FRIDAY STIR FRY - Out With The Old

https://morguefile.com

I want to blow up 2016. 

I know a lot of people are saying what a horrible year it's been, especially with all the celebrity deaths. But, let's face it, famous people die every year. There's more to the hatred I have for this year than that.

Here is my list. 

1. My health took a turn for the worse. Chalk it up to getting older. Body parts are wearing out. I spent a week in the hospital in the spring going through a whole litany of tests. Diagnosis - a-fib. Not a death sentence, but something I have to deal with on a daily basis. Then in June I had oral surgery to remove a growth from the roof of my mouth. Fun stuff. 
2. The horrible shooting in Orlando at Pulse Nightclub. Of course, it wasn't the only one, but perhaps the worst. When are we going to reach some kind of common sense with our gun control laws?
3. Terrorism. Nice, France, Germany and other places. I will never understand the minds of people who murder innocent souls to prove some political or religious point. 
4. Aleppo. How can you look at that death and destruction and not have your heart bleed for those people? 
5. Fires and floods. California, Tennessee, and Louisiana. So much destruction and loss of life. But, hey, climate change isn't real. Please.
6. This year's election. What a disaster. The mud slinging, the e-mail crap, the pussy grabbing. There has to be a more civilized way to pick our elected officials. And, the results don't give me a "peaceful easy feeling" to quote the late Glen Frey and the Eagles.
7. And if all that wasn't enough - the Cubs won the World Series. WTF

According to my son, I'm too negative. I guess I just proved his point. I've never been a glass half full kind of gal. I'm more fill it back up with some booze and let's try again. 2017 can't be worse, can it? Maybe we should all knock on wood, hang horseshoes over our doors, and keep our fingers crossed. And don't forget to eat your black-eyed peas.

Next week I'll tell you what New Year's Resolution I've already given up on. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - In A Funk

https://morguefile.com

noun

1.    1.

NORTH AMERICAN

a state of depression.

"I sat absorbed in my own blue funk"

synonyms:

a (state of) depression, a bad mood, a low, the dumps, the doldrums, a blue funk "he was in a funk because his wife ran out on him"

Maybe I should re-name my Friday blog posts to "Always In A Funk". Seems to be the state of my life lately. It all started with the election. I know I shouldn't let it bother me so much, but REALLY??
What an absolute disaster.

And after that, I had a hard time writing for NaNo. I got behind in word count and gave up.

And, winter is coming. I HATE winter. (I know, I'm yelling a lot - can't help it).

And, I'm bored. With my knee pain, it is hard to do anything except go to work and come home. BORING.

I keep telling myself to do what I can. Write, scrapbook, read, catch up on Netflix. Thing is, when I sit down to do any of that, I end up staring into space and wishing I was somewhere doing something fun.

Yep, I'm definitely in a funk.

I know I'm not the only one. How do you get back on track when your motivation train derails??

FRIDAY STIR FRY - NaNo Time

Well, it's that time of year again. National Novel Writing Month is nearly here. And, of course, I've signed up. Why? Why? Why? (beats head against desk)

Anybody who reads this blog already knows what NaNoWriMo is. If not here is the link. 

http://nanowrimo.org/

I've failed miserably the last several years. But, so what? That is no reason not to try this year. Yep, I'm a gluten for punishment. And, I'm starting to panic. I have an idea for a story, but since I can't stand to outline, that's about all I have. From past experience, I know at some point, that initial idea will start to wither and die. Usually about 20,000 words in. That's the problem with being a pantser. If the next plot twist doesn't come, you're kind of stuck. 

I already have three unfinished NaNo novels. The one I've been trying to finally complete this year, is going nowhere. I've decided to put it out of my misery. Perhaps it will never get finished. Perhaps it's not meant to be. Maybe this new idea will blossom into a story I can finish and publish. Hope springs eternal and so does insanity. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - New Directions; Editing; Freelance Writer; Social Media Manager

https://morguefile.com

So, there were a couple of incidents at my day job in the last few weeks that have me contemplating my future. First, the powers that be, fired two people in our office. Snap, just like that. One had been here over 30 years and was the office manager and the other was my best friend. We started here around the same time, sixteen years ago. She worked as the receptionist this whole time. And let me tell you from experience, that is not an easy job. They hadn't done anything wrong. They were scapegoats. Changes are being made, and they were perceived to be in the way of those changes. 

