100th post / Goodbye 2020

 Hi Everybody! I originally planned this post to be a goodbye letter to 2020 but that letter got depressing fast. Giving that up, I decide to wing it. 

I think it would be a understatement to say that we will never forget this year and I can honestly say that I will be happy to bid this year adieu. 2020 has been a strange mixture of joy, pain, and paranoia. I've lost a loved one to Covid. I've learned new things and taught the young ones the old. I've laughed, I've cried. I've walked I don't know how many miles and danced to I don't know how many songs. I've read a good many books and sang to keep my grief at bay. 

I don't know what 2021 will hold. But, with the help of my faith and family, I know I will get through it. And on that note, I will end this post with the song that has helped me through 2020. Wishing you a happy New Year!

99th post!

 I will be honest and tell you that I never thought I would get to this post. There were many times that I almost gave up posting here on this blog. 

I had something else planned but my time was hijacked and I am lacking the time to do that. So, I will keep this brief.

If you are fond of The Nutcracker, I advise you to check out The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork. It is a delightful blend of that Christmas classic and The Pied Piper of Hamlin. I read a section aloud to my little brothers and they loved it. 

 As always, feel free to leave a comment below.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!!!

 We are getting a lovely dusting outside right now. Makes one think of powdered sugar that has been dusted over everything. I want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. 

In other news, I found the missing books that go to several series. I hate incomplete series. They make me antsy for some reason and I find myself obsessing over it. Very unhealthy.

Any way, feel free to leave a message below.

North and South and Knitting

 I made it! Below are some pics of the hat I knitted for my Aunt's client. I hope you like it.

While working on this beauty, I was listening to the audiobook of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. That is one of my favorite books. Let me know below what you think of the hat.

It's Cold Outside!

 At this point, you're all "No kidding, Sherlock". What I mean is that we actually got snow on the ground the other day. Granted, it didn't last long but there was SNOW. I love snow (despite that whole frostbite potential) and the first snowfall always gets me a little giddy. It makes me want to spin around with my tongue out (Did you know that the obsolete spelling for that is tounge?).

My Aunt recently asked me to knit one of her clients a hat, so that is what I'm working on right now. I will post pics when I finish. So, Til next week. As always feel free to leave a comment below.

Being Thankful

 This year has given me a lot to be thankful for. I guess I can sum up how I feel be saying that I'm simply happy  and thankful I'm alive. Hope you all stay safe and enjoy your day. As always, feel free to comment below and tell me what you're thankful for.

Sariah Wilson

If you are looking for an Author who's work you could read aloud to your mother without both of you blushing, then look no further than Sariah Wilson. My mom and I have read several of her books. I know that, beyond a doubt, she is on my list of favorite Authors. Her work definitely falls under the category of Clean Romance. Below is her official bio:

Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, has never climbed
Mount Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been
madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in
happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance. She grew up in
Southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go
Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine
(yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soul mate
and their four children in Utah, along with two cats named Pixel and Callie,
who do not get along. (The cats, not the children. Although the children
sometimes have their issues, too.)

To get an idea of what a few of her books are like, I will briefly describe one series and one standalone novel.

 # Lovestruck Series
Book 1: # Starstruck
The last thing Zoe Miller expected when she posted a tweet on Actor Chase Covington's Twitter page was for him to respond back. Nor did she expect their unexpected friendship to turn in to more. But what future can Zoe expect with some as famous as Chase Covington?

Book 2: # Moonstruck
Maisy Harrison, lead singer of her family's rock band, has a rule. Never date musicians. Like Ever. She's seen the pain that could cause first hand. Ryan De Luna, on the other hand, would love nothing better than for Maisy to give them a chance. But, is Ryan worth breaking her rules? Or will he just break her heart?

Book 3: #Awestruck
Ashton Bailey has hated Evan Dawson for ten very long years. When a chance to get payback falls into her lap, she jumps on it. What she didn't expect was that Evan has changed. He's not the boy who broke her heart and humiliated her in Highschool. Evan wants nothing more than her forgiveness but with Ashton's vengeance scheme in play, she might be the one to do the apologizing.

Roommaid
Madison Huntington used to be rich. The moment she decided that teaching was her life calling, her parents disinherited her. When her Aunt tells her about a man who needs a roommate who is willing to do the deep cleaning and watch his dog while he is away, she jumps at the chance. It helps that Tyler Roth is handsome. But, Tyler is strictly off limits and all he is willing to give is his friendship. What's a girl to do?

I do hope you get the time to check out one (or more) of Mrs. Wilson's works. As always, feel free to leave a message or comment below.

