OR:  How the hell did my Fixadent fly five feet into the toilet?

Happy Monday to ya’ll. I have to say that: The last Monday is my day.  So, I don’t have the distinct pleasure of wishing you TGIF!

I deal – so should you.

This picture has nothing to do with the paranormal activity going on in my house, but it DOES mention a toilet. And it’s funny.

I’m getting to it…

It’s dawned on me that it’s been a very long time since I’ve talked about “that” side of me – and new blog readers  might not know what it’s like to live in “VonnieLand.”

Talking about ghosts and spirit energy is normal at our house.  It’s all psychic – all the time here. We share about it as easily as if we’re discussing the weather.

I have my psychic friend, Shelia Powell – on speed dial.

Since Sandy and I moved into this house four years ago, we’ve had a variety of ghosts. Two of whom caused serious problems early on, they
came with the house – and with help, were moved out.

Another one that came with a pair of beautiful handmade shelves I purchased at a second hand shop. I knew they were handmade because I “saw” the gentleman make them in his shop when I touched them. He was very proud of them, and polished them to a shine. The problem was once he came to my house, it turned out he hated lesbians. So bad in fact, Shelia called me the next day (out of the blue) and told me there was dark energy around me calling me very nasty names) She had no idea that I’d just purchased them.  With her help – he was also moved out.

We also have spirits of a more permanent nature. Family ghosts, my daughter, Dezi – and Sandy’s father, Bob. These are the two most prevalent. They are quite at home and both talk to each of us together and separately.

It’s very easy for us to “blame” either Dezi or Dad for things that fly around the house -but there’s also knowledge for me that knows if it feels like them or not.

We have transient ghosts show up as well.

One was a young man that wandered in and loved my book collection and decided to stay. Shelia told me he was also enamored of Shade – my favorite character – and stuck around around until I finished The Deadening. He liked to push books off the shelves and for some reason, hated it when things were on top of the microwave. I would find things on the floor that I know were put up the night before or as I was sitting in the living room, things would slide off the top and hit the floor. I always check to see where my dogs are – and 99% of the time – they are by my side.

He wandered back out at some point – or at least things stopped flying off the bookshelves.

I’ve had an old man that wore a bowler hat that run up and down the hallway – and quite frankly felt like a pervert. And yes, I kicked him out.

I attract them.

Yay me!

Sometimes, sarcasm is a sanity based emotion.

Walmart?  Fugetaboutit.

I totally believe the ground it’s built on is cursed.  There have been a few that followed us home.

Okay – now to the most recent “new” addition to our household.

One night I was sitting in the living room – my wife had gone to bed already.  The television was on low, to keep from disturbing her. The dogs were all staring into the hall. I hate it when they do that! But anyway I hear something in the bathroom – and I check to see if they are all in the room with me

They are. And all eight ears are pointed on alert.

I walk down to the end of the dark hallway and the bathroom.

You have to remember that stuff flies around in our house all the time. Usually as a joke – our family members were funny people and I’m sure they think it’s hilarious to knock pictures off the walls and screw with the electricity.

So, I’m not scared. I don’t feel anything off – but I heard it – my dogs heard it, and I have to check it out.

I don’t see anything right away – and Sandy’s son is sound asleep.  I figure since I’m there – I might as well use it – right?

Sitting in the center of the toilet bowl is a tube of Fixadent. The source of the noise – there is water splashed all over the seat – so it flew with some force. The problem is that it had to come out of the medicine cabinet open shelf at least a two feet and veer left another three feet to drop into the toilet.

Hey now. I thought about waking Sandy up – I did have some trepidation because of the physicality of it all. But, she gets up at 4 in the morning when she works on the weekend. I did end up texting her right then for her to read when she got up.

We ended up laughing about it – easy for her – she didn’t find it. I’m just kidding – I actually think it’s pretty cool – but neither of us wanted to use that particular tube of Fixadent after that.

A couple of days later I hear a huge thump in the office. Again, I check that the dogs are all next to me and again all eight ears are at attention – to top it off – the door was closed.

In the middle of the floor is a hiking boot that had previously been in the closet.

Okay.

Again – we know who it is. It’s very friendly energy.

Things began to go haywire – the lights in the kitchen, the radio, and other electrical stuff.

It very cool.  But even being psychic and validated for it on a regular basis – there is always that tiny piece of mind that wants to rationalize it away.  I guess it’s normal – that or a learned behavior from parents who totally told me I was crazy on a regular basis.

Anyway – here are two pictures that I took yesterday.  Of course the “before” picture is staged – because why would I take a picture of a carton of creamer, right?  I only put the lid back on to show the correlation of where it landed.

I was sitting at the kitchen table and heard a huge pop. I looked over and saw the red lid on the stove.

This does not happen accidentally. It has never happened before either.

So, I do the only thing I could do in that situation – I  freak out, speed dial Shelia, and I send her the pics.

“It’s not bad. Someone’s trying to get your attention.”

Ya think?

Thank God she’s so soothing.  I totally appreciate her!

She was able to  name a dear friend who passed away recently. And Sandy and I were able to directly correlate the increased activity to the day we received some of her ashes.

She told us before she passed – she was coming back to haunt us. I believe it’s me she’s practicing on because she knows I believe – and that I get it.  I really get it.

Who knows what’s next?

But I KNOW for a fact – that we are going to laugh at the Fixadent in the toilet for years to come.

Now that’s something you don’t hear everyday!

So – who has a story to share?

Good morning!

I’ve been told readers know me for the chatty, self-deprecating, and hopefully – amusing blogs that I write.

This is not that.

My guest today, Shelia Powell, who also writes under the pseudonym, Lorraine Howell, wrote a book of poems about “becoming.”

It’s my personal belief that everyone chooses a path before they are born into this life. And as we know – challenges both good and painful – exist.

From my own personal experience in order to grow both personally and spiritually, we have walk through them.

It isn’t often that someone will rip themselves apart to share pieces of herself, that are excruciatingly honest – to help her younger self and others who may share the same shards of broken glass that comprise the mirrors of our pain.

It’s not an easy book, and there is a warning for possible triggers. 

But I hope that it reaches everyone that needs to know they are not alone, and that others have faced down their demons – those that attack us, and those we hold inside.

We survive.

And dare I say, we begin to heal?

This is that.

In Shelia’s own words:

“Becoming Me – A Metamorphosis – A journey though the darkness and light of the human condition. It opens up discussions on deep and serious subject matters. It also speaks of the joy and love that we all seek. “Becoming Me, A Metamorphosis” is an in-depth, raw, gritty and complex look into the human psyche. It is a beautiful journey of healing. This collection of poems sways your heart into the world of reality while keeping your emotions on edge. The purpose of this book is to deliver a profound and meaningful message to you, the reader.”

I’ve included Shelia’s forward.

Dear younger self,

I wrote this book to tell you that even though your life was hard, there were some great parts in it as well.  The horrible things that occurred were just a small part when compared to the love of your parents, the birth of your children, your friends and finding the love of your life.

I know at times the world seemed difficult, but remember that with good comes bad.  I am so very proud that your heart was strong enough to make it through all that you faced.  I also hope “Becoming Me” will end up in the hands of the people who need it most.

You did good kid!

Love,

Your older self

You can find Shelia’s author page here at Sapphire Books Publishing and a list of her books – including Becoming Me.

Shelia’s (Lorraine’s) Facebook.

And…. Her Amazon Author Page.

And because this month has a fifth Monday – I’ll be here next week as well.

Until then

Yvonne

I’m finally done!

I finished and sent back my edits for my new book Meet Me in the Middle – a stand along romantic comedy due in March 2017.

I know that’s a few months away – but it will go fast

Not to worry – I’m hard at work already on a new series – supernatural of course! And I promise not to let a whole year pass before I publish again.

I once shared how circumstances and fate kept putting me in the same places as Sandy. Looking back, (hindsight is sometimes awesome) if we missed one opportunity to meet each other – I can see where another one was offered in its place.

Our relationship was meant to be.

