I heard this song on the TV as I was passing by earlier in the week and it occurred to me that it is perfect for today. It looks back at 2025 while also looking forward to 2026. Plus, it’s a cool song. So tell me, how do you measure a year in the life? May your coming year be seasons of love.
Copilot and I are still learning to play nice. I had this great scene in my head but I’m a writer not an artist so the whole scale and field of depth thing is…fluid. The AI gave me a “tutorial” so I know how to describe such in a way that the nice AI “gets it.” I’ll play with it at some point. Anyway, Happy New Year! It’s 2026. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I mean…I read SciFi in the 60s where 2026 was waaay in the future and there was all sorts of stuff. Where’s my flying car? And no moon bases. Or ET invasions. Which is okay. Yeah, really. I’m good with no invastions.
No, I’m not going to get all nostaligic and look back on last year. It happened. It wasn’t my best year. It happens. I started out with expectations and goals and all sort of idess and then Life just sort of…did it’s thing. And that’s okay. No. Really. It is.
And no, I am not going to look forward to all the things that 2026 will bring because, frankly, I have no clue what will happen. I’m not going to make plans beyond having every intention of getting out of bed and doing something each day for the next 365. Wait… It’s not leap year is it? *checks my new wolf calendar* Nope. Not a leap year. So anyway. That’s my goal–out of bed and doing stuff. Writing stuff, hopefully. Usual housekeeping stuff–you know, laundry, dishes, cooking, the like. I’m going to watch softball and baseball and Stormy’s soccer games. I’m going to listen to books if they are in audio and read them if they aren’t. And I hope to write some–but nothing set in stone. Expectations. I have none. We’ll see if that works out better for me. You know, something new and different.
Anyway, the old year is past, tucked away in a corner full of memories and cobwebs; gone but not forgotten. And the new year is standing here bouncing on its toes a little, all shiny and bright like sunlight on a mirror, waiting to be all it can be like a new recruit, uniform pressed with shiny buttons and boots.
So, Day One. I’m out of bed, I’ve written words, but first I had coffee. And now it’s time for another cup. So, from me and mine to you and yours, may 2026 be all it can be.
HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! Anybody have big plans? Going to a party or celebration? We’ll be staying in and dealing with nervous pets. Dogs and cats do NOT like “ringing” in the New Year when it includes firecrackers, gunfire, and the big booms of fireworks. I’ll likely doze off before midnight but once the ruckus begins, I’ll be in the floor with Jake. Pete and Loki will be in their hidey-holes. We have no clue what Toby’s reaction will be. If he takes his cue from Jake, that’s not a good thing. I wish the neighbors would be law-abiding and NOT shoot off fireworks. *sigh* In the meantime, it IS Wednesday…
Due to circumstances and on account of the holiday season, there has been no Thursday Threads flashfiction challenged since before Christmas. And since I recycled a Christmas short for last week’s words, I have new words to share for today. As usual, I can’t say a whole lot about this scene. It’s sort of spoilery all in and of itself, but it sorta isn’t. Not that I’m being vague. Or anything. In case you’re curious, here’s the prompt: *”What are you doing?”*
****
Aisling watched Ariel take ten steps before he paused. Then he pivoted a quarter turn and walked three steps before another pivot, which put him facing back the way he’d just come.
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing?” He didn’t look at her when he answered. Instead he stared at the floor, his gaze intent, almost as if he could see what lay beneath the concrete floor.
“If I knew, I would be asking now, would I?” She didn’t hide the exasperation in her voice.
“Something’s not right.” Ariel strode to his original starting point and repeated his actions. He did this several times, but moving one step to the side for each subsequent trial.
Aisling watched intently. Whatever intrigued the Fae was lost on her. “Can you be more specific?”
Pausing, Ariel glanced at her. “If I knew what is off, I’d say.”
“This room isn’t square, if that’s the problem.”
“I’m aware. This has nothing to do with…” His voice trailed off as he stared at something on the floor. Crouching, he ran his fingertips over the spot.
