Thursday Thoughts: Universal Word

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Silver James

When I was in high school, back in the dark ages, I was very active in speech and drama. No, I was NOT a drama queen, thank you very much! Though I wanted to be. Wait… Do two negatives in the same sentence make it so? Anyway, I digress. The speech teacher insisted I take and compete in debate, with the caveat that I could be in the plays and musicals and get the occasional chance at the drama stuff at contest. Problem was, she kept casting me in comedies. I’ll try to keep this story short rather than ranting about the unfairness of that because…drams queen! Not a comedienne (which is probably an offensive word to somebody because it denotes a femal comedian and can’t we all just be alike so whatever). I had an “alter-ego” that appeared present a sort of stand-up comedy routine/monologue. She was a young girl, spoke with a bit of a lisp and her opening lines were, “My name is Priscialla and I talk to the animals. And they talk back to me. So there.” When I saw this entry from the Universe in my inbox, I immediately flashed back to Priscilla.

The real reason animals don’t talk, Silver, is because they understand so much.

Word,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Verily, Silver, the more understanding one possesses, the less there is to say.

Upon reading this again, I’m struck by how profound it really is. Curiously, most of my Wolves tend to be on the reticent side. None of them talk just to hear themselves speak. They believe action speaks louder than words. They convey so much with a look, a touch, an attitude. And none of them are shallow. They might occasionally be jerks but they aren’t shallow. They feel deeply and they understand so much. Sometimes a picture (description or narrative) truly is worth a thousand words of conversation.

In these trying times, we should all consider this little pearl of wisdom and take it to heart. Because it’s true. The more you understand, the less you need to shout about it. And if you don’t think that animals truly understand, then just look deeply into their eyes. The Universe can be found there and they see and understand so much. Stay safe and healthy, my friends, both physically and mentally.

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Wednesday Words: Angel in the Morning

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Silver James

Day 4 of NaNoWriMo and the story of Justice and Jack is moving forward so big yay! I’m pretty much avoiding Twitter for…reasons but I did check to see what today’s #1lineWed prompt was. Last week was devil/demon so today’s was the ver logical **ANGEL**. And since I didn’t have a snippet with an angel–well, I sort of did because one of the characters in the TVFD series is named Angel–but I just mention him by name. Anway, I’m babbling. I managed to work “angel” into the scene I worked on this afternoon. To set it up, Jack and Justice have a date. He’s arrived at her ranch to pick her up but she’s…not ready. She’s gotten an emergency call from the local game warden who’s bringing her an orphaned bobcat kitten. She’s just broken the news and he’s offered to do chores so she can prepare for the new baby.
****
“I…you…you don’t mind?”

“Naw. I like critters.” He would not add that his wolf was eying the fat doe with a limp. And the man did like animals and not necessarily to hunt and eat, though he’d done both as human and wolf.

“Well…okay, then. Thanks!”

Justice ducked into the barn. Jack finished feeding the deer, keeping a tight leash on his wolf. Even so, the buck snorted and pawed the ground until the feeding was done and Jack backed away. He checked on the armadillo, remembering the phone conversation. He was amazed at what Superglue and duct tape could do. He rummaged around, found a large coffee can labeled ARMADILLO. He emptied the contents—dirt and larvae—on the floor. The armored anteater went to work. Back in the storeroom, he discovered a clipboard with a chart. He marked off the deer and the armadillo. Then he set about taking care of the rest.

Jack caught the sound of tires crunching gravel first, then the motor sounds. He’d just turned the horses out into the corral. He swung over the fence and headed around the barn. Justice was already waiting as the dark green pickup with the bright green emblem of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He heard the mewling as Conor Paxton stepped out of the truck on the driver’s side.

“Ohhhh,” Justice sighed. “Look at you, baby.” She stepped forward and took the towel-wrapped bundle from Conor. “Yes, yes, baby. I know. You’re hungry. I’ve got some nummies for you.” Ignoring the men, she cuddled the baby bobcat and walked into the barn.

