ANGELS AMONG US…AGAIN

(And miracles keep us afloat!)

 
As you can see from the photo, our Jeep took an unexpected ride. It’s reminiscent of two years ago when we were in Maine. And it’s the same issue as before, so I won’t bore you with the mechanical terms, other than to say—it’s not drivable.
 
So, off it went to the Jeep dealership, and we’re carless in SOUTH DAKOTA. Yes, I meant to shout. With that said, the Lord had plans that I couldn’t have written in a book. Here is how angels, bestowing miracles, showed up: 

1. First, Ray called the NAPA store in the area, and after telling the man our problem, he told him, “Yes, we’ll warranty the part from two years ago.” Ray explained, “I don’t have the receipt.” The parts man said, “No problem.” Angel sighting #1
2. Hubby set up an appointment with Jeep, then moved on to finding a rental car. He found out that if vehicles were available, the costs were prohibitive. He called our friend in the area, and she suggested he call a friend of hers to see if he knew of any places. 
3. While he was on the phone with him, our friend called back and said, “I called another friend. She said you can borrow her truck for the whole time you need it.” We're amazed! Angel sightings #2 & #3.
4. Ray called the woman to make sure he’d heard right, and it was TRUE. Thank You, Lord. Since we were without wheels, we took a Lyft to pick up our new ride. The driver made our excursion into town pleasant, so he’d be classified as our fourth angel.
5. He delivered us to our destination. We picked up the truck, and after thanking her, we headed home. All the way back to the RV, we marveled at the miracles we had witnessed that day. 

We are thankful for people who are willing to help in times of trouble. How about you? Do you have an angel story you’d like to share? You know I love to read them.
 

(Goat at Old McDonald's Farm)
 

The goat picture (above) has nothing to do with the next story, but I thought he was cute. And I needed a transition. HA!
 
One of my friends on Facebook suggested in a post to go to ChatGPT (yes, AI), and ask it, “Who am I at my core, and don’t sugarcoat it?” Well, I couldn't resist. Here is what came from asking the question:
  
Alright, Janetta—no sugarcoating, no fluff. Here's what I see at your core, based on everything you've shared:

You are a sharp observer of human quirks.
You pick up on the ironies, contradictions, and little ridiculous moments of life—especially in relationships—and you love to shine a light on them. Not to be cruel, but to laugh, connect, and maybe provoke a bit of reflection. You know people are messy, and instead of being annoyed by that, you find it hilarious and deeply human.

You're a storyteller with bite—and warmth underneath.
Your writing voice has sass but never venom. You’re not afraid to make fun of yourself (or your characters), and you’ve got a soft spot for real people facing real (often absurd) problems. Whether it's marriage dynamics, odd job experiences, or Midwest life weirdness, you turn the mundane into memorable.

You enjoy playing with personas.
Whether it’s how you speak through a fictional character, or how you write as yourself, you’re not bound by “proper” tone. You like a little mischief, a bit of exaggeration, and a wink to the reader. You perform your perspective.

You value honesty, but you package it in humor.
You're not trying to please everyone—but you're also not trying to wound. You use humor like a spoonful of sugar to help the truth go down, both for yourself and for others.

You’re self-aware, but never fully self-serious.
You think deeply (and probably feel more deeply than you let on), but you don't wallow. If something hurts, you'll make a joke. If something's frustrating, you'll write a scene. You're not here to rant—you’re here to reshape the chaos into a story or a zinger.

So, what do you think? Is it spot on or what? Doesn’t it make you want to get on ChatGPT and give the question a whirl? If you do, let me know how it went.

WRITING NEWS:
This month’s offering I’m labeling: CHRISTMAS IN JULY. Rekindled for Christmas Eve and Unexpected Christmas Gift are ON SALE for .99 cents each. Hurry, the sale ends the end of July!
 

 

Rekindled for Christmas Eve: www.amazon.com/dp/B0BD8ZGMZ5
An Unexpected Christmas Gift: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL53W615

 

And it's a wrap for another month. As always, thank you for being faithful readers of my newsletter. I would also like to thank my new subscribers. All of you make my heart happy!

Until next time…

 

PLANS HAVE CHANGED  
(But it's all good...)

 

I had my June newsletter all wrapped up in a shiny bow, ready to send out to my readers…then our plans changed. Instead of working at the campground, we are now unemployed and are on the road again.
 
