Uncategorized – Page 5 – Author D.L. Finn

June Book Reviews! @TonyaWrites @EichinChangLim @JillWeatherholt @piketoni1 @supermegawoman @Marjorie_Mallon #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustread #bookreviews

Here are the books I read in May that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Baubles to Die For ( A Shell Island Mystery Book 1)

A widow who runs a bookstore, Page, is on vacation with her cousin Betsy at a seaside she had inherited. While Page contemplates selling the house, she gets an intuition about a neighbor. In the past, the cousins have been involved in murders and helped the police solve them with Page’s gift. Despite her vow to stay out of it, there’s a murder and theft that require investigation. Plus, the good-looking neighbor intrigues Page, who appears to be involved somehow in it. I liked how Page and Betsy connected with their zest for life and their effortless humor. The author’s vivid description of the setting enabled me to easily imagine myself sitting on the beach with them. A sweet, cozy mystery with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. A great start to A Shell Island Mystery Series with two entertaining middle-aged sleuths.

Ultimate Revenge: A Thrilling and Suspenseful Short Story

By Eichin Chang-Lim

Russell has tried to put his past behind him after going to jail for delivering a package. His wife waited for him, and they have a beautiful daughter together, yet revenge eats away at him. One day, he sees the man who gave him that package and then disappears after Russell is arrested. Russell plans what he considers justice. Although this is a sequel to “Love, A Tangled Knot,” which I haven’t read, I had no problem following the story. As Russell succumbs to hatred and anger, he ventures into a realm from which he may not be able to escape. I was rooting for Russell that he would make the right decision when the time came, and he’d put that energy into his healing and family. Despite being a quick read, it was still rich in depth. The additional flash fiction section was a treat and made this a fantastic read that I can easily recommend.

Her Son’s Faithful Companion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

By Jill Weatherholt

I am happy to be back in Bluebell Canyon. It’s a town I would want to live in. Caitlyn has come back to her childhood home to fix and sell it. She is an ex-barrel racer who is under a load of debt from her adopted son’s epilepsy. Although she needs to make this sale, the town’s excessive kindness makes it hard for her to leave. Seeing characters from “Their Inseparable Bond” and meeting new ones was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing Caitlyn, Henry, and neighbor Logan’s special bond develop. While Caitlyn wants to do things for herself and Henry and move back home, it’s heartwarming to see people step up for them in big and small ways. The epilepsy was handled well, and I could relate because I had a father who had it and a daughter who outgrew it. Although, I worried when Caitlyn didn’t share that her son had it but understood Henry wanted to feel normal for a bit. I loved the duck, Donald, and Henry’s attachment to her and why. This Christian Romance is a delightful blend of rich settings and small-town kindness that I highly recommend.

Warning Signs

By Carol Balawyder

Eugene, the serial killer, meets a woman he feels he can trust. Angie is that young woman who has spent years caring for her addicted mother and all she wants is to be loved. Detective Van Ray is trying to stop the man who is killing young girls. The story is told from all their points of view and dives into the psychological effects of abuse, loneliness, determination, and blind love. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, some more than others. I couldn’t help but worry for Angie, who ignored all the warning signs in her relationship. I wondered if love could be the answer to everything or her undoing. Each character was flawed in their way and would go beyond what is expected in certain situations. Detective Vay Ray just wanted the truth, but Eugene was searching for a cure to stop a side of himself. It all blended as certain facts emerged to the surface, but that only added to more possibilities. A thrilling page-turner that kept me engaged as I sped to the conclusion.

Shh, Purely Poetry

By M.J. Mallon

A loving collection of poetry that delicately weaves in relationships at many stages. Many are sensual, full of texture and images, and some offer unique takes on human interaction. Here are a few beautiful passages: “The Sweetness/The longing/Each kiss deeper/different and the same/Like I belonged to more than him/Like I belonged to the poetry.”؅—Dining on Poetry, “…beautiful calligraphy to highlight/tiny ink splodges to add character/tear drops to remind me of sad days.”—Love Hidden In the Margin, and “She is fair and I am dark/Slight and I am robust/We fill our together/completing our silhouettes.”—Silhouettes. “Shh, Purely Poetry” is meant to be savored more than once by lovers of sensuous and thoughtful poems.

