Happy New Year 2022 !

"New Year's Day is every man's birthday!"

Happy New Year!

From

Monday Creek Publishing

 

The Narrowing Road by Kevin Slimmer

 

The Narrowing Road

by Kevin Slimmer

Detective “Park" Parkerson struggles to find balance after a gruesome murder, the case he couldn’t solve. When another body of a young woman is found crucified in an eerily similar manner, Park, desperate, enlists the help of a quirky FBI agent before any more bodies can be found.

With a possible serial killer in their midst, Park gets thrown into a dark and dangerous side of religion. Can he finally solve the case, or will he die trying?

Available in Paperback & eBook HERE!

 

About the Author

Kevin lives in Central New York with his wife, his son, and his dog. He has two adult children that live nearby.

Before he started writing, Kevin worked in Human Services for over 25 years. He is currently working as a Quality Improvement Director.

Kevin remains involved in the community serving on boards, volunteering, and coaching. He loves golf, poker, playing his guitar and taking pictures.

Amazon Author Page

Website: www.kevinslimmerauthor.com

Cheers! To Your Health! Art and Story by Sandra Russell

Cheers! Original Art by Sandra Russell

Cheers! To Your Health!

 

I was wondering about how we toast one another during the holidays and especially it seems on New Year’s Eve. We often say "Cheers!" and of course that is a pleasant greeting but where did it start and what does it mean?

 

Well many opinions are out there about why we offer a 'toast'. Some say it was ancient Greek and the pouring of the first sip of a beverage was offered to the gods and that now the sip is symbolically offered to a friend, to the guest of honor, or to the overall assembly- to your health and happiness, to a successful venture etc.  Even though we take the sip ourselves, the toast is the offering. The word Cheers! then has a history in France before the 18th C of meaning 'face'. I like that because when toasting or saying the word "cheers" your eyes meet, all heads up and focused on each face in turn, sometimes the glasses are clinked to show present in the moment. It is a moment of real recognition to each individual in that moment. Interestingly, the television show "Cheers" features a song lyric- 'where everybody knows your name'. That fits with seeing fully someone's identity, what a great respect that is. 

 

I still have an old Valentine (very fancy, Victorian cut outs with flowers and honey sweet sentiments) that my grandfather had given his young spinster sister back in the 20's.  Remembering how much time it took him to get ready to go to town and the thrifty (poor) fellow he was, such an elaborate card would have represented great thought, feeling and effort on his part to get something so beautiful. In general, he came across as a rough and tough sort of guy, but he had a sentimental side that revealed itself in gestures often ignored by others.

 

It is a lazy habit to clump people into types or categories because the opportunity to cultivate a fuller understanding is lost. Not only is it unfair to the other person, but it is also really unfair when you do it to yourself- when you allow a nickname or an aspect of yourself to become your 'face'. You have a bigger face...so let people see it. Hold your head up, look them in the eye; and to your health and progress- "Cheers!"

 

An Interview with Ohio Author Crissie Ann Leonard

  

An Interview with Ohio Author Crissie Ann Leonard

Crissie Leonard is one of Ohio’s premier authors. Her book, Letters to My Father is Christian fiction, a novel that “tells the story of a woman led by God to a collection of letters written by strangers and the journey she takes with a friend to find the authors.”

 

Crissie writes “Christian fiction to show people God's presence in their lives and all around them.” Besides being an author, Crissie is the proprietor of her own line of jewelry YMP Creations.

Welcome, Crissie!

GM: What is the premise for your new book?
CL:
1.       Life lessons learned from the minor characters in the Bible
2.       Graphic novel detailing the spiritual warfare battle between the unsaved and saved you
3.       A Navy Seal’s journey with grief from a tremendous loss
 
GM: How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
CL: A lot of Post-it-Notes and notebooks. I use separate notebooks for each book idea. This keeps me from being distracted while working on a specific storyline.
 
GM: Where do you like to write?
CL: Anywhere that I can wear my headphones. When I’m on a tight deadline, I prefer the library quiet rooms.
 
GM: Do you have a muse or other inspiration that sparks creative ideas?
CL: I don’t have a muse. My inspiration is always finding a way to show people God in their everyday lives regardless of whether they believe in Him.
 
GM: What are you currently reading?
CL: Don’t Drop the Mic by TD Jakes, Faith Like Flamingos by Katie Hornor, and Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud.
 
GM: What are you currently writing?
CL: Life lessons learned from the minor characters in the Bible. They are often overlooked and yet can teach   us a lot about life.
 
GM: Do you have advice for novice writers?
CL:
·         Have your own editors and a writing mentor. The editors will help you polish the story, and the mentor   will help you with writing blocks and guide you through the process.
·        Be sure there are people in your life that believe in you more than you believe in yourself! They are the   rays of light that will shine during times of self-doubt.
·        Just keep writing even if you lose sight of your story or get poor reviews. Don’t put the pen/pencil down!
·        Find writing groups, clubs, etc. Creativity is contagious when you are in the same room with other   writers.
·        Dream so big that you leave room for God to work! Stay humble.
·        For a Christian writer, you write to witness, you type to testify, and you publish to preach! When you   enter the room, be sure His kingdom walks through the doors first!
·        Don’t read or listen to anything that is close to the story you are writing. You can subconsciously bring that material into your writing or be influenced by it. Then you run into plagiarism issues. Write YOUR   version of the story, not anyone else’s.
·        Making money should not be your main reason for writing but bringing people back to falling in love   with books and reading should be.
·        Most importantly, remember that your story needs told! No one can write it better than you.
 
