ah...the eighties

Just nod if you can hear me...

Still recovering from the post turkey coma, eh?  Yeah, me too.  It's difficult to be creative when all your brain wants to do is sleep off the tryptophan overdose.  Yet...I've managed.  I've continued working on two new projects to get into print.  I'm currently designing a clever cover for "If I Weren't So...".  There have been rumors in the past that title might change, but I'm very fond of it and I think I'll keep it.  I'm also putting together a collection of my short stories, and I'm working on the cover to go with that one which will be quite clever as well.

So...how's your Thanksgiving weekend?    Have you eaten leftovers to your hearts content and shall not long for turkey and trimmings again for a while?  Yeah, me too.  Annoying relatives gone home?  It's nice when family comes, but it's even nicer when they go.  I'm a solitary kind of person and I really value my isolation.  It keeps me off the streets and out of the bars and, I'm a lot more productive here at my keyboard on my own.  It's easier to keep life simple under those terms.  Not a lot a keyboard can do to offend me, well...except batteries go dead and I gotta stop everything to replace them, but that's a pretty easy fix. 

I find it's a delicate balance with relatives.  Some I purposely stay far away in distance so I don't have to deal with so much drama, others are close by and I don't want to be any further away from them than I am.  Remember the family get togethers growing up? Yeah, me too. Both my mother and father had large extended families and we spent many holidays jockeying back and forth between hers and his.  Mostly hers, cause you know...mom always wins.  I think it's partially because women by nature tend to be more clingy with family, and partially because married men who manage to stay married know that if mom isn't happy, nobody is!  Anyway...having so many relatives was somewhat crowded for me.  Even as a small child I remember feeling like I was lost in the crowd and sometimes couldn't see my way through the crowd of wall to wall people.  Oh, there were fun times.  There was much laughter and reminiscing about when those grown ups were growing up, uncles who would sneak out behind the garage to share the flask, my grandmother didn't allow any booze in the house as she was a faithful fundamentalist Christian, which probably explains part of my adjustment issues of this day, but I digress...and there was always the fanny patting and pinching of various in-laws who thought nobody saw them flirting, but I know I'm not the only one who noticed, which I'm sure caused some violent scolding and hair pulling on the way home for some tipsy uncles.  Ah, yes...those are my childhood holiday memories.  What are yours?  Any hair raising stories of growing up that you go out of your way to avoid repeating now as an adult?  Yeah, me too.

Hey, did ya'll know you don't have to own a kindle to be able to read on a kindle?  I can hear ya'll shout in disbelief, "K, how can that be?"  I'll tell you, if you haven't already done so, just download kindle for PC.  You can read on your desktop, laptop, tablet, what have you...it's the coolest thing since organic bacon!  Shhh...I haven't announced it anywhere else yet, so ya'll are the first to know that I've finally caved and made "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" available on kindle for the absolutely insane, unheard of price of .99 for a very limited short time, so get there soon or you'll miss out!  Just a little thank you from me for everyone who has requested it (bugged me incessantly) and have patiently waited.  Good things do come to those who wait :-D 

As always, paperbacks of all my books are available at my my website .  I just got "Random Encounters" re-printed with the cool reviews on the back cover, so if you haven't ordered one yet, now is the time.  And don't forget, there will only be 100 of the limited edition paperback version of "Bright Lights" with the silhouette on the front, so order soon so you don't miss out on that.  Shux...I'll even autograph 'em for ya', and as always you get "LifeLoveLust" as a bonus for some extra chuckles at my ramblings. 

Have ya'll recovered from all the holiday overload of hugging and ready to start all over again? Yeah, me too.  Hug somebody today!

Solitarily yours,

~ K

It is a Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a few shorts to let ya'll know, the generous Lizzie Beth @ Simplistik Halloz Books gave "Random Encounters" five stars and a gracious review!  My thanks to Lizzie Beth for her kind words.  You can see the review along with my profile (which will be updated soon, I just haven't had a chance) @ Simplistic Halloz Books

Also, I was thrilled to see that a reader gave "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" five stars and a really nice review at Amazon

My sweet grandson is sleeping across the hall from me now, he'll be here for the long weekend.  All of my kids will be together for the holiday dinner later today, which is rare as someone most always ends up working on the holiday, the nagging bronchitis is on its way out and I'm feeling human again, a nice bottle of Cabernet is chilling on the porch for sipping on later as I finish dinner preparations, so I have so much to be thankful for. My cup runneth over. 

