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My Top Three Pet Peeves

It is defined as “something that a particular person finds especially annoying.” I have plenty of those but I’ll try to stick to three that I find not only annoying but wants to make me pull my hair out!

Not being punctual is one of them. This is one of the top “pet peeves” because as a person who believes that being punctual speaks to your character, I seem to be surrounded by people who don’t give a hoot about being punctual. My first reaction is extreme annoyance, the second is to reel it in and to let it go. However, the letting go part doesn’t always work. It just gives the person more leeway to keep on doing what they do. Now, I give a few chances and then I pull the plug. Meaning it is a friendship lost instead of putting up with someone else’s tardiness.

Next on the list are liars. I can put up with one or two lies but when it is a constant and it is very evident, it becomes a pet peeve of mine. I’ve met people who make “lying” their motto and if they can get away with it, so much the better. However, once in a while they come across someone like me who can spot a liar even before they get close! My problem is, I give them enough rope to hang themselves but then I go back and take it away! Does that make sense? It does to me. Instead of sending them on the way, I play this “nice person” and try to find out why they are the way they are. No more playing “nice guy,” I am learning to be more assertive and to understand that you can’t change people. They are the way they are.

Last but not least are fake friends. People who claim to be your friend but are never there when you need them. They are there for the good times and are invisible when times get tough. I’m sure you’ve met them too. These days, I look for the “I’m with you all the way,” kind of friendship. Friendship is a hard thing to maneuver but it is made harder still when you come across fake friends. Choose carefully.

Those are three of my top pet peeves. I have plenty more but for now, these three take the cake!

Daily writing prompt

Name your top three pet peeves.

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The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie

When I sat down to write The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, I wanted to capture the kind of day every child secretly hopes for: the day when the world opens up beyond the garden fence and you discover that courage and friendship live inside you. Honey, the little Italian greyhound, begins the story very much like many of us do—safe, loved, and yet quietly restless.

She has a warm home, caring owners, and a familiar routine, but her heart is tugged by the idea that there might be “something more” just beyond the fence. Hubie, her bright green frog friend in a pirate hat, is that “something more” come to life: he is curiosity, mischief, and optimism all rolled into one.

As Honey follows Hubie out of the garden, the story becomes a journey through all the magic I remember from my own childhood walks in the woods: talking animals, music in the trees, and tiny folk who live in unexpected places. Along the way Honey meets the Buttercup Fairies, joins the Moppets’ grand celebration, learns to swim with the help of a graceful swan, and even helps
rescue baby Carmelia from the fearsome Screeches. Each encounter is meant to feel like a small, complete adventure, but they all circle back to one idea: we grow braver and kinder when we step outside our comfort zone for the sake of someone else.

At the heart of the book is the friendship between Honey and Hubie. They tease, they disagree, and they frighten each other at times, but when real danger appears, Honey finds herself willing to risk everything to protect her friend.

That moment—when a quiet, uncertain little dog stands up to a threatening Screech—is the true center of the story. Hubie later tells her that real
friendship is when you care so deeply for someone that you would give your life for theirs without thinking of your own. I wanted young readers to see that bravery doesn’t always roar; sometimes it looks like a trembling friend who refuses to run away.

The book is dedicated to my son, and that dedication is very real. I wrote this story hoping that he, and children everywhere, would never lose their sense of fantasy, because it is where compassion, courage, and creativity first learn to walk.

Honey ends the day muddy, tired, and smelling like a skunk, but she is also changed: she has danced, swum, rescued, laughed, and learned what true friendship feels like. It is not a “perfect” ending, but a perfectly honest one—a
reminder that the best days are often a little messy, a little risky, and filled with memories that last long after the bathwater runs clear.

T. J. Mueller

LOL!

A church-going man who’d been faithful to his wife for 40 years died and found himself in Heaven. Since his widow was still alive back on Earth, he was given a snug little hut to live in and a refrigerator with food and soft drinks.

