You know how hard it is to find neighborhood subjects during a pandemic? Well, real hard. It is a good thing we have our party bus and plenty of bloody mary’s today, cause today we are going to go look at limestone. I know, I know. Not the most exciting thing for sure, but we all like each other, and I have booked Big and Rich to play for us.
Lakeway has an abundance of Gen Rose limestone, and some of it carries traces of fossilized plants and animals. Unfortunately, The Producer and I could not find any fossils. It is believed the limestone was formed in the Mesozoic Era. For those without a calendar, that was about 108 million years ago.
So hop on the bus, help yourself to a bloody mary, grab a breakfast sandwich, and let’s go.
Our first stop is to look at a house that has been finished in Cordoba Cream limestone.
Here is the side of a Target store with two kinds of limestone. Cordoba Cream on the top and Walnut on the bottom
A closer look at the Target store.
A couple of big chunks of limestone.
Here is a small stratum of limestone.
Some bricks made of Cordoba Cream limestone.
Here is a hillside of undisturbed limestone under the turf retained by limestone blocks
Another hill of limestone. You can see the stratum lines even though they are covered in dirt and vegetation.
A fence made of limestone blocks.
Another block of limestone.
A wall made of smaller bricks of limestone
An exposed stratum of limestone.
A huge stratum of exposed limestone.
Milled blocks of Limestone as a landscape feature.
Another feature.
A fountain made of limestone.
Finally, our tour ends with another home finished with Cordoba Cream limestone
“What to say about me? How to put into words that adequately describe me without blathering on? I am many things: Lover of words, widow, mother of two wonderful young men, excellent cook (why say otherwise when it’s been repeated?), dreamer, social butterfly, photographer, seeker of all things good health…
Now that I finally visited Tuscany, I feel the world awaits!
I would love to make a difference in this world by just being me (and who else could I be?) So,I am striving to let my authentic self shine.”
In my words. Dale is a superb storyteller, Poet, and Photographer. She is the mother of two, and, you can find her mostly giving of herself to others.
Here is a recent partial set of photos Dale took and used under the title. The full text is on her site.
The Moon, Playing Coquette
Like voyeurs, they watch, moonstruck, unwilling to leave, because, on this night, the Moon plays temptress. Unabashedly, she prances around fully nude, but tonight, though her light is bright, she keeps a sliver of herself hidden.
She is playing the seductress with a reverse striptease. She flirts with the leaves on the trees, coyly covering and uncovering parts of herself.
First one side,
then the other, concealing more of herself each time she shifts.
It is a sensuous dance that surprises the watchers. How can they be aroused by the addition rather than the removal of vestments? And yet they are. Enchanted, even.
At last, she finishes her dance, her new garment reminding her audience of a woman’s shoulder, decorated with lace.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here comes Linda Hill carrying a big bag.
“Hi, Linda.”
“Hi, John, I have in this container the prompt for this week.”
“Can’t wait. What is it?”
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘container.’ Use the word ‘container’ any way you’d like. Or think about a container of some kind and write about it. Enjoy!”
“Gee, thanks., Linda.”
“You need a haircut, John.”
“Bye, Linda.”
There you have it. If you would like to join in the fun, visit Linda’s blog, and you can read how easy it is. Here is the link.
“Why are you at the door?” “I think Friday is in there.” “Little one. Friday is a day, not a being. Friday is everywhere.” “Yeah, isn’t it great?”
Here we are having arrived at Friday again. I hope you all had a super week. I have been touring with some of the best bloggers. It has been an exciting experience. I suddenly realize why I only publish one book every 18 months. This is a lot of work. I also feel so much gratitude for those who have volunteered to host me and especially for those who continually stop to comment. I get a real sense of Family with this process.
Come the 30th of September, and all this tour stuff will be done. Then on to the dreaded AMS (Amazon Marketing System) for some fun with ads. I was so confused this week I put the TGIF moniker on the Wednesday Hump Day post. All of you were so gracious in not mentioning it.
Today’s JohnKu talks about promoting a new book. I hope you have a relaxing weekend and a good one next week.
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene writes fantasy fiction. Her blog is mostly limited to writing and related topics. It began in 2012, as part of her “grand experiment” in indie publishing.
Though she wasn’t born there, she was enchanted by the desert southwest of the USA the first time she moved there. Then work took her to Washington, D. C. for a decade. However, she has finally returned to those enchanting lands.
She had always devoured fantasy novels of every type. Then one day there was no new book at hand for reading — so she decided to write one. And she hasn’t stopped writing since.
Her writing is colored by experiences of her early life in the southern states and later in the southwest. Major influences include Agatha Christie, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Charlaine Harris.
Most often she writes in the fantasy genre, but she also writes 1920s mysteries and Steampunk. Her blog, “Teagan’s Books” also features serial stories spontaneously written according to random “things” she receives from viewers.”
“They say everyone has a story to tell. I wrote my first childish “masterpiece” at six and was immediately bitten by the writing bug. Since then, I’ve been composing nonstop, and have dabbled in multiple genres over the years, writing everything from fantasy, westerns, and horror to inspirational fiction, romance, and sci-fi.
It took me a while to find my niche, but I’ve settled comfortably into the mystery/suspense genre. I have a passion for folklore, myth, and urban legends and that attraction often factors into my writing. You’ll find threads of archaic tales, cryptids, and mysterious places woven throughout many of my novels.
Professionally, I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers, and a past president of the Central Pennsylvania Writer’s Organization. I’m also proud to be one of the founding members of the award-winning writing blog Story Empire.
