tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post3952689593502650678..comments2024-03-25T09:18:22.829-05:00Comments on Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers: BOOK CLUB FRIDAY -- GUEST AUTHOR DONNELL ANN BELLANASTASIA POLLACKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03160162455676799133noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-55450032128019465242012-01-28T09:36:30.461-06:002012-01-28T09:36:30.461-06:00Polly, you would love it. I'm going to sign y...Polly, you would love it. I'm going to sign you up Can't of course, but according to Linda, ya'll have it all figured out how to go to lunch and pick LEO's brain. As a writer, I just wanted to experience what they experience on an eight-hour shift. It's eight hours by the way unless you arrange otherwise.<br /><br />I was so pumped up after one ridealong... don't know why *I* had adrenaline, but I did. The deputies said, you're not tired? Well come on then, let's show you the jail.<br /><br />Imagine at 1 a.m. taking a tour of the jail. Now THAT was an experience. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-66505026460684863592012-01-28T09:33:31.505-06:002012-01-28T09:33:31.505-06:00Kathleen, I love your centerpiece idea. Excellent!...Kathleen, I love your centerpiece idea. Excellent!<br /><br />And I bow to your 21 years of experience. Thank you for sharing those dates and that it's different in every agency. <br /><br />Thanks for commenting and clarifying!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-79256918740071252612012-01-28T06:24:04.082-06:002012-01-28T06:24:04.082-06:00Enjoyed the post, Donnell. I think I'd be scar...Enjoyed the post, Donnell. I think I'd be scared to death to go on a ride-along. With my luck I'd be in the middle of some major crime. Is that good luck or bad? Since I know what your next book is about, kind of, I can't wait to read it.Polly Iyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05729656119287702191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-31708706213659256492012-01-28T02:12:19.877-06:002012-01-28T02:12:19.877-06:00I'll comment on both :-)
First, a centerpiece...I'll comment on both :-)<br /><br />First, a centerpiece idea: There's a cute Sombrero with Serape Photo/Balloon Holder available; you could use them to hold a photo of the couple, and/or scratch-off lottery tickets, or a colored index card with Mexican recipes; or, use them to anchor a few balloons: red, white & green to represent the Mexican flag. Here's the link to the photo/balloon holder, which sells in quantities of six, priced per holder @ $2.92:<br />http://www.partycheap.com/Sombrero_with_Serape_Photo_Balloon_Holder_p/50464.htm<br /><br />Ride-alongs: I am a retired 21-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department, the 10th largest police dept in the U.S. Policies regarding ride-alongs vary according to jurisdiction. Depending on the size/structure of the law enforcement agency, a citizen could check with the PIO (Public Information Office or Officer), Community Affairs, or the Chief of Patrol's office, or check for the existence of a department's web site and look for FAQs, or a "contact" email to request further information.<br /><br />As an example, here's a link to a request form for a ride-along with NYPD, to give you an idea of what is required/expected:<br />http://home2.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/community_affairs/Ride_Along.pdf<br /><br />Any portion of any tour certainly holds the potential for "action." <br /><br />Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year, with the Fourth of July running a close 2nd. They are probably the two busiest days of the year, in terms of calls for service. Thanksgiving can be volatile, when families who are estranged most of the year finally get together; add alcohol, and family fights erupt. Always safer to stay out of the kitchen where knives are kept. New Year's Eve is amateur night ~ always best to stay close to home. New Year's Day is relatively quiet, people are hung over. There's no way to predict the kind of experience you'd have -- it could be back-to-back calls; you could roll up on crimes in progress, pull over a drunk driver, respond to a silent hold-up alarm (which may or may not be an actual bank robbery) make a death notification, deliver a baby -- or potentially be bored with mundane activities such as picking up prisoner chow, filling out reports, gassing the car -- the possibilities are endless. In any event, I can guarantee it would be interesting :-)Kathleen A. Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10809993168019150186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-58619157067712416592012-01-27T18:25:44.886-06:002012-01-27T18:25:44.886-06:00Pat, you'll never know unless you ask them. I...Pat, you'll never know unless you ask them. If they'll take a rider on New Years, I'd suspect they'd agree to Halloween, then again, I can't swear to it. Hope you're doing well! <br /><br />I have to transport the centerpieces to Fort Worth from Colorado. It'll be interesting to see what we finally come up with. These ideas are so helpful!