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Five Things I’m Good at…

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels.com

Let’s see….hmm…..nothing comes to mind!

After much thinking, some things did come to mind. My dad used to say that I had an overactive imagination, way back when I was a little girl. I don’t disagree. It still is overactive and that is what helps my writing! If you’re wondering where does she come up with some of the stuff she writes about, blame it on “imagination” that knows no bounds!

The next thing I’m good at is taking a small problem and blowing it up into something unsolvable. When a problem shows up, I look at it and instead of dealing with it like a normal human being in a calm and collected fashion, I pull my hair out! You must be thinking that she pulls her hair out a lot. Right you are. Still, the bald spots are not showing yet because I’ve got plenty of it, hair that is! Overthinking is my arch enemy and my nemesis but I’m working on it.

The next thing I am good at is painting pictures with words. People tell me that they can imagine themselves in the story and that is a good thing. Mom was good at cooking, younger sister was good at singing and I thought I didn’t have any talents until I discovered writing. I agree with the “people” that I can and do paint pictures with words.

I’m a good mom. I was a goal-oriented and career-driven person and never thought I would be a mom one day. Finding out I was pregnant did not set too well with me. It meant giving up my career and moving to another country altogether BUT the minute I felt the little guy kick, I knew that I would be the best mom possible. I’ve always been there for my son and I guess I always will be. He’s my priority. However, Chachi, the cat, thinks he’s the priority! I tell him he’s my baby from another mommy but he says, “No mom, I’m your baby!” I suppose he’s right. I’m good at being a mom.

I’ve written about friendship here more than once. I’m a good friend or at least I try to be. Sometimes I get taken advantage of because of the “niceness” factor but I’m learning not to take everything and to let go when the so called friendship is not working out. I’ve got a criteria for friendship. Be on time, show up when in trouble or at least show that you care, stand by your friend and not jump ship at the first sign of trouble but most of all, be a good friend and not a fair-weather one.

There you are. Five things I think I’m good at. Next question please……

Daily writing prompt

Share five things you’re good at.

View all responses

A Little Bit of Christmas Magic

As the festive season twinkles to life, I find myself reflecting on the joys of sharing stories –especially those that bring a little extra magic into our lives. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a story born from the heart –a tale spun from the same threads of imagination that lit up my own childhood holidays.

Why is this book a wonderful Christmas gift? Because it invites young readers –and those young at heart –into a world where friendship and bravery light the way. In the midst of the holiday bustle, there’s something truly special about a gift that encourages children to dream and imagine, to see the world through a lens of wonder.

For me, writing this book was a way to revisit that enchanted forest of my own memories. It’s a place where the values of kindness, loyalty, and imagination come to life in the form of colorful characters and whimsical adventures. And what better time than Christmas to share a story that reminds us all of the simple joy of believing in a bit of magic?

I hope that as you gift this book, it becomes a part of your holiday tradition — something that brings a smile, a shared moment of reading by the fireside, and a reminder of the timeless magic that stories can bring into your lives. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, plenty of wonderful stories and a touch of fairy dust to bring it all to life.

T. J. Mueller

One Thing I Would Change About Myself?

Hmm….just one thing? There are many things I would want to change about myself but ok, I’ll go with one and since you asked.

It would be hands done, being too nice. I have a tendency to bite the bullet and even when I want to let it rip, I step back, take a deep breath and come out smiling hiding my real feelings. It could hurt, I could think it is not fair, but still I take it in stride and instead of letting my feelings show, I let it go inside and do its job of bringing me to my knees at times and at other times, hit rock bottom.

Why? Why do I do that? I don’t know, it is part of my personality. This being “too nice” makes people view me as a pushover. Nice people end last? I think that phrase has a lot of truth to it. So, on this journey of self-discovery, I am learning to be more assertive, to not accept everything that comes my way and to say it like it is even if it is not well-received. My mental health matters, although it is a hard thing to do for someone like me.

These days, I step back and I come back wearing a cape! Ready to do battle? Not really, just standing up for myself. I am learning to like this new me but the old me still shows up wearing sackcloth and ashes and wants to talk me into going back to who I was. Not going to happen. There is something very “rejuvenating” about changing yourself for the better. Like it or not, here I am! Take it or leave it, that’s up to you.

Daily writing prompt

What is one thing you would change about yourself?

