Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "events"
Kaylin's December 2010 Newsletter
"It's never to late to become the person
you have always wanted to be." - Anne Sweeney
Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:
As you're all aware, the tradition of giving presents comes from the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When I was a kid, gifts were more modest than they are now; but even then, people were complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. Over the years, we've grown accustom to Black Friday sales and preseason decorations that bypass Thanksgiving altogether. Some of us are disheartened by this practice, but we need to recognize, with the sad state of our economy, Christmas sales have become the backbone of many businesses. Without this added revenue, stores would close permanently and many jobs would be lost. So the next time your find yourself grumbling over filled parking lots, harried shoppers, and long department store lines, try to hold onto the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and remember the faces of loved ones who will be opening and relishing your gifts on December 25th.
Quote of the Day:
"Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Refrain from negative thoughts and stress subsides." - Martha Beck
Another review for Flaherty's Crossing:
"Kate Flaherty is at a crossroads in her young life. Her father is on his deathbed and she has many unresolved issues related to the early death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance. When she has a car accident, it stimulates images that both disturb and threaten to stir up those same unresolved issues.
Kate's marriage is, likewise, in a shambles but both she and her husband appear open to reconciliation. When Kate is injured, her husband becomes involved and available - just what Kate was needing in her own hours of soul-searching related to her father's death.
Although the conflict resolutions are, at times, a bit predictable and simplistic, "Flaherty's Crossing" is an easy read that should appeal to many readers of suspense and romance. The main characters are very well developed." - Readers Favorite, Haweville, KY
Upcoming Flaherty's Crossing Book Signing Events:
December 4th, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9pm, Festival of the Trees Gala
Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland
December 7th, 2010 ; 7pm - 9pm, Writer's Faire - Book Sale and Signing
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Avenue, Portland
Kaylin's Recommended Reads for December:
* Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg - When Ruth Thomas is diagnosed with rapidly metastasizing breast cancer, her best friend Ann Stanley shares doctor’s visits, funeral plans, and long talks about men, children, sex, the past, and the future. A memorable, absorbing read.
* Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler - This inspiring journey through the greatest stories ever told will forever change the reader’s view on some of history's most storied events.
* The Long Walk Home by Will North - A lyrical and tender love story of grief and hope set in the mountains of North Wales which leaves the main characters questioning issues of morality and fidelity.
A favorite holiday song:
The Greatest Gift Of All - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Claus to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all
The fire is slowly fading
Chill is in the air
All the gifts are waiting
For children ev'rywhere
Through the window, I can see
Snow begin to fall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all
Just before I go to sleep
I hear a church bell ring
Merry Christmas, ev'ryone
Is the song it sings
So I say a silent prayer
For creatures great and small
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all
Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Candy Cane Swirl
Ingredients
1 oz. SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. Red Cranberry juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda
Directions
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.
The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!
Have a great month!
Kaylin
you have always wanted to be." - Anne Sweeney
Hello Readers and Fellow Authors:
As you're all aware, the tradition of giving presents comes from the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. When I was a kid, gifts were more modest than they are now; but even then, people were complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. Over the years, we've grown accustom to Black Friday sales and preseason decorations that bypass Thanksgiving altogether. Some of us are disheartened by this practice, but we need to recognize, with the sad state of our economy, Christmas sales have become the backbone of many businesses. Without this added revenue, stores would close permanently and many jobs would be lost. So the next time your find yourself grumbling over filled parking lots, harried shoppers, and long department store lines, try to hold onto the true meaning of Christmas in your heart and remember the faces of loved ones who will be opening and relishing your gifts on December 25th.
Quote of the Day:
"Most of our stress and suffering come not from events, but from our thoughts. Refrain from negative thoughts and stress subsides." - Martha Beck
Another review for Flaherty's Crossing:
"Kate Flaherty is at a crossroads in her young life. Her father is on his deathbed and she has many unresolved issues related to the early death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance. When she has a car accident, it stimulates images that both disturb and threaten to stir up those same unresolved issues.
Kate's marriage is, likewise, in a shambles but both she and her husband appear open to reconciliation. When Kate is injured, her husband becomes involved and available - just what Kate was needing in her own hours of soul-searching related to her father's death.
