âIt was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.â
â Charles Dickens
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Well, hello, March! I think the quote above from Mr. Dickens pretty much captures the chaotic whirlwind of the world's current state of affairs this month--and we're only 2 days in, LOL. This March is going to be one for the history books me thinks... Watching a war breakout and unfold with real-time, world reaction/coverage on the news and social media has been captivating, heartbreaking, and sickening. Have to say a ratchet up to #DEFCON3 by the DEFCON Warning System folks on Sunday was not on my 2022 #Bingo card... đâ
The false flags, vicious vitriol, and war time pics/videos were tough to process after a while. Even more disturbing was the reveal that many/most of the pictures/claims/videos posted were years old and flat out false. Beware the Ides of Bots! (My sincere apologies to Will S.)
Deep breath. A belated "Laissez les bon temps rouler!" Yesterday was Fat Tuesday--I hope you were able to squeeze in a bit of debauchery before today's start of the Lent season! đâđđđĽ
I'm taking this season of Lent to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. With everything that's going on, I definitely need a mental and physical refresh. I plan on unplugging for the next 40 days and do a major reset. Mania mantras of Covid-Covid-Covid now Russia-Russia-Russia soon-to-be War-War-War are just going to have to take a back seat...
eBike rides, spa days and long walks here I come! Now that the masks are off (well, kinda), I'm determined to get out and enjoy the fresh air every day. March has always been a month of transition as the Earth pivots from winter to spring. In March 2022, we're emerging from two years of pandemic lockdowns and limited, social interactions and are now facing a world at war. It's going to be a bumpy ride, no doubt. Take time to reset and refresh this month---you've earned it and deserve it!
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Wishing you a March filled with joie de vivre--let those good times roll! #MarchWish
It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Closin' In...
My goal is to have this latest tale wrapped up NLT than the end of the month! My final writes/edits are in full swing for this deadline, no bouts a doubt it. I'll be ready to spend a long time at the vineyard after this one, LOL. đđđˇ
One thing that is finally completed is the book cover design! I've been tweaking it quite a bit (sorry Danielle!) to get the colors and placements just right. Call me crazy but not having the cover finalized prior to writing did take a toll on the writing mojo & schedule---I just couldn't get into the writing zone. It definitely turned out to be my Achilles heel/writer's block. I am extremely happy to announce for the next 3 writing projects in 2022/2023, the book cover designs have been completed. đđđšâđ đ #Whew
We're adding to the #MurdersWeWrite Line-up!
Last week, I was super chuffed to have Cynthia Raleigh join Bibiana Krall and me on the #MurdersWeWrite discussion team on the Clubhouse app. This week, I'm doubly chuffed to announce Amy Reade has joined the chat too! The more the merrier--everyone who loves the topics of mystery are welcome! Next chat will be on March 13th: 'When Motives Go Rogue...'
Mystery and intrigue this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Kelly Oliver, Betrayal at Ravenswick, A Fiona Figg Mystery Book 1, 5 â
A change in life circumstances leads to a fresh beginning for Fiona Figg. With the war raging, her husband has left her for another woman, sinking her into the depths of depression. She desperately needs a major change---will a daring, undercover mission for the war office rejuvenate her spirit and confidence?
Deployed to Ravenwicks Abbey with a new identity and purpose, Fiona takes on a gutsy, reconnaissance role as she trails a dandy believed to be a spy. She's soon involved in an unexpected situation at the estate when the matriarch dies mysteriously. Will her hunt for a spy lead her to the trail of a murderer? Will her undercover guise be exposed?
Author Oliver weaves a clever tale of mystery and deceptions with a daring heroine in this story. An intriguing read for mystery lovers!
Next up in the reading queue:
We're Goin' Green! đâđâđâđâđ
No real surprise, but with a new month comes new lights/decor for the season here at Cherrywood Hall west, LOL! The green lights are up; shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are aplenty; and it's time for a new wreath from the fabulous Elegant Designs by Lulu! Have to say, this one will make any Leprechaun smile! đâ
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Be still my heart (not too still)... Just four more days to go until the Season 6 premiere of Outlander! Who's ready to watch their favorite, kilted clansman and his lady love? Gemma and Rikkhe most definitely approve đđ #March6th
***Picture courtesy of STARZ