To finish off this week of thing both Irish and magical, I bring you the “birth” of Irish dancing. Oh, it had been around for ages and was popular both as a social event and as a contest–at least in Ireland. But with this first performance of RIVERDANCE, it became an international phenomenon. RIVERDANCE hit Broadway and stages all over the world for years. Michael Flatley eventually moved on and created LORD OF THE DANCE. The tour came here one year and Only and I went, thanks to a pair of tickets LG bought me for my birthday. That show was even more magical than RIVERDANCE. But I wanted y’all to share in that magical first moment…on a stage in Dublin, as an interval act of the Eurovision contest. They weren’t even competing but they stole the show. I hope you enjoy…
I’m not sure why but I’ve always considered St. Patrick’s Day to be magical. Okay, to be honest, I’ve always thought everything Irish holds magic. That’s one reason my first book, FAERIE FATE was set there. It’s the reason so many of my Wolves have Irish ancestry. Needless to say, I’m celebrating Paddy’s Day all week. This message from the Univere is most apropos and it’s something we should all remember.
Oh yes, Silver, yes indeed!
Today you’re going to be enveloped by the magic.
It will be in the air you breathe, the sounds you hear, and the sights you see.
Play off the moments in-between the moments, look into the unseen, and hear your angels.
Happy Day After St. Paddy’s Day. Sticking with the Irish theme, I introduced a new character…well, sort of. I’ll explain later. In the meantime, I was awarded an honorable mention in last week’s Thursday Threads flash fiction challenge. The “Let me take care of [it/you/them/that].”prompt is sort of fun this week becuase it’s multiple choice. Here’s the prompt: *“Let me take care of [it/you/them/that].”* I chose the “it” entry. Also, today’s snippet has more than the alloted 250 words in the challenge. I cut some for the contest, put them back for this. Once again, I’m not quite sure where in the timeline this scene falls though it is a bit after Aisline and Ariel have met and spent some time together.
****
The orange cat lay still, a touch of blood staining its muzzle. Aisling stood over it, eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t mean to scare it.” Her voice quavered over the words. “Then that car… It just…out of nowhere…”
Ariel touched her shoulder. “Come away, love.”
“No, I can’t just…leave—” A sob swallowed the rest of her words.
“Let me take care of it.”
“You didn’t even like it!” There was heat in her voice now.
How did he explain about the cat? Carla edged up beside them. Did the witch know? He couldn’t decide. She put her arm around Aisling’s waist and eased her back from the street.
“Come with me, Aisling. He’s right. Let him take care of it.” She gave him a telling look behind Aisling’s back. She knew.
“But…”
Ariel whipped out a silken handkerchief, sank to one knee and covered the cat with the soft material. “I’ll be gentle, Aisling. I promise.”
Carla, speaking in hushed tones, ushered Aisling back to the big house. Ariel watched the place warily. He didn’t believe in sentient dwellings but this place might convince him that he was wrong. Once the two women disappeared inside, he sat back on his heels.
“And just what are you up to, you big faker?”
One green eye peeked out from underneath the handkerchief. “You couldn’t let her weep over my broken body?” The cat sat up.
“Why are you spying on her?”
“I’m a pooka. I don’t need a reason.” The fae twitched its tail, uncomfortable beneath the Seelie fae’s gaze. “Fine. She’s special. We need to keep her safe.”
“From who?”
“Everyone.”
Ariel agreed. “We will.”
****
Okay, now I can reveal the new character, who isn’t totally new–just in a new form. I didn’t want to spill the little surprise as to who…or what…the character is. And that’s also where the Irish comes in–pookas are Irish critters. Those of you familiar with the series might remember the pooka who appeared in Caleb’s book, THE DEVIL’S CUT. This is the same critter, though in a different form. See, I used Loki as a “model” for the cat Sade bumps into in GHOSTS AND THE ANCIENT STONES. I’d planned on using Pete as a model in another book. Then he unexpectedly crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Still grieving–and yes, I still miss him terribly–I put the idea in a mental drawer. I doodled around with different ideas for last week’s snippet and then, I just knew where Pete belonged. Anyway, he’ll pop up again in this book. Maybe this was the missing piece I needed to get the story put together. We’ll see.
Anyway, If you are interested, I’ve linked the two books mentioned. Just click on the titles. In the meantime, I’m hoping for more new words this.
Look! Something cold and refreshing! And an actual treat to go with an actual title. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Half the country probably wants something hot, like real, regular Irish coffee. It’s getting warm here (because Mother Nature needs an intervention!) so I thought I’d bring out this recipe. Yes, I’ve previously shared it but it’s been a couple of years and…Irish!
Ingredients 1 cup of vanilla ice cream 1 cup of cold brew coffee 2 cups of ice 1/2 cup of brandy* 1/2 cup of coffee liqueur 1/4 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon of vanilla
Instructions Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend well. You can serve with some fresh coffee grounds on top should you choose.
