Monday Musings

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Silver James

August is almost over. Next Monday is Labor Day. Where did the summer go?

I admit, I gritched about the weather a lot. It was hot. But not hot. Which is weird, I know. We only hit triple digits one day this summer. We teased 100 often, but only hit it once. It truly is the humiditiy because 98 with humidity over 50% makes for a “feels like” heat index in triple digits. We did that a lot this summer. We had rain. I will never complain about rain. What’s crazy is a Canadian front came through last night and we’re looking at a high today of 70, maybe. And rain. Yippee!!!

My marathon relisten of Thea Harrison’s Elder Races is drawing to an end. I have a couple of novellas and one, maybe two novels left. Once I’m done, not sure what I’ll plug in to listen to.

Writing. Well. Yeah. About that. I managed some words betwixt and between cursing the computer set up. Say hello to Beetlejuice. He is mostly working. There are stupid things that I haven’t found the solution to. I have hopes that things smooth out and BJ settles down and plays nice. At this point, besides the bespelled books in the Special Collections of Aisling’s library, I may give her a haunted computer.

Critters. I could spend pages discussing that topic. Toby is beginning to settle in. The stress levels among cats and dogs is starting to ease. Pete and Toby often come nose-to-nose. Toby backs down. Good dog. Loki–who is mostly a hermit cat except for Jake and occasionally LG–is starting to come out at various times. He and Toby stare at each other and Saturday night, they actually got within about a foot of each other. I was there, hand on Toby’s collar, just in case. Hopefully, they continue to make friends and learn to play together. Loki wants to play. Toby wants to play. Jake and Pete do not. Seems like a good match to me. Jake is the older brother, complete with lots of eyerolls and snorts.

I have one other thing to say. Ragweed. That is all, and explains a lot.

Here’s hope for a productive week. We’re looking at cooler temps and rain at least until later in the week. LG’s birthday was yesterday but with everyone’s crazy schedules, we tend to hold the family celebration around Labor Day because that comes between LG’s and Uncle Fix-It’s birthdays and we celebrate them together. No firm plans yet. With the weather, I’m hoping that puts me into a writing mood. We’ll see. Anyone have plans for the week?

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Friday Sinema: Subway

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Silver James

Okay. First, this is totally cool. Second, this dude is very creative. Third. This dude has waaaaay too much time on his hand. But that’s okay because…see “first.” Have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: I Need a Dirnk

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Silver James

Sweet Baby Jesus, grant me the strength. I can’t even. Yesterday was the day from hell. Today starts round 2. I hate–absolutely HATE!–with eye-stabby fierce hate when $h!t doesn’t work the way it is supposed to, especially when I’ve paid a great deal of money for it.

The wireless keyboard and mouse that came with the new computer would not sync. I don’t think the keyboard works period. It’s supposed to have a light that shows when in use. The light comes on when I fiddle with the batteries then it goes out. Computer settings says it doesn’t exist. Same with the mouse.

I’d planned on using my plulg-in ergo keyboard anyway. And my wireless mouse has a dongle thingy. New computer is mosty up and running but I still need to use the old one for stuff and to eventually “decommission” my stuff so it can go to Stormy.

I love LG. He called in the middle of me having a meltdown. He was out and about and planned to stop at Wallyworld. He was calling to ask if I needed anything. I was sharp and short and said something about a pitcher of margarties because Toby has just knocked my coffee mug over, I was dealing with a BIOS update that could have wiped out my computer, and Toby had gotten in the closet and chewed two pairs of my shoes. I hung up on him. He brought me some sort of pre-mix thingy that freezes and is margarita flavored but wine based. Bless his heart.

Microsoft and HP are not playing nice. Windows Hello says there is no camera. The camera words in evry other app.

I think all my files are intact and transferred. I am having to do software piece by piece. When I quit yesterday, I had Google Chrome, Drop Box, and Scrivener. All my Scrivener files are in Drop Box so those are good to go. I have more to track down and install. It sucks.

I think I’m ready for that wine now. How’s your day?

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Wednesday Words: Fine

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Silver James

I may or may not be fine when y’all are reading this. I really am totally not a fan of technology–especially computer stuff. I’ve learned a little bit along the way but frankly, teaching new tricks to this old dog is something of a waste of time. It’s hard. Even with written instructions. Anyway, just in case I’m still elbow-deep in the set-up and tranfer, I’m preprogramming this because I know y’all anxiously await your snippet each week. Today’s prompt is: *”I hope you’re happy.”*

****
The flashlight beam bounced as Aisling’s hand shook, cutting wild swathes across the floor, walls, and ceiling . Something clicked behind her and a moment later the buzz of florescent lights hummed before the space was flooded.

