Dance of Discord 6 — A Cipher, & Double Poets, & #TDWC Writing Challenge

Friday, May 23, 2025   Hello one and all.  Monday will be Memorial Day in the USA.  We generally celebrate the whole weekend, so I’m highlighting it today, in honor of those who lost their lives ensuring that we could enjoy wholesome fun and togetherness, among other freedoms.      Now, I welcome you back to … More Dance of Discord 6 — A Cipher, & Double Poets, & #TDWC Writing Challenge

Dance of Discord 5: A Tap, & #TDWC challenge door

Wednesday, May 14, 2025  Welcome back to our serial story, The Dance of Discord.  No, you aren’t mistaken.  I’ve posted a serial episode midweek, rather than on the weekend.  Remember that for this serial my posting schedule might be as random as the “random reader things” that drive the story.  However, it’s also a #ThursdayDoors … More Dance of Discord 5: A Tap, & #TDWC challenge door

#ThursdayDoors: #TDWC — Upside Down

Thursday, May 1, 2025 Welcome, all.  Like many others in the WordPress community, I’ve been looking forward to Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge.  This is my first offering for 2025.  I hope to do several during the challenge time-frame.   Video: Upside Down, Curious George Today’s door was submitted by Bruce.   It was taken at … More #ThursdayDoors: #TDWC — Upside Down

Moments a Collaboration with Timothy Price

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Welcome to my sanctuary.  Sit down and relax with me for a moment.   Photographer, songwriter, and critter-dad, Timothy Price did a re-write of his original song “Moments” and asked if I was interested in recording the vocals.  Of course, I was honored.  He also made an animated video for the song.  … More Moments a Collaboration with Timothy Price

Whatnot Wednesday: Scoobies Argue / #ThursdayDoors Inspiration Selections

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

Whatnot Wednesday Inspiration / #ThursdayDoors help me choose

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

Song-spiration Saturday: If Wishes were ____

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 ____

All Aboard for The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers!

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!

Announcing “The Alchemist & the Woman in Trousers! / #ThursdayDoors in the story

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

Song-spiration Saturday: Caturday & a Mad Hatter

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

Whatnot Wednesday: Art/Inventions & #ThursdayDoors: Cornelis Drebbel

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

Whatnot Wednesday —Smalltalk & Big #ThursdayDoors

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

Song-spiration Saturday & The Rise of Mnemosyne Part-2

Saturday, February 1, 2025 Hello, everyone.  February is already here.  Thanks for clicking over to spend part of the first day of the month here.  WordPress continues to make my way of editing/creating posts nearly impossible.  I apologize in advance for the gigantic picture and that it’s not a pretty post.  Honestly, anybody would think … More Song-spiration Saturday & The Rise of Mnemosyne Part-2

Music Collaboration Tim Price & The Rise of Mnemosyne Part-1

Monday, January 13, 2025 Hello, everyone.  Thanks for clicking over to spend part of your day here. You’re right — this is not my usual day or time of day to post.  However, I wanted this to go out while the wolf’s winter moon is in the sky over my home.  This is a companion … More Music Collaboration Tim Price & The Rise of Mnemosyne Part-1

Song-spiration Saturday: Can’t Find My Way Home

Saturday, December 28, 2024 Hello everyone, I hope the holiday season is treating you well.  Since I usually post on Saturday and Wednesday, this should be my final blog post of the year. I’m closing out 2024 with another re-run.  It’s a “song-spiration” short story.  Haha, the title might make the song more appropriate to … More Song-spiration Saturday: Can’t Find My Way Home

Songs-piration Saturday: Come to My Window

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

Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Places

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

Whatnot Wednesday: Have You Met Lulu?

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?

Song-spiration Saturday: Served Cold

Saturday, November 23, 2024 Hello, everyone.  Welcome to my sanctuary.  Come on in, put your feet up.  Get yourself a cozy beverage from the bar — coffee, tea, mimosa, Irish coffee… whatever you want.  We’ll have a little music and some friendly conversation.  Yes, that title contains a new addition to my “Teaganese dictionary” — … More Song-spiration Saturday: Served Cold

Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Automatic Doors

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

Steamed Fish & Ferns for Steampunkery Tech. Thanks Tiffany Arp-Daleo

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

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors: Phonebooths — & Real Steampunkery Tech

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 Hello, all. I hope you’ve had a great week so far.  Autumn weather has finally come to my neck of the woods, and it is more than welcome.  Although it only just arrived, so the leaves on my big mulberry tree haven’t started turning to gold yet. Sometimes, I have to … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors: Phonebooths — & Real Steampunkery Tech

