Sunday, December 7, 2014

Coming on Thursday



Giving away this basket of books valued at $120 during a book signing during Ladies Night in Alpena, Michigan. I will be signing books at Blue Phoenix Books from 5-9pm. If you are in the area, stop in and see us. Ask questions about writing, publishing, or whatever. Get your photo taken with the author.

Should be a fun time. Books always make good Christmas gifts. The new children's anthology Of Moonbeams and Fairies, Collected Tales will be available.


A great gift for children or adults who still believe in magic. Hope to see you there.

TTFN

Monday, November 24, 2014

They Have Arrived!!!!!



My latest  books arrived today. They are in time for my next two book signings.

This is the newest one. It is my debut children's anthology. While it is intended for children, it is for anyone who wishes to escape into the whimiscal world of fairies, elves, gnomes, leprechauns, and unicorns.

Look for Escape an ebook coming out early in 2015. Macy McVannel book 4 Something Borrowed, Something Blue will be out in the spring of 2015.  We shall see what follows.

TTFN

Friday, November 14, 2014

Reveal Day



This is the cover for my children's anthology. It will be out in the next couple of weeks. I am totally in love with it. I never dreamed it would look so awesome. It will be available in both paperback and ebook. I know the paperback will sell for $8.95, not sure the ebook price yet.

If you like the cover, the design details inside are even more awesome. My design team at Blue Harvest Creative is the 2014 Design Team of the year. I am so proud to have them do my artwork. Check them out at www.blueharvestcreative.com

If you have children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or just love a bit of whimsy, this book is for you. Just in time for Christmas. Good for children nine and up. Could be read to younger children.

 Let the moonbeams take you where your imagination lives.

TTFN

Monday, November 10, 2014

For Sale

/http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4354-W-M-76-West-Branch-MI-48661/106550618_zpid/

The above link is to a move in ready home for sale in Michigan. I know the owner wants to move some place warm. So, if this is something you'd like, contact the owner. Make an appointment to go see it and then make an offer if you like it. This piece of property requires a traditional loan, no land contract or rent-to-own.

Don't miss it. With luck it won't last long.
TTFN

Saturday, November 8, 2014

I'm Tired



Wednesday at 2 am I had someone idiot beating on my front door. Okay, I don't open the door at 2am. You'd have to be screaming and be dripping in blood. Then the best I could do for you is call 911. Instead since you were making no sound, I rolled over and went back to sleep. I awake still not believing someone thought I'd open the door in the middle of the night. Went about my day. Slept much of it because of the pain meds I was taking for oral surgery.

Sure enough 1 am Thursday night some idiot banging on the door. I dialed 911 from my bed. Police arrived about 1;15 am. They thoroughly checked my front yard and the back of the house. Found something which could have been foot prints but not enough to cast. No other signs of anyone. Promised to patrol the area for the next three to four nights between 12:30 and 2 am.

Still went about my day on Friday. Did my grocery shopping, got mail, ran other errands. I'm good. It snowed last night, no prowler. Isn't that a surprise to no one. Footprints would show in the snow. First good night's sleep since the tooth came out.

Am being lazy today, but for things I have to do. I'd like the burglar/prowler to be gone. I'm tired of the game playing with this idiot. I'm going to be hostile if he decides to break in. I told thee officers I have a pry bar and I'm not afraid to use it so I'll be requesting an ambulance it a break-in should happen.

In the meantime, two requests for info on my house.

TTFN

Monday, October 27, 2014

The Path Has Become Rocky



While I thought I was doing the right thing, I find I have not been getting enough to eat. No one should ever lose 20 pounds in a month.  Although my blood sugars were starting to lower and my blood pressure was healthy, I was not.

I found myself weak, dizzy in the morning, and with a blood pressure which would not register if I was standing. I have set about to correct this issue.

Weight loss is good if healthy about 4 pounds a month. I suspect even correcting it I will be losing weight, just not so drastically. I am also not getting enough water, something easy to correct.

So as I step around the rocks on this path to good help, I will keep in mind I need to get enough food and water to stay healthy.

TTFN

Saturday, October 25, 2014

When Did You Start Writing?

The inevitable question comes up in interviews and book talks. I generally answer age ten or eleven. However I now have proof it started much earlier.


I was five when this photo was taken. For those too young to know, I'm at a typewriter...the original word processor. You had to have a special eraser to fix your mistakes. Strictly manual.

So, now I can tell people the idea of writing came to me before I started school. Although I must admit I probably could not have told you what a sentence was. I was well aware of books as my parents read to me from an early age.

Now the question has been answered.
TTFN

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

It Begins November 1




That's right National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo, or just NaNo. Thirty days of kamikaze writing. The idea is to write 50,000 words in thirty days.

So, if you don't see me on-line much in November this will be why. My first novel, Secrets was written during NaNo.  The first book in the Macy McVannel series Cold Case: Sleeping Dogs Lie, was also written during NaNo. I've started several others in November only to finish them at a later date.

Hopefully between now and Nov. 1 I will be able to finish the ebook short story Escape. It is an off-shoot of Sanctuary the third book in the Macy series.

November will see me working on Something Borrowed, Something Blue book four in the Macy series. The goal is to get it written and off to editors so it can be released in early 2015.

I have many different things coming, but need these two out of the way before I can start on them. Macy book five is percalating. I need to find the right way to approach it. There will be a novel about Lizzy and her kids as well as a collaborative cookbook by  Ella and Lizzy. Dani will have a life after Sanctuary and you will want to know about it. I have some stand alone novels to work on, a chapter book for young readers. The plate is never ending.

