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Granny Hooks A Crook
by Julie Seedorf
This is such a fun title and cover, I just had to share it with all of you.
Did you get a chuckle or two from the post?
What is your Granny like?
Granny Hooks A Crook (A Fuschia Minnosata Mystery)
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Book Details
File Size: 294 KB
Print Length: 200 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1939816122
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press (July 10, 2013)
ASIN: B00DVL2CVU
Cozy Mystery
Synopsis
Granny leads a secret life in the small, unique community of Fuschia, Minnesota. It’s not just her all junk food diet, multiplying pets, or her shocking bedtime attire that makes Granny one in a million. No, Granny is an undercover cop, charged by “the Big Guy” (the town’s police chief) of preventing theft in local stores. Granny takes her job seriously and daily foils many shoplifters using her trusty spiked umbrella and amazing acting skills. When some startlingly brazen burglaries begin to occur that Granny can’t solve, along with mysteriously appearing bad guys, disappearing clerks, and misplaced Corvettes, Granny begins to wonder if she isn’t ready for the wrinkle farm. Maybe, it’s fortuitous when she accidentally-on-purpose falls in the lap of an attractive older gentleman who is soon roped into her wild adventures, as they try to figure out what’s happening in their little town.
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Guest Post
GRANNY IS AS GRANNY DOES
I am a Granny. A Granny can be many things. Some Grannies bake cookies. Some Grannies sew clothes and blankets for their Grandchildren. Some Grannies are very good at taking care of a Grandchild. I don’t think I would qualify as any of those types of Grannies.
I do bake but only when my Grandchildren are here. My granddaughter, at a Grandparents day at her school, wrote that she loved to bake with me. I have her fooled. It is something I do because that is what you do with your grandchildren but it is not something that I do when they are not here.
I have made them quilts and sewed some quilts and other crafty items for them. They think I sew. I don’t sew unless it is something specific they ask for. My sewing machine doesn’t see the light of day unless it is a grandchild project. Yes, there are those types of Grannies that actually do those things all the time. They don’t have to fool their grandchildren by only doing it when their grandchildren come into their home.
I write about Grannies. Granny in Granny Hooks A Crook is a little unbelievable but I like fantasy. Granny is the best and most mischievous parts of my mother. She is the part of me that wants to be more daring. She is someone that looks old age in the face and wins. She lives in a community that is weird to say the least. But the rules in Granny’s community defy all the rules that we have that constrict us in our real communities. Fuchsia, Minnesota is the dream of a dreamer (me)that likes color in a world of colorless houses and doesn’t believe in the tight restrictions that keep us old people from believing we can be anything else but sick and useless.
My grandchildren took me out of a world of reality; taught me how to dream again and brought me back to a self I had lost when the real world intruded upon my dreams. I am like Granny, a little deceitful when it comes to letting them believe I am a baker, a cook and sew maker. That is a small part of the Grandma they know.
They know me as a woman that can take a computer apart and put it back together. They know me as a woman that can weave dreams into stories. They know me as a person that acts silly, rides some (small) roller coasters, dresses in pink and purple and likes weird, weird earrings. The Granny in my book Whatchamacallit? Thingamajig?, is a lot like me. My grandchildren helped me write this book. They know I will help them weave their dreams.
I had a Granny, actually two of them, but one I am going to highlight today. My Granny died when I was six years old and I have come to believe at my old age that Grannies never leave. They whisper and watch over our shoulders and give us strength courage and weird ideas. At least I am convinced mine did.
I did not tell my publisher what I thought the Granny in my book should look like. I didn’t communicate that. When the cover came back it was exactly as I pictured Granny. I suspect there was help from above when the illustrator created the cover. I was wearing the t-shirt I designed with Granny’s picture on the shirt as I was driving to a book signing. For some strange reason I started remembering and thinking about my Granny that died when I was six. I could not get her out of my head and then I realized why. The Granny on my book cover was an exact clone for my Granny. Granny in my book looked like my Granny. She had the same body, the same glasses, the same hair and the same nose and the same lips. I was sure and I couldn’t wait to get home to compare the two. I found a picture and yes, they were twins. I cannot tell you how moved I was at that moment.
