May 19, 2010

New Ebook: Motherly Love

New ebook: Motherly Love.

Maria's family had a secret: an ancient tradition she'd always thought was nothing more than superstition. Then her little girl fell ill. Now, just like her mother and grandmother before her, Maria vowed to do anything to save her daughter--even the one thing she feared most.

** BUY: Download at Smashwords for less than a cup of coffee!

Excerpt:

Motherly Love - C.A. Verstraete

Chicago, 1929
The kerosene lamp on the table flickered faintly, the feeble light enveloping the kitchen of the small flat with an eerie glow.

Normally, I would've jumped up at the increasing duskiness that masked the worn linoleum beneath my feet and the bulges in the excessively plastered walls. I hated the dark, and usually rushed to find some old candle stubs to dispel the shadows and augment our meager fuel supply.
Now, such things didn't really matter. Instead of feeling uneasy about the approaching shadows, I almost wished I'd be swallowed up by the malevolent beings I imagined hid unseen in the thick blackness.

A hoarse croak floated out of the small bedroom a few steps from the kitchen and stopped my musings. "Maria?"

"Yes, mother. I'm coming."

The dry hacking coughs that followed my mother Anna's call hurried my preparations. The pieces of silverware clattered against the chipped china bowl and plate I set on the tray and carried to her closet-sized bedroom.

For several minutes I stood mannequin-like outside the room, my heart hammering against my ribcage at the raspy sounds and the sickly scents that assaulted my senses. I sighed, struggling to cope with my mother's rapid decline. It was a burden that felt horribly heavy on my fifteen-year-old shoulders. I shifted uncertainly from foot to foot, my two-step of insecurity making the worn kitchenware clank some more.

"Honey, is that you? Come in and sit by me."

I braced myself and went to her bed. "Here, Mother. I made you some chicken soup and some tea. Better eat while it's hot."

She did her best to murmur her thanks, her words of appreciation now wrapped in hoarse whispers and phlegmy coughs that I wished I wasn't hearing.

"Sit, sit." She patted the worn chenille spread covering the small iron-framed bed in welcome.

"No, no, I don't want to shake the bed," I said. "You should eat before it gets cold."

"Cold, hot, it won't matter." She sighed and reached to reassure me when I gasped aloud. "Don't worry. I'm not giving up yet. The soup'll be just fine once it cools a little. We need to talk."

I hesitated but did as she asked and eased myself onto the lumpy mattress without jiggling the bed. She hadn't complained of any queasiness since yesterday; I hoped it stayed that way.

From my vantage point, the sharp angles that had replaced mother's once heavily padded frame were clearly noticeable. Her smile put me at ease until she leaned forward. Her jerky motion caused the necklace tucked beneath her floral patterned nightdress to spill forth.

The s-linked chain flowed out of mother's gown in a fluid motion like a golden snake, and then stopped. A low moan escaped me as I watched her skeletal fingers pull the rest of the chain into view. I glanced uneasily at the decades-old wooden amulet attached at the chain's end.

** BUY: at Smashwords for less than a cup of coffee!

(c) 2010 C. Verstraete http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

May 18, 2010

Witch hat swap


I was lucky to do a swap with Kat the Hat Lady (be sure to check out her cool hats!) - and got this neat face hat and broom. Thanks, Kat!

Giving me an idea to do a hat shop I think! (Like I don't have enough ideas to do yet? ha!) Well what's a few more, right?

* Coming up: more odd plants

May 14, 2010

Another EBook Reader: Borders jumps in with Kobo


So Borders is jumping into the ebook fray with its new e-reader KOBO, coming in June. Good news is that it will only be $150 - kind of bad news is it has no Wi-fi. You hook up to the computer to download. No big deal but does that mean you can't hook up right in a Borders? What about B&N letting you read free ebooks right in the store?

The price, though, is sounding more realistic. Eventually these things should come down enough to more reasonable levels. Then you'll start seeing used models on eBay and more clones on the market. For someone who carries a book everywhere and is used to reading books on computer, I'm intrigued. Eventually this might get to the point where almost anyone can get one.

* Your thoughts?

* Kobo details on PC World.

* Sample/BUY my NEW ebook: Motherly Love (you may have to sign in).

May 12, 2010

Almost 100 followers! Win a "Little" Something!

Since I'm nearing 100 followers, I guess I'll have a contest.

