Author: nananoyz

I'm a semi-retired crazy person with one husband and two cats.

Unexpected Souvenir

On our way back to Tallahassee from Dallas, where we’d attended graduation exercises for our granddaughter, we got an unexpected and unwanted souvenir—a crack in the windshield. It wasn’t a large crack, but threatened to grow if we didn’t have it fixed quickly.

So today I’m sitting in a Safelite AutoGlass repair shop waiting for my windshield to be made whole again, when in fact I should be finishing the first draft of Wedding at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort. My brain is stymied, though, and I don’t know how to bring the tale to a satisfying end.

Perhaps my main character could have a minor crack in her windshield, and after it’s fixed she and her friends could live happily ever after. Almost like real life.

Peace, people.

Ad Fail?

Studly Doright and I recently drove to Dallas from our home in Florida, most of the time taking advantage of the interstate highway system. I took a few photos along the way—none of them very memorable.

But in Texas a billboard ad campaign caught my eye.

Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Maybe I’m being a wimp, but I don’t exactly relish the image of a rattlesnake seatbelt. I call this an ad fail.

Now, a similar seatbelt billboard didn’t bother me. In fact, it’s pretty clever.

It’s a western belt. In Texas. I like it.

Am I wrong? Would the snake ad make you want to buckle up?

Peace, people!

Happy Birthday, Gracie!

On May 31, 2021, our beautiful Gracie celebrated her second birthday. Now, I hate to admit it, but I was totally unaware that it was the big day until my cat sitter texted me. I’m such an awful mom.

I must’ve included that critical information when we first contracted with the sitter; otherwise, it would’ve escaped me. I’m terrible with all that calendar stuff. (See awful mom note above).

I sang “Happy Birthday” to her, but she was totally unimpressed. Everyone’s a critic these days.

Yes, I’m two. Why do you ask?
Mom, can I have a slumber party? Huh?

They just grow up way too fast, don’t they?

Peace, people!

A Girl Could Get Used to This

Last Friday morning my daughter-in-law treated me to a day at the Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas. We lounged by the pool on the seventh floor where servers attended to our needs.

My happy toes.
Our needs…
The AT&T building

I was almost positive I’d spotted former Dallas Cowboy quarterback, Tony Romo, in one of the cabanas. I was wrong—the guy was just barely taller than me. Sure am glad I didn’t ask for an autograph. 😉

Peace, people!

Spicy or Sweet?

I have two books on the market—now, that’s a phrase I thought I’d never type. I must admit, it feels pretty good. And with summer upon us, everyone needs at least one of them to read. Both would be better, right?

One is a romance set primarily in the Texas panhandle where I was born and raised. As I was writing The Cowboy and the Executive I fell in love with my male protagonist. Barton Young is good looking, he can sing, and he likes to dance. What more could a girl want? But does D’Aun Gilman dare fall for him when doing so might cost her the job she loves? This tale is definitely on the spicy side.

Available on Amazon and Kindle

My first novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, follows the adventures of newly widowed, Paula Jean Arnett, and her best friend, Cassie Campbell, as they attempt to get to the bottom of why Paula’s husband bought a rundown fishing resort in East Texas from a mysterious woman who might have been more than a business partner. Part cozy mystery, part road trip, Mayhem is a lot of fun, and definitely sweet.

Coincidentally also available on Amazon and Kindle.

So, take your pick. Or make me really happy and pick both. Now excuse me, I’m going to go drool over Barton—just don’t tell my husband, Studly Doright.

Peace, people!

Written in the Clouds

The threat of rain lingered as we made our way to our granddaughter’s high school graduation on Friday evening. But as the senior class of Wylie East high school took their seats on the football field, the darker clouds were replaced by some rather mysterious ones that appeared to be sending a cryptic message.

Can you see the lower case cursive l?

I added a filter to make it more visible. Am I going crazy or does it look as if there’s a message there? Too bad I don’t read cloud language.

Peace, people!

A Lion in the Backyard

Grand dog, Ryder, bears a strong resemblance to a lion. Here’s proof.

Whereas Milo is vaguely polar bear-ish.

Very vaguely.

We’re enjoying the wildlife in Dallas.

Peace, people!

My New Grand Dogs

These two fellas greeted us when we arrived in Dallas.

That’s Ryder in the foreground and Milo behind him. It’s difficult to tell just how large Milo is from this photo. But in the one below it’s fairly obvious.

Milo is humongous.

Our son and daughter-in-law originally were going to foster Ryder, but about a week before they went to pick him up he ran away with Milo in tow. The two dogs went on a wild romp for over a month before they were picked up by animal control in a town about 100 miles from where they’d started.

Thank goodness they’d been microchipped and the animal control folks contacted the rescue group, and they in turn contacted Jason and Liz. And, the dogs had definitely bonded, so instead of just taking Ryder they adopted both dogs.

They are sweethearts and seem very happy in their new home. And they like me, so that’s in their favor.

Milo thinks I’m pretty cool.

Peace, people!

Still Life from the Passenger Seat

Studly Doright and I are traveling to Dallas to attend the graduation celebration of our eldest grandchild. As we crossed over one of the many bridges on our route, It occurred to me that I hadn’t posted anything today, so I created some art.

I give you Still Life from the Passenger Seat. I’m sure it’ll soon grace the halls of the Louvre.

Peace, people!

Self Doubt

People are buying my first romance novel, The Cowboy and the Executive, and I couldn’t be more delighted. So far, though, there have been no reviews. Yes, I know it’s still early. The book went live just last week, and it typically takes a few days for Amazon to post reviews. Still, I’m getting antsy.

To an author no review is almost worse than a bad one. We begin thinking readers hate it and are just too kind to say so, or they didn’t finish it or are currently using it as a coaster or as kindling. It’s torture.

Okay, back in the day I didn’t always leave a review even on books I really enjoyed. Is this karma? I promise I’ll do better!

May be the theme of my next post…