FUN FACTS ABOUT CHASING FIREFLIES--ARCs NOW AVAILABLE!!

Time for another fun fact about CHASING FIREFLIES!

To see last week's post, go HERE.

Available on AMAZON for pre-order.

CHASING FIREFLIES takes place in China.

It is based off of some of my daughter's experiences while she spent a semester there teaching English.

However, it also includes a few personal touches from my life also.

At the beginning of the book, I feature the following quote:

Climb every mountain, ford every stream,

follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream.

A dream that will need

all the love you can give, 

every   day   of   your   life   for   as   long   as   you   live.

-Climb Every Mountain, The Sound of Music

Perhaps this seems like a strange quote to place at the beginning of a book.

But, ultimately this is the quest of my herione; to find "A dream that will need all the love she can give."

My reasons for using this quote are highly personal.

While I was growing up, my mother owned and operated a ballet school.

One year for our annual performance we did "The Sound of Music."

Yes, a dancing version!

Just because I was the ballet teacher's daughter didn't mean I automatically received the lead role. We employed two other teachers and they all had to agree on who got what part. My mom made me try out for my part in the program, just like everyone else.

She made me earn the role of Maria.

And I did it.

I LOVED playing Maria.

I was eighteen when I performed the role of Maria, an extremely influential age.

I was deciding what I wanted to do with my life.

The woman who played the part of the Mother Abbess could sing with the voice of an angel. When she sang, "Climb Every Mountain," on stage, I did not dance. I simply listened, just like Maria did in the movie version.

I didn't just listen as Maria, the part I was playing.

I listened to the words as well.

And they spoke to my heart.

I knew that whatever I did with my life, I wanted "A dream that will need all the love you can give."

These words had a great impact on me.

(The picture of the program makes me a little teary. My sister and brother are also pictured. My sister played Liesl. My brother played Friedrich. He passed away at the age of 27 and I miss him.)

I chose to be a stay-at-home mom to four beautiful children. Anyone who is a mom knows how much love that takes! I can say I fulfilled my dream.

Years later, to include those words in one of my books is meaningful to me in ways I can't explain.

If you're interested in reading and reviewing an ARC of CHASING FIREFLIES, please contact me at taylordeanbooks(at)gmail(dot)com. I have ARCs available for Kindle only. All I ask for in return is a fair and honest review on Amazon and Goodreads, posted on release day.

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp.   Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

GOODREADS


To see the next post about CHASING FIREFLIES, go HERE.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Friday Favorites include my favorite images on reading or writing!

(taken from Facebook)

Enjoy!

Hmmmm . . . I think this could describe my life!!

                      

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH WINNER

Congratulations to the last WORDLESS WEDNESDAY 

winner: Mary!

I liked her answer entitled:

Image courtesy of [kdshutterman] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

SENDING ALL MY LOVE

To view, go here.

Wordless Wednesday is actually filled with words--the words, thoughts, and feelings that pictures or images evoke within each of us without uttering a single word!

Image courtesy of [blackzheep] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What WORD/WORDS does this picture evoke within you?

Or, in other words, "TITLE THIS IMAGE."

I'll start: "Something's missing."

My favorite answer wins a $5.00 dollar Amazon gift card.

Don't forget to leave your email or I will be unable to name you as winner!

You may leave multiple answers to increase your chances of winning.

Contest is closed by Thursday at midnight and the winner will be contacted. Winner will be announced the following Wordless Wednesday.

Open only to those who can legally enter. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be emailed. If email is incorrect, a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is sponsored by Taylor Dean Books. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CHASING FIREFLIES

Time for another fun fact about CHASING FIREFLIES!

To see last week's post, go HERE.

Available on AMAZON for pre-order.

In the CHASING FIREFLIES book blurb, you'll notice a reference to a Red Bird.

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

The Red Bird in my story is a Cardinal.

(Male Cardinals are red all over, black face, red-orange beak. Females are pale brown with reddish tinges, black face, red-orange beak.)

