Tag: self-publishing

Thursday Thoughts ~ June 26, 2025

~ GrayMareWrites ~ 1 Comment

It’s Thursday at the newly painted Casa Carter!

Took a quick trip to Knott’s Berry Farm today. Did I mention that The Husband worked there as a performer for 39 years, recently retired, and we have lifetime passes with free parking? It’s about a half hour away, so it’s an easy drive. We sometimes go straight to the bakery and get turkey and cheese croissants. Yum! Then we walk the perimeter of the park to get in 6000 to 7000 steps. Along the way, we always run into friends and guests who want to say Hi to Cannonball (his stage name).

Here’s The Husband, being silly.

Me, with Snoopy and Charlie Brown.  Isn’t this the cutest image of Snoopy you’ve ever seen?!

Continue reading “Thursday Thoughts ~ June 26, 2025” →

Thursday Thoughts ~ May 22, 2025

~ GrayMareWrites ~ Leave a comment

I need to make better use of this blog. Besides the fact that I pay for it every year, I’m gearing up to publish my first book (!), a cozy mystery, and 1) I need to stay accountable and 2) I want to take you along on my self-publishing journey. There’ll be challenges, learning curves and it’ll probably get pretty sweary!

So, every Thursday, like I did three years ago… I’m going to write about what I’m enjoying, progress I’m making on my cozy mystery, maybe a rant or two… Just whatever life’s throwing at me and what I’m throwing back.

Here goes:

Our Evil HOA is making us paint our house. The cost is heart-thuddingly high but since we may be (or may not be, who can tell what the future holds…) aging in place here, we have to do the upkeep according to the bylaws. My advice—never NEVER live in a place with a Home Owners Association.

Last Saturday was my late mom’s birthday. Every year, we celebrate her day by having lunch at an Italian restaurant, Graziano’s in Yorba Linda. It’s a family run place with authentic tasting food. So good! Chef’s kiss!

Continue reading “Thursday Thoughts ~ May 22, 2025” →

Leaps of Faith

~ GrayMareWrites ~ 1 Comment

You know I’m a signs and woo woo kind of girl, right? 

I’ve been working from home the past two years and three months, after four years of a long, stressful Southern California commute.  I decided that my sign to quit this job would be the call back to the office.  Since I’m over 65, I was considered an exception when the call back came earlier this year for most everyone else.  I thought I ‘d be safe until the pandemic is eventually downgraded.  So, I was a little surprised when I was told my accommodation is no longer being honored and I needed to come back at least two days a week.  True to my own word, I put in a month’s notice last week.

Me in 2004 with Thomas Blackshear’s Leap of Faith sculpture.  I’ve kept this picture in my wallet all this time!
Continue reading “Leaps of Faith” →