WHAT WORD WILL WE WITNESS .... AND CONGRATS TO CAROL OF ARTSY CAROL FAME! ALL THE BEST WITH ANDREA BROWN AGENCY!

We are down to the final posts of the A-Z challenge. I would like to thank all my loyal friends old and new. You have been wonderful commenting with such blog love and affection. I just want you ALL to know just how much I appreciate it.


Here is another intriguing excerpt from my first novel. I hope you all enjoy it. At the end is another a debut illustration from the book...  

An unexpected icy wind blew. The hummingbirds took flight and disappeared. Amber shivered, weakening and feeling faint. What’s happening? Out of the corner of her eye she noticed something flutter — it was the strange electric blue monarch. 

“This is the second time you watched me. What do you want?” 

The butterfly beat its wings. It spun with lightning speed and came to an abrupt stop. A little fairy with electric blue hair and wings faced her, smiling.Amber stared in shock.

“Aaaamberrrr,” the fairy breathed, and then she buzzed off in a flash of blue. 

Amber shook her head not believing what had just happened. She still felt a bit queasy. Did I just see a real fairy? 

Something rustled beside her within the wild flowers. Two black opalescent eyes sparkled. 

“Jasper! I’m so happy to see you.” 

He hopped onto the rock next to her.

“Oh, Jasper, I’ve got to tell you how crazy it’s been these past few weeks.” She told him about Nina and Mrs. Landau’s gifts and about the time the gale force wind blew up the ballet studio. 

Jasper raised his long ears; he almost looked as if he was smiling. 

Amber told him about her dream. His eyes grew large. Anger appeared in them and it frightened her. He lowered his ears and flashed his eyes.

“Jasper, a few minutes before you arrived, an icy wind blew and then this butterfly turned into a fairy. Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

He jumped off the rock and viewed his reflection in the pond. Jasper signaled Amber to join him. It looked like it always did, like clear emerald glass. Amber peered into the pond. A woman’s crystal blue eyes reflected back at her and she smiled. 

Amber almost fainted. 

After regaining her strength, Amber glanced at the woman and realized without a doubt that the beautiful woman had to be her mom.

“Jasper, I don’t understand. What’s happening?” 

The water rippled, returning Amber’s reflection. “Please don’t go!” Amber pleaded. 

“In time,” whispered  through the trees on invisible wings.

“In time?” she muttered. She looked at Jasper, searching for answers. She didn’t know what to make of it.

Amber sat for a few moments and collected her thoughts. Why did my mom appear in the pond and not in person? I don’t understand.

Jasper nudged her. Out of habit, she stroked his fur. Its softness felt soothing, she wanted to stay longer, but it was time to go.  

Amber found herself in front of her house, but didn’t remember walking home. As she stepped up the drive, tears flowed down her cheeks. It’s time for some answers.

Amber viewing her mother for the first time... another of my chapter illustrations for Amber and the Whispering Willows.