MEETING A CAPOTE SWAN

Millions watched FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans on Hulu and millions read CAPOTE’S WOMEN, the book on which the series is based, BUT Sherrill met swan, C.Z GUEST IN PERSON!

C.Z. is portrayed by Chloe Sevigny in FEUD.

Capote once described her, “Who could have imagined that lurking inside this cool vanilla lady was a madcap, laughing tomboy?”

When Sherrill met her, later in her life, she still liked getting her hands dirty.

C.Z. had written books on gardening and was speaking about her passion for flowers and her book at the home of a well- known Chicago TV anchor.

C.Z. was still cool and blond when she and Sherrill met in the spacious “powder room.”

She smiled and complimented Sherrill on her flowery flowing dress so appropriate for the luncheon.

As women will do, they chatted about fashion, flowers and the fun event.  It was a memorable five minutes.

Over the decades

much has been written about Truman Capote, his literary talent of which he was richly blessed.

His True Crime masterpiece, IN COLD BLOOD, caused millions to start locking their doors at night.

His whimsical wonderful novella, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, became the favorite film of millions with Holly Golightly becoming one of Capote’s best-known creations.  Certainly, Audry Hepburn burned her into the American culture.

But who was this man who created worlds in which readers could lose themselves?

A genius, a con-man, friend or foe?

Ultimately, he was all of the above.

His swans took him into their hearts and their homes and he stabbed them in the back with his words.

 

Laurence Leamer gives us the bold and beautiful New York in a time gone by.

CAPOTE’S WOMAN is a true story of love, betrayal and a swan song for an era.

C.Z. Guest was the only swan who did not desert him.  I believe it.

A THOUSAND MILES UPSTREAM ON THE AMAZON RIVER

“You must write about it – otherwise you didn’t do it – otherwise it didn’t happen -otherwise it’ll all be forgotten tomorrow”

Famous British Travel Writer, Robin Hanbury-Tenison

It was hard to tell When

I entered the Amazon River as it is 185 miles wide where it meets the Atlantic. But then gradually the water changed, turning the color of milky dark tea or coffee with a small amount of milk added to it.

Here was the mighty Amazon being fed by one thousand one hundred tributaries. At my first port of call in the Amazon Basin, Santarem, I saw “The Meeting of the Waters” where the blue green water of one of those tributaries, Rio Tapajos, flows side by side with the chocolate Amazon until they merge into one roar to become the world’s greatest river and one of the most important to the planet.

I was in the “lungs of the world” producing 20% of our world’s oxygen, surrounded by 10% of the earth’s species with new ones being discovered every 3 days, plus 50,000 species of plants,2.5 million species of insects, 3,000 species of fish and 1,3oo species of birds.

The Brazilian Rainforest has the subtle scent of smoke. I couldn’t tell if it came from forest being burned to clear land or came from locals cooking over wood. I hoped it was the latter.

Who knows what secrets

this great, green, remote, inaccessible jungle holds for mankind. Scientists are constantly gathering every kind of flora and fauna hoping to find cures for all our maladies. Certainly, every market I found along the river sold medicinal cures – potions, herbs, roots which has been passed down through the indigenous peoples for generations.

This was especially true at the vast shopping emporium, the Mercado Municipal in Manaus, the most isolated urban city in the world.

This building was designed by Eiffel in France and brought over in pieces during the hedonist days of the Brazilian Rubber Boom. In Manaus the Rubber Barons created “The Paris of the Tropics.” In this crazy moment of time, 1879 to 1912, the wealthy erected extravagant palaces with the jewel being the lavish Manaus Opera House which today would have cost two billion dollars to build. Then every piece of wood, marble, crystal was all brought from the very best artisans in Europe. It took 14 years to build, and it has now been lovingly restored to its former glory. Other grand structures have not fared as well.