Second, I lost my mind over coffee. You see, the office manager, who is no longer here, always purchased the coffee. Last Thursday, you guessed it, no coffee. I pretty much threw a fit. Apparently, some people didn't appreciate my outburst. Long story short, I got wrote up. Over coffee. I'm drinking tea now, even though they bought coffee. 

What these incidents have told me - no job is safe here anymore. I spent the long weekend trying to figure out how I would live if I got the ax. Of course, I would apply for unemployment, but there are no guarantees I would get that. I would have to withdraw my pension for sure. But what else could I do to try and produce income? 

I really enjoy helping my writer friends edit and proofread their books. I love the idea of helping them make their novels something a reader doesn't want to put down. And they've said I'm good at it. Perhaps freelance writing? I can write, after all. I just need to find paying customers. I wore out You Tube watching people tell me how to do that. Also, the last month, I've been helping a realtor friend of mine with his social media networks. You know, posting on his Twitter and Facebook pages interesting content and working on building his audience. I could do that for others. 

I'll keep my day job, for now, I hope anyway. I don't feel I have any control over that decision any more. But, I also plan on building my path to this new and exciting chapter in my work life. 

If you're interested in my services, contact me at wandafittro@att.net

FRIDAY STIR FRY - New Release!

I am thrilled to host a very talented author today and a friend, Lisa Medley. She has a new book out and of course it is about strange things. Her other books include reapers, ghosts, and space cowboys, so why not throw in a handsome Sasquatch. Enjoy this preview and I hope you will visit her links.

 



 

No one's ever captured a Sasquatch. 
Until now. 

Sasquatches have roamed the Pacific Northwest for centuries, hiding in the wilds of the northern territories and protected by the Lummi nation. 

When Seattle author Ethan Lane’s secret is exposed after a first date with Ruby Parsons goes wonderfully right, then horribly wrong, he’s faced with betraying his clan or losing his only chance at true love and a normal life.

Excerpt:

“Ruby! It’s him!”

Ruby Parsons peered around her iPad at her roommate Claire, who bounced excitedly on the opposite end of the couch. “And who would he be?”

“Listen to this Daveslist “Near Misses” ad:

H.P. Lovecraft: Stand-Up Comedian – m4w (Annex Theater) - Seattle

Tuesday night, after the show, you and I flirted while in line for the bathroom. We agreed that even if the staff had to clean up a blood sacrifice, the place was still nicer than the streets below.

You smiled at me as you took off, but there was no chance for me to get your name.

Buy you a drink sometime? We might as well enjoy ourselves before Cthulhu rises…”

Ruby scrambled across the couch and stuffed herself into the crack between Claire and the cushioned back for a look at the ad.

“It’s Cthulhu! Your Lovecraftian lobster,” Claire said, handing over the iPad for her to see.

“You have got to quit watching Friends reruns.” Ruby read the ad. Her heart hammered in her chest, and a blush of heat covered her face and neck. It was him. Too many exact details not to be. Still. A classified ad? In “Near Misses”? It was so…seedy. Wasn’t it? What kind of people posted ads like that, or worse…responded to them? “Listen, I met the guy for like thirty seconds in line for the bathroom.”

“And then reread The Call of Cthulhu even though you practically have the thing memorized and went on and on and on about him and his hipster beardedness for weeks. Weeks!” Claire snatched her iPad out of Ruby’s hands then launched off the couch and into the swinging papasan chair. She began typing furiously on the tablet.

“What are you doing?” Ruby asked, concerned.

“Answering him, of course.”

Book Links: 

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Shifted-Seattle-Lisa-Medley-ebook/dp/B01KH7LBP8

Smart URL Amazon http://smarturl.it/shiftedinseattle

Smashwords  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/658503

KOBO https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/shifted-in-seattle

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shifted-in-seattle/id1144596984

NOOK http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shifted-in-seattle-lisa-medley/1124391849

 

 

About the Author: 

Lisa has always enjoyed reading about monsters in love and now she writes about them because monsters need love too.

She adores beasties of all sorts, fictional as well as real, and has a farm full of them in her Southwest Missouri home, including: one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees, and a guinea pig. 