Although the conflict resolutions are, at times, a bit predictable and simplistic, "Flaherty's Crossing" is an easy read that should appeal to many readers of suspense and romance. The main characters are very well developed." - Readers Favorite, Haweville, KY
Upcoming Flaherty's Crossing Book Signing Events:
December 4th, 2010 - 5:30pm - 9pm, Festival of the Trees Gala
Oregon Convention Center, Hall A, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland
December 7th, 2010 ; 7pm - 9pm, Writer's Faire - Book Sale and Signing
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Avenue, Portland
Kaylin's Recommended Reads for December:
* Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg - When Ruth Thomas is diagnosed with rapidly metastasizing breast cancer, her best friend Ann Stanley shares doctor’s visits, funeral plans, and long talks about men, children, sex, the past, and the future. A memorable, absorbing read.
* Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler - This inspiring journey through the greatest stories ever told will forever change the reader’s view on some of history's most storied events.
* The Long Walk Home by Will North - A lyrical and tender love story of grief and hope set in the mountains of North Wales which leaves the main characters questioning issues of morality and fidelity.
A favorite holiday song:
The Greatest Gift Of All - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Dawn is slowly breaking
Our friends have all gone home
You and I are waiting
For Santa Claus to come
There's a present by the tree
Stockings on the wall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all
The fire is slowly fading
Chill is in the air
All the gifts are waiting
For children ev'rywhere
Through the window, I can see
Snow begin to fall
Knowing you're in love with me
Is the greatest gift of all
Just before I go to sleep
I hear a church bell ring
Merry Christmas, ev'ryone
Is the song it sings
So I say a silent prayer
For creatures great and small
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all
Peace on earth, goodwill to man
Is the greatest gift of all
Kaylin's Recipe of the Month: Candy Cane Swirl
Ingredients
1 oz. SKYY® Infusions Raspberry
3 oz. Red Cranberry juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Lemon Lime soda
Directions
Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with Lemon Lime Soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.
The Candy Cane Swirl is designed to add a simple, yet festive element to your larger holiday parties, utilizing familiar ingredients easily mixed in larger quantities. A vibrant red cocktail with a whimsical candy cane garnish, the Candy Cane Swirl is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
So remember ... Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty's Crossing to everyone you know!
Have a great month!
Kaylin
Kaylin's Summer 2012 Newsletter
"Summer is kind of like the ultimate one-night stand:
hot as hell, totally thrilling, and gone before you know it." :)
Greetings Readers and Good Friends:
It seems that summer has finally arrived - at least in terms of "predicted" weather on national forecasts. However, as Oregonians might agree, we'll believe it when we see it.
This month, I've got lots of fun news to share with everything ranging from pending awards and a new book release to an amazing summer concert benefiting Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
So let's get started! First of all, I'm delighted to announce that I recently received news that Severed Threads is a finalist in the AKRWA 2012 Break-up Contest - after having submitted a tense and slightly romantic scene from the book. So fingers crossed on this award!
In addition, Severed Threads will officially be available on July 15th on Amazon.com and is already receiving rave reviews! This is the first book in my Threads three-book series with book two - Buried Threads - currently in the works. If you're an eBook reader, Amazon will have Severed Threads available in this format on July 20th.
Here's a quick link, if you're interesting in snagging a copy for some fun summer reading: http://tinyurl.com/7xagxzb ... and one of the best reviews I've received so far!
"BRILLIANT, SUSPENSEFUL, ENTERTAINING!"
By Geraldine Ahearn
Format:Paperback
Rachel Lyons blames herself for her father's fatal diving accident. She basically withdraws from the outside world as she works at a foundation office, until she was asked by a museum director for her help with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Rachel had no intentions of getting involved in anything, until she finds out that her brother was kidnapped. Who kidnapped her brother, and what risk must Rachel take to save him? Will Rachel put her life on the line with drug-dealing gangsters, and will she cooperate with them? What is Rachel's greatest fear, and will she overcome it? How will she handle reliving the nightmare of her father's tragic death?
Award-Winning Author Kaylin McFarren delivers an intriguing romantic suspense in a tale of mystery, deception, murder, and much more. This sizzling romantic adventure is not only made for the Big Screen, but will have romantic lovers craving for more! This first book in a series is a gem in itself as the author creates a suspenseful love story that's packed with action, genuine characters, and is rich in history.
Kaylin McFarren's expertise in traveling the world to exotic places, combined with her interest in treasure seekers, and her fascination with the under-sea world shines through in her unique writing style. "SEVERED THREADS" is as entertaining as THE BODYGUARD, as thrilling as PRESUMED INNOCENT, and as clever as BASIC INSTINCT. Highly Recommended to all romantic suspense lovers!