GM: Please share your book marketing secrets.
CL:
·        Think outside the box! Don’t confine yourself to one area or avenue to market yourself. Have a trailer made for your book and add it to your website.
·        Understand how important branding is and make sure YOU are in your branding.
·        Build relationships and partnerships because word of mouth is still the best form of advertising. Don’t lose sight of the importance of relationships. You are only one person away from being elevated to the next level God has prepared for you.
·        A no is a not right now. Give it some time and revisit them.
·        Look into local stores that offer consignment opportunities. These are great ways to test the market and develop relationships locally. Revisit these stores after your consignment period is over and ask how to join their author panels, speaking opportunities, or book clubs.
·        Create your author media kit. This is a must have when you are seeking book related opportunities.
 
GM: What are 10 things your fans don’t know about you…
CL:
1.       A kangaroo hugged my leg at the zoo. The whole time I was praying he didn’t punch me.
2.       I name my cars.
3.       I don’t like anything pumpkin.
4.       Halloween is my favorite holiday. I ride with a skeleton named “Bones” in my car.
5.       I build my characters based on the meaning of their names.
6.       I don’t like my food to touch on my plate.
7.       I once held a python snake, but I’m afraid of spiders.
8.       I only drink hot tea. I don’t like coffee.
9.       I love opera and Italian music in addition to Christian music.
10.   Growing up I wanted to be either an Air Force pilot or Supreme Court Justice.
 

Connect with Crissie:

Website: www.crissieleonard.com

Email: info@crissieleonard.com

Instagram: @ crissieauthor   @ crissieandchewie

Facebook: @ Crissie Ann  Leonard, Author

Bookseller Links:

Gramercy Books (Bexley, Ohio) Purchase a signed copy at regular retail price!

Christianbook.com

Westbow Press

Amazon

Waterstones (International Buyers)

Christmas is done and Spring is in the air? Art and Story by Sandra Russell

 

Christmas is done and Spring is in the air?

by Sandra Russell

 

I am feeling a bit confused. Just the morning after Christmas, I drove to a couple different malls. I took advantage of the marked down prices on the holiday decorations. I made a wise but cautious purchase of a really nice garland in a local store, went back the next day to see if I could get one or two more of them because I had to sort of see it in my home to appreciate it. Well, not this year boys and girls...The people have spoken with their wallets. They came like a swarm and wiped out everything I would want.

 

Well-good for them. I think the Covid threats and the non-gathering, the social isolation and fear for the future has run its course. People want to take back the feeling of celebration and merrymaking...and in a very big way. Crowded parking lots, stores and lines at the registers, was madness. Of course, the last-minute tradition of eve shopping was in evidence; the iconic lost man on his own like Robinson Crusoe washed up on the shores of the women's wear dept. These men are the endearing reminders that everybody cares sometimes. They are scratching their heads at handbags, perfumes and jackets looking as glum and concerned as an 8th grader facing Algebra I. But I was surprised the day after Xmas, I saw men stocking up on such things as barware, and serving dishes, shopping with women and pointing out good designs?! Wow! Some were even picking up wreaths and figurines and looking at porch ornaments. These men were holiday fete veterans now; they were smiling and chatting with their mates and companions!

 

Well now, 2022 may just be a friendlier year than we've had for a while? Now, back to Spring, already spring stuff moving into the shops, and how will our gardens grow? I'm predicting that the gardens will bloom as never before. I think we are heading for a great self-healing a 'herd immunity' of attitude at least. Wishing that this season and the next will bring us out of pandemic doubts and dangers so that we can live our kindest, healthiest and truest selves.

Milliron Monday: The Year in Review

Milliron Clinic. 2021.

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017), including his wife Jody (1938-2021). 

“On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through

 confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, 

that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend's 

life also, in our own, to the world.”

 —Henry David Thoreau

The year is winding down, the clock seems closer to our rapture. World events show signs of future change. Moving forward, what will 2022 bring? I could overthink this. But, instead, a review of 2021 may be more appropriate. 

January and February of 2021 are a blur. I don't remember doing much of anything special (except taxes). In March, tired of lockdown, events and visits seemed to pick up. Jody and I traveled to Fernwood Farm in March. In April, we were going to meet at the barn. The meeting never happened. She was concerned that the anesthesia from her 2020 heart surgery affected her memory, and it did. 

We lost Jody on Mother's Day, in May. I was at the barn when I learned of Jody's passing. White-throated swallows were building nests in the high rafters; tufts of hay, piece by piece, neatly placed to create a sturdy nest. Barn cats watched each pass and swoop. There was no wind and the sky was flint gray, ready for the new Pisces moon. A neighbor was hammering, the thud thud was annoying. The world needed to stop, if just for a moment.   

