Eve Gaal's Blog, page 6

Stream of Consciousness Writing On the Anniversary of 911

 

There’s a virus among us. It came from far away and is now everywhere. We’re supposed to stay home and when we go out, we’re supposed to wear a mask, like Zorro. And, there are fires all over California. People with asthma can’t breathe. People are sad. There are riots all over the place and a few peaceful protests that end up being taken over by mobs. I think God turned up the heat on the chaos in the streets. Bad folks don’t like 120 degrees either.

I don’t like people who act like animals.

Those people who flew into the tower—they were animals.

There’s an election and some political crazy talk. Each side sounds horrid. Wake me when it’s over. But, if you really think one side is better than the other, then you should vote. Make a difference. I am neutral. My fate is in God’s hands. I lean toward the right I suppose, and I’m already flagged by the online media marketers and trolls who label people. I like cops when they stop criminals. Breaking the law is wrong. Why do people think looting is okay? I love the fire department. The first responders, doctors, nurses and those who want to help. I love the United States of America. I like humans of every race, creed and color. My religion welcomes everyone. We are not racist. I am a woman of peace. I write poetry. I love my family. I don’t judge you. There are people of many nationalities in our family. They are all citizens and have vowed loyalty to the U.S. Some served in the military, defending this country. Some family members speak three or more languages. Can you speak several languages? The news seems different in other languages. Even BBC news is different from our local news. I guess it’s all perception. Maybe people who tend sheep in New Zealand think the world is a peaceful place. Being a shepherd near Wellington sounds idyllic.

I love my dog. Like a border collie, she has come out of retirement to watch the neighborhood. Her nose twitches from the scent of smoke. She loves our neighbors. Every night she watches the news with us and she can tell something is wrong. She is on high alert. Not bad for being 15 years old! Right now, she stares from the window, her eyes scanning the street. Finally, after many years, she recognizes the postman and figured out she doesn’t need to bark.  Right now, nothing looks out of the ordinary, but she is ready. Ready to love and kiss everyone. Ready to protect.

I love animals who act human. Pinky loves everyone.

My book, The Happy War is about a couple who will risk their life for peace. It’s now available in a hard cover version too. I think that’s pretty impressive, if I may say so myself.

Summer in Your Mouth-A Recipe

 

When life gives you lemons, either you make lemonade, or search everywhere for a unique and delicious recipe. Here’s a simple one that is sure to make you smile, or at least pucker up.

(Please maintain social distancing when puckering up.)

Painted by my husband, Steven Michelangelo Gaal
He also grew the lemons.  

Old Fashioned Citrus Bundt Cake

(I prefer: Summer in Your Mouth Cake)

 

One cup milk

Three eggs

½ cup canola oil

½ cup melted butter--that’s cooled off

Zest of three lemons (3 or 4 tsp) or oranges and lemons

½ cup lemon, orange or tangerine juice.

 (Optional: You can add a tablespoon of Cointreau Triple Sec or Grand Marnier 

I went with Cointreau.)

_________________

Three cups flour

Two cups sugar

1 teasp. salt,

1 and ½ teasp. Baking powder.

(Lemon Glaze- 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with two or three teaspoons of juice for drizzling consistency.)

 

Spray your Bundt pan with non-stick spray and flour lightly. Then, preheat the oven to 325F.

Next, combine the first six ingredients with a whisk or on the low setting of the mixer.

Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend it together with a whisk or on the low speed of your mixer until it’s smooth. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Place it on a wire rack to cool for ten minutes and then turn the pan over and marvel at your lovely creation. Finally, once it’s completely cool, drizzle with the glaze! Voila!

 

This is seriously super easy. Are you going to try it?

