February 11, 2019
1:22 p.m.

I am taking on a challenge to write a story based on this photo prompt.

(Please note: the images used as prompts are free-use images and do not require attribution.)  

I'm not the only writer taking this opportunity. Please check out the following link to read what other writers were inspired to write after seeing this picture.

Write the Story, February

An Unexpected Homecoming

She hadn't expected to love the place, but for Maggie it was instant infatuation. She hugged Josh enthusiastically, and held up their infant son. "Look, Johnny," she cooed. "We're home."

Josh looked less enthused, but admitted grudgingly, "It has...potential."

Getting home had been a painful process of misunderstandings, outright prosecution and near-bankruptcy.

Johnny had been the center of a controversy that Maggie still could not wrap her head around. She had suffered with severe toxemia in the latter part of her pregnancy, had been hospitalized and had elected to have an emergency Cesarean section in her 30th week due to the dangers of continuing the pregnancy to term.

Her medical record stated: "Patient elects to terminate pregnancy at this time."

Her medical record further recorded the Cesarean birth of her son, and that he was delivered alive and transported to NICU for further care, but the anti-abortion mole working in medical records, and stealing information in charts so that protesters could target women who had abortions, hadn't read past that sentence fragment: "terminate pregnancy..."

Protesters had Maggie's name and hospital room number and showed up in droves to persecute her, accompanied by members of the Press.

Bewildered and frightened hospital staff had them removed by police immediately, but the damage was done. Stories of law-breaking by medical staff made headlines. Maggie and a few other unfortunate women had their names brandished about on protest signs, declaring them murderers of the worst kind.

During all this, Maggie sat in the NICU, stroking her son's cheek, singing to him and thanking God for every ounce gained. She pumped milk so he'd have the best nutrition possible. She was released in good health after a couple of weeks, but rarely left the hospital.

After all, she had nowhere else to go.

Josh had lost his job shortly before Maggie became too ill to continue the pregnancy, and with that loss came the loss of their medical insurance. They'd been forced to sell their house and one of their cars in order to pay for many unexpected bills.

The mole was caught and arrested for violating privacy policies.

The protesters ignored any evidence that refuted their zealous vendetta, and continued to chant and brandish their signs.

Redacted news stories clearing the hospital and Maggie of any "wrong-doings" appeared in the back pages and the mostly ignored television news banner-feeds, and did no damage control whatsoever.

All the bad publicity took a toll on Josh's job search, and he wasn't able to secure employment again until just before Johnny was finally ready to go home.

Josh rented the one-bedroom flat sight-unseen, borrowing money for the deposit from his mother. He picked up the keys from the realtor and went to the hospital to pick up his family.

When he and Maggie exited the hospital that afternoon, a protester recognized Maggie and screamed, "That's her! Murderer!"

Maggie, finished with all the false accusations, screamed back, "My baby is alive and well, you vultures! Go to hell!"

The nurse quickly ushered the little family back inside and locked the door.

The next time they exited the building, it was with a police escort. Protesters swarmed about, wanting to see the "miracle baby". Some were so enthusiastic in their approaches that they were given an immediate trip downtown to the Police station. Maggie and Josh were more than happy to have them charged with malicious harassment.

Now they stood in the doorway of their shabby little place. A lone, rickety chair sat before the iffy-looking brick fireplace. There was nothing else in the place yet; their furniture would be delivered soon.

"Mom's going to faint," Josh said, sighing.

"Paint," Maggie said. She beamed at him. "A little elbow grease. There's nothing here that can't be improved upon."

Josh smiled down at her, kissed her lips and then kissed Johnny's tiny forehead. "They got one thing right," he said. "He really is a miracle baby."

"Yes," Maggie agreed. "And we'll be just fine."

--Paula Shablo
   2-11-2019

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A note to readers who may want to blast me with back-lash:

This is not a Pro-Life or a Pro-Abortion story. This is an attempt to highlight the many misunderstandings that can occur when people jump to judgement without having all the facts.

Things happen. Take a breath.

Cheers!

February 10, 2019
3:44 p.m.

I wonder if you have any idea how hard it is for me to type 2019? This will be the last full year for me to be in my 50s. That's a bizarre concept for me. I didn't actually think I'd make it this far.

Let's be real here: the year 2000 was a sci-fi plot. It couldn't possibly happen. How on earth could I--young Paula--EVER turn 40? How on earth could the human race still be around in the year 2000?

No, I wasn't biting my nails, expecting the earth to blow up or something on New Year's Eve, 1999. By that time I had pretty much wrapped my mind around the concept of a continuation of life beyond the 20th century.

But at 16? Nope. Not possible. I would never get that old, and that would be that.

Now the year 2020 looms before me, and at some point in that decade, I will turn 60--if I make it that far. All indications point to a good possibility, but one never knows.

