Hello, friends. Happy Monday, the last Monday in January already. This year is going to fly by just like all the rest. So, what can we do, but enjoy every moment we are given.
It’s been raining a bit here, and the moisture is welcomed. We had several days of sunshine and temperatures in the fifties, so it’s time for something different. After all, it is still winter.
We’ve had a crazy sort of week and a far cry from a normal routine. My oldest granddaughter, who is thirteen, loves theater and takes a theater production class in middle school. She had the opportunity to try out for a high school production of Cinderella and was chosen to be part of what they call the ensemble. They only chose two eighth graders, so she was super excited. I saw her on Monday and then didn’t see her again until Friday as she was in rehearsals every day after school until 10 at night.
But the show was fabulous! I got to see it twice and enjoyed every bit of it. The talent of these kiddos is just amazing. Here are a few photos from it. Sorry some of the photos are grainy. The lighting wasn’t the best.
It was SO much fun! It was a ton of hard work, but in her words, “it was worth it.”
Besides that crazy schedule, little sister, Sammy, got her braces off so that was two days of going to the ortho, but she is happy to have them off for a while. She shed a few tears during the process, but then gave me a big smile.
After much struggle, I managed to get the belt adjusted on my treadmill, so I can start walking again. It was hard, but I worked until I got the belt to sit almost dead center. My goal is to walk a mile to two miles five days a week.
Another thing I did this past week that was different for me, involves a handheld steam cleaner. I borrowed one from my daughter and used it to clean the tile grout in my shower and to clean around the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. Wowzer! I think I need to buy one of these. It did a fabulous job without any scrubbing. It’s definitely something I’ll do again.
On the writing front, I am 1/3 of the way into A Bold Bargain! Yay! It’s interesting writing about elderly folks. I was shocked when I did the math and discovered these characters were born in the late 1800s. That gives me a whole different perspective on the things they’ve seen come along in their lifetimes. I also needed a physical malady for one of the characters and at first thought I’d give him a stroke. But my sister reminded me they had little to no treatment for strokes back then. So, I dove deeper into research and discovered that a severe migraine could mimic stroke symptoms, even down to slurred speech and the inability to walk. That was what I went with. At least it was a treatable condition.
On the reading front, I am completely engrossed in “The Valley Walker” by T.W. Dittmer. It’s my first time to read anything written by this author, and I can assure you it won’t be my last! I’ll be posting all my January reviews soon. It’s been a great reading month.
Hey, did you know my sister has a new western short story up for pre-order? Well, she does, and having had the opportunity to beta-read this story, I can promise it’s a great read. Take a look!
BLURB:
A mysterious man with one name and secrets that gnaw at his soul.
Creek has a reputation as a gunslinger, a lawless man—one to be feared. So, when an orphaned eleven-year-old girl in this rough border town claims she’s his daughter, it jolts the very fiber of his being. For a man making a living with a gun, he’s not father material in any sense of the word. And he has serious doubts he ever met her mother.
Yet Willa July stands firm. Creek has the mark on his wrist that proves her claim. When she’s taken by a crazed killer from his past, Creek is propelled into a desperate chase. He alone understands the depths of this monster’s evil mind.
Time is his enemy as he races to save her. But if he succeeds in getting the girl back, can Creek tear down his walls and embrace the role he never dreamed possible?
I don’t have to tell you, because you already know, we are living in tumultuous times. So, how can we keep our peace amidst the chaos? It’s a matter disconnecting and focusing on the tiny parts of life you can control, finding that feeling of gratitude for all you’ve been given, then letting go of what you cannot change.
The Tarot Card I got for the week is this one:
The two main words associated with The Star card are hope and healing. It can lift the spirits after a time of painful or violent transformation, and she helps renew your faith and hope in the future. I say we let this card inspire us to get back into a state of creative flow by using all the gifts we have within us. This is a strong healing energy! Sounds just about perfect! Let’s carry this theme with us throughout the coming week.
Have a great week ahead! I have a guest here on my blog this week and looking forward to that. So, stay tuned!
Great content!
Jan, your granddaughter looks so much like you in the picture with her friends. How fun for you to watch her shine on stage. Congratulations to Sammy, too. Your sister’s book sounds fabulous. What a great plot
Thanks for visiting over at Story Chat. I hope you’ll come back soon. I’ll link this post to our attendance count on the poetry day post. 🙂 xxxx
Awwww, thank you so much, Marsha. And, yes, I will definitely visit at Story Chat again!
I’m honored! Thanks so much, Jan! 🙂
Congratulations to your granddaughter for a successful play. I’m sure you enjoyed it and are so proud of! Both young ladies are precious. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Joy. Yes, I definitely enjoyed the play and glad I got to see it twice.
Congratulations to your oldest granddaughter and to Sammy for getting her braces off. Wonderful photos.
Thank you, Thomas. Happy you stopped by!
Glad to see you were able to enjoy your granddaughter’s play.
Thanks, Mark!
So sweet to read about the grandchildren, Jan! They deserve extra big hugs. Congratulations to your sister and all the best to you as you dive into your WIP. 😊
Thank you so much, Gwen! I am happy you stopped by!
