The OKA b. shoes giveaway ends tonight. If you don't have your entries in, go here to get entered to win an awesome pair of sandals!
Weekend A La Carte (December 21)
12 hours ago
Monday, May 31, 2010
DON'T FORGET!
The OKA b. shoes giveaway ends tonight. If you don't have your entries in, go here to get entered to win an awesome pair of sandals!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
My Riley is 8 Today!
My sweet little Riley is 8 years old today. He is such a sweet and thoughtful kid and has so much compassion for others. He warms my heart with his spontaneous hugs and words of encouragement.
He's the kid that whenever we are out somewhere without the other boys, he wants to bring them home a treat or surprise of some kind. He offers up some of his birthday and Christmas money to buy his brothers something. He's the kids that stands up when other kids are being mean to someone and tells them they shouldn't treat people that way. He randomly suggests that we pray for different people because they cross his mind and he thinks it seems like the right thing to do. He just amazes me with his sweet, thoughtful nature.
Now, make no mistake, this kid has a temper on him that makes me crazy some days (he's a lot like my Dad in that way and whenever my Dad sees him act out like that and says something about it, I remind him of how alike they are and he can't help but let out a nervous little laugh because he knows it's true). He is extremely sensitive (which in some ways is a wonderful characteristic) but he takes things so personally and gets his feelings hurt so easily that we have to talk him out of being upset several times daily.
Overall though, he is one heck of a kid and he makes his dad and I so proud. He makes sure to let everyone he loves know it. He is just a wonderful gift from God and I am so thankful to have the priveledge of raising him. I pray that God will do mighty things through him!
Unfortunately I don't have many pictures on this computer, but here are some of my cutie patootie Riley...
He's the kid that whenever we are out somewhere without the other boys, he wants to bring them home a treat or surprise of some kind. He offers up some of his birthday and Christmas money to buy his brothers something. He's the kids that stands up when other kids are being mean to someone and tells them they shouldn't treat people that way. He randomly suggests that we pray for different people because they cross his mind and he thinks it seems like the right thing to do. He just amazes me with his sweet, thoughtful nature.
Now, make no mistake, this kid has a temper on him that makes me crazy some days (he's a lot like my Dad in that way and whenever my Dad sees him act out like that and says something about it, I remind him of how alike they are and he can't help but let out a nervous little laugh because he knows it's true). He is extremely sensitive (which in some ways is a wonderful characteristic) but he takes things so personally and gets his feelings hurt so easily that we have to talk him out of being upset several times daily.
Overall though, he is one heck of a kid and he makes his dad and I so proud. He makes sure to let everyone he loves know it. He is just a wonderful gift from God and I am so thankful to have the priveledge of raising him. I pray that God will do mighty things through him!
Unfortunately I don't have many pictures on this computer, but here are some of my cutie patootie Riley...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sanuk ~ Review & Giveaway
Most comfortable shoes known to mankind... I would say that is easily what Sanuk offers in their Sidewalk Surfers!
What is Sanuk? They're a great company that makes awesome footwear! “Sanük” is the Thai word for FUN, their name is also their mantra. All over their site you'll see "Smile...Pass it on!" and I can't help but smile when I read that!
What are those Sidewalk Surfers I mentioned? Well, as they say "They're not shoes. They're sandals." and that is exactly what they feel like. Their Sidewalk Surfers are super light-weight, breathable, stylish and super comfy. The sole is more of a sandal or flip flop material, as opposed to a heavy rubber sole and the material of the shoe fits your foot like it was made for it.
I originally had requested a sandal of theirs called Truth or Dare that is a bright yellow upper and a brown sole. I got them and they were soooo cute and I was so excited. Unfortunately they were a little on the small side for me and I was so bummed out about it. Well, the amazing girl I have been working with from Sanuk told me she'd be happy to send me the next size up and that I could gift the ones I had to someone else! Seriously, what an awesome thing to do! The sandals pictured below are a slightly different style, but are close to what they were, just to give you an idea...
Well, I would say "unfortunatley", but in this case it was anything but unfortunate that they were out of the next size up. Why wasn't that unfortunate? Well, because she offered to send me a different pair from their line of my choosing! Really, how great can these people be?! I ended up choosing a pair of the Sidewalk Surfers called Donna, which is almost what I chose originally. Now, I've never worn anything even remotely close to this style of shoe, so I wasn't exactly sure how I'd feel about them, but when they arrived and I opened them up and put them on my feet... I was instantly in love with these shoes. I cannot believe how perfectly they fit my feet and how comfortable they are. I wore them around the house for hours! Despite being a style I've never worn, I think they are soooo cute! I had them on with a pair of jean knickers (basically a long, but fitted stretchy jean short) and a tee and they were perfect! The color is a light cream (but not so light that it will look dirty within a couple times of wearing) and lines with flecks of different colors. I think they could go with pretty much anything! I am just in love with these shoes and I know I will have to get more in the future.
