Veronica's Writer's Diary: July Sparkle
- Veronica Cline Barton
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
George Washington, first President of the United States of America
Well, hello July--the second half of the year is comin' in with a bang! Are you ready? 🎇 2025 is certainly turning out to be a year that's not made for the faint of heart.
We're witnessing unprecedented times, folks. Change, whether you like it or not, is in the air. But through the chaos, emerges a calm resolve to restore the principles that made our nation great--and for that, I am forever grateful.
So, as we light up the BBQs, enjoy the fireworks, and soak in the sun, take some time to remember those who risk everything for this country we call, America.
The Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key
O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave,
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation,
Blessed with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land,
Praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful, peace-filled, joyful July! It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:
Ho, Ho, Ho!
July's not all about the fireworks. It's also time for one of my fav holiday celebrations,
🎀 Christmas in July🌴! In keeping with the season, I have four of my Christmas themed mystery eBooks on sale for 99 cents! See where it all began in The Crown for Castlewood Manor. Experience merry mayhem and wedding bells in Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor. For those who prefer short story reads--get your ho-ho-ho mystery on with the tales in Christmas Bizarre and A Novel Noel. With the hot temps and everything that's going on in the world, treat yourself or someone you love with a chilling mystery! Get your copy here 📩
V's Reads
Poetry unexpected and mystery from the writers of X this month...
There's a frank honesty in a life well lived. Take a journey through time in John Dolan's poetry collection, Arrhythmia. Feel the stir of passion, love lost, and life's never-ending twists and turns. The witticisms are fresh; the snark, cutting; and all told with an unbridled edge. Some poems will leave you pondering, others will make you smile, and a few just may bring a tear to the eye.
The clock is ticking. Explore the spectrum of emotions, memories, and experiences that arise as the years pass and reflect. You'll be glad you did. A terrific read, well done to the author.
Editor Susan Reyland is back in London. Sadly, her relationship with Andreas is over. When she's offered a freelance position for a continuation novel, featuring a character she knows well, Atticus Pund, she reluctantly agrees to take on the task.
She knows the new author, Eliot Crace, a former client at her now defunct publishing firm. He's a troubled man, with a dark family history. Will he be able to continue the best-selling series? Or will his dark side lead to a deadly end for Susan and Atticus Pund?
Author Horowitz weaves a clever dual storyline with many twists and turns that will keep you guessing as the action progresses with crossover clues between the two tales. He says this will be the final installment in the series. I've really enjoyed the books and the book-to-screen adaptations, although this one has a writer character with more personality warts than Alan Conway, so be forewarned, LOL. An intriguing read for fans of the cozy mystery!
Playtime!
July brings another annual family tradition for the OH and I--our trek to Solvang for a night under the stars with the PCPA thespians! This year it's a baffling tale featuring the crime fighting duo of Sherlock and John...but who's really who in this clever whodunnit? The play's the thing, and I can't wait!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy July's summertime fun!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. The OH and I will be celebrating the 4th of July in high style this year to see the fireworks along the Pacific coast. The Ritz Carlton at Dana Point offers a fine meal with the best seats in the house IMHO. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖🎇👑
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