The Assassin

Weather in the Tries: Coolish to Cold. Honest. Trust me.

The Assassin:

I thought I’d share a short piece of fiction that I sold a few years ago to Flash Fiction Online and have also published in Writing Women and my book, The Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings. The book is available from my publisher at https://www.cyberwit.net/authors/lenora-rain-lee-good and from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/818253772X. If you have a favorite brick and mortar store, take the title and ISBN to the store and they will happily order it for you. ISBN 13: 978-81-8253-772-9

Anyhow, I thought you might enjoy a sample of my fiction. The Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings contains this story, and more. It also contains some short memoir pieces and some poetry. So far, all the reviews have been 5 stars. Please feel free to add to it. My publisher is going to post it as an ebook. If you want an ebook, please check your normal source and feel free to contact the publisher.

The Assassin

Fiction

I crawl to the crest of the hill and slowly raise my head enough to see the other side. The wind blows in my face bringing the laughter of the men in the campsite below, the smell of their cooking. If I can smell their camp, they cannot smell me.

Fools. They think their hideout is safe and stand too close to the fire. There are no out-guards only the two armed men who stand and face the fire instead of watching the meadow and forest beyond. No one looks up the hill in my direction. If anyone attacks, they will be blind when they turn away from the fire.

With slow deliberation and great care I raise my night scope to check the area below. I avoid the campfire, or I too will be blind. Five men. There should be six. I listen and I watch. I hate this part of the job. I hate this job. All of it. I want to retire but, in this business, there is no retirement.

Ah there he is. The sixth man. He walks into sight from behind a rock zipping his pants. I chuckle. More than one man has lost his life while taking a leak; kilts make a lot of sense! I’m only paid to assassinate the one but taking all six will be just as easy. Easier because I won’t have to go down and risk being caught. Collateral death happens.

I lower the night scope, load and attach the grenade launcher to my rifle, sight on the fire and wait until they are all near it. I do not have long to wait they are careless and soon all huddle around the fire for warmth. They drink their booze and laugh too loud. The two guards come closer to get food. At least they aren’t drinking. But it doesn’t matter. I aim at the fire. I squeeze the trigger. I watch as six men—six brothers, six fathers, six sons—hurl in tiny unrecognizable pieces all about their campsite. I wonder if any but the wolves and scavengers will find them?

I go back down the hill. I lope at an easy pace to my waiting vehicle. I dream of the home cooked meal that awaits me when I return. I do not think of the six men again.

I try to figure out how to retire. I hate this job.

***

I walk into the employment office. I tell the sweet young thing behind the desk with the nameplate Angie I want retraining. She looks up my record and laughs.

I tell her for the umpteenth time I want to retire. She laughs. Again. There is no sympathy in her laughter. Or empathy in her eyes; she is a hard, cold bitch.

She knows she is safe from me. She knows that I, a trained, skilled and bonded assassin can only kill those for whom I have a valid state-sanctioned contract. All my contracts go through her. Most all my contracts go through her.

I squeeze the ampoule of poison into her face. The shock causes her to inhale the odorless and fouled air. She laughs, thinks it a joke—a bit of assassin humor. She will die in two hours, probably while at lunch. I turn and walk out of the building. I don’t know why I had the contract on her or who bought it; all I know is that it was legal and sanctioned and for once I almost like my job. She was a nasty piece of inhumanity. I smile as the door closes behind me.

***

The smells of dinner waft through the house. Marie always makes my favorite after a contract is complete—meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy. For dessert she’ll have brandy and chocolates. It’s my comfort meal.

I water the flowers in our bedroom—bright, perfumed, and alive. I see movement in the door. It is Marie. She smiles, “Dinner is almost ready.” She opens her arms wide, and I walk into her enveloping embrace. God, how I love this woman!

“It’s time,” she whispers, and I feel her mouth, soft and yielding on mine, and then I feel the pain and the terrible cold. Marie, also a licensed, bonded assassin, knows I hate my job. I fall to the hard floor, whimpering. Marie holds me in her arms until the pain stops…

***

“Angie?” Marie yells, “Angie! Will you help me get this old fart into his bed? He fell out of his chair again and splattered his meatloaf dinner all over the floor. Call an aide to clean up the mess, will ya? And don’t slip on the chocolate pudding. Shit! What a mess these old geezers make.”

About this story: Old geezers love to tell stories, and to them, they are all true. At least at the time they tell the story. This story was originally published by Flash Fiction Online, https://flashfictionmagazine.com/blog/2016/11/27/the-assassin/ November 27, 2016. A recording, by the author, was published in the July 1, 2021 newsletter, Writing Women at https://writingwomen.substack.com.

Photo of the Week:

Entertainment:

Television: Nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothing.

Books: I’m reading Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell, which I’m actually enjoying. At least so far. I got all the way to page 2, and no math. Yet.

I’m also still on The Glass Constellation by Arthur Sze. It’s a hardback book, which means it’s heavy and it’s over 500 pages of poetry. I’m about 2/3 of the way through. I’m loving his style, his word usage, I think I am once again in literary lust. Have even written one long poem (7 pages) based on some of his poetry styles. Mine isn’t as good as his, but by golly, I’m learning something. Our styles of writing are also different. I don’t want to write like him, I want to write like me, but use some of his ideas.