If you are a Grandma or a Grandpa, let your light shine into the hearts of your grandchildren. Let them know who you are and who you were when you were young. Whatever your talent is as a Granny, it is your talent. Your Grandchildren will love you for it. If you want to be a little deceitful about one or two small things, like the Granny in my book and like me with my baking skills, I think it is ok. It means that you are stretching yourself to do something you might not be good at for someone you love. Just remember to have a sense of humor if you burn the vegetables. That is what I am known for in my family. That legacy about me will live on forever.
My Grandma died when I was very young. I don’t remember her baking or her sewing as she was in her 80’s when I was 6. She didn’t move very fast and I didn’t have her for very long but I will tell you what made her special to me and what I remember.
I remember her orchid crème that she always used. The smell even today reminds me of her. I remember her siting on her bed and letting me comb her long thin hair into a bun. I remember her smile. I remember her hugs, and now I also know she has never forgotten me. How else could my Granny in my book look like my Granny in real life without it being planned? Only Granny knows.
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About The Author
Julie Seedorf owns her own computer repair business, but her secret undercover job is writing. Her column “Something About Nothing” for a Minnesota newspaper is about nothing, which is what we talk about most of the time, always with something underneath the conversation. Julie has been a wife, mother, grandmother, housewife, barmaid, salesperson, activity director, full time volunteer and more. Her motto is, “If you dream it, you can do it.” Her Fuchsia Minnesota, published by Cozy Cat Press is her first journey in her undercover career. Having lived in small communities in Minnesota all her life, she knows the richness and uniqueness that only a small town can bring and with a little humor and imagination, she transforms those experiences into her imaginary Fuchsia community.
Webpage / Goodreads: Julie Seedorf / Twitter: @julieseedorf,
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Excerpt
Granny didn’t always like to get up in the morning. It seemed a waste of a good bed to get out of it so early in the morning. First, Granny would wallow in the warmth. She would squirm a little and enjoy the softness of the mattress. Granny would then open one eye to see if it was light yet. If it appeared that the sun was up, she would open the other eye very slowly, not wanting to get too excited. Getting up too fast always made her head spin.
Granny would then stick her big toe out of the blanket, trying to determine the weather. Her big toe was a good barometer. If it started turning blue, she knew it was cold and her toe was going to throb on and off for the day. If it stayed red, Granny knew that it would be a good day for her flip flops, even though she wasn’t supposed to be wearing them. Her kids harassed her about wearing her flip flops, something about not walking properly and being at risk of falling. She couldn’t make them understand that at her age she was always at risk for falling, so why not live dangerously in her flip flops.
Granny always looked around first before attempting the final lift out of her bed. She had to make sure there weren’t any kids or grandkids visiting before she threw off the covers. At her age it was easy to forget if her kids and grandkids had stayed over. Occasionally, she forgot they were there even before she climbed into bed. It didn’t bother her that her memory was a little foggy. It was a good excuse to use when she needed to get out of something she didn’t want to do, or if she got caught somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be.
Usually, if Granny remembered before she went to bed that her kids and grandkids stayed over, she would dress in her granny gown pajamas. It was what they expected of someone her age and she didn’t want to ruin their expectations. But when Granny was by herself, she occasionally slept in the nude and occasionally she wore her hot pink, silk shortie nightgown with red hearts on it. Or she might wear her purple leather PJ’s that stated Sexy Granny and I Know It.
Granny’s secret PJ’s always made her smile before she went to bed. It made the creaky body and the saggy skin feel better. She still felt like that sexy granny inside. Her mind never did keep up with her body.
