Daffodils, Allergy Season, Giveaway: Monday Blog Post

Posted on March 20, 2022 by conniejean

Newest News:

The above picture is of my mini daffodils. That is the surest sign of Spring, don’t you think? Their little yellow heads bobbing in the spring breeze, even if it is cold, just makes a person think of warmer weather. Other signs of Spring are that the flowering plum trees are starting to bloom. It’s nice to drive down the street and see a pink flowering tree in nearly every yard. There are other trees which bloom in white. While I don’t know what kind of tree they are, they’re just covered in white blossoms and the whole street, well, neighborhood, is just delightful to see. But all of that means that the pines, spruces, willows, cedars, and for me, even worse, are the junipers all in full pollen producing mode. I’m a mess of watery, itchy eyes, constantly running nose, and sneezing and coughing while I try to breathe. This time of year, nearly ¾ of the people I know are suffering. I love Spring but the pollen, not so much.

On my new plant-based lifestyle, I’ve been pretty successful over the last week. I did some shopping after watching all of those vegan Youtube videos, and picked up a number of condiments, veggies, and even some prepared meat and cheese substitutes to try out. Breakfasts and lunches have hardly changed. What has changed is that there is vegan bread. Much of the gluten free bread I’ve been buying has egg in it, so I am again label checking to find bread that doesn’t have egg. I’ve tried some of the meat substitutes. The other night I made a vegan Shepard’s Pie using Beyond Meat crumbles. The “meat” had a smoky flavor, perhaps a little too much but it blended well with the mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion and garlic in the filling. The potato mash on the top used vegan butter, yes, that’s a thing, and I thinned it with veggie broth. The whole thing was delicious. Even the hubby, who is not on the vegan bandwagon, gave the meal a thumbs up. You may ask, “What do I miss?” Eggs. I do miss having eggs for breakfast. I have tried using tofu as a scrambled egg substitute but since the hubby isn’t eating it, I ended up eating the mixture, as breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwich, on a plate with other things, and so on. After the 4th day I was sick of it. Nothing’s perfect, I guess. The other problem is that this is a small town in the middle of nowhere. No restaurant offers vegan options. I have to modify anything I order to eliminate the meat and dairy products. That means I’m mostly eating lettuce with the random piece of tomato or slice of cucumber. Hardly the delight one expects when eating out. Oh well.
Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Valentine’s Day giveaway is still live. There are 14 authors involved this time so a lot of great books and prizes are up for grabs. Go to my link, https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter. The group is skipping this year’s St. Patrick’s Giveaway, but are putting together the Spring giveaway, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Where will I Be?

The Desert Foothills festival in Scottsdale. Mark your calendar for June 4th, 9am to 2pm at the Holland Center, 34250 North 60th street. See you there. This is the first annual festival and I’m looking forward to it.

Phoenix Fan Fusion, is back scheduled for its normal time, Memorial Day weekend. Even more fun, it’s the event’s 20th anniversary! I’ll be there in Artists Alley, at table number B821. The website does not yet have a map up of the lower-level sellers area but when they do, I’ll post the link. I’ve made my hotel reservations! https://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/.

Payson Book Festival planning is in full swing. We have a wonderful lineup of authors attending. We’re still finalizing registrations but I’m sure readers will be pleased with the wide variety of genres we have available. Check out the website’s Meet the Authors page to see who will be there selling their books. We’ll be in Payson at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino ballroom on July 23rd, 2022 from 9am until 2:30pm.

CokoCon is a traditional science fiction/fantasy convention in Phoenix, Arizona, September 2nd through the 5th. Adult memberships are $50 each. Children are $25. Only 500 memberships will be offered! I’m not selling at this event, but I will be there to chat with you if you happen to come out. Contact me through my website or facebook page to schedule a meet up! Check out their website at http://www.cokocon.org/2022/.

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:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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 my 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, consider donating to https://www.paypal.me/ConniesRandomThought. I appreciate any donation to help support this blog.