Kneeling beside him, Aisling asked, “What?” She whispered for some reason. “What did you find?”
Ariel slowly turned his head to look at her and then a wicked smile curled his lips as an odd light wreathed his face and reflected in his eyes. “I would say it’s the back door to Narnia, but Mordor is more apropos.”
“Holy crap.”
“You can say that again.”
****
Oh, sweet mystery of life. Or, more precisely in this case, the Veil between the realms. By George, I think he’s got it. Writers, grab the prompt if it inspires you. Readers (and writers who who want to “play”), what do you think? Will they find Narnia or Mordor if and when they can breach whatever portal/gate/doorway (I haven’t written that far yet)?
Psst. Extra points if you know where those “Easter egg” quotes come from… 😉
I have a confession. There’s a very popular author who, by all rights, should drive me crazy. She writes books that wallow in the stuff that makes me want to toss books at walls. She writes in 1st Person POV. Yes, I know. I’ve written books in 1st, but bear with me. She goes deep into the FMC’s head. All of her FMCs are detail oriented. Shoes. Clothing. Food. Decor. EVERY LITTLE DETAIL! I have stopped reading books because of this.
I’m not quite sure how I first tumbled onto Kristen Ashley’s books. I think I tumbled across her Mystery Man series first, which lead me into the Chaos MC series, and then the Rock Chicks. And others. I’ve read a bunch of her books, including some of the fantasies. I’ve read several of the series several times. I tend to do this with books I enjoy. Some I’ll read on a yearly basis. I should also explain here that many of the plots are so full of OMGWTAFBBQ Muppet Flail drenched in crazy sauce that I just shake my head. While reading intently, laughing out loud and wishing that these people and places actually existed because I would go and visit them. From Fortnum’s Book Store in Denver to the Oasis Apartments and The Surf Club in Phoenix, these people are entertaining. Despite the girly-girl gushing about details.
I digress. Sort of. Let’s talk about Rock Chicks and the Hot Bunch. The Hot Guys in the Hot Bunch are cops and PIs in Denver and there’s a Rock Chick that becomes The One for each of them. The secondary characters are as important as the main characters. There are shootings and arsons and bombs and kidnappings and a flannel-shirt-wearing coffee barista savant with PTSD who cat sits and has hand grenades. No, I’m NOT going to explain Tex. I’ve chuckled and laughed my way through the Rock Chick books many times. They found The One. They got married. They had kids. Some moved on to other places. Good times.
Which brings us to the Avenging Angels. The heroes are the Hottie Squad, second generation Hot Bunch. Some of the OG (Old Guard) Hot Bunch have come to Phoenix to open the 3rd office of Nightingale Investigations (Denver, LA and Phoenix). The Angels (and yes, think Charlie’s Angels complete with a myterious beefactor and a Bosley only don’t EVER call Clarice “Bosley” to her face–she’s a high-powered defense attorney with roots and ties in Denver but now in Phoenix). The Oasis is the cozy apartment complex where they live and they work at The Surf Club which is a coffee shop, bar, diner place that would be an awesome place to hang and write books because…reasons.
Anyway, I’m doing a marathon year-end relisten to the Angels because…new release. And I’m rolling my eyes while laughing at the antics. These books are NOT my catnip but I can’t put them down and now I’ve a hankering for a deep dive back into the Rock Chicks because…yeah. I want to live in their world.
And that’s rather the point of this ramblie. As a writer, I want to create worlds and characters that readers want to not only read about but would want to meet the people and visit the places I’ve formed in my imagination. Anyway. If you a bit of sexy with some crazy action and deep romance, you might hook up with the Rock Chicks. Indy Savage and Lee Nightingale lead off the parade in ROCK CHICK. What book or series would you like to visit in real life? Which character do you want share a cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice) with and talk? I’m nosey.
Where did 2025 go? It seems like just the other day I was typing a post welcoming in the first Monday of the year. I didn’t come close to accomplishing what I had hoped. It happens. I am not going get all depressed as that’s been part of the problem.