Everywhere there is a feel, a look of decay. The hot humid air is not kind to the lofty monuments’ men build to themselves. Some facades remain with the jungle growing within and I sensed soon it would claim dominance overall.

One of the great pleasures of writing about travel

is not always landscape, or history, or architecture – it is people. I found this particularly true on The Amazon.

Boca Da Valeria is a village of 75 to 100 but when a boat anchors off shore and tenders arrive so do dozens of children from two other small settlements up a narrow tributary. They bring their pets - a turtle, sloth, bird, monkey to show me and the women present their crafts of beading or crochet. The men offer their dug-out canoes for a journey up a narrow tributary. I chose my canoe and on this journey, I discovered the romance and serene beauty of this watery paradise – drifting past water lilies – being taken to a tree which houses a dozen nests and watching those native birds coming to attend their young – a heron striking a pose and butterflies fluttering around me.

The friendliness, the smiles I receive seem genuine.

I must stress this in not an indigenous village – those peoples have gone deeper into the Rainforest to maintain their way of life. This is a typical village along the river and the people are Caboclo, indigenous and Portuguese.

Some might wonder about the impact of such visits on these remote villages. However, I believe visiting, buying directly from the villagers, the kids gathering to learn the dances, make the traditional handicrafts, preserve their traditions.

Never was tradition more alive and well than on my last port on The Amazon, Parintins.

Usually, a quiet town until the Boi Bumba festival, an amazing spectacle of joyous song, dance, dazzling costumes, body paint and fantastical creature floats – all indigenous beliefs fused with African influences.

There are religious undertones of redemption but the outpouring of joy, and the energy of the dancers are more thrilling than the story being told.

It is the Carnival of the Amazon. It takes place in June and 50,000 people descend on Bumbodroma for the 6 hour dance competition between the red and blue teams.

For the visit from my ship, the red team gave us a one-hour version which, for me, rivaled the excitement and pleasure of attending Rio Carnival.

I left home to learn more about the world – it has left me filled with the thrill and urgency of what I have discovered and the joy of sharing it.

travelSherrill Bodine
Happy 2024!

Have you made your New Years Resolutions?
We did!  And they include all of YOU!!

We vow to be Happy Travelers through this new year - bringing you along on our traveling adventures!


Sherrill is circumnavigating South America from Ft Lauderdale & back - which includes Carnival in Rio and cruising a thousand miles up the Amazon River to Manaus


At the same time Debi will be exploring the Hawaiian Islands 


Watch for HAPPY TRAVELERS blogs & Dare to be Curious videos as we share Ports of Call - our favorite coffee/tea finds - shopping- food - a taste of the world!  All our adventures!


We can’t wait to share!


Meanwhile, we wish you all health, wealth, love & perfect self-expression in the new year!

XOXO Sherrill & Debi

2023 BEST CHOCOLATE FIND

It is true that chocolate gives us a soothing rush of endorphins –

and, really, don’t we all love that feeling!

Having just seen the new film, WONKA

(don’t believe the critics – it’s charming – we laughed, we cried) – we have a new appreciation for the power of truly delicious chocolate – the kind that is like an explosion of happiness in your mouth!

We found exactly that taste treat with Phillip Ashley Chocolates out of Memphis. Not only are they utterly mouthwatering but also beautiful to gaze upon.

We recently met Chef Phillip Ashley Rix at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.

He clearly loves what he has created since he began by selling his chocolates from the trunk of his four- door sedan. Now he’s been named one of the Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America.

He has built his success on unusual pairings which by some kind of magic – work!

Memphis Margarita, Fried Chicken, Maple Bacon Pecan Praline, Collards and Cornbread to name just a few delectable flavors.

We encourage you to go to his WEBSITE and/or go to Neiman Marcus where his extraordinary confections can be purchased.

He is the “real” Willy Wonka!

