For my Trivia Thursday post, I asked my eldest child what animal had a lot of interesting trivia concerning it. She suggested the echidna, and I thought that sounded like a good idea. So here are some fun echidna facts! There are only five mammals in the world that lay eggs (A/K/A monotremes), and those include four species of echidna and the platypus. Echidnas are named after a figure in Greek mythology who was half-woman and half-snake. (There is some…
I thought I’d do an AGOG (“A Glimmer of Gold”) post about children. First off, I must say that whoever thinks having children is easy must not be the one taking care of them. In addition to basics like cleaning laundry, changing diapers, and picking up toys, here are some things you have to worry about: Babies choking on anything from tiny doll shoes to overlarge sprinkles. Babies suffocating from blankets, toys, and overeager siblings. Toddlers jumping on and falling…
As you may or may not know, an earlier version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was entitled First Impressions. And as we all know, first impressions can be misleading. But what if you decide that something is actually worth a second look? That leads us to what I hope will be an occasional series: Second Impressions. This will address works (books, television shows, etc.) that are worth not only a first look but a second look. In line with that,…
For today’s blog post, I thought I would discuss romance archetypes. There are, of course, numerous archetypes out there, so this may only scratch the surface. But I am noting some that are of particular interest to me. I’m also granting them names for ease of reference. Finally, while I am discussing male characters primarily, these can apply to female characters as well. The Rogue Qualities: Engages in an occupation such as a pirate, smuggler, or thief. Usually self-assured. Makes…
Today is what’s up Wednesday, where I tell you what is up! Well, there’s not really anything going on with me. I have been listening to eBooks and cleaning my house of late. I just haven’t had much time for doing writing, but I keep hoping that might come sooner rather than later. Something else I have been enjoying is watching movie musicals (though I usually have to watch things in 20-minute spurts). If you didn’t see Spirited with Will Ferrell…
We have come to a new year. I don’t look back especially fondly on 2022. There were good times, certainly, but we lost my soulmate dog in November, and I just don’t think that’s something I can easily recover from. As the days go by, I don’t see him as often from the corner of my eye, and I don’t as often plot out strategic shutting of baby-gates or placement of cat food to ensure he goes where he is…
Today is my first Funny Friday post – a post where I try to make you laugh! Below is a clip that was filmed at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. They are a conservation organization, and one of the things they are known for is rescuing orphan elephants. (You can support their efforts here.) Below you can see one baby elephant who just didn’t want to be left out of the spotlight! I have watched this several times, and…
This chapter was written amidst the craziness of the holiday season. I have not even done my usual multi-review proofreading (or even a single proofreading), so I apologize! Missed one of the parts? Here’s Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 4! Chapter 5 When the day of the Christmas assembly dawned, Elizabeth seriously considered whether to spend most of the day in bed, feigning a headache and avoiding the effusions of the exhausting parson who was the…
I apologize for returning to Christmas music for yet another post, but I was trying to think of what I should post to fit the glimmer of gold theme when I heard the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” This song is one of my favorites, and it is a great illustration of how there is always a glimmer of gold beneath even the darkest of circumstances. If you aren’t familiar with the song or the poem, here…
Christmas is coming. The geese are getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, A ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, Then God bless you! Christmas is right around the corner! I don’t know about you, but it has been a hectic time for me. From various Christmas-related parties and celebrations to meetings with family, it’s a wonder there is even time to eat! That said, I still…