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

A Peril in the Vines is rising with a Bad Moon

Sunday, October 27, 2024 Hello everyone.  Today I’m at Teri Polen’s blog, where she’s interviewing me for her October book festival, Bad Moon Rising.  This is a companion post for our discussion.  I hope you’ll visit Teri’s blog for the fun Halloween questions she asked me. Here’s one of the great questions Teri asked me: … More A Peril in the Vines is rising with a Bad Moon

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?

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

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

Wednesday Writing & #TDWC — I’ll Paint It Black

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Welcome, everyone. I prefer to post only twice a week, but I make an exception for Dan Antion‘s 4th Annual Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (TDWC).  (Click the blue link for more information about the challenge and how to showcase your stories.)  You see, I’ve had a “Who’s at the Door?” post waiting … More Wednesday Writing & #TDWC — I’ll Paint It Black

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Challenge — The Yellow Door

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Welcome, all.  I confess that the seed of a story began to germinate the moment I saw this photo by Brian at Bushboy’s World when Dan Antion posted the rules for the 4th Annual Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (TDWC) — before the writing part of the event began.  (Click the blue … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors Challenge — The Yellow Door

Whatnot Wednesday #ThursdayDoors — Images, Inspiration, Process

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 Welcome, everyone, for topics of writing, creativity, and processes, and… whatnot.  Creatives draw inspiration from all sorts of things.  Sometimes we actively try to summon up that stimulation.  Other times it just blasts into the mind.  Today I’m elaborating on my process for creating image collages. In a couple of weeks, Dan … More Whatnot Wednesday #ThursdayDoors — Images, Inspiration, Process

Weekend Reads: April

Saturday, April 20, 2024 Welcome, everyone.  I’m not complaining — just explaining. Because I haven’t finished The Path of Lilies, I must give you an explanation.  The combination of back pain, allergies, and lack of sleep had me far enough under the weather on Friday that I wasn’t able to write a post for this … More Weekend Reads: April

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

Wednesday Writing — Responses to Favorite Photo Exercise

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Hello, all.   Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m delighted with the responses to the writing exercise I shared last week.  I asked everyone to look at a favorite photo, painting, mural, or other image.  Drink in the feelings that it brings to mind.  Then write something related to the image.  Short or long, … More Wednesday Writing — Responses to Favorite Photo Exercise

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

Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Photo Exercise

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Welcome, all.   This weekend, Dan Antion offered to let me use one of his favorite photos for my weekend serial, Atonement, Bad Bishop.  “(It) is one of the best photos I’ve ever taken,” Dan said.  His remark got me thinking…  Pictures and other images are doors to memories and feelings.  They’re also … More Wednesday Writing & #ThursdayDoors — Favorite Photo Exercise

Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 6: Strange Brew, featuring Liz Gauffreau

Saturday, February 3, 2024 Welcome everyone.  Today’s soundtrack tune was offered by Liz Gauffreau.  It’s our second song by “Cream” — Strange Brew.  Be sure to click over and check out Liz’s blog. Previously With the sun to one side, I shielded my eyes, squinting into the distance.  As the black mist reached the ground … More Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 6: Strange Brew, featuring Liz Gauffreau

Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm

Saturday, January 27, 2024 Welcome everyone.  Horsefeathers!  How can it be that January has gone by so fast?  Yesterday (as I write this on Friday) I emailed several people for ideas for another soundtrack song.  Thanks to everyone for the great song ideas.  I’ll be choosing one of those for next weekend’s episode.  However, right … More Weekend Serial — Atonement Bad Bishop, Episode 5: Riders on the Storm

Wednesday Writing — Welcome to My Nightmare

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Hello, everyone.  People, friends, readers, often remark on my imagination.  Some ask where all those whimsical, often outrageous stories and characters originate.  I guess they come from the same place as the kind of things about which I never write. This post is a look into the other things that are … More Wednesday Writing — Welcome to My Nightmare

