Thursday, August 30, 2012

A NEW AGE ... ARE YOU READY FOR IT?


At the dawning of a new day, a serpent slithers, reaching the first of many etched stone steps reaching toward the sun. Adorned in a kaleidoscope of feathers gently blowing in the warm breeze, he advances with great determination. 

Robed in the whitest of fabrics, the crowds gather with tablets in hand, their eyes dart, following each and every movement from all who surround the temple.


The journey is long, inch-by-inch he coils around each glistening stone. All is silent as his tongue licks the air. A keen eye glances downward. All are breathless.


As the light gently shifts and the temple shadow bathes the crowds in the north, the serpent reaches the final step. He raises, and the vivid plumage pierces the azure sky.


"I have a revelation .... I am lifting the veil ....  a new discovery. It will transcend an renew — "



Jaws drop as he utters the astounding news.


The clouds swirl, lightning flashes, images form into a massive picture. Paralyzed, the crowd holds their breath. 

"Today I reveal to you ..... HEATHER McCORKLE'S NEW COVER!"









































The crowds gasp.

"Now go, and add this to your Goodreads list. I will know if you have not. So take heed."



Hi, everyone, as you can see from my unusual intro, this week my good friend and amazing author Heather McCorkle revealed the cover of the final novel in her chandler series. Below is all the info to enjoy this fun event. Drop by Heather's blog, lots of wonderful things happening there.

Congratulations Heather! All the best with you newest novel. It will be available soon, so keep an eye out for it.


Have a wonderful day everyone.




It's finally here, the cover reveal for Heather McCorkle's Rise of a Rector, the final novel in her channeler series (due out this October). To celebrate Heather is giving away two copies of her historical fantasy novel, To Ride A Puca.

To add it to your Goodreads lists click here. If you'd like to check out the rest of the channeler series (her novella Born of Fire is now FREE on Amazon & B&N!) you can do so on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To win an eBook of To Ride A Puca, all you have to do is help Heather spread the word. There will be two winners! To enter fill out the form below.


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

MY COMPUTER'S BEEN TAKEN OVER .... WHAT THE ....?

Hi all,

Well, it's Tuesday, sunny and warm, with a hint of a breeze gently waving the green summer leaves. No, this isn't a weather report, just a pleasant observation as I'm writing this post ....

"OMG, the sunlight is diminishing at rapid speed. All of a sudden, it's dark, ominous .... the only light in the room is coming from my computer screen ...  GEEZ, now it's flashing! What's going on here? Is blogger freaking out again?! 

 "Now what happened to my post? This is insane!  Somethings downloading ... HOLY SH--!!!!" Eyes blinking feverishly. "WHOA! LOOK at this!"


Blood Fugue, Moonsongs Book 1 by E.J. Wesley

Cover Reveal Party

Author E.J. Wesley is throwing a blog party to celebrate the release of his new book cover and wants you to join in the fun. Jump over to his blog to learn about how you can win some awesome prizes, including $50.00 toward a cover of your own and advance reader copies of Blood Fugue.

Cover work by Sketcher Girl, LLC - http://sketchergirlstudios.com/

What's the Story about?


"Some folks treated the pas like an old friend. The memories warmed them with fondness for what was and hope for what was to come. Not me. When I thought of long ago, my insides curdled, and I was left feeling sour and wasted.


Sounds amazing, doesn't it?  Well, what are you waiting for ... head over to EJ's blog The Open Vein- http://the-open-vein-ejwesley.blogspot.com and join the party!

I hope you all enjoyed my bit of melodrama for this intro .... Let's all wish EJ the best with his new novella and spread the blog love and enter ....

Have a great day everyone! See you over at EJ's ....

Saturday, August 25, 2012

AH, ARE YOU READY FOR A LITTLE ROMANCE THIS WEEKEND? ....

Hi, all,

Well, I was hoping to have this post up yesterday, but you know how life is ... unpredictable, unrelenting, and far from understanding.