While I do admit to days when I feel about 912--which is the age I've always cited to inquiring children--I mostly feel pretty much like I did when I was 30ish. You know, until my bones creak and my lungs squeak.

2019. Jeez.

My oldest baby turns 40 this year. Imagine that--ME! With a 40-year-old kid! Yikes and stuff.

I was sick yesterday, and every time I moved, I was dizzy. Last evening I bent to get Molly's water dish and just kept going until I hit against the corner of the shelf sitting there. Thank God I wear glasses, or I might have seriously injured my eye.

I really hate those little reminders that, while I consider myself a strong woman, I am also fragile. Truthfully, it kind of ticks me off. I like strong me so much better than fragile me. Fragile me is a wimp. Her lungs are compromised and she has arthritis all over the place, and if a bear ever chases her she's just going to have to sit down and let it get her, because running is not an option.

Phooey on Fragile Me. Ha ha!
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5 Star review of Starting in the Middle of The End

Now this is a Strong Me moment. I will share this, because it makes me happy when people read my books and take the time to write a review.

I don't think readers realize how important reviews are to Indie writers like me. We really, really appreciate the people who buy our books, and getting feedback from our audience is a wonderful way for us to know that someone is enjoying our work.

Sometimes they don't enjoy it, and that's good to know, too. Everyone has different tastes, and we appreciate knowing what is working and what might need to be re-thought.

4 Start review of Starting in the Middle of the End

Not every review is going to be a 5-Star, but they are all appreciated and important.

To my readers who review--THANK YOU!
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Okay, last blog was about other books, today's was about mine. But we're all Independent writers, and so we need all the exposure we can get, and all we can give to each other.

I hope you'll take a little time out of your busy day and enjoy a good read!
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Molly has just squeezed her way in behind me. I don't know why, but she likes to nap behind my behind in this desk chair. I guess it's warm and cozy. She's not a furry fur-baby. She gets cold.

How cold is it where you are? We climbed our way into the 20s today. A heat wave! Of course, the sun is westering now, and it will soon be cooling off out there. Grateful for a warm house, that's for sure!

Hey, you know, I would love to hear from you. Comments are welcome!

And now, we have reached the end of me thinking my thinks for this time.

Blessings!

February 7, 2019
1:24 p.m.

Today, it's all about those books.

I love to read. We all know it. The last couple of days I checked out 2 novellas, and loved them. They're short and sweet, so no excuses! Give them a try--I've provided the links.

My recent review of Cathleen Townsend's "Stolen Legacy":

As a human, I fear the Kelpi. I don't want my last ride to lead to a watery death! I fear the Siren, whose sweet song could persuade me to commit crazy or treasonous acts, or perhaps lead me to a different sort of watery death.

I'm scared of the water. Truth.

I am not the sort of human who kills what she doesn't understand, but I might avoid them.

Silly me.

This is a story of loyalty and friendship that transcends boundries like species and proves there is bravery to be found in all.

While this is likely meant for younger readers, I don't hesitate in recommending it to all ages. It never hurts to be reminded that goodness isn't exclusive to one lifeform or another, but exists in all.

You can find it here:

Stolen Legacy by Cathleen Townsend
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My recent review of Lolli Powell's "The Gift":

Sometimes you read a story that turns out to be exactly what you needed at the time you needed it most. "The Gift" was certainly a present for me yesterday.

From the first page, when Carla is suddenly swept up in an emotion she least expected to feel in response to the sight of the person she'd least expect to cause it, I was swept up and knew I wouldn't be putting the book down until I was done.

I was wrong. By the end of the first chapter, I had to pause and get a box of Kleenex.

Reading this was like ripping the bandage off a wound and letting it bleed afresh. I mean this in the best possible way: a good bloodletting is a cathartic cleansing.

This story tapped a well of darkness I've been denying for some time now, and--wow!--do I feel better after letting those tears go. No doubt the well will re-fill. Life is that way. But for now, I am relieved.

Carla, the POV character, has been having a rough time. Following the recent death of her father, she's learned that her husband, a soldier, has gone missing in Afganistan.

It's Christmas Eve, and her now-widowed mother, Elizabeth, has come for the holiday, along with Carla's brother.

Elizabeth has chosen tonight, of all nights, to relate a tale from her past that she's never spoken of. It's a tale of love, loss and profound hope. But will Carla be able to endure the telling?

It has been a joy to read this story, and I highly recommend it.

You can find it here:

The Gift by Lolli Powell

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Okay! These are not expensive in the least, they're quick and easy, and they're enjoyable. 

Read on!

Bye!

January 30, 2019
4:03 p.m.

