Collecting Critters # 1 Meet Octo

I love collecting hand knitted critters. Why? I suppose what I love about my little critters is that each one is made with love. 

 Today's critter is "Octo." Octo's maker is my sister, Christine, who usually makes octos for her kitties to play with. Here, Octo has joined on vacay in April 2022. Octo can't wait to try the Wahlburgers.

I liked my visit to visit Wahlburgers.  It's not a chain that I see here on the West Coast, though I believe there's one in Los Angeles (kinda out of my way) . I had the tots and the "Our" burger.  What's in an "Our" Burger:

Beef Burger

Government Cheese

Lettuce

Tomato

Onion

Pickles

and Paul's signature Wahl Sauce

I can honestly say Wahlburgers was a hit and I would go there again. Now, I've never seen the show, but I do appreciate a good Wahl burger. 

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FOR YOUR SUMMER READING:

Journey of the Heart is available on Amazon as an Ebook for .99 cents.

BLURB: 

James DiMera returns to his home in California after World War II, only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. But after the loss of his dream, what can there be for him?

Rachel Santori's family winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he touches her lonely heart and soul with his kindness and the way comes to her aid. How long has it been since she had someone to depend on? Can James find a place of belonging in Rachel’s life? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

EXCERPT: 

"Wait a minute, Sir," James interrupted, and peered at Rachel's spellbinding eyes for a second before looking at Mr. Smith. "You've tasted this vintage before?"

"I have."

"So you know how much it's worth?"

"I do."

"You seem like a fair man, Mr. Smith. At least you were with me. I believe if you offer miss Rachel one thousand dollars, you'll recoup your investment and more." 

"Now young man, how much do you know about wine?"

"Not much, but I do know human nature. You respected her father, and he, you, enough to share an expensive bottle of wine. Honor that respect now. I suspect if Miss Rachel didn't have to make this offer to you, she wouldn't have. She knew you and her father had a good relationship. Honor that like you honored my service."

"You're good, Son. I'll give you that. I'll offer you nine hundred dollars for the wine," he paused. "I know I've been hard on you Miss Rachel. You should consider hiring a young man who can help you manage the estate." 

"Thank you, Mr. Smith. I'll accept your offer and take your advice to heart." 

Mr. Smith grabbed his ledger, wrote a check, and presented it to her. 

"Do you have someone to carry in the cases? It's just Vito and I." She tucked the check into the purse. 

"Well --"

"I'll do it," said James. 

"Grab my stock boy from the back, Son." 

Rachel offered her hand to James. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your assistance. I'm Rachel Santori." 

"James DiMera." 

BUY LINK: 

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=15VI1AD1QJRVI&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1688153586&sprefix=stephanie+burkhar%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-4

Visiting the Valley Greek Festival May 2023

The Valley Greek Festival in Los Angeles was back, and I was happy to visit. Opa! It took place at St. Nicholas Church on Plummer and Balboa.  I grew up in a city with a prominent Greek community, so I’ve always had an affinity for Greek culture. In Germany, I loved visiting the authentic Greek restaurants.  My favorites were the Gyros and Ouzo. Lol!! And Ouzo has a black licorice taste to it, but it’s so smooth, it’s worth the shot for me. 

 

First thing we did was check out the food.  They had a big food tent, but the line was forever! So, we had to pass.  My son and I visited the drink tent. Ouzo and Kona for us! We found some pork souvlaki, zucchini sticks, and calamari as well as fried cheese which was remarkably good. Hidden secret there. 

 

Next, we explored the Greek Church, St. Nicholas.  For me, I found a lot of things in common with a Catholic church.  The vestments and ornaments seemed very ornate. There were differences, too. For me, I felt the reverence.  My spiritual beliefs have been evolving as late, as I’ve been working on God/Source and that he is the vine and we are the branches.  We are all one and yet separate.  The reverence in church was humbling.

 

Next we watched some dancing, but the line for the Loukoumades was far too long to wait in so we headed over to the Arts and Crafts and found a Greek coffee booth. The coffee was smooth.  The most impressive Arts and Crafts booth was the wood carving. It was advertised the carvings were from olive tree wood from the holy land.  I was very impressed with the intricate carvings. 

 

Overall, it was a fun day and nice to get out.  A bit overcast in Los Angeles, but still nice weather. 

 

What are your favorite Greek things? Drop me a line.

 

My story, Arrow Through the Heart is now avail on Kindle Unlimited.

 

EXCERPT:

Ella paused next to her room's door. "This is it." Her voice was soft, yet had a hint of awkwardness to it.

Logan drew in a small, nervous breath and jammed his hands into his pockets, trying to appear casual. "Did you have fun today?"

"I did." She cast her eyes downward for a second, and then glanced back up at him. Her gaze smoldered. His heart skipped a beat.

"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked.

