My flyers from UPrinting.com are on their way!

Yesterday was Martha's birthday!

Just when I think I have a handle on this "getting old" stuff, I manage to do something else I'm not used to doing - forget an important event.

I knew Martz birthday was coming up; in fact, Sunday night I was on the computer and looked at the clock and it was a little after 10:00. I wanted to send her a birthday wish then so I had it covered, then thought... I'll remember, it's on my calendar, how can I forget?

Well, today is Tuesday. Imagine that! So everybody, please wish Martha Ramirez a belated Happy Birthday and Martha, forgive me!

Egads... I don't think I can't slide by with the excuse of having a "blonde moment" anymore. Definitely having "senior moments".

For those of you whom I've lost here, Martha Ramirez is one of the authors who blogs here with me. At least, I hope she still does...

Flyer/Brochure Give-a-Way Winner!

Congratulations to Heather for her entry into the flyer/brochure give-a-way contest sponsored by UPrinting.com!

Check back often for more great give-a-ways!

Visual Arts Junction now available as a Kindle blog subscription!

Visual Arts Junction (Kindle Edition) - Mixed Media Notions

Monthly Price: $1.99 & includes wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

Product Description

Our blog marks a group of professional visual artists from many venues banded together to offer a one-stop resource site. Visual Arts Junction concentrates on writing and photography, but also covers artists of all genres. We are a fun and active site, but most of all we exist to help our readers. Contributors include Cindy Bauer, Shelagh Watkins, Helen Vanderbeek, (our techie behind the scenes), Kim McDougall and Paola Joffre, plus fabulous guest posts and blog tours.

We are always adding more events, hoping to make the subscriber’s experience deeper and more fun, and because we just plain like to have fun ourselves. There’s our monthly writing contest. The winning entry is posted on the sites of our panel of judges (a total of nine sites) and our continually growing list of sponsors, now numbering 33, with several posting to multiple sites. So the winner is posted on, at the minimum, 25 sites (so far), with a readership in the thousands. That’s quite a prize. http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?p=3585

Kindle blogs are fully downloaded onto your Kindle so you can read them even when you're not wirelessly connected. And unlike RSS readers which often only provide headlines, blogs on Kindle give you full text content and images, and are updated wirelessly throughout the day.

Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Aggie Villanueva/Wordpress (November 4, 2009)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B002VED1UO

Flyers & Brochures Give-a-Way!

Giveaway Prize:

100 Brochures for One Lucky Winner !!!

100 - 8.5 x11" Brochure / Flyers

on 100lb gloss text paper ; 4 color printing on both sides

Folding Choices:

Half fold; Trifold/Letterfold; Z-fold; Accordion (4 panels) Roll Fold (4 Panels)

Shipping: FREE

UPS Ground ShippingEligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.

This giveaway is sponsored by Uprinting.com & the winner will be posted right here by November 10, 2009 !!!

To enter for your chance to win:

Post a comment to this blog post about the giveaway explaining how you will use your flyers/brochures, should you win.

It's that simple!!!

Not only will the winner receive the give-a-way prize, but I will too! - just for hosting this really great give-a-way on my blog!

To get things rolling, here's an example of what my flyers will look like!

For more information, visit these links:

Brochure Printing

Flyer Printing

You are welcome to post this contest on your blog as well, but please link it back to this posting and also to Uprinting.com. And don't forget to tweet your followers!

ENTER TODAY!!!

Win 250 Free Business Cards!

Uprinting is hosting another great give-a-way!

Giveaway Prize:

250 business cards for One Lucky Winner (Free UPS Ground Shipping in USA)

Sizes: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)

Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock

Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing

Restrictions:

Free UPS Ground Shipping in the USA.

Canadian Residents must Pay Shipping and Taxes.

Residents of other countries are not eligible

Winner will be announced by October 22, 2009!

This giveaway is sponsored by Uprinting.com

To enter for your chance to win, post a comment to this blog post about the giveaway explaining how you will use your business cards, should you win. It's that simple!!!

Not only will the winner receive the 250 free business cards, but I will too, just for hosting this really neat give-a-way! To get things rolling, here's one example of what my business card might look like!