She may or may not keep a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times, including a machete. Just. In. Case.

Social Media Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lisamedleyauthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/lisamedley

Website http://lisa-medley.com

Lisa Medley Newsletter http://eepurl.com/9Zhcz

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824406.Lisa_Medley

Google + https://plus.google.com/u/1/+LisaMedley/posts

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Medley/e/B00I66M24M/

Newsletter http://eepurl.com/9Zhcz

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I Caved

http://morguefile.com


 

Okay, I'm doing the book signing I wrote about last week. The determining factor: It is at a book store, which means people actually go there to buy books. And it's a local store, not the one remaining chain store. Buy local and all that. My one and only other book signing was at a library. There wasn't much interest in purchasing books by people going there.

My books came in today, so no backing out now. And the charms I like to attach to my business cards arrived a few days ago. All that's left to buy is the candy. Last time I gave away Hershey's Kisses. I think this time I'm going with those heart shaped Dove candies. Nothing says "Want to read a romance?" better than chocolate. Right?

I still need to make a small poster advertising my next book. Too bad it's not done, but they don't need to know that. Maybe that's the incentive I need to finish it. I have been working on it this past week at my day job ... shhh. That's between you and me. My job is really slow right now, I've got to do something to look busy.  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Can't Decide

https://morguefile.com

I have to decide today if I want to participate in a book signing. I've only done one other formal book signing and I didn't enjoy it. I'm not much of a social butterfly. I don't like small talk and I felt a little like a fish in an aquarium with people walking by, gawking at me, and whispering "What a strange specimen".

Most of my author friends love doing book signings. They have no qualms about hawking their wares like a carnival worker. They smile and talk and are nice. So ... much ... work.

I don't have a new book to promote but, I guess that really doesn't matter. I still want people to read the two books I have, so this would be a chance to get new readers. Unless, of course, nobody buys; shudder

If I decide to go ahead, I'll need to buy copies of my books and swag and chocolate to give away. Plus, I'll probably need a table cover. I just don't know if I want to fool with it all.

I know to be a successful author, I need to not only write the books, but promote them. I haven't been doing much of either lately.

Decision time.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Went A Little CraCra

https://morguefile.com

Do you ever just lose it? Come on, admit it. You just go off on somebody, usually for no good reason. They look at you funny and you lose it. They say something that rubs you the wrong way and you lose it. They sneeze and you lose it.

Most people lose their cool and recover from it fairly quickly. They actually feel better and act better after blowing their top. Like pressure being released from a cooker, it serves a purpose. Cause if you let that steam build, it's gonna blow and not in a good way.

I have a theory that some of the people who shoot, stab, or run people over etc, may not have depressurized their cooker. It has built up to an explosive level. While the rest of us let the steam out once in a while, these people don't. For whatever reason, they have kept it in. And then the top blows sky high and people in the way get hurt.

Lumping those people in the broad category of mental health does a disservice to those who manage to live with that diagnosis and be a productive part of society. There is no doubt many of these unstable people have mental health issues but, we need to be careful of stereotyping.

So, the next time somebody tells you to cool it, tell them they better be happy you blow every once in a while. Then smile at them. ;-)

FRIDAY STIR FRY - What The Heck

https://morguefile.com

Do you ever wonder 'what the heck'? I'm pretty sure everybody does. Here is my list of 'what the heck' moments I've experienced lately.

• What the heck happened to my life? The older I get the more often I ask this question. The years go by so fast.
• What the heck happened to the good old days? When kids would play outside without fear. When summer evenings were spent under a shade tree snapping green beans. When friends dropped by your home instead of just sending you a message on Facebook? Again the older I get . . . 
• What the heck happened to people being civil to each other?
• What the heck is happening in the world lately? Too much hate and intolerance. 
• What the heck is happening to our political system?
• What the heck happened to kids being respectful of their elders?
• And when the heck did my hair get so grey, my belly get so fat, and my body ache so much? (see #1) 

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Much like that monkey, I find myself rubbing my chin or neck or temples in total confusion almost every day.

