Veronica's #WritersDairy: Ode to the Summer of '22

“August has passed, and yet summer continues by force to grow. They sprout secretly between the chapters of the year, covertly included between its pages.”

- Jonathan Safran Foer

Here we are--the last day of August! Now, I know we have a few more days (okay, maybe lots) of sweltering heat and blinding sunshine left, but there's something about entering September that brings me a breezy, mental boost. The promise of cool, crisp days, pumpkin spice everything, and let's not forget, the start of the festivities to close out the year makes this gal want to #Twist and #Shout! 🎃🦃🎄

But not just yet...For today's post, I wanted to take a quick trip down memory lane and the trips we took in this ode to the Summer of '22. After years of lockdown, it was good to be back on the road again (even with the $6+/gal gas).

Las Vegas at the end of May was enlightening and entertaining---the fab jungle scenes at the Bellagio and let's not forget the National Atomic Testing Museum! (I spy #Halloween costume inspiration, I know you want to... 👇)

In June, the trek to Idaho was a road trip adventure--beautiful lakes, visits with grand kiddies, and the call of the wild! (Or, was it Millie and Mudgie? Their statues reign in Couer d'Alene!)

I could not get enough of the Oregon coastline--just, WOW! Simply gorgeous...

Half Moon Bay, my favorite, #NorCal coastal getaway...

Paso Robles' nights at the Allegretto... A plethora of inspiration for Blood on the Vines!

An evening under the stars in Laguna Beach, where artwork came to life...

A getaway to Solvang and the stunning scenery in the Santa Ynez Valley!

Traveling thousands of miles here in the western U.S. made for some wonderful memories during the Summer of '22. I hope you've had loads of fun in the sun too--I'd love to hear about your favorite trip! Here's to the next season of adventure, FALL! 🍁🍂 It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

Something Wicked Mist this way comes!

Five more days 'til Wicked Mist hits the seller stands! Bibiana Krall and I are so excited to release this latest collection--these stories are wicked, fun reading! You'll be traveling to the California coast; Mackinac Island; Somewhere in Nevada; Columbia; England; and the forests in Japan in these scary tales, we hope you enjoy our literary treks to the unknown. 💀🌹eBook preorder is available on these sites (Amazon live on September 5th):

www.books2read.com/wickedmist

Thank you so much for all the support and social media love as we promote this latest collection--it's so very much appreciated. #MWAH

Pssst...major Wicked Mist SWAG is coming---pre-order or buy our book on #LaborDay and let us know for a chance to score some #Spooktacular goodies! We'll be having a drawing/week for the next month--the earlier you buy, the more chances to #WIN! Details here 👇💀🌹

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Unraveling a mystery back and forth through time this week from the writers of Twitter...

Author John Anthony Miller, A Crime Through Time, 5 ⭐

A young model's murder on the streets of Paris in 1874 sets the scene for a crime solving journey through time in Author Miller's chilling tale, 'A Crime Through Time'. An heiress, Elise Lyon, has her portrait painted by the artist who last was with the murdered model, will her life be put into danger too? Fast forward to 1956. A widow, Zelie Girard, inherits her mother-in-law's home in Normandy, where she stumbles upon mysterious items in the attic. Was her mother-in-law keeping dark secrets from her family?

Back in time when Elise is attacked, the police leave no stone unturned. Will they link her attack to the killer on the loose, or are there more nefarious acts in play? In 1956, as Zelie learns more details about the items in the attic, her friends are convinced they hold clues to the murderous crimes years ago in Paris and the betrayals in the local community during WWII. Will their sleuthing bring about final justice?

Author Miller weaves a gripping tale that will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading this one-- and the ending will surprise and shock you! A highly recommended read for mystery fans!

Next up in the reading queue:

Into the Woods at Solvang!

This past week in Solvang, the OH and I went to watch the production of Into the Woods at the newly renovated amphitheater. They've done a superb job with the renovations--higher walls for improved acoustics, updated lighting systems, and new seats for the audience. We love coming here to watch the plays and musicals under the stars--we've been making this trip for over twenty years!

However, this production of Into the Woods wasn't quite what I thought it was going to be... The premise of fav fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the odd baker and his wife, a prince or two, a big bad wolf, and a wicked witch gathering together to fulfill their dream quests sounded enchanting. But... after Act 1's one and a half hour run on stage, we (and many others) opted out of Act 2 (another hour and a half).

I read up later on what we missed in the second act---I'm kinda glad we took our leave. I prefer to keep my blissful, fairytale images of beloved characters intact, LOL. I'd be interested in your thoughts if you've seen this play. Is it just me? A poor production? Or? A mystery indeed... 👀🎭

Welcome to my world. Enjoy this final day of August and have a fabulous #LaborDay weekend!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. I'll be featuring all things Wicked Mist in next week's post to celebrate the #NewRelease on September 5th! Wishing you a fabulous Labor Day weekend! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑

#Sunset #Laguna