Susan Abel Sullivan's Blog, page 8
January 5, 2014
The Secret Chickens actually exist
The Secret Chickens aren't so secret I have photographic proof now that my mom's chickens actually exist. She lives out in a rural area where neighbors have a variety of farm animals such as cows, goats, geese, horses, and chickens.
The Secret Chickens, as I like to call them just because it sounds cool, make pleasant chicken sounds. They all came up to the fence to check me out. And I brought some of their eggs home. I'd love to have chickens where I live, but we're not currently zoned for that, although some of my neighbors are trying to get that changed.
The Secret Chickens; not just an indie rock band anymore.
January 4, 2014
House elf or gremlin? Or the Bermuda Triangle?
My house either has a naughty house elf or a goofy gremlin because the historic Victorian home I live in has become the Bermuda Triangle for sundry items.
Most recently I've lost an Ann Taylor sweater I bought my mom for Christmas. I looked in all the obvious places, then the less obvious places, then the ridiculous places like the fridge and the china cabinet. No sweater.
A pair of my reading glasses have also disappeared. I remember removing them from my purse so that I could fit something else in it, and now the glasses are gone. Poof! I have two other pairs, but the lost pair was enclosed within an eel-skin case that belonged to my mother-in-law.
And then there is the issue of the shredded umbrella. It was raining like a son of a gun the other day. I snagged my favorite umbrella, tented it open, and one side had been ripped from top to bottom. Weird. I could blame it on one of the two cats with claws, but haven't figured out how they shredded an umbrella that was closed up tight. Gremlin, I'm tellin' ya. Or house elves.
So if you come for a visit, you better hang tight to your stuff. You never know when the house elf might snatch up and hide your things. Or what they'll take. Or where they'll put it.
Bermuda Triangle, indeed.
Most recently I've lost an Ann Taylor sweater I bought my mom for Christmas. I looked in all the obvious places, then the less obvious places, then the ridiculous places like the fridge and the china cabinet. No sweater.
A pair of my reading glasses have also disappeared. I remember removing them from my purse so that I could fit something else in it, and now the glasses are gone. Poof! I have two other pairs, but the lost pair was enclosed within an eel-skin case that belonged to my mother-in-law.
And then there is the issue of the shredded umbrella. It was raining like a son of a gun the other day. I snagged my favorite umbrella, tented it open, and one side had been ripped from top to bottom. Weird. I could blame it on one of the two cats with claws, but haven't figured out how they shredded an umbrella that was closed up tight. Gremlin, I'm tellin' ya. Or house elves.
So if you come for a visit, you better hang tight to your stuff. You never know when the house elf might snatch up and hide your things. Or what they'll take. Or where they'll put it.
Bermuda Triangle, indeed.
January 3, 2014
Starting the New Year at less than optimal
I don't know if the expectations to start each new year with a bang, full of gusto, has some kind of subconscious effect on my health, or if it's purely coincidental, but I seem to begin most Januaries with some sort of illness or malady rather than my usual robust self.
For example: this year I caught a cold from my sister while we were visiting my mom in Florida. I was "determined" not to get it, but airborne viruses don't care about anyone's determination. They just travel through the air from host to host. Truly, the gift that keeps on giving.
Last year, I made the mistake of watching an entire season of the TV show "24" between Xmas and New Year's while sitting in a recliner, but propping my feet on an ottoman. Major mistake. I wound up straining my back from the bad ergonomics.
At the end of 2010, I developed plantar fasciitis from teaching Zumba on a slab of concrete thinly disguised as a hard wood floor. It was really just concrete covered by a layer of laminate. I hobbled my way into 2011.
In December 2007, I visited my parents and sister, and half of my sister's kids had bronchitis. Guess what? I started off 2008 with a nasty bout of bronchitis, but had started a new job, and as the sole bread winner at that time, couldn't afford to lose the job by saying I couldn't come to work because of bronchitits. And when I get that particular infection, just breathing becomes a major effort, let alone having to work with customers and co-workers during a ten-hour day. Oh what fun that new year was. Not.
But back to the here and now...being sick is giving me some time to think about what I want to accomplish in 2014. I'd like to finish a Young Adult novel I started several years ago and I'd like to write my third Cleo Tidwell paranormal mystery. I have the premise of the PM, but just need to carve out some time to actually write it. And that's where my goal setting will come in.
So 2014 is starting off at a crawl rather than a bang, but hey, if the tortoise could win the race, then so can I.
