So, during our stay at home, I’ve been cooking dinners regularly. Of course we have the occasional frozen pizza night and a hot dogs and French fry supper but I’ve been quite likely to try new stuff too. The other night I made a chicken satay. I saw a Youtube video of some guy who does food tours of the food in Vietnam, Laos, and China, and one of the things he tried was a street vendor’s chicken satay. It looked good so I tried to make my own. It turned out pretty good and it was a fun, dinner on a stick, that we don’t do more than once every five years. Last night I tried marinated pork chops with a pineapple salsa. That was good, too. What are you experimenting with for dinner?
I’m still participating in April’s Poetry month. I post a new poem every day on my Facebook page if you’re looking for something quick and fun to read. https://www.facebook.com/ConniesRandomThoughts/ You can participate if you like. I sometimes give links and other hints for writing your own poetry.
Bald Eagle at our local pond. Taken by Randy Cockrell.
Have you seen people on Facebook announcing their birthday but instead of gifts, are asking people to donate to a cause? I’ve run this question a couple of weeks now. I noticed yesterday that my second brother set up a donation thing for his Amateur Radio Club for his birthday. Hmm. I’ll have to step up my game, though at this point I’m thinking donations to my local food banks would be most appropriate. Have you ever set up a Facebook donation for your birthday? What did you choose?
Stay safe. Stay well.
Giveaways:
The spring giveaway, Spring Flings and Book Things, is now open. You can get to it here, on my Giveaways page. As soon as the winners are announced for the St. Patrick’s giveaway, I’ll let you know.
Where will I Be?
Payson Book Festival, July 18th at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, Payson AZ. This event is under consideration for cancellation. We’ll know more in May
CokoCon 2020, September 4 – 7th, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S Tempe, AZ. This event hasn’t been cancelled yet. I’ll keep you posted.
Phoenix Fan Fusion, September 25th – 27th. This event has been postponed until the end of September. Note that the event is a day shorter, starting on Friday rather than Thursday. For people who have special Thursday passes and other special tickets, check out the Fan Fusion website for details on how those will be handled.
Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are coming.
Don’t forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Releases:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on https://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. Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.
It’s calving season in Central AZ. This is just one of the cuties I saw on a drive about a week ago.
I started staying home last week so I’m about a week and a half into my isolation. Hubby excepted, of course. Most of my friends are doing the same. I saw a friend of mine walking her dog by my house the other day and I ran out to say hi, ten feet apart, of course. Sunday I ate the last of my homemade coconut milk yogurt so I made some more. It will be ready on Monday. Hubby does the shopping for us, and reports the stores still with many empty shelves. To keep busy I found a Youtube site, Lunch Doodles by children’s author Mo Willems. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzjCPQv3y8 The series is set up for children but it thought it was fun and some good practice for me to illustrate my own children’s story. I’m also involved in a Pixar workshop on storytelling. You can find it at https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar/storytelling. I figured that Pixar has a great storytelling set up and is very successful at it so I thought I’d check it out. I’ve done two sections so far and have really enjoyed it. So if you’re looking to strengthen your writing skills, check it out. Both the doodles and the storytelling are free! Final thing, if you aren’t doing Facebook, you might want to come back. Tons of people are posting recipes, (I can’t eat regular bread but the post on cast iron skillet bread looked so good!), games and exercises for you and the kids, fun links to games, movies, art, music, and so much more. Just scroll by any post that you dislike and get to the good stuff.
Stay safe. Stay well.
I don’t often do this but with the store shelves continuing to be empty I thought I’d post this piece by author Angela Chrysler www.angelabchrysler.com. The entire newsletter is full of great advice, but this part of her post seemed especially significant to me. It’s on panic buying and to be honest, I’ve found myself doing the same things, the last time I was in the store. So, with many thanks to Angela, here’s her post on:
The 5 Stages of Panic Buying.
I first started seeing panic buying two
weeks ago in early March. Was 7 March really only that recent ago?