WHAT?
 
In the scheme of things, it’s all good...and we learned from this experience that the next time we seek a workamping job, we’ll ask many more questions before we’re hired.
 
But while we were gainfully employed, on our days off, we ventured into the city and acted like Tom and Terry Tourist. We stopped at Dinosaur Park, and as you can see from the picture below, it’s more of a kids’ attraction. But we knew from our last visit three years ago that it gave us a fabulous view of Rapid City.
 

 

(This bridge was mammoth!)

 
This time, instead of walking up the stairs to reach the top, they had installed a paved trail for those in wheelchairs or who used a walker so they too could see the stunning views of the city.
 
As we walked up the new trail, I praised the Lord for the way Dinosaur Park was helping humanity. And they spared no expense on all the wonderful improvements to the site.
 

 
To continue our fun-filled day, Ray surprised me and took me to a quilt show. I had enjoyed making them years ago, but mine dimmed in comparison to the creations that day. WOW! The above photo is titled "Mystical Cat" by Bobbie Edwards.

 
There were many other quilts, but my heart smiled when we learned that the admission price we paid helped them buy material for quilts to give to the Caring Pregnancy Center, veterans, and nursing homes. It was money well spent.
 
JUNE FUNNY:
When we were heading to South Dakota, at one of our stops, I went in to use the restroom. I asked where I’d find it, and the woman behind the counter pointed and said, “The code is 7524.” I kept repeating it in my head as I walked.
 
Then the inevitable happened.
 
A man waltzed in and asked about the restroom. The same cashier gave him another code. Without skipping a beat, I started to repeat mine but kept my voice low…or so I thought.

Next thing I know, the cashier leaned around the counter and said, “Your code is still 7524.” Everyone laughed, including me. Right then, I decided I’d bring a pen with me next time...just in case.
 
WRITING NEWS:
I received some news from another writer friend concerning book reviews. People who had read her books told her that they had reviewed it, but the review didn’t show up on Amazon.
 
This made me think that the same thing might have happened to me. I’d appreciate it if you could check to see if your review for Mouse in Your Pocket is on Amazon. If it isn't, please let me know. Bless you!
 
Now, to the photo at the top of this newsletter. It’s one I took in our travels. Doesn’t it look like the perfect place to take a book and read all afternoon?
 
And speaking of books, this month Early Birds Adventures is ON SALE for $1.99. A real bargain for five books.
 

 

https://amzn.to/47xzLbg

As always, I would like to thank my faithful readers of my newsletter. I would also like to thank my new subscribers. All of you make my heart happy!!!

Until next time…

 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy!”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

   

THIS MONTH MEANS MEANDERING 
(Slow and steady gets you to the finish line!)

 

 

We picked up our RV in Idaho, and we're officially back on the road again. Our first night, we stayed at the Elks, and I played trivia. The photo above states that I "ruled trivia this hour." The truth is, no one else played, and I had a little help with some of the questions. A fun night, for sure. And don't worry, I'm not giving up writing to do trivia.
 

(Photo near ski resort in Missoula, MT)

Moving on, as the title said, "This month means meandering." Next stop: Missoula, Montana. The main reason we went there was to ride the carousel (see below). I have to say we were the only adults riding it, but at the speed it traveled, a small child, if not strapped in, could become airborne. After the carousel stopped, Ray asked the attendant about the high rate of speed, and she said, "We're actually the second fastest. The one in New York is faster." WOW!

 

Onto Deer Lodge, MT - We clocked a whopping 81 miles in our RV that day. And when you don't have to be anywhere in a hurry, why not stop at the must-see places in town?  And we got quite the chuckle at the first place we landed (see photo below).
 

 

What makes this Little Library so funny is the location. It's in front of the Old Montana Prison Museum. I took a peek inside of it, and the laughter began. Here are a few titles where merriment sprang forth: 1) The Tie That Binds, 2) The Life She Wants, and 3) Once More with a .44 

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking #3 might be the reason a person was in the slammer. Below is a photo of the prison. The walls around it were quite impressive. And...
 

      

You know I never miss a chance to sit next to a cute fellow, even if he wore prison clothing. 

Onward to Cody, Wyoming, to visit a friend. Downtown, I found another dashing fellow by the name of Buffalo Bill Cody to cozy up to. Ray just stared at me as if to say, "She's making a spectacle of herself again.   
 