My Newest Book is Out! (A Soft Launch)

  
It was bound to happen. A friend coaxed me into trying NaNo-for those who aren’t familiar—it’s the month of November--which is set aside as a time to write an entire novel –in one month. Yes, one month! Many try to do it and can’t finish, and a few have bestselling books because they forged through and made it.
 I finished, but the book I wrote became a rough outline for my finished manuscript. There were so many bizarre things, such as errant words inadvertently stuffed into the one-month time limit, that later, during weeks of editing and months of rolling revisions, I began to pull my hair out,deleting paragraphs and changing complicated sentences into something comprehensible.
As the 30-day finish line beckoned, my style, my voice, my poetic use of flowery language, had all flown out the window, along with grammar, punctuation and spelling. But, to give credit to NaNo, the story was also out. Out of my brain and into my laptop. Hooray.

So, after a grueling two years, it’s now available on Amazon, and I must say I’m super excited. It’s nothing like Penniless Souls, Penniless Hearts or The Fifth Commandment. Personally, I think The Happy War is a unique story that had to be told, NOW! It’s my tongue-in-cheek novel about two lovers trying to create world peace. I hope you like it. If you find it entertaining, please tell your friends, write a review and then tell your friends again.  

A Time To Read Books!

I don’t care what anyone says, my hair is supposed to be a long and tangled mess. This selfie displays my first attempt at trimming my bangs and it's from way back in April. I know it's funny, but you should see me now! In the kitchen, I ran out of a few spices and made some substitutions, heck, it still tasted good, didn’t it? So, hubs got involved, making crusty bread which turned out delicious.  We had help from a friend, who air-dropped packages of yeast over the garden gate. It seems his idea wasn't unique. Everyone bought up all the bread-making ingredients in the county! For awhile, flour became as rare as toilet paper.Anyway, the Fed-Ex guy is fast becoming a friend and, the Instacart people do their best, but sometimes we still have to sneak off to the store to find what we really need. We plan for the journey as if going on vacation: masks, gloves, wipes, and whatever else fills my homemade crocheted tote bag.Did you know yarn is in short supply? Who knew? My crochet club friends are ordering skeins from far off places like Turkey! I bought the last roll of red at Walmart. Yes, we have breathing and immunity issues, so we’re extra careful during these strange and turbulent times.  Fortunately, even with a full lock-down going on, there are books on our shelves and a slew on my Kindle. Of course, that's when I’m not writing, or trying to figure out which sanitizer to use. Here’s a few recent reads, and my reviews. 

Me

True Colors by Kristin HannahWhat started out as a family saga, turned into romance, mystery and an exciting drama about racism. Hence, the name of the book. Beautiful descriptions of trees, Washington State mountains and the ocean are woven into a story of three very different sisters who try to stick together, through difficulties stemming from love. Their children and soulmates play major roles, but Clem and Renegade, a couple of horses, have helped see them through the harshest days. Sadly, even a loving, happy family can’t change the heart of one of the characters, making the novel realistic. When hope is lost in fiction, however, it is rather disappointing. Still, it’s a great book with many exciting moments that will surprise and satisfy even the most voracious reader.




Sea Cliff by Mary Deal
This book grabbed me by the collar, as if I were there, experiencing the deep emotions felt by the main characters. Lovely Rachel, is a bookkeeper, novelist and the owner of a stunning home perched above the bay, called Sea Cliff.

Handsome and hunky Matthew Knight wants to sweep the redhead off her feet, but wasting time with some guy who might be playing the field, isn’t her style. Before she gives away her heart, Rachel has to make sure he’s the one. Her past is riddled with hang ups about her father and bad memories. The more time she spends with Matthew, the more these memories play with her mind. Plus, there’s Linda, Britt and old boyfriend scars from a guy called Rodney.

Without giving away too much, I have to shout praise to the author for sublime, poetic descriptions of the Sacramento River, earthquakes, a car collision, even New York and San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Rachel needs to free up her mind, clear away the internal clutter and study some books she picked up at the San Francisco Public library. Only then, can she finish writing her novel, also titled, Sea Cliff. Will it be a bestseller? Read this book and find out!




