Memories of Cuba

I've been watching with interest our president's visit to Cuba. I don't really have an opinion one way of the other. It simply brought back memories of a gentler time.

Seventy years ago, as a graduation present, my father took us all to Cuba. I had a ball. Just fresh from Spanish classes. I was able to understand most of what the Cubans said. I had been taught Castillian Spanish and had some trouble with the Cuban "slang". But it was so much fun.

To top it off, my father invited my boyfriend Winks to come along. I guess at that age I wasn't aware of the poverty and domination of the Cuban people. All I knew was that Havana was a beautiful city. We spent three days in Cuba, taking side trips into the countryside. It is a beautiful country.

Unfortunately, that was the first and last time I spoke Spanish. If you don't use it you lose it

 

Goodbye Floral City

Actually, it's been fun being here surrounded by nature in all its glory. Things I've learned?

First. Have patience. Boy, do you need it when the twenty-fifth squirrel hops up on the window ledge and sticks its tongue out at you. Fifty Cardinals are a beautiful sight, but I would rather see fifty tourists groping for a seat on the downtown bus. In all seriousness, the care my daughter Pam has given me has been priceless. Her patience with a grumpy old mom deserves a medal. In many ways, the stay here has been fun. I got to know my daughter Pam more intimately than before. She's quite the woman. Not only a great book cover designer, but a caring and compassionate person.  

I will be here through the weekend. Couldn't find anyone who would give up Super Bowl Sunday to take me home. Love doesn't include missing the biggest football game of the season. So I'll party with her friends, overstuff myself with food and drink, and probably root for the wrong team. Then Monday morning back to St. Augustine and a slew of doctor visits to be sure I'm capable of living on my own again. I am.  

This will simply be another adjustment I will have to make. If I've learned nothing else since this illness began, it has been you must be able to ride with the punches and pray for the best. 

Thanks to all my friends who have kept in touch and boosted my moral when it began to sink. Not sure what I would have done without you.  

 

It's a little late, but for me a New Year has started. I intend to make the most of it that I can.

 

 

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                Audrey

 

 

 

 

A Bird Named Pearl

See that happy face? I finally realized I needed more than a plant to keep me happy. (Besides, my neighbors were giving me odd looks when they caught me talking to a plant. I could almost feel they had decided I had gone daft in my old age.) 

I went to several pet shops beforehand looking for a baby Cockatiel. I have named the baby in the photo above “Pearl” after the first Cockatiel I ever owned. 

While she is too young to bring home yet, in a few weeks she will be home with me. I think she senses I already love her because she kept crawling out of the box onto my hand. I looked long and hard for a baby bird – they are much easier to train than an adult. 

Hopefully, I’ll spend more time blogging my experience with “Pearl” as she grows. 

I can’t explain how happy I am. My health is improving and that’s a blessing. Each day I thank God. He allows me to continue enjoying the life He has given me. 

My mantra is “Live each day to its fullest.” That’s not to say every day is great. At 87 aches and pains have a way of creeping in. Still, you are never too old to feel love and joy in everyday experiences. 

Today is the youngest I’ll ever be. I’m going to make the most of it.

An Angel Named Joe

    My day didn't start off well yesterday. I had to meet with my lawyer to sign papers and thought I knew how to find him. I suddenly couldn't remember where he was located. My mind was a complete blank. I was so sure his office was on Cordova Street (and it was at one time). I didn’t know he had moved to Riberia Street. I kept driving back and forth getting more confused and upset by the moment.

    At least I had my cell phone with me. I called his office and told them I had somehow gotten lost. The secretary asked where I was and said she would send someone to guide me there.  

     Expecting a staff member, to my amazement, the person who came out to find me was my attorney, Joe Boles, Jr, our ex-mayor, who is now an attorney for the elderly. 

     When our business was finished, I was still shaken up by the experience. Joe followed me to my car, got in his car, and told me to stay behind him on the drive. He would show me the easy way to get home. He even drew me a map so I would know how to go next time. 

     There are some really nice people in our world. Once again, an angel came to my rescue. This one named Joe. I am convinced there are angels all around us, just waiting for us to need them. They are ready to help. Don't be shy or you might miss meeting a special angel yourself. 