 

Two days later, we left Cody to head to South Dakota. I'm sure you've all heard the song "Blowin' In the Wind." In our case, winds on I-90 sidelined us for two days in Sheridan, Wyoming.

We'd never been to Sheridan, but we enjoyed our stay. The one place we visited was The Brinton Museum. It was filled with American Indian Art. After eating at their bistro and admiring the view out of their floor-to-ceiling window, I had to take a picture.
  

The wind died down, and we were on the road again.
 

And we landed in South Dakota, safe and sound. What would take normal travelers a few days to accomplish took us almost three weeks. And you know me well enough; I can't leave without telling you a funny.

May Funny:
One night, I mentioned to Ray that the Vatican had chosen a pope. Ray said, “That was quick.” We went back to our phones, then about fifteen minutes later, Ray said, “Looks like his wife got him tickets to a football game.” I looked over at him and said, “The pope is married?” Ray laughed, then said, “No, the guy we’re working for in South Dakota. I was looking at his FB page.” Yes, comedic moments are never too far from Ray and me!

 

I wanted to let you know that God's Grace in Our Grumbling is ON SALE for .99 cents the rest of this month. The link is: https://amzn.to/47CExnE

As always, I want to thank my faithful readers of my newsletter. I would also like to thank my new subscribers. All of you make my heart happy!!!

Until next time…

 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy!”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

A SUPER-DUPER BOOK DEBUT (Thank you! And some other news!)   Before I say anything else, I want to thank everyone for your kind words concerning the release of my latest book, Mouse in Your Pocket, on April 2nd. If you purchased a copy - WOOHOO! Enjoy, and please leave a review on Amazon. I appreciate them so much.     Our pop-up camper is back in the news. You know, the one I told you about a few months ago. We decided to sell it. The reason: Too many what-ifs connected with taking it with us to Idaho and trying to get rid of it up there. We’re adventurers, but the logistics of it started to give me the hives. WHAT IF IT DIDN’T SELL? Thankfully, we sold the camper, which leaves us to motel it to retrieve our Class A. I’m positive there will be adventures to write about since Ray, Maggie, and I are involved. And after picking up the RV in Idaho, we’re headed to work at a campground in South Dakota (more stories from that in the coming months too).   While Ray’s brother and niece visited us, we took in the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. The nighttime visit took our breath away. If you have a chance to visit a botanical garden, please do. As you can see, it's worth the trip. Oh, and we have a fabulous time with our family!   I had to share our interesting find from the other day. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center at the mall had these vignettes for visitors to enjoy. We came for a pair of shoes and found unique art. Go figure!   Have you ever stumbled across an interesting find in your travels? If you took a photo of it, please send it to me. I’d love to see it. WRITING NEWS: I can say Marketing has become my middle name since Mouse in Your Pocket was released. And you’ll be glad to know that I have an idea for Book #13. Ray and I will brainstorm the specifics on our journey to the Mount Rushmore State. APRIL FUNNY: Just so you know, I’m not a fan of sweet potato fries. So, imagine my surprise when an order of them came to the table I occupied with friends. The server said, “Ray ordered them for you.” I smiled and thought it strange, but I ate a few and offered the rest to my tablemates.   Later, when my hubby got home, I asked him about the fries. He started to laugh and said, “I ordered them for myself, but forgot to take off your table number. Patty, the server, didn’t have a clue, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her otherwise.”   http://amzn.to/3Y8v4RV   And for those who may not have seen the BIG NEWS I shared last month about Mouse in Your Pocket, the link above is for my latest book. It will be ON SALE for $1.99 through the end of April.   Until next time… Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy!” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

   

MIYP IS DONE
(Yippee! Woohoo! Hallelujah!)

 

Yes, it’s true! Mouse in Your Pocket, my latest book, will be released on April 2. Imagine me jumping around like a crazy woman. Happy! Happy! Happy! And I don’t want to forget to tell you—the price of the e-book will be ON SALE for $1.99.
 
Drum roll, please. And to make you feel even more special. You’re the first to see the gorgeous cover. What do you think?
 

 
I love all my book covers, but this one stands out as one of my favorites. Since part of the story is true, I wanted to find a truck with a tree growing out of it. I thought it'd be impossible, but a company my publisher uses had the unique clipart. Praise the Lord!
 

