Hi!
It’s a busy day for me 🙂 I’m posting two links for separate events here. I hope you can stop by and say hello at both!
Hi! Here is Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 282. This week is a theme prompt selected by Harmony, “The Longest Day.”
I went with a haibun but also used this picture for inspiration or an ekphrastic.
.
Point of View
I started this journey so long ago. Every corner turned, I’d find another identical rocky path. It’s been day after day of the same. Each day is longer than the one before it. Although there is food, water, and a place to rest, there are also unpleasant reminders that others have made the same trek. Having no choice, I have only added to that. Occasionally, I’d see a golden light off in the distance shimmering through the open-top tunnel. Encouraged, I quickened my pace toward it. Finally, when I got there, the light would disappear, and I’d be back in the darkness. It’s been a cruel game that has gone on for too long. The promise of finding the meaning of life no longer held my interest. I didn’t care anymore. The problem was, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find my way out of this torture chamber. When I realized I had been looking at this from the wrong perspective. I climbed the wall.
a different view
exposes life’s labyrinth
journey continues
Hi!
Today I’m over on Story Empire with my post: WRITING AND COMMON MISTAKES! I’d love for you to stop by and say hello.
Fe-Lines, a journal with feline quotes
I was excited to see a journal with cats and cat quotes. I am always looking for places to record my poetry, so being a cat-lover, I quickly bought this journal. “Fe-Lines” would also be a good place to write about your health, emotions, or cat interactions. I loved all the quotes and a picture every few pages. I appreciated a place to put my positive thoughts and at the end, there were pages to write about your own cat if you chose to do so. There are a lot of options with this fun little journal. If you are a fan of cats and love journals, this would be the perfect fit for you. I know I’m going to enjoy using it!
Its May and the Lilacs are Blooming
Elaina Deva Profitt comes from a family of gifted people. They kept it secret until she started using these gifts to help others in a more public way. This is a beautiful autobiography that not only shows her journey through helping the police and people crossing over, but her own personal struggle with a health issue. I admit to being stressed worrying about her health as it got worse and worse. Logically, I knew she had to survive to write this, but I just wanted her pain to go away and doctors figure out what was wrong with her. The friendships she made were inspiring as well as the help offered to so many. It was an excellent lesson when she took the help offered back to her, but it was the near-death experience that really touched me. Her description of pure peace reminded me of a similar experience I had. She described it better than I ever could and takes all the fear out of crossing over when it is our time. If you are interested in people with special abilities and what comes after we go, this is a good read for you and one I won’t soon forget.
by Fiona Glass
“Got Ghosts” is a fun novella set in an old, haunted house. Emily has been struggling to make ends meet when she gets a call from a TV show, “Got Ghosts.” They offer her money to film an episode in her haunted house, and she reluctantly accepts. Although she doesn’t really want to share “Grandpa” with anyone. There is a lot of humor, and she starts off being attracted to the producer, Carl, but something seems off with the show. It was a fun spoof on ghost shows, but the story is firmly rooted that there really are ghosts, and Emily talks to them. There are a few fun twists and new relationships to explore. A quick read that I devoured in one sitting, and I was happy with the outcome.
Christmas Cruise (Lana Malloy Paranormal Mystery Series Book 4)
by Kim Cox
I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, so I was eager to read this one with a Christmas theme. Lana and her husband are taking a cruise to relax. Of course, ten ghosts have other ideas about that. Lana is immediately drawn to a woman and befriends her while the ghosts push for answers. Ten murders in ten years is a mystery that needs to be solved. It was brutal when Lana had a painful experience with one ghost. She fully relives the ghost’s last moments, but there is also humor infused into the story. This was a quick-paced read that centered less on the holiday and more on the murders. Although I was glad the ghosts could make themselves heard and found that part of the story fascinating, I wanted to know more about them and their stories. Lucy makes a much-needed appearance while Lana reaches out for help over the seas. I loved the cruise setting and figuring out who the killer was. I enjoy how Lana works with ghosts and will be reading more of the series.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right to leave a review in that case. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
UPDATES: I had a nice vacation which included a wedding in the redwoods, a spa day in Reno, swimming at the lake, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 🙂 The rest of the time was spent clearing bush to hopefully satisfy our insurance company. There are pictures posted on Instagram, and a few on Facebook.
