Why do so many women named Kathleen become romance authors? They’re everywhere.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Kathleen Kane, Kathleen O’Brien, Kathleen Baldwin, Kathleen Eagle, Kathleen Kellow, Kathleen Maxwell, Kathleen Bittner Roth, Kathleen M. Rodgers, Kathleen Ball, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Kathleen Winsor… They’re all somewhat celebrated, and some are still writing today.
Then there’s that other Kathleen—the one who finds humor in the most inappropriate places at the worst possible times. The Kathleen whose wardrobe consists primarily of egg on her face and the taste of shoe leather on her tongue. The Kathleen who encourages fictional characters to cuss and steal and murder and commit all manner of other dastardly deeds because they can get away with it and she can’t.
The troublemaking one. The one who reveres sarcasm as high art. The one who should be rich and famous by now if for no other reason than name association.
To tell you the truth, I find it more satisfying to be poor and infamous—which is a good thing, since I’m a pro at both pursuits.
Here are a few more truths:
1) I’m the eldest of four siblings: two girls and two boys. (Yes, four middle-aged hooligans with similar DNA remain at large. Be afraid.) Three of us are overachievers: My sister is a retired judge, the eldest of the boys is literally a rocket scientist, and the baby of the family is a computer systems engineer. And then there’s me.
2) My sister, brothers, and I played cowboys and Indians a lot when we were kids. I was always the outlaw. Why no one saw that as a warning remains a mystery.
3) I retired from the U.S. Air Force at the ripe old age of 22. No, I was not mustered out on a Section 8, although that would’ve surprised no one.
4) I still have my wisdom teeth, my appendix, and my tonsils. My mind, on the other hand, hasn’t been seen in years.
5) As a journalist, I’ve worked the scene of a major airline disaster, covered political scandals, written columns about poltergeist-infested commodes and human kindness, won awards…and found myself staring at the wrong end of a gun—twice. Thankfully, I’ve yet to be ventilated. (A more astute individual might have realized it’s unwise to antagonize crazy people.)
6) My author bio says I come from “a long line of ranchers, preachers, and teachers on one side and horse thieves and moonshiners on the other.” I did not make any of that up. Some of my relatives still ranch, preach, and teach. The horse thieves and moonshiners found other lines of work.
7) My paternal grandmother’s mother was American Indian. Grandma never knew what tribe; consequently, neither do I. In the late 1800s, Kentucky hillbillies considered marrying an Indian shameful, so no one talked about great-grandma’s heritage. My grandmother never met her mother’s relatives. (My dad, who as a child helped his father run moonshine, was the first in his family’s history to earn a college degree. He referred to himself as a “hillwilliam.”)
8) My short story “Peaches” was based on my maternal grandparents’ courtship. Granny, a young widow who taught in a one-room Texas schoolhouse and had her hands full with three rowdy boys, took a peach pie to a church social. The man who was to become my grandfather, a bachelor rancher in his 50s, won the accidentally over-seasoned pie at auction. He nearly choked to death on the first bite. His response? “I s’pose I ought to marry that little woman ‘fore she kills somebody.”
9) My house celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Compared to some of the other homes on Galveston Island, it’s a youg’un. The Capt. H.H. Hadley House (yes, it has a name) was completed in August 1915…two weeks before a deadly Category 4 hurricane struck. More than three dozen big blows later, it’s still standing.
10) Four Chihuahuas ranging in age from four to fifteen live in this house. Whatever they’ve told you about the intractability of their servant, don’t believe them. If they didn’t want to be deviled by a spoiled-rotten delinquent, they shouldn’t have rescued me.
There. Now you know all of my deep, dark secrets. Before you decide to pursue blackmail, read “The Ransom of Red Chief.”
To compensate for the loss of financial opportunity, I’ll give away a copy of The Dumont Brand, which contains the first two stories in a series about a Texas ranching dynasty with more skeletons in its closets than there are in a graveyard. “The Trouble with Honey,” a new story in the series, will be published this summer.
To enter the drawing, leave a comment revealing something about you. Oh, c’mon. It’ll be fun! Your life can’t be any more embarrassing than mine. 😉
A Texan to the bone, award-winning author Kathleen Rice Adams spends her days chasing news stories and her nights and weekends shooting it out with Wild West desperados. Leave the upstanding, law-abiding heroes to other folks. In Kathleen's tales, even the good guys wear black hats.
