Chats with Linda

What It Takes

2010-06-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

What It Takes

I feel official now. Last fall I began a low residency MFA course at Spalding University. I want to write professionally and have been dabbling for sometime with my stories often frustrated because I never studied writing other than the basic college English courses required as part of my Business degrees.

I’m beginning my second semester and in the past six months, my writing life changed dramatically. The tools are there now and I’m learning to use them skillfully and bit by bit I see the differences in what I produce, professional and polished pieces unfolding in front of me.

There are all kinds of men and women out there who write, some with formal educations in writing, some self taught. Some are excellent writers, some are born with remarkable story telling skills, others like me waffle and end up being mundane, making it by with a half decent book now and then. I decided I wanted more.

So for those who have the passion and the drive and who don’t have a formal education in writing (mine was in business) I highly encourage and recommend an MFA program. The time and money invested is substantial but the pay back is becoming a better and more well rounded writer, one who feels comfortable with the craft. Now isn’t that what we all aspire to be?

Best Regards,

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Linda is the author of The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance. She is working on a two other novels and a short story collection as part of her work in the MFA program at Spalding University.

The Perfect Words

2010-05-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau writers from her home in sunny, hot Southwest Florida. Her three books, The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Olive Branch A tale of Resistance are available at www.amazon.com and they are in kindle format.

I was having fun at a cocktail party not too long ago when a very lovely lady came up to me and said, I understand you're a writer. "
"Yes," I said proudly and went on to tell her about my three books, Stepping Through Seagrass, The Wine Seekers and The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance. She listened patiently asking about my books as I gave her my elevator blurb. What a nice opportunity to interest another reader in my work. But as it turns out, she wasn't that interested in my books, she was more interested in writing and started asking me what it took to be a writer.

I explained it takes a lot of hard work, patience, and having to live in world that is part make believe and part reality. She looked incredulous and told me she had an idea for a children's book.

I explained that I didn't know much about children's books but if she wanted to write she should just sit down and write.

It was clear she didn't believe me. She thought you had to sit around looking at a blank page and come up with perfect words in the first draft.

Perfect words come later, I told her. Perfect words never come in the first draft. Perfect words are what most writers crave, dream about, spend hours languishing over. Perfect words don't come easy.

She thought about it and smiled and said, "Wow. I never knew."

And folks who don't write have no idea but all the writer's out there know what I mean. The quest for the perfect word never ends.

Best to you all

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

A Writer's Inspiration

2010-04-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

Linda Bilodeau writes from her home in sunny Southwest Florida. Her books: Stepping Through Seagrass, The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance and The Wine Seekers are available at www.amazon.com. Stepping Through Seagrass and the Wine Seekers are available in Kindle format. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com

A Writer’s Inspiration

I’m often asked where my ideas for stories come from and I’m always amazed by the question. I’ve been told I’m a natural story teller so for me stories come easy. I see a man and woman walking through a parking lot carrying grocery bags and my imagination takes off. Are they married or are they lovers? Are they related or friends helping each other. How long have they known each other? What do they say to one another? Do they have children or are they alone. I see the woman smile and I wonder, did he just tell her he loved her, a joke, a kind word about something she did for him. Did he just say what a great cook she is?

For me a trip through the mall or an airport or a park is like walking through a cornucopia of ideas. As I look around and see the faces of people, I wonder and think and question and let my mind wander through a sea of what ifs, hows, whens, whys.

For most writers ideas come easy, it’s the writing that’s hard. But that’s the life we’ve chosen and the one I love best.

Best To You

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Spring Has Come To South West Flroida

2010-03-11T15:26:00.001-08:00

Spring Has Come to South West Florida

It has been a delightful day here in Southwest Florida, time to throw open the doors and windows, time to let tropical breezes flutter through the house. It's been cold here as most of you are experiencing up north and very much unlike past winters.

But what would paradise be if it were paradise all the time. A little cold, a little change is what we all need from time to time. So what if it makes you feel uncomfortable isn't change suppose to do that? Isn't change supposed to keep you on your toes?

A duck family moved into my pond out back, I take joy in watching them swim, Mom, Dad and babies. I know they will fly off as the days warm and longer. And then more change will come. Change, that ever revolving door that never seems to close or open but keeps us paying attention, keeps us from getting bored. What would we do without a healthy dose of it daily?

Best to you
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Wine Seekers and Stepping Through Seagrass are both available on Kindle. Visit www.amazon.com.

The Zen of Writing

2010-02-04T06:42:00.001-08:00

Linda Bilodeau writes from her home in sunny Southwest Florida. Her books are: Stepping Through Seagrass, The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance and The Wine Seekers, all available at www.amazon.com. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com

The Zen of Writing

There are all kinds of reasons people write, some to tell a story, some to make a point, some to construct a memoir. Me? I write because it’s thrilling, relaxing, and creative. Writing fulfills my need to express myself. I write fiction mostly, stories about strong women facing difficult situations.

I find time every day to write even if it’s only for a few hours but most days I manage to put in six or seven hours. I enjoy creating characters, constructing a plot arch, manipulating people and situations and constantly asking What if, what if.

Writing isn’t for everyone just like being a policeman, nurse, doctor or stockbroker isn’t for everyone. You have to enjoy working on your own, enjoy being introspective and have a knack for coming up with unique story ideas.

Are good writers born with a gift? I believe like with any talent, gifts will only take you so far. Yes there are natural born story tellers but I don’t think there is a writer on earth, whether famous or not who can say they pounded out a story without a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.

Being an author takes endurance, patience, and a belief in oneself and though there are times you just have to do it for the sake of the craft, without any accolades, without any hope of selling a piece, I still think it’s worthwhile. That is, it’s worthwhile for me.

Best to you all.

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Let the Lists Begin

2010-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Let the Lists Begin

Okay, everyone get your lists written. It's a new year, a time to pick up pen and pencil, to warm up the word processors, the blackberries, and construct the lists. What's on you list? Are you going to finally lose those ten pounds? Be a nicer person? Stop staying up so late? Read more books? Add a few more thank yours to your vocabulary?

I didn't make a list this year. It's not that I haven't resolved to do anything, I have. I started an MFA program last November and I'm finding keeping up with the work a challenge. I've decided that I'm going to do the work, get my assignments in on time and pay attention to my critiques. I've got a plan in mind and I'm approaching this new year with gusto. So my list includes: writing a short story collection, finishing two novels; becoming better at the craft of writing and reading more. I'm happy to report I'm well on the way.

Some say you should write your goals down so that you can look at them every now and again, so that you can be reminded that you are on a mission, so that you can see something has been accomplished.

I've decided to not to record anything. My list is fixed in my head and in my heart. And there it will stay. Hopefully by the end of 2010, I'll be able to report I've accomplished the lot of it. Why not, I have a blank new calendar year with lots of hours, days, weeks. months. There should be no problem.

Like all goals, one has to begin at the begining. For me that means getting back to work so I can do just that.

Best to you all in 2010.

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Linda Bilodeau is the author of three novels, The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Olive Branch, A Tale of Resistance. Her novels are available at www.amazon.com
Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com.

An Enchanting New Year

2009-12-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

An Enchanting New Year

How delightful to approach a new year with so many thoughts from the old one. During the past year, I made a few new friends, visited, laughed, sang, and danced with those I’ve known forever. I spent time with family, wrote, learned to take things just a little easier, and made cookies just for fun and wrote some more. I learned a few new words, visited places I’d never seen, and hopefully made someone smile with one of my silly jokes. I started and finished a few new projects, went back to school, tried to be brave, tried to love just a little bit more.

A new year means getting older and hopefully wiser, A new year is a chance, a hope, an opportunity. A new year can guide us on our way, can lead us to new prospects, can help us face our challenges. We can make new beginnings; have happy endings, and all that’s wonderful in between.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe beginning to 2010! Enjoy.

Happy New Year

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Linda is the author of Stepping Through Seagrass and The Wine Seekers. She is a student in the MFA program at Spalding University. Her books are available at www.amazon.com.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Linda Bilodeau is the author of The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance. Linda is a student in the MFA program at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. She’s working on a fourth novel and a short story collection. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com and enter her latest contest

Looking for a last minute gift idea? Consider one of Linda’s books available at www.amazon.com.

Holiday Wishes

The days grow shorter and shorter. Twinkling white lights brightened the gray overcast sky. Songs full of promise, full of heart warming wishes sound out. We are in the season, that great holiday season, where friendly faces, parties, cakes, cookies, and warm smiles meld together. Happy Holidays echoes from the lips of friends, from coworkers, from shop keepers. Is it Happy Hanukkah? Merry Christmas? Or simply a wish that your day glimmers as bright as the colored lights, as bright as the stars in the sky. In quick moments we stop and savor the food, the company, a handshake, a kiss. And we hold what is dear in our hearts no matter what the season may mean to you.

Happy Holidays to each and every one of my dear friends.

Best Wishes

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Power of A Thank You

2009-11-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

Linda Bilodeau writes from her home in Bonita Springs Florida. She is the author of The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance. Linda is currently a student in the MFA program at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. She’s working on a fourth novel and a short story collection. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com

The Power of A Thank You

As I rushed about yesterday getting food for Thanksgiving dinner, I noticed a quirky little saying that sent smiles to people’s faces. And it was just two simple words said from the heart. Thank You.

I thanked the woman in the grocery store who showed me where to find fresh cranberries, I thanked the butcher for handing me a nice fresh turkey breast. I thanked the cashier for being so pleasant while checking out a long line of people, and I thanked the young man who helped carry my groceries to the car.

In this fast paced world where we only have moments to stop and reflect, only have seconds out of our busy days to make a difference, I think it’s a wonderful idea to thank those around us who make our lives just a little easier and a little more pleasant.

So tomorrow after the stuffing is made and the turkey is in the oven, I’m going to get on the phone and thank my brother once again for hosting my husband and I over labor day weekend. I’m going to thank for my two sisters for their words of wisdom and how much they’ve meant to me this past year. And I’m going to thank my mom because she is always full of ideas and insights and my mother in law who will be eating with us tomorrow for her creative nurturing and my son and daughter for not rolling their eyes too much when I try to impart the wisdom I have onto them. And then I’m going to throw my arms around my husband and thank him for being there just for me.

Best to you all

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Trying New Things

2009-11-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Trying New Things

Linda Bilodeau is the author of Stepping Through Seagrass, The Wine Seekers and The Olive Branch- A Tale of Resistance. She is a student in the MFA program at Spalding University in Louisville, KY.

The butterflies are dancing now, quick and limber. As the day to my MFA residency draws near, I find myself in fury of activity. What have I forgotten? What do I need to bring? What am I to wear? Knee deep buried in details. Buried in those picky little life issues is the fun, the joy of trying new things.

At Spalding University MFA students are assigned a mentor and work with that person through a semester, communicating by internet, emails, telephone, snail mail, tapes, letters almost every possible method known to man. Assignments fly back and forth, the writing, the reading, analysis of classical works, analysis of pop fiction, opinions, rewrites, better use of words, highly polished verbs. Like all fields an MFA student emerges herself in words, unique to studying writing and literature.

I am a student of fiction, which means I must produce so many words every three weeks. Not a problem for me since I love to write. I read and reread my assignments to make sure they are in order and correct. I just love golden A’s.

Twice a year we get together on campus for a 10 day residency. There we listen to authors, to professors, to trained editors and agents. In person we learn more about the craft of writing and we share works for critique, share joys, sadness, disappointments. We eat together; we laugh, sing, write, and advise. We establish, in those short 10 days, a camaraderie that lasts six months until the next time we meet.

We try new things and we learn together and for those short 10 days we become a writing community and share the best of what we know with each other.

Best to you all

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Eagle Has Landed

2009-11-01T12:57:00.000-08:00

Linda Bilodeau is the author of The Wine Seekers and Stepping Through Seagrass. She is an MFA student at Spalding University and has just completed her latest novel, The Reluctant CEO, which will be out soon. Her books are available at www.amazon.com.

The Eagles Have Landed

It’s a sure sign of fall in Southwest Florida when we see pictures of bald eagles returning to our area. These magnificent birds can be found in most states but they return faithfully to southwest Florida to nest. And we greet them because signs of changing seasons are subtle here.

We don’t have crisp cool days; we don’t have golden yellow, red or orange leaves. Trees hang onto their leaves here. We have no raking to do, no taking in of a grill, the lawn furniture or buckling down for winter. A sign of fall approaching means noticing subtle things; shorter days, a different crop of flowers blooming, and seeing birds returning to winter over and of course the human kind too. The snowbirds as we lovingly call those folks who winter over here are also coming back.

Yesterday on the front page of our local paper was a picture of a mother eagle readying her nest. These magnificent birds are our national symbol and have in Indian culture been a symbol of fertility and strength. No longer endangered they are still protected as they should be and offer us a look into the wonders of nature.

I have had the pleasure of seeing these birds fly overhead, gliding on the thermals, and coming to rest on a nearby roof top. The head of an eagle is always searching the ground for prey, to feed itself and it’s young. Life happens all around us here. One only need glance in the right direction.

Eagles are so like us. They mate for life, care for their young until it’s time to let go and they live by the rhythm of time, always supporting, always nurturing a younger generation so they might be continued.

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

A Book By Any Other Name

2009-10-25T14:59:00.001-07:00

A Book by Any Other Name

Linda Bilodeau is the author of The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance, Stepping Through Seagrass and The Wine Seekers. Her books can be purchased at www.amazon.com. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com

I fell in love with books as a young girl. My parents insisted we read and I found many lovely selections at the library, right across the street from where we live. As I progressed in school, I read the classics, but would always have an “entertainment book” on hand and I have many favorite authors, endless possibilities.

I can’t imagine not having a book on my nightstand, a book when I’m bored, and a book when I travel. In fact, I always plan my reading when I’m going to be away and find it difficult sometimes to pick and choose. I need an airplane book, a bedside book, a pool book, light ready, heavy reading, and you name it reading. I’ve been known to carry five books and leave shoes behind to make my suitcase manageable.

On a recent trip, I noticed many folks pulling out Kindles and other types of electronic readers, fascinating devices. They looked easy to carry, lightweight, and I know that within seconds you can download many stories in them, and have at a fingertips a virtual library. This should be my dream come true but it isn’t.

I can’t image not having a “real” book in my hand. I like to turn pages, to feel the texture of the paper, and to see the print. And maybe it’s age or maybe it’s stubbornness, but I can’t image not having a real book in hand.

Best to you

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

An Exercise Nut by Any Other Name

2009-10-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau’s novels include: The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance, Stepping through Seagrass and The Wine Seekers. Her new novel, The Reluctant CEO is nearly finished. She is an MFA student at Spalding University and has won awards for some of her short stories.