Here is what I want sooooo bad for winter! These would be so awesomely comfy and cozy. So, if any of you would like to spontaneously buy me a gift, I'll take these please. LOL
They have lots of great styles and super cute sandals too...
I seriously have my eye on this top pair. I think I need them. Yup, I'm pretty sure.
Your man will definitely want a pair too...
Don't forget about the kids! How cute are these?!
So, in case you can't tell, I LOVE Sanuk! I can truly say that this is my most favorite review/giveaway I've ever had the priveledge of doing. They have been amazing to work with and most of all, they make products that are of awesome quality and comfort and are environmentally conscious. Sanuk seriously rocks and I promise you that if you get a pair of their Sidewalk Surfers (or anything else they offer) you will be so happy you did. Just read the reviews on their site if you want proof. These shoes/sandals are AMAZING!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Sanuk and Rachel (girl, you've been the best) for this amazing opportunity. I can't say enough good things about you guys!
So, I'm sure by now you're dying to know how you can score a free pair of Sanuk footwear. See below for all the ways you can gain entries to win the pair of your choice and good luck! The winner of this giveaway is one seriously lucky person. I wish I could win my own giveaway! LOL
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE ENTRY DIRECTIONS EXACTLY FOR YOUR ENTRIES TO COUNT!!!!
This contest will be open until 11:59 PM on June 10th. At that time I will use random.org to determine the winner. The winner will then be emailed and have 24 hours to respond, otherwise I will choose a new winner. This contest is open to U.S. residents.
LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH ENTRY AND LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORM - Jane (at) yahoo (dot) com
MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Sanuk and tell me what pair of shoes you might choose if you are the winner! (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
Follow my blog (publicly via google friend connect, located on the top sidebar) - You can use this as an entry whether you are a new follower or a current follower. (1 entry)
Subscribe to my blog via the sign-up found on the right sidebar of my blog to be sure to never miss a great giveaway! (1 entry)
Follow my blog via Networked Blogs, located on the right sidebar under google friend connect. (1 entry)
"Like" my Facebook page, located on the right sidebar. (1 entry)
"Like" Sanuk's Facebook page here. (1 entry)
Place my Finally Finding Me...I Think button on your blog and leave me a comment saying you did. The button is found on the right sidebar of my blog.
(1 entry)
Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and leave me the link to your post. (1 entry)
That's 8 chances to win! Good luck!
Disclosure: I received these products for free for review purposes. My opinions expressed in this review were honest and genuine and I was in no way persuaded by the company involved.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Last Christian by David Gregory
To start off, here is a little about what this novel is about...
In the future, it’s possible to live forever—but at what cost?
A.D. 2088.
Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village. Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out. A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.
But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form. Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether—but at what expense?
As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance—the spiritual future of all humanity.
In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.
I had the opportunity to review this novel and here are my thoughts...
When I first started reading this book, I was very confused by how many different characters are involved and trying to keep them all straight. I had to re-read a lot in the beginning to get myself acquainted with who is who. Once I got that all straightened out, I had to get past some of the things that gave me an uncomfortable feeling (such as all the technology stuff and the idea of life partners who you sign a contract to be with for 10 years and then can choose to renew it or part ways, as opposed to marriage). Of course, these were things the writer was using to set the stage for what would play out in this novel and I have to tell you that once I got into about the 3rd chapter, I was hooked! This book is filled with so many twists and turns and unexpected events that keep you glued to it to find out what will happen next. I was actually sad when I was getting to the end of the book because I didn't want it to end. As far as the ending goes, I wasn't overwhelmed by how he chose to end it, but it wasn't bad either. Overall, I think this is a great novel where the author has used a lot of imagination to take you to a place (where I hope our world will never actually go) and give you a sense of what life would be like if people stopped believing in God. My absolute favorite thing about this book is when the main character discovers something new and complete about the gospel that she has been missing and how she uses it. You'll just have to read the book yourself to find out what that is!
You can download the first chapter of The Last Christian here.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
Monday, May 24, 2010
prAna *Now With Giveaway*
Talk about some great, high quality clothing with super cute design and you're talking about prAna. I had the great opportunity of reviewing 2 items of clothing from their collection and I can not say enough good things about them.
The first item I chose is the Quinn Top that I chose in the Blue Starburst design. I loved the simple, yet interesting design of this cute tank. Here is their description of it from the website...
This one is a little addictive. We ran a wide sliding strap through a rounded, gathered neck and a double-strap racer back, and we got a top that's equally ready for full performance (perhaps during yoga?) or pure fashion. Recycled Chakara fabric with an internal shelf bra.
