November 17, 2025 Hello, everyone. Welcome to Whatnot Wednesday. I hope your week has been good so far. On Monday, Dan Antion posted that this is his one-year anniversary as moderator of “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” (CFFC). Kudos, Dan. The topic for this week was “Winter, Summer or both.” I’m limiting my post to “Winter” … More Whatnot Wednesday & CFFC Winter
Saturday, December 13, 2025 Welcome, everyone. I know it’s been a rough year. It doesn’t really feel like Christmastime to me, but I’m going to try. Not to rub your nose in it, because I realize most of this nation (and some other countries too) are freezing your schnoz off, but as I write this, we’re … More Christmas? Here’s a sale
Friday, December 5, 2025 “Calm down, Daphne. It’s the camera angle.” Welcome, everyone. Let’s start the weekend early. The weather is actually very nice in this neck of the woods, but I know that is not the case for many of you. It might be a good time to stay inside and watch some old … More TV Weekend: Legal Shows
Saturday, November 29, 2025 Hello, all. For those in the United States, I hope you enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving holiday, and maybe some sale shopping too. After all, it does make me feel grateful when I am able to give a little gift to someone. There’s no shame in enjoying gift shopping, or the challenge … More Positive Thoughts: a Utopia
Wednesday, November 25, 2025 Daphne: Hear (hear…hear) Me (me…me) Human (an…an). I (I…I) am the Energy Oracle (el…el)! To attain enlightenment, you must brush me (me…me). Yummy Human, why aren’t you brushing me? Didn’t you hear my supernatural echo voice? Be sure to use both brushes. Whatnot Wednesday Daphne brushing her own face with the soft brush. Meanwhile, … More Whatnot Wednesday, Oracles, & #ThursdayDoors
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Hello, everyone. First, I’m sharing a little silliness in the video above, with the Scoobies. Now to the post. Back in March, with a Flower of the Month post, I mentioned oracle cards. Several people asked me to do a post about them. I took a bunch of photos, but I’m … More The Scoobies and By Request: Oracle Cards
Thursday, November 13, 2025 The image above shows the first result from each of Google, Bing, and Duck-Duck-Go when I did an image search today for the word “elegance.” Wednesday Ponderating Hello, everyone. Lately I’ve been ponderating… wondering about a topic to which I haven’t given much thought since I left my “real world” job … More Wednesday Ponderating & #ThursdayDoors — Elegance That Was
Saturday, November 8, 2025 Hello, all. You’re an inspired group, and you inspire others, including me. That inner oomph doesn’t always come easily. Keeping it can be even more difficult. So today I’m giving a collection of simple things for each day of the coming week. You can use them in any number of ways … More Daily Dose of Inspiration for the Week Ahead
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Whatnot & the Scoobies I was going to do a Wednesday Writing post, then the “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” was suggested because its topic was libraries, and my libraries have doorways… I’d say this is definitely a Whatnot post! So… Velma, do you want to be a blog star today? Now, … More Whatnot Wednesday Libraries: #CFFC, Writing, #ThursdayDoors
Saturday, November 1, 2025 Hi, everyone and happy November. I hope November will stick around longer than October, or September, or August, or… You get it — time flies. In fact, time flew so fast that I forgot to do an October floriography post. Now it’s November… Maybe time flew for a reason — owls … More Flower of the Month: November Floriography
