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Bright Flashes

ellenparkerwrites

‘Tis the season — for bright flashes of color from feathered friends.

Did the birds in your neighborhood ignore the memo to migrate a couple of months ago?

Do you have a wide variety of year-round residents?

Several, but not all, of the wildlife in this puzzle appear near my home. Sheltering in a row of bushes during wind, they pop out during sunny breaks to stretch their wings (not the chipmunk) and seek food. Humans are generous with the feeders and birds, chipmunks, and squirrels stay plump and healthy.

During her year photographing in Missouri State Parks, Serena Carter would have encountered these and more. Check the link at the end of this post to find the blurb for the sweet romance, Morning Tryst, to get acquainted. She has a memorable year in the Show-Me state. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Farewell, Good Friend

ellenparkerwrites

The first month of the year is drawing to a close. Did you make resolutions? Are they still in place?

I think some youngsters in the neighborhood took advantage of winter weather. But that was on a cold, sunny day following snowfall. Since then…

It’s not pretty when Mother Nature puts a snowman on a diet. Arms droop and fall. Weight loss is uneven. Sunny days are difficult. Cold nights are better. Do you suppose the figure wishes for more snow and cold?

Plenty of cold days and snow cover in the small-town romance, Starr Tree Farm. A Wisconsin Christmas tree farm in January should be white, peaceful, and quiet. However, when Laura prods her uncle into action on the cold case murder of her husband, not all the locals are pleased. Follow the link for the complete blurb and purchase information. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Cold will not Defeat Us

ellenparkerwrites

Plant us in a new home during the autumn and we may surprise you. Yes, we do appreciate a little extra mulch to cover our roots as winter arrives.

However, when St. Louis has a mild winter, we add spots of color to otherwise resting flower beds.

Do you have a protected spot in your garden? Give us a home there. Our bright yellow faces with accents in shades of purple should bring a smile to your face. All is not lost — brighter days are on the way.

Pansies were a favorite gift from child to mother on Mother’s Day when I was young. Plant them in a paper cup at school and present them on Friday. (You didn’t expect a six, seven, or eight-year-old to keep it secret.)

Fictional Crystal Springs, WI is in the planting zone for spring pansies. During January, when Starr Tree Farm takes place, you won’t find them in flower beds or pots (unless you have a greenhouse). While waiting for spring, read. Romance with a touch of suspense goes well with warm beverages, cozy blankets, and long winter evenings. Here’s a link to more book details. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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The Whole Picture

ellenparkerwrites

Do you remember the previous photo I posted?

It’s full of hints, but lacks a clear view of the subject.

Today I’m removing the excess paper and showing the entire cover of my new, clean & wholesome, later in life romance, Fine Lines.

In criminal defense attorney Mandy Price’s experience, men are untrustworthy. Life is better when she concentrates on career. Rumors of an impending retirement at the law firm spur her to pursue becoming the firm’s first female partner.

Police detective to the public and fine artist off duty, Cal Collins follows established rules to keep his two occupations separate. Until now, not dating local women has preserved his dual vocations and kept his past private. However, this is St. Louis, a city where degrees of separation in the professional world decreases toward the vanishing point.

Interested? I hope so. Release date for this new novel is April 8, 2026. Click on the link for Kindle pre-order. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF Pre-order at other retailers soon.

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Partial View

ellenparkerwrites

How’s your eyesight into the future?

Mine’s poor. I need hints, clues, and reminders to figure out an entire day.

How much can you fill out from this book cover partial view?

Enough of the author’s name is visible in this photo that you are correct to say the writer of this blog and a soon-to-be-released book are the same. The book title is more difficult — two words, both relatively short. The colors are dark — a bit of a mystery in the story?

The title of this book — available April 8, 2026 — is Fine Lines. The story is a later-in-life romance with elements of suspense. The tale is set in St. Louis and can be read as a standalone or after Comfort Zone. Setting and a few characters overlap in the books.

Want to get a head start on these go-together romances? Here’s the link to Comfort Zone. https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av

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Favorite of Three

ellenparkerwrites

How do you like to travel? Are you the sort of person that wants to drive and be in control of every turn and stop? Or do you enjoy paying a fee to sit back and let another bear responsibility? Or is your choice a workplace that moves?