Cinderella Chef

 Okay, I'm gonna be honest and say that I never meant to get hooked. I was rambling about the internet, bored, when when this show popped up in my suggestion box. Thinking it would probably bore me (I haven't had a good binge in a while), I gave the first Episode a look. OMG, I was hooked! Below is the official synopsis:

Can history handle her hi-jinks? Ye Jia Yao (Zhong Dan Ni) is a modern-day chef who runs a mobile diner. A dejected young man comes in one day and asks her to cook his last meal before he commits suicide. It turns out that he is upset over the fact that his professor had stolen all of his data for a time machine that he built.

As the two get to talking, the young man decides to take Jia Yao to his lab to show her the time machine. But a series of events leads to Jia Yao being catapulted back to ancient times in the body of Lady Ye, who had been kidnapped by bandits of the Black Wind Fortress, led by the powerful Bai Chong Ye (Zhao Jian), a legendary FuYi Master.

Jia Yao meets Xia Chun Yu (Bie Thassapak Hsu), who is actually an undercover agent for the king. He had infiltrated the Black Wind Fortress bandits to investigate a plot to overthrow the king. Under the guise of a fake marriage, can Jia Yao help Chun Yu maintain peace in the kingdom?

This synopsis only touches a portion on the drama inside. I was so caught up in the drama that my Mom asked if she could see an episode too (just to see what had me so distracted), now we are both hooked. Below is a trailer:

 I hope you all can check out this C-Drama soon. I think you might like it. As always, feel free to leave a message or comment below.

Fairy Tale Time

 Like most little girls, I was fed a diet of Disney Princesses. I adored fairy tales for their unfailing romance. I was a very sentimental little girl. As I grew older, my tastes matured and I watched (and read) less of those old tales. Then, I discovered some Authors who have brought their own take on classic fairy tales. Below is a list of their names:

TEEN AUTHORS
Melanie Cellier
Brittany Fichter
Aya Ling
KM Shea
Kenley Davidson
Ashley Poston
Cordelia Castel
Gail Carson Levine
J.A. Armitage
Marissa Meyer
Cameron Dokey
Suzanne Weyn
Tracy Lynn
Debbie Vigui
Nancy Holder
Intisar Khanani
Anna-Marie McLemore
Heather Dixon
 
CHRISTIAN AUTHORS
Jody Hedlund
Jill Marie Stengl
Gail Sattler
Melanie Dickerson
Lacy Williams
Anne Elisabeth Stengl

ROMANCE AUTHORS
Alexandra Benedict
Laurie Leclair
Samantha Holt
Demelza Carlton (definitely don't read to little kids)
Victorine E Lieske
Caroline Lee

I hope you all get a chance to check out one or more of these Authors. They are worth the look. As always, feel free to leave a message below, especially if you think I missed your favorite Author.

Mary Connealy

 As some of you may know, if you have ever read any of my post, I watched a lot of westerns growing up.  And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. So, it is no wonder that I often find myself drawn to Western themed books. It's almost like stepping into a familiar room. And when it comes to the work of Mary Connealy, it's like I stepped into a familiar memory of a good old Western film I watched as a little girl, curled beneath an old blanket.

  Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent four book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Brides for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.

So far, I've read her Kincaid Brides and High Sierra Sweethearts series. I hope you all read one of Mrs. Connealy's books if you are fond of western fiction. As always, feel free to leave a message below.

Judith McNaught

 So, today I am highlighting Judith McNaught. I have read a few of her novels (the historical ones), and am loving it! First up, Her Bio (info provided from Wikipedia):

Born on May 10, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, she majored in Business at Northwestern University. She married a St. Louis dentist and had two children, a daughter, Whitney, and a son, Clayton, before her divorce.

Before gaining success as a writer, McNaught had previously worked as an assistant director for a film crew, an assistant controller of a major trucking company, president of a temporary employment agency, and president of an executive search firm. She also was the first female executive producer at a CBS radio station.

She met her second husband, Michael "Mike" McNaught, while working as an assistant director for a film crew, working on a movie for a General Motors division. McNaught was the director of public relations for the company. Between them, they had seven children, her two and his five from a previous marriage. Her husband encouraged her to write, buying her a new typewriter and being supportive through the years that publishers rejected her novels.

McNaught's first manuscript was Whitney, My Love, which she wrote between 1978 and 1982. After having difficulty selling that novel, she wrote and sold Tender Triumph in early 1982. She received the book cover for Tender Triumph on June 20, 1983—the day after her husband was killed in an accident.

 Whitney, My Love, the first manuscript, was finally published in 1985, after McNaught had proven herself with two successful published novels. Unaware that there were rules that most Regency romances followed, McNaught's early novels were unique. Her novels introduced the hero first, rather than the heroine.

  The book is now credited with inventing the genre today known as the Regency Historical. Whitney, My Love captured the elements of the traditional Regency romance, but its long length, sensuality, and emotional intensity were more often associated with the traditional historical romances, which were rarely set during the Regency period. Despite the many years it took to sell the story, it was very successful, and its success influenced other editors to solicit manuscripts written in the same style.

