K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 96
August 5, 2018
A Fight to Survive
Good morning and welcome to Sunday Blog Share. This month, we’re going to be featuring fantasy books, both mine and those of other talented Solstice Publishing authors. Today’s tale is the first story in the Paradox Lost trilogy… Paradox Lost Their Path
Three teenagers receive gifts from Gateways in need of rescue. DJ, Matt, and Elisa set off on different pats as their world turns upside down and they’re forced to learn how to deal with their problems without guidance…
Get Paradox Lost Their Path eBook on Amazon
Get Paradox Lost Their Path print book on Amazon
Blurb
The past changed the future
… the future must salvage the past.
DJ, Matt, and Elisa are mostly normal teens. They have their friends, and their squabbles, and their dreams of the future. Yet, they are also very special teens, brought into this world to fulfill a prophecy made by an ancestor 200 years in their past. One of them dies, one receives incredible powers, and one discovers a place no one suspected she would have.
It was meant to be nothing more than a fun and adventurous spring break from the Beaufort School of Visionary Studies for triplets DJ, Matt, and Elisa. Little did they know that the prophecy made about them was about to catch up. When they are warned that Rogues have targeted them and their family, they go into hiding to protect everyone. But the Rogues have other plans. Can they make the right choices even though they know others will be hurt by their decisions? Even when one of those decisions means certain death?
Excerpt
He wakes with a sense of alarm racing through his body. For the fifth time this month, Dennis James Sullivan hears unseen callers in his head, but today is far different from any other.
At seventeen, he is taller than most boys his age. His dark red hair falls over his deep blue eyes. He shoves the hair back and leans his elbows against his knees. His whole body feels as if it belongs to someone else, what with his knees and elbows all knobby, and the way he constantly springs up another inch overnight. Not that that wasn’t normal, but then the voices began speaking to him, and he can’t make sense of it.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
Find out more about my books at these social media sites:
Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email
August 4, 2018
The Cusp of Magic
Good morning and welcome to Sharing Saturday. This month, we’re going to be featuring fantasy books, both mine and those of other talented Solstice Publishing authors. Today’s tale is from Sadie K. Frazier; her delightful The Cusp of Magic!
The Cusp of Magic
Get The Cusp of Magic on Amazon
Blurb
In a split second, the future Keaghan Graham dreamt of shattered into a million pieces, along with the remnants of his broken heart.
He escapes in search of an end to the inconceivable pain he feels after an unimaginable loss.
Will a chance meeting with a triad of Magical beings give his life purpose again?
He learns that nothing happens, simply by chance.
Every twist in fate will reveal his destiny in the exact preordained moment in time it was meant to.
They are preparing Keaghan to become one of the twelve warriors of the Zodiac Illuminaries of Ravenokh.
Will he rise to the challenge and accept the call of the universe?
Enlightenment awaits just beyond the Cusp of Magic.
About Sadie K. Frazier
Sadie K. Frazier is a talented, multi-genre freelance writer and inspirational novelist. She is also the creative marketing director of The Crafted Quill Podcast.
Just released 06/07/18!
An emotionally charged, heartwarming love story titled Love, Sam.
Check out her website to see more about this inspirational story of love, loss, and unyielding hope in the face of adversity. It is the legacy of a boy named Sam.
Work in Progress: The captivating romantic drama and sequel to Love, Sam entitled "Saving Grace."
Currently reeling with new ideas awaiting orders to take flight, is her 6th manuscript - Skye Morningside, Metaphysical Examiner: L.O.T.U.S. Project. Stay tuned!
Her debut horror short story, The Chronicles of Travelstead: Coven of Ashwood Falls earned her 3rd place in the Preditor's and Editor's Poll for 2016.
In the 2017 Preditor's and Editor's Poll, The Cusp of Magic, The Indigo Prince of Temple Moor, and Mount Crusiaris Asylum all placed within the top ten novels for their genre.
She plans to move mountains this year while exploring every single crack and crevice of her mind, to see what magic she might encounter.