Anyone wishing to do NaNo will find me there as Lady Rebecka. Looking forward to cheering you on.

Happy writing!!!
TTFN

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

My Path Moves On

At first it was grass covered and undefined.

Then it became filled with obstacles.
 Now it has become a tunnel.

The tunnel is much longer than it seams, however there is a light at the end holding out hope. I have a reachable goal. I have direction for how to get there. I am ready to make changes. I am moving closer to the light.

If you are still in there adding prayer, I appreciate it. If you are in my circle there to catch me, you mean more to me than the world. If you are just cheering from the sidelines...I hear you.

TTFN

Monday, October 6, 2014

The Frustration Mounts



While my path is NOT on a beach, it has become an obstacle course. First doctor today, the nephrologist, is not taking new patients. Back to the drawing board. Not even sure where to look.

Second doctor called today is referring new patients to his nurse practitioner (NP). Oh HELL NO. Been there not worth the headache. Not trying another one, so they will not take me on.

Will call doctor number three tomorrow. Hoping for better results.

Just when I thought the big hurdles were about to be over, I discover there are foods I've eaten I can no longer eat. Eating is no longer fun. It is a chore to find something that will keep my mouth from going haywire. I am not eating enough.

No sympathy allowed. I will figure this out one way or another. At least I know I won't be gaining weight.

TTFN

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Path



It has no definition, there is no goal in sight. I began my walk today. Started by eliminating bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes from my diet. My current understanding is these items will be permanently removed from my diet. I am okay with it.

My mood is good. I have not eaten enough today, however I am not hungry. I didn't get anything done, I'd planned to...what a surprise.

The walk will be slow and tomorrow will be better. I will meet my dietary needs and the end will get closer.

TTFN

Creeps in the Night



For those of you who may or may not know I am one of 50 authors in this marvelous anthology. Proceeds go to Mothers Without Borders.

Links: Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Creeps-Night-Multiple-Authors/dp/0692303812/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412118161&sr=1-2&keywords=creeps+in+the+night

Kindle:: http://www.amazon.com/Creeps-Night-Laura-Jamez-ebook/dp/B00O1QN14G/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412118232&sr=1-3&keywords=creeps+in+the+night

Be sure to check them out.
TTFN

Monday, September 22, 2014

It's My Walk to Make


It is a lonely path, this walking toward the light. I will have many in my corner as I make the journey. While you may walk beside me you cannot make the journey for me.

I am taking steps to a huge life change. I'm making some changes even now, but the major ones will start next week.

My health and being healthy are of the utmost importance to me. I have reached out to some people for support in this. I will add more people to the list when I get to the next stages. What you can do now if you so desire is pray.

I know God is with  me on this journey. You prayers would only help as I walk this path. I see the light. I know it's there. Be patient with me.

Thanks.
TTFN

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Dropping off the Grid



I am stopping the earth and moving off for a bit. Don't worry about me, I'm going to be fine. I have to work through some health issues and medical staff who have lied to me. I'm following my own path to healing and have a good support group.

I'm going to focus on some things I need to do. Finish a book, work on Macy four, and an ebook. I am taking on some new things, glass fusing, ceramic painting, colored pencil drawing, and Zentangle drawing. It is obvious I am a beginner at colored pencil drawing and Zentangle art, but I will get better. I have a project I need to finish before it gets too cold to work in my garage.

Down time and healing are what is needed. I'm also thinking of taking up yoga or meditation. Along with that learning light language. Art made from ancient writing symbols.

I'll keep you posted on how my progress is. I know this will pass, but I'm going off grid.
TTFN

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Who Am I?



Several times in the past few weeks I've been asked to describe myself. There are many ways to describe me. It depends on who I am with, what I am doing, who is asking. 

So, I'm going to start with mercurial. 1.
changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic:
a mercurial nature.
2.
animated; lively; sprightly; quick-witted. I am all of these and more.

Next, in the way of definition is havoc.
play havoc with,to create confusion or disorder.
I do this, to people who don't know me. I breeze in like a hurricane, mess with their heads, lives, and emotions. Often leaving them wondering what happened, and if I'll be back to fill the void.

I am also compassionate.
a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken bymisfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering

Finally, I am passionate. When I get involve with something I care deeply about I give it my everything. Writing is my first love. I will promote it, encourage others to try their hand at it, and talk about it until the cows come home. I am also passionate about family and family values. Funny as I have smashed many of those values in my own life only to come back to them.

So, as someone told me recently, I am just one hot mess.
TTFN


Sunday, September 7, 2014

Hitting the Brick Wall



I feel as though I am beating my head against this wall. Things are not going as planned. I know some of it is out of my control, but I cannot explain the others.

Selling my house has been a nightmare. A year ago I listed in August, late in the season, and we were still getting the outside painted. I shouldn't have listed it, but the realtor made no effort, either. Took it off the market in February. No sense trying to sell in the winter. Found a new agent, told her what my expectations were. Spent a month doing things to be ready. She wanted to low ball the price. I refused. What I am asking is not unreasonable. The trim has been painted, the deck is in by the breezeway. Again, the realtor is worthless. So far, neither realtor I have used has made an effort to show the house. I don't understand.

Weather has not cooperated. I have door trim and the garage door to paint. I have a porch to thoroughly clean and to stain both the porch and the deck. Then everything will be finished. You can't paint when it's humid and you can't paint in the rain. Urgh.

