Mother's Day Special

Dear Gentle Readers,

Are you looking for a book for your mother?  Does she want one without explicit sex and graphic violence?  Is she looking for a short story?

Then may I recommend Echo of Heartbreak, A Recipe for Life. It is a short story written in the form of a letter from an ill mother to her unborn daughter.

It is available in kindle edition and paperback at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Echo-Heartbreak-Recipe-Carol-Kauffman-ebook/dp/B00ES2H0BS/ref=la_B0076OMJY8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430775200&sr=1-1

It is the story of a mother's love.
Hugs,
Carol

Cipher in the Sand

A Review of A CIPHER IN THE SAND by Sandra Bolton

Book Description:
Even before the plane touches down in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sarah Nelson questions her motives for being there. Murder and romance were not on her list. The year is 1985 and Ronald Reagan is president. Following a recent divorce, Sarah joins the Peace Corps. She is assigned to the northern coast of Honduras, a poverty-stricken tropical paradise. The Garifunas, a unique Afro-Amerindian culture, are her nearest neighbors. Her closest ally in times of trouble is the ancient female tribal leader and spiritualist, Xiomara, who draws her into the mysterious world of the supernatural. Sarah's life is forever altered as the naive and idealistic woman encounters more danger and intrigue than she ever bargained for.

Review:  Not Just Another Day in Paradise, July 27, 2014 By Carol Ann Kauffman Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: A Cipher in the Sand (Kindle Edition) A Cipher in the Sand by Sandra Bolton tells the tale of an American woman in the Peace Corp sent to Honduras as a teacher. She quickly becomes embroiled in the lives of the village people and faces the corrupt local police, men with violent and often deadly methods. The characters are so believably drawn that one forgets this is not a true life story. The beauty of the country and it's people play an important part in the story, as we watch our teacher's growth through pain and heartache. A quick, interesting read with great characters and a beautiful setting, but not just another day in paradise. I highly recommend it. Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cipher-Sand-Sandra-Bolton-ebook/dp/B007ODMSOM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407333995&sr=1-1&keywords=Sandra+Bolton

55,555 Pageviews!

 

Dear Gentle Readers, 

I came home from the Surgery Center with my dear husband who had some eye repair work done on "Cinco Dem Eye O" and discovered Vision and Verse sitting prettily at 55,555 pageviews. I feel I need to do something to celebrate, acknowledge, or thank all of you. 

You are truly appreciated. You have made this blog "the place for art and authors", the powerhouse of indie authors and artists and inspiration. Without you, this would be my online journal.

And now, I need to get back to the task at hand today, taking care of William. It is much harder than drops and snacks and keeping him hydrated. As soon as he feels slightly better, he's off saving abandoned animals and filling up the holes in the ozone layer. It's hard to keep a good man down.

Once again, thank you.

Hugs,

Carol

Spring

Dear Gentle Readers,

 

While I was working, summer was my favorite season. The heat and being outside were major draws. But now that I am retired, I've discovered spring with it's feeling of rebirth and renewal. This is a photo of my flowering crabapple tree, overloaded with beautiful rose pink blossoms.

Today was a beautiful sunny day with teperatures in the high 70's. Everything seems to be coming alive and there is hope for a lovely day tomorrow.

Have a great day!

Hugs,

Carol

BLUE LAKE by Carol Ann Kauffman

Dear Gentle Readers,

Here are some reviews of BLUE LAKE, the book that started it all for me. The first novel in the Time After Time series takes place in New Mexico, Ohio, and England, with a few side trips to Ireland and Aruba. It covers over ten years in the lives of Nicole Minnotti, an Ohio businesswoman, and the love of her life, Richard MacKenzie, a much younger British/Irish actor. It was written in 2011 and published in 2012.

If you you're looking for a romantic adventure story or a contemporary romance without explicit sex or graphic violence, a story that examines the value of love and companionship and the "age thing", I think you'll like this book. Let me know!

Hugs,
Carol

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5Blue Lake

By barton July 13, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the beginning to the final word. Carol Kauffman held my interest with this love story. Good reading with lots of action and with locations all over the globe. She loved him to the end and beyond through all their trials and tribulations.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5Wionderfull!

ByTCleveron May 20, 2012

Format: Kindle Edition

This was a brilliant novel, and everyone will enjoy reading it. It wasn't something I'd pick up for myself, but after reading it, I can't wait to read more! Great book, and well written!

5Power of Love...here and beyond

ByJ49on April 4, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

After enjoying Carol Kauffman's other novel, Bel Terra; I wanted to read Blue Lake. This novel has been composed and developed into a truly epic romantic novel spanning over 10 years in time. It crosses the United States from the West coast,across the Atlantic to England, Ireland, Italy. Even a couple of trips to Aruba adds to the visual appeal. Mrs. Kauffman describes the scenic areas so well that you can easily visualize yourself there. The main characters are so well developed that I seemed to need a box of tissues by my side when their plights and troubles were made apparent throughout their saga. I really became immersed in this story. It is a true tale of the Power of Love...here and beyond. If you enjoy romantic novels interspersed with action and the occasional quips that makes you smile; you'll enjoy this book.

5What a ride!

ByE L on March 28, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is a fun, intricately plotted story of two lovers on a wild ride of an on-again, off-again love affair. I especially enjoyed the tenderness of the love scenes and the candid treatment of the May/December relationship. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Vision and Verse Surpasses 55,000 Pageview Milestone

Dear Gentle Readers,

This morning Vision and Verse has breezed by the 55,000 Pageviews Milestone.