"I'd like that." She pulled out her cell phone and typed in his number. Logan did the same.

"On the Fourth, would you like to spend the day with me?" he asked.

"I—" Ella placed her hand on the door and it swung open. She glanced at him, surprise on her face. 

"Was your door latched?" Logan asked.

"I thought it was." 

"Let me." A sudden urge to protect her swelled in him and he stepped in front of her, entering the room. The sheets on the bed were crumpled, bureau drawers were spread across the floor, and her clothes were tossed about. A rope had been tied to her tennis racket and it hung from the ceiling fan with a note attached to it.

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Through-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B0C5ZWD28D/ref=sr_1_6?crid=VKZ3MU4PNZ17&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1686535941&sprefix=stephanie+burkhart+%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-6 

 

Find me at: 

 

FIND ME AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephanie-Burkhart/author/B003R00R5I?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

 

4RV PUBLISHING PAGE:

https://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

 

YOUTUBE BOOK TEASER PAGE:

https://www.youtube.com/@botrina

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the Strawberries! CA Strawberry Festival 2023!

Arts & Crafts 2023

  The California Strawberry Festival is Back!! One of my favorite festivals here in my neck of the woods in California is the Strawberry Festival.  I think I started going when the boys were little, I want to say about 2010 around that time.  I enjoy a good festival, and there's a little bit of everything at the Strawberry Festival - food, arts & crafts, strawberries, music, kiddie rides, and would could forget: The Strawberry Smoothie!

  In the past, the festival was held at Oxnard College in Oxnard, but every year it grew and grew and this year was the first year it was held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, a venue that fit the growing event.  One of the first things I would do would be to buy the boys a smoothie and I would hunt down a margarita.  This year, my son shared a margarita with me.   How the time flies!

After out smoothies, we were usually on the hunt for Arts & Crafts.  You can usually find some great gems at Arts & Crafts and this year was no exception!  I found some "dangles" earrings - my favorite was Grinchy earrings and mini flip flops, but they had everything under the sun. I also discovered lemoncello chocolate almonds.  They were delicious! I didn't even know they were a thing! Now I know I can find them on Amazon! One year I got a really top with stretchy material that had a Paris theme. 

After visiting A&C, it was time to find a snack.  Usually I go for the Garlic Fries, but there's a whole variety of items such as strawberry tamales, nachos, turkey legs, corn dogs, and hamburgers. Garlic fries are my favorite because you can't get them all the time.  If there was space, we'd sit down and listen to the music.

Oxnard, 2019 

 If we had an opportunity, we'd take the kids to the kiddie area and take pictures with the mascots.  After that, it was time to find some flats and head home.  This year we had the cool opportunity to find  Tony's Pizza in Ventura - it was a local place with live music and the pizza crust was the best I've had in ages! 

 What I like about festivals is that it gets you out of the house, gives you an opportunity to explore and relax with no time constraints and you can always enjoy the strawberries!  What's your favorite festival?

 My story, Arrow Through the Heart is now available on Amazon unlimited.  

EXCERPT: 

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire 

Ella strolled along the boardwalk next to the lake, exploring the shops. A store that sold beach gear caught her attention. Outside the door were several flyers and brochures in a display. After studying the flyers, she picked one up, and began reading it. Ella gnawed on her lower lip. Could she steady herself enough to allow the parachute to lift her? She stared at the parasailing brochure. The man on the front made it look easy, but if it was one thing she learned about life, it was that nothing came easy.

"Hey, you want to try it?" The deep, masculine voice startled Ella. She placed her hand over her chest to steady her heart.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." He walked around to her side so she could see him. "I'm Logan Donovan."

Ella's breath jammed in her throat. Logan's wide smile and kind sky-blue eyes sparkled in the sun. Tall, broad-chested, and well-muscled, his stance radiated confidence. Men rarely snuck up on her, but Logan had, and he'd taken her breath away.

FIND ME AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephanie-Burkhart/author/B003R00R5I?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

4RV PUBLISHING PAGE:

https://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

YOUTUBE BOOK TEASER PAGE:

https://www.youtube.com/@botrina

Getting out: The Cowboy Festival 2023

 

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've had an opportunity to update my blog. Forgive my absence. Most of the time I was busy supporting my boys with Scouting, but that chapter of my life is over and I'm ready to open a new chapter with getting back to my writing, blogging, and marketing, with some occasional posts on personal growth, recipes, flowers, traveling, and general overall fun things I like to do. 

WRITING UDPATE:

I hope to have my short story, "Arrow Through the Heart" on the Amazon Kindle Unlimited format soon. I did a bit of an edit, but I didn't touch it up too much. It's summer based and focused on the 4th of of July, so it's a great read for summer and nice compliment to my other summer story, "Journey of the Heart."

