Brain Freeze!

 

February 2023 Blog

Cold Thought: A Haiku

There are those days that

Chill the mind as well as the

Body – this is one.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

(1/31/23)

 

There is ice over everything today and almost all over the whole of the United States. In Roswell, New Mecico, we have had a rather mild winter. February 1^st may be the worst of it.

My brain is frozen, too, and I can use only my inside voice. Which is not as free-wheeling as my outside voice writing in the sun and fresh air.

And, I have a deadline (self-imposed for sure), but I have promised to have “Raven’s Roost – A Sam Rock Novel” to my manuscript checker in early March and to my audio narrator this s\Spring.

So it’s coming (come hell-or-high-water) this Spring – my Sam Rock sequel. Yay! Just a few more chapters to finish off and preliminary editing and then off to the printer.

It has not been as prolific a winter as I had hoped, but I did discover some early poetry that is both free verse and rhymed (way before any thought of Haiku). I am seriously thinking of publishing a collection this summer – after a little editing, of course.

Me and mine have survived the winter well so far. No serious illnesses or injuries. I hope that you and yours have all fared as well. Although I know that a lot of the country had had far more brutal weather than we have had here.

I’m looking forward to Spring. I’m really hoping to revive my green thumb this Spring. I used to grow a lot of flowers, vegetables and even trees in California. But for some reason, not in Roswell. Seems I either over-water or under-water them here. Gotta get that straight this year. I want to have lots of flowers for the few bees and butterflies left in the area. Plus they are beautiful to gaze on as I’m writing.

As February is a short month, this will be another short blog post. I could beg off that I must go and write and finish up, but that’s what I said last month. I guess I could say that all my Haiku writing lately has shortened my attention span. Maybe getting back to some regular poetry will help me was more poetic again. I can hope anyway.

I am again looking forward to an entire month of writing. Again, it’s onward and upward.

Please, feel free to check out my eclectic selection of books on Amazon. The list will surely grow this year.

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

Until next month, read and write to your heart’s content, and remember we deserve to be much happier this year, and I’m still hoping we will be.

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements. They will surely be forthcoming this year.

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

It’s now February, the second month of 2023. Ten more months to look forward to. Let’s make it a great year.

 

 

 

 

 

Transition!

 

October 2022 Blog

Transition: A Haiku

“That I am” need not

Be. if I change the story

That I tell myself.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

(9/30/22)

 

To paraphrase Anderson Cooper on Stephen Colbert’s late night show: “You can change the story that you tell yourself”. Thank you, Mr. Cooper. Rearranging my story now.

“That I am” has not served me well lately. Need to rethink where I’m headed and head in a different direction. The last two years have just been devastating to so many of us in so many ways. I no longer feel the need to even list all that’s driven us to virtual distraction. Let’s just say our lives have been rearranged for us whether we wanted it or not. Time has come to take back what we can – to take control of those things dangling within our reach and set out again on our own path, believing that we can make our story go the way we want it to go.

Reminds me of what we authors do. We control our novels and their characters. We forge the story to go the way we want it to. Sure, sometimes they grab the reins and force their stories elsewhere...

But wait! Isn’t that what we must do with our own lives now?

Mine, anyway, needs an overhaul. I need better organization and better follow-through – starting with “a place for everything and everything in its place”. That way, when I get around to tackling a project, I’ll have everything I need right where I need it and won’t have to spend valuable time searching for stuff – a definite waste of time.

Starting and stopping projects hasn’t served me well either. Taking too long to restart the project means I often have to “reinvent the wheel” and backtrack before I can move forward – another time waster.

I probably should limit my computer time also. I have a tendency to get caught up in Twitter and solitaire and jigsaw puzzles. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re hyper-focused on those things.

I consider Twitter my window on the world right now, so I probably won’t cut back much on that. However, the solitaire and jigsaws may demand some kind of time limit. I should start setting my timer for fifteen minutes or so, so I don’t find myself glued to the chair an hour later, having spent time that could have been better spent sparring with my characters and recording their stories for posterity.

What a great idea! I can rearrange my story in order to tell their stories! That’s the spirit! Pumping myself up now. I’ve spent way too much time being down in the dumps. I’m smiling a little bit now. Thank you again, Anderson Cooper for your enlightening take on chaning our own stories and living our lives as we want them to be.

What an amazing concept! Building enthusiasm now – and energy. Hope it lasts longer than most of my bright ideas. But then it wasn’t my idea, was it? It was Anderson Cooper’s.

If I can make it work, I’ll be releasing my Sam Rock sequel in time for Christmas, along with Steve Hamm’s brilliant audio version of my paranormal western, “Black Oak: Town of Joy”.

