Susan Draper's Blog, page 3

COVER REVEAL FOR MY UPCOMING NOVELLA! Stay tuned for mo...

 COVER REVEAL FOR MY UPCOMING NOVELLA!  
Stay tuned for more information.  Subscribe now for email updates and you will have a chance to win a free ebook download! 
I will also be hosting a Goodreads giveaway in the near future. 
Thank you!

Work in Progress Update!

Good morning readers!



It's still dark outside and I am up early to continue writing my new teen/YA novella!
One cup of coffee has already been enjoyed.  I usually stop at one but an extra jolt of caffeine sounds like a great way to help me dive back into my work in progress.  It is a combination of science fiction and fantasy themes.  Primarily targeted for ages 9-16.
The tentative release date is set for July.  I'll be hosting a Goodreads paperback giveaway! Advance reader copies (ARC's) will be available, also.  
Here is the link to my new book on Goodreads!  
Virus Attack (Cataclysym in the Cosmos- Book One)

The cover will be changing, eventually.  You can mark this book to "Want to Read",  right now!  Expect a new cover reveal, teasers, and confirmed release date down the road. 
Please subscribe to this blog for updates. If you would like to be a recipient of an ARC drop me an email-sued585@gmail.com. Growing my audience is imperative so help me spread the word!
Get outside with a good book, but before you do, hit that subscribe button!  Comments and discussions are always welcome.  
Thank you for your support!

Spring is in the Air!

The Long Winter is almost over!  In fact, at my house, it is.  I got myself in a spring state of mind by decorating for the highly anticipated season early.  Mother Nature has seemingly rewarded me for my efforts, because the weather has been gorgeous in the Hoosier state!  Mild temperatures and lots of sunshine can sure help your attitude.  Retail stores everywhere have their garden centers open already.  You might even be able to find a shamrock plant like the one below.  Can you tell I'm Irish? 

Spring is a time for rebirth, renewal and reflection.  After the past year of dealing with the heartache and challenges of COVID, I believe most of us have a positive outlook on the future.  There are several vaccines available now. As of last night's news, almost a quarter of the adult population has taken the plunge.  The needle plunge, that is.  Yes, there have been side effects.  For me, I had site soreness after each dose.  Some have experienced more serious issues.  Personal choice remains an option but the majority of people I know want to get the vaccine.   

I decided to leave the workforce, at least for awhile.  The opportunity to babysit our granddaughter part time is more alluring and definitely more important.  Well, yeah!  Aspen is already three months old!  Look at this little ham!  We can't get enough of her! 💕

I'm still working on my young adult novella.  Blogging helps me to balance out writing between fantasy/sci-fi and real life.  Mixing it up  avoids burnout on any one project! 
I recently watched an adaptation of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 on HBO Max.  Michael Jordan does a fine job portraying Guy Montag.  The thought of any books being burned fills me with sadness and anger.  Where would we be without them?  I don't think I could have survived this long.  Please support your local book stores, struggling authors and all who dare to pursue their dreams in written form.  My worst fear is that censorship will silence the writers of tomorrow.
I want to give a shout out to NASA and SpaceX!  Between the Mars Perseverance Rover landing and continued SN starship prototype launches, there are plenty of things all space freaks can be pumped about.  Upward and outward.  Let's do it!
Try to get outside as much as you can!  Read your favorite genre when possible. It won't be long before we will enjoy views like this.

What a Year

Good morning everyone!

Well, this year has been a whirlwind for our families.  Rick and I are now grandparents and we are smitten with Aspen Elizabeth!

Precious baby girl!  


Our daughter Natalie and her husband Lucas are doing a fine job of parenting.  It hasn't been easy and we are really proud of them.

I will help babysit little Aspen when Nat returns to her RN position in the near future.  That's going to be fun!

Since I am still working part-time in the healthcare field I scheduled my first of two COVID-19 vaccines.  In fact, my appointment is in a few hours.  For me, the decision to protect myself and family members is paramount.  

Preparations for our Christmas Eve celebration are underway!  Rick made his famous fudge and I'll be making pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and macaroon cookies.  This will be our first Christmas with a grandchild!  We are so blessed!

My young adult novella is coming along nicely.  I will keep you posted on its progress.  I'm happy to report that Random Reflections:  Poems From a Hoosier Girl has sold a few copies at local vendors!  Thanks to everyone who has downloaded my e-book or purchased the paperback.  It's a small step forward but a huge morale booster.  

The future holds a lot of promise. Here are a few more baby pictures for you to enjoy.  I always welcome comments and feedback!

 From our house to yours we wish you a healthy and very Happy New Year!  

 

Almost a Grandma

 It's Saturday, November 14th, 2020.  I'm the first one up. Last night, our family had a really nice dinner from Cracker Barrel to celebrate Thanksgiving a little early.  Why early, you ask?  Because our youngest daughter, Natalie, is due to deliver our first grandchild, no later than November 22nd!  That's her scheduled induction date.  Of course, baby Aspen may decide to surprise us all and arrive before then!

