NASCAR for the Uninitiated by Aileen Fish

In recent months, a young Reddit fan happened to mention how well a driver named Josh Wise was doing for his under-sponsored single-car team owned by Phil Parsons Pacing. As he and other forum members got to talking, the question of “What if…” arose. The next thing they knew, they’d collected enough Dogecoin donations, the peer-to-peer currency created for Internet use, to sponsor Josh Wise for a race.

They didn’t stop there. Voting opened for the annual All-Star race opened, and they went to work voting Josh Wise into the race. Apparently, he won by a landslide, which is pretty major considering the usual fan favorites of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Danica Patrick were on the ballot.

All this Internet activity has brought new fans to NASCAR, so you or one of your loved ones might have begun watching races recently. You might not be feeling you understand all the rules, which is okay, because the rules change each year in small ways, leaving a lot of us scratching our heads or calling into radio shows to get answers. You probably recognize the basics: a field of up to 43 drivers competes on oval tracks or road courses to win the race. Unlike European auto racing, we only celebrate one winner, not the podium of three. In NASCAR terms, second place is “first loser”.

NASCAR has three major levels, plus a handful of regional ones, but most of the time if you hear someone talking about a race or a driver, they are referring to one in the Sprint Cup series, sponsored by Sprint. The second tier is currently the Nationwide Series, but sponsor Nationwide Insurance is stepping back next year, so we’ll be fumbling over the name for many months. Then there is my personal favorite – the Camping World Truck Series. Yes, that’s right, they race pickup trucks! How cool is that? Okay, I imagine it’s more cool to country-at-heart gals like me who think trucks are best. Given that these races are only televised on sports channels like SPEED and FoxSports1, it’s obviously not the fan favorite. But the racing is just as wild and dirty, the finishes often just as close as the upper tiers.

{Kenny Wallace gets fuel & tires at Gateway, 2006.}

Having three levels that often race on a single weekend leads to what they call “the sweep”. A single driver winning in all series on a weekend is said to have swept the weekend. You can sweep a two-race weekend, also, but it’s obviously not as hard to do. Kyle Busch has swept the most three-race weekends, having done so at nine different tracks.

In a similar vein, you have “the Double”, which refers to racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina on Memorial Day weekend. Since this involves racing an open-wheel Indycar and a stock car, not many drivers have been able to pull this off. A few drivers in recent years who came to NASCAR after driving open wheel cars, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and John Andretti, gave it a shot, and this year Kurt Busch, who’s never raced in Indycar prior to the 500, did remarkably well for a rookie. The combined races cover 1100 miles, although crashes and engine failure have meant that only Tony Stewart has completed all 1100 miles on a single day.

You might have heard discussions of the Chase. A few years back, NASCAR bosses decided they needed a playoff system similar to ball and stick-and-ball sports, to build fan excitement at the end of the season. They developed a system where driver’s points would be adjusted for the final ten races in the season, giving only the top group a chance to possibly win the championship cup. This number has changed each year, causing fan confusion.

The current Chase will have sixteen drivers eligible to win the cup. Once the Chase begins, all drivers continue to race, but those sixteen will be regrouped in point standings, having two-thousand points plus five points for each win during the season. After the third race in the Chase, only twelve drivers are still eligible. After the sixth, it drops to eight drivers, then four are eligible in the final race for the Sprint Cup Championship.

That’s what’s new: four drivers go into the final race with a chance to win the championship. In past years, there has been either a sweep, where one driver was guaranteed to take the cup by entering the race, or one or two other drivers might have had a shot at it. This year, the highest finishing driver of those top four will win the championship.

There’s one more term you might hear during a race, the lucky dog. That’s the nickname for the first driver not on the lead lap at the time a caution flag is waved. That driver is given a lap back, or allowed to circle the field under the yellow flag and either be back on the lead lap or be one fewer lap down. Originally, drivers who were off pace would race each other to get to the line first to be allowed to earn that lap back. This led to some near-misses when they approached a crashed car or the safety crew attending to a crash. Now, the car positions are frozen when the caution comes out, and positions are determined by the transponders around the track, going to the last marked spot for each car. The driver who was the last to have been lapped, or re-lapped if he’s more than one car down, gets his lap back.

