More Prairie Wildflowers

Here are a few more pictures of some prairie wildflowers our youngest daughter captures with her camera. Note some of the identifying names. Aren't they pretty? 

Barbara's Buttons

Black-eyed Susan

Wild Bergamot

Not sure about the name of the flower but I really like the butterfly. Does anyone know what kind it is?

Round-fruited St John's Wort

Again, not sure. Looks like Black-Eyed Susan but it's close to the ground. . . 

Tube Beard Tongue

Yarrow

Prairie Wild Flowers

Here are a few pictures our youngest daughter captured of Prairie Wild Flowers. Identifying is sometimes difficult. If you can help me with any of these or see a mistake, please let me know. Here are a few of my favorites. 

 Sensitive Briar (Mimosa quadrivalvis)

 Pasture Rose (Rosa carolina)

Common Spiderwort (Tradescantia obiensis)

Showy Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa) 

Need help with this one.

Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus)

 Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) There were also some like this that were white.

 Guessing on this one - Prairie Larkspur (Delphinium carolinianum) or Foxglove Beard Tongue (Penstemon digitalis)

Rose Vervain (Glandularia canadensis)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Drive into the Flint Hills

Every time I have the chance to visit the Flint Hills, I try to turn off on a side road to take some pictures.

On my latest trip to Chase County, I managed to get some beautiful shots of the wildflowers. Enjoy!

Purple Coneflower

Showy Evening Primrose

Butterfly Milkweed

Cattle Pens

Water Crossing

Miss Rodeo America 2014

The main character for my second book, Seeds of Summer, is a former Miss Rodeo Kansas. Even though my research for this book is over, I still enjoy keeping up with current rodeo queens. I thought you might enjoy reading a news release from the 2014 pageant held in Las Vegas this past December.

Lawrence, Mississippi is home to Paige Nicholson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2013 and Miss Rodeo America 2014. Paige is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Information Science. She plans to obtain a Law Degree from the University of Mississippi and pursue a career that allows her to be an advocate for agriculture and protect the western way of life.

When time allows, Paige enjoys: Horseback Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Fishing, Boating, Working on her family's Beef Cattle and Row Crop Farm, and writing for Cattle Business in Mississippi Magazine. Paige has served as a volunteer for the 4-H horse project, Relay for Life, and assisting as a special needs horse show instructor. “Volunteering has allowed me to build connections in several communities in my state. Service fosters camaraderie and fellowship in groups of volunteers while giving hope and support to recipients.”

“It will be an honor to officially represent an organization whose values so closely resemble my own. I believe families should always look out for each other, and that developing and educating the next generation is our greatest responsibility in life. Miss Rodeo America is an outstanding example of a young lady, a cowgirl, and a person who is strong in character. It is my wish that each person I meet becomes a true rodeo fan, and that I can tell the story of agriculture and the western way of life with knowledge and enthusiasm.”

If you haven't read Seeds of Summer, you may read about it HERE. 

Flint Hills Wild Horses

On a recent trip to the Flint Hills we were fortunate to see a couple herds of wild mustangs. 

These were seen on our drive NE of Rosalia on Ivanpah-Salyard Road.

 The wild horses pasture on this ranch, also known as long-term holding facitilies, when older mustangs are shipped to large, privately-owned pastures to live out their days. The BLM does this as a way to control the heavily populated mustang herds in the West as well as manage the forage for them there. 

It seems like a great way to live out their days. Green pasture. Blue sky.

 This drive reminded me of a Colorado mountain plateau, without the altitude. So peaceful and beautiful.

 The horses grazed undisturbed while our cameras zoomed in as close as possible.

This fellow gazed at us while we quickly captured his snapshot.

God Made a Farmer - Super Bowl Commercial

I didn't get to watch all of the Super Bowl this year, but I did manage to see this one commercial that absolutely blew me away with its simple, beautiful tribute to the farming/ranching community sponsored by Dodge Ram Trucks. Check it out below and let me know what you think. Did you have a favorite commercial during the Super Bowl? If so, please share in the comments below.

Peggy of the Flint Hills

I am a huge fan of Zula Bennington Greene's writing, who once had a column in the Topeka Capitol-Journal called Peggy of the Flint Hills. I used Skimming the Cream, a compilation of her work as part of my research for the Seasons of the Tallgrass series. I'm eager to read the newly published memoir, Peggy of the Flint Hills. 

"Peggy of the Flint Hills" was a beloved Topeka newspaper columnist, dispensing common sense and uncommon insight six days a week for 55 years. But her true masterwork was this little memoir, now seeing publication for the first time - a breathtakingly rich recollection of her childhood in the Ozark foothills and her young adulthood in the Kansas Flint Hills. With a full heart and a matchless memory, Peggy writes of the people and places that shaped her, offering readers a crystalline window into a long-gone world. 