I didn’t panic buy in Stage #1. I stood back, wrinkling my
brow and asked, “What? Toilet paper?” I didn’t panic buy in stage #2 when herd
mentality kicked in. I knew how to recognize the lemming stage. I did however
panic buy in stage 3 with the, “Oooh! I finally found this!”
Here are the multiple stages of panic buying and how to
control them as they hit.
Stage #1 – “How we feel in control when things are out of
control.”
Summary:
I see Olaf in Frozen II sitting in the forest with children
who proceed to shove crystals into his face. “This is how we feel in control
when things are feeling out of control.” It’s an old instinct that runs deep
and, if you can’t recognize it, you most likely will have it. If you’ve ever
been without, it will hit you harder than most. Think of those who lived during
the First Great Depression.
The problem with it:
This is the stage that sets off the chain reaction to all the
other stages. It leads to economic downfall and an imbalance of supply and
demand. This Stage is the stage that starts all other stages. It is the
catalyst. The cause that creates the effect.
How to recognize and stop it:
Are you buying what is not on your list? Do you need it now?
Are you being emotional or logical? First and foremost, are you scared? Every
one of these stages is a fear response, but this one more than most because it
is the least logical. Nothing more. Be honest with yourself. Be aware of it,
and remind yourself that buying that extra gallon (or five) of milk will not
solve the issue. You will still have a possibly lethal virus running rampant
around you. You may still get sick. You will just have one (or five) more
gallons of milk to store in your fridge. Buying that milk will not stop the
virus.
Stage #2 – The Lemming Stage.
Summary:
“Everyone was buying the giant balls of butter, so I got on
for each of us!” This is one of my favorite lines from 3rd Rock from the
Sun. Sally Solomon came home with four turkeys when she experienced her first
Thanksgiving in Season 1. We do this because when monkey sees, monkey does. We
don’t understand WHY everyone is buying toilet paper, but we assume they have
news that we don’t have and stopping to ask for an explanation could result in
you losing out while others grab and run. Act first. Ask later.
My husband is an Aries: the one astrological sign that likes
to mess with people…because he can. “Ooh!” My husband said and
dramatically snatched up a kitchen sponge, clutching it to his body
protectively, then, slunk away as if someone would wrestle it from him. “What’s
that?” Shoppers around him instantly zoomed in to the wall of sponges and
started stocking up. Seriously people, pay attention to your emotions
specifically the impulses driven by fear.
I also call this stage the “lemming” stage as these are the
panic buyers who buy because they see everyone else doing it.
The problem with it:
This stage feeds the next lemming beside you. Panic breeds
panic. While Stage #1 launches the downfall, the lemming stage builds the
momentum and keeps it going until nothing is left. Still largely fear-based,
this stage doesn’t have a drop of logical thought around.
How to recognize and stop it:
This one is easy. The ONLY reason why you would panic buy in
stage #2 is because you consistently saw the same item in everyone else’s cart
OR you went to a store, saw that the shelf was almost bare and you grabbed the
last two cans of dog food before remembering that you don’t even own a dog. Or
you were one of the ten shoppers who saw my husband clutching the sponges to
his chest. Ask yourself, am I buying this because I need it or because I saw
what others are doing?
Stage #3 – The Adrenaline Stage –
“Ooh! I haven’t been able to find this!”
Summary:
Still fear based and still no logic in sight. I did this
yesterday at Target. I found THE LAST packs of tissues!! (I didn’t need them).
They were travel sized, BUT THEY WERE MINE (I didn’t need them)! “At Last”
played in my head. I cried, actually cried, with relief. I wouldn’t even put
them in the cart. They were MINE (I didn’t need them).
The problem with it:
This one is tricky because it has the illusion of logic
attached to it…even though it doesn’t. Did you read the part where I said I
didn’t need them? Yes. Buying something because you finally found it looks
logically, but if you’re buying something for anything other than need, it
isn’t logical. It’s emotional. I have $6.00 less in my wallet than I had
yesterday for something I don’t need, and I took from someone else who actually
may need it. It was this event yesterday that led me to writing this article.