How about you? What are your 'what the heck' moments?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Leftovers

First, a picture of my cutie, putooty grandson who I got to visit with this past weekend. Enjoyed four days in Arkansas seeing my son's new home. This picture was taken at the Natural's ball park. They are a double A baseball team affiliated with the Royals. And my team, the Springfield Cardinals, were in town playing them. Of course, I had to go. If he looks hot, it's because it was over 90 degrees at 6 pm. That is the only thing we did outside of the house. Which was fine with me. The rest of the time was spent watching six House of Cards episodes and playing with the baby.

But, I also spent time beta reading a writer friend's new book. For those who don't know, beta reading is one of the first steps you should take after writing a novel. You give it to people you trust, to read and tell you what they think. I usually go a bit further and do some editing suggestions. Just because I like that part of it.

If you're ever asked to beta read here are a few rules:

1. Make sure the book is ready to read. The writer should have done all the editing they could on their own before they ask for your help. You definitely don't want to read a first draft.   
2. Be kind, but honest. Most writers really want to know what needs improvement. If they don't, then they shouldn't be asking for your input.
3. Try to point out things like POV mistakes, inconsistent characters, plot holes, or anything that just doesn't make sense to you as a reader. 
4. Don't make any changes yourself. Use Word comments to make your suggestions. You are not the author.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool. But, remember it will be winter before you know it, so don't complain about the heat too much.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I Know, It's Saturday

http://morguefile.com

 

 

Here is my obligatory fireworks picture for the 4th of July. Yippee.

 

I'm not feeling very festive this year. I'm already tired of hearing fireworks going off in the hood and it's just Saturday. I have a feeling I'm becoming that grumpy person that yells "Get off my lawn". Every neighborhood needs one, so why not me? I think I could pull it off quite nicely. I have a loud voice and a menacing look, both considered necessary for the job. I rarely talk to my neighbors so they already know I'm anti-social. Where do I apply?

 

Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. I don't have a friend with a boat inviting me to the lake. Hell, I don't even own a grill to make hot dogs and hamburgers. There won't be a fireworks show at our double A baseball stadium this year because the team is out of town. So what is a person to do?

 

Write this blog post I guess and practice my scowl to use on the neighbor kids.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 



FRIDAY STIR FRY - Common Sense

https://morguefile.com

I have made it a point not to get political on here or other social media.
But, I broke that pledge this last week, because I can't stay silent any longer.

I guess you could say Orlando was the last straw for me.

I've un-friended several people on Facebook. I just don't want to read their stupidity any longer. If the NRA and the 2nd Amendment are so far up your ass you can't be reasonable about some gun regulation, then I don't want to be associated with you. And if I lose some blog readers, so be it. 

I don't care if people own hand guns or hunting rifles. But, no civilian needs an automatic gun or one with a large magazine of bullets. Period. The only reason to own them is to shoot a lot of things fast. And in the last several years those 'things' have become humans. What is wrong with banning the sale of these weapons, especially to people on the "no fly list" or on a terrorist watch list? 

I've heard people say there is no use because there are already thousands and thousands of these guns out there. Okay, here's my reasoning. First of all, when our founding fathers wrote that amendment, they only had muskets. Slow to load muskets with not much range. They are probably rolling over in their graves at the fire power guns have now. Pretty sure not what they intended. 

Secondly, when elephants and rhinos were nearing extinction from the ivory trade, we banned the sale of ivory. Has that stopped all the killing? No, but it sure has slowed it down. A lot. And these animals are making a come back. Are humans any less important? 

We have to start somewhere people. Because this carnage is unacceptable. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Cats

https://morguefile.com

I've been babysitting my son and daughter-n-law's cat the last two weeks. I'm not a pet person. I don't mind doing this for them, but it's not something I would want to do every day of my life.

Pets are cute and adorable and a lot of people couldn't imagine life without them. I'm not one of those people. I think it's because I'm an only child. I enjoy my solitude. I guess I'm a bit selfish, also. I don't want to have to think about getting home to make sure the cat or dog are fed and watered and still alive.

Here are a few things I've learned about cats.

1. They don't give a crap about anything.
2. They will lay down anywhere they want, even the shower.
3. They have a look about them (like the one pictured) that indicates they want to kill you.
4. They don't take the word 'no' easily.
5. You had better have a snack, food, water, and clean litter ready whenever they want it.
6. Pretty sure they get annoyed when you meow back at them. 
7. My lap is no longer mine. It is a soft, squishy pillow for him.
8. Don't leave anything out you don't want them to get into, because they will.
9. They will not come when you call them - and finally.
10. If you don't pet them exactly where and exactly when they want, they will not leave you alone.

