Hello, friends! Is it safe to say this month is flying by? Well, it is the shortest month of the year, but still…
This photo reminded me of a walking path in Ireland. Oh, how I would love to visit that beautiful country again. Maybe someday.
I’ve had a busy week, and thankfully got over the lack of motivation I experienced last week. I do realize that everything in life comes in cycles. We have days where we are full of energy and ready to tackle anything, then we have other days where we’d rather stay in bed.
Remember last year when I was searching for the best coffee? And that turned out to be Black Rifle. Well, I discovered a new Black Rifle blend that is my absolute favorite. They call it Wakin’ The Neighbors. 🙂 It is SO good. I highly recommend it.
I am grateful for progress made on my WIP this week. I am to the middle of the story—the place some call the “messy middle.” It does seem that in every story I reach a point where I sit back and say, “what next?” And sometimes that requires walking away and thinking about it.
I’ll share this snippet from a chapter I wrote. Hope you enjoy!
Jack eased forward, rifle cocked. Wolf stayed on his heels, but didn’t make a sound. How the pup understood what to do puzzled Jack. Had he hunted before?
He weighed his odds with the two men. With one gone, he’d have no trouble overtaking the other one. But could he be patient and wait? His heart raced and blood thrummed in his veins.
“Hey, Frank, bring ‘em back over here for skinning.” The older man tossed a burlap bag to the younger man.
Acting on pure instinct, Jack stepped out from his hiding place, rifle on his shoulder aimed at the two. “Stop where you are.” Wolf stood next to Jack and snarled.
The men whirled toward him, and Jack got a good look at their faces. The older man must have been in his late sixties, while the younger one looked to be around thirty.
“Who are you?” The older man advanced, knife drawn.
“I’m Jack Blaine with the Missouri Conservationists and you are breaking the law. I’m taking you in for illegal poaching.” As Jack said the words, he wondered how on earth he would take the two in if he could overpower them. If nothing else, he could tie them up while he went for the sheriff.
“Oh yeah? Says you and who else?” The younger man eased up on Jack’s left. Wolf growled.
“Says me and the authority vested in me by the State of Missouri.” Jack kept the rifle pointed at the older man’s chest.
Before Jack could take another breath, the one called Frank tackled him, knocking the rifle from his hands. He struggled to stay on his feet, but Frank was bigger than Jack and he went down hard.
The men got away, but not before Jack got a good look at them.
I am happy to be participating in the BookLuvers Historical Fiction Book Fest where there are lots of giveaways! Hop over and check it out! While you’re there, I’d appreciate a vote for A Beggar’s Bargain!
I started a new Rebecca Zanetti book that is SO good I want to do nothing but read. 🙂 It is her latest and is set in Alaska. So, I sat on the couch last night, bundled up in a blanket and read about characters caught in a blizzard searching for a missing person. The female character even fell in the river. Brrrr. I’m thinking maybe I should have waited until summer to read this one.
If you’re looking for a new TV show to watch, I found a series on Paramount+ that I’m enjoying. I usually hesitate to get sucked into a series, because it cuts into my reading time, but Tracker is well worth the sacrifice. It stars Justin Hartley who is like a modern day bounty hunter. He calls himself a rewardist. He travels all over the country wherever an reward is offered for a missing person. One of the episodes involved him finding a missing horse. Anyway, it’s a good show, full of adventures.
In health news, I am facing a fairly major surgery in April. I’m dreading it, but at the same time, wanting to hurry and get it over with. They tell me recovery time will be eight weeks, which will put me into book and music event season, hopefully feeling great and ready to participate.
Again, life throws things at us and we handle it and move on.
My oldest daughter has a birthday this week, sort of. She was born on February 29th, so only gets a real birthday every four years. We will celebrate on the 28th this year. She was also born feet first and is the most grounded person I know. Hardly anything ever shakes her. So, happy birthday to Deva Joy! This is a recent photo of me and her.
I fell in love with this quote and hope you enjoy it. This is exactly my approach to writing a novel.
