Everyday Adventures:
Or, As My Husband Says,
"Lies, Lies and More Lies"

All In a Day's Drama
Erma Bombeck Honorable Mention Winner
Suiting Up
HumorPress.com Honorable Mention Winner

Ferris Wheel It’s 4:00 P.M. Time to pick up one kid, drop off another one, then stop at the dry cleaners, grocery store and bank before heading home to make dinner, clean up the kitchen, check homework, pack the next day’s lunches, press your pants for work, exchange a few words with your husband, and then fall into bed before doing it all over again tomorrow.

For many women, getting through the day requires a sense of humor, unwavering positive thinking, and occasionally, removal of all sharp objects from the kitchen. The ability to laugh proves essential, for if not laughing, we would probably flood the planet with our collective wailing.

Although my fantasy life is glamorous, fascinating and constantly fulfilling, my real life is, well, real. Living with a husband, two twenty-somethings, a teenager and a dog with digestive problems, everyday is an adventure. From finding lost keys, to managing dating problems, to getting the dog outside before she loses her breakfast, life, while perhaps not always riveting, is never dull.

As the kids have grown, we've gone from skinned knees, broken toys and tears to body piercings, broken hearts and more tears. Traveling this road with a husband who is often baffled by the goings-on around him keeps things interesting. In order to spare him any undue stress, I keep him on a strict diet of "needs to know" information. He's really much happier that way.

Come join me on my everyday adventures. You’ll find much that’s familiar, along with a smile to get you through the day (even if it’s only one of smug satisfaction while recognizing that you’re in better shape than me)!

Mary Fran Bontempo resides in Bucks County, PA with her husband, three children and their mixed-breed mutt, Casey. After over twenty-five years of experiencing the "joys" of marriage and motherhood, she finds that writing about her daily adventures not only fulfills a creative need, but joins her with all women, giving them strength in numbers and much shared laughter.

Since 2003, Mary Fran has shared her humorous take on life with thousands of newspaper readers in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas through her weekly "Everyday Adventures" column. Her readers, from all walks of life, respond knowingly to her observations on the perils of modern day family living, frequently contacting her to ask, "Can you see into my house?"

Ultimately aspiring to the lofty goal of being her generation's Erma Bombeck, Mary Fran enjoys uniting readers through the common bonds of shared experience and laughter. She recognizes that as spouses, parents, daughters, and friends, we are truly all in this together and we might as well have a laugh or two along the way!

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Book Signings

January 23, 2008
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
102 Park Ave.
Willow Grove, PA 19090
215-659-1001 7:00 PM

The Barnes & Noble showcase for self-published writers proved to be not only a rousing success, but a whole lot of fun as well! I, along with writers from various other genres (children's literature, cookbooks, marketing, poetry) spoke about my book and signed copies for those kind enough to purchase one. The event was a great opportunity to meet real writers who have decided to market their work on their own terms--a bit of a revolution in the publishing industry.

I was delighted to share the evening with fellow authors and friends Gina Rubel and Chrysa Smith, both recently published. Many, many thanks to old friends (yes, my brother finally gave in and bought a book) and new who turned out on a Wednesday night in January to show their support. Thanks also to Barnes & Noble for the encouragement offered to new writers. A totally wonderful experience!

October 1, 2007
Budget Pharmacy
1137 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville, PA 19053
215-322-4048

Well, we did it; we pulled off a book signing at a pharmacy. And believe it or not, it was great! I’ve known Charlotte Lopaki, owner of the store, for eleven years, and we both figured, why not? Charlotte and the rest of the Budget Pharmacy staff have been most enthusiastic and supportive about the book and I was only too happy to join forces with other professional, "out-of-the-box-thinking" women!

The day brought lots of company between Charlotte's customers and my loyal family and friends. We sold quite a few books and hopefully, introduced some new customers to Budget Pharmacy. All told, a successful outing, and thanks to all who came!

August 21, 2007
Sun Rose Words and Music Bookstore
756 Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226

The book signing at Sun Rose Books in Ocean City, NJ on August 21st brought out many old friends and new readers as well. Despite an early morning rain reminiscent of the great flood, the weather cooperated enough with a break in the deluge to allow lots of folks to stop by and pick up a signed copy of Everyday Adventures Or, As My Husband Says, “Lies, Lies and More Lies”. It’s always such a pleasure to meet readers and to share some laughs and fun. Sincere thanks to all who braved the elements and came to visit that day.

To schedule a book signing for your business or organization, contact me.

Speaking Engagements

January 17th, 2008
Italian Culture Club
Ocean City, NJ 08226

The drive from home to the Jersey Shore was simply awful--the weather couldn't have been more uncooperative. I was certain that not a soul would show up for my fascinating talk about my Italian heritage and its influence on my writing. But once in Ocean City, the snow turned to rain, and besides, Italians are a hardy lot. A lovely group of about 25 folks came out as I recalled memories of Sunday afternoon dinners of macaroni followed by peaches and red wine for dessert, along with learning the art of pinochle at the tender age of six (my grandmother needed partners), and having more relatives around than I could count!

We had a wonderful evening forming new friendships and I thank everyone (especially Gerry Cusato) for their hospitality.

Let me come and meet you and your organization! Word is, I can occasionally be pretty funny, and I’d love to come out and meet your members to read from my book, answer questions, or just commiserate on what’s going on in your lives and mine.

To schedule a speaking engagement for your club or organization, contact me.

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