Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 42
April 27, 2020
#MondayMotivation - #Hygge #Quotes + Words Of #Wisdom 27-04-20
Life is too short. I only want to do things that I enjoy, or that I think are good or worth doing.
~J. K. Rowling
The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.
~Keanu Reeves
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it.
~Gautama Buddha
Our bodies will grow old, but great memories will keep us young.
~Willy Nywening
In the end, people will judge you anyway. So don’t live your life impressing others. Live your life impressing yourself.
~Eunice Camacho Infante
Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. And if things don’t work out, just take another shot.
~Ziad K. Abdelnour
You can’t see it now, but that thing you didn’t get will someday be the best thing you never had. Let it go. Better is coming.
~Mandy Hale
People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for.
~Harper Lee
It’s not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.
~J.M Lawrence
At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished, it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.
~Denzel Washington
Don’t focus on regrets; find your inspiration in what you can do now.
~Catherine Pulsifer
April 24, 2020
#Covid19 Experiences; My #Coronavirus Diries - Just Checking In For April
After the comments on, and reactions to, my original post, I was going to continue my diary of the pandemic. But I just can't do it. There's so much out there about the virus, how the death rate is climbing every day, with the UK reaching - and passing - 5,000 dead on April 5th, 10,000 on April 11th, and then 15,000 on April 18th, with the current death toll for the UK standing at 17,337 people, out of 129,044 confirmed cases in the UK, at the time of scheduling this post on the morning of April 22nd 2020 (which means I'm going by numbers for April 21st 2020) that I just don't want to add to it more than I need to. I will say though that 457 of those positive cases, and 55 of those deaths, are in my county.
*
So, in the interests of self care, and preservation of what sanity remains to me, I have decided not to continue the detailed diary, despite its potential usefulness to future historians, or interest factor for others out there right now. With that in mind, this is just a check-in post, to let you know we're doing OK, and give you a rough idea of how things are going for me, with a short summery of how things stand, rather than a detailed day by day report.
*
For those who don't know and are wondering: yes. The UK is still on lockdown. It was officially extended for a further three weeks, but the government also say they'll only be lifting it, "When it's safe to do so," and admitting they're not sure when that will actually be, and we should prepare for it not being any time soon. So, with the continuing rising numbers of the dead, I'm guessing it will be extended again after the three weeks is up. Maybe if people would actually all obey it, we could get things under control, but people continue to think they're on holiday and can have parties, picnics on the beach, etc, so... Yeah. Things are still far from being under control here, and lockdown isn't going away any time soon. Not that I'm surprised, since I didn't think we'd be out of it after the three weeks anyhow. Just like I don't believe the predictions that everything will be back to normal within about six months. Personally, I think we'll be creating a new "normal" when the virus is under control - intentionally or not - and it will take far longer than six months to establish exactly what our new normal is going to be. Hopefully the changes will be positive ones.
*
Luckily for me, I don't mind being at home anyhow. In fact, I prefer it as a general rule. I do worry they'll take drastic measures and make masks essential though, which would be a big problem for me, since masks cause me so much anxiety I'm more comfortable with tubes up my nose for oxygen when it's needed in hospital. I can't help it. I just hate things over my face. So, if they do make that a law or something, it will be even more of a lucky thing I don't go out much, and quite an ordeal for me to go out at all.
*
I know a few people online who have had personal experience with the virus, including someone who has lost someone to it. But most of the people I know have either so far escaped getting the virus at all, or just had a mild case of it (or a really nasty flu-like thing that may or may not have been a mild case of it). The only death from those I know in person is the husband of a long time friend of my Nan (Dad's Mother). Though Nan's friend Molly's husband Roy had cancer, which they thought they'd gotten rid of, but had come back, and the doctors are reasonably certain it was that rather than the virus itself that actually killed him. They think he would have recovered from the virus if it wasn't for the cancer, despite his advanced age. But I mention him, because he's the only confirmed case of the virus I know personally who has died. Plus, Roy was a nice guy, so his death deserves a mention anyhow, even if I hadn't seen much of him since I was little, or seen him at all for several years.
*
Like I said though, Kelly and I are doing OK, and the only health issues we've had to deal with are existing ones, or frequently occuring issues. Like the cough I seem to never get rid of any more that I'd had for some time before all this coronavirus business, and the kidney infection I got earlier this month. I'm crossing my fingers it stays that way.
*
We won't talk about the truth about introverts, and why this quarantine is hard on us too, my fight to keep my anxiety under control, and how bad my sleep has been even for me.
*
Anyhow, other than dog walks, I'm not going out at all, and Kelly is going out as little as possible. Both of us are used to not going out an awful lot, which helps. I mean, we have plenty to keep us busy at home between things we can watch on Sky, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disny+ (yes, we have all of those) and books we can read. Not to mention, I have my writing - when I can focus on it - and Kelly has his computer games.
*
The stress and uncertainty are still making my anxiety tricky to keep in check a lot of the time though. But petkid playtime helps with that. After all, it's easy to forget what's going on in the world for a while when I'm playing ball with Lilie, cuddling up with Logan while reading or watching something, listening to Mollie's delighted chitters when she discovers what fresh fruit or vegetable I've left in her bowl for her to enjoy while she watches TV, and trying to keep track of a surprisingly fast Artemis' attempts to explore the world. Only for a while. But every moment of peace is welcome, as I'm sure you can understand and appreciate. Oh, wait, I said we weren't going to talk about my anxiety related issues. Oops!
*
In other semi-related news: Lilie could do with a trip to the groomer. I'm worried she's going to get skin issues from lack of a haircut, which can be a problem with Westies. I hope the groomer can be open again before it becomes a problem. We're brushing her regularly at home, of course... We always do with both dogs. We can give her the odd bath ourselves too. But her skin needs to breathe. Not being groomed for too long is bad for any dog, but can especially be a problem for a Westie. It's not like I can do what I did for my own hair - which also needed cutting - and cut it myself. I mean, I would, only Lilie's not too good at staying still for long, so I'm worried she'll move at the wrong time and get hurt, so daren't try. Same applies to Logan, though since he was done a bit more recently than Lilie was, and Cavapoos aren't as prone to skin problems as Westies, I'm not so concerned it will become a problem for him. Not brushing him regularly would, since his fur gets knotty very easily. But he can go a long time before more than scruffyness and the odd knot in his fur is an issue. Kelly says I'm worrying too much. Maybe I am. But at least it gives me something to focus on other than how many people have died in the UK since last month.