Outside is where I had some run-ins with some tiny forest dwellers.
The week before vacation I got bit by a huge black widow. She was just hanging out right by where I turned on our water to water the potted plants outside. I mean inches next to my face and where my shoulder was. Luckily, I didn’t have too bad of a reaction, only some local pain and stomach issues the next day. I was fine just in time for our vacation. She spent the rest of the day after biting me, just suspended in mid air—unmoving. Since, the black widow didn’t do more damage to me, my husband set her free. Luckily many of these bites don’t require a doctor’s visit. There were hourly check ups to make sure I was okay.
Sunday finishing up our clearing of brush, I was raking the rest of the debris and being mindful of any spider webs when I apparently stepped on a hornet’s nest. I got stung on the back of each ankle and was chased all the way to the house. My husband fought the angry bee off as I made it safely inside. Still on the painful side, and have concluded I will be staying indoors for a bit…lol. I have only been stung a couple times before this, so I will remember this one and watch my step!
Black widows and angry bees are two of my least favorite things.
Back to writing for me, perhaps this is a gentle nudge to get started on that book, I’ve been thinking about?
My newsletter was late because of vacation. If you are subcribed check your email.
I won’t try to catch up on all the blogs I’m sorry to miss, but doing that cancels all the rest I managed during my break.
I have a one-day blog tour end of this week though Silver Dagger Blog Tours. I’m curious to see how that goes. Also, I’m thrilled to be visting a blog on the 29th. I will post more information that day.
Embrace your inner child—read a book! D. L. Finn
Today I’m thrilled to have Lizzie Chantree here today to share her upcoming release, My Perfect Ex (Cherry Blossom Lane. Book 1.) I have my copy ordered, and plan to read it over vacation 🙂
The brilliant new romance from the author of, The little ice cream shop by the sea.
Poppy Marlowe, a mental health advocate, moves into Cherry Blossom Lane to escape her past and build a future with her gorgeous, but troublesome, boyfriend, Dylan.
Dylan lives in the house across the street. But his reputation as a heartbreaker is legendary and Poppy reluctantly decides that she must walk away to protect her heart.
Poppy’s friends think she is perfect for go-getter Jared, who’s ready to step into Dylan’s shoes and whisk her into his glamorous world.
Taking a chance on happiness is harder than Poppy imagined. Can she let go of her past and allow herself to fall in love with the same man again, or should she step into the limelight and walk towards a dazzling life with someone new?
A deliciously romantic story of friendship and second chances at love. Scroll up and one-click to lose yourself in the Cherry Blossom Lane series, today.
My Perfect Ex is the first book in a series of exciting romance novels set in Cherry Blossom Lane, by Lizzie Chantree.
All of Lizzie’s books are uplifting, heart-warming romance stories, featuring stunning locations and new characters.
Begin an irresistible romance today!]
My Perfect Ex. Book 2 and 3 coming soon!
The little ice cream shop by the sea. Book 1. A seaside escape.
The little cupcake shop by the sea. Book 2. A love triangle, by the sea.
If you love me, I’m yours. A small town/ high drama, love story.
The woman who felt invisible. A story of second chances at love.
Finding Gina. Set by Bluebell Manor and full of love.
Babe Drive. A secret millionaire, island romance.
Ninja School Mum. A mistaken identity, friends to lovers, romance.
Reader’s thoughts:
‘I have bought another book from this author and started reading it immediately – such exceptional writing.’
‘Take a few scoops of family drama, drizzle it with some hot men, scatter some sprinkles of misunderstandings along with a wafer of romance, and you get Lizzie Chantree’s new novel, The Little Ice Cream Shop By The Sea.’
‘Rarely has a book held my heart in it’s hands the way If You Love Me I’m Yours has. An incredibly uplifting romantic story that has had me laughing and crying over and over again.’
‘If this was a TV play I would have been shouting at the telly and weeping ‘discreetly’ – I loved it – SUBLIME – 5 stars.’
‘Lizzie Chantree writes lovely romance novels and her latest is no exception. Her strengths lie in creating wonderful characters, beguiling settings and simple but effective story lines.’