    May God bless us all and this wonderful country where the stars and stripes still fly proudly.

    

 

      See you soon again.

 

                                                                                Audrey

 

 

 

'Love's Last Laugh ' A Perfect Summer Beach Read Now Available On Kindle

I am excited that my latest novella is now available on Kindle. Want to read a sneak peek? Click here and go to Amazon to use their look inside feature! On Kindle for only $2.99.

 

 

A perfect beach read for those lazy summer days!

 

 

Regina Osborn had lost the love of her life to cancer. To get away from painful memories, she leaves New York and moves to St. Augustine, Florida with her son Lance. Finding love again was the last thing on her mind. Loving someone and losing them hurt too much. Donna Reilly, Regina's best friend, decides to move south with her. At a hefty 130 pounds, she wasn't looking for love, just fun in the sun. Little did she know what she would encounter in her journey. Trudy Walker had suffered statuary rape in her early teens. Now, at twenty-four, she vowed never to let a man hurt her again. Love's Last Laugh: You can protest loud and clear, but in the end...three women learn you can't hide from love.

 

Buy It Now!

 

And visit my Amazon Author Page for the latest news!

 

Warm wishes, Audrey

 

 

Where Did The Year Go?

As I approach my eighty-seventh birthday, I find myself asking, have I learned anything this past year?

Yes, I have – patience. Patience to endure pain and not feel sorry for myself. Humility and gratitude for the friends who have had the guts to stick by me even when I knew they didn't want to listen to another gripe. My best friend, Claire (my adopted sister), should get a medal for bravery in the face of turmoil.

I have also reached that point in my life when I realize: who matters, who never did.

I have stopped worrying about people from my past. There's a reason they aren't in my future.

I can never be the person I was, but I can make the effort to be the best I am at this point in my life.

Thanks to my daughters Barbara and Pam. They are the joy of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for carrying me through the worst of times.

If I'm lucky, I'll still be around to celebrate next year. And you will be here to join me!

                                                            

                                                                                                         Audrey

 

 

An Afternoon Surprise

 

     

I had submitted this story to the Jacksonville Times Union for their holiday stories competition, hoping it might win a spot in the top three. It didn't. Let's face it, you can't always be a winner and I'm happy to accept that. I still thought it was a fun story and hope you'll enjoy reading it.

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year. It is almost here!

                    

                                                                                                 Audrey

 

 

An Afternoon Surprise

     Amy Morgan dragged herself from the car to her front door. It had been a wicked day at work. The last minute Christmas rush was always the time a sales clerk dreaded. She was looking forward to a cup of tea and propping her feet on the ottoman. What was that mysterious package on the front step? She wasn't expecting anything. As she grew closer, she could swear the box moved.

     There was a scratching sound coming from the inside. Maybe an abandoned kitten? The girls would like that. She opened the front door and lifted the wobbly box inside, placing it on the sofa.

     “Anybody home?” she called. No answer. Her guess? Libby and Carla had met friends after school.

     A flush spread over her cheeks. She should wait until the girls were home. Curiosity was getting stronger. Maybe one little peek wouldn't hurt. She lifted the cover a notch. Something black and fuzzy flew past her and landed on an end table lamp.

     A tiny spider monkey glared angrily at her. Well she couldn't leave him there. “Come on, you little monster.” She held out her right arm, enticing him to jump on. He jumped, but not to her arm. He was sitting jauntily on top of the drapes. Okay, she'd think of something to bring him down.

     She found a banana on the kitchen sink. That ought to do it. She hurried back to the living room.

Where had he gone? A screech from the top of the stairs startled her. “Okay, Monster, this nonsense has to stop.”  She held out the banana as she raced up the steps, her breathing growing heavier.

     Tiny black eyes looked dangerously menacing as he screeched again and slid down the bannister like butter off a hot knife.

     Amy plopped down on the top step. The monkey cocked his head from the bottom one. His screech became a chatter as his lips widened, showing tiny white teeth. Was he laughing at her? She stuck her tongue out in return and wagged the banana in front of him. Slowly, Monster started climbing each step, his nose sniffing the air.  He was almost within her grasp, when the front door slammed open.

