Weird Dream 8/30

 Dreamed I was on the back of Mike Switzer's motorcycle and we passed an outside bar where Brian C and some of his buddies were. Mike kept backing up and going forward; I finally got him to stop so we could chat.

B and I ended up confessing our strong friendship feelings to each other, then we hugged and I agreed to follow them back to the stadium to watch the Sectional game (not sure BBall or FBall, lol!). I got in a VW Bug, but couldn't find my way out of downtown Columbus, and finally drove into a parking garage, where it broke down.  I guess I didn't have a phone, because others in the attached office building called a tow truck and all I could do was express joy at the fact B and I shared the same strong feelings for each other.

And all the women had blue hair.

But woke up with Eagles' Lyin' Eyes in my head.

Strange.....

Reality TV Rant

 So I just saw a post where some alphabet community members signed a petition to be 'more friendly' toward the members of their group, or to have more representation.

1) There have been PLENTY 'rainbow' members on these shows over the years.

2) Yes, some were targeted, but NOT because of their sexuality; it was their PERSONALITIES or their ATHLETICISM, which made them a THREAT to winning the game!

3) I guess the solution would be to have a 50/50 cast and see which ones do a better job of PLAYING THE GAME and not becoming crybabies ala 'You just want me out of here because I'm different...'

No, a$$hat.....you either have a toxic personality; have rubbed those 'in charge' the wrong way, or you're such a good competitor, they're trying to get you out!  Man up and take it as a compliment, then try to come back and get 'in' with the right group of people!  And keep your damn mouth shut.  

BUT....it's been proven that DRAMA gets aired, so if you cause DRAMA, be prepared to face the actions of your consequences, and not blame it on your ethnicity/sexuality/life choice.

Or, just have the Alphabet version of the game.  Then no one claim 'we're being shut out.'

Authors Behaving Badly, 2026 Edition

 I've been getting emails from Amazon about a certain author, CS, and since I didn't recognize the name, I've simply been deleting them.

Then I saw this author was going to be at Indy Comic Con.  Good; I'll stop by his booth and maybe remember WHY I'm following him on AZ.

I motored up, introduced myself, recognized he's the author of a comic I'd heard of about a year or two or three ago.  I own a digital copy, but it's hard to read.  I told him about the connection through Comic Book Spectrum, and asked if I could take his picture.  He agreed....then promptly says to me, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to talk to someone who actually wants to BUY something."

Taken aback, I smiled and thanked him for his time, and moved on.

But inwardly I was fuming.  What a d*ck!

The next day, I realized I could actually buy the $20 comic, so I returned. I was the ONLY one in line; he commented on the fact he liked my 1st name, and pronounced my last name correctly.  Then after taking my payment and signing the comic, he handed it back and said, "Bye-bye."

Again, I was taken aback.  No thank you?  Just, "okay, now get out of here so someone else will buy from me?"

I came home and promptly UNFOLLOWED him.  I'll read his comic, and IF I happen to ever see him again, maybe I'll get the next installment, much like I do with Ron Braun, who seems to LIKE my company whenever I stop by his booth!

I do NOT hang around. I keep my interactions BRIEF, since I myself don't like it when people monopolize me at shows, unless of course, I'm ENJOYING it!

Now onto Author #2.

We all have bad days. I get it. I had one myself in April, as I sat there hearing nearly everyone walking by my table telling me they either don't read or they only read The Bible, or some other genre.

I got over it and recently published a new one.  

Author SS posted earlier tonight how she's depressed due to other authors in her genre have decided to quit writing. Dismal sales of her last two books. She's run sale after sale and people buy, then return the book. She cries in the bathroom so her hubby doesn't see her tears. She's tired of sending out a newsletter that nobody clicks the links. (I'll admit, I'll only click the link if I haven't bought the book yet!  Some of her work I love, and others I find tedious to get through, but I still read the book!)

1) Stop putting so much faith in online sales/book bub promos and DO SOME IN PERSON EVENTS! I get she's an introvert.  So was I until I had to put myself out there and talk to people, hoping they would buy my books!  It CAN be done!

2) I've seen this author in person, and yes, she's a little standoffish because she's shy and opinionated about certain topics, and she's flat out said she's not going to bring a lot of inventory b/c she's tired of hauling them back and forth.  In fact, after every in person signing, she bundles up the leftovers and sells them on FB.  Me, I haul them back and forth, sometimes for an entire YEAR or two until they sell!

3) If I got depressed every time a release date came and went without an online sale....I'd probably be in a mental hospital right now. I don't care if I don't sell anything, because once copies arrive, I KNOW someone at a future show is going to buy it.  I have a glass of wine, sing some karaoke, and insist someone take me out to eat.  Two weeks ago, I celebrated by buying to books at B&N on my TBB list.

4) This author also spends waaaaaay too much $$ on makeup and dresses, imho.

5) She also overshares her perimenapause journey, imho.

Just had to get that off my chest.  Yes, sometimes her posts annoy me more than other friends' political posts!  But maybe it's just my own menapausal brain fed up with bullsh*t??

Wow......Showing True Colors

 Last night at the State of the Union Address, the Left showed their true colors.

"If you agree that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens, then stand up."

Not one Democrat stood.

The rep from MN heckled him, then the other Squad member (Rashida??) joined in.  

"You should be ashamed of yourselves."

"No, YOU should be ashamed," Omar yelled back.

I really hope she loses her seat. Get these idiots out of office, please?

If you're so into protecting people coming into our country to tear it apart, go to THEIR country with your convictions.  See how well it goes.

Weighing In.....