Wednesday Writing: A Snippet from the first appearance of the Atonement Pigs

Wednesday, January 17, 2023 Welcome, everyone.   I hope your week is going well.  Maybe it’s just that it’s early in the year, but I was feeling a little reflective.   If I had never written my first published novel, Atonement, Tennessee then I would have never started this blog.  I wouldn’t have written any of the … More Wednesday Writing: A Snippet from the first appearance of the Atonement Pigs

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-4, Tortured Ears, Featuring Tim Price

Saturday, January 13, 2024 Welcome back to the strange town, Atonement, Tennessee.  Today’s soundtrack is Tales of Brave Ulysses, by Cream.  It made me think of Donny Metatron and his predicament with the sirens.  However, the otherworldly pigs took over it — at least for this episode. The song was suggested by photographer and cat-dad (and … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-4, Tortured Ears, Featuring Tim Price

Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (1)

Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Welcome, everyone.  As you probably know, I typically only do two posts per week.  When it fits, I sometimes combine my Wednesday Writing topic with Thursday Doors.  This year, I had the idea to do an occasional blogger feature, called Who’s at the Door?  Moments later, a generous blogger had emailed … More Wednesday Writing & Who’s at the #ThursdayDoor? (1)

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-3, Logic and Proportion, Featuring Roberta Cheadle

Saturday, December 30, 2023 This is my last post of 2023.  Before I do anything else, let me wish each of you a sparkling New Year.  Honeybell, Moccus, and Deme are having a party to celebrate. Today’s soundtrack is White Rabbit by Grace Wing Slick and Jefferson Airplane.  It fit Pepper Riley’s disoriented state, now … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-3, Logic and Proportion, Featuring Roberta Cheadle

#ThursdayDoors: 2023 in the Rearview Mirror

Thursday, December 28, 2023 Welcome, everyone.  If you need a break from the roundups, accomplishments, resolutions, and goals, then you’re in the right place.  I don’t have any of those things, especially this year.  (Besides, with my particular “stuff,” goals can be a very, very bad thing.)   (Video below: “Rear View Mirror” song as performed … More #ThursdayDoors: 2023 in the Rearview Mirror

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-2, Both Sides Now, Featuring Geoff Le Pard

Saturday, December 23, 2023 It’s wonderful to see you in Atonement, TN and reading this serial.  Whether you love the holidays and are happy that it’s only a couple of days before Christmas — or if you’re glad it’s finally almost over, I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season, with joy to in your world.  … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-2, Both Sides Now, Featuring Geoff Le Pard

Wednesday Writing — the Unlikely Path to a Character: Enoch Metatron

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Welcome, all and happy hump day.  It’s been a while since I did a “writing” post.  I hope you’re in the mood for a ramble.  Did you ever have to find your way to a rural or remote place?  I mean the kind of destination where you have about 30 turns … More Wednesday Writing — the Unlikely Path to a Character: Enoch Metatron

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-1, All Good People, Featuring Dan Antion & Kerfe

Saturday, December x, 2023 Welcome back to the Atonement, Bad Bishop serial.  I’m glad you’re here.  Like they say, great minds think alike.  This time, the random reader things, which drive this episode were from the “soundtrack” offerings. Two of you suggested the same song — I’ve Seen All Good People, by the group Yes … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Episode-1, All Good People, Featuring Dan Antion & Kerfe

Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

Saturday, December 9, 2023 Welcome back to Atonement, TN.  It’s good to see you. This time, the random reader things, which drive this episode were from the “soundtrack” suggestions.  Resa McConaghy suggested Hotel California.  It seems like if a song fits my mood, the ability to write arrives soon after the tune gets embedded in … More Weekend Serial — Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue 2, Featuring Resa McConaghy

Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue-1 Adelle’s Diary

Saturday, December 2, 2023 Book-2 Begins Now Welcome everyone, and welcome December.  Wow…how did it get here so fast.  Wasn’t it just March?  Just an eye-blink ago wasn’t it September, when I finished Book-1 of the Atonement serial.  Believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about the serial all this time.  I keep changing my … More Atonement: Bad Bishop, Prologue-1 Adelle’s Diary