She aspires to excel as an author whose words change lives. Her purpose is to spread her light to this broken world once again. It only takes one person to bring about change, and she believes that it begins with her!
She is happily married to the love of her life who is also an aspiring published author. She has 5 beautiful kids and 2 grand-babies that she hopes will be inspired by what they are becoming.
As you read her words, allow your mind to wander, to transport you to a place of magic and across the expanse of the universe; a place that knows no time or boundaries, where your soul may wander free, if you will just believe.
Find out more about Sadie’s books at these social media sites:
Website Twitter Facebook Amazon Author Page
August 3, 2018
The Star Circle Trilogy
Good morning and welcome to Friday Feelings. This month, we’re going to be featuring fantasy books, both mine and those of other talented Solstice Publishing authors. Today’s tale is from Rebecca L. Frencl and her wonderful Star Circle Trilogy!
The Shattered Prism
The Shattered Prism
Blurb
At the Dark’s gathering the Nine shall stand. Circle of Light, Hope of the land . . .
Robyn and Aerin have been down this road before as they hunt for the other seven Starbearers who will once more drive back the Darkness that wishes to unravel civilization and drive mankind back into howling barbarism.
Silar and his silver-eyes, the soulless minions of that Darkness, dog their steps, trying to hinder them and force them to doubt.
Death is easy. Silar wants the star bearers broken--unable to fulfill their duties and shatter the Circle, allowing the Darkness to win.
Robyn and Aerin think they've outsmarted the Darkness once before, but they discover that Silar's plans have been much more complex and far-reaching than they'd ever believed.
The first book in The Star Circle trilogy.
Walking With Shadows
Walking With Shadows
Blurb
When evil passes through the very shadows, is anywhere in the world safe?
Aerin and James hunt for answers and aid, searching not only to cure a shadow born plague, but healing for the heart and mind of the young Sylvie. Ghosts of the past haunt their nights and the stars slide ever closer to alignment.
Robyn and Demar’s hope hinges on the Mirror Maker’s looking glasses. They pray to see a hint of plan, a clear direction. A murderer drops bodies at their feet, staining their names, and suspicion dogs their steps. Evil twists the hearts of mankind and doubt plants its devious seeds.
While the ultimate Darkness prepares to take a hand in the coming battle, and a traitor walks among them, the final star bearers heed the call to stand at a point of The Star Circle and save the world.
The Second Book in The Star Circle Trilogy
Dark Rainbow’s End
Dark Rainbow's End
Blurb
Can love and friendship turn the stars and save the world?
Robyn and Demar reach the ruined city of Xakath only to be besieged by a host of dark dragons. The witch Illa tempts Robyn with old loves and new desires in an effort to get her to betray the Circle. Aerin, James and Sylvie race against time and tide to reach the convergence before the stars align, with the dawning realization that none of them may survive the clash. And Seraf, the Sithen shadow walker must choose between two worlds, the world she loves and the one to which she truly belongs.
At the frozen edge of the world the companions race to save humanity from the Darkness that threatens to unravel all creation.
The stars align and the chosen of the Star Circle must endure--face their worst fears and choose the light even as a traitor in their midst brings the encroaching evil into the heart of the Circle.
About Rebecca L. Frencl
I write, I teach, I'm a union rabble rouser . . . I get work with kids on a daily basis which makes me feel simultaneously very young and extremely old. I grew up on choose your own adventure books, the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon, and polyhedral dice. So, I write fantasy and paranormal romance. It's an eclectic mix, but that's what I love to read. I'm a very firm believer that there is no such thing as someone who doesn't like to read. They just haven't found the right book yet!
Find out more about Rebecca’s books at these social media sites:
Amazon Author Page Website Blog Facebook Twitter
August 2, 2018
The Chronicles of Travelstead
Good morning and welcome to Thursday Thoughts. This month, we’re going to be featuring fantasy books, both mine and those of other talented Solstice Publishing authors. Today’s tale is from Sadie K. Frasier and her series The Chronicles of Travelstead!