California Dreams Status, Twilight Tuesday, Holiday Season: Monday Blog Post

Posted on November 14, 2021 by conniejean

Newest News:

So what is going on with Zeke Stanford and his new bride Mary? They’ve made some decisions and Zeke, as of my writing yesterday, has had an epiphany about himself. Pretty good for a very young man, if I do say so myself. And at the end of that chapter, it occurred to me to use a background character I had only put into the scene for window dressing has turned out to be more. Much more. Today’s writing my flesh that out. We’ll see how that goes.

A reminder for those in or around Rim Country, that our Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market started last week. This Tuesday, the 16^th, the charity Empty Bowls will be at the market. I fully intend to attend and get my new pottery bowl, hope you can too. It’s a very worthy charity and all the donations go to food banks right here in Payson. I’ll be set up to sell books and give autographs next week, the 23^rd. See you then.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We’re coming into the holiday season. I’ve already been buying my Christmas baking and candy making supplies in small amounts so as not to stress the grocery store supply system. Wherever you are in the world, please celebrate safely. The pandemic has not released its stranglehold on my area yet. It seems like more and more people I know have caught the virus or are catching it. Continue to wear masks, socially distance, and wash those hands. I want to see all of you in 2022!

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

Closing very soon, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

The Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year will run from November 9^th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I have a booth date of November 23^rd, and one of December 14^th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

In between my two Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market events, I’ve just signed up for an outdoor market event at our local coffee shop, Common Grounds. That date is December 4^th and runs 9am – 2pm. Common Grounds is in Payson at the corner of Colcord and Wade Lane. More details when they release a flyer.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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 my 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.

Fall Color, Business Expo on Saturday, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

Posted on October 17, 2021 by conniejean

Aspens by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

Last week hubby and I decided to take a drive up the rim to see how the aspens are doing in their fall finery. It was a nice drive, and we took the 300 road past Woods Canyon lake for a few miles. The aspens were in various stages of their fall color. Some had already dropped their leaves. Some were still mostly green. A good number, though, were in their pure golden dress. Randy took some good pictures. I took a short video trying to catch the trees leaves in the light breeze, making a sound like rain. His pics were pretty good. My video, not so much. That’s his picture above. My video here:

Take the opportunity if you can, to catch the fall colors near you.

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Saturday. Details are below. This is an outdoor event, for those looking to maintain some social distancing. Hope to see you there.

Still no idea what I want to do for Nano. It’s now 2 weeks away.

Stay tuned!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is over! As soon as the organizer pulls the winners, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on October 23^rd. This is a one-day flea market type of event being held in the Payson High School parking lot starting at 10am. It lasts until 2pm so stop by early. I’ll be in the Arizona Professional Writers stall by myself. No other authors decided to take me up on my offer to share the stall. This is a great time to get books for your entire Christmas list, but also to check out all of the fantastic businesses here in Payson. I heard there’s going to be candy handed out for Halloween as well so bring the little ones.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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 my books to other readers. Thanks in advance.

October, Twilight Tuesday Events, Writing Related: Monday Blog Post

Posted on October 3, 2021 by conniejean

Sumac in Fall, Upstate NY

Newest News:

It’s October already! Did it sneak up on you the way it has on me? Despite the self-isolation at the beginning of the year, the tentative coming out in the spring and because of the Delta variant, going back into a modified self-isolation, it’s been a busy year for me. This last quarter of the year is even busier. While October seems a little early to start review my year, I’ve been looking back. Just what have I been doing? This blog post, for one thing. I want to thank you, my readers, for helping me to keep honest about my writing. A big help to be sure. There have been social events, outdoors mostly, which I have enjoyed. One is a weekly lunch in the park with some other women. These are great fun and I’ve learned a lot about the women in this group by having this social, bring your own lunch, every week. What have you been doing with 2021?

Heads up, I have new details for Twilight Tuesdays, below.

There were no responses to my question from last week about what you’d like me to start working on. All of it, I expect. Anyway, I’ll pick something and get moving. You’ll all be glad to hear it, I’m sure.

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, is now over! As soon as the organizer pulls the winners, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, the Pumpkin Posse Authors Halloween Giveaway is live! There are twelve authors, 24 prizes and $71 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

On October 9^th, I’ll be at the Pine/Strawberry Fall Festival all weekend. This is a craft fair with a chili cook-off at 11am on Saturday, antique vendors all weekend, and other crafters there as well. I’ll be in the community hall both Saturday and Sunday. Doors open 9am. I hope you can make the event.

