Abby's View From The Porch

 

 

Sitting on the front porch has always intrigued and entrenched me in thought. Closing my eyes I can feel so many things on the front porch. The front porch always shifts me through time and memories. 

The sweet drifting melody of Me and Mrs. Jones, as I sit, slowly rocking back and forth with no purpose. The enjoyment of a cool breeze as it tossing my tresses. There is something about sitting on the porch no matter the time of day that makes life happier. A little music wafting through the air, a nice cup of coffee, tea or a pitcher of peach ice tea, and the most elegant of sandwiches and dessert to fest upon.

Nothing can replace the honesty of moments like this. There is no pretense, no ambiguity; it is what it is. Nothing short of paradise can replace this type of happiness. There is just something so intriguing about spending time alone and on the front porch. Words can’t adequately express the feelings that come upon one as she sits and contemplates the words “know thine  own self”. 

This is real happiness. It’s based upon nothing more than being on a  front porch rocking back and forth. The world outside of the porch cease to exist. The front porch is a beautiful rhyme, a smile because you can,  you dance because you can’t, this is the sweetest love. Every moment is written for you. The front porch is yours to command.  Nothing could be sweeter than spending time on the porch.

 

Abigail Loves Rain

I awoke this morning to rain against my window. I love the sound of rain, early in the morning, before the house awakes, the rain sings a sweet lullaby. Closing my eyes, I pulled my comforter closer and let the silence of the house and the pitter patter of the rain engulf me. At moments like this, there is something poetic about listening to the rain fall.

Finally getting out of bed, I get dressed with anticipation of my morning walk. Turing on my favorite rainy day song Charlie Rich’s, “Behind Closed Doors”, I know it’s going to be a lovely day.

Putting on my raincoat, rain boots and twirling my umbrella I looked forward with anticipation to going out in the morning rain. Opening the front door, with a giant smile, I watched as the rain fell. Humming “Singing in the Rain”,  I made a big splash as I began to dance in the rain.   

There is a certainty in the power of Happy!

1. There is a certainty in a powerful laugh.

2. There is certainty in the power of a smile.

3. There is certainty in the power of Happy.

I was meandering around this morning and a friend took a couple of pictures of me. I like these pictures. They capture the essence that is Abby!

I don’t have a bra on. Since the reduction I find life myself so much happier. I have movement in my body I never had. I was working out at Hip-Hop Aerobic the other day, when I realized, I was really getting into it. I could move without being hit in the face with a whole lot of chest. There is power in movement.

There truly are no complaints over here. I am so happy!

 I looked down at my workout clothes and could not help but smile. I have on my dream work-out clothes. How awesome it is not to complain of not finding clothes that fit.

This girl is on fire. She looks awesome. Wow what a difference a little off the top makes.

What does Abby need after her workout? SNACKS!

Please send SNACKS~

"Just the facts, mam.",Corn,You looking good these day? What’s Up!

 

"Just the facts, mam."

Sometimes the facts are all that it takes. I thought, somebody told me and you would think, are all words and phrase that proceed sublimation of “Just the Facts Ma’am. If would rather know what I am speaking on then speak on something without knowing what it is I am speaking on.

Corn

I love corn. It’s my kryptonite of the vegetable variety. Straight out the can with just a little butter, salt and pepper to taste. Now dems good eats. I also love hot mouthwatering black skilled fried corn bread. If you had any doubts why I am in a hip-hop aerobics class three times a week wonder no more. I was fortunate the other day to partake in a spectacular merging of corn and corn bread. Cheesy Corn Casserole, corn bread served with hot fried chicken and a side order of mac and cheese and the best darn yams this side of west hell. Yes, the food makeover was to be dammed and I got with it. I don’t think my spoon rested until my plate had been piled high twice, cleaned, liked and put to bed. Its days like this that make me wish for and overabundance of good food.

You looking good these day? What’s Up!  

I am on it!

That is what looking good means these day.  Learning what works for you is an awesome experience. There are BILLIONS of TV Shows, books, websites, magazine articles and combined, read by flesh and blood people, each day trying to answer this very questions. “What looks good on you”.  The notion that people automatically know what works for them is negated by the fact that high-end store have personal shoppers.  These women and men assist you in putting together clothing in the store. They tell you what looks good on you and what looks terrible. O’ but for the sake of reality we all had a personal shopper willing to tell the truth and not sugar coat our clothing failures. What would Neiman Marcus be if not for their personal shoppers? What of stylist if they were not there to guide you in the right direct. I think I have hit my stride and I am on it!