*
I can think about the stories of wild animals returning to places too. Like the wild goats who went to play in the fountains somewhere in Wales, since less people are out, so they felt they could claim the streets and wander them freely. I loved hearing about that one, and smile whenever I think about those goats. It makes me smile to think about the dolphins returning to the rivers in Italy too. So, if you have more stories like those, please share.
*
Also, whether you're in the UK, in America, or elsewhere, prepare for the ultimate gaslighting, because it's going to come whenever things are back under control enough that they can try and get things back to "normal" again. But don't waste this oppertunity to evaluate things, and decide what kind of future you really want to live in. Don't be taken in; don't let them make you forget.
*
Anyway, back to how we've been doing over the past few weeks...
*
We're also doing OK for food and things. We're managing to get plenty of food and other supplies (even toilet roll) though not with help from the government- there's no sign of us getting any food parcel or anything, and apparently I don't seem to qualify for a letter of vulnerability, even though I can tick several boxes on the, "You might be vulnerable if..." list, because my carer lives with me - and not from Asda either.
*
I gave up on getting Asda slots, because the only thing I was achieving was to lose sleep over it, since I'd stay up until after midnight to try and get a slot - having sorted out the contents of my trolley earlier in the day, so I was ready to check out quickly - only to find I couldn't check out right after midnight because the site or app were, "Experiencing high traffic volumes," and their server couldn't handle us all logging in at once. By the time I got my turn to be able to be back on the site, I'd have to choose alternatives for most of my items, because they were out of stock, and anyway all the slots were gone. If I tried just staying on there, it would freeze up while I was trying to book a slot, so I'd just be back to trying to log on anyhow. My frustration of the situation wasn't helped by the knowledge of all the times people have had their orders cancelled because so much was out of stock it didn't meet the minimum for delivery, or by the fact I couldn't even add to my existing order without losing it, because so little of it ended up being in stock. So, I gave up on Asda, and we had to find another way to get food and supplies.
*
The other way involves having our local fruit and veg shop bring us a box of fresh stuff once a week, which I give them an amount to make the box up to, and then let them pick fruit and veg to that amount, as well as getting what we can of my stuff delivered via The Vegan Kind - since a lot of things like the vegan cheeses are tough to find in the local shops at the best of times (part of why I stuck with using the supermarkets for so long) and at least The Vegan Kind let you check out with whatever you want from what's in stock whenever you want, and deliver reasonably quickly - and having Kelly go up the road in as few trips as possible for the rest of the stuff. That and we have hadda few non-contact food deliveries. One from a local Chinese place, which I won't be using again, since the food wasn't properly cooked and was cold, so we actually ended up finishing cooking it ourselves, which defeats the whole purpose of ordering in. The others from Papa John's and Oscars. The latter of which is currently doing deliveries with the help of Uber.
*
To be honest, if it wasn't for how Kelly going up the road worries me every time he has to do it, even though we have him go as little as possible, it would be a perfect set-up, since we're getting what we need - even if some of what we want isn't always available, so we sometimes have to make do with getting an alternative item - and supporting local and small businesses at the same time.
*
Plus, it meant Kelly witnessed an amusing scene where someone tried returning toilet paper, and was told toilet roll is non-refundable, and it's the customer's own fault if she brought too much, but since it has no use-by date, the customer needn't worry it would go bad before she could use it, because it keeps very well, as long as it's not stored in damp conditions.
*
So, how are things going where you are?
*
So, in the interests of self care, and preservation of what sanity remains to me, I have decided not to continue the detailed diary, despite its potential usefulness to future historians, or interest factor for others out there right now. With that in mind, this is just a check-in post, to let you know we're doing OK, and give you a rough idea of how things are going for me, with a short summery of how things stand, rather than a detailed day by day report.
*
For those who don't know and are wondering: yes. The UK is still on lockdown. It was officially extended for a further three weeks, but the government also say they'll only be lifting it, "When it's safe to do so," and admitting they're not sure when that will actually be, and we should prepare for it not being any time soon. So, with the continuing rising numbers of the dead, I'm guessing it will be extended again after the three weeks is up. Maybe if people would actually all obey it, we could get things under control, but people continue to think they're on holiday and can have parties, picnics on the beach, etc, so... Yeah. Things are still far from being under control here, and lockdown isn't going away any time soon. Not that I'm surprised, since I didn't think we'd be out of it after the three weeks anyhow. Just like I don't believe the predictions that everything will be back to normal within about six months. Personally, I think we'll be creating a new "normal" when the virus is under control - intentionally or not - and it will take far longer than six months to establish exactly what our new normal is going to be. Hopefully the changes will be positive ones.
*
Luckily for me, I don't mind being at home anyhow. In fact, I prefer it as a general rule. I do worry they'll take drastic measures and make masks essential though, which would be a big problem for me, since masks cause me so much anxiety I'm more comfortable with tubes up my nose for oxygen when it's needed in hospital. I can't help it. I just hate things over my face. So, if they do make that a law or something, it will be even more of a lucky thing I don't go out much, and quite an ordeal for me to go out at all.
*
I know a few people online who have had personal experience with the virus, including someone who has lost someone to it. But most of the people I know have either so far escaped getting the virus at all, or just had a mild case of it (or a really nasty flu-like thing that may or may not have been a mild case of it). The only death from those I know in person is the husband of a long time friend of my Nan (Dad's Mother). Though Nan's friend Molly's husband Roy had cancer, which they thought they'd gotten rid of, but had come back, and the doctors are reasonably certain it was that rather than the virus itself that actually killed him. They think he would have recovered from the virus if it wasn't for the cancer, despite his advanced age. But I mention him, because he's the only confirmed case of the virus I know personally who has died. Plus, Roy was a nice guy, so his death deserves a mention anyhow, even if I hadn't seen much of him since I was little, or seen him at all for several years.