As Tom Hanks uttered in Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Sherrill Bodine
CHAMPAGNE STATE OF MIND

If we may, a very brief champagne lesson: Champagne is a sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. It is produced by a specific, traditional method from specific grapes grown in designated areas of that region. It is the most famous type of sparkling wine and is often cited as one of the most esteemed wines in the world. The Champagne method involves second fermentation in the bottle to form bubbles. This method allows champagne to be aged for longer periods than other sparkling wines, leading to an increased complexity of flavors.

We were recently treated to a fabulous Champagne experience at The House of Glunz, Chicago wine and spirits merchants since 1888

Owners, Barbara and Christopher, shared their expertise as they showed us their impressive curated store plus the charming inviting tasting room.

Sherrill got soooo much information and inspiration she will incorporate into her upcoming mystery series – The Empress of Bubbles.

Barbara is a font of knowledge about champagne – particularly small growers. She chose two champagnes – Andre Clouet (from their cooler) and Philipponnot – both unknown to us before this visit.

Daring To Be Curious we popped the cork on the Andre Clouet in the bar/restaurant attached and owned by The House of Gluntz.

It was delicious and the perfect setting to enjoy the fine bubbles –

beautiful old world charm restaurant, the yummy aroma of freshly made popcorn and comfort food from their menu.

The pop of that cork conjured up ideas of celebrating and treating ourselves . . . and our friends.

No other drink has quite captured the imagination of History’s famous figures than Champagne, with it inspiring lots of fantastic quotes.

We are sharing a few of our favorites:

“I only drink Champagne when I’m happy, and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.” Lily Bollinger, proprietor of French Champagne house Bollinger ( one of our favorite champagnes!)

“I drink champagne when I win, to celebrate . . .and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself.” Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France ( this has new meaning for us since we recently saw the film Napoleon!)

“There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.” Bette Davis, actress ( haven’t we all had those days?)

“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn’t everyone?” Noel Coward, English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer ( there is a reason Champagne is served with brunch – it just goes with anything)

We would love to hear your favorite quotes and please send us the names of any new champagne you have discovered and loved.

The holiday season is about love!

Sherrill Bodine
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE . . .THE HOLIDAYS!

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour” – John Boswell

We gathered golden moments when Debi was recently inducted as a Cavalieri Del Tartufo E Dei Vini De Alba. She is thrilled to celebrate her Italian heritage and we will be sharing more of her journey to educate all about the foods and wines of the Piedmont region of Italy.

That special evening was the perfect opportunity to do what we do during this time of year – break bread with old and new friends.

Plus on this occasion we had the opportunity to learn so much about truffles – one of our favorite taste treats and a wonderful delicacy anytime, anywhere!

For us, this special evening was the beginning of our holiday season of gratitude which we want to share with you all.

So, Sherrill is sharing her “famous” – so her children tell her – Turkey Stuffing

2 pounds sliced bread, toasted, preferably bakery egg bread

4 eggs, slightly beaten

¼ pound butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

2 large red delicious apples, grated

Mushrooms chopped – as many as you want – I put in a lot! (Saute the fresh mushrooms in butter and then add – very important for the flavoring)

3 cans of chopped water chestnuts

Place bread in large colander. Run cold water over bread for a few minutes and then squeeze as dry as possible. Transfer to large bowl and toss with all other ingredients.

This makes enough stuffing for a large turkey up to 20 pounds. Since I always have a bigger turkey I double the recipe and put the extra in a casserole and bake covered for about 45 minutes at same temperature as turkey.

As Nora Ephron stated . . .”The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.”

Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season!!

holidaysSherrill Bodine
3 Super Important Components for YOUR best birthday party ever!

We have all seen that first birthday party –

one year old cutie in a high chair with a small cake within reach.  The gleeful look as the cutie dives into it with both hands – smearing more on their adorable cheeks than in their rosebud mouth.

This heartwarming scene is recorded in pictures by family and friends who would not have missed this special moment for the world!

Who would not miss YOUR party for the world?

FRIENDS are the first super component!