The tarot card that came up for this week is the Six of Swords
The first two things that immediately come to mind with this card are the two contrasting waters and the fact that this woman is not alone. On one side of the boat there is turbulence and on the other side, it’s calm. It represents moving away from a situation toward something better. The green trees on the islands ahead are optimistic. The boat is definitely moving forward and most often moving forward means finding something better than what you left behind. It can represent a healing journey. Again, the significance of the man navigating the boat is huge. We are never alone on this journey of life. The swords in front of the woman and child represent the mind and perhaps being trapped by our thoughts or beliefs. Overall, this card is about letting go and trusting.
And that’s it for today. I wish you all a wonderful week ahead. Let’s go!
Sorry I’m behind this week on responses. The excerpt from your book was really exciting. I can’t wait for book 3. Sounds like you have been busy. I’m at that messy middle with my book too. I now have a twisty new direction. Just have to prioritize the other projects and get my butt back to it! Sorry to hear about your surgery. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Have a great week!
Thanks for stopping by, Joy. I’m glad you liked the snippet from my WIP. How fun to have a twisty new direction! I love those kinds of surprises. Thanks for the good wishes and prayers!
A wonderful post, Jan. A birthday once in four years sounds great – really slow aging 😂
I also voted
So true, Robbie! We remind her of that now and then. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
I just voted for your book, Jan, and I ordered the paperback! 🥰
Awwww, thank you SO much, Lauren! You just made my day!
You’re welcome, Jan, and I look forward to reading your book! Glad my vote made your day! 🙂
Hi Jan, there is so much excitement in this post, except for your surgery, and I hope it goes smoothly with a quick recovery. I enjoyed the snippet you shared of the book you’re working on, and Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! You both look like twins! By the way, I love Tracker and I watch it on Sunday nights on regular TV. He’s my new young celebrity heartthrob and my husband doesn’t mind. 😁 Good luck with your writing, and I’m going to check out your books. 💕
Lol! Your comment about Justin Hartley made me grin. 🙂 Glad you guys enjoy the show, too. Thank you for all the good wishes! I appreciate your support!
Happy to bring a smile, Jan, and you’re welcome. 🥰
There is a lot here and I can feel the motivation from my side of the screen. Best wishes for the surgery, and I liked the excerpt.
Thank you, Craig. Glad you can feel the motivation. 🙂 I appreciate the good wishes and kind words.
It was an intriguing excerpt. Tracker sounds like a good show. It is a great photo. You and your daughter look so alike. Also good luck with the surgery.
Thanks so much, Thomas. I appreciate you stopping by!
Just added Tracker to my YT TV library–thanks! Good luck on that surgery.
Yay! Let me know what you think. And thanks for the good wishes!
Super excerpt, Jan. Wishing you all the best with the surgery. I like that quote too.
Thanks so much, John!
What a cool name for coffee, lol. We’re big fans of Tracker. It’s so hard to get Hubby interested in anything, but that’s a series he doesn’t miss. Yay for the new WIP motivation, and happy birthday to your daughter!
It’s a really good show and I’m not getting tired of it yet. 🙂 I agree about the coffee. And it’s delish! Thanks for stopping by and for all the good wishes!
That excerpt is great, Jan. Going after poachers is a right thing to do. The picture of you and your daughter is beautiful. I sure hope your surgery goes well and the results are good. I’ll probably check out “Tracker.”
Thanks so much for stopping by, Tim. So glad you enjoyed the excerpt. The poaching is based on research and at one time Mink were plentiful all across Missouri, but because of poaching are now almost extinct. Thanks for all the good wishes! If you check out “Tracker” let me know what you think.
You are so right, Jan. This card goes so well along with my post today – or vice versa. The swords in front of the woman can make her feel helpless and desperate while in fact, she is already on the way to something better. I love the message of the card. It represents the black thoughts that catch most of us from time to time.
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter. Wow, you too caught that one speacial day within four years. Congratulation to you too, Jan!!
Glad you found a coffee you like so much. I stopped drinking coffee almost 4 months ago. I feel so much better, sleep better, less nervousness and waking up during the night and less restlessness in general. I had not thought that 1 to 2 cups of coffee could have such an impact on me.