I'll miss him when he's gone.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Great New Read!

https://www.amazon.com/Rooftop-Angels-Enigma-Book-3-ebook/dp/B01FZPTSVG?ie=UTF8&keywords=rooftop%20angels%20by%20tierney%20james&qid=1465139497&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Today I welcome a writer friend of mine Tierney James. Rooftop Angels is the newest installment in her Enigma series. If you like intrigue, international affairs, adventure, and suspense, you will enjoy these books. I can't wait to read my copy.

Discovering My Story, Rooftop Angels

I never know where my next story will originate. I believe world geography connects everything around us. I was a geo-teacher for National Geographic where we taught students 5 very important themes: Location, Place, Human Environmental Interaction, Movement and Region. This training brought such a love for the world community to my life that I tied it to everything I taught, wrote and read. In my mind’s eye the earth became a series of dominoes, balancing precariously on a shaky table where every action forced a reaction.

So when my father gave me one of his National Geographic magazines I found an article about the Wakhan Valley in Northern Afghanistan. As of today I think I’ve read it some fifteen times, and each time I’m captivated. After reading everything I could find plus watching numerous YouTube videos about this amazing culture I just had to include them in my Enigma Series. The things I learned about Afghanistan cemented my love of Central Asia. Its raw beauty and ability to survive wave after of invasion convinced me to put it on my bucket list. Rooftop Angels was born from a need to create a journey others could share and maybe begin to investigate for themselves, what is Afghanistan. Want to see more? Check out my blog http://www.tierneyjames.com/blog where I investigate the amazing land nobody knows.

Blurb:

When Tessa Scott wakes with blood on her hands in a rat infested shack in Afghanistan, she discovers six orphan girls and the Undersecretary of State counting on her for protection. Confused at how she got there or why a smoldering Black Hawk helicopter has crashed outside the village, forces her into yet another adventure of cat and mouse with the Taliban who intend to kidnap them. With the help of a Kyrgyz tribesman and his men, they elude the danger only to discover their protection comes at a price which involves marriage to the leader. An unexpected chance at new love outweighs the secret Tessa must now carry forever. Meanwhile Captain Hunter, an Enigma agent, desperately searches for her before she disappears on the rooftop of the world. A race against time and ruthless drug lords, who work with the U.S. government, create obstacles which change Tessa’s life in a way she never expected.

Biography:

Tierney has been in education for over thirty years. She recently stopped teaching World Geography for a nearby college to pursue her writing career. Creating a workshop for beginning writers, speaking at schools and serving as an officer in the writing group Sleuths’ Ink, are some of the work she does when not writing. With the creation of Winds of Deception, Tierney is now working with one of the crew members of USS Liberty in hopes of obtaining the Medal of Honor for him.

Besides serving as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and attending Space Camp for Educators, Tierney has traveled across the world. From the Great Wall of China to floating the Okavango Delta of Botswana, Africa, she ties her unique experiences into other writing projects such as the action thriller novel, An Unlikely Hero, the first in the Enigma Series. Winds of Deception is the second in that series. Living on a Native American reservation and in a mining town for many years fuels the kind of characters she never tires of creating. 

Website: http://www.tierneyjames.com

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Another Year Older

http://morguefile.com

Yep, another birthday came and went. I guess I should be happy to see another one considering my age which is ... let's just say older than dirt.

Best part about the day? My employer gives it off with pay. Yea!

I didn't do much. Watched oldie tv - Perry Mason and Matlock. Took a nap (because that's what old people do). And then went to my hangout for a free beer. I was in bed by eight o'clock. Exciting right? Bet you all are so jealous.

My son shipped me some items off my Amazon wish list, so I got stuff I needed and wanted. Good boy! Other than that, it was an ordinary day. No cake, no balloons, no fireworks. I do enjoy a good fireworks show but alas it wasn't to be.

Today, I'm writing, which is a good thing. No hangover like in my younger days. So, maybe I am not only older, but wiser.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Wasted Time

http://morguefile.com

How much time do you think you waste in one day? How about one week or one month? I believe if we could figure it out, we would be a bit sick to our stomachs.

