Counting Down Monday

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Silver James

Wow. After today, there’s only one more Monday left in January. There are eight days left until we hit Febuary. And this puts us that much closer to pticther/catcher report day for MLB spring training. Of course, the World Baseball Classic tournament will be played during the early part of spring training and there are a lot of the A-listers playing for their countries. That’s not a bad thing. It opens up some slots for the Double and Triple A players to show what they can do. We’re also that much closer to college softball too. Can you tell my sports preferences? 🙄

In other news, I’m still hoping to land close to my EOM (End Of Month) deadline for CROSSFIRE. This past week, I started with 38 random scenes. I currently have 20 random scenes. Those other 18 were consolidaed into chapters, 5 and a half chapters now added to the total in the book, all in the correct timeline. I currently stand at almost 49K words. I really should update that widget on the site, huh? Anyway, I have made a lot of progress. And, I think I have those remaining random scenes in pretty good order to slot in where they belong in the story. In the meantime, I need to get with my cover designer and get her started on the thing.

I saw my first robin of the year on Friday. That was cool. We’re forecast snow for tomorrow night. That’s not so cool. Mother Nature teases us with a harbinger of Spring and then jerks the grass out from  under us. That’s okay. We need the moisture in whatever form it takes. I’m hitting Wallyeowrld today so I don’t have to be out in it tomorrow.

In other sports news, Stormy’s team played a team to a tie on Sunday. Stormy played all three positions–midfielder, forward, and goalie. When he substituted in, he kept the other team scoreless for the last 8 minutes of the game, despite getting kicked in the forehead by an opposing player who tried to kick the ball out of his hands. Grrrr.

In reading news, I finished off Ilona Andrews’s The Innkeeper Chronicles last week. The new release is all kinds of awesome fun. I’ve currently got two books “open” in my audio apps. I had a coupon that needed to get spent so I got Rebecca Zanetti’s novel WOLF for cheap. It’s getting better. The other book is THE LIBRARIAN OF CROOKED LANE.by C.J. Archer. I’m doing two because I can get $5 in Audible rewards if I listen to a book for at least 20 minutes for 5 days. The other book is from Hoopla, so free and I have it for like another 15 or 16 days on loan. I’m hoping it grabs me a little more. Set at just after WWI, there’s supposed to be magic involved though I’ve only heard it mentioned like twice so far. We’ll see how that goes. Nothing vedntured, nothing gained, right?

Welp, I think that’s all that’s been going on. Amazing how boring my life is when I’m…like…actually writing. 🤣 Hoping for more of the same this week. What about y’all? Any sports bits, books your reading, family stuffs, or other news to impart?

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Friday Sinema: Original Grumpy Cat

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Silver James

I have a love affair with Pallas cats. Truthfully, I had never heard of them before I read a book from Suzanne Wright that “starred” a Pallas cat shifter. They are grumpy-faced. They are furry. They look like stuffies. And they will rip your face off! What’s not to love? So here. Take a short break. Enjoy this Pallas cat on Patrol and the music. I love the music too! FYI, it’s called “Fairy’s Fear” from These Lands of Ours by Deskant/Epidemic Sount. Evidently, they provide licensed soundtracks for videos. I hope I can find an album! Have a great weekend.

Ah ha! I found it! On Apple Music for $9.99. It was released on my birthday back in 2013 so yeah, it’s Fate. I bought it. You can also find it at the ‘Zon.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Neither Here Nor There

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Silver James

Anyone who’s hung aroud here knows that my Muse is something of a terror. Her nickname is Iffy and she runs with scissors. She also likes scrolling through photos of sexy men and drinks far too much caffeine for my own good. She is flighty, stubborn, and has been known to throw a temper tantrum or three.. When I read this little jewel from the Universe, I immediately thought of her.

Funny, Silver, most folks “there” are waiting for a sign of sorts from folks “here,” before they make a move, take action, or commit.

Same “here.”

Let this be your sign,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. Good thing we have eternity, huh, Silver?

I’m pretty sure y’all are giving me the fish eye about now. Bear with me. Writers talk about our muses. We talk about writer’s block. We talk about staring at blank pages because our creativity played Elvis and left the building. Who, exactly, is out “there” waiting? And who is “here” has the info “they” are waiting on? Well…writers and muses, obviously. See, that’s our crutch. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, there are times when creativity hits rock bottom for a variety of reasons. Been there, done that. But just sitting around waiting for the ol’ Muse to get off the bench and get back in the game is kinda fruitless. No new words on that path.