BLOGGING:

Hope to be back on a more regular basis. A couple of weeks ago, I visited the local Cowboy festival. It was nice to get out again. The day was a bit sunny and a tad hot and I didn't really go prepared, but just getting out raised my vibes. The actual festival was compacted into a couple of blocks and it was a tad crowded, but I was happy. They had a Dutch oven peach cobbler booth, but the line was a forever line. I loved watching the blacksmith and the cowboy twirl his ropes. 

SELF PUBLISHING:

I hope to self-publish my back catalog in a more timely manner, starting with Arrow of the Heart. If anything, I wish there were 3 more hours added to the day.  If you have any marketing tips, send them my way. Right now I use Fussy Librarian to get the word out, but I'd love to learn more. 

SHARING A LITTLE TEASE from ARROW THROUGH THE HEART:

Ella's a tennis pro who wants to win. Logan's an easy going guy who loves his rural lifestyle.  When a stranger threatens Ella, will danger bring her closer to Logan or drive them apart? 

EXCERPT: 

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire 

Ella strolled along the boardwalk next to the lake, exploring the shops. A store that sold beach gear caught her attention. Outside the door were several flyers and brochures in a display. After studying the flyers, she picked one up, and began reading it. Ella gnawed on her lower lip. Could she steady herself enough to allow the parachute to lift her? She stared at the parasailing brochure. The man on the front made it look easy, but if it was one thing she learned about life, it was that nothing came easy.

"Hey, you want to try it?" The deep, masculine voice startled Ella. She placed her hand over her chest to steady her heart.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you." He walked around to her side so she could see him. "I'm Logan Donovan."

Ella's breath jammed in her throat. Logan's wide smile and kind sky-blue eyes sparkled in the sun. Tall, broad-chested, and well-muscled, his stance radiated confidence. Men rarely snuck up on her, but Logan had, and he'd taken her breath away.

FIND ME AT:

WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephanie-Burkhart/author/B003R00R5I?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

4RV PUBLISHING PAGE:

https://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/burkhart.php

YOUTUBE BOOK TEASER PAGE:

https://www.youtube.com/@botrina

Made in America - A & E Coffee

PRODUCT:  A&E COFFEE  

WEBSITE:  https://aeroastery.com 

WHERE IS IT MADE: Beans are roasted in Nashua, New Hampshire.  You can find Shops in the following New Hampshire communities: Amherst, Manchester, and Nashua.  

MOM & POP: Yes 

ROOM TO GROW: Yes  

From their website:  

A&E Coffee & Tea opened in 2001 and was the first USDA Certified Gourmet Organic Coffee Roaster in New Hampshire.  Each batch of our gourmet coffee is carefully roasted in our Nashua facility by our roastmaster. We source excellent coffees for both our single origin and blend programs, insuring quality + sustainable coffees across the board. It is batch-roasted to bring out the unique characteristics embedded in each coffee variety, with blending always happening after the roast. Our teas are distinguished by the quality of the leaf and flavoring components to ensure a premium cup every time.  Buy specialty coffee online and get gourmet coffee delivered from our organic coffee roaster. 

The website offers an opportunity to subscribe to their newsletter.  

NOTE: You can apply for a job with them online at their website. They offer a blog where you can keep up with happenings that involve the roastery and NH.

  They do have an online menu so you can check out the menu before ordering. 

They offer wholesale, merchandise and sell monthly coffee subscriptions.   

The website is easy to navigate. (AKA, yes, it’s user friendly)  

REVIEWS:  The business has an average of 4 stars on Yelp and generally receives 4 to 5 stars reviews.  

WHERE DOES A&E DONATE TO:  

FROM THEIR WEBSITE: Charity: As citizens of our local and global community, it is our responsibility to help our neighbors. We donate coffee and tea to local charitable organizations and sponsor fundraisers for national and international causes. 

 

REACHER’S NOTES: I could not a specific charity or political candidate that the roastery had donated too, and it might be because they are still a local shop working on building up a base. 

 

WHAT I LIKE:  It’s coffee. I LOVE coffee. I have ordered from them and shipped the order to my friend Jen who works at the NH Veterans home in Tilton because, as she told me on vacay, the Vets don’t get “good’ coffee. Since I’m a veteran myself, and knowing how a good cup of coffee starts off the day, I made it my mission to supply Jen and vets with a good cup of morning coffee.  I like the idea of recycling and reusing, and I support that.  

 

NOT TOO EXCITED ABOUT: The global community pitch. While I think the concept Is a well meaning one, the execution of such a concept is lacking. I’ve seen other Online Coffee stores that offer a more patriotic pitch, which I appreciate, more than the “global” approach.  

I, as a consumer and future buyer of their coffee would appreciate a more “Made in America” approach, and less global outreach.  