You might have noticed I said “he” gets his lap back. That’s the editorial he, as I’m sure you’re aware there are women racing in NASCAR these days. Danica Patrick is the only one with a fulltime ride in the Cup series at the moment, but Johanna Long, Maryeve Dufault, and Jennifer Jo Cobb are regulars in the Nationwide and Camping World series this year. For the record, Jennifer Jo currently is the highest ranked in points across female drivers in the three series, being thirteenth in the trucks.

There is so much more to say, but this is too long as it is. The best way to learn more is to go to NASCAR.com and look around. The forums there will have a lot of answers. To stay on top of news, follow your favorite drivers on Twitter, or search #NASCAR. You can also follow the reporters and TV commentators, or fans like Alyssa Milano or the Orange Cone. Yes, that poor orange cone that marked the entrance to pit lane has its own Twitter account! And he’s really pretty funny. If you don’t care for watching racing but feel the need to support your guy, following someone like the Cone will make the race a lot more fun.

Do you enjoy watching auto racing, or have a significant other who does? Who’s your driver to root for? Have you attended a race in person? Having a driver to root for, or having experienced the excitement of an in-person race makes it all that much more fun.

Aileen Fish, author of The Bridgethorpe Brides series and the Small Town Sweethearts series, is an avid quilter and auto racing fan who finds there aren't enough hours in a day/week/lifetime to stay up with her "to do" list. There is always another quilt or story begging to steal away attention from the others. When she has a spare moment she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families, and her fairy princess granddaughter. Stay up to date with book releases at her website http://aileenfish.com or on Facebook. Her latest release, Chasing Lord Mystery, is available at the main ebook sites.

The Little Engine That Could.. A Story of Hope

by Christine Bush

One of my all time favorite children’s  stories is Wally Piper’s The Little Engine That Could.  I work a lot with children, and find it’s a great example of “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

 Every time I share this story, I cheer for the little clown who won’t give up on the quest to get the toys over the mountain to the good little boys and girls on the other side.  He never gives up hope.  I think I can. I think I can.

Persevere.  Keep on truckin’.  Dare to do what you think you cannot do.  The power of positive thinking. Never give up. There’s more than one way to skin a cat (ew!). 

You get the idea.  It’s a good lesson.  But it’s not just a lesson for children.  It’s a good lesson for everyone who has a dream and a goal. It’s especially relevant for writers.

To me, it’s about the power of hope.  That hope keeps me chugging on toward my dreams.

It doesn’t matter how many books I have written. Each time I sit down and face the blank page, the new story, there is a mountain to climb.  Each time the plot takes a twist, or a character just won’t do or say what my original synopsis planned, it’s a challenge to get over that mountain.  Every time that my story gets stalled, because “life” gets in the way, that mountain can seem like Mount Everest.   My little writing engine can get off track with demands from the day job, family responsibility, health issues, or just life events.  I think I can. I think I can.

All of these challenges can seem like those negative engines who came by the little train travelers, and told them why they couldn’t get over the mountain.  I think I can. I think I can.

But the lesson I’ve learned is that there IS a way over the mountain, a way to fulfill our dreams and to tell our stories.  Our characters in our romances also exemplify this hope, overcoming their conflicts and differences and embracing love.

The trick is to keep trying until we find the way that works.  And to never give up hope.

What helps you get your “train” over the mountain?  How to you keep rooted in hope when it comes to your dreams?

Christine Bush is the award winning author of many books and novellas of sweet romance and light mystery. She also writes Middle Grade Fiction. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working with clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or teaching Psychology at a local college.  She lives with her family and two crazy cats in northeastern Pennsylvania, and loves to hear from readers and aspiring writers.

Her latest book “Cindy’s Prince” can be found at  http://www.amazon.com/Cindys-Prince-Christine-Bush-ebook/dp/B00IFSRVJ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1393781746&sr=1-1&keywords=christine+bush+cindy%27s+prince

www.ChristineBush.com

Making Old Things New by Merrillee Whren

To piggy back on a recent post by Aileen Fish and Melinda Curtis, I'm going to give you a peek at my remodeling project. Unlike Aileen and Melinda, I am not a do-it-yourself person when it comes to major renovations. A year ago, I was in the middle of this mess.

The photo shows my kitchen minus the cabinets, appliances and tile. We lived that way for over two months. Thankfully, my daughter lives nearby and had us over for dinner many nights. Below you can see parts of the original kitchen layout.

 We hired someone to paint the walls after we decided we didn't want to be up on tall ladders. Here is one area that was painted.

Next we had the same people who tore out the tile install the hardwood floors. Here is the work in progress.