Doesn't it just sound fun? I love the colorful design I chose too. Being in summer mode, I have really been wanting colors that will pop when wearing them on tanned skin and I'd say this one definitely will! I LOVE it!
The second item I chose was the Kai Knicker in Zinc. They are a dark gray color and pair up great with the Quinn Top that I chose. These can go with so many pieces in my existing wardrobe that they seemed like a perfect choice for me. I was worried about how the length would be on me since I'm a short gal (barely 5'1") but they are perfect! Not too long at all and very slimming (isn't that what we're all looking for?). Here is their description of the knicker from their website...
We're told these have become the favorite of BASE jumpers. You don't have to throw yourself off a cliff to appreciate the slightly stretchy organic cotton, slim cut, drawstring waist and cargo pockets.
While you won't catch me jumping off any cliffs anytime soon, you will see me sportin' these cute knickers. LOL
Now here's my next obsession from prAna. I am in love with this Iris Satchel!
Here are a few other great pieces of theirs...
Did I mention they have Men's clothing too? I wouldn't mind seeing my man in these...
prAna has a great line of clothing. While they are on the higher priced side, their clothes are made for active wear and sustainability and if that's what you're looking for, it's absolutely worth the extra money. The clothes I received are made for great durability and I am more than happy with them. I think prAna has a great thing going here with stylish, yet durable clothing and if you're an active person, you will definitely appreciate these clothes. If you're not an active person, you'll like them because they just plain look good!
Their women's clothing is available in sizes xs-xl and 0-14 so they fit a wide range of sizes too!
So, what are you waiting for? Get over to prAna and check out all the great stuff they have to offer!
prAna would like to offer one of my readers the chance to win their Black Flower Reversible Headband! Please see below for how to gain entries...
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE ENTRY DIRECTIONS EXACTLY FOR YOUR ENTRIES TO COUNT!!!!
This contest will be open until 11:59 PM on June 10th. At that time I will use random.org to determine the winner. The winner will then be emailed and have 24 hours to respond, otherwise I will choose a new winner. This contest is open to U.S. residents.
LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH ENTRY AND LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORM - Jane (at) yahoo (dot) com
MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit prAna and tell me your favorite product from their website! (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
Follow my blog (publicly via google friend connect, located on the top sidebar) - You can use this as an entry whether you are a new follower or a current follower. (1 entry)
Subscribe to my blog via the sign-up found on the right sidebar of my blog to be sure to never miss a great giveaway! (1 entry)
Follow my blog via Networked Blogs, located on the right sidebar under google friend connect. (1 entry)
"Like" my Facebook page, located on the right sidebar. (1 entry)
Place my Finally Finding Me...I Think button on your blog and leave me a comment saying you did. The button is found on the right sidebar of my blog.
(1 entry)
Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and leave me the link to your post. (1 entry)
That's 7 chances to win! Good luck!
Disclosure: I received these products for free for review purposes. My opinions expressed in this review were honest and genuine and I was in no way persuaded by the company involved.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
It's Not Over Yet!
No, the Summer Fashion Event is not over yet, I'm just waiting on some final details from the companies and then the reviews/giveaways will be up! So, keep an eye out because you don't want to miss these!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Bluegala Winner!
The winner of the top or dress from Bluegala is...
Comment #34 ~ Tabathia
CONGRATULATIONS!
Comment #34 ~ Tabathia
CONGRATULATIONS!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Cutie Code ~ Review & Giveaway
As if I need to tell you this again... I love clothes! I love finding something cute and unique that not everyone has. A style that you don't see all the time. That's why I was excited to find Cutie Code!
I was lucky enough to have the chance to review 2 great items from them and I just love them! They are unlike any other pieces in my wardrobe and are colors I don't normally choose, so it was a lot of fun to add them to my wardrobe. The first is a more dressy piece, but can be made more casual when worn with jeans and the second is adorable with jeans, capris, or leggings. See for yourself...
I honestly had an extremely hard time choosing my review pieces because there were so many that I wanted. Everytime I go on their website, there are new pieces and I want all of them! Here are a few that I would LOVE to get my hands on...
Did I mention they have shoes, bags and accessories too!
SEE! I told you there were too many cute things to pick from! Their prices are great too!
*PLEASE NOTE* Most of their clothes are ONE SIZE. I was concerned about their clothes fitting me, because when you look at those models, they are clearly tiny. I however, wear a size Medium and even an occasional Large and the clothes fit me with plenty of room to spare. They certainly wouldn't work for everyone and that is unfortunate and something I think they need to seriously consider changing in order to open up to the majority of people.
You should definitely get over to Cutie Code and check out all the other great items they have because this is honestly just a tiny sampling of what they offer!