Linda’s Midlife Crisis

By Toni Pike

Linda is celebrating her fiftieth birthday surrounded by friends at a party her husband, Ron, provided. Although it seemed like a nice gesture on Ron’s part, he gave a speech that quickly summed up how he treated his wife. I immediately thought Linda should leave him, but she smiled it away, which showed how beaten down she was. She was also a teacher, a profession she’d loved until the support for teachers faded away under a new principal. This all spiraled into an event at her work that pushed her into a breakdown. When Ron lost patience in caring for his recovering wife, he left. Here, in the darkest part of Linda’s life, she found a strength she didn’t know she had. Healing began and her voice emerged. At first, I cringed at the treatment Linda allowed her husband to get away with. He was truly a horrible person. Even when he appeared to be defending his wife, it quickly twisted and became about him. When Linda took control of her life, I cheered for her. She found ways to improve her mental and physical health, step by step. There was a shocking twist at one point, but she was finally at a point to deal with it. I loved how far she went and was open to being happy again. It was satisfying that Ron got what was coming to him, too. A wonderful story of second chances and healing after an emotionally abusive marriage. I can easily recommend “Linda’s Midlife Crisis.”

Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone Amanda Travels #4

By Darlene Foster

Amanda stays close to home in this story when her friend, Leah, visits her from England. They explore her beautiful area and go to Calgary Stampede, take a horse ride with Mary, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and explore a museum. Amanda finds a rock that someone dropped with strange writing. She hangs on to it, wanting to ask Mary about it. Unfortunately, the rock has the interest of some unsavory men. I loved exploring Alberta with Amanda. It’s a place I am very curious about since my grandmother was born there. There is attention to detail in the setting and the lifestyle that I found fascinating. The relationship between Amanda and Leah was more like sisters than friends, and Amanda’s family was very welcoming. The history of the tribes and rodeos made me want to plan my next vacation there. Another wonderful adventure with Amanda that is wonderful for middle-grade readers and those young at heart. I can easily recommend “Amanda in Alberta.”

Mystical Greenwood

By Andrew McDowell

In this YA fantasy, fifteen-year-old Dermot works as an apprentice with his father, trying to overcome his rebellious past. He has a somewhat strained relationship with his mother and favored younger brother, Brian. Everything changes though, when a rare sighting of a gryphon leads to him clinging to the giant creature while the village tries to shoot it down. He ends up in the forest being helped by a recluse woman and her grandson for his injuries. Once she tends to him, Dermot ends up at the edge of the forest. Returning home, he has a run-in with the sheriff, who isn’t a fan of the young man. After this event, things change between the brothers as a small level of trust develops between them, especially when Dermot sneaks his younger brother into the forest to meet the woman. Then, the brothers must come together and join forces when the village is attacked. I am drawn in by the good vs evil theme as the good embraces nature the evil seeks to destroy it. Some of my favorite characters are the recluse woman, her grandson, and the animals, including thegryphon, unicorns, and dog. These two boys find themselves thrown into a battle they aren’t prepared for. I appreciated the amount of attention to detail that presented this world clearly, but it was the times spent with the boys or people fleeing that held me captive. The forest and animals came to life and made me root for their safety. A unique tale that fueled a battle that will continue into the second book that I have on preorder.

NOTE: I will be on vacation next week. So, it will be quiet here and on social media, other than a special post tomorrow. I will be over on Story Empire on June 12th. I’ll be back on June 18th.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #17 @HowellWave @Sandra_Cox @mhurdle112 @edenbaylee #writingcommunity #poetry #challenges #dualtimeline #paranormal #historicalfiction

Hi!