     “Hey, Mom, we're home!”

     Monster took off like a stone hurled from a sling shot. He sped past Amy and disappeared into a bedroom. He sounded like a banshee screaming his lungs out.

     “What's that noise, Mom?”

     “Someone who hates me sent me a gift.” She pushed a stray lock of  sable hair off her forehead. She could feel the sweat running down the back of her neck. I'm too old to chase a monkey.

     Libby and Carla  sat down beside their mother. Their eyes were questioning. “Are you all right? You look beat.”

     Amy snorted. “You'd be too, if you had been chasing Monster around for the past half hour.”

     Carla's green eyes widened. “Who's Monster?”

     “Check out the front left bedroom. Libby, stay here with me in case I'm having some weird nightmare.”

      Her younger daughter quirked an eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean?”

     Carla came running back. “Take this monkey out of my hair,” she cried.

     Amy pushed herself to her feet. “Is he hurting you?”

     “No, but it feels yucky.”

     Amy's lips curled into a smile. “I think he feels secure hidden  in your black hair. Can you manage a few more minutes?”

     Carla shrugged. “I- I guess. Why?”

     “You'll see. I'll be right back.”

     Libby eyed her sister. “He's kinda cute when you look closer at him.”

     “Not to me.” Carla grimaced. “What's taking Mom so long? I hope he doesn't mess on me. I just washed my hair this morning.”

     Monster peeked out from under Carla's hair. His tiny teeth glistened from the glow of the hallway light.

     Libby giggled. “I think he's smiling at me.”

     “Then you let him hide in your hair.”

     “He wouldn't be hiding in mine. It's too light.”

     Their mother walked slowly toward them, a dark brown bath towel gripped tightly in her hand. “Carla, no matter what happens, don't move.”  In one swift motion she caught Monster and pulled him into the towel. “Libby, grab the box and bring it up here.”

     The monkey almost broke away as she dumped him into the box and slammed the lid down. His  irritation at being boxed up again could be heard loud and clear.

     Carla  raced into the bathroom and started brushing her hair.

     Libby eyed her mother. “Now what?”

     “We take him to a pet shop and let them figure out how to handle a wild monkey.”

     Finally back home, Amy checked her watch. “Your father will be home any minute now. This afternoon never happened. You got that?”

     “Why? It was actually an adventure looking back on it.” Carla couldn't wait to tell the kids at school.

     “Dad would be upset. You know how he worries about us.” For once, her younger daughter hit the ball over the fence.

     “But nothing happened to make him worry;” Carla insisted.

     “I wouldn't exactly say that. One of us could have been bitten.” Amy hugged her two girls. “You can tell all your friends at school. Let's just keep what happened here our little secret.”

     Richard Morgan hugged his three women when he got home. “What kind of mischief did you girls get into today?”

     Libby's eyes widened. “Us? We just had a quiet time watching television.” Her father never noticed the crossed fingers behind her back.

River House Christmas Extravaganza December 4

 

Ready for the adventure!

 

 

Unfortunately, the Christmas Extravaganza at River House didn't draw as many people as we had hoped. There I was, pen in hand, with a table full of books I was hoping would sell. They didn't, but the folks who did buy were a joy to meet. Frankly, I had a great time just mingling with the shoppers and vendors.  

Doris Oxford was on hand as usual. You can't hold us old-timers down. We wiggled to some fantastic music and will keep doing these shows as long as we have the stamina. Why? Because just getting to know the vendors and hoping for sales, keeps us alive and happy. 

 

 

 

Doris

 

Jean Willis and I go way back to when we had stores on Aviles Street. Jean had an art gallery, and I pioneered art rubber stamping. Jean's artistry is well known. When she retired, she joined our writer's group and a  friendship was renewed. 

 

 

Jean

 

Howard and Peter were there displaying the Council On Aging's anthology of memoirs written by the members of the writer's group. Peter heads up the group and has taught us how to tighten our stories so they are fun to read. Howard worked above and beyond the call of duty in assembling the book.  