Have a great week, Jan!
That’s interesting, Erika. I am probably way to dependent on my morning coffee, but I really enjoy it. And I normally only have one cup, so I guess if I have to have a vice, that isn’t too bad. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the synchronicity of the tarot card with your post today. 🙂 Thanks for the birthday wishes! Have a great week!
Keep enjoying, Jan. I understand that well! Thanks a lot and have a great week!
Your daughter is gorgeous and looks a lot like you. The quote is perfect! Have a super week.
Thank you, Darlene. My daughter is a beautiful soul and I’m so proud to be her mom. I’m happy you stopped by and wish you a great week ahead!
Sorry to hear about the upcoming surgery, Jan. Hope it’s a quick recovery. Loved the excerpt and can’t wait to read more. Beautiful photo of you and your daughter. Happy birthday to her! Good tarot card pick this week and thanks for show suggestion, sounds good. Xo
Thank you, Denise. They are telling me I will have an eight week recovery time. 🙁 I just want to get it over with. I appreciate you stopping by and glad you enjoyed the post.
I loved your Monday Meanderings. They’re just the right variety of topics even down to the quote with the lovely picture. You’re right about life cycles. I’ve been so busy these past two weeks, that I feel like nothing but rest for this week.
Thank you so much, Linda. I am happy you enjoyed the post. Enjoy your week of rest!
I’m glad you had a good week of writing, Jan, and the except was great. A good tease for the book. And sorry to hear about some major surgery coming up. Do all you can to clear your calendar for recovery. Your body needs and deserves it. The tarot card pick is lovely… and speaking of lovely. Happy Birthday to your daughter!
I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet, Diana. And, yes, I will do all I can to prepare for the recovery period following the surgery. I just want to get it over with at this point. Glad you enjoyed the tarot card. And thank you for the compliment about my daughter. Have a great week ahead!
Oooo…enjoyed the snippet, Jan! And my daughter also celebrates a birthday this week (27th). She’ll be turning 50, though doesn’t look a day over 39! Where did those years go to? Have a fabulous week, my friend!
Thank you for your comment, Mary So glad you enjoyed the snippet. My daughter turns 50 next year. How does that even happen? Glad you stopped by and have a great rest of your week!
I love your family photos, Jan. We’re going to see our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson at the end of the week. I don’t take these gatherings for granted as they live 2,000 miles away.
As a coffee aficionado, I will look for this one. I can’t imagine a day without my 2-3 cups.
How wonderful, Pete that you are getting a family visit at the end of the week! Those visits mean so much, especially considering the distance. I think you’ll be pleased with Wakin’ The Neighbors. It’s a wonderful blend. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
“Wakin’ the Neighbors” is such a good name for a coffee. I’ll have to get some. I voted! Beautiful picture of you and your daughter!
It is a great name for coffee, isn’t it, Priscilla? 🙂 And it’s super delish! Thank you for voting and for the kind words. Hope you have a great week ahead!
I look forward to your next book. I’m happy you felt motivated again. I get those “don’t want to do anything” periods. Happy birthday to your daughter, and prayers for your upcoming surgery.
Thank you, Joan. Yes, I am happy to be working again and making progress instead of sitting still. I appreciate the kind words and definitely appreciate the prayers! I’m happy you stopped by!
Thanks for the recommendations Jan. That’s a great photo of you and your daughter – happy birthday to her, and advanced good wishes for you in April.
Thanks, Dan. I appreciate the good wishes and kind words. Have a wonderful week ahead!
Great post, Jan! I loved the picture of you and your daughter. Happy birthday to her! The tarot card give great encouragement for anyone struggling in this moment. I enjoyed your excerpt. It sounds like another winner! Like you, I don’t watch too much TV, but I like Justin Hartley and have seen commercials for this show. I may just have to check it out.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Yvette. Thank you for the kind words. I hardly ever recommend a TV show, but I am enjoying Tracker. If you check it out, I hope you like it. Thanks so much for visiting. Have a wonderful week ahead!