Happy New Year!
For example: this year I caught a cold from my sister while we were visiting my mom in Florida. I was "determined" not to get it, but airborne viruses don't care about anyone's determination. They just travel through the air from host to host. Truly, the gift that keeps on giving.
Last year, I made the mistake of watching an entire season of the TV show "24" between Xmas and New Year's while sitting in a recliner, but propping my feet on an ottoman. Major mistake. I wound up straining my back from the bad ergonomics.
At the end of 2010, I developed plantar fasciitis from teaching Zumba on a slab of concrete thinly disguised as a hard wood floor. It was really just concrete covered by a layer of laminate. I hobbled my way into 2011.
In December 2007, I visited my parents and sister, and half of my sister's kids had bronchitis. Guess what? I started off 2008 with a nasty bout of bronchitis, but had started a new job, and as the sole bread winner at that time, couldn't afford to lose the job by saying I couldn't come to work because of bronchitits. And when I get that particular infection, just breathing becomes a major effort, let alone having to work with customers and co-workers during a ten-hour day. Oh what fun that new year was. Not.
But back to the here and now...being sick is giving me some time to think about what I want to accomplish in 2014. I'd like to finish a Young Adult novel I started several years ago and I'd like to write my third Cleo Tidwell paranormal mystery. I have the premise of the PM, but just need to carve out some time to actually write it. And that's where my goal setting will come in.
So 2014 is starting off at a crawl rather than a bang, but hey, if the tortoise could win the race, then so can I.
Happy New Year!
January 2, 2014
Who let the (were)dogs out?
It's official! My second novel
The Weredog Whisperer
--published by World Weaver Press--has officially launched. Click on the specific tab to the left to read a synopsis, reviews, and purchasing info.
The Weredog Whisperer is my love song to the Florida Gulf Coast and my American pitbull terrier, Moxie. It's chock full of zany characters, humorous paranormal situations, and surprising plot twists.
I had a ton of fun writing this book and I hope it shows. There were times when I laughed so hard at a scene that I cried. My comedy-writing philosophy is that if it doesn't make me laugh, ain't no one else gonna laugh.
I drew inspiration from the Chevy Chase Vacation movies and An American Werewolf in London, as well as family vacations to Panama City Beach, Florida when my family lived in Alabama, and later, life as a resident of Florida when my family moved to Gulf Breeze (near Pensacola). Plus life with two pitbull terriers who are smart, loyal, and absolutely the most affectionate dogs I've ever had.
The Weredog Whisperer can also be read as a stand alone novel, so if you haven't read The Haunted Housewives of Allister, Alabama , you can go right ahead and dive into Weredog Whisperer. Or read both. You have a buffet of options.
Keep this writer writing and go out there and buy my book. I think you'll enjoy the ride.
The Weredog Whisperer is my love song to the Florida Gulf Coast and my American pitbull terrier, Moxie. It's chock full of zany characters, humorous paranormal situations, and surprising plot twists.
I had a ton of fun writing this book and I hope it shows. There were times when I laughed so hard at a scene that I cried. My comedy-writing philosophy is that if it doesn't make me laugh, ain't no one else gonna laugh.
I drew inspiration from the Chevy Chase Vacation movies and An American Werewolf in London, as well as family vacations to Panama City Beach, Florida when my family lived in Alabama, and later, life as a resident of Florida when my family moved to Gulf Breeze (near Pensacola). Plus life with two pitbull terriers who are smart, loyal, and absolutely the most affectionate dogs I've ever had.
The Weredog Whisperer can also be read as a stand alone novel, so if you haven't read The Haunted Housewives of Allister, Alabama , you can go right ahead and dive into Weredog Whisperer. Or read both. You have a buffet of options.
Keep this writer writing and go out there and buy my book. I think you'll enjoy the ride.
January 1, 2014
Launch Delay
The Weredog Whisperer launch has been slightly delayed, but is just around the corner.
New Launch: January 2, 2014, although the Kindle edition is already available on Amazon.com.
New Launch: January 2, 2014, although the Kindle edition is already available on Amazon.com.
December 31, 2013
Turkey Hats: not just for Thanksgiving anymore
I think the title of this post says it all.
The hat that I'm wearing on the left is actually a big brown long-necked turkey. The legs are tied under my chin. From head on, the hat looks more like something from a bad porn movie.
The hat on the right looks like a giant roasted turkey on Colleen's head. I found these at a thrift shop today. Too fun!