 First of all, the Grammys:

-WTH did I see on the red carpet?  A singer whose (and I use this term loosely) dress was held up by her nipple rings?  A) OUCH and B) Okay, you just out-did JLO 15-20 years ago.  Congratulations.

-If y'all are soooooo 'F-Ice' and hate America so much, get in your private planes and LEAVE THE COUNTRY!

-It's not your job to call out the President, the police, or anyone else protecting innocent (and LEGAL) citizens; it's your job to ENTERTAIN!  PERIOD!

-Yes, you're entitled to your views. Wear your buttons; boycott events.  I don't care if you accept your award via proxy, video, or whatever.  But I feel sorry for everyone in the room that had to suffer through your diatribe.  At least I watched (fast-forwarded, mostly!) the repeat, and couldn't hardly stomach what I did see.  The only part I liked was the In Memoriam (though I disliked the fact I couldn't read all the names, due to the camera focusing on Reba.  I know what she looks like; just show me the damn names!), the Ozzy tribute and the Cher debacle at the end.

Now onto the Super Bowl:

-First of all, I love watching the Super Bowl, the commercials, and the halftime show.

-I heard the controversy over Bad Bunny, and learned of the TP Halftime show, and decided to watch it instead.

-BUT....now I KNOW who BB is, and let's break this down.

A) He's from Puerto Rico and 'omg, he might sing in Spanish'.  So what?  Shakira, JLo, and some other Latina singer sang Spanish,  Did I turn the channel? No.

B) 'OMG, he's going to wear a dress!'  He has every right to wear whatever-the-hell he wants; it's his 20 minutes of fame. Didn't Shakira wear a sparkly, fringy body suit?  Course, she's got the body for it.  Did anyone slam Beyonce for her military-style choreography and clothing?  I criticized it, but then again, I'm not a Beyonce fan.

C) Did I refrain from watching the Rap-centric show a few years ago? No, because I was curious. It may not be my cup of tea, but I watched it.

D) 'He's anti-American'.  Here's where it gets dicey.  The Super Bowl, and football in general, is an all-American sport.  It's had its controversies in the past several years (Colin Kapernick taking a knee during the anthem, saying it was 'racist', QB's wearing scripture under their eyes), but here's my take:  1) If you're playing a sport for a country, you don't diss their flag or the anthem. 2) If you're invited to do a concert in a particular country, you adhear to the rules and don't diss the money they throw at you.  If BB is so 'anti-American', will he refuse to take the $$?  I think not.  So on this one, BB needs to either shut up and put on a good show, or give back his advance and go home.

E) When the World Cup was played in Venezuala, did any American players/performers spout their anti-socialism views?  I think not.  Forgive me; I'm not that familiar with soccer games, or even IF the World Cup has been held there since socialism sank its teeth into the country,

So what am I saying?  Will I watch or boycott?

I'll probably watch both.  Start with BB and if I don't like what I'm seeing after a few minutes, I'll exercise my right to watch something else. That's the beauty of the Internet.  I can CHOOSE to watch or not.

I'm not telling anyone what to do; you have brains and your own level of tolerance. 

Come back here next week and see if you agree with me or not.

WTH Is Wrong In MN?

 First it was a woman blocking federal agents and got herself killed.

Then it was the African immigrants making billions of dollars with fake businesses.

A) If you interfere with law enforcement, be prepared to face the consequenses.

B) The tape CLEARLY backs up the real story!

I'd seen friends on the left posting 'I am RG'

Ummm, no you're not.  You don't go after law enforcement; you go about your life and express outrage behind your phone/laptop/computer.  Yes, you participate in PEACEFUL protests; you're not out in the street getting in the faces of people who see you as a joke or obstructing traffic.

That's your right, to protest PEACEFULLY.

Secondly, the woman is shown, on both the officer's body cam AND her wife's cell phone, MOCKING the officer, and her wife goading her on.  Yes, what happened next was sad, but if she'd just OBEYED the officer and either a) NOT gotten lippy with him or b) GOTTEN OUT OF THE CAR, he wouldn't have been hit (therefore interpreted it as his life in danger), and she'd still be alive.

As to the clip I just watched on the 5, Greg G hit the nail on the head:  What sane person, when asked about their plans for the day, AGREES when someone says, "I'm going to drop off the kids, then go interfere with ICE agents.'?  

The voice of reason would say, 'Let's think this through...okay, go watch and maybe stand across the street and PROTEST, but don't get your ass thrown in jail.'  No, her significant other thought it would be great to go with her, film everything, and not only TAUNT the officers, but encourage RG on.

WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN?

This proves that NO ONE paid attention to history.  Kent State.  The 60s riots.

I found a post I agreed with, and got immediately slanmed, even though I tried to block my more left-leaning friends.  Problem was, I underestimated how much time it would take to do so, and posted it before I was finished,  One young lady, whose name begins with a later letter of the alphabet, saw it and called me out on my 'horrific' view. 

All because of this quote:  

"Speaking as a mother, this is insanity. This is not rational thinking.

What it is, instead, is the result of liberal brainrot that convinces progressive women they have more of a duty to nurture and protect poor, brown (criminal!) strangers than their own country, and hell, even their own children."

Instead, I was slammed because 'the wheels were clearly turned away'

Umm, yeah, they WERE, but AFTER she taunted him; didn't think about her kids; just did what she did because 'oh, look at me, taking on the big bad ICE agent. Maybe this will go viral...'

Yeah, it went viral....and she's now dead. Her kids lost their mom. No one takes into account THEIR feelings on the matter.

What's even more sad is the kids will now grow up being told their mom is a hero for the left, and they will be brainwashed forever for 'the cause'.

