Blue and White #CFFC, & The Story of the Story-1: A Hot August Night

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Transistor radio Dan Antion
Photo of Transistor Radio by Dan Antion  — that’s a blue and white dial.

Welcome, all. The Scoobies (Daphne and Velma) are on hand again to help with Dan Antion‘s color challenge.  This week, Dan said any of the Box of 8 colors with white for “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” (CFFC).  The Scoobies picked blue as the color to go with white.  So, we’re on a quest for blue and white things.  This time we aren’t only looking around the house for the color. 

Blue & White promo for Brother Love with the old book cover

First, I have my own response to the challenge.  I’ve re-released my book, Brother Love: A Crossroad, so we’re looking for blue and white there too.  That’s why you see Dan’s photo of a vintage radio at the top of the screen.  The first version of Brother Love appeared several years ago as one of my Three Things style serials.  Dan Antion took the role of photographer extraordinaire to illustrate the blog version.  I really appreciated Dan’s enthusiasm in looking for subjects and photographing them. A couple of times he even brought his brother into the adventure.  Ah… fun memories!  So, I’m including some of those pictures.

Crossroads with 3 blue guitar statues on a pole is a marker for Highways 61 and 49 in Mississippi
Electric guitars on a highway sign marks the crossroads where legend claims musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil for the ability to play the blues. (Wikimedia)

I think of it as my August book, because it opens on a hot august night.  Does that remind you of a song?  There are old songs throughout that story, but a somewhat later song from Neil Diamond was the springboard for my imagination in writing it — Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.  Although it combined with a second source of inspiration…

That was the legend of the people making a deal with the devil at the crossroads. That’s what a lot of people said about Robert Johnson, an extraordinary musician from the early days of blues.  In my weirdly wired mind, that legend combined with Neil Diamond’s song, resulting in a mystical character of undefined nature and origin.  We find him at a traveling tent revival.  He is called Brother Love.

 So, my response to this challenge includes a page in the book that mentions blue and white.

Brother Love Finger-point blue-white
Blue and white in “Brother Love.” Actually, that’s a blue and white ring too.

Brother Love has an ensemble of quirky, outsider-type characters.   It’s set in a tiny 1950s southern town.  The narrator is Birdie (Albertina) Devovo.  She also lives in a house at a crossroads — something about which the locals are superstitious.  In the scene in the photo above, she is about to put on her blue and white polkadot dress.

Birdie Devovo, photo by Martinlee at Dreamstime
Birdie Devovo, photo by Martinlee at Dreamstime

Birdie is on her way to show support for her friend, another outsider and a disgraced preacher, Doug Armstrong.  He’s been given a second chance through being asked to preach one of the sermons at a tent revival. It takes courage for Birdie to go, because the townspeople are unfriendly to her, and the churchgoers are particularly bad about their “whispers.”  But don’t misunderstand the story. 

Despite those Christianity connections, Brother Love is not a religious story.  That’s only the setting.  Kind of like Neil Diamond’s song is not a religious hymn.   The book is a genre mashup.  It’s more like magic realism, but there’s also a mystery surrounding a little girl in a white dress named Tammy.

Below, in 1971 Neil Diamond describes his inspiration for writing that song.

There’s more info and purchase links about Brother Love: A Crossroad at the end of this post, along with the updated book cover.

I also have a “story of the story” about the characters Doug Armstrong and Tammy, but this is getting long, so I’ll save that for next week.

Now the Scoobies are ready to take charge of this post with their blue and white finds.

Old TV w Cartoon Dan Antion
Photo by Dan Antion of retro TV with blue & white screen

Daphne:   Hey, Velma.  Whatcha watching on television?  Wait a minute… that’s not our TV.  The magic of computers must have sent it here.  Anyhow, did you just turn your back on Yummy Human?  I see that she’s sock-patting you to get your attention.

Velma:  Yes she is, Daphne.  And I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of turning to look at that camera.  Hey, Yummy — don’t you know that “You’re nobody until a cat has turned its back on you”?  Oh, and by the way, this time I found the first thing in our color quest — Yummy’s blue and white socks.

Daphne:   No, you didn’t.  I found that blue and white TV screen.

Velma y 2 blue-white socked feetDaphne:   Hmmm… What else is blue and white…  Oh, I know.  Yummy Human has been working on that dragon post for this weekend.  Two of those oracle cards are blue and white.

Cards from the World Dragon Oracle by Virginia Chandler and Anne Stokes

Velma:  So those are dragons?  Cool.  I was afraid they were chupacabras. 

Daphne rings fish

Daphne:  Are chupacabras blue and white?  No idea, but two of our fish toys are blue and white. Oh, and we have blue rings and white rings.  Okay. My work is done.  What’s the nap that comes after the after breakfast nap?

