The Paddle Surfing Adventures of Spunky Senior Author, Terry Ambrose

Terry Ambrose 

Terry Ambrose started out skip tracing and collecting money from deadbeats and quickly learned that liars come from all walks of life. He never actually stole a car, but sometimes hired big guys with tow trucks and a penchant for working in the dark to “help” when negotiations failed.

Terry's Website: http://terryambrose.com

Finding My Inner Hawaiian by Terry Ambrose

I’m pretty sure that in a previous life I was Hawaiian. Kauai is the one place I’ve ever been where I feel truly “centered.” I’m sure that surfing, playing in the sun all day while my skin turned a golden brown, and paddling an outrigger canoe were my favorite activities.

That was that life, fast forward to the this one. Last year I had the opportunity to try paddle surfing. For those not familiar with the sport, you’re on a board a bit wider than a surfboard and have a paddle to help control your direction and balance. My wife purchased a package lesson for me, her brother Bill, and his then 14-year-old daughter Brenna.  None of us had ever paddle surfed before; so this seemed like a great opportunity.

The day began with us on the docks with our guide, Jimmy. Jimmy had been in the business for about three years and said that he’d never had anyone actually go in the water. That gave all three of us, especially this intrepid paddle board wannabe, comfort—and a goal…don’t be the first.

Jimmy explained how the secret to paddle boarding is to stand up slowly and keep your center of gravity low while maintaining your forward motion. Sounded easy enough. Next, he had us kneel on the boards in the water and paddle around the harbor. Still simple, no problem. The water in the harbor was flat and, according to Brenna (who tested it with her hand), not that cold. That was comforting.

So here’s how the action went down…so to speak. Brenna, being a kid, popped up on her board in no time. Bill, being an ex-surfer wasn’t far behind. That means, you guessed it, the real entertainment here was yours truly.

I did as Jimmy instructed and built up some forward momentum. My speed was good and the board felt stable. I was on my knees and ready to stand. The other two were paddling around me…not quite in circles, but the term “lagger” or even “slacker” comes to mind. As I started to stand, I realized how shaky my knees felt. Still, I figured, once I was up, everything would be okay.

Part way up on the first attempt, things got even shakier. Back down to my knees I went. Another try…more momentum…keep the balance…I can do this…halfway up…now, paddle a little…uh, oh, paddle’s dragging in the…

I hate being the center of attention…at least, while I’m floating in dirty harbor water. However, not being one to give up easily, I climbed back onto my board, more determined than ever.

On the next attempt, I dropped to my knees before I dropped…again…into the water. 

The third time was the charm and I popped up like a rusty nail coming out of a board…yes, it was slow and jerky, but I made it. I only went in one more time and that was when a boat’s wake caught me sideways…okay, the wake was only two inches tall and moving slowly, but that’s not the point. The point is that I got back up on the board, stood, and finished out.

So, in this life maybe I’m not Hawaiian…can’t surf that well, everyone knows about the fair-skinned people in the sun thing, and the outrigger canoe? Who knows, maybe…someday.

The bad news is, Jimmy can no longer say, “nobody’s ever gone in.” The other good news? I saved my hat. Try it again? Absolutely!

And Now, About Terry's Book, License to Lie - Set where else, but Hawaii -

License to Lie
by Terry Ambrose

Catch island fever with this funny Hawaiian mystery set on the beautiful island of Oahu.

Wilson McKenna’s newest tenant is hot, gives great hugs, and just saw a dead body being thrown from a plane. McKenna’s not one to get involved in other people’s problems, especially those of a woman half his age, but before he knows it, he’s volunteered to track down the plane and its owner. In no time, McKenna has uncovered an island drug ring, pissed off a sociopath, and set himself up as the victim in a beautiful woman’s con that could cost him his life. 

What people say about Terry's Book:

License to Lie is fast and well written, almost sure to satisfy discerning readers of thrillers.  There’s a verve to Ambrose’s language and the story moves with assurance, defying easy predictions.  Bravo to this writer.  I hope there’s more to come. — T. Jefferson Parker, Author of The Jaguar and The Border Lords

"Fast-paced, unpredictable, and a lot of fun--no one is who they seem in this smart and twisty tale of high finance and double dealing. This unlikely and irresistible crime-fighting duo will charm you--and keep you happily turning the pages." — Hank Phillippi Ryan, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity award-winning author

Buy Links for Terry's Books:

License to Lie: http://www.amazon.com/License-to-Lie-ebook/dp/B00AWU8FZ0

Photo Finish: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NQJD8S

Please leave a comment to welcome Terry to Spunky Senior Authors and Talents.