Veronica's Writer's Diary: The Maxims of May
- Veronica Cline Barton
- May 6
- 4 min read
“May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
Emily Brontë
If I had to start with two words describing the month of May, they would be 'bring it'. Right out the gate, May threw the April showers and its enervated foolery out the calendar window for a fresh, renewed start--anchoring its place in the in the 2026 memory book.
Spring has sprung, summer is in sight, and it's way past time for folks to shed the last of the winter and early spring woolies. Air out the shorts, start the tanning process, and gasp, once again begin the annual trauma of squeezing into the bathing suits. The Lycra is chomping at the bit.
I have to be honest; this is not my favorite time of year. I'm definitely a winter/autumn girl at heart. Warm temps and allergens in the air are not my 'thang'. But I must give credit where credit is due--May's ambitious start has made me smile many times, giving a glimpse of hope and promise for things to come this month. Perhaps a few of its (okay, my) maxims should be reflected on a bit more...shall we?
Bee Best🐝. May 1st came in with a bang, still basking in the glow of a right swell Royal visit to the White House in the days preceding. The bees are still buzzing about the King and Queen's tour of the new beehive in the South Lawn garden. Who doesn't want a replica of the White House for the local bees to hang out in and dish their sweet nectar? Note to the OH, 'Honey' I want one! (video courtesy of The Office of the First Lady shown on X)
Hold my hat. The first Saturday in May heralds the arrival of the most famous day of racing here in the U.S., the Kentucky Derby. The gowns for the Royal visit in Washington D.C. may have been stunning, but they don't hold a candle compared to the hat finery in Louisville on Derby Day.
Head adornments of all shapes and sizes were a delight to behold as ladies (and gents) dared to wear the biggest, the brightest, the most unique of hattery designs to dazzle us all. I am inspired! 👒 (video courtesy of X tweets)
May the FOURTH be with you. Okay, I'm not a huge Star Wars aficionado, but I get the word punnery going on with this one. Given all that's going on in the world these days, a little extra star power is a good thing to have handy in your hip pocket. One never knows when it may be needed... ✨
Eat the taco. That's it. That's the blurb. Steak, chicken, or fish. Extra hot sauce. Live a little. You have 3 more Taco Tuesdays to indulge in this month--maybe eat 2 tacos. 🌮
Spread a little love. 🌺 Mother, sister, cousin, friend--enjoy and honor the women in your life this month. Mother's Day rolls in on the 10th. Hugs always welcome. Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Hint, hint. 💎
Queue up the BBQs! Time to get grillin' and chillin' as May spreads its seasonal warmth, ending with a 3-day Memorial weekend. I'm already on the hunt for recipes and libations to spice up the days and cool down the nights. And oh, BTW, remember those who gave their all for these blissful days we enjoy. God bless. 🙏🏻
May your days of May maxims be filled with peace, wisdom, and merriment! It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:
Closer, closer...
The first of my Stickybeak Whodunits is well under way. I spy, with my writer's eye, a novella firming up. May is my month to 'git 'er dun'. Let's hope the writing muse agrees. This story is developing...
Market, market, market!
I wanted to give Eeva Lancaster and The Book Khalessi team a shoutout for my new series banners to promote my books. I love the moody lighting and showcasing of the 10 books in the series. An author's work is never done--sell, sell, sell!
V's Reads
Mystery and paranormal intrigue this month from the writers of X...
Retired homicide detective and recent widower, Sean Tanner still dabbles in the subject of murder as a member of the community Mudflat Murders Club. The cold case coterie has a 38-year-old, perplexing case to solve, however their efforts segue when a neighbor is found tragically murdered.
Sean and the local detective, Charlotte 'Charlie' Nash are soon teaming up to investigate the homicide that has devastated the local community. Could someone they know be the killer?
Author Thiem writes a puzzling whodunit, linking clues and suspects in the cold case and new. The characters and locale are great--a story and series sure to delight mystery fans!
Author and ghost whisperer Coby McTavish and his family are summoned to a haunted manor by its owner, Lady Grimloch. The spirits at Serpent's Manor have become unsettled and she'd like to resolve what is causing their angst.
As Coby explores the halls and crannies of the manor, he soon encounters the disgruntled spirits. As they make themselves known, he learns the dark secrets of the manor's former dwellers that have long been buried. Will the ghosts let go of their past? Or will they continue to torment the current inhabitants?
Author Ross weaves a gothic paranormal mystery that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. A chilling tale (and series) for fans of the supernatural, highly recommended!
May Showtime!
Some great flicks are making their debut on the big screen. I'm so ready to watch the fashion snark from Amanda Priestly (aka Meryl Streep) in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and the sheep that be sleuths in The Sheep Detectives! Couture and murder, two of my favorite things! 🎬👠🐑
Welcome to my world. Wishing you and yours a wonderful, joyful May!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. More red, white, and blue is going up here at Cherrywood Hall West. We're getting into the swing of the America 250 celebrations. Stay tuned for what's coming next! Gemma and Rikkhe approve. 💖👑
Comments