It’s Zaturday – Happy Festival of Sleep Day!

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Zorro here.

Did you know that Festival of Sleep Day was this week? You probably think I’m a really smart kitty, but I only know because Mommy told me. She said humans have that day to catch up on the sleep they lost during the Christmas season. Ziggy and I don’t really see the purpose of a day to catch up on sleep. I mean, we aren’t behind at all.

Mommy didn’t do what she was supposed to that day, though. She didn’t take a single nap. In fact, she never takes naps. We think she needs to take lessons from us. We get up in the morning, and once our bellies are full, we sit on the windowsill to watch the birds and squirrels for a little while.

Then it’s time for our first nap.

The next thing we know, we’re waking up to sounds in the kitchen, which means Mommy is getting ready to feed us lunch. After that, we take another nap. Ziggy and I never have problems falling asleep. We can sleep anywhere:

In Mommy’s duffel bag…

In the cat bed…

Snuggled with stuffed animals…

All alone…

Or with each other…

When it comes to naps, we’re not picky at all.

We hope all the kitties and puppies out there had a happy Festival of Sleep Day. We sure did!

It’s Zaturday – Winter is Here!

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Ziggy here.

 

Okay, I know I said winter is here. Technically, it’s not winter yet. Mommy says that doesn’t happen until December 21. But when it’s cold enough that I can feel it, even with all this fur, it’s wintertime! This week, though, I figured out how I can still enjoy the sunshine on my catio while keeping my body warm in the house.

 I thought that was pretty smart. The only problem is that wherever Zorro is, he’s stuck, because I take up the entire cat door.

Speaking of Zorro, Mommy and Daddy like to build fires inside the house when it gets cold. That doesn’t sound very safe to me, but I guess Mommy and Daddy know what they’re doing. Zorro isn’t so sure, though. When there’s a big fire in the fireplace and Zorro has to cross through the living room, he runs through like something is going to jump out and eat him! The noise of the fire freaks him out, too, especially when a log falls.

He is getting a little braver, at least if the fire burns down enough. Last night, he was even sitting on the coffee table watching it.

Our favorite way to keep warm, though, is snuggling.

Sometimes Mommy will cover us up, which is kind of nice, too.

All you kitties out there, stay warm! Doggies, too…I guess…

Book Review – East of Evil

****Special preorder price of $1.99 until release day, May 7, 2023****

East of Evil is the fourth book in Fisher’s Compass Crime Series. I was drawn in from the first sentence—“Nefi’s life-changing day started ordinary and turned peculiar on the way to morning classes.” Fisher’s writing style is snappy and fun, and lots of intrigue keeps readers turning the pages quickly to see what happens next.

East of Evil is filled with well-drawn, unique characters. Nefi Jenkins, the main character, is getting ready to graduate from Harvard. Raised in the Amazon jungle by missionary parents who were killed when she was 16, Nefi isn’t the typical college-age American girl. Fisher does a great job of bringing this out in the way Nefi thinks and acts. For example, the people she is closest to are part of her tribe, and those who betray her must be kicked out of her tribe. Some mannerisms have carried forward into her new way of life, too, like tapping the chest of someone she loves during times of stress to make sure they are really there (although she recognizes this as odd in the US and tries to refrain from it). Learning she has inherited a 10-million-dollar trust fund doesn’t change the way she lives (other than the fact someone now wants her dead!) because money wasn’t a thing in the jungle. Creating a character with a completely foreign upbringing is always a challenge, and Fisher does it superbly. Besides her fascinating background, Nefi is smart, strong, blunt and good at reading people’s emotions in their facial expressions (a great skill to have since she’s planning on a career with the FBI).

Nefi’s college roommates, Cassie and Michael Ulysses Trace the Third (“Mutt” for short), are Marines studying on the GI bill. Cassie bakes brownies and cookies when stressed, and Mutt has an aversion to kitchen duty, PTSD that sometimes has him sleeping outside on the patio, and a variety of t-shirts with sayings like “Gun control means using both hands” and “There’s no such thing as too much ammo unless your house is on fire.” East of Evil features a whole cast of characters who are fun, interesting and, in the case of the villain, cunningly evil.

The book is full of fun exchanges between the characters, too. For example, this one when Nefi is going to hire Arlo, a private investigator who is a friend of a friend:

“Barlow Investigations, how can I help you?”
“Hey, stalker. I have a job for you.”
“Nefi Jenkins?”
“Wait. Is your name Arlo Barlow?”
“Are you sure you want to make fun of my name? Because I know your real first name.”
Nefi gasped. “How?”
“I am a private investigator.”
“I’m impressed, and I apologize.”
“Apology accepted.”