View all responses

A Frosty Morning

The rooftops are sprinkled with white and so are the streets this morning. No snow yet but frost was there. It looked cold outside and it was. Brrr!!! I bundled up adding a thick scarf around my neck but no gloves and that was a mistake.

I walked as I usually do taking the same path and as I approached the apple trees, I noticed that the mountain was barely visible. It was shrouded in a haze. Yes, it was cold as I shoved my freezing hands deeper into my coat pockets. Nothing was moving out there, just a big fat crow cawing about something. My guess is, it was complaining about the weather as well. It kept me company for a while until a neighbor came into view with her dog. We stopped, exchanged niceties and the topic turned to our kids. She has twins, a boy and a girl, each one as different as night and day. The girl is dark-haired and the boy a blond. The boy sweet-natured and an absolute sweatheart and the girl, not so much. They are both the same age as my son. The conversation turned to the children and how they were doing. Turns out, I’m not the only one having to deal with the “walking on eggshells” concept. She was having the same problem which made me feel a little bit better. I waved her on and took the other path heading to the fields.

It was quiet, too quiet. The world was still asleep and the “cold” it was now kissing the tip of my nose and it was time to head back. The weather forecast is predicting snow for Saturday. I’m actually looking forward to some snow to get me in the Christmas spirit. My ex told me that our son will be heading home for the holidays. He doesn’t want to stay with me because I have strict rules about letting his friends using my place as party central. The last time it was late nights, lots of noise and a constant run to the bathroom! They are no longer scrawny kids but tall, strapping young men! So, my son has decided to stay at his Oma’s, just a stone’s throw from where I live. I won’t have the hassle and he will still come visit. A win-win situation either way.

It was time for another cup of coffee but Chachi, the cat, just walked in and let out a loud meow! He loves having his mommy at home 24/7 and absolutely hates it when I take off for an hour or two. Spoiled? Absolutely, but I’m not complaining. It is kiss and cuddle time with the little brat!

Have an amazing day.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie

Honey is a miniature greyhound with more heart than height.

Hubie is a frog with loyalty bigger than his leap.

Together? They’re trouble, wonder, and magic rolled into one unlikely duo.

Their world begins in a quiet garden…until curiosity nudges them past the garden fence and into a realm where fairies whisper, creatures squabble, and courage is measured in kindness, not size. Every step pulls them deeper into a place where the rules bend, friendships matter, and even the smallest adventurer can shake the leaves on the tallest tree.

But behind all the sparkle and silliness lies a gentle truth:

Friendship isn’t something you find once. It’s something you choose again and again – especially when the path gets bumpy.

T. J. Mueller doesn’t just tell a story; she opens a door. Kids don’t read this adventure —they step into it, laugh through it, hold their breath in the tricky bits, and come out feeling a little braver, a little kinder, and a whole lot more magical.

A perfect read for kids who love adventure, animals, and worlds where imagination is the strongest superpower of all.

Available on Amazon

LOL!

A man is talking to the family doctor, “Doc, I think my wife’s going deaf.”

The doctor answers, “Well, here’s something you can try on her to test her hearing. Stand some distance away from her and ask her a question. If she doesn’t answer, move a little closer and ask again. Keep repeating this until she answers. Then you’ll be able to tell just how hard of hearing she really is.”

The man goes home and tries it out.

He walks in the door and says, “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

He doesn’t hear an answer, so he moves closer to her.

“Honey, what’s for dinner?” Still no answer.

He repeats this several times until he’s standing just a few feet away from her.

Finally, she answers,

“For the eleventh time, I said we’re having MEATLOAF!”

🤣🤣🤣

Night or Morning Person?

It all depends. I don’t think I’m a night person but sometimes circumstances make me that way. Sleepless nights come walking in when Chachi, the cat, is in his element and since he is active at night, I have no choice but to keep him company! Not every night but once in a while and then I think I’m a “night person.” Little brat loves terrorizing his stuffed birds and when he’s at it, I’m on the computer getting things done!

On the other hand, I don’t think I’m a morning person either. I need time to get moving from stretching in bed to breakfast takes time. However, as the day picks up speed, I find myself keeping up with it. It is not that hard to do as I don’t take naps during the day and I keep moving, only stopping when I take time out for meditation or to de-stress.

