What A Year!

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!!!
(Happy New Year!!!)

I have been very blessed this year, and I hope you have lots to be thankful for as well.

I will have a special place in my heart for 2011 as it was the year I was offered my first book contract! And it's a three book series! Book One, Pineapples in Peril of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club will hopefully release in the fall of 2012. The publisher doesn't have an exact date yet, but as soon as I know, I will post it on my website and in my blog.

My oldest son finally got a good, steady job this year after being unemployed and bouncing around in several seasonal positions. My youngest son also found a part-time job which allows him to pursue his artwork. He's hoping to be an artist for graphic novels.

My daughter and her husband moved in with us after three years at Penn State. He graduated 3rd in his class from law school and is now actively looking for a job with a firm in Portland.

I am so thankful to have all my kids nearby and that they are such wonderful kids!

During this past year I've been blessed to pray for many, many friends and peers who have been struggling with many difficulties. What an honor to pray with and for them.

Another major blessing--YOU!! All my readers have made my blog-writing this year a fun experience. Mahalo! I will continue to bring you interviews, recipes, and some fascinating history and culture of Hawaii twice a week again this year.

How have you been blessed in 2011 and what are your hopes for 2012?

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Recipes????

Did You Miss A Recipe???

No problem! Just click here to go to my Recipe Page.

You'll find every recipe I've posted in 2010 and 2011 listed in alphabetical order. Click on one and you'll go to the original post with all the information you need.

And, since we're nearly to 2012, I plan to post more wonderful recipes and do some more interviews with people who have grown up or lived in Hawaii or who live there now. Is that YOU??? E-mail me if you'd like to be the star of one of my blog posts!

Even if you don't want to be interviewed, I'd love to try your Hawaiian recipes.

Here's to more yummy food in 2012!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Mele Kalikimaka!

A Very Merry Hawaiian Christmas to you!

Harrison Instructing Ian & Shane

The Guys Trucking The Huge Tree Out

The Martin Tree 2011

Christmas is a very special time at our house. I hope your Christmas is blessed this year, and your 2012 as well.


Here are some photos of my husband and two sons cutting our Christmas tree--


And the final product in our house!

Mahalo for your support this year!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

A Very Pidgin and Hula Christmas!

I love listening to Pidgin English, especially when is involves the Christmas story. Here is a wonderful video I found. It has a conch shell horn, the Bible story read in pidgin, and a hula danced to Away in the Manger.

Enjoy as you contemplate this season and the birth of God’s son, Jesus.

Merry Christmas, and please keep visiting. My next post will be a delightful Christmas classic done in pidgin!

Mahalo for visiting,

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Polar Bear Plunge!

It’s December and you can download Polar Bear Plunge to your kindle or computer for only $1.00! Don’t wait until January, because, although it will still be available, the price will go up!

Polar Bear Plunge is a great Christmas novella, written by my wonderful mentor and friend, Linda Glaz. Here’s some information about the book and some questions her character, Aleni, answered about Hawaii.

Striving to put meaning back into her life after her husband’s death, Aleni Callan immerses herself in hospital work. Angry with God, she finds herself even angrier, when hero, Brice Taylor, author of The Human Shield, arrives in the Emergency Room with a concussion and hypothermia after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Aleni wants nothing to do with a man who willingly takes chances with his life.

Brice doesn’t understood how God could bring him through being a captive in Iraq, when he failed his troops so miserably. Writing about his escape brings fame he would rather avoid. And by meeting widow, Aleni Callan, his feelings of failure only increase.

Megan Callan with the help of her three-year-old grandson, Ty, scheme to bring Aleni and Brice together. And while the best laid plans often go awry, Megan isn’t one to accept no.

Aleni, have you ever visited Hawaii?

My late husband and I honeymooned there.

What was your favorite part?

Ooohhh, we loved seeing the pineapple fields, and I actually tasted my first fresh pineapple from a field there. Who would have thought?

After the holidays, would you like to visit the islands again?

Oh, sure. Doesn't everyone want to? Maybe I can show Brice the place where my grandfather died.