She gasped and the flashlight clattered to the stone floor as her lifeless fingers loosened. “Who would do this?” Aisling threw up her hands, staring around the room in dismay. Books and papers were scattered higgledy-piggledy on every surface.

Ariel carefully toed a book with his boot. He flinched when Aisling slapped his arm.

“Don’t do that!” The angry librarian crouched and touched the book with a reverent finger. “It’s okay,” she crooned to it as she gathered it up and carefully smoothed a page before closing the book.

Thought he steadied her as she stood, Ariel’s attention focused on the book. The faded letters embossed on the cover shimmered. He backed up a step. “Aisling, put it down.”
Her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. He could almost feel her testiness. “This is a valuable book.”

“Maybe but it’s also dangerous. Please, put it down.”

Her brows knit together and her lips turned down in a frown. “Wh—?” She didn’t get the word out before flames licked along the edges of the book. With a high-pitched scream, Aisling threw the book at him. He didn’t catch it.

“Fine,” she sniffed. “You were right. I hope you’re happy.”

“Do I look like I’m happy?” He wisely hid the smirk forming on his lips, especially when he recognized the sadness lurking beneath the frustration she displayed.

Aisling simply stood for a moment, then turned a slow circle. Taking in the chaos, tears threatened. Her voice hitched as she said, “I don’t understand.”

Ariel didn’t understand either but he now had ideas. “I’ll help you clean up.”
****

The mystery continues. FYI, just to tease a bit, before the new computer, I’d been working on some Bran scenes. I’ll continue those once I’m up and running again. 🤞🏼 In the meantime, writers, you know what to do. Readers? What’s made you happy today?

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Tuesday Tidbits: Pleas…and Tanks

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Silver James

Presetting some blogs while I’m off-line. I have no recipe and no exact title. But this is the way I feel some days. You can always click on the link up there in the menu bar that says BOOK LIST and scroll through to find a title you haven’t read yet. Thank you for your patience while I stumble through the technical side of life. FYI, this meme about authors’ pleas to readers always makes me laugh. Tanks for being a reader. 😉

What book are you currently reading? I’m listening to Thea Harrison’s A DRAGON’S FAMILY ALBUM, an anthology of 3 Elder Races novellas.

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Just Another Monday

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Silver James

August is on a downward drift toward Labor Day. It’s always hot around here until Labor Day. After that, we get pretend fall, summer, maybe fall, summer, fall…nope just kidding, Indian summer, and finally, if we’re lucky, actual Fall toward the end of the month. I’m ready, even though we’ve only hit 100 once this summer. Humidity, baby. That’s the difference.

There was soccer this weekend. Stormy’s team won 2 of 3 games so yay. We made it to one game on Saturday, taking both Jake and Toby with us. Toby is getting a bit better but it’s obvious he’s had no training. We plan to train him as we trained Jake, to be a serive dog. Jake is getting older and will retire at some point, hopefully years from now. The way things are going, it may take that long to train Toby. I’m only partially kidding. He’s smart but ohhh sooo stubburn. The cats are still stand-offish but there’s been no fights or eating of “prey” which is good. Anyway, it was really hot at the game so when we got home and cooled off, everyone napped–dogs and people. I slept until almost 7 p.m. Yeah, I was tired. We didn’t make it to the night game and then LG had some health issues overnight so we didn’t make Sunday morning’s game. Match. Whatever a soccer thingy in called. It sucks to be old.

I’m still marathoning through the Elder Races series. At least I’m catching up to my Goodreads reading challenge. I was woefully behind.

Very little writing got done. Some, but not much. Not sure how much will get done this week, hence today’s LOL meme.

Y’all remember when I said I was getting a new computer and then the order got cancelled? Well, the same computer at the same price popped up again yesterday morning. Taking a chance, I ordered it. It came with same day delivery and it was delivered at noon yesterday. I’ll be out of order until I figure out how to get the new ‘puter set up. Hopefully, my brain doesn’t break in the process because y’all? I trully am a technophobe. Anyway, don’t worry if I don’t appear for a day or two. Hopefully not three. Unless I need a day off to rest my brain. 🤣

That’s all the news fit for public consumption. Hopefully, I’ll be back up and running in time for Wednesday Words. How’s life in your neck of the woods?

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Friday Sinema: YMCA

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Silver James

I used to be a big fan of Dancing with the Stars and then…stuff happened. I still come across their videos from time to time but this week, it was a video from the Israeli version of the show. I’mma just gonna drop this here, let y’all enjoy and wish you a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Success

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Silver James

The Universe is back in writing advice mode. Well, okay. Technically, It usually is–or at least that’s how I interpret the messages. This one in particular sets out things very succinctly.

It doesn’t matter if you are a plotter, a pantser, or a puzzler. It doesn’t matter if we write fiction or non-fiction. We need some sort of roadmap to get us from the first sentence to the final word.

