Getting Rid of Clutter. Sort of...

You may know that my daughter is home again. She finished her schooling and decided to return to the North East while she does some soul-searching and job hunting. I'm so happy to have her home. I'm not so happy about the three years worth of stuff she brought home. Almost every room in our house is cluttered again. So we decided to start weeding out some of her things and make her a little money at the same time. Ebay to the rescue!

If you've ever sold anything on Ebay, you probably know how time-consuming the whole process can be. I try to list 3-5 items every evening. You must take photos and enter as much information you feel is relevant to the prospective bidder, set a price, weigh and measure the item in an appropriate shipping envelope or box and then wait for millions of people to stumble across your item. 

Since I'm such an obsessive type of person, I find myself frequently checking my Ebay listings for watchers and bidders. At least it keeps me from stalking my e-mail for manuscript acceptance notifications. Unfortunately, with all the Ebaying going on, I haven't submitted many manuscripts. But, (famous last words here), once the clutter is more manageable maybe I'll be more productive. Maybe.

The thing is--I've been finding these awesome books on Ebay, just calling out my name. Like this children's book I picked up for $5.00.

 This book belonged to a little girl named Deborah. It was printed in 1908 and cost 50 cents!

 Look at the beautiful illustrations!

And this set of books for $9.99 was a steal!

This book belonged to Edna in 1896!

This one belonged to Gerald. He received the book as a prize in 1926. 

And my favorite--also belonged to Edna in 1901. Look at that cover!

I love that children wrote their names in these books. I like to imagine that they held them in their little hands and were transported to new lands as they read the stories. 

I think of them as 'Rescue Books.' Some people rescue dogs and cats, I like to rescue old books. They're thick and heavy, and some of them are falling apart, but they smell GLORIOUS! 

What's that you say? I'm supposed to be getting rid of stuff, not acquiring more? Yes, yes. I'm limiting myself. Well, I'm trying to anyway. Besides, I have a whole shelf in my bookcase that hold those books quite nicely. So, if they have a place, they aren't clutter. Right?

Do you buy or sell on Ebay? What do you like to 'Rescue?'

Character Interview--John Jeffers of Captain's Point by Charlotte Kent

I have a treat for you today: an interview with a character from the CAPTAIN'S POINT series by Charlotte Kent. Sit back, relax, and get to know John Jeffers. 

Talented musician and composer, accomplished adventurer and internationally known author John Jeffers has taken time out from his busy schedule in his new home of Captain’s Point, Maryland and granted us a rare interview. With 11 literary novels under his belt, as well as his Anderson detective series stories, we want to know how he’s spending his time these days and what’s next for him.

Q: Mr. Jeffers, tell us about this new chapter of your life that’s unfolding in your new hometown.

A: First of all, I’d like to say thank you for this opportunity to update my readers. Ever since I came to live in Captain’s Point after my Uncle Ivan’s death, I have never been more content. Spending my life here with my beautiful bride Susan and stepson Daniel brings me the kind of joy few even dream of attaining. My days are filled with fun family activities, time spent with true friends, writing and enjoying my musical pursuits as a member of the Captain’s Point Chamber Orchestra. That’s not to say that I don’t have a few additional irons in the fire.

Q: Your readers are familiar with your Anderson detective series, will you be completing another novel soon?

A: I won’t give anything away before my publisher knows about it, but I can safely say that my readers will not be disappointed as all my series are alive and well. Stay tuned.

Q: We’re aware of your most recent concert appearance debuting your newest composition with the String Flings. Do you have any other concert appearances planned for the near future?

A: I can’t rule anything out. Music as well as writing is about inspiration, and life here in Captain’s Point provides constant inspiration as I appreciate all the gifts I’ve been given.

Q: Rumor has it now you’ve established your residency in Captain’s Point, you have political aspirations?

A: I won’t confirm or deny any rumors. The world will have to wait and see, or should I say read and see. If and when I decide to do something, I give it my all, body and soul, whether writing a book or composing a piece of music.

Q: Can you give us a hint of what we can look forward to from the pen of John Jeffers?

A: With the majestic Atlantic Ocean at my doorstep and the unconditional love and support of my wife and son, the sky’s the limit for me.

Charlotte Kent is the pseudonym used by Annie Acorn and Juliette Hill when writing their collaborative contemporary romantic/women’s fiction/family saga series Captain’s Point Stories.

You may contact and/or follow the authors at:
charlottekentromances@gmail.com
@CharlotteKent20

http://www.annieacornpublishing.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlottekentcaptainspointseries

And Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7053190.Charlotte_Kent

Books, Stories and Box Set in our Captain’s Point Stories Series:

A Clue for Adrianna http://amzn.to/ZqYJz9

A Man for Susan http://amzn.to/16ecUfI

Love’s Journey http://amzn.to/18T4JWa

Love’s Surprise http://amzn.to/1wY5qMg

A Christmas Kiss http://amzn.to/15fzIQc

A Valentine Surprise  http://amzn.to/1ezPVBx 

Captain’s Point Stories Box Set http://amzn.to/JgLvnc 

Titles also available in the UK and on Barnes and Noble, Kobo and iTunes.

Nothing To Say

If you have nothing to say. You should blog about it. ~ Hugh Macleod

I haven't written a blog post in almost two months. I know you'll think I'm going to tell you I've been busy, but the truth is I've had nothing to say.

It's the Summer. I have a few friends that LOVE the Summer. They love the sun and warm weather. For me, the Summer is draining. I hate the heat, and now that I'm older, I can't stand the sun. I know the sun is important for life. The sun is good for my vegetable plants, and I know sunshine is full of vitamins, but unless I'm in a Caribbean resort with a swim-up pool bar that serves frozen Pina Coladas and Margaritas, I can't sit in the sun for longer than 5 minutes. Then again, pool bars are usually shaded.

Summer is usually very busy in the automotive repair business. College kids are home from school, families go on vacation and they all want to make sure their vehicles are safe. Lots of work means longer hours. I don't get home until almost 7pm.

I don't live near a beach. We don't have a pool anymore because by the time we get home, nobody feels like cleaning it or maintaining it. My home, my car and my business office are air-conditioned. I go outside to water my vegetables after 7pm, when the sun isn't as hot. I turn into a vampire in the Summer.

After cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen and then doing paperwork that I couldn't complete at work, I'm fried. I spend some time checking Facebook and e-mails, but I'm too tired to do anything else.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of Summer. Thankfully, it's almost over. I'm looking forward to the Fall. I'm always more productive in the Fall. Well, we'll see...

How is Summer treating you?