I must say that last Friday/weekend I had a ball with the WHAT IF .... Twisted fairytale blogfest. If you need a good laugh, scroll down a few posts and take a look at my entry, BUT not until you finish reading this weekend's post. LOL.

Two of my most favorite bloggers buddies, Denise Covery and Donna Hole, host a bi monthly(every other Friday) writer's exercise and critique in ROMANCE.


So if you are up to a challenge and want to stretch your imagination to write something new in 400 words or less, that is if you are not a romantic writer like me, why not drop in on these wonderful ladies and join in the fun. Here is the direct link to Romantic Friday Writers ....  Each event has a different prompt for you to follow...

Today's is a romantic picnic.

I was inspired by Chicago's lovely lakefront and a young romantic couple kissing on the grass dunes, as I powerwalked by them yesterday. I hope you like my entry, I decided to express my more poetic side today...


At three hundred and seven words here is



A Special Kind of Love 



    As the curtain slowly closes on this lazy day of summer, a gentle, cool breeze skirts Chicago’s lakefront. The sun peaks high, sending its warmest rays to illuminate a vibrant mix of jade and sapphire in the tranquil waters.
Abuzz with activity, many city dwellers basque in outdoor activities. A whirlwind of  neon flashes from cyclists, rollerbladers, and runners. Jingling silver bells break through the sound of subtle waves lapping, as peddlers sell the sweetest of confections.
Arched lacy bridges, covered in a kaleidoscope of flowers, welcome strolling couples and families to the lake’s sandy shores.
A sudden gust takes a young woman’s waist-length hair by surprise along with the edges of a red and white checkered tablecloth clinging to a patch of green earth. 
Agile boy-like fingers quickly reset the paper plates and knocked over bottles as she twists the mane away from her dark eyes and glossed lips.
Angling her head, she stares into her lover’s captivating eyes, and like a stroke of a dove’s wings, their delicate fingers interlock. Her mouth parts as a breath escapes into the dancing blades of grass, gently caressing the insides of her legs.
An unexpected rush of air unravels her ebony strands, swathing the young sweethearts away from the world. Tender polished fingers weave through shiny cropped hair, and two pairs of soft, wet lips meld and become one as the zephyr calms. 
After a brief slumber, the tempest awakens with the couple’s passion and sweeps across the lake, inviting a wave to crash against the concrete barrier, showering the lovebirds. Lips part and curl into smiles. 
A whisper of “I love you,” slips from her quivering lips.
As she holds her breath, a flush of red, a raised brow, and loud gulp are the only response ... until a scratchy voice replies, “I love you, too.”  



How sweet is this.? Ah, young love.  Please feel free to let me know what you think and  if you have  any romantic plans for this weekend.  And don't forget to visit the other Romantic Friday Writers ....




Tuesday, August 21, 2012

A COUPLE OF NEWSWORTHY EVENTS ...

Hi, All,

I hope your week is going well. I had spent some time yesterday surfing the blogosphere and catching up on some news ...

Several post/articles caught my attention on several different levels.

I had stopped by Janet Reid's blog. She had posted about the the candidate for the US senate in Missouri and his UNBELIEVABLE statement about "real rape." Now as you all know, I keep my blog VERY positive, but reading this post and hearing about it on the news while working out last night, makes me positive this candidate is not right! So drop over to Janet's blog for the post here.  You will be outraged too!

On a much more "writerly" note, Writer's Digest and Guide to Literary Agents' Chuck Sambuchino are hosting the "DEAR LUCKY AGENT" contest, now through Aug. 27th, so you still have plenty of time to enter. SO all you M/G writers get your ms's polished and shoot over your first 150-200 words of your finished book-length manuscript along with a one-sentence logline.

There are a few things you need to do as well. You must mention this contest in two media's or one media and hop over to Amazon and like Chuck's newest humor book ... This contest is well worth the effort so get right to it M/G writers. For entry click here and get whisked away GLA.

