Wednesday, December 2, 2020

December, just in time

We made it to December--hard to believe.


And welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group - we sure needed each other this year!

Have you accomplished your goals this year despite the pandemic? What changes have you made to your writing process/goals?

I thoroughly enjoyed our short Thanksgiving Break - I got a spurt of energy and time to write a few more chapters in the next Pop Travel novel. And I had fun playing games with my boys. I hope you all had a peaceful, yet exuberant Thanksgiving - if you live in the states =)  Really hoping things will turn more positive after the new year begins. So much loss and depression have been hard for many to overcome. Sending encouraging thoughts and virtual hugs! Hang in there!

I also found some time to enjoy Sherry Ellis's latest MG adventure: 

Here's a quick review:

Bubba and Squirt are in it again--The portal to another exciting place, that is! This brother-sister team make middle grade adventures fun again. They complement each other's skills and intellects in a good hearted way to solve this new Mayan mystery. The bonus is the hidden cultural facts and excellent recipes to try!
 
In other pleasant tidings... I sent some books to a Youtube Book-Tuber, The Tiny Book Dragon, and she mentioned my books in her Fall Book Haul video.


If you haven't watched a book-tuber, you should. They do a great job of talking about books with honest and enthusiastic reviews.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!
I'm ready to put this naughty 2020 to bed!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Day 30: Traditions & Faith #30DaysofGratitude

Everyone has traditions. And whether they know it or not, everyone has faith in something--even if it's just themselves.

I'm very thankful for the way I was raised and I cherish our family traditions. I hope my kids will appreciate them as well and pass them on down the line... Some are revised as our lives change, but they are still the same at the core.

Family gatherings for Holidays is my favorite

2004
So long ago!

2019
Can't believe how many changes in a year!

2006 - I miss this New Year's Eve
Neighborhood tradition - a family of friends!

I love all the quirks and diversity of my extended families, and I love that we stick together and support each other through the drama, the years, and the miles! That's love.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING! HAVE FUN & STAY SAFE!

I'm also very thankful I made it through my own challenge
30 days in a row was tough, but I didn't give up!
Now I'm taking a little blogging break - see you in Dec

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Day 29: Guilty Pleasures #30DaysofGratitude

We try to live our best, healthy, and positive lives...

But sometimes we need guilty pleasures to get us through the tough times... Mine are drinks and donuts



and my favorite, chocolate chip cookies


Not good for the waistline, but good for uplifting the soul in times of need - LOL!
I'm thankful for my guilty pleasures, as long as I limit them. 
What are your guilty pleasures?


Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Monday, November 23, 2020

Day 28: Beautiful World #30DaysofGratitude

I appreciate the beauty of nature.




God made our beautiful world and I am very thankful for it.


Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Day 27: Accomplishments #30DaysofGratitude

I'm very thankful for reaching my goals.

Some of the paths have been very convoluted, some have been direct, and some have taken years to accomplish. But all my adventures have given me knowledge, perspective, appreciation, and of course FUN! 

Setbacks and surprises challenged me along the way, giving me valuable life lessons and experiences I could never have planned for and made the journeys arduous at times, but exciting and even satisfying when I made it through.

I have loved my life so far with the good times carrying me through the bad. You have to make the most of it. As it keeps on rolling, I'll keep rolling with it--and I'm especially thankful to have you on this journey with me!

Keep setting and reaching for your goals -- the journey is part of the accomplishment!


Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Day 26: Daily Routine #30DaysofGratitude

I'm thankful for my daily routine.

I'm a creature of habit and I don't like change (stop sending me tech UPDATES!)

My routine is a comfort to me. Wake up early, coffee, breakfast on the way to work, a lovely school day schedule, grading and dinner at home, a little relaxing, and bed. Each day basically the same with minor changes for the store or tutoring or other things that come up. Routines are sanity in a chaotic world.

I also like breaking up the monotony of routines with weekends and holidays and trips. It's a happy balance!

Do you love your routine?


Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Friday, November 20, 2020

Day 25: Health #30DaysofGratitude

These days, health is high on the concern list. I'm thankful for all the advances in medicine and the health industry. And I'm very thankful for my current health. I don't like seeing myself deteriorate as I age, but that's how it goes... 



Just wish I could make myself eat a little healthier and exercise more... I know I'd be better off, but I don't have the will power.

Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Day 24: Sleep #30DaysofGratitude

I love sleep. I'm so thankful when I get to sleep in--though I don't usually sleep in for very long...

A good nap can do wonders for my energy level!

Sleep is good - make sure you're getting enough Zzzz's!


Visit Diane Burton who's joining me on this thankful blogfest!

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Day 23: Time #30DaysofGratitude

I'm always wishing for more time...

I never seem to have enough

Time is precious. And I'm happy to have the time I've been given.

Use your time wisely!


Join in remembering what's important in life and being thankful!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Day 22: Freedom #30DaysofGratitude

 I'm thankful for living in America where we are free to make choices about our how to live our lives.

I'm thankful for the prosperity we enjoy, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

And I'm thankful for the brave heroes who have fought to keep us free.


Join in sharing positive vibes and things you're thankful for!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

Monday, November 16, 2020

Day 21: Compliments #30DaysofGratitude

 The more you give, the more you get. Pass it on...







Join in sharing encouraging thoughts and things you're thankful for!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Day 20: Healthcare Workers #30DaysofGratitude

From Doctors to Nurses to Custodial Workers - I can't thank Healthcare Workers enough!

Especially in these trying times

My Army Medic son was sent to help in Texas this summer
We couldn't be more proud!

Join in sharing positive vibes and things you're thankful for!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Day 19: Life Lessons #30DaysofGratitude

I'm thankful for my parents who blessed me with many life lessons. And I've been learning new things my whole life. Never stop learning!

Here are the top five life lessons, I really liked this image.


Join in sharing positive vibes and things you're thankful for!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

Friday, November 13, 2020

Day 17 & 18: Opportunities & Good News #30DaysofGratitude

Not to be a negative Nelly, but I bet no one noticed I forgot to post yesterday...

So, I'm combining two days today...

I'm thankful for opportunities. With this year being such a bummer and getting worse all the time with this devious virus, we need more than ever to see challenges as opportunities... here are some great quotes to inspire us! And that's also GOOD NEWS, which we need more of!





Join in keeping our heads up and sharing thankful sentiments!

Stop by others participating... Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

PS - Happy Friday the 13th!

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Day 16: Fond Memories #30DaysofGratitude AND #ShortStory - Dave Episode 17

First, Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to Veterans and their families for ultimate service and sacrifice.


And today, I'm thankful for my memories - good times when I was young, crazy travels, family gatherings & vacations, my little guys... And I look forward to creating more wonderful memories. We have to look forward, but it's also comforting to look back. Our fond memories tell us that we will always have happy times to cherish.

Me and Peppy

20-Something Travels

Disney Trips!

My boys - hopeful futures!

Nostalgia, tears, joy, hope. Thankful for the good times that help me get through the bad.


Join in keeping the faith and share your positive thankful memories!

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth SeckmanCharity Bradford & Diane Burton


And now, the final episode of...

       

Dave didn't know he was lonely until his friends pointed it out. But when he gives in and tries an online dating site, something catastrophic happens - talk about a bad omen.

The Day Dave Broke the Internet
by Tara Tyler

RECAP 16:
Aunt Jessie huffed. "It all sounds far-fetched to me. Who would want to live in a stinky, dirty city to begin with?" said the woman who was covered in dirt from planting seeds in the earth and shoveling animal refuse. "If any of 'em wanted to work my farm, I'd welcome the help. But they'd have to put their backs into it."

Again, the sage woman sparked an idea for Dave.

17

"That's it! Volunteers need to leave the cities and work on farms. Society has to start over and get back to their roots without electronics for a while to survive. They could build homes near fresh water. Then there'd be more sustenance and less people to worry about in the urban areas. A massive migration. Those who elected to stay could help work on building up electricity on a smaller scale. Transform cities into useful trade centers or something. But everyone would have to work together. Maybe the military could help organize everyone. Civilians should still have the freedom to choose, but only those who contribute should benefit."

Nathan scrunched his brow again. "Sounds like a utopian fantasy. Most people have zero agricultural experience, working desk jobs all their lives." He spoke from experience, and Dave could tell he also lacked motivation to learn. That would be their biggest obstacle.

"Well, my friend. Welcome to the New Age. Survival of the Most Diligent. Everyone will have to work hard and figure out what they're made of."

Kitty sat forward in her chair and stuck out her chin. "So how do we tell everyone about your plan, Dave?"