Now, I’m going to take this a step further, but keep that whole creativity/inspiration idea in the back of your mind. There and here. Those there are our characters. As much as they like to pretend they are, they are not autonomous. They live in our imaginations. They’re just sitting around waiting for us to give them marching orders. We tell them where to go, when to go, and who to go with. Easy peasy. Right? Not always, but it should be.

And yeah, sometimes it feels like an enternity when we’re fighting for ideas, to write ourselves out of that corner, to move the story along, to make our characters interesting and multi-dimensional, to put emotional impact into our words. Dang. Writing is hard! But it isn’t. Usually. When I get desperate–or I’m bored–I’ll find a flash fiction challenge. A whole bunch of my writing the past two years has been due to flash fiction. It’s a way to get a prompt, which should prompt an idea, which should lead to words coming from the keyboard. Luckily, I’m a puzzler so those disparate scenes eventually all find their place in the story. This method is not for everyone but it works for me. For “normal” writers, twist that prompt into your next scene. Start a conversation between two of your characters. Make them do something that encompasses the prompt. Even if you toss those words into the cut-scene file, you’re writing. And isn’t that the whole point? So whether you are there or here, don’t waste your eternity.

Sorry, readers. Today’s “class” was aimed at writers. But since you love to read, hopefully, my words will inspire someone and you’ll read their book. Speaking of, what are you currently reading? I just started “The Librarian of Crooked Lane.” We’ll see how it goes.

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Wednesday Words: Missed Youth

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Silver James

Progress! New words! Edits and tightening of old words! Woot! I’ll admit, today’s gave me a nice nudge last week, and because they were so varied, it made for a slightly weird but fun snippet to share today. From #1LineWed, we have the word **YOUTH.** From #ThursdayThreads, we have this delightly little question, **”Did you miss me?”** Once again, the snippet is pretty self-explanatory and I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler.
****
The clearing was small but the trees surrounded it were ragged and spaced apart rather than the dense forest they’d been traversing. Meg wondered if there’d been an avalanche or perhaps an old rock fall that caused it. She startled as three heads all came up in unison—Kin, Loch, and Moshe. Uri quickly followed suit. The three men and the dog stared up the mountain, which was still enshrouded with thick clouds.

Duke came to join them. “Plane or helo?”

“Helo,” they said in unison.

Everyone stood up now, their attention focused the same direction. Meg began edging the children back in preparation to run.

The clouds swirled, broke apart, and a Russian helicopter appeared as if by magic. It circled, then it rotated, hovering about 200 feet above the ground. Duke motioned everyone back to the tree line as Dalton and Tank moved to opposite sides of the clearing. Duke stood facing the craft. It slowly descended and with a rush of wind created by the rotors, it squatted in the center of the space. Nobody moved until a hatch opened along the side of the helo.

A man with dark hair popped out. He removed his aviator-style sunglasses and grinned. “Did you miss me?”

The men all groaned but began to grab packs and gear. Meg motioned the kids toward the hatch. She remembered the cocky pilot from his brief stay at the abandoned barn. Too bad he reminded her too much of Tom Cruise.

As she walked up, Dom winked at her. “Pretty sure you did, darlin’.”

A soft growl at her back had her slowly turning around. Kin stood far too close, glaring at the hotshot. “Sometimes the folly of youth is enough to make an old man weep,” Kin muttered.

Meg stared at him, eyes wide. “Did you just quote ‘Lord of the Rings’?”

He looked shifty-eyed. “Maybe.”

She hid both her snort of amusement and her delighted grin. He’d read “Lord of the Rings.” And obviously knew it well enough to pull that quote out of the air. She felt eyes on her and she glanced back. Dom’s gaze danced between her and skittered away from Kin’s glare.