Now for a healthier note... As most of you know, I am a health and exercise nut, Equinox Gym sent this article in my inbox yesterday, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

Eat Like an Athlete by Elmear Lynch is about  swimmer, Olympic gold medalist,  Garrett Weber Gale. He shares his secrets to keep in shape. Ten easy do's and don'ts.... He has some great tips, so check it out here if you get healthy and stay that way, especially with summer winding down and clothes covering more of us, we need to be well aware of how the pounds can SLOWLY creep up on us. Remember the holidays are just around the corner and most Americans put on five to ten pounds of unwanted weight.

Also stay tuned for workout tips on how to keep moving with easy winter exercises to stay in shape when the temps drop.

Have a great day everyone!





Wednesday, August 15, 2012

WHAT IF .... A TWISTED FAIRY TALE ...

Hi, all,

Today I am posting for a hilarious blogfest sponsored by Mark Koopmans of Hawaii fame. Mark has a delicious sense of humor and plays host to the comedy aspect along with three lovely ladies (Morgan Shamy- who is not only sweet, but super talented and hosting the love story angle. I've know her for a while and she is a total delight. Leigh Covington, don't you just love her name? I haven't met Leigh yet, but I am certainly looking forward to getting to know her. She is hosting the tragedy part of the blogfest. And finally, Cassie Mae, another new blogger I am looking forward to getting to know. She is hosting the plot twists. This fun and amazing blogfest is featured all this week until Aug. 17th and all hosts are giving away amazing prizes, so there is still time to post yours!

All you have to do is take a classic fairy tale and ask What if? Then change the story to make it your own. It's that simple. Why not have Cinderella run away with the coachman instead of Prince Charming...  or

Make sleeping beauty an insomniac, freaking out the evil witch by NOT falling asleep. The possibilities are endless.

My tale is slightly risque, so be prepared for a shocking twist to this classic fairy tale. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to visit the other entries. There are some amazing imaginations in the blogosphere today.


Journeying through the woods, Red riding hood snagged her fishnet stockings on a bramble along side the path. The wolf, following closely behind stopped to watch.

“Damn, this is my last pair!" She raised her already short skirt and glanced down her long, supple leg.

Now that's a tasty looking drumstick, thought the wolf, salivating.

"What do I do now?” uttered Red, as she placed her basket down, bending over to search through it. The wolf lunged and flew over her, crashing into a solid oak tree.

"Oh, my! What on earth?" She gaped at the wolf. Her eyes washed over his fine chiseled features. A mass of thick, wavy, light-brown hair crowned his head. His ripped, muscular chest, arms, and legs were blanketed in a finer version, but in a slightly darker hue. Only A narrow sash hung low on his hips barely concealing his privates. 

Stepping closer to the beast, Red’s breathing grew heavy and her full breast heaved.

A low guttural moan escaped from the wolf.

Red moved in closer. She caressed the side of his face and then planted a big juicy one on his unsuspecting snout. His eyes blinked open. "What the hell are you doing?" he growled.

She laughed, licking her lips. "You're hot, Wolfie! Let's have another!" Red threw her arms around his neck.

He pushed her away. "Are you unhinged? I want to eat you."

"Oooo, I would love that." She stood up and raised her skirt, revealing black lace panties.

The wolf shook his head. "You are kidding, right?"

Red moaned, running her hand along her thigh. "I’m so turned on." With her other hand, she grabbed the back of his head.

"You're frickin' psycho?" The wolf sprang up and ran into the forest.

"WAIT! I thought you were going to eat me?" 

I hoped you enjoyed my little tale. But there is more. The blogfest limited our entries to 300 words, so, if you'd like to read the rest, here is  .... enjoy. 

Red sprinted after him.


The wolf careened through the forest and saw a little cabin. "I need to hide. That dame's dangerous," he muttered.