An Exercise Nut by Any Other Name

I’m an exercise nut, there’s not question about it. I’ve been faithful to a daily gym workout for the seven years we’ve lived in Florida. I started my daily workouts because I wanted to lose weight. But then, as I pushed myself harder and faster, was able to climb treadmill hills, was able to run about 5 miles an hour, I found myself looking forward to going to the gym, hooked, as they say, on the rush of endorphins a good fast pace gives you.

Not too long ago, I saw my son who lives in another state. “You look good Mom,” he said. (Always nice to get a compliment from one’s son.) “Still exercising?”

“Of course,” I replied. “Wouldn’t give it up for the world.”

“Still practicing the ‘get up and do it before you’re conscious’ routine?”

My child knows me well. I do get out of bed at six every morning (5 days a week) and head to the gym before eating or drinking anything and before my conscious mind wakes too much. I know on the mornings that I forget to set my alarm or on the mornings I sleep in, (Not many of those) I find myself procrastinating and (yikes) sometimes skipping the workout all together.

But as with many things in life, one must work hard and stay consistent in order to achieve a goal. I set the goal of exercising daily, and I stick to it if only on autopilot and the reward is; lower blood pressure, a healthy heart, firm muscles and more energy. Not to mention how well my clothes fit me. The pain is worth it.

What really keeps me going are the others who work out early too. The acquaintances who have turned into friends. We exchange hellos, pats on the back, a point about a newscast. And everyone leaves with a smile and maybe a limp or a complaint about a sore knee or painful muscle cramp, but know we’ve achieved our goal for just one more day.

Best to you,

Linda Bilodeau

The Joy In Learning

2009-10-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau has written, The Wine Seekers, Stepping Through Seagrass, and The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance. She is just completing her fourth novel, titled, The Reluctant CEO. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com

The Joy of Learning

What a rush it is to stretch the mind. As the residency for my MFA (Masters in Fine Arts/ Fiction) program at Spalding University draws near, I find myself immersed in reading, analyzing short stories, and thinking about fiction in ways that I haven’t considered. In the short period of time since my acceptance I’ve received pre-reading assignments, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, and To The Light House, Mary Yukari Waters, The Favorites, and a short story by Sherwood Anderson titled, Death In The Woods. These are all fascinating stories and if they hadn’t been assigned, I might have overlooked them in the bookstore. If this initial reading list is any indication of what’s up and coming then I’m hooked.

What is fascinating to me about a great novel is of course the beauty in the prose. What better way to get to know characters, places, learn lessons, and provoke thought then through novels and short stories. Of course if you are poet, play writer or screen writer you might argue the same from your own point of view, but I’m a novelist and therefore take notice of the well-written story.

In reading these works, I’ve discovered techniques I can use in my own writing. I’ve noticed new ways to construct plot and describe a place and time. In high school and college, I remember English teachers saying, read the classics. But advice that falls on young ears isn’t always headed. However, the wisdom of age has taken me in new directions and believe me, I’m listening.

Having the ability to continue an education is both a privilege and an adventure and I am grateful that this opportunity has come my way.

Best to you all

Linda Bilodeau

Friends Can Turn You Right Side Up

2009-10-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau is the author of three novels, The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance, Stepping Through Seagrass, and The Wine Seekers. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com and enter her contest!

Friends Can Turn You Right Side Up

The road we walk on sometimes brings twists and turns and not too long ago I came to a fork and had to make a decision. I’d like to say it was the easy path to take but sometimes when you walk down an unknown road, you get scared, you don’t know where you’re going and sometimes, you just want to turn back and forget the whole thing. Confused! Well here goes.

A few months ago, I called a friend to ask her advice on writing programs. My friend is a great author and teacher and all around super person. We’ve had many chats about writing and where my career is going, not only is she a friend, but she’s always been somewhat of a big sister and mentor to me too.

Anyway, I told her I was interested in some higher level writing courses, the kind that will move my writing forward. When she sighed impatiently, I knew she was frustrated but didn’t expect she’d yell at me! But she did and it was good yelling. “What have I been telling you for five years,” she said to me. “Get yourself in an MFA program.”

Well, it was true. She had been saying just that for quite some time, and I hadn’t listened. But this time I did. Scared as all get out, I got writing samples together and made application to a low residency program at ..Spalding.. ..University.. in ....Louisville.. ..KY...., a program highly recommended by my friend. Spalding is listed as one of the top ten low residency programs in the country so I thought my chances of being accepted were nil. But low and behold, I got in and start my first semester in November.

I’m sure there’ll be hard work, some tears, some long sighs of frustrations, bags under my eyes, and even some good curse words as I go along. I’ll blog about my adventures there for time to time. Share my frustration and my joy with anyone out there who wants to read about it.

And right now, I’m thrilled to take on this endeavor, and I looked forward to it with all my heart.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com.

Oh Those Incredible Days

2009-09-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau has three great books for you to curl up with. Visit her website at www.lindabilodeau.com to read all about them. Be sure to enter her most recent contest!

Those Incredible Days of Fall

I just love this time of year. I'm energized knowing I'm on the cusp of all kinds of beginnings. It happens at the dawn of each new season for me. I've always liked starting something new. And my husband shares my enthusiasm.

For us, each season brings new rituals that we add to those we've tried. Sometimes, it's sampling a dinner at a new restaurant or adding bike rides to our exercise schedule or spending a date night together.

This season, my romantic hubby decided we should spend Sunday mornings together. No outsiders welcomed! Sometimes, we go out for brunch, sometimes we lounge around reading, pointing out tidbits of interesting stories, and sometimes, we just hold hands and share our thoughts.

I enjoy writing about Romance but I love living it even more. And I feel fortunate to be married to a romantic. But it isn't just his, I love yous. It's his corny love of chick flicks and the way he holds my hand, and the way he pokes my arm and calls me his bud. And probably a dozen other little things that just make my heart go pitter pat.I've known this guy for twenty years and have been married to him for ten. And I thank God for each incredible day I'm given to spend with him.

So here's to all the romantics out there. I hope you come up with your cozy way to celebrate this fabulous new season.

Best to you

Linda Bilodeau
Enter my new contest at www.lindabilodeau.com

Beginings and Endings

2009-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Officially fall has begun. But here in Southwest Florida you have to look for signs. It's evident in what type of flower is blooming, the shorter days, the school buses in morning traffic. We don't have to worry about raking leaves, cold rainy days or turning on the heat. It'll be well into November before I can even turn off my air conditioner!

I sometimes miss those New England falls, where crisp cool days force one to move indoors, to mount a campaign against the coming snow and wind and ice. I have none of that here. In fact, it's like fall made easy. I simply dress in darker shaded clothing and call it a day! But seasons do turn here. We go from rainy to dry, from cloudy to endless sunny. In the coming months, I will have to pull a sweater out now and then. I will have to watch my email box for messages from friends wanting a break from the cold north.

But whatever a new season brings, for me it's always a begining and never an ending. And I hope it's that way for you too.

Best to you,
Linda

Linda Bilodeau thinks there's no better career than being a novelist. She writes from her home in SW Florida.

View her website at www.lindabilodeau.com and enter her most recent contest.
The Wine Seekers
Stepping Through Seagrass
The Olive Branch - A Tale of Resistance

The Wine Seekers _ A Taste of Italy

2009-09-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

The Wine Seekers – A Taste of Napoli

Linda Bilodeau’s most recent book, The Wine Seekers, takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip there.

The Wine Seekers is available at your favorite bookstore or at www.amazon.com in book or Kindle format.

A sweet treat in Naples, Italy isn’t hard to come by. In any restaurant or bakery one can find a bounty of goodies that will satisfy any sugar urge. Top of the list is in Naples, Italy is of course Baba, which you can find anywhere and everywhere. It is eaten as Dolce (the Italian word for dessert) or as a mid morning snack. The lovely small cake is made with the freshest ingredients and usually whipped up that morning for the noon and evening meal. It originated in Poland, was brought to France, and finally, the dessert made its way to Italy where it is held in high regard. I’ve had the cake in France and in Italy and I must say, I prefer the Italian version.

One cannot get out a trattoria’s door without sampling a real Italian Cannoli, another favorite of Neapolitans. A dessert shell, shaped as a tube, is stuffed with flavored ricotta cheese. Flavorings can include vanilla, fruit, chocolate or even a little sweet Marsala wine. We’ve sampled these wonderful confections here in the states of course, but trying one in Naples was a treat to the palate. So fresh, so delicious.

Another tradition in Naples and in a large part of Italy is Gelato. This creamy ice cream like dessert is usually fruit or nut flavored and in Naples we found the gelato to be extra creamy. Italians like most Europeans do not worry about fat content in milk or cheese and to me these foods always have a wonderful texture and satisfying taste. The fruit used to make Gelato is always fruit in season and so one can find different flavors at different times of the year.

After sampling all three desserts, we made our way back to the streets of Naples, refreshed and ready to find out more of this fabulous city’s secrets.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Wine Seekers - A Taste of Napoli

2009-09-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Linda's latest book, The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com or at your favorite bookstore.

Strolling through Naples, Italy works up the appetite and on a recent trip there, doing research for my book, The Wine Seekers, we found ourselves heading to a trattoria at precisely the time the church bells rang in the noon hour. Italians, like most Europeans, take their food and meal times seriously, leaving work, life, problems, and cares to disappear. As they sit down to well set-tables, the finer elements of life descend, bringing about an instant tranquility. We had no problem putting our American ways aside and adopting their way of life.

After looking over a menu, we had a conversation with our very knowledgeable guide about what a family of modest means would have eaten back in 1900, the time period in which The Wine Seekers takes place. By far, the biggest vote was for pizza. The dish was known as the food of the poor because of its simplicity and readily available ingredients.

Neapolitans dubbed their Margherita after their queen who once took the time to visit their beautiful city. The pie is always wood-fired and during the time period of The Wine Seekers, there wasn’t much variation on how one made this type of pizza. Wheat flour, yeast, water, marine salt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh cherry tomatoes and of course, the watery buffalo di mozzarella, always made fresh that morning. And today, Pizza Margherita is still made with the same old-fashioned care. In fact as of 2004 the ingredients are regulated. One cannot advertise a pizza margherita without using the finest and freshest of the above-mentioned items. Chefs have to use certain flours and special yeast or else it just isn’t margherita.

We shared this delicious pizza while sitting at an outside café overlooking the Bay of Naples. The day was glorious with bright sun and a cloudless sky. While sipping Chianti Classico, we spent a long leisurely two hours getting to know a bit more about Naples from our native guide.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Wines of Montepulciano

2009-08-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

Linda Bilodeau’s latest book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Naples and Montepulciano in Italy. Before writing her novel, Linda had the privilege of traveling through Milan, Rome, Tuscany, and Naples. These blogs are a summary of her adventures there.

The Wine of Montepulciano

Since 709 AD, Italian wine lovers have recognized that the marvelous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the best Italy has to offer. Made from a 80% combination of Sangiovese and Canaiolo Nero grapes and 20% of other grapes from this region gives this wine its classic full bodied chokecherry taste that pairs so well with Tuscan dishes.

It is guessed the name of the wine originates from olden days when it was served only to the royal and upper class families of this region. I used this point as one of the backdrops in The Wine Seekers.

The vineyards on the outskirts of the city vary in size from small family types to mass producers. We toured a few and saw modern equipment mixed with antiques, aging cellars full of oak barrels and farm equipment. I toured Italy in May when the grapes were spring green but still, they hung lush and succulent on the vine..

In Montepulciano our guide had arranged for us to meet several dealers of this marvelous wine. At one place, the local shop owner who couldn’t speak English, took a shine to me when he heard I was doing research for The Wine Seekers. Taking me under his wing, he whispered a few but not all of his family secrets for producing this wine. Our guide was kind enough to translate.

We moved on to another shop and tasted yet another family’s version of this classic wine. I was told the subtle taste differences between each label has to do with the mixture of different grape varieties felt to make a particular label unique. By law the wine had to contain a 80 % combination of Sangiovese and Canaiola Nero but the remaining 20% fuels many discussions about including 2% of this grape and 12% of that grape and 6% of yet another. Our guide told us that the various families involved with the production of the Vino Nobile have argued about this combination for centuries.

We finished our tour of Montepulciano late in the afternoon and I must say I was rather reluctant to leave this marvelous city and hope I recreated it well in The Wine Seekers.
Linda BilodeauThe Wine Seekers is available at www.amzon.comvist www.lindabilodeau.com

2009-08-10T07:20:00.001-07:00

Linda Bilodeau’s recent novel, The Wine Seekers takes place in Tuscany Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip there.

Our first stop in charming Montepulciano was the church of The Madonna di San Biagio, which lies just outside the city’s entrance. This church is a vision with its creamy Travertine exterior and its gorgeous arches, frescos and statues inside. Entering, one notices the statue of San Biagio, (St. Blaise) who is honored for his ability to cure diseases of the throat and mouth. Each year on his feast day, believers gather for the blessing of the throat bestowed by the local parish priest and with a prayer, one hopes to be protected against any malady that nature might inflict.

We spent time touring this church since it was to be the place of worship of Nicola Romano’s family, the protagonist in The Wine Seekers. The church is also used as a site for the funeral mass of Nicola’s beloved father.

After leaving the church, we entered the village and started our steep climb through the main street known as The Corso. Along the way are shops and wineries, restaurants and inns and of course, homes of the locals who reside there. We visited early in the day as to avoid the throngs who flock to this wonderful village. We also had the privilege of meeting some of the shop owners where we tasted the fabulous Vin Nobili produced in this region.

We visited the church of St. Agnes, the patron saint of the city, the church of St. Augustine and St. Barnard; all beautiful in their own right. Each church had its statures, stained-glassed windows, and architecture representing the year and time period they were built.

We stopped in the Palazxo Communale, the center of city government. Here the town hall and local police stations are often mistaken for museums due to their size and structure. A tour through town hall is like walking back in time, and I used this building in The Wine Seekers for many purposes.

At the very top of the city rests the Duomo, the cathedral where one can view the beautiful painting of the Assumption of Mary, which dates back to the 14th Century. I used this church as the site for the Gianna’s marriage to Santino Callisto.

We walked back through the village in order to do several wine tastings, the topic of my next blog.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

An Italian summer - Montepulciano

2009-07-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

Approaching Montepulciano

Linda Bilodeau’s latest book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip there.

The Wine Seekers is available at www.Amazon.com or in bookstores.

Of all the cities and villages I visited in Tuscany I found Montepulciano to be one of the most picturesque and therefore chose it to be my protagonists hometown in The Wine Seekers.

Montepulciano like so many other Tuscany villages sits high up on a hill. It is a major producer of the famed Vin Nobili and also known for its cheeses, lentils, and honey.

This village has a long and varied history. During Roman times, it served as a garrison port and guards were posted high up in a fortress to protect the roadways below. During the middle ages, it was often attached my Siena and allied itself with Florence for protection and in the process Montepulciano was developed with heavily influenced Florentine architecture. I discuss some of this history in The Wine Seekers
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The road approaching this town is line with Cypresses making the pathway a grand entry. Looking up at the city, one sees the limestone ridge on which the town was built and the fortified walls still in existence. This natural ambience makes this town appear dignified and welcoming.

