Life in progress


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AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 30th, 2020 – Zilch

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

I spent my entire Thursday thinking it was Friday. I guess I should have written this post earlier, eh?

I think the reason for my confusion (other than the whole every-day-is-exactly-the-same-as-every-other-day thing) was the fact that I finished cleaning up my mum’s place and Thursday felt like the last day of a week in which I had an extra day off.

It makes sense in my head.

If it wasn’t for the heartburn, I’d totally be drinking wine right about now.

But anyhoo, I decided to make today a vacation day. So aside from going through papers in my room to find some stuff the hospital needs for my mother, I did nothing. Nada. Zero. Zilch. Zip.

And it felt good.

The day just sorta slipped by so fast, I was surprised to see it was ten o’clock when it was ten o’clock. Because what other time would it be at ten o’clock? Yeah. 10:00.

But I sure was surprised!

Oh to hell with it.

Where’s the wine?

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


17 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 – Yay!

 

My day today so far–10.46pm: 

I finished packing and getting all of my mother’s belongings out of the retirement home a day early! Everything I could take in the car, that is. There are a few things still in her room–furniture, the TV, the air conditioner. They’ll stay there until the province decides to allow the home to take in new residents. There’s no reason for the home to even put her stuff in storage until then.

With that done a day early (it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so I was motivated), hopefully I can relax a little. My heartburn is back with a vengeance, and I think it might be the stress. The only time I don’t feel the pain is when I’m drinking a hot cup of tea.

So I’ve been drinking a lot of tea.

Now I’m sitting on the couch listening to Alex giggle like a maniac over something he’s watching on his laptop upstairs in his room.

It’s the little things that make my day.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


31 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 – X-rated? Nah. Well, maybe …

 

My day today so far–11:58am: 

Today is an exciting day! Why? Because it’s not every day you publish a book!!

Will an office no-dating policy stand in the way of love?

Since her breakup with her cheating ex, Sandra Weber has been just going through the motions as Sales Manager at Studletter Condom Company. But when Michael Thorne is hired as an assistant, sparks in the office begin to fly.

Though Michael, aka Saddle McFleshbomb, loves dancing at Woody O’Flanagan’s Pub, he’s looking to move up in the world. His schooling almost finished, he lands a plum job as the only man in an office filled with women: four so exasperatingly humorless that it’s funny, and one stunning beauty with a laugh that warms the cockles of his heart.

When Sandra shows up at Woody’s on a rare night that he’s dancing for men, she assumes he’s gay, and therefore the no-dating policy doesn’t apply. But he’s not. He’s intensely interested in her. And he’s afraid to tell her he’s straight.

If you like light romantic comedy, hot office flirtations, and a long slow burn, you’ll love Saddled, the first book in Linda G. Hill’s “Once a Week at Woody’s” series.

Score a seat at Woody O’Flanagan’s Pub today!

~*~*~*~

Is Saddled x-rated? It’s definitely for adults, but there’s more of an underlying erotic vibe than all-out x-rated content. Here’s what a couple of advance-reader reviewers have said.

This was a really cute story. I loved how Sandra wasn’t the usual heroine. She liked him, she knew about his other job and still stuck with him. She didn’t cower at her ex and then not be able to decide who she wanted. She was to the poi t and she was consistent throughout the whole book.

Michal was just too adorable for words. I loved his humor and how in co Troy he was even while being ambushed by the ladies at work. Of course, they HAD to be “Karens”.

This was a really good story and even though it was 41 chapters, I wish there was more! ~ Sarah, Goodreads reviewer

And one more.

An entertaining start to a series, this was the first book I have read by this author. The story perfectly blends the right amount of humor with realism. Anyone who has worked in a professional office environment o aware of the drama and at times toxic attitude to be found. This story so perfe fly portraye that, and adds just the right amount of fun. I’ll admit, I expected more of a slapstick over-the-top story, based on Michael’s stage name, but it really wasn’t. The story does deal with some serious issues,  but with a very light hand (brings awareness to the issue, but without overdoing it). Characters are great- and I look forward to continuing the series and reading Seth’s story. I received an advance copy for my honest review. ~ SJP, Amazon reviewer

Sounds like fun, right?