If I’m not camped out at my keyboard or have my nose buried in a book, I’m likely looking up blurry images of cryptids on Google, sorting through vintage photographs, or imagining life as a cat. In closing, I leave you with:
12 Weird and Stupid Facts about Me
My favorite number is 12. Surprised aren’t you?
Although I only have one cat (Raven), I suffer from OCD—Obsessive Cat Disorder
I saw a UFO when I was 6 (don’t laugh!)
I’ve taken two trips in search of the legendary Mothman
I’m passionate about folklore, urban legends, and cryptozoology
I enjoy watching bats soar overhead at twilight
If I had a superpower, I’d choose the ability to fly
I have a bizarre fear of bears
I like exploring old graveyards
I’m fascinated by American history and earth sciences
My favorite color is blue
As riveting as they are, these facts are subject to change”
“Give it to me straight. Lucy. Don’t tell me it’s Wednesday.” “It’s Wednesday.” “I said don’t tell that.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we learned that Lazar is willing to testify against Taggert and Cortez. We also learned that Lazar’s daughter Carolyn will need to be protected more sooner than later. The ADA, Pricilla Thomas, left the room to make some phone calls, and she is now heading back in. Let’s find out what she has been able to arrange to protect Carolyn.
“Okay, Lazar. I was able to set up a call between the FBI and Mi5, their British equivalent. It has been decided that Mi5 will go to Carolyn’s school and take her into protective custody. This will happen as soon as possible after you place the call to her. There are two agents heading to Oxfordshire from London now. It’s going to take them ninety minutes or so to get to her. Right now, it is past eight o’clock in the evening in the UK. Do you know where your daughter might be?”
“I know she studies a lot, so I would say she is in her dorm room.”
“We can get an exact location when you talk to her. We will have to send that location to our contacts in the FBI, who will then relay it to Mi5.”
“Shouldn’t we call her now?”
“Just one more thing. Once Mi5 has her, they will take her to a safe place to spend the night. We will have scrambled a private jet out of DC, and they will be landing at the Oxford airport at about 0700 hours local time.”
“Huh”
“Sorry. About 7:00 A.M.”
“Oh.”
“The agent aboard will take custody of Carolyn, and the plane will head back to the US. Any questions so far.”
“Yeah, when does she sleep?”
“Mi5 will have a place.”
“When will I see her?’
“We will get you both into a safe house just as soon as we can. You will have 24/7 security. We want both of you to be very safe. So, you ready to make the call?”
“I guess. I’ll need my phone. I have her number programmed in.”
“Yes, here it is.”
“Just a minute. It’s ringing. Come on, sweetheart. Pick up your phone. Damn, it’s going to voicemail.”
“Tell her to call you immediately. It’s urgent.”
“Hi, Carolyn honey. This is dad. I need to talk to you right away. It’s urgent. Please call. I love you.”
“Now send her a text. Tell her she needs to call.”
“I get that. I’m not an idiot. Just a second. I sent it.”
“I guess we wait.”
“While we are waiting, let me ask a question.”
“Sure, Lazar, go ahead.”
“How long do you think it will take to go to trial?”
“Eighteen months if we are lucky.”
“So, we will be in custody for eighteen months?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’m not sure my daughter will go for that.”
“She’ll have to. You will need to explain the risk to her life.”
“Wait, here’s the phone. Hello, Carolyn, sweetie, how are you? No, no, no. I’m fine; it’s just that we have a situation. Don’t worry about being in the shower. I’m just glad to be able to talk to you.”
“Put her on speaker.”
“Carolyn honey, I’m going to put you on speaker. I know you hate that, but it’s necessary okay?”
“Okay, dad. What is going on.”
“Well, I’m here with some people from the government, and we need to be concerned with your safety.”
“Government? What kind of people from the government.”
“Hi, Carolyn. My name is Pricilla Thomas, and I’m with the Federal District Attorney’s office. We have some important things to cover with you.”
“District Attorney’s office? What kind of trouble are you in, dad.”
“Pretty big trouble, sweetheart.”
“Tell me.”
“Your dad has been doing business with some underworld characters and got caught. These nice people want me to turn states evidence in exchange for protection from these criminals.”
“Oh my gosh, Dad. States Evidence means to testify.”
“That’s right, honey.”
“Against who?”
“Cortez.”
“Oh, father. How did you get into this in the first place? I have read about him in my criminology course. He is not a nice person.”
“I know, honey. These folks are going to protect us, which brings me to the reason for my call.”
“I’m still curious about how you got involved.”
“Can we cover that later, darling? I need to give you some information.”
“You know you’ve been my rock, Dad. Since mom died, I’ve looked up to you, and you’ve never let me down. Tell me it’s going to be still true.”
“I’m not proud of myself, Honeybun.”
“Oh, daddy, I don’t want to believe that. Tell me everything.”
Indie Author Harmony Kent is an award-winning multi-genre author. Her publications include:
The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved
The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree/New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015
Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015
Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)
Slices of Soul (Contemporary Poetry)
Interludes (Erotic Short Stories)
Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)
Jewel in the Mud (Zen Musings)
Backstage (Erotic Romance)
FALLOUT (Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia)
As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers reviews and supports her fellow indie authors, Harmony works hard to promote and protect high standards within the indie publishing arena. She is always on the look out for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.
Well, that’s the official biography … Harmony also has violent tendencies and forced me to add a not quite so official version …
Harmony Kent is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour, adorable husband, and quirky neighbours. Read on for ten things Harmony thinks you should know about her … Ten Things:
Born in 2013 (at least the author was …)
Really boring
Has absolutely no sense of humour
Biographer is a compulsive liar
Reads … a lot
Writes … even more
Completely sane(in)
Neighbours are nuts (so Harmony fits right in!)
If you’re feeling extra brave, she’s around
Online …
“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
