Can you smell the coffee? No That’s because Vince was gone and I had green tea instead. But today he’s back, and the smell is enticing.
Sharing this with Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share. Go to Scotland with her on her blog. 🙂
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My copies of the paperback edition of Story Chat came yesterday. The book is not only fun to read, but it’s beautiful. Thanks again, Colleen and her Unicorn Cats.
I am presenting the books at a Kiwanis meeting on January 14th. I’m so excited to see people and have a chance to deliver some books.
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Besides waiting for things to be delivered and shopping for Christmas and birthdays, I was going to say that our lives are routine. That would be a lie. Last weekend Vince flew back to Prescott. It took about 8 hours of travel time to and from airports with wait time included. He’s decided that he will drive next time.
The sad news was that he didn’t find my hard drive with all my pictures backed up on Lightroom. I still have the unprocessed pictures saved in iPhotos for the most part. I’m missing some of my ancient family photos that I spent hours scanning a couple of years ago. But all I’ve lost is my time at this point. The documents, I’m not sure which ones I have and which ones are still on One Drive. But in how many places can a hard drive hide????
Vince’s main reason for going back was to be with the workers that enclosed our patio turning it into a catio. He also brought my other wig. I feel like Dolly Parton with two wigs. 🙂
He will go back in a few weeks to enclose that space above the door with a screen. We were super anxious to get this room finished before we brought the animals back. One of our neighbors’ dogs was killed by a coyote or bobcat last week. You can’t take them out after dark or ever leave them alone, even in a fenced backyard.
As you can see, that tiny area on the side of our condo is our “yard,” along with a front space about half that length and almost the same width. None of it is fenced, so we take Goldie out with much trepidation if she has to go out after dark. It is very hard during the winter. We will have to equip the catio with a doggie potty area somehow, too.
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While he was gone, we had a fire in our mobile home park. It only took a few minutes from seeing a little smoke to seeing flames shooting out of the room. The Visalia Fire Department was there before I got off the phone with the dispatcher. They worked for several hours. Neighbors came by and offered to help, but there wasn’t too much we could do at the moment.
Please pray for this family who lost just about everything right before Christmas. The young man I talked to was Fernando. No one was hurt, including the dog. The vehicles were also safe. Fortunately, they have insurance.
Story Chat Instagram Ad Designed by Colleen Chesebro
Read it on Kindle or paperback today. Kindle Unlimited is free to you and provides credit to us for each page read.
Meet the Book Tour Hosts
Today, I want to highlight Diana Peach and Doug Jacquier. Both of these authors host a couple of blogs, so I’ll start with Diana.
The link I have goes right to her post, “Why We Can’t See Our Tpyos,” (love the title, and didn’t see the error at first) on her Story Empire site, where she writes with eleven other authors and bloggers. I have read books written by all of these authors, and they are a very talented group. Together, they wrote a series called the Harbor Point Series. If the book covers don’t intrigue you, the subject matter will.
The books were set in different time periods and featured different guests and, for the most part, one or more of the family owners. Diana’s book appealed to me because of the extremely dangerous nature of the time periods she chose and the fact that travel between them would cost lives.
Diana has written more books than I can list in one post. Here is a link to one of her latest posts on her blog, Myths of the Mirror, about her newest book, Tale of Season’s Weaver, available January 2. She makes excellent trailers, as well as writing great books. You will love her story, “The Grand Adventure,” in Story Chat Volume II, about a ninety-three-year-old woman and her friend, Molly, out for an adventure in a row boat.
Miss Marsh let me sit in the front. “You shall have the best view, Molly, but you must keep an eye open for rocks, crocodiles, and waterfalls.”
I wanted to laugh and tell her there were no crocodiles in England.
Diana also contributed to the Tips portion of Story Chat Volume II about writing from different points of view. Please give her blogs and her books a look, and don’t forget her story in Story Chat Volume II.
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Doug is a prolific writer who hosts , Six Crooked Highways. He has been writing episodically since his teenage years but only started writing seriously when he retired from work as Vice-President (Asia-Pacific) for TechSoup Global, a US technology charity, in 2014.