He made it to the front porch and opened the door. All seemed quiet. He scoped the living room, looking for a place to hide. Nothing. He heard a soft snore in the bedroom. Hmmmm. Perhaps I'll have lunch after all. He padded into the room. Not much meat on this one, but I like to eat light for lunch. 

The front door slammed shut. "Granny, it me, Red riding hood."

It's that freak. Hide! The wolf dove under the bed, just as Granny stirred.

Red stepped into the bedroom and gave her granny a hug. "I brought you a nice lunch, Granny."

"Thank you, sweetie. I am a bit hungry.”

Red sat next to her Granny and told her all about the hunky wolf in the forest. Granny raised an eyebrow.

"That beast didn't even service you? The nerve. You're the hottest tart in the village."

"I know. I just don't get it."

Underneath the bed, the wolf shook his head. Are these two broads for real?

"Damn. I Really wanted him, too. I didn't even get the chance to peek under his sash. I bet he was fully packed."
"Oh, honey. I had a wolfman once. It was about fifty years ago. Ummm, Ummm. I wasn't disappointed either." She smiled. "Maybe he was gay. It would explain it."
"That must’ve been it. No hetero would pass this up." Red stroked her legs.
GAY? ME? I'LL SHOW THEM! The wolf burst out from under the bed, growling.
"Look, Granny! That's him. Isn't he gorgeous?"
"Well dear, let's get him for you then."
In a flash, they tied him to the bed spread eagled and gagged. The wolf, shocked by the old lady’s strength and Red's agility, laid there paralyzed.
"Well dear, have fun." Before she left,  Granny stepped over to the wolf and lifted the blue sash.
He jerked out of his temporary stupor. “Leave me with some dignity please,” he spouted through Red’s kerchief.
Granny sniggered. "Oh, yes. I remember so well." A grin crossed her lips. "Yes indeedy."

The wolf couldn't help but feel proud. Yeah, I'm the wolf!

Red escorted Granny into the living room. "Later, Granny."

She entered the bedroom with a gleam in her eye.

I'm in big trouble now ....

Monday, August 13, 2012

UNFORGETTABLE BLOGFEST ....

Hi, everyone,

I hope all of you are having an unusual Monday, different from the norm. If not, why not check out my cyber sis's Unforgettable Blogfest?! Siv Marie @ Been There, Done That, is hosting this fun blogfest. Post about a unique place or person that you will never forget or that has changed your life.

This opens up a world of possibilities, doesn't it? It certainly does for me. So hop on over to Siv's blog for all the extraordinary posts. After you read mine of course.

I have decided to write about a very recent discovery I had made about a certain group of people: bikers.

No, not the people I see pedaling the lakefront in Chicago on a daily basis, but the rough, tough, leather clad men and woman that streak across the country in packs.

My story begins when my cousin on the west coast of Florida had invited me to her place for a long weekend over the Easter holidays. I really hadn't spent much time with her since we were kids, so I thought it would be fun to reconnect.

After my long grueling ride across the state, I finally had made it to her condo. The blazing sun scorched everything in its presence. Summer had come early to St. Petersburg, Fl. Dripping, I carried my travel bags and some food to the door. My cousin greeted me with a warm smile and big hug.

During lunch we caught up on all the family gossip and then she took me around town and to the beach. She had mentioned meeting her friends later in the evening at one of her favorite haunts.

The sun sank and so did the temps. It had amazed me how cool it got by early evening. She never did tell me exactly where we would end up, so I dressed in a nice pair of jeans and a turquoise fitted v-neck sweater. Casual, but classy, right?

We had our first few drinks at a beach type bar where the clientele was mostly older, at least ten years older than us. Not really my scene, and it surprised me because my cousin is HOT, so I thought we'd be going to trendier places.

"What's next?" I had asked as boredom set in.

A wicket grin crossed her face. "I'm not sure if you're ready for what I have to tell you. Just go with it and ask no more questions." She laughed, took my hand and dragged me back to her brand spanking new Jeep.