*
Like I said though, Kelly and I are doing OK, and the only health issues we've had to deal with are existing ones, or frequently occuring issues. Like the cough I seem to never get rid of any more that I'd had for some time before all this coronavirus business, and the kidney infection I got earlier this month. I'm crossing my fingers it stays that way.
*
We won't talk about the truth about introverts, and why this quarantine is hard on us too, my fight to keep my anxiety under control, and how bad my sleep has been even for me.
*
Anyhow, other than dog walks, I'm not going out at all, and Kelly is going out as little as possible. Both of us are used to not going out an awful lot, which helps. I mean, we have plenty to keep us busy at home between things we can watch on Sky, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disny+ (yes, we have all of those) and books we can read. Not to mention, I have my writing - when I can focus on it - and Kelly has his computer games.
*
The stress and uncertainty are still making my anxiety tricky to keep in check a lot of the time though. But petkid playtime helps with that. After all, it's easy to forget what's going on in the world for a while when I'm playing ball with Lilie, cuddling up with Logan while reading or watching something, listening to Mollie's delighted chitters when she discovers what fresh fruit or vegetable I've left in her bowl for her to enjoy while she watches TV, and trying to keep track of a surprisingly fast Artemis' attempts to explore the world. Only for a while. But every moment of peace is welcome, as I'm sure you can understand and appreciate. Oh, wait, I said we weren't going to talk about my anxiety related issues. Oops!
*
In other semi-related news: Lilie could do with a trip to the groomer. I'm worried she's going to get skin issues from lack of a haircut, which can be a problem with Westies. I hope the groomer can be open again before it becomes a problem. We're brushing her regularly at home, of course... We always do with both dogs. We can give her the odd bath ourselves too. But her skin needs to breathe. Not being groomed for too long is bad for any dog, but can especially be a problem for a Westie. It's not like I can do what I did for my own hair - which also needed cutting - and cut it myself. I mean, I would, only Lilie's not too good at staying still for long, so I'm worried she'll move at the wrong time and get hurt, so daren't try. Same applies to Logan, though since he was done a bit more recently than Lilie was, and Cavapoos aren't as prone to skin problems as Westies, I'm not so concerned it will become a problem for him. Not brushing him regularly would, since his fur gets knotty very easily. But he can go a long time before more than scruffyness and the odd knot in his fur is an issue. Kelly says I'm worrying too much. Maybe I am. But at least it gives me something to focus on other than how many people have died in the UK since last month.
*
I can think about the stories of wild animals returning to places too. Like the wild goats who went to play in the fountains somewhere in Wales, since less people are out, so they felt they could claim the streets and wander them freely. I loved hearing about that one, and smile whenever I think about those goats. It makes me smile to think about the dolphins returning to the rivers in Italy too. So, if you have more stories like those, please share.
*
Also, whether you're in the UK, in America, or elsewhere, prepare for the ultimate gaslighting, because it's going to come whenever things are back under control enough that they can try and get things back to "normal" again. But don't waste this oppertunity to evaluate things, and decide what kind of future you really want to live in. Don't be taken in; don't let them make you forget.
*
Anyway, back to how we've been doing over the past few weeks...
*
We're also doing OK for food and things. We're managing to get plenty of food and other supplies (even toilet roll) though not with help from the government- there's no sign of us getting any food parcel or anything, and apparently I don't seem to qualify for a letter of vulnerability, even though I can tick several boxes on the, "You might be vulnerable if..." list, because my carer lives with me - and not from Asda either.
*
I gave up on getting Asda slots, because the only thing I was achieving was to lose sleep over it, since I'd stay up until after midnight to try and get a slot - having sorted out the contents of my trolley earlier in the day, so I was ready to check out quickly - only to find I couldn't check out right after midnight because the site or app were, "Experiencing high traffic volumes," and their server couldn't handle us all logging in at once. By the time I got my turn to be able to be back on the site, I'd have to choose alternatives for most of my items, because they were out of stock, and anyway all the slots were gone. If I tried just staying on there, it would freeze up while I was trying to book a slot, so I'd just be back to trying to log on anyhow. My frustration of the situation wasn't helped by the knowledge of all the times people have had their orders cancelled because so much was out of stock it didn't meet the minimum for delivery, or by the fact I couldn't even add to my existing order without losing it, because so little of it ended up being in stock. So, I gave up on Asda, and we had to find another way to get food and supplies.
*
The other way involves having our local fruit and veg shop bring us a box of fresh stuff once a week, which I give them an amount to make the box up to, and then let them pick fruit and veg to that amount, as well as getting what we can of my stuff delivered via The Vegan Kind - since a lot of things like the vegan cheeses are tough to find in the local shops at the best of times (part of why I stuck with using the supermarkets for so long) and at least The Vegan Kind let you check out with whatever you want from what's in stock whenever you want, and deliver reasonably quickly - and having Kelly go up the road in as few trips as possible for the rest of the stuff. That and we have hadda few non-contact food deliveries. One from a local Chinese place, which I won't be using again, since the food wasn't properly cooked and was cold, so we actually ended up finishing cooking it ourselves, which defeats the whole purpose of ordering in. The others from Papa John's and Oscars. The latter of which is currently doing deliveries with the help of Uber.
*
To be honest, if it wasn't for how Kelly going up the road worries me every time he has to do it, even though we have him go as little as possible, it would be a perfect set-up, since we're getting what we need - even if some of what we want isn't always available, so we sometimes have to make do with getting an alternative item - and supporting local and small businesses at the same time.
*
Plus, it meant Kelly witnessed an amusing scene where someone tried returning toilet paper, and was told toilet roll is non-refundable, and it's the customer's own fault if she brought too much, but since it has no use-by date, the customer needn't worry it would go bad before she could use it, because it keeps very well, as long as it's not stored in damp conditions.