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on October 23^rd. This is a one-day flea market type of event being held in the Payson High School parking lot starting at 10am. It lasts until 2pm so stop by early. I’ll be in the Arizona Professional Writers stall with 2 or maybe even 3 other authors. This is a great time to get books for your entire Christmas list, but also to check out all of the fantastic businesses here in Payson. I heard there’s going to be candy handed out for Halloween as well so bring the little ones.

More news for the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market this year. It will run from November 9^th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st. I have obtained two appearance dates, when I only expected one so I’m pretty happy about that. I have a booth date of November 23^rd, and one of December 14^th. Come on by, check out our version of a European Style Christmas market and enjoy.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

PEO Meeting, Hello Fall, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

Posted on September 26, 2021 by conniejean

Newest News:

On Friday September 24^th I spoke to the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a U.S. based international women’s organization of about 230,000 members. They focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide. I spoke to twenty or so women about how I started writing and a little about how ideas make it from my head to the pages of a book. They seemed to enjoy the talk.

I’m writing this blog on Sunday and it’s a rainy Sunday. A gentle rain has been falling for hours now, very unlike the usual monsoon deluges we usually get. We’ve gone from temperatures in the mid-nineties to 56 degrees as I write this. I had to ditch my usual shorts and tee-shirt for sweatpants and a fleece. Hello Fall!

Writing related, I’m starting to think about National Novel Writing Month. I know it’s still September but if I’m going to write a story, I need to start planning for it soon. I still need to finish my All About Bob story, It’s All About Home. After that, though, there are several options for me to choose from. I could write the next Brown Rain novelette. That would describe Alyssa and Kyra’s trip from Ohio to Illinois, Scott Air Force Base and what they find there. Big clues, I think to the mysterious group that caused the brown rain disaster. Who knows what trouble they’ll find on the base? I’ve been noodling around with a follow-on story for my Slave Elf story. What happens next for Queen Delia? My SciFi story, Troubled Streets actually has a sequel, but it was so awful I just put it away. It might be time for me to pull it out, rescue whatever is good about it and toss the rest. Essentially, starting over. What do you think? Which might you like me to work on? Of course, there’s still the editing of Mystery at the Reunion to also finish, but that’s not a NaNo project. I just need to do it.

Giveaways:

Where will I Be?

I’ll be at the Payson Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on October 23^rd. This is a one-day flea market type of event being held in the Payson High School parking lot starting at 10am. It lasts until 2pm so stop by early. I’ll be in the Arizona Professional Writers stall with 2 or maybe even 3 other authors. This is a great time to get books for your entire Christmas list, but also to check out all of the fantastic businesses here in Payson. I heard there’s going to be candy handed out for Halloween as well so bring the little ones.

I found out from our local farmer’s market managers that they are going to do the Twilight Tuesday Christmas Market again this year. I signed up. I don’t know if I’ll get a single day or be a permanent booth. It will run from November 9^th, 3 – 6pm to December 21st.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

Fruit Trees, Covid Testing, Lord of the Rings: Monday Blog Post

Posted on August 30, 2021 by conniejean

Pears, taken by Randy Cockrell

Newest News:

This is the time of year my fruit trees produce. I’ve already mentioned the peaches, now a lovely memory. I also have a nectarine tree and this year I thought I didn’t get any. The tree doesn’t produce regularly, I think because it’s sensitive to late spring cold. However, my husband was looking on the back side of the trees and found a small bunch of weather damaged but perfectly good nectarines. They look bad but taste really good. Yay! The pear trees are also producing. These are late varieties so won’t be ready for a few weeks yet. Looking forward to those.

I’ve scheduled myself a Covid test and an antibody test as I do have two auto-immune diseases, Celiac and Hashimoto’s. I am probably still in good shape from my last covid shot in March, but I’d just like to know. The tests are tomorrow morning at 8am so I may have to go out to breakfast too!