Quote of the Week:

“Writers and politicians are the same—paid, professional liars. Oh, I lied, writers aren’t paid.” —unknown

And so we have made it to another Monday. I would do my best to guilt you into buying a copy of my book, but then I’d feel guilty. Look at it this way, it’s only what? the price of 3 or 4 lattes? I don’t know, I can’t afford lattes, let alone books, but you surely can. Can’t you?

Sammy Brave Dog wants summer back. He’s not a fan of cold. At least he snuggles at night. 😉

Relax and Enjoy Your Food

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Weather in the Tries: Our weather is for sure moving int Fall. Cooler, more clouds, and now and again bits of wanna-be rain. I admit, I’m a bit of a rain snob after living in both Florida and New Mexico where they have real rain. Where it blows in, dumps goodness, and then leaves. Here, we get a drizzly rain. Too much to go without a rain jacket, not enough to put out a fire. And it hangs around and teases. But, we have no rain coming this week, at least not on the schedule. Clouds, and sunshine. Yes indeedy. Our highs will be 75 for a few days, and then down into the 60s. Lows range from 48 to 36. Yep. Fall had done fell.

Relax and Enjoy Your Food:

Basically, I’m publishing my book review here. Though it will be some amplified from what I’ll post on Amazon and Goodreads.

I ordered and received my copy of the book, Relax and Enjoy Your Food: Save your money, your health, and your sanity by separating fact from flapdoodle —by Craig Good. (And you thought my titles were long?) Yes, here I shall admit that I not only know Craig Good, but he is my kid brother. Younger brother. Well, maybe kid, too, as he’s still pretty young at heart.

This book packs an enormous amount of information inside its 127 pages about food—eating food, what to buy, and what not to buy, and all the reasons for making those decisions. He writes in a very relaxed, conversational style, uses humor to make his points, and tells it like it is. Or at least, should be.

His advice on anorexia nervosa is spot on. I ran it by a friend of mine, a retired pediatric neurologist and he agreed. He covers it all in this book. One to buy copies of to give away as gifts. Winter is coming, and I’ve just helped you with your gift list. This truly is a one size fits all kind of book!

If I tell you this is the book on nutrition you need to read, I’m afraid I’ll scare you off. But it is. Craig tells us the good, the bad, and the ugly of supplements, of organic vs. non-organic foods, the myths of food and how they became imbedded in our psyche, and the facts we need to make good, flavorful, and healthy decisions. Oh, and save oodles of money while doing it. That makes it worth the price of admission, yes?

The book is available as a paper back, electronically, and audio book (I recognized the voice on the audible sample. Yep, my little bro!)

The book is available through Amazon, Apple Books, and I imagine by order from your favorite brick and mortar store. Under $10.00. For the price of two lattes, you’ll have an enjoyable read, get smarter, and have several good laughs. Oh, be sure to read it cover-to-cover. Good advice from a master instructor.

Photo of the Week:

Entertainment:

Netflix: I hate to admit it, but I barely turned the tube on all week, and didn’t watch any entertainment type shows. I think I’m in mourning for Lucifer. What a corny show. One of the best ones I’ve seen in a long time! I may have to binge it all over again 😉

Books: when I finish a book, I review it and you can read it at: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com

Relax and Enjoy Your Food: Save your money, your health, and your sanity by separating fact from flapdoodle —by Craig Good. Well, you know this one.

Peace of Music —by Denise Kahn. This is the first of a trilogy, all three are out, and I will probably buy the other two soon. An historical novel through the centuries following a Goddess-Blessed vase on its journey from ancient China to modern day China. A quick read, put it in the Brain Candy file. Four stars.

Quote of the week:

“Eat your veggies first.” —Craig Good

And we have made it to another Monday. Those of you who still work for a living don’t understand about week ends. But those of us who are retired, we know. We never, ever, get weekends. So enjoy them while you get ’em. Once you turn old and retire, you will never have another week end. Honest. Trust me.

Rainy Day and the Wet Dog (Encore)

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Weather in the Tries: Whoa Doat!!! We have an 80% of rain on Monday! Seattle, over on the dark side of the mountains is possibly going to have enough rain to slide off on the Salish Sea. In the meantime, our highs are moving down into the 70s and high 60s.

Must be the end of summer doldrums have hit, but I am feeling really, really lazy. So I’m doing an encore presentation of an old blog from years back, just for you.

Rainy Day and the Wet Dog

As you know, if you know Rainy Day at all, she’s a sucker for small, furry creatures. She’s always liked cats, hamsters, bunny rabbits, and even the now and then dog. She likes large, furry men, too, but that’s another story.

One day several years ago, Rainy D and Friend, were out driving, and came upon a dog in the middle of a busy street. The dog was a tad frightened, terrified would be a good word, and Rainy D and Friend managed to not only catch him, but to talk to some of the neighbors, one of whom knew the dog, made a couple of phone calls, tracked down the owner, and told Rainy D and Friend the dog had been dumped up in the hills, unwanted. Dog wasn’t much more than a puppy, and cute as all get out.

