It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is…well let’s let Linda Hill explain it. Her words. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the last piece of mail you received.” Talk about the subject of the last piece of physical mail you received, i.e., a gas bill–talk about gas, not the bill itself. Have fun!”
So the last piece of mail I received was from Blue Cross announcing a 6% increase in my premium. Not very exciting stuff like a Publisher Clearing House $7,000 a week for life but it will have to do. If you would like to join in and have as much fun visit Linda to read up on how easy it is. Here is the link.
I am very pleased to welcome D.L.Finn to Fiction Favorites on this TGIF Friday. She is launching her first book of poetry and it is great to have her here to tell you about it.
Thank you, John, for having me on your blog to celebrate today’s release of my first poetry book, “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.”
Finn Facts:
Snowstorms distract me, and I don’t get much writing done.
My mind wanders into the land of writing when I cook. I burn a lot of dinners.
Blurb:
Take a journey with D.L. Finn as she blends her love of nature with her deepest emotions. Sit with her on the forest floor observing its tranquil beauty, or stroll along the ocean’s shore admiring the vastness of its horizon. Here in these peaceful moments, you’ll be able to experience her thoughts and feelings in the light—and in the darkness. This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that invites the reader into all the seasons of a soul.
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 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. 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, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.
“Friday Little Potato. Put down the stick and live a little.”
Friday already? Someone needs to slow this spaceship down. We have had a busy week in the non-writing department. The fence guy checked in. The remove the brush from the lot guy checked in. The sofas were delivered. The refrigerator, washer, and dryer are scheduled for delivery next week. The utilities are going to mark their underground lines before the fence guy arrives. All in all a productive week.
A little later today, I will be hosting D. L. Finn who is introducing a new book. Today’s JohnKu talks about how we authors need to help one another. I hope your weekend is the best.
“It is only Wednesday but drink up little one. Friday will be here soon.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we realized that Evon and Janice were fearful of the fact that Cortez might extract retribution if Janice talked too much about, he and his company. We also learned that contrary to the signed engineering analysis, the machine Cortez bought from Sandusky worked perfectly. I think Larry has a few more questions so let’s get back to the Rafferty’s to see if we can learn more.
“I understand your fear, Evon. Let me assure you Andrew, and I are not in any way connected with Cortez.”
“I’m sorry detective I just can’t take the chance.”
“Okay, then. Let me ask another question.”
“If it doesn’t involve accusing Cortez of anything illegal go ahead.”
“Janice.”
“Yes, detective?”
“Would you say your husband was an honest man?”
“Of course, Detective. To a fault.”
“How is it then that you have this lovely and I might add expensive home.”
“My husband earned a lot of money. He was an exceptional engineer. He had a number of clients and was working on a lot of projects.”
“I see. So, he was not an employee of Cortez?”
“In a manner of speaking, no. He was a contractor to Cortez. The relationship between he and Cortez was spelled out in a contract.”
“Do you have a copy of the contract?”
“I do, but let me ask Evon if that is something I can share?”
“I don’t think it is a problem, Janice. Let me read the contract first, and then I will be able to ascertain if there are any provisions that would prohibit its view by a third-party.”
“Excuse me, Evon.”
“Yes, detective?”
“Since Mr. Rafferty is no longer..uh…with us doesn’t that render the contract null and void?”
“Not necessarily, detective. There are survival clauses in most contracts that detail certain provisions should the contract no longer be valid for whatever reasons. Let me give you an answer about being able to see the contract after I have reviewed it.”
“Fair enough, counselor. I have another unrelated question.”
“Go ahead.”
“Janice. Did your husband leave a will?”
“Yes. Yes, he did.”
“A public document I’m sure.”
“Excuse me, Janice. It has been to probate if that is what you mean detective.”
“Well, I just want to know who is listed as the primary beneficiary?”
“If you are implying that Janice has anything to do with her husband’s death, I’m afraid we will need to terminate this interview.”
“I’m not implying anything, Evon. It is just a point of information.”
“I am the primary beneficiary.”
“Thank you, Janice.”
“Did your husband have insurance?”
“Detective I don’t like where these questions are going.”
“Relax Evon. I could look all this stuff up but am just trying to get my file up to date.”
“My husband had a substantial insurance policy, detective.”
“How large, Janice?”
“Five million dollars.”
“My that is substantial. Did you and your husband get along?”
“Okay detective that about wraps up our interview. We thank you for your time, and I hope you have the information for which you came.”
“Yes, this has been a very interesting visit. We thank you.”
“Let me show you out, detective.”
“One more thing, detective.”
“Yes, Mrs. Rafferty?”
“Cortez had a similar policy on my husband. It was a key resource policy, and he paid for it.”
“My goodness Mrs. Rafferty. Looks like a lot of folks had money on that horse.”
This way detective.”
“Thank you, Evon. Andrew and I can see ourselves out. It has been a pleasure.”
“I would love to be able to say the same detective.”
“I’m sure, Evon. Don’t forget the contract or will I need a court order?”
“We will be in touch, detective. Mind that door now.”
In Keith’s words. “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.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is the first Views of the Neighborhood from our new home. Today we are going a couple of blocks away to visit a park that celebrates service. This is not a place of loss but of recognition. It is here that the men and women from Lakeway who served in the military are honored.
The central arch lets visitors know what to expect inside.
The story of the Spirit of Freedom Monument
The spirit of Freedom Monument was originally erected to honor World War II veterans.
The Koran War was added.
The Vietnam War
Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and El Salvador
Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama
Another view of the whole setting.
On the other side of the arch is a statement of truth.
The well from the original ranch house established on this spot. Lakeway was once a ranch.
One view of the original ranch house. The house is made out of stone.
The entrance to the ranch house
The Heritage Center filled with information about Lakeway
The Heritage Park sign. The monument is in the background
A reminder that no matter how cute, deer are better off not being fed. Lucy and Twiggy better obey the little sign as well. I hope you enjoyed the first outing in Lakeway.
It is Stream of Conscious Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “soul/sole.” To quote Linda Hill. “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to get carried away and enjoy. Here is a link. https://lindaghill.com/2019/03/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-16-19/
Another Friday and a very busy week. After several days of concerted activity, all the boxes have been unpacked and homes found for the contents. Maybe the homes won’t be permanent but at least the stuff is stashed somewhere. I am very happy to have both cars in the garage. Now, don’t ask me where to find something?
Moving is up there with the big life changes that are stressful. We seem to be over the worst part. There’s still the refrigerator, Washer, dryer, living room, dining room, office, and three bedrooms to be delivered. The good news is we are no longer on an air mattress. The box springs and mattress are on the floor. The actual bed looks about six weeks off.
Still and all it feels like home. Today’s JohnKu talks about what makes a home. I hope you have a beautiful weekend