Conor dipped his chin at Jack. “Sheriff.”

“State Game Warden.”

They both laughed at their formality but shook hands.

“How ya doin’, Jack? And no offense but why in the Sam Hill would you quit the Rangers to become the Sheriff of Bandera County?”

“There are days I ask myself that same question.” Justice’s voice drifted out from the barn. She was singing a lullaby. To the animals. Who knew the woman had a voice like an angel? “And then there are days like today and I know.”

“Ah,” Conor exhaled as the light bulb came on. “Yeah. She’s a keeper.”

Jack whipped his head around to stare at Conor. The game warden held up both hands to hold him off.

“Easy there, Sheriff. I’m married to the most wonderful woman in the world. But, I gotta admit, Justice is gorgeous and what she does with the animals? A lot of times, it’s nothing short of a miracle. She has the touch. We’ve needed a rehabilitator in this area for years and she has been a godsend. Literally. I’ve brought in animals the vets advised they put down. Justice said she’d fix them. And she has. Every single time. She’s got a good heart.”

“Pretty woman, yeah, but that heart of hers. That’s the thing.”

“Oh, ho. You are smitten. But a word of warning, Jack. Don’t play with her. There are a lotta folks in these parts who love her for that heart. They—and that includes me—won’t be happy if that heart gets broken.”

Jack’s wolf growled and paced just beneath his skin. The idea of someone else claiming their mate—and Jack had to admit that yup, he was good and moonstruck—unsettled his animal half almost as much as the human part. He soothed the beast, promised him time with the woman they would claim, and nodded to the younger man. “I don’t think that’ll be a worry, son.”

“I got the feeling she’s in good hands, Jack, and I’m happy for you both. You’re a wily old wolf and a loner to boot. ’Bout time you settled down. And Justice? The idea of her livin’ out here on her own—not that she can’t take care of herself, but…well, you know what I mean.”

“Yeah.” Jack knew exactly what he meant.
****
So there ya go. Please remember that this is a rough draft so ignore any typos. I’m loving both of these characters. Writers, any angelic words to share? Readers, what do you think about angels as heroes? Yeah, yeah. Lame question but my coffee fix is lagging. Happy Hump Day, y’all.

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Layered Pumpkin Brownies

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Silver James

Late start today. I blame it on the “new and improved” WordPress. Also, it’s election day here in the States so there’s no telling what’s happening to the intrawebz. 🙄 Yes, that’s me rolling my eyes. Anyway, we need some seasonal comfort food–especially if you’re doing NaNoWriMo–that’s easy and goes awesome with a cup of coffee. Because…coffee, people! Gonna need it today and tonight. Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered, my friends.

Total Time: 1 Hr. 5 Min.
Prep Time: 20 Min.
Cook Time: 45 Min.
20 servings

Enjoy our Layered Pumpkin Brownies Recipe any time. This Layered Pumpkin Brownies Recipe is made with canned pumpkin and can be used all year round.

What You Need
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flour
2 oz. BAKER’S Unsweetened Chocolate, melted
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Let’s Make It
1 – Heat oven to 350°F.
2 – Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add flour; mix just until blended.
3 – Pour half the batter into separate bowl. Stir in melted chocolate; pour into prepared pan. Spread to evenly cover bottom of pan.
4 – Add pumpkin, chocolate morsels and pumpkin pie spice to remaining batter; mix well. Spoon over chocolate batter; spread to evenly cover chocolate batter.
5 – Bake 40 to 45 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not overbake.) Cool completely. Use foil handles to remove brownie from pan before cutting to serve.

Want all the details? CLICK HERE and jump over to My Food and Family. Also, all my characters have the munchies today so I’m not singling one out for this recipe. I’m putting up the cover to NIGHT WISH because it’s my newest book and I want people to keep buying it. Click the cover or the title to scoop it up. And FYI, Gen says she plans on whipping up a batch of these to munch while she makes Wizard watch a RomCom on TV. She also mentioned that she has a can of Extra Creamy Redi-Whip to squirt on top. I think she just might be on to something. 😉

Take care out there, vote, write words if you’re doing NaNoWriMo, read, have fun, and all that stuff.

