It's been quiet around Come In Character for the past month or so – and I have to admit, despite my time-absorbing struggle to finish a New Orleans guidebook, I've really missed this place.
In many parts of the world, today is considered Christmas Eve – the time when countless children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, that jolly, superhuman giver of gifts. Prior to Christmas morning, most of these very same children have written (and, in some cases, sent to the North Pole) lengthy wish lists, filled with all the toys, games, and other pleasures that they're hoping Santa will leave for them.
No matter where we live, what we do, and who we love, we all experience sadness, frustration, and stress from time to time.
In southern Louisiana – where some of my characters have lived – there are plenty of dangerous creatures in the wild, including stealthy, easily camouflaged ones like the alligator pictured here. Of course, every place has its share of so-called “monsters” – from untamed animals to mythological beasts – which makes me wonder...
Yesterday was my birthday, and as is often the case, it was pretty quiet and uneventful. Just lunch with my dad, dinner at home with the hubby, a little live music at my favorite bar, and a couple of late-night movies. Of course, there are plenty of ways to celebrate a birthday – from crazy nights on the town to intimate gatherings with friends.
Recently, while rereading Washington Irving's famous short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” I paused at the author's description of the one-room schoolhouse where the ill-fated Ichabod Crane once taught. As I imagined such a setting, I began to reflect on the concept of education – how it's changed over the years, how it's different from place to place, and how it doesn't always involve traditional schooling.
On Friday, Americans celebrated Veterans Day – a national holiday established to honor the country's military veterans – with parades, ceremonies, and, in many cases, a day off from school and work. Known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, the holiday is meant to thank those who have sacrificed their time, energy, blood, and limbs to protect their fellow countrymen and countrywomen.
In the Crescent City – where I (and some of my characters) have lived from time to time – there are several reliable forms of transportation, including bicycles, buses, taxicabs, and, of course, streetcars. Nearly getting run down by one of these historic trolleys yesterday made me wonder about other forms of transportation around the world – and throughout the universe. So, I thought I'd pose the following question to my fellow authors and their characters...
More than two years ago, we had a lively discussion about sports and fitness – and now that it's football season in America, it seems about time to revisit the matter of exercise.
My husband and I are self-proclaimed foodies – fond of a wide assortment of vittles and always willing to try something new. From sushi to nuts to barbecue chicken to fruits of every variety, there's almost nothing we won't taste at least once. Needless to say, then, it's hard to pick a favorite, but what if you had to?
All authors and characters are welcome to answer this yummy question!
Forget floods and rain, we're taking a trip to the desert! Grab your camel for a trip to Egypt.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about courage and conviction. Specifically, I've wondered why it is that some people never back down from a fight, while others find every way to avoid a confrontation. And then there are those who believe in picking their battles – resolved to fight only when the cause or outcome really matters to them.
It's the first thing in the morning. You open your eyes and what do you see? Where are you? What does it smell like? What were you doing the night before? What do you eat for breakfast, or are you just getting home from a night of work?