Today, I wanted to share the back story to Sounds in the Silence. I wrote it during the NanoWriMo challenge a couple years back, but it really came from a poem I did for Suzanne Burke’s ‘Fiction In A Flash Challenge’ Week #21 NEW Image Prompt (October, 2020.)

There was a picture of an old house and I came up with the below poem. It was suggested by John W. Howell, along with Sandra Cox, Eden Baylee, and Miriam Hurdle in my comments that I make it into a story. So I did 🙂 Here’s the poem:

THE TRUTH

Wood slats replace the glass in my childhood home. Rocks and years stripped away its beauty. Long ago, this empty house was full of life. People traveled great distances to attend lavish parties. Our family was admired and respected, until I disappeared. They hung my beloved husband for a crime he didn’t commit. Only I knew the truth. No one heard my ghostly protests. Someday we’ll be reunited, but only after people finally learn what really happened.

the house isn’t haunted

I only want to be found

murderer with me

This is also found in my latest poetry book: Deep in the Forest Where the Poetry Blooms if it seems familar to you.

Universal Amazon Preorder

Embrace your inner child by reading—or writing a book! D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #15! #writingcommunity #authorsjourney #healing #writingtoheal #writingjourney

This post was from seven years ago when I made the move from Wix to WordPress. I was going to hunt down my very first post from two years before but this caught my eye. It is updated.

before and after

One way I spent the summer of 2017 was doing house projects—including painting the family room. It turned out to be a healing experience for me.

It started as a modest project of painting the family room blue. I left the painted wood wall for last. Should I paint it blue, too—or lightly sand it, I wondered? That didn’t turn out to be a simple question.

Thirty-four years ago, it was a lovely wooden wall. My husband had installed a nice oak floor that matched the wooden cabinets in that room. I like the look of natural wood, but I also enjoy the look of wood with a light coat of white paint (where the grain shows through).

After getting my then two young daughters off to school, I felt compelled to paint this room. That day it was too woody. How hard could it be to make the wood look like I envisioned it in my head. With no research, I ended up with a wall covered in paint and no wood grain to be found. My patient husband expressed surprise when he came home from work.

You see, the night before, I’d had my third miscarriage. My way to deal with emotional pain is to get busy. So, I painted and covered up that beautiful wooden wall.

We lived with it until the summer of 2017. Again, I just jumped right in and started sanding the paint off. I started with the distressed look. I tried to like it, but I didn’t. So, I got to work and sanded all the paint off that section of the wall. There was the wood I remembered from years ago peeking out of the white. Determined, I got to work with my little circular sander. It took all my strength to hold it up and push against the wall to chip away at the white paint, but it was happening bit by bit.

My husband came home from work—and stared at the wall. He realized the work we had ahead. He went into the garage and returned with his heavy-duty sander. The paint came off faster with the heavier sander and paper, but it was also heavier to hold up. My arms ached at the end of each day, but my husband would take over when he got home from work. We continued this for several long days into the next weekend.

The family room was off-limits during this time, with sheets hung up to prevent the dust from spreading throughout the house. Each day, the mess would be cleaned up.

Finally, on a Sunday morning, my husband wearily pronounced he was through. He declared this was a project he never wanted to do again—I agreed. All we had left to do was the cleanup and painting of the trim and ceiling. Even with my best efforts, the dust made it throughout the house. Clean up was a whole other project I focused on, while he finished up the painting.

Now, we have a beautiful room and I have the closure needed from some painful experiences. The time came to sand all of that paint away and bring back the beauty again. Writing a memoir that year had helped me see some patterns in my life and let them go—finally. I sanded away what had been buried inside me all these years by painting over a wall.

That summer back in the early 90s expunged and exposed the possibilities that life offers—including the soon to be surprise birth of a son who’s going to be 30 years old this year.

I recently pulled my memoir off the market with the intention to rewrite it in the future. For now though, I feel lucky with the journey writing has taken me.

How about you? Has writing helped you?

Embrace your inner child! D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #14 #writingcommunity #authorlife

Hi!