My book business card - Front

My book business card - Back

For more information, visit these links:

Uprinting.com - Online Printing Company

or

Uprinting.com - Business Card Printing

You are welcome to post this contest on your blog as well, but please link it back to this posting and also to Uprinting.com. And don't forget to tweet your followers!

ENTER TODAY!!!

Save 10% in October!

Howdy all,

I just love it when my publisher does nice things like this, don't you? Hurry in to my storefront page at Lulu.com during the month of October, order any of my books, and type in FALLREAD for the coupon code at checkout to save 10% right then and there!!!

Chasing Memories - Shades of Blue - Crystal Clear

Congratulations Mary Dressel !!!

Mary Dressel has won the 18 x 24 Rolled Poster Give-a-Way!

Congratulations Mary!

A peek at The EBook Sale newsletter...

TheEbookSale and RealTime Publishing released 17 new ebooks/books during August/September, including great titles from Shirley Roe, Sam Smith and Zohra Sarwari. This newsletter issue has a mixture of Historical Fiction, Science Fiction and Suspense/Thriller to keep you on your toes.

Site News

Featured Story: We now offer audiobook and language translation services to our authors, therefore, some titles will be available in audiobook format and in multiple languages in store soon. Watch this space!

Story: You can now subscribe to this Newsletter via RSS...

Story: We've decided to give away a bunch of stuff - directly from the newsletter...

Story: We would be delighted if you could visit our my space, facebook and twitter pages... drop in, say hello and add us as your friend!

Story: We have daily book reviews posted on our Blog...

The Courier / Suspense and Thrillers
by James R. Vance

Although written first, The Courier is the third book of a trilogy, each focussing on one major event in the lives and careers of two detectives, Inspector Ray Massey and Sergeant Chris Turner.In their quest to solve what originally appears to be a mundane case of misplaced baggage involving an innocent student, detectives Massey and Turner are drawn into a complex web of deceit...

Return to Whittakerville / Historical Fiction
by Shirley A. Roe

Martha and Jeremy Whittaker are worried about the fate of the their daughter Anna. Was she kidnapped or did she go willingly with the man that stabbed Jeremy? Is she in danger? The Whittaker family is again faced with turmoil and tragedy as they try to come to grips with Anna's fate...

Shades of Blue / Inspirational - Romance
by Cindy Bauer

When Susan Barnes accepted the position at the law firm and moved to Kansas City, leaving her best friend and small hometown behind, she never dreamed she would fall in love and get married. A beautiful handcrafted memory box given to them as a wedding gift becomes her most treasured possession...

towards the unMaking of Heaven, Balant: A Beginning / Sci-Fi
by Sam Smith

The greatest Sci-fi sagas ask is there anyone out there and how do they live and exist. In towards the unMaking of Heaven, Sam Smith takes us to one of these places, where humans are not necessarily the dominant species and first steps of life are emerging from wherever it desires.Balant: A Beginning is book one in a series of five. Each book is intricately linked and delves deeper into what is known as the Supreme Civilisation, until the ultimate drawing together in the finale.Balant, has Dag Olvess, Malamud Bey and Pi Pandy marooned on the very edge of the known universe...

Killer Machine / Suspense and Thrillers
by Todd Ewing

What would it be like if Adolph Hitler was President of the United States?Lenny Rodd becomes President of the United States. He's the secret leader of the American Nazi Party. Rodd will use his Hitler-like tactics to purify the human race, which will cause his own Party not to trust him. Rodd isn't a Republican or a Democrat. He's a Nazi...

Harry's Little Helpers / Short Story
by Justin Klickermann

Harry's Little Helpers is a twisted, dark, and disturbing story in which the main character abuses prescription drugs and alcohol. He is generally depressed and dissatisfied with his life.One day he discovers the presence of two aliens. The aliens make a deal with him....

Ulterior Motives / Political
by David Templeton

Author David Templeton feels that America, more than any nation on earth, has been truly blessed by God. This book is an educational experience about how America was founded, its founding fathers, and their lives, and the sacrifices so many have made to make the U.S. the greatest nation on Earth. The author explains why he believes the election of President Barack H. Obama could very well be the biggest mistake the voters of America made since the creation of this country...