In the meantime, I’m jumping back on the “Fly Lady” band wagon this month to get rid of my paper clutter. Really need to cut down on the boxes and boxes of paper stuff I’ve always thought I needed to keep. Less stuff means other stuff is less likely to get lost and force more downtime searching for stuff. Love that word “stuff”! It’s so much better than the word it replaces: “sh*t”, you know.

Well all of this will start tomorrow. Tonight starts the “Svegoolie” month of horror. Gonna love every minute of it! Oh, and then there’s the season premeire of SNL – Gonna love that, too.

If you care to check out some more horrific stuff, feel free to check out my eclectic selection of books on Amazon. There may be something there to terrorize you.

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

Until next month, read and write to your heart’s content and see if you need to alter your own story. There will never be a better time.

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements. They will be forthcoming:

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

It’s now October and the world is cooling off. Unfortunately, its weather is most unruly. Praying for all those affected by the storms. May be a good time to check out: “Global Warning: Climate in Crisis” available from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KWQ6SHK/

 

 

 

Will She or Won’t She?

 

July 2021 Blog

Insurmountable: A Haiku

I have hit that wall

Over which I cannot climb,

Yet I keep trying.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

 

Does that make me noble, hopeless or just plain stupid?  As July starts on a rainy note (It’s actually Monsoon Season), I’m vacillating between “hanging it up” or “hanging in there”.

I’m suffering from a really bad case of Writer’s Block. Except for the blog and my daily Haiku, I haven’t made any progress in more than two months.

Sam Rock is not pleased. He wants his new adventures with Marie Delacroix to be published and soon. The natives of Acqueria are anxious to get their early story out there also. And there’s always Eldreth lurking in the shadows wondering why his story isn’t finished.

My muse sits and sulks. She wants us to go outside and write, but we can’t. It’s been too hot (well over 100°F) for most of the month or (lately) raining day and night. She says it’s no excuse, but she knows my inside voice is hampered by the slightest distractions.

And there are plenty of those: the computer, the TV and all the housework and organizing  that screams to be done.

It would be so easy to just hang it up and not make the effort, but I’m not sure the other stuff would get done anyway. And I certainly wouldn’t be any happier.

In fact, I’m happiest when I’m writing , so I guess I owe it to myself to keep at it. There’s always the chance my muse and I will connect, and the words will flow.

My not writing would not lead to a happy me.

This will be the shortest blog I have ever posted, but it’s a compromise with my muse. The alternative would be no blog at all this month, and I’ve posted faithfully since January 1, 2017. I don’t want to break my streak, Hoping for more and better news to report next month. Until then – keep the faith and keep well. Try to stay cool. That’s been difficult in our neck of the woods where the temperature having been north of 100 F° for a while now.

June has been brutal. July promises to be no less. Let’s hope August cools down, but I’m not holding my breath.

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements:

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

Also, please feel free to visit me at my Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

 

 

 

 

Raining on My Own Parade

 

June 2021 Blog

Brass Ring: A Haiku

Happiness is a

Lifelong pursuit without a

Lifetime guarantee.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

 

I have never been a happy-go-lucky person, but I’d like to think I have had some fun in my life. Lately, it seems, “I’m getting too old for this sh*t” has become my theme song.

I am sitting out in the sunshine between storms writing this. The sun’s warmth feels wonderful, but the re-gathering clouds loom ominously. Kind of like a metaphor for my life now.

Truly, I feel I am in a race against time to pour my remaining words out into the ether. And I seem to be losing that race.

I have no one to blame but myself. I just don’t seem to be up to the challenge anymore. “That which needs to be done” always seems better done tomorrow than today, even though I realize tomorrow is not a given and today needs to better embraced.

But then, this has been my theme for quite a while, hasn’t it? I’m beginning to wonder if I can change. Perhaps I’m afraid the if I complete things (or even a thing)  that will be the end. Foolish,for sure, but still within the realm of real truth.

I’d like to prove myself wrong about this. If for no other reason, than I am happiest when I am in that world of words and nothing else can penetrate – no undone task, no upcoming responsibility, no worry, no care...

See? There I go happily into that world, even with the clouds looming. Wouldn’t even care if I got rained on right now. (Okay, getting wet would not be a real great idea.)

Seems rain has become a theme lately. Besides posting that lead-in Haiku on Twitter the other day, I also recently posted:

Cloud Burst: A Haiku

It rained upon my

Parade of words today; they

Lie in turgid pool.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

 

Guess I’m really not fond of storms and wet weather, even though any moisture  is appreciated when you’ve lived in drought conditions for so long.