‘A stonkingly good escapist read! A sundae of a story full of romance, mystery, community, friendships, determination, humour & following your dreams. Lizzie Chantree’s mouthwatering new book (for its flavours as well as its male characters!) had me gripped from page one.’
‘If sexy, well-written holiday romances with sultry, feisty ladies, smouldering Alpha males and writing that has oodles of attitude and flair are your thing, then pop this one in your suitcase/Kindle then lay back with something long and cool close to hand and the time will just fly by in the most entertaining way imaginable.’
‘Pure escapism!’
‘I was recommended this book by a friend as I am very loyal to Freya North & Lisa Jewell… I’m a bit of chick lit fan!!! By the end of the first chapter I was completely gripped…This is a really compulsive read and not easy to put down.’
I write sizzling romances and am an enthusiastic inventor, businesswoman and artist. I founded my first company at the age of 17 and have been creating products and driving my family mad ever since.
I live in Essex, with my gorgeous family and I sit in my rooftop studio daydreaming of new stories about quirky businesses and the romantic escapades of the women who run them. My books are full of romance, laughter and uplifting storylines.
I appeared on Sky News, ITV Lunchtime News, This Morning, The Gloria Hunniford show, The Big Breakfast, BBC’s Worldwide Radio Service, amongst others for becoming one of Fair Play London’s Female Innovators for inventing Runaway Spray, a ‘ladder’ stop spray for hosiery.
I host a book group on Facebook, called Lizzie’s Book Group where authors and readers can chat abut their love of books and discover some new writers. We also have regular marketing posts and chats for authors, where readers help with advice on what they like to see from authors and what attracts them to pick up one book over another. Feel free to join the group!
Every Monday night, I run a networking hour on Twitter, (8-9pm @Lizzzie_Chantree), where I mentor creatives across a broad range of industries and we chat about ideas, news and offer support to each other. To join in, check out this link: #CreativeBizHour
Here’s Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 280. This week Lisa, the VerseSmith selected the lanturne or lanterne format. Its pattern is 1/2/3/4/1 and has a shape like a Japanese lantern.
rock
heart-shaped
my journey
time’s collection
love
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
“Sparky of Bunker Hill” is a fun YA mystery set in 1932. Sparky is an 11-year-old homeless orphan who does what she needs to survive. On her birthday, when she just wants to enjoy her candy, she comes across a young girl’s dead body—everything changes for her. This finding pushes Sparky into hiding with an interesting cast of characters. I enjoyed her friendship with Bobbie and the new people in her life. It is a strange world she finds herself in while she is trying to clear her name. I was drawn into the 30s easily and Sparky’s stubborn strength. The characters were all unique, down to the stuffed cheetah and closet full of costumes. Sparky has some life lessons to learn along the way, including who to trust. A fast-paced read with some dark humor weaved in that older children and adults can both enjoy.
Dead of Winter: Journey 14, The Veil
I have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this fantastic journey. The first chapter not only pulled me in but offered a reminder of where this all started. I couldn’t put “The Veil” down and read it in one sitting to find out how it was concluded. I wasn’t disappointed either, but that’s all I’ll say since I don’t want to give anything away. There were a few surprises and some issues that I would have liked to have been solved differently but it needed to be the way it was written. This says a lot that I was wholly invested in the story and the outcome. As always, the settings pulled me in, and the good and evil characters kept me turning the pages. Emlyn found her place in a world that was in turmoil and I loved her continued growth. I’m glad there is the possibility of more to come, but still, the journey was resolved. I can highly recommend this journey, but suggest you start at the beginning.
Down Under Fantasy Realms: An Anthology By New Zealand and Australian Authors
by Wendy Scott, Belinda Mellor, Sue Perkins, Ashley Capes, Brett Adams, Kate Shaw, and Kirsty Anderson
“Down Under Fantasy Realms” is a wonderful introduction to a group of authors that includes excerpts, prequels, works in progress, and short stories in the fantasy genre. I was only familiar with one author, so this was a fun way to learn about new writers. I enjoyed many of the stories, and here are a few that stood out for me: “Vision-Maker” by Wendy Scott, “The Toad Lord” by Kirsty Anderson, and “Hands of a Healer” by Belinda Mellor. A unique collection that was well-written and full of magic, but also some darkness mixed in. Each story offered something different to suit a fantasy reader’s taste with a wide variety of creative imagination. If you are looking for a new fantasy author or want to be entertained, this is for you.