East of Evil’s intricate plot will keep the reader turning pages as Nefi discovers that the trust fund she just inherited has a large chunk missing and sets out to learn what happened to the missing money.

I highly recommend East of Evil (as well as the other books in the series). They are all clean, with God and strong family values woven throughout.

A colossal fortune. A secret reaper. A young woman whose drive for due process makes her the target of dangerous people…

Nefi Jenkins dreams of becoming an FBI agent. After outing her parents’ heartless killer, the Harvard grad focuses on getting into a stellar criminal justice master’s degree program. But her career goals take a back seat when she inherits a ten-million-dollar trust from her late parents…with a hefty chunk gone.

Seeking the help of a forensic accountant, Nefi discovers a cunning thief has been stealing from her inheritance. And with her legacy at stake, the hidden enemy’s scheme to swipe her cash could turn deadly.

Can Nefi restore her parent’s wealth before her investigation turns fatal?

If you like strong heroines, greed-driven crimes, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love Joni M Fisher’s hunt for the truth. Order here.

It’s Zaturday – Wet Paint!

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Zorro here.

Our house has really been a busy place lately. Mommy decided to remodel another room. This time she tore up the living room. Fortunately, she had us stay downstairs while most of the work was going on, because it was really noisy. Ziggy and I don’t like noise, unless we’re the ones making it. Like when we run up and down the stairs when Mommy and Daddy are trying to sleep, and they say we sound like a herd of elephants. We’re not sure what elephants are. Maybe they’re like cats but bigger.

Anyhow, they finally let us come back upstairs when they were finishing the room. All while they were working, the house was a mess. Furniture was piled up in the dining room and the music room. But Ziggy and I still found a comfy place to sleep.

When Daddy finished painting the window sill, I thought it would be fun to get up there and walk around on it. When Mommy came back into the room a while later, this is what the floor looked like:

She didn’t know who did it, so first she checked Ziggy’s paws. No paint. Then she picked me up. Guess what she found. Yep, white paint on my paws. I couldn’t deny it when the evidence was right there.

Mommy scrubbed the paw prints off of the wood floor but wanted to leave them in the paint on the window sill. She said it’s like when parents have their kids put their hand prints in wet cement, and we’re sort of like her kids. Daddy didn’t think that was a good idea, but he hasn’t gotten around to sanding and repainting yet. I kind of hope he leaves my paw prints there.

Now the work is all done. We really like the new room. Ziggy and I have lots of fun chasing each other from one end to the other and sliding on the new wood floor. There’s even a fireplace. On cold days, Mommy and Daddy put a fire in there to keep us warm. Lately it’s been too warm for a fire, but we still like to hang out in there.

Well, I gotta go. It’s time to see what other trouble I can get into.

Plan a Memorable Home Wedding

I love weddings! And as someone who really enjoys nature, I especially love outdoor weddings. The last three weddings I attended were outdoors—one in front of a waterfall, one at a lake and one in a grassy area with a backdrop of woods and the stone ruins of an old church. As a romance author, most of my stories end with a proposal, if not an actual wedding. On my blog today, I’ve got guest blogger John Dunbar offering great tips for planning a home wedding, whether indoors or out. Take it away, John!

Image by Kayla Renee via Pexels

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable, exciting days of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive. According to WeddingWire, the 2021 average wedding cost in the U.S. was $22,500. The venue is the highest cost, and many couples are seeking alternatives. Getting married at your home or that of a family member can save money, but that’s just the beginning. Here are some tips for a beautiful yet budget-friendly wedding.

Will Your House Work?

A wedding has many moving parts. You’ll want suitable spaces for:

  • The ceremony
  • Separate dressing areas for the bride and groom along with their attendants
  • A reception, including a staging area for caterers
  • Flowers and other wedding decor
  • Guest parking

Brides magazine notes that you’ll also want to have easily-accessible restrooms for your guests. If out-of-town family or friends plan to stay with you, they’ll need places to sleep.

If your home won’t accommodate all these needs, you may be able to make inexpensive renovations that will both provide a suitable wedding location and improve your property’s overall value. The money that you would have spent on renting a venue for a day can be a long-term investment in your home instead. Be sure to keep all receipts for your capital improvements.

