If The USS Iowa Could Talk

by Kimberly A. Cook           (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Last Saturday I fired up the computer and watched a combat veteran ship off to her new home. With fresh paint and dedicated crew, she left Richmond, California and is on her way to her new home in Los Angeles. The last of the Iowa class battleships, the USS Iowa is ready to go back into service as a museum and education site.

The USS Iowa is a big girl and it is easy to see that by the size of the pleasure boats around her. These ships are home and haven to the men and now women who sail upon them. True mother ships to their crews, these battleships provided safety and shelter and sometimes they became their last duty.

Memorial Day is always a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to secure and maintain the freedom of our nation. The USS Iowa deserves the same respect. I am so glad to see her off to her new life and mission in Los Angeles. Can’t wait to go visit her!

Who’s In Charge?

by Kimberly A. Cook                       (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Ever have plans that just don’t seem to get off the ground? This kitten is having the same problem. When the target thinks it is in charge and pretty much ignores you, it takes the fun out of hide and seek. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend. Happy Quirky Friday!

What Unexpected Treasures Have You Received?

by Kimberly A. Cook            (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

An author talked about how most of the writers she knew had some type of hobby where they made things. She felt even though writers have all this creativity streaming onto paper and keyboard, we still needed a way to be physically creative.

Jewelry box gift from a friend.

Besides hoarding, er collecting, books and shoes and fabric and yarn, my preferred hobby is jewelry making. Started at age ten, the same age when I knew I was a writer. Being the packrat, I still have most of my jewelry treasures and continue to add to the collection.

An unexpected surprise occurred last week that made we wonder what treasures we all have and overlook so easily. A work colleague recently lost her grandmother and sister-in-law. She met with her family to divide things up, sort memories so to speak. They both had jewelry. She asked if there might be anything I would be interested in. “If you have leftovers, I will give them a good home,” I said.

The next week she arrived with two bags of jewelry and this fabulous jewelry box for me to take home and add to the collection. I was stunned. Not only is the jewelry box adorable, I’ve never seen one like this before, but I was touched to know she felt I would give her grandmother’s special treasure box loving care.

When I thought about it, I realized my jewelry collection contains beads from my editor Cindy’s mother, my friend Joann’s mother, my brother-in-law’s mother’s button collection, my grandmother’s jewelry, and my mother has given me rings she can no longer wear.

Each piece of jewelry is an intimate possession from another person’s life. When I started collecting jars of broken jewelry at Goodwill at age ten, somehow I knew those treasures needed a loving home. Perhaps that is one reason I’m a writer who collects and tells veteran’s stories too, so they have a new home and sparkle for all who want to read the tales.

Never underestimate the power of an unexpected gift. Take the time to wonder about the types of stories you write and how you started to collect those tales. Perhaps all writers are treasure hunters of a different sort, always looking for gems in the rough. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, according to the song, but gathering and writing stories are the true gems in a writer’s life.

Is This Your First Screen Test?

by Kimberly A. Cook                (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

It’s been a wacky week and month, so I thought this Friday we all needed to see how others struggle to get their careers off the ground. No matter what our vocation, we all have to try things and fail to get where we want to be. Check out how these actors missed out on a prime role, but went on to bigger and better parts. Happy Quirky Friday!

What Titles Are On Your Summer Three List?

by Kimberly A. Cook                             (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Yesterday in Portland, Oregon we broke a temperature record, 88 degrees! After two cold summers back to back courtesy of La Nina and the wettest March on record this year, its welcome. Since the amazing crop of moss was finally pried off my patio by the power washer, it seems like summer may actually arrive before July 28th this year.

Double Delight rose in my backyard yesterday morning, opening to the day.

The early morning dawn is always awake with possibilities and hope. When I looked out and saw one of my favorite roses opening a fresh bloom yesterday, I hurried outside to take a picture. It got me daydreaming about summer and summer reads.

The rose is near my favorite lawn swing and thoughts of curling up on a warm afternoon with a book made me consider making a top three reading list for this summer.

Perhaps I should make a short list of books with three specific goals in mind. Granted I am reading all the time, but I felt pondering this assignment would be a good brain exercise. So here are the three categories; one book on writing you have on a bookshelf but have never read, one epic fiction book you loved and will re-read and last but not least, a new book you have never read.

My list is still in the making, but there are some contenders. For epic fiction re-read it’s a toss-up between The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher and The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye. Never read craft books on my shelves could be either A Writer’s Coach by Jack Hart or Story by Robert McKee.  (There are a ton of writing books on my shelves, so give me a break if everybody but me have read these two.)

Brand new reads? Let me walk my fingers across the piles of books throughout my house. Rather like bon bons stored in the freezer, there are always new books to read in my home, in addition to the ebooks stacking up on my Nook.  So think about a simple summer book reading list of your own. What choices would be on your summer three list?

Whack A Ferret?

by Kimberly A. Cook        (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

When the going gets tough, Percy gets going. Seems this affable cat is outnumbered by a pack of furry ferret friends. Old Percy wanted to nap and the ferrets were up for games. One of my Army roommates had a ferret named CB and a cat named kitty. CB, named for the Climax Blues Band, liked nothing better than curling up in my loafers or playing in kitty’s litter box.

We were a strange but happy group of roommates. CB also taught me to always check my shoes before putting my feet in them. For those who love ferrets or can relate to Percy’s stress after a tough week, check it out! Happy Quirky Friday!

Overwhelmed? Escape To A Used Bookstore

by Kimberly A. Cook           (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

When our smart phone crashes, the ebook reader’s battery dies, the laptop gets a virus and desktop computer files become corrupted, what can a writer do? Grab a pen and paper and sprint for a used bookstore. Sometimes the gadgets go voodoo and we need to reboot our writer selves.

Smedley, official greeter at Cover to Cover books in Vancouver, WA

While ebooks are growing, they don’t carry all book titles and will never have some treasured books. Go old school and hunt down actual physical books. Refresh our inner bibliophile with the smell and tactile pleasures of caressing an actual ink on paper oldie but goodie. Saturday I had the chance to visit Cover to Cover, a used bookstore in Vancouver, Washington. They’ve been on my radar for a while and I finally made the trek.

Greeted by Smedley, the famous host, the calm and organized atmosphere set my nerves to serene and the cup of hot chocolate from the espresso bar helped. Bookseller Mel Sanders has created an inviting home for readers and searchers. Several customers came in during my stay looking for those books the “big retailers don’t carry anymore.” The helpful and friendly staff were happy to assist folks on a treasure hunt.

Smedley is more interested in crinkly packages that might contain cat treats and purses. Seems he has one devoted fan who brings hidden treats, so he acts like a TSA agent whenever a purse gets close. Sir Smedley leaves no bag behind.

Wandering the well-organized aisles I managed to find seven books which had to go home with me. Where else can you find everything from a French and English Dictionary to Sun Signs For Writers?

 We writers can get geeked out with the new, latest, bright shiny thing and forget the days when Shakespeare used nib, ink and parchment. One of the many great things about being a writer is all our manufacturing equipment is with us at all times, grey matter engaged.

When the voodoo crazies hit your creative equipment or you need to unplug from your desk chair, find a local haunt with used books and explore. If in Vancouver, Washington, stop by Cover to Cover Books & Espresso at 6300 NE St. James, Road, Suite 104-B from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Give Smedley a salute; he is named after a General. Or visit his staff web page at www.covertocoverbooks.net

So take a clue from Smedley, find a used bookstore, acquire a comfy chair and cuddle up with a book. Smedley has staff the rest of us can only dream of having and he stays off the computer. Smart cat!