Saturday, October 25, 2025 There isn’t anything I really want to say today. However, I do want to send each of you a wish. Be uplifted by sparkling hope We rise by lifting others, said Robert Ingersol. That is what I mean to do with this post. ♣ ♣ ♣ Well… I do have one thing to say… … More A Wish of Hope
October 22, 2025 Hello, everyone. Welcome to Whatnot Wednesday. I hope your week has been good so far. It wouldn’t be a “Whatnot” without the Scoobies. Although, those two cats are being lazy today. This year, Daphne has taken to occupying the hammock that’s beside my desk-chair whenever I work at the computer. That’s her … More Whatnot Wednesday & CFFC Vintage Food Market Photos
Thursday, October 16, 2025 Hello, everyone. Today most of my doors are written, doors made of words. I invite you to open this door into the simpler world of my fantasy, “Dead of Winter.” There are many doors in the world I built for this epic story. Some open to frightening unknowns, others open to … More #ThursdayDoors to an October Excerpt
Saturday, October 11, 2025 In the predawn stillness, after a night of tossing and turning, with unpleasant dreams during the scant moments of sleep, a woman finally drifted in peaceful slumber. However, elsewhere in the house… “Velma, did you know that when Yummy Human was kitten-age there was a famous cat singer named Steven? It’s … More Caturday Morning’s Broken: Scoobies Song Parody
“Teagan Riordain Geneviene’s Speak Flowers and Fans: A Dictionary of Floriography and Fanology is just that kind of book — one that enchants, teaches, and lingers.” … More Rebecca’s Reading Room on “Speak Flowers and Fans”
Thursday, September 25, 2025 I’m blessed to have made many long-lasting, long-distance friendships through the WordPress blogging community. One of those is Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This morning, she posted a marvelous review of my steampunk-fantasy “The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers.” Click the big blue link below for Robbie Cheadle’s wonderful post. Click for … More #ThursdayDoors to Friendship, & a #BookReview
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Daphne: I’m confused. I thought “Whatnots” were for Wednesdays… but Yummy Human has a Whatnot post and it’s still Tuesday. She said something about her favorite thing being a book review. Velma: You’re right. That’s kind of odd. Actually, I heard her mention something about I love your cupcakes too. But … More Whatnot: The Scoobies & a #BookReview
Saturday, September 13, 2025 Hello, everyone. It’s good to see you here. Today I have floriography trivia for the month of September. This month is represented by two different flowers: asters and morning glories. Together, the aster and morning glory capture September’s essence—a time of deep emotions, wisdom, as well as a mindful appreciation of … More Flower of the Month: September Floriography
September 9, 2025 Hello, everyone. I had expected to be reblogging the fourth in my series about Writing with the Senses (Taste), but something must have gone wrong at the other side. So, I’m revising the post I had started, and turning it into a Whatnot. That said, I’m sorry if it’s a little disjointed … More Whatnot Wednesday: #Kosmosky Steel Tongue Drums??? and CFFC Challenge: Hobby
Saturday, September 6, 2025 Hello all. It’s Caturday, and the Scoobies have taken over this post. Hi, Velma. The sofa back isn’t one of your usual perches. What’s going on? A minute ago, you were staring at the fabulous collage Kerfe made. You seemed to be looking at the cat in it. Velma: What do … More Venusian Parody on a Caturday, Staring the Scoobies #Cats
Saturday, August 30, 2025 Hello, all. Across the globe, we don’t all have the same holidays. Some are similar but fall on different days. It’s a holiday weekend where I am, but maybe not for you. So, instead of Labor Day wishes, I’m just going to wish everyone a happy End of Summer! Although that doesn’t … More Happy End of Summer?