This is a teaser for one of Doug’s short stories that wasn’t published online.
“Harley had become stupendously rich (as in Gates, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and the like being minor players). His wealth derived from what others threw away. He had invented technology that mined dump sites for plastic and then re-constituted it as oil, a process that no one to date had been able to replicate, giving him an oil market share that rivalled OPEC.”
You will be astounded at what Harley built out of his newest collection of trash. The ending will definitely make you smile.
He is Australian and works from the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. He has hundreds of published short stories and poems scattered through over 90 journals. He written two books Raving and Writing and On the Verge of Extinction, which I haven’t read yet. and has also gathered together a humorous book full of humorous short stories, Witcraft 24.
Look for more blog tour host features with each post! Thank you all so much! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU so much for reading this post, and, of course, Story Chat Volume II.
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Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
New Reviews on Amazon – Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Will your review be featured next?
Exciting Story Chat Volume II Video
Thanks for all your input and ideas. I hope you enjoy the video. It’s peppy! This is the third version, and we have 11 views so far, added to the previous trial videos makes about 65.
Our video from Volume I is still up and getting views. My goal was 100 views, and it has 99, so please help me meet my video goal this week. If you purchase a book or two, that would be even more awesome.
Email me at alwayswrite01@gmail.com if you want to be part of this exciting tour or submit a story for Story Chat Digest 2025.
Follow me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/tc_history_gal/
Lots of love to all! Hope you have a wonderful week.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
57 responses to “Celebrating a Delivery Before Christmas Over a Cuppa”
I enjoyed the update Marsha. So scary about the fire but so glad no one was hurt. Hopefully you are able to find your hard drive at some point. Congrats on the book!!!
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Thanks, Kirstin! I hope I find it, too. It didn’t make it to this house. I saw that we got a Christmas card at the other house. 🙂 xxxxx Happy belated Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
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Congratulations on the book! Goldie is a cutie. Have a Merry Christmas. -Pam
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Thanks, Pam. She is a cutie. We rescued her about six months ago. 🙂 xxx
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Marsha, that is terrifying about your neighbours dog. I would also want a fence, a big stick, and a noisemaker for being outside in the evenings. The fire is sad, too. Sending prayers to everyone.
The book covers are amazing. The black, white, and grey tones are so power with the coloured titles.
Happy holidays, Marsha.
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Thanks Shari. It is terrifying. Much of Arizona is like that, but being in the mountains at over 5,000 feet, the incidents are more frequent. We are in their space. I think the neighbor had a fence around his yard, but a coyote could jump right over it. That’s why we built our catio out of our patio. The window areas are enclosed with steel mesh that even a mountain lion can’t tear through. It’s not very grassy in there, though.
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Wow, Marsha. The mountains are beautiful, but those little tweaks to the way we live are definitely necessary.
Happy Sunday.
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Same to you, dear Shari. 🙂 xxx
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I’m sorry the harddrive is still missing, Marsha. I wonder where it is? Next time, stick one of those Apple Air Tags on it, then you’ll always know where it is. We do that with our house and car keys. The air tags were a great buy. Maybe it’s still not too late to ask Santa for one?
I got my paperback copy of Story Chat. It’s sat on my desk awaiting me to pick it up and start writing my blog post. I’ll certainly get to it after the holidays. Is it OK to use some of your images (like the ‘Available on Amazon’) on my post?
I love the photo of you with Goldie and the books. Your smile would lighten up any room. Your Christmas tree looks very festive, too.
Wishing Vince, Goldie, you and your family a Merry Christmas.
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Of course, Hugh. You are welcome to use any photos you want. Thank you for your kind words. I am hoping that when I go back I will have more luck finding it than Vince has had. He can’t see the butter when it’s right in front of him. We both have our moments like that, but I am usually the better hunter.
I hope you love your book. I am super proud of it. Colleen did a much better job than Amazon did, and she is so responsive. I will use her again. I’m hoping to finish a book of poetry by the end of January.