Are Muslim Women OPPRESSED? / Inspirational
by Zohra Sarwari

Learn about the dignified and well-managed lives of Muslim women and know the reasons why they dress the way they do. 'Are Muslim Women Oppressed?' answers your questions: Why do Muslim women wear those weird clothes? Are they doing it for men? Are they inferior? Do they have no rights? 'Are Muslim Women Oppressed?' will reveal the truth behind the concealed Muslim woman. It is a journey from behind the veil to the real freedom about Muslim women like you have never read before. Read and clear the misconceptions; separate the facts from the myths!...

To say thanks for your loyalty, here are some free gifts... just click to download. Enjoy!

Gift 1. OTEC (sci-fi)...
Gift 2. Italian Language Phrases...
Gift 3. Bread and Biscuits Baker's Assistant...
Gift 4. Delicious Chocolate Recipes...
Gift 5. How to Be an Air Courier...
5 more free gifts next issue!

To read this newsletter and/or subscribe to receive this newsletter monthly, click here!

Announcing new Recipe Contest!

Enter contest now!

Do you like to cook?

For those of you who said yes (and for those of you who like to eat), I'd like to invite you to participate in a recipe contest. All recipes, including diabetic, low carb, etc etc etc, are welcome!

(AND for anyone interested in co-blogging on my recipe blog instead, just e-mail me at cindybauerbooks@yahoo.com and let me know, and I'll be happy to invite you to blog your favorite recipes with me, and recipe expert & author, Martha Cheves!)

Submit your recipes to me at cindybauerbooks@yahoo.com. Put recipe submission in the subject line please!

I will post the winning daily recipe on my recipe blog and also include each daily winning recipe in my newsletter, Writer's Block!

Win a free 18 x 24 Rolled Poster!

Prize: (1) 18" x 24" Rolled Poster Print

(Free UPS Ground Shipping!)

Winner will be announced by September 30, 2009

This giveaway is sponsored by DigitalRoom.com.

**This offer is open to US Residents only.

To enter for your chance to win, post a comment to this blog post about the giveaway explaining how you will use your poster, should you win. The posters can be done from any photo you already have or one you design yourself, as I've done below.

It's that simple!!!

Not only will the winner receive a free rolled poster print, but I will too! To get things rolling, here's the print I will be using on my poster to help promote my books. I'll take it to signing events!

For more information, visit:

Poster Printing or Digital Printing

**You are welcome to post this contest on your blog as well, but please link it back to this posting. And don't forget to tweet your followers!

ENTER TODAY!!!

Chasing Memories may be going international....

I'm currently working on a deal for translation rights to Chasing Memories in the Indonesian language. I will keep you updated as new information is made available to me.

In the meantime... God Bless!

Cindy

Save 10% on any September purchase!

My publisher is having a sale this month!

Now is the perfect time to purchase!

Click here to start shopping now!

Speaking of memories...

A blog is like a journal, right? Sort of like a "not-so-private" diary. So tonight I'm going to use it for that purpose. A diary entry of sorts. To reach out to an "old friend".

Chico, whose real name is Charles, was my "first love". A couple of months back, he signed my guestbook on my website. Talk about my chin dropping to the floor! Not to mention what it did to the old "ticker" (grin).

To think after all these years (and folks, let me say this - it's been a few) that he would find me on the internet and actually take the time to sign my guestbook! Wow!

Hopefully he'll find me again thru this post and since it's public, and now that I have everyone's attention (giggle) - I suppose I'd better enlighten you all to my days of "youth". (Okay, when you stop laughing and get back up off the floor, yes, I was young once upon a time!)

Chico played in a band. And boy, could he pick the strings! And sing to boot! Not to mention how cute he was, of course :)

He was also my first official "date". We went to the theatre for the opening of the James Bond movie "Live & Let Die". And he even wrote a song for me once. It went something like this: "I love you - A bushel and a peck - A bushel and a peck - You bet your pretty neck".

Yep, still remember it. Also still remember him singing it to me.

His band got to play at a homecoming dance once at West High School in Davenport. I was "allowed" on stage for one song to play a little wooden box. I hit it with a stick. I know it had a name, but darned if I can remember the instrument's name now! Anywho, let's just say, one song was all I got. I was sooooooooooooooooooo into it. I was on Cloud NINE! Guess I kinda came on strong cuz that's the only one they let me "play" along with (imagine that!)