Oh my! Tell me more.

Gramps died there and I’ve always wanted to see Pearl Harbor, especially after hearing the stories. I guess I'd like for my son to see it also. I don't want him to forget that his grandpa AND his daddy died preserving our way of life in this country.

I bought my copy right away and read it immediately--what a wonderful story of faith, Christmas joy, taking that first step forward, and a bit of romance! Thanks, Linda, for sharing with my readers!

Don’t forget to order (click here:) Polar Bear Plunge for a special Christmas treat—and do it before December ends to get the $1.00 special price!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Savanna’s Gift!

It’s December and you can download Savanna’s Gift onto your kindle or computer for only $1.00! Don’t wait until January, because, although it will still be available, the price will go up!

Camille Eide, the author, is my wonderful critique partner and friend. Here’s a little information about her book and her character, Luke Nelson, Resort Manager, will answer some questions about Hawaii.

Love Christmas Romance? Short on time? Savanna’s Gift by Camille Eide is a novella to put you in the Christmas mood with the glow of twinkly lights, snow, cinnamon, evergreens, and an unexpected second chance at love.

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson.

Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

Luke, have you ever visited Hawaii?

In the spring after Savanna sent me back her engagement ring, I went to Oahu, hoping to put some distance between the ski lodge and me where we’d spent so much time together. The sunsets were amazing and the sparkling clear ocean refreshing. I’d always thought it would be the ideal place to honeymoon since Savanna had never been anywhere but Oregon growing up.

What was your favorite part?

I spent a lot of time walking the beach. I remember the smell—the heady perfume of plumeria. It reminded me of Savanna, so I toured a volcano and steered clear of the beach.

After the holidays, would you like to visit the islands again?

I’d like that, but it’s hard to imagine hot sand and crystal blue water right now, the day before Christmas Eve when we're booked solid and have a lobby full of skiers because the lifts just shut down. We’re in the middle of a bad snowstorm, and I just got report of a snow slide on the highway. Travel to and from the lodge has just come to a standstill. And now, Savanna, my ex-fiancée, has just arrived in the lobby with a curly-haired little girl in tow. Of all the weekends for a slide to trap me at this lodge. Dodging molten lava from an erupting volcano is looking pretty good right now . . .

Thanks, Camille, for sharing with my readers! I just finished reading Savanna's Gift--what a delight! Of course I love that it's based in Oregon, but I also enjoyed the romance, the angst of regret, and the joy of restored relationships.

Don’t forget to order (click here:) Savanna’s Gift for a special Christmas treat—and do it before December ends to get the $1.00 special price!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

December 7 Remembered

Riding up to the Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor Day is coming up on December 7, 2011. This year it’s the 70^th anniversary of the day in 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, which marked the United States’ entry into WWII.

I never visited Pearl Harbor when I lived in Hawaii, but when we went to the islands in 2007, my family toured the museum, watched the video, and rode out to the Arizona memorial.

Part of the Sunken Arizona

It was an amazing experience, well worth the time to visit. But what surprised me the most was how much my kids enjoyed the experience. They were really into all the history.

I recommend you visit if you’re on the island of Oahu.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Mind Over Madi

Author Lynda Schab

Today I am delighted to have author Lynda Schab visit. She is answering some questions about her writing journey and about her book, Mind Over Madi. I even asked Lynda’s character, Madi, a couple questions regarding Hawaii. Enjoy!

What is Mind over Madi about? Tell us a little about the plot.

Madi McCall is a 38-year-old mom of three whose insecurities are destroying her marriage. When she suspects her husband Rich is cheating with the mother of one of his fourth grade students, she kicks him out of the house and he moves in with his bachelor brother. Madi is then forced to take a deeper look at herself and her insecurities. She does this with the help of a counselor, her best friend Sylvie, and a few cartons of Edy’s Dibs. At a 20-year get-together with former high school classmates, Madi runs into “the other woman” and things come to a head. It’s a lighthearted story about taking a true look at ourselves and accepting God’s grace when we think and do dumb things.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters and situations I create.