Rainy D is quite proud of herself – both the owner and the messenger who related the information remained alive. Barely. It took a great deal of restraint on Rainy D’s part to allow that.

Friend couldn’t have a dog, so Rainy D ended up with him, a mini Australian Shepherd mix, she and Friend named Mr. Lucky Dude, who may not have felt quite so lucky a few days later as he underwent surgery and forever more barked soprano. Cat was NOT pleased at the new sibling, either. But a strange thing about Cat—she is not a very friendly cat, hates laps, barely tolerates pets, &c, unless she has competition from a dog. Then, and only then, she is Miss Lovey Dovey. I like having a dog just for that reason.

When Rainy D had a photo she took of a coyote printed and framed to enter in the fair, she stood it on the floor in the living room. Poor Mr. Lucky Dude freaked out. He was terrified. He barked, he growled, he whined, and he ran. Rainy D suspects when he was dumped in the hills above her home, the coyotes chased him back into town. It being summer, they wanted to play with him, not eat him. He eventually accepted that the vicious coyote in the living room would not chase him, or eat him, but he always eyed it warily. The previous owner still lived, but only because Rainy D didn’t know where.

While Mr. Lucky Dude lived with Rainy D, until she could find a good home for him, he loved to go outside, roll around in squirrel poo, and when it rained, play outside until he became thoroughly wet. He never quite understood why Rainy D always toweled him off when he came in. Especially when he’d been to the Doggie Boutique and wore not only wet fur, but eau de Squirrel Poo. Such a handsome and debonaire dog!

Eventually, Rainy D found a good home for him, and he now has another dog to play with, and fields in which to romp, and even a child or two to herd. He loves to herd – squirrels, cats, humans, other dogs…he never quite understood why Cat not only didn’t want to play (she was too old for such childish things) but didn’t appreciate being herded through the house, either.

Cats, Rainy D says, are much more socially acceptable than dogs. At least they don’t roll in squirrel poo, nor do they play in the rain. But, she admits, they are not always as loving as a dog.

Photo of the Week:

Entertainment:

Netflix: I watched the final episodes of Lucifer this week. I admit, I’m sorry it’s over. There was a bit of sadness toward the end, and I watched the last couple minutes thru my tears, and at the end, I was laughing harder than I’ve laughed in a long time. Corny, schmaltzy, downright dumb, and full of laughs—one of the best series I’ve ever seen.

Books: when I finish a book, I review it at: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com

Finished Slaughterhouse Five. I truly don’t understand what all the hoopla is/was about. Unless it was one of the first books with an anti-hero. Yes, it’s antiwar, but so are a lot of books that I found a lot more interesting. Unfortunately, every time he used his signature phrase to emphasize how uncaring his hero was, “So it goes,” he threw me clear out of the story. But I finished it, so I reviewed it.

Also finished The Father poems by Sharon Olds, which was marvelous, Mother Country poems by Elana Bell which rounded out the cycle, and Bayna Bayna by Zeina Azzam. Bayna Bayna roughly translates from the Arabic into Betwixt and Between.

Quote of the week:

“Now tell me, what is it you truly desire?” —Lucifer Morningstar

We can really use the rain, but I know one small Brave Dog who just hates it. Water belongs in his dish, not falling out of the sky. He has no fat, and not much fur, and the drops are cold, and sometime painful if it’s a hard enough rain. He hates wearing a rain-coat, too. It’s hard being a small dog. Wanna guess what he truly desires??? Go forth and have a great week. And make sure your dinghy is well caulked. Just in case…

Have You Ever…

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Weather in the Tries: Quite pleasant, actually. Our upcoming week will range from 72-86, with lows 41-48. That’s pleasant. We had a smidge of rain the other day, well, it wasn’t really rain, but heavy sprinkles which helped clear the air. And winds which sometimes clear the air and sometimes make it worser.

Have you ever had a chance encounter with someone who made a major change in your life?

When I was a kid, my mom and my aunt loved opera. To me it sounded like someone was disemboweling a live cat on stage without benefit of anesthetic. Nope. Didn’t like it.

Then many, many years later, I started dating a gentleman who did like opera. He saw GI Jane one weekend, and a couple days later took me to see it, not because the movie was so good, but because of the aria in the movie, O Mio Bambino Caro. It was OK, but not worth sitting through the move for a second time. But, because we were at the beginning of our relationship, I stopped off at the Silver Platter on my way home from work a couple nights later and found someone who was helpful. He knew exactly the piece I was interested in, and I either bought a CD (silver platter) of the opera from which it came—Gianni Schicchi—or a CD of several of Puccini’s best-known arias. I ended up with both at different times.

We were talking and I explained my antipathy to opera, and he looked down his nose (he was somewhat taller than I) and explained it was time for me to look upon human voice as musical instrument. Huh? What? I love instrumental music, why hadn’t I thought of that? I think I may have bought both CDs. Anyhow, I gave one to my friend, and he was thrilled, and I kept one for me.

