Monday Run-down

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Silver James

I sooo do not want to hit Wallyworld today because gotta go early before the heat gets bad. I need more weekend because my was pretty much spent adulting. Quick rundown of events.

Early Friday morning, Only called. They had a burst water pipe and 1 1/2 inches of water in their living room plus water flowing out the driveway. She grabbed the water key and got it turned off before callin us. She was attempting to suck up water with their shop vac. Deal was, Baseball Boy is teaching summer school and there’s no substitutes. She absolutely had stuff she had to get done at the office. She was in flight or fight mode. We loaded up and headed north, stopping to buy another shop vac because ours had died and we needed one anyway. The thing is, they tend to let things stack up aound the furniture–boxes, books, etc. Yeah. It was a mess. They are also dealing with BB’s dad being in the hospital up the turnpike (1 1/2 drive away). Anyway, we did what we could before the big rain storm blew in mid-afternoon. I mean, really, Mother Nature? You couldn’t wait until dark to rain on our parade?

Saturday was soccer. Stormy scored two goals–one on a penalty kick. His team won 6-0. It was hot but there was a semi-cool breeze. Still worn out from being on our feet all day Friday, LG and I went home, crashed and burned.

Yesterday, BB needed windshield time to see his dad. Saturday after the game, they’d made the decision to take out the carpet pad and hope that the carpet would dry with no mold or mildew. They had industrial fans going. Then the carpet ripped. So, Only tore out the carpet except under the entertainment center that was bolted to the wall. BB headed out, we headed north. LG worked in the garage sorting stuff that got waterlogged while Only and I dealt with ALL THE THNINGS and many books in the shelves. Then she unbolated the center, we moved the two pieces, ripped up that carpet, and moved the center back against the wall. She’s going to buy a cheap rug, toss it on the concret and let it go for now.

Once that was done, we helped LG finish moving stuff into the garage. To put the cherry on the Sunday, the AC fan in his truck started making an awful racket. And yes, it was hotter than bloody red blazes. He found a loose hose, tightened it and then we discovered that the noise only happened when the AC was on max. Solved that. Put it on normal all the way home. His warning lights and gauges all remained in the normal range so who knows? He did lose a screwdriver in the engine block. 🤦🏼‍♀️

Anyway, that was my weekend and I soooo do not want to adult today. I’m tired, sore, have to Wallyworld if we want to eat and then Stormy is coming this afternoon after his morning STEM camp. That’s cool That’s the easy part of the day. The hard part is getting myself past the first cup of coffee, dressed and out the door to make sense of a shopping list. Fun times. 🙄

Sho what “excitement” did y’all endure this weekend?

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Friday Sinema: Short and Hot

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Silver James

Yes, I fell down the rabbit hole that is YouTube shorts. In doing so, I did find this little gem. Take about a minute to learn some tips to help you survive Summer in the South. Since we had our first heat advisory on the first day of Summer this week, I figure we all needed a refresher course! Have a great weekend and stay cool!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Law 123

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Silver James

Conflict. It’s what often drives the plot engine. Oh, and character development. There’s a famous quote in writing circles: “In writing, you must kill all your darlings.” It’s been attributed to Willaim Faulkner but you can’t prove that by me. There’s a lot discussion about where the idea originated, how it evolved to include torturing your darlings, and what it actually means. Do you go after your characters (presumably your darlings) or does it refer to pet phrases, words, situations, and/or tropes? Well, according to the Univers, there’s a reason.

It’s an absolute law, Silver, that every challenge, fear, or loss you encounter bears gifts far more valuable than the price of the trouble they cause.

I think it’s Law 123.ILY –
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. And remember, Silver, no loss ever goes unsettled in the long run.