Now here is a list of her books that I've read:

 Westmoreland Dynasty Saga

1. A Kingdom of Dreams (1989)
2. Whitney, My Love (1985)
3. Until You (1994)
4. "Miracles" in A Holiday of Love (1995/Oct) (with Jill Barnett, Jude Deveraux, Arnette Lamb) & in Simple Gifts (1997) (with Jude Deveraux)

Sequels Series

1. Once and Always (1987) [I am currently reading this one]
   
2. Something Wonderful (1988)
3. Almost Heaven (1990) [And the I will read this one]

I made a mistake when it came to the Sequels series and read the middle book first. I'll just read around that. I have her Contemporary works but I have yet to start them yet.

Well, that is it for now folk. As always, feel to leave a comment below.

Pumpkin Pie Spice!

 If you are like me around this time of year, you are probably shrugging your shoulders and saying that it's not that big a deal. If you are like my Mom, you are going to buy that really super sized container of Pumpkin Pie Spice. Then, you will make three cups of coffee with it and drink it all. 

The clove and nutmeg made for a very happy mom and the caffeine made for a VERY, VERY awake mom. She couldn't nap at all but she was too happy to be grumpy about it.

So, here's to Pumpkin Pie Spice! May it make the world happier just by existing. As always, feel free to leave a comment below.

Wafia

 On Saturday, My very wonderful mom introduced me to the sublime music of Wafia. I dare you to not jam to her music. Honestly, she has been playing pretty nonstop since then. The info below was brought to you from Wikipedia.

Wafia Al-Rikabi (born 4 August 1993), known professionally as Wafia, is an Australian singer-songwriter of Iraqi-Syrian origin. Originally studying biomedicine at university, she began to write songs to escape its monotony. Her breakthrough hit was a cover of Mario's "Let Me Love You", which garnered almost 5 million plays on SoundCloud.

 She has since signed to indie record label Future Classic, releasing her debut EP XXIX in November 2015. The EP's lead single "Heartburn", produced by Ta-ku, received praise from producer Pharrell Williams being played during his Beats 1 radio show.

 In March 2016, she released the single "Window Seat" in collaboration with the New Zealand producer Thomston. Later in August 2016, she collaborated again with the Australian producer Ta-ku, releasing the EP (m)edian. The EP features a story about compromise in relationships, which both Wafia and Ta-ku experienced independently in of each other in their lives.

Now, on to the good stuff! The music!

 1: I'm Good

2:Heartburn

3:Pick Me

I do hope you get to check her out and get her new album. It's gonna be awesome. As always, feel free to leave a message below.

Life .... can be a bother

 I am currently regretting that second bowl of chili. Take a piece of advice and don't do that. It isn't worth it and your family will let you know.

I hope everyone enjoyed the meeting of The Mutual Hatred Society A.K.A the Presidential Debate. I feel like they were really into the whole bashing of each others characters. I mean, who needs soap operas now? We got the Debates! Can't wait to see the next one.

Tell me what you think by leaving a message below. 

Mickey Guyton

Yesterday, my Mom introduced me to Mickey Guyton's music. Color me impressed. To be a woman singer in Country Music is hard enough, but to be a Black woman.... Girl is good.

I had something else planned for this week's post, but after hearing Mickey sing, I had to write about her. So, everybody thank my Mom for hijacking my plans. I'll try to update you on Eurovision next week.

Candace Mycale Guyton was born on June 17,1983 in Arlington, Texas, to parents Phyllis Ann Roddy and Michael Eugene Guyton. She said that she was inspired to begin a singing career after, at the age of eight, she saw LeAnn Rimes sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the start of a Texas Rangers game. In 2011, Guyton signed with Capitol Nashville and recorded an extended play, Unbreakable, three years later. Guyton auditioned for American Idol and was cut just before the live shows for the top 24. She was only seen for a few seconds during her final singing performance during the auditions.

Guyton wrote her debut single, "Better Than You Left Me", with Jennifer Hanson and Jenn Schott. She debuted the single at the Grand Ole Opry on January 10, 2015, and released both it and the music video two days later.

The song debuted at number 56 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated for the week ending January 24, 2015. An article in The Guardian made note of the song's early success on the charts, particularly in relation to Guyton's being an African American female in a genre dominated by white men. In 2016, she was nominated for the New Female Vocalist of the Year honour at the ACM awards.

In 2020, she became the first black woman to perform solo at the ACM awards.

Here are a few songs of hers to get you started:

1. Mickey Guyton - What are you gonna tell her?

2. Mickey Guyton - Black like Me

3. Mickey Guyton - Heartbreak Song

4. Mickey Guyton - Sister

5. Mickey Guyton - Heaven Down Here

And that folks is this week's post! As always feel totally free to leave a message below.