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-62550235872829250652012-01-27T18:23:34.828-06:002012-01-27T18:23:34.828-06:00Hi, Jane! What great ideas for my center piece. ...Hi, Jane! What great ideas for my center piece. And The Past Came Hunting takes place right here in Colorado Springs. I hope you will take a look and let me know how I did with my setting, and characters, of course. I've found law enforcement in my city entirely generous. Happy Friday!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-83018065224375486422012-01-27T17:28:44.462-06:002012-01-27T17:28:44.462-06:00Hi Donnell. I think a ride-along on mischief nigh...Hi Donnell. I think a ride-along on mischief night or Halloween would be a great adventure, but then if the LEOs are too busy, they might not let you go with them then.<br /><br />I'm voting for the pinata which was my first thought but the sombaro works, too. You could then put names in a hat to give it away or just let the bride-to-be have it.<br /><br />Hi, Linda Lovely.Pat Marinellihttp://www.patmarinelli.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-70615442805641652542012-01-27T17:07:40.959-06:002012-01-27T17:07:40.959-06:00I think it's great that you love your craft as...I think it's great that you love your craft as much as you do and that has given you that motivation to find out more about your subject. The ride-along is a super idea! I can't wait to read your book. I have lived in Colorado and my daughter lived in the Springs for a time as well. For your centerpiece, I would recommend that you keep it bright. A sombrero, a colorful serape and flowers all add that element. You could also use small cacti, with raffia tied around the pots and grouped together. Large glass candle holders (think hurricane style) wrapped with raffia and filled with bright vegetables (peppers, etc) and/or fruits or just candles. Have fun planning!!Jane Rnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-67401170870140902452012-01-27T15:09:38.526-06:002012-01-27T15:09:38.526-06:00Morgan, no pressure :) But if you do change your ...Morgan, no pressure :) But if you do change your mind, how about a daytime shift? Generally, ha ha, the crimerate increases at night. Also, it increases exponentially over the holidays and New Years, etc. When I was checking into ridealongs, the former El Paso County sheriff said, choose New Years, all kinds of stuff happens then <br /><br />Of course, it's up to you.Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-32979280785618994922012-01-27T14:59:56.123-06:002012-01-27T14:59:56.123-06:00I don't think I'd want to go on one of tho...I don't think I'd want to go on one of those ride alongs. You never know what might happen!<br /><br />Morgan Mandel<br />http://morganmandel.blogspot.comMorgan Mandelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10118929301591850918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-41976427157231240532012-01-27T14:21:49.071-06:002012-01-27T14:21:49.071-06:00Aha, Linda, once you've met them. Even a quas...Aha, Linda, once you've met them. Even a quasi introduction that shows you have a legitimate reason to connect with them. I can't imagine a police officer just accepting a random phone invitation out to lunch. <br /><br />Okay, who's going to be our guinea pig and try it? :))))Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-19861756698772411632012-01-27T14:17:32.301-06:002012-01-27T14:17:32.301-06:00Donnell--The answer is "yes" I have a qu...Donnell--The answer is "yes" I have a quasi introduction to forensic experts in advance. Over the years, our Upstate SC Chapter of Sisters in Crime has hosted some terrific guest speakers--medical examiners, police officers, FBI, DEA, DAs, sheriffs, US Marshalls, etc. Once you've met them, they're usually very open to providing more advice one on one.Linda Lovelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06689184015264104687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-47018337487880536852012-01-27T12:55:23.665-06:002012-01-27T12:55:23.665-06:00Petie, I think that sounds breathtaking. Thank yo...Petie, I think that sounds breathtaking. Thank you. You're definitely entered in the drawing!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-83793609720146511812012-01-27T12:54:38.592-06:002012-01-27T12:54:38.592-06:00Linda, hi there, thank you for such a nice complim...Linda, hi there, thank you for such a nice compliment on THE PAST CAME HUNTING. I sure tried.<br /><br />And excellent idea! I hadn't thought to invite one to lunch. I'm curious if you know the person before you do that. I've found police officers to be suspicious sorts, with good cause. They really like to know the person who rides with them has been screened. Would love further clarification on this. Thanks again for your nice compliment.Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-71736197688669944352012-01-27T12:52:09.767-06:002012-01-27T12:52:09.767-06:00Traveler, thank you for your idea! I may be givin...Traveler, thank you for your idea! I may be giving a way a $10 certificate, but this is really helping me not having to spend going from store to store! Thanks again!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-558986518523685722012-01-27T12:11:43.799-06:002012-01-27T12:11:43.799-06:00What an enjoyable post. Lovely idea which I never ...What an enjoyable post. Lovely idea which I never knew about, ride along. As for centerpieces I would use lovely spray painted branches, pine cones and fill a large open glass vessel. Even tea lights are attractive.petitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05326383614079568432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-62639392352487470582012-01-27T12:01:23.499-06:002012-01-27T12:01:23.499-06:00Donnell--Your advice on ride-a-longs is excellent....Donnell--Your advice on ride-a-longs is excellent. For those who want more of an "easy chair" look at real-life crime, invite a police officer, FBI agent, etc. to lunch. They're usually delighted to share information that makes readers better understand their challenges--and they're great storytellers. For those of you who haven't read THE PAST CAME HUNTING, Donnell's painstaking research comes through loud and clear. Kudos.Linda Lovelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06689184015264104687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-15303152877970719502012-01-27T11:58:16.673-06:002012-01-27T11:58:16.673-06:00A centrepiece that I always thought was unique and...A centrepiece that I always thought was unique and attractive would be all types of fruit filling a lovely and decorative vase.travelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06191803578622949052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-43890875273814822042012-01-27T10:02:44.869-06:002012-01-27T10:02:44.869-06:00Hmmm, Sandra, it's a centerpiece for the table...Hmmm, Sandra, it's a centerpiece for the table for the rehearsal dinner, but I agree, the pinata is a wonderful idea!Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-89545929525310522672012-01-27T10:01:43.099-06:002012-01-27T10:01:43.099-06:00Kwana, if you're interested, I'll hope you...Kwana, if you're interested, I'll hope you'lll consider doing one ;)<br /><br />Janie, I second that.Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-81122358747350579792012-01-27T09:54:30.836-06:002012-01-27T09:54:30.836-06:00For the cake-topper, how about a hollow heart or a...For the cake-topper, how about a hollow heart or arch-shaped thingy: I've seen them with a pair of bells (usually silver) hanging from it, often with a couple standing beneath. But instead of the bells, how about a multi-colored mini-pinata? It doesn't have to actually have anything in it; I'm sure it would be recognized.<br />SandraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-44950587163977600152012-01-27T09:49:18.383-06:002012-01-27T09:49:18.383-06:00I had a friend who did ride-a-longs. It's a g...I had a friend who did ride-a-longs. It's a great experience.Janie Emaushttp://www.inthepowderroom.com/read/shit-happens/menopausal-memory-loss.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-37164868138217086102012-01-27T08:59:48.092-06:002012-01-27T08:59:48.092-06:00Wow I've never thought about a ride along. Tha...Wow I've never thought about a ride along. Thanks so much.Kwanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06428954660974395117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-82244793955044720842012-01-27T08:31:35.207-06:002012-01-27T08:31:35.207-06:00Dear Anonymous. You ride in the front seat beside...Dear Anonymous. You ride in the front seat beside the police officer.Donnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6348734432793771357.post-32474637635244184952012-01-27T08:30:38.808-06:002012-01-27T08:30:38.808-06:00Anne, hi!!!So great to see you. For the folks out...Anne, hi!!!So great to see you. For the folks out there reading, Anne Marie Becker was instrumental in me writing my Arizona highway scene in The Past Came Hunting. <br /><br />Anne, I think that would make an amazing short story about the police officer and his ridealong. If an officer has a vested interest in the passenger, that would be tough in my opinion.<br /><br />We have to be aware that something could go wrong at all times. I didn't know how much of an adrenaline junkie I was until I did a ridealong, or did a high speed chase over Roller Coaster Road. You sign a waiver that you understand the risks involved.<br /><br />One time, the police officer told me to stay in the car, he also gave me instructions on what do as far as the radio in case anything went wrong. <br /><br />Most times you go with them, but stand back and be exactly what you are, a citizen observer. You do get the oddest looks at timesDonnell Ann Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07943037206984648849noreply@blogger.com