We ordered a curbside dinner due to the fact that COVID cases have increased in Indiana. The girls, their husbands, and Rick and I enjoyed a delicious meal together at home where it's safer.  We were sort of rowdy, too.  That's ok because we always are.

Natalie is an RN and has been working 12-hour night shifts.  Her wonderful coworkers recently surprised her with a baby shower when she came in.  They are a great group of people.  We discussed how a supportive work team can really make or break your employment satisfaction.  My daughters and I are blessed with some special coworkers and management.  That's one good thing that has come from this horrible virus.  Most employees have grown close/closer, knowing they have each other's back when stress levels run high.

 I just can't wait to hold that little bundle of joy and kiss the top of her head when Nat and Lucas bring her home!  My oldest daughter, Laura, is so disappointed that she can't be at the hospital when her little sister is in labor.  Rick and I are equally disappointed.  We are praying that Lucas will still be allowed to stay at her side during the most important time of their young adult lives-when they welcome a child they have created together into the world. The most important thing is that baby and mom stay protected.  At least we'll have video to stay in touch!

This year has had a lot of setbacks for many and we are all well aware that even though the promise of a vaccine is on the horizon, it will be a while before some sort of normalcy is achieved.

Sadly, we lost two family cats this year.  Leo, our sweet, black cat,  passed away in April at our house.  I had just written a poem about him because we found out that he had a stomach mass two weeks prior to his death.  Laura is a vet and that was one horrible day when she came outside from her clinic and tearfully relayed the bad news.

 Jasmine, Laura’s loving companion for  21 years since she got her at age nine, also recently passed away.  Luckily, we were both able to be with them the day they crossed over on the rainbow bridge.  I believe we will see them again.  

The love and companionship of our pets has become even more important and comforting in these trying times.  When I was out of work back in March, Leo would sometimes lie next to me as I was writing poems for my poetry book.  Ode to Leo is the first poem in the compilation.  How I miss his chill demeanor and the way he could make me feel better just having him around.  The day he died he was snuggling with me on the bed and his eyes didn't have the same spark that they usually did.  I wish I would have known to spend even more time with him.  He passed away later that night. Laura came home and got his pawprint in clay for me.  We buried him in the woods next to our other pets.  We've had a few family pet funerals over the years.  This one was extra hard for me. A solar lantern illuminates his gravesite.  Sometimes I walk out to it and talk to him.  

Our lives are on the verge of changing drastically in just a few short days.  Rick and I remarked that it's so wild to see your children, who grew up quite quickly in retrospect, prepare to become parents themselves.  It gets you thinking about cycles, patterns, and the realization that there is nothing more important than family.  Here's a beautiful picture of Nat and Lucas. We are so happy for them!

I'm excited to report that I have a young adult novel in the works! Writing, for me, is both challenging and satisfying.  It's a science fiction/fantasy themed story. I'll keep you updated on its progress!

My favorite genres are science fiction and true crime.  What are yours?

Baby pictures are coming in my next blog!  I'm almost a grandma!!!!

Stay safe everyone and don't forget to follow my Facebook page.  I'm planning another giveaway promotion for Random Reflections:  Poems From a Hoosier Girl.  Currently available in paperback and ebook download on Amazon.

https://www.facebook.com/susandraperauthor/?view_public_for=110002434162489

Happy Fall

           

Hello friends!  Happy Fall!  Yes, although I'm a bit saddened by the departure of summer, it's almost impossible to not love these beautiful days we've been blessed with!  The air is crisp in the morning and then warms to a pleasant temperature by the afternoon.  Our neighborhood trees are starting to change colors.  Soon, they will all look like this:

I would venture to claim that the Midwest boasts some of the most vibrant panoramas of color in the nation.  I know that Hoosiers are definitely missing the many fall festivals that were canceled due to COVID.  The annual Covered Bridge Festival was the largest one that died on the chopping block.  However, my husband and I recently went to the Cornbread Festival in Mansfield, IN, and, to be honest, it was nice that we didn't have to weave our way between throngs of people.  We enjoyed some delicious beans and cornbread and actually found a picnic table to sit at instead of walking and grubbing at the same time.

I have the house decorated for the season and our family can still dine outside while the weather is favorable.  I would love to hear about your favorite autumn meals!  Are you still grilling out? Rick grills all year long.  We are so lucky to have his skill set around!

Our youngest daughter, Natalie, is doing well in her pregnancy.  She will have one more ultrasound soon. It's hard to believe that in a couple of months all of our lives will change again when baby Aspen comes into the world!  The baby shower was so much fun with a Little Cutie theme.  Thanks to my oldest daughter, Laura, for helping with all the details.