The Mink Wrap in the Attic by Laverty SparksThough Elena Polson is a fictional character, there were so many parallels with my life, I couldn’t help but love the book and adored the outcome. As a childless, ex-copywriter, who fell in love with a man who came with a family, I could relate to everything. The emotional load, the desire to fly off with the geese, and a desire to crawl into an attic where happy memories are stored. I enjoyed the author’s use of descriptive and beautiful analogies, “Even her emotions mimicked a frayed cloth with uncut lines.”
Elena is kind, forgiving and unlike me, thoughtful to a fault. Her superhuman feeling to ‘fit in’ makes her go to heart wrenching lengths to forgive Britni, Decker and Hunt for all sorts of bad behavior. When Hunt compares his beloved to horrible vices, by saying she became a habit he didn’t want to break, I wanted to kick him. “I won’t say you were a bad one, just a habit.” How infuriating. Just a habit? That’s when I thought Hunt is not worthy of such a wonderful woman. But, her unconditional, unwavering love continues on every page, because destiny has unexpected plans. Will Elena’s martyrdom be rewarded? Will one woman’s love be enough to save the Klyce family? Maybe. You’ll have to read The Mink Wrap in the Attic and find out!





The Paradise Gig(Key West Capers) Laurence Shames
A friend recommended this hilarious and well-written novel about the good guys, the bad guys and Nacho. Part crime-caper/cozy mystery/adventure and part Rom-Com with emphasis on the comedy. There’s a stinky trail that only Bert and his tiny dog can sniff out regarding something that happened way back in 1964. Pete, Callie and Sarge weren’t even born yet. Of course, neither was Nacho, but when that little dog smells something rotten, he makes sure everyone hears about it.

The problem is Marco. But don't let me ruin the fun. This is retro Key West at it's best.

Shames not only writes humor, but he does it well. You’ll laugh at the dialogue between Bert and Mr. Dictionary— (aka Pete) and the shenanigans created by the singing 'goombahs'. Meanwhile, Nacho describes all this excitement from his perspective and I have to say, the descriptions are extraordinary. I’m convinced you’ll enjoy Paradise Gig, whether you like small dogs or not.



Divorcees.Biz: A Contemporary Romance by Eileen Thornton
“We created something with-class,” says Connie, near the end of Divorcees.Biz. I think I nodded in agreement. Actually, it was the author, Eileen Thornton who created a wonderful novel, rather ‘something with-class’. This book is truly an enjoyable read, filled with unique characters and ‘classy’ romance.
Four friends, Lucy, Sadie, Jenny and Connie have been friends for ages. They plan to start up a small dating agency in the posh section of London. Each day they learn new things about business, and a little too much about each other. Still, they thrive, while making the best of unusual circumstances.
There’s so much going on that the novel kept my attention the entire time. Thornton weaves her clever dialogue through pain, heartache and laughter. Amid the wild outfits and free-flowing champagne, there are brutes and floozies that need to be put in their place. Will the business fail? How about love? Will love save them all?




Where Shadows Fall by Natalie J. CaseThis is a story about four tribes called the Shadows, Sages, Shades and Shifters who are being discriminated against by the United States government. The 8th Battalion is formed to round them up, putting them into camps. Meanwhile, the main character, Alaric has to figure out a way to get back at those who killed his close friend Mason. “At the end of that journey, he would have his vengeance,” says Alaric early in this mythological fantasy that includes Maddie who shifts into a cat when necessary and Evan who is a hawk. Alaric, being a Shade, has the ability to step into someone’s mind to find out information. It looks like the man he’s after is called Shallon. The Shadows put up shields to protect the thoughts in their mind. The Sages control elements such as fire, water, air and earth. The author writes a fascinating story with vivid characters and tons of action.
“Congress is divided and aside from passing emergency legislation to force Shades into custody, they don’t agree on anything,” says Zero the daughter of Vice President Rede. But, there’s a legend about a way to overcome the strange, dark figure she calls daddy, and it entails stitching the power of four tribes into one. Can they do it? Read Where Shadows Fall and find out!