I'm bringing this up because I wasted a whole lot of time this week at my day job without knowing it until today. A person in our department is quitting and we hired somebody from a temp agency to replace her. I'm the main trainer (because let's face it, I know it all :0). Well, the new person isn't going to stay. Now, mind you, we are extremely short handed as it is. Our supervisor is out on sick leave. One of our other staff is also out on sick leave. This leaves 2 of us to do all the work. TWO. I don't have time to waste training somebody who isn't going to stay. It is slow and tedious and my work piles up and I'm too damn old and cranky.

Plus I had plans to write this week. I e-mailed my WIP to myself and I was going to sneak in a few words here and there during slow periods at work. Well, that idea flew out the window along with my patience. Why oh why can't I be rich and stay at home and write? I know there is a hell, because I'm in it.

Oh well, enough bitching. I have a three day weekend and I'm going to glue my butt in my chair and write, write, write.

What are your plans for this weekend? I would love to know.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing Is Hard (or is it?)

http://morguefile.com

No, writing is not like digging ditches hard. Your life isn't on the line like a police officer's every time you sit down to write. There isn't a dangerous flame licking at you like it does a firefighter.

It's brain hard. Trying to come up with the right word, the perfect twist, the heroine's snarky comeback. And that's just the creative phase. Then you have the edits and the edits and the edits.

Sometimes it's hard just to get started whether you're in the middle of a story or the beginning. The fear of failure can seize your brain power and make it impossible to come up with even one word let alone a whole page.

Then (and this is the magic part), other times the words flow out your fingers like a rushing mountain stream. Nothing gets in the way and the exhilaration you feel has no equal. This is what keeps us coming back. What wakes us up in the morning and keeps us up late into the night. This is the joy of writing.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could bottle that feeling up and just pour it out when the writing becomes hard?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Celebrity Deaths

https://www.morguefile.com

When a famous person dies, some people really freak out. Like last week when Prince passed, the sister of a co-worker totally lost it, couldn't work, couldn't sleep, couldn't stop crying. The memorial at his home keeps growing, and the tributes keep coming. I wasn't a big fan. His music came around in my life when I was in the middle of raising kids. New music somehow becomes less important. The old stuff is what we cling to. The music of our own youth. But, I get the grief. I really do.  

John Denver's death hit me hard. He, like Prince, died way too young and suddenly. I probably played his music for weeks after. I would get teary eyed and my voice would crack when I sang along. I actually met him once and have his autograph. So, silly as it sounds, I felt I really knew him.

Music has a way of connecting our memory with our heart. It embeds its words and melody in our very being. Plus, when the musician who brought it to us is kind and gives of their time and money to good causes, we tend to connect with them even more. From all accounts, Prince was very charitable. John Denver fought for the environment, bringing awareness to what we were doing to the planet.  

While we mourn, let's try and carry on the work they did to help others. There is no better way to remember them. 

Which celebrity death hit you the hardest? I would love to know. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - On Saturday

I don't know what to write. That seems to be a pattern with me lately. Thus this blog is a day late - actually several weeks late. So, since I have no clue what to write about - I'm just going to give you an excerpt from my current WIP - Coming Home. Hope you like it.

“Ron,” Jennifer's voice trembled in her ears. “It’s good to see you.” She squeezed the lie out between her teeth as she slung her bag over her shoulder. “I heard somebody bought the Satellite. I didn’t realize it was you.”

“Yep, signed the papers about three months ago.” His smile faded. “Sorry to hear about your mom, Jenny.”

“Thanks.”  Jennifer realized she was going to have to get used to hearing that sentiment for the next few days.

Ron held the motel office door open and motioned her in. “I've got big plans for this place. Of course there is still got a lot of work to do. You'll be happy to know I started by replacing the mattresses.”

"That's reassuring." She felt a sour taste in her mouth. Heat flooded her cheeks as she remembered the last time she was here ... prom night … with Ron, on a lumpy, broken down mattress. Did he mean to reference that night or was it an innocent comment?

He cleared his throat and she noticed a blush cross his cheeks matching her discomfort. “Do you know how long you’re staying.”

“Not really." She shrugged. "As few days as possible but, this is my first time dealing with anything like this, so who knows?"

