Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 348
October 8, 2015
The Little Things
Autumn Mountain Foliage
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Its All the Little Things
That Make Life an Absolute Beauty.
~Morgan~
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Breathtaking Photograph by: Autumn-mountain-foliage_-_Virginia_-_ForestWander
Filed under: Visually Lyrical Tagged: Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Harmony, Inspiration, life, Nature, photography, Poem, poetry, relationships, spirituality, ~Morgan~
October 7, 2015
Wordless Wednesday – Walks of Wonder
~Morgan~
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All Photographs found On Google Image Search. Credit acknowledged to the Original & Amazing Photographers. Thank You!
Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Photographs, Beautiful Places, Beauty, BnV, Bridges, Earth_Pics, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~
Wordless Wednesday – Spans of Splendor
~Morgan~
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All Photographs found On Google Image Search. Credit acknowledged to the Original & Amazing Photographers. Thank You!
Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Photographs, Beautiful Places, Beauty, BnV, Bridges, Earth_Pics, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~
Wordless Wednesday – Amazing Arches
~Morgan~
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All Photographs found On Google Image Search. Credit acknowledged to the Original & Amazing Photographers. Thank You!
Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Photographs, Beautiful Places, Beauty, BnV, Bridges, Earth_Pics, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~
Wordless Wednesday – Beautiful Byways
~Morgan~
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All Photographs found On Google Image Search. Credit acknowledged to the Original & Amazing Photographers. Thank You!
Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Photographs, Beautiful Places, Beauty, BnV, Bridges, Earth_Pics, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~
October 6, 2015
Exploiting the Under Utilized
Autumn!!
May I take a moment out of your day to express how extraordinary it is that Autumn is finally here? To put it mildly, it’s Wonderful! Spectacular! Stupendous! In fact, I feel so emphatic about the fact that I would actually exploit a highly under-utilized phrase in my vocabulary and go so far as to say that it is “F@&$%ing Brilliant”! (which apparently I won’t say, even when I say I’m going to say it) (sorry for the tease!, but surely you know me well enough by now to know that my language, ordinarily, really doesn’t consist of these sorts of exclamations) Nevertheless, this is, indeed, how excellent it is….in my book(nvolume)
Why so emotive over an otherwise relatively unremarkable event as the passing of one season into another? Well, since you ask (figuratively speaking, of course)….
Firstly, let me begin by explaining (If I haven’t elsewhere already) that the Sun, in all its radiant splendor and beauty, really doesn’t like me. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that we are mortal enemies, but I could certainly describe Dearest Sol, My Lord Apollo, The Divine Ra as my Arch Nemesis (although that would also suggest that I’m some sort of super hero, which would lead me to the unavoidable 30 minutes of requisite contemplation over a super hero name and super power, but, since that is, perhaps, best saved for another post, I won’t digress any further)(unless you care to offer any (KIND) suggestions).
In spite of the blatantly absent title, the fact remains that the sun and I are not friends, not at all. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all the fresh fruits and vegetables Summer brings with it and I enjoy a day at the beach like most others do or a stroll on a balmy evening, but there is a reason Master Ra and I don’t get on and that reason is called (in layman’s terms) Photosensitivity to Sunlight. Odd? Yes! Annoying? Reasonably. Something I inherited genetically? Absolutely. (That perplexed look is creeping back into your expression, again, by the way.)
How does that even work? Well, to make a short story interminably long, I am a delicate creature (though no one seems to believe me whenever I say that out loud) with hyper-sensitive skin. When the sun is bright, my skin burns within minutes, I suffer exasperating rashes, and ultimately become quite ill (rather like a Dark Fey) (sorry, shameless self promotion, but it couldn’t be avoided, really). Sun block would be logical, I hear you thinking, and I would be inclined to agree, except that my hyper-sensitive skin also breaks into a rash when I use sun block, change soaps, switch laundry detergents…
(Deep breath)..So, yes, I’m very, very glad I’ve managed to survive another summer reasonably unscathed and am now able to greet the Splendor of Autumn. What’s not to like about Autumn, after all? The refreshingly cooler temperatures, the opportunity to throw on a sweater or an oversized sweatshirt, snuggle deep into a blanket (or a heap of them, depending), enjoy a steaming cup of Hazelnut Mocha Double Chai Latte (which is really just an extravagant, super-charged cup of hot cocoa) and burn candles without having to adjust the air conditioning. (So I guess, to follow my format, that was secondly, thirdly, fourthly and fifthly, respectively.)