Anyway, that’s the end of my shameless self-promo for today, and likely for this book.

So pick it up now, and escape for a while in my fun new romantic comedy!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon CA

Amazon AU

KOBO, Nook, Apple, and direct to where ever you are in the world on Amazon.

Thank you so much!

Yesterday:

I want to express my appreciation for all of your kind messages of condolence. My way of coping is to put it out of my mind when I need to concentrate on the many facets of my life, and grieve alone when I have a moment. It seems, at this time, the only way to survive.

Thanks again. ❤

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


28 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Monday, April 27th, 2020 – My W Day

 

My day today so far–10:00pm: 

How do I start to explain my day?

I’m doing it without looking at the screen, because the words are so hard. Touch-typing for the win.

I’ve never talked about my relationship with my husband on this blog. I haven’t seen him since I started on WordPress. He moved to England eight years and one month ago. Back to England, I should say. He became a permanent resident after we got married. Between the time we were wed and the time he came back to stay, he contracted MS.

There were complications. I couldn’t work because of the kids, he couldn’t work because of his MS. The government didn’t want to support him and long story short, it came down to the possibility of me going to jail. It’s a really long story. Don’t ask.

So, though there was much much love lost, he left. His condition worsened.

And yesterday …

I got the phone call from his mother today while I was out walking with Alex.

May the angels care for you always, my love.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


13 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? #SoCS Edition Saturday, April 25th, 2020

 

Valour comes in many forms.

From standing up to an enemy or a bully.

To just getting up in the morning.

Or writing on a blank page.

It’s been many many years since I last got nervous about showing my writing to people. I’ve learned a certain amount of confidence, I guess. And there’s the fact that although I want people to like what I write, I know I’ll never be able to please everyone, so I write what pleases me. And I figure if I like it, someone else has gotta, right?

I don’t feel the need for validation … much. I mean, if no one likes what I write, why bother publishing it?

So there’s that.

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/

This short and sweet 2am adaptation of #AtoZ2020, #WDIIA and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is brought to you by all three. To join us in the SoCS tradition, click the following link where you’ll find all the instructions and the other participants’ posts in the comments. It’s fun!https://lindaghill.com/2020/04/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-25-2020/ Or you can link to this post if you just want to write a What Day is it Anyway? post.


9 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Friday, April 24th, 2020 – Understand?

 

My day today so far–3:06pm: 

Got up early and made it to the store. When did that become a noteworthy thing? Back in my day, a trip to Tokyo was noteworthy. Now doing groceries is an adventure. Sheesh!

Speaking of Tokyo, I checked my favourite traffic camera last week, the one pointing at the famous Shibuya crossing. So sad to see so few people there on a Saturday at 9pm. Normally you wouldn’t see the sidewalks for the people.

What it looked like when I was there, December 2015, about the same time at night:

The view from where the black cab is sitting on the right side of the traffic cam photo, looking across the intersection.

But I digress.

Now, I’m working on perfecting my dirty look to use on people who won’t move over in the aisle in the store or on the sidewalk. In the latter case, it’s the dirty look that says, “You see me dragging my child out into the middle of the street to avoid your selfish ass, right? You understand the sacrifice I’m making for you? Yes?”

No, probably not.

So yeah, that happened today too.

Good news is I’m pretty sure I’ve got the look almost down pat.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


9 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Thursday, April 23rd, 2020 – Sincere Thanks

 

My day today so far–1:38pm: 

I totally dropped the ball on yesterday’s post. By the time I thought about doing it, which was after midnight, I decided it wasn’t worth the overwhelming effort. And in my defense, I did publish a post yesterday with Wednesday in the title, so you knew what day it was anyway, right?

I’ve spent most of my morning trying to promote my new book. Ain’t as easy as I thought it would be, even at 99 cents. You’ll find links to read the first two chapters at the end of this post.

So. Sincere thanks.

All around town I’ve been seeing red ribbons tied close to the roads. They’re to show appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers.

So very heartwarming to see. I wish I had a red ribbon to tie outside my own house. Maybe I can find something to use in my mother’s sewing stuff.