Saturday, August 9, 2025 Did you know that yellow flowers can symbolize friendship? Did you know that tulips can represent sunshine and smiles? So, yellow tulips can make a lovely “thank you” bouquet for a friend. Hello, all. I hope you’ve had a good week. As I end each post with a virtual hug to … More Announcing a New “Speak” Dictionary: Speak Flowers & Fans
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Welcome, all. I know that many of us are in dire need of positive things. So, I’m giving you fair warning. This post is bleak. If you need sunshine and rainbows, then go ahead and skip this one. I’ve struggled for months about how to discuss my own reinventions, mostly because … More Re-Inventionators: Teagan
Saturday, July 26, 2025 Velma: Yummy Human, you aren’t making any sense. Welcome, all. After the past year or more of repeatedly thinking a book would be ready “any minute now”… well, I’ve started taking the phrase “coming soon” out of my vocabulary. However, something is back on track, at minimum. Teaser No, I’m not … More Something’s Back on Track
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Welcome to a special “Christmas in July” feature of Re-Inventionators. The Santa android just surfed in to help welcome today’s guest. Some people go with the flow. Others whether through choice or necessity, ride the waves of into the giant “curl” of life’s changes, reinventing themselves. They are re-inventionators. My guest … More Re-Inventionators: Carol’s Christmas in July
Saturday, May 25, 2024 Splish-splash, I was taking a bathLong about a Caturday night, yeahWashin’ toes, relaxin’ in my hammockThinkin’ everything was alright… Then along came Velma, jumpin’ on my head; reelin’ in my hammockMeowin’ and a-growlin’, bitin’ and a-runnin’, yeah Splish-splash, I wanna go back to my bath… Daphne. Daphne… Daphne, what are you … More Splish-Splash on a Caturday Night
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Hello, everyone. If you hoped the “Re-Inventionator” androids would be back… (It’s okay to hear that in Arnold’s voice if you want.) Then you’re in luck. When life blocks our path with changes, some people shift gears and change lanes accordingly — those differences having little impact on the road they’re … More Re-Inventionators: Riding Waves of Change with John W. Howell
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Welcome, all. I’m excited to have another guest for the “Re-Inventionators” series where readers are sharing their personal stories about life-changes and the ways we (or some of us) reinvent ourselves in order to keep progressing through life. Today my guest is Resa McConaghy. She uses two blogs with street art … More Re-Inventionators: Resa McConaghy
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Hello, everyone. The “Re-Inventionator” robots are on hand again. Life can be a smooth, steady ride for some people. For others, come hell or high water, they’re still able to go with the flow. However, there are those of us who have events or situations that are so life-changing (be the … More Re-Inventionators: Stitching a Path–S.R. Mallery
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Video above is the Talking Apple Trees scene from The Wizard of Oz “No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell.”― Carl Jung Whatnot Wednesday Fellow author D. L. (Denise) Finn has been hosting a monthly creativity challenge for poets. I have no skills … More Whatnot Wednesday: Creativity Challenge, Apples, #Cats, & Slang
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Whatnot Wednesday Hello, all. The Scoobies are on hand to help us over the midweek hump. They’re my dearest whatnots. In their conversation Daphne (left) and Velma (right) included a couple of tiny thrushes who have gotten into the habit of sitting in the diamond-shape “links” of the side gate — … More Whatnot Wednesday & Re-Inventionators: 1
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Hello, everyone. This post contains several “Whatnots.” It’s a hodgepodge. To begin, here are a couple of whimsical limericks, inspired by Robbie’s door photo, which she submitted to the Thursday Doors Writing Challenge. The Goddess’ Door In the glow of the moon’s gentle light, Goddess energy dances at night. With gratitude’s … More Gratitude at the Door, #BookReviews, #TDWC, & Whatnot
Wednesday, April 17, 2025 Whatnot Wednesday Special thanks to author Teri Polen for reading A Peril in the Vines and mentioning it in her post this morning! Whatnot with the Scoobies Velma: Don’t get me started, Daphne. Jinkies! The one with the goat is best. Agree with me or else! Daphne: Jeepers! Where’s your species … More Whatnot Wednesday: Scoobies Argue / #ThursdayDoors Inspiration Selections
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Velma: Haha! I’ve got the hammock! Daphne: Suit yourself. That string is going to start moving on its own just like the furry bird does — and I’m going to be here to grab it. Velma: Yummy Human is playing with pictures again. Do you think she’ll stop to play with … More Whatnot Wednesday Inspiration / #ThursdayDoors help me choose
Monday, March 31, 2025 Hello, everyone. I’m posting a couple of days early, because I want to give myself some extra time before the end of this week. I’ve tried and failed, and tried… and failed again. Almost tried, but failed to even almost… Read on, and you’ll understand. ♣ Writing serial stories driven by … More Call for Things! New Serial Story!
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Happy Saturday, everyone. This is a wistful, wishful post. You see, I was wishing that people would stop saying harmful things like, “You’re sad? Then be happy instead. All you have to do is choose to be happy.” Or equally bad, “You’re afraid? Then just don’t be afraid.” ♦ God bless … More Song-spiration Saturday: If Wishes were ____
Saturday, March 22, 2025 All aboard! The Scoobies and I are celebrating the publication of my steampunk fantasy novel: The Alchemist and the Woman in Trousers: A Cornelis Drebbel Adventure Why celebrate? The novel debuted as a #1 New Release at Amazon. What would a steampunk fantasy be about? Here’s a brief description. Book … More All Aboard for The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers!
