Irish Soda Bread

I love St. Patrick's Day. I love corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots all boiled together in one pot--and not just because it's easy. :^) As a writer, I love quick and easy meals, but I am fussy. The food has to taste good.

I always serve my corned beef with Irish Soda Bread. I especially love soda bread fresh from the oven and slathered with butter.

At an Irish festival many, many years ago I got this recipe from two, sweet Irish ladies--so you know it's genuine. Try it. It is so easy and much, much better than anything you can buy in the store.

Irish Soda Bread


4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup raisins
1 tablespoon caraway seeds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix dry ingredients together. Rub in butter with fingers. Make a well in center and add enough buttermilk to make a soft but firm dough. Knead on a floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes until dough is smooth. Form into a round loaf. Cut a deep cross in the center of the loaf.
Put into a cake tin that has been sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes.
YUM!

The Book Lady

These are my books on the shelf in the Middletown Township Public Library. Over the years, I have donated other books to the library, but those books aren't there. Such is life. Sea of Hope is looking a bit ragged, so I assume it's been read a few times. I understand that libraries have rules and regulations about books and I'm not complaining because I've been invited to speak at the library on several occasions. Not many people came to those talks. The ones who did were mostly interested in learning how to publish their own books. (Sigh.)

Middletown has a huge population, more than 66,000 people according to the 2010 census. The township is made up of several smaller communities, like the one in which I live. There are lots of famous people living in Middletown. You can see a list on Wikipedia. I'm not on the list. So I was quite happy when I walked into the library the other day and the AARP volunteers, who were helping my mother-in-law with her tax forms, recognized me. They waved and called me "the book lady." 

It would be nice if they remembered me as an author and recalled my name, but that's okay. I'm happy with being known as the book lady. It's a start. 

Professional Daydreamer

I am a professional daydreamer. I started young. In the photo above, I am sitting on the dock in Keyport imagining what I would do if I owned one of those boats in the background. Where would I go? What would it be like with the boat slicing through the water and me at the helm? My family owned a rowboat. It was fun, but I thought a motorboat would be more exciting. When I was all grown up I met a man who owned a motorboat. He took me out on the boat and the ride was definitely more thrilling than a ride in a rowboat. I married the man. 

Everyone daydreams, but what makes me a professional daydreamer is the fact that I write my daydreams down. You can purchase my daydreams and enter into my fantasy when you read the book. 

Sigmund Freud had some interesting things to say about daydreaming and creative writers. You can read a summary of his thoughts at http://html.rincondelvago.com/creative-writers-and-day-dreaming_sigmund-freud.html. I don't necessarily agree with everything he wrote, but I do think in this particular instance, he is close to the mark.  (Hint: I never really grew up.)

So check out somebody else's daydreams today. Buy a book. If not mine, buy someone else's book. Then start reading it. It's good for your brain. :-)

An Interview

Twelve years ago one of my daughter's friends asked if he could conduct an interview with me about romance books--my favorite topic. He recorded the session, posted it online, and I forgot about it. Yesterday, I stumbled upon the interview, surprised it was still there.

If you listen to it at the link below, you'll hear my views on romance books. You can disagree with me if you like. :-)

http://www.disiterate.com/archive/art/newwork/rinterview/rinterview.htm#

I Finished the JeRoWriMo Challenge

Last night, I soared over the finish line, typing past the 30,000 word mark in my current work-in-progress.  I didn't get to the end of the story--and I still haven't decided upon the title for this book, but logging in 30,000 words during the month of February was a daunting task.

Nevertheless, I had fun. This is the third time I've tried the challenge. I finished PATRIOT'S HEART and PATRIOT'S PRIDE with the challenges in 2013 and 2014. Nancy Herkness is the head cheerleader and truly encourages everyone in our group.

The idea with a challenge like this is to silence the inner editor--that annoying part of the brain that wants to quibble over syntax. My book is a rough draft--and I know it. It will need to be revised, but it's hard to fix an empty page of paper.

Many people avail themselves of NaNoWriMo challenge in November--a 50,000 word challenge. I've never tried it because November is a busy month with Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations.  I find February fits in better with my schedule. Not only that, but since I am a member of the New Jersey Romance Writers, I know all the other members in the group.