“Well, damn. Too late again,” Dom groused. He held up his hands in an “I surrender” gesture. “I’m done.” Raising his voice, he called, “Head ’em up and move ’em out, cowboys. We got weather moving in.”
****
There you have it. I hope you enjoyed it. Writers, you know the drill: pick and choose or combine. Ready, set, go! Readers, do you miss your youth? 😉

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: On-Target Skillet Spinach Dip

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Silver James

I think I’ve mentioned before…like several times 😆 …that one of my favorite dips is hot spinach and artichoke. Yum stuff! I came across the video at the bottom of the page and after seeing the last dip prepared, I had to go search out a recipe. Did I mention YUM STUFF?!?!! So yeah…Have fun and good eats. Let me know if any of the other dips catch your attention. 😉

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Bread Ring Dip

Ingredients:

12 frozen dinner roll dough balls
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 (14 oz) can (1 1/2 cups) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained of excess water
2 cloves garlic, chopped (about 1 tsp)
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil
Pita chips or crackers (optional)

DIrections:

1 – Coat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with olive oil.

2 – Place the dough balls in a ring around the skillet. Cover and thaw until the rolls rise and double in size.

3 – Combine cream cheese, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, sour cream, artichokes, spinach, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes.

4 – Scoop the cheesy mixture into the center of the thawed rolls.

5 – Brush the rolls with olive oil and top with an additional sprinkle of cheese (optional).

6 – Bake at 375˚F for 25 minutes. (If the bread browns too quickly, lower oven temperature to 350˚F or cover the bread with a ring of foil.)

7 – Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

If you want to see how easy this is to make, check out the YouTube video HERE. There’s some good dips there so keep watching! It’s NFL play-off and basketball season. Not my thing but down at Mother Goose’s Bar in Key West, the Hard Target gang gathers to watch and chow down on this big-appetite pleasing all-in-one dip and munchies. Bear, the bartender, doesn’t fix this for just anyone so feel priviledged if a cast-iron skillet lands on your table with a refill of your favorite TV viewing beverage. Want to know more about the Hard Target team? Check out DOUBLE CROSS to find out how the team came together. Just click on the title or any pic with the cover.

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Minding Monday’s Business

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Silver James

The good news is, I got some writing done! I’ve caught up with all the changes and continuity problems, fixed them, smoothed the road ahead–I hope!–and add new words. Back on track. I have 2+ weeks before the end of the month. I don’t know if I will or not, but I’m working toward an end-of-month release, provided I can get Only to get the cover done. Somebody remind me to nudge her.

There was soccer this weekend. Stomry and his teammates played hard but alas, they didn’t score enough goals to overcome the lead their opponents had. This is a “for fun” league designed to give the kids a chance to bond as teammates and learn some about the sport. They are only supposed to practice as a team in the time period before their game starts. Sadly, a couple of the teams have decided to ignore that rule. We overheard parents talking about who was supposed to bring snacks for the next practice. These are 8 year olds. The extra practice shows. I don’t know whether to be sad, mad, aor just resigned.

Today is Wallyworld. I have no choice. I’m out of feral cat kibble and bird sead. And yeah, I need to figure out what I’m going to feed LG and me for dinner this week. The weather can’t make up it’s mind so I never know whether to go for the hot and gooey comfort food or something lighter because it’s warm outside. Do any of you have a go-to meal? I’d plan breakfast-for-dinner again because we both really like that but with the price of eggs? Jiminy!

I really don’t have much else to relay today. I worked. I listened to Ilona Andrews’s The Innkeeper Chronicles–new release is out in the series. I also hit the refresh button on their upcoming release, MAGIC TIDES, hoping it will be available in audio. If not, I’ll get the Kindle version and struggle through reading it. That grinding sound you hear is the gnashing of my teeth. Trust me, I know how expense it is to release an audio version. It’s why none of my self pubs are available–as much as I’d love to release them in audible! But the book is an Amazon #1 New Release and the authors hit the major best-seller lists with most of their books. They make enough to live on. And yes, this is me moaning. Moving on.

On that note, I’m headed to WW as soon as the sun come up. I live a sad and boring life. But hey! The Buffalo Bills won their play-off game yesterday. Wasn’t a fan until the Damar Hamlin deal and now I’d love to see them go all the way. Too bad they and the Bengals are in the same division. It would be cool to see them both in the Super Bowl, but yeah…both are AFC and it doesn’t work that way. Ah, well. How was your weekend? Any plans for the week?