A Piece of Apple Pie, A Cup of Tea

 

Pie

I really love Apple Pie. I am not sure if it’s the crust over the pie or the one at the bottom. Pie is my food kryptonite. It’s the one thing I buy and NEVER feel guilty. It’s just a pleasure to eat Apple Pie.

Chicken Pot Pie

I love Chicken Pot Pie. It has all the things I love to eat in one bowl. Carrots, peas, potatoes and a nice broth. It always make me smile. If the world ends I hope there is still someone around to make delicious Chicken Pot Pies around.

A Cup of Tea

There is always time for a calming cup of tea . I love to sit by the window with my feet on the hasset as I read and sip a nice cup of tea. Nothing heals a broken heart or a bad day like tea and book.

Family Portrait, Umbrellas

Family Portrait

I want a family portrait. I want to set a picture of my family on my desk. I want things to go smooth. Things aren’t going smooth. My daughter hates the dresses I have chosen. It’s hard to schedule a time when we are all available. I want a family portrait! Maybe if I keep saying it will make it happen.

Umbrellas

Raindrops keep falling on my head….I love that old Butch and the Sundance Kid song. I also love, love umbrellas. I loved mine so much I actually paid 20bucks for it on Amazon. 

 

~Abby~ 

Running shoes, Afternoon Tea, Wine & Cheese and Ladies Who Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running Shoes

There are few things that can motivate me to exercise. But, for someone reason I have surrounded myself with people who know how to motivate me. I know what you are thinking, “How could that be?”  I am not sure of the how or the when, but it has happened. One would think at this point, I would utter the phrase “and I am all the better for it” but given it’s me…. I will whine and complain about it.  What has all this to do with running shoes? Nothing. I just want a cool pair of running shoes, which makes me think I am in too deep, and it’s the fault of those I have surrounded myself with. (Nice run on sentence)Yep, something’s never change.  

Afternoon Tea

The delicate china tea set I received when I was five, was the most glorious Christmas gift I ever received as a child. It was made of real china and had my first initial on the plates and the teapot. Slowly but surely as the years went by the pieces went missing and some even got broken. Over the years I have thought of that tea set and the fun I had playing with it. As life has moved forward my doll named Allison has become my daughter named Allison. When I was writing my book Running Out Of Lies my tea set became a part of the book. One of my male characters loves to cook and he loves Afternoon Tea.  Funny that old tea set is still bringing me great joy o’ so many years after its demise.

Wine, Cheese & Fruit

I have always imagined myself a lady. That is a lady of a certain era where ladies "do lunch" and serve others and themselves Wine, Cheese and Fruit. I am not much of a wine drinker, but, I do ever so love cheese along with a little fruit. I like it served on a cutting board like the elite along with delicate buttery crackers as my imagination leaps to the conclusion that I am a lady of leisure and this is what we do.

Ladies Who Lunch

I want to be a lunch lady. Let me correct that. I want to be amongst the “Ladies Who Lunch”. I am not sure who they are, but, they have a line of nice clothes. I see them everywhere.  I also want to live on Mars, drive a flying car and read all day. Dreams, the stuff Ladies Who Lunch dream of.

Abigail-Madison Chase

It ain’t easy being Abby.

Running Out Of Lies Book One

I'm so excited! I think I like it! I am about to lose control….

 

Yep, a lyricist I am not. But the excited part true! After weeks of looking, and hoping and praying, I actually took the plunge and bought a strapless dress. Excited yes. If you follow me on Facebook, you know I had reduction surgery last year and this has been a forever dream of mine. I want to look fierce in a strapless dresses.

Well, I am kicking it up a notch and adding a strapless jumpsuit to that list. I am still amazed at how smooth and classy I look. Just a little off the top changes my whole look. Tata for now.

I am going back to being excited.

~Abby~

~Abby~

A pint of ice cream, In Like Flint, Coffee and great Oatmeal Cookies.

Ice Cream and pastries are my guilty pleasure. Coffee and oatmeal cookies are my seducer. In Like Flint? Only the greatest secret agent movie EVER!

Sunday mornings at The Abby are busy these day. I am putting the final touches on my blog tour, trying to figure out which excerpt to include as a teaser and trying my dandiest to get my characters ready for prime time. Sugar Honey Ice Tea!

The eclectic life of a writer.

Abby.

(This interview was cancelled after Dr. Erik refused to cooperate)

Dr. Erik Liam Plez Character Interview

(This interview was cancelled after Dr. Erik refused to cooperate)

I arranged to meet with Dr. Erik through unofficial underground channels at a secret location. I arrived at a small private undisclosed airstrip a little after midnight. After being blind folded and searched by three heavily armed men who confiscated my cellphone, I am placed in an unmarked black SUV.  I soon fall asleep. I awake on an overstuffed couch, look at my watch it is half a day later.