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The Monday After

Posted on November 2, 2020 by Silver James

The night we switch to Daylight Savings Time–or switch back, I can never remember which time we’re actually on!–also happens to be Halloween AND we have BOTH a Hunters Moon AND a Blue Moon. Was I smart enough to capitalize on that in marketing my two books with those titles? Of course not. Pretend you can hear the sarcasm in my voice as you read this.

We had a week last week and what a week it was! Below freezing temperatures, ice storm, and no power. For the first time since living in this house (20+ years), we were the first in the neighborhood to get power back instead of the last. All the rest of the family came through fine, as did the feral kitties. We got terribly lucky that none of the HUGE branches that fell hit the house, phone or power linest TO the house, or Lawyer Guy’s truck. That said, our yard looks like an F2 tornado came through. We have massive piles of branches to be cleared. But, we have power! And internet, which means TV! And I cleaned out the fridge. It’d been awhile.

In writing news, NaNoWriMo started yesterday. I have a decent start on FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE. I hope to have my 50K (or more) by the 21st so I can edit, revise, and get it turned in to the publisher by the 30th. I’ve set a goal of 3K a day. We’ll see if I can keep it up. I’ve had a few sales of NIGHT WISH. Y’all could buy more! We’re going to need to fix some fences and might have to pay an arborist to help save the trees. Every bit of royalty counts! And that’s my blatant sales pitch. GO BUY MY BOOKS!

No power meant no listening to audio books because…battery drain on my iPhone! I don’t like silence. Quiet is okay but silence? In pitch black dark? Listening to branches snap and fall? I still haven’t caught up on my sleep. And now, refer back to the first paragraph. Gah. I foresee naps. Hopefully. That said, I’m still in the marathon listen of the In Death series, currently on #49.

Dodgers won the World Serious. Since I didn’t have a dog or a pony in that show, I got to enjoy some good baseball. Yay. Not doing much TV watching, mostly the weird stuff I turn on late to sleep through. First, no power, then…not much on. I do have a few things on DVR to catch up on. I should think about doing that.

So…let’s see. Weather, time switch, writing, books, sports, TV. I didn’t cook anything fabulous. Didn’t go any place cool. Still leading my mostly boring life. Thanks for checking in. 😆 Remember what I said about sarcasm up above? Now use a self-deprecating tone. I love that word: self-deprecating. Anyway, I have many words to write today with breaks for cutting and hauling branches to the curb. Hope all of you are safe and happy. Check in and let me know what’s up in your world.

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Friday Sinema: Slaw & Order

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Silver James

Y’all, I would so totally watch this show! Grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, kick back, and watch. Sometimes, it makes me so proud to be a southerner. 😉 Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite Halloween witch, Only!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal First Steps

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Silver James

So, I have a new book out in the wild. Psst. It’s NIGHT WISH, in case y’all missed it. And I have another book due to Aces Press no later than November 30. In all the crazy weather over the past couple of days–no electricity, internet, or computer–did I start the new book? Nope. I worked on the blurb. Which I hate writing but I’m not looking the gift horse in the mouth. It’s rough, but BLURB! Also, short and easy to write by hand. 😉 That said, totally time to start the next book, FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE. And what did the Universe do? It dropped this little gem into my inbox.

Sometimes, Silver, if the direction you’re about to move feels “right” in your head and heart, yet the first few steps look pretty daunting, not fun, and maybe even scary, you should take those first few steps anyway and get ’em over with.

And I’m not just saying that because watching you in action gives me goose bumps.

Love you madly,
The Universe
©www.tut.com
Honestly, Silver, I get goose bumps just watching you breathe.