Thursday, March 20, 2025 Hello, all. First, let me apologize for all the “break” images and symbols. I had to put images between paragraphs to make WordPress stop jamming all of my text together. Even using HTML code wouldn’t work… (WordPress, all the love has left our love/hate relationship!) I digress — onward to the … More Announcing “The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers! / #ThursdayDoors in the story
Saturday, March 15, 2025 Hello, all. Wonderland has been on my mind a lot lately. Many days, I sort of feel like I’m there. Maybe I’ll do a cover/tribute of White Rabbit… Anyhow, it was serendipitous when author D.L. (Denise) Finn posted a creativity challenge with the following image as the prompt. My head was … More Song-spiration Saturday: Caturday & a Mad Hatter
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Hello, all. This post is a hodgepodge of things about one of my favorite inventors, Cornelis Drebbel. Born in Alkmaar, Holland, but famous throughout Europe and the UK during the 1600s. Since I usually only post twice per week, we have both Whatnots and Doors. Whatnot Wednesday I first “encountered” Cornelis … More Whatnot Wednesday: Art/Inventions & #ThursdayDoors: Cornelis Drebbel
Saturday, March 8, 2025 Would it surprise you if I said my favorite cartoon as a kid was Scooby-Doo? Considering that my feline companions are Velma and Daphne, even those of you who don’t know the story behind their name wouldn’t be surprised. Although, what was my next girlhood favorite? A spinoff of that cartoon … More Song-spiration Saturday — Caturday Play
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Hello, one and all. welcome to both Wednesday and Thursday. My main “whatnot” for today is small talk. Put that on your backburner, let it simmer, and then I’m going to ask you a question. Although first, here are the other whatnots. Whatnot Wednesday In writing news… I’ve said this a … More Whatnot Wednesday —Smalltalk & Big #ThursdayDoors
Thursday, February 20, 2025 Hello, all. As we approach the end of the week, here’s a song that is just, well… bizarre. Although it goes with the rest of the post. I was going to make a “Whatnot Wednesday” of it, but the hump-day got away from me. Daphne is showing her displeasure that she … More #ThursdayDoors: a little Dickens
Thursday, February 13, 2025 Hello, everyone. Do you love the idea of a secret room? Well, those rooms must have doors. This closed/open door is in Toronto. It conceals a panic room, a safety feature in the event of a home invasion. Can you guess where the door is? (Photo credit The Denver Post) … More #ThursdayDoors: Secret Rooms
Saturday, February 8, 2025 Hi there, everyone. Simmer down — it isn’t Valentine’s Day yet. There’s still time to get flowers or make a card for your significant other. I’m only talking about it today because Fiona Finch (my steampunk heroine with a penchant for pink) whispered a reminder in my ear about her holiday … More Songspiration Saturday: Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Video “Joy to the World” performed by Three Dog Night, 1971 Hello, all. To help us over the midweek hump, that’s a blast from the past (1971) with Three Dog Night. Whatnot Wednesday When every other preteen girl in the USA had a crush on either Donny Osmond or Michael Jackson … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors to Joy
Saturday, January 4, 2025 Hello, all. I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I began by diving back to the work lineup that Amazon KDP derailed when they held up Real Steampunkery Tech. Because of that, I’m afraid to announce what I otherwise would today. I’ll wait a week and make … More On the New Year Horizon & Cover Reveal
New Year’s Day, 2025 Velma: Jinkies, Daphne…there it goes… Daphne: Goodbye 2024. Jeepers… Yummy Human seems worried. If we play our cards right, we might get double treats. Velma: Why is she worried? Maybe she needs to buy more giggle water… that way I get to see the FedEx man. Daphne: You’re fickle. You used … More Here it comes… Happy New Year
Saturday, December 21, 2024 Blessings of the solstice, to everyone here. Although it barely feels like autumn at my home, in the hemisphere where I live, it is now officially winter. I’ve always felt a particular magic during a solstice, or an equinox. However, the winter solstice feels singularly strong. Natures magic in the uniqueness … More Songs-piration Saturday: Come to My Window
Thursday, December 12, 2024 Hello, one and all. welcome to both Wednesday and Thursday. My mind is racing around into a whatnot tangle, so I decided to combine the two days for one post. Pardon the scramble if I seem to bounce back and forth between days. Whatnot Wednesday In writing news, I finally typed … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Places
Thursday, December 12, 2024 Hello, one and all. I realize that Thursday Doors is supposed to have a Christmas theme this week… But including Lulu and her holiday story is about as close as I can come to that kind of post today. I’m no better than Lulu when it comes to blog rules. Or … More #ThursdayDoors — Nikola Tesla
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Hello, everyone. Today I have random whatnots about Lulu. Have you met Lulu? She’s a wonderfully uninhibited flapper in the Diesel Era of the 1920s. Whenever she’s around, you’re likely to hear the words “Don’t touch that, Lulu!” because she’s also very klutzy. Lulu is also a great dancer. She’s been … More Whatnot Wednesday: Have You Met Lulu?