The Chronicles of Travelstead Coven of Ashwood Falls
Get The Chronicles of Travelstead Ashwood Falls on Amazon
Blurb
Man-made weapons are sometimes used as façade, to assuage those who would not understand one important truth; that all battles ultimately are fought not with the handle of the sword or by the power of indomitable strength alone, but by the controlling of the rampant thoughts running through one’s own mind.
Diabolical specters schemed in their secret quarters in the garret above, and the fiercely determined foursome devised a plan to vanquish and destroy the abhorrent Lords of the night, as the vestibule below came alive with a conglomeration of gruesome and perplexing creatures of the night.
Join Travelstead, the gothic warrior from another realm, and his unconventional entourage as they fight the battle of their lives and souls against a secret Coven of Witches lurking in the dark, ancient cobblestone passages of the town of Ashwood Falls.
Mount Crusiaris Asylum: The Chronicles of Travelstead Book Two
Get Mount Crusiaris Asylum: The Chronicles of Travelstead Book Two on Amazon
Blurb
Join Travelstead, the Gothic, Steampunk Warrior from another realm, and his unconventional sidekick Elden, as they are thrust through space and time, twirling and spinning through a psychedelic portal with brilliant bursts of kaleidoscopic light.
They are sent spiraling out of control into the great unknown, disembarking on yet another adventure to save mankind from itself.
They arrive at their next mysterious destination, amidst a barren, desolate land, placed betwixt and between an alarmed and starkly dismayed assembly of psychologically tormented and oppressed souls. Their hysterically deranged voices echo throughout the corridors of Mount Crusiaris Asylum.
Travelstead is forced to face the demons of his past while attempting to rescue the vexed, phantasmal beings suffering from severe mental afflictions of the mind. They have been psychologically tortured, and cast out from society for being unwell. All that remains is the cryptic shell of their bedeviled beings, teetering on a delicate precipice between life and death.
Will he be able to save them from themselves?
Or will he remain forever ensnared inside his own, tormented psyche for the remainder of eternity?
If he does not take control of the incessant ramblings of his subconscious mind, he may not make it out with his life, or his sanity intact.
About Sadie K. Frazier
Sadie K. Frazier is a talented, multi-genre freelance writer and inspirational novelist. She is also the creative marketing director of The Crafted Quill Podcast.
Just released 06/07/18!
An emotionally charged, heartwarming love story titled Love, Sam.
Check out her website to see more about this inspirational story of love, loss, and unyielding hope in the face of adversity. It is the legacy of a boy named Sam.
Work in Progress: The captivating romantic drama and sequel to Love, Sam entitled "Saving Grace."
Currently reeling with new ideas awaiting orders to take flight, is her 6th manuscript - Skye Morningside, Metaphysical Examiner: L.O.T.U.S. Project. Stay tuned!
Her debut horror short story, The Chronicles of Travelstead: Coven of Ashwood Falls earned her 3rd place in the Preditor's and Editor's Poll for 2016.
In the 2017 Preditor's and Editor's Poll, The Cusp of Magic, The Indigo Prince of Temple Moor, and Mount Crusiaris Asylum all placed within the top ten novels for their genre.
She plans to move mountains this year while exploring every single crack and crevice of her mind, to see what magic she might encounter.
She aspires to excel as an author whose words change lives. Her purpose is to spread her light to this broken world once again. It only takes one person to bring about change, and she believes that it begins with her!
She is happily married to the love of her life who is also an aspiring published author. She has 5 beautiful kids and 2 grand-babies that she hopes will be inspired by what they are becoming.
As you read her words, allow your mind to wander, to transport you to a place of magic and across the expanse of the universe; a place that knows no time or boundaries, where your soul may wander free, if you will just believe.