Surrounding the village from the base are many vineyards filled with grapes that make up the famed Vin Nobili, the wine of the nobles. At one point only titled people were allowed to drink and make this wine. Now it is available in all price ranges and readily sold in the US.

Exploring this city takes time so I will make that the subject of my next blog.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com and in Kindle format.

An Italian Summer - Montalcino

2009-07-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau’s most current novel, The Wine Seekers takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her trip there. The book is available at your favorite book store or at www.amazon.com. It is now available in Kindle Format.

In modern times, the lovely village of Montalcino is known for two things, stunning views and it's famous, Brunellos, a wine grown from the sangiovesse grosso grapes indigenous to this region.

Driving to this village is a delight in of itself as one sees the rolling fields brimming with the famous vines. In May these grapes are a cool summer green but in the fall, the grapes turn a deep purple, a site to see we were told as the countryside looks like it was bathed in purple paint. (Purple is my favorite color so I hope some day to see this area in the fall.)

The city gates are open and welcoming. If you are in any kind of shape, I recommend parking and walking, which we did and though the trek was arduous, it was well worth it. The town is ancient and like most in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscan period. Its name comes from a variety of oak that was once populating this area.

During the middle ages, the city was known for its leather goods. Because it was a satellite city of Siena, it suffered greatly through history depending whether Siena was at war or peace. During peacetime the city prospered, in times of war, the city languished in rubble and ruin. The views of the valley from the very top of the city center are incredible, will leave you breathless and are worth the climb.

There is a fortress built in 1361 with a stunning tower and chapel. The Abbey Sant'antomo holds many beautiful works of art and a museum worth visiting. The Duomo San Salvatore was built in the 14th century and refurbished in the 19th century and is a good example of neo classical architecture. The main piazza bustles with activity and shops and tourists, which sometimes spoils this lovely town’s façade.

We visited here early in the morning and thankfully before a lot of the throngs arrived and got in a nice look at the city in the quiet hours. Strolling slowly through town, one can take in the interesting doorknobs, flower boxes, cats roaming about and lovely small gardens in courtyards. However since we were on tour, we did get to meet and sample wines from some local shop owners, making this day trip very worthwhile.

We enjoyed lunch in a café and of course yet another glass of the famous Brunello and was said to see our time in this city gone and our hope was to return someday for another visit.

Best Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is available at www.amazon.com

An Italian Summer - Pienza

2009-07-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau’s current book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Tuscany and Naples Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip there.

Because of its strategic location, we chose to stay in Pienza to take advantage of its close proximity to Montelciano, Montepulciano and several interesting vineyards.Pienza is an ancient city dating back to 828 when it was first mentioned. However, when one of its native sons, Enea Silvio Piccolomini was elevated to Pope Pius II, the city was completely changed. The city was completely leveled and done over in Renaissance style in order to create a utopian city that would be a seat of thinking and learning. Certainly Pope Pius II was successful in his endeavors as the beauty in this city is still admired by natives and visitors from all over the world.

There is no end to the beauty in this town. The squares, hanging gardens, cathedral, and cobblestones make up the architecture that is a feast for the eye. We wandered around one whole evening and a good part of a morning, happy to enjoy the vistas and the friendly natives.

Of particular note was the Piccolomini garden which is in front of the papal palace and overlooks the valley. Here ivy covered walls, fountains, fruit trees and well- manicured flowerbeds are simply delightful to view.

We enjoyed our stay in Pienza and loved returning each evening to this fabulous little city, real jewel in this part of Tuscany.
Best Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available on www.amazon.com

2009-06-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau's latest book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Tuscany. These blogs are a summary of her research trip through enchanting Italy.

Moving through Tuscany is easy with a car and a tour guide who knows what she's doing and we were privileged to have American born, Claire as our guide. Claire was born in the states but has spent a large part of her life in Europe and quite a few years as a tour guide in Tuscany. She knew the area and the region, spoke the language like a native and was aware of those wonderful little out of the way places where tourists rarely roam.

We toured many small villages along the way but Siena was one of my favorites and therefore the reason. I made this a village of importance in my latest book, The Wine Seekers. Siena is set on three hills and connected together via alleyways and almost tunnel like streets. It's not easy to find one’s way around and walking is an up and down adventure. But once you reach, the Piazza Del Campo, you have found Siena's heart and soul. The main church always referred to as the Duomo in Italy was built in the 12th century, but unfortunately money ran out, and this magnificent structure in Romanesque style never ended up being the largest cathedral in Europe. Still though only partially built, it is worth taking the time to tour and we did.

The Piazza Salimberi holds the oldest bank in continuous existence, making Siena an important center of commerce. Nicola the protagonist in The Wine Seekers finds the root of his family’s long held secret lies partly in this city.

The Etruscans, an ancient people who populated this region, founded the city. Siena is where the myth of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome was born. All over the city one can view statues of the she-wolf nursing these young orphans and of course that image became a symbol of the city of Rome.

We were fortunate to visit Siena on a Wednesday when the big open-air market takes place and shopping in Siena is a pure delight of the senses with everything from local food to local crafts to young artists displaying their works.

The city is also the home of St. Catherine of Siena whose mystic beliefs are now being studied most fervently. She also plays a role in The Wine Seekers.

We unfortunately only spent the day touring this lovely city as we wanted to see villages nearby but my hope is to return some day to this city of ancient history, art and commerce.

Best Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

An Italian Summer - Florence

2009-06-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Our trip from Naples back to Rome and then on to Florence was uneventful. Though the Italian Rail system is not as advanced as other European countries,(no high-speed trains), we traveled, comfortable in our coach car and took in the delightful countryside as we moved along.
We had hired a guide to take us through the various towns in Tuscany simply because without preplanning one could wander for weeks in all of these charming little villages. And not having that kind of freedom or finances, we decided to make the most of what was left of our 12-day trip.
We were ecstatic to find out that our very modest, yet comfortable hotel, was situated right across from Duomo, the main church in Florence. This cathedral, Santa Maria Del Fiore is the crowned jewel of Florence and its dome can be seen from all over this city of about 500,000 people. We unfortunately arrived on a Sunday at the end of a weekend when all churches and museums are open to the Italian public for free. (This happens once a month in Italy) And Italians from all over flock en masse to historical cites, creating endless lines (It is their city and homeland after all!)

Undaunted, we decided to walk around and our guide took us past a gathering where a Mime was performing. We stopped to watch and I happened to say, "Oh I love Mimes." The next thing I knew, the Mime grabbed me and planted a healthy Italian kiss on my lips! Shocked, I straightened and found my husband and our guide bent over laughing. It seems my face was covered with white face paint!

After cleaning up, we visited the Uffizi located at the corner of the Piazza della Signoria, a site of Florence civil life and government for centuries (Signoria Palace is still home of the community government). In the Piazza is a beautiful functioning fountain that serves as a terminus for an old Roman Aqueduct. (Yes, still in use after all these centuries.)The museum itself is a feast for the eyes. We saw reproductions of the statues of famous Italian Masters. The originals were once on display but have since been moved inside for safekeeping.

We went on to the Ponte Vecchio, (Old Bridge) and the only bridge in the city to survive World War II. It is an amazing structure originally built by the Etruscans and then rebuilt in the 14th Century, and it expands across the Arno River into the oldest section of the city. A fascinating place filled with shops and more piazzas.

Spending the day, strolling through this marvelous city left us famished, and we ended it with a lovely Italian dinner at a small tratorria. I used Florence as a backdrop for some scenes and a murder in The Wine Seekers and hopefully captured this beautiful city's personality.

Best Linda Bilodeau
http://www.lindabilodeau.com/
The Wine Seekers is now available at http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20= In Kindle format.

2009-06-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

Linda Bilodeau's most recent book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip.

From Rome we decided to venture to Naples. I was told quite a lot about Naples from tour guides, it wasn't safe, it was dirty, I shouldn't venture there alone-all of which I found untrue. However, because of time constraints, we decided to hire a guide for the day. Early in the morning, we boarded a train in Rome, the idea being we'd spend the day and early evening touring Napoli as the natives call it.

We arrived just as the weekly market was in full swing, and from the train station, we made our way through a sea of bodies purchasing vegetables, fruit, bread, pasta, cheeses, and clothing. Tables and stands created the maze one had to meander through and if we hadn't been on such a tight schedule, I might have spent more time wondering through the market.

Our guide, a native of Naples, took us first to Piazza Del Plebiscito, the main city square which is bounded on the east by The Royal Palace and on the west by the Church of San Francesco Di Paola. The skinny streets and side alleys running off this square created a nice back drop for a lot of aciton in The Wine Seekers.

We then made our way to the edge of the city and viewed the lovely Castel Dell'ovo and lively Naples bay. As Nicola Romolo, the main protagonist in The Wine Seekers, walks with his uncle through the streets of Naples, he learns the tale of this castle and the miracles of San Gennaro who was Bishop of Naples and martyred here in the 3rd century. Little Italy in New York still celebrates this saint's feast day every year with parades and the miraculous changing of his blood to liquid. (Read more about this in The Wine Seekers)

Naples is known for Pizza Margherta. The ingredients of this dish and temperature of the wood burning ovens it is cooked in is regulated by city law. Lemoncello a sweet liquor is a delicious and refreshing after dinner drink. Gelato and espresso can be found on every street corner and if you're really in the mood for sweets, try a baba rum cake, guaranteed to sweeten any mood. Of course the cities most famous dish is Spaghetti Ragu made with a fresh tomato sauce and meat either served with the spaghetti or on the side. The ragu sauce is lovingly known as Italian gravy since it tends to be thick and flavorful. But there is no such thing as "jar" sauce here, all ragu is made fresh for dinner or lunch.

As we strolled along, our guide warned us about the Camorra and their strange rituals. She related many told tales about the infamous mafia, most of which you can find in The Wine Seekers. I enjoyed our tour of Naples and incorporated much Italian folklore from the history of this city into The Wine Seekers.

I hope you will read it to get a very special taste of what this Italian city is like.

Best Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is available at www.amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

The Wine Seekers is now available on Kindle at www.amazon.com

2009-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau"s most recent book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip though this beautiful country.Our second day in Rome was spent taking in as many sites as possible. How far and fast can two people get around this marvelous city? Wel,l we weren't out to set any records but we had a "to see" list, quite important when you have limited time in a city so large.

Since we were staying close to The Spanish Steps, we decided that was the place to start. The steps, Scilinata della Trinita connect the Piazza Trinita dei Montia with the Piazza di Spagna. With 138 very steep stairs, it is the widest and longest staircase in Europe.

The stairs were never meant for sitting, as an eating area or for just wallowing away the hours. Instead their purpose was to connect the The Holy Sea with the Bourbon Spanish Embassy. Even today lottering isn't allowed, but one can climb those steps, and we did! We were fortunate to be there in the month of May when pots of Azaleas are placed on the edge of every step. A gorgeous site! There is also a Flower market, open all spring, summer, and fall and at Christmas time, a 19th century creche is placed on the bottom step.

From this area, we made our way to Tevi Fountain. The fountain is the biggest and most beautiful in Italy. It is the ending point of the Aqua Virgo, which brings water from Salone Springs to all the historic fountains in the old part of Rome. Naptune, the sea god guards the fountain's center and he holds onto two sea horses, one calm, one wild, representing the moods of the sea.

It is said if you throw a coin over your shoulder while standing with your back to the fountain, you will return to Rome one day. We did this and perhaps our dream will come true.

From here, we started wondering through some beautiful piazzas, the Piazza Navona being one. This lively square is city central with three fountains and the Church of Sant Agnese in Agone. Built in 1652, this lovely church commomerates St. Agnes. The legend goes that she was brought to this square and stripped of her clothing but a miraculous growth of her hair to cover her body saved her from public shame.

Rome is full of beauty, history, legends, the ancient mixed with the modern. I hope my coin toss into Trevi Fountain brings me back to this marvelous city.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is available at www.amazon.com

An Italian Summer - Rome

2009-05-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

Linda Bilodeau"s most recent book, The Wine Seekers takes place in Italy. These blogs are a summary of her research trip though this beautiful country.

How can one travel through Italy and not stop in Rome? We had decided to spend two days in this marvelous city and found we were shortchanged. Never go to Rome unless you have a week to spare, there is just far too much to do and see.

But only having a short time in Italy, fifteen days and many places to cover to do research for The Wine Seekers, we had to make our choices.First and foremost on our agenda was a trip to Vatican City.

Fortunately, our hotel was within walking distance and the weather was gorgeous so we hiked the three miles over there. What a treat!On our way, we ran into an excavation site. As often happens in this city throbbing with history, a construction site unearthed an underground ancient Roman Home.

On display for us were carved out rooms and a detailed explanation of what it might have looked like. The homes current inhabitants were cats! And we saw them in all colors, shapes and sizes lounging in the sun. As always, we found alley ways and little out of the way squares along the way. Rome like most European cities is built such that streets open into squares making walking an adventure into wonderland and driving (we dared not!) a nightmare.

We arrived at St. Peter's square to find it full of people and the lines unmanageably long. We decided to skip the guided tour and did one on our own. We found our way into St. Peter's Basillica after a short stint in one of the smallest lines. We saw the work of Michelangelo, the ceilings, the altars, the statues, all breathtakingly beautiful. We walked through chapels, and in and around altars, taking in information from our ear phoned tour.

If you're Catholic, this is ground zero and we felt fortunate to see the seat of our religious beliefs. But no matter what your religious beliefs are, you can't help but be awestruck by the reverent nature of this spectacular building.

Linda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau/.com
The Wine Seekers which takes place in Italy is avaialable at www.amazon.com

An Italian Summer

2009-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

It was about this time of year when I first toured Italy doing research for The Wine Seekers. Since opportunities to travel are few, I thought I'd share some of my best Italian experiences with you.
Our trip started in the exciting city of Milano (Milan) where we landed after an overnight flight from Miami. Milano bustles with activity at eight in the morning which is about the time we hit the streets looking for the train station. We had slept little on our flight but after an espresso, (Italian's start their day with a cup each morning, and you can find coffee bars almost every where) and some directions, we boarded a bus to take us over to Milano Centrale, one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. Built in 1864 and refubished in 1931, it has no lack of exquisite features, and we didn't mind being lost in this fabulous place.

The train station does not feature any specific architectural style but is a blend of many different styles, which I took to be an omen of things to come. I hadn't come all this way to Italy for the expected and instead, wanted a trip that would send me into a different world. A world that I hoped I shared in The Wine Seekers.Italians are never in a hurry and they enjoy lingering over coffee, a pastry, browsing though shops or chatting with a friend. All possible in this lovely station which to me seemed designed to fit their culture and their life style. Getting to the correct train track didn't prove easy as the station is on multi levels.