Next, here's some other suggested reading:
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson - Part thriller, part love story, part tale of daring impersonation, part wrenching examination of repression and its toll on human nature; the novel is set in North Korea (with a side trip to Texas).
The Expats by Chris Payone - How well do you know your spouse or your best friends? Even if the thought never occurred to you, it will by the time you’re halfway through The Expats, Chris Pavone’s clever debut spy novel that’s suspenseful enough for a man yet introspective enough for a woman.
UPCOMING EVENT
Next, here's details about the Artful Giving Blanket Concert, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 28th, 2012.
In 2011 my husband and I created the Soulful Giving Foundation - which was founded after experiencing the increased loss of family members, friends and business associates to cancer over the past few years. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer in our community. On July 16th, more than 1,000 music lovers rocked to the sounds of the Northwest’s finest musicians and bid on amazing silent auction packages. As a result, the Foundation was able to donate $50,000 to the Providence Cancer Research Center.
The 2012 Artful Giving Blanket Concert will be benefiting the Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. KATU Channel 2, The Portland Tribune, and twenty-five corporate sponsors are lending their support. The official site for this annual event will be held on the grounds of our 15-acre estate in Troutdale, Oregon on Saturday, July 28th. With an incredibly musical line-up, nearly two dozen local artists displaying their artwork for purchase, complimentary food and beverages provided by Duck Pond Winery and sixteen of Portland's finest restaurants - including Morton's, El Gaucho and Portland City Grill, we are hoping to grow this event to new heights! For tickets and more information, be sure to visit http://www.soulfulgiving.org .
CHUCKLE TIME
Ooops!
Larry was a photographer for the N.Y. Times, and was scheduled to meet a plane on the runway to take him on a job. "Hit it," said Larry climbing into the first plane he saw on the runway. The pilot took off, and was soon in the air. "OK," said Larry, "fly low over the trees over there, I want to take a few pictures." "What do you mean?" asked the pilot. Larry looked at the pilot and answered a little annoyed, "I need to take some pictures for the N.Y. Times, so please…" There was a long pause, before the pilot asked in a shaky voice, "you mean you’re not my pilot instructor?"
An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen: Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here.
Kaylin's Summer Recipe: Chicken Fajitas with Spice Rub
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks and tossed in 1 teaspoon of lime juice
Salsa
Sour cream
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
1 small red or yellow pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Directions:
Place your toppings (avocado, salsa, sour cream and cilantro leaves) in separate bowls and set them on your table.
Next, make the rub. Combine the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt in a shallow bowl. Lightly rub the spices into the chicken with your fingertips until the meat is coated on all sides. Heat your grill to medium. Grill the chicken on both sides, just until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat, slice thinly, and set it on a platter.
While the chicken is cooking, toss the pepper and onion in the olive oil. Set them on the grill, using a vegetable screen, if desired, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove from the heat and set on the platter with the chicken.
Place the tortillas on the grill for 5 to 7 seconds on each side, turning with tongs, until hot. Set out the grilled chicken, pepper, and onion with the toppings and tortillas. Let guests assemble and roll their own fajitas. Serves 4 to 6.
Here's hoping your summer is filled with wonderful memories and great books!
With all my best wishes,
Kaolin
hot as hell, totally thrilling, and gone before you know it." :)
Greetings Readers and Good Friends:
It seems that summer has finally arrived - at least in terms of "predicted" weather on national forecasts. However, as Oregonians might agree, we'll believe it when we see it.
This month, I've got lots of fun news to share with everything ranging from pending awards and a new book release to an amazing summer concert benefiting Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.
So let's get started! First of all, I'm delighted to announce that I recently received news that Severed Threads is a finalist in the AKRWA 2012 Break-up Contest - after having submitted a tense and slightly romantic scene from the book. So fingers crossed on this award!
In addition, Severed Threads will officially be available on July 15th on Amazon.com and is already receiving rave reviews! This is the first book in my Threads three-book series with book two - Buried Threads - currently in the works. If you're an eBook reader, Amazon will have Severed Threads available in this format on July 20th.
Here's a quick link, if you're interesting in snagging a copy for some fun summer reading: http://tinyurl.com/7xagxzb ... and one of the best reviews I've received so far!
"BRILLIANT, SUSPENSEFUL, ENTERTAINING!"