Find out more about Sadie’s books at these social media sites:
Website
Amazon Author Page
August 1, 2018
The Raven Chronicles
Good morning and welcome to wwwblogs. This month, we’re going to be featuring fantasy books, both mine and those of other talented Solstice Publishing authors. Today’s tale is from KateMarie Collins and her exciting series The Raven Chronicles!
Daughter of Hauk
Get Daughter of Hauk eBook on Amazon
Blurb
What would you do, if you found out your life was a lie? After you were dead? Arwenna Shalian spent her life in loyal service to a God she was never meant to serve. Tricked by her fellow priests, she betrayed a man she thought she loved by binding a demon to him. One that would send him to the brink of madness. Can she find a way to forgive herself? And what of Hauk, the God she was Marked to serve? Will He find her and give her the chance to undo what she’s done, or leave her at the mercy of the creatures that torture her soul?
Son of Corse
Get Son of Corse eBook on Amazon
Blurb
It’s been almost two years since Arwenna banished the Demon Corse from her world. Life has been good. Idyllic, almost.
The illusion is shattered in a heartbeat during her sister’s wedding. Not only are once-dead enemies back, but they’ve stolen Arwenna’s only child, Sera.
The price Arwenna will have to pay to save her daughter is high. Can she muster the strength to make a pact that jeopardizes not just her own soul, but that of an entire world?
Wielder of Tiren
Get Wielder of Tiren eBook on Amazon
Blurb
Arwenna’s spent sixteen years in peace. Watched her children grow, her husband, Joss, live a life separate from her for six months each year. With Sera and Liam in fosterage, she eagerly looks forward to the winter months where it’s just her and Joss.
This year, things change in the worst possible way. And Arwenna finds herself chasing old foes once again. The evil she thought was gone is threatening her family, her world. Will she be able to vanquish it for good this time? Or will her need for vengeance turn her into something she doesn’t recognize?
The Raven Chronicles
Get The Raven Chronicles eBook on Amazon
Blurb
Enter a world of magic, terror, and hope. Arwenna spent her life in service to a God, but not the one she was Marked by. She was surrounded by others who used her to bring a demon into the world. Only in death does the truth come out. But is a second chance at life enough to undo the damage done? Or is Arwenna, her friends, her very family doomed to forever fight a war that cannot be won? The Raven Chronicles contains the complete trilogy – Daughter of Hauk, Son of Corse, and Wielder of Tiren – plus a never before published epilogue.
About KateMarie Collins
Born in the late 60's, KateMarie has lived most of her life in the Pacific NW. While she's always been creative, she didn't turn towards writing until 2008. She found a love for the craft. With the encouragement of her husband and two children, she started submitting her work to publishers. When she's not taking care of her family, KateMarie enjoys attending events for the Society for Creative Anachronism. The SCA has allowed her to combine both a creative nature and love of history. She currently resides with her family and three cats in what she likes to refer to as "Seattle Suburbia".
Find out more about KateMarie’s books at these social media sites:
Amazon Author Page Twitter Facebook Blog Email
July 31, 2018
Being the Military Wife
Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Blog Share. Today, we’re talking about being the military wife. As many know, I am a veteran, having proudly served for many years. However, I was also a military wife after taking my discharge. This is not a job for the faint of heart.
Jenna and Nik have enjoyed a happy and mostly joyful life. She’s the daughter of a military man and his wife, as is he. From the time she fell in love with Nik and understood his commitment to being a fighter pilot, Jenna was more than ready to perform her duties as his wife… until war comes and she’s enduring a pregnancy she’s not sure will end well. Until she’s faced with the thought that her husband may never come home… until she must hang on or lose herself in grief.
Scared Soul Barren Holiday 2 eBook on Amazon
Scared Soul Barren Holiday 2 print book on Amazon
Blurb
Separated by the winds of war… Can their love survive?