But enough about today’s flood in my front and back yard. Let’s talk about the torrent of words not flowing from my drought-stricken mind.

I keep thinking that maybe if I didn’t have so much to do (actually no more than anyone else) and less stuff to worry about (actually have less than a lot of people), I could concentrate more on my writing.

Well, that seems like a no-brainer. Did I mention interruptions? Someone just dropped a text message on my phone. Now I get to worry about who and what the message is. I can’t stop and check right now, because I‘m outside. I also can’t see my screen when I’m outside, but I don’t want to stop and go inside, let my eyes adjust to the dark and either check the message or lose it as I do frequently, and this isn’t even a Smartphone.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, the year is almost half over, and it has pretty much gone the way of the last one. I  pretty much still don’t get out much and don’t get anything done.

Every time I sit down to write or edit, I have to re-gather my papers and my thoughts. It’s far too long between sessions. It’s a good thing the I have a running synopsis now of what I have already written, so I don’t have to go back over the whole manuscript. But every such stop and start is time-consuming and not the best use of the time yet allotted to me.

I’m happy that Steve Hamm is now narrating my first “Black Oak” novel, so I have that release to look forward to. But any other releases are strictly up to me, and so is the advertising campaign I need to start working on.

I need more reviews for my books on Amazon, so I’m going to be heavily promoting that in June. Any of my readers, who have enjoyed my books, if you can, please post a review to Amazon. People do tend to pay attention to those, and I could certainly use a boost – you know –  like the Experian Cow on TV – BOOOOST!

Okay, I’m smiling now and the sun is still shining . I guess I’ll wrap this up before my parade gets rained on again and go and check that message I got.

Have a great June! See you again come July!

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements:

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

Also, please feel free to visit me at my Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

 

Spring Springs

 

April 2021 Blog

Well that worked!

 

My Choice: A Haiku

This day, to do as

I choose, is a rarity;

I choose to enjoy.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

 

One of those rare days I can do what I please. It pleases me. So, I’m writing this blog to announce the arrival of my newest Audible.com book, “The Seasons of Sam Rock”, narrated by the multi-talented Steven P. Hamm. A man who could easily be Sam Rock if this book were to me made into a movie.

It’s been a long journey and a steep learning curve for us both, but now; “It’s Alive!” (One of my favorite lines from the old Frankenstein movie.) Check it out: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Seasons-of-Sam-Rock-Audiobook/B08ZGV8VQF

     The only thing I’m not fond of with the coming of Spring is the “change”. (You know the one I’m talking about). Actually it happened the Sunday before Spring started, and I will miss that hour’s sleep until late Fall when we change back.

Every year there is talk about abolishing Daylight Savings Time, and every year the  motion falls by the wayside. I’m not in favor of DST. When I lived in Arizona, we didn’t change, and we survived just fine. Of course, in places like Phoenix, with days of 115° F you’d rather not save the daylight. The people navigate just fine in the cooler darkness.

But it is what it is, and we deal with it. I’ll just keep saying “But it’s only...” for a while until I get over it.

Spring also means new growth. I might even try to grow something this year, even though we are still in the midst of a drought. Surely a few herbs and flowers won’t soak up too much precious water. I’ve pretty much given up on grass. I think the gardener sprayed to kill off the mustard grass last year and killed everything else in the yard as well. So now we have a layer of dust blowing around the yard and nothing else.

Not only is it depressing to look at, it’s not good for the wiener dogs to breathe – or for us for that matter. Allergies are already getting bad this year.

The vultures came back to Roswell last month, and the parade of the smaller birds at our feeders has grown. I love to sit and watch their antics. I’ve learned so much in the past year. I know when they start making “kissy face” noises and bobbing their tails up and down it’s mating season. I know doves are not peaceful. They argue among themselves and others.  I know that male grackles feed their young – and way past the time they could fend for themselves. And if grackles peck long enough, they can break pecan shells open and eat the insides.

I love that I can sit there and watch their antics, and they don’t even pay any attention to me anymore, unless I make noise shuffling my papers or move around too much. Otherwise, we both just go about our business.

I’m afraid the squirrels have left the area or died out over the winter (although it was not a harsh winter). I’m not sure what has happened to them. We used to have as many as five at a time cavorting up and down the pecan tree. Lately, I’ve seen only one, and that one not at all in the last week or so. They will be missed.

I’m waiting for the hummingbirds to come back. There’s usually two or three that come through here when it turns warm, and they stay for most of the Summer. I try to keep a feeder with nectar filled for them. They are fascinating to watch and are very territorial. They tend to chase one another away from the feeder whether they are hungry or not.