Least favorite: Definitely the self-discipline it requires. Time management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the night before is my biggest challenge.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. Discipline has never been my biggest strength, but that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”

On the cover photo, “Madi” is wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?

Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess – the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme, even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.

What do you want readers to take away from reading Madi’s story?

An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers our weaknesses, our mistakes, and our ignorance.

These last three questions are for LYNDA’S CHARACTER, MADI:

Madi, have you ever been to Hawaii?

Unfortunately, not yet.

Do you dream of going someday?

I would love to go to Hawaii. In Madily in Love, the second book in the Madi series, my best friend Sylvie tells me she is planning to go to Hawaii for her honeymoon, and I am so jealous. In fact, it's too bad I weigh over 50 pounds, the luggage weight limit. I would definitely hide away in Sylvie's Samsonite.

What attracts you to the islands?

Hello! Pretty much perfect weather, sun-kissed beaches, luaus, romance, and an escape from the chaos and stress of my everyday life. It's a no-brainer. Plus, learning the hula is on my bucket list!

Nice idea about the luggage, Madi! Unfortunately I weigh over 50 pounds too. Thanks, Lynda for sharing with us today, and I hope someday both you and Madi make it to Hawaii.

In the meantime, check out Mind Over Madi. You can order the book by clicking this link: Amazon.


I am so excited for Lynda and honored to have had her visit my blog! I just finished her novel and am delighted to tell you what a wonderful read it is. I love the princess theme she carries throughout the book. I identified with Madi in many areas, as I think many women would. Linda includes quotes at the beginning of each chapter--I enjoyed them as much as the story itself. Treat yourself this Christmas with Mind Over Madi, or give it as a gift. You can connect with Lynda on her website www.lyndaschab.com. Blog www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. or Facebook and Twitter.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Hawaiian Delight!

This recipe is wonderful! It’s called Hawaiian Delight Dip, but we used it as a spread for crackers. Oh my! What a treat. This is my second recipe from Luana (you can read my interview of her from my November 3, 7 and 10 posts.)

Not only did my family find this dip delightful, but I also impressed my writers’ group when I made it for our meeting a couple weeks ago.

If you missed Luana’s recipe for Pumpkin Mochi, or any other recipe I’ve posted over the past year and a half, click here or go to my Recipe Page to find links to every recipe—there are some great ones!

Hawaiian Delight Dip (or Spread)

1 pkg cream cheese

1 small can crushed pineapple—drained

1 tsp lemon juice

1 - 2 TBSP mayo

(Mix the above well)

Fold in:

½ c chopped dates (or more if you love dates!)

½ c chopped pecans (or more if you love pecans!)

½ c shredded coconut

Hawaiian Delight Dip (Spread)

I happen to love ALL of the above ingredients, so I folded in more than ½ c of each—YUM!

Luana likes to add some diced up mango. I had a mango, but it was still ripening to use for her Mango Bread recipe, so I didn’t add any. But I bet it’s delicious!

Enjoy, and remember to go to the recipe page if you want to take a look at any or all of my past recipes! I have a couple more of Luana’s recipes coming up, so keep checking back.

Definition of Hawaiian Delight: Eating this spread and sitting back with my flip-flopped feet propped up! Mmmm . . . Mmmm!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Hau'oli La Ho'omakika'i!

That's Happy Thanksgiving in Hawaiian.

If you'd like to know how to pronounce it, try this:

how-oh-lay la ho-o-ma-key-kah-ee

Hope everyone has (or had) a wonderful day with family and friends, eating, sharing, and making wonderful memories.

What are you thankful for? I am most thankful for God's hand in my life and the lives of my family.

May God bless every one of my readers today and every day.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Pumpkin What????

It’s almost Thanksgiving and you haven’t thought about dessert?

Well, if you don’t want to make the traditional pumpkin pie, I have a great alternative for you all who are adventuresome at heart.