Her short story “The Second-Best Ranger in Texas” won the Peacemaker Award for Best Western Short Fiction. Her novel Prodigal Gun won the EPIC Award for Historical Romance and is the only western historical romance ever to final for a Peacemaker in a book-length category.
Visit her at the Hole in the Web Gang's hideout, KathleenRiceAdams.com. Or, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Her Amazon author page is here.
Hi Kathleen, Well your post had me laughing out loud like usual, then I saw your gorgeous historic house and my breath caught…nobody is luckier than you, girl!!! . And Yowzers, I loved Peaches! xoxoxo
I fell in love with this house even before it was for sale. When it went on the market, I snapped it up before it had a chance to get away. 😀
Lots of people are luckier than me — you, for example. I would love to have your ability to jet off to the Hawaiian islands at the drop of a hat.
Thanks for your sweet comment about “Peaches,” dear friend. Hugs!!!!
Hi Kathleen- you’re a very comical lady. I’ve never read your books before, but I must try one now. Your post was very entertaining, so I can just imagine who wonderful your books must be…
Aw. Thank you, Tonya. Life is better with laughter, isn’t it? 🙂
Fun post! Thank you. Indians in my family too, some in the registers, some not, from Indian Territory and also the Trail of Tears. My great-grandfather testified in a trial before Hanging Judge Roy Parker in Fort Smith for a friend accused of stealing a horse. One of his uncles was shot in a shoot-out also in Indian Territory.
Goodness! I may have to borrow your family for a story. 😀
Family history is fun, isn’t it? Since my family has always been so open about the less-than-law-abiding branches on the family tree, I’ve always wondered what they’re hiding. Is there an ax-murderer no one’s willing to talk about? **blink, blink**
Thanks for coming by, Eliza! If you’re not already in Oklahoma, it sounds like you might want to avoid that state, all things considered. 😉
Despite how I worded my post, those were “cowboy times” and none of my family were outlaws. In fact, a different g-g-uncle was the first white man to be voted onto the Cherokee Indian Council and later was the first representative from his district to the new state of Oklahoma. I don’t live there (my mom grew up there) but still have lots of cousins who do.
Ah geez. I forgot you’re a Texan and I have Okie roots. My mom went to high school in East Texas–does that count?
LOL! I suppose I’ll forgive you for having Okie roots. I am, however, somewhat disappointed that you don’t have any outlaws in your family. Are you sure? Have you double-checked? Those outlaws can be sneaky cusses. 😉
Living in Galveston would be a dream to me. I love your house. I have visited many times (but not in a long time). I am hoping to go back this fall. I say that every year but then something happens to change our plans (usually because of the lack of money). I think you have done very well with your life and rank right there with your siblings.
Thank you, Janine. That’s sweet of you!
If you do come to Galveston this fall, send me an email or Facebook message and let me know when you’ll be here. I’d love to meet you! 🙂
Your house is gorgeous! I am a crazy cat lady in the making, oldest of three and spent a lot of my childhood with my nose in a book (I was a regular at the library every Sunday afternoon, taking home my reading supply for the week), at the local ice rink (winter), swimming pool (summer) and I loved being a stay at home Mum for 13 years with my four kids. I cut my teeth on Agatha Christie and I love to read mystery, romance and women’s fiction.
You’ve been busy all your life, it sounds like! You know, I’ve decided there’s nothing wrong with being a crazy [insert your favorite pet here] lady. At least the critters keep us off the streets, don’t they? 😉
Now, when I start yelling at kids to get off my lawn…
Haha!! Love your deep dark secrets. 😉 I don’t have anything too scary. I hated to read when I was young – I tried to get out of every Lit class I could. Now, it is all I want to do!
At least you joined the fun kids as soon as you could, Susan! 😉
Oh I really enjoyed reading what you shared! 🙂 I have had a wide variety of pets over the years from dogs, cats, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish lizards, hermit crabs and more!