Is it just me, and the way I'm wired, but hearing over and over again about childhood trauma and losing a parent at a young age and how that defines your entire life after a while makes me roll my eyes? It's victim mentality.

Whatever happened to acknowledge it and move on?

Don't stay trapped in your fabricated victimhood.

If that makes me callous and insensitive....then I'm sorry. I have compassion for the REAL victims....her children.

Learning Experience

So apparently there were some behind-the-scenes issues with the Peoria Event last month.

MJ, whom I THOUGHT was one of the organizers, sent an email about the misunderstandings and assumptions made about what went on during the planning/execution stage, and long boring story short, she learned what happens when the lines of communication AREN'T CLEAR, texts forgotten to send, and a breakdown of communication which led to her feeling as if the others ghosted her.

MJ has a strong personality, and she has every right to vent to those of us who asked about the kerfuffle.  But what occurred next was not exactly kosher.

Nathan, from whom I received emails pertaining to video interviews and box lunches, posted the following:

We are aware of the email that went out last night and some of the statements in it. While I personally know I can refute 95% of the accusations we don’t intend to turn this into public drama. We will leave it at this. While I’d like to personally thank (MJ) for the hard work she put forth to help make (this event) possible, we no longer feel we have the same vision. We wish her the best in the future and she is always welcome at any event or gathering we hold.

Given that there may be conflict in the name of said event, I feel it would be in bad taste to take that. Please look for an email invite to the new group for upcoming event info. The rsvp page for 2026 will be available shortly.

Thank you.

Then the comments began.

From Lynda:

I don't know whether to laugh at this post or be angry about it. I'm also on MJ's email list. I read her newsletter. When the idea for this book signing was first floated--long before the Book Nook became involved--there were four people: myself, MJ, TK and another friend spitballing ideas around. Spin this how you want. I was a part of the very first conversations via FB messenger to get the ball rolling for a new author signing event. The name for this event was created in those original conversations. So, keeping the name would not only be in bad taste, it would be taking the creative capital of someone else. As to "pay to play" as mentioned in MJ's newsletter--DUDE! You posted in this very group that you refused to have sponsorships ("pay to play") and when you got pushback on that mentality, you deleted the post. Should I continue? Or do you wish to delete this post, too?

From MJ:

Wow. 95% is lies? Oh boy. The things i could have said, but didnt. Nice.

Post was then deleted; I think if MJ hadn't responded, it would still be up. As I've said before, people should NOT engage in a debate online. Ask yourself if you'd rather be RIGHT no matter the cost, or be HAPPY.

*******

MJ later PM'd me about why I joined the other group and "given you know what happened, WHY?"

I simply responded that a) it sounded as if it was a case of miscommunication and b) it would depend on my budget constraints if I attended next year. She left it at that.

As of last weekend, some more blanks were filled in, to the point I don't even think I'll even attend another event put on by the others. I'm sorry if this event burned a bridge for MJ; she's had signings at their store.

Just take is as a Lesson Learned, and that planning an event for the 1st time can have some hiccups.

Another Senseless Murder

An outspoken champion of common sense was silenced in a brutal murder Wednesday, Sept 12, 2025.

Immediately, a few of my FB friends on the opposite side politically began gleefully posting their approval.  I even learned on other platforms, fellow authors were advocating their approval.

WTH???

There was a time when, no matter what side of the political spectrum, when a public figure was assassinated (Lincoln, JFK, RFK, and MLK), everyone mourned.  If they were secretly happy, they kept it to themselves.  Probably the same in Biblical times.  Rejoiced behind CLOSED DOORS.

The digital age has turned us all into 1st Amendment warriors.  "It's my page!  It's my platform!" (you see how I'm choosing to vent my opinion; here, on a blog no one reads!)

I guarantee, if I were to post ANY of this on FB, I'd lose half my friends.  And there are several I'm seriously considering unfriending.  It's hard to stomach vitriol spewing from someone you like to hang out with.

It's one thing to state your opinion; it's another to start ramming it down everyone's throat.

I have no issue scrolling by and silently eye-rolling a post.  But when that's ALL YOU SEE?

Sometimes enough is enough.

Maybe I won't unfriend them; I'll just block them for a time.

After all, I've been tolerating some of this since 2015.  Do the math; that's 10 years.

****

They have caught the young man responsible.  I saw POTUS DJT on the morning news, and don't agree with his assessment of needing speedy trials.  Okay, yeah, they caught the kid on camera.  Do you honestly think he's going to survive in lock up?  They'll have to keep him in solitary; someone's going to find a way to save the taxpayers $$.  I'm honestly surprised Tim McVeigh wasn't offed, but then again, that was before social media took off, and everyone suddenly became an armchair politician or police.

My sympathies lie with his family.  It's my understanding his father did the right thing and turned him in.  What a heartbreaking discovery/decision to make.  What about the GUILT his parents are feeling? 

"We raised him; we did not raise him to do this."

The lament of every criminal's parent.  It's how I felt when my own son was tossed in jail, due to drugs.  Tough love saved him, as well as finding Jesus again.  We raised him in a faith household; thankfully he eventually returned to his roots.

Health Insurance Is A Joke If You're Part-Time

 2019:  I didn't know I qualified for part-time health insurance until nearly the last minute, so signed up.

2020:  Pandemic was in full swing, and only used my insurance when I had my right leg examined, resulting in a compression wrap.

2021:  I not only broke my left arm but had to have emergency gall bladder surgery. IU Arnett wrote it off; GSH sent me a bill for $51K.  They also informed me that had I NOT had health insurance, the billing office could get me a larger discount.  Since I'd already signed up for 2022, that was that.