Peggy of the Flint Hills: A Memoir

Saturday, December 15

3:00 PM

Emma Chase Music Hall

220 1/2 Broadway

Cottonwood Falls, KS

On Saturday, December 15, the Chase County Historical Society will present "Peggy of the Flint Hills: A Memoir," a newly published book, written by Zula Bennington Greene before her death. Ms. Greene's daughter, Dotty Hanger and Professor Eric McHenry of Topeka, will present excerpts from the book. The Chase County Historical Museum will open a special exhibit on this same date honoring "Peggy of the Flint Hills." The exhibit will remain open for an extended period of time. Ms Greene wrote her first column for the Chase County Leader News on October 28, 1928. She lived in the Bazaar community at that time. 

Local Music Group, Tallgrass Express, will be in concert that evening at 7:30 PM at the Emma Chase Music Hall. Lead singer, Annie Wilson, will perform her song, "Clean Curve Hill Against Sky", a tune inspired by the writings of Zula Bennington Greene. For more information, please call 620-273-6020. Read more about the Memoir from this Topeka Capitol-Journal article HERE. Order the book HERE. 

The Top of the Mark ~ Snow Melts in Spring

A while back I shared a favorite opening scene from Snow Melts in Spring with you. Another favorite scene occurs midway through the book when my hero, Gil McCray, returns to San Francisco for his retirement party.

My favorite part of that scene is when Mattie appears at the party at the Top of the Mark. Gil asked her to attend, but they'd gotten into a fight about it--you know, silly stuff. Then her best friend, Clara, convinces her to fly out there, knowing how much it will mean to Gil to share this moment with Mattie. She even borrows a fancy black dress from Clara. 

She surprises him at the party, they have a romantic moment on the trolley car, and the next day Gil shows her the estate he intends to buy in Sonoma County. Can we say "rich?" Things don't go quite the way Gil hopes in this scene, but I love it just the same.

My research for San Francisco was a lot of fun, and with the Internet, it was easy to find information I needed for these scenes. The retirement party was held at the Top of the Mark, so I researched the Mark Hopkins Hotel, asked questions about the restaurant, and also learned about the nearby trolley cars. Researching homes for sale near Healdsburg was also great fun! I actually used one of the floor plans as my guide when Gil and Mattie toured the home.


So, if you've read Snow Melts in Spring, what was your favorite scene from California? Do you have a favorite scene from the book that you'd like to know more about? I'd love to share with you here.

Romantic Movie Moments

Yesterday, my dear husband and I celebrated our 22nd Wedding Anniversary. As an inspirational romance writer, I love a good romantic movie, and I love that my husband will watch them with me. Two of our absolute favorites (not listed below because I couldn't find the right clips but worth mentioning are Return to Me  and 13 Going on 30. Here are a few more favorite romantic movie moments for you to enjoy:


Pride and Prejudice - Who could not love this movie? And while I adore the Colin Firth version, I have to admit that this romantic moment takes my breath away. We'll watch this movie at least 3 times a year... 

Bewitched

The Notebook - Love this movie. I think I shed tears at the ending every time. 

It's Not Over

Meet Joe Black - A sweet moment.

I Like You So Much

You've Got Mail - Another absolute favorite. How can I resist--two characters who love books! Again, we'll watch this one at least twice a year. 

I Wanted It To Be You

Open Range - This last one probably seems an odd fit. I love a good western, especially if a little romance is thrown in. This one fits the bill perfectly. The scene where Costner orders a tea set after breaking Sue's is one of my favorites. In fact, after watching this movie at the theatre, that scene inspired my own dear hubby to buy me a tea set similar to hers. So sweet.





So, I know Valentine's Day is over, but do you have a favorite romantic movie you'd like to share? Please do in the comments below.

Wild Horses

I've been doing quite a bit of research lately for my third book, Blades of Autumn, which yes, I am still writing. The research involves long-term pasturing of wild horses, which seems to be a hot topic in America today. Fortunately, there is much information to be found on the Internet--I just have to wade through it all in order to get what I need for my story.

What is long-term pasturing and why is it such a hot topic? Long-term pasturing, formerly known as long-term holding facilities, is when older mustangs are shipped to large, privately-owned pastures to live out their days. The BLM does this as a way to control the heavily populated mustang herds in the West as well as manage the forage for them there. Who pays for this--the government, ie. tax-payers. Some believe this is an inhumane way to treat the mustangs (fencing them in), while others believe it's not cost-effective (from what I can tell, it seems to be less expensive than other options, which btw, also costs tax-payer money.)

Interestingly enough, their are long-term pasturing facilities in the Flint Hills. Here is a recent story that ran in the Wichita Eagle about such a place. While there, be sure to check out all the photos that went with the story. 

So readers, how do you feel about the Wild Horses?