The secret to every success, Silver, lies not in what or even who you know, but in clearly “seeing” where you want to go.

And going.

The power to have it all,
The Universe
©www.tut.com 

P.S. You were born with the gifts of a god, Silver, and I don’t just mean making it rain.

You know, in a way, writers are gods of a sort. At least those of us who create fiction. Too bad we can’t do it in the proverbial 7 days. Just think of all the books! 🤔 On second thought, probably better than it takes us a while. But we do breath life in the worlds we create, the characters our imagination gives birth to. It is our super power. Use it for good.

Now, if I could only make it rain on demand….

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Wednesday Words: Soul Mates

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Silver James

EDIT: Well, filch! Got the day right, wrong time. This whole am/pm thing is a pain and I get distrcated and don’t check to see if the dang blog publishes until waaay past OOPS! time. *sigh* It’s Wednesday. I have words. Sadly, no award for me from last week’s Thursday Threads but that’s okay. I have fun with these words and yes, I’ve already expanded this scene but y’all will have to wait until the book comes out. I’ll only say that this scene is part of Ariel getting to know the young fae who…well…you’ll see. This week’s inspiration prompt is: *“Our souls speak to each other.”*

****
Druic carefully carried the two ceramic mugs from the counter to their table, artfully dodging around people. With a flourish, he placed the latte with a stacked heart design in the foam in front of Ariel. He set his own mug down and settled onto the bench.
Ariel eyed his coffee then Druic’s. The other fae’s mug displayed a swan. “Do I want to know?”

The tips of Druic’s pointed ears reddened as he mumbled, “It’s a skinny vanilla.”
Sipping in lieu of laughing, Ariel maintained a poker face. He realized he knew very little about his new…sidekick. The kid had already compared himself to Batman’s Robin. “Tell me about yourself.”

Blushing more, Druic rattled off his lineage, education, and position in the Seelie Court. Ariel didn’t roll his eyes but it was tough not to. “So much for name, rank, and serial number. That’s not what I asked. I want to know about you. What do you like to do? Do you read? What’s your favorite food? I mean…besides drinking skinny vanilla lattes.”

“I blame that one on my lady.”

Ariel raised an eyebrow in surprise. “The queen drinks those things?”

“Oh no. Nonono.” Druic shook his head vigorously. “Not Queen Titania. My lady.” Scarlet washed over his face and ears.

“Ah, I see. Your girlfriend.”

“Yes.” The kid breathed out the affirmation like a prayer. “She is my one. Our souls speak to each other.”

Ariel wondered if the lady shared Druic’s enthusiasm. He’d find out.
****

There you have it, just two fae sitting in a coffee shop sipping lattes and getting to know one another. Writers, if you can use it, don’t lose it. Readers, do you like little scenes like this that might or might not move the bigger plot along? I call it adding a touch of domesticity. 😉

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Tueday Treats & Titles: Pumpkin Moon

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Silver James

Today’s treat is about as easy as it can be. I mean…two ingredients. Some stirring. Baking. And voila! Muffins! I’ll be honest. I haven’t made these. I probably will when it gets closer to actual pumpkin time but I figured we could all tuck it into our recipe boxes just in case.

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins
Prep time: 5 minutes Minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes Minutes
Total time: 25 min

Ingredients
1 box Devils Food Cake mix *do not add water, eggs, or oil
1 can 15 ounces pumpkin puree *not pumpkin pie mix

Let’s Make This
1 – Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with 12 muffin liners.
2 – In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree and cake mix.
3 – Divide the batter evenly among the twelve muffin liners.
4 – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
5 – Cool for 5 minutes before enjoying!

Tips
1. Store in air-tight container for a few days or freeze.

2. If you have an “old-fashioned” ice cream scoop–the kind that has a release lever–use to scoop this really thick batter into the muffin cups.

3. This batter is very dense so the muffins don’t rise much.

Poor Hannah. The school called and said she needed to bring a snack for the Pumpkin Festival at school. Liam found her sitting on a kitchen stool staring at a can of pumpkin puree and a box of cake mix. She hadn’t been to the store, didn’t have eggs, milk, or oil. If these things don’t taste yummy, then blame it all on Liam. 😉 Curious? Grab the whole MOONSTRUCK GENESIS series to get the whole story of how Hannah met Mac and the Wolves, how Liam came into the world, all the adventures and the formantion of the Sisterhood of the Mates. And finally, how they found themselves in a small mountain town in West Virginia. Just click on the pic, the series title, or use the QR code to take you to the series landing page. You can find all the books and all the on-line retailers where you can procure your copies. And just remember… It might be August but pumpkin spice everything is just around the corner!

Pssst. This is an actual recipe. Cross my heart.

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