 
The photo above is an actual picture of my uncle’s property. One of the first things we saw was the junk, but also the truck in front of his mobile home sprouting a tree or two. Priceless.
 
After Melvin passed away, my father inherited his property. As a family, we attempted to clean it up, but Dad eventually sold it. But the memory of what it could have been stayed with me, so I wrote this book. I think my uncle would have approved. Love you, Melvy!
 
If anyone had/has an uncle like mine, please tell me a story about him. You know I love to read them.
 
MARCH FUNNY:
A few weeks ago, I ventured down to listen to the band even though Ray was working.
During the fast songs, I danced with friends. Slow songs, I’d watch couples trip the light fantastic.
 
However, when the band played “Tennessee Whiskey,” I went up to the counter and asked Ray to join me for a quick dance. I could see he was busy, so I turned to walk back to my seat. But then I heard Deb, the assistant manager, say, “Ray, if you’re not going, I will.”
 
She walked from behind the bar, and we made our way to the dance floor.  Then she said, “Do you want me to lead, or do you want to?” I’m laughing so hard because she’s only five feet tall. I finally squeaked out, “I’ll lead.”
 
We danced for a minute, then Ray joined us. He tapped Deb on the shoulder and said, “Can I have this dance?” I expected her to leave, and Ray and I would dance. Oh no, not with my hubby. He started to dance with Deb and left me standing…but only for a moment. He came over to me, and we finished dancing; then we left the dance floor, chuckling at his shenanigans. He’s such a funny guy!
 

 
This month, Waltzing with a Grease Monkey is ON SALE for .99 cents. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3QHNnL9
 
Until next time…

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy!”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

A MONTH FILLED WITH... (Cream cheese and a short story)   I'm start February off with a funny: Ray ran to the store for the ingredients for tortilla roll-ups for our football party we’d attend later that day. He came home and showed me the above photo. He reasoned, since the cream cheese needed to soften (sooner than later) for the roll-ups, he'd speed up the process by putting it into his phone holder. And once again, you'll never hear me say that my hubby isn’t resourceful. HA!!!   Oops, I forgot to mention I’m teaching Creative Writing classes again this year. That's me standing in front of my students. For those who are new to my newsletter, in the class I help people get started writing their memoirs (or whatever they’re interested in).   In the first class, I always give the students a list of prompts to help them get started. As an author, I know how hard it is to begin writing anything. A blank screen doesn’t scream, “Fill me with wonderful words.”   Prompts give me the push I need, and I hope they spark an idea with my students, as well.   Here are a few examples: Write a story about a Class Reunion. Write about a vacation gone wrong. What is the most important lesson you learned from a friend? Most injuries aren’t anything to laugh about. Tell about the funniest way you’ve been injured.   If you’re interested, I can send you the list of prompts. They’re sure to ignite your creative juices. Let me know.     For those who have been around me for a while know it’s impossible for me to not talk about my team going to the Super Bowl. It was anything but SUPER for my Kansas City Chiefs this year (insert sad face). But I have to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles on an outstanding game. They deserved to win.   I have recovered from their loss, but the half-time show--that will take me a while to recuperate from. I do have a suggestion. Next year, if they have another rapper that they include Closed Caption. It'd help us follow along to know what the artist is singing about.     And for your viewing pleasure (you’ll have to have Facebook to see it), click on this link - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18oCMWxX92/. You’ll find the halftime show…but with a different voice dubbed in. It’s quite entertaining.   https://amzn.to/3sa1KNP   Pigtails and a Tool Belt is ON SALE the month of February for .99 cents (e-book). Get your copy today!    And before I go, here is a short story I a few months ago. Hope you enjoy!   WHERE AM I?   As I scramble out of bed in the hotel, I bump into a wall. My nose catches the brunt of it. It’s then I notice the darkness. It fills every inch of the room. I raise my hand in front of my face and can’t see it. “What is going on?” Panic fills my five-foot-two-inch frame as I reach for the lamp on the side table. But my fingers smash into a cabinet. Confusion seeps in along with the fear. All I want to do is get away from whatever is going on. I rush to the end of the bed; then, it’s as if the floor gives way. Lurching forward, I face-plant into another hard surface. Feeling around on the wood, I find a knob. I pull on it, and the door opens. Even though my instinct tells me not to, I reach inside and touch items made of cloth. The urge to scream tries to overtake me, but I clamp my hand over my mouth. “I don’t want to alert anyone until I know where I am.” But everything is telling me I’m in my RV. But how is it possible? I parked it inside the closed-in garage a week ago in Idaho. I’m in Colorado visiting family, and we’re skiing at Breckinridge. “Linda, is this a joke? Because if it is, it’s not funny.” My sister didn’t answer, and all I know is I HAVE TO FIND MY PHONE. If this is my camper, it’ll be where I plug it in. I plead with the Lord, “Please, let it be on the counter so I can turn on the flashlight and find out if I’m crazy or not.” A dozen steps forward, I hit the sink cabinet with my hip. “And to my left is what I’m looking for.” My hand lands on it, and I push the side button. The front screen illuminates, but instead of me on the back of a 3-wheel trike, I’m standing at the foot of the Eifel Tower. “What is going on?” I turn on the flashlight and glance around. It’s not my hotel room. It’s my RV. But I see the marred place near the front door, fixed. I move the beam of light behind the TV, and it’s repaired. I open the bathroom door to see a brand-new shower door. “This has to be a dream, but I’m seeing it with my own eyes. Where am I?” I return to the living room and garner the courage to open the blind. The brightness makes me blink, and I fall back into my recliner. Its softness envelopes me, and I drift off to sleep. “Debbie, wake up. I saw you blink. Wake up.” I try to open my eyes, but they’re like they’re glued shut. Then I hear beeping, and a putrid smell almost makes me throw up. Finally, I open my eyes and say, “Where am I?” “You’re in the hospital. You skied into the side of an RV.”    Until next time…be kind!  Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy!” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