Knowing that – I was inspired to write this book. What if no meeting is random? Do we have helpers on the other side that know better than we do?

Veterinarian Aislin O’Shea runs a busy clinic. She wasn’t looking for a relationship. She’d already had the perfect one. She certainly wasn’t attracted to fancy pants executive, Ms. Zane Whitman – she wasn’t her type.

Zane Whitman had it all. Stellar career, wealth, exclusive social circle, and models vying for her attention. Impulsive, emotionally charged Aislin was not her type.  

Two women from the opposite side of the tracks.  

Neither one expects meddling from an unexpected source on the Other side. 

Neither one knows the train is coming. 

Wait for it.

I’m super excited to be on this new journey with Sapphire Books.

And just like Aislin and Zane …

I hope you all had an awesome holiday with those you love – I did

This is a short blog. It’s Sandy’s birthday and she’s just requested that I go watch football with her. Go Seahawks!

Till next month…

When we rose up and declared we would not go quietly into the night?

Yesterday, we were making History, or Herstory – whichever you like.

I had a blog planned for today – ghosts, rainbows, puppies, and butterflies. You know, the kind I  usually write. Unless I’m writing about depression – but that’s totally another blog for another time.

Here’s the thing. I was a mess this last week (as hundreds of thousands were) – even more so than during the election. I felt the anguish my friends were posting, I cried buckets. I jeered at the utter stupidity of this new regime, and took a ton of antacids.

Really  – an entire bottle of antacids.

Leading up to and on the day of inauguration, I promised Sandy I would stay off social media. She’s the one who has to put me back together in the evenings when she gets home from work. She’s the one that’s worried when I’m so upset my chest hurts. She’s the one. Period.

But I didn’t – stay off social media that is. I felt helpless and  yes, hopeless. I was born in the sixties and never marched in anything or for any cause. Was it because I didn’t believe in them? Hell no. It was because I was raised in an era where my mother believed it was better to be seen and not heard. I was raised by a woman who insisted we not make waves. I was advised to be a “sheep” and be happier. Do I blame her?  Absolutely not. It was the way she’d grown up and the values that were handed down by  her own mother.

I read the absolute garbage they want to hand us as truth. I am appalled by the denial I’m seeing. I know all about denial personally, but this is a level I’ve never seen before – half the nation is in it. And being mean about it too.

I was physically sick, and on the verge of going to the hospital for my chest pains.

I’m having horrible visions, and being told to “suck it up.” There’s nothing you can do about it now. Quit whining. Oh, and let’s not forget being called “stupid, and a loser.”

Really?

I’m heartbroken for our country.  Do I believe that we needed change? Absolutely – but to hand it to this man – who time after time – proved he wasn’t worthy to hold the highest office. I just can’t.

Jesus, they wanted to impeach Bill Clinton for a B.J. and here stands our new president whom had several (very public) affairs – who was on tape – belittling and  abusing his power over women. And I don’t want to list all his other transgressions – I just can’t.

Is it personal? Am I only looking at his faults? Am I twisting the facts?

Nah. They’re right there on film for anyone to see.

Now they’re screaming that it’s all the Media’s fault – and his people shouldn’t listen.  I hear the propagation machine revving up. I’m waiting for the flyers to come streaming out of the sky.

But I did have HOPE yesterday.

My feed was FULL of positive energy – full of my friends who marched. Who showed we were NOT going quietly – who were NOT going to lay down and take it.

And he wants to argue his party was bigger.

Then a friend shared a link of Ashley Judd reciting Nina Donovan’s poem – and I KNEW, just knew – that I was witnessing something so much bigger than ourselves. We CAN be the catalyst.

I’ve played the video ten times at least. I then played it for Sandy, and I’m going to share and play it again, again, and again.

I had chills and I cried, for a good reason. Here is something I can shout from the rooftops.

HERE IS THE INCREDIBLE TRANSCRIPT of the SPEECH.

And while I was looking for that particular link – the regime is already firing back.

“Ashley Judd is nuts.”  Another one: “The women trashed our streets.”  The insults are out and more are coming. Ridiculous – as what I’ve come to expect.

The new Press Secretary  is insulting the media.

Really?  I mean, really? Does he have any inkling of how stupid ignorant that is?

Am I going to share those links?

Hell no. I won’t give them one iota of my energy.

I am proud today. More important – I feel empowered today.

Thank you all who made it marches all over the country. Thank you for standing up for me. Thank you for standing up for our daughters.

Thank you for standing up to the new regime.

Just – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’ve been saying that for weeks now. “I can’t, I just can’t.”

I. Just. Can’t.

It’s an Empath’s nightmare.

Better than of half of America is in anguish.

The other half is – I don’t know. I just can’t.

I have to ask the question again – Are they in denial – or just stupid  ignorant?

I don’t know anymore.

I have to say this again: The level of ignorance I’m witnessing is astronomical.

I’m reminded of the Roman Dictators.

Conquer, conquer, conquer. Enslave, oppress, and give the common people – I don’t know football maybe? Kind of like the bloody gladiator “games.” That are played in  stadiums – coliseums?

I just cant.

The stuff going on behind closed doors – I just can’t

The stuff being done in the open – with support from his “yes-men.”

I just can’t.

The ban: I just can’t.

I am crippled emotionally – yet I can’t stop watching the news or my newsfeed.

Most of my waking moments are spent filled with dread.

I just can’t.

Everytime I check – there’s some new atrocity.

I keep thinking this has to be a freaking joke. Ashton Kutcher is going to jump out and tell us all we’ve been punked.

I was, however uplifted a tiny bit by the Politicians standing up on the Today show this morning.

But the rest of this nightmare?

I just can’t.

Again, I had a different blog for written for today. A funny (I hoped) light-hearted glimpse into Vonnieland and how it operates around here.

But today – I just can’t.

So, instead – I’m going to tell you of a little girl who with droopy bobby socks and scabbed knees stood in a line with children of all colors and recited this:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.”

Please share your stories – do  you remember this?  Are you part of the generation who did this EVERY morning at school?

MELISSA MOIR – YOU’VE WON THE DRAWING!  THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!  I’LL BE DOING ANOTHER ONE WHEN APRIL COMES

Good Monday morning!

They pay me to say that…

Kidding.

So, it’s the morning of my blog and I’m in my office early to write it. I’d been doing so well.  I can be grateful however, that I remembered before 4 in the afternoon. It’s happened.

Here’s what’s happening in Vonnie-Land.

At long last… Drum roll please…

I have a new book to giveaway!

It’s been a while. 2 years 3 months to be exact. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your patience and love while I’ve been recuperating – from both my heart attack and the ensuing results.

Enough of that! It’s passed and – I have a new book to giveaway!

Veterinarian Aislin O’Shea runs a busy clinic. She wasn’t looking for a relationship. She’d already had the perfect one. She certainly wasn’t attracted to fancy pants executive, Ms. Zane Whitman – she wasn’t her type.

Zane Whitman had it all. Stellar career, wealth, exclusive social circle, and models vying for her attention. Impulsive, emotionally charged Aislin was not her type.

Two women from the opposite side of the tracks.
Neither one expects meddling from an unexpected source on the Other side.

Neither one knows the train is coming.

Wait for it.

*****

I had someone ask me the other day about the  names. “Aislin” is “Ace-lyn.”

And Zane happened to be named after her grandfather’s favorite western author, Zane Grey and her twin brother after – Louis L’amour. Cheesy, I know – but such an incredibly me thing to do.

Meet Me in the Middle has been a labor of love over the last couple of years. Aislin is wonderfully scattered, impulsive, and lovable. When she runs into Zane after a snafu of misunderstanding, sparks fly.

Dignified, predictable, and yes – uptight, Zane gets a lessen in loosening up and Aislin needs to let go of an emotional loss of devastating proportions.

What they don’t know – is that they have a little help from the other side.

Here’s your teaser…

*******

“More tea, dear?” 

“Yes, please.”

Two women sat at a small bistro table, lovely fragrant flowers in a crystal vase between them.