We know it is hard to make those list – space, cost, timing, location can all be limiting factors. We have found if we can’t invite all our Besties to one gathering, we set up breakfast, lunch, tea, drink, dinner dates in small groups to keep the celebration going – as we always say, “Everyday is an opportunity for a special occasion!”

Once you have your list – be it 10 or 110 – think about FUN – the second super component.

What do YOU – your BESTIES – enjoy?

A Spa Day, Hiking, Cooking Class, Flower Arranging, the list is endless as we are all curious and want to keep learning.

We love to dance – good for mind, body and soul!

Sherrill’s last birthday party was a Mama Mia Dance Party!

Who doesn’t want to shake their moves to Dancing Queen!

And of course you are working off calories so you can enjoy the FAVORS – the third super component.

Make the favors match the party theme. For Mama Mia, everyone had a feather boa – it just works with Abba music.

Of course, no party is complete without Debi’s Divine Biscotti to keep your strength up for more dancing. And to take away, eye masks since you might need them the next morning after dancing the night away!

Food and Beverages are important – also they should compliment your theme. However, we have discovered that if you have those super components of FRIENDS, FUN AND FAVORS, everything else falls into place.

“Count your age by friends, not years”

Theme PartySherrill Bodine
WHY DID JAY-Z AND BAZ WANT TO REDO THE GREAT GATSBY? BOOK CLUB BABES WANTED TO KNOW!

Curious about

why renounced producers wanted to do yet another version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic The Great Gatsby, Book Club Babes chose to read it.

There have been four film versions,

the latest in 2013. None of the Great Gatsby movies can replace the experience of reading the book – visualizing the characters – recognizing the grandeur of the parties and really diving into the larger themes of the book.

The Great Gatsby is a slim volume rich in its portrayal of the Roaring Twenties.

This enduring classic has had its critics over the century since it was written. Some say the Great Gatsby is truly great – others say not so much. However, it is certainly poetic and certainly worth revisiting.

Like all our Book Club Babes gatherings we get into the theme – Roaring 20’s attire – the drink – the food – the music of the time

Add these elements to your own Book Club – it really does make for a richer adventure.

Join us on our YouTube Channel Dare To Be Curious to share in our party!

WHY IS PINK THE MOST GORGEOUS COLOR OF 2023?

We love a film which makes us both laugh and cry!

Because of the wonderful marketing champaign, 2023 continues to be the “Summer of Barbie”: - the “must see” movie of the year!

And pink!!!

Have you ever seen everyone wearing so much pink?

Thank goodness it is such a happy color which complements all of us!

Happy is how the movie made us feel – plus enchanted, stunned by its creativity, thoughtful at the many messages woven into this modern tale directed by visionary filmmaker, Greta Gerwig, and delighted by its two leading actors, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – two of our personal favorites!

Barbie is the perfect “Happy Birthday” party theme – we all look pretty in pink!

We took full advantage of all the Barbie Pink attractions available for a day of fun – including a Pop-Up Barbie Café in Chicago where toddlers to nonagenarians frolicked.

There are only two rules for your Barbie themed party – You must wear pink and You must see the film!

Go Barbie go! Yes, you may bring Ken!

JOIN US IN THE TRENCHES

We are often asked about writing – Sherrill’s novels and travel articles – Debi’s Divine Biscotti baking and recipe book.

We love sharing LIVING LOVING AND LEARNING on this blog and our YouTube channel,

DARE TO BE CURIOUS.

Now we are expanding our sharing to speaking at conferences.

We both have been speakers many times for large groups before COVID. AS we all know, the world changed in 2020 and is only now righting itself.

We are delighted to report that we will be “in the trenches” speaking at Evanston Writers Workshop In The Trenches Conference 2023.

Sherrill spoke at their first conference and won their Bard Award. She is excited to return to this conference November 2 thru November 5 at the lovely Hyatt Regency in Deerfield, Illinois. Debi is equally excited about being a part of this inspiring event.

