I’m proud to be an American. And I love that song, which I usually share this time of year. Today, I’m doing something a little different because…drones! They fascinate me and this display back on July 4, 2023 was a Guinness World Record. So sit back, enjoy the show. And enjoy your day. Be safe out there! And be proud! Have an awesome holiday weekend.
It’s Thursday. Tomorrow is the 4th of July. I wish we could load up Jake and head out somewhere where there were no fireworks. Poor doggo doesn’t do well with the big bangs. Ah well. Anyway, it’s Thursday and the Big U and I have thoughts. When writing–and in life–no matter the genre, go with your heart.
Aim with your heart, Silver.
Steer with your baby steps.
And know that it always works.
Love you,
The Universe
©www.tut.comP.S. Aiming without steering, Silver, is just idle wonder.
Pretty simple. Aim with your heart. Take those baby steps in the direction your steering. Whether it’s achieving your dreams or typing The End. Easy peasy, right? Those of you here in the States, have a good 4th of July. For those of you other places, carry on. 😉
Happy July. How can we be almost halfway through the year already? The older I get the faster time flies. I’ll get right to today’s prompt: *”No one tells you it never stops.”* I’m pleased to announced that I captured an honorable mention in last week’s Thursday Threads and I’m vain enough to quote what the judge had to say. “The short piece from Silver highlights her masterful skills in storytelling. She sets the stage instantly and provides the reader with the right amount of background. Strong use of description, action and dialogue. The syntax in this convo highlights all: “Aisling stared off into space before answering. ‘The wanting. The needing. It hurts, you know?’” On a total related, side note: I ordered a vanilla-cinnamon sunflower butter this week. It’s my favorite scent so she piqued my interest right away.” Being a puzzler, I’m not sure exactly where this scene occurs. It more or less stands on it’s own so I’ll leave it to your imaginations. 😉
****
Aisling stared morosely at the glass in her hand. She didn’t remember picking it up and had no real clue as to what the amber liquid inside it was. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed. She crinkled her nose while shifting through the various scents. Vanilla. Cinnamon. A hint of maple syrup maybe. Something darker. Licorice. And a touch of orange. She looked up at the woman sitting with her.
“What’s this?”
“Brandy. It’s good for what ails you.”
Her expression now dubious, she took a hesitant sip. She ended up smacking her lips and taking a full drink. “That’s kinda good.”
“Told you.”
She swigged a long draw, swallowed. “I’m sorry. Who are you again?”
“My name is Sade.”
“And you’re here because…” She sipped again, deciding she really liked this brandy stuff.
“I’m here because I think you’re in trouble.”
Releasing a huge sigh, Aisling finished off the brandy and held it out for seconds. Sade obliged.
“I’m not in trouble. I’m just…” Another deep sigh and a swallow before she continued. “To tell the truth, I’m in over my head. I mean, no one tells you it never stops.”
“What never stops?”
Aisling stared off into space before answering. “The wanting. The needing. It hurts, you know?”
“What is it you want and need, Aisling?”
“That’s just it. I don’t know.” Her voice turned plaintiff. “There’s something out there but I can’t see it. Can’t touch it.”
Sade knew that feeling. “You’ll figure it out.”
****
I don’t have much else to add other than writing this sparked several other things and there is a “prescene” that I wrote after writing this one. And no, I’m not sharing it. These snippets are meant to entince and excite. I don’t want to give too much away. Writers, write if you feel it. Readers, am I on a good track?
This isn’t a long story. Except I’m telling it so it might turn out that way. Any of you ever a Girl Scout? Well, actually a Brownie, because that’s where I first learned the song. You might of learned it somewhere else–or not of all. Doesn’t matter. The song was sung as a round. You know, where one group starts the song, then after a line or two, a second group starts the song, and then a third. All the words are kind of jumbled along together but it sounds really cool and then eases out at the ending. Well, the song I’m thinking of is about friends and it’s called “Silver and Gold.” It goes like this: Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold. It’s a simple song but it is deep in it’s meaning.
And, where is she going with this, you’re asking.
Most of my current “active” friends–the one’s I communicate with almost daily and consider old friends–are on line. I’ve met some of them in person. Some I haven’t and I may never. That doesn’t matter. We’re friends. If they needed me, I’d be there.
Still not sure where she’s going, y’all are thinking.
Well, I’m back on X and I’ve made some new acquaintances a few new friends. A question from someone I didn’t know and don’t follow popped up in my feed because someone I do follow had commented. The unknown was trolling someone who claimed to be friends someone famous. I started to jump in but didn’t. I don’t feed the trolls. As a rule. I’ve been known to get into a flame war or three. I had no clue if the claimant actually knew that person or not.
