November 7 would have been Cee Neuner’s 65th birthday. Dan Antion at https://nofacilities.com/ and Marsha Ingrao at https://alwayswrite.blog/ share the same birthday in different years. They organized the One-Day One-Photo challenge to remember Cee.
Cee hosted many well loved challenges for almost 10 years. I participated in her Cee’s Share Your World, Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge, Cee’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC), which is now managed by Deb L Waters, Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC), which is now managed by Dan Antion. I also posted a flower or two for her Flower of the Day (FOTD) challenge. In this post I included one photo in each challenge I participated, except CWWC, I included the St. Johns Bridge and the Alaska train. They were done in 2016 and 2017. I learned a lot from Cee of ways (fun ways) to approach photography.
Cee asked four questions in each Share Your World post. One question in my earliest post was:
Cee: Do you prefer long hair or short hair for yourself?
Me: I like long hair – about the length of hair I have in this picture. One time, my stylist cut my hair real short. I was upset for a long time, until my hair got longer.
My earliest Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge, I posted this cat found in my daughter’s neighborhood.
Dan mentioned that Cee loved bridges. My earliest Cee’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC), I posted the St. Johns Bridge in Portland and the train in Alaska.
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This squirrel was in my first Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC) post.
Last but not the least, for Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD).
A few years ago, her blog was approaching 1,000,000 hits. Her followers, including me, were excited and made a few more hits to speed up the incredible milestone. She went on to achieve 2,000,000 hits. Her latest record before she passed away had 2,354,196 hits. Cee was well loved and missed.
I had a busy month in October, but it was fun. Here are some highlights.
Pumpkin Farm
The first week of October, our family went to the Pumpkin farm to pick up some pumpkins. The farm features a large field of various pumpkin varieties, a sunflower field, and a sizable corn maze. Several families of Mercy’s friends were also there.
A pumpkin house with doors on both sides
Autumn and Nora wanted to go to the corn maze first. My daughter bought tickets for all of us. The girls were so excited to dash through the entrance with their friends. I followed them, but soon lost sight of them. It was my first time going there and I was afraid of getting lost. I decided to trace my way back after making a few turns. I waited outside the maze. Autumn, Nora, and their friends came out first. Mercy, Will, and their friends came out a few minutes later. They told me that there were directions along the way. It made sense, but I didn’t know.
Autumn and Nora chose their favorite pumpkins and loaded them into the wagon. They then went to the weight station at the cash register to weigh the pumpkins in the wagon. It was a smart way to weigh some huge pumpkins.
Nora carried that heavy pumpkin to the wagon.
Dad came to the rescue to take over the pumpkin.
Airplane Ride
Will and Mercy won an auction for an airplane ride at a fundraising event. Since the airport was near the pumpkin farm, Will made an appointment for that afternoon. He took the girls there, and Mercy went home to run some errands. I decided to go with Will to the airport.
The airport offers pilot training lessons. It had four-seater planes, single-engine aircraft that can carry a pilot and three passengers, commonly used for training, personal transport, and recreational flying. When we arrived, the pilot took time to explain to the girls how the plane’s engine functions. He asked the girls if they wanted to see the mountains or rivers, and if they wanted to see their house from the air. He was flexible for the length of the flight. I didn’t mind waiting for them at the airport.
Waiting by the airplane doorFeeling funTesting the speakers
Halloween Concert
I joined the Blueprint Arts Ensemble at the end os September. The organization has performances several times a year. The first performance was a Halloween concert on October 25. I only had five rehearsals before the concert. All the songs were new to me, such as Double Trouble, from Harry Potter, Love Potion Number 9, and The Skeleton Dance. It was pouring rain on the day of the concert. I was glad to be back in singing. We’ll sing Christmas carols in the December concert.
Fun Run for Fundraising
Autumn and Nora’s school held an annual fundraising Fun Run on Friday, October 24, but it was rescheduled to Thursday because Friday was forecast to be rainy. All the students from kindergarten to fifth grade would run laps around the school. Sponsors could donate a flat amount or a per-lap amount. I volunteered for the event. My job was to station at one corner of the building to keep the students from going off the path. My daughter, Mercy, also volunteered. Will was the cheerleader for the girls and other kids.
Nora showed me the number of bracelets she received
Halloween
There was no school on Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31. The girls had a sleepover at our house on Thursday. I took them home on Friday afternoon to get ready for Trick-or-Treating. Most of our neighbors are retired folks, and our neighborhood is quiet. For the last two years, I went with Mercy’s family for Trick-or-Treating in their neighborhood. After nighfall, their streets were full of people, young and old, with costumes. We usually started around 5:30 pm, when there was still light, and went from street to street until 8:00 pm. Autumn and Nora wanted to stop by every house. One friend’s house had many fun activities, and both Autumn and Nora tried bobbing for apples. It started raining at 6:00 pm. I walked in the rain with them for another half an hour before saying goodbye.