We rode up and down escalators until dizzy than worried we'd miss our train, and finally stopped to ask a kind woman at a information station for directions. We were grateful to hear her tell us where to go in perfect English.

The Italian train system is not a high speed rail as it is in other European countries and we found it would be a long four hours before we reached Rome. Not concerned with the time, we sat back to enjoy a look at the beautiful countryside while enjoying some breakfast.

Best Linda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau.com - Enter An Italian Summer Romance Contest Today. The Wine Seekers is now available at www.lindabilodeau.com

OH Those Wonderful Mothers

2009-05-04T07:32:00.001-07:00

Mothers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tiny, petite ladies who sip tea and love frilly pink scarfs. Others are tall, straightforward and basic blue. You always know where you stand with a basic mom, she isn't complicated, she doesn't keep you guessing.

Some mothers frown and scold, then when you least suspect, they pat your hand and tell you the world is a better place because you are part of it. There are those mothers who seem never to be without a warm plate of chocolate chip cookies and a tender word. They have big hearts and broad shoulders. They cry when you cry and laugh when you laugh.

Mothers are doctors, lawyers, plumbers, and teachers. There are stay at home moms, work from home moms and business owning moms.

Creative mothers can redorate the house and make it look like a magazine ad. Others cook coq au vin for fun or whip up a seven layer cake with no problem at all.

But no matter what your mother is or does she usually is there when you need her and that's the best kind of mother.

Best to you and Happy Mother's Day.
Linda Bilodeau

www.lindabilodeau.com
the Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com

The Way It Was

2009-04-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

After my uncle retired. he bagan a quest to document family history. Many rumors circulated through family lore about my great granodddfather who was said to be adopted, which made it difficult to trace lines back very far. My uncle has taken trips to Canada, my family has french roots, to go through piles of documents to find the truth of the matter.

Lo and behold a cousin came forward. She had found some missing family papers which provided a vital link to the past and with information she proviced he was able to search old records to find as he put it, the missing links.As he progressed. he found a great-great aunt of mine had died of consumption, the old fashioned word for TB at age 28. We found my great great grandfather had been sent his then 3 year old son, my great grandfather to live with another family after his wife died. He remarried and took the son back, a fact we did not know.

My uncle found photos of the old family farm, sadly it is no longer there. And many pictures of ancestors. In the group of photos he sent I saw a picture of the great aunt who died of TB as a little girl and was amazed at how I resembled her, my link to the past. And I got to thinking about how we do find things in unexpected places and how fortunate we are when we can feel connected to the past and the present and the future.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com.

Oh What The children See

2009-04-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

This morning, I read with interest an article by a local grandparent about how his granddaughter. As they walked to the beach, the little girl saw a tree in bloom and to her, the tropical pink flowers, looked like butterflies. "Look, Grandpa," she said. "The butterflies are resting in the tree." And when he tried to explain they were flowers, his precocious little girl wouldn't hear any of it and insisted on revisiting the butterflies resting in the tree for as long as she was around.
Writer's take note. How often have we scratched our heads, used the the dictionary and walked around for hours, trying to come up with new and refreshing ways of getting our points across. Children have a knack for seeing beyond reality and letting their imaginations run wild. Maybe next time I'm stuck for an idea, I'll take a walk with a sweet four year old and see what she sees. And perhaps by looking at the wonders of the world through a child's eyes, I'll learn a thing or two or at least witness butterflies where only flowers existed.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Oh Those Fabulous Bunnies

2009-04-06T12:11:00.001-07:00

Oh Those Fabulous Bunnies
Category: Blogging
Every morning:at 6:45 AM, I climb into my car and set out for the gym. Now that the mornings are lighter and brighter, it's always a joy to see the bunnies hoping around at dawn's first light.
In our community rabbits rule, there are no shortages of them, they run rampant. I've seen fat bunnies, skinny ones, quick rabbits, and resting rabbits. They come in all shapes and sizes always on the look out, and almost always feeding on plants or grass.
Bunnies don't bite. they don't chase you, don't bark or howl or squawk. They just look cute with their pointy ears and fashion statement tail and coats of creamy shades of brown.
I don't know how rabbits became associated with Easter but of all the animals one could have chosen, bunnies are probably the best. They have a dashing look of innocence meant to delight, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate Easter than to see it in one of God's glorius creatures.
Best and Happy Easter
Linda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau.com

Oh Those Great Connections

2009-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, a friend sent me a lovely email. One with cute sayings and cartoons, all about the love for friends. Usually, I read those smile and thank the person who sent it and leave it at that.But last Tuesday was different. One cartoon had a cute picture of two cats lying together, (I can't resist cats) under it was written You and me is friends, you smile, I smile, you cry I cry, you jump off a bridge, I'm gonna miss your emails! I was hooked and decided to forward it to several other of my cat loving friends. The response was tremendous. I happen to hit two friends undergoing personal problems that I wasn't aware of and they thanked me for the email. I also discovered another friend is coming to Florida and wanted to get together, thank you for that lovely email, she said, I had lost your address. I hit the friendship lottery with just a few swift key strokes. I made two friends smile when they were down and had the chance to connect with another whom I hadn't seen in quite some time. What more can one ask for in this world! In this great big busy world of ours, we all do our best to keep those precious connections, but time is precious. But like the little saying, I want all my friends to know where ever they may wonder that I do cry when they cry and I do laugh when they laugh and most of all, I miss them when they're not around.BestLinda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau.comThe Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

Oh Those Beautiful Gardens

2009-03-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

My husband and I love to garden and there's not too many places better to flex one's horticultural muscles than here in Southwest Florida.
We have seasons in Florida but ours never include snow or sleet or subzero temperatures. We have brilliant sunny days, and in the winter months cool nights along with warm temperatures that surround our plants like a warm blanket. When my husband and I built our home, we chose a lot purposely for its proximity to a wild preserve and picked out native plants that would give our home what we call, the "wild, manucured look."
Plants like all living things need tender and loving care. We tilled and watered and fertilized, back breaking work for two middle agers with careers. But we believe hard work has it rewards.
Last night after dinner we took a walk around our property admiring our handiwork. Our sweat, sore muscles, and sunburns have produced a lush green wonderland that we are proud to call home.
Our children are grown and gone and right now, we are still in mourning for our beloved cat, Kitty who passed away 10 months ago. But we are not without our beautiful plants who return our hard work with their beautiful displays of color, shapes and sizes. And for us, that's a wonderful reward for all our hard work.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

Oh Those Naughty Adverbs

2009-03-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

had the pleasure to sit with a fellow who headed a workshop at a writer's conference not too long ago. He spent three days covering, how to edit one's work, which is very difficult for most writer's to do. It's hard to look at your own work through an objective eye. After all, this is your darling, your masterpeice, and to cut or change words is almost like incising a wound. I asked this particular workshop leader what he thought was the biggest flaw most writers deal with. And he said without any hesitation, adverbs. An adverb can be an asset, he told me, but most of the time, it represents flawed writing. To tell the reader that your character spoke softly or walked slowly robs you of the opportunity to open the door for more description. Why not tell us he saw every brick in the walkway, he suggested, described something unusal about his tone of voice which will keep the character in the reader's mind. I have to say, I was shocked when I searched a recent peice of my own work for adverbs. I had no idea I had such an adverb addiction. Do a search on your work, and you might be surprised too. Rework those sentences where adverbs took over. Tell us more, give us something to read that makes us keep turning the pages, and by all means, use the best descriptors possible. Best Linda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau.comThe Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com

It's All About Time

2009-03-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

As most of you know or have now figured out the hard way, we sprang ahead in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Time change creates upheaval in our household. My husband and I wait to change our clocks when we wake in the morning, thinking well rested minds can conquer all.
It's amazing to me how much we rely on knowing the time, it gets us to Sunday services on time, gets us to work, gets us to meet friends, see shows, and know when the local news comes on.
We're told not to waste time and to use time wisely. I wear a watch and I look at it often and can't imagine running my life without it.
But just for once I'd like to throw my watch aside and just let instinct get me through the day. What kind of mess would I'd get myself into? Would I know what time to eat, when to do errands, when to meet someone? I was raised on, it's rude to be late, always be on time.
My husband and I got out the owners manuals and changed all our clocks yesterday. We have ten clocks and two watches in our lives. I guess there's no need to worry about us, we can't help but know the right time.
All in all I'm a believer in time is precious and I try to make every minute count.

Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau
The Wine Seekers is now available on amazon.com

2009-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a book titled The Last Lecture written by Randy Pausch, a former professor at Carneigie Mellon University. After he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given just a few months to live, Dr. Pausch was asked to give a final lecutre to the student's he loved. The lecture morphed into a book.

For those of you who haven't read the book, I highly recommend it. Dr. Pausch constructed each chapter as a period of time in his life and stated the wisdom he learned from each experience.I was particularly attracted to a section titled, The No Win Scenario. There Dr. Pausch relates a story about William Shatner visiting his lab at the University. Dr. Pausch did research on vitural reality something that interested Mr. Shatner. When the actor learned of Randy's diagnosis, he sent him a publicity shot of Captain Kirk with the words, "I don't believe in the no win sceneario."

The line came from the second Star Trek Movie. At the begining, Mr. Spock is working with a group of trainees who are in the midst of a simulation, a situation described as the no win scenario. No matter what these trainees do, their efforts fail. The scenario was designed to teach that even with the best of efforts sometimes we fail. However, we soon learn that Captain Kirk passed the test. He did it by cheating we are told. He reprogrammed the scenario so it was possible to win. He justified his actions by saying, "I don't believe in the no win scenario."

I completed a novel recently and reworked it, rewrote it several times, and had others I trust take a look at it. When I beleived I had put everything possible in it, I sent it to agents. I had no luck selling it. I did another rewrite and another round of sending and still came up short. I decided to put the novel aside and move on and write something else. In the meantime, an old critique group that I used to belong to got back together and I've been submitting the novel to them for yet another review. Still I had little hope in ever being able to restructure that novel in anyway that would make it saleable. I was simply calling my efforts, a learning experience, an exercise in writing.

Just this morning one of my crit partners emailed me and said, "You know, Linda, you've got quite a story here, and I think I know what's wrong with it." He asked if I wanted his comments. "Yes," I said. And there you have it.

The novel I thought dead is back in intensive care. I'm not sure what will happen to it, but I know I'm going to do everything in my power to make it perfect.Never give up. Never stop hoping. Be incredibly innovative. Always look for a way around a locked door. I now believe there's no such thing as a No Win Scenario. I know the computer can always be reprogrammed!

Best Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

2009-02-23T07:30:00.001-08:00

I had the unfortunate experience of doing something to my arm and woke one morning several months ago, to find my right shoulder wouldn't do its job. It was frozen, my doctor explained, and I had to undergo physical therapy to get my motion back again.
While on the machines and doing the exercises in a large room with a few dozen other people, I came to realize how health isn't a guarantee and how fortunate I was. I saw others who had had surgery, chemo therapy, strokes, accidents and a variety of other mishaps struggling as I did. We'd occaisionally shout words of encouragement to one another and we started paying attention to each other's progress.
I'm happy to report I graduated from PT on Friday, sent home with exercises designed to keep my shoulder moving. And as I'm returning to my old self, I say a prayer and send my good wishes to those out there who are struggling to get better and return to normal too.
Good health is not guaranteed, it is a blessing and a privelage. I've learned that I will never take mine for granted again.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

The Long and Short of It

2009-02-15T10:21:00.001-08:00

I'm always amazed at my emotions when I read a review about my books. As a new writer, I was told get used to criticism, get used to rejection, never take it personally, and hang your ego at the door with your coat when you walk into a critique group.
I've tried to do all of the above. It does work. But my goodness, putting a book out is, in my humble opinion, akin to showing your child to the world for a first look. No one wants to be told they have an ugly baby full of faults.
Luckily my reviews have been good. Not 5 star more like 3 and 4 star. A lot of Bs, I told my publisher lately. I used to get a lot of Bs in school.
But I do like it when a stranger likes my work or I recieve an email from someone I've never met saying, I enjoyed your books, I've recommended them to several friends.
It takes time to build a readership and more time still to write a great story. I've learned from my reviews and critics, and incorporated their suggestions each time I edit my new work.
Someday I hope to see my name gleaming on the New York Times best seller list and glowing reviews in some big named papers, but until that day comes, I keep trying and learning and revising. And passing my wisdom onto other writers. And for now, that's why I write for the love of learning and the love of the craft.
My gold star wil come when I've earned it and until then I'm happy to be where I am.
P.S. You can read my reviews on my website at www.lindabilodeau.com
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com for just 11.65.

2009-02-08T16:49:00.001-08:00

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day then to imagine yourself in a romantic country like Italy.
Italians have a flair for romance and always celebrated Valentines Day in some fashion.

In ancient times Valentine's Day was initially celebrated as a Spring Festival in Italy. Celebration for the day was held in the open air. Young people would gather in tree arbors or ornamental gardens and enjoy listening to music and reading of poetry. Later they would stroll off with their Valentine into the gardens. The custom steadily ceased over the course of years and has not been celebrated for centuries. Betrothed couple used to announce their engagement on the Valentine's Day. Several days ahead of February 14, stores were decorated and loaded with a huge variety of bon-bon. Some even sold china baskets and cups filled with delectable Valentine's Day candies and tied with a ribbon. These were to be presented as gifts to Valentine.Another interesting Valentine's Day tradition was for unmarried girls to wake up before sunrise. People strongly believed that the first man an unmarried girl sees on Valentine's Day, or someone who looks like him would marry her within a year. Girls therefore used to wake up early on Valentine's Day and stand by their window to watch a man pass.

In recent times however, lovers in Italy celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing their love to sweethearts. Couples usually go out for dinners at pizzeria or restaurant. Just as in several other countries, the festival has been commercialized to a great extent. There is a strong tradition to exchange gifts like rose, perfume, chocolates and diamonds depending on the age and taste of person. Another popular Valentine's Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina - a small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages.
What's your favorite Valentine custom? A romantic dinner for two. Sharing a sunrise or sunset? Enjoying a bottle of wine? Perhaps you can adopt an ancient custom from Italy or come up with some new and romantic custom on your way. It doesn't matter really, as long as you enjoy the day.

Celebrate Valentines Day with a Great Read

The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com for just 12.95

A shattered dream, a gold medallion, a long guarded family secret, and forbidden love drives Nicola Romolo on a perilous journey from his Italian home to the serene Napa Valley where he struggles to begin a family dynasty destined to become one of the most powerful wine producers in the world.
Coffee Time Romance Reviews:

The Wine Seekers really shows just how differently people’s lives can turn out when all the odds are against them. Linda Bilodeau does a wonderful job of portraying the plight of immigrants, especially Italians to the United States. The Wine Seekers will pull at your heart strings with just how unfair life can be sometimes. This story for the most part was really well written.