Then the cabinetmakers installed the cabinets minus the doors. The doors were supposed to be installed after the granite counter tops to avoid having the granite installers scuff the doors. As it turned out, a miscommunication had them all there on the same day. Thankfully, the installation went forward without any problems. Below is a photo of the cabinets without doors.

Here is a final look at the kitchen.

Whether you do it yourself or hire it done. Remodeling isn't for the faint of heart. We not only remodeled the kitchen, but we did three bathrooms, too. We are now enjoying our new kitchen and baths. The do-it-yourself portion of this project, painting the laundry room, is still yet to be done. I have it scheduled for when I finish my current three-book contract. The writing comes before the painting.

In my latest book, A Place to Call Home, my heroine is in the middle of a remodeling project although her kitchen is already done. Have you engaged in a big remodeling project?

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is married to her own personal hero and makes her home in the Arizona desert. When she’s not writing or working for her husband’s recruiting firm, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels.

5 Secrets To Happiness by Donna Fasano

Okay, so maybe I don’t have any secrets to reveal, but you have to admit that, for a second there, you were REALLY excited when you read that title. Through the ages, many experts have tried to dissect and explain the psychology of happiness. What makes that almost impossible is the fact that each of us ‘get happy’ for different reasons. I practice what I call Donna’s Delightful Doctrine. (Okay, you caught me. I just made that up. But it sounds pretty fun, so I’m going with it.) Here are my 5 secrets to living a happy life.

Enjoy the one you’re with – Let’s face it, a big part of our happiness comes from the people around us. We feel happy when we’re loved and supported, and our happiness only grows when we express our love and support for others. Even though you might have been hurt in the past, don’t let that keep you from opening your heart. Seek out those people who are deserving of your time and attention, and cherish them. And when it comes to marriage, find someone worthy of your love and hang on tight.

Accept what you have – Most of the happy people I know feel blessed with the things they’ve acquired. They strive toward realistic goals. Unhappy people always seem to be hankering after something that’s completely out of their reach. I’m not saying you shouldn’t dream big; ambition is healthy. I’m just saying you shouldn’t compare yourself with anyone else. Enjoy your own achievements and successes.

Think positively – I have read that it takes more energy to frown than it does to laugh. It probably sounds silly and simplistic for me to tell you to adopt a glass-half-full attitude, but science has shown that happy people are optimistic people. Smile. Say something nice. Think something nice. Positive thinking is a natural defense mechanism against depression.

Enjoy what you do – Happy people do what they love and love what they do. For the last 25 years, I have had the pleasure of writing upbeat, happily-ever-after romance novels. We have to spend a huge chuck of our lives working for a living. The happiest and healthiest people find work that allows them to do something they enjoy.

Focus on today – Don’t dwell on mistakes or failures of the past, and don’t spend too much time fantasizing about tomorrow. Be fully present. Right here. Right now. Suck every drop of life out of this very moment by finding the purpose and meaning in…well, this very moment.

In the end, your level of happiness may come down to how you define that nebulous term. But I am absolutely ecstatic that I have a Pollyanna personality, and I suggest you do all that you can to adopt one for yourself. Choosing happiness is the way to go. You don’t have to take my word for it. Studies have shown that being happy will add more life to your years and more years to your life.

~ ~ ~ ~

Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author whose books have sold nearly 4 million copies worldwide. Her latest book, PRAYER OF QUIET, is available at Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Learn more about Donna by visiting her blog, and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Prayer of Quiet is her first work of non-fiction.

Being the Heroes of Our Own Stories by Patricia Forsythe

            With Father’s Day coming up, I’m thinking about my dad, Raymond Forsythe, just as I was thinking about my mom last month before Mother’s Day.  He was born in rural Oklahoma in 1918, lost his father to the lingering effects of influenza a few years later, and grew up during the Depression.  Times were hard but, for him, they became even harder when his mother remarried, to a man who had very little interest in work of any kind, except that of running an illegal still, and whose only asset was his looks – there are some in the family who would argue whether he even had that attribute. 

            Although I don’t know much about what transpired to make my dad leave Oklahoma, I know that by the early 1930’s, he came to Arizona where his two older sisters lived with their husbands and he made the acquaintance of his newest brother-in-law, Harlon Green.  To the end of his life, my dad described Harlon as ‘the first good man I was ever around’.  Ironically, Harlon had also been raised by a worthless stepfather who drank, gambled, and couldn’t hold a job, but Harlon had decided at an early age that he wasn’t going to be like that.  He was going to be a good man and my dad followed his example.  They both succeeded.