 

 

 

Howard (holding book) and Peter

 

To my amazement, my best friend Claire Bishop showed up to give us her support. Weary from a hard day's work, I couldn't get her to smile, but I loved the fact that she cared enough to come. She owns Claire'sCollectibles, the best rubber stamp store on the east coast. (Link to her shop and see what I'm talking about!)

 

 

Claire

 

Two more friends, Tony and Jean, showed up to add their support. What would we do without good friends who love us? 

 

 

 

Jean and Tony

 

Believe it or not, I got to hug Santa Clause!  

 

 

 

Tried to convince Santa I've been good all year.

 

I'm embarrassed to admit that the young woman who helped me the most, Teri Lee, I forgot to take  her picture. Without her lugging my books around, handing out business cards and even making some sales, I couldn't have made it through the day. I'm still gimping from a broken foot that hasn't healed completely. But my spirits are high. 

So another River House extravaganza has come and gone. I'm already thinking about the show to come  in July 2015. The eternal optimist, surely that show will be the best yet.

 

 

There's a lot of writing in all those books. You see what I've been up to.

 

My Nighttime Visitor

     It had been a hectic day and I was finally relaxing having my favorite rum and Coke drink before heading to bed. Whose eyes were watching me? I looked down to see a small lizard perched on the edge of my end table. He cocked his head and eyed me before climbing forward. He stopped, again his tiny eyes deciding if it was safe to move further.

     “Hello,” I said.

     Let's face it, when you sit alone every night, any kind of company is acceptable. Although tiny, the lizard didn't seem afraid of me. We eyed each other. What would happen next?

      A sudden explosive leap and he was swimming in my drink. I reached over and plucked him out of the rum. Couldn't have a tipsy creature running amok in my television room. Instead of trying to run away, I swear I heard him hiccup.

     I carefully carried him into the bathroom and washed him off.  Now what? I gently placed him on the floor. Hopefully, I could release him tomorrow.

     I finished my drink. How much could a dunked lizard contaminate it?

     My sleep was restless. I kept dreaming of lizards climbing over my bed. I awoke early the next morning to check on my friend. A pang of guilt engulfed me. He hadn't moved. I gently picked up his limp body, petted him, then flushed him down the toilet.

     The moral to this story? Well, there really isn't any. Just chase an inquisitive lizard away.

"Mrs. Angel" Available On Amazon, The Final Chapter of The Angel Trilogy

Available on Amazon and Kindle

Lovely reviews on the back cover from authors

 Jane-Ann Heltmueller and Revia Perrigin.

The trilogy is complete and I am off writing something new! I loved the characters in my Angel Trilogy and will miss them! The first book is Under Margret's Wing, followed by Whispering Angels, and the final chapter, my new novela Mrs. Angel. 

Mrs. Angel has the same fast paced dialog I love and plenty of surprises for you!

If you enjoy reading my books please leave a review on Amazon for me!

On a personal note - my ankle is finally healing nicely and I am driving again. Look for a few book signings later this spring and summer!

                                                                                               Audrey

It's Been A Long Time - But I'm Back!

Photo taken this week at lunch with daughter Pam who brought my proof copy of Mrs. Angel to review.

 

It's been a long fall and winter. Problems continued with my broken ankle and my lifestyle slowed down to a crawl as I went through physical therapy, a bit of out patient surgery, and boxes of doughnuts to keep my sanity. Unable to drive, I took to my computer and wrote daily. It is a blessing to lose myself in words and forget everything else.

I am finally on the mend and ready to publish the final book in my Angel Series. Mrs. Angel is full of surprises. Look for its release in my next post.

Happy, happy spring!

                                                                 Audrey

Merry Christmas!

And smooth sailing in 2014!

Where did the year go? It's hard to believe that in just eleven days we will be entering a brand new year.

This hasn't been the greatest past five months for me. I'm still hobbling around using a walker. I haven't been able to get out of the house by myself.

Whoa! Why am I not considering the blessings these months have brought? Helpful friends have gathered around me. I managed to publish three books on Amazon and Kindle. When I couldn't do anything else, I could write.

