Tag Archives: sci-fi

Slow recovery

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I came down with a cold a week ago, and it became one of the worst colds I can remember. No fever, or chills. But a total wipeout in terms of energy, and a cough that won’t quit, no matter what I use to treat it with.

Meanwhile, my job is to keep writing my new novel. 🙂

Don’t you love it? This new book is about some of the creeks up the coast of Vancouver Island. They have names like — Cat’s Ear, Sir Donald, Dead Man, Perseverance. I’m not sure who came up with these names, but they have really drawn me in. Now I have to come up with a story about them.

Fun, eh?

Happy New Year

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I just wanted to take the time to wish you all the best for 2023. We are heading into a brand new year and all things are possible. I spent part of the last day of 2022 going through what I had accomplished throughout the year. The list was good, it buoyed me up to read it.

Then I turned a page and tried to list all that I hope to accomplish and finish in the new year of 2023. That list was no longer, but contained a few things that had been on last year’s list but never got complete. I’m okay with that. I feel I gave it my best effort, so if a few things fell off the table, I’ll just give it another try this coming year.

We went with our daughter and two grandsons, aged 5 and 8, to see the light show at the world famous Butchart Gardens for New Year’s Eve. Here are a couple of photos from our visit.

Lights that look like butterfly wings in the dark
Trees captured by the lights.

What did you do for New Year’s Eve?

Big Rocks

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I found this post from Terry Odell posted on The Kill Zone and it really spoke to me. Have a look-–

A high school science teacher wanted to demonstrate a concept to his students. He takes a large-mouth jar and places several large rocks in it. He then asks the class, “Is it full?”

Unanimously, the class replies, “Yes!”

The teacher then takes a bucket of gravel and pours it into the jar. The small rocks settle into the spaces between the big rocks.

He then asks the class, “Is it full?”

This time there are some students holding back, but most reply, “Yes!” The teacher then produces a large can of sand and proceeds to pour it into the jar. The sand fills up the spaces between the gravel.

For the third time, the teacher asks, “Is it full?”

Most of the students are wary of answering, but again, many reply, “Yes!”

Then the teacher brings out a pitcher of water and pours it into the jar. The water saturates the sand. At this point, the teacher asks the class, “What is the point of this demonstration?”

One bright young student raises his hand and then responds, “No matter how full one’s schedule is in life, he can always squeeze in more things!”

“No,” replies the teacher, “The point is that unless you first place the big rocks into the jar, you are never going to get them in. The big rocks are the important things in your life …your family, your friends, your personal growth. If you fill your life with small things, as demonstrated by the gravel, the sand, and the water…you will never have the time for the important things.

So, what are the “Big Rocks” in your life? Spending time with your children, your parents or your spouse? Taking the seminar or class to get the information and perspective you need to succeed? Making the time to set goals, plan or evaluate your progress? When you are hassled because there is no time, remember the story about the Big Rocks and the Jar!”

— Author Unknown

Cover reveal – Aqatain, the Prequel

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Prequel to The Last War series

A stunning prequel to the popular Last War series from best-selling author Sylvie Grayson.

Second waited years to take his father’s place as Emperor. Now he’ll rule the territories his way, with an iron fist. He has a son with his mistress. A son with his wife. His own hareem, and his own army. He can do anything he wants.

Then he encounters Jenna, a counsellor’s daughter, and immediately falls into lust. Why can’t he have her, too? After all, he’s the Emperor. But General Romero Regiment spotted Jenna at the same time, and determines to pursue his interest. Jenna, however, has plans of her own. She meets Sergeant Ryall Norcross of the empire military and the two fall in love. With determination, Norcross sets out to make her his own. He soon finds himself in opposition to his own commanding officer, and the supreme ruler of the Empire.

Second has a bevy of counsellors to obey his orders and help manage the empire, none of whom dare to question his demands. So as he sets out to capture Jenna, what could possibly go wrong? Yet, when rebellion arises south of Headquarters, his rage knows no limits. As the insurgency gains support throughout the Empire, it swiftly heads out of control. Second has to set aside his pleasures and lead his military into war. Will he be able to save the Empire, or is it already too late?

COMING SOON

Did You Go to the Fall Fair?

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If there is a fall fair near you, I highly recommend you go. It’s outdoors, so safer from Covid, the weather could turn to autumn at any time but right now it’s probably not as hot as it was, the animal pens are so much fun. And the food! Elephant ears, anyone? Plus handicrafts everywhere.

We went to the Saanich Fair on Vancouver Island yesterday. It is one of the longest running fairs, dating back 154 years. The local farmers all participate– draught horses, cows, llamas, goats, sheep, poultry of every kind from tiny quail to large crowing roosters! It was quite a sight.

Chainsaw carver creating an eagle from a chunk of cedar.

There were thousands of people. The rides ranged from a giant swing that would probably make me puke if I went on it, to cute bumper cars and ‘the sizzler’- seats that twirl round and round as they swing by. The craft tables hosted a lot of handmade shawls and scarves of angora. Some of that wool was so soft, you couldn’t even tell you were touching it.

Lots of fun. What fair do you go to? The summer isn’t officially over until you’ve been to the local fair!