Category Archives: Columns

Dad’s funny story retold

February 20, 2021Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

My dad told all kinds of fun stories about his life. This is one of my favorites. If you want a laugh listen.

I asked him to tell this one over and over again.

You can see how I took this story and fictionalized it in my novel, BARLEY SOUP AND SLUG SPIT.

I also have copies to sell and they are for sale at Sissy’s, too.

Lights that brighten a winter

February 19, 2021Columns, Family, funsusanmanzke

Northern lights are awesome, but you can’t always see them, especially if it’s cloudy.

These winter lights are different. Just take off your sweater in a dark room and they will capture your attention, too, especially if you then touch a light switch.

This 1987 column talks about the times our children zapped each other using these lights.

Sometimes after my cat leaves my lap, Car-E also leaves a charge of static electricity. I think we both get zapped at these then, which is not fun for either of us.

Sometimes you have to be hardhearted

February 16, 2021Columns, Familysusanmanzke

It’s not always fun being a mother especially if you put your foot down.

This column from 1986 is when this mother knew best, even if her daughter didn’t think so.

Rebecca (Becky) might want to write her own version of this episode. There’s always two sides.

I would not change my decision. It was Becky’s own good

Susan reads as Car-E plays

February 15, 2021Car-E, Columns, writingsusanmanzke

If nothing else you may want to watch this video to see Car-E trying to steal the show.

In 1986, my first novel was published by Doubleday. Its title is NEVER BRING HER ROSES. This is what I wrote about during that exciting time.

You can still get my novel on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Bring-Her-roses-Romance-ebook/dp/B00HYLAD28/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=Susan+Manzke&qid=1613407558&sr=8-11

Do not accidentally click on the $902.81 one offered on Amazon! That’s some crazy person out there trying to make a buck.

I actually have a few hardcover books left that I sell for $10. In case you’re interested email me at sunnybook@aol.com or pick one up at Sissy’s in Seymour.

I think Car-E is the star of the show.

A picture’s worth

February 14, 2021Columns, fun, photographysusanmanzke

Here’s an account of some of my picture taking.

My first Brownie camera came my way when I was seven. It was a gift for my First Communion. I’ve graduated from that model since. Here’s what I had to say about taking pictures in 1986.

Now my phone is a handy camera for sunrise and sunset photos. Digital is perfect for me. Having the phone in my pocket means I’m ready to whip it out when something happens and I can document it with a photo.

Happily I can share my photography efforts on Facebook with friends near and far.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person