In The Trenches is a learning opportunity for all interested in writing for every genre. PLUS – voice acting/narration classes will be taught by the famous Carlos Ferro.

More details to follow! We must share one of our favorite quotes about learning.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”….Dr. Seuss

Get your ticket today!

Inthetrenches2023.com

We’re Curious… Where is your Happy Place?

WHERE IS YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

As writers and readers we have always known a romance reading habit doesn’t need to be hidden between the covers of a literary masterpiece you are pretending to read – or only whispered about to select friends.

It is to be proudly talked about – like now – with Emily Henry’s HAPPY PLACE!

HAPPY PLACE is funny at points but it is also sad.

As readers we were confused by the choices made by the main characters, Harriet and Wyn, which generated much debate at Book Club Babes! Which is exactly how it should be in any Book Club discussion – that is the magic of it.

The setting is a Summer House in Maine, complete with lobsters on the beach and wandering through charming little towns to visit beloved favorite stores/restaurants for ice cream, drinks, etc.

Clearly this is a Summer Beach/Holiday Read!

And clearly, Emily Henry’s message is the only Happy Place any of us can count on is one another.

Will you Dare to be the Hero of your Own Life?

“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anyone else, these pages must show” Dickens David Copperfield

Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Demon Copperhead, reimagines Dicken’s story in modern rural America with poverty and opioid addition.

Demon’s words are quite fatalistic, instead of hopeful: “Save or be saved, these are questions. You want to think it’s not over til the last page.”

Sounds grime, right?

Not necessarily.

Resilience - the trait that no one can define. Some have it. Sadly, others do not

It is our reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how our life’s story will develop.

As Nelson Mandela stated, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Resilience is the theme of Sherrill’s memoir and Debi’s poetry which we will be sharing soon.

Supporting others to overcome adversity and build resilience will be explored more fully on our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS

Our theme has always been “We are all in this together.”

Please join us.

What are your Memorial Day Memories? How will you be celebrating this year?

Warmer weather is right around the corner!

Of course in Chicago this time of year, we can experience all four seasons in one day!

For us warm weather means Summer, which – again for us – starts on Memorial Day. 

That long weekend which is the unofficial start to cookout season!

However, Memorial Day is foremost a day to remember the millions of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – for the world.

We grew up with this enduring quote by JFK: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

We give thanks and embrace the privilege of freedom to celebrate friends and families with pool parties, parades and backyard cookouts.

We asked several friends how they celebrate Memorial Day.  More than a few stated:  “It’s the start of summer.  With the fireworks of July 4th in the middle and ends with Labor Day and the kids going back to school.”

For this season we like to display cherished collections. 

For Sherrill it’s filling her antique vases with peonies gathered from the farmers markets that begin Memorial Day Weekend. 

For Debi it’s baking her seasonal biscotti flavors. 

Other friends decorate their doors with boughs of greenery.  You can add flowers or red/white/blue ribbons or small flags.

On our Dare to be Curious YouTube Channel you can hear more about the surprising ways others celebrate this special day.  Plus we share some of our “favorite things” which you can add to your celebrations.

Welcome to Summer!!

WHY WE REALLY CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO

Everyone loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo – the great food – the margaritas – the music – the dancing – BUT – do we really know WHY we are celebrating?

Many – us included - thought we were celebrating Mexican Independence.

ACTUALLY, ON May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

Even though his army was outnumbered in the battle which lasted from daybreak to sunset, General Zaragoza realized the superior French forces were losing because his troops were utilizing the knowledge of their homeland terrain to defeat the invaders.

The victory that day became a symbol of Mexican resistance.

In 2005, US Congress passed a resolution recognizing the historical significance of this holiday and encouraged a celebration of Mexican culture through food, drink, dance and music.

And in our case – shopping!