Jenna and Nicholas are a poster image of the perfect military couple. With one child and twins on the way, their lives take a twisted turn when Iraq invades Kuwait. With her at home, ready to deliver their newest babies and him deployed to a battle in the Middle East, their lives change drastically. Their solid relationship is tested in many ways. Worry eats at Jenna and Nicholas but neither will admit to the other that they’re scared. Can they survive the short lived war to free Kuwait from Iraqi control? Will their deep, abiding love for each other withstand this war and the drastic changes in their lives?
Excerpt
My flight group and I bank toward home and begin a journey that will soon have us with our families. A yearning rises within me to be with my wife and son, to touch her belly and hope we’ll soon have a child who will take the sadness out of my beloved Jenna’s eyes.
“We’re nearly home.” the voice of the group commander interrupts my thoughts. “Line up like we discussed in the pre-flight briefing.”
Below us, the blur of German farms and small towns goes past in a blur. I ease my jet into the landing line up and let thoughts of Jenna’s continued sadness over the loss of our daughter so long ago. Nothing I’ve tried has worked to give her true happiness.
“Ace, lead us in,” the commander says.
The first jet begins the landing sequence. Our commander is next and he leads us in the standard formation for this moment.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
Find out more about my books at these social media sites:
Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email
July 30, 2018
Notifications V
Good morning and welcome to Monday Blogs. This month, our theme is military novels. We’re talking about service to our country and the ultimate price some pay today. All of the stories are fictional but in some ways they will seem very real to some readers. As a military veteran married to another veteran, I know the pain and anguish suffered by those left behind. My heart goes out to every family experiencing this pain.
Desert Shield came in the hectic days after Sadaam Hussain’s forces invaded Kuwait. His sons—Ben, Jon, and Andy—joined up as soon as the call went out. Tom Zachariah didn’t worry much about his boys. They were rough and tumble. The military had changed since his father’s day, when Vietnam brought hatred and vilification from those bent on protesting. At least one of the boys would call weekly, to keep him up to date on what was happening, as much as they could.
It was nearing the end of February of 1991. Tom was certain the war would be over soon. How much time did it take to force the Iraqi military out of the oil rich country? Yet, all day he and his wife, Mary, had felt on edge, nervous. The news on CNN wasn’t good. Pretty dramatic was what he thought. Yet, there had to be something to the reports from the front.
“Ready?” Mary walked into his den, wearing a gorgeous dress and smelling of lilacs. “You did remember tonight is when we have to go to Sandy’s graduation from college. Right?”
He’d forgotten. Their daughter, Jon’s twin, was finishing up her degree in business administration. She was the smart one of the family and had already won accolades for her futuristic ideas on business in the twenty-first century.
“Give me ten minutes.” He stood, switched off the television, and headed to their bedroom. “Something feels wrong.”
He’d had the sensation all day. Unlike the rest of the men in his family, he hadn’t joined the military. Instead, like his daughter, Tom had spent most of his twenties in college and held a Ph.D. in accounting. He taught at the local college and pretty much thought those in the military these days were desperate for a job.
“Tom!”
Mary’s frantic voice stopped him in the middle of pulling on a pair of khaki slacks. He yanked a polo shirt over his head, shoved his sockless feet into loafers and hurried out to the living room. The sight greeting him nearly choked Tom.
One man clad in the Army dress green uniform was in the center of the room. His expression was closed but in his eyes was the hint of news no parent wanted to hear.
“Professor Zachariah?” the man asked.
“That’s me.” Tom nodded. “Is it my boys?’
His father and grandfather had told him about the notification teams that went out when there was bad news to deliver. Tom had never thought it would be this bad; his boys were lucky, quick on their feet.
“I’m sorry to inform you that Pfc. Benjamin Zachariah and Pfc. Jonathon Zachariah were killed early this morning,” the officer said; the eagles on his jacket marked him as a colonel. “Your other son, Andy, was injured in the same attack. He’s being evaced to Germany and will be brought here once he’s stable.”
A cloud covered Tom’s eyes. Tears rolled down his cheeks. The sense of loss was double what he’d thought he could handle. Never had he expected to lose two of his boys. He hadn’t want to lose any of them. Mary stood near the open front door, sobbing so hard he didn’t understand how she was still standing.