Personally, I like to make my characters work for their HEA. If it comes too easy, then what’s compelling about the book? What is there to keep the reader’s interest? Yes, there are low conflict books that find their niche and some have made it onto various best seller lists. I’d give you some examples but I can’t think of any off the top of my head. Why? Because I don’t read them. I want a book with action. I want crazy stuff to happen. I want my characters to have churning emotions–highs and lows. I want them to “work for it.” Whatever that *it* is. I’ve yet to kill off a popular character though I have killed some secondaries in order to advance the story, to give more urgency to the situation. In romance, you’re not supposed to kill the kid or the dog, either, but in other genres, they get away with it. I think romance afficianados have very soft hearts deep down. I’d also add don’t kill the horse or cat, either. All of this said, I’m all in favor of throwing roadblocks–as long as they are real–meaning nothing that could easily be fixed with an adult conversation. I have a strong aversion to books that take that tact. The whole problem–which keeps the couple apart for 3/4s of the book–could have been solved in the first chapter if they just sat down and talked like two normal, rational adult human beings.

Anyway, I’m all in favor of causing trouble for my characters so they can reap the benefits in the end. I mean, it IS romance, even with paranormal thriller suspense overtones. And deep down, don’t we all read romance to get to the HEA?

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Wednesday Words: The Truth is Out There

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Silver James

Are there any rhymes or sayings about Wednesday? None come to mind yet here it is Wednesday once again and time for new words. Iffy had lots of fun with last week’s Thursday Threads prompt: **“That one may be true.”** She immediately danced around my writing cave and chortled. “Ronan!” she shouted at the top of her lungs. “Mick is going to tell an anecdote about them as boys. In front of Maura. And this is what came out after I stopped typing. I hope you enjoy the snippet.
****
Conversation flowed as free as the Guinness streaming from bar taps. The men seemed intent on telling the tallest tale but it was Mick who hushed the table. In fact, the whole bar took a collective breath and listened.

“Now granted, I was but a wee lad m’self and Ronan not much older. There we were at the green grocer’s, shirtails full of purloined apples. One of Boston’s finest had me by the collar and then I was free. Someone had beaned him square in the forehead and knocked him right out.”

The story got a round of derisive comments.

“That one may be true,” Ronan said quietly.

Maura stared at him. Was he serious? She didn’t know him well enough to even make a guess. Relying on the instincts she’d honed in the courtroom, she asked, “May be? Are you hedging your bets?”

“I’m not a gamblin’ man, especially when I’m sittin’ next to an assistant district attorney.”

She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “Trust me, the statute of limitations have run on a petty larceny.”

Mick chimed in. “But what about the assault with a deadly weapon?”

“I’d hardly consider an apple a deadly weapon.”

“No, you wouldn’t,” Mick counterd. “But that copper? Knocked him on his arse and clean out with a concussion to boot. He’s never forgiven us for that.”

Maura’s eyes widened. “He’s still on the force?”

“Aye,” Ronan said. “He’s a homicide cop now.”

“Please don’t tell me it’s Alan Bragg.”

“Then I won’t.”

After a few moments, he reached over and closed her mouth with a gentle tap beneath her chin.

“So what happened after?” Shannon asked, drawing attention back to Mick and his story.

“’Tis the first time we met himself. Brian Boru walked up and told Ronan he should grow up to pitch for the Red Sox but he’d be workin’ for Brian instead because he was always on the lookout for enterprisin’ young lads. He handed a hundred dollar bill to the grocer and hustled us out of the shop before the cop could wake up.”

“And?” Shannon pushed. “He just took you both under his wings?”

“He did,” Ronan said. “After he made us eat every bit of those apples.”

Mick made a gagging face. “In one sittin’. Neither of us can stand the taste of the bloody things to this very day.”
****
Yes, I do have to go back to insert this scene at an earlier point of the book. If this keeps up, the dang book is gonna be closer to 100K words. Which is okay, I guess. I have to charge more but then there’s more to read so it all comes out even, right? So, writers, grab the inspiration and see where it takes you. Readers, what has truly inspired you today?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Secret Ingredient Shakes

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Silver James

Summer is coming! Summer is coming! Baby, it’s gettin’ hot outside and I don’t necessarily want to get out and drive somewhere to grab a refreshing drink. Then I remember this easy-peasy milkshake recipe so I found it and I’m reposting it for anyone else who needs a refreshing pick-me-up. There’s nothing better than a frosty minty milkshake.

