Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Sign Language

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Way back in 1998 (can that really be 18 years ago?!) a little book called The Celestine Prophecy caught my attention (along with several million other readers). Very true to the book, it wasn’t a coincidence–at least I didn’t think so–that I became aware of this gem at a time in my life when I was searching for a bit of direction and purpose. I’ve gone back to this little treasure several times, most often when I’m looking for some sort of sign from the Universe. If you haven’t read The … [Read more...]

We Interrupt This Blog

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We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog post to make an important announcement: The 2nd edition of I Was In Love With a Short Man Once will be released by Booktrope Publishing on June 23rd! Cover design by Lizzie Russell, www.lizzierussellcreative.com WOO HOO! To celebrate, let’s play a game of twenty questions. Here we go: 1.     What inspired you to write this book? My nana’s apple pie recipe. Nana made the best apple pies, but she never wrote down the recipe. Now she’s gone and no … [Read more...]

What Would Mae Say?

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I’m a picker. I love to scavenge through flea markets, estate sales, and yes, even other people's trash, looking for cast-off treasures. I come by it quite naturally via my Irish nana who never passed by a thrift store without first stopping in to peruse the bins, shelves, and dusty corners looking for items that deserved a second chance. I recently did my nana proud when I found this gem tucked away in a pile of forgotten photographs for sale at the annual Luckett's Spring Market: Added … [Read more...]

Is ‘Know Your Audience’ Sexist BS?

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Awhile back I was having coffee with a fellow who I consider to be one of my writing and networking mentors. We were discussing this past year, my book, and the future of this blog. As we were sipping our lattes and talking about our latest projects, he noted that he admired how I’ve been able to really drill down to my target audience: women; of a certain age; who like to laugh and share their wisdom. I agreed and noted how much I was enjoying this creative work. I shared that I’ve been … [Read more...]

7 Years in Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

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Many of you who regularly join me here in the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats (bless you, by the way), have come to know me as Kimba: King Salmon Slayer, Estate Sale Junkie, sometimes writes books. What you may not know is that I also have a day-job working in public policy. Image provided courtesy of morgueFile, http://mrg.bz/Lli5uc For the first 44 years of my life, I was a “rules girl.” I traveled a common baby boomer path, from high school classroom to college lecture hall to … [Read more...]

Uterus Declares War!

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Warning: what follows is an unabashedly truthful rendering of one woman’s journey through menopause. Men who are squeamish about discussions of blood, periods, Aunt Flo, cramps, tampons, sweating, vaginas, or middle-aged women in general should probably stop reading right about now. Bless your hearts. Image provided courtesy of http://www.gratisography.com/ In the past few years, my uterus has declared war. This was not a gradual shift, a kind or slow and steady progression of the … [Read more...]

Dollars to Doughnuts

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I have come to love February. Not because of Valentine’s Day and certainly not for the weather. My fondness for this second month of the year has evolved per my family’s involvement in charitable fundraising.   My admiration for February began several years ago with my son Jimmy’s participation in THON. Each February–this year it’s February 20 thru 22–something magical happens at Penn State. Thousands of students stay awake and on their feet for 46 hours straight; all united in working … [Read more...]

Do They Really Throw Chicken Bones?

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I’m a southern gal. Born and raised in the South. My mama’s family is from the South. My entire life to date has been lived in the South. However, I recently attended an event that despite my southern pedigree and upbringing had me feeling like a Yankee in King Earnhardt's court. I experienced my first NASCAR race. The National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing–NASCAR–is the governing body over one of the most profitable enterprises in the U.S. Since its beginnings back in 1947, NASCAR … [Read more...]

Dear St. Peter, About Those Christmas Lights

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When my son Jimmy was young, circa second or third grade, he shared with me that he was pondering – as children often do – some of the secrets of the universe. I recall the conversation going something like this: “Mom, I have an idea about how we get into heaven.” “Why are you thinking about that?” “Don’t know. So, when we’re born we get 100 sins.” “OK…” “We get to make 100 mistakes. Anymore, and we don’t get into heaven.” “How did you come up with this?” “Don’t know. Thing … [Read more...]