Ode to my electric blanket…
Where have you been my whole life?
You keep warm on a birry winter night.
I’ve searched high and low, here and fro.
WalMart and Target, K-mart and Bi-Low.
Target, of course, came through a few nights ago.
I think I might buy stock in it, now that it’s so reliable.
I live in Florida, as some of you may know.
But even Florida has its chilly night lows.
I once had an electric blanket, but it was many years ago.
And even good ‘ole electric blankets have to go, go, go.
But my new one is so beige and new and lovely.
I think it might want me to buy it a cool new covely.
That’s it for now on Shannon’s silly wondry.
Stay tuned for next week when she is even more stupidly jundry.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Ghostly Interview
I was recently interviewed on the JustGhostStories Forum. Here are a few highlights:
DSD: Hello, Mary, and thank you for joining us! I loved your first
book, by the way, particularly the characters Cynthia and Gus. It's
my understanding that the Cynthia's Attic series has some factual
basis. Are Gus and Cynthia real people?
MC: The idea for the series originated in the very real Southern Indiana
attic of my childhood friend, Cynthia. We were great friends and,
unlike Cynthia and Gus, never had an argument. (After living away
from each other for more than 40 years, we are about 50 minutes
apart, and have renewed our friendship! I truly believe in
serendipity.) Our real grandparents parents, and brothers and
sisters also play supporting roles. The POV character, Augusta Lee,
Gus, is played by yours truly. As a kid, I was a tomboy, loved
fantasy and adventure, had a wicked sense of humor, and ate
constantly (still do).
DSD: Your first book, Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket, has a
ghost. Who is this character, and are there ghosts in any of your
other books?
MC: I loved Louis the minute he popped into my head. He's the young
son of a steamship captain. On a trip across the Atlantic with his
dad, he contracts "The Fever" and dies. His dad has such remorse
because Louis died in his care, that he can't forgive himself.
Cynthia and Gus meet Louis on the ship and show the little ghost the
way to help his dad find peace.
In book three, Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou (in process), a
horrendous ghost pirate, Black Jack Hawkins, does everything he can
to recover a stolen treasure chest, and to make life miserable for
Cynthia and Gus. I can almost feel (and smell!) his stinky breath on
my neck as I write.
DSD: What other supernatural characters are creeping through your
stories?
MC: My favorite character, to date, is Mouton Boudreau, fondly
nicknamed Mud Bug by his mother, Jasmine. She is also fond of using
spells, or "gris gris" as it's called in the bayous of Louisiana,
the setting for the book. When it becomes known that there is a
posse coming to take Jasmine away for practicing "witchcraft," she
puts a spell on her son; one that will protect him from anyone
trying to do him harm. You'll just have to wait for the book to read
about his supernatural side.
DSD: It sounds like you have a rather eclectic collection of
mysterious characters in your books. What made you decide to
include ghosts in your stories?
MC: I always had a fascination with ghosts, and watch every ghostly
movie and TV program I can. I love shows like Medium and Ghost
Whisperer, and also watch John Edward, James Van Praagh, and Lisa
Williams. I know they have their critics, but I still find them
entertaining. My love for ghosts does not, however transcend to
werewolves and vampires! Even at my age (ahem), they still scare me!
DSD: Could we possibly see a spooky excerpt from one of your novels?
MC: Absolutely! From Book Three: Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou:
Cynthia and Gus have just been warned by Mud Bug's mother, Jasmine,
about venturing out into the swamp. Later that night, Gus falls into
a fitful sleep.
Follow me…follow me, Augusta Lee. The voice got closer and closer.
It sounded nice, and "sing-songie" at the beginning, but, the closer
it got, the more threatening and evil it became. My heart pounded. I
knew I had to run, but in what direction? It was so dark.
Surrounding me appeared the shadows of gnarly, moss-covered trees,
and they were breathing. Which reminded me–breathe, Gus, before you
pass out.
It was right beside me. I couldn't see anything, but I knew
something awful was there because the air became foul with a burning
stench.
Look at me…look at me, Augusta Lee.
What was with this weirdo? I'm not deaf! This "thing" doesn't have
to repeat every sentence. I tried faking annoyance to hide the
knocking of my knees, but it didn't work.
"Look at me!"