AHA! So instead of a crazy cat lady or a crazy Chihuahua lady, you’re going to become a crazy menagerie lady! I like it. 😀
It’s always good to see you, Colleen. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Kathleen! What a life you’ve led. See? You do the interesting stuff that I WANT to do. I would love to see your old house sometime. The next I go to Galveston I’m going to park my butt on your lawn and not budge until you invite me in. And as large as my rear is getting that would be difficult job. How interesting about your great grandmother American Indian! I would guess that’s she’s Cherokee since that was in Kentucky. Have you ever tried to trace her on genealogy? That is just too cool! Seriously, next time I have to write a bio, I’m going to steal from yours. 🙂 You think I’m fooling.
Riding the trail with you is unbelievable fun!
Linda, you know you’re welcome here any ol’ time. Next time you’re in Houston for a book signing, I’ll come up there and drag you down here myself. 🙂
I’ve always suspected my great-grandmother was Cherokee, for the reason you mentioned. Several of us have tried to trace her lineage, but so far we’ve had no luck. Part of the problem is that courthouses burned with alarming frequency — and that’s if folks bothered to register births, deaths, marriages, etc. at all. In addition, people in the backwoods were as likely to shoot census takers as they were to answer questions, so more than a few households didn’t get counted.
Take my bio — please! I’ve been trying to get rid of that thing for years. 😀
BIG HUGS!!!!
Entertaining as always–whether appearing in blogs, books, or emails. Hillywilliam! That made me laugh. We see where you get at least some of it from. Love your house and adorable doggies. Have a great weekend!
My dad was a nut. We never knew what he’d do next, but we always knew it would be trouble. My poor mother must’ve hoped her ladylike demeanor would offset some of Daddy’s…unconventional…approach to life, but sadly, it seems the hillwilliam gene was dominant. 😉
You have a great weekend, too!
Loved your post and love your books. I am one of six girls and 1 boy. The boy is the youngest. My Mother-in-Law was a twin, my husband is a twin and his twin brother has twins. I have twin sisters and 2 nieces with twins.
Good heavens! That’s a lot of twins. I’ve heard twins run in families, so maybe your family proves that.
Your mother must’ve had her hands full with seven kids. I don’t know how my mother managed with four. If I’d been her, I would’ve shot the lot of us long before we reached puberty. 😀
I, a city slicker gal, am your devoted fan, Miss Kathleen!
Aw, Parris — you’re gonna turn my head. Speaking of devoted fans… When’s that next book due? I need a Parris Afton Bonds fix!
BIG HUGS!!!!
I have worked as a janitor, waitress, short order chef, park naturalist, high school teacher, writer, and drug dealer …er…pharmacist. As a child I once filled the baptismal pool at Dad’s church so the neighborhood kids could go swimming…
Okay, you made me laugh with the remark about the drug dealer. 😀 No one can accuse you of not having a well-rounded resume, JES. I didn’t know any of those things about you. Now that I do, I think I’ll got out you…as soon as I figure out where. 😉
We need to compare church stories sometime. My siblings and I used to get in all kinds of trouble at the Baptist church in my mother’s hometown — but it wasn’t our fault. Our cousins started it. Don’t let them tell you any different. 😀
Kathleen – I LOVE your sarcastic humor. It’s so fun! And your house seems to be as stubborn as you are, still standing after facing the storms of life. Your dog names crack me up. 🙂 So fun to peek behind the curtain. Keep entertaining us, Kathleen. We need more outlaws in our gang.
Thank you, Karen. I’m glad you laughed! 😀
My house isn’t nearly as big or as impressive as it looks in that picture, but it’s definitely a tough old thing. Of course, now that I’ve said that, the roof will fall in tomorrow. 😐
You needn’t include me in the drawing since I read so many of your books already, (and loved them all) but, well you just know I had to come on over to paruse your deepest, darkest secrets Kathleen. Glimpses into your mind both intrigued and terrified me. 😉 You know, I was often the outlaw, the rebellious Patriot in childhood games as well…when I wasn’t the damsel in distress. Sometimes I was even the outlaw damsel. Once I was stabbed with a fire poker, and I got tied up. A lot. Surprise, surprise. How’s that for revealing something about me?
Loved your entertaining post, Kathleen, and that hideout of yours is spectacular. Expect a visit.
Now looky here, Gunslinger… Don’t threaten me with a visit. I have Chihuahuas, and I’m not afraid to use them.