Velma:  That would be the pre-lunch nap.  It’s followed by the after-lunch nap, and then the pre-dinner nap and…  I’m sleepy just thinking about it.   Yummy Human, we give the post back to you.

Nice work, Scoobies.  Everyone, thanks for visiting.   Friendly comments are welcome.  Hugs.

♣ ♣ ♣

Naturally, the obligatory shameless self-promotion must be included.

Brother Love – a Crossroad

Strange things abound in 1950s Parliament, Mississippi.  Jinx the magpie can fill you in on the details.

Brother Love updated cover 2026
New, updated book cover

Universal Purchase Links

E-book:  relinks.me/B07V25SXFR

Note:  If you buy (or even if you have previously bought) the e-book the audio-book is only $1.99.

Audio book:  Click here

Paperback:  relinks.me/107952309X

♣ ♣ ♣

This blog is entirely human-written.  Furthermore, the author expressly prohibits any entity from using this publication for purposes of training AI technologies to generate text.  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 used with permission, or from free sources.

Copyright © 2026 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

63 thoughts on “Blue and White #CFFC, & The Story of the Story-1: A Hot August Night”

  1. Pingback: Whatnot Wednesday for #ThursdayDoors on a Hot August Night – Teagan's Books

  4. I’d never heard about the crossroads and selling your soul to the devil until I saw it in a Supernatural episode many years ago and then came across it again with Brother Love. Love the Scoobies fish toys! I haven’t seen those anywhere and I’m wondering how Bond would feel about them. Do they make noise?

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    1. Hi Teri. There’s a good deal about it on YouTube, although lately, it’s a challenge to navigate all the crap there. Netflix did a bio on Robert Johnson (2019) that, if I recall correctly, gave a good amount of attention to the legend. It was a good film.

      Those fish toys are pretty cool. The larger one came with an order of Crystal’s medicine, and I’ve kept it. It’s long enough to kick. It is a simple stuffed toy (no sound). The others I got on Amazon. They make a small rattling sound. They seem to like the longer one best. The Scoobies seem to like plastic bottle rings and (wadded up) paper balls better than any toys I buy. LOL. Have a fabulous Friday. Hugs.

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      1. I got the idea from the guy who has the Book Fox Youtube channel. I know he mentioned the “human written” text in book descriptions, but I didn’t realize the “big guns” were using badges too. For once I’m aligned with the curve. LOL.

        Anyhow, if you’re curious, I’ve enjoyed the Book Fox writing/editing videos for over a year now. (The “Fox” part does not have anything to do with Fox Network.) Bookfox – YouTube

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    1. Ha! Brenda, I wouldn’t touch those shoes either. Aside from comfort and health, they trigger the feminist part of me that usually stays quiet. They’re like a modern version of corsets — “If she can’t breathe she can’t run away” modernized to “she can’t run in those!” LOL. Let me step back before I get all the way up onto my Julia Sugarbaker soapbox. Thanks for visiting. Hugs and purrs.

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    1. Yes, it really is fascinating, Jennie. Of course, it all goes through the twisting labyrinth of my mind. There isn’t a devil character, but the Brother Love (inspired by those two things) is … well kind of “uneasy-making.” Hopefully the reader through most of the story is uncertain whether he is good or bad. Anyhow, thanks for joining us in this color quest. Hugs and purrs.

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      1. I wish everyone had your creative mind. Well, it’s more than creative, it’s thinking outside of the box and seeing with eyes through a different lens. You are amazing, Teagan. Hugs!

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  8. I always like hearing about the Crossroads story. I still think your Brother Love story is one of my favorites, too. I do think of the Neil Diamond song every time. So good! Great blue and white finds with the Scoobies help. ❤

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    1. Barbara, you’ve made my day — thank you for remembering my story. Did you see the Netflix documentary about Johnson, from 2019? It’s a good one, but I’m not sure if it’s still available. I haven’t found it anywhere else though, so maybe they still run it. Thanks for joining us. Hugs and purrs.

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  9. This was fun, Teagan, thank you!

    I like the tale of Robert Johnson. I didn’t know that, but I sure know his music.

    Interesting coincidence, Mischa has the same nap routine as the Scoobies. Who would ever figure something like that?

    Well, those 2 Dragon cards look cool. You mentioned you weren’t thrilled with them. Are they improving in your eyes? I look forward to the post!

    Okay, take care and I hope you sell lots of books!

    HUGS!

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    1. I’m glad you could join us, Resa. Back in 2019, Netflix did a really good documentary on Johnson and that legend. (I haven’t had Netflix in years, so I don’t know if the doc is still available…) I see that there are at least a few on YouTube, but I don’t know if they’re any good.