I attempted to start a writing group in July. We actually got in two meetings. One of my regulars has gone off to start work on a Masters Degree. I'm proud of him. One has recently retired and is enjoying travel time. More power to her. One teaches and is back to school, we just haven't found and evening which will work. She brings her husband which is a bonus for all of us. One is a student and back to school as well as being involved in after school activities. One has gone to visit her brother and his family in South Dakota for a few months. I don't feel like a failure. I just don't feel the timing was right.

Allergies have been extreme this summer making for sleepless nights due to coughing or just plain misery. The meds for them either keep me awake or put me to sleep. It's not been warm enough for swimming, hiking, and in general being outside.  Just another frustration.

I am working on book signings. It is always tedious trying to work with Genesee District Library. I am working to get into the library in my parents' hometown. This has been a three year project. I am working on it. This just adds to my frustration.

With all this going on, I cannot seem to focus on either work in progress. I have one I want finished by the end of the week so I can begin edits. The plan is to have it out by November 28th. I also have the release of a book done by an author I contracted with.

I know this will pass. I am hunkering down as I know in my heart, I'll be spending another winter in Michigan. Something which breaks my heart. I have a work schedule for writing, crocheting, glass fusing, and I'm going to try my hand at a couple other crafty things. I need things to keep me busy.

My head tells me things will happen when they are supposed to. I just want to be moved, settled, and starting my next adventure.

TTFN

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Lightning Does Strike Twice



Two years ago for the launch party for the first Macy McVannel book, Cold Case: Sleeping Dogs Lie. I learned the day before the library author chat/book signing the books would not arrive until the following Tues. The event was on a Thurs. Wait, the books were not going to arrive until after the event. My publisher at the time did everything to get the books shipped. She would take half the order, she would have sent UPS to pick them up for next day delivery. No, go. I sent out a notice to those planning to come, the books would not be available. Maybe half a dozen people showed up. I gave away more books than I sold. I was devastated. Luckily, my then publisher had been able to get me a second signing at a library near my hometown. Much bigger turnout, many more sales, and I ended up with a book signing at a used bookstore in Frankenmuth a couple months later. All-in-all, it turned out alright.

Book two in the Macy McVannel series, Crossing the Line was an even bigger success coming out in May, 2013. I had a small book signing in a neighboring town and again ended up giving away more than I sold. However once again I snagged a book signing in Frankenmuth, where I met with huge success. This book went on the be named 2013 Mystery Book of the Year, by Turning the Pages.

Enter book three, Sanctuary. Through no one's fault my book signing/launch for this book was today. Who can resist this cover?
Or a back of the book blurb this exciting: Danielle Montgomery has move the Willows, the home she grew up in. A woman on a mission, she enlists the aid of her college roommate, Macy McVannel, as she helps free abused women from their abusers. She is also wondering if she can rekindle her relationship with builder, Brad Stevens.
  Is what she is doing even legal?
    Can she protect those she hopes to save?
Their goal is to provide sanctuary to those in need...
   But can they protect them from the pasts they left behind?

 Well, I learned the books would not arrive on time for the book signing. I did a pre-pay and will deliver or mail the books to the people who pre-paid. The books were shipped late this afternoon and should be her for me to pick up at the post office on Tues. Aug. 26th. This time I did not tell people. I did a decent day of sales, had plenty of  time to visit with family, friends, and strangers.

I have decided odd numbered books in this series might be jinxed. But I've learned you can be successful if you go at it with a positive attitude.

If you are looking for Sanctuary, it is available in paperback of for Kindle at the following link.

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Macy-McVannel-Rebecka-Vigus/dp/0989098133/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408852830&sr=8-1&keywords=rebecka+vigus

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-Macy-McVannel-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00MYN0CU4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408852830&sr=8-2&keywords=rebecka+vigus

Enjoy.
TTFN

Monday, August 18, 2014

Cover Reveal


This is the cover of my newest book. The release date for it is Friday, August 22nd. I am excited about this one and believe it is probably my best work to date.

Book signing scheduled for August 23, 2014 @ Charlin's Book Nook  in Frankenmuth from 1-4pm. Don't miss it there will be giveaways.

TTFN

Monday, August 4, 2014

Frustrated



Cables seem to run our lives. My cable company sent me this real nice letter telling my my TV services would be going up to $66.99/mo and my Intenet would now be $49.99/mo. Total bill will now be $116.98/mo plus taxes. I don't think so. I'm not getting more for this price. I have been paying $87.98/mo with the taxes figured in. A $29//mo increase is NOT in my budget. I'm trying to cut costs.

Consequently I went in to see if they could make me a better offer. Her best offer was $105.98/mo. Still $18/mo more than what I am currently paying. All the while they are advertising their new Spectrum service for $29.99/mo. Oh that's only for new customers. So, I ask what it will be for just Internet. I can do with out TV. $54.99/mo plus taxes. Really???? I don't think so. I tell her I will return the TV box and remote within the next two days.

Back home I call Verizon only to learn they don't service this area. I move on to AT&T, who gives me to Dishnetwork. Oh, wait. You cannot get Internet until you are an established customer. So, with your $59.99/mo Internet and our $41/mo for TV you will only be paying $99/mo. that's only $11 more than you were paying and $6.98 cheaper than Charter. Not interested.