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but with a challenge like JeRoWriMo it doesn't feel that way.

My Worn Out Thesaurus

This is my favorite thesaurus. I think you can tell. I should get a new one, but I've grown used to this one. I taped the cover together many years ago, but it's getting to the point where the pages are starting to disintegrate. :-(

I've been using it a lot frequently since I'm still busy with JeRoWriMo. So far this month, I've written 27,518 words. I'm always looking for a better word and my thesaurus is at my side with plenty of suggestions.

Do you have a favorite thesaurus. Which one? I think I should go to the bookstore soon.

News Flash

Some of the books I've written have sex scenes in them. Some don't. In the ones labeled as Christian romances, which are all my Awe-Struck books, there are kisses and hugs but nothing further. There's also an element of faith. My Prism Book Group sweet romance, Daddy Wanted,  and historical, Patriot's Heart, also have kisses and hugs, but nothing further. 

My paranormals all have sex scenes. The reader goes into the bedroom right along with the protagonists. In real life and in fiction, sex is powerful. It can really mess things up emotionally for the characters. It ratchets up the tension since the characters have more to lose.  

However, all my books are romances, which means readers are guaranteed a happy every after ending. But readers do have a choice as to how much heat they prefer in a romance. If you're not sure about a book, check https://www.allromanceebooks.com. They have a heat level indicator for every book, represented by flames. :-)

For a quick guide to the heat levels in romance, check out https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/4776761-romance-heat-level-ratings-sweet-spicy-and-hot

Gulls and Winter Sun

I took this photo in February. It's one of my lucky shots. The quote by William F. Claire seemed perfect for the picture. Sometimes, life is like that. You find two beautiful things that go together and it's wonderful.

Have you found two beautiful things that go together?

I Use Hootsuite

This is a screenshot of some of the tweets I have scheduled to send out on Hootsuite. I'm helping to promote one of my publisher's new releases. Hootsuite is a valuable time-saver when it comes to posting on social media sites. Not only can you can schedule postings, but you can schedule them on several different sites. It saves time and makes posting much simpler.

You can also receive immediate feedback--as long as you shorten links with Hootsuite's link shortener. I have a free account, which limits me in posting to three social media sites, but that's good enough for me.

You can pay for lessons at Hootsuite's University, or you can go online to find out how to use the site. My favorite place to look for help--on ANY topic--is YouTube. Go there now, type Hootsuite into the search box and you'll see what I mean. :-)

Then sign up. If you've got something to say, this is the way to do it.

The Beach in the Wintertime

I love the beach. I love it in all seasons of the year--although sometimes even the beach is too hot in the summertime. And too crowded.

Since the temperature hovered near forty degrees on Saturday. I went to the beach. The photo above is on the bay side of Sandy Hook, looking toward what's known as Skeleton Hill Island. I wanted to see the harbor seals who spend the winter on that sandbar. There's no way to get close to the seals. They are protected by law, but they are also rather smart and stay on their little sandbar while people stand on the shore and use binoculars to gawk at the seals.

However, I also needed a nice walk. I signed up for JeRoWriMo, the New Jersey Romance Writers' writing challenge this month. I've finished the first week of the challenge with a respectable amount of words toward the goal of 30,000 for the month.

But I needed to clear my head, get some fresh air, and exercise. So I did--at the beach. It was beautiful!

Guest Post: ACCEPT THIS DANDELION by Brooke Williams

I am pleased to present another guest author from the Prism Book Group on my blog today! Her book is awesome. :-) Read all about it below.

Accept This Dandelion

By Brooke Williams

Release Date: February 4, 2015 from Prism Book Group

Genre: Romance/Comedy

ASIN: B00R54MUXY

Order digital and paperback copies HERE

Renee Lockhart has her eye on a lofty goal…to fill the open position of morning radio show host at the radio station where she works.  When her co-workers sign her up for a local TV version of “the Bachelor,” Renee goes along with it in order to raise her public profile.  Ben McConnell, the most eligible bachelor in town, insists that Renee be placed on the show, despite her bumbling audition.  Ben gets much more than he expected in Renee.  He gets a girl who doesn’t bow to his every whim…and a girl who opens his eyes to true, unexpected love. When nothing goes right on the local program called "Accept this Dandelion"...hilarity ensues. Imagine your worst possible dates happening...on TV!