 

            My dad was never without steady employment, and probably because he wasn’t well-educated, education was important to him.  Years before he met my mother, he bought a piece of land which he planned to sell when his kids were ready for college, and that’s exactly what he did.  He treated people well, was friendly, and a big tease.  He was quick and witty and made friends easily.

            So here is what I think.  I think people choose their path in life, that the old cliché is true - ‘What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’ but either way, it’s our choice.  People who choose to follow a good path are heroes of their own stories, and those who don’t are their own villains.  As a writer, I like to create characters who overcome obstacles and make their own decisions for the best because doing so makes them heroes – like my dad and my uncle.

Patricia Forsythe is the author of many romance novels, both print and ebooks and is always working on more.  Most of them take place in the quirky little town of Lucky Break, Arizona.  You can visit her at patriciaforsythebooks.com.

In Honor of Fathers by Melinda Curtis

Father's Day is this weekend. Dads are special, aren't they? They usually know which tool to use for the job. They can usually start up that lawn mower with ease. And they happily sit eating sunflower seeds while watching kids play sports, helping build bird houses at scouts, telling kids not to poke their fingers in light sockets (which they, of course, immediately do). Dads deserve a day of honor.

When my kids were younger, they'd ask their dad what he wanted for Father's Day. You could bet it was one of two things - either a movie or a round of golf. Being the good mama I am, I made sure he taught all three kids how to golf (so they could go along and spend time together). Golf is one thing I never did learn, despite my many invitations to do so...ahem.

So, here comes Father's Day. Yep, it's that time of year again.

I've always wondered who decided this U.S. holiday should be in June. Why? Because summer is the time for gardening, for house maintenance, for driving to see my in-laws, and...OK, maybe those happen year round.  As a wife and mother (and being a practical wife and mother), I'd rather see Father's Day mid-winter.  Perhaps during Superbowl weekend or the first Sunday in January. Anytime when I'm not feeling as if there's a list of things to be done around the house. Weekends are only two days, people. Maybe Father's Day should be during the week. Wednesday works for me.

Now, it may sound as if I resent Mr. Curtis having his day in the sun. I don't. I just wish it came at my convenience. But I won't complain. I'll give my man his special day. Our kids are all away at college, so his celebration falls on me. I will give him all the honor he's due. It'll be his day. We can do anything he wants.

Hhmmm. What will it be this year, honey? Golf or the movies?

LOL. I hope you enjoyed my light take on Father's Day. I'd love to hear what special celebration you have planned in honor of the dads in your life.

Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet romances for the Harlequin Heartwarming line. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”.  Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood's Golden Age except a lot hotter.”  Melinda is married to her college sweetheart, and has three kids in college.  She follows the NFL because one young quarterback is from her hometown, and follows Duke basketball because Mr. Curtis has a man crush on Coach K.  Her latest release, Season of Change, is the 3rd book in her popular Harmony Valley series and features a dad and his twin girls.

Kicking Off a Colorful Summer with Shaleen Kapil

Last year, I marked the end of summer with a special day for my children: they could stay in their pajamas all day and watch as much TV and movies as they wanted. (This is big—screen time is extremely limited in my house.) It was such a hit, that we have decided to make it a yearly event (provided they keep up with chores, etc., during the summer).

Now, I decided to do something to mark the beginning of summer: tie-dye. We just finished tie dying shirts to wear this summer. What do you think of our first attempt?

I used the One-Step Tie Dye kits from the craft store. They were easy to use, but I’ve got a few tips that might help yours turn out better than mine!

1.     Use zip ties or make the rubber bands really, really tight. Our rubber bands kept breaking when we made them tight, so the ones that we ended up using were too loose to keep the colors from seeping underneath the rubber bands. Therefore, we had little white left on our shirts.

2.     Do not put purple and yellow close together. The result was muddy (aka UGLY)

3.     Make sure you rinse the shirts until the water runs clear before washing. My friend skipped this step, and the colors all ran.

4.     Use a cup of vinegar on the rinse cycle before you wash the shirts with soap. This will help set the colors and keep them bright.

5.     Buy some iron-on girly decals to dress them up! We did.

If you start your summer with tie-dye, I’d love to see the results!

Shaleen is getting ready to publish her first sweet romance and a series of chapter books for children. You can follow find her at her author site, Shaleen Kapil, or at her health blog, HaveMatWillTri.