This is the first of Luana’s recipes (see my interview with Luana from November 3, 7, and 10.) It’s called Baked Pumpkin Mochi.

I made this recipe with pumpkin I cooked up from a real pumpkin! Every Halloween I get a small one to go along with the large carving-size one. Then I cook it up and either use it to make a pie or my healthy mac and cheese, or freeze it.

Pumpkin Mochi!

I must say, when I made this recipe, I just had to sample the batter—YUM! Mochi is similar to Bibinka (click for link to my post) which is a recipe my niece, Nicole, shared with my readers and me. The pumpkin makes this version a wonderful, tasty fall treat. Everyone in my family loved it. My husband particularly loved the corners. After baking it, the mochi looked like a cake, but when you cut into it—oh my! The texture is thick and kind of chewy. Hope you try it out and love it too!

Baked Pumpkin Mochi

A view of the inside--Yum!

29 oz can of pumpkin

14 oz can of condensed milk

2 cubes of melted butter

4 beaten eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 ¼ box Mochiko flour (this is sweet rice flour which I found in an Asian market)

1 ¾ cups of sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp cinnamon

1 ½ tsp pumpkin spice

Mix all together, pour into greased and floured 9 X 13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour (I like to convection cook, so it didn’t take a full hour—maybe more like 45-50 minutes.)

I’ll be posting more of Luana’s recipes over the next few months, along with informative posts about Hawaii and some other recipes I’ve tried. If you’d like to see past recipes, please go to my recipe page and click on any you’re interested in. It will take your right to the original post.

Visit again soon!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com

Get To Know Me!!!

A great big thank you to Brandi Boddie (Brandi Boddie - Penning Praises) for giving me The Tell Me About Yourself Blog Award! Then, a few days later, I received the award from Casey Herringshaw Writing for Christ~~The Audience of One as well! Funny, because I think my award to her crossed paths with hers! Thank you, ladies!

Part of receiving this award is telling seven things about yourself, so I decided to tell you some things about me related to the time I lived in Hawaii.

1.    I actually learned to surf! It was fun because my friends gave me a nice long surfboard—perfect for beginners, and took me to an area where the waves were large enough to ride, but small enough for a rank beginner.

2.    I also body surfed, but ended up getting dropped by a big swell onto the shore and then dragged through the sand back into the swell. This scenario repeated itself over and over until my swimsuit was totally filled with sand. I didn’t worry one second about my safety—only about losing my suit!

3.    When snorkeling I was sure I saw an eel. I yelped and told my friend who promptly dove under to rescue me. When he popped up he informed me it was just a pipefish. You can read about this adventure and see a photo by clicking here: Pipefish 

4.    I took hula classes at The University of Hawaii and loved it. In the years since then, I have been able to teach a sit-down hula to kids, performed at my wedding reception, and performed at an event at a local shopping center.

5.    During my time in Hawaii I lived in a YMCA, then the college dorms, and finally a little house with five other girls. You can read a little about my dorm and see a photo of the Atherton YMCA by clicking here: Atherton

6.    While attending The University of Hawaii at Manoa, I was able to take all kinds of classes about the island. In my geology class we ventured into Diamond Head crater and searched for olivine. As well as dancing hula, I also sang in Hawaiian chorus at school.

7.    I participated in our dorm’s luau where we cooked a pig in an imu (a pit in the ground with hot rocks that works like an oven.) I served food and danced a Filipino dance with some friends as part of the entertainment.

What great memories!!!

Here are other blogs I visit and am awarding The Tell Me About Yourself Blog Award!

Linda Clare's Writer's Tips

Life Lessons (Maria Morgan)

Writing for Christ~~The Audience of One (Casey Herringshaw)

On the Write Track (Lynda Schab)

Erica Vetsch On The Write Path

From the Heart (Linda Glaz)

Raquel Burns

Emily Reynolds

Sophie and Sadie Cuffe

Lindsay Harrel

Rhonda Schrock

Terry Tiffany

Linda Apple

Deborah Harper

Karla Akins

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

cheryllinnmartin@yahoo.com