2022:  Applied for assistance, and was afforded a whopping 25% discount, which dropped my gall bladder surgery down to $49K.  I still can't afford that.  It's more than we paid for our truck!

2023:  I had dropped the insurance, and the following month, fell down while at the Indy Christmas Show.

2024:  Knee was still swollen, so went to the ortho doc. Since I was now self-pay, I had x-rays and an MRI, which resulted in I just needed more time to heal.  Fortunately, I was able to make payments AND move some of it over to my zero-interest medical financing. I also discovered that since I'd dropped my health insurance, I could no longer get the VISUAL testing I needed, since they run it through MEDICAL, something I'd investigated before dropping it, only to be told the wrong info. In October, I signed up again.

2025:  All was fine until August (last month!) when another wound opened on the back of my right leg, as a result of my scratching an itch. I went back on the compression.  Three weeks later (Aug 22nd), I noticed mild pain in that foot, and attributed it to maybe my new shoes were the issue, and switched back to the old ones.  More comfy, though I did notice a rash developing where the pain was.  Three days later, that rash became a wound, so I made an appointment with the podiatrist.  Over the next week, the pain would get worse, and on Aug 29th, was mock-begging my boss to cut my foot off.  Had the next day off, then Sunday the 31st, asked if I could work while wearing one of my house slippers, and Keri told me to wear both of them, which I did, only due to no arch support, my LEFT calf was in agony.  Decided to wear one shoe, and one slipper, only I wore my newer shoe, NOT the old one.  BUT, I was in so much pain, I was nearly in tears at the end of a 6 hour shift.  Sept 2nd, I called in, due to the pain (I had begun taking Tylenol Arthritis 660 mgs every 6 hours, which was hardly touching the pain). After some research, I discovered Aleve or Advil was more advisable for Achilles Tendon pain, so took 4 Aleve at 2pm on Wed Sept 3rd, and by the time I had choir practice, I could walk normally again.

Had my appt on the 4th, and cultures of the wounds were taken, plus tests set up.  I managed to make it through my 5 hour shift on Sunday Sept 7th, then was very gratefull to have the 8th off. I also got a phone call from the Wound Care center, saying my precertification for that appt was denied.  I could only get PREVENTATIVE appointment, not something possible coded for surgery, of which I had zero knowledge.  I was also informed that if I have the tests done on Friday (blood flow assessment and vein echo), I would be responsible for the entire bills; insurance would pay zilch.

SO WHY THE HELL DO I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, FOR OTHER THAN MY EYES????

Makes NO sense!  United Health Care for PART TIMERS SUCKS!

And no, I don't qualify for Medicare for 5 more years, and we make too much $$ for me to go on HIP.  So my choices are to keep working part time; give up my other job to go full-time (which at the moment won't work due to my foot); quit and piss off the spouse by having to pay my $1000 every month expenses (bill pay $610, credit card $200; credit card $100; streaming services $17; cover art $200/50 until paid; Patreon $5); keep my job and divorce my spouse (at least on paper!) and qualify for HIP, and continue paying my own expenses.

Or win the damn lottery......

Totally Disgusting Behavoir

 Two weeks ago, our Prez decided to go radio quiet for 2 days.

Dems began speculating he'd passed on.....then VICTORY CRIED over it.

WTH????

You realize if he does unexpectedly pass on, JD VANCE takes over??

Idiots....

*****

In unrelated news, another disgusting development has occurred.

A Ukranian teen was brutally murdered in NC on a subway, train, or bus by a guy who's been caught/released 14 times.

Some IDIOT Dems have created a GoFundMe page for....wait for it....

NOT the family of the murdered teen...

THE DAMN FELON WHO KILLED him/her!

WTH?

Since when do we set up bail $$ for people CAUGHT ON CAMERA committing a crime???

Some people have their priorities upside down.

Is that collider to blame?  Are we all living in an alternate universe now, where the bad guys are the protected species? (Yes, I watched an episode of Bones where people were worried about the collider destroying the world.  Given the fact people are doing everything to undermine the other half of voting people, alternate universe (see above).

Here We Go Again.....

Yesterday, the US helped Israel bomb the sh*t out of Iran's uranium mines/resourses/whatever-the-hell-was-going-on.

Dems:  You did it w/o Congressional approval!  You can't declare war by yourself!

Everyone else with brains in their heads:  Iran basically thumbed their noses/flipped the bird at the US, so it was time to show them how we deal with entitled terrorists.  

While the victory lap is playing out in the media, I'm just over here wondering what happens if and when they retaliate?

Are we about to embark on WW3?

Does the US in fact have sleeper cells that will wake up in retaliation?

Will gas prices skyrocket again?

Will I ever get my cover art?

What does the future have in store for the rest of this year or even my kids and grandkids?

Breathe....God's got this.

They Don't Get It.....

July 14, 2025 has been 'declared' by Dems "No More Kings" Day.

All protests, supposedly peaceful, are to support the following:

Our immigrant neighbors. If you're here LEGALLY, you don't have a problem!

Our sick and disabled neighbors. WTF does THIS have to do with anything? Oh yeah....you're still scared of the whole SS-Elon-having-access thing. All he did was point out the ABUSE!! HE DOESN;T CARE ABOUT YOUR SS #!!!

Our trans neighbors. The only ones I see panicking are the Dem ones. I know of three who aren't.

Our elderly neighbors. We should ALWAYS look out for our elderly neighbors, ESP those on a fixed income.

Our veteran neighbors. Same as above

Our Black and Indigenous neighbors. Again, if you're here LEGALLY, what's the issue???

Our neighbors with businesses affected by tariffs. Calm down; it will work itself out. Besides, what happened to America First back in the 90s?? BEFORE NAFTA???