They'll all get hugs from me today, like it or not! Hug yours, too.  You'll be glad you did :-)

Gratefully yours,

~ K

Holiday frenzy

     Tradition says we are to pause and count our blessings this time of year.  I see so much around me that clearly is not a blessing, on the surface.  Unemployment, sickness, suicide (this has become far too prevalent near me lately), hard times for many who have never faced hard times before.  It's difficult to be thankful when we have so much less to be thankful for these days.
     A specific hardship for a family, a very sad occasion near me this past week.  A man who at appearance had everything, a loving wife, children who have all excelled academically and athletically, a successful business that they'd just added a third location to, was in the middle of building a nice new (bigger) home for his family, went into his bathroom and shot himself in the head.  No one was home at the time, the wife was still working at one of their stores, the children were all out doing their usual Friday night activities and no one had a clue he was so desolate in his thoughts with himself that he could do something so tragic.  I've been hurt, I've had upsetting times in my life, I  live with sickness and pain that some days is almost impossible to deal with, but even in my darkest most hopeless moments I have never believed that giving it up and pulling the trigger on myself was the answer.  The first thing I always think about is how my actions will affect the people I love most.  How would they deal with what I was so selfish to have done? I could never do it, and even though I'm working really hard at trying to not be judgmental about someone else's choice, I can't help but think how incredibly selfish that was of him to do!  I feel so sad for the family who will probably forever wonder why their love, affection, and being who they are were not good enough for that man to want to live any longer. 
     I will be thinking of that family tomorrow when in the midst of the gorging, laughter, practical jokes my kids are famous for, all 5 dogs chasing each other through the house and being underfoot waiting for crumbs to drop, and any last minute disasters of dinner I might have to deal with, it will all be welcome because we are all still here to share it. 
     Many blessings and peace to your household this Thanksgiving.  May whatever God you believe in abundantly bless you and give you all the happiness and joy you can stand!
     I was going to have some prestigious announcements about "Random Encounters"  and "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" but it doesn't seem appropriate at the moment.  I'll be back another time to blog about terrific things happening for me and my books. 

Hug everybody today!  Every blasted one of them, whether they deserve it or not.  They may not be here next year for the hugging.  

Affectionately yours,

~ K

The art of being crazy in an insane world...hey Mom, what's for dinner?

"You gotta go a little loco to stay sane" ~ Roger Clyne

I write frequently about the daily grind, about how difficult it can be to get everything done that I need to in one day.  While working a full time day job, I also need dedicated time to write.  Truth be told, like most author friends I have, I'd prefer to be sitting here at the keyboard writing 24/7.  But...the realities of life being what they are, there are bills to pay and one needs a paying job to keep the wheels of a household turning.  To most people who know me, they scratch their heads and wonder how I make it all work, it seems an insane lifestyle. It is!  I won't even try to convince anyone it isn't.  I'm the first to admit my life is pure chaos most of the time.  I have these little snippets of quiet time in the wee morning hours when everyone else in the household is still either sleeping or is working and that gives me some time to organize my thoughts, plan my day and fit in everything I need to accomplish. Most everything. 

"We're a crooked little bloom full of moon perfume, ambrosia in a cup of clay" ~ Roger Clyne

And, like most other authors I know, writing inspiration can strike at any moment from any source.  I might be listening to music in the truck while driving, or working on a project in my office at my day job, or having conversation with someone when a little spark is ignited for an idea to write about.  I carry a pad and pen close at hand at all times and write down those little snippets so I don't forget them.  Likewise, next to the bed there is paper and pen for those middle of the night visions of grandeur.  I've actually written award winning poetry when woke from a dead sleep in the night. I figure our psyche is so relaxed at that time while our bodies and brains are at rest, the creative juices leak out when we least expect it. I've learned to always be prepared for that.  I also have dedicated time here at my keyboard to get more than just a few snippets written.  Many times going into the latest of the night when I've got momentum going to finish a short story, chapter, or the whole book.  The idea is, somehow we all make it work.  I see young moms with small children and wonder how they juggle it all.  I firmly believe God gave us kids when we're young for a reason.  I sure wouldn’t have the stamina to keep up with them now at my age!  Our bodies and minds are designed for such things.  As we age, we morph into doing things and thinking in ways that are streamlined and hopefully, a little simpler.  I'm not sure if it's acquired wisdom or if we just get so tired that we don't mess around with things anymore! I mean, I didn't have the discipline to write a complete story or novel when I was younger.  That didn't happen until I was much older and more settled. 