Bobbing for apples
This post contributes to Dan Antion‘s Thursday Doors, a weekly challenge for architecture and door lovers.
I’m delighted to have my friend and fellow author, Darlene Foster, here today. Darlene and I have something in common. I love Portuguese egg tarts, and she gave me a great recipe. I found out that her husband and my husband share a passion for riding motorcycles. My husband’s last motorcycle was a Kawasaki. Darlene’s husband also has a Kawasaki. Well, Darlene is here today to share with us about her latest book, Amada in Ireland: The Body in the Bog. Please join me in welcoming Darlene.
Hi Miriam, it’s wonderful to visit you and your readers. Here’s the book information.
The blurb:
Twelve-year-old Amanda Jane Ross is invited to be a bridesmaid for her cousin’s wedding in Ireland! She falls in love with this emerald isle the moment she lands in Dublin. The warm, friendly Irish people immediately make her feel at home. Towering castles, ancient graveyards, and the stunning green countryside are filled with fascinating legends, enthralling folktales, and alarming secrets.
Things take a dark turn when disaster strikes. Amanda wonders if there will be a wedding at all. As she joins the search for a missing horse, she stumbles upon a world of screaming banshees, bloody battles, and dangerous peat bogs. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Will she become another body in the bog?
An excerpt:
Then she stopped. Walking in front of her was the shorter man she had heard talking in the castle gardens. He turned at a sign to the Medieval Mile Museum. Amanda followed him, keeping out of sight, until he reached an old stone church with a tall tower. He entered the building. She waited a few seconds, then stepped inside.
In the centre of the church that had been turned into a museum stood two massive, age-old stone Celtic crosses. Amanda stared in awe at the detailed carved crosses with a round sun in the middle, and forgot all about the man she followed. Gravestone slabs lined a wall. Amanda peered closer and discovered some very old dates. A plaque indicated they had been discovered under the church during a recent restoration and belonged to wealthy merchants of Kilkenny. The sign explained that since the wealthy were buried under the church floors, the smell of the dead bodies would come up through the floor, which is where the saying “stinking rich” comes from.
Amanda’s nose twitched.
The trailer:
Darlene Foster’s Bio:
Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, where her love of reading inspired her to see the world and write stories. Her Amanda Travels series features spunky Amanda Ross, a twelve-year-old girl who loves to travel. All ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in unique destinations. Darlene is retired and has a house in Spain where she writes full-time. Her constant interest and enthusiasm for everything keep her young at heart. When not travelling, meeting interesting people, and collecting ideas for her books, Darlene enjoys spending time with her family in Canada and with her husband and entertaining dogs in Spain.
I’m delighted to host my friend, fellow poet and author Balroop Singh, and her new book, Beyond the Fetters. I’ve read many of Balroop’s poetry collections. Beyond the Fetters is her first novel. She’s here today to share all about it with you. Please join me to welcome Balroop.
Happiness?
All the characters in this book yearn for happiness and interpret it in their own way. They know that happiness is a cloud that keeps vanishing, yet they find it lingering under the shadows of grief. They find it in the moments of trying to break free, in their dreams that are supported by their world of fantasy. They discover that happiness blossoms in the hearts of those who respect and value relationships.
I was in high school when I read “The Enchanted Shirt” by John Hay. This poem tells the story of a king who could not get well despite all the medicines that were prescribed by his royal doctors. Eventually, they said that the king must wear the shirt of a happy man to get well. The king’s men travelled far and wide to find “a happy man” to borrow his shirt for their king. At last, they came across a man who said he was happy. He was requested to give his shirt to the sick and unhappy king. The “happy man” confessed that he didn’t have a single shirt.
The depth of the message that this poem carried didn’t register in my mind at that time, but there was something that percolated deep down, as this poem immediately comes to my mind whenever the word ‘happiness’ is mentioned.
Book Blurb:
Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.
Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.
The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.
Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.
A young and energetic woman in her late teens, Suckie bustled about the house as if she owned it. She had sharp features, a perfectly carved nose, and big eyes. Her long plait bounced behind her when she walked. There was no doubt that she was beautiful.
“When are you going back to your house?” Earthy asked her every day, but Suckie never responded.
She was happy to notice that her grandmother also detested Suckie.
“Some women are as shameless as you and your mother. Why were you ever born?” Grandma shouted. “Get out of my sight. I can make my tea.”
Suckie gave her a hostile look.
“Don’t you dare look at me with your wicked eyes, you whore.” Grandma hurled a steel plate at her. “How much you gobble! You are worse than those pigs who roll in the mud.”
Suckie was not concerned that she was not respected or loved. She never appeared unhappy about anything and seemed indifferent, as if she knew everything that was going to happen. She lived in the moment, muted by circumstances and guarded by self-created walls. When daggers are pointed at you, only a calm mind can survive.
One day, Suckie’s mother came unannounced. She wailed as she entered from the front door. She hugged her daughter and kept wailing. “Your father is no more. Oh, my unfortunate daughter couldn’t even look at his face.”