FURTHER RESEARCHER THOUGHTS:  Coffee is good business but you’ve got to set a good foundation in not only a good product but great customer service.  I think A&E is still growing. I like that it’s local, Mom & Pop to NH, and reaching out. The product is Great, customer service is solid. Not sure where they get the beans, but the roasting, marketing, and appeal is all made in America and that’s a BIG plus in my book.  With Christmas coming up, A&E coffee will make a good gift.  

Happy Veterans Day 2021

For everyone who has served in the Armed Services, I’d like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You for your service.” 

 

Check out this website for Veterans discounts:  https://www.military.com/veterans-day/restaurants-veterans-day-military-discounts.html

 

 

This Veterans Day is still a somber one for me. Hard to explain. I feel like there’s a lot of domestic conflict; homelessness, along with crime is on the rise. I wish there was something I could do help in these areas.

 

What is a Veteran?  The primary definition is a person who has served in the Armed Forces. I was honored to serve in the U.S. Army from 1986-1997. I was a 95B, Military Police.  I did my Basic and AIT at Ft. McClellan, AL which is now a closed base. Ft. McClellan closed in 1999. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years! It was home to the Chemical Corps. 

 

I was in the service during Gulf War I (Operation Desert Storm), but did not get deployed. Serving in the military was tough, yet awesome. I spent 7 years overseas in Germany and I loved it. On leave, I would go to Garmish and Berchesgarten and Paris. 

 

Who is a Veteran? Here’s a partial list of Presidents who are Veterans:

 

George HW Bush

Jimmy Carter

Gerald R. Ford

Richard Nixon

Lyndon B. Johnson

John F. Kennedy

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Harry Truman

Teddy Roosevelt

 

George W Bush and Ronald Reagan served in the National Guard and Reserves. 

 

JFK

I’m reading a book right now about JFK written by Fredrick Logevall. This book focuses on JFK’s early years, how he became a studious student with a focus on foreign policy.  He grew up in New England and went to Choate and Harvard. When his father was Ambassador to England, he traveled in Europe before World War II, in 1937 and 1938, getting a feel for the vibe in Europe. He traveled through Nazi Germany.  These experiences helped to shape his politics.  He served in the US Navy and was a PT boat captain.  While I don’t know much about his medical conditions, it’s said he had medical issues his whole life, to include back pain. JFK was honored to have served and proud to be a Veteran. He wasn’t perfect, but he served in the Armed Forces with pride. 

 

 

Veterans History Project:

 https://www.loc.gov/vets/EagleScout.html

 

If you have an opportunity today, thank a vet.  

 

Be All That You Can Be

U.S. Army 

 

 **********************

JOURNEY OF THE HEART 

In my story, Journey of the Heart, James DiMera is a World War II veteran, looking for purpose. When he meets Rachel, who is struggling to save her family's winery, he embraces the challenge with every fiber of his being.  Journey of the Heart is avail on Amazon as an ebook for 99 cents. 

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1636600116&sr=8-1 

Thank you for supporting my writing. 

 

California Dreaming

 Forgive.  I'm a bit late with my California post. Just recently we went to Pismo Beach to check out the Clam Festival.  It was the 75th Anniversary of the event.  As I'm from New England, I ALWAYS enjoy a good Clam Chowder. :) 

But first I'd like to share this verison of "California Dreaming" done by the School of Rock. The leader sing kinda reminds me of Mama Cass (Voice-Wise!!) as she gives a really heartfelt, honest vocal performance with power and grit. 

Pismo Beach is so low key. The weather was really nice when we went. There was a real chill vibe, and I loved how the focus was on the clams. 

There's nothing like the peace of the beach and the beautiful coastline to make one relax.

The Clam chowder tasting was on the pier. A lot of local restaurants particpated in the challenge.  I picked #10. For me, that was the most authentic to a New England style chowder. 

Even the Beach has fun with it's Pismo Beach sign! 

Pismo Beach is great for surfers.  Here are a couple trying to catch a few waves.

California may have it's ups and downs, but one of the most beautiful places in the state, IMHO,  is anywhere on the coast. 

*************

STORY PROMO: 

My ebook, Journey of the Heart, is set in the California Wine Country after World War II. It's available with the Kindle Unlimited program. 

BLURB:

James DiMera returns to his home in California after World War II, only to find out he's lost his farm. His way of life gone, James becomes a journeyman, selling Bibles, looking for a sense of purpose. But after the loss of his dream, what can there be for him?

Rachel Santori's family winery is in trouble. She's looking for someone to trust. When Rachel meets James, she can't deny how he touches her lonely heart and soul with his kindness and the way comes to her aid. How long has it been since she had someone to depend on? Can James find a place of belonging in Rachel’s life? Can love mend both their weary hearts?

BUY LINK:https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B07S1VL7JZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Stephanie+Burkhart&qid=1636253141&sr=8-3