My World on Monday

Hi Tarts,

Wicked storms are rolling in here even as I type this, so…

This will be another quickie.

But I can’t let Monday roll by without saying hello.

I’d planned to do my usual start-of-the-week grumbling post, but something happened this morning that changed my mind.

I woke up to Em kissing my ankles.

My heart lifted and I smiled.  Warmth filled me, even though it was dread Monday.

And so I just couldn’t do a grumpy dinosaur piece.

Instead, I thought I’d share a bit of my world with you.  Things I saw on my cycle run early this morning.

They’ll also give you a glimpse into how a writer’s mind works.

Although, I’m betting lots of you would make the same associations.

You’re all so creative and full of whimsy.

Here’s the first thing that I noted..

I took this picture because of the tree branches in the middle of the pond.

It stormed last night and that’s surely how they landed there.  This is part of a golf course I cycle past daily and I know the branches weren’t there yesterday.

The branches reminded me of an island.  More specifically, an island in a Scottish loch.

A stretch, I know.

But that’s how a writer’s mind works.

Lots of my books have settings with a castle on an island in a Highland loch.  Duncan’s Eilean Creag, anyone?

Or how about Catriona MacDonald’s Blackshore in Sins of a Highland Devil?

Either way, the branches in the pond made me think of such an island.  (and the castle that would be on it) 

Also…

As I am presently writing a book that (again) has a castle on an island in a Highland loch, I took the branches-in-the-pond and the association to such story settings, as a positive sign for the new book.

A portent, if you will.

So I smiled, the morning good to me.

And as I peddled along, I soon passed this..

My smile grew brighter.

It did so because this cactus (or whatever it is.. I’m not sure) always reminds me of the desert.  Actually, the desert in Arizona where I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a few holidays.

So I always smile when I cycle past here.  And not just because I like Arizona.

I connect the state (and the desert) with a very good friend.

She’s Tart, Deirdre O’Dare and her alter ego Gwynn Morgan, aka deirdrewindancer.

And she’ll be guest blogging tomorrow.  So including the cactus blooms in today’s post seemed a good way to let you know she’ll be in the tea room tomorrow.

So be sure to look in.  It’ll be a fun day.

Before I leave you, I’d like to share another bit of fun.

But be warned…

It’s X-rated!

Stop now and don’t scroll down any farther unless you’re prepared for, well, you know…

Something naughty.

But also nice.

Definitely chuckle-worthy.

I’m just so glad this isn’t Em..

Quite a darling, what?

Bet this sweet little JRT earns smiles and laughs everywhere he goes.

And as Mondays don’t always bring levity, I thought he’d be a great addition to today’s tea room.

So have a good one, Tarts!

(hope you’re chuckling)  I’ll look in late tonight, after my work.