YIELDS:
2 servings

TOTAL TIME:
5 mins

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 Cup vanilla bean ice cream, softened
1/4 Cup milk
3/4 Teaspoon pure peppermint extract
3 drops green gel food coloring
Whipped cream and green sanding sugar, for serving. (See tips for extras)_

DIRECTIONS
In a blender, puree ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring to combine.
If desired, top shake with whipped cream and sprinkle with sanding sugar.

Tips
1 – If you want something a little thicker, use two cups of ice cream.

2 – You can use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream. Leave out the food coloring and use only 1/2 Teaspone of peppermint.

3. If you want mint chocolate chip but don’t have the ice cream, make as above but throw in 1/4 Cup chocolate chips and “pulse” your blender in a couple of short bursts to chop them up.

If you’d like the nutritional details, check out this recipe from Woman’s Day. You’ll never guess who discovered this particular recipe, though you can probably figure out why she needs a recipe for this simple concoction…

“I heard that. I could too figure out how to make a stupid milk shake in the blender. I can make frozen margaritas. So there. I just happened to see the recipe and thought to myself that it sounded really tasty. So there.”

Yeah, that would be our favorite wrangler of SpecOps Wolves, Hannah Jackson McIntire. She insists doing so is much toughter than herding cats.

“It is, trust me! And be nice because I ‘m even watching my effing language. Just for your delicate ears. Even though I’ve heard you outcuss a sailor.”

Fine, Hannah. And thank you. I’m sure my readers who might be at work or have their kids hovering around the computer screen appreciate your restraint.

“Oh, I can do restrained. Just ask Mac. Also, if you don’t have peppermint, you can use creme de menthe or my personal favorite, pepermint schnapps. Flavor to your personal taste.”

🙄 Yes, that’s me rolling my eyes. Anyway, I’m featuring MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS as our title today because it goes into more detail about Hannah and Mac’s early story than BLOOD MOON does. I know it hasn’t been that long but I’ve really got Hannah and Mac on my mind lately. Could be time for a reread or a first read if you haven’t grabbed it yet. Just click on a pic with the books cover or the title. Question of the day: Milkshakes or malts??

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Midsummer Monday

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Silver James

Technically, Midsummer doesn’t happen until this coming Saturday but Wednesday is the “start” of summer, ie. the summer solstice. It’s all very confusing and has to do the the poles, meteorological summer and other such stuffs. It also has to do with Stonehenge, druids, and other mystical stuffs. Anyway, I like the alliteration.

Do you remember being a kid and it seemed like the school year stretching out interminably and then it’s finally summer. Long, lazy days of splashing in pools, playing, reading, sports, camp, whatever. Dark came late and even though daylight came early, we could sleep in and not have to rush around. And then we grew up. And then we grew older. Time now is like watching the Flash dash around in a blure. So here it is Monday again, the past week  and we are almost halfway through the year. That’s a bit depressing considering how much I have NOT accomplished. I’m trying not to be depressed by my inaction. I have no one to blame but myself. As one of my old college professors used to say, “Onward and upward.”

There was soccer on Saturday. Stormy played well. Only managed to coach alone. The head coach was on a trip with her kiddo and the ex wasn’t there to help because his son was with mom. Basebally Boy was with his dad who had a medical emergency and was admitted to the hospital. It’s touch when you’re an hour and a half away. After soccer, we carried through with our plans for a final farewell lunch at Alvarado’s, our favorite restaurant. It was their last day. We got to see our favorite waitresses to say goodbye, to eat our favorite dishes, and to wish the owner will with his retirement. After 27 years in the food business, he deserves a long rest! Of course, we did try to convince him to create a cookbook. We’ll see if he follows through.