There were times her kids would visit unexpectedly in the morning and have breakfast waiting for Granny when she stumbled into the kitchen from her warm bed. She could see the horror on their faces if they caught her in anything other than her granny pajamas. She would be sent to the wrinkle farm faster than she could lose her flip flops.
Tour Participants
November 14 – Kelly P’s Blog – Guest Post, Giveaway
November 15 – Community Bookstop – Review
November 16 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post
November 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
November 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review, Giveaway
November 19 – Mochas, Mysteries and More – Guest Post
November 20 – fundinmental – Guest Post, Giveaway
November 21 – Musings and Ramblings – Guest Post
November 22 – readalot blog – Review
November 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Spotlight
November 26 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post
GIVEAWAY
One e-copy or paperback (Winner’s Choice)
Paperback U.S. Mailing Addresses only
Entry is easy peasy. Just leave your email and answer the question:
What is your Granny like?
Giveaway has ended.
Winner: Emma M. Congratulations and happy reading!
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To get your copy of Granny Hooks A Crook, or learn more about Julie Seedorf, click on the cover below.
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Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
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My grandmother was thought by some in the family to be cold, unemotional and independent. But I never saw that woman. My Grandma taught me how to make my first sauce, would drop anything she was doing to listen to me, and always said something that would make me feel like I was on top of the world. She wore goofy Granny mumus around the house. :0)
I think our generation is more open with our feelings and share our personal information willingly. I know many people older than I am that do not share anything. They could be on their death bed and you wouldn’t know it until after the fact. Grandparent are special people, expecially grandmas. ^_^
My grandmother was a “proper” southern lady who never wore pants her whole life.
I can still remember when I was a young girl, dressing up to go anywhere, even the doctor’s office. It was my senior year in high school before they allowed girls to wear slacks and still frowned on blue jeans. My shorthand teacher kicked me out of class for wearing them, telling me I would never get a secretary job dressing like that. Imagine if that were the case today? lol
Can Nancy qualify as my Granny? If so, don’t think you’ll want to hear it!LOL
This book sounds so fun and the cover art is Adorable and Funny!
I’m a sucker for a cozy mystery and would be thrilled if I won this.
Lori always has the best books for her tours and I’ve found many new authors through her promotions.
Thanks for a chance to win Granny Hooks A Crook!
LOL Lori does have some of the most fun mysteries for her tours. Every time I come to the post, I can’t help but crack up.
Pingback: Next Stop For Granny. My Take On Being A Grandma | Sprinkled Notes
Both my Granny’s are pasted, but they were both strong women. They were fun loving and so full of love. They won’t take crap from anyone though, lol, they were feisty 🙂
Both my granny’s are gone, but they were both strong and independent women, spending their last years fending for themselves. I love feisty. lol
Unfortunately I didn’t know my ‘granny’s’ well as one passed away when I was only 5 and the other I didn’t live close to so I didn’t get to be around her much and in those days you didn’t call long distance except for emergencies.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I remember those days with the telephone. We had a party line and you could listen in on other people’s conversations. We did not call long distance either, unless it was an emergency. Boy have times changed with the cell phones. Good luck and thank you for commenting Wendy.
My grandmother on my Dad’s side was the life of the party. She was funny, informal, blunt, and laughed a lot. My grandmother on my Mom’s side was formal, polite to a fault, and always impeccably dressed with coiffed hair. Exact opposites from each other, but I adored them both!
This book sounds like a riot!
Two very different people. ^_^ That had to be interesting. This books does sound like a lot of fun and I couldn’t resist sharing it when I saw it. ^_^
My Mother is the youngest of eleven children, so her Mother died when Mom was 14 years old. My Dad’s Mother always worked in a business until I was grown. BUT I had a great-grandmother that was great and she lived life to the fullest. She’d let everyone know that I was her favorite. Her name was Queen Lillie. We went fishing together and had a great time together. Many fond memories of my Queen Lillie. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway.