Encourage your library to purchase a copy of The Wine Seekers by filling out a request card to purchase card.

Here's the Information you'll need:
Title: The Wine Seekers
Author: Linda Bilodeau
Publisher: Highland Press - A Romance Writers Of America recognized small press
Release Date: December, 2008
ISBN: 978 0 9815573 7 3
Genre: Historical Fiction - Pages: 266 – Trade Paper - Retail price: $12.95
Availability: Ingrams, Baker & Taylor, All Retail Outlets and online booksellers.

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Wine Seekers Review

2009-02-01T09:24:00.001-08:00

One of the things all authors dread is waiting for reviews. I always feel like I'm waiting for test results and tell myself, now you did your best so what if it isn't an A.
But I want the A and a gold star. The blues or red ones just won't do. Still there's something exciting about reading a review. It's not your mother's opinion or your sister's or your best friend's. It's the opinion of a disinterested third party, someone who is reading the book as a stranger and telling you what they honestly think. So here is a review of The Wine Seekers for all of you to see and I hope if you decide to read the book, you'll feel it's well written too.
Coffee Time Romance Reviews
Gianna Silvano is in love with Nicola Romolo, and she wishes to marry him. But the fates have other plans for Gianna. She is to marry another, Santino Callisto.
Nicola Ramolo is planning on asking for Gianna’s hand in marriage, but when they are caught making love, her father sends her away and evicts Nicola’s family off the Silvano Vineyard. Forced to move to a city to make money to support his family, Nicola leaves his home with a heavy heart and the memory of Gianna still rooted deeply in his mind.
With the fates pushing these two young lovers in different directions, it seems to Nicola he will never find Gianna again. But in their ultimate cruelty the young lovers do see each other again, but they will always be separated by marriage and station. Both Nicola and Gianna have to face many obstacles and hardships in their lives before they will find peace, but will that struggle be more than either can overcome?
This book really shows just how differently people’s lives can turn out when all the odds are against them. Linda Bilodeau does a wonderful job of portraying the plight of immigrants, especially Italians to the United States. The Wine Seekers will pull at your heart strings with just how unfair life can be sometimes. This story for the most part was really well written
The Wine Seekers is available on Amazon.com.
Help an author Encourage your library to carry a copy of
The Wine SeekersLinda Bilodeau ISBN- 978-0-9815573-7-3Highland Press - Nov. 2008.Trade Paper - Retail 12.95
Enter The Wine Seekers Winter Contest at www.lindabilodeau.com

Where Does the Time Go

2009-01-28T12:09:00.003-08:00

I'm sitting here almost five hours and three days late writing this blog. I try to write the blog on Monday mornings thinking writing something sweet is a nice way to start the week. Clearly something happened. It's now Wed at 2:55 PM. Where do the days and hours go?Maybe it's the three extra hours I spent lost in my writing or searching the internet for a new low fat recipe using turkey or balancing my check book or marketing my new book, The Wine Seekers. Maybe it was the twenty minute phone call that was supposed to take only five minutes or the extra forty five minutes it took to get to the bank this morning through snarled seasonal traffic. Perhaps it was the unplanned half hour I spent in the supermarket check out line or the ten minutes spent watching the bird life out my window or the extra hour I spent answering email. Somedays the unexpected just happens and we learn to deal with it and try to get back on track. but for all the annoying interruptions I hadn't planned the unexpected happened. I had a nice conversation with the lady in front of me in the super market line and because I was stalled in traffic, three new ideas about my next novel came to me. So time to think, time to make a new acquaintance, time spent observing the beauty of nature is not wasted in my opinion. It's getting more done than what you had planned and so that's not a bad deal after all.

Best
Linda Bilodeau www.lindabilodeau.com

The Wine Seekers is Now Available on Amazon.

Enter The Wine Seekers Winter Contest today at www.lindabilodeau.com and win a 30.00 gift Certificate to Barnes and Noble.

A New Day

2009-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

The paper and news shows this morning are full of stories of the inaugration. Excitement abounds. Inauguration plans are in full swing and at noon today, (EST) we will have a new president.

I love new beginings. Out with the old. The darkness of night is overtaken by the sunlight greeting the morning. We all have high hopes, great expectations and a chance to make a difference.

So on this jubillant day as we celebrate the freedom that our country is known and respected for, let us all smile and have faith that tomorrow will be a great day too.

Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available at www.amazon.com

Those Dreamy Jobs

2009-01-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

When my husband first told me I should write full time, I thought to myself, What is he crazy?
But I listened to him and nearly seven years ago, I started defining a new career for myself. My dream job as I put it then.
But did my dream come true? Absolutely not. I thought I'd have uninterrupted days where I would float around in sweats, nimlbed fingered, typing away. Somehow the world would get the message, Linda is writing, and leave me alone to create for hours on end until I was too tired, too hungry, or too out of ideas.
The world did not get it. But I did. The straight and narrow path to my dream job was twisted to say the least. There were still phone calls to make, beds to change and washing to be done. Life's little interruption, which bite when you least suspect. No clean underwear is a problem in my opinion!
Writers find a way. I wrote and kept it up until a book was produced and then sold, which begat another, and now a third.
As my third book, The Wine Seekers hits the retail world, I realize dream jobs are just that. Writing full time has its ups and downs just like any other. But it is a career I love in spite of the lack of clean underwear from time to time. And I wouldn't give up my dream job for anything.
Best to you all Linda Bilodeauwww.lindabilodeau.comThe Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com for just $11.65. Help an author. Ask your local library to stock The Wine Seekers along with your other favorite books. The Wine Seekers ISBN 978-0-9815573-7-3

Oh The Possiblities

2009-01-13T08:27:00.001-08:00

It's the time of year in Southwest Florida when wood storks make their appearance. Always a pleasure to see these long legged birds grace our blue, sun drenched skys.
Wood storks are very particular creatures and very high maintenance. They need just the right amount of rain and water and fish in order to build their nests. And when conditions aren't perfect they simply move on or decide not to mate.
And I guess that's what I like most about them. Who doesn't want a perfect world where everything you need and dream about are at your fingertips. We always say if only it were possible.
But wood storks are patient and they wait until it's possible. Perhaps a lesson we can all learn from these beautiful creatures.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com

I resolve

2009-01-06T11:14:00.001-08:00

I tried real hard not to make any New Year's resolutions, I just find the old standards, lose 10lbs, exercise more, be nice to my neighbors, etc, etc, etc, hard to keep though I do try to always be nice to my neighbors.
I was exchaning emails with a writer friend and she asked my opinion about a restaurant to take some out of town guests to. We got to chatting about wine and food and learned we had more in common than we thought.
And it got me thinking how little we know about people sometimes, and how it's a joyous surprise to discover a commonality with a another person.
So, I'm going to break my own rule and make it a habit to really to get to know someone this year and who knows by year's end, I may have another close friend or two.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available on Amazon.com

Oh Those Pesky Resolutions

2008-12-30T09:13:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. The time when we all take stock and start the list of our wonderful resolutions. And what better time to do it than the start of a brand New Year.
So what are your resolutions? Lose weight, eat healthier, get your eyes checked. Everyone has their own ideas. Maybe it's clean the closets, save for a once in a life time trip or spend more time with friends.
This year I've decided to forgo the long list of formal resolutions. Instead, I've decided to take stock each month, on the first of the month and see where things go.
So begiining January 1 my goal is to read three books. If I meet that goal, I'll decide on another in February. At my age, I need simple straight forward goals otherwise, I'll forget where I put the list!
Maybe February's goal will be to take see my doctor about my memory!
Happy New Year to all of You.
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers in now available at www.amazon.com

The Work is Finally Done

2008-12-22T07:04:00.001-08:00

Isn't always with a sigh of relief that I survey the kitchen and living room and say with a smile, "I finally did it all. I'm ready for Christmas."
I try to begin the extra Christmas duties, Thanksgiving weekend. That's when the decorations come out, along with the gift list, wrapping paper, etc. It all gets laid out in the spare bedroom and the assessment begins. What needs replacing? What is broken? How much tape do I really need? Then it's off to the kitchen and a look at the supplies of sugar, flour, dark cocoa, and walnuts.
Now that my kids are grown and gone, I don't do much baking any other time of year, so making cookies, fudge and other goodies is a rare treat and the house quickly fills with the wonderful smell of pie dough and baking chocolate chips.
But it's always these last few days before Christmas that I enjoy the most. The tins are filled, we' ve attended the parties, gone to the concerts, shopped, helped a few charities, and shopped some more. We wrapped and turned the lights on and hunted up the Christmas CDs and DVDs. Our all time favorite, A Christmas Story will be watched on Christmas Eve.
Everyone has their own way of handling Christmas from the truly organized to the miracle it gets done, but it doesn't matter how you handle it, what matters is that you enjoy it. And at my house, we honor and enjoy Christmas very much.
Merrry Christmas to all.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The child Within

2008-12-15T08:26:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like Christmas to bring out the little girl in me.Shortly after Thanksgiving I bring out the boxes and spend a week decorating the house. When my husband comes home and I start with, I think the wreath on the front door is crooked or I just can't get my snow village right, he puts his hand upand always asks, "why do you do this to yourself?"
And my answer is always the same. "Because it's Christmas."
I've come to learn that Christmas means different things to each of us. But that doesn't matter much. As long as you have a twinkle in your eye and the spirit of good will in your heart. Christmas will follow you whever you go. And you'll be sure to have a a very happy one!
BestLinda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.comThe Wine Seekers is now available in paperback on Amazon for just $12.95

2008-12-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

Creative Christmas Presents Category: Blogging
This year my husband and I decided to cut back on gift giving for Christmas. It wasn't an easy decision, we both love Christmas and buying and sending gifts to family was always a pure joy.
However, ecomomic times being what they are, we felt this one area where we could save a little. Does this mean, we won't give any gifts? Absolutely Not!
I'm thinking of creative ways to say Merry Christmas to our friends and family without exchaning presents. For those nearby, I'm doing a dinner on Christmas day and including everyone's favorite food. For those afar, I'm sending special notes and in some cases homemade gifts when appropriate.
It's been a challenge to come up with the perfect something that doesn't break the checkbook, but all in all, I feel I'm doing gifts that come from the heart and that have personal meaning, which in my opinion, is what gift giving should be all about!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available in paperback for just 12.95 on Amazon! Get a copy today!

Thanks to All My Readers

2008-11-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

It is unfortunate that authors rarely have an opportunity to connect with readers just the nature of the business, I suppose. Gut in thinking of my 'What I'm Thankful For List', I definetly want to include my readers.
An author needs an audience after all, that stands to reason. But in reading biographies, blogs and articles, most authors don't have a clue who is reading their books. A real shame of course, unless the reader writes.
I do get emails from fans and I just love hearing how they connected to a character, a theme or something specific about one of my stories. I do try to keep the pages turning, and it's a pleasure to hear that someone sat down and enjoyed the read.
So my dear friends, on this Thanksgiving weekend, I say thanks to all of you who have purchased one of my books and enjoyed the read. You are so dear to me.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The Wine Seekers is now available in paperback on Amazon.com

Think of What's in Your heart

2008-11-13T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a great deal of time editing a novel lately. In doing so I've had to look at grammar rules, word usuage, characterization, timing. and plot. So what is most important in a story?

It depends. Literary works are often very character driven and most commercial fiction, particularly genre fiction is driven by plot. The fast read so to speak. But what do readers really want.

Again depends. If a reader is looking for a memorable story that leaves them with questions wanting to know what happened to the characters after the story is over, then most likely that reader wants a character driven story.

If however, the reader wants to be entertained and desires a page turner, then they will pick up a plot driven novel.

What's a writer to do? How do you know which type of story to write? It really goes back to what you love to write and how much you're willing to deviate from that. I've seen very talented authors throw in the towel because they don't perceive a market for their literary work and turn to genre fiction. The problem is once you write and publish a novel under your name, readers will expect more of the same in your next story.

The best advice I ever got was to write what you truly love to write regardless of the market. If it's in your heart, it will show in your writing and ultimately, the well-written story will have a strong voice and find it's way to the bookstore shelves. I truly believe every writer hopes readers will fall in love with her story and keep coming back for more.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

When All Else Fails Hope Is There

2008-10-06T06:46:00.001-07:00

Let's face it folks there is little good news out in the world these days. If you own a 401 K or have money invested in the stock market, your knees are probably shaking and you mouth dropping.
Inhale deeply and think about what you do have. The wonderful family around you who loves and cares about you. The spouse or significant other who stands by you and believes in you. The friends who are always there no matter what and the beloved pet who is your constant companion.
We have so much to be look forward to in this big beautiful world of ours and though it may be clouded right now with financial woes and bad news, hope is there, my friends, and we all need to grasp that thought to see us through these difficult times.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

What we can depend on

2008-09-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

I sat here for a good long time this morning trying to decide what I could depend on anymore. Let's face it, these tough financial times have left us drifting off into an unknown that is frightening, leaving us all to wonder about our financial futures.
As I look out over the beautiful landscape here in Southwest Florida, I see the fall sun going up high in the sky and hear birds chirpping as they do this time day, There is life out there. I'm doing laundry, will do some earrands later, and later still make dinner for my hubby as I always do. There is hope in the mundane that surrounds us and afterall, aren't we told we should always live the for the moment?
So just for today I've decided to forget my worries about having enough retirement money or losing my savings account. I'm going to concentrate on making this day, this time, I've been granted the best it can possibly be, and that I believe, is what we can depend on most, ourselves.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Fill the Fridge, they're coming!

2008-09-22T06:39:00.001-07:00

It is well known here in South West Florida that when the cold winds howl up north, the emails come and the phone rings. Our nothern friends and relatives want a reprieve from the rain, snow, and freezing temps. We're always prepared and welcome all with open arms.
But to my surprise, we started getting calls early this year. "Got some great ticket prices," my daughter said. "I don't know what'll happen over the holidays so I'm taking some time off and we're coming now."
So it started. I didn't know there were bargain fairs out there. The news would have us believe otherwise but we started getting phone calls and emails and there you have it. For the last two weeks, we've had a pile of company.
Not that it matters. We love seeing everyone, love showing off all that this area has to offer, and love bragging how we've survived several hurricaines and numerous tropical storms.
All in all, our friends and family are generous. Staying just long enough to catch up but not so long as to become the smelly fish. So on this Monday morning we are quiet once again, my house is empty and so is my refridgerator and I already miss them and hope they return soon.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

What's An Author To Do

2008-09-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

I'm on pins and needles in SW Florida this morning and it isn't because a hurricaine is looming off our shores. A while back I met an agent at a writers conference. Yes, this works, my fellow writers. I was told the best place to look for an agent was at a writer's conference.

Anyway, she seemed interested in my work and asked for three chapters. It took weeks for her to respond to me but when she finally did, it was positive. She enjoyed the premise of my book, enjoyed the chapters I had sent, but asked for changes and made several suggestions and wanted to see the work again before she made up her mind about taking me on as a client.