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Above, the Pointer Sisters perform “Automatic.” Hello, all. To help us over the midweek hump, that’s a blast from the past (1984) with the Pointer Sisters. I remembered the song, but never realized it was them. The song was a great fit because I’ve been working on a Thursday Doors post … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Automatic Doors
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Hello, all. I hope you’ve had an easy climb to this midweek “hump day.” No, this is not a feline visit. I featured the Scoobies… just because. Recently I’ve tried to take the advice to get back to creative pursuits. Or maybe I should say to the kind things most people … More Whatnot Wednesday: Creativity Challenge
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 I just found this wonderful painting by artist and blogger, Tiffany Arp-Daleo. I was stunned when she said it was inspired by Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras. I couldn’t resist sharing this whimsically beautiful piece. I hope you’ll visit her blog and get acquainted with her … More Steamed Fish & Ferns for Steampunkery Tech. Thanks Tiffany Arp-Daleo
Thursday, July 25, 2024 Hello, everyone. I had been feeling as dark and hopeless as the bleak insides of an old coal mine. Certain that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way, I endeavored to add some fun and whimsy to life for as many people as I could — by hosting a … More #ThursdayDoors & Closing Christmas in July
Sunday, June 16, 2024 Check-in Because of some comments I’ve made to a few people over the past week or two, that I had an extremely difficult task coming up (which was on Friday) I’ve made this unplanned post. I’m just checking in, on the outside chance that anyone was concerned. All’s well. More on … More Check-in and the Good the Bad & the Ugly
Thursday, June 13, 2024 Hello, everyone. Originally, I was going to name this post, If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. The trouble is, that it’s even hotter outside. As if I would cook anything when it’s 104°F… If you know me, then you also know that I wouldn’t be cooking … More #ThursdayDoors — Guess the Kitchen
Thursday, June 6, 2024 Welcome, all. It’s no big surprise that summertime temperatures in the high desert southwest are once again “higher than normal.” The lack of rain made me think of the quirky-looking water tower in my town. Then I had the idea, “What about a Thursday Doors post with water tower doors?” But … More #ThursdayDoors — Water Towers
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Welcome to another double-duty post. This is about lawn work, classic rock and roll, and of course, whatnot! Let’s be honest. My yard, front or back, looks awful. Today I thought maybe I could just imagine seeing something fun out there. So let’s set the tone with some music from Credence … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Looking Out My Back Door
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Hello, everyone. Happy spring. To celebrate the new season, I have a handful of “whatnots.” They range from sublime to silly. We all need a big dose of happy. Have fun. Music This swaying, sultry, sublime song of spring in the video below is Ella Fitzgerald and Some Other Spring. I … More Whatnot Wednesday: Spring
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Welcome to my sanctuary. I didn’t have a real post for today, because I’m struggling to keep up — as usual. However, I wanted to share a positive thought, and send you a “good vibe.” This is known as the “Metta Prayer” or meditation. No one seems to know who first … More Wednesday Writing — Bless You
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 I am endlessly grateful to have friends and readers across this planet. In my country, tomorrow is supposed to be a day of gratitude, the giving of thanks, Thanksgiving Day. I give thanks for each and every one of you, no matter where you are, or what the day means to you. … More I Give Thanks for You
Saturday, August 11, 2018 Robert Matthew Goldstein is my “partner in crime” illustrating the #DieselPunk serial that you’ll find on my Jazz Age Wednesdays posts — “Hullaba Lulu.” Sometimes Rob also makes videos that parallel the Lulu-verse. He just did a fabulous one featuring (fictionalized) Nikola Tesla and the electric car that I wrote into the serial. That … More Baby You Can Drive My (Novel’s) Car
This isn’t really a post. No, you aren’t imagining being here… Chris Graham hosted me at the Story Reading Ape’s tree-house for this post in July, 2017. I had also published it on LinkedIn in 2015 — but I forgot to put it in my own “Motivational” category here. So that’s all I’m really doing … More Thriving Thursdays: Danger!