The guys have a diaper party this weekend.  By the time it's over, they should have enough diapers for a year!

Halloween is just around the corner and baseball's postseason is coming, too!  Who would have thought that the Cubs and White Sox would both be participants in this shortened season?  Things could become very interesting.

I have two free e-book downloads coming at the end of this month to those who like and follow my Facebook page!  Put your name in the hat!  Susan Draper Author Page

Subscribe to my website, too!  Comments are always welcome.  I would love to see pictures of your fall displays.  Get outside and put one up!  And don't be afraid to spike the apple cider.  ; )

Hello frien...

           

Hello friends!  Happy Fall!  Yes, although I'm a bit saddened by the departure of summer, it's almost impossible to not love these beautiful days we've been blessed with!  The air is crisp in the morning and then warms to a pleasant temperature by the afternoon.  Our neighborhood trees are starting to change colors.  Soon, they will all look like this:

I would venture to claim that the Midwest boasts some of the most vibrant panoramas of color in the nation.  I know that Hoosiers are definitely missing the many fall festivals that were canceled due to COVID.  The annual Covered Bridge Festival was the largest one that died on the chopping block.  However, my husband and I recently went to the Cornbread Festival in Mansfield, IN, and, to be honest, it was nice that we didn't have to weave our way between throngs of people.  We enjoyed some delicious beans and cornbread and actually found a picnic table to sit at instead of having to walk and grub at the same time.

I have the house decorated for the season and our family can still dine outside while the weather is favorable.  I would love to hear about your favorite autumn meals!  Are you still grilling out? Rick grills all year long.  We are so lucky to have his skill set around!

Our youngest daughter, Natalie, is doing well in her pregnancy.  She will have one more ultrasound soon. It's hard to believe that in a couple of months all of our lives will change again when baby Aspen comes into the world!  The baby shower was so much fun with a Little Cutie theme.  Thanks to my oldest daughter, Laura, for helping with all the details.

The guys have a diaper party this weekend.  By the time it's over, they should have enough diapers for a year!

Halloween is just around the corner and baseball's postseason is coming, too!  Who would have thought that the Cubs and White Sox would both be participants in this shortened season?  Things could become very interesting.

I have two free e-book downloads coming at the end of this month to those who like and follow my Facebook page!  Put your name in the hat!  Susan Draper Author Page

Subscribe to my website, too!  Comments are always welcome.  I would love to see pictures of your fall displays.  Get outside and put one up!  And don't be afraid to spike the apple cider.  ; )

Sounds of Harry Caray

 Last night, my husband Rick told me that "The Sounds of Baseball-Harry Caray" was on the MLB network.  Wow-what a wonderful tribute to a man, who, in my opinion, was the greatest baseball announcer to grace a broadcast booth.  I consider myself lucky that I was able to be at Wrigley Field and sing his famed seventh-inning stretch rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with thousands of other fired-up Chicago Cubs fans!

I learned some new, interesting things about Harry.  He lost his mom due to illness when he was fourteen and his relationship with his dad did not amount to much either.  After his father enlisted to fight in World War I, Harry went to live with an uncle.  Poor eyesight prevented him from possibly playing professional baseball himself.  Luckily, he possessed the desire and drive to become adept at broadcasting.  

His longest tenure was with the St. Louis Cardinals. The network's tribute touches on several reasons why he left the franchise.  Arguably, his most famous gig took place within The Friendly Confines, where his boisterous voice and silly antics thrilled fans for sixteen wonderful years. 

The special also replayed Harry's 1994 interview with Michael Jordan when he debuted for the White Sox.  The mutual respect these iconic sports legends demonstrated for each other made me tear up.  Check it out.

What a great reminder that life is too short to dwell on anything other than things that make us all feel good.  And baseball is on the top of that list!
The special is hosted by two other legends in the sports arena, Bob Costas and Tom Verducci.  In this age of COVID-19 restrictions, I find their inexhaustible fortitude at bringing sports coverage to millions of people uplifting.  We might not be able to attend baseball games in person, but shows like this are the next best thing.
Harry, we will always love you!  And thanks to the MLB Network for keeping his memory close.
P.S. Please click on the Subscribe button above for a chance to win a free download of my new poetry e-book!
https://www.amazon.com/Random-Reflections-Poems-Hoosier-Girl-ebook/dp/B08F9Y64JR

Sounds of Harry Caray!

 Last night, my husband Rick told me that "The Sounds of Baseball-Harry Caray" was on the MLB network.  Wow-what a wonderful tribute to a man, who, in my opinion, was the greatest baseball announcer to grace a broadcast booth.  I consider myself lucky that I was able to be at Wrigley Field and sing his famed seventh-inning stretch rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with thousands of other fired-up Chicago Cubs fans!