I worked for a month editing and reediting. I didn't do this alone. I had the help of a critique partner and it was often brutal to cut out sections, rewrite, use more active verbs, watch verb tenses, use commas properly, etc., etc.

This past weekend, I resubmitted those pages plus more. (becasue she offered to look at more) I'm waiting for her response.

So what does an author due while she anxiously awaits word? Keep on writing, of course. What else would we do. I'm hooked and can't imagine my days not filled with something to do with writing.

We write because we love to write and yes, we all hope to be published someday, and we all hope to make that "big book deal." But honestly, if you're just in this business for the money and find it just another job, then I challenge you to fall in love with what you're doing because the best stories will come from the heart.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Happy Labor Day

2008-09-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

I've always looked forward with great anticipation to the coming of summer and christened Memorial Day as the holiday that ushers it in. Living up north where the seasons were better defined, Memorial Day usually bright clear blue skys, spring flowers, and sunny warm days.
By the time Fourth of July roled around, we were usually in complete summer mode, enjoying picinics, the beach, long walks in the woods, and long lazy afternoons.
But Labor Day is different. Labor Day ushers in the Fall Season with a new set of expectations. Children return to school, grownups return to work, vacations are over, it's time to get the sweaters out and put away the barbeque utensils. It's time to get serious.
In Southwest Florida, Labor Day takes on a whole new meaning. It's still very much summer, hot, and humid with all eyes to the National Hurricaine Center, watching for those storms rolling in, wondering which one will come your way.
But we adjust to seasons, no matter where we are. Work goes on, children return to school, we anticipate shorter days and Sunday afternoon football.
So no matter where you are enjoy the upcoming Fall season and never take life too seriously, let it bring you a little happiness.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Is Summer Over Already?

2008-08-25T07:42:00.001-07:00

We're coming into Labor Day weekend. I'm sure on this sleepy Monday everyone is looking forward to the three day break. Though technically not starting until Sept. 21, for most of the country, Labor Day signals fall and a new season. Here in SW Florida it's just another continuation of summer or is it?
Though our temperatures won't cool off until November, we do start to notice changes. The days get slightly shorter, fall flowers start blooming, the mornings and evenings aren't as muggy, all approaching signs. We do have seasons here in Florida, but one must look a little harder, which makes it all the more fun.
Most of the people around me are empty nesters, no school buses stopping here. We don't start looking for wool socks or heavy jackets but we do keep our umbrellas handy, the rainy season is most active in the fall.
We do look foward to those cooler days we know are on the way, and the return of our northern friends both feathered and human. For us more traffic and more birds are really what signals fall and we always looking forward.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

So Sorry - No Excuses

2008-08-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's no excuse I know for not posting. But I've been super busy here in SW Florida. I'm getting a manuscript ready, had to deal with storm coming through and trying to maintain sanity.
All that aside, I do miss posting so I decided to take a few minutes this morning to write some current thoughts.
I recently read a post by a writer who said she had worked very hard on a piece and entered a contest, finding herself one of the finalist. This is very important in the life of an author. Winning contests lend credibility to one's work and a first place prize might capture the attention of an editor or agent.
Anyway, this woman had worked very very hard getting her entry in shape and had made it to the finals only to find the contest had decided her particular genre wouldn't be judged any longer. She was devastated.
But truly trying to make lemonade from lemons, she spoke of the fact that she didn't write to get published or to win prizes but wrote from her heart, and she wrote because it made her happy.
As I delve into my manuscript, hoping to capture the attention of an agent, I think about her words, and know that's the real reason why I spend so much time at it too. Because if a novelist doesn't write from her heart and isn't happy doing it, it's going to show in the words.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

My Friends Aren't Real

2008-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of being a novelist is to invent people, characters who will populate my stories. At times these people become my alter egos or someone I envy and sometimes, even someone I can't stand.
I love creating male characters and love to create paradoxes for them. I enjoy having them love my female protagonist, though they don't know how to express it or they love her in spite of the fact she's needy, can't cook or keep a checkbook, and cheats on him. Sometimes my men are mean and nasty, too, the kind that give women pause for concern. Let's face it every novel needs a villain or two.
My characters often go places I wouldn't set foot in, eat food I wouldn't dream of putting in my mouth, and say things that make me pause.
But when all is said and done, they become my friends, and in a lot of ways I often have trouble putting them to rest.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Staying On The Up Side of Down

2008-08-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to go to the gym this morning though most days at 6:45 AM, I'm on automatic and swear my car just takes me there. But this morning, I seriously thought of hitting the snooze button and getting a few extra zzzzs
But I didn't. I sat up and stretched and got going. And as I reved up the treadmill when I finally arrived at the gym, I thought, why am I doing this?
I came up with a number of reasons. I want to maintain my weight. My cholesterol numbers are climbing, I don't want to buy bigger clothes. But what I forgot was the way exercise makes me feel.
So when I finished and walked out, with endorphins flowing, I felt the morning sunshine on my face and listened to the mourning doves cooing. And the best part of all was when I smiled knowing I'd feel good for the rest of the day!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Lessons From A Fur Ball

2008-08-12T06:34:00.001-07:00

My cat passed away awhile back but he's still in my thoughts. He was not only a great friend, he was also a great teacher. And one of the best lessons I ever learned from my cat was moderation.
I had Kitty for 14 years. In all that time, he only gained one pound. I used to marvel at his ability to sleep for hours and hours, bask in the sun, eat basically the same amounts at the same times every day, and never gain a pound.
My cat loved ice cream. Not the low fat kind. In fact he wouldn't go near the stuff. He loved Haagen Daz and Ben & Jerrys. Vanilla was his favorite. Milk never bothered my cat, and my vet gave his blessing, believing Kitty wouldn't go overboard.
My little sweetie lived up to all our expectations. He stopped when full, setting a fine example for me to do the same.
Self control isn't easy for me when it comes to food, and when I want to take that extra portion of ice cream, I think, What would Kitty do?
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Onlly A Wrtier Could Love It

2008-08-11T06:54:00.001-07:00

When is the story finished? Writers often asked this questions because at times it's a difficult call. Did I infuse enough conflict in my story? Is my plot line tight enough? Did I make my characters memorable? Will people pick up this book and give up after reading three pages?
Writers are often hard and unfair critics of their own work. Novelists have to create the story then step outside that shell and get into the heads of thier characters and into the personality of the story. What does it feel like to be an alcoholic doctor? A mother who has lost a child? A woman who has an unfaithful husband?
And if all of that isn't enough, the novelist also has to look at their work from a reader's standpoint and try to make the story as interesting and easy to follow as possible.
Writing takes talent and hard work but for those of us who are in love with the craft, it becomes a toil of love.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Hold The Half and Half

2008-08-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

When my husband said, Are you sure you want to go there, I probably should have thought twice. But I felt I was doing the responsible thing when I had my cholesterol checked a week ago.
High cholesterol runs in my family. My Dad had heart disease, my Mom's cholesterol hovers above 300, both my brothers are on medication to lower their numbers.
I've tried to eat right, excerise daily and was shocked when my doctor showed me my numbers, the 233 flashed like a red beacon.
You'll have to try a lower fat diet, she told me gently. Yikes! I do eat fish, and non fat yogurt and use olive oil. But I must say, I'm not the best when it comes to coffee. I've gotten addicted to half and half and the thought of giving it up is sending chills down my spine.
I spent the last 24 hours trying to justify it. It's just a few drops, it's got to be healthy, it comes from a cow after all, and my best one yet, I'll just cut the amount I use in half!
I'm finishing my morning cup of coffee with 1/2 of the amount of half and half I normally use and it just doesn't taste the same. So maybe, I'll give it up entirely or switch to green tea and stop the silly rationalizations, after all it's best for a healthier me!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

What On Earth Do You Wear

2008-08-07T06:43:00.001-07:00

I was raised by parents who believed one should always look their best no matter where they were going so as a teenager, I had to forgoe the jeans and put on dresses whenever I went out in public.
As much as I balked, I came to realize that my parents were right. A first impression is the one that strangers will hold even after they've gotten to know the wonderful you.
So with this simple logic, I always try to look my best wherever I go but it isn't always easy. The rules have clearly changed. A business meeting was once a dress up affair, suits, ties, jackets, and dress shoes. This morning I read about the new C.E.O. casual in the Wall Street Journal. There is a whole new look out there.
I have a business meeting in a few hours. I have my skirt and blouse and dress shoes on. I don't know if I'll be over dressed or under dressed, I really don't care. Hopefully, I'm presenting a professional image and with a good handshake and a few kind words, I believe my meeting will be a success.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

How To Keep Those Computer Gods Smiling

2008-08-06T08:10:00.001-07:00

I abhor technology. Not so such much that I want it to go away, I do see the advantages. For instance, these lovely little blogs would not exist if it weren't for computers, the internet and all the other wonderful mechanisms that get it out to the world. When things go well and all the computer gods are smiling, I'm happy. But when things go wrong ....grrrr.
Monday afternoon and Tuesday were one of those days. I purchased a package deal from my computer company for telephone service, internet service. and cable TV. Dollar signs shone in my eyes as the monthly savings was well worth But when storms roll in, or animals eat through wires, or switches don't work, everything goes down.
Right in the middle of an email on Monday, I lost everything, computer and phone service. Thank god for cell phones. I called to report the problem and found they couldn't fix it from the comfort of their offices. Someone had to be dispatched to my house.
Of course, there was was no one available until Tuesday, so when the very kind repairman came, he assured me there was nothing wrong with the set up in my home. Yet my phone and internet service were out.
"How do we fix that?" I asked.
"The outside guys will come," he assured me. "It's an outdoor problem."
I tried to press to find exactly what the problem was but he either didn't know or wouldn't say. I wondered if I should pray, burn incense or appease those angry gods who decided we in our little community should be punished for our sins. But what sins? Did we abuse the technology? Did we place wiring where it shouldn't be? Did we write the imperfect blog?
This morning the sun is shining. All seems right with the world, my service is back on line. I just spent several hours answering phone messages and emails that had piled up. But the mystery remains and I live in fear it will happen again. Until I'm shown a sign though I will do my best to keep those computer gods smiling down at me.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

You Are Only As Old As You Feel

2008-08-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

I never like to think about age. As with my health and other shortfallings, I prefer to live in denial, believing I'll always be young, attractive, and healthy. But an ad in this morning's paper set me thinking.
The store was advertising a sale and offered seniors, 55 and older, a discount. What caught my eye, of course, was the wording, seniors 55 and older. I decided to stay away from the store.
Now I am 55 and six months but never once have I considered myself a senior citizen. When I turned 35 and was told I was middle aged, I balked than too. Is this simply baby boomer rebellion?
Eventurally I accepted middle age. But it was only because of logic. Let's face it by the time you're somewhere between 35 to 45 you're roughly in the middle of your life. Few people live beyond 90.
But has anyone classified exactly when a person becomes a senior citizen? At 60? At 70? At 80? Perhaps again, I'm complaining as a spoiled member of the "me" generation, but I'm not ready to become a senior citizen just yet. I'm still accepting the middle aged classification. So I kindly ask Florida retailers to declare a middle-aged sale next time, and maybe just maybe I'll visit the store.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

They Never Disappoint

2008-08-01T06:36:00.001-07:00

In my courtyard, we planted several native plants to brighten up the space along with a variety of evergreens as in the formidable months of summer, quite a few flowering bushes wilt. However we got a wonderful surprise when one of our evergreen bushes sprouted beautiful orange flowers.
The plant continues to bloom, disregarding the intense sun and the dripping humidity. I actually think it florishes under those conditions.
As I looked out this morning to see my lovely bush that never disappoints, I got to thinking how wonderful it is to care for plants and how if you do water, weed and fertilize they will never disappoint.
Now if we could only adopt those strategies with one another, the world might be a prettier place.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Maybe They Know Something We Don't

2008-07-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

I try to watch what I eat and exercise but after a certain age keeping one's weight in check isn't easy. So what do most women do, turn to dieting.
I believe I've been on a diet since I was 15. And like that red rubber ball the weight loss seems to find its way home again.
It's not that I'm overweight. I'm 5'7'' tall of medium build and I weigh 137lbs. I wear a size 8 or 10. It's keeping myself there that seems to be the problem. I've tried to learn portion control and the fact that calories in, means calories on the hips so limiting calories seems to be the right answer. But what calories?
I recenlty read a book, titled French Women Don't Get Fat and was intrigued by the concept that French women eat what they want, don't spend time in the gym, yet they seem to have few weight issues.
On closer examination, I discovered their secret. It isn't so much what one eats but how much and no gym membership doesn't mean a lack of exercise.
These women eat a wide variety of home cooked, unproceesed food, sip on wine and champagne and walk or ride a bike everywhere.. They stop and smell the roses and enjoy a lifetime of knowing they'll never have to diet.
So since I have a nice French name and my ancestors can be traced back to France, I think I'll adopt the French way of eating and hope to throw the diet out the door.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

You can't have too much Knowledge

2008-07-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Remember the times you considered the purchase of something big, a car, a house, a major vacation, a student loan. What was one of the first things you did? Gathered information right?
We are in an election year as anyone who is not living in cave well knows, and it's time to gather information once again. I'm not promoting a candidate here, that's for you to decide. But you can't honestly vote for someone until you know the facts and that's what I'm encouraging you to do.
So get your newspapers out, go online, watch newsprograms, go to your local library and take out their biographies. Read Time, Newsweek and other major newsmagazines, most have articles and bylines about the presidential candidates.
Read and study and learn the facts.
This is an important election folks and we shouldn't make decisions based on limited sources or heresay. We are intelligent creatures and if you can read, you can gather information. And the best way to make a decision is armed with all the knowledge you can possibly acquire.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Rain Got You Down? Take A Swim!