June through November swam by. Meeting with Jessica and friends to sort through Jody's saved memories took several months. In December, we celebrated with a trip to John Hutchison's farm and a wagon ride. 

Looking ahead, there is much to share. Stacked on my desk are Jody's journals. They reveal that a veterinarian's wife faced many challenges. Besides journals, there are short stories from Jody's high school and college days. We will be sharing all of these with you in 2022.

Praying 2022 brings joy and wellness to you and your family.

Yei’i’bi cheii time. Nich’i hozhoodooleel.

WE ARE BLESSED AGAIN WITH THE GLORIOUS WINTER BLESSINGS….

May the prayers they sing bring blessings upon you and your family.

May the Holy People give you all good things.

Navajo Blessing

Happy New Year!

Connect with Gina...

Milliron Facebook Page

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

 

KP Poetry: Inner Struggles, Peace & Blessings by Kaprina Parham

 

www.KpPoetry.com

 

www.instagram.com/Kp.Poetry

 

https://soundcloud.com/kaprina-parham/which-way-shall-i-go

 

https://soundcloud.com/kaprina-parham/albums

 

spotify:track:56uwveIWK6O5uaPwm58PHw

 

Paperback & eBook:  Inner Struggles, Peace & Blessings

Purchase on Amazon ISBN:  9781095770924

 

Baltimore County Public Library

catalog.bcpl.lib.md.us

 

https://youtu.be/SlgzH1zLa_A

 

https://youtu.be/OmXS697E2wE

 

Kp Poetry and would like to thank you

for your interest and purchases.

OnlineBookClub.org Poetry and Art Contest, Free Entry, Over $10,000 in Prizes

 

OnlineBookClub.org

Poetry and Art Contest, Free Entry, Over $10,000 in Prizes

 "Show My Your Naked Pain"

All submissions must be original and previously unpublished.

We will be giving away over $10,000 in prizes, including a $1,000 prize for each top winner in each of following categories:

• ✔️ Short Stories
• ✔️ Poems
• ✔️ Visual Art (Paintings, Drawings, etc.)
• ✔️ Songs

Multiple winners will be selected in each category. Top winners will get $1,000 each, and other winners will receive $100 or more each.

Additionally, all winners will have their work published in a major highly publicized anthology.

Submissions will accepted until at least February 1st. Only one entry per person.

Theme: Show Me Your Naked Pain (Poem by Scott Hughes)

Merry Christmas 2021

 

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Limited-Edition "Fire in the Sky" Red Sunset Hand-Made Photo Art

Limited-Edition "Fire in the Sky"

Red Sunset Photo Art [FRAMED]

Only 33 hand-made prints available!

FLASH SALE 25% Off!

  Fast & FREE Priority shipping (worldwide)

 Click the button below to order yours now!

Message from the Artist:

"Each limited-edition print is hand-made by me (the Artist). I never use a 3rd-party printing company. I use my own two hands to load my printer with paper, change the ink cartridges (when needed), print, design, autograph, custom frame, and package every single one of my prints. Each print quite literally has a personal touch added to it."

~ Manu Peniel | Artist & Founder of ARTbyMANU.com

This Week @ Monday Creek: Winter Solstice

Original Art by Croatia Artist Iva Dukic @ zmamorije_by_iva_dukic

Winter Solstice

The Earth is tilting, and I can’t feel it. I am not standing askew or leaning more this way or that way. It seems like a normal day. This morning at 10:59 am EST, the poles will be the farthest away from the sun than at any other time of the year – the winter solstice. The tilt is real, they say. Today will be short, then the days will begin to get longer as we tread into winter.

 

I can’t imagine what it would be like to live near the poles. Parkas, furs, thermals – makes my hands cold to think about it. But I love winter. To someone who has never seen ice or snow, it must look alien and weird. Snowflakes (no two are alike, fascinating thought) and icicles create magical patterns and visual joy. Living in Ohio, I rarely think about polar bears, artic hares, or kittiwakes. I wonder if they notice the solstice. 

 

The deer passing by my picture window don’t seem to notice the tilt. They are looking for something to eat and are headed to the pond to see if the ducks left any cracked corn. I usually put extra feed out in the winter for the birds and deer. They are all friends, you know, just like in the Disney movies. They all dance and play while we’re not looking. The elegant tracks of deer, sparrows, and ducks create intentional pirouettes in the mud. Looks like they waltzed last night, or maybe a solstice dance with percussion ostinatos and rhyming verse.

 

Maybe I am askew today. Oh, but it’s all about treading. Pressing forward. I have several loose ends to tie up before December 31. Today, as the Earth tilts, seems like a good day to tackle procrastination and the few things I don’t want to do. Maybe you don’t procrastinate. Lucky you. I would rather write this post and dream about tilting, snowflakes, and snow bunnies than adult. Maybe I will bridle a doe and head to the woods and try again tomorrow.

Connect with Gina

www.gmcknight.com

Connect with Iva

@ zmamorije_art