Our neighbors with children whose schools have been stripped of their federal funding. They shouldn't have bought into the 'woke' ideology in the 1st place! School is for learning, not indoctrination....stick with the 3Rs, plus history, science, and civics!

Our pregnant neighbors who’ve lost reproductive rights. If you're pregnant, then you've not 'lost' your rights. I'll give them this one, since I'm pro-choice.

Our local librarians. WTF???

Our local teachers. Only issues I see with teachers is the stupid 'teach to the test' crap that's been going on. No one actually TEACHES anymore; it's all to get their students to pass the damn ISTEP test. What happened to the 3 Rs, plus History, Science, and Civics??? "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it...."

Our local LGBTQ+ youth. Again, we're putting a lot of FEAR into their heads, not FAITH.

We are standing for and with ALL the people this administration has harmed. We are not just protesting (the current president), we’re showing local people in marginalized communities they’re not alone. *eye roll*

There could only be a small group of us in town today. But just remember, when you see us out there, we’re standing with millions.

*********

Again, if I'm proven to be on the wrong side, I will revisit this and issue an apology.

I FIRMLY believe God allowed the past 4 years as a 'okay, I'll let you have your way, so you can see WHY it won't work."

Repubs reclaimed office because now we have to reverse the damage. I'll admit, at times I think we're swinging a little TOO far to the right (women's reproductive rights issues), but the rest is to clean up our country. Immigration was out of control; Gov't waste was out of control; and minorities are so scared (because they've been TOLD they're in danger!), they've decided to fight back against fake enemies.

LET THE MAN DO HIS JOB!!!!!

I Get It....But It's Frustrating....

 Finally heard back from my cover artist this morning, asking if I picture 'Uncle Charles' in a steampunk hat.

My first, knee-jerk reaction (I'd only been awake maybe 10 mins and hadn't had any coffee yet!) was 'No, no no....what part of TOP HAT don't you understand?"

Then I calmed down and took a 2nd look, and told her the 1st one would work.

Then she asked if I only wanted a top hat....so I replied yes, BUT the 1st one would work if she'd already bought it; it was whimsical enough.

But I really only picture him in a top hat. He's an old-fashioned gentleman.

Then the next text was, she's back from vacation on Wed and will finish up.

*needle scratch*

She went on vacation w/o fulfilling a JOB?  One that she's been working on since APRIL?  And I've been waiting for this for 3 MONTHS now?

I get it; she's only 23. At that age, I would have taken a vacay also.

But it's so frustrating, since I loved everything about the 1st cover EXCEPT THE MODEL!

Wouldn't it have been a simple photoshop remove/replace?  Or am I being too simplistic in my approach to cover art?

She wowed me with the Defending Destiny cover, and when I asked her if she'd do the Playing With Time one, I indicated I wanted to release it in March or April.....and now it will be June tomorrow.  I already cancelled one major trip, due to my hours being cut and either doing the show with no inventory or cancelling and buying inventory.  I opted for inventory.

I guess I'll be showing it off at either Pride or Imaginarium.....

At least Heart Song already HAS a cover....I may go back to Dawne for the Aiden Kross cover and RiKar's story.

Another Eye Roll Moment

I have a friend who is married to a LEGAL hardworking man from the Carribean (I don't remember his heritage...he's a sweet guy and VERY supportive of his wife!).

Today she posted they had decided to cancel a VERY IMPORTANT and long-dreamed for cruise, because now they were worried about border crossing.

A) HE"S LEGAL!

B) If you give into fear, then you're letting FEAR dictate your actions, not FAITH. (oh wait....I don't think they're believers??? Silly me....)

C) From what I understand when my son had booked a cruise, passports were not required, since they were on a registered cruise line, not a yacht.

D) See B.

She also is a major complainer about the price of food; granted, she's battling pre-diabetes and has changed her diet drastically to organic (which costs 3xs as much!) and specialty foods from his native lands that he likes.

She is also a major complainer about her income, and recently was in a panic over having to pay THOUSANDS in taxes....my question was who the hell does her taxes?  Granted, I probably pay out less for promo, but if you add in my trips, they probably come fairly close to hers, unless I'm waaaaay off.  The only reason we had to pay the past 2 years was a) we lost the child income credit (last baby turned 18); b) we lost $12K in income, due to him falling off SSI; and c) we paid off several thousands in credit card debt with a consolidation loan, not knowing it would count as 'income'.  WTF???

***Side Note:  This is why I'm trying to keep my CC paid down.  They raised me to $800 last year, and I stupidly used it at the Christmas Show, instead of paying down my medical, like I'd planned to do when it was only $500.  Trying desperately NOT to use it this summer, to get it back down.  I planned to use it in Branson, but canceled my trip to Superman to avoid using it for the hotel and travel expense.  There's an Italian resteraunt in that town that I love, but it will have to wait until next year!  Same with Imaginarium; I'm looking to share with Sandy again, so I only have to pay her $120 for two nights in the room.  Or $180, if I can swing staying until Monday....***

Anyway.....D keeps telling me to unfriend her if she drives me crazy.  I enjoy her books; we have fun when we're together.  And she DID end the rant with the fact that last night was the first time she'd slept through the night w/o a sleep aid.  So instead of bypassing her post, I comm Anxiented to 'always trust your gut'.  

Anxiety over a decision or event is NEVER a good sign. While I never lost any sleep over the 'to-go-or-cancel', I was immediately at peace once I sent the email. It will be there next year, and now I've used the funds to restock my display.

Now if my cover artist would just get with the program and send me a cover I love.....

Interesting Timing???