*
So, how are things going where you are?
April 23, 2020
#AmReading + #AmWatching + #AmListening - Media Shares And #Reviews 23-04-20
We are of opinion that instead of letting books grow moldy behind an iron grating, far from the vulgar gaze, it is better to let them wear out by being read
~Jules Verne
Welcome to this week's weekly media shares and reviews post!
*Disclaimer: no matter what's being reviewed, all opinions in this post are entirely my own, and I reserve the right to have them, regardless of who may or may not share them. Feel free to express your own in the comments, but please respect my right - and the rights of other commenters - to have opinions that might differ from yours, and to express those opinions too.
Also, please remember that I read/watch/listen to things in a variety of genres, and for all ages, so you should make sure you check that the book/movie/show/song is suitable for the intended audience before reading/watching/listening to it, especially if children are involved. I take no responsibility for anything which may happen as a result of failing to do so.
If you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question. Please bear in mind that the format I've reviewed on Goodreads may not be the format I actually read.
Alternatively, if it's a movie or TV show you want to know more about, just click on the title to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Unless otherwise stated, all music videos are via YouTube.
OK. Let's see what I've been reading, watching, and listening to, and which song I'm going to share this week, shall we? After all, that's the point of this post, and why you're here today, right?
Reading:Though I've continued to read daily, I don't have a book review for you this week, because I didn't manage to finish my book. I'm reading "Drums Of Autumn" - the fourth book in Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series - and it's a rather long book, so I didn't manage to finish it before I ran out of days in the week, despite spending a lot of time reading each day.
Watching:This week I watched a whole lot of "Fuller House" and managed to finish it. It's rather frustrating where it left off... I hope the virus putting all filming of things on hold for the time being doesn't stop them from being able to finish the storyline. If too much time passes, the growing up of the children playing the younger characters could be an issue though. The fact one of the producers recently died might be a problem too.
Listening:
I've been listening to a bit of music, but I've mostly still been listening to my audio book instead. Although, I did have a rather relaxing session of listening to some panpipe music while being climbed on by Artemis, with Logan curled up asleep beside me, so I'm going to share some panpipe music with you today. I've even found you a version of one of the songs I listened to. Perhaps you can recreate the peaceful moment for yourself in your own way, either with your own pets, or by yourself. We all need hygge moments like that right now, after all.
April 22, 2020
My Bookerversary + The #Smashwords #AuthorsGiveBack #eBook #Sale Gets Extended
Today is the 8th anniversary of when I published "Mr. Pumpkin-Head And Other Poems" - the first of my books to be published. It's incredible to think of it, but I've published more than 50 titles since; my published works now consist of 9 poetry collections, 45 children's stories, and a fantasy story published in the "Wyrd Worlds II" anthology.
I was going to be doing a sale or something to celebrate. However, since Smashwords extended their "Authors Give Back" sale through May 31st 2020, I decided to just extend my participation in that. So, you can still get all my books at either 30% off or 60% off via Smashwords, with sale prices ranging from $2.00 to completely free!
You can find my books via my Smashwords author page, where you can add them to your cart, and the coupon codes should automatically apply themselves. But here's a detailed list of my titles, their regular price, and they're sale prices:
60% off, with code AGB60:
Mr. Pumpkin-Head And Other Poems - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Witchlet (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #1) - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
The Pineapple Loving Dragon (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #2) - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
A Magical Storm (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #3) - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
My Friends Of Fur And Feather - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
The Light Of Dawn And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Asha's Big Adventure - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Snowball The Oddball Kobold - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Goodies For Grandmother - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Filicity The Musical Platypus - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Jinx And The Faerie Dragons - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Cubby And The Beanstalk - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Isabelle's Runaway Racehorse - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Home Squeak Home - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Zeena And The Dryad (Zeena Dragon Fae, #1) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Gryphon (Zeena Dragon Fae, #2) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Mermaid (Zeena Dragon Fae, #3) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Phoenix (Zeena Dragon Fae, #4) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
The Ocean's Lullaby And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Jeffrey The Orange Alien - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Eadweard - A Story Of 1066 - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Ulrike's Christmas - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Catching Snowflakes And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
How To Trust Your Human - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Voyage Of The Crimson Sail - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
30% off, with code AGB30:
Bluebell The Fairy Guide - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Frank The Friendly Ogre - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
Toby's New World (Toby's Tales, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Monsters (Toby's Tales, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Outing (Toby's Tales, #3) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Games (Toby's Tales, #4) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Special School (Toby's Tales, #5) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Goes Walkies (Kero's World, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates His Birthday (Kero's World, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Gets Sick (Kero's World, #3) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates Halloween (Kero's World, #4) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Goes To Town (Kero's World, #5) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates Christmas (Kero's World, #6) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge (Kero's World, #7) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Great Tadpole Rescue - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Waves Of Broken Dreams And Other Poems - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Leaf Monster And Other Children's Poems - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
The Great Degu Round-Up (Degu Days Duo, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
A Very Degu Christmas (Degu Days Duo, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Thistle The Fairy Trickster - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Lonely Little Princess - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Forgotten Angel - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Rodent Rhymes And Pussycat Poems - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
Degu's Day Out - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Rhubarb The Red-Nosed Rabbit - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Puppy Poems And Rodent Rhymes - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Where's Noodles? - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
As a reminder: this sale is exclusive to Smashwords, and now runs through May 31st 2020.
Also, I enable all formats Smashwords offers, so there should be a format that works with your prefered method of reading eBooks, regardless of your eReader of choice, whether youneed a mobi for your Kindle, an ePub for your Nook or iPad, or even a PDF or HTML document you can read using your computer, tablet, or a web browser. In short, if you can read this post, and ever read eBooks, there should be a format that will work for you.
If, however, you like the sound of any of these titles - either because you are a fan of children's books and/or poetry yourself, have children or grandchildren who might enjoy them, or know someone else who might - but would prefer an audio or paperback copy, those are available to purchase via a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Audible, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble, for example. Though I'm afraid those formats are not currently on sale.