I raised a brow as we passed from the strip of high-rise beach hotels to the inner works of the city. Twenty minutes later she pulled up into the driveway of this run-down hovel. Split wooden steps lead to a semi opened door expelling clouds of smoke.

"You seriously are not taking me in there." My eyes darted from the smoke lingering on the front decking to my cousin's face, alight with mischief.

"Trust me," she said taking my hand again. You'll love my friends."

What kind of people hang out at a place like this?

The dozens of motorcycles should have clued me in. but I hadn't notice them at first.

We entered the hovel through a smoke screen. As it cleared I had a better view of my surroundings. I gulped.

Now, I'm not really a snob, but this place was REALLY not my scene. Decades of smoke infused the cedar walls. Everything but the kitchen sink hung from the wooden beams. Each step I took stuck to the floor.

In the blink of an eye, my cousin was surrounded by the most motliest group I had ever seen. Not one designer ANYTHING dressed any one of them. Torn jeans, ripped tees, leather vests, pierced everything, tattoos, bandannas, and exposed skin, that shouldn't have been exposed. I stood out in the worst kind of way, I was the token gold coin in a piggybank full of silver ones.

What is she thinking?! I know JoJo's crazy. She always was, but she's got to be kidding me!

She turned toward me, smirked, and began introducing me. Hands extended, eyes lit, and broad smiles beamed at me with each introduction. To my absolute shock, this was one of THE most sincerest and friendliest group of strangers I had ever met. Nothing false. No pretense. These people were genuine. They were who they were with nothing to prove to anyone, and accepted anyone for who they were.

I found myself fascinated and began chatting away as if I had known them for years.  JoJo disappeared for a while, but I didn't panic. On the contrary, I had a most intriguing conversation with a part American Indian woman. Her cosmic ways only added to the intrigue. She was very spiritual and into Wicca and the earth. She read auras like we read words.

She had approached me the moment I had stepped out onto the patio and commented on how white my aura was.

"Is that a good think," I had asked.

"Yes, and very powerful." She then put her hand on mine. "Yes, very powerful. I hope you are ready?" She said as her eyes sparkled in the dim outdoor light.

"Ready?" I smiled. "For what?"

"The ride of your life. Big things will be happening for you soon."

I looked at her quizzically. Not truly believing what I had just heard. Was she drunk? I gazed into her clear, black eyes. No that's not it.

She nodded. "Yes, big things. I really hope you're ready."

I cleared my throat. "I was born ready," I said, locking my eyes on hers.

Her thin lips curled. "Yes, I believe you are."

"So, when is all this to happen?"

She grinned. "Time is very fickle. It will present itself to you when it does."

"That's a bit vague. Can't you be more specific?"

She patted me on the shoulder. "Just be ready for it when it happens." She turned and walked into the bar.

I have never forgotten her. How strange. How powerful was her presence. And what about her premonition? Is my life going to change so drastically?

Well, it's been about four months. Not yet..... LOL.  You guys will be the first to know when it happens.

So do you have a person or have you been to a place that you will never forget? I'd loved to know.

This is such a fun blogfest, I hope you have a chance to read some of the other bloggers posts.

Have a great Monday everyone.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

BLOGGER BUDDY APPRECIATION DAY ...

Hello everyone,

We have coasted through to mid week, so I decided that we need a positive pick-me-up to get us through the rest of the week.

First, I would like to welcome my new blogger friends. I have five new friends this week, so welcome, Encourage one another (LOVE your penn name!), Peaches, Crack You Whip, Gene Pool Dive, and Raquel.

Over the past six months I have become even more dedicated to appreciating my blogger buddies. Who else can understand the trials and tribulations of a writer's life better than one of our BBs? They are there to listen to our tales of whoa, sympathize with us, lend an encouraging word, or give us truly awesome advice.

Our BB's help us with our writing, spend HOURS critiquing our work, helping us find all the plot holes, bad punctuation, structural problems, etc. What do they ask for in return? Only our friendship.... In today's world, where people are only out for themselves and the almighty buck, isn't wonderful to visit a place where you can be yourself, enjoy the company of amazing people, and it costs nothing!