Sunday was Walmart trip because Stormy is here each mornings this week. Afternoons, he goes back to Kid’s College for a Mario Bros. coding class. He enjoyed his Lego class a bunch. Jake got to see some of his new friends, because the “associates” on Sunday are different from the ones on Monday or Tuesday. Still, we managed to get in and out while it was still cool.

The reason it was cool was the massive complex of storms that zoome through just before midnight last night. Very high winds, big hail, instances of flooding rain and a few small tornado spin-ups. I’m such an Okie. I dozed off during the continuous coverage until it was almost here. We came through fine though there are small trees and larger branches that came down in surrounding areas. Wind gust here was 65. In other places, it was from 75 to over 100. Crazysauce.

Still doing the marathon Kate Daniels relisten. I’m about halfway through and will probably finish off before the new audio release on approximsately July 4th. I suppose I really should look for something new to read but sadly, the last few “new-to-me” books I’ve picked up were DNFs or I lost interest after the first couple of books in a series. Yeah, yeah. Picky, picky.

Not much else going on around here. Still making slow progress on CROSSFIRE while also adding weird snippets from other WIPs. Still taking the easy way out with dinners. Hey, it’s summertime. I’m all about the light and easy. Now if I could apply that to my dang writing. LOLOL. What’s going on in your neck of the world?

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Friday Sinema: What’s Cookin’?

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Silver James

I’ve mentioned on numerous Tuesdays (and in comments) that there are times I don’t use a recipe. I’m Southern. I learned to cook in the South. And this explains it all. Enjoy!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Imagine It

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Silver James

I did some actual work on the book yesterday. It’s over 62K words and I can actually see the ened. Yes, the end is in sight and that light is not a train. Except I really need to write a book with a night train in it because…well…reasons. Ahem. Anyway. When I was looking for a post for today, this one popped up and…ah ha! All I have to do is imagine the end of the book. I mean, isn’t that what writer’s do? We imagine the start, the middle, the end. We imagine characters and what shenannigans they get up to. And then we imagine the words that will tell the story the way we want it told. The way the Universe tells it, the whole process is simple if we leave it up to our imagination.

If you can imagine it, you can have it, Silver. This is the name of the game. This is the lesson to learn. It couldn’t be any easier. Reality is not what your eyes show your mind, but what your thoughts create for your eyes to see. You are not limited by logic, the past, or the world around you. You are not of the world around you, it is of you.

Yo came first. Magic, miracles, and luck are the consequences of understanding this, the inevitable byproducts of dreaming and acting in spite of appearances.

You are ever so close. Simply stay the course. It won’t be very much longer.

Soul-Power,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. If you can imagine it, Silver, you can have it.

So here I sit, taking the Universe’s advice. I’m imagining it. THE END. I’m imagining the “orphan” scenes that need to fit into the last few chapters–the where and the how. And I’m imagining keeping an eye on the prize. The End. I soooo want to type those two words. Which is silly because they never actually make it into a published book. I’ll let you know if it works. If I could just keep it up, I might actually be finished soon. Eye on the prize! I can imagine it! What are you imagining today?

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Wednesday Words: Failure is Not an Option

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Silver James

It’s Wednesday once again. Last week’s Thursday Threads prompt was a tough one–especially since I did two different snippets. The original came from CROSSFIRE but held spoilers so I didn’t want to share it. Instead, I stumbled across a 25 word jotted-down idea that I thought might fit theIrish mob book. Turns out, when I added the prompt, it did. LOL And the inspiration? **Failure will make things more difficult.** All I know about this scene is that the snippet will fit in back in an earlier part of the book. And it’s a fun peek at the beginning of Ronan and Maura’s mating dance.
****
“Wow. I’m impressed.”

“I don’t appreciate the sarcasm.” Ronan arched a brow and his statement did nothing but aggravate Maura.

“That’s too bad. I don’t appreciate you bulling your way into my business.”

“But you are.”

“I are what?” She purposely used the wrong verb, copying his tone.

“My business, Maura Brannigan.”

“What insanity led you to that conclusion?”

His smile was a bit too wolfish to suit her and she would almost swear she saw a yellow glint followed by a flash of red in his eyes as he studied her.