I was going to be doing a sale or something to celebrate. However, since Smashwords extended their "Authors Give Back" sale through May 31st 2020, I decided to just extend my participation in that. So, you can still get all my books at either 30% off or 60% off via Smashwords, with sale prices ranging from $2.00 to completely free!
You can find my books via my Smashwords author page, where you can add them to your cart, and the coupon codes should automatically apply themselves. But here's a detailed list of my titles, their regular price, and they're sale prices:
60% off, with code AGB60:
Mr. Pumpkin-Head And Other Poems - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Witchlet (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #1) - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
The Pineapple Loving Dragon (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #2) - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
A Magical Storm (Magical Chapters Trilogy, #3) - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
My Friends Of Fur And Feather - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
The Light Of Dawn And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Asha's Big Adventure - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Snowball The Oddball Kobold - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Goodies For Grandmother - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Filicity The Musical Platypus - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Jinx And The Faerie Dragons - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Cubby And The Beanstalk - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Isabelle's Runaway Racehorse - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Home Squeak Home - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Zeena And The Dryad (Zeena Dragon Fae, #1) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Gryphon (Zeena Dragon Fae, #2) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Mermaid (Zeena Dragon Fae, #3) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
Zeena And The Phoenix (Zeena Dragon Fae, #4) - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
The Ocean's Lullaby And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Jeffrey The Orange Alien - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Eadweard - A Story Of 1066 - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Ulrike's Christmas - regular price: $3.99; sale price: $1.60
Catching Snowflakes And Other Poems - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
How To Trust Your Human - regular price: $2.99; sale price: $1.20
Voyage Of The Crimson Sail - regular price: $4.99; sale price: $2.00
30% off, with code AGB30:
Bluebell The Fairy Guide - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Frank The Friendly Ogre - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
Toby's New World (Toby's Tales, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Monsters (Toby's Tales, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Outing (Toby's Tales, #3) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Games (Toby's Tales, #4) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Toby's Special School (Toby's Tales, #5) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Goes Walkies (Kero's World, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates His Birthday (Kero's World, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Gets Sick (Kero's World, #3) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates Halloween (Kero's World, #4) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Goes To Town (Kero's World, #5) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Celebrates Christmas (Kero's World, #6) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge (Kero's World, #7) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Great Tadpole Rescue - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Waves Of Broken Dreams And Other Poems - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Leaf Monster And Other Children's Poems - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
The Great Degu Round-Up (Degu Days Duo, #1) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
A Very Degu Christmas (Degu Days Duo, #2) - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Thistle The Fairy Trickster - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Lonely Little Princess - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
The Forgotten Angel - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Rodent Rhymes And Pussycat Poems - regular price: $0.99; sale price: $0.00 (FREE!)
Degu's Day Out - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Rhubarb The Red-Nosed Rabbit - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Puppy Poems And Rodent Rhymes - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
Where's Noodles? - regular price: $1.99; sale price: $1.39
As a reminder: this sale is exclusive to Smashwords, and now runs through May 31st 2020.
Also, I enable all formats Smashwords offers, so there should be a format that works with your prefered method of reading eBooks, regardless of your eReader of choice, whether youneed a mobi for your Kindle, an ePub for your Nook or iPad, or even a PDF or HTML document you can read using your computer, tablet, or a web browser. In short, if you can read this post, and ever read eBooks, there should be a format that will work for you.
If, however, you like the sound of any of these titles - either because you are a fan of children's books and/or poetry yourself, have children or grandchildren who might enjoy them, or know someone else who might - but would prefer an audio or paperback copy, those are available to purchase via a variety of retailers, such as Amazon, Audible, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble, for example. Though I'm afraid those formats are not currently on sale.
April 21, 2020
The Stay At Home #Book Tag - #AmReading
I had a different one of these tag things scheduled for this week. But when I saw this one recently, I decided to move that one to a different date, because this one is very appropriate for right now. After all, the theme is based on the lockdowns and self isolations going on in most of the world right now. Anyway, I actually got this from this video from someone I follow on YouTube. But since I do these as blog posts, and don't do vlogs, I'm doing this in a post instead of doing it as a video.
If you want to play along, feel free to do so, whether in the comments section of this post, on your own blog, on YouTube, or whatever. Either way, I'd love to read your answers, so if you do it anywhere other than the comments section of this post, be sure to let me know where I can read your answers, to make sure I don't miss them. But, in the meantime, here are the questions/prompts for it, along with my own answers:
1. Laying in Bed - book you could/have read in a day
There are several books I've read in one day, and even more I would have if I hadn't had to do other things - like sleep, for example - over the years. A recent book I would have read in one sitting if I could have, but didn't because having to do those other things stopped me, was "Subject A36" by Teri Polen. I'd been waiting for it to come out for some time, and could easily have just spent all day reading it and doing nothing else.
2. Snacking - guilty pleasure book
I don't really have one. I enjoy all sorts of genres, aimed at all sorts of age ranges, and don't care who knows it.
3. Netflix - series you want to start
Darlene Foster's "Amanda Travels" series. I've now got copies of a couple of the books, but haven't had a chance to start reading them yet, despite really wanting to. I'm hoping to read them soon though.
4. Deep Clean - been on your TBR for ages
Where do I start with this one? I mean, I've got a very long to-read list, and some of the books have been on there for quite some time. In some cases because I haven't even gotten around to getting copies, but in many cases it's just that I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. So many books, so little time... *sigh*
5. Animal Crossing - book u recently bought because of hype
I don't do this often, but the most recently purchased thing that falls in to this catagory is Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series. I'm glad I got it too, since I've been really enjoying them. Now I need to watch the series as well... Good thing I have Amazon Prime, so I can do so.
6. Productivity - book you learnt or had an impact on you
Everything you read has an impact on you, whether you know it conciously or not, so I really don't know which one to pick here.