Although seemingly close in age, their appearance was vastly different. On one, golden hair swept from her face in a tasteful updo, tendrils hung in curls around her face. She wore a white, flowing dress in a beautiful red rose pattern, her many diamond rings flashed fire in the sunlight. Two impeccably groomed afghan hounds flanked her chair as she poured the tea, bringing to mind the picture of high society.

Fine china tinkled musically as the other woman, dressed in comfortably worn jeans and a fisherman’s cabled sweater the color of Irish cream. Her locks were hidden under a large black cowboy hat, which also shaded her face. She sat her cup back in the saucer with a graceful hand, wearing only a plain gold band, her appearance a snapshot of down home country.

The women sat in companionable silence as they drank their tea and nibbled on chocolate biscotti.

When their cups were again empty, the scenery changed.

The trees were replaced with soft yellow walls and they sat on an island of brown granite. The dogs sat silently at their feet, the air felt heavy with anticipation and importance.

The woman with the cowboy hat looked around the small cozy kitchen with tears in the corners of her eyes but straightened her back. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?” The blonde asked.

She nodded just as a ball of black and white fur burst into the room and barked furiously at the intruders. He was clearly confused at why the other dogs wouldn’t play, and in fact, ran right through them into the wall.

“Well then,” The blonde said. “Let’s get started, shall we?” She walked over to the kitchen garbage can. “Now?”

The other woman sighed. “Do it.”

A perfectly manicured hand pushed the can over with force, and trash scattered across the floor.

Their eyes met and they smiled at each other before the Afghans, and they themselves, faded away.

*********

I hope you enjoy my foray into romantic comedy (with a tiny kick.) *

I’ve started a new chapter with the gem in lesbian publishing – Sapphire Books Publishing, LLC.  full of awesomely talented authors and I hope you’ll visit us there!

Here’s my author link: 

Unfortunately, you have to wait until April until there’s anything on that page – Meet Me in the Middle will be out in print at that time.

In the meantime…  You can pre-order the Kindle edition HERE! and find my previous books on my updated Amazon Author page HERE.

Imagine my surprise and appreciation when it went live there was an immediate order within seconds.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now to the whole point

You can leave a comment below for a chance to win an autographed author copy!

*If  you’re interested in my “dream cast” I have a Pinterest board. – be sure to scroll to the bottom – as my favorite picture is the first I posted

Have an awesome day and please leave your comments below!  I will announce the winner – on this blog by Friday.

Good Monday morning!

The Bleu in the title is not a typo – I did it on purpose. We’ll get to why shortly

I want to go into blogs for a minute.  Some people are just born to write them – they are witty, informative, fun to read, and impressive from where I’m sitting. Take our blog for instance: Women and Words is full of these amazing writers.

I don’t consider myself one.

Talented authors have the ability to make it look easy and effortless.

I’m letting you in on a secret – I agonize over my turn – I may even drip blood on the keyboard while banging my head against the desk. I don’t have a problem with giveaways or praising another author. There is already a subject there for me to draw on.

I may have, once or twice, wrote an amazing one on a fascinating subject that slipped into the ethernet somewhere while my internet had a hissy fit and froze. Of course, that was  before the blog had mercy on me and autosaved. So really, I have no excuses now.

So, let me toast all the elusive and wonderful ideas that I simply CAN’T remember when it comes down to me and the white page titled: Add New Post.

Nor can I find one of the notes I’ve written myself and put away just for that reason. I have no idea where they go – another realm perhaps? I can’t ever find them when I’m in need for one. I wouldn’t put it past my resident ghosts to hide them and laugh at me either.

It all comes down to one thing for me in the end: wanting to write something that entertains on a Monday morning.

And I’m totally okay if it comes at my expense.  I do some funny stuff – and really,  if I can’t laugh at myself, I’d be a pretty miserable person.

Why am I telling you this?

Because it’s been over a year since I got a phone that was smarter than me and a memo section that would guarantee I wouldn’t lose those little scraps of paper.

I could put the ideas into the “memo” section of my phone!

I was quite proud of myself for thinking of it and typed in some thoughts for blog material.

Then promptly forgot.

Until the next time I had an idea in the middle of the month and input my inspiration into my smart phone and realized – hey, I’ve got some good ideas in this!

Then promptly forgot as soon as I closed the memo section.

I’m sure you get the picture at this point

So, in the interest of getting to my point – this is what I have put in my memo section over the last year…

And what I actually remember about the prompt in the first place.

Starting at the bottom:

Trinity:  This one has a re-ally good idea about a Vampire series...  I’ll have to keep this one.

No text: This is a soundbite with some creative swearing (in my voice) asking – okay bitching… “how does this freaking thing work? I don’t want to “bleeping” record anything.”  I can probably delete that one.

Blog… Women and Words:  Write about characters that are younger than my children. I’m going to keep that one – it’s a good subject.

Blog:  Soundtrack of my life starting with KC & the Sunshine Band… LOL – I’m not laughing the LOL is in the original note. And idea I had when my favorite singers were passing away with alarming frequency.  I might keep.

Blog: Vietnam Veteran. I can remember this prompt because I was crying when I wrote it after I met him at the Walmart.

Use dream for Blog:  Bleu Kitten. I don’t know if I meant a french cat or it was indeed a typo. I’ve forgotten the dream entirely. I wonder if that means I should delete this memo or wait until I remember? Hmm. It sounds entirely too interesting to get rid of it yet.

Blog: Fixadent and the Commode.  I’m embarrassed to say I DO remember this one and decided not to write it to protect the innocent – or spare the guilty. I’m not sure.

There’s also a couple of memos about ghostly encounters I’ve had around the house. I actually use those in my books. Note to self: Check the memo section in your phone.

I have my medicine list for my appointments – because I have to.

The next three are snippets of conversations that I’ve overheard that I want to use in my stories. Of which I probably won’t remember to put them in – but hey – I have them!

Two more book ideas.

Three more snippets.

And the last – meaning the most recent – is Lavender and Brick dust. I’m sure it means something regarding spiritual protection and the book I’m currently working on – the note says “research this.”

So – there you have it. A peek into my overactive brain that has great ideas – but forgets what they are.

Hope ya’ll have a wonderful day. If any of the ideas interest you at all – let me know and remind me… LOLOL

Congrats to all the 2017 Golden Crown Literary Finalists!  You rock.

A shout out and big congrats to the birth of Dirt Road Books. 

And because we’re all here…. my book: Meet Me in the Middle –  dropped to the shelves on April 20th and is now available. Early reviews are looking good – thank you! After  a long absence – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support and thoughts.

Good Monday morning!

Can you believe how fast this year is going? It seems I’ve blinked and half the year is gone. Wasn’t March just last week?

It feels like it.

Sigh.

May is a rough month for me, so I’ve decided to brighten it up a little and do a giveaway!

I’d like to tell you about my latest project with editor, Rogena Mitchell-Jones who generously released this journal for Deserae (Dezi) – on the 11th anniversary of her passing.

We had a chance to get our heads together and decided to create a journal together. Writing is something I love to do but sometimes (okay a lot) I run out of stuff to write about or experience the author’s dreaded white (screen) brick wall known as writer’s block.

What if we could combine the two –  a journal with writing prompts to help break through the wall?

Well we did it!

HERE is the link for Capture A Muse

From Rogena:

“Do you like to journal?

Do you like to write stories?

Are you an author who likes to use writing prompts to encourage your creativity? This book might be for you!

Clever, thought-provoking prompts from award-winning author, Yvonne Heidt and put together in the style of our bestselling RMJ Journals. College-rule on absorbent paper for you to write your words based on each prompt. This journal should keep you busy for a bit.

EVEN if you aren’t looking for writing prompts, this journal is set up as our other journals are–with plenty of space to write your own stories, poems, lists…however you like to use your journals. The cover is gorgeous and the interior inspirational.”

“Some prompts are funny, some are thought provoking, and
some are damn right therapeutic!” –Yvonne

Inside intro letter from me!