WANTED: Husband/Handyman: A Short Story
by Selma Martin
“Wanted” is a heartwarming story about new love. Grace is a pregnant widow with two young children, who put an ad in the newspaper for a husband/handyman. Tim answered the ad, and it’s apparent they have developed feelings for each other. I love the moments between not only Grace and Tim, but Tim and her children. His devotion to making her life easier is sweet. When the time comes, he is prepared to deliver her baby. I can easily see this as a book and would love to know what happens next to this couple. Beautifully written, just like Ms. Martin’s poetry, I was charmed by these characters.
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
NOTE: I will be on vacation next week so there will be no post on July 18th. It’s my birthday week and I will be celebrating all week long. One of those milestone ones where I come complete circle back to the year I was born, the water tiger. Besides turning sixty this was the first time they walked on the moon in 1969 on July 20th. No idea what I’m doing but will see where the wind takes me.
Embrace your inner child—read a book! D. L. Finn
Here is Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday Weekly Poetry Challenge No. 278. This is a Taste the Rainbow theme with color/weather as the subject.
This is a haibun which is a prose paragraph combined with haiku or senryu. I enjoy offering stories or even insights in this format.
Personal Paradise Lost
In a burst of color, the last of the day falls into night’s waiting hands. I sit on the rocky ledge bathed in the purple, orange, gold, and gray of the event. Although it happens every day above the vast azure water, it still offers me the hope that I’ll need as the moment fades away into darkness. Someday I will venture outside my guarded world, where the gentle waves and salty breeze are the only movements in this paradise. Here, a storm brings gentle rain, and the sunbeams provide growth around me, yet nothing changes. The sameness has become my personal prison in a place that some consider perfection. I long to captain my boat into those beautiful colors and see what is beyond my horizon.
nature’s artistry
awakens my stagnant soul
inspiration flows
“Tell me a Story” is an impressive collection of stories that vary from light-hearted to serious subjects. I am always amazed when so much can be packed into 99 words, and Ms. Aben did it well. Each story held my interest, but here are a few that captured my heart: Bedfellow, Daybreak, Eloise, I Wish I May, Knowledge is Power, and Promises Kept. Like the poetry I enjoy from this author, this can be read more than once. A well-written group of tales that has something for everyone that I can easily recommend.
by Teri Polen
I’ve been looking forward to the continuing story of Asher and his friends. “The Insurgent” picks up where “Subject A36” left off without missing a beat. Asher is put in a horrible situation where if he doesn’t do what Silas wants him to, Brynn and his family will be killed. He had no choice but to withdraw into himself and let A36 take over. He becomes the killing machine he was bred to be. The story was fast-paced, yet allowed us to get to know Declan, Brynn, and other characters better. There were some unexpected twists and a deep look into what is really important in life. A society that only places value on the outside of a person and will do anything to get perfection, even if it means killing children, is an unsettling mirror of what could be if vanity comes before anything else. The characters are all flawed and have burdens to carry with them, but that makes it very easy for me to root for the insurgent’s success. This could be a standalone read, but I would start at the beginning, so you don’t miss anything. I loved this book as much as I did the first one and can easily recommend it.
Life & Soul (Book 2: Soul Poetry Series)
by Harmony Kent
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this new collection from Ms. Kent. The first book, “Slices of a Soul,” was woven together into a beautiful story full of emotions and vivid images. “Life & Soul” offered the same narrative of emotions that felt much like I was reading a poetic memoir. Six parts showed powerful glimpses into a life that I could easily relate to. There were so many captivating poems, but here are a few that captured my heart. From Lonely Soul: “Wild and Free,” Brief Soul: “Wonder of new things/I’ve only seen in books/Until now,” Friendly Soul: “Be Yourself,” and many from Loving Soul including: “Lost Property,” and “Unconditional.” The combination of different types of poems flows perfectly into the poetic waves. These are words that are meant to be read over and over. I can highly recommend “Life & Soul.”
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review in that case. Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!
Embrace your inner child—read a book! D. L. Finn