Ron reached for her hand, then pulled back. "Wow. Is that what I think it is?"

Jennifer fidgeted with the lose ring wishing she'd taken it off before coming to town. "Yes." Her voice sounded faint and far away.

“So where is the lucky guy?" Ron craned his neck to look around her out the windows.

"He had some business to finish up. He should be here in a day or two."

“Must be a rich man to afford something that big and shiny. Looks like you did okay for yourself in the big city."

Something in the tone of his voice made her gut clench. “I did okay for myself by working hard, not by gold digging if that's what you're insinuating.”

Ron cleared his throat. “Sorry. I guess that came out wrong. How about we start over and I'll try to keep my foot out of my mouth." He handed her a pen and registration card. "Welcome to the Satellite Motel. I hope you'll enjoy your stay."

Start over. There's no starting over when somebody you trust hurts you. Jennifer grabbed the pen, scribbled her information down and reached for her wallet. She felt the need to get away from him before things got any weirder.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Break Is Over

https://www.morguefile.com

No, unfortunately it wasn't that kind of break. I wish it was. Doesn't that look wonderful? My break was neither fun or glamorous. 

First of all, I took a writing break. I don't know why. It wasn't planned. I lost my muse or my inspiration, or my desire. I think it had something to do with my work in progress which has been in progress for several years now. And it's not progressing. I think I stopped caring. I started doubting I would ever finish it or any other book. 

Secondly, I haven't felt well. In fact, I ended up in the hospital for five days. And, everyone knows that is not a fun vacation. And now I'm coping with medication and doctor visits and it sucks. But, this has also made me realize there is no promise of tomorrow. I need to follow my dream today. Nobody is going to write that book for me. And I will never be a best selling author with just one book out there.

Third - my writing groups have gotten on my last nerve - which is not a good sign. Demands on my time, disagreements and less than inspiring speakers have killed my desire to go to the meetings. I used to love these groups and wouldn't dream of missing them. Now, I'm not sure they are worth my time.   

Or, maybe, it was just the winter blues. Cold weather and lack of sunshine puts me in a fowl mood. Now that Spring is here, I'm feeling the need to write again. Starting with this blog. No more slacking off. I am a writer. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Creative Process

I made this. 

And yes, it's hand quilted. Every ... last ... stitch. It took four months and I have the calloused fingers to prove it. It is for my grandson Clark. 

My grandmother quilted. She would make at least two a year. It was more for protection against the cold Ozark winters instead of a show piece. That's not to say she wasn't proud of her handy work. I remember as a child, spending summers on my grandparent's farm and attending quilting bees with her. There were usually up to ten other women, all sitting around a square frame, stitching, gossiping, and exchanging recipes. At noon we would share a pot luck lunch. The younger children would then be put down for a nap. The older ones, including myself, could be found under the quilt frame playing with our dolls or trucks. When the quilt was finished it was given to a needy family with no thought of compensation. It's just what they did.

When she died, I inherited her frames. My ex mother-n-law quilted and so I would join her many afternoons next to grandma's quilting frame while we watched our soap operas. She embroidered tops for each grandchild. We quilted them and they received them on their wedding day. My son treasures his. So, it was just natural that I would make a quilt for his first born.

People were surprised I could do this. "You write and quilt?" 

"Yes, and work, and scrapbook." 

It makes you realize that not everybody has the 'creative' gene.

Let me know in the comments what you like to create.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Been Too Long

https://www.morguefile.com

Wow, I haven't posted anything in a month. Not a good start to the new year. Sorry if I've disappointed any of my many fans. ;-)

I don't make resolutions, but I am hoping to accomplish some things this year. Just making it through another winter is one. I really hate winter. I'm not a cold weather person. I don't think snow is pretty. I've actually feared winter ever since we had a horrific ice storm in 2007. I was out of power for 2 weeks and had to scramble to find places to stay. Not fun. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Well, maybe one.

I want to make writing a top priority this year. Not just something I do when I have the time, Because, really, when is there ever enough time? And the older I get, the more I realize time is slipping away at an alarming rate of speed. It's like I can hear the seconds, minutes, and hours tick off. The hourglass is getting low Dorothy and the monkeys are waiting to tear you apart limb by limb.

Damn monkeys.