Harrowing

For future reference, I should NEVER be allowed to drive at night again. Why, you might ask? Because last evening, just after sunset, I set off to pick up a few necessities at the Publix grocery store nearest Doright Manor, and subsequently became totally lost on my way home.

Somehow, as dusk turned to full dark. I missed the turn onto the road that parallels our housing development and drove at least ten additional miles before I could find a safe place to turn around. I was a quivering mess by the time I pulled into our driveway at Doright Manor, having dodged obstacles both real and imagined. Those imagined ones are the absolute worst.

I told Studly Doright, after I finally convinced my legs to carry me into the house following my harrowing experience, that I am giving up driving at night. He asked, “Does that include trips on your broom?”

If I could’ve found eye of newt and tongue of toad at the grocery store, he’d be in big trouble.

Peace, people!

Another Lovely Review

Just when I was feeling a little blue, the lovely Lesley Kluchin (LesleyKluchin.Wordpress.com) gave my book, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, a wonderful review on Amazon:

(Blushing!)

Thank you, Lesley, for making my day!

Peace, and happy reading, people!

When Leslie Met the Dudes

My beautiful and talented friend, Shehanne Moore, made one of my dreams come true when she allowed me to interact with the hamstah dudes. What an honor! —Leslie

Here’s the blurb from the back cover: “How well can a wife ever know her husband? Paula Arnett would swear she knows everything about hers, that is, …

When Leslie Met the Dudes

A Watched Pot

Simmers, plays mind games

With clock’s tick tock suspended

Patience brings rewards

I’m not going to lie—I’ve become addicted to checking the Kindle Direct Publishing website once an hour to see if any additional copies of my novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, have sold. It’s like watching grass grow with occasional bursts of fecundity followed by long stretches of barrenness. Tons of fun.

Tomorrow I’m going to wrap Christmas presents, and ignore the KDP website. Yes I will. Maybe.

Peace, people.

Neglect

I’m guilty of neglecting my responsibilities in regard to being a good follower of blogs. There’s a certain compact we form with those we follow and those who follow us to keep up to date, to comment, and support. I’ve been so wrapped up in me, me, me, that I’ve not lived up to my end of the bargain.

Last night I tried to play catch up, but I’m a week or two late in my comments. Their worlds have moved on, and I’m late to the party. I hope I can be forgiven. Bless me bloggers, for I have been really distracted.

Peace, people!

First Review of Mayhem!

My first book has its first review on Amazon!

Thanks to Deb, at “I am, therefore I write,” for submitting a review of Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort!

Check this out:

I have to admit I cried a couple of happy tears over this. Thank you, Deb!

You can find Deb’s blog at dstecca.wordpress.com. She’s so worth a follow!

Peace, people!

Mayhem in Paperback!

As soon as I hit publish on my last blog post, I received an email from Amazon saying that Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort is available in paperback!

Since I featured the front cover in the last post, here’s the back cover. Rachel Carrera designed these and I couldn’t be happier with them. She did an absolutely wonderful job.

Peace, people!

Mayhem is Here

Tired of politics? Worn out from holiday shopping? Need something to take your mind off of the pandemic?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then you should read my very first novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort! The ebook version is available on Kindle right now, and the paperback should be available soon!

Peace, and happy reading, people!

Has Anyone Seen My Brain?

For a variety of reasons I’ve been unable to sleep for the past three.nights. Since I’m retired, and my book is finished, that shouldn’t be such a big deal. I mean, what do I really have to do each day? Nothing. That’s what.

Except that uploading the book to Kindle Direct Publishing needed a sharp mind, and due to a lack of sleep, my mind seems to be missing. My poor friend, editor, confidante, and Kindle expert extraordinaire, Rachel Carrera, was stuck with me all afternoon as I fumbled and stumbled and basically made a mess of things until she carefully guided me to a successful resolution.

If all goes well, my very first book, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, should be available on Kindle within the next 72 hours or less. Even without a brain I might finally be a published author!

Peace, people!

Shivering in Havana; Basking in Bismarck

We don’t see temperatures like this very often here in Florida.

We’ll bundle ourselves up in sweaters, jackets, and scarves and turn up the thermostats. It’ll be a great day for sipping hot chocolate and gathering around a fireplace.

In North Dakota, though, where Studly Doright, our children, and I lived for four years, three decades ago, 32° temps on a sunny December day might feel balmy, inspiring folks to wear short sleeves and even short pants while frolicking in the unexpected gift of a warm day. It’s all relative.

Brrr!

What’s the weather like where you are? Are you cavorting in summer clothing or huddling beneath a blanket? Inquiring minds need to know.

Peace, people!