By Geraldine Ahearn
Format:Paperback
Rachel Lyons blames herself for her father's fatal diving accident. She basically withdraws from the outside world as she works at a foundation office, until she was asked by a museum director for her help with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Rachel had no intentions of getting involved in anything, until she finds out that her brother was kidnapped. Who kidnapped her brother, and what risk must Rachel take to save him? Will Rachel put her life on the line with drug-dealing gangsters, and will she cooperate with them? What is Rachel's greatest fear, and will she overcome it? How will she handle reliving the nightmare of her father's tragic death?
Award-Winning Author Kaylin McFarren delivers an intriguing romantic suspense in a tale of mystery, deception, murder, and much more. This sizzling romantic adventure is not only made for the Big Screen, but will have romantic lovers craving for more! This first book in a series is a gem in itself as the author creates a suspenseful love story that's packed with action, genuine characters, and is rich in history.
Kaylin McFarren's expertise in traveling the world to exotic places, combined with her interest in treasure seekers, and her fascination with the under-sea world shines through in her unique writing style. "SEVERED THREADS" is as entertaining as THE BODYGUARD, as thrilling as PRESUMED INNOCENT, and as clever as BASIC INSTINCT. Highly Recommended to all romantic suspense lovers!
Next, here's some other suggested reading:
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson - Part thriller, part love story, part tale of daring impersonation, part wrenching examination of repression and its toll on human nature; the novel is set in North Korea (with a side trip to Texas).
The Expats by Chris Payone - How well do you know your spouse or your best friends? Even if the thought never occurred to you, it will by the time you’re halfway through The Expats, Chris Pavone’s clever debut spy novel that’s suspenseful enough for a man yet introspective enough for a woman.
UPCOMING EVENT
Next, here's details about the Artful Giving Blanket Concert, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 28th, 2012.
In 2011 my husband and I created the Soulful Giving Foundation - which was founded after experiencing the increased loss of family members, friends and business associates to cancer over the past few years. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer in our community. On July 16th, more than 1,000 music lovers rocked to the sounds of the Northwest’s finest musicians and bid on amazing silent auction packages. As a result, the Foundation was able to donate $50,000 to the Providence Cancer Research Center.
The 2012 Artful Giving Blanket Concert will be benefiting the Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. KATU Channel 2, The Portland Tribune, and twenty-five corporate sponsors are lending their support. The official site for this annual event will be held on the grounds of our 15-acre estate in Troutdale, Oregon on Saturday, July 28th. With an incredibly musical line-up, nearly two dozen local artists displaying their artwork for purchase, complimentary food and beverages provided by Duck Pond Winery and sixteen of Portland's finest restaurants - including Morton's, El Gaucho and Portland City Grill, we are hoping to grow this event to new heights! For tickets and more information, be sure to visit http://www.soulfulgiving.org .
CHUCKLE TIME
Ooops!
Larry was a photographer for the N.Y. Times, and was scheduled to meet a plane on the runway to take him on a job. "Hit it," said Larry climbing into the first plane he saw on the runway. The pilot took off, and was soon in the air. "OK," said Larry, "fly low over the trees over there, I want to take a few pictures." "What do you mean?" asked the pilot. Larry looked at the pilot and answered a little annoyed, "I need to take some pictures for the N.Y. Times, so please…" There was a long pause, before the pilot asked in a shaky voice, "you mean you’re not my pilot instructor?"
An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen: Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. P.S. Sure is hot down here.
Kaylin's Summer Recipe: Chicken Fajitas with Spice Rub
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, cut into chunks and tossed in 1 teaspoon of lime juice
Salsa
Sour cream
4 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
1 small red or yellow pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 8-inch flour tortillas
Directions:
Place your toppings (avocado, salsa, sour cream and cilantro leaves) in separate bowls and set them on your table.
Next, make the rub. Combine the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt in a shallow bowl. Lightly rub the spices into the chicken with your fingertips until the meat is coated on all sides. Heat your grill to medium. Grill the chicken on both sides, just until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat, slice thinly, and set it on a platter.
While the chicken is cooking, toss the pepper and onion in the olive oil. Set them on the grill, using a vegetable screen, if desired, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove from the heat and set on the platter with the chicken.
Place the tortillas on the grill for 5 to 7 seconds on each side, turning with tongs, until hot. Set out the grilled chicken, pepper, and onion with the toppings and tortillas. Let guests assemble and roll their own fajitas. Serves 4 to 6.
Here's hoping your summer is filled with wonderful memories and great books!
With all my best wishes,
Kaolin