Then my friend decided we should get the DVD of Madame Butterfly to watch. No. I did not like that opera. That was the first (and at that time only) opera I had seen, and I hated it. No. NO. NO!!!! Several years later, I moved to Florida and going someplace listening to the Matinee at the Met and there was this beautiful music on. I pulled into the parking lot where I needed to go and sat and listened to the opera until break time. The act finished and the announcer said, “We shall return to Madama Butterfly…” and I broke into great belly laughs at the joke on me. I hurried up with my shopping and made it back to my car before the next act. When it was over, I called and told my friend and told him what happened. We still laugh about that.

I probably still wouldn’t like opera if not for that young man in the Silver Platter, and my friend. I do miss that store! Gianni Schicchi is a delightful comic opera I’ve seen a couple of times and own the CD. Puccini was a fantastically wonderful composer. And if you haven’t listened to or seen Gianni Schicchi, it’s a comedy and great fun, and only an hour long.

I love it when I meet someone who can make me think and see a new way of looking at something.

Before I met the gentleman above, a young friend Brandon, was a radio DJ. He was really a friend of my son’s, but he and I became friends, too. We were talking one day when I lived down on the Oregon Coast and he had settled in LA, and I mentioned something about the primary choice of music available where I lived—Country Western or Country Western. He laughed and said music is music. Made me think, and by golly, he was right. While CW is not my favorite, I really do enjoy Rockabilly music. CW can get to be a bit whiny for me. Too much victim. But I can enjoy it and do now and then listen to it. By the way, I haven’t talked to Brandon in years, but his radio station is still going strong, check out https://substation.one which may or may not still be his, but still the same great music, especially if you’re not in the mood for Bach or Billy Joel 😉

Photo of the Week:

Something a little out of this world, eh? Okay, I can’t fool you. It’s one of the hot springs at Yellowstone NP.

Entertainment:

Netflix: Watched the final episode of Hospital Playlist. They haven’t made up their mind if there will be a Season 3. I hope so, but I’m not gonna hold my breath. A fun two-season K-Drama series.

And the final, sixth, season of Lucifer is playing. I’m trying not to binge on it. But don’t think I’m doing very well. Truth to tell Lucifer is a bit on the corny side, but there are some real honest to goodness belly laughs. Pure calorie-free enjoyment 😉

Books:

Still reading Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. I have a couple weeks to get it finished 😉

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” —Bono

And there you have this week’s missive. Hope you enjoyed it. See you next week. Honest. Trust me.

Where Were You on 9-1-1?

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Weather in the Tries: Looks like we’re scheduled for another week of Paradisical weather here in Paradise. Well, it would be Paradise if we didn’t have smoke in the air. We are currently scheduled for a week of mostly sunshine and temps in the low 70s to low 80s. Porch sittin’ weather!

Good news! My publisher is going to put The Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings up on Kindle and drop the price for eBooks. I don’t know how low the price will go, but it will be lower! Those of you who read eBooks, be patient! So far, I have one 2 5-Star reviews up on Amazon and 1 on Goodreads! Woot! Woot! I am hearing from people who are reading the book they really like it and they promise to put a review up when finished.

Where Were You On 9-1-1?

Yes, I know I’m a couple days late, but Jerry Coyne asked this question on his blog. We remember where we were when we hear bad/shocking news. I took a sick day from work and was home, in bed with the flu when President Kennedy was shot. I was working in the office of the 555 Company (US Army) in Karlsruhe, Germany when Bobby Kennedy was shot. The radio was on, and I was typing, and I heard it. No one else did, and they didn’t believe me. Kept telling me I’d heard it wrong; they were talking about JFK. And then they listened. I was at an auto race at the Hockenheimring, near Hockenheim, Germany when Martin Luther King was killed. It was announced over the loudspeaker, in German, and I didn’t understand enough know what had happened, but I knew it was something bad. I was in Fort Leonard Wood MO and had just finished reading a novel about an Apollo mission that went wrong when the news came over the radio about Apollo 13.

On 11 September 2001, I was in bed, asleep, on the Oregon coast. A friend called, explained what happened, and while speaking to him, I got up and turned on the tv. We watched our tvs at the same time and saw the second hit. We were without words.

We were angry. We were in shock. We were frightened. Both of us has been “through” Vietnam. He’d been there, I was in uniform, but hadn’t gone. We hung up to watch and process on our own. I was so grateful Aaron Brown was doing the broadcasting on CNN. He was calm, professional, and one of my favorite broadcasters. His calm demeaner as he broadcast, was much appreciated. I still miss him.

I spent the day in front of the tv. I remember chanting, softly, to myself. I think it was Green Tara’s chant (Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha). It might have been the Om Mani Padme Hum, probably both. As an atheist, I knew my prayers would do no one any good. As a Buddhist I needed those prayers for me. They gave me something familiar to hold while my world burned. I had recently gone through the deaths of 11 of my co-workers and friends in less than 2 years, and then I retired to take care of my uncle the last 6 months of his life. He died in my home. I needed the sleep, the healing, and the love however I found it.