Hope you're staying busy too.What have you been reading? 

A Poem-The Tireless American Rose

The Tireless American RoseEve Gaal


The tireless American rose.Graced our fallen,pricked our foes. A graveside decoration,saluted by soldiers,a comfort to widows,the perfume of angels,to any discerning nose.
A queen’s bouquet,a honeymoon kiss,where petal strewn walkways,grace romantic getaways.Glistening with a bride’s tears,or a lucky graduate’s surprise,maybe a new mother’s gift,and those wreaths explode with beauty,when loved ones die.
The tireless American rose,seen at parades,waiting after war.There backstage,awarding every star.A centerpiece at the gala,a holiday corsage, there to win,every battle,every kind of heart.
With, or without thorns,Through raging pain,On altars,At hospitals,In the ICU or ER,where dying breaths remember, the tireless American rose.

Crying or Laughing?

Those of you who visit my blog regularly, know I like to dabble in drawing. My last post was about painting, and how landscapes can become a type of escape, especially during tough times.Most fiction writers’ study human behavior or psychology, so they can create or “paint with words,” characters with realistic qualities. Right now, all you have to do is turn on the television, where the evening news is filled with colorful protesters who shout about peace, while carrying firearms. Oddly, if I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t believe it and novel readers wouldn’t find it believable either.  Mark Twain said: “Truth Is Stranger than Fiction, But It Is Because Fiction Is Obliged to Stick to Possibilities; Truth Isn’t.”I’m sure you’ll agree these are unusual times, and the fact that everyone has a different emotion, inspired my original cartoon.  

Will someone have the last laugh?What about you?
(By Eve Gaal)

Spread Peace Through Art--Wish I Knew How to Paint!

Art
Pastures painted in vivid greens,‘neath skies of blended blues;soothing scenes depict tranquility,of places past--Where tall grass blows upon a lea, shepherds tend gentle flocks,work horses graze,farmhands nap,chickens waddle to a trough.
How fortunate that grandmother knew how to paint. Her heart,in cracking oils on canvas,randomly splashed on my suburban walls,reminds me,and those who visit,of peace and serenity.
And you!How lucky are you?Given a chance to leave a legacy,to express yourself with art.A lifetime ahead--anew--to spread love to future generations.Please pick up the brush, the pencil,even a box of crayons. It’s never too late to begin.





(Written by Eve Gaal in loving memory of her talented grandmother, who knew the influence of art.)

We're Almost There-30 More ideas

Don’t Give Up!Here’s Some More ideas to help keep you busy while at home.
(I tried something like this one.)

1.       Play cards. Rummy, poker or 52 pickup? 2.       Paint a rock for gifts or paper weights.3.       Have a balloon fight on the patio4.       How about a family barbecue?5.       Make chocolate or vanilla shakes6.       Decoupage might be fun-no Mod Podge? Use Elmer’s glue.7.       Quilting with scraps8.       Chalk drawings on the sidewalk9.       Make lemonade or iced tea in different flavors10.   Read an ebook (I can suggest several good ones!)11.   Write a book review on Amazon12.   Cut your bangs? Maybe not.13.   Color your own hair? 14.   Tell ghost stories15.   Take a fancied-up bubble bath. Candles, rolled towels.16.   Cupcake or cookie decorating17.   Record a video and post it on YouTube.18.   Clean some windows19.   Sew curtains/pillows20.   Play trivia games-party games 21.   Jump rope or hopscotch?22.   Blanket tents and forts23.   Make a giant tic-tac-toe game out of painted cardboard.24.   Call Grandma and Grandpa25.   Have a hole? Darn it. 26.   Slow cooker chili. Yum27.   Identify plants and trees around your home-draw them28.   Extravagant Ice cream sundae festival with sprinkles29.   Masquerade ball at home with costumes30.   Teach your dog to roll over or fetch?

