Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Ten with Annette Rochelle Aben

~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

 

A header on Annette’s blog that demonstrates her energy

Annette and I are from Michigan. I know that doesn’t mean much to most, but to those of us who are, a bond is forged out of that fact. You see, Michigan is a great place, but it presents some challenges. Annette has clearly overcome them and is a distinguished Author, Communicator, Muse, and Artist. I am very fortunate to be hosted by her today. When you visit her post, look around, and you will find evidence of the four descriptive words used to describe Annette. Here is the link to her post.

More about Annette

“Most of my life, like since I have been old enough to hold a writing implement, I have loved writing. Other than school assignments, I chose poetry as my favorite way of expressing myself.

Fast forward to and through my adulthood, I have done a lot of writing for work in radio, television and newspapers. And I have also published several books, which you can find here: http://www.amazon.com/author/annetterochelleaben

In addition to writing, I am completely in love with Angels, cooking, making jewelry, photography, cats, listening to music and laughing!”

From her Amazon Author Page

Words are like threads that, when woven together with passion and purpose, can create a tapestry in which you long to wander. That passion was ignited in me when I was a small child and continues to burn bright even today. I was encouraged by educators who challenged me to try and by career paths that demanded I become a proficient wordsmith. I would like to think I have done them proud. Over the years, I have won awards, been nominated for an EMMY for television writing, and penned a #1 Best Selling book of poetry. My collection of books available on Amazon include self-help, inspirational, and of course, poetry. I have been invited to participate in anthologies and collections, several of which are here as well. Welcome to my world of words. Should you find something in which to lose yourself, I shall raise my glass in a toast to your happiness. Thank you for your kind attention.

Visit Annette’s Amazon Page to see all her books.

Here’s just one. (Click for Amazon)

I have closed the comments so you can leave them with Annette. Thanks.

 

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Nine with Jan Sikes

~ John W. Howell

I’ve known Jan Sikes for over ten years. She is a tireless worker and has continued to write exciting books. She now has twenty titles in print and is working on number twenty-one. I feel privileged to have her as part of the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour. Here is a link to her post.

 

More about Jan in her words,

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I had no ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music matching the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Her latest book (Click cover for Amazon)

Go to Jan’s Amazon page for more.

I would appreciate a visit to Jan’s page. I have turned off comments here.

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – A stop with Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

~ John W. Howell

I have to apologize that for a reason I have yet to understand, I missed  Jaye and Anita’s post on February 7th. I hope to correct that today. I am visiting Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes. They are very talented sisters who author books. In addition, Jaye is interested in gardening and her bonsai collection. Anita also writes compelling poetry. I am delighted that Anita and Jaye volunteered to host a stop on the tour. Here is a link to their post.

A little more about Jaye

Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.

She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.

She also enjoys running a website/blog, https://jenanita01.com and loves meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!

 

Jaye has 13 titles published. You can see all of them at Her Amazon Page

A little more about Anita

Anita Dawes loves all things esoteric, magical and the otherworldly and would prefer to live in a fairy tale. In between these moments, she likes to visit old churches and ancient buildings.

She has written six fiction novels in various genres, Bad Moon, Simple, Secrets, The Scarlet Ribbon; Let it Go and Not My Life. Presently working on a sequel to her popular supernatural romance, The Scarlet Ribbon.

Anita has recently rediscovered her childhood love of poetry and often writes and posts them online.

Once owned by an egocentric black and white cat called Merlin, named after her favourite hero, Anita dislikes computers and prefers to writes longhand, sharing a website http://jenanita01.com with Jaye Marie, who transcribes and edits her work…

Anita has 19 titles published. You can visit them at her Amazon Author Page

I have closed the comments so that you can leave them on Jaye Marie and Anita’s post.

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Seven with D.L. Finn

~ John W. Howell ~ 2 Comments

Denise can project happiness with just a word. Her mantra is “To follow your inner child,” and that concept will keep her young forever. Under the pen name D. L. Finn, Denise has authored 20 titles in several genres. I have known Denise since I started writing and feel honored that she is a stop on the tour.