Looking out the big window in front of me, I see mountains all around the cabin. The view is spectacular. I’ve been to here before, it’s Silverton, Colorado. The Million Dollar Highway has to be close.  I see the hunky guys and the SUV, the guys must be patrolling. Taking it all in, I stand up and look around the cabin which is full of Marine motif.

I hear the sound of drums coming from upstairs. It must be Dr. Erik. He sometimes plays or use to for the Marine Band.   As I prepare to climb the stairs the whistle from the Durango-Silverton train startles me.

Losing my footing, I scream as I fall into the arms of a very sexy brown eyed man. Dr. Erik, I presume. Another shirtless man appears at the top of the stairs. I don’t recognize him. My scrambled thank you does not impress the doctor. He only nods and points me to the kitchen table.

The long hand carved kitchen table has the Marine insignia in the middle and is set for Afternoon Tea. A tall muscular man with brown eyes pulls my chair out and offers me tea, sandwiches, fruit and cheese. Tackling the food he puts before me, my stomach grumbles. I don’t know who he is, but, I get the feeling he’s got a story to tell.

Turning back to Dr. Erik I study him.  Dressed in a red T-shirt with faded yellow lettering, Marines can still be recognized.  His jeans look snug.  Though Dr. Erik is relaxed as he sits back in his chair, His rugged face is worried. He looks a lot different then when I first wrote him.  His sandy locks are now dark brown. Yet, he’s still handsome as he yawns then sips his tea.

Abigail: Dr. Erik thank you for meeting with me.

Dr. Erik: I thought it was time we meet.

Abigail: Why

Dr. Erik: Lady, you’ve been on my tail for years. Now that you’ve told my story I think it only fair people hear my side.

Abigail: The books not out yet Dr. Erik

Dr. Erik: I know

Staring at each other, there is an uncomfortable silence, so I sip my tea and nibble on a tuna sandwich with walnuts and cranberries.

Dr. Erik: Look Abs. I’ve got a 100 men on my sixes.

Abigail: I thought sixes was a Navy term? I thought you were a Marine.

Dr. Erik: It is.  Dalton’s, a Navy man. He nods to the chef who smiles. Stay around Dalt enough you’ll say it to.

He says nothing else. The stubborn alpha male is in residence and I had better grab hold of the reigns or my interview will be over. I’ve offended him.

Abigail: You’re literally running for your life. Why?

Dr. Erik: I was in the Young Marine Program for more than a decade. Then I decide to leave and become a small town doctor and all hell breaks loose. I am running from lies Ab’s.  The only people I can trust are the four men here.  I can’t even trust my parents.

Abigail: What about Amelia?

Dr. Erik waves his hand and two of the three guards come in.

Dr. Erik: This interview is over Abs. My men will take you back to the airport.

Dalton hands me a bag of goodies with a smile. Dr. Erik disappears. I guess this means the interview is over?

A pint of Neapolitan ice cream, The Italian Job & Johnnie Taylor.

I am tired of lying, peeping and hiding, I am running out of lies, lies, and it's hard to think of an alibi -Tyrone Davis, Running Out Of Lies Lyrics

A pint of Neapolitan ice cream, The Italian Job, Johnnie Taylor and a nap gave birth to a book. A nice dessert liquor and a piece of chocolate cheese helped me write it!

 

 

Everything’s Better With Bluebonnet On It!

Everything’s better with Bluebonnet on it!

Just not the computer.

I use to love the old Bluebonnet commercial, always made me wish for Bluebonnets, bonnet or hat if you will. Speaking of hats……In the last couple of weeks as my book “Running Out of Lies” begins to it journey down the birth canal of publication, distribution and into the hands of fan. I am reminded of my desire to wear Bluebonnet hat. As an Indie Author I am both the author and a one woman PR team. Overwhelmed is not a big enough word for what I am feeling. I am so ready to give birth to this little baby. Oh, the joy and anticipation!

I use to watch the old Superman shows from the 50’s. Perry White was always trying to “put the paper to bed”. Yelling “Great Caesars Ghost” there was always something that almost stopped the presses and had Clark, Lois, and Jimmy rewriting or making the paper better for the morning addition.

Sitting at the computer this morning with a nice cup of hot chocolate, dresses in my finest Bluebonnet while yelling “Great Caesars Ghost” I am smiling. I almost have my blog tour locked in, the redesign of my blogger is moving along nicely, my  new website should be unveiled next week and as for me I am as cute as  a button eating a piece of toast with Bluebonnet on it!

