Music Monday: That's all I know

I heard Kelly Clarkson provide the harmonies for this song when she had P!nk on her show recently, and I can't get it out of my head. So here's almost ten minutes of goodness with these two of my favorite female artists. Great for an overcast and gloomy Monday, right? Captions on the video, too!

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Of Steam and Punks and Free Smells: February 2023 Newsletter

[If you're wondering what on earth The Lettuce is doing, this is the newsletter that goes out to folks on my mailing list about once a month, maybe more. It's going to become a regular thing around here, as I learn how to be a real author that does real marketing.]

First of all, the Atlanta Steampunk Expo was amazing. I clearly had the best smelling signing table ever, as I was next to The Dragon's Hoard soaps. My two and a half cosplays went well, which was amazing - considering I'm an old dog learning a new trick. The Lucy Boyd needs more work, but Steampunk Kaylee was a hit.

The goggles kept the hat from popping off the top of my giant head.

Now then, I'm taking this crazy on the road again in March, this time to a signing event at one of my very favorite places in SC - 742 North in Rock Hill. I've been invited to the Springtime Blooms event on March 4th. These folks are really great, and I always come away with renewed purpose as an author and loads of new author friends! Come see me! Event information from 742 North's Facebook page:

Springtime Blooms, 742 North Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC.

As always, if you want signed copies of my books and can't make it to one of the events, contact me and let's talk about how I can make that happen. If you have a copy of one of my books, I'd love it if you'd leave me a review - that's the best way for others to find my books and for me to know how my writing is being received! 

Cheers, y'all!

Music Monday: Trouble Town

This song is the theme song for the fantastic British crime drama, "Happy Valley," and it is basically an anthem of the grittier side of the north of England. I'm anxiously awaiting season three to be released over here - it's a masterclass in plotting out a mystery/police procedural.

Trouble Townby Jake Bugg
Stuck in speed bump cityWhere the only thing that's prettyIs the thought of getting out
There's a tower block overheadAll you've got's your benefitsAnd you're barely scraping by
In this trouble townTroubles are foundIn this trouble townWords do get 'round
Kick the bottom make troubles fleeSmoke until our eyes would bleedSparkle pop the seed
Hear the sirens down the streetThe kids get light on their feetOr they'll be in the back seat
In this trouble townTroubles are found
Sitting on the pavementBoy you've missed your paymentAnd they're gonna find you soon
If there's a beating in the rainIf there's a little bit of pain, manYou're the one it happens to
If I talk of getting outI only hear the laughter loudIt's gotten ugly at home
Somewhere there's a secret roadTo take me far away I knowBut til then I am hollow
In this trouble townTroubles are foundIn this trouble townFools are found
Sitting on the pavementBoy you've missed your paymentAnd they're gonna find you soon
If there's a beating in the streetIf there's a feeling of defeatYou're the one it happens to
Stuck in speed bump cityWhere the only thing that's prettyIs the thought of getting out

Music Monday: Of Cellos and Rooftops, All Painted Black

There isn't much I can say about this piece of music other than I have never, ever really been a fan of the Rolling Stones, and yet this version of Paint it Black has moved me to actual words on a page and for that, I am grateful. Also, Wednesday is visually stunning, and the scene in the video below is no exception. But the music...good gracious. Enjoy.

Music Monday: It's me...hi.

 Yeah, I know, I'm always late for everything. Maybe I'm the problem...it's me?

Sorry. Seriously though, I periodically stumble across songs by Taylor Swift that I can feel in my soul, and this is one of them. It also speaks to some of the characters in my books who haven't been exactly anti-heroes but come very close. Gin will wreck her own life, again and again, to make sure everyone else is all right - definitely the problem. Tairn doesn't need anyone else...until she does. She will stare directly at Orana's sun but never into the mirror.

Also, y'all...the lyrics are AMAZING, even though they sometimes aren't as musical as some might prefer. Anyone that can use narcissistic altruism in a pop song gets my vote. The video has captions, so no lyrics this week.