For those of you who’ve read MOONSTRUCK MAFIA: BOSTON, you’ll understand why Fiona wants this drink added to the menu at Clancy’s Pub. Of course, Finn (the bartender) abhors “umbrella drinks.” He’ll begrudgingly make regular Irish coffee but anytime something frou-frou comes up, he’s like, “That’s a big negatory!” But Fiona has her ways, as her mate Bowie will attest. And being “straight off the boat” from Ireland, she’s all about discovering new drinks here in the USA. As she’s fond of declaring, “This is my new favorite drink!” Hopefully, y’all will click the pic, the cover, title or this Books2Read link and go forth to purchace the book so you, too, can partake in the excitement.
What about y’all? Does the addition of ice cream tempt you? It does me. Also, I substitute cinnamon for the coffee grounds. I mean, I LOVE the flavor of coffee but the texture of grounds? Yeah…not so much.
I discovered that the Ides of March are not the only Ides. In Roman times, the word “ides” referred to the day in the missle of the month, usually the 14th, 15th., or 16th. That’s your fun fact for the day. Also, tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day. I love St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, I do have Irish ancesters but on Paddy’s Day, everyone is a little bit Irish. Am I right?
So. There was a week and a weekend. I did very little writing though I did so some and there will be new words on Wednesday.
I also peopled. I had an appointment on Wednesday with a new optomitrist. Hopefully my new glasses will be in this week. I can barely wait. See, when I had my cataract surgery, I wasz supposed to get great far vision–something I’ve never had because I’ve been nearsighted my whole life and have worn glasses/contacts since the 3rd grade. Far vision sounded great! Except now I can’t see anything close up, even with bifocals. Oh, if I get a book or label or the computer monitor at just the rest distance, I can read fine. But doing sstuff up close? Nope. Can’t see. And to see what’s on the computer monitor, I have turn into a contortionist. Anyway, the new optomitrist totally gets the whole “I need to see both up really close and at arms length more than I need to see far away.” I’m really hoping the literal pain in my neck/back relief will help my new word production. 🤞🏼
In reading news, I finished off my marathon relisten to the books in the Kate Daniels world. No new ones coming out there anytime soon but they are comfort books. Ilona Adrews does have a new series coming out soom and I’ve reordered it. I also grabbed 2 new Larissa Ione books in der Demonica world. They were on sale and a 3rd one releases soon. These are “2nd Generation” characters so I’m going back and listening to the originals–or at least a few of them–to remind me of who’s who. There are a LOT of characters in that world. If you aren’t familiar and you like really smexy books in the paranormal realm, you might gibe tthe series a try. The 1st book is PLEASURE UNBOUND. The premise is that demons, werewolves, vampires, and angels live among us. There are humans hunting them. Not all demons are evil. The first set of books is centered around Underworld General Hospital.
The weekend was pretty much a wash. I did nada. DST is still kiccking my arse and the dang Cold from Hell™️continues to linger though it is better–just in time for the weather to change from warm to cold again. High of 43 predicted today but promises of the 90s by week’s end. Go home Mother Nature, you’re drunk!
On that note, I absolutely have to hit Wallyworld this morning and I need to get gone before the rest of the world realizes I’m out and about. I go early because there is less peoling to do that way. Anybody do something fun this weekend? Anybody have interesting plans for the week?
These shorts keep popping up in my feed when I go looking for stuff on YouTube. I laugh every time. The whole premise is a group of guys (and there are different guys, and even a gal occasionally), who are out sitting in a blind on a hunting trip and they get bored. Stuff like this is the result. Have a great weekend and remember to laugh. It’s good for the soul. And…Happy Friday the 13th. Didn’t we just have one of those last month?
I get emails from “The Univerise” every day. They actually come from a website called Tut. Sometimes I read them and delete. Sometimes I read them, come back later to read again, and then deleter. Then there are those I read, they strike a chord and I automatically save them for use here on Thursday. Sometimes, I apply the “lesson” to the craft of writing. Sometimes, I just apply it to life in general because there are probably more nonwriters who drop by than writers. And yes, I’m rambling a bit. We’ve had crazy weather, I’m on Round 2 of the Cold From Hell and have cold-medicine head at the moment. Fun times. I picked this message out of the files because it’s a good reminer.
Essentially, Silver, transformation comes from thinking thoughts you’ve never thought before…
And showing up to meet them down streets you’ve never walked before.
Sometimes, we all need to think outside of the boix. Heck, we need to get outside of the box.I absolutely need to follw this advice! And yes, I did sit at my desk and yodel for about 2 minutes. I’m not good at it, but I yodeled. What are you yodeling about today?
