Music Monday: It probably won't do...

I know. It was used in Spiderman. It's by Nickleback. I know all these things, but I also know that it is A-List for belting out in the car, slamming my palm against the steering wheel to keep time, and trying NOT to bang my head or break into interpretive dance like the GenX kid I am. But with the upcoming Nano being...most likely, I mean it is only September still and I've lots of sleeps to change my mind between now and then...right, the next Nano is PROBABLY going to be focused on the next Guardians of Orana novel, Hero, it seemed appropriate. Enjoy.

Heroby Nickleback
I am so high. I can hear heavenI am so high. I can hear heavenWhoa, but heavenNo heaven don't hear me
And they say that a hero can save usI'm not gonna stand here and waitI'll hold on to the wings of the eaglesWatch as we all fly away
Someone told me love would all save usBut how can that be, look what love gave usA world full of killing, and blood-spillingThat world never came
And they say that a hero can save usI'm not gonna stand here and waitI'll hold on to the wings of the eaglesWatch as we all fly away, Hi-ii-igh!
Now that the world isn't ending, it's love that I'm sending to youIt isn't the love of a hero, and that's why I fear it won't do
And they say that a hero can save usI'm not gonna stand here and waitI'll hold on to the wings of the eaglesWatch as we all fly away
And they're watching us (Watching Us)And they're watching us (Watching Us)As we all fly away!
And they're watching us (Watching Us)And they're watching us (Watching Us)As we all fly away!
And they're watching us (Watching Us)And they're watching us (Watching Us)As we all fly awayWhoa, whoa

Music Monday: My Love, Florence...

I will admit right here and now that I have a crush on Florence...and probably the Machine too, if I'm honest. She is an amazing human being with an outstanding and mind-blowing talent and I will be honest, she's creeping up on Imagine Dragons for having the most songs in my writing playlists. Enjoy...it has captions!

A Happy Birthday Wish, One Day Late

The McDonald Children

Yesterday, September 11, would have been my Aunt Mary's 93rd birthday. She never married or had any children, so I try to remember her birthday because, like my Aunt Inez on my dad's side, she was very special to us growing up. 

While my dad's sister could very well have been a second mother to us, Aunt Mary was like the older sister I never had. She had impeccable taste when it came to picking out jewelry, she made fudge that could have started a fight it was so good, and she could stand up to my mother and her older brothers in her soft-spoken way that I wish I'd learned to do.

In fact, I remember suggesting to my mother that Aunt Mary move in with her since my father was in care and she was living alone. "Oh, no," she replied, "Mary and I wouldn't live together well. Neither of us wants that." 😄 (After hearing tales of how Aunt Mary and my Uncle Lewis couldn't ride long distances in the car together because they both liked to wind each other up and seeing her square off with Mom over holiday meal prep, I believed it.)

So happy Birthday, Aunt Mary. I hope all 5 of your siblings are with you for a glorious birthday dinner where -
to quote my Uncle Harold's famous proclamation when my father met my mom’s family, "nothing makes anyone sick." I also hope you and Uncle Lewis don't end up in a "debate."  

I love you and miss you very much. Please hug Aunt Jane, Mom, Uncle Sanford, Uncle Lewis, and Uncle Harold for me. 

Music Monday: Love Of Mine (Lyrics)

If you know me, you know I love Imagine Dragons, and I've said for ages that if I were to ever work on a soundtrack for a movie version of my books, they would be my first stop. There is so much in their catalogue that IS Orana and all my characters that live there...but this time I'm hearing them in a new light and with a new story in mind. My new project is the combination of several manuscripts in my never ending quest for a vampire story - kind of a Lost Boys meets Pretty in Pink urban fantasy...and this might be a good place to start. (No lyrics because they are in the video!) Enjoy.

Book Signing News! The Upstate Renaissance Faire In Greer, SC

Author Event, 742 in Rock Hill, 8/6/2022

So, I'm taking this crazy show on the road again, but not that far up the road this time. I will have my own booth (provided I can get that sucker set up and it isn't too windy that day) at the Upstate Renaissance Faire in Greer, SC this coming Saturday (Sept 10th). 

Y'all... I'm nervous. The good thing is that if I need something I have loads of people nearby that can come help - instead of at least two hours away like at the Carolina Ren Fest or the Atlanta Steampunk Expo. My trusty Sherpa, Anne, will be at the same faire but is working with the Hounds of East Fairhaven, and while hubs has the day off we don't want to leave the dogs alone that long.

You know what will make it better, though? If you come out to see me! You don't even have to buy a book (though that would be amazing, I really don't want to have to take all this stuff back home with me). Just come say hi and hang out in what I hope is a properly decorated booth run by a mostly properly decorated author.

Question...can I actually sign books while wearing my usual rennie garb? Only one way to find out...for more info, check out the link above or go to my website.

Music Monday: If you didn't see it...

You need to find the bit of the tribute concert that happened over the weekend at Wembley in London for Foo Fighters late drummer, Taylor Hawkins when his son Shane hopped on the drums and LEFT EVERYTHING HE HAD ON THAT STAGE. I mean, the entire event was emotional and I'm so upset that I didn't get to see the entire concert, but if you can find it, look for My Hero. I've posted the song and I've got to say that if the Foos don't recruit that boy they are missing a trick. 

You might also check out Wolfgang Van Halen performing Hot for Teacher along with Foo Fighters and the lead singer of The Darkness. That was something else, and just proves how strong genetics can be.

My Hero

by Foo Fighters

Too alarmin' now to talk about
Take your pictures down and shake it out
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He's ordinary

Don't the best of them bleed it out
While the rest of them peter out?
Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He's ordinary

Kudos, my hero
Leavin' all the mess
You know my hero
The one that's on

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He's ordinary

There goes my hero
Watch him as he goes
There goes my hero
He's ordinary