~Abby~

Tasiilaq, Greenland

Tasiilaq, Greenland in winter, is a beautiful place. I turned on my computer this morning and my screen saver of a snow-covered Tasiilaq jumped out at me. It’s so beautiful.

Work has consumed me these days and I have so little time to post on FB and  until I’ll take a break and enjoy the spectacular beauty of what looks to me like heaven on Earth wherever I can get it.

 

~Abby~

Random Questions about Running Out of Lies(No Alibi Series Book One)

Random Questions

Running Out of Lies (No Alibi Series Book One)
 

What is Running Out Of Lies Book One about?

Book One of Running Out Of Lies is about Dr. Erik Plez.  Dr. Plez, is a former 2nd Lt. in the Young Marines. H e’s just retired 48 hours before our story begins. He’s looking forward to opening his own medical offices and enjoying the next 100years. He’s been a part of the military since he was 16, now all he wants is a normal life with no one to answer to.

Soon things start not to add up. His parents don’t seem to be who they say they are. His military handlers are pushing really hard for him to not leave the military. Then he gets the ability to smell lies and each and every time someone close to him talks they lie. So, he goes on the run to try and figure out what’s going on.

 They allow 16 years old to join the Marines?

No. He’s was a part of a program called the Young Marines. The Young Marines is a real not-for-profit youth education and service program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school.  Young Marines are organized into local units located in nearly every state in the United States. The youths do NOT attend a "military-style" resident program. This is not a program where you send your children for an extended period. On average, units meet once or twice per week year round.  

In 2026 things are a lot different. There are the Young Marines and then there are the Young Marines that Dr. Erik joins.

How did Dr. Erik become a part of the program?

Dr. Erik was recruited by Lt. Col. Perry Matthews a part of a secret unit of the Young Marines.  He’s also Dr. Erik’s mentor. Dr. Erik’s parents are military personal also.

 

How Did Erik become a doctor? What type of doctor is he?
Erik holds both a PhD, and a degree in medicine. He’s considered a savant when it comes to learning technology and medicine. Map reading is a hobby and a specialty of his. He holds terminal degrees in History, English and Internal Medicine.

What does the secret Unit do?

The secret Unit excels at certain things. Come on it’s a secret and is revealed as you read the book.

Where does the story take place?

Wyoming. Dr. Erik has a love of Wyoming and did most of his military service at the Frank E. Petersen Marine Base which is part of the US Strategic Command.

Who tells the story?

The whole story is told as Dr. Erik lies on a slab in the morgue.

Dr. Erik is in the morgue?

Dr. Erik’ is in the morgue and tells his story starting 48hours before we meet him in the morgue. 

 

Is he dead?

You really have to read the entire series to find out what is going on.

Where did the idea for Running Out of Lies Come From?

The idea for the story is twofold. One weekend I was listening to music on the internet and Tyrone Davis comes on singing his famous song “Running out of Lies” while I was watching the Italian Job. Somewhere along the way, I took a nap and the two just seemed to merge together.  I awoke thinking about Dr. Erik laying on a slab in the morgue telling his story.

Hardest part about writing the book?

Writing it as my mind went a hundred miles an hour. Self-editing is also my kryptonite.

 When Will Running  Out of Options (No Alibi Book Two) be out?

Running Out of Lies Book 2 will be out in August.

 

What’s Running Out of Options Book Two about?

We began learn why Dr. Erik can smell lies and who Amelia Polson his new love interest it.

Abigail Book Roll Out Part 1

 

So it has begun. Today I began the planned roll out of my new book series. Running Out of Lies (No Alibi Series Book One).  After what seemed like years of planning, my roll out began to spring forth and take on a life of its own. It’s really nice when a plan comes together.

 

Nobody ever told me it takes a lot of planning to launch a book, website, blog or an author’s page. My book is due out in July, so, I plan to spend the next couple of months utilizing what I have learned about this particulate part of my craft. I want a Release Party, Book Trailer Release, eBooks etc. In the last couple of years, I have enjoyed accepting invitations to lots of awesome online events.

 I look forward to the coming weeks and months as I embark on a new adventure. My favorite part of any Book Release is the Release Party.

 

~Abby~

Neapolitan ice cream, Netflix, Grandma Cookies and the comfort of a well-made bed.

 

I actually love my bed and the feeling I get when I snuggle deep down in the center with my down comforter and pillows surrounding me. Armed with a small pint of Neapolitan ice cream, Netflix, a couple of Grandma Cookies and you can almost own me with such delightful gifts fit for this queen. The only thing that would make it better would be a pot of homemade chicken soup extra noodles and day old sourdough bread.

I am a simple girl. It never takes much to make me happy.