I jumped straight into the air and almost fell backwards. Fearfully
turning toward the command, I saw a shape looming over me. An
involuntary scream escaped. "Ahhh!" I knew at that moment that I was
already dead, or soon would be. Eyes the color of red-hot coals
stared back. Eyes that could only belong to pure evil…
The shape doffed its black plume-feathered hat and took a deep,
theatrical bow. "Captain Black Jack Hawkins at your service, Miss."
Pure Evil or…Black Jack Hawkins, the pirate in Mud Bug's story. From
the way he described the wicked captain…one in the same.
DSD: Hello, Mary, and thank you for joining us! I loved your first
book, by the way, particularly the characters Cynthia and Gus. It's
my understanding that the Cynthia's Attic series has some factual
basis. Are Gus and Cynthia real people?
MC: The idea for the series originated in the very real Southern Indiana
attic of my childhood friend, Cynthia. We were great friends and,
unlike Cynthia and Gus, never had an argument. (After living away
from each other for more than 40 years, we are about 50 minutes
apart, and have renewed our friendship! I truly believe in
serendipity.) Our real grandparents parents, and brothers and
sisters also play supporting roles. The POV character, Augusta Lee,
Gus, is played by yours truly. As a kid, I was a tomboy, loved
fantasy and adventure, had a wicked sense of humor, and ate
constantly (still do).
DSD: Your first book, Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket, has a
ghost. Who is this character, and are there ghosts in any of your
other books?
MC: I loved Louis the minute he popped into my head. He's the young
son of a steamship captain. On a trip across the Atlantic with his
dad, he contracts "The Fever" and dies. His dad has such remorse
because Louis died in his care, that he can't forgive himself.
Cynthia and Gus meet Louis on the ship and show the little ghost the
way to help his dad find peace.
In book three, Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou (in process), a
horrendous ghost pirate, Black Jack Hawkins, does everything he can
to recover a stolen treasure chest, and to make life miserable for
Cynthia and Gus. I can almost feel (and smell!) his stinky breath on
my neck as I write.
DSD: What other supernatural characters are creeping through your
stories?
MC: My favorite character, to date, is Mouton Boudreau, fondly
nicknamed Mud Bug by his mother, Jasmine. She is also fond of using
spells, or "gris gris" as it's called in the bayous of Louisiana,
the setting for the book. When it becomes known that there is a
posse coming to take Jasmine away for practicing "witchcraft," she
puts a spell on her son; one that will protect him from anyone
trying to do him harm. You'll just have to wait for the book to read
about his supernatural side.
DSD: It sounds like you have a rather eclectic collection of
mysterious characters in your books. What made you decide to
include ghosts in your stories?
MC: I always had a fascination with ghosts, and watch every ghostly
movie and TV program I can. I love shows like Medium and Ghost
Whisperer, and also watch John Edward, James Van Praagh, and Lisa
Williams. I know they have their critics, but I still find them
entertaining. My love for ghosts does not, however transcend to
werewolves and vampires! Even at my age (ahem), they still scare me!
DSD: Could we possibly see a spooky excerpt from one of your novels?
MC: Absolutely! From Book Three: Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou:
Cynthia and Gus have just been warned by Mud Bug's mother, Jasmine,
about venturing out into the swamp. Later that night, Gus falls into
a fitful sleep.
Follow me…follow me, Augusta Lee. The voice got closer and closer.
It sounded nice, and "sing-songie" at the beginning, but, the closer
it got, the more threatening and evil it became. My heart pounded. I
knew I had to run, but in what direction? It was so dark.
Surrounding me appeared the shadows of gnarly, moss-covered trees,
and they were breathing. Which reminded me–breathe, Gus, before you
pass out.
It was right beside me. I couldn't see anything, but I knew
something awful was there because the air became foul with a burning
stench.
Look at me…look at me, Augusta Lee.
What was with this weirdo? I'm not deaf! This "thing" doesn't have
to repeat every sentence. I tried faking annoyance to hide the
knocking of my knees, but it didn't work.
"Look at me!"
I jumped straight into the air and almost fell backwards. Fearfully
turning toward the command, I saw a shape looming over me. An
involuntary scream escaped. "Ahhh!" I knew at that moment that I was
already dead, or soon would be. Eyes the color of red-hot coals
stared back. Eyes that could only belong to pure evil…
The shape doffed its black plume-feathered hat and took a deep,
theatrical bow. "Captain Black Jack Hawkins at your service, Miss."