      After spending some time with those dragon cards, my opinion has improved from “Meh” to “Maybe”. I’m still undecided. For readings, the… well, let’s say the “premise” for doing readings with them is unnecessarily complicated. I’m usually an “intuitive reader” rather than going strictly by the written meanings alone. These cards don’t lend themselves to that. When taken outside of the tight structure and context, they don’t have much meaning of their own. Most oracle cards do better in that regard. They aren’t resonating with me. Even so, I have the Who’s Your Dragon post ready for this weekend. I hope it will be fun for everyone. Hugs on the wing.

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      1. I’ll check Netflix. I only have it as it somehow became free to me.

        So… it’s a Mehbe.. (trying to be funny again) on the Drag On cards.

        Card readings are nothing without intuition. You sound like a real deal.

        Okay… looking forward to finding my Dragon!
        HUGS!

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        1. I’m out of practice with readings, but basically… yes. No, I can’t say that, because it sounds boastful and against firmly engrained upbringing. LOL. Like most endeavors, it is a skill to be learned. I studied and worked hard at it. Then had a mentor for a while, and studied and worked after that. 🙂 ❤

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  13. Teagan, I love seeing that Devil’s Crossroads sign once again. One of my fave tv shows Supernatural did an episode centering around the legend of Johnson selling his soul for skills. Very cool. Very blue and white. The Dragon Oracle blues are both awesome. The Scoobies discussing the possibilities those cards feature chupacabras had me laughing. Best of luck with the re-release. Hugs to you and the Scoobies.

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    1. Hi, Bruce. LOL, yeah… the Scoobies have had chupacabras on the brain lately. It must be the heat — leading to extra naps, and therefore dreams.

      Funny that you should mention Super Natural. I’ve seen something about it on my YouTube feed lately (I don’t have any sort of cable), and I’ve wondered why I never watched the series. I was into Buffy, Angel, and other syfy shows… There must have been something about scheduling or me working the wrong hours… I remember seeing one or two episodes and liking it. I wish that I had been into it then, because now I think it would be too intense for me. But if they had a Robert Johnson episode, I’ll certainly keep an eye out for that one. Thanks for visiting. Hugs and purrs.

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      1. Buffy and Angel are of course all-time faves, and to be sure Supernatural ranks right up there with them as far as I am concerned. There’s a lot of seasons, so on occasion you have a bad episode here and there, but they did a fantastic job overall with 15 long seasons. Great show. You mentioned Syfy shows…we were regular viewers of Eureka, Warehouse 13, Haven back in the day…more recently Wynonna Earp, Resident Alien, and SurrealEstate just to name a few. Which Syfy shows did you frequent?

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        1. Yes, the first three you mentioned were favorites, especially Warehouse, maybe m favorite of all. Also Sanctuary. I saw and liked the first season of Wynonna (but gave up Netflix after that). Another Netflix from that time was a Mexican (in English) series that was fabulously quirky called Diablero with the main character called Elvis Infante. Loved that. But over the past several years, my C-PTSD has increased so much that it’s hard to find anything that doesn’t either trigger me or is simply too intense or too noisy. I miss the things I used to watch and read. Heck, I miss who I used to be. But I try to be accepting of my new normal. I enjoy a lot of cozy mysteries. But I can’t stand the stuff from Hallmark.

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    1. Hi, Liz. I realize that tent revivals (or at least services) do still exist… but to me… at least the kind I remember from childhood, they’ve become something from a bygone era, like ice cream trucks and chalkboards, and girls wearing (non-spandex) dresses in summer. Anyhow, thanks for visiting. Hugs.

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  15. Once again you nailed the color combo, Teagan. (With the help of the Scoobies, of course) Neil Diamond shows his extreme talent in the video. His voice is so controlled it is amazing. Best wishes on your relaunch and hugs for the backside of the week.

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  18. Velma and Daphne steal the show again! I totally agree with the schedule of naps.

    Great job on the blue and white photo challenge, and congratulations on re-releasing Brother Love. It sounds like a wonderful read

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  19. I love Brother Love, Teagan. Thanks for the shout out. I remember finding images at a huge antique store in Iowa with my brother. He and I had fun that day, and I remember finding a great place to eat. Good memories.

    Neil Diamond was one of the first bits of music I ever bought, and it was an 8-track tape! Yep, I’m old enough to remember when he was young.

    I hope you get over the midweek hump and have an easy slide into the weekend. Take care. Hugs on Jinx’s wing.

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  21. Good luck with the re-release of Brother Love A Crossroad. I remember it is a very atmospheric story with wonderful music, events, and characters. And Velma and Daphne have done a good job finding blue and white things- By the way, I love your collection of socks. Big hugs and love to the Scoobies!

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