We started at the fabulous Colores Mexicanos
605 Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
coloresmexicanoschicago.com

What a treasure trove!

A beautiful collection of textiles carefully curated to bring all the best in exquisitely handmade garments and tablescapes.

Yes, Sherrill could not resist purchasing a “work of art” apron, even though she only cooks on holidays and a few birthdays in-between

Debi’s “had to have” was a piece of hand crafted jewelry - truly, everything in the store tempted us!

Packages in hand, we headed to our favorite regional Mexican restaurant, Tzuco by Chef Carlos Gaytán, who became the first Mexican Chef to receive a Michelin star in 2013 and 2014.

TZUCO
720 North State St., Chicago, IL 60654
tzuco.com

We had loved dinner there so this time we tried their brunch served only on Saturday and Sunday

SUBLIME! Every dish has an unexpected fabulously yummy taste twist.

Guacamole so smooth it melted in our mouths.

The presentation of the Shrimp Ceviche was only surpassed by its taste.

Lobster Taco which was not a taco in any way we have ever experienced a taco -anywhere!

And the margarita’s! We wanted to try a new twist ourselves so ordered a float of amaretto on top – Sherrill’s with salt – Debi’s without. Both yummy!

We agree with Congress – May 5 - EVERYONE should experience the culture of Mexico.

PASARLO BIEN

SPRING FLING 2023

“Spring is the time of plans and projects”

—Leo Tolstoy

As the weather warms up and Spring arrives our urge for renewal – new beginnings – sends us scurrying to redecorate – to clean our houses – particularly our closets.

More often than not, it is that fateful moment when we realize “I have nothing to wear!” Yet our closets are stuffed from floor to ceiling.

We determine it is time to weed out and replant with the best new Spring fashions to make us bloom!

And who better to help us decide the brightest and best to put in our newly uncluttered closets than Jodi Kahn, VP Luxury Fashion, Neiman Marcus. She tells the NM buyers what to put in the stores for our shopping pleasure.

IN – light layers, dresses, finely woven crochet dresses with fringe, maxi slim skirts – and, as always, beautiful shoes

THINK COLOR: lime, seafoam green, light purple (we call it lavender), and pink.

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.”

Please join us on our YouTube Channel, Dare to be Curious, as we share our afternoon of fun and fashion.

FashionSherrill Bodine
BOOK CLUB BABES ASK -WHAT’S BETTER THAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND A PULTIZER PRIZE?

The theme of this astonishing novel, FOREIGN AFFAIRS BY ALLISON LURIE, is how we change when we move to a new place and we are not surrounded by the expectations of others.

Sherrill agrees to that theory as she has moved twenty-four times from one part of the USA to the other – each time a reinvention!

The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!

The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!

She is there on a grant to work on her new book about children’s folk rhymes. Sherrill identified with Vinnie on many levels – not only because she is small in stature and wears a size five shoe!

Vinnie is also a woman who has given up and believes no one will truly love her because no man ever has.  So when she finds someone who is not remotely the sort of man she can seriously imagine for herself, it changes her.

The big moment for her is when she does something frightening and uncomfortable because she wants to do what Chuck would have expected of her. His view of her is that she’s an absolutely wonderful person.  She knows she’s not, but she wants to live up to that view of herself. And by doing this thing, which she doesn’t think of as very important, she has a tremendous effect on the lives of others.

There are countless rich layers to this book and so many fascinating characters.  Fred, Vinnie’s young colleague, in England doing his research without his recently separated wife – he is miserable until he meets a beautiful unpredictable English actress and is introduced into her dizzyingly romantic world.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

USA TODAY wrote “IF YOU MANAGE TO READ ONLY A FEW GOOD BOOKS A YEAR, MAKE THIS ONE OF THEM.”

WHO DOESN’T LOVE A GREAT STORY?

World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of the art of storytelling.

It is celebrated every year on the March equinox – March 20th.

On that day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible during that day and night.