It happens to all of us.
Truly.
That epiphany, an idea you get that you’re so excited about, your fingers tingle, and you reach for paper and pen or maybe the nearest electronic device.
Excitement sends shivers skittering across your scalp, your eyes open wide, and you laugh with joy as you create your characters and storyline.
Or maybe, you’re like me and have the attention span of a gnat on crack.
Could be you want to write, have told yourself repeatedly you would…
One day.
That urge gets stronger year after year, you finally sit down, put your fingers on the keyboard, and write the first couple of scenes you’ve had in the back of your mind.
And…
Like so many writers, myself included, have a time where you’re just staring at that damn white page…
And…
You run out of words.
If this hasn’t happened to you – I’m ecstatic for you!
This journal is yours for the fun of it.
If you just want an interesting Journal, this book is for you.
If you want to hone your craft or need a kick start–this journal is for you.
Let it help you step out of your slump and let your creativity fly with these short prompts, geared to take somebody out of their comfort zone, and try something new.
Let your creativity fly and spark your inspiration. Break through that blank page as if you were kicking down a wall.Be honest with yourself and have fun with it!

We hope you capture the muse and these writing prompts help you in doing so. More importantly, we hope we made you smile.

Prompts included are related to the chapters: Walk This Way, OMG This Happened, Take A Walk, Write A Letter,  Imagine, and What If…

Are you interested yet?

Leave a comment below to win an autographed  (by me) copy for your own

Since I also have next week’s Monday blog, I’ll announce the winner then.

If you haven’t seen Rogena Mitchell-Jones Journals – HERE is the link! Fantastic covers and something for everyone

Have an awesome day and don’t forget to leave a comment!

Good Monday morning!

Here we are again. Yesterday was my late daughter’s birthday.  We got through another  year and this month (well – every calendar year) There are five Mondays in the month. Usually – I forget because of Dezi’s birthday.

But I didn’t this year. That has to count for something, right?

Ya’ll have hung in there with me through this blog for 4 years now.  Can you believe  it? It’s hard for me to fathom that I’ve been a part of this wonderful group of women for that long.

We’ve also established I have a memory problem! So I don’t remember half – (ok, more…) of what I’ve written.

So as my thoughts were with Dezi –  and who could blame me? I was writing another eulogy in my head yesterday.

But I’ve realized I’ve already done that. I found the one I wrote the first year I was here and as I read it – I realized it was more than enough and surely better for my heart to share the link and do something else this year.  If you haven’t read it –

HERE is the link for The Week of Deserae.

So in the spirit of doing something different this year I’ve decided to post her favorite meal. The go-to that she always asked for me to make. One time she called from her apartment an hour away just to ask me to come and make them for her.

I did. And I’m so glad that I made the drive because it’s a memory that I’ll cherish.

I don’t have a picture for it – I haven’t made it in a while. And it has LOADS of calories – but it’s still a favorite. I get calls from my other daughter, Kerri-Ann for the recipe as well because she never writes it down. I don’t remember where I learned to make it, but I’ve made it for years. If I have to count, it would be approximately twenty years. Good God!

I don’t ever measure – but yet, it always comes out awesome. And I always remember how to make it.

Anyway – here it is:

Chicken Enchiladas – don’t count the calories!

NOTE: I was NEVER any good at rolling these suckers up – so I call it enchiladas but I actually make a casserole – like a lasagna – but different. Ha-ha!

1 pound chicken (cooked)

Large jar of Pace Picante Salsa (easy, right?)

1 can of tomato sauce – but keep another on hand just in case…

Approx. 1 tablespoon of chopped green chile (from tiny can.)  Don’t worry about the bite, the milk cuts it down.)

One-half small chopped red onion (again, it’s by sight and how much you want.)

Mix all the above and set aside.

1 can evaporated milk– (found in the baking aisle) in a wide shallow container.

1 package WHITE corn tortillas

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Heat pan with oil enough to cover the bottom – (ok – I use more – but you can start there! (You’re going to use it to fry.)

Fry and brown a corn tortilla in the oil – using tongs – then dip it into the evaporated milk until coated generously –it makes them less crispy – set aside each one until you have enough – depending on how big the baking dish is. I use a 9X12 (after using cooking spray)

When you’ve done all that – the first layer in your pan is going to be from the chicken mixture and a little layer of cheese. Then layer with tortillas (it’s okay if they overlap.)

Again, do your layers until the pan is full. (Usually three layers for me)

Ending with a last thin layer of sauce – and generously spread the Monterey cheese over the top.

As I said – I could never roll these – but I suppose you could if you’re talented at it!

Bake at 350 – for approximately 30-40 minutes. I wait until I can see the sauce bubbling on the inside of the casserole.

Let cook for a few minutes then cut into squares. Serve with salad – and be prepared to love it! It’s sweet with a tiny bite.

So there it is – Dezi’s Chicken Enchilada’s. We love them.

And yay me for not forgetting my blog today!

I hope you have a wonderful memorial day – and let’s not forget to honor our soldiers that have given all for our country.

Thank you for your service. 

Get it?

Believe?

Ok, I had to get that out of the way… LOL

During this last month – we had quite the adventure.  Not that it was a FUN adventure – but an adventure nonetheless.

It all started when Sandy when setting up the pool for the summer. While they were out leveling the yard, she noticed a large amount of bees that were ver-y interested in the eave of our garage – where it connects to the house.

We all went out to watch – and decided that yes, we had a problem.

Nobody had noticed the hive growing because who goes out into the back yard, stands by the fence, and looks toward the house? It wouldn’t have been noticed when Sandy was mowing, because obviously she was looking down!

I called the landlord whom instantly agreed she would call a professional and get back me. She’s awesome by the way and got right back to me with an appointment the following week.

(This picture is an example – not the actual entry to our house.)

Okay, I thought, no problem. I just won’t go outside until they were dealt with. I happen to be allergic. Bee-lieve you, me (had to – it was right there!) – I was super grateful they weren’t wasps. That would have been scream worthy for sure.

Who would have thought that they would have wanted $950. ????? Since there is  no other option other than to save them, She said she would call around and got back to me again with a new appointment. Since there has been a swarm epidemic in Texas – getting someone to come out and at a reasonable  (for us) cost – would take another two weeks. I had nightmares about how many would hatch after that amount of time! In the news clips I had seen, it only takes hours to quadruple the amount you actually see  – and the fact you only see a small fraction of how big the hive is.

When the beekeeper came out, he had this handy little gadget that shows the heat of a hive behind the wall. Imagine our surprise when the entry to the hive barely lit up. Before he came, we thought we would have to remove the siding.

Nope. Below is a picture of the actual site – and it happened to bee ( I can’t help it!) behind our dining room wall.

Which meant they traveled through the siding, down along the flash more than a dozen feet to settle between the farthest set of studs away from the entry.

Did I hear them? No. Did I smell honey? No. Did I see any inside? No. It’s hot down here and the A/C pretty much runs constantly – and truthfully, my dining room table is cluttered enough no one sits at it.

Here is the video Sandy took of some of the process. I’ll admit I watched it live from 2 rooms away!

(On video) Our beekeeper found an old hive behind the wall that was several times bigger than the one he was removing!

The end of our adventure included a safe removal of the Queen along most of her hive – to be transferred to the beekeeper’s fields.  Unfortunately, the busy little workers that were away during the removal – came back to a sealed and empty hive.  In spite of my innate fear of stinging thingys – yes, I shed a few tears over that.

Below is a few pictures of the clean-up and repair.

I’m so blessed to have a wife that knows what the hell she’s doing! She was in heaven doing construction again. She missed and loved the process so much in fact, she repainted the entire kitchen. God, she’s awesome.

I would have helped – but I would have only been in the way

That’s my story anyway,  and I’m sticking to it.

So, here is the fixed wall – we survived – no stings were involved but I have to admit – it was the most excitement we’ve had around the house in years!

Have an awesome day!

Does anyone else have any bee stories?

Good Monday morning!

Caught with my pants down again…  I knew I had a blog to write, I knew I had a blog to write – I knew… well, you get the picture.