I'm going to start this post off by plugging my own books. I almost never use this platform to do that, but I've decided that if I'm really going to do this, I am going to have to self-promote once in a while.

I have an author page on Amazon, where all my books can be found. I'm sometimes unable to believe I have something like this going on--writing was a dream of mine since childhood that I thought would never happen in real life, but here it is:

Paula's Amazon Author Page

My newest novella can be found there, and I really had fun designing the cover:

Honestly, cover design can be frustrating. For most of my books, I have used photos I took myself. The other two used stock photos, but I am in the process of designing new covers for those as well. I want my covers to be original and unique to my own works.

Up until now, I have used selfies for my author photos, but over the Christmas holiday, I had head shots taken, courtesy of my son and daughter-in-law. So we may see new back-cover designs on all my books soon, with nice new author photos. 

Four of my books follow a character who has regular conversations with deceased relatives who give her research material that lead to solving mysteries or just explaining inaccurate reporting regarding family history. The other two books have nothing to do with Emma at all.

Currently in the works: A sequel to the original Emma novel, the third novella in the Roger series (also Emma), and something completely different from any of the other books.

I also have an author page on Facebook, where you're as likely to get updates on baking cookies, snowfall and our little dog Molly as you are to get updates on my writing. 

Paula's Author Page on Facebook

Okay, that's enough plugging for now. Go visit my pages. Like and follow, please! Watch for deals! Buy a book or two. Thank you very much!

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It looks like we have a busy summer ahead of us. Two family reunions! I love reunions. I'm hoping both are well-attended this year. 

Two comic conventions, one in Denver and one in Salt Lake City, are on my radar. I absolutely must find the time for Denver. SLC is hopefully doable, too, but I won't die if I can't make that one. 

First, though, I have to finish up dental work and have a physical, which means at least two trips to Denver before the comic convention. 

I love to travel, but it is increasingly difficult for me to be away from my parents. I just stress out the whole time I'm not here. It's not like I don't have wonderful backup from my brothers and sisters, it's just that I'm somewhat of a control freak, I guess. 

Anyway, I will find a way to make all this work out. The reunions are easy, because they have to go, too. Ha ha!

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I am amazed in this moment that the dog has not interrupted my writing yet. For the past few weeks, every time I sit down at the keyboard, she begins to demand my full attention. This must be the optimal time of day to do it--she's taking a nap! And I think she does that every day around this time. Hmm, four-ish might have to be my new work time...

I'll let you know how that goes. She's a pup. She's not predictable. 

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Is it just me, or does everyone have that moment in the day when they realize that there's no actual dinner plan and nothing--NOTHING!--sounds good?

But, hey! I made ham and bean tostadas for lunch. That's a new one for me, and I've never heard of anyone else doing that. They were pretty tasty!

So now I am full of beans--literally--and dinner time is coming up pretty quickly. What to do, what to do?

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Oddly enough, I have done practically no reading the last couple of weeks. What is wrong with me?

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Okay, my peeps, it has been great, but now I really must fly upstairs and figure out what to feed the grownups.

Until we meet again!

Ta

January 18, 2019
12:42 p.m.

Well, I have been back in Wyoming for 16 days now, and I have spent a considerable amount of that time not feeling well.

Boo.

I flew back here from Denver on January 2nd. I went to the airport with a friend who was also flying out that day, and as he had only a small carry-on and was going somewhere entirely different than I, he was able to get through security quickly.

I, on the other hand, had a bag to check. The line was outrageously long, but moved along more quickly that you'd think possible due to the efficiency of the workers. Still, I was an hour just getting to the front of the line to check my bag and get a boarding pass, and then I still had to make my way through security.

I met my friend for breakfast, and then he left me to go catch his flight east.

I went to my own concourse area and began the job of waiting around. I was on a list for a possible second flight, and was wildly hoping that it wouldn't prove necessary to wait even longer. Luckily, I wasn't bumped! Whew!

Denver International Airport is ridiculously huge. A person could spend days there and not see it all, I'll bet. I've never made any attempt to see more than absolutely necessary--I would probably get lost.

Flights to Wyoming take off from far, far away from the main entrances. It is quite a walk from the underground train to the gates. Thank goodness for those wonderful moving walkways.

Going from a huge airport to the tiny Rock Springs, Wyoming airport is a bit of a shock. Not as much of a shock as going from Rock Springs to Denver, admittedly, but still, the difference is always a bit mind boggling.

I got off the plane, walked a few feet, went inside--and there I was. No walking, no underground train, no escalators. Just--there! And there was my brother, no searching required.

Ahhhh! After a long, long day at DIA, that was nice.

It is cold here. It has been cold all year!! Hahaha!

Anyway, I have had a dumb cold that started in Denver and has hung on ever since I got here. Hack and cough, so much fun.
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I am happy to report that Molly Mutt-Doggle missed me and was so excited to see me. That made me feel good.