It all started without much coordination or without much fanfare in the 90’s in Sweden, Australia, Mexico and other Latin American countries.  It has grown into a worldwide phenomenon because really, who doesn’t love a great story?

Activities are planned on days around the equinox.  Some examples of what can be done:

–Surprise a school with storytellers in the classrooms

– Organize an event at your library

– Combine Storytelling with music and/or dance

– Team up with a restaurant (take a page from Ashford Castle in Ireland where they have a resident storyteller in their restaurant)

– Share stories at a Senior Home

At DARE TO BE CURIOUS,

we chose to invite two of our friends and fellow writers to talk with us about how they tell their stories.  Join us and meet New York Times Bestseller and author of over 100 published novels, Patricia Rosemoor and Cheryl Jefferson, award winning TV & film producer and author of both fiction and non-fiction.

The theme of World Storytelling Day 2023 is “TOGETHER WE CAN”

These women can and have – they have amazing stories to tell!

Considering what’s going on worldwide this is an excellent theme choice to help build community and inspire change.

Do you have a story to tell?  Please come be inspired at our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS!

Click Here to Buy these great books!

These are paid links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

PASSION – MONEY – LOVE -SECRETS WITH DANIELLE STEEL – ANOTHER ADVENTURE WITH THE BOOK CLUB BABES

For a February Book Club Babes,

how could we NOT select a novel about passion, jewelry, love and secrets by one of the most popular authors alive, Danielle Steel?

PROPERTY OF A NOBLEWOMAN

is the perfect fairytale: A woman’s legacy is shaped by tragedy, fortitude and undying devotion which transforms lives and hearts long after she is gone – thus fulfilling at last her most precious bequest.

Danielle Steel has said

that each of her books begin with an image or character or situation that she cared about deeply.  It is clear in this book that she cared deeply about righting a long ago wrong.  She has the gift of knowing the pulses of her readers so she made us root for all the heroines to find their happy endings. To unveil the past so all would have a brighter future.

As writers we agree with her statement:

“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but not a lonely one.  When you write, your world is populated by the characters you invent, and you feel those people filling your life.”

Her characters filled the pages of Property of a Noblewoman.

Go spend time with them and enjoy the fairytale.

Inspiration – New Year, New Me
The first of the year is always a time of reflection

The first of the year is always a time of reflection 

To look in the mirror & decide to be the best you can be!

Be it lose the weight from a joyful holiday season - join a gym or yoga class - get a new hair style or go darker or lighter or red!


All good goals - let’s face it goals are all good & the joy of reaching your goals even better!


The goal to follow your dreams & making them a reality was the inspiration for the luncheon that we attended, “New Year, New Me.”

 

The speaker was Alpana Singh famed restaurateur, master sommelier, television personality and author.

Indeed she did inspire!  

We saw many in the audience taking notes. We did too!
We will be sharing our new goals for Dare to be Curious!
We would love to hear your goals - we are all in this together!

Sherrill Bodine
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO

Once, at a Writer’s Conference,

a reader rushed up, shouting, “I’m so mad at you!  I stayed up all night reading your book!”

It is the highest compliment one can give a writer! 

We give it to Taylor Jenkins Reid for her book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

There are so many levels of reading pleasure in this book – where to start?

The voice of the author immediately drew us in as she introduced the main characters: the young reporter and the silver-screen legend finally ready to tell her story.

And what a story it is!

We loved the glam of old Hollywood and the thinly veiled tales that mirrored true life.

There is juicy gossip – characters who made us want to know “what happened?” – so we kept turning pages to get answers.

And the book gives the reader those answers which surprise and captivate

At its heart, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, is about the depth and breadth of true love.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

There is no better time than the first month of a new year to start reading a new book!

Join our book club vicariously through us – share the experience and the journey.

Just click on the link above and get your book!

We’d love to hear how YOU feel about Evelyn Hugo!