I did not think war was the answer and was sorry our elected officials did. I feared before the election that Jr. would get us into a war if elected. He stated he wanted to be a War President, like his daddy. I believed him. And, frankly, I often wonder, and still wonder when I see the pictures of him being told, if he didn’t know something was coming down, he just had no idea exactly what or when. His reaction was too much a nonreaction. Even in front of the little people he was reading to. So much for my conspiracy theory.

I’m still very saddened and embarrassed by the sudden rise of hatred against Muslims instead of anger against the perpetrators. I’m very saddened and embarrassed we, as a nation, did not try to find out the true cause. What had we done they felt the need to do what they did? Yes, we are the victim, but why? It wasn’t just Desert Storm and allowing women to drive jeeps, we did other things, too, that dissed the Arabs. But we’ve never really asked, nor have we truly apologized for whatever we did, nor have we learned anything.

I am still an atheist, and I still follow many of the teachings of Buddhism and Taoism (which are NOT religions, but philosophies or ways of life). The nice thing about Buddhism and Taoism is they are AND philosophies. One can be a Christian and a Buddhist or Taoist, a Muslim and…, a Hindu and.., and whatever one’s religion is or isn’t and a Buddhist or a Taoist.

But I digress. Where were you on that fateful day, what were you doing when you heard the news of 9-1-1? If you are old enough to remember it, I bet you remember where you were and what you were doing. Would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Photo of the Week:

Entertainment:

Netflix: Watched the penultimate episode for this season of Hospital Playlist. I understand they are debating whether to have a season 3. I sent a note telling them I thought they should. Will they listen to me? That’s a rhetorical question, you don’t need to respond.

Finished Home to Heaven, another Netflix K-Drama. Not as good, but good. Home to Heaven is a father-son company that goes in and cleans the homes after someone dies. The father died, the sun is Autistic, and an uncle the boy (young man at 20) didn’t know about was named guardian. Lots of fun areas.

Books: If I finish it, I review it, you can read it at: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com

I am reading four books at the moment. I might have one or two finished by the time you read this.

Novel: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. I can understand why it was so popular when it came out. But I’m not sure I’m all that fond of it. I’ll keep reading. he uses the phrase, “so it goes,” every other page and throws me out of the story each and every time. I’ve finished a couple other books and my latest reviews are on my book review blog above.

Poetry: The Father by Sharon Olds. Beautifully written poems about her father’s dying. Sad, poignant, well done.

Mother Country by Elana Bell. Another collection of poems by a woman who so wanted to become a mother, even after so many setbacks (miscarriages).

American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes. All are sonnets, all have the same title, and some are laugh out loud funny, some are cry real tears sad, and some will flat out make you angry. Great poems, well written. Food for thinking on some of the tougher aspects of life.

Quote for the Week:

A Buddhist chant, chanted at the opening of an illegal temple in the midst of a Khmer Rouge prison camp in Cambodia:

Hatred never ceases by hatred

but by love alone is healed.

This is an ancient and eternal law.

And there you are my kind and gentle friends. Sammy Brave Dog and Auntie Lenora wish you a terrific week with lots of goodness to fill your days.

Happy Labor Day

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Weather in the Tries: Delightful!

Happy Labor Day:

Today is a holiday. I took yesterday “off” and spent it with some friends. We four sat outside and ate and gabbed and had a delightful visit. I’ve often wondered who labors the hardest, the “common laborer” who is truly anything but, or a mother. Both jobs are very hard work.

A friend emailed me the other day that he had purchased a copy of my new book, The Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings and had read some of it, was delighted with it, and I of course immediately turned jealous! Happy, but jealous! I ordered books (plural) when the book was published, and I didn’t yet have them. So, I ordered one for me. It came. My friend Mary came, and she wanted to buy it. Since Mary is one of the reasons it looks so good (she did the final proof reading) I decided to part with it. After all, I have books (plural) coming. That’s the problem with POD books. If one orders more than one or two, it takes longer. sigh.

Jim, my friend reading the book, said he really likes that he can open it up to any page and find something interesting to read—poem, story, memoir. He said the lady who designed the book was really smart! 😉

Anyhow here is the lady who not only designed the book, but wrote it, too, with purple and pink hair, holding her one and only book that now lives with Mary 😉 Uh, no, she didn’t write it with purple and pink hair, she used a pen, paper, and or a computer. That is the Columbia River in the background of the second photo.

Just hung up the phone from talking with a publisher friend of mine, and she is calling back in a bit to interview me for her podcast, and newsletter. So today will be another busy day. Another day of labor. /snicker/

Also, I have finally figured out how to easily record and post short pieces, so you might want to check the Spoken Wordnow and then. I’ll put the latest recordings on the top of the list.

Am limiting myself to two 15-minute segments on Facebook. I set my timer, log in, and when the timer goes off, I log out. IF I’m writing something, I finish, then log out. Helps keep my blood pressure down, and my mood up. 😉

A Meme swiped from Facebook that I truly like. I think it is apropos to writers, readers, canners, etc. I am doomed.

A Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings is now available for your reading pleasure https://www.cyberwit.net/authors/lenora-rain-lee-good

https://www.amazon.com/dp/818253772X

ISBN: 978-81-8253-673-9

Quote of the Times:

slave n. 2. One who is…controlled by another. A woman in Texas

To eBook or Not to eBook? That is the question!

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Weather in the Tries: I don’t want to make any extreme promises, but in looking at my weather app, it looks like we’re still back to a normal summer, whatever that means in this day and age. The AQI shows “Good” air quality, though I’m smelling smoke in the air—but not seeing it. I’m still masking when I walk the dog.

Speaking of masking: I was in a store the other day where the hired help all wore masks. Mostly on their chins or mouth, only putting them up when a customer came near, and taking them down to talk. They all wore cotton masks. They couldn’t leave their face properly covered because it was too hard for them to breathe. What a crock of brown stuff! Wonder how comfy they’ll find a tube for breathing? Or the inside of a casket? Sigh.

And now I’m not sure if I’ve been exposed or not, I have a sore throat, congestion, but no fever. I mask. I socially distance myself. I’m tired of these selfish brats and their dependance on me for herd immunity when they can’t help themselves, let alone care for other people.

Which is all a way to let you know that I’m on a bit of a rant today. It’s an old rant, but still a rant.

To eBook or Not to eBook? That is the question!

I love ebooks. I love to read my fiction on ebooks. I don’t understand the cost of ebooks. Stores don’t have to stock them, shelve them, dust them, etc. They take up no room in warehouses, don’t have to be boxed, shelved, and mailed. Yes, they take up room in the cloud, but how much space? How big is the cloud? Yes, it costs money to store/retrieve/send the ebooks. I’m guessing pennies, not dollars. But when you buy an ebook, you’re not really buying it—you’re renting it. You can’t read it and give it to your local Friends of the Library. You can’t sell it on ebay, or to a used bookstore. In many cases you can’t loan it to a friend, and if you can, you can only loan it once. You can’t leave it to your heirs, well, I guess you can, if they want to continue to pay your membership, etc..

And what’s with this bit where an ebook now costs $14.99 but the paperback only costs $11.99? Come winter if necessary, I can burn my paperback to cook food or stay warm. Can’t do that with my ebook. Oh, and if the carrier who supplied my ebook folds, I lose my book. If I quit subscribing to the company where I rented, I mean bought, my book, I lose my book.

I know authors have earned and deserve to be paid. Publishers know it, too. But there must be a way to make ebooks more affordable, especially considering their limitations. A great many people can’t afford to buy books, and reasonably priced ebooks could be a solution. Every kid has a smart phone. Make books inexpensive enough they can afford them.

Now publishers are trying to force libraries into buying extremely limited licenses—in other words, they can only loan the ebook out one or two times, five at most. This isn’t about books or authors, it’s about greed. Not of the author, s/he isn’t getting any more money.

I might feel a bit better about it, if I was assured the author actually got the majority of it. In the meantime, for a book I really want to read, I just might go back to paper. Or find another author/publisher.

Photo of the Week: This is what I wanted to show you last week but couldn’t figure out how. My BOC (brother of choice) came to the rescue and taught me how, so here you are, with many thanks to Davey;-)

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it, and post my review at Rainy Day Reads

Finished two books I have yet to review:

Defiled, by Joseph Flynn. A marvelous who done it, with two of my favoritest fiction heroes, John Tall Wolf and Ron Ketchum, and

The Poppy War: A Novel (Book 1 of a trilogy) by R. F. Kuang. She’s a new author to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed her book. The other two are available.

And, of course, the best news of all—A Bride’s Gate and Other Assorted Writings is now available for your reading pleasure https://www.cyberwit.net/authors/lenora-rain-lee-good

https://www.amazon.com/dp/818253772X ISBN: 978-81-8253-673-9

You can order through the above links, or go to your favorite bookseller and ask them to get it for you.

Quote of the Week:

“A writer gets to live yet another life every time he or she creates a new story.”
― Pawan Mishra, On Writing Wonderfully: The Craft of Creative Fiction Writing

And there it is, Gentle Readers. Another week gone by. Oh, and if you’re wondering why this post is a tad late, it’s because last week was a tad early and I thought I should make up for it. Sammy sends pupkisses, and I send properly masked and socially distanced hugs until next week.

Should the Last President go to Prison?

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Weather in the Tries: Wahooo!!! We’ve got a week of relatively cool weather. At least in comparison to what we’ve been through. Are we going back to our ‘normal’?? Our highs will be low 80s and our lows mostly in low 50s with a couple of dips into the 40s. Wahooooooo!

Public Service Announcement #1:

NO, IT ISN’T MONDAY! YES the blog is a day early because of PSA #2. I wanted to give y’all a chance to read it and come if you’re interested. Love to see you there.

Public Service Announcement #2:

The Archetypes

A Zoom Poetry Reading

featuring works created in Wayne Lee’s The Archetypes of Poetry workshop

Monday, August 23, 2021

7 pm MST (6pm PDT, 8pm CDT, 9pm EDT)

featured readers:

Lenora Rain-Lee Good

Lou Cimalore

Sharon Rizk

Wayne Lee

The reading will be followed by a Q&A and short open mic. The first 8 people to reserve their spot (by replying to me by email) will be given 3 minutes to share their poems. (Spots filled.)

