Dear Friends,
Hooray for Spring! Blooming flowers brings me so much joy, and we can all use some of that now. I know the world is a mess, but we can’t give up on hope. Pray, meditate, whatever brings you peace. We have to think that way otherwise we will be depressed, and I know so many people are feeling down and exhausted. Maybe vow to not watch the news for a day or two. Take a walk. Start your gardens. Nature is a good antidote. If it’s raining watch an old favorite movie. Bake something delicious. Meet a friend for lunch. Reframe those photos that have been sitting in a box. Do something that brings you peace, and a little satisfaction.
We have a rare cosmic event on April 8th: A full solar eclipse will be seen by most of the states. PLEASE be sure to wear special glasses. You can buy inexpensive cardboard frames that are specifically designed for this. And I mean inexpensive. You can get a pack of ten for ten bucks, but make sure they are ASS (American Astronomical Society) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.
For the past two months I have been plagued with major computer issues, and I know I am not alone when it comes to techno nightmares. And, if you’ve been through this, you know how frustrating it is, plus all the time wasted. Being on deadlines makes it even more annoying, but here I am, back at the keyboard, until the internet decides to “take a powder.,” which means to leave in a hurry. Some of you know that expression, but did you know where it came from? Back in the 1920’s laxatives were in powder form. When a doctor would prescribe it, you had to leave in a hurry! I think it’s kind of funny. But here’s something that’s not so funny.
BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. THEY ARE INFILTRATING WEBSITES WITH REQUESTS FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD. I WILL NEVER, AS IN NEVER, EVER ASK FOR THAT. SCAMMERS HAVE SET UP WEBSITES USING PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE AUTHORITIES BUT THIS IS SPREADING OUT OF CONTROL. SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL. IF YOU THINK IT’S A SCAM, REPORT AND DELETE IT.
Book news: this is a little eerie, but I wanted to share it with anyone who hasn’t read ROCK BOTTOM yet, or if you did, you know it’s about buildings and bridges collapsing, and last week there was a terrible accident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Gave me chills in more ways than one.
THE WILD SIDE is out now, and as I mentioned last month, Melanie Drake kicks butt as a retired OSI officer, brought back for a few missions while she is currently working as a guidance counselor. She is a woman of many disguises as she escorts some of the richest men in the world. Lots of intrigue, mystery, and two dogs!
This month’s contest we will have two winners. Each will receive a pretty tote bag with signed copies of ON THE LINE, THE WILD SIDE, ROCK BOTTOM, WISH LIST and HIDE & SEEK.
Be well, stay safe, be kind, and remember to maintain a sense of humor.
All the best,
Fern