Saturday, December 12, 2020

Welcome back, my chuckaboos! The moment of the winter solstice draws near. Yes winter is coming! It’s down to the wire for getting “Journey 1” of Dead of Winter ready for publication. If anyone is interested in helping, I’d greatly appreciate any reblog of the launch post, or any other way you want to help me share. Sorry, no exact date yet for when it will be released.
That said, this is a very short episode of The Delta Pearl. If you missed the riverboat last weekend, here’s the link to the previous chapter.
Random Reader Things
Onomatopoeic is this chapter’s random reader thing. It’s from Pat at e-Quips.
Previously on The Delta Pearl
If you missed the riverboat last weekend, here’s a link to the previous episode. When we left, the Dealer’s cat had something in his mouth.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 59 — Growl
Image by Gellinger at Pixabay
Sir Reginald La Felin leapt from the Dealer’s shoulder. However, Jaspe had reflexes quick as any cat. He caught Reggie in midair.
“Come now, minou. What have you, Reggie? Don’t you be stubborn with me. Émeraude, see if you can pull whatever that is out of his mouth,” Jaspe said.
“What is minou?” Victor whispered.
“That’s the Dealer’s Cajun way of saying cat,” I answered softly.
“Oh! It’s onomatopoeic,” my inventor used an unfamiliar word and my brows knitted. “A word that imitates the natural sounds of a thing. Mee-noo sounds like a cat’s meow. Ha! Dash my wig — so does meow,” Victor added.
As I leaned closer to the cat, I could see a tiny corner of gold protruding from his mouth. When I put my hand near his mouth he growled possessively. Such behavior was unlike him. Reggie was an affectionate cat.
A whistle distracted me. It came from one of several speaking tubes at my reception station. I moved to answer it. A second whistle was followed by a woman’s voice.
“Opal! Are you alright?” I asked, putting my mouth to the bell-shaped end of the pipe.
“Yes, yes,” came her impatient voice. “I saw it was missing just as the Delta Pearl took a lurch. I was so distraught that I stumbled. Then I hit my head… but that’s not important. My Peridot is missing! It holds the key. We must find it!”
My suspicious gaze turned to the cat.
***
End Chapter 59
***
Balderdash… we still don’t know what the cat has in his mouth. And what is so important about a peridot? I got the impression that Émeraude thinks the cat has it… but if it were my cat she would have swallowed something as small as a gemstone…
In other news
I’m offering the service of “designed & ready” book covers. Here’s this week’s featured design Click here to see my entire portfolio.

Be well, be happy, my chuckaboos.
***
.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2020 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
…
That rascally kitty cat. I’m catching up. Glad to be back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill, it’s a delight to see you. I think the cat is making up for lost time. We hadn’t seen him in a while. Stay safe and warm, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure that whatever the cat has, it has it for safe-keeping, the cat will prove to be one of the heroes of the story – of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Andrea. Hopefully the cat doesn’t swallow whatever it is. LOL. Yuletide blessings, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
whatever it is, I do hope Reggie doesn’t swallow it; it could get, erm, messy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, there’s already been speculation that “it” is a hairball, Geoff. Thanks for visiting. Happy holidays, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
I missed this episode, Teagan. How did that happen? This episode is definitely the case of the curious cat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Maybe Reggie needs to meet up with Lilith from Atonement, Tennessee. A very curious pair they’d be. Thanks for visiting, Robbie. Have a lovely holiday break, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
“When I put my hand near his mouth he growled possessively.” I had to laugh when I read this – any cat owner knows this sound, lol.