Also remember driving his old Buick home one night. I think we'd gotten into an argument. So, being the "gentleman" that he was, since he should've driven me home, he did the next best thing and threw me his car keys. Hey! It beat walking home! I didn't live anywhere close to his house!

Now here's the weird part. I got to a major intersection. I'm on a gravel road coming up to a stop sign on a major highway. I go to hit the brakes and guess what? No brakes!!!! Yikes!!! So I'm frantically trying to recall what they taught us in Driver's Ed.

Stay Calm. Put the car in Neutral. Shut the engine off. Check. Lightly apply the emergency brake. Check.

Hey! I said CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brakes didn't work. Emergency Brake didn't work. Rule of thumb: Don't always think what they teach you is going to work, though it is worth a try and you always have "FRANTIC PRAYER AT A VERY LOUD DECIPLE" on your side, right?

Used to sit in the basement at Mark Mueller's house and watch the band practice. At that time, the newest songs all the bands were into were "Doobie Brothers" - China Grove. Not sure of the title now, but I think that was it. (I've actually edited this part of this post twice now after consulting a friend whose memory is better than mine - sigh) I can remember songs, but darned if I can remember titles or bands who did them, so if my memory is incorrect here, just consider the source. (LOL)

Only one who ever took me to a prom, too. My mother made my gown. She was a professional seamtress. It was purple and orange (this was the early 70's folks!). However, my prom was a little different than most girls, I'm sure.

You see, I'd had a car accident a little while back and had a broken collar bone. I had a brace. I decided I wasn't going to wear the brace. We had a split foyer home. I got about halfway down the stairs and decided to turn back around and put the brace on. Yep, can't do stairs with a broken collar bone and no brace. It's true.

Anywho, some things never change I guess. I'm 52 now. Hubby is 51. He's in the living room with his stereo roaring full blast and listening to some Pink Floyd. Cool, huh?

So Chico, I just want to say thank you for reaching out to me a while back. It didn't go unnoticed, believe me! And I just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten much about you or us. After all, you were my "first love"!

Take care and sign my guestbook anytime! No hard feelings on my end.

tee hee... Sweet Home Alabama is playing now. Seems to me your band used to play that one too, right?

Oh yeah, and I still eat plain macaroni with butter, salt and pepper on it, too!

Save 10% in August!

Click on Lulu.com and save 10% now thru August 31st!

Click “Buy” and enter code ‘README’ at checkout.

* Disclaimer: Enter coupon code ‘README’ during checkout and save 10% off the purchase price. Discount cannot be used to pay for, nor shall be applied to, applicable taxes or shipping and handling charges. Promotional codes cannot be applied to any previous orders. No exchanges or substitutions allowed. Only one valid promotional code may be used per order. Offer expires August 31, 2009 at 11:59 PM EDT. Lulu.com reserves the right to change or revoke this offer at any time. Void where prohibited.

New Release by Aggie Villanueva!

Rightfully Mine
(God's Equal Rights Amendment)

By Aggie Villanueva

ISBN # 978-0-557-08654-2

Published by Lulu

June 27, 2009


2nd Printing



Read my review!

“Why should the name of my father be wiped from Israel like footprints in a sandstorm because he bore only daughters?”

The Promised Land – God’s precious gift to the Israelites through the conquest of Canaan. But for Rizpah, the promise seemed empty; only a male could inherit land. She only has one option: to petition Moses on behalf of her self and her sisters. Despite the odds against her, Rizpah must fight for what is rightfully hers!

Print: $12.97

Download: $6.99

Jordan Dane corrupts inspirational author...

"Come see if JD can corrupt inspirational fiction

writer Cindy Bauer. Bwahh Haa HAAA!"

http://www.jordandane.com/appearances.php

Details coming soon!

Justifiable Vengeance (2010)
Murder in the Newsroom (2010)
Keep Your Enemies Close (2011)
Shattered Dreams (2011)
Cause For Murder (2012)

*Dates are tentative!

Hank Phillippi Ryan - Special Guest Interview in December!

Writer's Block December 1st!

Meet best selling author and international investigative reporter, Hank Phillippi Ryan!