 Three things came out this past weekend:

1) Book claiming Fmr Pres JB's mental capacities were 'limited', due to dementia (hey, we already knew that!)

2) Previous interview (unfiltered, not the one 'doctored') which showed his obvious confusion

3) Fmr Pres JB has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.

First and foremost, as I've watched beloved family and friends battle various forms of cancer, I'm deeply sorry.

But you have to admit, the timing of this is fishy.

1) Yes, it is embarrassing for the Fmr 1st family to see truths they've tried so hard to keep hidden come to light, not only in book form, but a whole media tour and the tapes aired across all platforms for everyone to hear.

2) The cancer diagnosis lends an air of 'yes, this happened, but now he's got a potentially terminal illness, so can't you just let it go and give the family some peace in his final months?'

So what is it; has he had the diagnosis for a while, or did the genuinely just now get the news?

100 Day Recap

 Friends have been b**ching about everything the President has done: Overturning EVERYTHING the previous administration put in place, and now the Dems are trying to Impeach him.  FOR WHAT???

-Deporting criminals and illegal aliens

-Closing the border

-New trade deals

-Treaty with Ukrain over Rare Earth Minerals

-Finding Gov't waste and putting an end to it.

But they're still b**ching about the price of eggs, the tarrifs causing things to be more costly or even disappearing from shelves.....here's my response:

"I have lived through Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. In my lifetime have I never seen or heard of a President being scrutinized over every word he speaks, humiliated by the public to the point of wanting to hurt someone, slandered, ridiculed, insulted, and lied to. I have never heard their wives or children threatened, insulted, and humiliated. I am truly ashamed of the behavior of people in this country. I am ashamed of the ruthless, hating, cruel Trump haters who have no morals, and news reporters who feel they have the right to purposely lie and chastise the president. Every past President was left to run the country after they were elected and had taken the oath of office. They weren’t on the news 24/7 being drawn and quartered, every word and sentence dissected, constantly pressured to do this or that without an ounce of moral support.

ENOUGH is ENOUGH! LEAVE THE MAN ALONE. LET HIM DO HIS JOB!"

Holy Hannah....Is This REAL?

 Is Panic Mode Engaged?

Just found this on a friend's page:

I really wish there was a way to get this into the hands of every American before April 20th.

FROM THE MEDIUM:

Part 1: On April 20th, 2025, the United States may Cross the Point of No Return.

It sounds wild. Maybe even crazy. But every step is already in motion. I’d be happy to be wrong. But if this is correct… you’ll be ready.

On April 20, 2025, the United States may initiate its final steps into authoritarian rule.

That’s the day Donald Trump’s advisory committee is expected to release its findings on whether he should invoke the Insurrection Act — a move that would allow him to deploy the military domestically and allow Trump to impose martial law. (San Francisco Chronicle). Given Hegseth and Noem are the main “advisors”, the conclusion is foregone.

And as his two months in office has already shown, he won’t stop at just a legal opinion.

Expect an executive order even that same day or the next, officially declaring the Insurrection Act, restricting freedoms in the name of restoring control of the border and perhaps in blue-state cities, and setting the larger plan in motion.

Of course, this won’t be framed as an attack on democracy. It will be packaged as a necessary response to crisis — as authoritarian takeovers always are.

But once it happens, there’s no going back.

THIS WILL BE THE POINT OF NO RETURN.

The roadmap for overthrowing a democratic government isn’t new or theoretical — it’s a well-worn playbook, tested and repeated across history by those who crave power more than liberty. After rejecting it initially, being incredulous, I have realized there is too much evidence suggesting this may be what’s happening now to remain silent.

Telling other people what may be happening, so they can recognize it and maybe together we can stop it, is my entire purpose here.

This is Part 1 of what has turned into a series: Their Coup Playbook: How They Quietly Kill the Constitution in the Coming Weeks and Months

THIS IS HOW DEMOCRACY ENDS: HERE’S THEIR PLAYBOOK

It won’t all happen in one night.

Instead, the process will unfold in stages, each step making resistance harder.

Free elections, a free press, and the right to protest will disappear one piece at a time, until there’s nothing left to save.

My entire goal here is to make people aware, so you can recognize it, if it really is what’s happening, and maybe together we can help stop it. It’s all I, personally, can do.

Here’s how it will happen, step by step, after Trump invokes the Insurrection Act with an Executive Order:

1. “Resist!” Demonstrations Grow — Just As Planned

Left-leaning and even more centrist people will be alarmed. Peaceful protests will be organized nationwide, as they already have been being organized now, with growing numbers of people joining protests each week.

The calls to “Resist!” will grow louder, and large-scale demonstrations will begin forming in major cities.

This is exactly what Trump wants. He didn’t invoke the Insurrection Act sooner because he needed his opposition to gather first — so he could use them as a tool for his next step.

He also waited 90 days, instead of invoking it on Day 1 as Project 2025 recommended, so he would have his people in place, and remove those who would oppose them in the government, military, courts, and civil positions.

His cabal is waiting for a strong reaction — they want massive unrest. They need a justification to kick off the next steps in their plan.

2. The False Flag Crisis: Turning Protest into “Terror”

The protests will turn violent quickly. Maybe in a day, maybe during the next big protest the following weekend.

They will turn violent not because of the protesters, but because they will have been infiltrated by agents provocateurs, from militia groups like The Proud Boys, whose goal is to escalate as quickly as possible and give Trump and his cabal an excuse to trigger the next stage.

Expect “terrorist” bombings, targeted assassinations, or high-profile acts of violence, either staged or exploited, to justify the crackdown.

There may even be an extremely high profile assassination of a leading right-wing leader that changes everything in a moment… and the “woke radicals” will be blamed, and the country will rally around more extreme measures to bring back order and control.