The thing is, *I* know a lot of famous people–mostly authors but more than a handful of entertainment types. Some of them are on X and I communicate with them. They communicate back. I have phone numbers for more than a few of them. Here’s the kicker. I’ve met some of them in person. Some of them I only know on-line. Doesn’t matter. I still know them, ya know?
The bottom line here, and to sum up my story, I may not have ever met you face-to-face, but you are still my friends. I’ve heard about your families, your health. What you are reading and writing. What you are cooking or ate for dinner. These are things friends know. And yes, I’ve met some of you person. And some only on-line. Some of you send me coffee because that’s what friends do. And some of you would help me bury the body and never ask why there is a body. Y’all are my gold. Just sayin’…
I have coffee. I shall survive. Now if I can just remember all the stuff I’m supposed to remember…
So. Writing. I was churning along last week and then on Saturday–still churning–I stopped. I needed to go back to make sure something I thought had happened had actually happened. I mean, I think things. Then I think I write them. But…sometimes I don’t. I just think I have written about the things I thought of.
Confused yet? Yeah, me too. Anyway. I went back. I had indeed included said thing. All was good. Until I realized that the chapter I’d started and was about 1/3 the way through was NOT the chapter in the story. 🤦🏼♀️ Nope, it should have been the NEXT chapter. Which meant I had to go back and figure WHY it was the next chapter and what should happen in the chapter that it was not.
Still confused? Yeah, me too. So, I quit writing but it was almost dinner time Saturday evening anyway and I decided to mostly take off Sunday to think about what should happen in that mystery chapter. I think I have it figured out so it’s all good.
My Cards are mostly on a win streak. Yay. No soccer until like August or something.
If you notice something about the site–like no more ads–that’s because I went paid. I had to in order to post the media files for Zoe’s songs last week. It was probably something I needed to do anyway.
Reference a comment about cops at the door. If you have the SOS button on your cell phone? It works. Trust me. LG’s cell was stuck in zoom. While I was trying to fix it, I inadvertantly hit that button. When the phone rang, I couldn’t answer it because STUCK IN ZOOM! Anyway, a few minutes later, the doorbell rang and we had two very polite officers on the front porch. I confessed to being old and clumsy. And why we didn’t answer the call back to confirm if there was a situation. They were very nice and didn’t laugh at me. I wouldn’t have minded. 🤦🏼♀️
The other “big” thing that happened was having the plumbers out to ream the discharge line for the sewer. It took two different crews and two trips and the second crew managed to get off the roof just before the lightning storm moved in. They were filling up the big hole in the back yard in a light rain and actually appreciated the cool down. Fun times, not! 🙄
Didn’t do much else. It’s hot. I’m ready to write today. I need more coffee. That just about sums it up. How’re things in your world?
There’s nothing cuter than the original grumpiest of cats–especially a Momma Pallas with her new kits. Enjoy. And have a great weekend.
What’s that song we used to sing in rounds? Row, row, row your boat. Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, life is but a dream. As I think about it, especially in conjunction with today’s message from the Universe, I can’t help but think it’s a bit like writing. The message is about sailing rather than rowing. Either way, you have to work for it. Right?
Silver, living the life of your dreams is a lot like sailing.
You pick your destination, hoist up your sail, make minor adjustments while the journey is underway, and let the wind do all the hard work.
In other words, imagine the end result, do what little you can, make minor adjustments while the journey is underway, and let me blow your mind.
W-e-e-e-e-e-e!
The Universe
©www.tut.comP.S. Of course, Silver, there are also a few other considerations. Like don’t think that just because there’s magic in life you won’t have to hoist up your sails or that doing so will instantly deliver you to your destination. Don’t assume that just because there’s no wind one day it’s a “sign” that something is wrong or that it won’t be there tomorrow. And, perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to pack your Ding-Dongs, cupcakes, and Ho-Hos.
There it is. When you start to plan a book, you know where you are and even if you are a pantser or a puzzler, you have a pretty good idea of your final destination. You do your prep work, ready for the voyage then you hoist your sails–or grab a paddle–and off you go. It’s a magical journey. Enjoy the ride. And don’t forget the snacks. And coffee. Lots of coffee. Readers, this goes for y’all too, but in living life. Go live it to fullest. With snacks, of course.
It is once again Wednesday which means it is once again time for new words. I have some. Sadly, the characters on the side quest are the only ones clamoring for attention. Since this is Ariel’s book, you’d think he’d raise a hand to volunteer occasionally. But noooo. Not the hero of his own book. Maybe I’ll focus on Bran. Ha! Maybe this will be Bran’s book instead of Ariel’s. That’ll teach ‘im. But first, the Thursday Threads prompt: *”I can’t get through to them.*” Boy, I know how that feels. Ariel. Ariel. Ariel. *delivered in the Ferris Beuller teacher’s voice*
****
Sade listened to the endless tone on her cell phone. The call never rolled over to voice mail. Giving up, she stabbed the end call button. Her expression betrayed her helpless feeling as she stared at Caleb. “I can’t get through to them.”