Earthy was playing in the courtyard and watched Suckie’s face, which didn’t change. Not a tear trickled down her cheek.
Earthy ran into her grandma’s room, as she was sure Grandma would answer her questions.
“Ma, Suckie’s mom is here. She is crying loudly. So scary!”
“Yeah,” said Grandma.
“Ma, Suckie’s dad is no more.”
“That was destined. The wretched fellow had no value for his life! He was least bothered about his own family.” Grandma dropped the shirt she was folding.
“Why Ma, why was he not bothered?”
“God knows!” Grandma puckered her lips and walked away.
Earthy ran after her and watched her grandma making some tea for herself. Strangely, she didn’t offer it to the relative who had come with the sad and shocking tidings. She didn’t like Suckie’s mother, for dumping her at their house.
“Will Suckie go now, Ma?” Earthy gathered up all the courage to ask a direct question.
“All the devils together can’t drive that whore out,” yelled Grandma.
Earthy was taken aback and stared at her dumb-faced, unable to follow the import of her words.
Nobody dared to say anything when Grandma gave her judgment.
Trailer
About the Author:
Balroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with reminders of her creativity, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. Soaring on the wings of words, she gathers the dreams, and blends them with the melodies of nature. She writes about people, emotions and relationships.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.
I’m delighted to host my friend and fellow author, Elizabeth Gauffreau, and her new book tour today. Liz is known for her historical fiction. She is here to share with you all about The Weight of Snow and Regret! Please join me to welcome Liz!
Introduction
Thank you for hosting me on my blog tour for The Weight of Snow and Regret, Miriam! Today, I am shining the spotlight on father-and-son residents Homer and Lester Shover. But first, here is what The Weight of Snow and Regret is all about.
Description
For over 100 years, no one wanted to be sent to the Sheldon Poor Farm. By 1968, no one wanted to leave.
Amid the social turmoil of 1968, the last poor farm in Vermont is slated for closure. By the end of the year, the twelve destitute residents remaining will be dispatched to whatever institutions will take them, their personal stories lost forever.
Hazel Morgan and her husband Paul have been matron and manager at the Sheldon Poor Farm for the past 20 years. Unlike her husband, Hazel refuses to believe the impending closure will happen. She believes that if she just cares deeply enough and works hard enough, the Sheldon Poor Farm will continue to be a safe haven for those in need, herself and Paul included.
On a frigid January afternoon, the overseer of the poor and the town constable from a nearby town deliver a stranger to the poor farm for an emergency stay. She refuses to tell them her name, where she came from, or what her story is. It soon becomes apparent to Hazel that whatever the woman’s story is, she is deeply ashamed of it.
Hazel fights to keep the stranger with them until she is strong enough to face, then resume, her life—while Hazel must face the tragedies of her own past that still haunt her.
Told with compassion and humor, The Weight of Snow & Regret tells the poignant story of what it means to care for others in a rapidly changing world.
Homer Image Credit: Library of Congress
Lester Image Credit: Library of Congress
Excerpt from “Two Troublesome Priests” Chapter
As [Hazel] rinsed out her rag, Homer appeared at her elbow, still dressed in overalls and a chambray work shirt for the farm work he could no longer perform. He hid his crippled hands in his pockets.
“Excuse me, Hazel. Have you seen Mouser?”
She wrung out the rag. “No, I haven’t.”
“I don’t want to be a bother, but the old man ain’t been himself all morning.”
“What’s wrong? Do I need to call the doctor?”
“No, thank you kindly. He’s just going on the way he does about being a burden because he’s too old and poor-sighted to work. Do you think Paul would mind if I went out to the barn to look for Mouser? I don’t want to trouble him.”
Of course, Paul would mind. Hazel dried her hands on her apron. “I’ll go, Homer. You have a seat at the table.”
Hazel hurried across the dooryard to the cow barn. It would take her some time to find Lester’s cat, but she needed to do it before Paul brought in the fresh eggs from the chicken coop and spotted Homer sitting forlornly at the kitchen table with his bushy mountain man beard and useless hands. God love him, Homer did his best to look out for his father, even after they lost the family farm to the Depression and ended up at the poor farm as charity cases when neither of them was able to hire out for farm work any longer.
Elizabeth Gauffreau writes fiction and poetry with a strong connection to family and place. Her work has been widely published in literary magazines, as well as several themed anthologies. Her short story “Henrietta’s Saving Grace” was awarded the 2022 Ben Nyberg prize for fiction by Choeofpleirn Press.
She has previously published a novel, Telling Sonny: The Story of a Girl Who Once Loved the Vaudeville Show, and two collections of photopoetry,Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance and Simple Pleasures:Haiku from the Place Just Right.
Liz’s professional background is in nontraditional higher education, including academic advising, classroom and online teaching, curriculum development, and program administration. She received the Granite State College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. Liz lives in Nottingham, New Hampshire, with her husband.
The Showers of Blessings 