Did you know there are many legends surrounding Cardinals?

Some say if you see a Cardinal, it's a returned loved one coming to say hello.

I found a few legends about Cardinals here.

 (Cardinal images courtesy of morguefile.com) 

Relationship Messengers

Cardinals are monogamous birds whose relationships with their spouses are harmonious, romantic and musical. The male and female sing duets, calling similar songs to each other. Native American lore says if a cardinal crosses your path or attracts your attention, and you're single, there may be a romantic relationship in your near future. If you're already in a relationship, you may experience renewed romance and courtship. If you or your partner have been unfaithful, monogamy is the cardinal's message.

The Powerful Magic of Medicine Animals

According to Native American legend, a power or medicine animal has magical abilities and is able to empower humans with the traits and characteristics of that animal. These animal guides may cross your path, gaining your attention, or they may appear to you in dreams. Medicine animals act as guides, teachers or protectors as they impart power, wisdom or virtue to the chosen person.

The Legend of the Maiden and the Redbird

The Choctaw People tell a story about a lonely maiden and a redbird that portrays the cardinal as a matchmaker. In his travels the redbird discovers a lonely maiden. She has many virtues. As the cardinal continues his travels, he encounters a lonely Indian brave and befriends him. The redbird tricks the brave into following him to the maiden's home. When the lonely pair meet, they discover companionship, friendship and romance.

Cardinals and the Number 12

The number 12 is considered a lucky number by many Native Americans. The number 12 also is associated with the cardinal. Cardinals are seen during all 12 months of the year. A cardinal's nest often contains 12 eggs. Native American lore holds that if you have encountered a cardinal, expect good luck to follow, possibly in 12 hours, 12 days, or at noon or midnight.

The below legend influenced my story and added the mystical touch I was looking for.

(Story from here.)

The Cherokee believe that the cardinal is the daughter of the sun. Legend has it that if you see a cardinal flying upward, toward the sun, you will have good luck. Conversely, if you see it flying down toward the earth, watch out for bad luck.

Fascinating stuff, huh? Regardless, Cardinals are a beautiful bird and it's no wonder so many legends surround them. They certainly catch the eye and spark fanciful thoughts.

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp.   Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

ADD TO GOODREADS

To see the next post about CHASING FIREFLIES, go HERE.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

 Friday Favorites include my favorite images on reading or writing!

(taken from Facebook)

Enjoy!

                              

                            

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH WINNER

Congratulations to the last WORDLESS WEDNESDAY 

winner: Linda!

I liked her answer entitled:

Image courtesy of [chrisroll] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

FRAGILE LOVE

To view, go here.

Wordless Wednesday is actually filled with words--the words, thoughts, and feelings that pictures or images evoke within each of us without uttering a single word!

Image courtesy of [kdshutterman] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What WORD/WORDS does this picture evoke within you?

Or, in other words, "TITLE THIS IMAGE."

I'll start: "Saving my love for later."

My favorite answer wins a $5.00 dollar Amazon gift card.

Don't forget to leave your email or I will be unable to name you as winner!

You may leave multiple answers to increase your chances of winning.

Contest is closed by Thursday at midnight and the winner will be contacted. Winner will be announced the following Wordless Wednesday.

Open only to those who can legally enter. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be emailed. If email is incorrect, a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is sponsored by Taylor Dean Books. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CHASING FIREFLIES

Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be posting some fun facts about my newest book.

To see last week's post, go HERE.

Available on AMAZON for pre-order.

CHASING FIREFLIES takes place in China.

It is based off of some of my daughter's experiences while she spent a semester there teaching English.

Here's an interesting little tidbit about her time in China-- one that I incorporated into my novel.

In one of my daughter's letters, she told me about an old, decrepit bike she purchased for only 20 American dollars. It may have been an old and rusty bike, but she loved it. 
She promptly named her bike Dulcinea, even though it was really an Aldonza.
Her reference made me laugh.
Before she left for China, we watched Man of La Mancha together. We both loved it.