Horror & Suspense Book Cover Exploration: Guest Post at Teri Polen’s Blog

November 2, 2024 On Friday, fellow author and host of Bad Moon Rising, Teri Polen let me do a guest post. My main thought behind the post was to thank her for hosting 31 days of author-interviews every October for nine straight years.  I actually created the post a month ago and we’ve been holding … More Horror & Suspense Book Cover Exploration: Guest Post at Teri Polen’s Blog

Halloween-ish Songs & Short Story

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Hello, all.  Today I have another companion post, to go hand-in-hand with another blog.  I’m pleased to do a new collaboration with photographer, guitar-man, and cat-dad, Timothy Price.  There are two old favorite songs of mine that seem particularly Halloweenie, despite the fact that they aren’t about the holiday.  One is … More Halloween-ish Songs & Short Story

Whatnot Wednesday at Marian Allen’s with Real Stampunkery Tech

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 YouTube video above by Teagan Hello, everyone.  Today I’m excited to see Author Lady extraordinaire, Marian Allen, chatting about my latest nonfiction book Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras. Here’s a link to Marian’s post.  Please visit us there. Monday Recommends and Nail Art: Steam ♣ … More Whatnot Wednesday at Marian Allen’s with Real Stampunkery Tech

Whatnot Wednesday with the Scoobies: Halloween Yet?

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Hello, everyone.  The Scoobies — Velma and Daphne, enjoyed their last visit with you so much that they wanted to come back. ♣ ♣ ♣ Velma:  Are you sure it isn’t Halloween yet?  Isn’t that a pumpkin over there?  But the color’s sort of… wrong. Daphne:  Jeepers, Velma.  No, it isn’t Halloween.  So … More Whatnot Wednesday with the Scoobies: Halloween Yet?

A 1920s Moment & a Cover Reveal: A Peril in the Vines

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Welcome back to my sanctuary, everyone.  I need to relax.  How about you?  So this isn’t going to be much of a post. I’m only sharing a little about what was supposed to have been my August/September project. All the mess I mentioned on Wednesday threw everything off schedule. I’m struggling at mid-October … More A 1920s Moment & a Cover Reveal: A Peril in the Vines

Whatnot Wednesday with the Scoobies: October

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Hello, everyone.  As they used to say, things are tough all over.  Everybody could use a little fun.  So today we’re just going to have a silly visit with the Scoobies — Velma and Daphne. ♣ ♣ ♣ Daphne:  Jeepers, Velma! What the catscratch is that supposed to be? Velma:  I’m learning to … More Whatnot Wednesday with the Scoobies: October

Robbie Cheadle’s Painting-Review of My Novel, Atonement in Bloom

Monday, September 30, 2024 Multi-talented author Robbie Cheadle did a wonderful post about the second book in my “Atonement, A Quirky Magical Town.”  It is called Atonement in Bloom, and Robbie did paintings of one of the central characters. I hope you will use the link below to visit us at her post.  Hugs! (Click … More Robbie Cheadle’s Painting-Review of My Novel, Atonement in Bloom

Announcing new nonfiction — Real Steampunkery Tech!

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 What? Wrong date?  Ah… that’s because I’m stuck in a time-loop “hold” with Amazon Publishing. It’s really Tuesday, September 24. Welcome, everyone.   Some of you know that the e-book of Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras published a week ago.  Since everything else got frozen, the e-book … More Announcing new nonfiction — Real Steampunkery Tech!

Forgotten Women Inventors: Let’s have coffee

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Welcome, everyone.   UPDATE Recently I began a post with a reminder that this blog is my sanctuary — a safe place for everyone, without judgement, religion, or politics.  That seems to be beyond the grasp of some politically inclined people.  I usually give those who misbehave the benefit of the … More Forgotten Women Inventors: Let’s have coffee

#ThursdayDoors to Free Books: Sarah Mallery & Olga Núñez Miret

Thursday, September 12, 2024 Hello, everyone.  Wouldn’t it be nice to open the door to something terrific — and free?  Well, come on in, because that’s what we’re doing today.  Here are two free offers from my author friends.  One is an e-book and the other is an audio book. ♣ ♣ ♣ Sarah Mallery:  … More #ThursdayDoors to Free Books: Sarah Mallery & Olga Núñez Miret

What a combination: Forgotten Women Inventors

Saturday, August 24, 2024 Welcome, everyone.  I need to begin by reminding everyone that this blog is my sanctuary.  I gladly welcome all of you to join me in this safe place.  There are no discussions of anything political or religious, nor of any circumstances or things that have been politicized.  I freely admit that … More What a combination: Forgotten Women Inventors

If houses could clean themselves

Saturday, August 17, 2024 If only houses could clean themselves… On Wednesday, I started doing a few history-related posts, in support of my next non-fiction volume in my Author Tool Chest collection, “Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras.” An inventor I stumbled upon while researching that book would have readily answered … More If houses could clean themselves

Who was My Alchemist?