She arched her brow to mimic him. “I’m still impressed.”

“By what?”

Was he preening? She almost snorted. He was! He was preening like a male peacock in full mating dance. Arrogant bastard. Well, time to burst that bubble. “By the fact that you’re able to stand upright and walk around.”

Ronan all but jerked back but caught himself. In a very calm voice that held more than a hint of growl, he said, “What the feckin’ shite are you talkin’ about?”

A part of her brain made note of the fact that his Irish was spilling out with his words. She didn’t care. She offered a sweet smile. “That chip on your shoulder. It’s so big most men would be sitting on their asses, unable to stand much less walk across the the room.”

That yellow gleam rolled across his eyes again and she fought the urge to back away. It was just a trick of the sunlight spilling through her office window.

He threw back his head and burst into laughter. Maura was not expecting that reaction. “I do enjoy a woman with fire, Maura Brannigan. And you will be mine.”

“No I won’t. This…” She waved her hand between them. “Whatever this is it’s doomed to fail.”

“Failure will make things more difficult so I have no intention of doing so.”
****
So there it is. I had fun expanding the original note with the addition of the prompt and I’m looking forward to dipping my toes back in this world. Sooner than later I hope. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the snippet. Writers, feel free to accept the challenge if it gives you some inspiration. Readers, since failure is not an option, let’s talk about success! What have you succeeded doing lately?

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Chai Don’t Lie

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Silver James

Some people appreciate a good cup of tea. Me? I’m all about the coffee but I’ll drink the occasionally cup of chai. I enjoy the spices and the flavor but when it comes right down to it, I’m a coffee girl. That said, I also enjoy a good muffin for breakfast or a snack. And when I stumbled across these Chai Snack Muffins, I knew two ladies who would know if it was any good.

Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 15-20 min.
Total time: 40 min.
6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

MUFFINS
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons milk
1 large egg

STREUSEL
4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold

GLAZE (optional)
1/2 cup confectioners powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

LET’S MAKE IT

STREUSEL
1 – In a small mixing bowl stir flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until mixed.

2 – Cut the cold butter into small cubes. “Cut” then cut into the dry mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until you get a good “crumble.” This is for use later.

MUFFINS
1 – Preheat oven to 400F and prepare a muffin pan with liners or grease each well with butter.

2 – In a large mixing bowl add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves and stir to combine.

3 – Cube the cold butter and cut into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or a fork. Similar to the crumble, you will have small bits of butter in a crumbly texture.

4 – In a small bowl, add the sour cream, milk, and egg and whisk to combine. Add to the dry mixture and stir with a spatula until mixed. The batter will be lumpy and thick.

5 – Spoon some batter into each muffin cup filling about halfway. Sprinkle the top with some of the streusel topping then top off with another spoonful of batter. Carefullly spread the batter to cover the middle layer of streusel and then sprinkle more streusel on top.

6 – Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool.

GLAZE
1 – If you use the icing glaze, add ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Drizzle on top of the muffins before serving.

TIPS
1 – Yummiest when served warm.

2 – Store any leftover muffins in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Only is the big chai latte fan. I like the taste but if I’m paying for it, I prefer a mocha frappucino. Still, I’m betting these muffins would go down well with a hot cup of cafe au lait. I mean–muffins! Sweet and spicy. Anyway, I checked with Dr. Jacey Randolph (HUNTER’S MOON) and Annie Simmons (WOLF MOON) and discovered they both made these muffins. Their kids and mates–along with everyone else– is all about the muffins. They also hinted that they make this small batch just for themselves because they don’t like to share. Something to keep in mind. 😉 Anyway, if you are interested in their stories, you can read them individually by clicking on the referenced title or…you can save money and grab MOONSTRUCK: LIES, which contines both books PLUS extra chapters and deleted scenes, and it’s specially priced. Anyway, go forth and treat yourself to snacks and books! Click on a pic or the title to hit the landing page with all the available stoes.

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