Feeling lucky? Well then see below for how to gain entries to win the top of your choice from Cutie Code!!!!
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE ENTRY DIRECTIONS EXACTLY FOR YOUR ENTRIES TO COUNT!!!!
This contest will be open until 11:59 PM on June 4th. At that time I will use random.org to determine the winner. The winner will then be emailed and have 24 hours to respond, otherwise I will choose a new winner. This contest is open to U.S. residents.
LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS FOR EACH ENTRY AND LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THIS FORM - Jane (at) yahoo (dot) com
MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Cutie Code and tell me what you might choose if you win. (1 entry)
Extra Entries:
Follow my blog (publicly via google friend connect, located on the top sidebar) - You can use this as an entry whether you are a new follower or a current follower. (1 entry)
Subscribe to my blog via the sign-up found on the right sidebar of my blog to be sure to never miss a great giveaway! (1 entry)
Follow my blog via Networked Blogs, located on the right sidebar under google friend connect. (1 entry)
Become a fan of my Facebook page, located on the right sidebar. (1 entry)
Become a fan of Cutie Code's Facebook page and share with your friends. (1 entry)
Place my Finally Finding Me...I Think button on your blog and leave me a comment saying you did. The button is found on the right sidebar of my blog.
(1 entry)
Blog about this giveaway with a link to my blog and leave me the link to your post. (1 entry)
That's 8 chances to win! Good luck!
Disclosure: I received these products for free for review purposes. My opinions expressed in this review were honest and genuine and I was in no way persuaded by the company involved.
Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
Kregel Publications (March 11, 2010)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is an author as well as the owner of the publicity firm Dobson Media. A former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, Melanie has worked in the fields of journalism and publicity for more than twelve years. Her first book is Together for Good. Melanie lives in Oregon with her husband, Jon, and their two adopted daughters, Karly and Kinzel. Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0825425905
ISBN-13: 978-0825425905
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
The glass door was locked, but that didn’t stop Camden Bristow from yanking on the handle. The imposing desk on the other side of the glass was vacant, and the receptionist who usually waved her inside had disappeared. Behind the desk, the Fount Magazine logo mocked her, whispering that the money she so desperately needed had disappeared as well.
She pounded on the glass one last time, but no one came to the door.
Turning, she moved to a row of windows on the far side of the elevator. Sixteen stories below, swarms of people bustled toward their next appointment. Someplace they needed to be. Not long ago, she’d been rushing too, up and down Park Avenue to attend meetings at ad agencies and various magazines . . . including the suite of offices behind her.
Human rights. Natural disasters. Labor disputes. Whenever the photo editor at Fount needed the most poignant pictures for news articles, he called her, and nothing had stopped her from capturing what he needed for the next edition. She’d dedicated the past five years to responding to Grant Haussen’s calls, but after she came back from Indonesia two months ago, he stopped calling her.
She’d e-mailed him the pictures of the earthquake’s aftermath along with her regular invoice of fees and expenses. He’d used the pictures in the next issue, but apparently discarded the invoice. She never received a check, and he didn’t return even one of her many calls.
A few years ago, she wouldn’t have worried as much about the money—those days her phone rang at all hours with freelance assignments to shoot pictures around the world—but her clients had slashed their budgets and were using stock photos or buying photographs from locals. The current results weren’t as compelling as sending a professional, but keeping the lights on—the rent paid—trumped paying for the best photography.
Her clients may be making rent, but she hadn’t been able to pay hers for two months. Her savings account was depleted. The income from her Indonesia shoot was supposed to appease her landlord and credit card company. Even though she hadn’t heard from Grant Haussen, she held out hope that she might at least recoup the expenses for her trip so she could pay off the whopping flight and hotel charges on her credit card.
All hope shattered when she read the morning’s headline.
Fount Magazine Declares Bankruptcy
Others may have skimmed past this article, but the news stunned her. Three hours ago, she left her studio apartment and started walking until she found herself in Midtown, in the lobby of the Reinhold Building. A few staff members might remain at the Fount office, packing things up. Or if there were some sort of bankruptcy proceedings . . . maybe she could collect a few thousand dollars. Just enough to pay a portion of her bills while she tried to find more work.
It appeared that no one had stuck around to say goodbye.
The elevator dinged behind her, and she turned away from the windows and watched a skinny man in overalls push a mop and bucket into the hallway. He was at least two inches shorter than her five foot six.
She forced herself to smile, but he didn’t smile back. She pointed at the offices. “I need to find someone at the magazine.”
He grunted as he dipped his mop into the gray water and wrung it out. Shoving her fists into the pockets of her long jacket, she stepped toward him. “They owe me money.”
“You and half this dadgum town.”