Then when it was time to write it – forgot I had a blog to write.

I’ve been sitting here wracking my brain for something to entertain ya’ll today.

But my mind is on the manuscript I’ve been putting together.  In other words, for this time of year, same old – same old.

Now, I could write another one bemoaning the fact I missed my deadline, I’m swamped, and in a frenzy to race over the finish line…

But in the last few years – I’ve written plenty on that. So, in that spirit and because I didn’t sit down yesterday to agonize over a subject that I think would entertain you….

I’ve put several links to ones I’ve written in the past… At least the ones I was able to find with a keyword – it took me a minute to figure out “tags.” BUT in any case, here are some of my favorites

We’ll call them re-runs, okay?

Wherein – Macy the muse in missing and out of action. 

Procrastination or pick one damn it! – title is self explanatory.

Have you been to Vonnie Land?

Editing adventures in Vonnie Land!

OR – if you missed my very first blog (wherein Jove Belle gives me an amazing introduction!) here is the link to Growing up Empath.

So, that’s our scheduled programming for today.

I hope they made you laugh like I did – sometimes I surprise myself.

Have an awesome day – and I’ll see you next week!

I have to write a blog, I have to write a blog….

Good Monday Morning!

It’s me again because we have 5 Monday’s in this month – and this time, I didn’t forget.

Yay me!

It may be later in the day than I usually post, but I’m here now.

The last two weekends have been brutal. Let me rephrase that – Sandy’s last two weekends  have been brutal – mine was just this one.

In 2009, Sandy and I moved down south – after culling everything we owned down to 2000 pounds, from Washington State. That’s harder than you think but necessary for the price point available to us at that time. It was a moving company that “shares” the truck space by putting in dividers.

I thought that was hard!

In 2012, we moved from Alabama to Texas – another long story that isn’t for this blog. Anyway, that time we used a medium U haul and Sandy drove. (She’s a terrible passenger, she never lets me drive.) It was the two of us and four dogs laying on a pillow between in the cab.

The house we moved into was bare – for a while. We had three bedrooms, and not much to fill it. We’d moved her tools, a minimal amount of furniture, and a few liquor boxes of my treasures (Hey, they’re very sturdy!)

We spent many a day combing garage sales to fill our house up.

That was five years ago and what a difference it makes. I turned around (feels exactly like that) and our house is overflowing.

We’ve been saying (okay,  me – I’ve been saying) we’re going to have a garage sale for over two  years now. I’ve dutifully packed boxes and put them in the closet to save for that “someday.” Then I forget what I’ve placed in them.

So, the problem is: When I open them to see what’s in the gray (red or blue) tubs in the closet – I love everything and want to take everything back out. “Oh, LOOK at this! – I love this!” I take the item back out, and put newer stuff back into the gray (red, or blue) tub.

And the process repeats.

After promising Sandy again and again, I gave a roaring battle cry – This is the  year!

And became so overwhelmed at the sheer volume of stuff – I shoved everything back into the closets.

I’m a surface cleaner – and not ashamed of it.

Most of the time.

My patient Sandy (Saint – remember?) Finally takes control and picks a date for our years-in-the-making – garage sale. She wrote it ON the calendar – in INK.

Holy crap.

We don’t really have junk – it’s nice stuff – and I’d love to keep it all, but I’m tired of dusting and the upkeep that having lots of pretties takes.

She took the bull by the horns and cleaned her garage, sweltering in the Texas heat, she was ruthless.

I sat in the air conditioned house, paralyzed with indecision, and the sheer volume of work involved of going through each room, and culling my treasures. The boxes came out of the closets – and well, you should know what happened by now.

Oh LOOK at this! I love this! I can’t get rid of that.

I finally asked Sandy for help and she cautiously agreed. Why you may ask? Because I’m fickle and contrary. I don’t mean to be, I really don’t, but at least I’m honest about it.

After she finished in the garage, it was time.

Dear God, it was time.

I’m not going to go into the panic and stress about it all.

But it was there in full force.

We started easy in the kitchen – which was a breeze now that I think about it.

She lulled me into complacence. Sneaky Sandy.

Then she called me into each room in turn and as she attacked her stuff – my shame kicked in… (Recovering Catholic – it’s innate)

The sheer volume of stuff was mind boggling.

Something amazing kicked in. I was enjoying this.

I know, right?

We spent hours and hours sorting and pricing.  Sandy bribed me – It worked.

She put a beautiful weekend trip in my head. We haven’t had a weekend trip since our tenth anniversary seven years ago.

I started looking at my treasure in a new light.

Isn’t that cool?

Well, it was for me – and I began to rejoice as each box and blue (red and gray) tub made it out into the garage. Don’t get me wrong, some of it hurt – bad. There are memories attached to things. So and so gave me that – that was so and so’s.

Then it came to my books. MY BOOKS. The ones I had to keep – MY BOOKS.

It felt almost sacrilegious but my office is tiny, and we’re taking a huge credenza out of it so I can have more room. One reason being she’d bought me a very cool chaise lounge and there’s no room for it.

It was full of MY BOOKS and that’s not counting the tall bookshelf in the hallway where most of them had to be moved to.

ONE Shelf for all MY BOOKS.

Feel my pain.

I sat on the floor, and quickly started handing them to her before I could change my mind and she (very wisely) took them out of the room and packed them into another box.

I’m not going to dwell on it.

Maybe.

After I was done, there were two HUGE boxes (the equivalent of 4 gray, blue, or red tubs) of MY BOOKS in the living room.

On one hand, I had palpitations and on the other, I was so proud of myself. Sandy was too. And I can’t really put into words how it almost made it worth parting with my have-to-keep books.

And you can be proud of me too – I only took ONE out after we were finished.

Whew, just sharing that made me freak a little.

My wise Sandy packed those boxes, taped them up.

Not really – but it sounded good.

Here’s hoping I won’t pull any treasures or books out of our sale next weekend.

Have a great day – I’m going to stay far away from the gray (red or blue) tubs this week. And – God help me – my assignment this week is to go through (gasp) my clothes!

It’s the fourth Monday of the month in August – it’s my turn up at bat. I don’t have a  funny Vonnieland perspective to share with you – but I do have a way to combat that helplessness we were crippled by.

Sandy and I have been glued to the internet and television, checking on family and friends during the devastation that Hurricane Harvey slammed into coastal Texas.

The flooding is catastrophic – and thousands of people are in need. We haven’t been able to see anything yet in the area where the hurricane actually hit. It’s ongoing and devastating to the entire southern coast of Texas.

I realized this morning I could use my “turn” and get the best links of places to donate – from some good friends and fellow authors who are IN Houston.

M.J. Williamz and Laydin Michaels have graciously answered my call and provided their list of how we can help.

“So, Laydin and I are fine in Houston. We’re some of the lucky ones. Others are losing everything. Would you like to help? Here is a list of some of the donation sites we recommend:”

The Montrose Center:

LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund

JJ Watt – football player extraordinaire and all around good guy is collecting donations:

https://www.youcaring.com/jjwatt

Food banks are always a good place to donate. The following all accept online donations: The Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, and Corpus Christi Food Bank

Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group-The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CDRG) is a state recognized long-term recovery non-profit group created to address the unmet needs of Coastal Bend area residents affected by disaster. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, areas of the Coastal Bend will no doubt be devastated and long-term recover needs of the under-served population will emerge

www.CoastalBendCan.org/CBDRG

Texas Diaper Bank-A good choice for those who want to focus their donations on children, whose needs are often overlooked when it comes to disaster relief. The organization has received praise for supporting the basic needs of babies, children with disabilities, and even vulnerable senior citizens.

Texas Diaper Bank

Coalition for the Homeless:

Coalition for the Homeless

Portlight is an organization that focuses on helping out people with disabilities, which is also a particularly vulnerable group that needs additional assistance during disasters:

Portlight

Global Giving- A charity crowdfunding site trying to raise $2 Million dollars for disaster relief and vows that all donations will “exclusively support local relief and recovery efforts from this storm.”