I know I’ve been quiet for a while, except for a few scheduled blogs. I’ve been off tending to my hubby after he had some oral surgery and then we went right into vacation. It was a stay-at-home and relaxed type of one which we both needed.

We took some local walks and enjoyed some nice weather. No Harley ride this time because hubby couldn’t wear the helmet or shave on that side. Soon though for both!

Here is some of the beauty that surrounds me and inspires my writing.

Our first walk was to my favorite Bridgeport. Part of the trail is still closed as the rangers we talked to are having engineers look at it to make sure the rest of it is stable before repairs. Yes, I sneaked a peek but didn’t walk over it like many still were.

Day two walk was closer to home at what we call the NID ditch.

Day Three we ventured to a local old gold mining facuilty that now a musuem. It’s a interesting walk that goes by the creek. Unfortunately it passes by a sewage plant, so you walk quickly with nose covered.

Our final walk after a picnic at our local lake, was at one that sees many school field trips. It had a patch of snow and it was only us there. This got me to thinking about story possiblities and weapons I should have had on that walk. We were fine though, my big stick kept us safe.

Embrace your inner child by taking a break in nature! D. L. Finn

Day 4—Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature Blog Tour #newrelease #poetry #PoetryTreasures4 #poetryanthology

It’s day 4 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 4 Book Blog Tour, and today we have a guest post from contributing poet Patricia Furstenberg.

Giveaway

Leave a comment for a chance to win one of three free copies of

Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature.

Leave a comment at each stop for additional chances.

Winners chosen by random drawing.

Introduction

I’m thrilled to introduce today’s guest, Patricia Furstenberg. I have read and enjoyed many of her books and very excited to be a part of this anthology with her. Here are Patricia’s thoughts on poetry:

Celebrating “Poetry Treasures”: 5 Simple Reasons Why Poetry Holds My Heart

With an enthusiasm for poetry I reflect on the release of our collaborative poetry collection, “Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature.” As a writer and poet I am drawn to poetry’s intrinsic beauty, and I’d like to share with you five reasons why this art form is so special to me. Because poetry can be often overlooked, perceived as an outdated and sometimes uninteresting genre, often associated with clichés, and one that requires a significant amount of time and patience to fully appreciate.

Despite common misconceptions, poetry is an effective form of communication that incorporates emotions, experiences and the beauty of nature into language. Poetry inspires creativity, provides therapeutic relief and communicates profound truths through carefully chosen words. Poetry is a journey of self-discovery that promotes harmony and connects us to the natural world’s beauty and truth. “Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature” honors this timeless magic, moving hearts and inspiring minds.

Here are five simple yet profound reasons why I adore poetry.

Like a magic key, poetry unlocks communication skills. Poems are so much more than just words strung together. Verse are formed through weaving emotions, thoughts and experiences into a linguistic tapestry. Poetry promotes effective communication, both with ourselves and with others, through the rhythm and rhyme of its lines. As we explore the complexities of poetic expression, we gain a better understanding of language and improve our communication skills.

Poetry inspires creative ideas. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to pique our interest and generate new ideas. Poetry, whether through the timeless verses of classical poets or the contemporary musings of modern wordsmiths, has the ability to transport us to realms of creativity we were unaware of. Reading and writing poetry stimulates our imagination, encouraging us to consider new perspectives and appreciate the beauty of spoken language.

Poems have therapeutic benefits. Poetry serves as a spiritual refuge, providing solace and healing during difficult times. Reading poetry allows us to explore the depths of human emotion, providing comfort and understanding in the face of adversity. Poetry’s lyrical verses serve as a mirror to our own experiences, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with grace and resilience.

Words strung in poems gain magical powers. In the intricate tapestry of poetry, every word and line has significance. Poets use verse to convey profound truths and evoke deep emotions. As we immerse ourselves in the world of poetry, we develop a greater appreciation for the nuances of language and the transformative power of words.