Hank is a reporter for Boston's Channel 7 News and the author of Prime Time, Face Time, Air Time and coming in 2010, Drive Time!

Don't miss out on this very special guest interview, along with special guest Amanda Abizaid!

Upcoming interviews in Writer's Block!

2009 Schedule

August
Janet Nicolet (Books Alive!)
V.K. Sansone (multi-book author)

September
Norm Goldman (Bookpleasures Reviews)
Alice Grant (children's author)

October
Gail Gaymer Martin (Steeple Hill)
Sandra Lyerla (author of The Legend of Mariah Trilogy)

November
Michelle Sutton
Donetta Garman - (author of Growing Up Ugly and The Length of a Dream)

December
Special Guest Interview with Amanda Abizaid!
(The 4400, Charmed & Smallville)

2010 Schedule

January
Richie O'Brien (The EBook Sale & RealTime Publishing)

Subscribe to Writer's Block Today!

Best selling author looking for that extra "exposure"?
Contact me today to set up an interview!

Save 10% on purchases in July!

My publisher is promoting a sales contest for us and right now thru the end of July, if you purchase a copy of any of my books from my publisher, you'll get a 10% discount off the cover price just by inserting the coupon code below. You'll be helping me with the contest, while saving money yourself!

Cindy

ENTER CODE: JULYCONTEST10 at checkout. Offer ends July 31, 2009.

Reviews & Interviews....

For those of you whom I've interviewed or reviewed your books, I am currently adding the link to Amazon for purchasing your books. If I've missed you somehow, please let me know!

Don't forget! Crystal Clear is available now! Yahoo!

Blessings and have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend, ya'all !!!

Cindy

Endorsement for Crystal Clear!

“Crystal Clear is a story wrought with mystery, intrigue, plenty of suspense, and sweet romance. You won't want to miss this final installment in the Memory Box Trilogy. And keep your eyes on Cindy Bauer. She is a fine author who knows how to weave a wonderful story and balance it with biblical truths that will inspire and challenge the reader. The Memory Box Trilogy belongs on every reader's bookshelf.”

Sharlene MacLaren, Author
*Through Every Storm*Long Journey Home
*The Little Hickman Creek Series
*The Daughters of Jacob Kane SeriesWhitaker House Publishing

When God came calling....

After my last post, I decided perhaps I should elaborate a little as to how I became not only an author, but a Christian author. So here's some more of "my story"...

Hubby and I were desolate. Going to the local food pantry monthly was a must. While there one day, I got to talking to one of the "helpers". She asked me if I loved my husband. I said yes, of course. She asked me if I believed in God. I said yes, of course. She told me to "Pray and let God into your heart. Turn your life and your troubles over to Him and you will see. Your life will change".

I scoffed. Yeah, right. Mind you I've always "believed" in God, but my parents were never adamanet about going to church. I went to Sunday school. But once the 3 of us were oh, say 6, 8 and 10 or thereabouts, church was not a part of our Sundays anymore. I'm not sure on our ages, so I'm guessing here.

Anyway, I scoffed at the woman. But I can't tell you how much I needed that and how much I wished for it to not only be true, but to be that simple.

Life went on. And life was not good. I felt like we were not only NOT making any progress, but we'd NEVER get anywhere in life. Our lifestyle, for one, the economy, our lack of extended education (meaning college), etc.

One day, and I won't elaborate on what happened, I was feeling mighty depressed. Mighty depressed. I was actually debating leaving my husband because I thinking, basically, only of myself. You see, at any time, I could've always gone to live with my dad, my mother was already passed on, and be financially "taken care of". However, that came with strings. Strings I didn't want to have attached unless I had no other choice.

I love my dad. Don't get me wrong. But he was strict. Very strict. And I was no longer a "child". But in Daddy's eyes, you are ALWAYS his "little girl".

I remembered what the woman at the food shelter told me. I thought about it. I then ordered one of those books that was being advertised everywhere at that time. It was called "The Power For Living".

The book arrived. I shelved it. I looked at it. I shelved it. Over a period of a few months, I occasionally took it out and glanced at it, then shelved it again. Not for me, I said!

