Storm off the Shore

                                                       It blows in like a hurricane
                                                       A force with strong steady winds

                                                       Raising the water higher
                                                       Fierce waves tumble in

                                                       Streaks of light flashing
                                                       Moving across the sky

                                                       Heavy raindrops pouring
                                                       Schools of dolphin try to hide

                                                       A storm off the water
                                                       Splashes seaweed along the shore

                                                       Scurrying crabs and shellfish
                                                       Fight a moving tide


                                                                   unpublished work copyright 2016 Nancy M. Rollins

Nearly Looking as He Woke Up On the Wrong Side of the Rock

Good morning Mr. Turtle! With those clinched teeth and fixed eyeballs piercing forward, I think he has something important occupying his mind.  Does he want to escape from the strange humans observing his every move, or perhaps he's only hungry.  Lying on small patches of grass several feet away, shredded lettuce had been thrown onto an area of his pen. 

This tortoise had three other fiends trailing close behind. They each surfaced from a man-made den of rock and dirt slightly below the ground. Even with only a glance, it was easy to see what a bond these creatures had developed inside the Tampa Zoo. 

Photographing wildlife seems to tell its own personal story in each picture taken. Influenced by their irresistible charm, it is my plan to write another wildlife book. This time my focus will be on zoo animals. For now, don't forget to check out my current book entitled IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CHIRP, SNAP AND QUACK.   

Kitchen Elf in Us All

"May I assist you in the kitchen?" asks a spunky, pointed-eared elf.  He rolls out dough for sugar cookies, pressing Christmas shapes with cookie cutters brought from the North Pole.

The magical month of December creates thoughtful elves out of us all.  Influenced by an array of holiday music, twinkling lights, and ornaments dangling on trees, the joyful season is shared. 

Hear the jiggle! Arriving by six-foot sleigh, could that be Santa Claus?  Don't forget to leave some fresh baked cookies, perhaps one for each reindeer too.

 Make someone's day a little sweeter, create your own holiday treat.

From the book : Christmas at the Claus House

   Mrs. Claus is cooking in the kitchen. she is a busy lady too.  Rolling out dough for Christmas cookies, batter fills every mixing bowl that comes off the shelf.

   "Can I help decorate the cookies?" asked charming Isabel elf.  Isabel, who also fancies baking, has been appointed an assistant to Mrs. Claus. 

   Children, and those young at heart will love CHRISTMAS AT THE CLAUS HOUSE.  Is it too late to save the smallest deer Clara?  What will Santa do, and will the presents get delivered on time?

   Order this exciting holiday tale that emphasizes the meaning of Christmas and the need to be together on this special day.  Available on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and many online booksellers.  EBook - $2.99 and Print - $9.98. Everyone enjoys a good book, could this be yours? 

christmas at the claus house | Barnes & Noble

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Letter to Santa

Young children tend to be very honest and say whatever is on their minds. There's no holding back for most of them, and that can be adorable or a nightmare, depending on the topic at hand. Santa is holding a letter written by a mischievous lad. The child has come forward and admitted many wrongs he had done. Will he still receive the items he wanted? Is he considered naughty or nice? Look for the answer inside the book.

With October days quickly dwindling down, it won't be long before children start thinking about Christmas and new toys. Many children write letters to Santa Claus or St. Nick, called by others. In my opinion, there are benefits in these yearly letters. The knowledge gained in the writing process can be educational, and the dream sparks that special excitement that comes only on Christmas Day.

Christmas at the Claus House ~ Saving Clara Deer comes in eBook and print. Purchase it online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, KOBO, Books a Million, Smashwords, CreateSpace, and other common sites.          

Capturing Those Moments:

 

 

Time is precious, and certainly are the children in our lives. With the years passing so quickly, it is easy to miss how much one does change.

 

For some, Photography can become a hobby that could be fun to do. Although considering myself only on an amateur level, taking photos can open a whole new world for those who are willing to try.

 

Today, those great shots have never been easier. Many cell phones have built in cameras. Posing for a Selfie may give anyone a case of the giggles. Keep it or tap delete.

 

I use a camera with a zoom lens for those up close shots. It may take several tries, but with practice and determination, you may surprise yourself.

 

What I love about being behind a camera, photos can be on any category I choose. Whether it’s the grandchildren, wildlife, or a bowl of fruit, photos are a wonderful way to fill an album or decorate the walls.

 

Capturing those special moments with Photography, leads to memories we are unlikely to forget.

 

 

 

Trick or Treat Temptations

Care for a candy eyeball anyone? So, you think all that early candy we buy will stay in the jar until Halloween? Like most homes, very doubtful!