I really ought to live in Vermont. I say that a lot, although England, Wales or Scotland would be even more (Insert Under-Utilized Expletive here) Brilliant. (eek, there it is again!) It’s simply the truth. Cool temperatures, snowy winters, breathtaking Autumns, and plenty of rain. Yes, I enjoy a lovely rainy day, fog, thunder, clouds, puddles, brollies: glorious! But then, I’m of a poetic bent of mind and (apparently) enjoy being contrary. (Or at least, distinctly individualistic).
So bring forth the golden, slanting sunlight (which oddly enough doesn’t hurt); the myriad shades of amber, crimson, russet and bronze; the jack o’ lanterns and horns of plenty; carry the sheaths into the barns singing songs of exultation; spike the punchbowl (oh sorry, that’s not until Christmas!) and bake pies, breads and crumbles that will fill the air with sweet, spicy aromas. I, for one, am entirely and expectantly ready!
_________ Brilliant!
~Morgan~
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Beautiful Image found on Pinterest: Credit Acknowledged to the Original Photographer. Thank You!
Filed under: Just Me Musing Tagged: Arch Nemesis, Autumn, Autumn Splendor, BnV, BooknVolume, Changing Seasons, Humor, Nature, Pleasure, Slang, Sunlight, Writing, ~Morgan~
October 5, 2015
Thunderclap Shameless Promotion
Im Hosting a Thunderclap to help Promote Dark Fey The Reviled prior to the release of its sequel, Dark Fey, Standing in Shadows. What is Thunderclap, you may ask? (go ahead, I did when I first heard of it) A Thunderclap is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together. Think of it as an “online flash mob” :) Its a Group Promotion of a product or message (or both, depending), which allows the impact of the message to be heard over a broad spectrum of social media all at one, increasing the possibility of Trending and Interest.
If you Enjoyed Dark Fey The Reviled and might consider taking a moment or two to click the link below and then, click your support via the social media you choose (typically Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr) My Heart would Greatly Appreciate it :)
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/32359-brutally-beautiful-fantasy
Pls #Support & #SharetheLove TYSM!
~Morgan~
Filed under: Dark Fey Tagged: BnV, Book Promotion, BooknVolume, Facebook, Fantasy, Flash Mob, Marketing, Promote My Book, Share the Love, Social Media, Support Indie Authors, Thunderclap, Twitter, ~Morgan~
Spun Amber and Gold
Chartreuse shades, Spun in Amber and Gold,
Settle o’er the Hushed glen and Tranquil ‘wold,
Speaking in tones of Russet and Red,
Echoing secrets Adonis once Said.
Sparkles of Frost Kiss the September Air,
Flourishing Silver without a Farthing to Spare,
Daylight Dancing askance the fields,
Lingering Warmth that Caresses and Shields.
October is Waiting with rosy cheeked Fare,
Scarecrows and lanterns, ready to scare;
November is Focusing its Glassy Gaze,
Conspiring with Winter under a Leaden Haze.
Yet, now, ‘neath the Smile of Autumnal Delight,
Think not of Regrets; Feel not Contrite;
Leave such Diligence for Lengthier Days!
‘Tis time to sip cider while the Fiddler Plays.
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~Morgan~
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Beautiful Original Artwork by: Charles White found at: world-wide-art.com
Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Autumn, Autumn Colours, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Changing Seasons, Harvest, Nature, Poem, poetry, Season, ~Morgan~
October 3, 2015
In The Lime Light – D.B. Graves / Five Canyon Publishing
I am Happy to Introduce you to a fellow Writer and Blogger who I recently met via Twitter, but who also has a WordPress Blog: D.B Graves. He is a resident of New Mexico, although he grew up in that Toddlin’ town, Chicago. After 20 yrs as a government worker in Chicago area, DB decided to flex his literary wings, so to speak, and broke into writing through fiction and children’s books, as well as the fairly new WordPress blog https://fivecanyonpublishing.wordpress.com. Author of his first book: “An Unexpected Sojourn”, which he discusses below, he is already penning a 2nd and, like so many of us, is learning all about the wonderful and, sometimes, daunting world of Indie Authors. So, I invited him to stop by and share a bit about himself with all of us. I hope you enjoy and, even more, that you pop by and say Hello to him to see what he’s up to ;)
Ready? Ok Great…here we go!
Tell us about your Blog.
I started my blog when I was working on the 2nd draft of my novel “An Unexpected Sojourn”. It basically allows me to relay updates on my writing, but also allows me to step back from the work and just be sociable. I am new to the blogging world but I enjoy it. Lately I have been blogging less than I’d like due to other priorities, some of which involve marketing my book.
What Inspires and stirs your creativity?
I would have to say that the beautiful place I now call home has a lot to do with it. These surroundings are unlike anything I was exposed to back in Chicago for the first 55 years of my life. Not a day goes by without some wildlife strolling around the homestead. I love it! The night sky up in the mountains is spectacular too.