No Dorothy, you are NOT in Kansas anymore. Not only is our blogosphere, not the norm, it's not even Emerald City .... it is SOOOOO much more! A world where not even THE most creative writers could ever simulate in prose. It is an entity of such soul, passion, love, creativity, warmth, excitement, endless information, and just plain FUN!

So today, I have designated Aug, 8th to be BLOGGER BUDDY APPRECIATION DAY! I think we all deserve our own special day, don't you? SO, I want you all to visit your buddies and tell them how much you appreciate them. Send them a broad smile, a hug, virtual chocolate, cake, cookies, wine, champagne, or whatever you deem appropriate.

I am sending all of you my respect, admiration, and LOVE... PLUS a HUGE BEAR HUG. FEEL my heart pounding? Good, then I know I'm squeezing tight enough.

I would also like to send out a special thanks to Karen Gowen of Coming Down the Mountain. She and her friend, Shauna, were kind enough to do something very special for me this week. I will post more about it next week. Anyway, Karen is AWESOME, so if you don't know her, please drop by her blog. She is an amazing woman who is also co-founder of Celery Tree.... Don't know about Celery Tree? Then drop by for all the details of this cool and exciting on-line book store.

Well, that's all for today. Get busy and drop by your BBs now.. I know I will be!

Here a few pics of me and a few of my blogger buddies that I had met over the past six months.






 Although technically not a BB, I did meet Henry Winkler at the SCBWI conference in NYC and he is a children's book author. Seriously.




















I met Marcy from Mainewords during my time in Orlando. She is a sweetheart and had fantastic energy! We toured the Morse Museum, featuring Tiffany art in Winter Park, Florida.

Here we are having a fantastic lunch and latte at a french bistro. Good times!






















Pk Hrezo have met several times in Orlando. Here we are at Downtown Disney, hanging out and catching up.

Pk is amazing because she is in constant whirlwind, raising a family, working like mad, and writing too! She is a woman who balances life perfectly... I don't know how she does it.





What can I say about Nicki Elston? A fellow Chicagoan ... well the burbs, but close enough.

We met last week at the zoo, just blocks away from my place in Lincoln Park. She arrived with her two teenage kids and we had a BLAST!

Nicki is so much fun, I wish I could see more of her. Although we only live an hour a way from each other, it has been over a year since we last got together.

She give 80's cool an new meaning. Published author, mom, wife, and all over fantastic person, Nicki is one person you all need to know!






Here are a few more friends I had met along my adventures in Orlando...

These pals have inspired children's imaginations for decades.

Who doesn't love Winnie-the-Poo and Tigger too?!!!



The lovely lady below is non-other-than Marie from the Aristocats.

How many of you remember that charming movie from 1970?

I actually do! Scary. She is quite soft and squeezable though. LOL.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP .... FINDING A WAY BACK TO WRITING ....

Hi, everyone,

Well, I can' believe it's time for another installment of the IWSG. It actually couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

As most of you know, I have been working on projects not related to writing for the past six months. Struggling through the A-Z challenge, keeping up with posts, and blogger friend's posts nearly killed me. Although I gave it the OL COLLEGE TRY, I failed. I couldn't keep up and do it all.

Talk about being INSECURE.... I know many of you have or do feel this way; beating yourself up because you can't keep up. DON'T DESPAIR....

That's what we are ALL hear for .... each other. With the amazing support of Alex J. Cavanaugh, Roland Yeomans, Donna Hole, and several other close blogger friends, I made it through the rough spots.

Our community, bar none, is THE most supportive community I have ever encountered. What makes it all the more AMAZING is that we all care! Basically we all strangers, yet .... I consider my blogger friends closer to me than people I have physical contact with. We understand each other. We know all the pitfalls .... we also know how to pull ourselves out of them. We share a passion for writing and for LIFE.