Cultivating harmony and enlightenment: poetry is more than just words on a page; it is a journey of self-discovery and awakening. Through the rhythm and flow of poetic verse we find inner harmony and connect with the world around us. Poetry has the unique ability to cross boundaries and bring us together in a shared experience of beauty and truth.

I urge you to look at “Poetry Treasures” as more than just a collection of poems, because it demonstrates poetry’s enduring power to touch hearts, inspire minds, and illuminate what it means to be human. Enjoy the experience!

About Patricia Furstenberg

Writer and poet Patricia Furstenberg authored 18 books to date. Standing out are: historical bestseller Joyful Trouble, page-turner Silent Heroes, history and folklore-inspired Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories and Dreamland, and beloved children’s literature The Cheetah and the Dog.

The recurrent motives in her writing are unconditional love and war, while Patricia’s keen interest for history and dogs brought her writing through a perfect loop, to her native Romania, Patricia being the creator of #Im4Ro hashtag, sharing positive stories.

Patricia grew up in Bucharest and was brought up listening to the legends and folktales of Romania’s past.

About Poetry Treasures 4: In Touch with Nature

Poetic Treasures Within.

Open the cover

and you will discover

Poetry Treasures

from the guests on

Robbie Cheadle’s 2023

“Treasuring Poetry”

blog series

on Writing to be Read.

Included are poetic gems from: Andrew McDowell, Robbie Cheadle, Patricia Furstenberg, Marcia Meara, Luanne Castle, D.L. Finn, Emily Gmitter, Kaye Lynne Booth, Selma Martin, Merril D. Smith, Frank Prem, and Colleen Chesebro.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/mlM5YA

That wraps up today’s stop. Don’t forget to leave a comment and enter the giveaway for a free copy of this lovely poetry collection. Tomorrow will find us over at Colleen Chesebro, Author & Poet with a guest post by contributing poet, Merril D. Smith.

“Savage Mayhem” by Sue Coletta @SueColetta1 #Preorder #review #nativeamericanliterature #justice #mustread #buffalo #yellowstone

Please welcome Sue Coletta here today to share in her lastest book, Savage Mayhem that available for preorder. I was lucky to get an advanced copy to read so my review is included here.

BLURB

Amidst the wild and unforgiving landscapes of Yellowstone Park, join Mayhem, a fearless Apache warrior and champion of the Natural World, and his partner and protégé, Shawnee, as they race against the clock to protect the beloved American Buffalo herd from the ruthless Killzme Corporation.

With a massive bounty on their heads and an army of killers on their trail, Mayhem and Shawnee must use all their cunning and survival skills to outsmart their enemies. They will risk it all to preserve the sacred lineage of the Innocent Ones.

There is no line Shawnee and Mayhem won’t cross.

Even murder.

As the danger intensifies and the clock winds down, will they be able to save the herd? Or will this be the mission that finally breaks them?

Universal Preorder link: https://books2read.com/SavageMayhem

BIO

Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs at the Kill Zone (Writer’s Digest “101 Best Websites for Writers”) and is a Resident Writing Coach at Writers Helping Writers.

Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series books 1-3, psychological thriller/mysteries, Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction, Pretty Evil New England. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, the Mayhem Series books 4-7 and continuing.

Sue’s appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. Learn more about Sue and her books at https://suecoletta.com.

MY REVIEW

Savage Mayhem (The Mayhem Series Book 9)

By Sue Coletta

“Savage Mayhem” tidies up the Alaska story in an exciting beginning, but soon it’s time for Mayhem and Shawnee to go to their next mission, Yellowstone. I was excited about the setting because Yellowstone is on the top of my list of places I want to visit. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there with them. Although even in this place of beauty, the Killzme hunt continues. This time the target is the buffalo—Shawnee and Mayhem. There is the history and importance of the buffalo weaved into the story, and feelings that need to be dealt with. Poe and Shawnee’s relationship is still strained, but she protects the bird even with the animosity between them. It’s always fun to see Mayhem and Shawnee playing husband and wife. This time they are planning their fake wedding at the lodge to provide themselves a cover while trying to stop their enemy. The past comes into play though and needs to be dealt with as they try to save the buffalo herd, themselves, and their working relationship. I have been rooting for Shawnee and Mayhem to take the next step, along with a pair of birds who have found each other, too. This is a story of growth, bravery, insight, and brutal justice. I fall in love with the characters more with each book. I look forward to the next journey and can highly recommend this book and series.