Let's look at it this way. Every time we pass the candy dish, it is there, practically calling our names. "Only take one little piece. It won't hurt."

The trouble is, when we pass the candy dish fifteen times that day, at least fifteen irresistible pieces are missing. By the end of the day, you are shaking your head to see the large dent and thinking now I will need to purchase more. Well, who can resist chocolate? I don't even need to look at it to know it is there.

The best way I found around this tasty dilemma, either pick up the candy the day before Halloween and hope a good assortment is left or only purchase the types of candy children and not I will eat.

Could the sugar and calories be the trick to the treat?

Holiday Fun

October reminds us the holidays are coming. Hoping no one will noticed, soon the goblins, turkeys, and reindeer sneak quietly by.  The first, up to mischief, the second, trying to escape, but the best saved for last, a team to pull Santa's sleigh.

Whether it is Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Eve, each occasion gives us a chance to create special memories.  So celebrate with a neighbor and share a treat with your friend. It's a time to catch up on holiday fun for all children of any age.

The Fun of Graphic Designs - About the Author

These days I find myself bouncing between hobbies.  Knowing my younger years are behind me, and the midlife period is swiftly running out. I truthfully joke when I say there will be a lot to squeeze in for the next thirty years. Some call it the bucket list, and I am happy to admit mine is rather long.  I think for many of us, dreams can be fulfilled if we keep trying. A designer mug could turn into one possibility for me.

By accident I found I had some natural ability for graphic design, but first I must start at the beginning.  The dust on a pile of old, unpublished manuscripts gives away the length of time I sat behind the keyboard.  With the bulk of my work consisting of picture books, to save money I drew the illustrations myself.  One day while looking over a drawing, I decided to add a background to appear more like walls inside a house.  What took me by surprise, I actually enjoyed making backdrops. So I added them to other pages as well.  Suddenly, I did not want to stop with these graphic design ideas, it was becoming fun. I immediately put all writing projects aside for the next three months.

Three years ago, was when I made my first background design for a manuscript.  Now there are hundreds of sample designs. Experimenting on ideas for stationery, backdrops, notebook covers, cloth, mugs and a array of various other items, graphic designs has turned into a wonderful hobby.  It has become a close second pastime to my love of writing.  I foresee a future website and plans to make this another career.

A Future Star : Meet Jodi

  For all you dog lovers, I wanted to introduce Jodi.  This is my two year old, Golden Retriever.  She is getting ready for her first debut.  Coming in 2016, she will be featured in my next book A GOLDEN RETRIEVER'S FIRST YEAR. 
  The picture book was based on the Golden Retriever breed.  Jodi's stages of growth are amusingly captured, making her my star.
 This nonfiction photobook was written for the new or the very young pet owner. Its unique educational style, will have readers reaching for their copy. Look for other photos or updates soon. 

The Christmas Surprise

  A family of seven was sitting around the kitchen table, having Christmas morning breakfast. It sounded like a knock coming from outside. When the father opened the front door, but no one was there.  He glanced down and to his surprised, found a wrapped package lying on the porch floor.  He picked it up and handed the unlabeled box to his wife. Everyone’s eyes shifted curiously to the package, wondering what it could be and why was it left by the door?

  The older son whispered to his brother, “Maybe Grandma baked more cookies and she didn’t want to wake us up.”

  As the wrapping paper dropped onto the floor, the chatter in the room ceased and all eyes sparkled. The mother opened the box, pulled out a pink quilt and raised it high for everyone to see.

The two younger sons exchanged disappointing looks, they were secretly hoping for games or more Christmas toys.

  Their five-year-old sister stared at the pink quilt wide eyed, and then put down her doll. She suddenly shouted, excitedly. “Mom, it wasn’t a dream!”

  She jumped up, ran over to her mother and hugged the quilt. “I thought I had been dreaming it, but now I know that Santa is real!

  “What are you talking about honey?” Her mother asked.

  “Last night when Santa tiptoed into my room, he noticed that I was awake. He asked me if I was cold. I told him that I was because my blanket is very thin. He promised to send me a warm quilt. He didn’t forget.” She sobbed with joy.

  The family looked at each other nearly in disbelief. “That’s nonsense.” The father said.

  The mother looked down at the quilt in her daughter’s arms and noticed a small tag that was attached to the corner of it. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes; she turned to her husband and said, “Look!”

  He read the handwritten note out loud, “Quilted by Mrs. Claus.”

  The family gathered around the little girl and they gave each other a hug. This very special gift made it the best Christmas ever. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Claus."