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-harvey-relief-fund/

All Hands Volunteers

https://www.hands.org/texas-hurricane-response/

Austin Pets Alive – assisting with pet evacuations.

Austin Pets Alive

“The rain continues to fall and Laydin and I are fortunate enough to sit up high and watch it. We have power and water still. Please consider helping those less fortunate. Thank you for your interest and keep the thoughts and prayers coming!”

ME: Thank you so much for sharing this information with us… Of course ya’ll are in our prayers and hearts.

Hello Monday!

It’s been a crazy for me over the last few months. I’ve been working on a new book and it just keeps getting longer and longer. I’ve decided to keep writing at the kitchen table and NOT sit at the computer for one reason.  I don’t want to get hung up on the word count – I want to tell the story the way the characters want.

But that’s not what I’m writing about today – it’s simply an update if you’ve noticed I haven’t been present on social media lately

Well that and I’ve been in my cave – looking in instead of out.

But as usual – I digress.

I wanted to share with you how 5 little words have etched themselves into my memory and my soul.

Sandy and I were at Walmart – the place where evil things dwell. No, really – our Walmart has energy vampires or the ground is bad – either one. We go in, we’re fine – and halfway through our shopping – we feel awful, irritated, and just want to leave. There have been times I’ve wanted to leave our cart half full in the aisles – It’s that bad.

Sandy and I also have a deal with ourselves – if we see someone that looks like they need help – we jump right in. This includes people in motorized carts, wheelchairs, and men who have a list in their hands and look lost.

We reach high things on the shelves and find whatever they may be looking for.

On this particular day, we were going down each aisle in the food section – Sandy was on the next one over. I noticed a stooped elderly man staring at the low shelves and asked if he needed help. He looked up at me and his watery blue eyes held my attention – there was a connection.

You know that one right? That moment when you meet someone and you sense deep down, that this is important.

In spite of that flash of recognition, he shook his head, and turned away.  I felt his loneliness hit me in the heart and part of me wanted to weep for him. Normally, I would chalk that emotion up to the dark energy at our Walmart, but this was different.

When he had been facing me, I noticed his hat.

He had taken two steps before I said:

“Sir, you have a great day and thank you for your service.”

These five words I say often – when I see veterans, men and women in uniform. That’s all I have to give – five words. – I want them to know I appreciate their sacrifices. In the great big scheme of things, it seems so insignificant to me.

Well, the gentleman didn’t acknowledge me and kept walking in the other direction.

I found Sandy and we’d gone down and up another aisle before I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to find it was him and he held out his arthritis crippled hand and grasped mine.

“Thank you,” he said. “You are the first and only person who has said that to me. Ever.”

The tears I’d been holding slipped out and I managed to tell him I’d meant it. He smiled at me and his whole face lit up. He was beautiful and that moment I knew was so important was awe inspiring and so spiritual.

I’ve never seen him again – but I’ll never forget him. I always tear up when I think of that day.  That moment in time I knew was important.

I learned something valuable that day. Five short words can change your life – and heal others.

Thank you for your service.

See ya’ll next week.

Halloween Eve? The date completely took me by surprise and that shows you how reclusive I have been the last couple of months.  Apart from and in addition to being unplugged – I haven’t even been in the stores to see which holiday was approaching by whatever hype happens to be on display.

The last five years we’ve rented here – the first three I had to chase kids down to give them candy as two blocks in either direction had no porch lights on.

Last year, there were no kids around TO chase down and this  year my porch light is broken – or I have to replace the bulb – one of the two! And really, I’m okay with that.

Blessed Be on this Samhain Holiday.

Before I forget – and that’s a daily sometimes hourly event: HAPPY NANOWRIMO!

Here is my link to the beginning madness that is November for writers – I would write a new one – but don’t think I can top it. Sometimes it’s nice to forget things – so now when I read it – it’s like brand new and makes me laugh. That can be a good thing, right? Enjoy.

NaNo Ninja Emapth 

AAAND for those who know me well….  There IS a point hidden in the trivia.

Forgetfulness – memory loss, airheadedness…. (Yes, I know it’s not an actual word.)

I really should start making spreadsheets – for all of the blogs I’ve written and then forgotten I’ve written.  How many times have I told ya’ll the same stories? Brought you through the same cyclic emotional turmoil year after year?

That’s actually a little scary for me! Best not to think about that right now. I’ll forget it when I publish this blog…

As I told you last week – I’m still buried in my book, Paradigm – I’m still sitting at the kitchen table with it – and I’m still on the home stretch.

Or am I?

All this weekend  I scribbled away on my legal yellow pads congratulating myself on my latest spike of inspiration to get me down the magic words, “the end.”

I puffed my chest out and strutted around the house like an accomplished author who was proud of the way she’d woven her story – and ecstatic I’d found the key to wrapping up the complicated story that I and my characters wanted to tell ya’ll.

Whoo – hoo!  What an AWESOME idea to tie everything together! I ran with it and wrote several scenes into an entire chapter. LOVED this idea it was GREAT. More bootie dancing commenced.

Last night I was lying in bed and I continued congratulating myself on finding the key.  The best idea ever to wrap up my story. 

(That’s how I think – in bold font and exclamation marks… LOL)

But bedtime can be an authors nightmare as well.  It’s the place where the outside stuff that distracts you is gone and it’s just me and my thoughts.

Uh, oh. Um. Wait.

A teensy weensy bit of memory slipped into my consciousness.

And I cried when I heard the voice.

OF COURSE it was a good idea – you ass – you’ve already used it!

(And won an award for it.)

It’s funny on one hand – it really is – but I’m REALLY glad that little voice intruded and reminded me before you did.

So – that’s my been there done that story today. 

AND now – back to the drawing board for the last chapters of Paradigm!

Hopefully, I’ll plug back in sometime this week – the longer I’m away the harder it seems to do so – but I will truly make an effort.

Have an awesome day!

It’s my Monday!  Good morning.

I hope that you all had a wonderful day with family and friends to be grateful for. I sure did.

For reasons unbeknownst to me, Sandy decided to decorate this weekend for Christmas. It’s funny how we hold on to our traditions and how we notice how different our Holidays were when we were growing up.

For instance: Sandy’s family decorated Thanksgiving weekend – and in my family, we decorated two weeks before Christmas. Though I’m not sure if that was because my mother worked long hours for little pay and that’s when she had the time.

I’m pretty sure their tree was big and beautiful while my mom always bought the Charlie Brown tree. A little quirk I also had when my kids were growing up. “Aw, this poor little tree won’t get to celebrate this year, and no body else wants it.”  I now realize I have applied all kinds of emotions onto inanimate objects!

And I hear these words a lot: “Yvonne, you’re projecting again.” LOL

They opened gifts on the Eve – and although we opened one gift on the Eve, we opened our on Christmas day.

Their family made lists and got every single thing on them.  And you can guess – it didn’t happen that way in my house.  It becomes weird when we shop together – and I’m so surprised she really does buy everything on them.  For me, it’s ingrained to get the best deal whether or not it’s on one.

I do, however, give great gifts – it just happens that I buy things people don’t know they want until they get it! I have a little rolodex in my mind that remembers things people mention in passing throughout the year. Or, I notice what they have in their house and buy things that correlate.  I think it’s a gift that comes with Empathy.  Of course, with my little memory lapses now, we’ll see how well that works in the future.

Case in point: Sandy’s birthday is today and I bought her a little drone. The look on her face was priceless   Happy birthday, honey.

For many years, Christmas has been a horrible holiday for me to “get through.” Since the loss of my daughter, Dezi, it became a memory bomb that haunted me.

I believe it’s been the last couple of years that the veil came off and I realized I was robbing my wife of happy memories for a decade. Talk about being in a self-absorbed cave.

I’m not proud of that. But I can say I’ve changed it.  Maybe that’s why she’s decorating the day after Thanksgiving! I find myself caught up in her excitement – and that could only be a good thing.