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Spring Edition! @MaeClair1 @JanSikes3 @Sandra_Cox #writingcommunity #whattoread #springreading #mustread #readinglist

Title: 2024 Books that changed me spring edition with flowers in background

Happy Spring (—or Fall)!

The sun is shining here after a normal season of rain, although not snow. I won’t complain though after the over-achieving snow year before. I love when the flowers peek out and the birds have returned. It’s the time of renewal and to get out into your garden.

If you aren’t out enjoying the flowers or warmer weather, you might want a good book to curl up with. You have already seen my reviews, so now I’m sharing the blurb and where to purchase them. If you add one to your reading list, you will have some fantastic reading ahead!

Here are my three top spring reading picks in no particular order:

In the town of Hornwood, the past is always present . . .

Nicole Seabrooke has been wracked with guilt since the night of her younger sister’s disappearance ten years ago. Her mother, Glory, tasked her with watching over Janie. Instead, Nicole dragged her to a high school party, then failed to keep an eye on her. Police believed she drowned, but her body was never found.

A decade later, her remains are discovered.

Nicole returns to Hornwood when new evidence indicates Janie’s death may have been a homicide. With the help of Detective Vin McCain, her high school boyfriend, Nicole begins to piece together what took place the night her sister disappeared—a task that further complicates her relationship with Glory and places Nicole in the crosshairs of a killer. One who will do whatever it takes to keep the truth about Janie’s death from being revealed.

Even if it means killing again.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK

A shocking proposal that changes everything.
Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?
Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.
Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK

There’s a new sheriff in town.
Instead of chasing bounties all over the state, Keeper Tyree has taken the job of sheriff of El Dorado.
Everything is going well. He’s tamed the town and now he doesn’t have to knock more than a few heads together a day, and has no more than one or two occupants in the calaboose at a time. Then a stranger comes to town. A stranger bent on vengeance and the man he wants to bring down is Keeper.
Mitchell Jordan holds Keeper personally responsible for his dad being hung. He believes in an eye for an eye and he’s out to even the score. A family member for a family member.
Keeper is tough and fearless, except where his loved ones are concerned. They’re his one weakness and there’s nothing he won’t do to keep them safe. No matter which side of the law he has to come down on. There’s no right or wrong, there’s just taking care of his own. And now they’ve been threatened.
Jordan leads Keeper out of El Dorado down a winding trail of danger and deceit, and that trail won’t end till one of them is lying boots up six feet under.

UNIVERSAL AMAZON LINK

Embrace your inner child, read a good book! Happy Spring, D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #12 #writingcommunity #authors #writers #poetry #poem #snow #muse #sledding

Hi,

Poetry has been lacking in my life for several months, other than what I did for a project and to release my latest collection last fall. My focus has been on editing a book I wrote a few years ago during NaNoWri. This is finally coming together thanks to my critique partners. My Christmas collection, I hope to get to soon.

We’ll see when spring comes if my muse returns from her vacation.

In the meantime, I thought I’d write a poem to try to wake up my inner poet using a picture taken by my hubby during our last storm on the Magical Trail. Yes, that’s me sledding. Images or being in nature seem to inspire me— most of the time. So here goes:

riding the storm’s waves
as only a child can do
joy captures my heart

What do you do when your creativity takes a leave of absence?

NOTE: Watch for tomorrow’s post!

Let your inner child embrace all life’s seasons. D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #11 #writingcommunity #authors #writers #donothingday #dayatriver #landslide #Newtrails

This weekend, while enjoying a pleasant hike, I realized I hadn’t prepared a post for this Monday. So I thought I’d share my Do-Nothing Day at the river. I was going to get the post scheduled late Sunday night, but I was too tired. Then it hit me I have been meaning to move my weekly blog post to Tuesdays. So, here is the move and the post.