Congrats to your granddaughter in the play. You have me curious about that steam cleaner. And the star card is perfect. <3
Thank you oh, Debby. I am 100% sold on the steam cleaner. I am glad I can borrow one whenever I want. Otherwise I would buy one. I agree about the Star!!
How sweet your granddaughters are! 🌸
Thank you, Kymber!
Thanks for sharing photos of your grand-daughter’s great performance. What exciting moments for everyone! Oh, and that handsteamer sounds really like something I should check out. The Star totally speaks to me and fits the transformation I feel developing. May it bring shine a beautiful and bright light on your way this week, Jan 💖
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Erika. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and I wish for the Star to shine bright on you this week as well!
Thank you, Jan 🙏🌟
How fun your grandaughter is involved in theater and nothing like getting braces off. I agree Valley Walker is a great read. I use a steamer for mopping, but it sounds like I need it for cleaning, too.
Thank you for your comment, Denise. I think the versatility of the steam cleaner is pretty much unlimited. It did a great job of getting the mineral deposits off from around the sink faucets. I appreciate you stopping by and your added endorsement for The Valley Walker!
Jan, thank you so much for giving Creek a spotlight. I’m always so grateful for any sharing. I do think readers will love this story, even if westerns are not their thing. Sydney is absolutely unbelievable! I love her enthusiasm for life. Hurrah on the steam cleaner and I love the card of hope. We need as much as we can get. Love you so much, Sister.
You are most welcome, sister. Hopefully, you can pick up a few more pre-orders. Sydney definitely has a lot of enthusiasm, especially for theater. Who knows where it will take her. Yes, we definitely need hope and healing for sure! Thank you for stopping by!
Tim Dittmar’s Valley Walker is one of the best books I have read. The story is evocative and as a Viet Nam Vet he knows of which he writes. It was terrific seeing your endorsement here. So nice to see your grandkids doing well.
I have to agree with you, John. Tim certainly knows the military aspect as well as the cultures. I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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Congrats to your granddaughter! You’re tempting me with the grout cleaner. I figured those machines just wouldn’t work. Your sis’s book–hooboy. That cover hits all my ‘love it’ buttons!
I really had my doubts about the steam cleaner until I saw it work magic, Jacqui. Now, I either have to purchase one or keep borrowing theirs. 🙂 I had a feeling Linda’s new book cover would draw you in. AND it’s a great story! Thank you for stopping by!
So much to comment on, Jan. Your granddaughter is adorable and I love the autograph-signing. And getting braces off is an exciting moment even with the tears. Great book progress too! 🙂 I just started Linda’s “Wildwood Healer”yesterday and should finish it tomorrow. And I also loved “The Valley Walker.” Mesmerizing, isn’t it? Phew! Have a great week and Happy Writing!
Lol, Diana. Thank you for your wonderful comment. My sister will be thrilled to know you are reading “Wildwood Healer.” And yes, I am engrossed in “The Valley Walker.” So much going on. I’m past the 50% mark and can’t wait to get back to it. Thank you so much for visiting. I appreciate your comment!
🙂
Diana, I’m so thrilled you’re reading Wildwood. I hope it brings a lot of pleasure. Those were turbulent times as well and people had to figure out how to cope and make things better. Miss Sicily is quite a woman.
I’m already at about 40%. Phew. Lots of tense scenes so far. My pleasure to read. 🙂
It’s certainly wonderful to watch a grandchild in a fabulous show. The pictures are fantastic. I’m glad you’re engrossed in reading one of my books, Jan.
Yes, it is, Tim. I loved watching all the kiddos perform. And I am definitely 100% invested in Valley Walker! Review coming soon.
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Beautiful pictures of your granddaughter, Jan. Enjoy the last week of January! I can’t believe February is looming. 😉
Thank you, Mary. I agree. I can’t believe February is just around the corner. I appreciate you stopping by!
How exciting for your granddaughter – and already signing her first autograph! I went to high school production of Phantom of the Opera a few years ago and was amazed at the talents the students possessed. I took note about your treadmill. We’ve been having some minor problems with ours, so I’ll have to check the belt. Thanks, Jan!
The talent and dedication these kids have is just amazing, Teri. She will be in high school next year and plans to continue on in theater. Adjusting the belt was not easy as my hands are not real strong. The adjustment on the left side wouldn’t budge until I got pliers and used them to turn the hex wrench. So, I moved over to the right side and adjusted opposite of what you normally would. YouTube is my friend. 🙂 Anyway, it worked and I’m happily walking again. Good luck!
Could you share a link for that steam cleaner?
Hi, Joy. Since I didn’t buy it, I’m guessing, but this looks like it: https://www.amazon.com/Pressurized-Accessories-Multi-Purpose-Multi-Surface-Upholstery/dp/B0D73LDZHX/
No clue that steam cleaner could do that.
Have a happy week ahead! 🤗
I was pleasantly surprised at the result, Christena. It definitely worked. Thank you for stopping by!
I had no idea a steam cleaner could work on grout. I try not to use chemicals in my house, so this will be a game changer for me. Thanks for sharing that interesting tidbit of info. And congrats to your granddaughter for getting a role in the play. She’s on her way to becoming a Thespian!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I was very surprised at how well it cleaned the grout in my shower, Yvette. I don’t like using chemicals either so it was a great discovery. I am thinking I may have to buy one, or just borrow theirs often. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words about my granddaughter.