“Yes, but—”
“They ran outta here so fast last night that the rubber on their shoes was smokin’.” He flopped the mop onto the tile floor and water spread toward his boots. “I’d bet good money that they ain’t comin’ back.”
Camden slumped against the window. Even if she were able to track down Grant, it wasn’t like he would personally write her a check for money the magazine owed. He was probably out hunting for a job already, or maybe he was stretched out on his couch watching Oprah, enjoying the luxury of not having to report for duty. He could collect unemployment while he slowly perused for a new gig.
Unfortunately, there was no unemployment for freelancers.
The janitor swabbed the mop across the tile in straight brushstrokes like he was painting instead of cleaning it, taking pride in his work.
She understood. At one time she had been proud of her work too. There was nothing more exhilarating than flying off to a country rocked by tragedy and immersing herself into an event that most people only read about. She was onsite to see the trauma, feel the aftershocks, though she never allowed herself to get personally involved. It was her job to record the crisis so others could help with the recovery. All she needed to do her job was her camera equipment and laptop.
Because of all her travels, she hadn’t accumulated much stuff over the years. Her landlord had furnished her flat before she moved in, but for almost five years, the apartment and everything in it had felt like hers. It was the longest she’d lived in one place her entire life.
But tonight, her landlord was changing the locks. Her home had been rented by someone else.
The man pushed his mop by her, ignoring her. She couldn’t blame him for his indifference. This city was full of people who needed a job—he was probably trying as hard as he could to keep his.
She would mop floors if she had to. Or scrub toilets. It wouldn’t pay enough for her to make rent, but maybe it would keep her from having to call her mom and beg for cash. If she called, her mother would pass the phone to her latest boyfriend—a retired executive living outside Madrid. Camden would rather sleep in a shelter than grovel to him.
She hopped over the wet trail left by the mop and stepped into the elevator.
Her landlord said she had until five o’clock to pack her stuff and vacate the building. The little credit she had left on her card wouldn’t pay for a week in a Manhattan hotel. And the few friends she’d made when she wasn’t traveling were struggling as much as she was. One of them might let her sleep on a couch, but she’d be expected to help with rent.
The elevator doors shut, and she punched the button for the lobby.
Where was she supposed to go from here?
†
The basement of the town hall smelled like burnt coffee and tobacco. The navy carpet had faded to a dull gray, and the dais at the front of the room was scuffed with shoe marks. Five men and two women sat behind a table on the platform—the bimonthly summit of Etherton’s City Council.
As the town mayor, Louise Danner presided over the city council from the middle chair. Her hoop earrings jangled below the signature Bic pen she propped behind her left ear. Copper-colored bangs veiled her smudged eyebrows.
Three steps below Louise’s chair, Alex Yates drummed his fingers on a stack of proposals and tried to listen as Evan Harper begged the councilors to let him tear down the barn on his property and replace it with a guesthouse.
In the eight months since he’d moved to Etherton, he learned that Louise Danner was almost as permanent a fixture in Etherton as the town hall. Within days of him taking this job, she told him exactly how she became mayor over the eleven thousand people in their town.
She had been born in a small house off Main Street and reigned as valedictorian over Etherton High’s Class of ’67. Armed with a degree from Marietta, she returned home after graduation and worked in several businesses across town until she secured the job of hospital administrator. Louise served on almost every town committee for the next thirty years, from historical preservation to the garden club, but when she landed the mayorship almost eight years ago, she dropped anchor.
She’d spent a boatload of money to retain her position during the last election, and with the state of the town’s economy, she would be fighting to keep her job when voters went to the polls in five months.
Alex rechecked his watch. It was almost lunchtime, and Evan Harper was still pleading his case. Alex saw the dilapidated barn every morning on the short drive to his office. Guesthouse or no guesthouse, he agreed with Evan—someone needed to put the structure out of its misery. A hearty gust of wind would end its life if the council wouldn’t approve demolition.
Alex stifled a yawn as Evan named all the people who could stay in the guesthouse including his wife’s elderly parents and his daughter’s college friends. Apparently, no one had told the man he couldn’t filibuster city council. If the mayor didn’t curtail Evan’s speech, he’d probably pull out the local phone book and read until the councilors adjourned for lunch. And once they walked out of the room, they may not reconvene in time.
Alex couldn’t wait for approval. He needed an answer today.
For the past month, he’d been quietly courting the owner of the ten-acre property at the edge of town—part of the old Truman farm. If the council concurred, the owner was ready to sell the land and farmhouse for a pittance. The town could buy it and use the property to help with their plans to revitalize the local economy.
Alex caught the mayor’s eye and tapped his watch.
“Thank you.” Louise interrupted Evan before he finished listing off every construction supply he’d purchased for the guesthouse. “I think that is all the information we need to make a decision.”