I have to admit I’m not exactly looking forward to the new year. I should explain. I’m not bummed out there’s going to be a change in numbers. That’s cool. Time marches on and that BS. By not looking forward, I mean I’m not making plans. I beat myself up when I make goals and totally fail. It’s like my book sales. Yeah. They sucked in 2024, but I ended up the year making almost $50 this last month.
One of the things I know about self-publishing is that while it is about quality, it’s also about quantity. Since my illness and surgeries two years ago, the energy just hasn’t been there. It’s time to stop beating myself up–figuratively–over it. It is what is. Hence, my current “philosophy” about doing what I can and not sweating what I can’t. Now…the interesting part will be whether or not I can follow through. Ahhh, my head. It really is a mystery up there.
In the meantime, I’m crunching out the last few audio books of the year in order to meet my Goodreads Reading Challenge, is is way down from my usual. I’ve adjusted the final number a couple of times–usually shifting it to more books. It currently sits at 128 and I’m listening to #126 so I’ll likely make it and might even get to up it again. I’m marathoning Kristen Ashley’s Avenging Angel’s series. The antics of this “second generation” of Rock Chick/Hot Bunch couples makes me laugh. A lot. There’s a new release in the series and since the books make me smile and occasionally laugh out loud, I figure it’s a good way to ring out the old year.
Christmas was excellent even though I had a bad cold. Everyone had “early” Christmas at home and then the Kids came here for stockings, inter-family gifts, and turkey sandwiches with pie. It was laid back, easy, and fun. I’m lucky. I have a great husband, a marvelous daughter, a great son-in-law, and a grandson who is waaaay too smart for his own good. 😉 Toby did well with all the people and commotion. Hopefully, by next Christmas we can put up a tree with presents under it.
That’s pretty much the sum total of my week and end of year summation. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and that Santa was good to you. Share your favorite gift! Mine is the GC to Shoe Carnival from Howie Mandel. I have a new pair of Sketchers in my future!
Yes. I’m late. I won’t EVEN get into all the forgetfulness from yesterday. That said, it was a wonderful day with family and friends. Today, sharing one of my favorite types of Christmas videos–first responder light shows. I have no clue how they do it, I’m just glad they do. Hope your Christmas was as deLIGHTful as this video. ❤️
Christmas Eve Gift! And here’s my gift to all of you. Normally, I write a brief Christmas story set in one of my worlds, giving us a peek at some favorite characters. This year, due to circumstances and on account of because, I’m reposting a story I shared several years ago. I’ve gained some new readers since then so I thought I’d revisit this short story. Especially since I’m in the middle of Ariel’s book. May your holiday be filled with joy, love, and peace.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Penumbra Papers #5.25
Prologue
It’s Beginning to Look…
Stars glittered like snowflakes in a snow globe. The moon, looking slightly smushed, decorated the horizon as the sleek private jet banked for landing at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The dark waters of Lake Ponchartrain rippled below. Sinjen reached over and took Sade’s hand, giving it a little squeeze. For a woman so fearless in every area of her life, it amused him that she was always tense on landings and take-offs. Still, it was a good excuse to be a little romantic.
A red fireball flashed by the window and the jet suddenly nosedived. Curses spilled from Sade in a torrent so rapid every cuss word ran together in a long string that lasted as long as she had breath. The plane righted, banked slightly in the opposite directly and leveled out.
The pilot’s apologetic voice came over the loudspeaker a few moments later. “Sorry about that, boss. Whatever the hell that thing was, it took the tower, us—” He broke off as radio traffic chattered in the background. He returned to his announcement a couple of minutes later. “That sucker took regional air traffic control by surprise too. General consensus is that it was a real UFO. Welcome to the weird that is New Orleans.”
Only then did Sade breathe again. “Damn fuckin’ lucky that he’s a werewolf.”
Sinjen smiled. “True dat,” he agreed, getting into the NOLA spirit. Most magicks had better reflexes than humans and werewolves had excellent ones.