Happy New Year's everyone!!!
December 30, 2013
A Near-Death Experience and Other Stuff
The hubs came home for the holidays and forgot to bring his laptop. I'm about to head to Pensacola to visit my family for several days and I'll be taking the one working laptop with me. To understand the significance of this you need to know that we gave up Cable TV with the recession, so any TV watching has to be done via DVDs or the internet on a laptop. And my husband can't stand to be without cable-TV access, especially when there might be college football on.
So with my New Year's Resolution to "go with the flow" in mind, I told the hubs, "Why don't you just drive down to Montgomery and back on Sunday and get your laptop? You can check on stuff while you're there." We're talking a 5-hour roundtrip--about $40 in gas.
So the hubs, says "But it's our one day together."
Me: "I'll be packing and getting ready to go, so I won't really be available."
So that decided it for the hubs. He wanted to drive my car, which was unusual since he loves his Sebring convertible, but again I shrugged and went with the flow. It wasn't like I was going anywhere on Sunday.
When the hubs got back last night, he said, "Something's really wrong with your car. It was shaking real bad on the drive. I'll take it into Mike's [the mechanic] tomorrow morning."
Of course, I'm supposed to leave for Pensacola then, but go with the flow, go with the flow. Better to fix the car than have car trouble while making a 5-hour drive by myself to Florida.
So the hubs takes the car to Mike's this morning while I'm still snoozing [the hubs is FANTASTIC!] and guess what? The tie rod was on the verge of breaking. And the tie rod controls the steering. Broken tie rod equals no steering.
All I could think was: OH. MY. GOD. I just avoided a major, and possibly very nasty, accident traveling by MYSELF to Florida. The hubs leaving his computer at work was a GODSEND, not an annoyance.
And you know what? This isn't the first time something like this has happened. But I needed the reminder that blessings are often disguised as annoyances or negatives. I'm still blown away by the Universe stepping in to save me today. I must still have important work to do before I die.
In other news: the first fruitcake arrived for my Fruitcake Sanctuary! Yay! And it's a good one, too! Nice and heavy, chock full of candied-fruit goodness.
Also, I give my top three reading recommendations for World Weaver Press's website blog: http://worldweaverpress.com/2013/12/27/reading-recommendations-2013-top-book-picks-from-wwps-authors-and-staff/
And once the shock of the near-death experience subsides, I'll be heading down to Pensacola to spend New Year's with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, four nieces, a HUGE pack of dogs, and the Secret Chickens.
Happy New Year's, Y'all!
PS: Would be burglers: the hubs will be at home while I'm gone with the two PITBULLS. Breaking and Entering is not advised.
So with my New Year's Resolution to "go with the flow" in mind, I told the hubs, "Why don't you just drive down to Montgomery and back on Sunday and get your laptop? You can check on stuff while you're there." We're talking a 5-hour roundtrip--about $40 in gas.
So the hubs, says "But it's our one day together."
Me: "I'll be packing and getting ready to go, so I won't really be available."
So that decided it for the hubs. He wanted to drive my car, which was unusual since he loves his Sebring convertible, but again I shrugged and went with the flow. It wasn't like I was going anywhere on Sunday.
When the hubs got back last night, he said, "Something's really wrong with your car. It was shaking real bad on the drive. I'll take it into Mike's [the mechanic] tomorrow morning."
Of course, I'm supposed to leave for Pensacola then, but go with the flow, go with the flow. Better to fix the car than have car trouble while making a 5-hour drive by myself to Florida.
So the hubs takes the car to Mike's this morning while I'm still snoozing [the hubs is FANTASTIC!] and guess what? The tie rod was on the verge of breaking. And the tie rod controls the steering. Broken tie rod equals no steering.
All I could think was: OH. MY. GOD. I just avoided a major, and possibly very nasty, accident traveling by MYSELF to Florida. The hubs leaving his computer at work was a GODSEND, not an annoyance.
And you know what? This isn't the first time something like this has happened. But I needed the reminder that blessings are often disguised as annoyances or negatives. I'm still blown away by the Universe stepping in to save me today. I must still have important work to do before I die.
In other news: the first fruitcake arrived for my Fruitcake Sanctuary! Yay! And it's a good one, too! Nice and heavy, chock full of candied-fruit goodness.
