Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Mysteries of the Universe

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There are things in the universe I just don’t understand. Actually, I’m keeping a list of the things I don’t understand – no surprise here being that I’m a Virgo; we love lists. I have this plan – of course I have a plan; see previous Virgo reference – that when I get to the pearly gates, St. Peter (aka “Heaven’s Bouncer”) is going to ask me “Do you have any questions before you proceed?” I’m going to be ready to reply, “Why yes, since you asked…” Here are some of the top secrets of the … [Read more...]

Twenty Questions

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Have you ever played the game “Twenty Questions?” Well, I recently had the fun experience of playing a version of this game with Pandora (Dora) Poikilos, at Orangeberry Book Tours. We had a great time discussing all kinds of random topics. Originally posted at http://www.orangeberrybooktours.com/2012/07/author-interview-kimberly-dalferes.html#.T_WkcBt99Jg.facebook, Dora gave me permission to re-post here today.  By the way, the Orangeberry Summer Splash Book Tour begins next week (August 1). … [Read more...]

Never Trust Someone With Thin Lips

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I’m sometimes asked “where do you get your inspiration for your blog topics?” Most days the universe just speaks to me. Take today for example: this is my 13th blog post, and today is Friday the 13th.  Coincidence?  Hmm… It appears that the question of the day is: are you a superstitious person?  Do you believe in luck? Superstitions, by definition, are beliefs based in something supernatural or a feeling or an instinct. Some superstitions may be somewhat fact-based: it may be bad luck to walk … [Read more...]

Lucky Quarters

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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about comfort. There are certainly creature comforts: a plush cushy bed or a soft sweater on a cold day. But I’ve found myself wondering more about the actual giving and receiving of emotional comfort. I’ve been pondering all of this because our family recently suffered a terrible loss: the sudden death of a dear friend. At the times when we need it most, how do we support and care for each other?  What comforts do we seek?   I … [Read more...]

DIY Makeover Challenge: Can You Really Update a Bathroom For Less Than $500?

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2010 was our “Year of the Money Pit.” In the middle of a major (read: expensive) master bathroom remodel, our home’s HVAC system ceased to work. Just shut right down. This unexpected, LARGE expense was followed closely by another surprise: our septic tank was failing and had to be immediately replaced. They say when it rains, it pours; well 2010 was our monsoon season. Consequently, I was put on a remodeling and redecorating diet for 2011 and 2012. No big projects allowed. I was relegated to … [Read more...]

Secrets of an Estate Sale Junkie

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“Hello, my name is Kim, and I am an Estate Sale Junkie.” “Hello Kim!” I wasn’t always an ESJ. I started with what seemed to be relatively harmless excursions: thrift store perusing, perhaps the random yard or garage sale were as far as I explored. It all changed when, about a year ago, my Dad introduced me to the intriguing underworld known as the estate sale network. I’ve now come to understand that estate sales are different from the standard garage sale. A garage or yard sale is usually … [Read more...]

Book Birth: What To Do Before The Release Date

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On November 24th, 2011, I proudly gave birth to a 216 page bundle of joy As a newly published writer, like many new moms, I get some interesting questions asked of me. Most frequent query: what advice would you give to other new or aspiring writers? Answer: there’s quite a bit to do before the due/publication date. I’m not big on offering unsolicited advice - being overly opinionated has gotten me into more than a few rocky situations. However, today I’ll break my no advice mantra to offer a … [Read more...]

Reflections from the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that, on average, my life expectancy is currently about 79 years (Centers for Disease Control). You might be wondering “where you going with this Kimba?” Well, when I read this it got me to thinking - according to the CDC, I hit middle-aged about a decade ago, right? If middle-aged is indeed the chronological mid-point of our lives, then I reached middle-aged status around age 39. Really? What does middle-aged mean to … [Read more...]

Gardenias in Costco

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Walking through Costco last week, desperately searching for the printer ink, I came across an aisle filled with gardenia bushes for sale. The dark green shiny leaves and emerging white buds made me think of my GeeGee. In the backyard of the home where I spent many of my childhood days, she had the largest, most beautiful gardenia bush. GeeGee was such a good southern gal who could grow anything; and tucked in among her orange and avocado trees and crotons was that bush.  Image provided … [Read more...]