Tag Archives: romance

What started it all?

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When people find out that I am an author, I am always intrigued by the various reactions that I receive.  The look I receive most often is that of bewilderment quickly followed by the words, “No, you don’t.”  Then I have to prove it to them by pulling a book up on one of the  merchant’s sites.  Keep in mind, I teach high school kids, which are never very trusting in the first place.  Then they start firing the questions and I answer as best I can.

One question I don’t think they have ever asked is, “what started this?”  But I found myself coming across something old and familiar as I was searching for my “Throw Back LittleWomen3
Thursday” book cover.  Little Women is what started it all for me.  I think that one scene simply called “Under the Umbrella” is the most romantic scene of any love story I have read to date.  This is the part that makes my heart melt every time:

“‘Ah! Thou gifest me such hope and courage, and I had nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands,’ cried the professor, quite overcome.

Jo never, never would learn to be proper; for when he said that as they stood upon the steps, she just put both hands into his, whispering tenderly, ‘Not empty now,’ and, stooping down, kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella.”

*sigh*  How could that not make you melt?  How could you not fall in love with Friedrich Bhaer right then and there?  How could you not wish to be Jo March in that very moment?  *sigh*

Thank you, Mrs. Bryan (6th grade Reading Teacher) for introducing me to this beautiful story, staying my friend through the years, and encouraging me in my own endeavors.  So, there you have it, not just the book, but the exact text within the book that started my love affair with romance and happily-ever-afters.

LittleWomen7If you have not read Little Women, I encourage you to do so.  It is a lovely book about four sisters finding their way in the world, and even though it takes place during the Civil War, it is amazing how so many things they go through is still applicable today.

If you are reading this, I would like to know, what started your love affair with romance books and happily-ever-afters?

Happy reading!

Tammy Jo

excerpt taken from:

Alcott, Louisa May.  Little Women. Illustrated by Michael Adams. New York: A Golden Book, 1987.

Inspiration

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I absolutely love looking at other people’s pictures.  They give me inspiration, make me sigh in happiness, and believe in happy endings.  There is a photographer that I follow (teach with her wonderful mother) and the photo shoots that she produces are absolutely ah-maze-ing!  (Yes, use your Texas drawl to make that word go on forever. *Insert winky face here* )  Jillian Zamora has an amazing talent for capturing people, but this latest blog is just, well, WOW!

dallas-trolley-engagements-_48This  picture is my fave, but it was definitely a close contest between about five of them!  Can you believe looking at these pictures that they were not taken in Chicago or San Francisco?  They were taken in the heart of Texas y’all – Dallas to be more specific.  I just can’t get over how amazing she is with a camera.  Keep in mind while you gorge yourself on these beautiful pictures that they only had 8 minutes to shoot the pictures in the trolley.  If my math serves me correctly, that is 480 seconds!  So, not only is she talented, but she also had two wonderful subjects to shoot!

Be sure and stop by Jillian’s blog and check out some of her other sessions as well as the rest of this engagement photo shoot.  And like her Facebook page as well.

My mind is spinning with ideas that these pictures conjure.  And you know what these ideas will turn into don’t you?  Yep, you have it right, wonderfully romantic stories!

Happy reading!

~Tammy Jo

*photo property of Jillian Zamora Photography

39 Years Strong…

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Today, my parents have been married for 39 years.  They started their lives together as high school sweethearts before marrying two years after graduation. During their years together, they have often had obstacles thrown into their path, but somehow, through whatever crisis they face, their love seems to grow stronger and deeper every day.  In a world where when the going gets tough, many seek divorce instead of fighting for their relationship; however, my parents fought, for their relationship, and most importantly for each other.

My parents seem to no longer be the norm in this crazy world.  They are, however, a love story gone wonderfully right.  They trust in God and their faith, but most importantly in each other.  It is because of them that I believe in fairy tales and happily ever afters.  Mom and Dad, I love you both!  Happy anniversary!

Writing conundrum…

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When I am writing, I have to stay away from reading historical fiction. Especially anything near that time period.  It is just a big no, no for me.  So here I sit in my cozy little house with Baby Boy (the cat) & 11 bookcases (I know, I know…keep in mind I am a librarian!) mostly filled with historical romances.  So what’s a girl to do???

I love pulling out the old Diana Palmer’s.  Mrs. Palmer, if you are reading this, I have been a fan since the beginning!!!  Then there are all the old Harlequin’s and Silhouette’s from back in the day.  And, oh my goodness, the Harlequin Presents of the present.  I mean, really, do they make heroes like the Italians, Greeks, Brits, Aussies, and Latin Americans that we read about in those books?  And don’t forget those rugged cowboys and business moguls of America.  I love picking up one of these books where you are guaranteed to read about a wickedly attractive man, with an ego that won’t quit, some kind of commitment issue, and money to spare!  (Hello, Mr. C. G.!)

Well, it’s time to curl up with an oldie, but goody, Beloved by Mrs. Palmer herself.  Baby Boy is wanting to play fetch (yes, he thinks he’s a dog!), and I am ready for an 8-hour nap!

Have a great night!

Tammy Jo