Tuesday

Today's question: If you are a  state governor and a sheriff publicly refuses to enforce your mandates, how do you handle it?

AND...

Expandable, Flexible Garden Hoses.

Has anyone tried or have these? I love mine. It's so light and easy to manage. The old standard hose I had filled up the whole bowl and hung over it once it had kinks in it. This one covers the same length of the garden, the old one did.  I recommend it for anyone who has to haul a garden hose around. 

AND...

Looky. Looky.

My first Iris to bloom in July.  Most of my Irises are standard bloomers. I didn't even know this Iris was a rebloomer. I'm so excited:)

AND...

The hostas are blooming.

That's it for me. Got blooms? An opinion on ignoring governor mandates?

Weekend Wishes

Did You Know

Did you know, legend has it that diamonds fell from the sky after a fight between dragons?

Tuesday

How was your Fourth? There were no fireworks in our town this year. Sob. I've always taken them for granted. Now I'm more appreciative. Did your area have fireworks?

AND...

I made vegetable soup, with a tomato sauce base AND added chocolate. If it sounds questionable (grin) the chocolate basically adds a sweet basil flavor.

AND...Author bud D. L. Finn and Chester with a copy of Mateo's Law. Chester's a natural, isn't he?

AND...The pals.

AND...Of course, the flowers;)

The butterflies are back.

How was your weekend? Hopefully more exciting than mine;)

Weekend Wishes

Did You Know

Did you know the flower foxglove was originally called folksglove, the glove of fairies? The flowers mottlings were where elves had placed their fingers. (Mottlings are the spots or blotches.)

IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.  Remember it’s optional.

July 1 question-There have been many industry changes in the last decade, so what are some changes you would like to see happen in the next decade?

On a very contained level, I would like to see Kindle Countdown offered in Australia. Hopefully, in the near future.

 

AND…June’s reviews in no particular order.

 

THEONITE: PLANET ADYN by  M. L. Wang

To fit in, a young girl must hide her abilities from everyone. She thinks she’s alone in the universe till a new boy moves into her neighborhood.

The characters are well-developed as is the world building and the storyline is  strong. A recommended read, I enjoyed this story enough to get the second—and last—in the series.  Amazon

 

TIMELESS ECHOES by Balroop Singh

I find this author's work moving. This is the second book of her poetry I've read and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. Her writing takes the reader from joy to despair and back again. It reminds us to find the delight of being as well as to enjoy the wonders of nature. My favorite poem is YEARNINGS.  I highly recommend this author and this read.  Amazon.

 

LIFE’S RICH TAPESTRY: WOVEN IN WORDS by Sally Cronin

I enjoyed everything about this delightful collection, from poetry to micro-fiction to shorts. I especially enjoyed the author's ability to create a story with a beginning, middle and end  in ninety-nine words.  The subject matter is eclectic and a joy to read. Highly recommended. Amazon

 

TRIO IN DEATH-SHARP MINOR by C.W. Hawes

Some books I have problems getting into. This wasn't one of them. In this series, the author has crafted a sophisticated, cigar-smoking female PI and her sidekick brother. The duo never disappoints.  Their characters are flushed out, unique and likeable.  The relationships the two develop are heart-warming. The story well-crafted. Hawes can take the mundane and make it interesting. I found myself fascinated with what was on the menu at each meal. The plot moves along nicely and the story flows.  I very much enjoyed the read and highly recommend it. Amazon.

 

LEFTOVERS by Joe Congel

Joe Congel is one of my favorite PI mystery authors. He has an easy style that draws me in from page one.  These shorts are no exception. The topics intrigue. Whether it's falling from an airplane or a protagonist that's a hitman. If you haven't tried Congel, you're in for a treat. And what better way to try a new author than a book of short stories. Highly recommended. Amazon.