I wish you all a very happy holiday –  however you celebrate it.  And I also wish you the very happiest new year.

How did everyone do on the NaNoWriMo? I know there’s three days left – and I didn’t hit my 50,000. I’m probably not going to since I’ve done just about half of that. Hope can spring eternal

So, that’s my catch up and I won’t see you again until next year!  Can you believe it?

Don’t forget the Hootenanny is near upon us – and we invite you to participate and win all kinds of cool books.

Have a great day!

I also would like to say goodbye to David Cassidy.  I was one of those girls who had him plastered on my walls and owned every Tiger Beat with him on the cover. Thanks for the puppy love hopes. I wish his family peace.

Happy Monday Afternoon…

Perhaps you noticed I didn’t say “morning.”  It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog. So, way after the fact, I’m hoping everyone had a happy holiday season – no matter which (or if) you have a Deity to celebrate the time with.

We celebrate family time, gratitude for the love we have together, and voice how blessed we are.

Here’s some truth…  I can’t remember if I’ve posted this blog before – or how many – so – if it at all looks familiar except for the date (LOL) carry on without me, I’ve forgotten it entirely.

Now, I’m going to tell you that I’ve deleted over a thousand words from this blog because it all dealt with how I felt about the idiot him it- whatever.

Instead, let me put all of the deleted text in shorthand….

Moving on…

I’ve missed that part of me that looks for the sunshine and half-full glass. I’ve missed that  part of me who wakes up bouncing in anticipation for the new day. I really miss her.

That part of me must have misplaced along with my memory after my heart attack in 2015 (another lost year.) Which is odd because you would think I would live life to the fullest and never look back, right?  No, I went the other way and stepped back afraid to TO live because what if I screwed up again?

It’s about time to change that.

As I write this I’m looking at a “goal” sheet I wrote at the end of 2015 for the 2016 year. I wrote out the categories in pretty colored pens, I made a journal to match it, and hung it right in front of my computer.

It’s titled 2016 – the best year ever.

Confused yet?  I kinda am…. LOL.

And now, I get to post same exact picture.

If I’ve ever learned anything about resolutions – it’s that the more I call them resolutions the harder I kick against them.  It’s much easier for me to call them goals.

For me:  Resolutions implies that I’m a bad person and I need to “fix” myself.

And who the hell wants to be told what to do?

Brings me to another point – Deadlines.  I’m going to have change that word. For me it implies I have to finish OR –  I’m a complete doody for not doing so which brings me to: “I can’t do anything right or on time – because I’m a doody…”

Language is important people!

I DO remember vaguely writing blogs about missing deadlines…

That being said.  I spent the entirety of 2017 writing my book “Paradigm.” Which will be tentatively in print by Halloween.  How great is that?

The book goes back to my paranormal roots – and I’m being honest when I tell you, there are parts that scared me to death, and I wrote them! Maybe it should be classified as a horror/romance.

More on Paradigm later… 

What I remember most about 2017 and my last note about it: Thank you to those who purchased my romantic comedy, Meet Me in the Middle – I appreciate you!

See there? You’ve ridden the ADD rollercoaster in Vonnie-Land for the first time in 2018!

Unless of course, Dear god, I’ve written the same blog four (or is it five?) years in a row and only the date has been changed – then you stopped reading in the beginning.  My only defense on that is – I warned you.

Is anybody else writing up goal sheets?

Or resolutions – if you prefer?

I’m pulling out my pens and making a concentrated effort. You could say I’m setting a goal to make my goal sheet.

Anything is possible.

Happy Monday!

So, what goes on in Vonnie-Land when I’ve finished a paranormal book I’ve been working really hard on?

Well, kick on back and I’ll tell you.

As some of you might know, I’m an Empath – and if you DIDN’T know that – here is a link to the blog where I introduced myself to Women & Words. Yes, right HERE!

I’m also a ghost magnet. I can’t “see” full-bodied apparitions – but I know they’re there. I get mental pictures of whether it’s good or bad energy, female or male, and sometimes what they’re wearing.

I can touch things and get a picture of who owned the object. Same thing with some walls.

Every once in a blue moon – I can tell a loved one something about a person who’s passed on – and what they’re wearing…. LOL – I’m SO not a fashionista, so that ability is pretty funny if you think about it.

Any-way – my point being and what it all boils down to is that I can tell if there is spiritual energy around me.

So, back to my question – what have I done for fun this last week?

The other day, I had been watching a Youtube video – and the guy mentions a ghost app. that you can download and tell if there are ghosts in the vicinity with a built in “ghost box” where supposedly ghosts can manipulate and use the words in the app’s library and “talk” with you.

I’m not going to lie, the idea made me more than a little nervous. I may know ghosts are around, but really the only one I WANT to communicate with is my daughter or another late family member or friend who may want to show their love or knock around a few things to let me know they’re “there.”

With me so far?

Curiosity won. I was going to download and try it despite the overly dramatic voice in my head telling me I didn’t want a open channel – ever hear of bad Ouija Board experiments? Or maybe you’ve heard of The Exorcist?  I cannot express accurately how much I was traumatized by that movie and some of the stories I’ve heard about them. Not to mention my own brushes with the dark side of the paranormal.

Yes, that’s what my head does… *whispers* “Welcome to Vonnie-Land.”

Still, after I argued with myself about how ridiculous THAT sounded. (It’s a freaking phone, Yvonne!) I downloaded the app.

Are you laughing yet?

The first night I used it, Sandy and I were sitting in the living room watching the radar and the “dots” representing spirits around us.  I’m gullible but not THAT gullible…

I didn’t “feel” anything at all but that didn’t mean it didn’t give me a few chills, right? Then all of a sudden, the word “carpenter” came up. That gave me a start, because how would it know Sandy was one for years?  Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take a screen shot of that particular oddity.

The next day, for fun – I decided to download three of the highest rated apps recommended by “professional” ghost hunters and put them to the test by sitting in the same spot and comparing the three on my Samsung. Don’t ask me about the numbers – the explanation the app gives is over my head and wouldn’t mean anything to me anyway.  Ha-ha! Red means strong, Blue is weak, and yellow is weaker still.

Here is what happened.

In this shot, evidently there is a strong spirit just to the side and in front of me – and it popped up with the word “Sum.”

I didn’t feel any spirit energy but I do find it interesting that at the time, Sandy was in the office doing our taxes.

MMMM.

Right after that – I tested this one: Which also states there is a spirit next to me and these are the words that came up. I guess I’m supposed to put them together to mean something. (Aside from not being able to read one of the words) I came up with a sentence “We’re all around you.” If you can come up with something else, please leave a comment. I’m horrible a word games! What’s interesting about this one – it’s a child – a Gemini- as is my late daughter, Dezi. What I hate is that it’s telling me she’s scared.

And another example of the same app.:

Now, there is a poltergeist (!) on the other side of me who’s peaceful. (Isn’t that an oxymoron?) Again, if you want to help me, please put the words into a sentence I can understand.

I have a couple more of these screenshots – all are listed as different kinds of spirits and all have different words to play with but for the sake of space, I’m using only a couple.

On this next one over here on the right – evidently I’m having a party! If I hit the dots, it tells me what “kind” of spirits around me.  I couldn’t get a screen shot of them but they were: poltergeist, a woman, and a lady in white….  And each time I hit scan, I got different hits around me and the same kinds of spirits. I don’t know how this one rated a 4.5 – unless it’s a children’s app. I kind of was expecting a Bloody Mary. Ha!

All of the tests were done within a half hour of each other and in the same exact spot.

Do I believe it? As much as I secretly wanted them to work – they didn’t and  I just wanted to have a little fun with it.

These apps would have me believe I’m the most haunted person in Texas.

Have a great day and let me know what you think about the whole business or if you’ve tried these at home kids!

See you next month!

Good Afternoon on this sunny Monday. Nothing like the weather in Texas. It can drop twenty degrees in thirty minutes or the opposite. Not a ray of sunshine to be found for a week and today I have the windows open.

