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This & That

It is a beautiful morning here and after days of rain, wind, and dark skies, the sun is making a showing and it is planning to stay for a while. I decided to put my boots on, bundle up with a scarf and a coat and go traipsing in the fields. It was cold like I expected but the sun was warm as it landed softly on my face, not the burning kind that you get in summer but a softer variety that feels like a gentle kiss.

No one was out there as usual, not even the guy with the dog. We haven’t seen each other for weeks now. The weather kept me indoors and he was probably out there walking his dog but our paths didn’t cross. Oh well, there is time enough f0r that.

Today, my mind is full of thoughts dashing here and there and they need reprieve. Walking is the perfect way to get them all out there and to send them packing!

The book has been weighing heavy on my mind. I seem to be more occupied with it then I want to be. It’s like I’m eating, sleeping and doing everything else with the book in tow! Last night, I woke up several times in the middle of the night and I could see rows and rows of bad reviews dancing in front of my eyes! God, it was awful. I told myself to calm down but this morning, I jumped out of bed to check and the book seemed to be doing fine. However, if you have a book out there, it takes work to make it visible and that means hard WORK! Unless you have a fairy godmother who waves her wand and makes it all happen for you. I don’t so I have to put my thinking cap on and work at it.

Update on the stalker. He stopped sending messages a week ago but then two days ago he said, “Hi Tia, thank you for everything!” What?!! I don’t know who this guy is but he seems to be smoking something that is warping his mind! Anyway, my mind is clearer now and I feel lighter not having to worry about this loser.

What else? I went out on two dates with the cheesecake guy. Well, actually not really dates, I call them “friends just meeting up for a coffee and a chat.” The first one was and it was pleasant enough. However, he was peering into my eyes to see if the twinkle or rather the sparkle was there. He’s all about the “sparkle.” Unfortunately for him, the sparkle box is closed and there are no more sparkles to be had! Anyway, we talked about many things and it was really nice. He also brought a big bouquet of pink and white roses and that was nice too. A few days later, he called and asked for a lunch date. We went to this nice restaurant and I enjoyed the company. Just a couple of hours of good food and talking about nothing in particular. The tension wasn’t there. I didn’t have to wonder what was coming next. He dropped me off at my place, got out of the car to open the door for me, and then it came. This big, crashing, hug that left me gasping for breath and then he gave me a kiss on the cheek and as he moved to my lips, I stopped it, thanked him and I haven’t heard from him since.

Chachi says, “GOOD!”

I have another date next week. Actually it was today but I chickened out! So I moved it to next week. He seems like a nice enough guy. A medical doctor so it should be an interesting date. Even if it doesn’t work out, I get to pick his brain about things I’ve always wanted to know about doctors. Questions like, “What was the worst case you handled?” “Any spooky tales to tell?” You get the drift.

That’s about it folks. My mind is empty now and I’m ready to get started with my day and to fill my head again and this time I hope with much better stuff.

Have an amazing day.

A New Book Trailer

This one is cute! It basically tells what the story is about in a very short amount of time and I like it. Hope you do too.

The book, “The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie,” is available on Amazon.

Get a copy, give it a read and post your reviews and or ratings. Please be kind!

Managing Screen Time

I realize that when I’m down in the dumps or when it is raining outside, spending time either watching TV or on the computer becomes more prevalent. Time flies and before I know it, I’ve spent lots of time watching mindless stuff just to while the time away to cut back on boredom or when the mood strikes, I start writing.

When I do start writing, however, time becomes a background noise because it takes off and I’m still caught up in my world of make-believe. Once I’m out of that mode, I notice more often than not that I’ve spent hours on my computer without paying much attention to what is going around me. However, it is time well-spent and I love being in my fantasy world where magic happens.

How do I manage my screen time? Well, I don’t. It depends on the weather and my mood. If I’m bored, anything goes is my motto. This includes hours on end just watching movies or spooky stuff that keeps me occupied while I wait for the rain to go away. When it does, I’m out and about in nature. When the writing bug hits me, I’m on the computer and then time doesn’t matter anymore. I take as long as I need until my mind is exhausted and I run out of ideas, whichever comes first.

Oh, there’s Chachi to consider as well. I usually stop what I’m doing when the spoiled brat decides that it is time for mommy to come play with him. I do drop everything when that happens because I love getting kisses from the little guy. Yes, he’s got me wrapped around his paws but who cares!

Daily writing prompt

How do you manage screen time for yourself?

View all responses

A Beautiful Book Review!