Queen Lillie. I love it. We used to go camping – fishing and swimming – at Indian River in Michigan. I remember my grandmother sitting on something (?) with a bucket of salt water to get the leeches off us after we got out of the water. Such great memories. ^_^ Thanks for stopping in and good luck.
My Grandma was a small woman, with a wonderful heart & full of hugs. She was always baking & I remember her homemade caramels, toffee, fudge, divinity & lots of cookies at Christmas time. She taught me to crochet & embroider & other projects. During the summers, my brother & I went to stay with Grandma & Grandpa for a week. We played lots of card games, went to the local fair & got to stay up late & other things we couldn’t do at home.
Now that I’m a Grandma with a 3 yr. old grandson & 3½ yr. old granddaughter who live nearby, I try to be like my Grandma & make happy memories with them, so they’ll remember the special times we had together.
How wonderful. I too am lucky to have warm and loving memories of a grandparent, a grandmother. I have a child, but no grandchildren. If I did, I would spoil them rotten. ^_^
ElaineE246(at)msn(dot)com
My grandmother on my mom’s side was the best ever! Sometimes we stayed with her and she would pack our school lunches with chips and candy bars. And when I was older and we would go visit she always had cookies or caramel rolls or something equally yummy to have with our coffee with her. She was an extension of my mom, just a very loving, caring person!
Sounds wonderful. Some great memories to share with your own children. Thanks for the comment. ^_^
Sounds fabulous, great guest post too. Good luck to Julie.
By the way, love the blog header, Sherry.
Thanks Emma. I love popping some of my photos up there. It is the Grand Canyon of the East – Letchworth State Park in New York.
My maternal grandmother was my hero. She has always been my example and pattern for living, but I don’t live up to it. We called her Mama Florence, and all the other kids (our age) at church called her that too. When my parents had to move soon after the beginning of my sophomore year, my grandparents let me live with them until the next grading period so that I didn’t lose any schooling. MF lived until she was 93, and I don’t ever remember her saying anything bad about anyone, she never said a bad word [phooey was the strongest she ever said, and my children began calling her poohy because they couldn’t say the other 🙂 ].
Poohy, how cute. ^_^ My maternal grandmother was the only grandparent I knew, so she was very special. I remember putting on her soft, plush robe and pretending it was a wedding dress. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Good luck and have a fun weekend.
Beware the Grandmas!
LOL. I love the idea of this book. I have got to read it and soon!!! Every time I come over here, I can’t help but smile.
My granny taught me how to crochet. But I have forget except to chain. She used to tell me about Japanese ornamental gardens. She made the best oyster stew that I have ever tasted. She also taught art school when she was younger. She sang some Irish songs that embarassed my mother!
She sounds like a well rounded and interesting individual. I can only imagine the Irish songs, I believe I have heard some of them myself. LOL
My granny looked a lot like the one in the picture. She was born in 1882 and died in 1974. The last time I saw her was in 1959 and she had no idea who I was. She had become senile by that time. She spent her life living on a farm in Minnesota and raised six kids. I have letters she and my grandpa wrote each other prior to 1900. It’s pretty cool.
The kind of Granny you want to cozy up to carefully. ^_^ I always think of how amazed they must be, seeing how far technology and the rest of the world, has come during their life time.
This book sounds hilarious! I’m a greatgrannie myself in MN and have more than a foot in the wrinkle farm. I’d love to read this book.
My grannie gave great hugs, always wore an apron and made the best fruitcake ever. Now I know most laugh at fruitcake – but this was to die for!! The smell of ivory soap takes me back to the 40s when we would visit in the summers. She helped us catch fireflies so we could “read ” after we were in bed. At family reunions she knew everyone – hundreds came from all over the country – and exactly how they were related.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I do remember my Granny wearing an apron too. We used to catch fireflies, but we did that on our own. What wonderful stories you have. Good luck. ^_^ And fruitcake, wellllll.