Add “Accept this Dandelion” to your Goodreads list HERE

About the Author



Brooke Williams writes in a sleep-deprived state while her daughters nap. Her romantic comedy is best read in the same state. Brooke has twelve years of radio in her background, both behind the scenes and on the air. She was also a television traffic reporter for a short time despite the fact that she could care less about hair and make-up. Today, Brooke stays at home with her daughters and works as a freelance writer for a variety of companies. When she isn’t working for paying clients, she makes things up, which results in books like “Accept this Dandelion.”  Brooke is also the author of “Wrong Place, Right Time,” “Someone Always Loved You,” and “Beyond the Bars.” And she looks forward to the upcoming released of “Mamarazzi” and “Baby Sheep Gets a Haircut.” Brooke and her husband Sean have been married since 2002 and have two beautiful daughters, Kaelyn (5) and Sadie (nearly 2).

Connect with Brooke:

Facebook

Website

Blog

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Praise for Accept this Dandelion

"This book is adorable. I had to sneak away from my desk to read the rest of it once I started. It had my smiling and laughing the whole way through."

-Sarah, Advanced Reader Copy Review

What could possibly evolve from such a strange attraction? That's the meat of Accept this Dandelion, purportedly a romance, but in essence so much more. Acceptance is, indeed, at the heart of Accept this Dandelion: acceptance of self, others, and the paths life offers up, whether for good or bad.

-D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer, MBR


-->

EXCERPT:

Renee leaned way over in her chair, throwing her arm up beside her for dramatic effect. She had the perfect line to close her short ad, but instead of delivering it, she flung one of the flickering candles to the floor with a loud crash.

“Fire!” she screamed as she realized the flame had not extinguished, but rather had transferred itself to the hem of her dress.

Before Renee could stop drop and roll, Ben leapt from his chair and threw himself across the small space separating them. The pressure of his body against her leg put out the fire instantly, but it also toppled her chair over, leaving them in a heap on the concrete.

Renee found herself on her side with Ben’s breath on her cheek. She slowly turned her head, though what she really wanted to do was push him away and run out of the studio as fast as possible.

“That was quite a commercial.” Ben didn’t make a move to rise. “Are you okay?”

Renee wasn’t sure how the dress looked, but there were no burning sensations on her leg. There was a twinge in the pit of her stomach. She nodded. “I’m okay.” She met his eyes and allowed herself a few beats to study him closely. He was handsome. And now, he was even a hero. Though he wouldn’t have had to save her from burning flames had she not set herself on fire.

Ben deftly got to his feet and pulled Renee from her chair as the producer rushed over and the camera operators stood by, panning down to capture Renee’s smoldering dress.

“Hey, Renee,” Ben whispered into her ear, “next time there’s fire between us, I’m not going to put it out.”

The Importance of Trivia

How far away is the horizon? In my current WIP, the hero knows the answer. Since I'm writing his dialogue, I needed the answer. I found it online, which is where I find a great many odd bits of trivia nowadays. Nevertheless, not everything online is the truth. I always check several references before I believe the answer is correct.

If my hero is six feet tall--and the weather is clear--he should be able to see almost three miles to the horizon. If he's in a tower, he can see further than that, which is a good thing for the story. :-)

I have a passion for minutiae. Once, before our family had the internet, we appreciated playing the game of Trivial Pursuit. With quite a number of people at our house one evening, we gathered into teams to play. My team won because I picked the best team: my father, who had a career in journalism, my mother who was an artist but also read gossip tabloids, and me--the collector of an assortment of unrelated facts.

I think research is fun though I know it's dangerous to go on a fact-finding mission when writing a rough draft. I could delve into my inquiry and never come up for air. I've found it better to have a general idea of what facts I need before I start writing in addition to keeping several references at hand that can be quickly checked if needed.

For me as a writer, trivia is important because the story is in the details.