And stay out of my head, dangit! 😉
Oh, but you are QUEEN Kathleen…
I might be in possession of a few more of your deep dark secrets but I promise not to share. After all, you know a few of mine.
Hey, my Louisiana hideout turned 100 years old last year too! The pine lumber crop must have been especially hardy that year.
Oh, I forgot to add a revealing fact about me. Well…I was born butt first. Is that revealing enough for you?
Yeah, let’s not go there with the deep, dark secrets. Ain’t no winnin’ that fight. 😀
A belated happy birthday to your house! I wonder if yours and mine are long-lost siblings.
We should’ve baked them a cake. I bet they’re already plotting revenge for that oversight.
I love it that PEACHES was based on a true story. I had no idea. I think it’s my favorite of everything you’ve written, although I love all your stories. Your house is beautiful. I have lived in two very old homes back in Pennsylvania. So much character, along with the nob and tubing LOL. Those dogs of yours must live like royalty.
Thanks for the kind words about “Peaches.” You can thank Cheryl and Livia for that story. They threatened to push me off a cliff if I didn’t write something for PRP’s first anthology. You do not want to face down those two. Trust me.
I don’t even want to talk about wiring and plumbing and all that stuff. I’m ALWAYS fixing something around here. Old house are great and have a lot of personality…and require a lot of upkeep. Yeesh.
As for the dogs… The only reason they let me live indoors is so I can respond to their whims quickly. Little finks.
What a great post, and an interesting life you have led. I was told great-granddad was from the Blackfeet tribe. This became interesting to me after I married James because his great-granddad (maybe great-great) was a well known mountain man and was scalped by Indians in the area mine would have come from. Great…it was looking like my family could have scalped James’ family. And then more research revealed great-granddad was actually Cherokee. I’m not sure why that was a little disappointing, but it was. That tells you a little about me. I do have a dark side. I can’t wait to read The Trouble with Honey. Summer seems so long from now.
Livia, I don’t know that I would’ve let James in on the discovery that your great-granddad probably didn’t scalp his. That omission could’ve come in handy. “You remember what happened to your great-granddad when he upset mine? You might want to put that commode seat down, mister.” 😉
Why am I not surprised at your ‘biography’. I love sarcasm, but learned to keep it in check since most people didn’t get it. The home I grew up in is over 100, but has been through so many changes. Still in the family, but no one lives there now.
While I’m glad you have the dogs to keep you busy, I wish there were more stories. Glad to hear a new one coming soon. Now that made my day.
Doris
You sarcastic? I never would’ve guessed. 😉
Thanks for your kind words about my stories. I think I must’ve written myself to a frazzle in 2014 without realizing it, because I just couldn’t get anything to work last year. I wrote a total of three things, and two of them were short non-fiction pieces for the Memories from Maple Street anthologies. I’ve got a lot of stuff on the calendar for this year, though, so I’ve got to get my butt busy. 😀
I see everybody beat me over here.
I like your self-deprecating humor and I agree, sarcasm is an art. And the more you use it, the better you get at it.
What an interesting bunch of siblings you have. Their accomplishments are so distinguished. Glad they’re not MY relatives. They just set the bar way too high.
Have you met any ghosts in your old historical house with a name or did they run when you came to live there? Or maybe all those crazy Chihuahuas ran ’em off.
One thing is for certain, I adore your sense of humor and your wonderful stories. What fun I had learning more about you, Kathleen.
My siblings and I kinda scattered when we got to be adults — but we really didn’t have much choice. If that posse had caught us, we’d have hanged for sure.
As for ghosts… I may live in the only un-haunted house in Galveston. The building in which we had a loft when we first moved here was inhabited by the spirits of children who ran up and down the main hall laughing and moved toys around in one of the other lofts. The spirit of a little girl reportedly lived in a closet under the stairs in the house we lived in right before buying this one, but I never saw her.
Thanks for coming by today, Sarah. You always make me smile. 🙂
Kathleen,
My house was built in 1945-ish, so it’s just a young-un compared to yours, but it, like yours, has made it through some nasty weather over the years. Your house has much more character than mine. It’s beautiful. 🙂 I have all of your books, so don’t include me in your drawing. And thanks for sharing these tidbits about yourself.