Evan plucked another piece of paper from his stack. “But I haven’t read the neighborhood petition.”
“We appreciate all the time and thought you’ve put into this, Evan.” Louise propped her chin up with her knuckles. “We’ll let you know if we have any other questions.”
Evan sat down on the wooden folding chair at the end of the row, and Alex leaned back as the council began discussing the hot issue of preservation versus progress.
Most of the councilors were successful business leaders and attorneys, passionate in either their pro-growth or anti-development stance. Today he needed to convince them that voting “yes” on his proposal would commemorate the town’s history and lay the foundation for their legacy while generating new revenue and development for the town.
Alex glanced at his watch and sighed. If it took the councilors forty minutes to decide the fate of a rickety barn, how long would it take them to make a decision on his proposal?
When he parted ways with corporate mania last year, he thought he’d left behind the constricting strands of red tape that kept him from doing his job, but he’d learned that Etherton’s residents, along with the city council, rode the high of debate until they were forced to vote. Sometimes the debate lasted weeks, or even months.
Edward Paxton led the charge against development. He didn’t want his town to change nor did he want Alex involved with any of the town’s business. Rumor had it that he wanted his grandson, Jake, to take the economic development position that Louise had created last spring to solicit new business. The only problem was that no one else on the council wanted Jake Paxton to be involved. Edward seemed to hold a personal vendetta against Alex for stealing his grandson’s job.
At least the mayor was on his team. She’d gambled when she hired him, but he assured her and the council that he’d deliver. On their terms.
After almost an hour of discussion, Louise called for a vote, and Evan smacked his knees when they approved his guesthouse with a 4–3 vote. He saluted the row of councilors as he rushed out, probably on his way to rent an excavator. Alex guessed the barn would be in a heap when he drove home tonight.
He sighed. If only getting the council to approve a project was always this easy . . .
Etherton needed the tax revenue from new businesses to fix its brick streets, increase the police force, and build a high school. The city’s officials expected Alex to find a way to merge their small town charm with big city business.
Blending these two ideals was no small feat. Not long after he moved to Etherton, he worked a deal to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter on a piece of farm property at the edge of town. Some towns didn’t want a Wal-Mart, but since their local economy had tanked, he thought most of the locals would welcome the store. After all, most of them drove forty-five minutes each week to visit the Wal-Mart in Mansfield, and this would bring discount clothes, groceries, car care, and—most importantly—jobs to their back door.
He was wrong.
When the council voted last December, residents of Etherton packed City Hall, a chorus of dissension over why their town couldn’t bear the weight of a conglomerate. The icy room turned hot as tempers flared. Small business owners threatened to overthrow the seats of every council member who supported the proposal.
In the end, the council rejected his plan. The town desperately needed the revenue and the jobs, but apparently not enough to put out the welcome mat for a mega store. A local farmer bought the field to plant corn, and Etherton missed out on the much-needed sales tax that would flood into Fredericktown when Wal-Mart opened its doors there this fall.
The council told him they wanted new business, but they wanted something quaint that would fit the town’s celebration of all things old. It was a hard task—but he’d found the perfect solution. If the residents were willing to risk a little, he was ready to deliver both quaint and classy . . . wrapped up in a pretty package and tied together with a sound financial bow.
Louise slid the pen out from behind her ear and tapped it on the table. She dismissed the few people in the audience, explaining that the rest of the meeting was a closed session, and then she pointed at him. “You’re up, Alex.”
He straightened his tie and stood to face the councilors. It was about to get hot again.
She pounded on the glass one last time, but no one came to the door.
Turning, she moved to a row of windows on the far side of the elevator. Sixteen stories below, swarms of people bustled toward their next appointment. Someplace they needed to be. Not long ago, she’d been rushing too, up and down Park Avenue to attend meetings at ad agencies and various magazines . . . including the suite of offices behind her.
Human rights. Natural disasters. Labor disputes. Whenever the photo editor at Fount needed the most poignant pictures for news articles, he called her, and nothing had stopped her from capturing what he needed for the next edition. She’d dedicated the past five years to responding to Grant Haussen’s calls, but after she came back from Indonesia two months ago, he stopped calling her.
She’d e-mailed him the pictures of the earthquake’s aftermath along with her regular invoice of fees and expenses. He’d used the pictures in the next issue, but apparently discarded the invoice. She never received a check, and he didn’t return even one of her many calls.
A few years ago, she wouldn’t have worried as much about the money—those days her phone rang at all hours with freelance assignments to shoot pictures around the world—but her clients had slashed their budgets and were using stock photos or buying photographs from locals. The current results weren’t as compelling as sending a professional, but keeping the lights on—the rent paid—trumped paying for the best photography.