Saturday, August 10, 2024 The late 14th century wasn’t exactly an era that was big on invention.  It’s been called the dog days of the Renaissance.  It was however, filled with wonderful art and poetry.  Although let’s not forget the religious strife, or the veritable tide of warring kingdoms.  It was also a time into … More Who was My Alchemist?

Happy Summer & More on Christmas in July

Saturday, June 22, 2024 Recently I mentioned hosting a Christmas in July blog hop in celebration of my friends in the Southern Hemisphere.  What got me interested in a celebration that might seem obscure to most of you? Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Before I saw the “Murder Under the Mistletoe” episode, where Phryne and company … More Happy Summer & More on Christmas in July

Summer Planning

Saturday, June 8, 2024 I realize that this won’t interest everyone here, but sometimes it’s necessary to post such things.  All of a sudden, I decided to host a Christmas in July blog hop in celebration of my friends at the other end of the planet… and folks near and far who like Christmastime maybe just … More Summer Planning

Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors TDWC: I Awoke

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Hello, everyone.  I’ve noticed that lighthouses don’t tend to evoke neutral thoughts in people.  It seems we either think of hope or terrible despair. So, I decided to include both emotions in my story. The “inspiration door” for my TDWC story this week is by fellow author, Noelle Granger.   This vignette … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors TDWC: I Awoke

All Aboard! The Delta Pearl is here! #ThursdayDoors

Post updated to include series note at the end. Thursday, May 23, 2024 All aboard! Open the door to a voyage into opulence, adventure, and whimsy. My steampunk duology, The Delta Pearl, is now at the dock.  Mystery and adventure await you. Also the books are at the minimum introductory price through this holiday weekend … More All Aboard! The Delta Pearl is here! #ThursdayDoors

Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors, #TDWC: The Rabbit Hole

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Hello, all. Today I have a triple-duty post. This is about the Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (TDWC), drawing, a short story, and whatnot! The door images that were provided for the TDWC truly are inspiration for all sorts of creativity.  Resa McConaghy‘s fabulous door above sent my imagination down a whimsical … More Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors, #TDWC: The Rabbit Hole

Whatnot Wednesday & #ThursdayDoors — Looking Out My Back Door

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

Who’s at the Door? (5) #ThursdayDoors

Thursday, April 11, 2024 Welcome, everyone.  Some of you will recognize the person above.  She is beloved by many small children. Others will know the lady who is right behind her, who is loved by countless readers in the blog-verse. ♣ ♣ ♣ Who’s at the door? Please welcome, mind-cultivator, teacher, and inspiration, Jennie Fitzkee. Jennie comes … More Who’s at the Door? (5) #ThursdayDoors

Vintage Vignettes — The Letter A. #VictorianSlang

Saturday, March 30, 2024 Above, two chuckaboos? Or perhaps something more? Welcome, my chuckaboos!  The vintage of choice today is Victorian.  Some of you will remember from my posts (years ago) that “chuckaboo” was slang in that era for a dear friend.  Those with great recall will notice that I posted this two years ago.  … More Vintage Vignettes — The Letter A. #VictorianSlang

Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (4) A Doors Safari

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Welcome, all.  Vehicle doors are certainly “doors.”  My guest today chose Land Rover doors.  When my angel-bots from Hullaba Lulu heard, they insisted on coming along for the ride. ♣ ♣ ♣ Who’s at the door? Some of my readers are familiar with my guest through his mom, with whom he has collaborated … More Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (4) A Doors Safari

Things change — and usually not for the better. Announcement

Monday, February 12, 2024 Hello, everyone.  First, something good.  Today is the first anniversary of the day Velma and Daphne arrived.  I wanted to use names of a fictional detective duo.  During the night before they came, my mind had briefly flitted across the names on which I eventually settled. However, if Chris The Story Reading … More Things change — and usually not for the better. Announcement

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode- 7: Strange Magic

Saturday, February 10, 2024 Welcome back to the strange town, Atonement, Tennessee.  Today’s soundtrack is Strange Magic, by ELO.  The song was suggested by Dan Antion, who also offered up one of his favorite photos.  Midweek, Dan’s photo inspired me to do a post offering a writing exercise/challenge.  You’re still welcome to come out and play … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode- 7: Strange Magic