Miss Rodeo America 2011

Many of you may recall that Natalie Adams, the character for my second book, Seeds of Summer, was a rodeo queen. Because of that and all the research I did on the Miss Rodeo America pageant, I like to keep up with the current MRA activities. Here's this year's queen announcement.


MCKENZIE HALEY CROWNED MISS RODEO AMERICA 2011


LAS VEGAS, Nevada. (Dec 4, 2010) — The results are in and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned. The 2011 leading lady of professional rodeo is McKenzie Haley, of Colome, South Dakota.


Haley served as Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2010, and during the next year, she will travel more than 100,000 miles representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Haley was introduced as the 2011 Miss Rodeo America at the 4th performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010. She will begin making appearances at rodeos across the country in January.


Aside from her rodeo interests, Haley is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Her further educational goals are to obtain a Master’s degree in School Psychology. Haley will be able to put to good use the $20,000 educational scholarship she will receive at the completion of her reign.


Haley was also awarded a wardrobe of Wrangler jeans and shirts, Justin boots, Bailey hats, fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s original Black Hills Gold Creations she was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year.


Contestants were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenic and rodeo/equine knowledge.


Contestants were eligible for $50,000 in scholarships at the 2011 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. In addition to the $20,000 Miss Rodeo America scholarship, Haley was also awarded the Appearance category, including $1,500 scholarship and a pair of hand crafted spurs; the Personality category, including $1,500 scholarship; Photogenic category, including $1,000 scholarship and a custom etched glass photo frame; Speech category, including $1,000 scholarship; 2nd place in the scrapbook award, including $500 cash award.


McKenzie is looking forward to seeing all aspects of rodeo while traveling across the country as Miss Rodeo America 2011. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Miss Rodeo America has the opportunity to touch the lives of current and future rodeo fans, to be a source of information about rodeo and the western lifestyle, and to be a role-model for young people across the country”.

Miss Rodeo America, Inc. – an organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions. Learn more at http://www.missrodeoamerica.com./ 

Finding God in Your Story Setting

My books aren’t historical, but I adore historical novels, and some of my very favorite authors are members of the Writes of Passage blog. Last week, I was tremendously honored to be a guest blogger there, and I thought I would share with you my blog post from that day. 

My contemporary romance series, Seasons of the Tallgrass, “reads like historical fiction” and has been promoted as Contemporary Prairie Romance—something that just tickles me to pieces. Below are some pictures from one of my  “research trips” into the Flint Hills of Kansas, the setting for my book series. Some of my most cherished moments in life have occurred while driving off-the-beaten-path into the heart of these rolling pastures.

On this particular November day, the north winds were trying to blow in a storm, but we managed to stay dry--cold but dry. And the prairie colors couldn’t have been more beautiful.

“I heard the prairie call to me, its words a whisper on my heart, and I knew that I was home.” from Snow Melts in Spring.

Cattle Guards are used in the open range to keep cattle within their pasture boundaries without the use of gates. A very nifty invention. In case you haven’t guessed, my books deal with ranching, horses, and family conflict . . . with some romance thrown in for fun.

Pictured above, my husband pretending he's a movie director. I first fell in love with the Flint Hills while attending college at Emporia State University. And while these hills were my first love, the man above claimed my heart a few years later and has never let go. We’ll celebrate our 21^st wedding anniversary in February.

My road to publication has been long and winding, just like this back road through the Flint Hills. But it’s been a joyous adventure and well worth the wait. I’m currently working to finish my third book with Zondervan, Blades of Autumn (release date to be announced). What I find most rewarding, however, is how with each book, I learn a little something new about myself and my faith in God.

Just like in this closing picture—when the sun peaked out and smiled on us, reminding me that God is always with me. Each time I drive out into the Flint Hills, my heart soars, and I’m touched by God’s presence in the simplicity of that rolling prairie. Do you have a favorite place that warms your heart?

Sunflower Journeys visits Murphy's Cafe

This past month I had a book signing at Murphy's Mercantile & Cafe in Stark, KS. It was a day of celebration as PBS of Topeka, KS was there filming for their Sunflower Journeys program.

Production crew members, Bill Shaffer and Jim Kelly, were there to film an episode that would focus on businesses that help save small towns. Rick and Portia Murphy opened Murphy's Mercantile and Cafe in 2007. The program will air sometime this fall.

Pictured below is music teacher and Stark resident, Nancy Richwine who provided entertainment at the cafe during the filming.

I met Portia a few months ago when I first visited her cafe as part of some research I was doing on my current work in progress -- Blades of Autumn. This book is the third book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series and focuses on Clara Lambert, the owner of Clara's Cafe. Seasons of the Tallgrass readers will recognize Clara from the first book in the series, as Mattie's best friend.

Pictured below are cafe staff with Portia.

*Black and white photos provided by Joe Capolino from The Erie Record newspaper