It’s Wednesday. I have new words but they are not the new words you might be expecting. See…sometimes, the story jumpst up and surprises me. Last week’s Thursday Threads prompt was…a tough one. You’ll see why later. First, I have to explain why this week’s snippet has nothing to do with the prompt. And yes, I’ll explain that too. The prompt…it’s weirdly worded and after reading it several times, it sort of made sense but not really. So I dashed off this weird scene to match the words and dang if I hadn’t written a major turning point/spoiler in the book. I love sharing snippets but I try hard to keep them from giving too much of the story away. So, today, you get new words unrelated to the prompt, but they are a continuation of a series of scens posted here previously. When we left off, Ariel and Druic wre having breakfast at their hotel in Rochester and discussing dreams. The beginning of the snippet has been posted before. The new words start in after Ari admonishes Druic to not say her name.
Ariel forked a piece of the French toast, lifted it to his mouth and chewed. “She enjoys the game, Druic. Do you know why it is said that dreams drive us mad?”
Wide-eyed, the kid shook his head.
“Because that is what she does. She crafts the dream, casts it upon her victim, weaving her gossamer web with infinite care. She plucks memories, twists them, trapping her victims until they can do nothing but her will.” Pausing, Ariel stared at the window across the restaurant. “Then again…” He cut off that train of thought. It wasn’t possible.
“Then again, what, Ariel?”
“No. It cannot be. She’s been muzzled for over a century.” He held up a finger staying Druic’s response. “No. Do not say her name. To do so gives her power.”
“Fine then. I will change the subject. I have discovered something.”
Ariel took another bite, waiting.
“The library.”
“What about it?”
“It is far more than it seems.”
“How so?” Ariel had already guessed as much but he was curious about what the boy had discovered for himself.
“We know of the ley lines. And we know there are places where the veil is thinner here. The library is a nexus.” When Ari didn’t respond, Druic continued, disappointment in his voice. “You already knew that.”
“I suspected as much.”
“Are you aware there is a direct line between it and that crypt at the cemetery?”
Ari slowly lowered his fork, a bite of waffle still on it. He stared at the other. “You are positive?”
“I am. I…” Druic hesitated, glancing around. Then he lowered his voice and admitted, “I tested it.”
He really wanted to chastise the boy for being so brazen. Ley lines and nexuses were not to be trifled with, especially by one inexperienced. Instead, he nodded and said, “Be careful when you use them. And finish your breakfast. I think it is time we both visited the library.”
There you have it. And yay, I’ve written a couple of times in the past week, despite this stupid cold. Which has once again reared it’s ugly head. I blame it DST and sleep disruption. Anyway, the actual prompt from last week is: *“They’re staying through every climb and fall.”* If it speaks to you, give it a shot. If not, I don’t really blame you. That said, I hit a major point because of it so yay. Progress. Anybody else make progress on their projects–whatever they might be?
The meme should say WORST. DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS. EVER. Just sayin’.
Daylight Saving Time, which saves nothing, lasts 238 days. That’s almost 9 months. NINE MONTHS! Whyyyyyy??!!!? It’s crazy!
We hit a high temperature of 86 yesterday. It’s freakin’ MARCH, Mother Nature!!!
Why is a red onion called a red ionion when it is actually purple?
I got an email yesterday saying my Garmin GPS account would be deleted if I didn’t reactivate it. I have one of their gadgets in my Highlander for navigation. It suddenly occurred to me that I hadn’t updated the maps in…awhile. Like…years. I logged in, had to download the app to the new computer, hook things up, and it took 4 hours to update. Yes, it HAD been that long. I mean, it’s not like I use it all that much because we normally “travel” in LG’s truck(s).
I promise I’m going to remember to hit publish today. 🤦🏼♀️
On that note, I have nolthing else to add. I need buckets more coffee. I need a new brain. I need morning sunlight. I need it dark when I go to bed at night. Yes, I am a broken record, why do you ask? What’s up with y’all?
I’ll just let the meme speak for itself. EDIT: I was so out of it I totally forgot to click PUBLISH. 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
The cold is in somewhat of a remission. I have to people this week so it needs to head on out the door.
This is late because while I was up briefly yesterday, I went back to bed and blew off all my “do’s” including setting up the blog. Not like anything happened because…bed. And sleeping. Coughing. Blowing my nose.
When awake, I watched World Cup Baseball and OSU softball. USA won. Puerto Rico won. Yay. My Cowgirls went 1-2. Boo. There was also soccer though we didn’t go watch Stormy. His team won all three games. In the second game (something of a blow-out), he scored four goals, two of them back-to-back. On Sunday, they beat the team they’d faced in the tournament championship last week, 3-0. BIG YAY!
I caught up on some of the series I DVR, in between napping. Ozark Law. Desert Law. On Patrol Live. Yes, I’m a sucker for cop reality shows.
That’s it. That’s all I’ve got. Now I need to go blow my nose again. Have a great week. And yes, I still hate Daylight Saving Time (which SAVES NOTHING!!!!) with the heat of a thousand suns. Just sayin’…
Silver James 