I posted earlier on Facebook I couldn’t decide WHAT to blog about because I have too many ideas. So, I’ve just decided to list them instead of focus on one.

Oh come on – you should have seen that coming, right?

Shall we get started?

I have a list this morning.

Not to be confused with my post, Blogs and Bleu Kittens, (spelling intentional) where I listed ideas that are currently housed in my phone memo section. I linked to it because it made me laugh again. I’m so happy I can entertain myself. Ha-ha!

I checked that app a minute ago and I have more – yes, I do!

I also have notes to myself of things which should be self-explanatory – welcome to Vonnie Land.

Ready?

Notes to self: 

*Throw away the damn pens!  I don’t know about you – but for some reason when I pick up a pen and it doesn’t work – I put it right back in the drawer, cup, or basket. WHY? Then I end up with aforementioned receptacles full of pens that don’t write!

*Singing in the shower – good. Dancing in the shower while singing – NOT.  See? I should know these things, but I never listen to myself.

*Don’t microwave your oatmeal for 2 minutes…  Ever.  Do you ever wonder how innocent looking cereal that can turn to cement does to your insides?

*Things I’ve learned recently:  AF after a sentence means As F*ck.  Did you know that? I had to Google it. This tickles me. Challenge – use it in a sentence in the comment section.

*More ideas: 

*Blog: May and Ghost month.  This will happen – in May.

Unusual date ideas/for my characters.  I hope I remember to check my phone for these while writing my next book. There are some GOOD ones in there!

*Screamed her throat raw.* Actually, I DID use this one in my new book, Paradigm, slated for late October. (See how I did that?) My scariest book yet. Is there a subset yet for Horror/Romance?

Still here?

*Blog: The Good Child Syndrome. I like this one – but it’s too deep for me right  now. I’m going to have to dive and deal with being a recovering Catholic. Besides, I have so much more to complain about these days with the country’s state of affairs. It’s a good one to come back to though.

*Blog: Having a passion for something that gives you a giddy-bouncing-in-your-chair-butterfly-feeling-giggle-in-the-back-of-your-throat-stuck-with-a-perma-smile-and-you-love-everyone-and-everything-feeling.*  (It’s actually written just that way) I must have been having a rea-ally good day!

*Redefine the words, perfectionism, and forgiveness – use The Shack and another blog post you’ve written to refer back to.*  Wish I would have written the examples and the title of the previous blog post I wrote…

AND the ride is almost finished!

LAST POINT – Almost: I’ve discovered the Mandela Effect. (Google it) I’ve found respectable sites and videos that go into several legitimate examples. *MIND BLOWN!*  I’ve been saying for years we were living in an alternate reality. Consider the election if you think I’m going too far out there! 

Hey, you already knew I’m eccentric right?  If you DO know what I’m talking about and have examples of your own – please leave them in the comments section.

Last Point – really (!): I’ve rediscovered Twitter – and have found another tribe. The comments and updates give me hope – real hope. Maybe we can go back to a sensible society where bullying toddlers aren’t in charge of an entire country.

You are now cleared to leave Vonnie Land – hope you had a good time!

Happy Monday!

Something fabulous has happened since we’ve talked last.

I’m down to six hot-flashes a day.

Well, not really but I’m almost sure they’ve decreased. Maybe.

OF course that’s not the BIG news.

Silly.

THIS IS. 

Meet Me in the Middle is now available in AUDIO!

I know, right?

And because I’m learning how to make those cool little box ads, here is my freshman attempt.

Seriously, I don’t know why I always like to tilt things, it’s what appeals to me. To be fair, my furniture is catty-corner too.

To celebrate, I’m giving away an autographed paperback copy of the book.

And since pimping promoting is part of my job, I’m just going to leave this latest review of Meet Me in the Middle here…

“An absolute joy to read… A fabulous romance with a heavenly twist, a lot of laughter, endearing pets and very entertaining characters. I highly recommend this gorgeously romantic book…”

Wait -can I DO that?  Well, until I hear otherwise, and they make me take it down… screenshot it. LOL.

And for a little bonus for reading my blog today – here’s a snippet for you

“O’Shea’s Small Animal Veterinary Clinic.

Zane read the sign, paused, then read it again. Anger started bubbling somewhere in the vicinity of her lower stomach, and moved up to the top of her head.

Small animal vet?

As in, Not Equine.

This imposter had been at Zane’s house, taking care of her coveted champion purebred Arabian, and she was a small animal vet? Well, she’d just see about that. She slammed the driver’s door of her Mercedes shut, then stormed up to the entrance.

She stepped into a small waiting room and into complete pandemonium.

A young boy held a leash connected to the collar of a very rambunctious black Lab who was currently running circles around him, causing another dog resembling a huge rat in an elderly woman’s lap to bark hysterically in a nerve-pinching tone.

Another woman shakily held onto a cage that held some sort of colorful, screeching colossal bird that flapped its wings and ordered every living thing in the room to “Shut up, Ath- hole!”

The boy’s face turned red before he began to laugh hysterically. He also repeated the phrase in an altered high-pitched, ear-shattering voice. “Shut up!”

Zane noticed a man snoring in the corner who must be the boy’s father, because no one here else reprimanded him.

Dear, God. This is insane.

“Can I help you?” asked the receptionist. The plaque on the desk read “Sabrina” in pretty cursive letters. She resembled a younger version of Aislin, but appeared much more polished.

How can she stand it? Zane pulled herself out of her nervy shock and squared her shoulders. “You can. I need to speak with Doctor O’Shea. Immediately.”

“Which one, and do you have an appointment?” she asked.

Zane detected the sweet, sugary tone as sarcastic. “Aislin. And no, not on purpose,” she snapped back at her before she dared a quick glance to the bedlam still in progress.

“Then it’s going to be a long wait. As you can see…” Sabrina swept a hand toward the crowd. “There are a few people ahead of you.”

Zane’s eyes narrowed. She had excellent observation skills and the girl was patronizing her, she was sure of it. Sabrina appeared the type to consider herself guardian to dragon’s gate. She pushed her annoyance down along with her still simmering anger, and instead turned on her charm, the jury’s million-dollar-killer-smile, to try another tactic. “I just need one moment of her time.” She paused for effect. “Sabrina. Please.”

“Shut up Ath hole!”

“Stop it, Billy,” Sabrina said, then giggled when Zane’s expression faltered. “Sugar won’t help you either. Still not happening.”

“Ath hole, ath hole!”

From behind the reception desk, the swinging door opened and Zane saw Aislin appear with a gargantuan orange tabby in her arms. The second she noticed Zane, her face flushed and before she could say a word, the cat leapt from her arms in a blur, which brought the black Lab puppy exuberantly running over to investigate while dragging the boy on his leash.

It happened in slow motion. The leash wrapped around Zane’s ankles and swept her clean off her feet to crash to the floor. Zane started to scream, but it was cut off by the puppy’s tongue when he smothered her face with kisses.

She tried to fend off the dog and bury her mortification at the same time, but she was still easily capable of seeing that when Aislin and Sabrina leapt to help her, each were obviously holding back their laughter at her predicament.

Billy Boy had no such tact. Great big belly laughs filled the waiting room to join in with the enraged yowls from the cat, the explicit profanity pealing from the bird, and maniacal barks from the other dogs. Even the little old lady hid her smile behind her hand.

From the position on her back, she watched Sabrina quickly and efficiently quiet the animals, then grab a piece of candy off her desk to shove in little Billy’s face.

Aislin helped Zane off of the floor and directed her down the hall to her office. She coughed several times but it wasn’t effective enough to cover her amusement. Zane was embarrassed beyond belief, but chose to hold on to her original icy wrath.”

If you want to read the story behind the argument and the rest of  it, you’ll have to buy the book!

And because I’m me – of course there are ghosts and fun characters in it.

OR you can leave a comment below for a chance to win an autographed copy.

And because I can’t really decide which ad I like best, I’m going to post my second attempt.

Have an awesome day and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win that autographed copy.

And/or tell me what you think about the ads or snippet

I will post the winner on my next regular blog.