Finally call DirectTV. Oh wait, I can get their choice package for TV for $50.99/mo and the Internet through AT&T will only be $14.95/mo. Total package $70.94/mo. I'm good with this. Direct TV will be installed tomorrow afternoon. Then I will be returning the Charter TV stuff. AT&T is sending self-install wireless. It will be here in 3-5 days, but will officially be on Aug. 7th. Two different bills. I want them pulled from my checking account monthly not put on my credit card. So, that will be my first phone call on Wed.

I am so sick of Charter. Two and a half days last week I had no Internet service. Will I be getting credit? No, everyone was out. So, you should be crediting everyone. Charter bounces me on a regular basis and I am real tired of all the sudden being disconnected. Direct TV will work with me if I am ever lucky enough to sell my house and move.

Frustration ebbing. I am good with the decisions made.
TTFN

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Why Do I Write?



I get this question every time I speak somewhere. There is no definitve answer. I have been writing since I was 10 years old. A teacher told me, with my imagination one day he would see me in books. I believed him. I have no idea what I had written, which made him think this. I did not save the paper he returned to me. His words have been the force for why I write.

 But that's not all of it. I write because there are stories in me needing to escape. When my daughter was little and we went north to the cabin my parents owned for our vacations, there was no televison. I spent many nights telling her bedtime stories which came from my imagination. She would fall asleep in my arms and I would put her in bed.

I wanted to write it was the career path of my heart. I wrote poetry all through high school. In my poems I could say the things I could not find the words to speak. I wrote a poem for the Junior Miss pageant and there was a gentleman in the audience who contacted my parents afterward. He wanted me to read the poem so he could record it and play it for his interpretive reading class. He was astonished I could recite it without reading from a piece of paper.

My parents allowed me to send a sample of my writing to the Famous Writer's School. A representative from there came to talk to us. We decided against it. I am not sorry. My high school English teachers rarely gave me feedback on what was wrong with my papers. I used to cringe whenever one would say: "Take out a blank sheet of paper. We're going to write today." I learned early on, I don't write on demand. My mind would be as blank as the paper in front of me. The topics we were going to write about did not appeal to me. We didn't brain storm ideas, we didn't have options. If I wrote a poem in inevitably came back with a B on it and no comments. Problem was poetry is subjective (all writing is) and they had no idea how to grade a poem. I wrote a poem from a photo a teacher passsed out. The particular poem was a commentary on the world of the 1970's. While the teacher gave it a B, a minister friend of my father's wanted a copy to use in his sermon. Yes, I gave him a copy and yes, he used it in his sermon.

I concluded I must be doing something right. People enjoyed reading or hear my poems. But I didn't know anyone who was making money as a poet. Those who did were college professors, poet laureates, and those who became speakers. Max Ellison, who lived in hovel in Frog Hollow just outside Bellaire, Michigan and started the Stone Circle in Traverse City is one of those. My goal was to write a book.

I have a group major in English, language, and literature. I took as many writing classes as I could; basic compositon 101 and 102,  journalism, feature writing, broadcast continuity writing, and narrative writing. In narrative writing my instructor told me I had talent, but she didn't know how to tell me to develop it. Great, why was I taking her class? I subscribed to The Writer magzine. I read them from cover to cover. I did many of the things suggested in those pages. It didn't seem to work. I have a collection of The Writer magazine which dates back to the 1970's. It lapsed off and on in the interim years, but I saved them and I go back to them. I no longer subscribe as they have changed their format and content. I don't feel they are as good as they used to be.

I have read more books on writing than I can count. I have an entire library section on how to write. I have Novel Writing for Dummies, If You Can Talk, You Can Write, The Weekend Novelist, How to Write the Breakout Novel and more I cannot begin to name. When I am stumped, I go back to these books. I have heard Sally Wright speak about how she organizes herself to write a novel. I have read Phyllis A. Whitney's book on how she writes, as well as Janet Evanovich's book on how she writes. I have my own way to work myself through a novel. It is entirely different from all three of those very successful ladies. I have books I need to revisit. There are not enough hours in the day.

Then there are the midnight writing binges. I will wake from a deep sleep and know I have to write down what is in my brain or I will forget. Once I start, I write until I have exhausted whatever it was which woke me in the first place. So, no, I don't have a specific time for writing. I try to write something daily. It is not always in a book I'm working on. But, I do try to write. I am a master at making lists.

Lists are a way to organize my chaotic life. Sometimes I truly believe I am an adult with attention deficit disorder. Lists help keep me on track. I make grocery lists. Lists for what I want to accomplish during my day. Lists of what needs to be done with my works in progress. I cross out things as they are accomplished. What is not done, goes on the list for the next day. I used to hang my lists on my refrigerator, next to my computer and wherever it was I was going to try to stay focused on.  I start weeks before a vacation making a list of all the things I will need to take with me. Those I can pack because they are not used on a daily basis get packed. I am going through a checklist on my way out the door. Sometimes, I even forget things. No, surprise there.

Writing releases the demons who keep me awake nights. When I couldn't sleep Saturday night, I got up and went to work on a story idea for the children's anthology I'm working on. Who is writing about leprechauns at 3:30 in the morning? Me. I have an idea for my writing I need for August 7th percolating in my brain and I know it's trying to get out.