LikeLike
LOL, I thought you might relate, Teri. Hugs to you and chin rubs to Bond. Thanks for reading, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
Yes, the cat has a secret! ! Today is the longest day of the year, it is already dark! ! Thank you for sharing your lovely work with me! ! !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome aboard the Delta Pearl, Ms. Frances. I’m glad I could add a bright spot to this long, long night. Stay safe and warm, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
🎼🎶🌷⚘🦋🌿🌷💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
And the path took us to another cliff….love it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kirt. Here’s to brighter paths ahead in 2021. Thanks for reading and commenting, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A charming little scene, Tegan. and a discussion of an element of poetry too. thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m delighted you enjoyed it, David. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Have a safe, warm, and lovely holiday, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
I can’t wait to see what’s in the cat’s mouth:) Sending hugs. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’m going with what most people have guessed about what’s in Sir Reggie’s mouth, Denise. However, I think I will have a big surprise right on the heels of that. 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a merry Christmas, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
It appears the cat is hiding something. Looking forward to your next installment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah… Dyanna, the pantser in me took over and now there’s something new, just as I thought I was wrapping things up. LOL. Thanks for reading and commenting. Happy (almost) solstice, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heartfelt thanks for sharing from your magazine, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alright, I need to know what the cat is hiding. 🙂 I am enjoying your installments. Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Lavinia. That’s music to my ears. Oh, and there’s more music ahead. 😀 Happy solstice, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh the the cat knows something or has something but not the peridot. What is is is far more important
Spread Holiday Laughter
LikeLiked by 1 person
And dance like no one is watching. Cheers, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, seems the cat has stolen something? Or she has golden teeth. Lol Great news, Teagan! I am aboard for reblogging, and posting at issuu.com,scribd.com, and other readers related portals. Btw: Another great cover template. I enjoy your imagination! Have a beautiful weekend,and please stay save. As i had heard this early evening another virus – a serial of the origin was found in the UK. Seems this Covid-19 has invited all his relatives. 😉 Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, no…. not another Corona virus? No, I didn’t hear that until now. It seems there’s no end to it.
Michael, that would be wonderful! I’m not familiar with those portals, so even better. If you have any questions about it — or if you want to do a few interview questions, you’re welcome to email me at
Yes, I stay safe. I’m not even tempted to go anywhere. Take care, my friend. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem, Teagan! Always a great pleasure.I will send you an email. Take care too. This virus loves to shock, but we will overcome. Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d bet my hat it’s in the cat’s mouth. Getting anything out of a cat’s mouth that they don’t want to let go of is no easy chore. Can’t wait to see what’s next! Another good segment, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, Crystal solves that problem by quickly swallowing whatever I’m trying to take from her mouth. To bad she doesn’t behave the same way with her food… 🐱
Kudos on your newest book tour, Jan. Good luck, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bet it’s the cat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy holidays, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎄💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
So Reggie has a mouthful of secrets and not so willing to give them up. Must be very important to him. And you’re bound and determined to take us into 2021 still hanging on the cliff. Are you trying out for a part in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Lol.
Have a super weekend. Be safe, warm and happy.
Ginger
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, you revealed my secret, Ginger. I am THE original Grinch.
Merry Christmas, my chuckaboo.
LikeLike
Ahh, sly progression here, just like a cat! A short, sweet episode, thank you, Teagan!
Have a “splashing” weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the comparison, Resa. And if we got some rain for splashing, that would be wonderful too. 😀 🐱 A wonderful weekend to you too, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think splash is Onomatopoeia! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll bet the cat has it, but who knows. A quick chapter indeed, Teagan. Let me know if I can help with your launch. And have a wonderful peaceful and healthy holiday. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, that would be wonderful! Since I see you as a master of the fantasy genre, do you think you could do a few questions to me, from the fantasy aspect? I think you could hone in on some things fantasy readers would want to know. And remember this is the first of an (approximately) monthly series.
Thank you for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d be happy to, Teagan. That sounds like fun. I’ll send you an email. 🙂 Woo hoo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another thrilling episode. Will the gold the cat swallowed be recovered? And will Opal find the key? I’m loving this ride on the Delta Pearl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, Tim has me worried that it’s really a hairball, Jennie. So who knows! 😀 I gave into the impulse to add that about “the key.” Dash my wig…! Now I have to figure out what it is! Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your creativity, Teagan!! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a mystery. Reggie growling has to mean something. I love the word onomatopoeic. I always like words that have sound built right in. Have a peaceful holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a new little thread that sneaked into this story here at the “end” of it. Although it’s anybody’s guess how long it will take me to make my way to that end… LOL. Wishing a lovely holiday to you and yours too, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
If that isn’t the cat’s meow. Or the cat’s swallow. Hmmm! I’ not going there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! If the thing in his mouth turns out to be a hairball, it’s on you, Tim. Hahaha. Happy Caturday, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aak! Aak! Aak!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Teagan, great episode. I love your seasonal book cover. I’d be happy to help publicize the new book, when it is ready. Maybe a short author interview? Thanks for the shout-out–glad you could use the word, and so cleverly intertwined with the story. Of course, it would have to be a librarian that could define the word for the rest of us. 🙂
Holiday hugs ho-hoing your way in Santa’s bag.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m delighted you like it, Pat. Oh! I would love to do an author interview with you!