Here is the link to her post

A little more about Denise

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990, she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

Her two latest books are ones I have enjoyed very much. (Click for Amazon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Denise’s Amazon Author page, where you can see the rest.

Please visit Denise and leave a comment. I have turned the comments off here to save you time.

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today, we visit the neighborhood to check on things we might not have seen before. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a traditional Super Bowl offering.

We are catered by Doc’s Backyard Grill, with their Superbowl menu. Our entertainment is The 1985 Chicago Bears.

WINGS 

BONELESS HOT WINGS

TRADITIONAL HOT WINGS

WHITE WINGS – Chicken & fresh jalapenos wrapped in smoked applewood bacon and tossed in buffalo wing sauce

APPETIZERS 

BEAN & CHEESE NACHOS, PULLED PORK NACHOS -Pulled pork, goat cheese, black beans, red onions, and cilantro.

SHRIMP NACHOS – Blackened shrimp. Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and avocado.

QUESO – Topped with pico de gallo.

FAJITA NACHOS – Fajita chicken or marinated steak.

GUACAMOLE

SLIDERS

FISH SLIDERS – Three blackened or hand-battered fish sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

BAT SLIDERS – Three smoked applewood bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tomato sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

DOC’S MINI CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS – Three sliders topped with American cheese and grilled onions.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS -Three buffalo chicken sliders with bleu cheese crumbles.

PULLED PORK SLIDERS – Three pulled pork sliders topped with BBQ sauce & Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw

BURGERS/SANDWICHES

 CHEESE BURGER – Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BRUNCH BURGER: A half-pound patty, fried egg, applewood bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, and queso.

TORT BURGER: Guacamole, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo are served in flour tortillas, quesadilla style, with a side of queso and tortilla chips.

BBQ APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER – Smoked applewood bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BLACKENED JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR BURGER – Grilled jalapeños, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

VEGGIE BURGER – Black bean chipotle burger, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

LONE STAR CHICKEN SANDWICH – Grilled chicken breast, smoked applewood bacon, guacamole, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH- Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and onions.

Served with a pickle spear.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH: Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomatoes with crinkle fries.

BLACKENED FISH SANDWICH – Blackened fish filet, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Picture of an old time school bus

Hop on the bus, and let’s get rolling.

Here is a cute puppy angel.

A happy turtle.

I have no idea what all this is.

A cute rosemary bush.

Now we’re talking.

A wire hen with stone eggs.

A doubtful frog.

An intense Cardinal.

Need help with this one.

A Valentine’s Day decoration.

You must look carefully, but here is another Valentine’s Day nod.

I hope you liked the tour. Time to sit back, enjoy the food and music, and get ready for the game. Here’s wishing you a lovely week.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Sun

~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

“Where you going, Twiggy?”

“I want to take a sun  bath.”

“Sunbath? What is a sunbath?”

“It’s where you lay out in the sun and let the sun warm your bones.

“Anything with the word bath in it can’t be good.”

“Oh, you would be surprised how good.”

“Do you need shampoo and stuff?”

“No, you just bring yourself and the sun take care of everything.”

“Does it get in your eyes and sting?”

“No, and your shampoo doesn’t do that either.”

“Do you get all wet and shivery?”

“Of course not; the sun is nice and warm. I’m heading for the cot.”

“I always make mom think I am being killed when she gives me a bath.”

“Yeah, I have heard you. Come on out here. It is lovely.”

“Okay, so I’m here.  What is that nasty stain?”

“It’s been here since we moved in. I think a worker dropped something on the concrete. Ignore it.”

“The weather is nice but I’m just unsure of the bath thingy.”

“Stop being a baby and get over here.”

“Whoa. You were absolutely right. This is like heaven.”

“I told you. Well, just relax and let the sun do its job.”