I’m sure your house is just as beautiful. The life inside is what gives a house character — so yours should have plenty of…uh…”character.” 😉
Bonjour my dear YT,
Can’t stop laughing… really, no joke. One of the best author interview I’ve read lately. I have Native Indians ancestors on both sides of my family. On my Mom’s side, we have Attikamek blood (her mother was part-Indian). On my Dad’s side, we have Iroquois blood (I believe the Native Indian blood comes from his Mom’s side). My brother and I tried to get more info as to our Native Indians roots at one time – from my Mom’s side. The uncle who had the info refused to give it to us, saying it was a shame we had Indian blood. Imagine his reaction when I got married to a Laotian!!! Anyway, what an interesting life you’ve had. I’m proud to be your Petit Hibou friend.
Bonsoir, Petit Hibou! That’s so sad about your uncle, but I guess it’s the same sort of response my grandmother’s family displayed. Shame on you for marrying a Laotian and giving that poor man a heart attack! 😉
The Iroquois had a profound impact on both Canadian and American society. America’s Founding Fathers greatly admired the Iroquois system of governance. Is the same true up there? (I should learn more about Canada, but since I have you to ask… 😉 )
I am proud to have you as a friend, too, Petit Hibou. HUGS!!!!
I am a country girl all the way but live in a small town now. Still love the country.
I miss spending time on ranches, too. At least we have our memories, right? 🙂
Oh, my lord in heaven…I feel as though I should run and duck for cover. Sure, I knew you were a bit kooky and a lot glib with your words and phrases, but…I HAD NO IDEA YOU WERE A RENEGADE!I love your stories, and but then I stop and wonder..”what kind of wierdo wrote this?”
I do not believe you live in the gorgeous white two story house that should be in Better Homes and Gardens(I bet that description just galls you)–but I can believe you have a dog habit and will collect any and all who need help and company. Really and truly, dogs can’t tell the difference between a sane person and one who is slightly off the track.
But be reassured, you did no destroy my vision of KRA…I think I still “see” you.”
Love and kisses and hugs galore…(don’t you hate that, too?)….Celie Ann.
CELIA! Gimme a sec. I’m laughing too hard to type.
If we’re going to point fingers, Mrs. Yeary… At least I look like someone whose family crest is a straight jacket. You, on the other hand… No one would believe that behind the poise and graciousness beats the heart of a very poised and gracious wacko.
Love and kisses and hugs back — just don’t tell anyone. 😉
Darn. Saw your house and was really surprised that it didn’t have a razor-wired cyclone fence around it and a big sign saying: “Last Refuge for the Truly Insane” inside a big map of Texas. Instead, it looks so disturbingly….normal. (Or is that a facade?)
Loved your post. I could have been your babysitter in a previous life. Leader of the outlaw gang, of course.
I’ve just begun to catch up on your books and am finding them very enjoyable. You keep it up, I just might have to knock off the competition.
Thanks for the great read!!
Dangit, Kit! You weren’t supposed to blab. Now EVERYBODY knows it’s one of those cardboard fronts from the backlot at MGM. Sheesh.
Peacemakers on Main Street at high noon. Be there. Oh — and you might want to sidestep right quick. There’s a smoldering cheroot at your feet.
OH-MY-GOSH! Somebody get me a hanky. It’s not just the blog that’s funny, but some of these post. I try to read my own genre–have to keep up with the competition. So, go ahead and call the Sheriff–I haven’t read one of your novels yet. But I certainly will after this. Give me a hint on one that has your sense of humor and I’ll order it up,cowgirl. Your house is beautiful, and you have a palm tree! How nice. I have to drive a long ways to see one of those.
WHAT??? You haven’t read one of my stories? Sacrilege! Somebody get a rope. 😉
Hm. Funny. Hm. I think “The Last Three Miles” is fairly amusing, mostly because the hero meets his Waterloo in the heroine. In “Peaches,” the hero is beset by three old maid aunts who cause him no end of grief. The two stories in Robbing Banks, Stealing Hearts are comedies from the get-go. If you read any of them, please let me know what you think!
I actually have about a dozen palm trees around here. The island’s lousy with ’em. People don’t realize those beautiful palms are messy as all-get-out. And I’m allergic to their pollen! Only I would pick a house surrounded by trees with murder in their eyes.
I love getting to know you better. Thank you, Kathleen!