50 Not So Boring Ideas for Staying At Home

Does it sound like this in your home?“I’m bored.”“Can we go do something?”“Do we have to stay home?”“Mom, did you know some people go to the beach?”“You just want me to do chores.”“When can I go to school?”“I already washed my hands.”“I don’t want to stay home.”“Can I walk the dog, again?”“Read? Why?”

Not everyone likes staying at home but it can be fun. There are so many fun things to do and none of them are on television! Here are a few ideas to help make the stayathome situation better. Most of these require adult supervision:1.       Read to each other (Prizes for best listener?)
2.       Bake something together
3.       Play board-games or invent one of your own.
4.       Plant a container garden
5.       Use a Karaoke App. (There are many)
6.       Dance together
7.       Learn to crochet or start a new crochet or knitting project
8.       Pull out the Play Doh and make beads for key-chains.
9.       Let the Lego imagination take hold of your inner creator
10.   Sew pretty pillows and don’t forget to have a pillow fight.
11.   Mix some fruity, non-alcoholic cocktails. Cranberry juice and pineapple?
12.   Have you ever made ice-cream?
13.   Plan an appetizer menu where everyone contributes something unique.
14.   Jigsaw puzzles will make the time fly by.
15.   Practice reading or math with flashcards.
16.   Paint a room together. Get help with the masking tape.
17.   Coloring books are not just for kids anymore.
18.   Camp out in the backyard with a tent and maybe S’mores
19.   Learn to set a fancy table with cloth napkins
20.   Assemble a centerpiece from silks, or arrange flowers from the garden.
21.   Take photos and make a collage. Old magazines might help too.
22.   Draw or paint a painting of birds, flowers, bunnies or butterflies.
23.   Do you know how to play chess? I bet someone would like to learn.
24.   All right, a few computer games won’t hurt.
25.   Wash and dry the family pets. Take photos.
26.   Don’t forget to pray together or at least quote an inspirational Psalm.
27.   Practice handwriting and penmanship or calligraphy. It’s a lost art.
28.   Call your far away relatives and make sure they’re okay.
29.   Write follow-up letters to those same relatives. Add decorative stickers.
30.   Press some flowers into the pages of a thick book.
31.   Write poems or haiku
32.   Find an exercise video or play virtual sports on a Wii.
33.   Make some bread dough and create the world’s greatest pizza
34.   Braid a rag rug from scraps and old sheets.
35.   Make paper mâché from old newspapers and some flour.
36.   Keep a quarantine journal to look back on these strange times.
37.   Rearrange a closet or pantry and recruit some helpers
38.   Learn to play an instrument by watching YouTube videos.
39.   Go for a nearby hike but practice social distancing
40.   Make candy—taffy, toffee, brittle, honeycomb, divinity, fudge, etc.
41.   Make a fort or castle with old boxes.
42.   Have you ever tried tie-dying a tee-shirt?
43.   Learn a new language. There are so many to choose from!
44.   Time to organize the photo albums or create a scrapbook
45.   Put on a family show! Costumes, makeup and lots of laughter!
46.   Can you do macramé? Flower pot holders? Christmas gifts?
47.   Memorize one poem by a famous poet.
48.   There’s upholstery, woodworking, sculpting, weaving and more.
49.   Make a jewelry box with fabric, shells, buttons and glue.
50.   Okay, binge-watch any television show you want.

Dormant but Alive!

I pray for for those who are working full time during these difficult times. The police, the sheriff’s department, firemen and women, the cashiers at the stores, those who stock the shelves or drive the trucks. Those who clean the store and have to pick up rubber gloves left by sloppy, selfish people. Those who deliver groceries or mail; those who work in hospitals, clinics, testing stations and laboratories; those who work at curb-side pickup restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food. I am grateful for all you do.
(And victims. Those who are suffering from this virus. I pray you recover, soon.)

Thank you to everyone who helps the world continue to rotate on its axis. We are not shut down. We are alive.
We will bloom again.