I realize what I’m going to do with Dead of Winter is not a “new” way of publishing, but I haven’t seen any of my author friends do it, and even though I know Amazon has serials, I haven’t seen them. So, people might think that aspect alone is interesting.
I had a difficult PTSD week, so now that I’m feeling closer to an even keel, I need to bear down and finalize it. I was hoping for this weekend, but that didn’t work out. I’m planning next weekend. However, any time you want to do an interview would be great. Happy Christmas hugs winging back to you, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
I’ll send you some questions, which you can answer as you like. You can also substitute questions if there was some aspect my questions failed to identify. Looking forward to it. Merry authoring and Happy Editing. 🙂 >
LikeLike
Excellent! I’m looking forward to it, Pat. 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
What a cliffhanger! Good episode! I wish you good luck getting Journey 1 ready for publication!
In case you need another word for your story . . . It’s chilly here this morning, and my dear husband is running in a balaclava. I looked up the origin of the word. It’s 1902 British as far as Webster knows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, many thanks for doing the research, Priscilla. I’ll add it to my story matrix. Thanks for reading and commenting, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
Sir Reggie went and stole my birthstone, Teagan. Whatever are we going to do with him? He’s such an upstart since he was knighted!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Teagan, when did the minou get knighted? Obviously there is so much backstory I need to read.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Pat. Back in Chapter 6 Emeraude introduces the cat that had belonged to the Dealer for as long as she could remember — Reggie. Because of his markings, when a very young Emeraude first arrived (before the story), she imagined him wearing a monocle and Sir Reginald La Felin was her personal name for him. He was never knighted. Here’s a link. I realize you weren’t on the riverboat back then. Hugs! https://teagansbooks.com/2019/09/07/the-delta-pearl-6-listen/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did he really! Now that’s downright goosebumply, GP, since the cat — and his name were from you. I guess I was “tuned in.” Well, you know how things can go to a cat’s head. LOL.
Thanks for reading and commenting, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 2 people
GP did a bang up job with that cat’ name. I really enjoyed this earlier chapter. Some characters you like immediately and some you don’t. Heather and her husband fall into that category.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pat, I’m honored that you read the past chapter. It can be fun to write a character that you know everyone will hate. Work out some frustrations that way, LOL.
LikeLike
GP, do you have a gemstone somewhere in your name? You seemed to have bonded with the Pearl also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many questions and we must wait! Thank you, lovely Teagan, for your efforts. I wish you a lot of success. Have a nice weekend and be safe.🤗💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kindly, Magician. You stay safe and well too, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Short but powerful. You dragged my sleepy self to the edge of the couch, Teagan. Something in the cat’s mouth? Off limits in my book. I hope Émeraude and Jaspe can retrieve whatever it is Reggie is holding. It was good to see the master inventor expand his knowledge into the world of literary devices.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m delighted you enjoyed this little chapter, Dan. It’s hard to resist having a little fun at Victor’s expense. It’s not that he deserves it at all, but I imagine the look on his face, and I give in to the impulse. 😉 A wonderful weekend to you and yours too, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for sharing from your tree-house, adored Ape. I hope the Naughty Chimps aren’t driving you bananas waiting for Santa. Hugs on the wing, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
Short and sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kindly, Fraggle. Happy weekend, my chuckaboo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh… you’ve left us wondering again, Teagan! Yes, count me in for a reblog of episode one whenever it’s up and running, and if you can think of anything else, let me know. Good luck and I love your Christmassy cover!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much about that cover, Olga. I spent way too much time, getting the different elements of that one just the way I wanted…
Yay! I would love your help with Dead of Winter. I realize I should make a big effort with its first “Journey” and I just haven’t been able to “get with it.” Hugs on the wing, my chuckaboo!
LikeLike
I’ll be glad to help out in any way with your launch post with a reblog or something else. Keep me in mind after you develop your dates.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pete, that means a lot to me. Thanks so very much!
As an educator, you might like to ask me questions about the world I built for the overall story. I tend to go off the deep end with research. LOL.
Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person