You’re welcome, Melanie! I’m so glad you came by. 🙂
Wonderful, bean spilling article!!! I love the PEACHES background! I wonder how many people got that start?
Sara, let’s hope not too many romances begin with the heroine trying to poison the hero. That seems just a tad counterproductive to me. 😀
Tex, if I had any doubts about you being a certifiable maniac, they were dispelled last fall in St. Louis. Then again, you’d have to be in order to hold your own against those other two nuts, Cheryl and Livia.
I love old houses. Our Boise house was built in 1903 and even had a ghost. Our first Seattle house was built in 1906. They put actual wood in those oldies. But you’re sure spot on about the upkeep. Sometime I’ll tell you the plumbing story–my IT Guy couldn’t decide whether the kill me or divorce me.
I’m looking forward to your Honey. My Honey just came out–makes me wonder what would happen if the two of them should meet at a poker table in a seedy saloon. ?
I loved your bio and laughed so hard reading it. I’m already a huge fan. I’m sure this blog will bring many more fans in. Your books are bursting with humor, action, romance, and colorful locations. I always hate for them to end.
This was a great article. You are funny and give us such interesting information. Both of my grandfathers were ranchers in Northeast Texas. Growing up visiting them often, my cousins and I would play Cowboys and Indians all the time and had all kinds of barns and cattle lots and acres and acres of land with cattle, horses, ponds, etc. to play on. Before one of my grandfathers got metal fences to replace the older wooden ones, we became great at walking all around the feedlots, etc. on the very narrow top of the wooden fences. We went craw dad fishing in the tiny, almost dried up streams and fished in the big ponds. It was a wonderful childhood for a kid with my imagination. I constantly envisioned myself in lots of TV Westerns of the past as we played on the real ranches.
Seems we have a bit in common. I am the oldest of 6 siblings – 3 girls and 3 boys. In my case, I was the first on both sides of the family (9 siblings on my mother’s side and 7 on my dad’s) which numbers about 70 cousins, to finish college. We supposedly have a great great ++grandmother who was native american. Again, it was something to be ashamed of and the only answer we could get from my grandfather was “Why do you want to know about something like that?” Good peasant stock on my dad’s side – farmers and factory workers. On my mother’s, rum runners who made the trip from Montreal to NYC during Prohibition.
I grew up in an 1860’s farmhouse and am currently living in a 1898 farmhouse in TN.
We are owned by our rescue pets. At the moment we are down to 3 dogs, one peacock, and a ball python. I was in the Peace Corps for 3 years. I married my high school friend then spent his 24 year Air Force career with him. He just retired from his 2nd career and we are looking forward to retirement. Our 44th anniversary will be in June.
I am not a writer, but I certainly do appreciate those of you who are. You have given me many enjoyable hours of reading.
Kathleen, I loved this and I especially loved your humor!
Let’s see, I still have all of my internal organs, also. Although, I did lose one of my four parathyroids or, um the surgeon surgically removed it. Semantics. You really only need one if we are talking particulars. I am the daughter of one of 15 children (my aunts and uncles) who were raised in a mining town at the foothills of Mt. Rainier. My Uncle Butch still lives in the house he was raised in, but most others have moved elsewhere in Washington State, as well as some other U.S. territories. Oh, one more thing, I baked my very first pecan pie this last Christmas. Thank you very much, Kathleen. (wink)
I’m from Kentucky too! So yes my grandmother was half Cherokee Indian . Loved your post and look forward to reading this book. Your house is amazing and so are your pups!!
You must be related to me somehow. Both my grandfathers ran and made moonshine. My great grandfather had 23 children and three wives. One side of my family is positively mixed with Indians and the other side is Irish. In doing my genealogy, I found the newspapers of old told more stories about my family than I could ever have known just doing regular genealogy. The prisons, the shootings, the killings and the relatives that ran towns, or lorded over towns. Right down to police chasings. When I read these things about my family, I wonder why it is I feel bad whenever I do something, or say something, wrong.
Holy moley woman! I may never catch my breath from laughing. What a lovely house, whether you want to hear it or not. I always wanted to live in a house passed down through the generations. Not sure whose generations mine came from, I just know it’s older than me….barely. Don’t even say plumbing and house together; I may go online and learn to make bombs. Can’t pick a favorite of your books because I love them all, but knowing “Peaches” had family roots does make it special. My little known fact: I tried out for Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses court….because my father made me. And, was tremendously relieved I didn’t make it past the first round.