I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am to find so many readers from so many places stopping in daily to see what's happening here. Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you and I promise you some new and exciting posts, just as soon as hubby's surgery and jury duty are done. Hospitals and courtrooms are not conducive to mobile posting! So, be patient with me, lovely readers.

Hugs,
Carol

An Excerpt from BELTERRA

Dear Gentle Readers,

This morning I have for you an excerpt from BELTERRA, the sci-fi romantic adventure I wrote in 2011 and published in 2012. Thousands of people downloaded BELTERRA, which held the # 1 spot for a while in 2012.

While Neeka was busy with her class, Braedon had some time alone with his mother.

“Neeka and I went to see Spirit Lord Jamit.  Did you ever meet him?”

“No, but those spirit types are creepy, with their humming and chanting and rocking.”

“He told me you were in danger.”

“From what?”

“Seth, the Scientist Lord of Northford.  He is a nasty man.  I met him.  He threw a knife at me on neutral ground.  Remember?  He would have killed me if not for Neeka’s armor.  He was behind the poison wine.  Remember Mother?  He stole Neeka and kept her prisoner for months as his slave.”  Betta said nothing.

“Have you ever met Seth, Mother?”

“No”

“Have you known any Scientists, Mother?”

“What is this?  What’s going on?  Why are you questioning me?”

“I need to know what your connection to Lord Seth.”

“Why?”

“Because he wants to hurt Neeka.  You better tell me.  I plan to kill him.  I will kill anyone who tries to harm her.”

“No.  Do not kill him.”

“Why?  Why, Mother?  What are you not telling me?”

“Braedon, I hate to be the one to bring this to your attention, but there are things about your beloved Neeka that simply do not add up.  You come home with a woman you never met before, claiming she is the love of your life.  She tells you she is a medicine woman and the daughter of the Warrior Lord, but neglects to tell you she is Seth’s wife.  She claims to have been his slave for a month, treated viciously and brutally.  But there is not a mark on her body, and we have all seen her body because she wears very little clothing.  Now she wants you to kill Seth.  You are being manipulated.  I think you need to open your eyes, Son.”

“My eyes ARE open.  Pack your things and return to your own house.  Do not be here when I return.”

MORE of the Art of Beryl Cook

MORE of the Art of Beryl Cook

                                                                           

The distinctive art of Beryl Cook is as instantly recognizable as my relatives at a family reunion. In this society where thinness is praised next to godliness, Beryl Cook's paintings celebrate the life of the happy, socially active, healthy, chubby woman, having the time of her life.

She is not a unhealthy, ugly mass of jingly flesh. Oh, no! She's out dancing, bowling, having concerts in the park, and so on. She is comfortable in fancy and tiny outfits, and is pursued as a desirous companion.  

Of course, as fashionably comfortable  as the Beryl Cook woman is in disco outfits and fancy clothes, she is equally comfortable cavorting in her birthday suit.


Beryl Cook was a publicly shy woman, and for as popular as her artwork was in her lifetime, she was not recognized in public. She used this advantage to sit in coffee shops and parks and dance clubs and bowling alleys to sketch and make notes for her paintings.







At the age of 81, Britain's unofficial favorite painter passed away on May 28, 2008, leaving a giant hole in the world of humorous art, as only Beryl could do, almost thumbing her nose at the elitism "you can't be too rich or too thin" mindset, who dismissed Beryl's work. But the public loves her work, finding it amusing, humorous, and "freeing" the chubby public from the notion that fat is ugly.

Meanness  is ugly.  Cruelty is ugly. Harshness is ugly.  A society that starves children and abuses women and children and men who are different is ugly.  An ample bosom and butt are not.

I remember distinctly a physical examination with my family doctor before an overseas trip, when I expressed a weight issue with my very wise family doctor.

He  said, "Chihuahuas have chihuahuas. And  Great Danes have Great Danes.  And no matter what you do, you are never going to be a chihuahua. I just want you to be healthy."

So, to the other Great Danes out there, enjoy the work of Beryl Cook, where she shows us dynamic, healthy, fun-loving full-size women.




All information for this article came from Wikipedia and the following link:
Link:
http://www.berylcookprints.co.uk/addToCart.asp?id=39

54,000 Pageview Milestone for Vision and Verse

Dear Gentle Readers,

I returned from a harrowing day at the vet with my sweet dachshund, KC, to happily discover Vision and Verse had surpassed the 54,000 Pageview Milestone.

For all of you all over the world who stop in daily to see what's happening, I thank you. The idea that you found a book, an author, or an artist who piqued your interest through Vision and Verse is very satisfying to me.

Vision and Verse, begun two years ago on April 15, has no illusions of grandeur. Simple is our format. Simple is our mission. If we move you occasionally by content, we have done our job.

May scheduling is shaky at best, so bear with me. My husband is having some repair work surgery and I am facing jury duty. Neither one of those events follow a timeline. I will do my best to post, but hospitals and courtrooms are not conducive to mobile posting and electronics are banned in most instances. 

Again, thank you for showing up. You are appreciated. 

Hugs,
Carol

World Book Day Celebration

Dear Gentle Readers,

In honor of World Book Day, Vision and Verse is giving away a digital copy of Waiting for Richard by some unknown Ohio author named Carol Ann Kauffman.

To be eligible, leave a comment in the comment section.

I think it was Mark Twain who said, "The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read." So... read something you normally would not. Open your world a bit, expand your horizon.

And, if you are a daddy, it's even MORE important that your children see you read for information and enjoyment. In my thirty-five years as a first grade and reading teacher, I noticed our little boys view reading as a female pursuit. Do your part to change that misconception. Today. 

Happy World Book Day!

Hugs,
Carol