Transviolet

 A few weeks ago, I was bingewatching a series (it doesn't matter which show ), when I heard this totally boss song in the background. I had to find it. And I did. After listening to that song on repeat for a solid hour straight, I thought "Hmm, I wonder if their other stuff is any good?". So I looked them up again. Transviolet is my group of the month. They are that good.

Here's their info, courtesy of Wikipedia:

 Transviolet is an alternative pop rock band from the United States formed in 2015. It consists of lead vocalist Sarah McTaggart, with Judah McCarthy, Michael Panek, and Jon Garcia as musicians and writers. The band initially formed online before moving to the West Coast to collaborate in person. It gained initial recognition after a local publicity stunt, celebrity endorsements, and after being selected for a Google Play commercial. It has released three EPs and three singles, and has played a number of high-profile tours and festivals. 

Here are a few of my faves:

1. Bloodstream

2. Small Victory

3. Kaleidoscope

Don't you just love 'em? As always, feel free to leave a message below to tell me what you think.😀😀

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

 So, I casually picked this book up after dinner thinking, " I just read the opening paragraph". I have less than 86 pages left to go. 

Read the Blurb:

The first rule of book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife. 

See the Cover:

 

 

Don't you want to read this book? I had to give you the official book blurb because I am terrified I will give the plot away. But, let just say that I loved the book club meetings. I was laughing so hard that one brother told me I resembled a cackling witch and the another told me I sounded like a little old lady who put too much whiskey in my tea.

I can hardly wait to jump into book 2 and I already can't wait for book 3 to be released in October. This is totally being added to my "Should be a Movie" list. Somebody, please make this a movie! 

As always, feel free to leave a comment below.

Neon Feather

 My parents and I have recently discovered this wonderful new Christian Artist Neon Feather. We absolutely adore his work. I got his info from his site.

Recently signed to label Centricity Music, Neon Feather—aka Ben Thompson—is a uniquely skilled producer/programmer. After discovering his passion for making electronic music when he encountered Garage Band at age 14, Neon spent years honing his craft as a producer and writer.

Through his teens, the North Carolina native worked his way onto the music scene and became known for creating innovative remixes across a variety of genres. Grounded in his faith, Neon found both personal fulfillment and professional achievement producing within the CCM niche, crafting remixes for artists such as tobyMac, Lecrae, Capital Kings, Urban Rescue, and Britt Nicole. His Capital Kings “Fireblazin” collaboration was nominated for a 2015 Dove Award.

Centricity had been following Neon’s work; when he took an interest in developing original songs, the label saw an exciting opportunity to partner with the talented producer. He first collaborated with Centricity in creating a remix of Jordan Feliz’s No. 1 single “The River” and went on to sign recording and publishing deals in 2017. His first single “The Long Way Home” features BEC recording artist David Dunn and provides Neon’s perspective on enjoying the scenic route of life.

Here is a sample of his work. Enjoy!

 

Please feel free to let me know what you think below.

Rules for the Binge Watchers

Whether you are starting a series for the first time or are reliving your favorite show, binge watching is a pasttime that is addicting. Those of us who have been on the binge know that life sometimes takes a backseat when it comes to our shows. So, I have come up with Five rules that you most likely won't follow.

                                   
 

1: Keep food and drinks on hand.
So, most of you are like "This is a no brainier". Well, tell that to the die-hard bingers who will not get up for sustenance. They go almost all day without food and look at you strange when you call them out on it.
                              
 

2: Use the restroom/ take a shower.
OMG! You have a pause button. Use it. It will wait for you. Don't wait half an hour to go pee because you need to find out if Eric really died or it was some crazy dream sequence. Go. Also, if your BO makes you feel like vomiting, do humanity a favor and jump in the shower.

            

3: Don't yell at people who interrupt you
I know how much you want to tell people off or throw things at them. They are keeping you from finding out who owns that pregnancy test. Don't snap at them. Hit pause. Deal with life. Then return to the show. They just need you to put the food away.

                   

4: Pay Attention to what you are doing.
Some of us are multitaskers, we try to binge and still be functional. If you can do it, more power to you and keep up the good work. But, if you've almost burned your place down repeatedly because watching the stove is interfering with watching Kathryn remove Sam's bullets (and getting an eyeful of his six pack), you need to stop.

                            

5: Keep tissue on hand.
When Liam ran in front of those guns and save Nicki's life, we all died a little. Okay, a lot. You are going to be an emotional mess at some point. Might as well have something to dry your tears on instead of your shirt.
 

                          

So, my fellow bingers, I am going to leave you as I have a few episodes to watch before I get to sleep. Oh, yeah. We all should probably do that. Right after those episodes. Feel free to leave a comment below.