Here's the story behind the name, Dulcinea.
(Quotes taken from Wikipedia)

Don Quixote sees a simple peasant woman and imagines her to be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He falls in love with her, finding her precious.

Monument to Don Quixote and Dulcinea, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.

Don Quixote describes her appearance in the following terms:

"... her name is Dulcinea, her country El Toboso, a village of La Mancha, her rank must be at least that of a princess, since she is my queen and lady, and her beauty superhuman, since all the impossible and fanciful attributes of beauty which the poets apply to their ladies are verified in her; for her hairs are gold, her forehead Elysian fields, her eyebrows rainbows, her eyes suns, her cheeks roses, her lips coral, her teeth pearls, her neck alabaster, her bosom marble, her hands ivory, her fairness snow, and what modesty conceals from sight such, I think and imagine, as rational reflection can only extol, not compare."

However, her real name is Aldonza and in reality she is described like this:

"… I can tell you that she pitches a bar as well as the strongest lad in the whole village… She's a brawny girl, well built and tall and sturdy, and she will know how to keep her chin out of the mud with any knight errant who ever has her for his mistress. O the wench, what muscles she's got, and what a pair of lungs!"

But, Don Quixote sees her the way he wants to see her.

She is Dulcinea to him.

In the Spanish of the time, Dulcinea means something akin to an overly elegant "sweetness". In this way, Dulcinea is an entirely fictional person for whom Quixote relentlessly fights. To this day, a reference to someone as one's "Dulcinea" implies hopeless devotion and love for her, and particularly unrequited love.

Isn't that a beautiful concept?

The bike "Dulcinea" makes an appearance in CHASING FIREFLIES.

Here's the song "Dulcinea" from the Man of La Mancha movie.

           

Above all, CHASING FIREFLIES is a love story.

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp.   Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

ADD TO GOODREADS


To see the next post about CHASING FIREFLIES, go HERE.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

                     Friday Favorites include my favorite images on reading or writing!

(taken from Facebook)

Enjoy!

                                      

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH WINNER

Congratulations to the last WORDLESS WEDNESDAY 

winner: BN!

I liked her answer entitled:

Image courtesy of [lekkyjustdoit] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

UNEXPECTED LOVE

To view, go here.

Wordless Wednesday is actually filled with words--the words, thoughts, and feelings that pictures or images evoke within each of us without uttering a single word!

Image courtesy of [chrisroll] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What WORD/WORDS does this picture evoke within you?

Or, in other words, "TITLE THIS IMAGE."

I'll start: "You melt my heart."

My favorite answer wins a $5.00 dollar Amazon gift card.

Don't forget to leave your email or I will be unable to name you as winner!

You may leave multiple answers to increase your chances of winning.

Contest is closed by Thursday at midnight and the winner will be contacted. Winner will be announced the following Wordless Wednesday.

Open only to those who can legally enter. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be emailed. If email is incorrect, a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is sponsored by Taylor Dean Books. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CHASING FIREFLIES

Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be posting some fun facts about my newest book.

To see last week's post, go HERE.

Available on AMAZON for pre-order.

CHASING FIREFLIES takes place in China.

It is based off of some of my daughter's experiences while she spent a semester there teaching English.

Here's an interesting little tidbit about China--one that I incorporated into my novel.

The Great Wall was built from east to west across the borders of China. It was created to protect China from raids and invasions. 

Did you know parts of the Great Wall have fallen into severe disrepair? Hiking on it can be quite the adventure. My daughter said she had very sore muscles afterward!

This part of the Wall is pristine.

Other parts, not so much.

Some parts are very steep.

On some parts, she resorted to crab walking so she wouldn't fall!

One more interesting note: Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not the only man made object visible on the earth from the moon. This theory has been debunked as ludicrous.

Read CHASING FIREFLIES for more fun facts about China!

Of course, in the end, this book is not specifically about China. Above all, it’s a love story.

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp.   Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

ADD TO GOODREADS


To see the next post about CHASING FIREFLIES go HERE.