Click HERE on Aug. 23 to attend

I look forward to seeing you there!

Wayne

Should the Last President go to Prison?

This question in one form or another has appeared often on my Facebook page. I’ve ignored it. But I’m also sick of seeing it. I do believe the question deserves an answer, so here’s my answer.

I truly think if you or I had committed even one of the offenses he is alleged to have committed, we’d be there, no questions asked. But, here’s the difference: you and I aren’t the ex-prez.

You or I would have a trial by jury of our peers. THEN if we be found guilty, we’d have our own chance at redecorating a corner of the selected hoosegow.

And that, I think, is what the question should be. Should our ex-prez be brought up on charges, given a trial in front of a jury of his peers (ie, American Citizens, not billionaires), and IF and ONLY IF he’s found guilty of crimes against the country, should then be sent to the hoosegow. There is the possibility that sending an ex-prez to prison is asking too much, but he could be barred from ever holding elective office again in this country.

Photo of the Week:

Hoped for a video, with sound, but, alas, the old squish-ware isn’t cooperating all that well. Maybe next week. In the meantime, we not only had smoke with which to contend, but good, old fashioned-dust and dirt from ripping up the street behind me. Fun to watch when the wind is in the right direction 😉 I don’t even want to know what chemicals are in that dust. Fun to watch the guy get the corner of the concrete with the jaw and pull it up. No more jack hammer! And it must be 6″-8” thick.

Books: Remember, if I finish a book, I review it, and post my review at Rainy Day Reads

Finished four books. Actually, I finished Choose Me —by Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver some time ago, and because it’s electronic, I didn’t have it on my desk to remind me to review it, and just now am doing so. Also read Nailed —by Joseph Flynn. First of another great series. And two books of poetry—Atomic Paradise —by Jules Nyquist and Still Life with two dead Peacocks and a Girl —by Diane Seuss. Two great books of poetry by two great poets.

Quote of the Week:

The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is the thickness of a prison wall. —Denis Healey

And there you have it for this week, a day early. I know poetry isn’t everybody’s cuppa, but if it’s yours, try to make it. Lou and Sharon have some great poetry, as does Wayne. Wayne taught the class, and I can hardly wait for the next one. He’s a tremendous poet in his own right. Sammy will be sleeping in the other room. He is not an aficionado of poetry! If I was talking to him, and not the computer, well, maybe. 😉

Blogs, Blogs, and…

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Weather in the Tries: Well, the temps are supposed to be somewhat cooler, closer to our normals this coming week with highs in the low 90s. Not sure about the air quality. AQI has been in the Unhealthy area for several days now. Makes for short walks for my short-legged friend and his human.

Blogs, Blogs, and…

I know I’ve told you before, if I read a book, I review the book, and I publish the review. If I don’t finish the book, I don’t review it. Because of this, I get on various lists by various people, including authors. M. K. Tod asked me to read and review her latest book, Paris in Ruins. I did. I loved the book. I wrote and published my review. In the ensuing conversations we had she asked about my book, Jibutu, Daughter of the Desert, and I told her about it.

Not only was she interested, but she also asked me to write a guest blog for her, on World Building. I did. She liked it, and here it is for your enjoyment: https://awriterofhistory.com/2021/08/11/world-building-with-lenora-good/

There are more blogs on world building at her site, just go to View all posts by M. K. Tod, and you’ll find them.

I enjoy world building, but oh how I admire those who write historical fiction and are able to build a believable world. They must research vocabularies of the day, clothing, money, foods, transportation, and oh so much more. Much easier to build a world from scratch.

Photo of the Week:

Sea Grass at the Bandon Light House in Coquille, Oregon October 2008

Status of The Bride’s Gate &c: I received the proof pages and read them AND sent my markups back. So now we wait. Some more. I think I have the ‘sell sheet’ or Information Sheet complete except for the price and ISBN. Oh, and I’m waiting for the contract. But it will come.

Netflix:

Haven’t started another series yet. Well, I’ve tried a couple, and decided I don’t like them enough to continue. So just watched this week’s episode of Hospital Playlist. I hate being current and having to wait a week between episodes! Not fair! Whiiiiine!!!

Books: Remember, when I finish a book, I review it, and post my review at Rainy Day Reads

Pacific Northwest Foraging for Beginners: A 3 Step… —by Paul Macy This is a marvelous book, and an easy read, on how to and not to collect edibles from the wild. I appreciated how Mr. Macy stressed sustainable harvesting as well as when and when not to harvest. A great read before your next hike.

Binti: The Complete Trilogy —by Nnedi Okorafor OMG! This is one of those books where you just need to get in, sit down, and buckle up, ‘cause you be goin’ for a ride! The world building is fantastic (I’m so jealous!!) And I hated to have to put the book down to do far less important, but more demanding, things. I can hardly wait to read more of her books.