Hello all. It’s time for my once-a-month guest post at the tree-house of the Story Reading Ape, aka Chris Graham. On Thursdays I make a special point of helping people thrive, and that’s why I’ve gone to visit the Ape. (Please swing by and say hello — click here — because I had to disable comments here today, with … More Thriving Thursdays: Some will never find it. Will You?
Thursday, October 19, 2017 Hello everyone. Welcome to another Thriving Thursday. I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene here with a guest post for Chris Graham, the Story Reading Ape. Click over to the “tree-house” and say hello — I’ve disabled comments here. Thriving Thursdays: Busy? Maybe That’s a Good Thing Too busy to be discouraged — but not too busy to thrive! Here … More Thriving Thursdays: Busy? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
Thriving Thursdays: What’s More Important than Knowledge? Hello all. I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene. Huge thanks to Chris the Story Reading Ape, for hosting me. I welcome you to another Thriving Thursday at the tree-house. I hope you’ll click over and visit us there. (I’ve closed comments here.) So, what’s more important than knowledge? Maybe you think … More Thriving Thursdays: What’s More Important than Knowledge?
Thriving Thursdays: Thrive or Success? Posted at The Story Reading Ape. I’ve disabled comments here, so I hope you’ll visit Chris and me at the tree-house. Hello down there! It’s me, Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene. Yes, I’m up in the tree-house again. Thanks to Chris the Story Reading Ape for hosting me for another Thriving Thursday. You don’t necessarily … More Thriving Thursdays: Thrive or Success?
Welcome to another Thriving Thursday, everyone. I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene here with a guest post for the Story Reading Ape. Since Chris Graham is my host for these monthly posts, I have disabled comments here. Please click over and say hello to the awesome Ape (click here). Thriving Thursdays: It Could Be Raining It’s hard to thrive when … More Thriving Thursdays: It Could Be Raining
Hello everyone, I’m Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, taking a moment to lift you up, to help you thrive. What better place for me to do that than from the marvelous tree-house of the Story Reading Ape? Thriving Thursdays: We Rise Sometimes I feel de-motivated, denied, discounted, discombobulated, or any other de or dis that nobody enjoys. However, there is one … More Thriving Thursdays: We Rise
Hello everyone. Welcome back to my rerun of last year’s mini-series, in support of Get Caught Reading Month. It’s about the escapades of our intrepid band of bloggers and their pets. Who could resist those fur babies? If you were here last year, I’m delighted that you’ve stuck with me. If this is new … More Get Caught Reading — The Sign of the Ape 3 (2016 Rerun)
“Hey Sheba! Whatcha got there? A cookbook? Applesauce! You could use one. Hold on… is that a cookbook for salads? Are you sure you can manage a salad without burning it?” “Ha! Pip, I hope you realize that you get your cooking skills (or the lack thereof) from me. Besides, I happen to have won … More Mocha Dacquoise Cake And The Winners Of the Giveaway
Thriving Thursdays: Fear or Courage Yeehaw! I’m back at the Tree-house again with Chris the Story Reading Ape, for another Thriving Thursday! This post is already live at his site. He has a lot of other great stuff too, so be sure to visit my favorite Ape. I’ve been down with a nasty sinus-allergy … More Thriving Thursdays: Fear or Courage?