How to recognize and stop it:
Recognizing this stage is simple. Did you ever use the
phrase, “I found it!?”Before you buy ask, “Do I need it?” If the answer is no
then yes, you are in stage #3. If you DO need it, you’re not panic buying
UNLESS…You are buying more than you NEED. Logically determine your need before
you buy. Not sure if you need it? Then ask yourself, “Can I do without this?”
Stage #4 – The Stage of Overthinking Foresight –
“I found it NOW, but what if I can’t get it when I need it?”
Summary:
This is the stage that has not happened yet…but it will. This
stage will hit alongside Stage #5. You can and probably will have Stage #4 and
Stage #5 at the same time. There is one subtle difference: Stage #5 can last
for years, even a lifetime. Stage #4 will only last for a month or two after
the demand drops and supply can finally recover.
This stage will hit when toilet paper does make its way back
on the shelves. This is the one I feel the most. I could easily buy 3 dozen
packages of toilet paper when they FINALLY hit the shelves…just because I can’t
trust they won’t be there. I know others will have the same feeling. If we
don’t keep Stage #4 in check, we could easily start the whole cycle over again,
prolonging the supply deficit.
The problem with it:
This will keep mandatory essentials scarce. It will continue
to keep the bare shelves bare. It will start panic buying over again from Stage
#2.
How to recognize and stop it:
This is the first stage that is not only emotional, but it is
VERY logical. This is why Stage #4 is so dangerous. One could easily convince
themselves why they need to buy and will stock up. It is easy to recognize, but
not so easy to stop. In fact, it’s downright DIFFICULT to stop. It’s simple.
Imagine the paper product aisle in Walmart fully stocked. What would you do? If
you answered, “Buy it all” you are probably in Stage #4. What I recommend is
the following:
Consult an old grocery list. One you used March 2019.
Buy only what is on that list and ONLY in the quantities you
would have purchased in March 2019.
This stage truly is the “it looks easy on paper, but in
practice…” I know. I’m right there with you. This stage is going to be hard.
Stage #5 – Trauma Induced Stage –
“I missed you! I’m getting you now because I finally can! I
finally feel empowered! I will never live without you again!”
Summary:
This stage will arrive alongside stage #4. But, when stage #4
dies out, stage #5 will stick around a little (or a lot) longer. This one is
the one that could stick with any one person for the rest of their lives. This
is where the trauma of having no toilet paper for 3 months could easily result
in keeping a year’s worth of toilet paper for the rest of your life. Do you
remember that weird quirk your grandmother had where she always saved every
last piece of wrapping paper no matter how mangled it was? Or your grandfather
who kept every newspaper because there was always a way he could use it later?
Yeah. That is what Stage #5 looks like years later.
In short, Stage #5 is what the trauma of doing without leaves
behind.
The problem with it:
It is a trauma that, if left unchecked, could result in a
mind or severe case of hoarding. It can lead to storage problems, financial
ruin, or, in some cases, severe forms of clutter.
How to recognize and stop it:
Does the thought of not buying 6 months’ supply of toilet
paper renew feelings of panic? Do you literally fight back tears or violently
lash out if someone tries to prevent or question the quantity of toilet paper
you purchase? If any part of this stage fills you with a massive waves of
emotion, you’re probably in stage #5.
If it is a mild case, to stop it, apply the methods of stage
#4. Again, easier said than done. If it is an advanced case, a licensed
therapist may be in order.
I know that made my
blog post longer than normal but I thought it important that we examine our own
emotional situation and work together to get the supply lines back to normal.
Giveaways:
Hooray! The St. Patrick Day giveaway still live! This is one of our shortest giveaways and sure to be shut down any day now, so be sure to click on the link right away. As always, we ask that to win, you follow us on one or more of several social media, or our newsletters, or our websites. You don’t have to join all of them, but to find out more about the many wonderful authors, you’ll want to do that. Here’s the link. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ or go to https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2703c98f110/ Sign up today!
Phoenix Fan Fusion, May 21st – 24th. This event hasn’t been cancelled yet. I’ll keep
you posted.
Payson Book Festival, July 18th at the
Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, Payson AZ. This event hasn’t been cancelled yet.