At this spot in downtown St. Louis you have your choice — to an extent. The top level of the historic Eads Bridge is a highway for cars and trucks. The second level is currently in use by the metro area light rail system. The river — a highway in its own right – hosts barges, pleasure craft, and tour boats.

Have you ever taken a tour boat on a river? Did you pass under a bridge? What was your opinion of the view (underside of bridge)?

Laura Tanner, a main character in the sweet romance, Starr Tree Farm, travels up the Mississippi from St. Louis to her parent’s hometown of Crystal Springs. She’s seeking answers in addition to some peace and quiet. What she finds–well, it’s not all peaceful or expected. Check the link for more book information. https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Follow the Beaten Path

ellenparkerwrites

Several Januarys ago, I spent a day walking and exploring downtown St. Louis. Feeling curious (and energetic) I started to follow a bike trail.

Soon I was between industrial buildings and feeling hints of trespassing. But I stayed on the marked route and soon found this hidden gem.

I’m not aware of the decade this was built — but it was designed with a little touch of “style”. Do you suppose this is where a giant stores a marble?

Does this January have you feeling adventurous but not energetic? May I suggest you settle in and read a book — travel through time and space with hot drink at hand.

The sweet romance, Starr Tree Farm, is an excellent place to begin. After all, Laura Tanner, widowed one year ago, comes to a relative’s Christmas tree farm to relax — and prod her uncle into finding her husband’s killer. All is well until she hears gunshots. Follow the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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Swish. Swish.

ellenparkerwrites

Exercise. Get outside. Change the air in your lungs. (The third one is advice from my mother.)

Contrary to some — a person can do a lot outside in the winter. Walking is my exercise of choice. Year-round. Minimal equipment (good shoes). Variety of places – your neighborhood, local park, or far-end of parking lot from the store.

Other activities are limited to winter. Here’s one which I never tried in a serious manner.

Skiing — either downhill or cross-country — is vigorous exercise. Prepare yourself — walking, hiking, or jogging will be helpful. Wear warm clothes which allow good movement. Buy or rent good equipment. Best with like-minded friends or relatives. Enjoy the day!

Laura, heroine of the sweet romance, Starr Tree Farm, experiments with a relative of skiing — snowshoes. January in Wisconsin is a great time to learn — until the shooting starts. Book details at the link: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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How’s my Sparkle?

ellenparkerwrites

Sunshine makes me sparkle. However, it also limits my size – and life. I’m only going to make an appearance when the weather cooperates. Enjoy my visit.

Look up to see me at my best. In this photo, I’m hanging tight to the underside of a gutter. I love this sort of home. If the right temperature persists, I can grow to large proportions — not limited by things like the short distance between a car bumper and the ground.

Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you. You’ll get nothing from me except a few drops of water when the sun’s warmth puts me on a diet.

Romance with a touch of suspense makes a good read in January. Starr Tree Farm suits the bill. Set in Wisconsin during January, you can curl up in a chair with a cup of hot tea or cocoa and visit the tiny village of Crystal Springs. No snow shovel required!

Here’s a book link: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw

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After the “Day After”

ellenparkerwrites

Did you party while 2025 slipped into 2026?

Did you sleep through the transition?

Or were you awake and distracted enough to miss the moment?

At one time or another in my life, I’ve managed each of those three possibilities. I do need to admit, most of the times I was awake during the turning of one year to the next I was a number of years younger than at present. In recent years, I feel accomplishment if I make it to only one time zone away.

At least twice, New Years Eve was celebrated at the movie theater followed by a breakfast buffet. (And that was followed by sleep.) One benefit I did not anticipate from those celebrations was minimal clean-up. No discarded party hats. No empty beverage bottles. No confetti on the carpet.

A modest party hat, suitable to wear during clean-up duties is modeled by Ms. Foamhead.

“Three…two…one. Happy New Year!”

Starr Tree Farm, a wholesome contemporary romance, begins at a community party. A young widow, expecting a peaceful interlude tending a few animals on her uncle’s Christmas tree farm, finds surprises — from an unexpected old friend to gunshots where they don’t belong. Find more information at the link: https://amzn.to/2zqIQEw