7. Facetime - A book you were gifted
I've been gifted a lot of books over the years, either by the authors in exchange for reviews, or by family and friends who buy them for me as presents. The one I got most recently at the time I'm writing this is "Conjuring God" by Jason Howl. I'm not sure if it's something I might have picked out for myself, but I was offered a free copy by the author, and decided to accept the offer. At the time I'm putting this post together, I haven't yet read it, so can't tell you what I think of it, but I plan to read it soon.
8. Self Care - what is one thing you have done recently to look after yourself
To preserve what little sanity remains to me during this pandemic, I've reduced the amount of time I'm spending on the computer (and my phone, since I check social media on that too) spending extra time with the petkids instead, usually either listening to an audio book while playing with the dogs or being climbed on by the tortoise, or curled up with the dogs watching TV shows or movies via Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disny+ on my Kindle. Though sometimes curled up on the sofa or in the armchair with one or both of the dogs while watching the TV or some DVDs with the chinchilla. It's something I should probably continue doing even after the new "normal" is established.
BONUS - name a book coming out soon
At the time I'm writing this, I'm still waiting for my audio copy of Michelle Paver's "Viper's Daughter" (book seven in her "Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness" series). Though it's technically already out, having been released on April 2nd 2020, I'm counting it, because it's the new release I'm most eager to get my hands on at the moment.
If you want to play along, feel free to do so, whether in the comments section of this post, on your own blog, on YouTube, or whatever. Either way, I'd love to read your answers, so if you do it anywhere other than the comments section of this post, be sure to let me know where I can read your answers, to make sure I don't miss them. But, in the meantime, here are the questions/prompts for it, along with my own answers:
1. Laying in Bed - book you could/have read in a day
There are several books I've read in one day, and even more I would have if I hadn't had to do other things - like sleep, for example - over the years. A recent book I would have read in one sitting if I could have, but didn't because having to do those other things stopped me, was "Subject A36" by Teri Polen. I'd been waiting for it to come out for some time, and could easily have just spent all day reading it and doing nothing else.
2. Snacking - guilty pleasure book
I don't really have one. I enjoy all sorts of genres, aimed at all sorts of age ranges, and don't care who knows it.
3. Netflix - series you want to start
Darlene Foster's "Amanda Travels" series. I've now got copies of a couple of the books, but haven't had a chance to start reading them yet, despite really wanting to. I'm hoping to read them soon though.
4. Deep Clean - been on your TBR for ages
Where do I start with this one? I mean, I've got a very long to-read list, and some of the books have been on there for quite some time. In some cases because I haven't even gotten around to getting copies, but in many cases it's just that I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. So many books, so little time... *sigh*
5. Animal Crossing - book u recently bought because of hype
I don't do this often, but the most recently purchased thing that falls in to this catagory is Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series. I'm glad I got it too, since I've been really enjoying them. Now I need to watch the series as well... Good thing I have Amazon Prime, so I can do so.
6. Productivity - book you learnt or had an impact on you
Everything you read has an impact on you, whether you know it conciously or not, so I really don't know which one to pick here.
7. Facetime - A book you were gifted
I've been gifted a lot of books over the years, either by the authors in exchange for reviews, or by family and friends who buy them for me as presents. The one I got most recently at the time I'm writing this is "Conjuring God" by Jason Howl. I'm not sure if it's something I might have picked out for myself, but I was offered a free copy by the author, and decided to accept the offer. At the time I'm putting this post together, I haven't yet read it, so can't tell you what I think of it, but I plan to read it soon.
8. Self Care - what is one thing you have done recently to look after yourself
To preserve what little sanity remains to me during this pandemic, I've reduced the amount of time I'm spending on the computer (and my phone, since I check social media on that too) spending extra time with the petkids instead, usually either listening to an audio book while playing with the dogs or being climbed on by the tortoise, or curled up with the dogs watching TV shows or movies via Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disny+ on my Kindle. Though sometimes curled up on the sofa or in the armchair with one or both of the dogs while watching the TV or some DVDs with the chinchilla. It's something I should probably continue doing even after the new "normal" is established.
BONUS - name a book coming out soon
At the time I'm writing this, I'm still waiting for my audio copy of Michelle Paver's "Viper's Daughter" (book seven in her "Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness" series). Though it's technically already out, having been released on April 2nd 2020, I'm counting it, because it's the new release I'm most eager to get my hands on at the moment.
April 20, 2020
#MondayMotivation - #Hygge #Quotes + Words Of #Wisdom 20-04-20
A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home.
~Christian D. Larson
Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most
~Buddha
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style
~Maya Angelou
Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything. It messes with your mind and steals your happiness.
~Ziad K. Abdelnour
Time is like money. Those who spend it wisely, will never lose it.
~Hugh W. Roberts
Today I will do something just for the fun of it. I will find something to do that's just for me, and I won't worry about what I "should" be doing. I will learn how to make myself feel good and enjoy life to the fullest.
~Melody Beattie
Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.
~Roy Bennett
Only two ways to live life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
~Albert Einstein
Each morning brings a hidden blessing; a blessing which is unique to that day, and which cannot be kept or re-used. If we do not use this miracle today, it will be lost.
~Paulo Coelho
If you do not enjoy what you are doing, you will never be good at it.
~Luke Parker
In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.
~Aaron Rose
Whatever makes you weird is probably your greatest asset.
~Joss Whedon
April 17, 2020
#Pet #Photo And #Video - Logan The #Cavapoo Celebrates His 1st Birthday
Hi everyone. This is Logan the Cavapoo.
I had one of those birthday things a few days ago.
I wasn't sure what it was going to be about. Mummy told me I had one coming up, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. To be honest, I was actually getting a bit worried when she kept saying I was going to have a birthday. I mean, Lilie had one not long ago, and she seemed happy about it, but I've never had one before, so I couldn't help being worried.
It was OK though, and I've decided I love birthdays!
I got some new toys. Here's a photo when Mummy was giving me the first one:
And here's a video of us playing with it, with Lilie joining in:
I'm not good with numbers, but Lilie and Mummy say I got three new toys. They all look pretty similar to each other, and you only get to see one in the photo and video, because the flashy thing needed more power so we had to cut the photo and video session short, but Mummy didn't want to make me wait for my stuff, just because she forgot to make sure to charge it. Anyway, I got a fox, a wolf, and a squirrel. All of them are good for tugging, but also have a squeaker in them. They're great fun... I love playing tuggy!