Coming back to your question, I think I can do both. I don’t see any problems with it although I prefer to get my eight hours in if “Little Buttercup” will let me!

Daily writing prompt

Are you more of a night or morning person?

View all responses

Meat or No Meat?

I eat meat in moderation. Cutting back on meat consumption is a personal choice. Once a week is my preference. Today, I have a pot of soup cooking on the stove with meat, lentils, and veggies. A perfect meal for a cold and rainy winter’s day.

Most days, I have fish and or just plain veggies. Sometimes, I do the Chachi diet of tuna. Unlike Chachi’s canned food variety, mine is turned into tuna patties, tuna salad or tuna this or that. Sardines are another favorite. They are high in protein, a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. so what’s not to like?

When it comes to meat, I do go for the lean variety, although, I do love fatty cuts as well and sometimes belly pork. These are turned into a Korean style soup with a red pepper paste. It is delicious. However, this is a treat so I keep it to a bare minimum.

I don’t think I can do completely without meat. It has a certain something that appeals to my tastebuds. Take the Iberico pork variety, they are black, red, or spotted pigs fed with acorns and the meat is scrumptious! However, you have to pay a pretty penny if you want to have it on your table.

My feelings about meat? It’s not a must but I do like it now and then.

Daily writing prompt

What are your feelings about eating meat?

View all responses

Sunday Morning

It’s another Sunday morning and I had a sleepless night. Chachi, the cat, was in his element and sleep was the farthest thing on his mind! The little brat decided that he was going to do one better than Cristiano Ronaldo on doing the “bicycle kick!”

He spent most of the night dribbling dry kernels of food and dashing from room to room. Then he did the hoops, not a pretty sight as the little guy is a tad overweight and lands with a heavy thud every time he tries that move. If that wasn’t enough, he would run across the room meowing loudly, “Watch me mommy!” Lord, have mercy. I decided to let him have his way. He’ll eventually run out of energy but that’s where I was wrong. He was like an eveready battery with enormous amounts of energy. Note to self: Cut back on feeding him too much!

Just as I was dozing off, he jumped on the bed, came over and pressed his face on my face and rubbed it all over with his whiskers! I found out that he was marking his territory or rather his property! Cats! They’re the only household pets who need “property.” The others are contend with being fed and taken care of but this breed needs property to feel secure and to know that they have the upper hand!

After a while of listening to his loud purring, I told him to go to bed. “No way!” was his answer. It was time for another round of football and this time he upped it. He was going for Ronaldo’s bicycle kick and I must say, it was pure perfection! The Little Butterball was having the time of his life and me, not so much!

Finally, I gave up and fell asleep. This morning, the floor was covered with dried pellets of food and the little thing was fast asleep in his bed looking absolutely adorable and purring up a storm. It was time to clean up the mess so I did. What’s this thing about football? I don’t know but this little guy could give Cristiano Ronaldo a run for the money!

Have an amazing Sunday.

Book Description

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a heartwarming children’s adventure book that celebrates imagination, courage, and the true meaning of friendship. When Honey, a curious Italian greyhound, meets Hubie, a kind and colorful frog, their unexpected friendship leads them far beyond the garden fence and into a magical world filled with Moppets, fairies, woodland creatures, and dazzling places they never dreamed existed.

Perfect for ages 6-12, this enchanting chapter book teaches children vital social-emotional lessons –loyalty, kindness, bravery, and standing by those we care about –even when the journey becomes difficult. Young readers will grow alongside Honey as she learns to swim, conquers her fears, rescues a friend, and discovers what real friendship requires: courage, sacrifice, and heart.

T. J. Mueller takes children on an unforgettable adventure filled with glowing meadows, whimsical characters, hidden villages, and make-believe magic. Ideal for early readers, bedtime stories, classroom read-aloud, and gift giving. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie captures the wonder of childhood and the power of believing in yourself – and in your friends.

Perfect for Parents, Teachers, and Young Readers Who Enjoy:

Animal friendship stories
Magical adventure chapter books
Imagination and fantasy for children
Social emotional learning (SEL) themes
Stories with strong moral lessons
Heartwarming books about courage, kindness, and loyalty

If your child loves The Wind in the Willows, Charlotte’s Web, or The Tale of Despereaux, they’ll be captivated by the charming world of Honey and Hubie.

Give your young reader a magical adventure!

Available on Amazon