How Can You Prepare Your House for a Wedding?

Every property is different, and the preparations you might make may not work for someone else. However, think about ways you can make these ideas apply to your home.

Your Backyard – Hire Pros for Larger Projects

Many couples plan outdoor weddings. With a little work, your backyard can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception. Think about adding some landscaping, plants that will be in bloom on your wedding date. Of course, for larger projects like tree work, it’s best to call in the pros. For example, removing a tree stump is a tough job that requires special equipment and expertise. Go online and search service directories to find contractors that are nearby, and check customer ratings and reviews to ensure the pros you contact and provide a written estimate are equipped to handle the project.

Also think about building a gazebo or pergola in a prime spot. You can use it as the spot to make your vows.

Your Home’s Interior

If you’re not happy with the way the inside of your house looks, what can you do to improve it? Fresh paint, new area rugs, updated window treatments, and updated lighting can make a world of difference.

Depending on your home’s layout and the number of rooms, choose the best options for guest quarters and dressing areas.

Parking

If your property doesn’t have much extra space for guest parking — especially if the ground is wet at the time of your ceremony — consider getting permission from a nearby school or church for your guests to park there, and arrange for a shuttle-type service to take them to your home. You can hire a limo company or enlist friends and family to provide the transportation.

Inclement Weather

Everyone wants their wedding day to be bright and beautiful, but Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. You’ll want to have alternatives for planned outdoor activities. Renting a large tent is one option.

What Are Some Ways to Make Your Wedding Even More Special?

Personalising your wedding adds to your special day and your memories. If you have friends or family who are pastors, floral designers, caterers, DJs, or singers invite them to participate. Most people are honoured to contribute their skills for special occasions.

A unique way to memorialise the event is by hiring a live wedding painter. Guests can watch as the artist creates your painting in its entirety during your wedding, and you’ll have a truly personal keepsake that will last you a lifetime.

Are You Inspired?

You don’t have to spend lots of money to rent a venue for your wedding. You can make your special day memorable by preparing your home to host the event, including small interior renovations and prepping the backyard if the event will be outdoors. Adding personal touches is the icing on the wedding cake.

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Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.

It’s Zaturday – Missing Daddy

It’s Zaturday—the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog! Ziggy here.

Okay, I think Mommy really needs to rename this “It’s Zunday!” Because this is two times in a row that she’s been late posting. She sort of has an excuse, though. Last week, Mommy and Daddy left the house to go exercise and didn’t come home. (Fortunately, they fed us before they left.) Mommy finally got home late that night and Daddy still hasn’t come home. Mommy said he fell playing pickleball and broke his hip. We’re not quite sure what that means, but they’re not letting him come home. Zorro and I really miss him, so we’re hoping that, wherever he is, Mommy is going to break him out.

A long time ago, Mommy broke Zorro out, too. Before Mommy came, this is what Zorro looked like:

Then Mommy broke him out and brought him home. He looked really sad at that other place, but he’s really happy now. In fact, we’re both really happy. See?

We hope Daddy’s not too sad. It’s been more than a week since we’ve seen him, which seems like FOREVER! And Mommy has been gone from early in the morning till dinnertime. But Aunt Kim and Uncle Chris have taken good care of us. They feed us lunch and dinner too if Mommy isn’t home yet. Daddy says Uncle Chris is a good fill-in butler and Aunt Kim is a good fill-in ladies’ maid.

A long time ago, Mommy and Daddy watched a program called “Downton Abbey.” Zorro and I watched it with them. It was okay, but there weren’t any cats on there. Daddy said that show helped him understand how cats think about their humans. Now he says Mommy is Mrs. Patmore, because she makes our kitty food, and he’s Pappy the Butler. If we think about it that way, Mommy and Daddy are good servants, because they take really good care of us. They make sure we have yummy kitty food…

Fun places to climb…

A comfy bed…

And lots of love.

Whether Mommy and Daddy are our servants or not, we think we’re going to keep them.

Practical Strategies for Boosting Positivity and Inspiration During a Midlife Crisis

Ryan Goodchild of A Pupper’s Love has been on here several times with tips on doggie care. He’s back again, this time to share strategies for boosting positivity and inspiration during a midlife crisis. Whether you’re in midlife or not, this article has lots of great tips we can all use, especially after two-plus years of covid. Take it away, Ryan!