Her clients may be making rent, but she hadn’t been able to pay hers for two months. Her savings account was depleted. The income from her Indonesia shoot was supposed to appease her landlord and credit card company. Even though she hadn’t heard from Grant Haussen, she held out hope that she might at least recoup the expenses for her trip so she could pay off the whopping flight and hotel charges on her credit card.
All hope shattered when she read the morning’s headline.
Fount Magazine Declares Bankruptcy
Others may have skimmed past this article, but the news stunned her. Three hours ago, she left her studio apartment and started walking until she found herself in Midtown, in the lobby of the Reinhold Building. A few staff members might remain at the Fount office, packing things up. Or if there were some sort of bankruptcy proceedings . . . maybe she could collect a few thousand dollars. Just enough to pay a portion of her bills while she tried to find more work.
It appeared that no one had stuck around to say goodbye.
The elevator dinged behind her, and she turned away from the windows and watched a skinny man in overalls push a mop and bucket into the hallway. He was at least two inches shorter than her five foot six.
She forced herself to smile, but he didn’t smile back. She pointed at the offices. “I need to find someone at the magazine.”
He grunted as he dipped his mop into the gray water and wrung it out. Shoving her fists into the pockets of her long jacket, she stepped toward him. “They owe me money.”
“You and half this dadgum town.”
“Yes, but—”
“They ran outta here so fast last night that the rubber on their shoes was smokin’.” He flopped the mop onto the tile floor and water spread toward his boots. “I’d bet good money that they ain’t comin’ back.”
Camden slumped against the window. Even if she were able to track down Grant, it wasn’t like he would personally write her a check for money the magazine owed. He was probably out hunting for a job already, or maybe he was stretched out on his couch watching Oprah, enjoying the luxury of not having to report for duty. He could collect unemployment while he slowly perused for a new gig.
Unfortunately, there was no unemployment for freelancers.
The janitor swabbed the mop across the tile in straight brushstrokes like he was painting instead of cleaning it, taking pride in his work.
She understood. At one time she had been proud of her work too. There was nothing more exhilarating than flying off to a country rocked by tragedy and immersing herself into an event that most people only read about. She was onsite to see the trauma, feel the aftershocks, though she never allowed herself to get personally involved. It was her job to record the crisis so others could help with the recovery. All she needed to do her job was her camera equipment and laptop.
Because of all her travels, she hadn’t accumulated much stuff over the years. Her landlord had furnished her flat before she moved in, but for almost five years, the apartment and everything in it had felt like hers. It was the longest she’d lived in one place her entire life.
But tonight, her landlord was changing the locks. Her home had been rented by someone else.
The man pushed his mop by her, ignoring her. She couldn’t blame him for his indifference. This city was full of people who needed a job—he was probably trying as hard as he could to keep his.
She would mop floors if she had to. Or scrub toilets. It wouldn’t pay enough for her to make rent, but maybe it would keep her from having to call her mom and beg for cash. If she called, her mother would pass the phone to her latest boyfriend—a retired executive living outside Madrid. Camden would rather sleep in a shelter than grovel to him.
She hopped over the wet trail left by the mop and stepped into the elevator.
Her landlord said she had until five o’clock to pack her stuff and vacate the building. The little credit she had left on her card wouldn’t pay for a week in a Manhattan hotel. And the few friends she’d made when she wasn’t traveling were struggling as much as she was. One of them might let her sleep on a couch, but she’d be expected to help with rent.
The elevator doors shut, and she punched the button for the lobby.
Where was she supposed to go from here?
†
The basement of the town hall smelled like burnt coffee and tobacco. The navy carpet had faded to a dull gray, and the dais at the front of the room was scuffed with shoe marks. Five men and two women sat behind a table on the platform—the bimonthly summit of Etherton’s City Council.
As the town mayor, Louise Danner presided over the city council from the middle chair. Her hoop earrings jangled below the signature Bic pen she propped behind her left ear. Copper-colored bangs veiled her smudged eyebrows.
Three steps below Louise’s chair, Alex Yates drummed his fingers on a stack of proposals and tried to listen as Evan Harper begged the councilors to let him tear down the barn on his property and replace it with a guesthouse.
In the eight months since he’d moved to Etherton, he learned that Louise Danner was almost as permanent a fixture in Etherton as the town hall. Within days of him taking this job, she told him exactly how she became mayor over the eleven thousand people in their town.
She had been born in a small house off Main Street and reigned as valedictorian over Etherton High’s Class of ’67. Armed with a degree from Marietta, she returned home after graduation and worked in several businesses across town until she secured the job of hospital administrator. Louise served on almost every town committee for the next thirty years, from historical preservation to the garden club, but when she landed the mayorship almost eight years ago, she dropped anchor.
She’d spent a boatload of money to retain her position during the last election, and with the state of the town’s economy, she would be fighting to keep her job when voters went to the polls in five months.