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Penelope's Amazon Author Page

Penelope's Books at Barnes & Noble

Excerpt from The Beast of Blackbirch Manor

Cursed by a witch as a boy, Tadeusz suffers the torment of being a 'beast' man. Unless he finds a woman who will love him, he will become a wolf on his thirty-third birthday. When he meets the woman he has married by proxy, he knows he is doomed. Victoria is beautiful--and horrified to discover she has married a monster. 

THE BEAST OF BLACKBIRCH MANOR is one of my most popular books. There are two covers for the book. The one above is the original cover, which you can still see at Barnes & Noble. It is apparently the more popular cover, judging from the sales of the book. However, the title is catchy, too. Apparently, there are those who like hairy men--or perhaps stories about hairy men.  I got the idea for the book when I read an article on a disease that causes some people to become abnormally hairy. You can read about it at http://www.livescience.com/14430-werewolf-disorder-gene-discovered-excess-hair.html But...this is a romance. It's my own version of Beauty and the Beast, which is also a popular plot. Enjoy the excerpt below!
Then she heard it again. A wolf? But there were no wolves here anymore. Perhaps a wild dog? Perhaps a pack of wild dogs. She reached for the whip as her heart raced. Is this how Paul had died? Attacked and ripped to pieces?

In a panic and with her pulse racing, she tried to get the mare to move, but the stubborn animal stood as still as if it was made of bronze--except for the flick of its ears this way and that. Muscles tensed, ready to bolt if danger threatened, it continued to eye that luscious grass in the ditch. A howl echoed along the hills and Victoria’s blood turned cold. She froze and stopped struggling with the horse. She held her breath and listened. Even the birds had stopped twittering. Then she saw it. A lone wolf moving stealthily down the hillside to her right.

Gulping back her panic, she flicked the whip on the mare’s flank. The mare shied to the left, but did not step ahead. The wolf stopped moving, he crouched, ready to lunge from above.

“You stupid horse!” Victoria yelled. She could feel the icy sweat on her brow. She hit the horse with the whip as hard as she could. Once. Twice. She stood up and hit the horse a third time so violently the horse screamed, reared up and then took off as if the very devil was after her--which was what Victoria had hoped for, but she was unprepared for the jolt as the buggy lurched forward.

The force knocked her backward and onto the floor of the buggy. The reins slipped from her fingers. She had to use all her strength to hang on as the crazed mare galloped down the sloping hill. The reins trailed along on the ground. She could never grab them. She prayed that the horse would not crash the buggy into the trees, or into another vehicle--or worst of all, go over the side of the hill.

The scenery flew by as the mare raced along and Victoria’s head spun. Jostled violently on the hard wooden floor, she gritted her teeth as the vehicle bounced into every rut in the road, she considered jumping out, but the possibility that she would break a bone--or a few of them--kept her where she was. Also, the fact that there was a wolf out there.

How fast could a wolf run? Was he right behind the buggy?

She heard a shout. And another. She struggled to see who was calling out, but with the wild rocking of the buggy, she could barely focus.

The buggy slowed--and then stopped. Weak and dizzy, Victoria clutched at the whip in her hand. Would she be able to scare the wolf away with it if he came at her?

She crawled from beneath the seat. Her stomach heaved and she clamped her hand over her mouth. She would not be sick.

She narrowed her eyes to focus them and saw the Beast sitting astride his great black horse. He held the reins to the buggy in his gloved hands.

“You dropped these?” His contemptuous tone did not surprise her though the rather sulfuric shade of yellow tingeing his aura did. She suspected by the set of his square jaw that a prudent move would be to duck for cover. After all, she had disobeyed his edict--and her little excursion could have ended very badly. Still, she was truly glad to see him. She glanced around, but did not see the wolf.

Despite the throbbing of her bruises, she pulled herself up onto the seat, straightened out her dress, and dusted herself off. “A wolf appeared on the hillside and the mare bolted in fright.” Actually, the dim-witted mare probably would have been the wolf’s dinner. Victoria gulped. And she would have been the wolf’s dessert. However, she decided not to discuss that.

The Beast’s expression clouded over and a savage glint came into his eyes. Her heart began to race. “There are no wolves here.”