Quote of the Week:

“I blog because I have something to say.” —Eddie Huang

And there you have it, two blogs in one. Well, there are some other blogs linked, too. Sammy Brave Dog and Auntie Lenora hope you stay cool, stay safe, and have clean air. If you won’t mask against Covid, please mask when the AQI is above Good 😉

Joys of Dealing with Indie Bookstores

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Weather in the Tries: Monday (Today) will be 88, then 95, then five days of triple digits–low 100s. Fortunately, we usually have relatively low humidity. As long as the AQI is good, and it’s cooler out than in, I will open doors and turn on fans. So far, my a/c has come on very few times. It’s set at 80.

Joys of Dealing with Indie Bookstores:

As you undoubtedly know, I’m book poor. I’d rather buy books than groceries; however, I am fortunate in that I can afford both. More’s the pity for my waistline.

I also love supporting authors I know, especially poets. The loving partner of John Roche of Placitas, NM, Jules Nyquist of Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, had a reading at Bookworks Indie Book Store in Albuquerque the other night. I could hardly wait to join the festivities, via zoom, and when the long-awaited time came, I was there. And when Wyatt, of Bookworks, posted the link in chat, so I could order my very own copy of her new book, Atomic Paradise, I clicked.

Imagine my surprise the next morning when I got up and there was an email from Wyatt at Bookworks double-checking to be sure I had ordered the correct book, as I had ordered a different book, and he wanted to be sure I wanted that one v. Jules’ book. My response was, of course, immediate. I wanted Jules’ book.

What I didn’t pay attention to when ordering, because I was really paying attention to the reading, is that Wyatt, or someone, also posted the link to a related book. I clicked on the wrong link. Fortunately, I’d asked a question about getting my copy signed, and when I ordered the book I thanked Wyatt and the store for making the reading available via Zoom, and I looked forward to my signed copy.

Now, if I’d done that with one of the large bookstores, I’d have received the wrong book in the mail in two weeks. Now, thanks to Wyatt, I’ll receive the correct book.

Indie bookstores take care of their customers. I’ve dealt with them for years. I also deal with the big stores, too, but I’m willing to bet 95% of my books come from indie bookstores.

Use your Indie Bookstore. Yes, you can buy it for less from one of the larger stores, but the Indie Stores are owned by your neighbors. And, should you live in one of those cultural deserts without a local, Indie Bookstore, I recommend Bookworks in Albuquerque or Adventures Underground in Richland WA They have websites and know how to mail a book or a game, or anything else they have you want. Honest. Trust me.

I must also state our local Barnes & Noble Bookseller, is a great fan of local authors, and stock their books when possible, and will hold readings and signings when Covid again allows. The staff of our local B&N treat the customers more like an Indie store than a chain store. They’re marvelous.

Photo of the Week:

Cyberwit.net sent me this cover for my approval. I’m assuming that means they’re going to publish the book. The painting is from a street mural in Frederick, Maryland. It is called The Unfound Door painted by William Cochran Studios and I have their permission to use the photo. There is a story about this painting, it is with the title poem, The Bride’s Gate. Mr. Cochran thought it great.

Status of The Bride’s Gate &c: They have sent the cover for my blessing. I blessed it. So am assuming I’ll be receiving the proof copies soon.

Netflix:

Got hooked on another K-Drama, Navillera (2021). Two things stand out in this movie: 1. The question of what makes you happy? 2. You’re never too old to pursue your dreams! Yes, the computer and search engines are wonderful; “Navillera means beautiful with some soft. In the Joseon Dynasty, they use the word when …watching traditional dance.” It was a one season show and I binged it. The 70-year-old man always wanted to be a ballerino and finally decided to take lessons. His dream was to dance, on stage, in Swan Lake. The arrogant kid was made his teacher. Oh, yeah, you can guess some of it, but I don’t remember ever crying as much in the last episodes as I did in this—I cried for sad, I cried for happy, I laughed out loud. One of the best series ever. It may be available in English, but I always watch movies/series in the language filmed in with English sub-titles. One of the most beautiful series I’ve ever seen. If it ever comes available for purchase, I want a copy. Trailer.

Books: Remember, when I finish a book, I review it, and post my review at Rainy Day Reads

Deaf Republic: Poems —by Ilya Kaminski. One of the best books of poetry I’ve ever read. Blew my socks off! Read my review.

Quotes of the Week:

“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.” —Jen Campbell

“I have gone to [this bookshop] for years, always finding the one book I wanted—and then three more I hadn’t known I wanted.” —Mary Ann Shaffer

And there you have it, gentle readers. My week of excitement. I hope your week brought you as much joy as mine did me. Sammy Brave Dog and I wish you a great week coming. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and watch a new kind of movie, stretch your imagination a bit. 😉

Coffee Break Escapes with Auntie Lenora

Short readings for short times

The Assassin

Relax and Enjoy Your Food

Rainy Day and the Wet Dog (Encore)

Have You Ever…

Where Were You on 9-1-1?

Happy Labor Day

To eBook or Not to eBook? That is the question!

Should the Last President go to Prison?

Blogs, Blogs, and…

Joys of Dealing with Indie Bookstores