On writing, my writer’s brain is still functioning. The hubby and I rewatched The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Ring movies not long ago. In the hobbit, I think it was, Gandalf was talking to Bilbo about the Wizards. In the movie, Gandalf told Bilbo that there were five wizards in his order, himself, Saruman, and Radagast, plus two “Blues” whose names he couldn’t remember. This tiny bit of trivia has stuck in my mind for weeks now. I don’t remember it from the book. And with only 5 in the order, why can’t Gandalf remember the two blues? Has it been so long since he’s seen them? Where did they go? What do they do? What were their specialties? Do any of you know? I don’t generally write fan fiction, but those two wizards are much on my mind. I may have to seek out a Tolkien facebook page and ask these questions. Feel free to comment below if you have answers or suggestions.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. The delta variant of the virus is racing through my county. New cases have doubled every week since mid-July and the majority of the people hitting the ICUs and ERs are unvaccinated. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together. Please schedule your vaccination as soon as you can. The shots are still free!

Giveaways:

The Summer event, called the Summer Breeze Books Giveaway, islive! There are 24 prizes and $66 as the Grand Prize in Paypal dollars. Hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

It’s peach harvesting time in Rim Country. Photo by Randy Cockrell

I found out from our local farmer’s market managers that they are going to do the Christmas Market again this year. I signed up. I don’t know if I’ll get a single day or be a permanent booth. It will run from mid-November to just before Christmas. I’ll let you know when I find out the details. Stay tuned. https://www.paysonfarmersmarket.com/

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

Payson Book Festival, Spring Fed Stream: Monday Blog Post

Posted on July 11, 2021 by conniejean

Horton Creek

Newest News:

This is the week! Saturday the 17^th is our 6^th annual book festival. Over 70 authors, a Kid’s Zone, country entertainment, it’s all here. See below for the details or go to https://www.PaysonBookFestival.org to check out the authors attending, the Kid Zone and Entertainment schedules, and where to stay when you visit Payson.

I mentioned last week that I ordered more of my Mystery at the Fair and Mystery in the Woods. Will they get here in time for Saturday’s book festival? We’ll see!

Last minute details on the book festival continue this week! We assemble our author’s packets today (the 12^th), I have three other meetings and a lunch to attend. Also, I’d like to get a mani-pedi on Friday afternoon. Just to take a mental break and relax before Saturday’s event. A little “me time” I guess. What do you do before a big, nerve-wracking event for self-care? Maybe something afterward instead of beforehand? Let us know in the comments!

The weather here in central Arizona is hot and humid. It’s supposed to be monsoon season when afternoon thunderstorms water the land and relieve the heat. But it isn’t happening. Yesterday was a good example. I spent the morning at the Farmer’s Market, advertising for the book festival. Even with a canopy up and a breeze, it felt like we were standing at the open mouth of hell. Hot! And storm clouds gathered, driving up the humidity. But did we get the rain? Nope. A few random drops. So for you in the east, who are struggling with way too much rain, I wish we could take some from you. For those of us here in the heat addled west, may the rains come soon. In the meantime, the above picture is of a spring fed stream here in Rim Country.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. The delta variant of the virus is racing through my county. Hospitalizations have jumped three-fold and the majority of the people hitting the ERs are unvaccinated. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together. Please schedule your vaccination as soon as you can. The shots are still free!

Giveaways:

Our Spring giveaway will end tomorrow or maybe sooner. Then, the summer giveaway will begin. So hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

On July 17^th, starting at 9am – 3:30pm I’ll be at the Payson Book Festival! Yes!! That’s correct! The Payson Book Festival is a GO! You’ll be able to visit us in person, meet authors, and have some fun picking out your next books to read. See more at http://www.PaysonBookFestival.org.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

June Calendar, Father’s Day and the 1st Day of Summer: Monday Blog Post

Posted on June 13, 2021 by conniejean

Western Columbine

Newest News:

I don’t know about you, but June has been full of meetings for me. This week, though, just two. That gives me more time to do book festival business, and perhaps some time to meet friends for lunch or something. That would be nice. There is even less pressure the following week. I have just one official meeting, an interview with KRIM’s Randy Roberson on the 21^st at 10am for the book festival. I’ll be on his Community Spotlight program. You can check it out at https://www.krimfm.com/communityspotlight.