Pure Evil or…Black Jack Hawkins, the pirate in Mud Bug's story. From
the way he described the wicked captain…one in the same.
Friday, January 19, 2007
The Buddy System
How wonderful that the young boy who was kidnapped in Missouri last week, was found just four days later! Even more amazing was the fact that another boy, taken four years earlier was also returned to his family.
I'm sure, when I was growing up (in the olden days), there were abductions. We just didn't hear much about them. The news networking was slow and tedious. Now, within minutes, a news item is announced to the world via the Internet.
You'd think new technology probably led to finding Ben Owenby and Shawn Hornbeck. Might've helped but, the real hero was a witness who identified a white truck that sped away from the scene. This led police to the kidnapper.
I guess that bring me to my point. Be sure to use the "buddy system." Stay in touch with your friends during the day, and until you're safely home. Report anything suspicious. Don't ever be afraid to report unusual goings-on. You just might help save a friend's life…or save them from four years, or a lifetime of misery.
I'm sure, when I was growing up (in the olden days), there were abductions. We just didn't hear much about them. The news networking was slow and tedious. Now, within minutes, a news item is announced to the world via the Internet.
You'd think new technology probably led to finding Ben Owenby and Shawn Hornbeck. Might've helped but, the real hero was a witness who identified a white truck that sped away from the scene. This led police to the kidnapper.
I guess that bring me to my point. Be sure to use the "buddy system." Stay in touch with your friends during the day, and until you're safely home. Report anything suspicious. Don't ever be afraid to report unusual goings-on. You just might help save a friend's life…or save them from four years, or a lifetime of misery.
Top Ten Highlights Of My Week
Top Ten Highlights Of My Week:
1) My dental hygienist used this really cool motorized water pick thingy.
2) A friend of mine said his colonoscopy went great. (How can anything about a colon be great?)
3) My dog got a haircut.
4) I got a haircut.
5) My dog got a flea treatment.
6) I got a flea…no, just kidding.
7) Somebody else cleaned my house.
8) A local body shop removed the rust from my Jeep.
9) I ate scrumptious Mediterranean food with my friends Gwen and Helen.
10) I went to my favorite used book store and racked it in.
1) My dental hygienist used this really cool motorized water pick thingy.
2) A friend of mine said his colonoscopy went great. (How can anything about a colon be great?)
3) My dog got a haircut.
4) I got a haircut.
5) My dog got a flea treatment.
6) I got a flea…no, just kidding.
7) Somebody else cleaned my house.
8) A local body shop removed the rust from my Jeep.
9) I ate scrumptious Mediterranean food with my friends Gwen and Helen.
10) I went to my favorite used book store and racked it in.
Friday, January 12, 2007
An Interview
Here’s an excerpt from an interview TeensReadToo did this week:
Q: Let’s get some of the typical interview questions out of the way first. When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
A: I didn’t know until I was 28 (I’ve always been a late bloomer at everything).
Q: Tell us a little bit about either your latest or upcoming release. If you could only tell your readers one thing about the story that had to convince us to buy the book, what would it be?
A: My upcoming release is THE SPECIALISTS: MODEL SPY. It’s about teen spies, because every nation needs a good 16 year old spy.
Q: What, or who, has been the greatest inspiration for your stories?
A: I’m a former teacher, so you’ll find bits and pieces of all my students in my characters.
Q: Now for some fun facts. What’s your greatest comfort food?
A: I have two. Carrot cake and salt and vinegar chips. And I eat way too much of both.
Q: What are the first three things you do when you wake up in the morning?
A: Pee. Make coffee. Check email.
Q: Everyone asks the question about “if you could be a tree, which tree would you be?” so I want to know: If you could be a color, which color would it be, and why?
A: Does invisible count? I think it would be totally cool to be invisible and sneak around.
Q: Who is your favorite cartoon character? Which cartoon character is most like you?
A: Bugs Bunny is my favorite. But I’d say I’m most like the Tasmanian Devil, always going, going, going. Wait, that’s the Energizer Bunny.
Q: If you could beam yourself to anywhere in the world (“Beam me up, Scotty!”), during any time in history, where and when would it be—and why?