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Friday Sinema: Footloose Academy

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Silver James

Okay. First, I vaguel remember hearing something about “Umbrella Academy” in passing in a news feed or a newsletter or something. It is a show on Netflix. I think there is magic involved. And evidently, there are the “Greasers” and the “Socs.” Frame of reference–I’m dating myself. I read S.E. Hinton’s book “The Outsiders” my freshman year of high school, not too long after it was released. And yes, my life-long crush on Patrick Swayze came about from his portrayal of Darryl “Darry” Curtis. Anyway, I also enjoyed the movie “Footloose” back in the day and can point to the fact that the movie is based on a real incident that occurred in Elmore City, OK, which is located not too far from my hometown. Which still doesn’t explain things. Where was I? Oh, right! “Umbrella Academy.” Footloose dance-off scene. I must now find and stream this series. Why? Just watch… Have a danciful weekend! Oh, and yes, this is–in a fanicful way–worthy of a Friday the 13th post.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Expectations

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Silver James

I was truly hoping this year would start of great guns. You know, peeling out, leaving treadmarks on the pavement. Yeah, no. It’s been more of a slow roll. But that’s okay. I’m getting settled into this new stage of my life. My daughter was quick to remind everyone last weekend that I’m approaching my 7th decade of life soon. Even so, I tend to perk up when a message like this pops into my inbox. Go Universe!

This year, Silver, will not be just another year.

It’s the absolute richest I’ve ever imagined, with the most possibilities I’ve ever offered, for the coolest people I’ve ever known to do the greatest things ever done.

Set the bar high,
The Universe
©www.tut.com

P.S. Silver, this year is yours, baby. publishing more books and all…

From your lips, Universe, to those pesky writing muses and publishing gods. So yeah. I’ll take it as it comes. What’s that old fable about? Slow and steady wins the race? That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I’m setting my bar high. We’ll see if I can hurdle it. If not, at least I’ve tried. What about y’all? What bar are you setting? (Or sitting at? 🤣 )

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Wednesday Words: Renewed Volunteerism

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Silver James

It’s Wedneday again and that means words. Apparently, someone picked up the #1linWed mantle and offered new prompts, currently **RENEW**. And the always dependable #ThursdayThreads offers this for inspriation: “Thank you for volunteering.” I’d mentioned in my Monday follow-up last week that I’d had to do some more backtracking in the WIP. Lo and behold, those prompts fit in perfectly with some revisions I was making in Chapter 2. What follows is the full, expanded version.
****
Major-general David Muir was a fit man in his early fifties. His short, dark hair showed traces of silver at the temples. Stern and buttoned up, he was far from the caricature created by Gilbert and Sullivan. His strain showed around the edges.

“Wolves,” he said, shaking his head in a total lack of understanding. He didn’t notice Kin and Loch stiffening. “She was over there studying a pack of wild wolves from the Carpathian Mountains. They’d been relocated to a refuge down in the central part of the country. Right before the bloody Russians decided to invade.” His fists curled on his desk. “I told command that we should have taken a stronger stance when bloody Putin annexed Crimea.”

Pushing back from his desk, he stood. “I’ve always been a soldier first, but she’s my only child.” His cell phone buzzed and he glanced down. Wincing, he explained. “Her mother’s calling. Again. Alana and I barely speak, haven’t truly spoken to each other in years. We divorced when Meghan was two. Alana’s idea. I soldiered on, quite literally, I fear. Meghan spent some vacations and holidays with me when my postings were appropriate.” He glanced at the still buzzing phone. “I should take that but I have nothing to tell her.”

“We appreciate your aid in expediting certain things, sir,” Duke said. “And while I can’t promise one hundred percent success, we do have a good record of completing our missions. We need all the information you can give us as to where you think her current location is and if there’s any way we can track her.”

All the starch seemed to go out of the man. He sank back into his desk chair and dropped his face into his hands. A moment later, he looked up and continued. “I bloody well wanted to send my entire division in after her. We have special units—” He paused to stare at Kin, suddenly distracted. “You look familiar.”

Habit had Kin coming to attention and he just managed to hold back a salute. “I served in the 22nd SAS Regiment, sir. CTW.”

“Counter Terrorism Wing.” Muir almost relaxed. He fixed his gaze on Duke. “If this is the caliber of your team…” He trailed off, not quite sure what rank to assign Duke.