"Sometimes I slumber on a bed of roses, sometimes I crash in the weeds" ~ Roger Clyne

Giving thanks at this time of year is traditional.  Sometimes when life gives us lemons, it's hard to find something to be thankful for if we're hurting or down, or just received the umpteenth rejection letter.  I'm working diligently to be thankful for people who appreciate me, love me in spite of myself, and accept me with my faults.  I'm my own worst critic, so it's nice to know that there are those who don't see me as evil as I see myself because I'm not flawlessly perfect.  Perfection is ok to strive for, but being able to be content with less has always been my downfall.  If the turkey isn't exactly browned to perfection all over, if the pies get a crack in the crust, or if the yams could have used a little more cinnamon, I'll still smile and be thankful I have people in my life who help me get through each day.  Well...that and the wine that's gonna get me through a whole day of cooking and baking!

"If Ima poor poor devil, Ima lucky, lucky dog...If Ima low low life I'm livin' high on the hog" ~ Guess who? 

So get out the best china, polish up the silver, sparkle the crystal stemware and when you're in the midst of your holiday celebration of thanks, if you get stabbed on the back of your hand while reaching for that last turkey slice, think of me with my dysfunctional family (they all are) with all five of our dogs running through the house, my 17 year old grandson who is stowing his snowboard and coming down off of Lookout long enough to stay with Gramma for the holiday weekend, picture me with my favorite stemware and the red kool-aid *wink* that's keeping me sane through it all.  

"I was cryin' for a vision, I got static instead...boy, oh boy, I got a noisy head" ~ RC 

This blog has been brought to you in the company of all Roger songs, all day today.  It gives me great comfort and helps fuel my creative vehicle.  Check out Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers . It's a fun group of fans and the band always appreciates support. 

If you haven't already gotten your download of The Toluenes "Hola Santa", what the hell are you waiting for? It's free gift from the band for the holiday season.  I love those guys! Check out their music at the website. 

I still have copies of the limited edition of "Bright Lights, Money & Show Biz, Honey" along with "Random Encounters".  I've stocked up on "LifeLoveLust" to throw in with each or both when you order.  My website , or just click on one of the book cover images to the right and it'll get ya' there. 

Hug *lots* of people today!  We could all use some comfort. 

Redeemingly yours,

~ K

Hola! qué está sucediendo

Happy Friday, ya'll! Please check out my interview at Chastity Bush's website, it was a lot of fun to do!

Chastity's Romance News

Also, please show my good friends The Toluenes some love and download their free early Christmas gift "Hola Santa".   It's a fun song I think you'll enjoy!

I'm recovering from a battle with bronchitis and will be back in the blogging saddle again shortly.  With so many projects going on at once and being a little under the weather, I haven't been able to blog lately, but that will change!  With my crappy crippled immune system, something so simple could turn into something really serious so I have to slow down and take care of myself.  Thanks everybody for the kind well wishes.  It's comforting to know so many of you care *hugs*.  

Gobble gobble! It's almost time to smoke the bird  :-)

Virtually yours,

~ K

People, places and things ~ Events!

It's a busy month for K! Here's where you'll find me:

11/15 ~   Showcased author Our Journey Through Pages and Time

11/16 ~ Showcased author Mystical Events

11/18 ~ Featured interview of author/reviewer Chastity Bush at her site:

Chastity's Romance News

12/6 ~ Radio interview with the beautiful and talented Jesse Coffey @ Edin Road Radio.  It is streamed live! I'll be reading excerpts from "Random Encounters" and answering questions, so if you have any you'd like answered on air, please message me or comment here.  This will be a LOT of fun! I'm looking forward to it :-)

Virtual hugs, 

~ K

“Where Do Dreams Go To Die?”

Where do dreams go to die?

Is it somewhere far?

Way beyond the sky

Do they feel as sad as we?

That our hopes have vanished

How can this be?

We’ve lived so long

With our dreams intact

They’ve evaporated…too quickly gone

But now… how do we revel?

Dreams that were destined

To take us to the next level

They’ve died a sudden death

After years of anticipation

We collectively held our breath

Waiting for them to materialize

To get a life of their own

To take wings and fly

Where do dreams go to die?

I want to go where they go

A serene place to never again cry

Copyright (c) 2009 Kathleen Walker

"LifeLoveLust"