It goes along with the question, where do you get your ideas? They live in my imagination. Some are fanciful, while others are dark. I write mysteries because I love puzzles. If you read my mysteries, you know there is not a straight path to the end. There are twists and turns throughout. You might know who done it long before they are caught. When I finally sit down to write, I have an idea. I usually have a beginning, sometimes I start several times before I get it right. I know where I want the story to go, then I invite my characters to participate. Sometimes they run away with the story. Other times we work together. There are even times when we argue, because something they want to do is out of character or doesn't add to the story flow.
I have fallen into the world of my characters and am not ready to leave them.

Yes, I have done National Novel Writing Month. I starts every year on November 1st at 12am. It runs until 12am on November 30th. The idea is to write a 50,000 word (approximately 175 pages) book. I have done it twice and won the award they give. The first one I completed in 21 days. The second one I just know I did in November. It is kamikaze writing, no time for edits, no time for changes, just get the story written. I am considering a 60,000 word book in 6 days. Which means I will be required to write 10,000 words a day. Can I do it? I have no idea. Will I try? You bet. Will the book be print ready in six days? Not a chance.

In the past year I have written two pieces of flash fiction for anthologies. Those are complete stories in 1000 words. The second one had to be between 500 and 1300 words, so a wider margin. I did not know I could do such a thing. I am very proud of both of them.

So, if you are a writer why do you write? Fame? Fortune? Neuroses? Some other reason? I'd be interested in knowing. Or am I the only crazy person?

TTFN

Saturday, July 26, 2014

New Writing Group


On July 10, 2014 I invited a few people to my house to see about forming a writing group. There were five of us. We spent time getting to know each other and talking about writing.  We each wrote two words and dropped them in a bucket. One was drawn and we were all to write something using the word 'avatar.' We arranged to meet again on July 24th giving us two weeks to brainstorm and come up with ideas.

I will share with you my writing on the word 'avatar.'
     "What are you choosing for an avatar?" Bobby asked.
     "I hate avatars," Billy complained. "Everyone lies with an avatar. They pretend to be someone they're not."
    "It's the way the game is played," was Bobby's exasperated response. "Call your avatar Billy if you want." Getting his autistic brother to play computer games was becoming more challenging with each new game. Once Billy started he beat everyone else playing.
    "Okay."
    Now came the process of picking an avatar and learning the new game. Bobby knew it could take an hour to get it right.

For our next meeting we are writing on 'What if....'
      What if you picked your partner (life, business, other) from a catalog or database?

If you are in the West Branch or Rose City area and are interested in writing or would like to join us. We are meeting on August 7th at 2pm. I'm hosting these meetings.

Those of you not in the area, feel free to leave your sample in the comment section. We'll share them and leave you comments. We do not plagarize.

TTFN

Friday, July 4, 2014

New Things Happening



Thursday afternoon I have a group of people coming to my house to talk about and work on writing. I'm excited. I love talking about writing and encouraging others to explore their writing strengths. It motivates me to write.

I sometimes fine myself overwhelmed with the amount of writing I face. I have three current works in progress. One a children's book, one is the fourth book in the Macy McVannel series, and one has to do with learning how to cure what ails me through healthy eating. I have starts on a few others but these are the three I'm focusing on.

I also took on the challenge of reading Atlas Shrugged. It has never before taken me a month to read a book. I have until July 9th to get it finished. Then it needs to be returned to the library. Yes, with all the books I own, I still use the library.

Talking about writing, sharing ideas, and knowledge are all parts of being a writer. Writing is a solitary art. If you don't talk to like minded people you can lose focus and direction. I believe in encouraging those who wish to write or want to get better at writing.

When I was growing up, yes, in the days of the dinosaur, there was no one to encourage me. Parents don't count. One teacher out of all the teachers I ever had told me he would one day see me in books. In high school they let me write poetry but, had no idea how to grade it. The standard was to put a B on it and no comments. In college a professor told me I had talent, but she was at a loss for how I could develop it. So, I read. I have a group major in English, language, and literature (52 credit hours). I also took journalism, feature writing, and broadcast continuity writing. I read books on writing. I read mysteries in an effort to see how they were written. Now I share with others what I've learned.

Looking forward to learning as I go.
TTFN

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Just a Little Something

Reflections


          She spent years in loneliness. Then one night while listening to something on the television it struck her. In her lifetime she had loved, truly loved two men outside of family.

          The first one stole her heart when she was sixteen. He didn’t even know he’d done it. She wasn’t sure when she actually knew, but when she did there was no one else for her.

          Due to a tragic incident after high school when she finally knew he cared, she hurt him in the worst kind of way. Feeling as though the tragedy and its burden were hers to bear she let him think the worst. His life went on and she bore the guilt for every misstep he took or that befell him in the ensuing years. It took a lifetime for her to realize they were his mistakes to make and she should not feel guilty. That’s when her heart finally let him go. (Although she admits, even to herself, part of him will always live in her heart).

          The second man came along while she was in college. They became fast friends. When she stupidly found herself pregnant he was there. Even offering to marry her. She refused. Not because she didn’t love him, but because she did not feel she deserved him. When he proposed again a few years later, it was because he wanted her to help him raise his own child. By then fear of making a mistake held her back.

          Now, in her “old” age she is able to see that either of them given the chance would have stood beside her through anything. For both of them loved her. Something she did not understand when she was young. They both saw her flaws, but they found something else. Something making them a whole as it made her when she was with them.   
       
          In life there is no redo. You get one chance and do the best with it you can. If she could go back with the knowledge she has now, things would be greatly altered. Going back is not allowed. Finding her way forward with this new found knowledge is all she can do.

          Surprisingly her heart is not broken. Nor does she mourn what might have been. She is happy for the memories of what was and looks forward to what will be. Life is not over yet, nor is it complete. 