 

Image courtesy of Alex Green via Pexels

Middle age sparks fear and dread in many people. Maybe you’re feeling unsatisfied with the trajectory of your life or like your best years are behind you. Perhaps you imagine yourself living the same day for the rest of your life with nothing of substance to fill your time. Or, maybe you’re dreading your mind and body gradually declining after going “over the hill.”

If you think you’re experiencing a midlife crisis, the first step is to recognize you’re not alone. Then, you must come up with activities and routines that inject a bit of positivity and inspiration into your life. Here are some simple strategies for doing just that!

Meet Some New People    

Community is an essential aspect of human existence. Meeting new people who you enjoy can stir your soul and bring life a new level of excitement and discovery. Not to mention building new connections with people can spark creativity, boost your motivation, and inspire you. People need other people, so be intentional about finding a good community. Here are some places and ways you can meet new people:

  • Join a book club
  • Attend community events
  • Volunteer
  • Go to church
  • Join a sports league

Consider Therapy

If your emotions have run amuck and you’re having trouble self-regulating, seek support from a therapist. Today, online options for therapy provide easy and secure ways to access the help you need.

Without having to leave the comfort of your own home, you can meet with your pick of a variety of licensed therapists and unburden yourself of the things that overwhelm you the most. Many therapists offer a free consultation, so if you don’t click with the first therapist you meet with, you’re not out of money or obligated to return.

Improve Your Health

Poor health can cause a whole host of worry and pain. If your current habits and routines compromise your mental and physical health, build a plan to make improvements and begin today.

Start with small steps like drinking more water, visiting a general practitioner for physicals, taking supplements, and portioning your food. As you develop the small habits, start adding in new ones that require more dedication like regular exercise and changing your diet.

Learn Something New

One fear that often comes with getting older is a deteriorating mind. Many studies have shown that if you challenge your brain to learn something new and live as a perpetual student, your brain can remain young and engaged and make new neural connections.

You can pick up a new hobby, enroll in an online college course, learn a new sport or game, or pick up new books. Whatever you choose, just make sure that it challenges your mind and brings you joy.

Get a Side Gig Going

You can make almost anything into a business and earn some extra money. If you currently have a hobby you love that produces a good or service or are interested in starting one, then you’re off to a great start.

Many side gigs can be done from the comfort of your own home and require as much time as you’re wanting to put into it. The more engaged you are, the more energy it gives you and the more it redefines your sense of purpose.

A mid-life crisis is common for many people. Take what may feel like sour lemons and turn them into lemonade. If you feel uncomfortable or down in the dumps, this is an opportunity for you to find new inspiration and opportunities. The tips above will get you off to a wonderful start but keep looking out for other ways to improve yourself and your future.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

It’s Zaturday – Ziglet the Piglet

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Zorro here. Okay, I guess it’s Zunday instead of Zaturday, because Mommy’s slow! She didn’t get this put up when she was supposed to.

Recently, Ziggy and I went to the doctor. Mommy had to find a new doctor for us since we live in North Carolina now. Our old one is in Florida.

I checked out good, but Ziggy is too fat! I’m not surprised. He gobbles his food down then stares at me while I eat, hoping I’ll leave some for him. Daddy calls him Ziglet the Piglet. Now instead of calling “Kitty, kitty, kitty” when it’s time to eat, Daddy hollers, “Sooie, sooie, sooie, pig-pig-pig,” and we both come running! Mommy says it’s a pig call. I don’t care how they call us, as long as they feed us.

Every time Daddy calls Ziggy fat, Mommy says he’s just fluffy, and Daddy reminds her that that’s not what the vet says. I agree with Daddy and the vet. I think he’s getting fat, especially when he pounces on me.  He’s HEAVY! Even so, I don’t want Mommy to put Ziggy on a diet. Since we always eat together, that would mean they’d have to give me less, too. Instead, I’m helping Ziggy get more exercise by chasing him around the house and wrestling with him.

I’m glad I have Ziggy for a buddy, even if the vet says he’s fat. He helps me not to get too lonely. We hang out together in our catio…

and play with our toys together…

and take naps together…

…LOTS of naps. In fact, I think it’s time for another one!

Freelance Writing: How to Hone Your Craft and Build Your Client Base

Ryan Goodchild of A Pupper’s Love has been on here several times sharing tips on doggie care. Today he’s back with another great post, this time on making money doing freelance writing. Take it away, Ryan!