The media will be flooded with images of chaos, pushing the public into a state of fear. Calls for “order” will follow.

3. Trump Declares Expanded Martial Law — And Calls for Militia to assist the police and Military

Trump has already invoked the Insurrection Act — so now he now declares even more extensive and repressive martial law, and orders troops into major US cities where most oppose him, branding protesters and opponents as “seditionists,” “traitors,” and the “woke mob”.

He will call on “good Americans” to grab their guns, like the patriots of 1776, and join the militias forming to “restore order” and “take back control” from the leftist threat. Using militias also gets him around resistance from military leaders who might oppose his orders.

The militias already exist — the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, and others— and they are not some distant fringe. They were at January 6. The most extreme and radicalized are all released from prison now.They are ready to roll, and to answer Trump’s call, which they were waiting for four years ago.

The militia members are your neighbors. The difference between them and you? These neighbors own and have been training with AR-15s. You and your friends? Not so much.

This will be framed as “helping the police” and “keeping order.” Law enforcement will quietly welcome them — or, in some cases, will deputize them, with Trump’s support.

4. Mass Arrests of Opposition Leaders

Journalists, Democratic officials, and activists will be arrested under charges of sedition, terrorism, or “inciting violence.”

Expect Mark Milley, Liz Cheyney, and Adam Kinzinger to be arrested quickly and with great press coverage. How long the show trials take is probably a good measure of how much control Trump has established over the courts.

Key Democratic governors and attorneys general will be removed first, ensuring no state-level resistance.

Law enforcement and military ranks will be purged, with loyalty tests ensuring only Trump-aligned officers remain.

5. Military & National Guard Take Over Major Cities

Expect deployments in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and other blue-state strongholds.

Curfews and lockdowns will be imposed, justified as measures to “restore peace.”

Checkpoints and military policing will become the new normal. Expect them in particular along major highways going to Canada or Mexico, and in red states — to identify and detain seditionists, traitors, and people of questionable loyalty.

Trump’s building of detainment centers in Guantanamo, and expansion of the 106 other ICE detention centers, was not actually intended for illegal migrants. And just a few days ago, Blackwater founder and Billionaire Erik Prince offered to help Trump “privatize deportation camps” as has been being done with prisons per Trump’s Day 1 Executive Order. So now Trump has an extrajudicial place to store the disloyal and those who resist, in for-profit camps guarded by militias and loyal military. Until he decides what to do with them.

6. Press Censorship & Total Media Control

Independent news outlets will face shutdowns or takeovers. Those that resist will see their journalists arrested or harassed.

Mainstream media will be forced into compliance. Blackmail, corporate pressure, and legal threats will ensure they toe the line.

Social media platforms like X (Twitter) will amplify the official narrative, drowning out opposition.

Other social media and lines of communication will be turned off. The Internet will be monitored, people identified from this monitoring for arrest, using Palantir technology. Peter Thiel, who I’ve written about before, is co-founder of Palantir. We will fully enter the surveillance state.

7. Borders Close & Dissidents Are Trapped Inside

Passports will be revoked for critics and opponents. If you’re on a list, you’re not leaving. Especially if you’re of Draft age.

No-fly lists will expand to include activists and journalists.

ICE and DHS will be weaponized — not just against immigrants, but against political enemies.

8. Elections Are “Postponed” Indefinitely

The 2026 midterms will be suspended under the excuse of national security concerns.

Red-state legislatures will eliminate Democratic-leaning districts, ensuring permanent Republican control.

By 2028, Trump (or his handpicked successor) will run unopposed. Elections will be a formality, probably still held. But rigged.

PROJECT 2025 AND THE INSURRECTION ACT: THIS WAS ALWAYS THE PLAN

This isn’t speculation.

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 lays out a detailed strategy for permanent right-wing control.

It openly advocates using the Insurrection Act to crush opposition and dismantle the administrative state.

Trump isn’t improvising — he’s following a script.

We Can’t Wait — The Time to Act Is Now

We can’t sit back and wait for Trump to fire the starting gun — because once he does, it will already be too late.

We need to prepare now.

We need to plan now.

We need to dismantle his plans before they begin.

We have one month.

That’s it.

The Only Way to Stop this Coup is by Exposing It

The only way I can think of to stop this conspiracy, which is in final planning stages, is through exposure.

If people see the playbook in advance, they will be less likely be manipulated when it happens.

They might question the narrative. “Wait. This is what they said would happen. I thought it was crazy. But maybe…”

We need to spread this narrative far and wide so that when the moment comes, no one can claim ignorance.

Maybe we will be proven wrong.

Maybe we will look silly.

Or maybe… we will have derailed the plan, by telling people what to look for, to recognize the playbook steps as (if) they happen.

Here’s what we must do before April 20:

Empower the press, law enforcement, military, and elected officials to recognize the game that’s being played. They need to understand what’s happening before they are pressured to go along with it.

Share this post, or write your own. Do your own research. Don’t take my word for it. Talk with your friends and family about this crazy conspiracy theory that can’t rally happen… can it? So if and when the steps actually happen, people recognize it for what it is.

Prepare the public so they don’t take the bait. Trump and his cabal want protests to explode into chaos.

They want violence in the streets to justify their crackdown. We must be ready to outmaneuver them — to refuse to be used as pawns in their game.

Stand up to the militias — and stop friends and family from joining them. The Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, and other armed groups will be mobilized as Trump’s shock troops. They will be framed as “restoring order” and “helping the police.” We need to be ready to counter this, to make sure our neighbors, friends, and family don’t get sucked in.