Yeah, watching me breathe is boring as heckfire. I’ll note here that writing the opening line to a book is probably one of the hardest–and most daunting–things an author has to do. Sitting down to start by actually putting words on a blank page ranks high, as does finishing the first chapter and moving on. And here the Universe is explaining that process in the simplest of terms. I got goose bumbs just reading it. So, m’friends, trust your head and your gut with that opening. Take the steps, move forward, write the book. Yup, totally scary, but once we’re further than the first steps into the story, it’s all worth it! And readers, the very same holds true for life and living it. Now go forth and just do it! 

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Bubbly Cheesy Shrimp Dip

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Silver James

Disclaimer: Only had a FB Messenger party to help out a friend who is a Pampered Chef consultant. I bought some stuff. I’m on their email list. That’s where I got this recipe. And I’m halfway tempted to spend the buck to get this stone thing to bake this dip in. That said, I also think I can figure out another way to back it. Just sayin’… In the meantime:

THE BEST BUBBLY CHEESY SHRIMP DIP

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Ready in 45 min
Yield: 8 servings

FILLED WITH FRESH SHRIMP, MELTY CHEESES, GARLIC, AND HERBS, THERE’S A REASON THIS BUBBLY CHEESY SHRIMP DIP IS THE BEST SHRIMP DIP YOU’VE EVER HAD.

THIS DELICIOUS REINVENTION OF OUR CHEESY CHICKEN DIP WAS SENT TO US BY OUR FRIEND JEN AT @MIDWESTLIFEANDSTYLE.

INGREDIENTS
Dip:
2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter
½ lb. (250 g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp (5 mL) Garlic & Herb Rub
2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) low-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp (30 mL) low-fat sour cream
½ cup (125 mL) grated Asiago cheese
¼ cup (50 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (250 mL) mozzarella cheese, divided
Optional: Chopped parsley, additional grated Parmesan

Crostini:
1 baguette
Olive oil for brushing

DIRECTIONS
To begin, preheat the oven to 350℉ (180°C).

Coarsely chop the fresh shrimp. Then, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp, green onions, garlic, and the rub to the skillet. Cook the shrimp mixture for about 2–3 minutes, or just until the shrimp are pink. Add the fresh lemon juice.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese. Gently stir with a spoon until the cream cheese is melted all the way through.

Then, add the sour cream followed by the Asiago and Parmesan cheeses, and ½ cup (125 mL) of the mozzarella. Combine and stir until the cheese is not quite melted. Next, spoon the dip onto a Rectangle Stone or dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese before placing it in the oven.

Once the dip has been spooned onto the stone, bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, turn the oven to a low broil setting. Broil for 3–5 minutes or until the dip is golden brown. (Don’t worry, the Pampered Chef StoneFusion stones are broiler-safe up to 550°F (287°C)). Remove the shrimp dip from the oven. Garnish with fresh, chopped parsley, and serve warm.

This dip is best served hot but can easily be reheated as needed. Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crostini (see cook’s tip) is perfect for dipping, but you can also serve the cheesy shrimp dip with pita chips, crackers, or naan.

Cook’s Tips:
How to Make Homemade Crostini
I make these simple crostini using my Pampered Chef Rectangle Stone. Slice a fresh baguette into pieces. Then, place the baguette slices onto the baking stone. Next, lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Bake in the oven at 350℉ (180°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Let the crostini cool on the baking stone before topping with the shrimp dip.

Making the Dip Ahead of Time
Just follow all of the instructions in the recipe. Then, instead of baking the dip, place the mixture in a covered container and refrigerate. When you are ready to cook the shrimp dip, preheat the oven, spoon the dip onto a baking stone, and bake uncovered as noted.