Photo by William Fortunato from Pexels

Do you routinely notice grammatical and spelling errors? Do you often think about how a particular paragraph would benefit from rearranging the sentences or start spilling your thoughts out on a word processor in random moments of inspiration?

You might be well-suited for a career in writing. And you don’t have to become a best-selling fiction author to build a fulfilling writing career. You can take many different paths—from blog writing to technical writing to promotional copy. If you’re interested in forging a livelihood as a freelance writer, consider these tips.

Get Better

No matter the writing career you choose to pursue, you will need to be on your A-game to build success. In other words, never stop improving your craft. Constantly look for ways to deepen your knowledge of various writing styles and practices, whether that means returning to school for a degree, finding a program that trains you in writing and editing, or finding a mentor who can help you navigate day-to-day challenges.

Also, read as much as you can. Read books and articles on topics that interest you, read works by authors who have a reputation for their masterful use of grammar, and try to read something unrelated to your work for at least a few minutes each day.

As with any other skill, writers learn best by example. Furthermore, make sure you write every day, whether that means writing pieces for your job or jotting thoughts down in your daily journal.

Explore Your Options

These days, there are many different types of careers to pursue in writing, and a lot of them can allow you to live comfortably on a salary. For example, you could become a speechwriter for a business executive, politician, or celebrity. You could become a screenwriter for film and television shows or try your hand as a technical writer for product or software manuals, user guides, or technical specifications.

If you have a strategic mind, you may enjoy a career as a communications director, which would mean that you oversee various forms of communications on behalf of a business or organization.

You could also write informational blogs and promotional copy for various companies as a freelance writer, or carve a niche in proposal writing, resume writing, or grant writing. If you love to edit, you might find proofreading a fulfilling role, and you could eventually work your way up to being an in-demand editor!

Start a Business (Officially)           

Whatever type of writer you choose to become, you should consider starting your own freelance business and creating an entity. By applying for an employer registration number, the IRS would better track your payroll taxes and identify your business. Also, an EIN will make the process of filing your state and federal taxes much more straightforward, whether you do it every year or every quarter.

There are many steps to starting a business, and it can be difficult to track them all. Fortunately, a monthly planner template gives you a graphic representation of every task and deadline you need to meet. Benefits of an online calendar for planning include looping in other stakeholders and the ability to upload images.

Build Your Clientele  

Having the necessary writing skills is one thing, but putting yourself out there and getting jobs is another. To begin building your client base, make sure you have a writing portfolio that stands out from the crowd. Your portfolio should showcase your best work, and if possible, make sure to include pieces from a wide range of industries and topics. You should also reach out to past clients about providing you with testimonials to put on your website.

Other tactics to gain customers include writing an effective elevator pitch and author bio. When it comes to finding jobs, utilize social media platforms and online job boards to connect with potential clients, and remember to maintain good relations with everyone you work for so that you can develop a solid reputation.

If you love writing, you could become the next best-selling novelist. But that is by no means your only option for a fulfilling writing career. Consider the information and advice above as you start laying the foundation for a lucrative writing career, and remember never to stop improving at your craft!

For inspirational and unforgettable romance novels, visit Carol J. Post!

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. (And thanks for the shout-out on my books!) For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

It’s Zaturday – Lonely Kitties!

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Zorro and I were sad kitties last week. Mommy and Daddy left us! They went to Florida and didn’t take us with them! They were gone a really long time—almost a week! We missed them, but Aunt Kim took really good care of us. We got to hang out with Grandma a whole bunch, too. We also had each other to snuggle with.

Zorro and I like going for car rides. When Daddy’s driving, we both get in Mommy’s lap. It’s a little crowded, because she usually has her computer there, too. When Mommy’s driving, she only lets one of us lie in her lap. Zorro always beats me to it. He curls up there and doesn’t move until Mommy stops for gas.

When Mommy and Daddy first got back, Zorro pouted for a whole day. Mommy couldn’t get him to purr no matter what she did. But he finally got over it and forgave them for leaving him. One thing that helped was that the day after they got back, Daddy went to the store and bought a bunch of meat. Then they made a batch of fresh cat food. Mommy and Daddy make really good kitty food. We like it better than the food that comes out of cans. Zorro even stands up for it.

We think we have good parents, even though they do sometimes leave us. But Mommy promised they wouldn’t leave us again until June. We’re not sure when June is, but we’re hoping its reeeeaally far away. Do you think if we try really hard, we can get them to cancel their trip?