“I saw it.” She glared back at him. “And I heard it, too.”

“I told you not to leave the estate.”

She met his fierce look without flinching and lied. “I needed some new ribbons.”

He swore.  At least, she thought he did--she could not tell because the words were in his own harsh language.

A tremor went through her even though she fought to squelch it. Yes, it had been a very close call. Nevertheless, she had her pride. “I am not hurt, and neither is your mare.”

He dismounted and tied the reins of his horse to a sturdy bush. Without any more discussion, he examined the mare and then unhitched her from the buggy. He walked over to the side of the buggy and frowned. Victoria leaned over the side of the buggy and swallowed hard when she saw what had happened to the back wheel. If she had gone on much further, the wheel would undoubtedly have come off.

She felt the blood drain from her face as the Beast lifted his gaze to hers. The sulfuric color of his aura had shifted to a shade of orange. What did the fiery color indicate?

“You will ride on Smialek with me. The mare will follow.” It was an order.

He reached up to take her from the buggy. She winced as his hand pressed against her bruised skin.

“You are hurt!”

“No. It is nothing. Only a bruise.”

His lips pressed into a grim line. He swept her into his arms and carried her to his great black horse. With her heart thundering in her chest, she could not control the trembling of her body. But when the Beast mounted the horse and she leaned back against him a sense of calm came over her. She closed her eyes. She was safe. For now. ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ Publisher's Link: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/products/beast-of-blackbirch-manor-the
Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B006G3NC1Y
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beast-of-blackbirch-manor-the-penelope-marzec/1117736935?ean=2940000120675

Make Oatmeal Muffins for Your Brain

My mother always told me that fish was brain food. I suspected she said that because I hated fish when I was a kid. Of course, now I love to eat fish. However, according to several websites on the internet, oatmeal is brain food. (http://brainathlete.com/oatmeal-good-brain/) So last night, when I was feeling hungry and my plot was stuck in limbo, I decided to get out one of my favorite cookbooks, The New York Times Heritage Cookbook, where there's a recipe for "Float Away Oatmeal Muffins."

I made the muffins. They are incredibly light and fluffy. I ate one. Then I decided to spend the rest of the evening reading someone else's book, which was great fun. This morning I ate two muffins. I am anticipating a gigantic creative surge at any moment. :-)

Float Away Oatmeal Muffins

1 cup quick-cooking (dry) oatmeal
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted shortening (I used butter.)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the oatmeal in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over oatmeal. Let stand while sifting together    
    the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
3. Beat the egg into the oatmeal mixture. Beat in the brown sugar. Stir in the sifted dry ingredients
    and then the shortening.
4. Pour into a greased muffin tin and bake about eighteen minutes. (Watch carefully. They bake
    quickly.) Serve warm.

Yield: One dozen.

Today's Special Guest: Julie B. Cosgrove

Today I am happy to introduce author, freelance writer and professional speaker, Julie B Cosgrove. She writes for several inspirational publications and websites, as well as leading workshops and retreats. 

Julie’s novels are for today’s women about today’s women—each facing and conquering their dilemmas despite the odds. Her characters are strong, determined, and face danger head on with a prayer and a deep, cleansing breath.

Follow her inspirational blog Where Did You Find God Today or visit her website at www.juliebcosgrove..com  to preview any of her books or book her to speak to your group.

Her latest release from Prism Book Group is an exciting tale you won't want to miss! 

SECOND NOVEL IN THE HUSH IN THE STORM SAGA

LEGITIMATE LIES

 A Contemporary Suspense Romance

Jen has a new identity and life, until someone discovers her secret. However, that’s not the one which may destroy her one chance of happiness. When she unravels the family scandal within the walls of an English country manor, will she have to reveal the truth she’s hidden for so long as well?  Or will she choose to live the lie in order to keep the man she loves?

Order on Amazon.com in paperback or Kindle

Or through Prism Book Group using the links below.

http://amzn.to/1AbN1PN

http://www.prismbookgroup.com/LegitimateLies.html

http://www.juliebcosgrove.com/legitimate_lies.html

Living Happily Ever After

Sometimes it's difficult to maintain a positive outlook when there's a crisis going on. When my father had his stroke, I was worried, frightened, and depressed.

