I wanted to share one of the reviews I received this week for my book.  It was reviewd by ReviewTheBook.com  Enjoy!

"A Hot Dog Stand In The Himalayas, by Deborah K. Martin is a book to be treasured! This book is compelling from start to finish. The author chronicles a grandchild's special relationship with her grandmother from childhood through early adulthood and illustrates how profoundly a grandparent's love can impact a child's life.  

I found myself making mental comparisons between the grandmother in the story and my relationship with my own grandchildren. Hopefully they will remember their relationship with me with as much joy.   The storyline, as seen through a child's eyes, is very descriptive and makes you feel you are along for the ride as an "invisible friend." As the main character ages, she realizes that her grandmother has always been instrumental in adding a dimension of wonder and imagination to the way she experiences life.   Whether you are a parent, grandparent or hope to be in the future, don't miss this book! It will give you new insight into the ways a child views the world and how you can add to the magic!" 

Reviewed on 09/16/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Cathy Deskins

A few weeks ago I started a discussion entitled Misconstruded Lyrics.  Little did I know it would come back to haunt me.  

Me and my granddaughter  were watching a local beauty and talent pageant and she began singing, "There She Is, Miscellaneous!"   She didn't understand why I could not stop laughing.  Come to think of it I like her lyrics much better . . .

Last week I harvested the first crop of concord grapes from our restored grapevine. I've added a photo of them in my Photo Section.  If I do say so myself the grapes were pump, sweet and perfectly formed. To the dismay of my friends I didn't have enough to make wine but more than enough to make grape jam. PBJ's anyone . . .

While on vacation I re-read the story of The Old Man and the Sea a novella by one of my favorite writers, Ernest Hemingway. It was written in Cuba in 1951 and published in 1952 and the last major work of fiction to be produced by Hemingway and published in his lifetime.

Being one of his most famous works, it centers upon Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. The story itself some would say is a story about a man set out to catch a fish, perhaps; however the true story is not a story at all, but a life lesson for Santiago. As he prepares to sets sail on the vast ocean in his small boat to do battle this giant fish he realizes how minuscule he is in the scheme of things. He pondered how his life is indeed small compared to the challenges he faces. Then, as the battle between man, sea, and fish begins - his life lessons begin. He learns strength, endurance, hardship, excruciating pain, victory, defeat and the satisfaction of knowing that he did what he set out to do. His quest - was to catch a fish, however, the journey and life lessons the fish taught went far beyond a simple fishing trip.

In life we all encounter situations that challenge and test our medal. The lesson isn't winning or losing . . . the lesson is having the courage to show up! 

I'm saddened to hear yet another Kennedy has passed away this month.  Edward "Ted" Kennedy, the Last Lion died over night leaving a massive hole in not only the US Senate, but in the hearts of many people in America.  Ted loved to sail; I pray his final voyage into the arms of his family who've gone before him billows his sails and his gentle journey to a more peaceful destination - embracing him home . . .homeward bound brave Lion.

I love to garden and while doing so I frequently come up with interesting character situations for my books.  Planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables provide new, fresh writing ideas that spring to life. Picking a prickly cucumber may create a sticky situation.  A plump red tomato, a well rounded character, an overly ripe squash, may evolve into a mushy love scene. 

All in all, gardening for me is fodder for my novels.  I tend to my gardens as I tend to my writing, and hopefully all this tender loving care will bloom into a bumper crop of pages, chapters and characters; something worth savoring.  Bon appetite!

Eunice Kennedy-Shriver - She was not a pop icon, nor was she a film director, or a movie star, she never ran for public office or delivered the evening news.  She was one of our unsung heroes, who -  although branded with the Kennedy name, was behind the scenes [most of the time] working dilligently for her foundation, The Special Olympics.  Anyone with a family member, child, grandchild with a disability has benefited from one of her events.  The Special Olympic portrayed the talents of people from all walks of life, who have the strength and courage to go for gold.

 In my book, A Hot Dog Stand in the Himalayas, there is a chapter where the character is building a snowman, and because the snow is too powdery, the snowman has no bottom.  The child insists that it's not a real snowman because it has no legs.  The mother explains to the child, "Is he less a snowman because he has no legs?"  I'm not using this a a plug for my book but to provide an instance of awareness.  A moment of awareness for an amazing woman, who through her love and respect for her disabled sister, changed the face of physical disablities forever.  I thank you Miss Eunice for your vision and quiet strength of character.  Your life made a big difference to everyone you touched.

Something I learned to live with early on in my marriage--my husband will never be color coordinated!

I heard yesterday that film writer-director John Hughes died.  So many great films - to many to list,  but one of my favorites is Ferris Bueller's Day Off.  I've always had an uber mad crush on Ferris and ever since have lived by my favorite quotes from the movie, "The question isn't "what ARE we going to do," the question is "what AREN'T we going to do?"  Thank you John Hughes . . .

I'll be MIA for a few weeks because I reeeeeeeeeally need to concentrate on finishing my second book.  I'll pop in from time to time to say hello, but for now I've got to hunker down and get some serious writing done before my November deadline. So, adios mi amigos and behave while I'm gone!   And if you won't behave . . .  have fun! :)  xoxox granny!

Ah, the relaxing benefits of tilling and working in a garden, NOT!  Gardens in my opinion are a crap shoot; sometimes what you expect to grow whithers and others produce thrives!  It's all up to "Mother Nature." 

My 2009 garden is lousy with cucumbers, broccoli, peppers and 'maters because of all the rain we've gotten, but killed my cauliflower and beans.  The rains washed my carrot and radish seeds to the point they are cropping up in the most unusual places, i.e. the middle of our compost heap, front lawn, etc. 

Little carrot tops mixed in with dandelions, picturesque, yes,  but not amusing!  Labor of love is turning into just LABOR.  To my fellow gardeners:  Next year when you get the urge to garden, take a nap until the urge goes away and enjoy your neighbors veggie gardens . . . just joking.   But don't give up; keep at it, journal your success and failures, can what you have in abundance, and enjoy the divine interaction with the land.  Happy Gardening! :)

I've just been just informed The Sarah Buck, National MS Society has requested copies of my book "A Hot Dog Stand in the Himalayas" for their annual "Books for a Better Life" Award.   It will be listed in their first time author category.  I'm honored and excited to be considered.  Who knew this little book would touch the lives of so many people!  Amazing!

As a result of a freaky dismount from a horse, 5 years ago I had to see the doc to have my knee x-rayed today.  MRI's were also suggested . . . not gonna happen! One MRI is. . .are you ready. . . $1,600 ea. . I need 3! . . . and my new company health insurance plan doesn't cover them!!

How about. . .maybe,  I just buy a first class ticket to Tahiti and ride through the airport's baggage x-ray machine, THAT would be cheaper!!  Wanna come with?  First round of drinks are on me!

Life Lesson Number 106: When someone hollers, "It's okay, the bull's asleep . . . just go in the pasture and get the frisbee!" DON'T!

I just received my new "The Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Cookbook."  Can't wait to try some or their new canning recipes!

In the GrandmawsOpinion news today:  I just picked one of the largest cucumbers I've ever grown!!   It measures 8 inches long and 9 inches round!  Photo just added.  WOW!  Chilled Cucumber soup, anyone?