So I'm entering the holiday season in good spirits. I'm going to try and write more on my blog in 2014. Have to keep you posted on my progress (grin).

In the meantime I want to wish you all a blessed Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year


                                              Merry Christmas To One And All!

                                                                                      
                                                                      Audrey

Where There's A Will, There's A Way

Where there's a will, there's a way!

     Just when I had hope my foot was healing, I had a bad setback. It was my own fault – I actually forgot the foot was still broken. Since I wasn’t having any pain, I began to move around more freely. No more going up and down stairs on my backside. I just started walking up and down. Since daughter Barbara was coming down for a quickie visit, I washed sheets, made the bed, mopped the bathroom floor. When both Pam and Barbara were here, I ran around like a crazy fool, happiness in my heart. Well, now I’m paying for it.

     Overnight my foot swelled, the pain became intense. Back to the doctor. X-rays showed I had “flattened” the bone to the point that it became a secondary break. Doctor’s orders, no walking for two weeks. All I can do is keep my foot elevated. For the first day I was very obedient, but then it struck me – I wanted to use my computer to write and still keep the foot elevated. My solution was simple. I just propped it on the wastebasket nest to the computer.

     So now I’m still obeying doctor’s orders with the satisfaction of being able to write again!


Note: I sent the photo to my friend Jane and this was her response with a little graphic to go with it.


You are a very clever lady! Four sayings come to mind:
1. Necessity is the mother of invention.
2.Where there's a will, there's a way!
3.Winston Churchill says: Attitude is a little thing that can make a big difference.
4.When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

 

Das Boot



Not my boot, but similar, for a broken foot! Not on crutches thank goodness.

        Last week I broke my right foot. It's been hard getting around, but since there is nothing I can do about it, I'm not going to complain

.
       Actually, there is a humorous side to all this if I look at it the right way.

       Picture me crawling around on my hands and knees like an eighty-five-year old baby because I can't stand up due to the pain. My cat "Blossom" is following me around, purring like she's my soul mate. We seem to be on level ground now. If I suddenly start lapping at her food bowl, I'll be ready for the men in the little white coats.

       I am still concerned walking up and down on the thirteen steps.
Another thing to picture – me going up and down each stair on my backside. One step at a time, pushing myself from stair to stair with my arms. Maybe I'll get some muscles back. My arms will always be flabby, but a little more strength would be nice.

       There was a light in my day when the taxi driver picked me up to go to the clinic. He was friendly and helpful. When we got to the clinic, he hung around until the nurse brought out a wheelchair. By my second trip with him we had become buddies.

       Seems he wants to become a writer, but wasn't sure how to go about getting started. Wow! That was right up my alley. I forgot my pain and started advising him. Told him if he wrote only twenty-five words each and every day, he would soon find his mind thinking up ideas. I gave him a book called "If I Can Write, You Can Write." It's the book I used to get started - best book on the market.

      He left happy and I felt blessed. Everything happens for a reason. Who knows, maybe one day he'll be this generation's Ernest Hemmingway.

First Book Signing At River House on Matanzas Bay

My first book signing!

 

I had my first official book signing at the Christmas in July craft show last Wednesday at the magnificent River House located on Matanzas Bay. As always, the folks there were gracious and wonderful. It was a great morning and I enjoyed meeting all the other vendors. Looking forward to doing this show again in December. Working on my new book. Stay tuned....

 

My table set-up


 

A Short Stories App For Android Phones Includes My Story "The Phone Call"

For someone who isn't sure about the computer at times, I have a story published on an app for Android phones. I've come a long way, baby. If I only knew what an app is?

More about A Quick Read. This unique project combines an Android phone app and on-line fiction. Both connect to the Internet, where they have an expanding database of short stories for you to enjoy.

My story, The Phone Call, has been included in their data base. To view my story click here, which will take you to their site. When you are on their home page, scroll down to the computor icon and click on it to see the list of stories broken down by categories. My story The Phone Call, is under the mystery section. Be sure to check out all the other stories and have a good read.

This photo is to show you what to look for on their home page, it does not link.

You can also click here to reach the stories index page.