I’ll keep you posted.
CokoCon 2020, September 4 – 7th,
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S Tempe, AZ. This event hasn’t
been cancelled yet. I’ll keep you posted.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t forget to follow
my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the newsletter. You can
share both, so spread the word!
Newest Releases:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do
as an author, it takes time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the
Friday free story and the recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider
donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
Not the actual rodent that jumped out of the engine compartment.
Newest News:
Critter in the engine compartment is no joke. Hubby
took the Prius to the garage for an oil change. They came and got him just
after they pulled the car into the bay. They pointed out a two-foot in diameter
nest. Apparently when they opened the hood the rodent critter jumped out and disappeared
into the recesses of the garage. I imagine it scared the tar out of the poor
mechanic. Anyway, the critter has apparently given up making nests in the glove
box and has moved to the car engine. Yay! Another place for us to check daily
to make sure nothing has moved back in. Sorry. No pictures.
I’ve spent the last week processing Payson Book Festival registrations. Nearly all of the tables are now full. It’s only the 12th of January! They go so fast. I’m glad, of course, that the festival has become so popular. I’m just sorry I can’t get more authors in to show off their work. Readers, be sure to mark your calendar for July 18th, Payson, Arizona, at the Mazatazal Hotel and Casino ballroom. You won’t be sorry! www.PaysonBookFestival.org.
Healthy eating!
Just some personal stuff. We all know that January is the month for many of us to try and get healthy. I don’t know about you but the holidays really make me ready for vegetables in January. Anyway, I’ve gone back on my Paleo routine and as of the 12th, I’ve lost 10 pounds. Most of that is water weight, but still, my pants fit better, I feel better and I’m ready to get back to some sort of exercise routine. A friend of mine is opening a gym and I’ve signed up for a free, “getting to know you” class on Friday. I’m so excited to see what she has done in her new business and to wish her well as well as get in some movement in the new year. What are you doing to get or keep healthy this month? Let me know in the comments!
Giveaways:
I missed the Valentine’s Day giveaway. I’m not sure how. However, I am signed up for the St. Patrick’s Day giveaway. I’ll post links as soon as I get them. I’ll post the Christmas winners as soon as I’m notified.
Where will I Be?:
Tempe FanCon. January25th from 10am to 4pm at the Tempe Public Library.
CokoCon 2020, September 4 – 7th, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S Tempe, AZ
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Releases:
My 2020 Calendar,
which I’ve titled Arizona Reflections, is still available. The beautiful
pictures of Arizona wildlife, insects, reptiles, and landscapes relaxes me
every time I look at them. The wall calendar has both U.S. and Canadian
holidays listed and blocks for keeping track of appointments. You can find the
calendar for purchase at: http://www.lulu.com/content/legacy-lulustudio-calendar/arizona-impressions/25183877. Alternatively, you can go to my website, at my Books and Other Products
page and it’s the first thing you see. I hope you enjoy it.
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
Had
a really good interview with a military woman who was stationed in Afghanistan!
I received excellent details about the living arrangements, how and when people
could leave the compounds, what weapons they carried, all sorts of stuff. Now
mulling over how to use that information. Mystery at the Reunion. Yes, it will
be out. Probably early 2020.
Website
updates. Spent some time last week in my website trying to figure out where the
blog signup button went. Can’t find it anywhere though the newsletter links
still work. I cleaned up the social media share buttons, so that’s a plus. Then
spent a lot of time looking for a widget or a plug-in to get my blog sign-ups
back. No luck on that. I’ll have to find a web admin group and ask them what they
use.
I
go to jury duty tomorrow!
Mouse
patrol! Taping up the under the car duct covers has eliminated our mice in the
car problem. I’m pretty sure they’re still in the garage though. Ugh.
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 now
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.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Book Release:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. I have finished reformatting the book for the other platforms. It sometimes takes a few days or even a week to get them all live. It up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
Happy
fall! I know it’s not officially fall but it’s Labor Day today and I hope
everyone has had a wonderful summer and are all set to have a very great
Autumn. I’m not a pumpkin spice kind of person but if you are, have at it!