Boy Did He Get a Wrong Number aka Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam I pay regular visits to this blog’s spam folder, because sometimes I find old friends marooned there. Don Massenzio was a good sport about being trapped there. Of course most of the things I usually find are downright insulting people who want to tear … More Boy Did He Get a Wrong Number
Thriving Thursdays: What Scares You? Thanks to Chris the Story Reading Ape once again for inviting me to be a guest at the tree-house. This post is already live there, but I want to re-share it here too. (Click here.) Of course every day I wish for you to thrive. However, Thursday is the day … More Thriving Thursdays: What Scares You?
To read “What if I Fall -1” just click here. Welcome back. I’m playing catch-up again, re-posting some of the Thriving Thursdays mini-posts that The Story Reading Ape has so generously allowed me to do from his tree-house. Thriving Thursdays: What if I Fall – 2 What if I fall? What if someone laughs? What if it’s … More Thriving Thursdays: What if I Fall – 2
If you have already seen this post, forgive me. It is one of a series of monthly guest spots I’ve been doing at The Story Reading Ape’s blog. I’m adding it here to my Motivational section. Since it’s “been done” be sure to pay a visit to the Ape. Just click here. Thriving Thursdays: The Value of … More Thriving Thursdays: The Value of Nonsense
You may have already seen this post. It is one of a series of monthly guest spots I’ve been doing at The Story Reading Ape’s blog. I’m adding it here to my Motivational section. Since it’s “been done” be sure to visit at the Ape’s tree-house. Just click here. Thriving Thursdays: Adjust Accordingly I was … More Thriving Thursday: Adjust Accordingly
My heartfelt thanks to Chris Graham, the one and only Story Reading Ape, for hosting me at his terrific blog on the third Thursday of each month. In order to build my “Motivational” section, I’m posting it this way (rather than the standard re-blog). However, please visit the Ape to leave a comment at the … More Thriving Thursdays: What if I Fall – 1
Happy New Year everyone! I didn’t have this video/greeting finished in time to add it to my regular weekly post. However, the Year of the Monkey wreaked such havoc that I had to celebrate its passing. My post on Friday, wasn’t a proper New Year’s greeting. So I’m doing the traditional recap of … More Goodbye Mean Old Monkey — Happy New Year
Today I thought a little “writing process” post would be fun. So I ask you… Is your writing beastly? Don’t get defensive. I’m sure your words are beautiful. However, maybe it should be beastly. One way to animate your words is to well — animalize them. (No, that is not a word. Now it’s a “Teaganese” … More Is Your Writing Beastly?
Originally posted on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog:
There used to be a list of jokes about keeping a healthy level of insanity. A good sense of whimsy, an active imagination — those things will help you thrive. “I like nonsense — it wakes up the brain cells…” Dr. Seuss Here’s one more whimsical quote.…
In the USA the Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated this week. I’m grateful for those of you who have continued to visit and offer encouragement even though I’ve stopped giving away episodes of a novel or serial. I’m thankful for you. My National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) story, The Delta Pearl, is set on a very … More The Art of Taking a Break: Rolling on a Riverboat
Welcome everyone! To most sane people it would seem like the intense challenge of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) would be the last thing anybody who desperately needs to decompress should add to their endless pile of stress. However, it seems to be the monumental distraction that I needed. For anyone who is participating in NaNoWriMo … More The Art of Taking a Break: Slow Ride
Originally posted on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog:
“You can choose to live on the front row… or the third row.” I love this old photo and the vivid progression it shows. It really does speak a thousand words. The pair of women on the third row look like sisters. I can imagine they…
Help! I’ve slipped into the Twilight Zone! I don’t talk work, religion, or politics here. So even though I’ve brought it up, let’s not comment about it. I’m just giving you my state of mind. But I don’t think I have to talk about it for you to understand why I have a surreal feeling … More The Art of Taking a Break: Twilight Zone
