How do I type special characters?

Hey, Folks!

Ever wonder how to make special characters such as ☺☻♥♦♣♫ ? I found these directions on YAHOO! (I didn't write these.):

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

This should work in any Windows word processor, text editor, browser or email client.
1. Make sure your keyboard is in NumLock mode.
2. Hold down the ALT key and enter the number on the numeric keypad. (Note that many laptops have a blue FN key that changes a set of keys, also with blue numbers on them and usually in the 7-8-9-U-I-O area, into a numeric keypad.)

for ☺ 1
for ☻ 2
for ♥ 3
for ♦ 4
for ♣ 5
for ♠ 6
for • 7
for ◘ 8
for ○ 9
for ◙ 10
for ♂ 11
for ♀ 12
for ♪ 13f
or ♫ 14
for ☼ 15
for ► 16
for ◄ 17
for ↕ 18
for ‼ 19
for ¶ 20
for § 21
for ▬ 22
for ↨ 23
for ↑ 24
for ↓ 25
for → 26
for ← 27
for ∟ 28
for ↔ 29
for ▲ 30
for ▼ 31

Hope that helps.

Doughnut Pond

I went off to do some research at Doughnut Pond in Sandwich, MA.

It was just as I imagined. Well, actually far better...






















I sat on a log near the edge and wrote the scene that takes place here. I was absolutely stunned when two teenage hockey players showed up just as I finished writing.....



I felt a little creepy snapping these pictures. (They
saw me and didn't seem to care) They cleared the ice with brooms and shovels, put on their skates, and began to play.

It was a little surreal...



Then I was off to do research at the marshes....




The marshes are beautiful. The pics don't do them justice, really...



So, I headed into the center of Sandwich because I'd seen a coffee shop with a good "writing vibe." HOW did I NOT notice the name of the place earlier???? Go ahead, naysayers. Tell me this isn't toooo weird!

I was hesitant to leave writing the book (under a stiff deadline) to tromp around in my settings like this, but it turned out to be WELL worth the trip!

Memorable. Inspiring. And all soooo real...

Good idea to know the setting in a place other than my head...

I think I'll set the next book in Italy....