Love yor story of your life. That explains a lot.haha love yor house and your puppies. They are good ones to keep you in line. I really like Peaches,but you know my favorite is you Prodigal Gun! In my classic favorites. Looking forward to your new one…Mt Galss
You have a drink with me at RT and I’ll tell you ALL my dirty secrets. We must be related, is all I’m sayin’.
I haven’t read any of your books yet but, after reading your blog I’m going to start.
Here’s something about me.
Last year I was diagnosed with diabetes and sent to a nutritionist to help me plan my meals. She wanted to explain to me that we need tools to help us do what we need to do. She started out by telling me that her father was a carpenter and so he needed hammers, saws and drills to do his job. She then asked me what my dad did for a living. I stammered wondering if I should tell the truth or make up something. I went with the truth. He was a bank robber. It took her a few seconds to catch on to what I said and then her eyes got big and she almost choked. I gave her a big smile and told her that I guess what he needed was a gun, mask and a get-away car.
A hillwilliam?! Now we know where you get your sense of humor!
Wow, Kathleen you are a hoot!!! All the comments you have from the other readers are great too!!! Let’s see, you have a really interesting life going on, a big house with lots of doggies to love too and all those great books you write. No Indians in my family only big Irishmen from across the pond. Enjoy reading your books. Thanks for the chance to win one.
Hi, wow, you sure made me giggle. I have not read any of your books yet but I will soon now because Anyone who can make me laugh is tops in my book!
I’m late to reply because this one of the fist chances I’ve had to spend time on the computer. I’m staying with my brother who is in Hospice care and it has been a trying time – but getting better. Doctors said he’d never get out of bed, but he’s walking with help and actually beat me up and made coffee this morning. We’ve had some great times talking about our childhood of cowboys and Indians. I don’t have any Native Americans in my background, by the way. A cousin did do a lot of research and found we had an ancestor who was an aid to the King of England in the 1400s. He was beheaded for treason. Does that qualify as an outlaw? Love your books and thanks for the chuckles today. I needed them.
Kathleen, I’ve only known you for a couple of years and I never put anything past you. When you tell of your relatives and your past if there is someone on this earth that doesn’t laugh, they shouldn’t be here. Just for a short time, I would love to borrow your sense of humor and your gift to tell ANYTHING in such hilarious ways. You have a true gift and someday I hope to grow up (I’m probably older than you)to be ever so slightly able to have your quit and delightful wit. Your home is beautiful and I adore old homes. I live on the property that back in the early 1900’s was the post office–unfortunately it was hit by lightning and burned down, but we have pictures of the old place with my husband’s grandmother sitting in a carriage pulled by a horse in the front lawn. And your dogs are simply adorable. Am a big dog lover, so I now know you’re a softie like all the rest of us so you can’t really claim totally insanity. Peaches is one of my favorites and I look forward to reading anything you write. I will confess that although I’m a northern girl (most of life in NYS) I had outlaws in my family–actually more like gangsters while the other side of my family were upstanding, hard working, honest people. So I’m a mongrel for sure. I have many friends who are all or part Indian, but I can’t claim any connection–just Italian and Scotish–what a mixture. Thanks for a great post and all the laughs that we all shared.
You’re hilarious, Kathleen! I loved this post! Since I’m Canadian, y’all might consider me a northerner, but since I’ve always lived within a couple hours of the US border, does that make me a southerner, too? 🙂
My maternal great grandfather was shot in the butt fleeing revenues while on a moonshine run. My grandfather, previous guy’s son-in-law, made and sold his own illegal wine for years. I have one of his wine/grape presses, but of course I’ve never used it. ?
I come by my crazy naturally. I never knew my paternal grandfather. He and my grandmother separated before my father was born. He held that my father wasn’t his son. If this is true, I have some Greek blood in my bones.
Grandpa Bruce refused to pay child support for my father until my grandma said “Fine. You raise the other three and I’ll take care of the baby on my own.”
My Aunt Ruth loved her father regardless. He lived with her for a few years before he died. He used to make his own bullets and stored the gunpowder under his bed. I’m crazy, but not that crazy.