This little dog is a joy to have around, but she is exactly like a toddler sometimes. She makes messes, wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to play, and creates chaos wherever she goes. She's so much fun.

I say she missed me, but I also have to admit that for the two weeks I was gone, I really missed her, too.
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4:53 p.m.

Quesadillas and chicken soup went over well with the parents today. I couldn't quite manage mine. I have been less than careful of my diet lately and the good old gastroparesis is reminding me that I can't do stupid things like that. I've been nauseated and headachy all day on top of the cold, so I feel a trifle grumpy at the moment.

I'm also in a week-long bout of insomnia. Whee!

I am FANTASTIC, oh boy.
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I'm kind of confused about book sales this week. I ran a special, a countdown, and reduced the price of my Kindle version on the newest book. I looked at sales after the special ended, and most of my sales were paperbacks at full price.

I'm not complaining, mind you. Hurray, and thanks to everyone who purchased. But, as I said, that confused me. Of course, I do understand that lots of people just prefer a real book to an e-book.

I sometimes feel like people don't see the sales until they're almost over, but I don't know how to get the information out in any more of a timely manner than posting and re-posting over and over all day long until people get sick of seeing my stuff.

Anyway, I am grateful for every sale, so thanks!

And, by the way, if you're interested, here is the link to my Amazon Author Page, where you can find all my books:

Paula's Author Page

I hope you'll check it out. It would be great if you'd give me a follow!
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Okay, I love you guys, but I'm sick. (Insert sad face here!) I'm going to go lay down and binge watch something and hopefully take a nap. (Yeah, right!)

I know I need to do some serious catching up. I will try!

Off to lots of blankets and fluids and stuff.

Ta!

January 1, 2019
8:30 p.m.

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.

Not really!

Luckily, I don't have too much more to do and I really will be ready.

It would be nice if I could see straight. I think I've overdone the cold medicine!

Flying out of Denver and back to Wyoming tomorrow. I hear it's cold out there.

So, I did accomplish a couple of things in 2018. I did a Goodreads challenge last year and read 62 books! I went a little crazy and decided to read a bunch of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books and stories. I read 20 of his books. Some were short story collections. Read some Stephen King and some autobiographies. But while doing this challenge I also did some reviews of books written by less known authors, and so I found some new authors to keep an eye on.

Along the way I published some stuff. That's always cool.

I went back and forth between Colorado and Wyoming a lot.

I did two comic book conventions, one in Denver and one in Salt Lake. Met VERY cool people.

Lots of family time. Always wonderful.

So 2018 wasn't a total bust!
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I gotta pack.

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2018
7:02 p.m.

Well, it is New Year's Eve, and true to form, I am sick as a dog. I make it a habit to be sick on at least one holiday a year, and it's generally either Christmas or New Year's.

I am hoping and praying this will run it's course quickly, because I don't want to fly while feeling this way, and I'm scheduled to leave on the 2nd day of the New Year.

Pooh.

Today has been cold and snowy. We didn't get a white Christmas, but New Year's is definitely white.
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It is New Year's Eve, and I will be spending it on the sofa, watching scary movies and drinking tea.
Sounds pretty good, right? Kids are out, all viewing choices are mine. Between the tea and the cold remedies, I will probably be asleep before the clock strikes 12.

I'm okay with that.
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I'm trying to hit a positive note, an "I'm grateful for" moment, but the truth is, this has not been a great year.

Certainly some good things happened. 365 straight days of suckiness is impossible, right?

So, let see...

Well, we didn't get any new HUMAN babies, but we did get Molly. She's our new baby, and we love her so much. She came along in time for a very nice family reunion in Colorado, and she was the belle of the ball. Not everyone made it to the reunion--Dad's sister was absent, but her sons both came, and that was wonderful. All his other siblings were there, and I am so grateful they got to see Dad earlier this year.

My Aunt and cousin came for a visit in September. As it turned out, that was to be her final journey, and she visited all her siblings, children and grandchildren on that trip. I know my mother will treasure those days she got to be with her sister. I do, too.

Mom replaced both knees and a hip this year, and her mobility is much better now. She's not back to 100%, but her healing is moving along well.

My nephew lived through a horrific accident and has recovered remarkably well.

I spent time with kids and grandkids, parents and siblings, and that time is priceless.

But I'm less than honest if I don't admit that 2018 has been a tough one.

I could make a list of the reasons why, but I won't. Suffice to say that I'm hopeful that things will be better in the next year.

And so, I bid you a Happy New Year, and I will make my way to the sofa with a cup of tea, a box of tissues and a blanket, to hopefully get scared silly by the play list I've selected to watch.

Those Grandchildren of mine! 

See you next year!