A: You know that movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore? I’d love to go back to that time. Granted, the hygiene wasn’t that great, but it just seems so romantic of an era with princes and knights in shining armor.
Q: So what’s your favorite type of music to listen to? Favorite musical artists? Do you listen to music while you’re writing?
A: I’m perpetually stuck in the 70’s. I love, love, love the Eagles, Tina Turner, the Carpenter’s, Fleetwood Mac. I don’t listen to music while I write, it’s too distracting.
Q: Do you have any favorite T.V. shows? Movies you watch over and over again? What was the last movie you saw at the theater?
A: I have seen Dirty Dancing and Ever After like a bazillion times. My favorite t.v. shows right now are Smallville, Gilmore Girls, and Prison Break. The last movie I saw at the theater was Holliday with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law—it was too cute.
Q: You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?
A: Be yourself. Definitely. Walk to your own tune, which I know is hard to do when there’s so much else going on. But you’ll be happier with yourself if you are yourself.
Q: Let’s get some of the typical interview questions out of the way first. When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
A: I didn’t know until I was 28 (I’ve always been a late bloomer at everything).
Q: Tell us a little bit about either your latest or upcoming release. If you could only tell your readers one thing about the story that had to convince us to buy the book, what would it be?
A: My upcoming release is THE SPECIALISTS: MODEL SPY. It’s about teen spies, because every nation needs a good 16 year old spy.
Q: What, or who, has been the greatest inspiration for your stories?
A: I’m a former teacher, so you’ll find bits and pieces of all my students in my characters.
Q: Now for some fun facts. What’s your greatest comfort food?
A: I have two. Carrot cake and salt and vinegar chips. And I eat way too much of both.
Q: What are the first three things you do when you wake up in the morning?
A: Pee. Make coffee. Check email.
Q: Everyone asks the question about “if you could be a tree, which tree would you be?” so I want to know: If you could be a color, which color would it be, and why?
A: Does invisible count? I think it would be totally cool to be invisible and sneak around.
Q: Who is your favorite cartoon character? Which cartoon character is most like you?
A: Bugs Bunny is my favorite. But I’d say I’m most like the Tasmanian Devil, always going, going, going. Wait, that’s the Energizer Bunny.
Q: If you could beam yourself to anywhere in the world (“Beam me up, Scotty!”), during any time in history, where and when would it be—and why?
A: You know that movie Ever After with Drew Barrymore? I’d love to go back to that time. Granted, the hygiene wasn’t that great, but it just seems so romantic of an era with princes and knights in shining armor.
Q: So what’s your favorite type of music to listen to? Favorite musical artists? Do you listen to music while you’re writing?
A: I’m perpetually stuck in the 70’s. I love, love, love the Eagles, Tina Turner, the Carpenter’s, Fleetwood Mac. I don’t listen to music while I write, it’s too distracting.
Q: Do you have any favorite T.V. shows? Movies you watch over and over again? What was the last movie you saw at the theater?
A: I have seen Dirty Dancing and Ever After like a bazillion times. My favorite t.v. shows right now are Smallville, Gilmore Girls, and Prison Break. The last movie I saw at the theater was Holliday with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law—it was too cute.
Q: You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your teen readers. What would it be?
A: Be yourself. Definitely. Walk to your own tune, which I know is hard to do when there’s so much else going on. But you’ll be happier with yourself if you are yourself.
Friday, January 5, 2007
2007 New Year's Resolutions
2007 New Year’s Resolutions
1) Wash my dog at least once a week. (Does a spit shine with baby wipes count?)
2) Do more sit ups. (What if I eat a doughnut right afterwards?)
3) Use less styling products in my hair. (Wait. I just dropped waaay to much money at a salon. Oh well.)
4) Don’t eat past 6 o’clock at night. (It’s 6 o’clock some where in the world, right?)
5) No more dessert nights. (Sigh. I broke that one on Jan 1st)
1) Wash my dog at least once a week. (Does a spit shine with baby wipes count?)
2) Do more sit ups. (What if I eat a doughnut right afterwards?)
3) Use less styling products in my hair. (Wait. I just dropped waaay to much money at a salon. Oh well.)
4) Don’t eat past 6 o’clock at night. (It’s 6 o’clock some where in the world, right?)
5) No more dessert nights. (Sigh. I broke that one on Jan 1st)
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