“Will they—” he wiped the tears from his face with the heels of his hands. “Will they let us know when Andy will return?”
“Yes, sir.” The officer drew in a deep breath. “It appears you were preparing to leave. May I assist you in advising those you’re supposed to meet that you have a family emergency?”
“We have to go,” Mary choked out. “Our daughter graduates from college tonight.”
Tom assisted his wife in clearing away most of the evidence of their loss. They made it to the graduation ceremony and somehow survived it. That Sandy was graduating in late January rather than June was due to her diligence in attending classes year round instead of taking a break. Tom could parse all of this and yet, he wondered how he was remaining so calm in the face of such a terrible loss.
A month later, Andy returned home. He was missing his left leg from the knee down and his face was pitted with what he said was shrapnel. The bitterness within Tom grew, until Sandy glanced at him.
“They did their duty, Dad,” she said quietly. “We’re not going to take that away from them.”
Death is lighter than a feather but Duty is heavier than a mountain.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
Find out more about my books at these social media sites:
Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email
July 29, 2018
Waiting for a Loved One to Come
Good morning and welcome to Sunday Blog Share. Today, we’re talking about the separation military couples often go through, and the wait for someone to return home.
Jenna and Nik are the poster couple for an F-16 pilot and his wife in the early nineties. They’re both gorgeous and deeply in love. He’s a hotshot pilot assigned to a base in Germany. She’s his adoring wife, ready to make him comfortable after he returns home from a day of training…
The winds of war wash close as Iraq invades Kuwait… Nik is called away to duty… Jenna’s pregnant again and it’s not an easy time for her…
Scared Soul Barren Holiday 2 eBook on Amazon
Scared Soul Barren Holiday 2 print book on Amazon
Blurb
Separated by the winds of war… Can their love survive?
Jenna and Nicholas are a poster image of the perfect military couple. With one child and twins on the way, their lives take a twisted turn when Iraq invades Kuwait. With her at home, ready to deliver their newest babies and him deployed to a battle in the Middle East, their lives change drastically. Their solid relationship is tested in many ways. Worry eats at Jenna and Nicholas but neither will admit to the other that they’re scared. Can they survive the short lived war to free Kuwait from Iraqi control? Will their deep, abiding love for each other withstand this war and the drastic changes in their lives?
Excerpt
The fear returns with my first missed menstrual cycle, a little over three months ago. Yet again, I am pregnant. Half a dozen times, the child growing within me never made it fully through the second month. That information is not in my medical records, because I never told anyone about it, not even Nicholas, my beloved husband. The reason behind those horrific decisions is our first child, a girl we were going to call April Melina, was lost at almost seven months. The hardest part of that miscarriage is that she stopped moving nearly five weeks before the doctor we were assigned in Nevada was certain she was growing well and I was worrying about nothing.
I can’t do this again. I really can’t go through this again.
No matter how much I force myself not to think about those lost babies, they are in my mind a lot since I saw that little plus sign on the at home pregnancy test. Scared is how I remain all the time. The feeling is so bad that I refuse to let Nicholas, my wonderful husband, know about it.
Staring out the window of our home, I can’t help but feel the shiver of dread running up and down my arms. Part of that is the situation I’m in now and the other part is I can’t go outside without a sweater.
Summer in Germany is like early spring in Phoenix, Arizona, where Nicholas and I were both raised. Coolish in the morning, warm in the afternoon, with the temperatures dropping back to coolish in the evening. In our three years here, I’ve never gotten used to this. I yearn to return to the desert, where I avoided predators while also admiring the stark beauty. Next year, Nicholas will be reassigned to another unit but there is no guarantee we’ll in our hometown, even though I pray nightly for that. He and I have always known we might be stuck on the Eastern seaboard or we might receive an assignment to one of the F-16 units in another country. Or, we might find ourselves remaining in Europe, or, even worse, my husband could get an assignment to Korea and I’d return to Phoenix to wait for him to come home.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
Find out more about my books at these social media sites: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email
July 28, 2018
Final Return Home
Good morning and welcome to Sharing Saturday. All month, we’ve been talking about the things military families endure during an individual’s term of service. Today, we’re looking at the final goodbye, the moment when the service member takes their discharge and the family must leave the safety of what they’ve always known.