CLICK HERE to check out the recipe on the Pampered Chef site. Note: I am NOT the cook. I’ve never made this though it IS on my to-make list. And we have a special guest appearance today. Jo Mayweather, the main character of the awesome urban fantasy series written by my sister from another mister B.E. Sanderson, ONCE UPON A DJINN. The series is complete at four books AND THEY’RE ALL ON SALE!!!!!!!!! For 99 cents. You can grab FOUR BOOKS for less than FOUR DOLLARS! I ❤ this series like damn and whoah. And I have all the feels for Jo. A flapper from the Roaring Twenties, she was tricked into becomin a djinn and she has a mission. While she might not actually make this dish, she certainly magicks it up because it is totally yummy–with shrimp, crab, lobster, or chicken. Y’all need to read this series and you can save big bucks buying them on sale. Just click on the title or the graphic to head over to snag them.

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Monday is the New Orange

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Silver James

 It’s cold. Period. Not frigid, but coat, hat & gloves cold. And rainy. What’s on my agenda? A trip to Wallyworld. Yeah, didn’t plan that out but I sort of did. Because no one will want to be out and about today. Jake may get his paws wet but we’ll get our errands done faster with fewer people. So, that’s today. But being Monday, I usually give a run-down of what occurred last week and over the weekend. Here it is.

I have a new book out, in case you missed all the news last week. NIGHT WISH is live lots of different places You can click on the title to hop over to Books2Read where all the sales outlets are listed. Many thanks to everyone who bought a copy.

The World Serious is getting serious! At the time of my typing this (Sunday afternoon) the series is tied 2-2. As it takes 4 games to win, there’s a strong likelihood it’ll go the full 7 games. Yay! There’s been some outstanding baseball played so far.

Still in the reading marathon of the In Death books. This series never gets old. There are a few new books coming up that I’m looking forward to reading. TV is mostly baseball. Well, that was fast. 😆 Moving on.

I’ve started the next book, FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE. Tight deadline but so far, the story is coming together and the characters are talking to me. Another yay!

Basically, last week was a blur of formatting and making of graphics. And then I pretty much slugged it this weekend. It was cold. And I have snuggly covers on the bed. Naps are good. The cauldron of feral cats are mostl present and accounted for. Lucifer hasn’t been around but he does that–hangs around for awhile and then takes off for parts unknown, then reappears. Smudge is getting a bit bolder. He’ll come up to the edge of the porch while waiting for me to put the food dishes down. Yesterday, BeeGee actually batted at my finger when I held it out to him. Slow progress. Loki sits in the window and watches them but when the door is open, he doesn’t really venture out.

And that’s the update. Not much going on in life beyond the same-ol’ same-ol’. Which isn’t a bad thing, if boring. Any excitement in your life?

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Friday Sinema: Don’t Like the Weather?

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Silver James

Will Rogers once said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, stick around for 15 mintues. It’ll change.” Or words to that effect. Anyway, yesterday, we topped out at 86 degrees. Then the cold front came through and our high today is forecast for 48, though I think we actually hit that a little after midnight, BEFORE the front came through. To help explain things, here’s a short instructional video to help explain southern weather.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Clinging

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Silver James

One of the hardest things an author has to do during the process of writing, editing, and publishing, is figuring out when to stop. It’s a hamster wheel. Heck, I don’t often read my own books, not because I don’t love them, but because I ALWAYS find something I want to fix. It’s so hard to just…stop. Of course, as I just pulled the trigger on NIGHT WISH–which is live now, by the way–the idea of clinging to a WIP is on my mind. And of course, the Universe is right on top of things.

Often, Silver, having what you want is a function of letting go of what you have.

If you know what I mean.

Want something?
The Universe
©www.tut.com

Odd, huh, Silver, the stuff some folks cling to?

It is odd, though I finally broke the habit. Well, mostly. Way back in 2006, a friend told me about National Novel Writing Month. The whole premise is to write a book of at least 50K words during the month of November. I’ve done it every year. And I’ve won it every year. More than a few of the books written during NaNo have gone on to publication. I would never have finished SEASON OF THE WITCH, my first NaNo project without figuring out how to stop clinging. In 11 days, I’ll be participating in my 15th NaNo. And when December 1st comes around, I’ll have a new book done, turned in, and I won’t be clinging onto it. Writers, do you cling? And readers, what do you cling to?

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