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Marsha, you’re so creative with the two videos. I watched them both. I hope you find your hard drive and the family who had the fire is OK. Thank you for the mention and your weekend coffee share. I’ll be hosting a link-up on Dec 27. If you have time, feel free to join in. Happy Christmas to you and Vince!
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Thanks, Natalie, I will join you unless I fall into a cavern. 🙂 xxx
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So informative. And, you with the long hair wig. Wowee. Are you supposed to come out Sunday aft., or is that just wishful thinking? I haven’t had pizza in ages. How about you?
Ouch about the fire. A lot of drama for the short time you’ve been there. I hope they have relatives and are connected with a church family. What caused it?
M
>
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They think electric wiring caused it, possibly rodents.
Vince brought out my fancy long hair. He doesn’t like it as well as my other one, and it is not as easy to manage, but I like it.
We are going to church in Exeter with Jean and Kelly, so will probably go somewhere afterwards for lunch. I didn’t write down in my calendar, I’ll see what Vince says. He might want a game of May I afterwards. I’ll call you later.
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Beautiful picture of you and the books! I love your hair (even if it might be a wig). It suits you so well.
Coyotes or bobcats – that’s scary and would worry me, too. I was sorry to read about the family and the fire. Will pray for them.
Merry Christmas, Marsha!
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Thanks, Maddie. The family is doing okay. Family members and the insurance company has stepped up. I talked to Ferny today. It’s always hard, but all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. Some things can be a blessing in disguise.
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So fun to have all of your books to share looking sassy with your new dew soooooo cute and youthful, Marsha! So sorry about the fam and TG no one was hurt,
Wonderful shout outs to wonderful people that contribute so much and wonderful reviews too!!! xo 😘
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Thanks Cindy. I have such fabulous people to shout out!
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I can imagine it taking such a long time to fly, what with being there early and all the waiting around. A road trip sounds like a good alternative. Glad Vince is back to make you delicious coffee. 🙂
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I am spoiled, am I not? No, don’t answer that. You know me too well! 🙂 xxxx
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Wonderful Smile Marsha, and congrats upon the book…. 🙂 Sending you lots of love and well wishes for a beautiful peaceful Christmas and a very Happy Healthy New Year and beyond…. 💖🙏
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Thank you, Sue. You are a Dream walker! 🙂 xxx Have a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous 2025 as well. I’m hoping for a continued cancer-free 2025! 🙂
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Yeah…… I will drink to that Marsha… Sending lots of love xx ❤
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And lots of love right back! 🙂 🎄🎄🤶😻
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💖
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wow I would never have thought it would take that long to fly.But I could see how driving would be more convenient.
sending love to your neighbors, and where would that hard drive be? It’s probably hiding with the microphone that I couldn’t find for a while. Hahaha
xoox
jodie
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Ah ha, your microphone was the culprit! Bad Mike! Most of the flying time is waiting after he dropped off the car, driving to and from the airport, and staying at a hotel overnight. Driving is more convenient, for sure, and you don’t have to wait, just drive! 🙂 xxx
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Oh my goodness, I love your long hair! I need a wig. LOL! I’m so glad you weren’t involved in the fire. That is so scary! It looks like you guys are doing well. Happy Christmas, my friend. I love that you’re sharing the reviews. LOL! 😂
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Hi Marsha, glad to see you’re doing well! I haven’t dive into the book yet and plan to do it next week during my Christmas break from work. We are going to have some nasty weather ahead so it’s great to have something to do at home. 🙂
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I was just thinking about you because I hadn’t heard from you in a while. Hope you are doing well. I went to see Wicked this afternoon. I loved it. Have you seen it? I’m glad you’re getting some time off work. I know you’re going to love the book. It turned out so well. 🙂 xxx
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No, I haven’t see that movie yet. I’m not big on movie watching these days, I’m mostly sticking to TV series, mostly the ones from the last decade. I find those to be much more watchable than anything from this decade.
I’m glad there’s a such thing as “holiday shut down” at my work where everyone is off between Christmas and the New Year. It’s one of the good things that actually came out of the pandemic.