Review
The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie: A Lesson in Courage and Connection

We all have grand aspirations, but it’s often our own inner voice of fear that becomes the biggest discouragement. “The Excellent Adventures of Hubie and Honey” illustrates this meaningful concept perfectly. In just thirty-nine perfectly written pages, this small book imparts timeless wisdom to budding minds, crafting a beautiful narrative about overcoming one’s own insecurities and fears through meaningful and supportive relationships.

This is far more than a simple story; it’s a guide to believing in oneself and understanding that every dream is achievable.The book excels in its ability to present these profound life lessons within a well-paced and engaging narrative. The literary structure is certainly one of its greatest strengths; the author has skillfully organized the tale from beginning to end, using correct, evocative words that never hinder the story’s flow. The incidents are introduced at regular intervals, maintaining an even pace that keeps young readers thoroughly engrossed. It’s rare to find such a perfectly constructed piece of children’s literature that feels both effortless and meticulously crafted.

The story centers on the unlikely duo in the Walker’s garden: Honey, the Italian greyhound dog, and Hubie, the worldly pond frog. Their friendship is founded on the thrill of adventure, fueled by Hubie’s incredible tales of his travels outside the garden’s boundaries. Honey’s great desire to see the outside world becomes a powerful illustration of dreaming big, but it is Hubie’s presence that provides the crucial spark of right guidance. This scenario beautifully conveys how important it is to circle yourself with friends who uplift your mindset and give you the courage to take the first step.

The ensuing journey is an eventful trek that teaches children the necessity of helping each other in need and the pure joy of having fun together. No matter how daunting the world outside the garden may seem, the duo shows that if you are perseverant enough, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals.

Goodreads

This one was from India so thank you India! ! My first review from over there and I really appreciate it.

Change is Hard

Change is hard because “our brains are wired to prefer certainty, comfort, and routine, and change threatens our sense of control and security.” Add fear of the unknown to it and it is next to impossible to accept change when it rolls around as it inevitably does because it is a part of life. Change happens whether we like it or not and learning to live with it is a must.

I dig in my heels whenever “change” shows its face around here. My first instinct is to shout out loud more out of fear than anything else. “Oh no, not you again! I don’t need any more changes in my well-organized and well-regimented life,” that is my cry. Change just smiles and takes its place patiently until I come to my senses because it knows that there is no getting away from it, and then it is time to go to work again, getting rid of the old and letting the new in.

“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.” James Belusco and Ralph Stayer

Have you ever struggled to hold onto something when letting go was the only option you had? Did you come up with excuses as to why it needed to stay? Did you turn what was staring you in the face, the truth, into more than what it was? I’m sure all of us have done that at one point or another. Hanging on to what is familiar is easy to do, not much effort is needed, and even if it hurts like hell, it is a much better option then taking the radical route. The one that takes you on a different path, the road less traveled so to speak and not knowing what is around that corner is more than frightening. If truth be told, it is the path that you’ll have to take to free yourself of what is weighing you down and it is the path that comes with changes. Those changes bring uncertainty, they bring pain, they make you accept your inadequacies and at times, they are more than uncomfortable. If you want better, accepting change is the only way to go.

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” Robin Sharma

I’m at the “messy in the middle” part. The “gorgeous” part hasn’t arrived yet and it is scary at times but I know that if I keep at it and keep moving forward one step at a time, I’ll see the light. What light? The light at the end of the tunnel. Change is hard and I’m discarding as I go and accepting some truths that are needed as I move forward. I’ll get there one day.

Sometimes accepting “change” is the only way to go. Let go of what you give value to when you know that you’re overestimating its worth. Not everything is the “next best thing since sliced bread,” and quite often it is more like stale bread! Accept changes as they come and know it will be hard until it turns into something gorgeous.

Have an amazing day.

TIMELESS TIME

Do I need more time? It all depends on the context of the question. Time to do more of what I like? Time to waste? Time to while the time away? Time to simply be? I can answer with a definite yes to all those questions.

One thing I’ve noticed about time is that it never stands still. Even at the times when you think it is stopping to take a breather because something important has happened in your life and you need for it to stand by your side just for a little while to give you time to adjust, to pick up and to move on, but the truth is it never stands still. It is a constant movement in motion. You can get off track and watch as it goes by but at some point you have to get back on and make up for lost time.

Do I need time? Yes, to do all the things I keep putting off, to do some catching up and to JUST have more time to do more of what I like.

Daily writing prompt

Do you need time?

View all responses

Two Good Book Reviews

I love getting book reviews especially the good ones. These two did put a smile on my face because the reception on the other end was a positive one and it was nice to see that all the hard work is bringing in rewards not of the monetary kind but ones that help to boost the spirit as far as the writing part goes. Thank you and keep it coming!

Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025

Format: Kindle

I picked up this book to see if it would be a good addition to my reading library in my classroom. It is a cute story that follows a miniature greyhound named Honey (I might have a personal bias as I love greyhounds) and her friend Hubie the frog as they embark on an adventure beyond the safety of their garden. It’s filled with fun characters such as talking animals, fairies, and magical creatures, all set in a whimsical world that will appeal to young readers.

From an educator’s perspective, this book offers many opportunities for class discussion, including themes of courage, loyalty, and kindness. The characters face challenges that require problem-solving and cooperation, and the story demonstrates the importance of caring for others. Overall, this book would make a delightful addition to a child’s library.

By: Ginger Brandt

Amazon

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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2025

Format: Kindle

This book completely melted my heart! The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is such a delightful story — full of whimsy, lovable characters, and the kind of excitement that makes you feel like a kid again. Honey, the curious little Italian greyhound, and Hubie, the colorful adventurer frog, make the sweetest duo. Their journey beyond the garden fence is filled with magical creatures, new friendships, and the most adorable lessons about bravery and loyalty.

What I loved most is the strong message of friendship woven into every page — how real friends stand up for each other, learn new things together, and stick by one another even when things get scary. The writing is visual and fun, bringing the world to life with fairies, dancing animals, a daring mission to save a baby, and a party you wish you could attend yourself.

This story has everything kids love: adventure, humor, relatable emotions, and a satisfying happy ending. It’s the perfect bedtime or classroom read-aloud, especially for little animal lovers and daydreamers. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers and anyone who enjoys a sweet, feel-good journey into a magical world.

By: Angelica

Amazon

LOL!

A man absolutely hated his wife’s cat and decided to get rid of him one day by driving him 20 blocks from his home and leaving him at the park. As he was getting home, the cat was walking up the driveway.

The next day, he decided to drive the cat 40 blocks away. He put the beast out and headed home. Driving back up his driveway, there was the cat. He kept taking the cat further and further and the cat would always beat him home.

At last, he decided to drive a few miles away, turn right, then left, past the bridge, then right again, and another right until he reached what he thought was a safe distance from his home and left the cat there. Hours later, the man calls home to his wife.

“Jen, is the cat there?”

“Yes,” the wife answers, “why do you ask?”

Frustrated, the man answered.

“Put that son of a bi**h on the phone, I’m lost and need directions!

🤣🤣🤣

Yup, I’ve got one of those. Little Einstein knows more than I do!

My Life in Three Years?

God only knows! I hope it will be better than where I’m at now. Perhaps, my journey of self-discovery would have come to an end and many things would be made clear and I would have answers to why things happened the way they did.

Even if I don’t get those answers, I know that working on “ME” would make a definite difference to how I view the world, how I deal with problems and where I want to go from here. I don’t plan on standing still at one spot, my life is about moving forward and leaving the things that don’t serve me behind.

I do see progress even now but it is going to take some time before I have everything in grasp and work towards the life I want. Perhaps, a guy would be in the picture, the right one and we complement each other. That would be something I would be happy with, however, during a recent conversation with a girlfriend she said, ” Having a guy there means you’ll have to cater to his needs and right now, you have your freedom to do as you please.” True, but I’m looking for that guy who will ADD to my life and not pull the plug on it!

We shall see. In three year’s time, I hope I will be wiser, more in tune with my life and Chachi, the cat will still be a big part of my everyday existence!

Fingers and toes crossed!

Daily writing prompt

What will your life be like in three years?

View all responses

Another Good Book Review

Book Review: The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a delightful and heartwarming children’s story that celebrates the magic of friendship, curiosity, and imagination. T. J. Mueller crafts a whimsical tale that whisks young readers into a vibrant world full of colorful characters, exciting discoveries, and meaningful life lessons.

At its heart, the story follows Honey and Hubie, two lovable companions whose journey into the unknown becomes more than just an adventure—it’s a lesson in trust, teamwork, and the true meaning of friendship. As they face challenges and encounter new wonders, they learn that real friendship isn’t just about fun—it’s about loyalty, kindness, and understanding, even when things get tough.

Mueller’s writing strikes the perfect balance between imaginative storytelling and heartfelt wisdom. The tone is playful and engaging, keeping children captivated while subtly teaching them values that matter. The magical settings and charming characters create a sense of wonder, while the story’s deeper message helps children understand what it takes to nurture and protect the friendships that brighten their lives.

This book is ideal for young readers and parents alike, offering a story that entertains while inspiring thoughtful conversations about empathy, cooperation, and emotional growth.

Goodreads

By: Ultimate World