Hooray.
Found a military woman to talk to me about Afghanistan! I’ll be talking to her
on Tuesday and I’m really looking forward to it.
More news about the critter or critters in my garage. Last week I mentioned that hubby cleaned a new nest out of the car air conditioning duct. Sunday, he checked it and what do we find? A new nest built. The mouse is bringing dried out peaches in from the yard at the other end of the house and putting them in the nest. Ugh. Hubby is now setting traps under the car. While under there, he found a small cover that’s hanging open. He suspects that’s where the mouse (we’re pretty sure it’s a mouse) is getting into the car. He’s duct taped it up as it’s broken, while we wait for a new cover to arrive from Toyota.
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.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the
SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you
sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and
contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Book Release:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. I have finished reformatting the book for the other platforms. It sometimes takes a few days or even a week to get them all live. It up on Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, (Direct link doesn’t work, copy the URL and paste it into your browser, or go directly to Kobo.com and search for Gold Dreams, Connie Cockrell), and Smashwords. The print version is available on Amazon. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
This was supposed to go out last week and I just realized it was sitting in my drafts folder. Ugh. So, this week you get two posts! Enjoy.
Writing. I am. Really, I am. I’m working on my serial, The Party. I post a new chapter every Friday. The news is so frightening I don’t think I’ll ever run out of material. I also wrote a short story for Writing for Peace’s next compilation magazine, DoveTales Online. I submitted that on the 15th and am crossing my fingers that it is accepted. I’ll know, perhaps in November. The magazine comes out in February. If you’re interested in what they’re doing over there, check it out on WritingForPeace.org. They have a Facebook Page as well and I’m getting some very interesting posts from them.
I’m also starting to think about my November National Novel Writing Month project. I need the next installment in the Brown Rain series, book 5, so I may do that. I’m also toying with a follow-on book to Gold Dreams. Have you read it? Would you be interested in hearing about Zeke and Mary in California?
In other news, I’ve been summoned to jury duty next month, September 10th. It’s at the county seat which is 2 hours away. As an author, I’m very excited to be called. I find the whole process fascinating. I also hope it’s an interesting trial. I can always use these kinds of experiences for my writing.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that the lizard in our front yard was missing his tail. My husband spotted him yesterday and took this picture. You can clearly see where his tail has regrown. Yay little lizard!
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.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
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 https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
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.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
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 https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
After
the Phoenix Fan Fusion, I began showing some of the t-shirts from the show. Here
is one for this week.
What a deal. For the month of July, I’m still offering many of my books either 50% off or free! That’s right, the entire month of July is Smashwords’ Summer/Winter Sale and I’m participating, but it only lasts three more days. If you decide to pick up one of my books, I hope you enjoy it. If you do, a small review would be greatly appreciated.
One more giveaway if you are a SciFi, Apocalyptic/Dystopian fan. Starting today! I’m with a group of authors offering just that. The giveaway is called World’s End and is through Book Funnel. You’ll be asked to join author’s newsletters. This giveaway is over at the end of July, again, just three more days! Don’t wait too long or you’ll miss it!
Gardening. It’s peach season here in central Arizona. My peach tree branches are just bending over with their peach load. It’s also tomato hornworm season. So far, I’ve just pulled two of them from my biggest tomato plant.
Hornworm
Here’s a picture of a hornworm.
My empty deep garden bed now has two plants popping up. I see now they’re potatoes. Probably a couple of left over tiny taters lay in wait. Apparently the chipmunks, squirrels, and the rabbit don’t eat the potatoes any more than they eat the tomatoes. Just as well, as every single yellow squash that has grown has been eaten by the time it gets three inches long. Sigh.
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?:
Now
that the Payson Book Festival is done, I don’t have anything on my calendar
until the December Mesa Book Festival. Dates are still to be determined but
I’ll post as soon as the website makes info available.
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.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Book Release:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is only up on Amazon, at the moment. I’ll let everyone know when the print version is up and is up on the other platforms. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
After
the show, I began showing some of the t-shirts from the Phoenix Fan Fusion.