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That is good. We had holiday shut down as teachers, but other organizations didn’t have that. I’m glad. Talk to you soon, my friend. 🙂 xxx
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Most organizations don’t have holiday shut downs. I guess it’s why the company I work for is consistently being named “best place to work”. 🙂
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Kudos for you, my friend. You’ve done well. xxx
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Thank you.
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xxx
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You look just as fabulous as Dolly, darlin! Computers can be a nightmare, especially if like me you’re very ignorant of how it all works. I hope you find your photos. Meanwhile, congrats on a year of achievements and here’s to a healthy, happy 2025!
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Thank you, dear Jo! Computers are a nightmare, but how would we live without them. I wouldn’t even know you if I didn’t have a computer. It’s worth all the struggle to have that privilege!
Thanks for the compliments! I don’t know if I can ever go back to just wearing my real hair again. These wigs look so much better. Now my husband wants one that is an in-between length, haha. Better save my pennies!
Have a wonderful holiday season! Love you much! xxxxxxxxxxx
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You look fabulous my friend. I hope the hard drive is found safe soon. Thanks for the intro to Diana’s work.
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Thank you, dear Sadje. I may never go back to my real hair again, LOL! You are welcome for the intro. I’m following Cindy’s lead in featuring all those who host a book tour and share a review on Amazon. Everything takes people’s time, I’m not posting enough to get the reviews done fast enough. She added a ton of reviews to her post today, and I have no idea how she fits in so much reading and writing into her already busy schedule!
Have a wonderful day, dear friend. I hope you enjoy all the holidays. 🙂 xxxxxxxxxx
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Thank you so much dear friend. Best wishes for you and your family.
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xxxxx You too, Sadje.
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Thank you so much 😊
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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❤️❤️❤️
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I don’t blame Vince for deciding to drive next time. We often find that (at a certain miles distance), the time required (often with a super early wakeup) and hassle of flying just isn’t worth it.
So exciting to see you with the printed copies… what a nice holiday treat. You look fabulous in your wig! Fingers crossed that you will find your thumb drive. Just make sure you don’t throw anything out before examining thoroughly.
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I was super excited to see how beautiful it looked. Colleen made the quotes really stand out this time. I’m thrilled that we are starting to get some reviews, too! That makes it super exciting.
I’ll be driving back to CA separately from Vince to take his sister home. That will give me a chance to look for it there. There aren’t too many places it can hide here! I can’t imagine that it could even get lost!
Are you all ready for Christmas? I just got cards yesterday, so I’ll be busy today! Have a wonderful holiday season! 🙂 xxxxxxxx
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Sounds like Vince had quite a time. 😖. I’m looking forward to seeing your redone place when you get back to Arizona.
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He is coming back to finish it up next month, and bring Cindy here, then I will come back to bring Cindy back and to get together with Terri in Prescott, and maybe even work in a lunch down there, or you all could come up! Then I’ll go back until mid to late February.
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I’m planning to get together with her while she’s here so the more, the merrier.
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Awesome! You might have to come up to Prescott! 🙂 xxx
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My paperback copy arrived early last week – It looks good on my shelf! Very sorry about the fire.
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I don’t have a shelf here in CA, but mine looks great in my box. It will look even better when I get a few sold, LOL! I hope I have to order hundreds more! 🙂 xxx
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Awww. What a lovely surprise, Marsha, and unexpected. You are so kind and thoughtful, and I hardly know where to begin with my thanks for all the shout outs for my work. I hope Volume III is just as fun as the first two.
Thanks for the pick of Goldie – (looks so much like Boone! Lol). And love the catio idea. Those are becoming more and more popular these days. We don’t let Boone out without us. And the Dolly Parton comment. Lol. Hey, enjoy it!
Hugs, my friend and Happy Holiday. ❤
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Amazing that we have met in person, and I hardly knew anything about you and hadn’t ready any of your books yet. I have been so blessed to get acquainted and to have you and your books in my life. 🙂 It’s an honor to give you a shout out! 🙂 xxx
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Thank you. That’s so kind of you to say. This community, in general, is just full of the most amazing people. It’s an honor to be part of it. 🙂
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It is an honor. 🙂 xxx
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