Many of us have families, insane jobs, or health issues, yet .... Here we are, visiting each other, sharing our tales of life, our stories, our dreams. Many haven't even told their families about their secret desires, yet we know.

So when despair hits, when you feel you can't keep up, when you lost .... come to us. That's what I did. When I returned back to Chicago, exhausted, and physically and emotionally drained, I came back to my blogger family. They had never left me.

Although I had no desire to write anything, I knew that reading posts and commenting would help pull me out of my slump. As I surfed the blogosphere I was amazed to find other blogger friends feeling exactly the same as me...

A week ago I dropped by Donna Hole's blog and saw a magazine contest sponsored by Narrative magazine in her sidebar.

"Could I possibly enter?" I had asked myself."What would I write?" I couldn't possibly have anything worthy by the July 31st deadline.

Two days ago I resurrected a short story I had written a few years ago. I knew the story was a strong one, but it needed some big editing, especially in the beginning.

I mustered up the energy and began. I finished the final edit 30 minutes before the deadline closed. I DID it!

For me, a few baby steps brought me back into the fold. It can for you as well. SO remember don't throw in the towel, NEVER give up....

At times like these I think of the A-Z post that Alex had written for T... I was mentioned... stunned. OF all the bloggers Alex is friends with, over a thousand, he chose me for being Tenacious. That alone gives me strength. Thank you ALEX! IT means SO much!

So I am now on the road to my writing recovery. YAY! It took some time, but sometimes time is all we need, so give it to yourself and DON'T feel guilty or put yourself down anymore!

I'd like to share an excerpt from THROUGH SHADES OF GRAY with you. I hope you enjoy. It's about a young man struggling with his life and where he fits in. He leaves the oppressive "Shades of Gray" in Chicago for the sunny shores of Florida.... Sound familiar. LOL.

The excerpt is from the end of the story... his observations while on the beach... It's fitting for this time of year.


Stepping onto the beach, I make it to the waves, drifting north on my odyssey. The beach vibe is altered today, as the human to wildlife ratio shifts. After a mile or so, I perch on an obscure sand dune. Several joggers pass by, but not the hardbodies I’m accustomed to seeing. Average middle-aged men and women smile at me as they continue enjoying their run together. I take a quick pic. 
A young father calls to a little boy, who is just a bit too close to the surf. A moment later, he rushes toward his son, scoops him into his arms, and smiles as his son giggles. The father’s patience and playfulness with the toddler intrigues me. I had always wanted kids. I take more pics as they play in the sand. The sound of a boom box distracts me.
Latino music washes over the beach as a group of teens dance. Passersby move to the pulsating beat. I click away at the random sites around me and then slide down the dune to continue my jaunt. The sun is high, and the heat of the day is peaking. 
The Ray Bans slip down my nose, as sweat pours from my face. Running to the shore with the Nikon held high, I step through the waves and a shock of cold rips through my privates. I’m breathless as I sink lower into the ocean’s depths, groaning.
I wade toward the shore after the impact and zero in on a small group. Teenage boys in over-sized boardshorts lift their bodyboards for another round with the surf, while bikini-clad girls watch in awe. I meander closer to them as the water shallows. 
Concentrating hard on my next shot; water-weight pulls my shorts down just below the equator. One of the teenage girls laughs as I awkwardly grope for the waistband.
“You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, honey,” a woman old enough to be my mother said. I must have turned crimson because she smiled, and then winked at me. I ran, kicking sand on the innocent bystander next to her.
I found another sand dune, and waited for the sunset. As the orange fireball’s lowering in the sky, I hear a couple hidden in the brush. They step out onto the beach hand-in-hand; they hadn’t noticed me. I zoom in on them, and see the vestiges of their former youth, but time had been kind to them. He gently kisses her, as streaks of gold illuminate their faces. I leave, letting them enjoy their private moment.


I hope you all enjoyed the excerpt. Have a wonderful day everyone.