Detour on the Eternal Road Blog Tour – Stop Six with Teri Polen

~ John W. Howell

Yes, this stop is with the same Teri Polen who brings us Bad Moon Rising each October. That month-long sharing of insights into the participating author’s personalities is a highlight of the year. In addition to her blog, Teri is an author and book reviewer. It is no wonder that I am delighted she offered to host a spot for the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour.

Here is the link to her post

A bit about Teri

Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Sarah, her debut novel, was named a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

 

 

Teri has authored five books and participated in three anthologies.

Her latest is The Power of Three, a cannot put down Mystery. (Click cover for Amazon.

Visit Teri at her author page on Amazon for the rest of her books.

I have closed comments so you can do so at Teri’s place.

 

Detour on the Eternal Road – Stop Five with Esther Chilton

~ John W. Howell

 

I have taken a flight over the Atlantic to visit with Esther Chilton. Esther is a talented Author, Tutor, Editor, and Blogger. Her regular features on her blog give a writer an opportunity to respond to prompts and to have a laugh as well. I am so glad to be with her today. Here is a link to her post

A little more about Esther.

Esther Chilton is a tutor with The Writers Bureau distance learning college. She has been a columnist in many writing magazines. Her work has appeared in a diverse range of magazines and newspapers, including The Guardian, Best of British, Your Cat, Prima, This England, Yours and The People’s Friend, to name a few.

In addition to tutoring, Esther works as a freelance copyeditor offering an editing, guidance and advice service for authors and writers.

To find out more about Esther, go to estherchilton.co.uk

Her books (Click for Amazon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have turned off comments. Please visit Esther and leave them there.

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Four with C.S. Boyack

~ John W. Howell

Craig and I have known each other since 2013, when we were the same book club members. I have admired Craig’s work and am grateful he volunteered to host a stop on the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour. Here is the link to his post.

A little about Craig.

“I was born in Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.

I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.

I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.”

His latest book, Tracks of Infinity, can be found on Amazon along with his other 26 books. Here is Craig’s Author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00ILXBXUY/

I have closed comments and would appreciate a visit to Craig’s site. Thank you

Detour on the Eternal Road – Stop Three with Darlene Foster

~ John W. Howell

Today’s next stop on the Detour on the Eternal Road is with Darlene Foster. As many of you know, Darlene is the Author of the Amanda Travels series. She is very knowledgeable about the places she writes about because she visits them to get the setting precisely right. I am so happy to have Darlene host a stop on the tour. Thank you, Darlene.

Here is the link to her post

More about Darlene.

Darlene Foster

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia. http://www.darlenefoster.ca

In her words

“A bit about me. I am a writer of children’s stories, a retired employment counsellor and ESL tutor, a wife, mother and grandmother. I love travelling, reading, shoes, cooking, sewing, music, chocolate, walking on the beach and making new friends. My grandson once called me “super-mega-woman-supreme”. I was brought up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, where I dreamt of travelling the world and meeting interesting people. I currently divide my time between the west coast of British Columbia, Canada and Orihuela Costa in Spain where my husband and I enjoy spending time with our adorable rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

I enjoy sharing my books and writing experience with young readers and am available for guest visits to schools, libraries, coffee shops and special events, in person and digitally.

I can be contacted at darlene.foster@telus.net

I have ten published books in the Amanda Travels series, featuring a spunky young girl who loves to travel. My latest is Amanda in Scotland (Cover below)”

A list of all of Darlen’s Amanda books.

Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask

Amanda in Spain-The Girl in the Painting

Amanda in England-the Missing Novel 

Amanda in Alberta – The Writing on the Stone 

Amanda on the Danube-The Sounds of Music,

Amanda in New Mexico – Ghosts in the Wind

Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action

Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady

Amanda in France: Fire in The Cathedral

Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones

Darlene’s Amazon page.

https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Foster/e/B003XGQPHA/

I have turned the comments off. Please visit me at Darlene’s