“Chief works,” Duke said into the awkward silence. “I was US Navy. SEAL. Chief Petty Officer.”

The worried expression on Muir’s face faded and the lines around his eyes smoothed out. “My little girl is in good hands then. We have an Atlas flying to the base at Mihail Kogălniceanu, Romania. They are NATO and are prepared to assist you. Your contact is Major Radu of their Military Logistics Administration. He is fully briefed and…” He hesitated. “I trust him. He’ll make necessary arrangements and supply whatever military equipment and transportation you need. He will also insure that you are updated on the current situation within Ukraine’s borders.”

“Is your daughter still on the move?” Duke asked.

Muir rubbed his eyes. “No. Apparently not. Her current location is in the file, along with the information on tracking her phone. The signal has been stationary for twenty-four hours. She’s somewhere northwest of Odessa. The last ping from her phone indicated she was out in the middle of…nothing. No towns nearby.”

“That’s all we need then,” Duke said.

The team stood, ready to leave. Muir followed them to the door. “Thank you for volunteering. You have renewed my faith that she will return home safely.”

Not that they had, Kin thought. Volunteered that is. Duty was duty and this mission was currently theirs.
****
And so the adventure begins. Writers, did you find some inspiration in the prompts? Readers, do you think Kin would volunteer if he hadn’t been “drafted” for this mission?

**Psst. The answer is yes. Mother had him the minute he saw Meg’s face up on the big screen in the conference room. 😉

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Tuesday Treats & Titles: Giant Wolfy Snickerdoodles

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Silver James

Since this past weekend was the full Wolf Moon, and since I featured Sean “Boomer” Donaldson on my FB page on Saturday, I figured I needed to give proper due to his better half. And besides, I love snickerdoodles. I especially love big, giant snickerdoodles that are soft, not crunch. I mean really. Doesn’t everyone prefer soft cookies over curnchy? Frainkly, I don’t remember where I got this recipe. It’s one I’ve had since Only was a kid. It’s pretty easy and definitely yummy!

Giant Snickerdooles
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes, plus 4 hours to chill dough
Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 4 hrs. 30 minutes
Serviing size: Approximately 24

Ingredients
4 1/2 Cup Flour
2 Teaspons baking powder
1 Teaspon baking soda
1/4 Teaspon salt

1 1/4 Cup Crisco
2 Cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
1/2 Teaspoon lemon extract OR 1 Teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 Cup buttermilk
1/2 Cup sugar and 2 Tablespoons cinnamon mixed together for coating
Non-stick cooking spray (I use Crisco butter flavor)

Lets Make ‘Em
1 –  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2 – In bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3 – In marge mixing bowl, beat Crisco with mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.

4- Add sugar. Beat until mixed, scraping sides.

5 – Beah in eggs one at a time, beathing well after each.

6 – Stir in vanilla and lemon.

7- Alternate adding in buttermilk and dry ingredients as you continue mixing, scraping sides as needed.

8 – Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator at least 4 hours.

9 – Lightly grease cookie sheet. Use a 1/4 Cup measuring cup or ice scream scoop. Lightly spray scoop with non-stick cooking spray to help prevent dough from sticking. Roll each scoop in cinnamon-sugar mix to coat. Place 3″ apart on cookie sheet. With palm, gently press on each roll to flatten to 1/2″ thickness.

10 – Bake for 12-14 minutes or until bottoms are a light gold. DO NOT OVER COOK. Remove from oven and plase o wire rack to cool

Annie, Boomer’s mate, is the cookie mom in the group. She brought her son Cody into the family and then they had baby Sally. She always ends up as the chair of the school’s bakesale and her goods are always the first to go. Should I mention that Sean is usually first in line? 😉 Anyway, these giant snickerdoodle cookies  are a fan favorite around Blaidd’s Gap. You can read their story in WOLF MOON or get even more details in the conpendium volume, MOONSTRUCK: LIES, which also includes the novel, HUNTER’S MOON. Both are available at several on-line booksellters. Just click on a pic with a cover or the titles to head over to Books2Read to find the link to your favorite store. What about y’all? What’s your favorite cookie?

Moonstruck: Lies   https://books2read.com/u/bwPlP3

Wolf Moon  https://books2read.com/u/4EK5Ge

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