What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?
I guess the main thing that I’d like to share is that I am a good-natured person who just happens to write for a living. I would guess that readers would want to know a little more about the authors of the books that they choose to read, and what makes them tick. Hopefully they will gain insight to who I am as a person and relate to me on some level.
What are your Dreams for the Future in regards to your Blog and your work?
I would love for my blog to become more than just a monologue, and to create some give and take through the comments section. I also intend to showcase more of my humor in upcoming blogs and I hope the readers enjoy that as well.
Tell us About Your Book(s):
My 1st novel is a sci-fi, fantasy, thriller work of fiction entitled “An Unexpected Sojourn” and it revolves around a secret society that is discovered by a man one day during a solo round of golf via a portal into a strange new world. This new world brings him danger, excitement and intrigue. The book is not for the squeamish as there is some pretty graphic sex and violence. Definitely not for the kiddies.
I am currently working on my 2nd book, which as of now remains untitled and is a children’s book. It is based on true events that were related to me regarding a wild horse that lives in the mountains of New Mexico. There are some good lessons that younger children can take from this story, and I hope to have it submitted to some publishers by the end of October.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
I can adapt to the story and enjoy the process regardless of genre. The act of writing, especially the 1st draft, is what I love to do. I can’t think of a better career than writing.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
I am pretty thorough as I write, I need to be even more dedicated if I want to get my books where I want them to be. I am learning that I can’t do it all alone, and I plan on utilizing specialists to help me make the best product that I can. I use outlines, notes, chapter summaries prior to writing the chapters on note cards, and more drafts than I care to admit.
Share an insight or secret about your book(s).
In my first novel, now on sale at Kindle and Barnes & Noble, there are many actual settings. The book is not entirely fiction in regards to locales. Many of those places discussed in the book have actual landmarks that are attributed to the story. The reader can decide what is and is not fiction. I’ll never tell ;-)
Who is your favourite/least favourite character & why?
I would have to say that Jared Cantu is my favorite character in “An Unexpected Sojourn” as he has some Morgan Freeman-like qualities. My least favorite character in that book would be Carolyn Swift. She is a true meanie, and can be quite cruel with a pistol in her hand. Just sayin’
What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
Enjoy your first draft!
Now, Share a Little About YOU:
I am a 56 year old man who became a New Mexico resident about one year ago. It is so beautiful here in the southern mountains that I fully believe it is the best kept secret in America. I have traveled to all parts of this country and there is no place where I’d rather live. It is easy to see why writers and artists make their homes here. I had a career in government for 20 years and this change to a more self-managed career is a godsend. Becoming D.B. Graves has been a real pleasure.
Describe yourself in Five Words.
Loyal, dedicated, light-hearted, determined, hopeful. Technically ‘light-hearted’ is two words but I used a hyphen dammit! :)
If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?
My father. He died when I was nine years old and we were best buddies.
When you are not writing/taking pictures, what is your favourite pastime?
I love to travel and explore. Taking a trip on the train is one of my favorite things to do. I also like to travel locally and visit Sierra Blanca. Playing golf isn’t so bad either.
Describe Your Perfect Day . What makes it Perfect and Why?
A day that involves lots of good coffee and good company. I’m easy to please!
What makes Life Worth Living?
Can I answer this question for everybody or just myself? Let’s see, I think it all comes down to happiness with who you have become. If you are satisfied with who you see in the mirror everyday, than I believe you have lived a good life and deserve the best that life can provide. It has also helped me to have a great woman fix all that I have screwed up.
Thank you Cynthia for allowing me to be a part of your blog. It’s been fun for me and I hope your readers gained a little insight into what type of person I am.
And Thank YOU DB for sharing about yourself and your writing :) In The Lime Light is my way of Sharing The Love and, hopefully, opening a few windows for other bloggers and writers, where we can support and encourage each other. Together, we make the world of Indie Authorship a better place!
You can find “An Unexpected Sojourn” here:
Kindle: http://goo.gl/4HHsPZ
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/00LQdv
~Morgan~
Filed under: Your Beautiful Life Tagged: Author Interviews, Authors, Blogging, BnV, BooknVolume, Fantasy, Indie, Indie Authors, Kindle, Sci-fi, Writing Styles, ~Morgan~
October 2, 2015
Friday Fantasy – Weaver
Sweet Loom Glimmering
Bright Queen of the Universe
Weaver of Star Stuff
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~Morgan~
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Amazing Original Artwork By: by LilifIlane – http://lilifilane.deviantart.com/art/Green-541086632
Filed under: Friday Fantasy, Poetry Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Fantasy, Haiku, Harmony, Inspiration, Light, Nature, Poem, poetry, Star Stuff, Stars, ~Morgan~