Alex rechecked his watch. It was almost lunchtime, and Evan Harper was still pleading his case. Alex saw the dilapidated barn every morning on the short drive to his office. Guesthouse or no guesthouse, he agreed with Evan—someone needed to put the structure out of its misery. A hearty gust of wind would end its life if the council wouldn’t approve demolition.
Alex stifled a yawn as Evan named all the people who could stay in the guesthouse including his wife’s elderly parents and his daughter’s college friends. Apparently, no one had told the man he couldn’t filibuster city council. If the mayor didn’t curtail Evan’s speech, he’d probably pull out the local phone book and read until the councilors adjourned for lunch. And once they walked out of the room, they may not reconvene in time.
Alex couldn’t wait for approval. He needed an answer today.
For the past month, he’d been quietly courting the owner of the ten-acre property at the edge of town—part of the old Truman farm. If the council concurred, the owner was ready to sell the land and farmhouse for a pittance. The town could buy it and use the property to help with their plans to revitalize the local economy.
Alex caught the mayor’s eye and tapped his watch.
“Thank you.” Louise interrupted Evan before he finished listing off every construction supply he’d purchased for the guesthouse. “I think that is all the information we need to make a decision.”
Evan plucked another piece of paper from his stack. “But I haven’t read the neighborhood petition.”
“We appreciate all the time and thought you’ve put into this, Evan.” Louise propped her chin up with her knuckles. “We’ll let you know if we have any other questions.”
Evan sat down on the wooden folding chair at the end of the row, and Alex leaned back as the council began discussing the hot issue of preservation versus progress.
Most of the councilors were successful business leaders and attorneys, passionate in either their pro-growth or anti-development stance. Today he needed to convince them that voting “yes” on his proposal would commemorate the town’s history and lay the foundation for their legacy while generating new revenue and development for the town.
Alex glanced at his watch and sighed. If it took the councilors forty minutes to decide the fate of a rickety barn, how long would it take them to make a decision on his proposal?
When he parted ways with corporate mania last year, he thought he’d left behind the constricting strands of red tape that kept him from doing his job, but he’d learned that Etherton’s residents, along with the city council, rode the high of debate until they were forced to vote. Sometimes the debate lasted weeks, or even months.
Edward Paxton led the charge against development. He didn’t want his town to change nor did he want Alex involved with any of the town’s business. Rumor had it that he wanted his grandson, Jake, to take the economic development position that Louise had created last spring to solicit new business. The only problem was that no one else on the council wanted Jake Paxton to be involved. Edward seemed to hold a personal vendetta against Alex for stealing his grandson’s job.
At least the mayor was on his team. She’d gambled when she hired him, but he assured her and the council that he’d deliver. On their terms.
After almost an hour of discussion, Louise called for a vote, and Evan smacked his knees when they approved his guesthouse with a 4–3 vote. He saluted the row of councilors as he rushed out, probably on his way to rent an excavator. Alex guessed the barn would be in a heap when he drove home tonight.
He sighed. If only getting the council to approve a project was always this easy . . .
Etherton needed the tax revenue from new businesses to fix its brick streets, increase the police force, and build a high school. The city’s officials expected Alex to find a way to merge their small town charm with big city business.
Blending these two ideals was no small feat. Not long after he moved to Etherton, he worked a deal to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter on a piece of farm property at the edge of town. Some towns didn’t want a Wal-Mart, but since their local economy had tanked, he thought most of the locals would welcome the store. After all, most of them drove forty-five minutes each week to visit the Wal-Mart in Mansfield, and this would bring discount clothes, groceries, car care, and—most importantly—jobs to their back door.
He was wrong.
When the council voted last December, residents of Etherton packed City Hall, a chorus of dissension over why their town couldn’t bear the weight of a conglomerate. The icy room turned hot as tempers flared. Small business owners threatened to overthrow the seats of every council member who supported the proposal.
In the end, the council rejected his plan. The town desperately needed the revenue and the jobs, but apparently not enough to put out the welcome mat for a mega store. A local farmer bought the field to plant corn, and Etherton missed out on the much-needed sales tax that would flood into Fredericktown when Wal-Mart opened its doors there this fall.
The council told him they wanted new business, but they wanted something quaint that would fit the town’s celebration of all things old. It was a hard task—but he’d found the perfect solution. If the residents were willing to risk a little, he was ready to deliver both quaint and classy . . . wrapped up in a pretty package and tied together with a sound financial bow.
Louise slid the pen out from behind her ear and tapped it on the table. She dismissed the few people in the audience, explaining that the rest of the meeting was a closed session, and then she pointed at him. “You’re up, Alex.”
He straightened his tie and stood to face the councilors. It was about to get hot again.
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