I learned some new, interesting things about Harry.  He lost his mom due to illness when he was fourteen and his relationship with his dad did not amount to much either.  After his father enlisted to fight in World War I, Harry went to live with an uncle.  Poor eyesight prevented him from possibly playing professional baseball himself.  Luckily, he possessed the desire and drive to become adept at broadcasting.  

His longest tenure was with the St. Louis Cardinals. The network's tribute touches on several reasons why he left the franchise.  Arguably, his most famous gig took place within The Friendly Confines, where his boisterous voice and silly antics thrilled fans for sixteen wonderful years. 

The special also replayed Harry's 1994 interview with Michael Jordan when he debuted for the White Sox.  The mutual respect these iconic sports legends demonstrated for each other made me tear up.  Check it out.

What a great reminder that life is too short to dwell on anything other than things that make us all feel good.  And baseball is on the top of that list!
The special is hosted by two other legends in the sports arena, Bob Costas and Tom Verducci.  In this age of COVID-19 restrictions, I find their inexhaustible fortitude at bringing sports coverage to millions of people uplifting.  We might not be able to attend baseball games in person, but shows like this are the next best thing.
Harry, we will always love you!  And thanks to the MLB Network for keeping his memory close.
P.S. Please click on the Subscribe button above for a chance to win a free download of my new poetry e-book!
https://www.amazon.com/Random-Reflections-Poems-Hoosier-Girl-ebook/dp/B08F9Y64JR

COVID and Me

           

It's August 13, 2020, and the world will never be the same.  COVID-19 has succeeded in upending lives in unprecedented ways.  I'll share how it has changed my life in this blog post.

In mid-March, I was pumped for spring-training games in baseball and an eventual return to Wrigley Field.  The Cubs were going to hit the ground hard with their new manager, former player David Ross, at the helm.  Then, COVID-19 hit harder.  Opening Day came to a screeching halt, along with many other college and professional sports.  Not only that, most states went into lockdown mode, with stay-at-home restrictions put in place.  Phrases like "social-distancing" and "flattening the curve" were suddenly being spoken by experts.  Trickle-down quotes infected the best of us.  So did the virus.  

Suddenly, I was on furlough from my place of employment.  I had not been off work that long since maternity leave many years ago.  It was hard to adjust to the new routine of waking up and not really having an itinerary, other than household chores.  I worried about whether I would have a job to return to.  I am an essential healthcare employee and have taken pride over the years in helping patients.  The risk of infection to myself and my husband really scared me and it still does.  I returned to my part-time position at the beginning of May.  Masks are required, of course.  For how long?  No one knows.

It's hard to focus on anything other than the ever-increasing death and infection numbers.  It's terrifying, actually.  Will someone in my family contract it?  I had to be tested because of a confirmed exposure incident. The test result was negative, but next time it might not be. My heart breaks for the families who have lost their loved ones.  Our daughters and hard-working son-in-laws risk their health every time they go to work.  The sacrifices that healthcare and essential workers make on a daily basis are unbelievably humbling.

What good things have happened this year?  Well, in spite of all the heartache that so many people have experienced, there are some important improvements to our lives that have come about, albeit the sacrifice has been high.  Increased sanitation in public places has been needed for a long time, particularly high traffic locations, like amusement parks and theaters.  AMC has invested millions of dollars to reduce the risk of infection for movie lovers.  Some Walmarts are going to show movies in parking lots.  American ingenuity and adaptation are very inspiring.  Numerous pharmaceutical companies are working night and day to produce effective vaccines and cellphone companies are developing virus tracing technology without compromising personal security.  Families are enjoying nature more.  MLB is precariously holding on to a revised 60-game season.  I don't think anyone minds the elimination of players spitting tobacco.  The Cubs are doing well so far!  These are just a few of the positives.  

For me, the most comforting factor has been maintaining close ties with family and friends, even if it can't always be face to face.  It also helps to talk to patients and commiserate over all the things that, frankly, have become a huge pain in the butt.  We all share a common bond.  We're in this together.  And together, we will emerge.  Stronger and healthier.  

My husband Rick and I are finally going to become first-time grandparents!  We received the happy news via Facetime instead of in-person from our youngest daughter, because the lockdown was in full force at the time.  Although we might face visitation bans at the hospital when she delivers this fall, we are thankful, thus far, that her pregnancy has gone well and that she will be in excellent hands when the time comes.

One of the things that helped me through my furlough and subsequent days was writing poetry.  I recently self-published a Kindle ebook and paperback of those poems.  The link to them is below.  Some are dark but most are optimistic.  Purchases and reviews would be very much appreciated.  Subscribe to my blog for an upcoming promotional giveaway!

I'd love to hear what others have done to cope with these trying times. Until my next post, keep the faith and find/do something that makes you happy.  

https://www.amazon.com/Random-Reflections-Poems-Hoosier-Girl/dp/B08FKXQC5L/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=