on cooled cake. Oh, I always make a double batch!)

Happy Mother's Day!

We Have a Winner!

     Lookie here!  I won the monthly drawing for this huge and heavy basket of goodies from our local and completely wonderful Nassau Health Foods Organic Market and Mustard Seed Cafe!  It is located at 833 T.J. Courson Road, just in front of our island Walmart  in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. 
     The following description is taken from their pamphlet/menu: Filled  with natural and organic groceries, dairy and frozen items, Nassau Health Foods has a large selection of national brand nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. 
     If you're in the area, stop by to say hi, browse the place or have a bite of breakfast or lunch in their cafe for conscious eating. Call them for details at 904 277-3158 or visit Nassau Health Foods website.
     And THANK YOU for my basket!  Can't wait to dig in! (If I'm not sure what any item is, I will give it to my daughter, Barbra.  She speaks health food.)

Awards/Achievements

Please try to control your admiration as to 

the heights of glory which 

Jane Marie Malcolm has reached.

Presented to Jane Marie with admiration from Martha Bear, Teddy O, Airbourne, grasshopper advisor, Spew, the vomiting kitty, Art, the bearling who likes to draw on walls, and  all the critters who add humor and delight to Jane Marie's books, short stories and blog.  They want her to continue writing about them,  so gave her this 
one-of-a-kind Elbow Lickers' Award.

Recognized by somebody as one of literature's
best chapter-enders,
Jane Marie proudly wears crown and sash.

Jane Marie featured for four seconds on the
 Entertainment Tonight 
television show, dressed in period gown for
 Gone With The Wind 50th Anniversary costume ball in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jane Marie is a deserving member of the 3 Second Memory Club, featured in
 Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, set in 1898. This club is ever-growing to present day. 

Just another crowning ...

Why and How of Writing

 Goodbye Lie series

Two questions I'm oft times asked at book signings are:

What made you write books?   
     It is always much fun for me to meet new people, especially those who like historical 

fiction. 

     The quick version to why I write is my husband lost his job (the company downsized) and we moved to Arkansas to open a fine dining restaurant with friends with money. (We were the sweat equity.) I was heartsick over leaving Fernandina.  I thought writing a book would be a great way to remember the town. Well, you're supposed to write what you like to read, i.e., historical romance/suspense. Since I'd already taken docent training at the local Amelia Island Museum of History and Victorian Amelia Island was the perfect setting, I began writing one book,The Goodbye Lie to put in my granddaughter's hope chest, for posterity. It was much fun for me and so involving, I had to find out what happened to the other members of the fictional Dunnigan family. That's why I wrote two more with the forth in the works. Oh, after the first book, we moved back to Amelia Island, and my husband, Bruce Malcolm, became the mayor!  

Where do I begin to become a writer?

     So many people have stories to tell and they want to do so, but don't know how. I can only give them my experience, so I simply say, "Just go ahead and give it a try." Begin with short stories. If they are related, they could turn into chapters in a book.  A whole book can be daunting, so try this way.  Find a good friend you trust enough to read your efforts and ask him or her for suggestions on improving your writing and story-line. If you agree, follow their suggestions. If not, and you think the words are best left as originally written, just keep going. Remember, you have to have a thick skin. Remember, too, not everybody will like your style or subject matter.  If you're extremely lucky and determined,  you may eventually get your story out there for the public to discover. But, the bottom line is: Write for the love of the sport. That's what I do.

         

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

A Major Award from Peeper!

Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida, a sittin' on the Atlantic Ocean, USA

Late 1880s
     Grandmother Peeper writes:  I am Peeper Clegg. I am one a the favorite stars a readers a Jane Marie Malcolm's old- timey, ta her, Goodbye Lie books.(Jane Marie calls 'em novels in a series.)  They are writ about where I live now and where she lives in the future, the 21st century, sakes alive!  
     So, I must be truthful, here. 'Twas Jane Marie who begun the 3 Second Memory Club 'cause she's always sayin' how she don't recall nothing.  That ain't entirely a fact.  She remembers enough ta write good books.  I'm certain sure she cain't never forget my glorious and very interestin' ways, so that helps her fill up her pages.  
     Anyhow, she told me ta tell folks ta click right where it says Join 3 Second Memory Club  ta find out all about the club, but here is a sample: There are no applications, no rules, no meetings, no dues, just a kindred of like-minded souls with great long term memories and next to zero short term memories. Warning! If you remember the name of the club,  you’re over qualified but you can still read Jane Marie's blogs and books until you lose your memory.  
     Since Jane Marie is oft times busy writin' her next book in the series, she's acallin' it Sand and Sin, and makin' her recipes, many a them she gets from me, I  gave her the guilts by telling her she was lettin' folks down fur not havin' a official proof a membership to the 3 Second Memory Club.  So, whilst the peach cobbler was a-coolin', she slowed down and created her own certificate and had me ta sign it. My friends want ta be members and are askin' for somethin' ta frame and hang on their wall. Once again, ol' JMM came through fur us.  She said ta copy, paste and print the picture below then fill in your own name. Spread the word cause there are lots of us forgetters out there in this century and in Jane Marie's time, too. 
     Now where did I put my sewin' basket?