Running Out Of Lies (No Alibi Series Book One)

 Sometimes the lies run out. Running from your past can mean running to an uncertain future. No choice is ever made without consequences. 

Dr. Erik Plez is a former Marine Officer who puts his skills as an investigator to use as he tries to solve the biggest mystery of his life.  Who is he?  A sketchy past, with  no memories of his childhood, at sixteen he was recruited for a secret team of Young Marines. Now he’s on the run, running out of lies, making it hard for him to think of an alibi. 
Coming July 2014

 Book Cover By: Alchemy Bookcovers and Design

   http://www.alchemybookcovers.com/#

Here's lookin at you Kid: Just Like Bogie & Bacall

I

Insomnia has me as I watch one of my favorite movies. I love Key Largo. Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Boggart ahh, the love they share. So beautiful, so rare, so short.

There is beauty in silence. No Words. No sounds. Just, a look, or a glance. I remember the first time I saw Key Largo. I wanted to be Lauren Bacall. There is a moment in the film that Bacall looks at Bogie.  It was a look no words could comprehend. Bacall owns that look, that moment.  It is her look and everything in the scene depends on that whisper of a glance. Each and every time I watch Key Largo that look steal my heart. To write of silence is to write of a unique place and time that needs no words. It’s true love.

Just a glance, a silent glance, that needs nothing to make it beautiful.

I hired a new stylist and Pinterest is her name.

 

 

 

 

If it’s matched up on Pinterest then I match it up in my own closet and bam a style is born. I love having my own personal stylist. Just like the wealthy and movie stars, I have a personal stylist that goes the extra mile to help to look incredible and it shows.

I don't know when I have matched so often, been compliment so many times. It's awesome to have a stylist.

~Abby~

 

 

 

 

Glittery Heels, Peanut Butter Cookies and a Glittery Clutch

Glittery heels, peanut butter cookies and a cute clutch are what I am obsessing over this today.  

Pinterest always makes DIY projects look so easy. Yet, each time I try one my clothes and I turn out to be the project. Until you try and get industrial strength glue and glitter out your hair no DIY project is complete.

I love hot, fresh out the oven, peanut butter cookies. This might be why I bake a tray of peanut cookies while sitting close to the oven with a frosty glass of milk and eat them as they come out the oven.  

 

I want a super glittery clutch just because I can. No other reason. Just a want that’s slowly turning into a need.

National Parks, Love Affairs and Destiny

 

 

Like all great love affairs mine began with a glance. That’s all it took. Our eyes met across a crowded waiting room floor, as I sat and waited patiently for my name to be called by the nurse. I gave a shy smile and slowly waved as you did a two-step across the waiting room to my arms. I’d never known the feelings you elicited from me as I looked upon your beauty.

Love affairs, the great ones happen and I am now a part of one of the greatest. I confess. I am in love the landscape of National Parks. I am not sure when or how it happened but now that it has, I find myself mimicking Bacall and Bogie as I find destiny in the arms of a park landscape.

Here's lookin at you kid

I am Abby and I am in Love with a National Park

Writing and theFight for Abigail's Soul! To Dramatic?

“These are the times that try men’s souls” are so said Thomas Paine on December 23, 1776.

I made it back for day two of blogging and yes, it tried my soul to think of a topic and  then to find the time to sit and blog. This just might be why I start and stop. But then again it’s most likely not. I am a writing bum. One who’s a lazy writer and just as proud of it as if I was the Harper Lee of writing.

I just realized, Ok, that’s a lie, I’ve always been a lazy writer. I am often motivated, yet, hardly dedicated to my craft. I want to actually be like a unique and beautiful landscape carved from the hand of a greater power who lays out before the world the wonders of my spectacular writing voice.

Trust me it is spectacular. I see it in my head. No misspelled words, lots of beautiful sentences that make the Oracle of love wish that he were being stroked by my fingers. Too much? I know it is but hey. It’s me and “I just got to be free, wishing words of my magic portion of love…..”

Oh, well, I am here and I proud to call myself a dedicated writer of two whole days.

Same time tomorrow? It’s a date.

~Abby~

~Welcome To The Janitors Closet~

                            ~Welcome To The Janitors Closet~

 

Welcome.

I have again opened the Janitors Closet. Last year I decided I wanted to blog daily and that I did; ok, it was only in my feeble mind. I am hoping that counts toward a success?!?

This year, I again ,made a commitment to  start blogging on today, May, 5, 2014.

Therefore, the Janitors Closet is again OPEN.

I am not sure how this is going to go. But hey, at least I got this far.

 

I am Abby and I am in the Janitors Closet Again.