I also got a special birthday dinner involving chicken and sausage, which was really yummy. If there's one thing I love more than play time - apart from cuddle time with Mummy - it's food. Food is the best thing ever!
I hope I get one of these birthday things again soon!
Lots of licks,
Logan
I had one of those birthday things a few days ago.
I wasn't sure what it was going to be about. Mummy told me I had one coming up, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. To be honest, I was actually getting a bit worried when she kept saying I was going to have a birthday. I mean, Lilie had one not long ago, and she seemed happy about it, but I've never had one before, so I couldn't help being worried.
It was OK though, and I've decided I love birthdays!
I got some new toys. Here's a photo when Mummy was giving me the first one:
And here's a video of us playing with it, with Lilie joining in:
I'm not good with numbers, but Lilie and Mummy say I got three new toys. They all look pretty similar to each other, and you only get to see one in the photo and video, because the flashy thing needed more power so we had to cut the photo and video session short, but Mummy didn't want to make me wait for my stuff, just because she forgot to make sure to charge it. Anyway, I got a fox, a wolf, and a squirrel. All of them are good for tugging, but also have a squeaker in them. They're great fun... I love playing tuggy!
I also got a special birthday dinner involving chicken and sausage, which was really yummy. If there's one thing I love more than play time - apart from cuddle time with Mummy - it's food. Food is the best thing ever!
I hope I get one of these birthday things again soon!
Lots of licks,
Logan
April 16, 2020
#AmReading + #AmWatching + #AmListening - Media Shares And #Reviews 16-04-20
There is no friend as loyal as a book.
~Ernest Hemingway
Welcome to this week's weekly media shares and reviews post!
*Disclaimer: no matter what's being reviewed, all opinions in this post are entirely my own, and I reserve the right to have them, regardless of who may or may not share them. Feel free to express your own in the comments, but please respect my right - and the rights of other commenters - to have opinions that might differ from yours, and to express those opinions too.
Also, please remember that I read/watch/listen to things in a variety of genres, and for all ages, so you should make sure you check that the book/movie/show/song is suitable for the intended audience before reading/watching/listening to it, especially if children are involved. I take no responsibility for anything which may happen as a result of failing to do so.
If you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question. Please bear in mind that the format I've reviewed on Goodreads may not be the format I actually read.
Alternatively, if it's a movie or TV show you want to know more about, just click on the title to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Unless otherwise stated, all music videos are via YouTube.
OK. Let's see what I've been reading, watching, and listening to, and which song I'm going to share this week, shall we? After all, that's the point of this post, and why you're here today, right?
Reading:This week I read one book. So, here's what I read, along with my short book review.
Voyager by Diana GabaldonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book wasn't quite as good as the first book in the series, but was definitely better than the second, and I really enjoyed it. I love seeing both the good and bad parts of their relationships while following their adventures... It makes them feel more real.
Watching:This week I only watched more "Fuller House" episodes. That's it. I'm enjoying them though, so that's what matters.
Listening:I'm still not listening to much music, so I'm just going to share another song with a positive message. This time it's Aileen Quin as Annie (at least, that's the version this is meant to be, so I hope it puts the right version up) with a reminder many of us need right now of the promises tomorrow holds.
April 15, 2020
#WriterWednesday: #WritersLife + Writerly #Quotes And Links + The #AuthorsGiveBack #Smashwords #eBook #Sale - #AmWriting 15-04-20
Creativity is gradually winning out over anxiety, even if progress is incredibly slow. So, it still wasn't the most productive week for me - something I feel like I've said way too many times recently. Still, any progress is a good thing, and at least my desire to work on my writing projects is now stronger than my desire to hide in a dark corner until this is all over. Though that idea does still hold a lot of appeal... Just saying. But, as usual, the lure of the stories and poems will not be denied. It's always the way, eventually. I'm still hoping for a May release for this story I've been working on that was inspired by Lilie and Logan, but it might be a last minut release. I've given my cover artist full details for what I want on the cover now though - I'll share it and tell you about the story when he's done it - and just need to finish the final edits and get the versions of the manuscript formatted. So, a May release is still doable, just not with as much advanced notice of the publication date as I originally planned.
OK. Let's see what I have to share with you today.
The writing process, and writing life in general:
10 reasons writers struggle to commit to long-term projects10 things that will probably tempt you to quit writing (even if you don't)A really big deal12 simple strategies for writing while anxious11 quick tips for setting simple but impactful writing goalsComing up with ideas is the easy partGoing from inspiration to inceptionYou'll do your best and worst writing when you dare to improviseYou'll never be the writer you want to be if you deny your dreamsLock-down tips for writers who prefer to write away from home
Characters:
Character archetypes: the shapeshifter7 tips to writing characters with depression7 tips to writing characters with anxiety
Publishing:
Formatting the final manuscriptWorld shift in publishing
The business side of writing:
Coronavirus assistance for authors
Don't forget: the "Authors Give Back" sale is still going on over at Smashwords, and all my books are enrolled, with some at 60% off, and others at 30% off, making them all $2.00 or less, and a couple of them completely free. This is exclusive to Smashwords, ends on April 20th 2020, and codes should apply themselves automatically at checkout.
So, if you're looking for something to read while stuck at home right now - especially if you have children, are a fan of children's stories yourself, or enjoy poetry - you might want to check out my books. After all, since I enable all formats I can, my books are available in multiple formats, including - but not limited to - mobi for Kindle, and ePub (which works with most eReaders). In fact, there's even a html version, which works with your browser, and means if you can read this post, you can read my books.
If you want to take advantage of this sale, you can find my books by going to my Smashwords author page.
Hurry though, because time's almost up; the sale ends on April 20th 2020, which is in just five days time!
There are many reasons why novelists write – but they all have one thing in common: a need to create an alternative world.