She seemed willing to take on the challenge. Maybe they could appeal to the rest of stubborn America the same way, daring them to survive. And she was right, communication would be key.

"Well, I don't know. Not many people have anything that works to hear the announcements the authorities are trying to put out. Bullhorns work, but there are too many places to reach, and we'd need tons of volunteers to travel around. Maybe we should go to a military base and present our ideas to them. They seem to be the ones who can communicate with each other and could spread the word to the downed areas. I wonder if anything is working for them." And would they even listen? If the outages were an attack, they were probably getting ready for the next phase of a battle. And they probably had their own ideas and strategies. Dave wasn't sure about it all, but he was determined to try.

Sharon smiled, boosting his confidence. "Good idea. The military is surely in contact with the leaders who can make the changes happen. Fort Knox is only a few miles from here. There should be lots of bases up and running, out of range of the shutdowns."

She grabbed Dave's hand and squeezed it, giving him a surge of warmth. She supported him. She had faith in him. At that moment, the world could take a flying leap for all he cared as he stared into Sharon's hypnotic eyes. He would do anything for this woman.

Aunt Jessie stood up, and so did the dog, both ready for action. "You youngin's want something to eat before you go running off?" Or maybe it was his dinner time.

Nathan nudged Dave out of his trance.

"Sure."

With a smirk, Nathan expanded on Dave's response. "Thank you. I think we could use some nourishment before we try to explain the New Age plan to our doubtful leaders. And maybe we can come up with a few more persuasive numbers and details. Aunt Jessie, do you have Wi-Fi? If your electricity is working, maybe I can find out more info, like who has what capabilities."

"I haven't tried it today, but you're welcome to give it a go. Let's fire it up."

They followed Aunt Jessie into the kitchen. With Sharon by his side, Dave felt ten times stronger than he'd ever felt in his life. He was ready to plow fields, face unruly crowds, confront powerful leaders, or tackle any other obstacles that might arise.

Dave was ready to save the world.

The End (for now... To Be Continued?? Maybe this summer)


(Sorry, Patty, no zombies. I'm more of a Mad Max post-apocalyptic world gal)

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Day 15: Seasons #30DaysofGratitude

I've lived up North, I've lived down South, but in the Middle is where we get a good dose of all the Seasons (sometimes all in one day...haha) And that's how I like it. Each season has it's pros and cons, and they last long enough to give us a taste of good without complaining too much about the bad... except when they get mixed up!

I'm thankful to have the seasons to also remind us that change is part of life and we just have to roll with it!

Starting with Spring

via GIPHY

Summer


Fall


Winter

Seasons keep life interesting! Hope you are still enjoying Fall!


Join in keeping our spirits up and share what you're thankful for.

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth SeckmanCharity Bradford & Diane Burton

Monday, November 9, 2020

Day 14: Art & Books #30DaysofGratitude

I appreciate the creative people of this world.

I am thankful for the images they give us and the words that inspire us and how they make us feel. I appreciate their perspective letting me live through their experiences I will never have.

I am also thankful to know some talented artists and writers...

My Beast World fantasy cover creator, Ricky Gunawan



by Laura Kramer - my UnPrincess illustrator



The Undeath of Me - by horrifically talented comic creator Heather Holden

You can find a list of excellent writers in my blog roll on the side bar -- too many to choose which ones to give a shout out. All have unique voices and immense imaginations. And I'm so very thankful to call them my friends! (including the three below)


Join in thinking about the good in this world and share what you're thankful for.

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth SeckmanCharity Bradford & Diane Burton

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Day 13: Love #30DaysofGratitude

Love is power, makes us weak

Love is faithful, love is deep

It makes us crazy, desperate need

Infatuation blooms with speed


True love lasts, brings joys and pains

Through it all, love remains

We sing about it, joke about it, 

Sometimes fantasize

We dream about it, scheme about it, 

Til we realize...


Life is nothing, without love


Join in remembering what matters and share what you're thankful for.

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth SeckmanCharity Bradford & Diane Burton

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Day Twelve: Protectors #30DaysofGratitude

I am deeply thankful for the dedicated people who put their lives on the line to save and protect others. It troubles me to see them mistreated. They are heroes, but they're also human.



Join in the humble thanks and share what you're thankful for.

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth SeckmanCharity Bradford & Diane Burton

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