Loss, The Party, Critters in the Garage: Monday Blog Post

Mom and her Flowers

Newest News:

Loss.
Since December 31st when I lost my mom, four other friends and
friends of the family passed away. The last on May 31st. I mention
this as a memorial for the friend who passed away on May 31st, was held
Saturday. It was a lovely service and many nice things were said. It hits me
especially hard since my moms passing. I’m more sensitive now to the loss. It
still affects me at different times, especially at last Saturday’s memorial,
even during the reading of the Lord’s Prayer. Tears flowed several times. There’s
still a hole where my mom was. There are still times when I think, “oh, I have
to tell mom about this.” Then, of course, I remember, she’s gone. Sometimes I
cry. Sometimes I can get away with a deep breath. If you’ve lost someone
recently, I feel your pain. I do. Here’s hoping you remember the good times,
the laughter, the quiet moments. And, as I’m being told, take your time with
your grief. Each of us is different and has to process this loss in our own
way. Hugs to you all.

I think because I’m thinking about what to write for November’s National Novel Writing Month, a new Jean Hays is popping herself into my mind. I still haven’t found a military woman who has been stationed in Afghanistan, so book 4 is still in holding. But even so, little glimmers of a new Jean story is letting itself be known. Believe it or not, the next story may require a trip to the local, and only, strip club! Hmm.

It’s
now 15 days until I go to jury duty.

Not in my garage. At least I don’t think so.

Have I mentioned the critter or critters in my garage? They are smart. They’re totally eating the bait off of the traps and leaving them unsprung. Clever little beasties. They started moving into my car. We thought one had crawled into a vent space and died but no. Hubby went to replace an air vent filter and found a big nest in the process of being built. They’d also incorporated the blocks of critter poison we’d put out, in the nest. All four of the blocks. I’m thinking the entire garage needs to be emptied to dislodge the trespassers. Not something either I or hubby are excited about doing but it may be the step before we call the exterminators. What’s your best critter story?

Giveaways:

The Summer Giveaway is open! There are 33 participating authors with 33 book prizes and 33 summer gift prizes. The Grand Prize is $100 in Paypal cash. This is certainly a giveaway to get involved with.

Where will I Be?:

I don’t have anything on my calendar until the December Mesa Book Festival. The date is December 14th from 10am – 5pm and the location has changed to 225 E Main St, Mesa. This is the Benedictine University, for those familiar with Mesa. I am sharing a booth space with the wonderful Marsha Ward. The site only promotes the author registering the table, so you’ll only see Marsha’s name, not mine. But I promise, I’ll be there. You can find all the details and a map at https://anthology.org/category/mesa-book-festival/.

On
the other hand, if something juicy comes up, because it’s a long time between
July and December, I’ll let you know. Do you know of an event where you’d like
to see me? I’d love to know about it. Contact me here and say the word.

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Newest Book Release:

Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is only up on Amazon, at the moment. The print version is available on Amazon. I just haven’t reformatted the book for the other platforms yet. I’ll do it. Really I will. You can also see all my books on http://conniesrandomthoughts.com/my-books-and-other-published-work/. If you’ve read any of my books, please drop a short, honest, review on the site where you bought it or on Goodreads or BookBub. Your review is critical to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

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