TTFN





Monday, June 16, 2014

Book Review

I am a bit behind on this one. If you haven't read it, you should get it soon.


Palmetto Poison by C, Hope Clark
Reviewed by Rebecka Vigus
June 16, 2014


      I was pulled in on the first page. Heroine, Carolina Slade is doused with lemonade
and off to confront the teenaged culprit. As the day wears on she learns the young teen is killed in a car accident.
      This is just the tip of the iceberg. She is pulled into an investigation by the governor. She also encounters a belligerent DEA agent, who just happens to be her boyfriend’s former wife. Drugs, cover-up, and death plague her.
      Add to this the disappearance of her sister and her boyfriend’s missing sister. Can she unravel the entire mess, keep her family intact, retain her job, and still have a meaningful relationship?
      Absolutely, follow Carolina Slade on a journey to solve the case she was assigned, discover who is behind it and why, reunite the missing sisters, hold her family together, and strengthen her relationship.
      Carolina Slade is an investigator for the director of the Department of Agriculture. Her job is relatively simple investigate the anomalies in agriculture. Monitor where the money from the department goes. But Slade manages to step out of the norm and immerse herself in the thick of things, bringing danger and suspense to the story.
      C. Hope Clark brings together the workings of the government with a wonderful dash of southern living and a character who embodies both. Carolina Slade works because she is believable. She could be your next door neighbor. She’s human and likeable without being perfect. I can hardly wait to see what is in store for her next.
TTFN





Sunday, June 8, 2014

This Will be my Challenge Week

Lawn stomorrow if weather permits. I hate this as I will not be able to take allergy meds when I am done. It will be a long night. If it doesn't permit, then cleaning the garage I put off this weekend will have to be done. I have decided it is not going to clean itself.

Wednesday, I go for food allergy testing. That will take up my afternoon as well as determine what I will be able to eat in the future.  At least I will be able to go home and do meal planning. Knowing what new allergies I have acquired will help, so I don't end up with mouth infections.

At some point I hope to meet a friend who will be in town for the week. We met through a mutual friend and it would be nice to meet in person. While I am in that area I'm going to stop and see friends who own a bookstore. Hopefully I can get a book signing there come August or September.

Saturday I have open houses. Two of them are local and one is out of town. I will make the local ones for sure, we will see how it goes on the out of town one. I have a while before all the students I've taught over the years are out of high school.

In the meantime, I keep hoping there will be others interested in my house. I have shared the listing on several sights. Sad, people keep asking me if I will rent it. Seriously, it is For Sale. I'm moving. I have no desire to be an absentee landlord. I don't want the house anymore. It is too big for me. I need something all on one floor. In an entirely different location. Far, far from where I am now.

I will be working on Of Moonbeams and Fairy Dust as well as Something Borrowed, Something Blue. I have deadlines in my head for when I want them to come out, so deadlines for when they need to be read and edited. I have two other authors counting on me to have their books ready to go by fall.

Yep, going to have trouble keeping up with myself. Have a great week all.
TTFN

Thursday, June 5, 2014

What a Day

First I have to go to the doctor's office. They missed a blood test and didn't put a diagnosis on it so I couldn't get blood drawn yesterday. Next, it was to the medical arts center for the blood draw. Good grief, they took a lot of blood. I hope something gets figured out.

I arrived home to find a message from the design team who works on my books. The result is Sanctuary is now in their hands. I am hoping for an early July release.

Then my parents called and asked me to meet them for dinner at a local bar with great burgers. As I was pulling out of my driveway I got a text message. The following photo was there.

The message said: The inside of the Monte Carlo.
My heart plummeted this is the car my granddaughter drives. I couldn't get out of the message to respond so I called her. My daughter says, "Everyone is okay. The car is totaled. I'll call you in a few minutes."
Megs was not texting. She was not talking on her phone. She thought the light had changed and hit the back end of the car in front of her. Aside from some burns on her wrist and scratches from the air bag, there were no injuries. The car on the other hand did not survive. So, they are one car short.

I am now able to breathe again. I would like tomorrow to be calm. I have a door to wash and paint. I have a garage to clean out. The aftermath of my crash with the lawn mower.  Good way to get rid of some other things while I'm at it. Need to find a way to set up for painting the door trim and the outside trim we are replacing. The sooner I get to it the sooner it will get put up. So, while I want it to be calm, I intend to be busy.

TTFN


Friday, May 30, 2014

House for Sale

You read it right. My house is for sale. In fact, here is the listing:  http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4354-W-M-76_West-Branch_MI_48661_M49383-05889?row=1

If you are looking for a place in 'Up North Michigan' this is it. Three miles west of downtown, surrounded by golf courses, The Dream one mile west and I believe The Nightmare is two miles west of The Dream. You are about 3 1/2  miles from the Country Club. If dirt bikes is your thing, three quarters of a mile east of me is Stoney Ridge dirt bike course. They run every other week end and every other Wed from April to October. Easy access to I75. It's only a mile away. I have seen deer in my neighbor's front yard, accross the street, and running through my backyard. I saw their foot prints in the snow this winter as they searched for food.

Yes, I want it sold. I was shown earlier this week after being on the market only 5 days. While the feedback was good, I did not get an offer.

It's an old farmhouse and has it's own charm. All the appliances stay including washer and dryer. New furnace, hot water heater, and paint inside and out. Room for children and pets. You could even put in a pool. There is room to put in a garden if you so desire.