** Follow me and comment ON THIS POST about a book you're reading, share a line from your latest work in progress, or tell us about your latest mini. Make sure I have a way to contact you via blog, group or email.

* One winner will get a few mini books, journal, and a pencil.

* The 100th winner will receive a mini plant and book set. Yes all prizes are minis. Or if you prefer, I'll send you a (real) paperback mystery to read from my collection in good but used condition. * The 125th person will win a set of mini books and bookends.

NOTE: Message will show up later; I approve them manually.

May 10, 2010

Miniatures Monday: Make a Note of It



Thought I'd share another pic of my miniature journal and pencils. I had fun making these and am tickled the pencils came out so well! I still want to try some yellow pencils and maybe a set in a cup. And I'm thinking of trying a set of colored pencils next, (glutton for punishment? ha!)

May 08, 2010

Miniatures for Mom: New Designer Tote Bags for Sale

New CV Designer "Croc" Tote Bags - original designs.

Includes some magazines, flowers, newspaper, journal to write in and a pencil. (Well you have to use your own pencil to write with. ha!) All handmade.

(Note: only journal front page opens and 1 mag is open; other books/mags are closed for display.)

Red Croc tote with red plaid interior, or black croc with leopard or purple print interior plus contents.

Other colors and cloth outside available. Contact me for colors. (Pictured bags on hand; others made to order.)

Also coming:

* Witch/wizard tote (with witch mags and witch or spells book (nonopening), journal and pencil;

* Gardening tote with green stripe exterior, garden book and mags, seed pack set plus journal and pencil.

* Wedding tote: white set with brides mags and book, sample flowers, journal and pencil.

$15 each plus $2 shipping; additional shipping overseas. Contact me chrisATcverstraeteDOTcom (or contact page on website) for paypal address or mailing address.

May 06, 2010

Summer Garden Miniatures




Thought I'd start showing a few of my miniatures that I don't have online yet. This garden room is in a shadow box on my living room wall. The flowers are handmade. The birds and a few animals (I know there's a squirrel in there) are by Barbara Ann Meyer at Mini Gems.

May 03, 2010

Book blog tour: Cindy Bradford, author of Promises Kept

Today I welcome Cindy Bradford, author of PROMISES KEPT, part of the Keeping Faith series.

About Promises Kept:

After finding the father she never knew and graduating from law school, Faith O'Brien's mission is to bring down the priest who abused her father as a child.

To do this, the neophyte attorney must take on a shrewd, veteran Boston lawyer who will go to any means to win a case. But he underestimates Faith's passion for justice and her fight to right a wrong.



Who is Faith?

To Bradford, Faith is part of the bigger picture. She is and was the glue that held her father. Patrick, Sue (her mother), and Alice (her aunt & surrogate mother) together over time and place.

"To me, she represents so many East Texas women who are strong, determined and even aggressive sometimes. So often, females from small, rural settings are seen as needy and weak. I wanted to change that image with Faith because many of the women I have known from that part of the world are anything but. They are perfect examples of 'steel magnolias.' Perhaps, that characteristic was innate in Faith; maybe it was strengthened by her adversities; the reader can decide."

What makes Faith special and memorable?

"To her, there is nothing more crucial, more important, more pressing than this cause... until she meets and falls madly in love with Tyler England. Soon, her fighting instincts are called on like never before. Only this time her intelligence, perseverance and resolve may not be enough."

What inspired her story?

"I’m a big newspaper and magazine reader, and portions of her story evolved from my spin on contemporary events. I have traveled to 40 countries and numerous places in the U.S. Several of those places are woven into the story."

* * Post a comment on any of the posts during the book's virtual book tour, to be entered into a drawing for a copy of the first book in the series, KEEPING FAITH.

** BONUS - download an excerpt.



May 01, 2010

Pink Miniatures & Pink Saturday for May

Pink is the color today as part of this month's first Pink Saturday for May at How Sweet the Sound.

First, I stopped by Tales from an OC Cottage, who had some beautiful shell work. How pretty! Great ideas for that sea/beach cottage I was thinking of doing in miniature. Thank you!

My pink entry today is kind of summery - thought I'd share my funny little flamingo lady again. She's dressed for garage saling, and looks like she got some great finds!What better way to spend a Saturday!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check back as I'll be scheduling some giveaways soon too!