Next week also, on the 20^th, is both Father’s Day and the first day of summer—the longest day of the year. Next week is also my daughter’s birthday. She lives in another state, so we’ll talk on the phone. I hope all of you are having a great spring so far. Travel, I think, is still a little dicey but if you can safely get away, I hope you have a great time.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together.

Giveaways:

Our Spring giveaway is nearing its end. Soon, the summer giveaway will begin. So hop on over to the page with the following link and get in on the prizes. https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

On July 17^th, starting at 9am – 3:30pm I’ll be at the Payson Book Festival! Yes!! That’s correct! The Payson Book Festival is now a GO! You’ll be able to visit us, in person, meet authors, and have some fun picking out your next books to read. See more at http://www.PaysonBookFestival.org.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

AZ Creates Podcast Appearance, My Garden, A New Story Idea: Monday Blog Post

Posted on May 23, 2021 by conniejean

Newest News:

This is the week! My Youtube podcast interview with Laurie Fagen and AZ Creates, will be posted at 7pm on May 27^th! I thought it was a great interview. Even better, once the link is up, you’ll be able to see it at anytime that’s convenient for you. I’ll have the link on my website. First on my blog, then in my media page for viewing at any time. I’ll post it on Facebook as well. Join me for my interview!

Garden Rose with Shower Sprinkles

This is the time of year everyone talks about their garden. Whether it’s a container on your balcony or a quarter acre in the back yard, we are all excited about the growing season. I need to spread my new garden dirt and go down to the garden shop and pick up some small plants. Some fencing too, if we want anything to survive the chipmunks and squirrels. My herbs are doing very well. I have ground lamb to turn into mini-meatballs for tonight’s pasta dinner and my oregano will be just the thing to mince up and include in the meat and sauce. Yum. I’m looking forward to that.

Lonely Old Woman From DepositPhotos.com/53251343 x1 2015

Anyone listen to their local FM Radio? I do. And Saturday I had it on while I did up the breakfast dishes. A song which I’m very familiar with came on the air. You may know it, Only 100 years. I had to look up the proper title and band, which is Five For Fighting and the song title, “100 Years”, from their album, The Battle For Everything. The song, always kind of melancholy and sad, brought me to tears over my dishwater. A sign of old age I suspect as when it first came out in 2004, I was not as emotional about those 100 years. I bring this all up because an actual story idea, probably a flash or short story, popped into mind with the song as the base of it. Over twenty-four hours later and the story is still bubbling in my back brain. It may turn into something or not. I’ll have to take some time to put words to screen. Is there a song that just brings you to tears? I’d love to hear why. Share in the comments if you like.

Hoping everyone is able to access a covid shot, or two if needed. We’ll only beat this disease if we all work together.

Giveaways:

Our Spring giveaway is now live. New with this giveaway is a video graphic to show the books and prizes. How cool is this! Big thanks to Lynn Lamb, one of our administrators, for this lovely graphic. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

Artists on AZ Creates! for May

An established novelist from Payson is one of the guests in May for the final season episodes of AZ Creates!, a YouTube web series television show highlighting artists and authors. Other interviewees include creatives from Chandler, Tucson and Scottsdale.

In Episode 16, which premieres May 27, the Creative Connection artists are actors Harold and Maedell Dixon of Tucson. Husband and wife, both have performed off Broadway, where Harold also directed. They’ve worked in theatre, television and films, and both are long-time Actors Equity members.

Also on that program is author Connie Cockrell of Payson, who has written 20 books, is in five anthologies and published online. Following a 20-year Air Force career, she writes in many genres, and will be discussing her cozy mystery series.

In the program’s regular arts events segments, called “Something to Look Forward To,” co-host and graphic designer Cathy Beard of Chandler will highlight in-person and virtual art happenings from around the state.

The featured nonprofit for Episode 16, the Arizona Professional Writers will be highlighted.

The programs all close with a “Creative Quote of the Day.”

