Meet My Studio Assistant!

It's been awhile since I shared some of Jim's photos. I've filled in the gaps with pics from my little Canon Powershot to introduce to you, in photo journalism style, my official Studio Assistant. 

Her name is Joey. She is energetic, mischievous, innocent, always in a good mood, and far too intelligent for her own good.

Did you say... she must be a Mini-Schnauzer?? Why yes, you are correct!! Her nickname when she was a baby was Greased Lightening. :-D

Without further ado, here is this little Mini-Schnauzer's story in picture form.

 

(You can click on any to enlarge)

I hope you enjoyed meeting my Studio Assistant, Joey!

Retta

PS: Why does Joey make such a good Studio Assistant??

• She is ALWAYS in a good mood, and it's contagious.
• I MUST pick up after myself, or she will steal stuff to use as Toys.
• She can tell time; always tells me when it's time for Jim to get home, so I can wrap up what I'm doing.
• She will always get excited when the Kitties show up, so I know to cover any open paint.
• She is high energy and needs my attention often; keeps me from sitting too long in one position and letting rigor mortis set it :-D
• Did I mention she is always in a good mood?? That is partly how she got her name, because she is so full of JOY. :-)

Let's Party Medieval Style!

It's another Launch Party!

This times it's my very own sister, author Karen Elizabeth Brown. Today kicks off the official launch of her newest novella, Medieval Muse.

 Back on July 14th (HERE)  I gave you a behind the scenes look at the making of the cover art for Medieval Muse.

Now... we are celebrating the story itself! First, I'll share Karen's "official" announcement, then below that I'll give MY review of the book. Watch out, just because she's my sister, don't expect me to "fudge" with my opinion. ;-)

Medieval Muse

By Karen Elizabeth Brown

What happens when Victoria Budroix receives a cameo that promises to give her the desires of her heart? Since she doesn’t know what that would be, a trip to medieval times, intrigue, threat of war and an overbearing lord are on the list for her to choose from. Or could it be meeting her one true love?

Sir William of Conrad has escorted a stranger home to be under his protection. He discovers this woman speaks her own mind and melts his heart. He faces his father’s outrage and a broken alliance with the neighboring clan by falling in love. 

Medieval Muse is available as a free read from Smashwords.com, HERE. 

Karen Elizabeth Brown’s passion for writing is what fills her entire life with exhilarating inspiration. She spends her days writing, doing research and studying about the subjects of her stories.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys music and reading, especially medieval fantasy. Born in Southern California, she migrated to Southern Oregon in 1974 where she now resides in the Rogue Valley with her family and friends. Find out more about the author at her official website. 

Okay, time for my honest review. 

Sister or not... Karen wrote a totally interesting story! I love time travel type tales, and this novella whisks you back to medieval times in an unusual way. 

I could identify with our leading lady. A modern, strong willed, independent and spunky gal who DETESTS having to ask ANY man for "permission" for anything... being plunked down in the middle ages! I enjoyed the humor that situation caused.

I also enjoyed "meeting" the people from the castle. The main characters seemed real and believable, from the castle gossip to the timid scullery maid. And of COURSE our leading man. Poor guy had his hands full with this feisty "Lady" who appears out of nowhere!

I won't give away the ending, but let's just say it didn't leave me grinding my teeth, like some unresolved stories do! It ended "just right". :-)

If you enjoy romantic fantasy, time travel, castles, intrigue, humor, double-crossing women and gossips... well, maybe not those last two. But this was a totally enjoyable novella, just right for a hot summer evening with a tall glass of iced tea.

Happy reading,

Retta


PS: Did I mention this was a free download at Smashwords? Just follow the link to Smashwords and download the format that works best for you. And if you enjoy it, would you do my Sis a favor and come back to leave a review at Smashwords? 
Thanks bunches!