Also, I give my top three reading recommendations for World Weaver Press's website blog: http://worldweaverpress.com/2013/12/27/reading-recommendations-2013-top-book-picks-from-wwps-authors-and-staff/
And once the shock of the near-death experience subsides, I'll be heading down to Pensacola to spend New Year's with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, four nieces, a HUGE pack of dogs, and the Secret Chickens.
Happy New Year's, Y'all!
PS: Would be burglers: the hubs will be at home while I'm gone with the two PITBULLS. Breaking and Entering is not advised.
December 24, 2013
A choir of kangaroos
A Choir of Steiff Kangaroos I'll be taking a short holiday hiatus for a couple of days, but I'll leave you all with a choir of kangaroos singing Christmas carols at Casa Sullivan to tide you over in the meantime.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Hannakuh!
Merry Christmas!
Jolly Winter Solstice!
Fabulous Festivus!
And don't forget to set your scales back ten pounds tonight!
December 23, 2013
Thwarted by a dead modem
I had every intention of posting Part 2 of the Crazy in Chicago story, but haven't had internet access for more than 24 hours. Which, of course, has been driving ME crazy because I'm sorta an internet junkie. I find myself getting really anxious when I can't connect and I don't have a Smartphone, so it's laptop or nuthin'.
But the hubs is home and called the cable company and it turned out our modem had died, but then when he picked up a new one (with a built-in router--whoot!), the cable woman transposed some very important numbers and he then spent over an hour with cable support on the phone to figure out why the new modem wasn't working.
But now that it finally is, it's time to go run errands before the bank and post office close, etc, etc,. Plus, I think Bo just got out of our yard. Eeeee!
So keep tuning in and I hope to have something new about Pepper's story in the near future.
But the hubs is home and called the cable company and it turned out our modem had died, but then when he picked up a new one (with a built-in router--whoot!), the cable woman transposed some very important numbers and he then spent over an hour with cable support on the phone to figure out why the new modem wasn't working.
But now that it finally is, it's time to go run errands before the bank and post office close, etc, etc,. Plus, I think Bo just got out of our yard. Eeeee!
So keep tuning in and I hope to have something new about Pepper's story in the near future.
December 22, 2013
Crazy in Chicago: a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, a mother/son sociopath neighbor duo, and Chicagoland infamy
When you think of infamy the following things might come to mind: Zumba instructors turned prostitute, a newlywed bride pushing her husband off a cliff, and a man kidnapping three young women and keeping them hostage in his house for ten years. What you normally don't think of is Yuppies keeping a very clean, very quiet, and very smart Vietnamese pot-bellied pig in their suburban home as a pet.
But this very thing is what sparked a huge controversy in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst between 1999-2001 and inflamed a couple of sociopaths who lived next door to us to the point where they started a campaign to have us run out of town on a rail, including putting signs in their windows facing our house with slogans like "Good riddance to bad trash" and videotaping our backyard in an attempt to catch us violating our pig's two-hour maximum time allowed outside in the yard that the city council had decreed.
It was Crazy in Chicago for sure and one of the most hellish times in my life as good people stepped up to the plate to help us keep our pet pig and crazies came out of the woodwork to try to slander and terrorize us. We even made the Chicago Tribune as our battle to keep Pepper the pig went to the Elmhurst city hall. Fortunately, the city quickly realized that the cuckoos next door were attempting to persecute us and had zero grounds for their accusations or behavior, but it was an interesting two years in the sense of the Chinese curse: May you live in interesting times.
More details to follow in future blogs...Stay tuned! You'll be amazed at the lengths people will go to to get their selfish way.
But this very thing is what sparked a huge controversy in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst between 1999-2001 and inflamed a couple of sociopaths who lived next door to us to the point where they started a campaign to have us run out of town on a rail, including putting signs in their windows facing our house with slogans like "Good riddance to bad trash" and videotaping our backyard in an attempt to catch us violating our pig's two-hour maximum time allowed outside in the yard that the city council had decreed.
It was Crazy in Chicago for sure and one of the most hellish times in my life as good people stepped up to the plate to help us keep our pet pig and crazies came out of the woodwork to try to slander and terrorize us. We even made the Chicago Tribune as our battle to keep Pepper the pig went to the Elmhurst city hall. Fortunately, the city quickly realized that the cuckoos next door were attempting to persecute us and had zero grounds for their accusations or behavior, but it was an interesting two years in the sense of the Chinese curse: May you live in interesting times.
More details to follow in future blogs...Stay tuned! You'll be amazed at the lengths people will go to to get their selfish way.