One day, while he was strolling about, he saw a man he knew to be a total scoundrel – the guy had embezzled money, gambled himself deep in debt, drank like a fish, philandered all over town, and left multiple illegitimate children in his wake. He had a beautiful blonde girl on one arm and was carrying a bottle of Chivas Regal.

Enraged, the pious man went straight to Saint Peter and demanded an explanation. “I spent my life doing right by everything and I’m in this little hut with nothing special. That scoundrel drank, gambled, cheated, and stole – and you gave him a gorgeous girl and fancy whiskey!”
Saint Peter didn’t flinch. “Stay calm. It’s not as it appears. He’s got a bottle of Chivas Regal with a hole in it and a beautiful girl without one.”

Yup there is always a silver lining or things don’t always seem as they are!

My Current Favorite People

Jasmin Felicia Crockett

She is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Texas’s 30th congressional district since 2023. The lady has chutzpah and “fireworks” should have been her middle name! I like her because of her no- nonsense and no holds barred style of politics. It is engaging and she brings humor into the equation. She is not everyone’s cup of tea but she is well-liked and she speaks directly to the people. Her down-to-earth manner is relatable and she is a fierce advocate for Democratic policies, protecting voting rights. public education and the lady knows what she is talking about. Her legal expertise and her articulate way of bringing her point across is refreshing. We need more people like her.

Meghan Markle (Duchess of Sussex)

Yes, her. I like her because the lady has class which is more than I can say for some people. The spotlight was trained on her when love stepped in and she married a member of the royal family and since then her life has never been the same. The girl who once wrote to Proctor & Gamble at only 11 years of age to “protest a sexist commercial that suggested only women belong in the kitchen,” has become everybody’s “whipping girl.” Nothing she does is ever right. Everything is shredded under a magnifying glass only to find her sorely lacking.

The Duchess of Sussex is featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Art Issue and it is drawing comparisons to images of Princess Diana. Here we go again, wait for it! There will be another onslaught against the Duchess, that’s for sure. However, the photoshoot shows a demure looking Meghan and it is hard not to overlook the sadness in her face. She knows as we all know that whatever she does, it will not be enough in a world that loves to bring people down for one reason or another.

I like her because even under tremendous pressure, she has kept her calm and she has chosen to let “silence” reign supreme. When others would have broken under the constant scrutiny and criticism, she has held her head up high and she is making her own way and that in itself speaks to who she is. A calm and collected individual with tremendous strength.

Those are my two favorite people at the current time. It might change in the future but that’s alright. People come and people go and others will step in to take their place.

Daily writing prompt

Who are your current most favorite people?

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LOL!

A minister dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates.

Ahead of him is a guy who’s dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, a leather jacket, and jeans.

Saint Peter addresses this guy,

“Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?”

The guy replies, “I’m Joe Cohen, taxi driver, of Noo Yawk City.”

St. Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to the taxi driver,

“Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

The taxi driver goes into Heaven with his robe and staff, and it’s the minister’s turn.

He stands erect and booms out,

“I am Joseph Snow, pastor of Calvary for the last forty-three years.”

St Peter consults his list. He says to the minister,

“Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

“Just a minute,” says the minister.

“That man was a taxi driver, and he gets a silken robe and golden staff. How can this be?!”

“Up here, we work by results,” says Saint Peter.

“While you preached, people slept; while he drove, people prayed.”

Actually I did the same. While my uncle gave his sermon, I slept!

My Favorite Animals

I’ll go with one. CATS! Not every cat but the one I have had and the current one I have, Mr. Know It All, are my favorites.

The first one I had was called Twitty. I met him one cold November evening when I saw him with his two siblings wandering around behind the apartment complex. He was an orange cat with deep dark eyes and his siblings were all black but unlike Twitty, they wanted nothing to do with me. Each time I approached them, they would hiss. My adorable Twitty would look at me with those big eyes and there was an instant connection. One day, a friend caught all three because they were just a few weeks old and winter was approaching. I had to take two of them away but I kept my sweet Twitty. He was a gentle and lovely companion. I lived in a “No Pets Allowed” apartment complex but the maintenance guys knew of his existence and said nothing! Twitty would spend his days sitting on the windowsill until I came home from a long day at the university and the minute he heard me opening the door, he would do this happy dance on two legs! I brought him to Europe with me but he passed away a few years later and it was a devastating loss.