However, Dad seems to be adept in any situation at finding some little nugget of happiness lurking about. He has taught me that happiness is a choice.

A few days ago, with the help of my daughters, Dad got a new wheelchair. He decided to give it a nickname because when he was in World War II, airplanes and Jeeps were all given nicknames. He dubbed the wheelchair The Jersey Bounce.  Dad found a picture of a weapons carrier online similar to one he drove during the war. I made up a sign with the photo, laminated the sign, and attached it to the wheelchair. Then Dad wanted me to affix a little American flag to the handle. It was funny and it made me smile.

The wheelchair is not a Harley, but it's all tricked out--at least in comparison to some other wheelchairs.

Dad's life situation has changed, but he's living happily ever after. It's all about attitude.

Solve Plot Problems and Writers' Block With Laundry

That's my mother taking clothes off the line and folding them. That's the way it was done in the old days. As a youngster, I hung clothes on the line, brought them in, folded them, and put them away. It was a rather dreadful chore in the wintertime when the clothes would freeze solid--and so would my fingers.

Now most people use clothes dryers, but all the clothing still needs to be folded and put away, which for a writer isn't a bad thing. I find  this chore to be one of the best ways for me to solve plot problems and breeze through writer's block. I don't know why it works for me, but it does. The repetitious task allows my mind to wander and suddenly everything becomes quite clear.

I'm not the only one who finds it helpful. Type in "folding laundry, writers' block" on Google. You'll find many others who rely on this particular activity when they're writing.

Sometimes, driving in the car to a familiar destination works for me as well.

How about you? Can you solve a plot problem with housework or some other menial task?

The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award!

Sharon McGregor invited me to join Sisterhood of The World Bloggers. I am honored to be in such great company! Thank you, Sharon. 

To be a member of the esteemed sisters, I had to answer a bunch of questions. Some of them were tough! 

If you could go back in your life and change one decision you made, what would it be?

I would not have taken my younger sister skiing at Elk Mountain. I thought I was doing something nice for her. However, she fell and broke her femur. Neither of us ever went skiing again. :-(

What is the most intriguing book you have ever read?

I've read plenty of intriguing books--both fiction and non-fiction. The last one was Revolutionary Medicine 1700-1800 (The Illustrated Living History) by C. Keith Wilbur. I was reading it for research and found it fascinating, though nobody else in my family could bear to look at the illustrations in the book. 

If you could pick one word to describe yourself  or your significant other what would it be? 

Reliable. That sounds rather boring but it's good. 

If you could time travel, what period  of history would you choose and why?

I'd enjoy going backward to the Victorian era--briefly. I doubt that I'd enjoy wearing long skirts and corsets, but I know I'd enjoy listening to people and their stories. It would be interesting to hear how our language has changed since then, too. 

Did you have a role model growing up and if so, what effect did he/she have on your life?

My role model was my mother--and her sister as well. Both were talented, creative women with strong opinions, but they were also good listeners. Their way was the right way, of course, but they could make you understand why. :-)

If you could plan a dream vacation, one that may seem out of reach, where would you go?

I'd like to visit Ireland and see the town my great-grandmother left. My uncle visited there many years ago. It was supposed to be a farm, but my uncle said they must have been growing rocks because that's what he saw there.

If you could choose any profession to follow, what would it be?

Perhaps it would have been interesting to be a scientist and make some wonderful discovery about the world.

Pick a card, any card-greeting card that is. What is your favourite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Easter. With spring in the air and flowers starting to bloom after a long winter, it is truly a joyful time. I like dying eggs, too. :-)

What is your favourite pet? Dog or cat? Gerbil or snake? Horse or hamster? Or none at all?

My family had dogs when we were growing up and I think dogs are wonderful pets, but they need a lot of care. For a while, my youngest daughter had guinea pigs. The sweet, little animals are great. They don't involve as much care as a dog, but they are fun and adorable. 

What one thing would you like to see happen in 2015?

I would love to see a peaceful world in 2015. I'd be very happy if there were no major storms either. No hurricanes, no tornados, no ice storms, etc. Rain is fine. Some snow, but not a blizzard.