The children of military members often tell their parents they wish they had normal jobs. Ask these kids what they’d do if they had to deal with the real world and they’ll recite a litany of things they believe others their age get that they don’t. Quietly mention how those kids will be jealous of the adventures they’ve had and they’ll stare at you as if you have two heads.
Military brats are for the most part far ahead of others their age in the civilian world. They’ve had to be Caesars’ children all of their lives, just as their mother or father has had the role of Caesar’s spouse. Their lives have been governed by rules of what they can and can’t do for so long they have no idea what it will be like to live without those rules.
Once they transition into a public school, they’ll be shocked that they may be one or two grades higher than their classmates. They’ve always felt their education was below standard and yet, due to the quality of teachers in the schools they’ve attended, they’re ahead but wanting to be normal and stay with others their age.
While most kids in the area of their new permanent home take for granted that their parents come every day from a nine to five job, a military brat will be startled and nervous that their military parent(s) are home at the same time and don’t deploy.
The transition is as difficult for these kids as it is for the military spouse and even the military member. But it can be done and the family can enjoy the happy memories of their time in the military.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
Find out more about my books at these social media sites:
Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads Amazon Author Page
Google + Pinterest Manic Readers AUTHORSdb
Authorgraph Email
July 27, 2018
The Long Wait
Good morning and welcome to Friday Feelings. All month, we’ve been talking about military families and the impact having a parent/spouse in the service has on them. Today, we’re looking at the long wait. Every family member knows what this is and what it means. Your service member is deployed. You have no idea when they’re coming back, even though you might have a tentative return date.
Deployments are scheduled to cover the needs of the military. There are resources for families but those, while good, do nothing to overcome the ache of loneliness. You may have a calendar with important dates circled on it. Some of those will be for family celebrations. At least one will be the date your loved one will return.
In between the departure date and the return date, there are a lot of activities. You’re determined not to succumb to the fear eating away at your calm. Yet, every night, you lose yourself in the “what if?” syndrome. You can’t sleep. You listen for the phone to ring, a car to stop outside, a child to cry out in the night needing you.
Stop.
That’s right. I just told you to stop. Luckily, I wasn’t caught in this type of waiting once I took my discharge, but I can only imagine how difficult it was. Because, despite being active duty, I too had to go through those long, lonely night, the days without end when I was both mother and father to the children who wanted Daddy home, and never knowing if something might happen. That’s why I’m telling you to stop thinking about those things now.
Here’s what you can do to make the time go faster. Don’t look at the clock whenever you have a moment. Clean like you’re about to be inspected by the housing officer tomorrow. Take your kids on long walks, go to the playground with them, enjoy your time with them. Cook them special meals, even try out things you want to make for your spouse but aren’t sure how it’ll turn out.
You should also see if there’s a spouse’s club on your base, where you can talk to others going through your situation. That’s one of their main purposes. Don’t do this alone. You have others ready to help you.
About K.C. Sprayberry
Living a dream she’s had since she first discovered the magic of books. K.C. Sprayberry traveled the U.S. and Europe before finally settling in the mountains of Northwest Georgia. She’s been married to her soulmate for nearly a quarter of a century and they enjoy spoiling their grandchildren along with many other activities.
A multi-genre author, K.C. Sprayberry is always on the hunt for new stories. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times and drives her to grab notebook and pen to jot down her ideas. Those close to her swear nothing or no one is safe if she’s smiling gently in a corner and watching those in the same room interact. Her observations have often given her ideas for her next story, set not only in the South but wherever the characters demand they settle.
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