Episode #16 on May 27. All episodes are available on the AZ Creates! YouTube channel on demand, along with other video content.

AZ Creates! is a half-hour video web series to highlight artists, writers, dancers, musicians, film, theatre and TV creatives, and other artistic people in Arizona. Fagen, an artist and crime fiction novel writer, designed the program to connect art patrons with artists, and to work on a positive project during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fagen is resuming her work on “Bleeder,” book three in her mystery series.

Sponsors for the show are Sibley’s West, an Arizona and Chandler Gift Shop and Times Media.

Subscribe to the AZ Creates channel on Youtube.com at www.youtube/c/AZCreatesShow, visit the Art Online AZ Facebook and Instagram pages or email [email protected] for details.

On July 17^th, I’ll be at the Payson Book Festival! Yes!! That’s correct! The Payson Book Festival is now a GO! Details are being resolved, but you’ll be able to visit us, in person, meet authors, and have some fun picking out your next books to read. See more at http://www.PaysonBookFestival.org.

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

Greetings April, Corona Update, Sourdough Update, Giveaway: Monday Blog Post

Posted on March 28, 2021 by conniejean

Newest News:

It’s the last week of March, can you believe that? Where did March go? This week we greet April and at least for us in Arizona, I’m hoping for those promised showers. We’re in a drought the worst it’s ever been in over the last 1000 years. The rain would be welcome.

Saturday was the end of our two-week waiting period after the second virus shot. We did not go out and celebrate. Our town is a tourist destination or at least a pass-through spot. I may venture out for a celebratory lunch or dinner during the week when fewer visitors are in town.

Last week I tried making sourdough pizza. It was a great success. The recipe I used called for soaking flax, chia, and psyllium to make a gluey paste, then mixing in the gluten-free flour and sourdough. It had a nice taste, and the texture of the crust was quite acceptable. The husband said he’d not mind if I made it again. Yay!

Spring means it’s gardening time. Yesterday I took a trip around the yard. My fruit trees, especially the pear and peach trees, are getting ready to bloom. The little blossoms are just about to break open. The trees are so pretty in their white and pink dresses.

Please be careful out there. Weather can turn nasty, accidents can happen, illness can overtake us. Till we can meet in person, stay at home when you can and wear a mask when you go out.

Giveaways:

The St. Patrick’s Day giveaway over. As soon as the administrator pulls the winners, I’ll let you know who won.

Our Spring giveaway is starting soon. We’ve had unforeseen delays, but it will be up as soon as possible. New with this giveaway is a video graphic to show the books and prizes. How cool is this! Big thanks to Lynn Lamb, one of our administrators, for this lovely graphic. Check out the link at https://conniesrandomthoughts.com/giveaways-and-prizes/ to enter.

Where will I Be?

On May 13^th at 2pm Arizona time, I’ll be on the podcast with Laurie Fagan on her show, AZ Creates. It’s a lovely podcast and as soon as I have the link for my interview, I’ll put it up. In the meantime, enjoy her show at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teajmtQ4-90&feature=youtu.be. Note, Karen Landau is a mystery author right here in my town! How great is that!

Newsletter Sign Up:

Newest Releases:

Creature in the Night, a short Halloween, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Fantasy story has been published. It is up on Amazon, in Kindle Unlimited or for purchase at $.99. 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.

ConniesRandomThoughts

Thoughts and Activities About My Writing

Category Archives: Seasons

Daffodils, Allergy Season, Giveaway: Monday Blog Post

California Dreams Status, Twilight Tuesday, Holiday Season: Monday Blog Post

Fall Color, Business Expo on Saturday, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

October, Twilight Tuesday Events, Writing Related: Monday Blog Post

PEO Meeting, Hello Fall, NaNo is Coming: Monday Blog Post

Fruit Trees, Covid Testing, Lord of the Rings: Monday Blog Post

Payson Book Festival, Spring Fed Stream: Monday Blog Post

June Calendar, Father’s Day and the 1st Day of Summer: Monday Blog Post

AZ Creates Podcast Appearance, My Garden, A New Story Idea: Monday Blog Post

Greetings April, Corona Update, Sourdough Update, Giveaway: Monday Blog Post