I have posted pictures in the past of my favorite walk along the South Yuba River, especially when the spring flowers are blooming. I have used this for inspiration for photos and poetry. It is an easy walk set in one of the most beautiful settings I’ve seen.

This year though, part of the trail slid away, leaving it unsafe to walk on. I had hoped it was further back on the trail and I’d get to enjoy some of it, but it was closed early on the walk. I could not get a picture of the slide, although I saw it in a local newspaper. There was a cliff on one side and a steep hill on the other. Half of the walkway was gone. So I can imagine this will take a while to repair.

Although this left me sad not to enjoy this slice of heaven, there were plenty of other paths to walk. One led us down to the river to sit and take in the cloudless winter day that reached at least 70 degrees.

Sometimes, something disrupts our usual routine, and we have the chance to explore fresh places. You never know what inspiration you’ll find along the way and what stories find you. Here are some pictures of our day in the sun. Can’t you just imagine all stories behind that old Shell station, red barn, or the wagons crossing the covered bridge maybe carrying some of those precious nuggets from gold prospecting?

first flowers by river

heart shaped rock

closed sign on river trail

Long covered bridge at South Yuba Park, Bridgeport

View of river

Big red barn

old shell station

feet up and relaxing at the river

Embrace that inner child. Explore a road less traveled. D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #10. When things are what they may seem. #writingcommunity #authors #inspiration

Last week on the thirteenth was an unusual anniversary and I thought I would celebrate it today. It was the day I broke my foot. Here is the updated post and story on why this event is so important to my writing—things aren’t always what they seem.

It was Friday the 13th late at night in 2015. My bedroom was heavy with the chill of a snowy day. I‘d finished reading for the night and made one last bathroom trip. As I jumped out of bed, my feet hit the cold hardwood floor. That sent me running through the icy room without paying attention to where I was going. As I crossed over the bear throw rug, my left foot caught on our twenty-pound black cat, Coco. He had made it a habit to lie on top of the bear and blend in.

In what was only a few seconds seemed like forever as the cat didn’t move, but I did. My weight shifted trying to counterbalance, and I reached out to the dresser but missed. At that moment, I knew I was going down. So, I twisted in an attempt not to land on top of the cat who had a lot of trust in me I wouldn’t hurt him. That’s when I heard a loud snap. Then I hit the ground.

I lay there next to Coco wondering what to do next. Through this event, my husband was still peacefully sleeping. After several painful attempts to get up, I finally called out for help.

“Why are you lying on the ground? You should get up and sleep in the bed.” My groggy husband replied.

It took him a few moments to realize that I couldn’t get up and was hurt. Once he up-righted me, I hopped on one foot to complete my task. Each jump jarred my foot painfully.

Not wanting to go to the hospital in the middle of the night, I slept with a fortress of pillows protecting my injured foot.

I slept very little.

The next morning was Valentine’s Day. The hospital staff found amusement in hearing my story as I spent Valentine’s Day in the ER. My husband never left my side and reassured me it didn’t matter where we were if we were together. He had a good point.

Later, I left on crutches and rested through the weekend. As the days went by, I found I had too much time on my hands. I tried to fill it with TV shows, but I realized I needed something to do.

That’s when a family member suggested I should publish one of my children’s books.

With this unusual downtime, I did a lot of research. I set up a website, blog, had the story edited, got a cover created, and entered social media. Finally, four months later, I was ready to push that button with the company that helped me first publish. Now, I was published.

Once I released that first book, I haven’t stopped. I kept going forward into the writing world.

So, happy late ninth anniversary to the time I tripped over our black cat on Friday the 13th and broke my foot. What seemed like a bad thing ultimately opened the door to a whole new world.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good and be thankful all those events that might not be what they seem! D. L. Finn