I just want it sold. I am ready to move.

TTFN

Friday, May 23, 2014

Woo Hoo Big Things Happening

For starters, I have a book cover for Broken Chains. The short story ebook I'm releasing next week.


This is the first of many short stories. I am looking forward to it coming out.

The second big thing is I got the house listed. I still have some things to work on, but it's listed. And even better is someone even asked me about it. Gave her info and the realtor's phone number.

Things might be looking up.

TTFN

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

I'm Spreading Fairy Dust


Leaping into whimsy and spreading fairy dust in my wake. Close your eyes and just for a minute, empty your mind. Take a couple deep relaxing breaths letting them out slowly.

Why did I ask you to do this? Once upon a time you were a child with an imagination. Sometimes, life gets in the way and we forget to enjoy it. We even forget what it was like to imagine, we were someone else in another place and time.

Sometimes for your own piece of mind, you need to take a minute and be the small child you once were.  Pick up your favorite childhood book, read it again. Share it with your children or grandchildren. Let those old feelings back in.

One good way to relieve stress.....look for the fairy dust.

TTFN

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Surprise

Someone on Facebook this morning posted something saying if you pass this on you'll get good news. Okay, so I did. No expectations but what the heck.

Later I went to the post office to get my mail. Here is what I found:

My t-shirt from Turning the Pages and:
My first place medal:
The medal with the award certificate:
Bling from all the authors who could attend.
The program
Program opened to my book.

Yep, got good news today.
TTFN

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

It's Been a Rough Week

I know it's only Tuesday. So, far no one has died, I haven't needed bail money, and no bodies have been buried. Something which makes it a successful week.

Monday, I called the pharmacy to see if my new med had come in. Lo and behold, my insurance was not going to cover it. It couldn't be ordered if they won't cover it as it is expensive and non-refundable. First thing to set me off. I call Dr's office. Oh they know the paperwork is on the girl's desk but she won't be in until Wed. Hello, I need this so I won't die. Did someone miss this?

Pharmacy called back. Talked to manufacturer. They could get me a 30 day supply on Tues. for free. Yes, I'll take that. I call and make appointment for food allergy testing again. Get that set up and call dr office again. Let them know when testing will be done and that I will be able to get meds on Tues.

Monday night just as I fall asleep my feet cramp. Get up walk it out try again. This went on from 11pm to 2 am. Finally decided to put bedside light on so I would not hurt myself getting out of bed. I finally fall asleep. I am someone who requires a dark room to sleep in.

Today,  I wake to my phone ringing and I know it is important because only those on my favorites list can call while I am sleeping. Dad told me he was bringing up the wood trim I need to paint forthe house. I find myself awake and tired at the same time. Throw my jeans in the wash then decided to put on capris. Take my blood sugar, ugh still high, but below 400. I pack up a box of books and ate a bit.

Called Dad to see if they had started north. Yep, they got six miles and stopped for brunch. Told him I was running some errands but I'd be back before they got here. Stopped at the bank, post office, and headed to the grocery store. Had a few things in the cart when I thought I was going to be sick. Went to the bathroom, false alarm. Picked up the new med and the rest of my groceries, checked out and headed home.

My daughter calls and we talk as I am driving home. I pull in tell her I need to go. Hang up the phone and know I am not going to make it into the house before I get sick. I was right tossed breakfast on the lawn. Pulled myself together, got the food inside and in the fridge. Sat for a couple minutes still regaining composure. Put water on to boil for tea. Had barely sat down with tea when Mom and Dad pulled in. Dad unloaded trim board, put screws in some shelving to prevent it from falling. Learned I had door trim to paint for the breezeway door.

Talked to them a bit as my stomach was still settling. They got ready to call and I walked them out. Dad and I checked on my Hydrangia. This one is yellow. Last year's was blue. They left heading north. They will be back through so we can  take them to dinner in the Clio area on Sunday.

Finally got the stomach settled and had a late lunch. I'm tired. I did not get a dose of the new med. It causes more output from the body and I have no desire to be up all night paying homage to the porcelain god in my bathroom. Which means blood sugars will be too high again tomorrow.

On an up note, the upstairs ceiling was painted Monday. The cedar chest is about cleared off and everything is packed. The plan is to move the boxes to the garage tomorrow. Get the garage ready for the saw horses I'm getting tomorrow so I an paint. I am hoping to pull out the camp stool and get some nails and screws picked up so I can vacuum the breezeway. I am close to being ready to list again. YEAH!!!! I want it sold.

So, as I head to bed, the weatherman tells me rain tomorrow. He might be the first body needing to be buried. I am still looking forward to a good day. This has to improve.

TTFN

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Some Days I Should Not be Left on my Own

Anyone who knows me well, knows I follow a different drummer from the so called "normal" world. As I tell my daughter life without me would be dull and boring. She would prefer I do things which won't raise her blood pressure. She worries about me. There are reasons for this.
1) I am her mother....I am her parent.
2) We are close.
3) She was five the first time she came close to losing me....severe allergic reaction to an herbal tea. Ambulance ride, two days in intensive care, two weeks off work.
4) She feels she has to protect me from myself....claims I am naive. This could be valid.
5) Goes into a panic when I say, "Road Trip."
6) And then there are those times when I do foolish things...sometimes ending up in the emergency room.