~John Fowles
OK. Let's see what I have to share with you today.
The writing process, and writing life in general:
10 reasons writers struggle to commit to long-term projects10 things that will probably tempt you to quit writing (even if you don't)A really big deal12 simple strategies for writing while anxious11 quick tips for setting simple but impactful writing goalsComing up with ideas is the easy partGoing from inspiration to inceptionYou'll do your best and worst writing when you dare to improviseYou'll never be the writer you want to be if you deny your dreamsLock-down tips for writers who prefer to write away from home
A writer’s duty's to register what it's like for him or her to be in the world.
~Zadie Smith
Characters:
Character archetypes: the shapeshifter7 tips to writing characters with depression7 tips to writing characters with anxiety
The writer who cares more about words than about story is unlikely to create a vivid and continuous dream.
~John Gardner
Publishing:
Formatting the final manuscriptWorld shift in publishing
The novel is an event in consciousness. Our aim isn't to copy actuality, but to modify and recreate our sense of it. The novelist is inviting the reader to watch a performance in his own brain.
~George Buchanan
The business side of writing:
Coronavirus assistance for authors
There are zillions of ideas out there—they stream by like neutrons.
~John McPhee
Don't forget: the "Authors Give Back" sale is still going on over at Smashwords, and all my books are enrolled, with some at 60% off, and others at 30% off, making them all $2.00 or less, and a couple of them completely free. This is exclusive to Smashwords, ends on April 20th 2020, and codes should apply themselves automatically at checkout.
So, if you're looking for something to read while stuck at home right now - especially if you have children, are a fan of children's stories yourself, or enjoy poetry - you might want to check out my books. After all, since I enable all formats I can, my books are available in multiple formats, including - but not limited to - mobi for Kindle, and ePub (which works with most eReaders). In fact, there's even a html version, which works with your browser, and means if you can read this post, you can read my books.
If you want to take advantage of this sale, you can find my books by going to my Smashwords author page.
Hurry though, because time's almost up; the sale ends on April 20th 2020, which is in just five days time!
April 14, 2020
Logan The #Cavapoo Is 1 Today
Oh, how much has changed in the past year.
This time last year, I was recovering from my hysterectomy, and waiting to learn if there would be a puppy for me among the litter of Cavapoo puppies due to be born at Castellan House Kennels, which it turned out were born on April 14th. Or, I should say, it turned out he was born on April 14th, since Logan was the only puppy in his litter. Though I only found out for sure the puppy would be mine a couple of days later, since another person had first refusal, so I had to wait for Tessa to try and contact them first (I say try, because after a couple of days of failing to get a response from them, Tessa offered the puppy to me by default, since I was actually reachable... I accepted him, of course).
Now, as we celebrate Logan's first birthday in the midst of a virus pandemic, we're facing adjustments to our new normal, and uncertainty about not only how long this will all last, but what the future will hold when we come out of the other side.
But today, I'm trying not to think about that, instead focussing on enjoying my petkids, and celebrating the 1st birthday of my Cavapoo, Castellan Logan, who still thinks himself little, despite having grown to half again Lilie's size.
Hey, if my Cavapoo wants to think himself as tiny as a teacup Chihuahua, let him. At just under 15 kilos in weight, he's more in the medium dog size range, but why should I destroy his illusions? We all need dreams to cling to, especially now.
Lilie, in contrast, thinks she's as big as a Rottweiler, despite being a Westie who's just under 10 kilos in weight, and in that grey area between small and medium dog breeds in size. But, hey, let her dream as well.
And, how do I know they think that? Because if you call Logan a big dog, he hangs his head and lets his tail droop sadly, where as Lilie does that if you call her a little dog. Do it the other way around - calling Logan little, and Lilie big - and you get doggy grins and wagging tails. Hey, whatever makes them happy, right? *wink*
Anyway, I'll let Logan tell you about how we're celebrating his birthday himself another day. For now though, I just wanted to say happy birthday, my little Logi-Bear. I hope it's the first of many birthdays I get to celebrate with you.
This time last year, I was recovering from my hysterectomy, and waiting to learn if there would be a puppy for me among the litter of Cavapoo puppies due to be born at Castellan House Kennels, which it turned out were born on April 14th. Or, I should say, it turned out he was born on April 14th, since Logan was the only puppy in his litter. Though I only found out for sure the puppy would be mine a couple of days later, since another person had first refusal, so I had to wait for Tessa to try and contact them first (I say try, because after a couple of days of failing to get a response from them, Tessa offered the puppy to me by default, since I was actually reachable... I accepted him, of course).
Now, as we celebrate Logan's first birthday in the midst of a virus pandemic, we're facing adjustments to our new normal, and uncertainty about not only how long this will all last, but what the future will hold when we come out of the other side.
But today, I'm trying not to think about that, instead focussing on enjoying my petkids, and celebrating the 1st birthday of my Cavapoo, Castellan Logan, who still thinks himself little, despite having grown to half again Lilie's size.
Hey, if my Cavapoo wants to think himself as tiny as a teacup Chihuahua, let him. At just under 15 kilos in weight, he's more in the medium dog size range, but why should I destroy his illusions? We all need dreams to cling to, especially now.
Lilie, in contrast, thinks she's as big as a Rottweiler, despite being a Westie who's just under 10 kilos in weight, and in that grey area between small and medium dog breeds in size. But, hey, let her dream as well.
And, how do I know they think that? Because if you call Logan a big dog, he hangs his head and lets his tail droop sadly, where as Lilie does that if you call her a little dog. Do it the other way around - calling Logan little, and Lilie big - and you get doggy grins and wagging tails. Hey, whatever makes them happy, right? *wink*
Anyway, I'll let Logan tell you about how we're celebrating his birthday himself another day. For now though, I just wanted to say happy birthday, my little Logi-Bear. I hope it's the first of many birthdays I get to celebrate with you.
Zigler News
Author and book news for children's author and poet, Victoria Zigler, as well as general news from the life of the Zigler family; furry and otherwise!
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