Inoculate our fellow citizens against the propaganda. Most Americans are good people — but good people can be misled. They can be scared into compliance. Our job is to make sure they see what’s happening before it’s too late.

The only way to stop this plot is to expose it, reject it, and make it unmistakably clear to every American what is happening. We must stop these malign forces from enacting their will on our country, the world, and each of us and our families.

WHAT IF WE DON’T STOP IT?

If it is not stopped, and Trump enacts the Insurrection Act, at that point we probably only have 48 to 72 hours to try to stop everything from happening after the Executive Order.

Once martial law is imposed, there will be a tiny window — no more than three days — before resistance becomes nearly impossible.

Stopping it before it happens is the best option.

But what if we don’t?

In my next post, I’ll outline peaceful, strategic ways to resist — while we still can. And what our reduced options are if it still happens.

If we don’t act before April 20, then by April 23, it will already be too late.

************************

I can't find 'the next post*, and again, history will determine if I'm on the right or wrong side.

Are You SERIOUS?????

Was just tagged in a post:  "Please vote for my daughter; she's in a close race to win."

The 'race'?  Is (name withheld) A Super Mom? 

*spews coffee over keyboard*

Pardon me while I pick myself up from the floor, both from shock and laughter.

A little history:

"Pam" became pregnant at 16, and to my knowledge, received VERY LITTLE prenatal care.

This child has a history of histrionics about ANYTHING pain-related, and could barely even TELL ME when she needed feminine hygiene products.  So I seriously doubt she was fully prepared for labor pains, much less giving birth to another human being!

Fast-forward to when the baby was born:  There were medical issues with the infant; he'd had a stroke at birth, and was severely developmentally delayed.

My own daughter lived with them for a week, while she was seeking employment near them, and told me the following:

-"Pam" had moved the baby out of her bedroom into the living room "so she could have her own space and privacy."

      -*needle scratch*  WTH?  You're a MOM, and until you live on your own, and the child is off to school, your 'me time' is reserved for NAP TIME!  Or the occasional babysitter.

-"Pam" revealed she really didn't know who the father of the baby is.

     *blinks* I'd asked her once how she went from 'I-don't-want-anyone-to-know-I'm-on-my-period' to doing things that cause that time of the month to go away....her answer was, 'I fell for a pretty face'.  I call BULLSH*T on that; she was depressed because a beloved family had passed; her own abusive sperm doner had either passed or was on his own deathbed.....I say she was so despondent, she didn't even know what she was doing until too late, then hormones kicked in.  We've all been there; some of us are more responsible than others, and paid attention in Health Class during that subject.  But "Pam"?  I gurantee wss too embarrased to even think about the consequences.

-Her mother was taking care of the baby....bottle feeding, playing, changing diapers, etc.

-My daughter's own observations:  "She's a lazy mom.  Baby cries, she either sticks a bottle in its mouth or turns on the TV after making sure the diaper's not the problem."

-"Pam"'s own mother was falsifying documents in order to qualify for assistance.

Based on this info, and the fact that the child has now reached Kindergarten/1st grade age, and is being 'home schooled' and they're 'looking into getting him the therapy he needs' (I've now heard this for 6 years)....1) Why isn't he IN OT/PT/Speech therapy? 2) Why did you wait so late to get him STARTED in a program?....sorry, went off on a tangent there.....THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL IS "PAM" A SUPER MOM!

I wouldn't even give that title to ME, and I was a Domestic Engineer/babysitter from 1993-1998, and again from 2000-2016!

I'd sooner say "Pam"'s mother qualified.....but even that's stretching it a bit, considering we had both her kids from 2002-2006, then every damn summer until 2016.

*deep breath*

Just went to the site; "Pam" cannot SPELL; she used 'sense' instead of 'since' at least 3 times; the prize is $20K that she would use "for health care, school supplys (supplies, Pam....), to launch her skin care business (I'm assuming it's to join her aunt's business???); and to pay her rent (again, I'm assuming this is so her mom's caught up?), and also to grow her vegetable garden.

*needle scratch* You live in an APARTMENT....how do you have a garden, unless it's at your GRANDMOTHER'S house?

Oh no....that $20K would be blown with the help of your mom and your bonus siblings.

*steps off podium*

Okay. Just had to get that off my chest.

Where's Your Faith?

 A friend of mine is allowing herself to give into panic, and it's mildly driving me crazy, because this is the first thing I saw this morning.

" I don't feel as safe as I did even last year, not by a long shot. I wonder nearly every day what's going to happen to me; will I get taken away to a camp, like all those immigrants and protestors, given just a cup of water per day until I expire? Will I get deported to a labor camp in El Salvador? Or will I just watch as my rights continue to erode, and the public turns more and more against people like me? How long until it becomes a crime to be transgender? We're already not recognized at the federal level, and many states are pushing (and sometimes passing) laws against us being in public life. We're being erased from legal documents, websites, and policies across the board. "

I also see friends posting gleefully about the current filibuster, and friends who are jeering it. What will it accomplish? I really don't know. I'd rather watch escapism TV than immerse myself in that drama.

I have faith everything will even out. That's all I've done for the past 4 years; be CALM, watch the sh*tstorm, and pray. Do I have concerns about the way things are unfolding? Absolutely, but me giving into panic and seeking a corner with my thumb in my mouth with a blanket over my head accomplishes nothing. If I rant about it on a public forum, I get attacked, unfriended, and potentially harm long-term friendships. It's not worth it.

So I rant here, where I choose not to share this post, and if you find it and disagree, that's fine. You have every right to disagree with me. But know I will not engage in a battle of angry words. You have your right to your opinion, and I have mine.