She is also my biggest fan. She supports my writing and is great for livening up a book talk. She is proud I have taken charge of my health (losing 98 pounds, getting sugars under control). She's even okay with me selling the house and moving. She's not keen on my being so far a way, but she did come down to visit and knows why I like it there. She even saw a house I was looking at a year ago....it sold. :(

She has called me daily since the mouth infection started. She has been concerned, doesn't like it's not getting better. She is almost as frustrated as I am. Add to it the sky high blood sugars and she is fit to be tied.

While my vision is much better, it is no where near what it should be. I took a journey back in time yesterday. Not only did I attend an open house for a cousin who just finished her Master's, it was held in the elementary school I attended. I did not drive by the old home, I should have. But, I did something even better. I had a friend who lives in the area meet me at the school. It was great as Louise has not been in the building since we were in 4th grade. I had been been back once since.It is no longer an elementary school although it has retained the name. It is an adult day care.

Louise and I went to dinner at a local Applebee's. This is old home week in four hours. Louise and I have not seen each other since we were 17. But we had been sidekicks since kindergarten. We did girl scouts, worked in the cafeteria when we were in fourth grade. ( we thought free lunch, 10 cents a day, and the extra desserts on Friday was awesome). We were in band together. We spent time talking about our children and our lives now. Then we fell into the people we used to know. Some she is still in touch with. Some I have not seen since I left Davison at the end of sixth grade. I had texted my daughter when we arrived to let her know I was there safely. Louise and I were having such a good time we were not paying attention to time. My text messages went off and my daughter asked where I was. I told her we had moved in to Applebee's. Problem we discovered is they don't serve breakfast.

I drove to my parents where I dropped off some items. I knew I was tired and it was affecting my eyes, but I also knew I needed to be home. I called my daughter as I was pulling out of my parents' home. Told her I was taking it slow and I'd let her know when I landed.

Driving tired in the daylight is one thing. I try to avoid it. Driving tired at night with eyes not exactly right, let's just say I don't want to do it ever again. I was glad there were clear skies and once I got north of Bay City, there was very little traffic. That's always a good thing.

Today I am just exhausted. Sugars are lower, but still high. And my daughter is still concerned. I love her with all my heart. I do not intentionally set out to upset her, in my world things like that just happen.

TTFN

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Just Checking in

I'd like to say my mouth was better. It's not. This has now been a month. I suspect the next on my list to see will be an oral surgeon. Like my sister, I suspect they should have swabbed this early on. I think there is more going on with me.

On a more up note, I am waiting for Broken Chains to be ready for ebook. I am also ready to turn Sanctuary the much awaited third book in the Macy McVannel series to my wonderful interior and cover magicians at Blue Harvest Creative. Beta Readers are giving it rave reviews.

I am working like a mad woman on my house. I want it ready to place on the market Tues. If all goes as planned I will be ready. I am ready for it to be gone.

I feel like I am alive again, although talking is still difficult and sometimes I am hard to understand. I am still in the soft food category but have progress from pudding and smoothies to other things. There is hope. I would hazard a guess I am down 10 pounds this month. I do not recommend it. I would not wish this on anyone.

My plan is to get back to writing here regularly. Might find some photos to post. Who knows. But I will be back.

TTFN

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

I have failed

I got a mouth infection which has taken me to a pain I have never known before. In trying to find sustenance and keeping my mouth from getting worse, I have neglected my blog. I have failed at getting in 365 photos. I have failed at completing the a-zbloggingchallege. Just plain old failed.


You have missed some great photos:
This guy turned 13. He's just amazing. He's playing YMCA basketball waiting for junior high baseball to start. His is a team of misfits; those who have played basketball, those who think they can play basketball, those who have played pick up basketball in their neighborhoods, and those who have never played but needed to get off the sofa. A week or so ago at a game Jason had an open court to a lay up shot. He could have made it. Instead he looked for an open teammate. It happened to be one of those who needed to be off the sofa and not a real good player. Jay passed to him anyway. In going up for the shot, his teammate was fouled. The result was two free throws. He got one of them.  Great ego boost for a kid who has never played. My daughter blubbered at the awesomeness of her son's act. Jason, shrugged as if to say: Hey, it was the right thing to do. Love this guy.

and this one:
Yeah, this one again. Just a warning she's driving now. So, if you are in the Lansing area be on the look out. Not only that, she got her first job yesterday and will start next week. Not only beautiful but smart, too. Was honored for academics at the award ceremony a week or so ago. Love her too. Proud of you, too Megs.

I have not downloaded the icicles that found themselves hanging from my roof last Tues. I am more than ready for winter to be totally gone. My parents were in Vanderbilt over the weekend and they got snow. Um, that is an hour and a half north of me. No, thanks.

So, the mouth is still a mess. My talking is hard to understand, but I am surviving. Life is moving on. Maybe tomorrow I'll start doing photos again for real.

TTFN

Friday, April 11, 2014

365 Photos Day 101/L is for



L is for luck. If it weren't for bad luck I would have none. First, I am battling some virus which has rendered me unable to eat or talk. While it might be getting better, I am wide awake waiting for my smoke alarm to go off so I will have a reason to call the fire department. It smells like electrical burning. I cannot find the source, and I have been to the dungeon. The space heaters keeping my pipes from freezing are now off. It didn't seem to be anything down there, but I can still smell the "hot" smell. Meantime, I have mindless TV keeping me company. But could get out in a heartbeat if needed.
TTFN

October Already

 I'm not sure where the time has flown. June was an exiting month. July was a mess. I had a change of medication which caused me to gain...