Spring also means I can sit outside and write, so I should finish my WIPs in short order, barring other disruptions or demands on my time. I have high hopes anyway.

I’m two-thirds done with “The Secret of Raven’s Roost” which is still a working title. Also considering ”Return to Raven’s Roost”. Whatever I end up calling it, it will have “Raven’s Roost” in it.

Okay, my day is complete, I just saw my first ladybug in all the years I’ve been here. (about ten now) so I’m now sure this will be a good year.

On that note, I’ll wrap it up and let my dear husband type this. I’ll edit it tomorrow and post it on the 1^st of April.

Happy Spring, everyone.

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements:

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

Until next time, let us read and write to our heart’s content, all the while looking forward to enjoying our lives even more in the coming months. Let’s keep the faith.

Hard to believe that I have eleven books published, All are available on Amazon for your pleasure.

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

I am so happy. This just popped up in my Twitter feed today: https://twitter.com/AuthorShout/status/1377582577930940420

 

 

 

 

 

Unfond Farewell

 

December 2020 Blog

Not sorry to see 2020 go. In fact, good riddance, bad rubbish.

 

Unfond Farewell: A Haiku

One useless, cruel year

Coming to its end. Hope the

New Year brings better.

by Ann Wilmer-Lasky

 

Not given eternity, I have but the rest of my life to get things done. So I’m putting all my eggs in next year’s basket.

I am sitting outside again, smiling at my platitudes. Hey, at least it’s a reason to smile. This has been one unbelievable year. It’s not like any other in my lifetime and I’ve lived a long, long life.

I would take a deep breath and shake this year off as December’s passing brings it to a close, but it’s not safe to take a deep breath. It may not be safe to do so for a long time yet.

I’m betting a lot of us will be happy to see this year go away and take its nightmares with it. We’re for sure hoping 2021 will restore our health, our outlook and our sanity. I’m not certain I could stand another year like 2020 has been.

So, I’m spending December planning for the future. During November’s NaNoWriMo, I wrote most of the sequel to the “Seasons of Sam Rock”, tentatively titled “Ravens’ Roost”. I may finish it in December, or I may just work on a myriad other things that need doing sooner rather than later.

I’m also hoping for the freedom to go places and do things outside the house besides grocery shopping and doctors’ appointments. Maybe even have access to a viable vaccine that may end at least part of the nightmare that is 2020. And it really would be nice to go somewhere without donning a mask and gloves.

With 2020 behind me, I’d like to embark on a new and more productive cycle of writing, editing, publishing and marketing. I may spend part of December planning for that. It’s hard to keep to a schedule if you don’t make one first.

I am thinking of publishing at least three novels, two or three new Haiku chapbooks and lots of audio book releases from my print and ebook back catalog.

First novel, of course, will be the “Seasons of Sam Rock” sequel. Then, probably “The  Early Years” prequel to the “The Chronicles of Acqueria”. Not sure what will follow that,

Then I have another full chapbook of Haiku for a “Global Warning” sequel, and I’ve been collecting Haiku for a chapbook on my personal outlook on life. (Not sure that won’t be mostly depressing.)

I’ve been promised the completion of my “Seasons of Sam Rock” audio book for Christmas. It will join the already available “       The Cottage”. Also looking forward to putting the “Aurora UFO Incident” out there and maybe the “Black Oak” series.

I might even make the “The Castleweaver” poetry series available in audio, I’ve been trying for a couple of years to figure out how to  make an ebook version available. It’s rather difficult considering all the artwork involved. But it should be doable. I’ll have to keep studying that.

So, there’s plenty to do in 2021, assuming we can successfully get  past 2020. I hope my faithful readers and fellow writers can look forward to a good new year as well.

I, for one, will ring in the new year joyfully, after burying 2020 somewhere in a landfill, where it belongs.

If you’re still looking for books for gifts, all mine are available on Amazon for your gifting pleasure.

https://www.amazon.com/author/annwilmerlasky

Until next time, read and write to your heart’s content. It will help pass the lonely hours of isolation and quarantine.

As always, I welcome your reactions and responses to any of my blogs. I love to hear from my readers. Also, here are links to my Twitter and Facebook accounts, if you care to share your thoughts with me there or look for my publication announcements:

https://twitter.com/awlasky

https://www.facebook.com/ann.wilmerlasky

Hopefully, this month we may enjoy some holiday festivities and next month will find us able to enjoy our lives even more. Let’s keep the faith.