“And so much for a week of rest and relaxation. It’s going to take me that long to get my heart rate back to normal.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’ll see what I can do to distract you.” He leaned in, captured her mouth and continued to kiss her through the pilot’s announcement that they were making the runway approach a second time, followed shortly by “We’re on the ground.” Sinjen broke the kiss as the engines whined down to nothing and the flight crew opened the hatch for them to descend into the balmier temperatures of December in New Orleans.
The historic art deco terminal was festooned with Christmas lights as they walked down the steps to the tarmac. A black Suburban, with a big red nose on the hood and reindeer antlers attached to the roof, idled close by. Luggage was transferred quickly and they were soon ensconced in the back seat.
The drive to the French Quarter was uneventful though colorful. New Orleans was always up for a party and Christmas was a big one. White light glowed around the main entrance to their hotel. The doorman, spiffy and matching the season in his tailored green coat, opened the back door with white-gloved hands.
“Welcome to the Hotel Monteleone.” Continue reading
Today you get a real treat in this title. It’s free! And B.E. Sanderson has created an interesting world full of djinn, wishes, immortals and….maybe some mystery and murder mixed in with the magic. As hinted, I’m cutting back on the blogging this week but I wanted to share this title. Not only is she a friend, she is an underappreciated author and that’s just wrong! B.E. writes awesome stories. Give yourself an early Christmas present and download this book. Did I mention it’s free? Yes. Free! Just click on pic and you’ll be magically transported to the ‘Zon where you can get the book. Did I mention that it is FREE?!?!?!!!
When Jo Mayweather made it her mission to save her fellow djinn from slavery, she never dreamed she’d have to save them from a killer. FREE until Friday, WISH IN ONE HAND! (It’s always free with KU. This is for everyone else.) Pick up your copy of this snarky and fun paranormal mystery today!
It is almost Christmas! Only three more sleeps before we wake up to presents and good times. And at least that’s what I hope and wish for all of us. And despite today’s meme, I am almost ready…the operative word being almost. I’m off to people today–hopefully for the last time this week. And I’m out and about early in hopes of missing the crowds. LG was out among ’em on Saturday and, at one store, stood in line to pay out for over an hour. He made life-long friends while waiting, including a family who left joking about being in a Progressive commercial. You know the ones–where you’re turning into your parents? That’s LG. Well, me too. 🙄
I gave blood on Saturday. The drive was held in an empty store front at the outlet shoppes near our house. Parking was a bear but Jake and managed to get fairly close (there’s never enough handicapped parking) and only had to walk about half a block more than usual. The folks there were awesome as always. I came away with a new long-sleeved T-shirt and a $15.00 “check” from Butterball. Long story on how I can use it but it will be used sooner or later.
All the gifts but one are here in time for Christmas. We’re sort of hoping for the one that’s outstanding but it’s not a big deal if it doesn’t. It’s for an adult so and IOU will work. All the fun gifts are in hand, and some are wrapped even! Yes, we cheated a bit. We opted for the gift bag option from the ‘Zon and truthfully? It’s well worth the cost! The bags are made from recycled materials so they’re heavy and feel woven. They even have tissue paper. Too cute! And should be kept for years of reuse!
All that’s left is hanging the stockings, finding stuff to stuff them with, and some minor baking–dough for cinnamon rolls, pies, and the turkey. We’ll be doing the whole turkey sandwich thing again on Christmas Day. Why mess with an easy tradition, right? Oh, and wrapping the gifts that came from 3rd-party venders. And figuring out what I’m going to do about a tree to put the gifts under come Christmas morning like 5 minutes before the Kids get here because…PITA Pup!
I’m not sure if I’ll be posting tomorrow or Wednesday. I may just take the time away, but for maybe some funny memes and of course, Christmas greetings on Thursday. We’ll see. Anyway, hope everyone is ready for the holidays!
NEW RELEASE
NEW RELEASE
NOW AVAILABLE
Silver James 