Above is one for this week.
What a deal. For the month of July, I’m offering many of my books either 50% off or free! That’s right, the entire month of July is Smashwords’ Summer/Winter Sale and I’m participating. If you decide to pick up one of my books, I hope you enjoy it. If you do, a small review would be greatly appreciated.
One more giveaway if you are a SciFi, Apocalyptic/Dystopian fan. Starting today! I’m with a group of authors offering just that. The giveaway is called World’s End and is through Book Funnel. You’ll be asked to join author’s newsletters. This giveaway is over at the end of July so don’t wait too long or you’ll miss it!
Our front yard lizard, an earless lizard, seems to have lost part of his tail. I’ve shown him before—a handsome fellow, but life out in the yard is tough. I’m happy to see he won his battle and is free to continue to sun himself on his favorite rock.
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?:
The Payson Book Festival 2019. Mark your calendars for this Saturday, July 20th. Go to www.paysonbookfestival.org for all of the details! We have nearly 90 authors, lots of speakers in both the Fireside and Maple rooms, and again, the silent auction. Want to just make a donation? Go to our Paypal.me page, Payson Book Festival.
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and
the SciFi/Fantasy and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If
you sign up for my newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun
and contests! Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m
working on. Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new
books are coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Book Release:
Gold Dreams released May 13th, 2019. It is only up on Amazon, at the moment. I’ll let everyone know when the print version is up and is up on the other platforms. You can also see all my books on https://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.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
Slave
Elf is back from it’s second round with the editor. I have some cleaning up to
do and then copy/line edits, then I can publish. If you’re excited about the
new version, I have it on pre-order at Amazon. You can order here. I think you’ll like the new version. It’s
tightened up to make it more exciting and the inconsistencies in names, and
such, are now eliminated.
Giveaways:
I now have winners for the 2018 Christmas giveaway. I did three prizes for Christmas. Kassie won a free ebook of Mystery at the Fair. Ben from the UK won an ebook copy of my Christmas Tales collection of short stories. The third gift was a $10 Amazon gift card won by Kelly. I want to thank all of the Christmas giveaways for participating. The next giveaway is listed below!
The Valentine’s day giveaway is open and there are 45 prizes to give away and 45 books. The grand prize is $135 in Paypal cash. What are you waiting for? Click here to find the free Rafflecopter.
Woman sitting behind her laptop and dreaming about love. Vector Illustration.
In the meantime, I’m in a promotion with 19
other women writers on Book Funnel. You can check out the books here. There are romances, mysteries, shifter
stories and even a non-fiction. Don’t miss out. These are all free for a short
time.
Where will I be?:
I was at Black Canyon City at the Heritage Park on
January 26th for their Winter and Book Fest. Even though the day had
a cold wind blowing all day, those of us there had a good time. I talked to a
bunch of readers, and handed out I don’t know how many heads-up flyers for July’s
Payson Book festival. There were a lot of non-profit groups there. One was a
wildlife rehab organization who brought owls for people to see. They were very
cool!
Newsletter Sign Up:
Click
here
to sign up for my newsletter. I’ve put sign-up gifts on the regular and the SciFi/Fantasy
and the Cozy Mystery newsletter sign-ups. That’s right. If you sign up for my
newsletter you get a free story from me. Be prepared for fun and contests!
Click on the video link for a short video from me. Hear what I’m working on.
Join my “A” Team to be the first to read my books and hear what new books are
coming.
Don’t
forget to follow my blog, too. Different material goes in the blog as in the
newsletter. You can share both, so spread the word!
Newest Book Release:
The Gulliver
Station ebook box set released July 30th, 2018. It is finally up on all of my
other retailers in ebook format. You can buy it at Amazon,
Apple,
Barnes
and Noble, Kobo,
and Smashwords today.
You can also see all my books on https://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. It’s critical
to help me promote the books to other readers. Thanks in advance.
Thank
you for reading my blog. Like all of the other work I do as an author, it takes
time and money. If you enjoy this Monday blog and the Friday free story and the
recipe I put up on the 25th of every month, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support
this blog.