Then our lives went really "haywire". REALLY haywire! I was desperate. REALLY desperate! I was alone that day. I took that little book out - "The Power For Living" - a free book, and I read it, cover to cover. Took me maybe 2-3 days to read it all and comprehend it. But let me tell you this. It made sense. So I did what the book said to do. I asked the Lord to come into my heart and guide me. I turned my life over to Him. I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me. I gave in to Faith.

What happened next is beyond explanation. I felt this "sense" of a loving being come into my body. I felt the Holy Spirit filling me. I felt God's love. And I felt God's arms wrap me in His love.

And ever since, my life changed. Sure I still have bad times, like everyone does, but not THAT like the kind of "bad times" we were going thru then.

When I started writing my first novel, whenever I would put in a "cuss" word, I could feel someone tapping on my shoulder, as if to say "Uh Uh Uh". I still say it was my grandmother, a former Sunday School Teacher.

So... that's what happened to me "When God came calling" and how my first book became "Inspirational Fiction" and not a seedy mystery with cussing, sex, violence, etc etc etc.......

And now, you know the rest of my story.......

Getting to know the real me...

Part of my marketing strategy is to exchange links. Obviously whomever requests one does not always get one. Why? Because they don't know me personally. If their website doesn't reflect something about my business, writing, publishing, etc, or me personally, I say no. Sorry. No linkback.

I'm not, nor have I ever been, a "lavish" person. I wear minimal jewelry, makeup, my nails don't match my purse, (I have a purse?), I don't worry about "breaking a nail", I can actually COOK, and my house is spotless (most of the time).

I'm your average housewife (from the 60's and 70's era) - not the "today" housewife. It's cheaper to cook at home and if possible, I stock up on my meat for the winter. I do my dishes when the meal is done. I clean my house once a week (at least) and I've heard people comment that you can literally "eat off my floors". I doubt that. But it's nice to know they think that!

Oh yes, and most people say I am gullible. What? Since when is being a trusting, loving person being gullible?

Okay, I'll answer that one! Because today you can't trust "most people" and they'll take advantage of you. But you know what? I'd rather be me than be them. Period. I like me. I didn't used to, but I do now. I wasn't always the person I am today. We all have our faults and we all have our "skeletons in the closet". I'm just your average "Joe".

I will tell you this, though. I can smell a con artist a mile away. I was born at night, but not last night, buster!

Perhaps this would be a good time to mention I'm also known as "one shot Cindy". Meaning I can shoot a gun. I learned with my dad's 38 pistol. He wanted me to know how to properly handle a gun and to be able to shoot should I ever need to protect myself.

My dad is (or used to be) an avid hunter and fisherman. I spent my vacations with my folks fishing. One time we went to Canada (I was 12 years old) and I got to ride in a sea-plane. That was neat!

But most of the time we went to Minnesota. Ticks. In the woods. In cabins without running water. Or bathrooms! Egads! We pumped our water from a pump out front and heated it up on the little cookstove to wash dishes and "bathe". Outhouses. On my! Can't tell you the joy I felt using them! And snakes. Oh my my. I do NOT like snakes. I do NOT like bugs.

Yet my favorite era I wish I could've lived in was the 1800's.

Cowboys. Cabins. Washing clothes on rocks in creeks. Storing your meat below ground with salt (preservative). (Did you know that? Hubby taught me about that.)

People defended their homes and families. You lived off the land. You built your house on any land that was not owned by someone by "making a claim to it". Women were women and men were men. Your family was important. And church was a place everyone went on Sundays. School was taught in one room, all grades, and people had morals, principals and integrity. And their "word" meant something!

I loved watching Disney shows when growing up (and truth be known, ha ha, I still do). I learned to drive at the age of 12. I learned to play poker at the age of 7. Which is why my cousins will not play cards with me to this day (LOL). I found out my dad was adopted at the age of 14 (boy, was I surprised!). I played school and my best subjects in school were math and spelling.

I took Tai Kwon Do at the age of 16. (Tai Kwon Do is a form of Karate) Yep. I can break a board with my foot (ouch!). If for nothing else, Karate is the best "exercise" you can get. You have to perform certain "exercises" prior to every class and let me tell you something. There was a woman in my class who was 8 months pregnant and she could bend in places I never heard of and I was 16 years old! Made me feel very "out of shape".