Calm as always, her werewolf partner shrugged. “Not surprised. The magic around here is thick enough to choke a dragon.”
“Careful, wolf.”
Sade watched, fascinated as two thin tendrils of smoke curled around the words spoken by Nikos.
“I rest my case. You have flames in your eyes, Nikos, and are literally a breath away from spitting fire.” Caleb glanced at Sade. “It’s a miracle you have cell service.”
Sade pushed hair off her face and turned into the rising wind. The storm continued brewing. Black clouds churned, pierced by lightning and heralded by thunder. “We have to do something, Caleb. Ariel’s in trouble.”
“I’m open to suggestions.”
She glanced at the dragon. Nikos still struggled for control. She flashed a telling look at her partner.
Caleb shrugged again. “Wild magic. That’s my guess.”
“Wild magic?”
“Yeah.” Caleb then explained. “Like, the magic that runs with the Wild Hunt.”
“Why do I get the feeling you just capitalized that term.”
“I did. I know you’ve heard of the Wild Hunt.”
“You mean…” Sade blinked. “No. Seriously? Like in the fairy tales? When the Fae courts run amok through the world?” Her gaze darted between both men as they nodded. “We’re fucked.”
“We are indeed,” Nikos agreed.
****
There you have it. Details are coming out but not fast enough to suit me. Anyway, writers, as always, steal away. Readers, have you heard of the Wild Hunt? What do you think it means where Ariel is concerned?
Guess what!?! I have music! Let’s visit Memory Lane. Several years ago, I wrote the lyrics to two songs for BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY. Runaway bride and single mom, Zoe Parker has Nashville aspirations. She meets Tucker Tate, who’s brother Deacon is a mega country star. And a bunch of stuff happens. Anyway, I wrote the lyrics for two songs in the book. The first song “We Can’t Be” went on to be a hit for her. The second song was written for the HEA at the end of the book. Luke Franklin, who is also an author and tech guru (IMO!) offered to set the lyrics to music and voice using an AI program he has. Y’all, when I first heard the songs yesterday, I sat here with tears in my eyes, grinning like an idiot. He made two versions of each song and I leave to y’all to let me know which one you like the best.
First up, “We Can’t Be” version 1:
Next, second version of the same song:
Next up, we have “This Day” version 1:
And finally, “This Day” version 2:
There it is. What do y’all think? Is Zoe ready for Nashville? I certainly thank so and I can’t thank Luke enough! He took time out of his busy schedule to offer to do this and then do it. I’m blown away. And okay, if you hate them, you can say that too. You won’t hurt my feelings. But for me? He nailed Zoe’s voice and while the versions are slightly different, he nailed the theme and emotion of each one. Hope you enjoyed listening…
And if you’ve never read the book, why the heck not?!?! CLICK HERE or on the cover up there and go forth to buy and read!
Well, I sort of had that on my BINGO card. B2. Check. I0. Check.
In other news, it’s hot. And humid. Which is typical for Oklahoma this time of year. Yesterday morning, I glanced at my weather app. At 9 a.m. it was 79 degrees with 79% humidity. That’s just ridiculous. Oh, and Great Britain is under heat advisories. Sunday they had a high of…79. No comment. 🤦🏼♀️
I’m not going to talk about the iPhone SNAFU and the cops at the door.
I made pasta salad this weekend. I make LG eat it every couple of weeks in the summer. There’s always leftovers for my lunch or those nights when it’s: “What sounds good for dinner?” “Nothing really.” “Are you hungry?” “Not really.” “I guess we’re doing every man for himself.” “Works for me.” I do try to make it sort of healthy. I use the tri-color “veggie” rotini, celery, black olives, julienne carrots, rotisseri chicken (I buy it “fresh/premade” at Wallyworld, and then red wine vinegerette dressing. Oh, and shredded Parmason cheese. MmmMmmm good.
I’m listening to IT TAKES A PSYCHIC by Jayne Castle. I love her Harmony series. Especially the dust bunnies.
Do y’all remember that I wrote two “songs” for BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY? Well, I did. I “met” a guy in a writer’s group on X and for fun, he got a trial of an AI music thingy and wrote some songs for fun. He’s volunteered to take my lyrics and “record” them. Fun stuff, huh? Yes, I’ll share when I get them. No timetable.
Not much else happened this weekend. Well, the Thunder and Pacers played game 7 for the NBA chapmpionship. As I’m typing this (Sunday evening) no clue who won. I’ll be asleep before the game ends so will wake up to the news. Hope it’s good. On that note, hope y’all had a good weekend! Cheers to a good week for us all.
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Silver James 