2008-07-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

As I look out my window and see the rain coming down, I'm left with one thought. Why do we associate rainy days with sadness?
When the sun peaks out and warms our shoulders, all seems right with the world. We wear a smile as we stroll along and feel light, and gay, and happy.
But when it rains, we hide. huddle inside where it's dry. Who wants to get wet? In northern climates, rain tends to bring cool air and sometimes a chilly rawness. That doesn't happen here in SW Florida but the rain brings a dark dreariness that we wish would disappear. Besides who wants to haul there groceries in the rain? Who wants to pick up their socked newspaper in the rain? And who, for heaven sakes, would want to go swimming in the rain?
It rained here on Sunday afternoon as it does most afternoons. My husband and I sat on the covered part of our lanai watching it come down. We had planned to go swimming but stopped short when we saw the cloud blurst.
"It isn't thundering or lightening," my husband noted.
"No," I said. "But it just doesn't seem like we should go swimming."
"Well I won't be denied," he told me. He ran out and jumped in the pool. "What the heck," he said, after taking a dive. "I'm no wetter now than I would be otherwise."
So I laughed and joined them. And we both had a fun few hours frolicking in the pool as the rain came down, laughing like two little kids.
Best
Linda Bilodeau

Agreeing to Disagree

2008-07-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

It hit me Saturday night, when we were out with some friends, about how difficult it is to get four adults to agree on anything. We went to a restaurant my husband and I had been to before. We had enjoyed the food there, but our friends didn't seem to like it much. We listened to their point of view, didn't agree, but politiely put aside our differences in order to move on and make the evening enjoyable.
When we returned home, I looked at my husband and said, "Why can't our politicians do that?"
"Do what?"
"Agree to disagree," I said.
Think about it, our country was founded on differences of opinion. In 1776, we had states rights people vs big government just as we do now. But somehow the founding fathers formed a nation out of their disagreements. Was it because they went about it like statesmen, respecting each other's opinion. And where has respect and statesmanship gone? Why don't we have that any longer in our government?
We need to find a way, in my humble opinion, or we're not going to be a super power long. We need to find a way to learn how to agree and disagree and still run the country and make it what it always was, the best place on earth to live!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Your Ideal Weekend

2008-07-25T07:40:00.001-07:00

What is your idea of a fun weekend? Mine has changed over time. In high school, I would spend a summer weekend entirely at the beach, soaking up the rays and coming out of the water only when I was so waterlogged. At times I would get so sunburned I could barely walk, the days before sunscreen became a most.
I got a little more serious in college and weekends were spent studying and working and of course, after I married and had a job, my Saturdays and Sundays were spent on chores, taking care of children and catching up on sleep as I would try to get in at least 8 hours as opposed to the usual 4 or 5 my schedule allowed.
Now that I'm working from home and older, I find myself redefining weekends. Since my husband is still working full time, we revolve our schedule around him. Usually we try to go out one of the weekend nights even it it's just to grab a pizza, and we use either Friday night or Saturday night or Sunday afternoon as a time to catch up with friends and family.
As I'm writing this, I'm looking out into my courtyard longingly at my pool. The weatherreporter is predicting more hot weather and I'm thinking I haven't spent a sun dreanched, water fun weekend since I was a sophmore in high school. So this weekend, I justs may go for it and of course, I'll have my bottle of sunscreen to protect my water logged skin.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

It's Time to Act

2008-07-24T07:37:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot written about the energy crisis and of course who isn't concerned about the price of gasoline.
But what will this solve our problems over the long haul? Conserving gasoline is a start of course. We can all be mindful of carpooling, using public transportation, making trips count by doing multiple errands, etc. But what do we really need to do?
Some say we shouldn't depend on foreign oil, others say we should develop new alternatives, still others say we should put our efforts into better mass transit systems. No one seems to agree on the best energy policy. And while the arguing is going on, we the American people are stuck with skyrocking prices and an adequated mass transit system and antiquated grids.
If you are old enough, you lived through a major energy crisis in the 70s. I remember having only certain days when I could fill my tank and we spent a frigid northeastern winter huddled in thick wools and blankets because it was too expensive to heat our homes properly. Do we want a repeat of those times!
The time has come for a national energy policy. This is an election year folks, let's make our wishes known. We are a great country and when the US is united we can do great things. History has shown us that. So let's get an effort going. Put aside the red states and the blue states, write your congressman and representative. Tell them that you will not vote for them unless they put party politics aside and unite under an energy policy that will work for all Americans.
We need to do this now!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Make All Your Dreams Come True!

2008-07-23T07:35:00.001-07:00

I feel very fortunate to have the ability to participate in a wonderful career, writing novels. When I moved to Florida, almost six years ago, I left a teaching job which I loved. I had intended to teach part time when I moved here but my husband encouraged me to put it aside and to just write full time.
Writing has opened a whole new world for me. As a hearing impaired person, it gives me an ideal way to communicate my thoughts, passions, and feelings with the outside world. On a daily basis, I create loving characters, evil characters, distressed characters, and perfectly normal (or almost) characters. I live, walk, and breath with these people and find myself totally lost in my writing.
I've also made some great real friends as the area I'm living in has a wonderful writing community.
Many baby boomers are looking for ways to follow their passion. What do I want to do for the next twenty years of my life is a question you often hear.
Definitely consider alternative careers, be very bold, take chances, and let all of your dreams come true!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Sing Yourself to Sleep

2008-07-22T06:56:00.001-07:00

At the breakfast table this morning my husband told me I snore. I looked at him rather incredulously and said, "that's impossible."
Well he said, "Believe it because you kept me up half the night."
I read a great deal about snoring this morning to see what I could do. Apparently,causes vary from obesity, (I'm normal weight) to too much alcohol consumption before bedtime, (not the case here) to allergies (not allergic to anything) to sleep apnea to poor muscle structure in your mouth and throat.
Remedies include medicaitons, sleeping on your side, nose binders, and singing.
Yes, signing apparently strengthens the muscles in your soft palate and in your throat and doctors who have studied this say singing 20 minutes per day for a few months will stop snoring.
So I'm breaking into song here in Southwest Florida. And it's a good thing I'm alone in my house because I can't carry a tune!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Go Find A Book

2008-07-21T07:34:00.001-07:00

Those long lazy days of summer are upon us. It's hot, the economy has gone sour, and people have taken to staying home to save on gasoline. So what can one do on a hot summer afternoon? Read a book.
Books of all kinds await at your local library. I read recently that with the downturn in the economy people are turning to their libraries for entertainment. A few hours through the stacks will take you on all kinds of adventures.
Personally, I love to read books about foreign lands, whether it be The Greek Islands, the English Coast, The middle East or the far East, books instantly transport you to places where you might never be able to travel. I love learning about new cultures and it's a double treat when mixed with an exciting adventure. And by far, I absolutely adore meeting characters whom I want as my friends.
So visit your library and pick up a book. You might just find that to be the best vacation you every had. And it's free!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

There's Nothing Like A Good Friend

2008-07-18T07:16:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like the company of good friends and today I have a double treat. I'm meeting a good friend for lunch and I'm having friends over for dinner.
Since moving to SW Florida, my husband and I have had the pleasure of making new friends. And since most people move here from other parts of the country, we have met folks from the Midwest, the Northeast, the Southwest, and as far away as England, Switzerland, and France.
What a treat to hear their stories about their grandkids, children, and travels. I always learn so much, particularly from European friends. Happiness and sadness is shared equally. I always walk away knowing I'm not alone in the world. I'm excited when ideas are exchanged and though we don't always agree on political or religious views, I'm almost always presented with a point of view, I hadn't considered before.And that is the best reason to have good friends!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

What Happened!

2008-07-17T07:14:00.001-07:00

I took my 94 year-old mother-in-law to see her doctor two days ago and the doctor ordered an x-ray and an ultrasound to be done. I asked the nurse to schedule the appointments but she told me she couldn't schedule them. I explained that I was dealing with a 94 year old woman who really wasn't too steady on her feet and it sure would be nice to coordinate the appointments and get them done at the same time. She gave me phone numbers.
I just spent the last hour on the phone with two departments that are 20 feet away from one another and after a much heated hour long discussion, I finally got the appointments made on the same date and near the same time.
I couldn't believe what it took and in fact, I used to work in hospital administration in the days when we were actually helpful to patients. Now you are on your own I guess. I don't know when that happened.
Perhaps I'm asking for two much, perhaps I'm just getting old and cranky, but it seems to me that customer service is dead, and I'd like to know how to resurrect it!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Help! My Feet are Wet

2008-07-16T06:58:00.001-07:00

We're in rainy season in Southwest Florida and lately our usual afternoon showers have turned into all day showers. The constant rain has created many puddles and as I scoot along doing errands I have to dodge puddles.
It's hot, hot, hot with most days hovering at 90 or pretty close so I wear sandals most of the time but every now and then, I get my feet wet. Yuck! There's nothing worse than wearing sandals and having no where to go but straight through a puddle.
I try to avoid them as you can well imagine but sometimes it just isn't possible. I thought of putting a small towel in my car, after all when I was living up north, I used to carry a shovel in the winter months just in case I got snowed in. So perhaps carrying a towel isn't too far off the mark.
But it just seems weird to me. Wearing different shoes doesn't make a whole lot of difference thouogh I found my old boat shoes do help. Yet they don't quite make the fashion statement that a cute pair of sandles do.
So the big question on my my mind these days along with the important ones of, how can I save money on gas, and where I can safely invest my retirement funds. is what kind of shoes to wear to the supermaket. It sure gets my mind off the bigger issues.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

From Snakes to Buzzards

2008-07-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

When my husand and I built our new home two years ago, we knew that the preserve next to us was going to produce some unusual friends in our back yard. We've had frogs and birds and even snakes but neither of us would have guessed that a pair of black vultures would take up residence in our backyard.
We noticed the young pair over the weekend and believe they must have a nest nearby but my husband did not found it. Probably a good thing. This morning they are having a party in my backyard as four of them are out there.
It rains continuously this time of year in SW Florida and I think the damp weather has sent them searching for shelter. As of right now I have two three foot birds perched on a sill outside my bathroom window. And the other two perched atop the shelf near my airconditioner. Not a pleasant site.
These birds, natures garbagemen, are being studied as scientist are intrigued by the fact that they eat only dead spoiled meat and survive very well. Does some sort of super antibiotic live in their guts? Do they have specialized ensymes that kill any and all bacteria? My husband who is a physician tells me we should respect these awful looking birds as they may well help us find the next miracle drug.
All in all, I love wild animals but was hoping my back yard would be dotted with the beautiful pink feathered roseata spoonbills and or that I could listen to the soft cooing of mourning doves. Instead I got snakes and vultures. Oh well, goes to show that you can't always have what you want.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

I Can't Get Rid Of These People!

2008-07-14T07:10:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a new novel these days. It's called Impossible. It's a story of a young professional woman who feels all love relationships are impossible albeit the fact that she's just caught her husband in bed with another woman. Before she married she had a string of ill fitting boyfriends. Now, she's taken a job in Northeastern Vermont way up on the Canadian Border and hoping to keep love out of her life forever.
But can she?
As I'm writing and creating scenes and characters, I sometimes find I can't get rid of them even when I need to. Often I'm in the grocery store hunting for peanut butter, (low fat, low calorie of course) and suddenly, I realize my character should have said something different then what I wrote just a few hours earlier. The other day, I almost drove into the rear end of another car when I was daydreaming about a new scene.
I spoke with other novelists and they tell me this is perfectly normal, and I shouldn't fret about it, but I can't help but wonder if these people will ever leave me alone!
They come to bed with me and haunt my dreams. They take showers with me, and they follow me around as I do laundry and sweep the floor. I guess the only way to get rid of them is to finish the book and get it out on the bookshelves. I think my characters are really dying to live with someone else for a change!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Friday

2008-07-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I find it more and more difficult to do business after 12 noon on Friday. Mental thought ceases, work decreceases all because everyone thinks it's Friday. Are we headed for the four day work week?

I believe Friday's mystique is rooted in its past. If days of the week have personalities, Friday in my opinion tops the list. Friday, in the astrological world is strongly connected with the planet Venus, associating the day with love, peace, and relaxation.

Are you hearing everyone around your workplace or friends or family making their weekend plans today? This habit dates back to ancient times, when the Hebrews used Fridays to prepare for the Sabbath. So even in antiquity, Friday became a preweekend kick off, preparing for two days of relaxation.

So at the stroke of noon, kick back. It's Friday after all. And enjoy thoughts of the coming weekend knowing your habits are rooted in the stars.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Cost of Achievement

2008-07-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

I read an article yesterday in one of my numerous writing magazines. It wasn't your typical article on the craft of writing. In fact, if I had to classify it, I'd call it Boot Camp 101.

In the first paragraph, the author indicated that the paragraphs to follow weren't for the fiengt of heart and that you needed to thicken your skin a bit to read through it.

It was relatively short article but packed a major punch with a loud and clear message that said if you want to write than write. Don't clean out your office, play on the internet, whine about your kids making too much noise, answer tons of emails, check voice mails, have long lazy lunches with your friends or jet off to Tuscany to a writer's retreat.

All one has to do is pick up pencil and paper or plug in the laptop and sit there and write! So easy and so true. I've listened to many authors just starting out and have heard the excuses. But goal achievement really boils down to one thing. If you want something, you have to work for it and you have to put in the blood, sweat, and tears. It isn't for everyone, like any career, you have to want to write with all your heart and be willing to commit to it no matter what.

So ignore the dust bunnies growing bigger everyday and the dirty laundry piling up. When you're out of underwear than wash it and sit down and write!

I firmly believe in those very old fashioned ideas and so I'm happily tapping at my keys here in Southwest Florida.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Snakes OH MY!

2008-07-08T06:49:00.001-07:00

After rushing around all morning yesterday trying to get my life back in shape after a week away, I happened to look out into my courtyard and saw a big black snake curled up in the sun. It was about 4 feet long and I watched as it slithered around my courtyard seemily looking for a way out. I squelched the idea of opening the door for it and quickly reviewed my nature handbook of Florida animals to find if it was one of the many poisonous varieties that reside in this area.
Not willing to take a chance that a picture didn't match the snake, I called a maintenance company to come out. When the guys saw the snake they said it was either a water moccasin (poisonous) or a just a garden black snake (harmless) They worked hard for fifteen minutes trying to trap it but the snake retreated behind my built-in barbeque and we couldn't coax it out. They left saying if I saw the snake again to call them.
I left to do errands and when I returned the snake was nowhere in site and I haven't seen it since. I'm hoping it didn't meet its demise trapped behind the barbeque grill. I would prefer to think my black slinky friend found its own way out and is happily slithering somewhere in the tropical green grasses of southwest Florida.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Day After

2008-07-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

My husband and I returned from vacation on Saturday evening. We had a great week, visiting family and friends and enjoying 4th of July with those we love the most.
But when we return from a trip, I'm always amazed as to how much energy it takes to get going again. On vacation we throw all routine aside and go to bed when we can no longer stay upright, eat when we're starving, and ignore our watches to the best of our ability. But once we're home again, we make a fast and furious attempt to get back into the routine. We find at our ages it takes a few days.
We got home about six hours later on Saturday evening than our planned arrival, an airline glitch, but we managed to have fun through it by throwing caution to the wind and getting on a plane that sent us two hours out of our way. We drove over from the east coast of Florida to our home on the west coast without a care in the world. But on Sunday morning when we faced the inevitable pile of unpaid bills, voice messages, emails, and dirty laundry. We knew our vacation was offically over.
No matter. This morning I'm catching up, finally wrote the last check, answered most all of the "important" emails and phone messages and am happily on my way to getting back into the hohum of my routine. That is until the next vacation!
Enjoy
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

You Can't Go Back

2008-06-27T07:37:00.001-07:00

I'm leaving tomorrow, heading up from S.W. Florida to Vermont. I was raised in Vermont back in the 50s and 60s when it was mostly a rural little state with more cows than people. I went to grammar school and high school there, and did my undergraduate work at a small catholic women's college that no longer exists.
I still have family in Vermont, and it's nice to see my mom, my brother, and my sister, and catch up on the little bits of news that isn't conveniently conveyed by email or phone. Whenever I go back, there's always a little part of me who wants to refer to my trip as going home. But can you ever go back?
When I'm in Burlington, I see a city that looks pretty much like it did when I was a kid. Most landmarks are still there, and it's fun to walk on the Lake Champlain beaches and see the golden sun setting just behind the Adorondack mountains.
But it no longer is my home and I have to to remember that what's changed the most is me. I haven't lived in Vermont for close to twenty years. I've called the midwest home and now make myself quite cozy in South West Florida.
So I've come to realize that I am a visitor when I return up north. A visitor who conviently knows which exit to take off I89 to get to Stowe, and who doesn't mind the traffic snarl on Route 7, it's been that way for years.
And though I may want to temporiarly call Burlington my home, my real home is here in SW Florida I love everything about this wild and crazy semi tropical environment and wouldn't give up my alligators and fire ants for all the world.
Happy 4th of July - Linda's Blog will return on July 7.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Is It Really A Food Group?

