“The Dead Romantics”

”We die once when the last breath leaves our bodies. We die a second time when the last person speaks our name.” - The Book of Lost Friends

But, what if there was more to death than that? What if there was an in between? What if seeing dead people was all about listening…helping them to move on? What if none of your siblings possessed this gift?  What if everyone in town thought you were strange or weird for your ability to see and listen to the dead? How would you cope?

What if death threw you a curve? Finding strength where you least expected it. Ghostwriter (pun intended?). Family run funeral home (pun intended?). Finding yourself. Reconciling how others see you. Growth. Love. Hopeful.

More thoughts on books and stuff at mytossiecup.blogspot.com

Just Sing

 Hypocrisy

“The act of pretending to be something or believe something that is not true, or acting in a way that contradicts one’s stated beliefs.” -Wikipedia

Hypocrite

“A person who pretends to be a certain way, but really acts and believes the total opposite.” -Wikipedia

Imagine you finally purchase those tickets for a country western concert. You arrive on time, find your seats, and wait. And wait. Twenty minutes later the concert begins. The music is loud, the venue is rockin’, you’re having a good time.

There is a break in the performance. The headliner mentions he has been told NOT to be political. So he brings up his pride in having had both of his grandfathers serve in the armed forces. Ok. He salutes all the military. He salutes first responders - firefighters, doctors, and nurses. He continues by saluting teachers. Ok. Cool.

But wait…as the video is playing in the background, he removes his cowboy hat and praises the fact that Donald Trump was re-elected. Wait. What? Is this the same president that just gutted funding and fired staff at the Veterans Administration? The same president that has directed his cabinet to dismantle the Department of Education?

In English class we referred to this as “talking out of both sides of your mouth.” My husband and I sat, shocked. We looked around as part of the crowd chanted “USA, USA, USA.” The woman behind us reacted by saying, “He didn’t need to say that. He didn’t need to do that.” We decided it was time to leave - and so we left. 

How can one not see the hypocrisy in their actions? I don’t believe you can support our military, our first responders, and our teachers and not be livid at the cuts being made by President Trump that affect all those people. 

We left shaking our heads. Our special night out; ruined by a hypocrite.

More thoughts on books and stuff at mytossiecup.blogspot.com

“The Lost and Found Necklace”

When you feel connected with your ancestors, you are grounded in the past. A past that continues to influence your future. Adventures. Stability. Family. Happiness. Taking chances. Dealing with change. Taking a chance, and saying “yes.” 

Feeling like the round peg trying to fit into the square hole. Seeing yourself one way, while others see you differently. Knowing what it is that makes your heart soar. Fearing that change is the only way to fit in. 

But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? What if you find that being true to yourself is the only way forward? Do you take the chance? Do you risk what is safe for the unknown? And, what if the hand that is reaching out for you, is the riskiest? Do you say “yes?” Will you find your happily-ever-after? 

Planted firmly in the past. Strength from those that went before. Challenges become opportunities. And, perhaps, happiness and love.

“Busted”

 

What’s not to like about a Harley riding, busty, police officer with a Wonder Woman fetish? This cozy mystery was entertaining…and slow. When I can figure out the “mystery” before the protagonist, it’s not good. The condescending sheriff. The privileged student teacher. Marnie and her tech geek boyfriend. The Wonder Woman costume. All wrapped up in a happily-ever-after. There are more novels in the series…alas, I will not be reading them.