Speaking of which, I haven’t been back since last Friday, but I plan to go and pack some more when I’ve finished writing this and had my lunch. I should call her, too. I haven’t heard from her in a couple of days, and I’ve been too busy …

The regrets just keep piling on. What to do? My best, I suppose.

Is your community doing anything to show support for doctors and nurses? Let’s spread some positivity, shall we? 🙂

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!

Chapter 1 of my new book, “Saddled,” is here!

And if you’ve read Chapter 1, Chapter 2 is here!


5 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 – Rest

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

There will be rest for the wicked!!

Of that I am both sure and determined to make true.

Soon.

I spent yet another day editing, but good news! I’m finished!

Which means maybe tomorrow I can get caught up on a few things I’ve been putting off. Like packing my mother’s stuff.

I posted the first chapter of the new book on my fiction blog. If you’re curious about what I’ve been working on, click here.

I get the feeling that when this month is over and the book is released, my mother’s room at the retirement home is empty, the A to Z Challenge is finished, and we’re all still stuck at home, I’m going to miss being so busy. Life is so frenzied right now, I barely have time to think.

Enjoy every minute, my friends. Especially if you have your family close.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


9 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? Monday, April 20th, 2020 – Quite

 

My day today so far–11:59pm: 

I’m quite miffed at myself for failing to get a post written on the day it was supposed to be posted, yet again. Not as much for having failed myself, but for having failed you. I’m sorry. (Which is partially an ingrained Canadian thing.)

Alex and I went for a walk this afternoon. Aside from that, all I did was worked on my editing. Almost done. I swear I’m going to take a couple of days off when all this is finished.

Except I’m still going to have to pack my mother’s room at the home. It’s been three days of slogging away at my computer and nothing else done.

So stressful.

But you know what’s not stressful?

A cloudless blue sky.

Why I’m writing this post:

Because if you’re like me and stuck at home already, or if you’re going to be like me soon, the days of the week are going to be hell to keep track of. We have a wonderful community here on WordPress and all over the Internet as well, and I’m sure many people are feeling nervous and/or isolated. I want to make sure every one of us has somewhere to congregate and someone to talk to.

I want everyone to know that you can start discussions with each other in the comments, and if you’d like to write your own “What Day is it Anyway?” post, you can link to this one. Hashtag #WDIIA.

Let’s keep in touch!


20 Comments

AtoZ/What Day is it Anyway? #SoCS Edition Saturday, April 18th, 2020

 

Aaaand, I didn’t do any better today at getting my post written early.

But I’m motivated now. I’ve decided after I publish this that I’ll open a bottle of wine. Because I’m celebrating! I’m not finished my final proofread of my new book, but I did get the description written, which is huge!

I’m definitely finding that practice makes perfect (okay, maybe not perfect, but not too bad) when writing blurbs. I’m hoping this will turn out to be a good one. One that’ll sell some books.

Proofreading is another thing I find I’ve become much better at with practice. Where to stick in a comma has become automatic, for instance. I used to have to think so hard.

Practice is the word of the day for Saturday, but I had no idea what I’d write when I came up with it, and I still don’t have any idea what to write. It seems all my idea energy went into my blurb earlier, and now I’m out of them. Bereft. Blank.

I didn’t make it out of my PJs today, so I didn’t get any packing done at the retirement home. My mother called me this afternoon to let me know she’d be having supper at the hospital. As though she hasn’t had every meal there for the last month, almost.

Dementia really sucks.

I’m going to try to go around to the hospital and call her from my cell in hopes of waving to her. Me on the ground, her on the fifth floor.

Better than nothing.

Everything sucks.

Except my new book!

Gotta focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t.

That’s a good mindset to practice, don’t you think?

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/

This adaptation of #AtoZ2020, #WDIIA and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is brought to you by all three. To join us in the SoCS tradition, click the following link where you’ll find all the instructions and the other participants’ posts in the comments. It’s fun! https://lindaghill.com/2020/04/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-18-2020/ Or you can link to this post if you just want to write a What Day is it Anyway? post.