I can dance. But I don't like to. I used to dance all the time with friends. Hubby is not the best dancer but... he can dance well with anyone but me. I can dance well with anyone but him. Hmmmmmmm............. I'm still pondering over that one even now, almost 33 years later.

I've had many jobs in my lifetime. My most rewarding though, spiritually and personally, was that of a CNA (certified nursing assistant) in nursing homes. I finally left because I couldn't bear the way some of the other CNA'S treated the residents. I spent hours making sure they were comfortable. Talking to them. Listening to their stories. Playing checkers, even! And losing, I might add, LOL.

My back finally did me in. I was very "little" then. But I could lift a 300 pound person from the floor if needed. Alone. By myself. (Wonder why my back did me in?) Anyway, I got very close to my residents and I just couldn't handle it emotionally anymore. I had to get away.

They're old, people! That doesn't mean they aren't capable of giving love or teaching you "younguns" something! That doesn't make them "disposable" Show them respect and listen to their stories. You'll find them fascinating! Geez....

Anyway, now you've learned a little more about me, Cindy, the person. I hope you enjoy my books but if you don't, that's okay, too. I do hope you enjoy reading. Reading is a way to escape from the troubles of the day. A safe environment. A way to free your mind of your troubles. A way to relax, to learn, to explore, to venture into new territory. A way to learn. A way to calm your nerves.

Okay... little known facts about me.

I've been married going on 33 years now to the same man. Only marriage. No divorces.

We have 0 children, but we lost seven trying. Not our choice, but God's. I'm sure He had his reasons.

Therefore, we have 0 grandchildren.

Yes, I used to drink. I'm not a saint you know!

I don't now.

Yes, I have experimented with drugs. I was raised in the 60's, remember? Flower Power days! Hippies!

I don't now.

Yes, I smoke. And I still do. I need to quit! I'm praying for that willpower!

No - I don't like rap music. I like a lot of music, but not that!

I used to be a "dog lover" only, but now we have a cat. Cats come with living in the country you know. They are a neccessity.

And he's funny! He's our third cat actually. And I've found that cats are not dumb, like I thought. So therefore, ANY animal can become a "family member" if you spend enough time with them. Trust me. The more time you spend with them, the more human they become. They actually have personalities. And no two are alike!

I hope you've enjoyed this post. I've really "let it all hang out" here and if for no other reason, I wanted you to get to know me, the person. Not the author, not the editor, not the "bio" you read. But me. Cindy Bauer. Wife. Animal lover (and activist).

God Bless you and may your life always be blessed with His love! He loves you and so do I!

Read everything you can. Do your best, always. Accept rejection. Know you are important. Love yourself, but most of all, God loves you and don't ever forget that!

Crystal Clear - Coming in June - FOR SURE!

I know, I know, I've said it was coming before but folks, your wait IS really over! Crystal Clear, the final installment in The Memory Box Trilogy WILL BE published in June, unless I fall over from a heart attack within the next couple of weeks (okay, don't wish that - pray for me - and let's NOT be funny!).

It'll be welllllllllllllllllllllllllll worth your wait. Trust me. Crystal Clear will not only be the best edition of the series, but will also "put everything into focus" for you as you learn the truth about Laura, Annie and Susan's lives and how all the pieces of the puzzle come together to give you the full story!

Each book in this series is a stand-alone, however, if you are a faithful reader, and I haven't found one yet who wasn't, you will now see why the series was written and how the stories all mesh together!

The book is done except for the final polishing, which I'm in the process of now. So... watch for my next announcement. It'll be that Crystal Clear is available and that the series is FINALLY done!

Then I'm moving on to my mysteries, which have been brewing up in my head for months and months! In fact, you will find a little mystery weaved into each plot in The Memory Box Trilogy!

Who says Christian Fiction can't be good???

I'd also like to say a heartfelt thank you to all my readers for their patience. I'm sorry it took me sooooooooooo long to finish the series. I do hope you enjoy this last installment and that the wait was worth it for you!

I love you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty, patience and support during this first writing experience of mine. May God bless you always! He has certainly blessed me and led me on this wonderous adventure!

And he sent you to me to read it, so...