U.S. Camel Corps. – In the mid 1800’s, based on explorer Major George Crossman’s recommendation, congress established the U. S. Camel Corps as an experiment for troops to explore the U.S. desert and haul supplies. It appears the U.S. deserts are similar to deserts in Egypt. 66 Camels were brought from the Middle East. The rude animals were known to spit, regurgitate and defy orders, however the experiment was going along swimmingly until the Civil War broke out and frontier exploration was curtailed. What happened to all those rude, crude animals? Well, some were sold and some escaped into the wilds. That’s right! Wild camels ran free in the U. S. Desert for awhile. However, they seem to have died out. The last known siting of a feral camel was in 1941 in Texas. So if you were hoping to catch a glimpse while vacationing in the U.S., you’re out of luck!
Author: Lynda Rees, The Murder Guru
Love is a dangerous mystery. Enjoy the ride!
I write mystery & suspense with a hint of history and a dash of romance. I write about small town women who have no idea how strong they are until they're tested and the men who appreciate them as they are.
I am a free-spirited adventurer with workaholic tendencies. Whatever crazy adventure I conger up, Hunky Hubby is by my side. Want to come along for the ride?
I have many faces, adept at juggling multiple priorities. I am a driven story teller, a dreamer, whose dreams come true. I've written blessings into my life since I learned to read at my grandpa's side at the age of five. Stories continual thread throughout every aspect of my life.
I nurtured two amazing people to become phenomenal adults, my son Michael and daughter Brandy. I am working the same magic spell on my grandchildren, Harley, Hunter and E. J. Harley is co-author of my children's middle-grade books.
I dreamed of an incredible man to share my life; two blonde, blue-eyed babies and a horse farm in Kentucky filled with family, fun, animals and laughter.
A diverse background brings rare perspective and insight, which plays out in my work. Born in splendor of the Appalachian Mountains, the daughter of a coal miner and part Cherokee Indian, I grew up in Northern Kentucky when the Mob reigned supreme in Newport, Kentucky, and the city prospered as a mecca for gambling, prostitution and sin.
My father instilled in me, a strong work ethic and capability to achieve my goals.
Writing has brought me extraordinary experiences, opened worldwide doors and taken me to exotic locations I never dreamed to set foot in. Traveling the world, visiting exotic places and enjoying wonderful cultures flavors my words.
I'm a member of Romance Writers of American, PRO; Association of Writers and Writing Programs; North Texas Romance Writers of America; Mid-America Romance Writers; Kiss of Death Writers; From The Heart Romance Writers and American Writers and Artists, Inc.
Writing romance is my passion. I have been writing published in various magazines, newspapers, author a newsletter, have many adult and children's novels published. In 2020, my plans are to publish several self-help books and even more novels. My work is in eBook, print and audio book. My works are in the process of being translated so in 2020 they will be available in German, Italian, French and Spanish.
So many stories swirl in my head at any given time, I drift off to sleep each night, as they brand themselves into my subconscious, eager to find their way onto written pages.
I hope you find something that speak so your heart!
Time for Romance!
Lynda Rees
Love is a dangerous mystery. Enjoy the Ride!
A Dose of Inspiration for Writers & Reader
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Cecelia Mecca, PhD
Co-Owner iConnect/iRetreat
www.ceceliamecca.com |
Love in the sunshine!
Enjoying this bright sunshiny 70 degree afternoon, writing in the cool spring breeze! Can’t wait until these start blooming again. Where is my fishing pole?
Blog Give-Away
The handbook to the greatest power in the universe — The Power to have everything you want.
This is one of the best books I ever read, by Rhonda Byrne. I learned about this book on the Oprah show and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is my free blog giveaway. Stay tuned to how you may become the winner. I hope the winner enjoys it as much as I did.
Alaskan Gold Rush
Same, only close up
When gold was discovered in Alaska, there was literally a parade of miners carrying heavy burdens of supplies up steep, treacherous terrain in brutal conditions. They were in a race to get to the gold fields, to find the ‘mother lode’ before someone else laid claim to it. Mining was brutal work in unbearable conditions. Stampeders dug in frozen rock and dirt, sifted silt in icy water and lived in unfit conditions. Not only did they battle the elements. The human factor was even more dangerous.
Coal Mining Men
This was the mine where my dad, uncles and grandpas worked when I was a child. The store visual is of a company store. My dad lied about his age and started working in the mines when he was 12. Fortunately by the time he worked there, the script system was no longer used. Previously miners had been paid in ‘script,’ either coins or papers like these. This meant their earnings could only be used at the mine’s company store. Their homes were rented from the mines. They bought everything they had from the company store. They barely made enough to exist, never getting ahead. Workers were tied, indebted to the mines. A miner literally could say, ‘I owed my soul to the company store,’ as the song said. Their only hope of getting out was being drafted by the service. They couldn’t leave. They had no cash!
“The First Quarter”
“The First Quarter” ~
A Songwriters Dream, by Joe Tallarigo
Joe’s 2012 debut book is about history and legends in the country music industry. It has been bought by the Country Music Hall of Fame Bookstore in Nashville Tennessee. However, you can still buy it at Joesbook.webs.com and at the Oak Hills High School Craft show on March 5, 2016.
Website: Joesbook.webs.com Phone Number: 513-846-5461
“Road to Thirty”
by local Cincinnati author, Joe Tallarigo – This poetry book is about surviving high school, travels and special events including his dedication to the Boys and Girls Clubs, his obsession with the Cincinnati, Reds, and featuring his experiences with baseball legends. Joe writes about the grieving process, the pain of losing loved ones and the fire and anger that goes with it.
Website: Joesbook.webs.com Phone Number: 513-846-5461
Too High For His Nut
Definition: — beyond someone’s grasp, or beyond their station or where they should be grasping. “That rascal wants to be paid like a senator. He is getting too high for his nut.” Definition derived from the grammar-corrected version of the Oakland, CA, Tribune on Jan. 12, 1885.
Coal Miner’s Daughter – What was it like?
I was a kid. I had no clue to the danger Daddy faced everyday. Living in a mining camp was heaven to me. At the age of four, I had free reign of the holler and the mountains around it. We were related to most folks on the road and friends with the others.
My cousins and I roamed freely through the creek and mountains, climbing cliffs, exploring caves and finding grave sites, of ancient settlers of the region on mountaintops. We were careful to avoid the only danger, copperheads and rattlesnakes.
Daddy attended a one room school house. His reign of terror on the school system is a story in itself. My cousins and I walked about a mile to our six roomed school house. First through six grades were taught. First we built a fire in the pot-bellied coal stove then went to work.
There was no running water. We brought our own cups, to get water from a bucket. Toilets were outhouses. Lunch was served on real plates at our desks. A neighbor lady across the creek, cooked for us and carried the plates over to the school.
Recess was my favorite. It was time for marbles in the dirt, climbing trees, or a game of catch.
Life was good for a small girl. Not so for my sweet Daddy.
Below is a visual of a similar school house.