Hello, everyone. I’m here with a quick update to thank you all for your support. Special thanks for leaving three things to keep me writing my new, and totally “pantser” novel, The Delta Pearl. My word count is not up to snuff, but this year that is not the point. National Novel Writing Month is proving … More The Art of Taking a Break: NaNoWriMo Mania
Hello, everyone. You’re about to discover how demented my definition of taking a break can be… With dogged determination I endeavor to disengage form things that develop stress. Of course I get more, different, worse stress in return. I decided a distraction of monumental proportions was in order. No, not that kind of monument, though I’d … More The Art of Taking a Break: Insanity
I give my heartfelt thanks to Chris the Story Reading Ape for hosting me at his tree-house every third Thursday of the month for these Thriving Thursday posts. Kindly click on the link below to leave your comments at his blog. Thriving Thursdays: Garbage Thinking – Guest Post… Thriving Thursdays Garbage Thinking You’re getting ready for … More Thriving Thursdays: Garbage Thinking
Welcome, everyone. I’ve said that I would be taking some time off from Teagan’s Books, so why am I here? Well, I am taking a break, but I don’t want anyone to forget that I exist. I’ve realized that break taking truly is an art form. Plus it’s an art that I desperately need to figure-out. … More The Art of Taking a Break: 1
Updated August 2025 Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste, Smell Welcome back everyone. I’m sincerely touched that this series has been so well received. But that’s a different kind of touch than the sense of touch. Working the sense of touch into your writing can bring your words to life. It helps make it relatable. Although, I confess … More Writing with the Senses — Touch
Updated August 2025 Hello, all. Welcome back to my series on the five senses. Now we move on with the sense of Taste. Hearing, Sight, Smell, Taste, Touch Think about the many different ways the sense of taste could be used to enhance your writing. It doesn’t have to be the taste of food or drink. … More Writing with the Senses — Taste
I’d like to thank the Academy… By the “Academy” I mean the group of wonderful people, writers, chefs, photographers, readers, and bloggers who come here to Teagan’s Books each week. You see, when I introduced the previous episode, I got a little off track. Ever since, I have felt that I did not do justice to the … More A Shout-out – Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers
Hello my friends. As this year draws closer to a close, I feel a sense of gratitude, because I am sincerely thankful to each of you. It’s been a very difficult year for me. Though that is because of a facet of my life that I don’t blog about, a few of you know some details. … More Holiday Hosting: Chance to Win Books by Jo Robinson
My favorite of all holidays… and my favorite yearly challenge… It’s my time of year! So for all my spirited, Ghost in the Kitchen-loving, heavenly haunt hunters, poltergeist pursuers, and gremlin getters I bid you — Happy Halloween! I’m glad my spirits are high (and I don’t mean Maestro Martino has gotten locked into another wine … More Happy Halloween and Happy NaNoWriMo
Welcome to the My Workspace Blog Hop. When smart, funny, and talented, Jo Robinson tagged me for this bloghop I did a double take. “What workspace? ” I thought. When I lived in the desert southwest I had a detached house with a little work room I used for writing and crafts. It was not a … More My Workspace Blog Hop
Stand up! Those two words can mean several different things in the dictionary. remain/be valid, be sound, be plausible, hold water, hold up, stand questioning, survive investigation, bear examination, be verifiable We might also stand up for a cause, like the power of a simple hug. Or we might stand up for ourselves. Andy Avis did … More Stand Up
Granny Fanny was so angry, frustrated, and worried about Pip that she couldn’t take any more. Granny says she’s sending our flapper home to her father! You know… I just realized that last weekend I forgot to add a “ghostly ingredient” from the Jar of Spooky Things. But that’s beside the point. I had an … More Three Ingredients: Granny Is Angry, What Would You Do?
Authors and Cats How could I miss World Cat Day? But I almost did! I’ve absolutely no idea why my cats were letting me overlook it. They probably meant to let me know at some point between their after lunch nap and their mid-afternoon nap. If not, then before their pre-dinner nap. There have been … More World Cat Day 2014
Teagan's Books 