2008-06-26T07:00:00.001-07:00

I go out of my way to stay healthy. I exercise daily, try to eat nutritous foods, and pay attention to how much rest and relaxation I get.
About 10 years ago, I went on a major diet, lost 30lbs and have managed to stay within 5 lbs of my goal weight for all that time.
But I confess to having a major weakness in battle for good health. It's chocolate. It doesn't matter to me whether it's a piece of chocolate cake, chocolate fudge, chocolate brownies, or just a plain (if there's any such thing) piece of chocolate. I like semi sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, German chocolate, and milk chocolate. I've had chocolates made in France, Italy, Germany and of course the lovely Swiss Chocolate. I don't believe I've tried something chocolate that I haven't liked.
I try to control myself. After all keeping my 55 year old body in shape isn't easy anymore, and chocolate, I assumed just added to the pounds lingering on my hips.
But when I read how intense dark chocolate is actually healthy and how eating a small portion every day helps with everything from elevating your mood to preventing certain types of cancer, I rejoiced.
So now I add chocolate to my list of food groups though I'm never quite sure if I should put it beside brocolli or fish.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Don't Swim with Alligators

2008-06-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

I was in the gym this morning listening to a newscaster interview a young man from Florida. Unfortunatley, this twenty something had lost an arm to an alligator. I immediately empathsized with him.
But then the story unfolded. Apparently this young man and a group of friends were drinking one evening and on a dare, he decided to take a swim in one of the canals not too far from his home. Now it is well known in Florida that Alligators of all shape and sizes live in these canals and that they feed mostly at night.
So according to the young man, he was close to the opposite end of the canal when he heard his friends screaming. Thinking his friends were cheering him on, he swam faster and than, an 11 foot alligator attacked him and bit off his arm.
He managed somehow to swim to safety and with the help of his friends was lifted out of the water. They sought medical attention and his life was saved.
When the interview ended the young man asked to say something and was granted the right to do so. He said, that there was an overpopulation of alligators in Florida and that they are now "in competition" for food and will attack humans!
I was aghast. In all my time as a full time resident (almost six years) and in almost two years before that as a part time resident, I have never known an alligator to hunt down a human being. Alligators for the most part ignore people, unless a person ventures into their territory or tries to swim with them as this young man did.
Every May, the Florida Fish and Game Department puts out notices about Alligator mating season and how the beasts tend to roam about and hunt for food in the warmer weather. We are told over and over in numerous newspaper articles and internet sites that we should not swim in the ponds and canals in Florida, that's where the alligators live! And yes, they will hunt for food in their own habitats.
Alligators have survived millions of years and have lived in this region for all that time. We are the newcomers. There is not an overpopulation of alligators in Florida, there is an overpopulation of people with no common sense to stay out of their way!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

The Unexpected

2008-06-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

The Unexpected
My husband and I were having dinner in our courtyard last night and suddenly we heard a horrendous squawking. It wasn't the usual cooing of the mourning doves, we have many around our place and we are delighted when they sing to each other.
No, this was out and out squawking and I'm not up on bird language but if I had to guess, I would have said that the birds were upset.
"What could it be?" I asked my husband.
We've had coyotes and bobcats in the area but it was just dusk when we sat down to eat and usually those large predators are not yet roaming.
We both went to look out a window and found that the sprinklers on the golf course that adjoins our property had come on and the birds that had been grazing around there got an unexpected shower! No wonder they were upset.
I looked at my husband and laughed. Birds meet the unexpected just as we do and I know I squawk every time I forget my umbrella when it rains! But I have to remember that unlike the birds, I can at least figure out when a shower is coming, here in Southwest Florida, it happens on a daily basis.
Best
Linda Bilodeau

Is IT Monday Already

2008-06-23T07:28:00.001-07:00

Usually I find myself quite chipper on Monday morning, raring to go, but this morning, when my husband woke my at 6:15 AM, I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep.
Not that I couldn't have done that. One of the advantages to being a writer and working at home is I make my own hours. I don't have to be anywhere by 8:15 AM, I don't have to get a certain amount of work done in an 8 hour time span and right now, I don't have a deadline to meet. But I know in my heart that if I don't get out of bed and get going, my whole day will be ruined.
I know many authors who can beat to a drum that has no time limits, it doesn't matter if they start at 8 or 2 or 10, they will get the work done. I admire these souls because they can work when the creative bug bites. But not me. I have to have a schedule otherwise, well it just doesn't seem right. At age fifty-five, I guess I'm not about to change.
So there you have it. Tomorrow when my husband shakes me and says, "it's time ..." I'll put a smile on my face and rush out of bed knowing I'm up to start working on the best job I've ever had in my life!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Where Does the Time go

2008-06-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

I try to follow a routine. It's important for a novelist to have a set schedule. After all there's no one checking to see if you've shown up for work on time, and there are no real deadlines to meet unless a book has been sold and your editor is patiently waiting for you to make requested changes.
So I'm fastidious, usually, getting up early, exercising, and then hitting the computer usually around 9:00 AM.
Yesterday and again this morning everything went wrong. It wasn't that I didn't sit down at my designated time, it was the little things that pop up like that bill that I've been putting aside and is now due, or the email that I forgot to answer that now requires my immediate attention or the phone calls that just have to be taken.
Time management experts will tell you it's best to handle things just once. So when those bills come in, pay them, take care of phone business immediately and set aside a time to answer emails and then answer all of them. I do pretty well with bills and phone calls but emails do pile up.
This is a weakness. I'll read an email and if a simple quick response is not order, I tend to think about it. Hmm, what are the best words, how can I put this?
I know it comes from being a writer. I'm often thinking about how words best fit together which is a good thing, but the bad thing is, those nasty notes just keep piling up. So today, I spent the morning cleaning out my email box in an effort to catch up and move on.
But I have to admit I did leave a few behind and now, I am sitting here thinking about the right words to use and noticing it's near 11:15 and I haven't written a word.
Where are the time managers when you need them?
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

On Writing

2008-06-18T06:58:00.001-07:00

I'm often asked what I do all day as an author. Do I sit in my office typing away at the computer for 8 hours? Do I take my laptop to the beach? Do I dream about stories?
It isn't easy being an author. Some look at writing as a glamorous career where you go to booksignings and people fall all over you, asking you to sign your books.
But the reality is more like this. I get up at 6 or 6:30 every morning, spend an hour in the gym, and then after showering I sit down and read the paper while eating my breakfast. Why waste time reading the paper you might ask?
I've found many ideas in the newspaper, if you really want a take on reality, read the news. People murder each other over the most inane things, people lie, steal, cheat. There are scandals, there are child abuse cases and there are tender stories of love that happens between 80 year olds. You just never know. Most of the time I learn things. There are articles on the need for 10 minutes of sunshine to promote vitamin D production in our bodies and how to stay fit after 50. All of it comes in handy when you create a character.
After reading the paper, I settle in to my office. It's a tiny little room off my bedroom with a great view. I start by writing this blog and answering emails, sometimes my email box is stuffed full. When that is finished I write usually until 6 in the evening. Sometimes great ideas come quickly, sometimes they don't.
I have to spend a great deal of time editing my work, believe me when I say, the writing is easier than the editing. I need to remember verb, subject agreement, where to put those commas, and not to have a run on sentence.
Sometimes my characters live with me. I plunge myself into their world and they haunt me at times even wake me up in the middle of the night. Most of the time my characters "know" what to do, they guide me. I always know when I make them say something out of character, it just doesn't sound right.
Like any job, writing has its ups and downs. I'm thrilled when a book is finshed and more thrilled when it's accepted for publication. But the best part of all is when I hold the newly born book in my arms for the first time, (authors always get pre-publicity copies from their publishers) it's a bit like holding your first child.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Where The Wild Things Roam

2008-06-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

We have a problem here in SW Florida. Coyotes are starting to wander into neighborhoods and they're attacking small dogs and any other creature that looks like a good eat.
We've had issues down here before with alligator attacks, panther attacks, bobcat, and you name it wild animal attacks. People are outraged. Do something about those animals, we ought to be able to walk our pets in our own neighborhoods!
But a very nice article in our local paper pointed out a startling fact! This is the land that the coyotes have lived on for centuries. We, the people who came from the north seeking a better climate, are actually the invaders.
So how can we learn to live in peace with these mysterious creatures. Start by understanding them! The local sherrifs office is recommending that you do not walk your pets early in the morning (before dawn) or after dark. If you do need to walk your dog during those hours than make sure you carry a stick and if you see a coyote than pick up your dog and "puff up" and holler. Make yourself look bigger than the coyote. A coyote is a wild animal behaving on instinct. It will look for prey that it perceives easy and a non threat. A full grown coyote weighs 35lbs. So if you make a lot of noise, pop it on the head with a stick and puff up, chances are the coyote will run in the opposite direction, which is what happened the other day when a man encountered one while walking his dog.
Florida has its beauty and there's no question that we can enjoy a very lovely lifestyle. But we have to keep in mind that the wild things that roam are our neighbors. They have a place in the world just as we do. We all have to learn to live together. And that's the best way to get along with these wonderful creatures.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Father's Day without Dad

2008-06-16T07:38:00.001-07:00

miss my Dad and no more so than yesterday. He died almost three years ago of Cancer.
Whenever I think of my Dad anymore, I see him as a young man or at least the man I remember as a little girl. In those days, I thought my Dad to be big and strong and handsome and the best person in the world.
He was the one I could run to whenever anyone picked on me. He was the one who encouraged me to work hard and he taught me so many of life's lessons I know I'm a better person for being his daughter.
I know my Dad worked hard and he wasn't always able to be with me 24/7 but when he was able, I really felt like he was there and the warmth of his hugs and his sweet kisses on my forehead are what I really remember.
It's not easy to say goodbye to your first love. But I knew I had to as my Dad had become too sick to go on.
We had a wonderful Father's Day celebration yesterday with my husband who is a great Dad in his own right. He told me yesterday, he missed my father whom he loved very much and it brought a tear to my eye.
I will always remember my Dad for the wonderful person he was and I know he's in a better place and that he is happy and healty and just as I remember him when I was a little girl.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Learning New Ways

2008-06-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was very impressed by what we did and saw in Europe but most of all, I was impressed with the way of life Europeans enjoy.
Believe me, I know that there are gives and takes when it comes to lifestyles, but Europeans seem to have cornered the knack on how to live a good healthy lifestyle.
To start with, their attitudes about work is very different. They are productive, hard working people but work isn't the end all be all for them. It is a way to earn a living, a way to support a family, and a way to fulfill one's life, but that's the end of it. You won't find Europeans working long hours, they stick to their 7 hour work days and relish their weekends and vacations. They extend their time off by tacking on "vacation" days when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday. I guess we're getting in that mode too.
The biggest difference I saw was the ability to relax. Lunch time means a full hour or sometimes 90 minutes away from work. People walk outside, eat outside or go to a restaurant and sit down and have a good meal. A break is a break. In fact, all meals are eaten with family and/or firiends and meal times go for an hour or more, a real opportunity to unwind and socialize.
Granted they may not have the grocery store choices that we have, finding a vitamin in Europe or some herbal preparation is difficult. Seeing a doctor is not easy either as most line up to talk to the pharmacist about simple ailments.
There is a politness in Europe still, one that I think we lost. People greet a shop owner upon entering a store. Asking for help means saying, please and thank you, and meeting someone requires a "it's a pleasure." We were pleased to learn how to say, "Here's To your Health" in several languages before sipping wine.
All in all, I learned a lot from visiting Prague, Vienna, Germany, Poland and France. It is a privilage to travel and a joy to meet others and learn new things.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Bayeux

2008-06-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

The village where we stayed, Bayeux is a marvelous ancient village. Filled with history, the old and the new, we tackled the village by visiting The Cathedral in the town's center which was right next to our apartment. We were thankful for the short walk as it rained most of the morning.

The cathedral is elegant dating back to William the Conquerer was first constructed in 1077. One can see where additions have been made over the centuries. Most of the present church was built in the middle ages and again underwent refinement as its archetecture changes considerably on the outside.

The Church was once the home of the Bayeux tapestry again crafted during that time period and it depicts the events leading up to William's conquest of England. No one knows where the tapestry came from or who stitched it, some say it was William's wife but others say there is no proof. Whoever did it spent many hours on this fine piece, and we enjoyed viewing it in its current home a museum where it is encased in glass.

Bayeux was liberated by the English on June 6, 1944 without so much as a shell being fired. None of the city was destroyed and so we get to enjoy this medival town as it was back then.

We also enjoyed walking around town, the hustle and bustle of this now modern city. It is a major tourist destination for Europeans as well as Americans.

Best

Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com

Normandy

2008-06-11T06:53:00.001-07:00

We spent the rest of our days in Normandy touring the coast and seeing what this lovely area of France has to offer.
As you drive along, we found the countryside much like Northern New England, lush and green with rolling hills. They get quite a lot of rainfull there, the climate is similar to southern England. Perhaps that's why the there are so many English tourists.
The beaches are spectatular though while we were there it was too cold for sunbathing, even a little cool for beach walking but we braved it. We visited the town of Honnfleur, a quaint and lovely village and once a thriving port where many left France for a new life in Canada. The town has a beautiful park and a seaside walk that extends for miles. We managed to walk part of that. The specialties are seafood and mussels being the the most popular. They are cooked in wine and garlic and are most delicious with a plate of Frites ( the French version of the French Fry.)
We drove down the coast and through one beautiful village after another. We were told that a lot of the ocean front property has been bought up by the British who vacation there on weekends and holidays. In fact rental income is down because so many have bought second homes there.
I'll always remember the spectacular views, the cliffs jutted up on a site to see.
We did stay in a lovely apartment in Bayeux but more about this historic town tomorrow.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com