A few years later, Chachi, the cat walked in. I wasn’t ready to embrace another cat because I didn’t want to feel that kind of pain again but life had other plans. Little cuteness walked in, took one look at me and decided “he was all in!” I love him to bits and I know it will hurt if and when he leaves but I am prepared this time around or maybe not.

I think cats are lovely creatures. They are smart, loving, make good companions and they listen or at least they pretend that they do! Chach is my second shadow and his world revolves around me as mine does around him. Some days, he is disgruntled because he wants to be out there like his girlfriend, Miss Ipanema, an all black cat with beautiful green eyes that roams the neighborhood. I bet she has seen more than Chachi ever will! Let’s keep it that way. Anyway, Chachi wants to go beyond the “garden fence” like Honey dreams of in my book. It’s not going to happen!

Cats are my favorite animals, not all but the ones I’ve come to know. There’s more to them than meets the eye.

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite animals?

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Book Reviews

Good reviews are hard to come by and when I get them, it is time to highlight them for all they are worth and to thank the people who took the time to read and to leave a review. Here are two that spoke to my heart.

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2025

Format: Kindle

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is an irresistibly adorable tale that blends warmth, humor, and heart into a story both kids and adults can fall in love with. The author delivers a delightful adventure filled with quirky characters, gentle life lessons, and a sense of wonder that feels timeless.
This book is sweet and spirited and Mueller’s writing has that rare ability to be playful without ever talking down to young readers.
What truly stands out is the book’s message: that friendship, courage, and curiosity are powerful companions on any adventure.

Starr

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

Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2025

Format: Kindle

The adventure of Honey and Hubie is the perfect story of friendship. This story will teach your child about the importance of friendship and how to maintain healthy friendships. The images in this story are beautiful and bright and completely compliment this touching story as well. Get ready to have an amazing adventure with Honey and Hubie!

Flowers & Rainbows

Beach and Mountains

I love them both. They each have something different to offer. As a young girl, I loved the beach. Singapore was home then and being close to the beach was something I treasured. Weekends spent with the family by the beach was normal and mom always had a picnic basket packed with goodies. It is a memory that I treasure. When night came, the skies were lit with a thousand stars and all was quiet except for the soothing sounds of the waves rolling into shore. Sitting alone with my feet dug into the sand and gazing at the stars was something I loved doing and I still miss.

I now live in Europe and mountains are not too far off. When I take my walks in nature, I can see the outline of the mountain in the distance. It is always there, ever watchful. Sometimes it is shrouded in mystery when fog rolls in and at other times quiet but visible but no matter which persona it wears, it is always present. There is something about its quiet presence that captures my imagination. I sometimes wonder what mysteries it holds.

I like them both for different reasons. Each have something different to offer and sometimes I wish I was closer to a beach or to water but only for a moment because what I have now is complete and utter peace surrounded by beauty of another kind and that is enough.

Daily writing prompt

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

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A Christmas Book Trailer

This one is cute. Honey and Hubie seem to be going places! They love being Santa’s little helpers and they do a mighty fine job too. It’s time for some festive cheer folks!

LOL!

Pat goes to confession and tells the priest:

“I’ve had sex with a woman who is not my wife”

“What’s the woman’s name”, asks the priest.

“Oh, I can’t tell you that”, says Pat.

“Well I can’t give you penance if you don’t tell me who it was.”

“Was it Mrs. Gilhooly”?

“No, father, it wasn’t.”

“Was it Mrs. Murphy”?

“No, father, it wasn’t “

“Was it Mrs. Jones”?

“No, father, it wasn’t “

“Well then Pat I can’t give you penance “, says the priest.

On the way out Pat meets Seamus.

“Well, Pat, did he give you penance?” asks Seamus.

“No, he didn’t, but he gave me three good leads”, says Pat.