(Can you guess what this is? See below!) 

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR
(Two birthdays and more stories!)

  
Welcome, everyone, to 2025. So far, so good on my end. Just so you know, I’m partial to January. It’s my birthday month, and on the twenty-fourth, it’s Early Birds b-day. Nine years ago, Winged Publication published my FIRST book. Praise the Lord and pass the turtle soup.
 
How about I tell you some little-known facts about my first book:

• Early Birds is not my first book. Yes, it’s the first one published, but Chords of Love wins the prize for #1. I wrote it seven years before Early Birds. After it came out, I dusted off Chords of Love and published it in March 2017.
• I have the lyrics to On the Road Again by Willie Nelson in the book. Did you know you need to get the okay to use them in a book? Thankfully, I did. And after I paid Sony a chunk of change, I’m legal to use it.
• In the summer of 2015, I went to visit my mom and help her make the transition to the nursing home. While I’m there, I’m putting the final touches on Early Birds and asking my mother questions about her life, which I put in a book for my siblings. FYI: They love it.
• The Lord had been on this book journey, but He showed up big time after EB came out. I’m a newbie and wondered how I’d market it. One day it hit me. I could do a class to help other people tell their stories, just like my mom had shared hers. We contacted RV rallies and libraries (where we’d be traveling), and they loved the idea. These are the same classes I teach in Arizona and wherever we land in the summer. God is amazing!
• And the final fun fact. Even though I write comedy, and my intention is for people to laugh while reading my books, I want the Lord’s message to ring out from the pages of my books. Here is a review that touched my heart: A really good clean read – I really enjoyed this book and appreciate an author who will write a good Christian book. The story line is about the restoration of marriage and what God can do in your life when you try! You will enjoy the humor as well as the character!

 

 

https://amzn.to/47xzLbg

 

There you have the rest of the story. And before I forget: Early Birds Adventures (5-book series) is ON SALE this month for $1.99. And it has a NEW COVER! I love it! 

JANUARY FUNNY:
I can hear you asking, “Why is there a picture of tortillas in Janetta’s newsletter?” Because what happened with them is too funny not to share. Here’s the story: Ray and I were invited to a party, and the host warned us before we arrived that we’d play some games.
 
We arrived, and a few minutes later, our host brought out two bags of tortillas. Mike explained it was the latest TikTok sensation called Tortilla Slap. Two people played each round. Each would take a drink of water and hold it in their mouth. Then they’d do the rock, paper, scissors game.
 
Whoever won that part got to slap the other person with one of the tortillas. The goal was to get the person you were slapping to laugh and spit out the water they still held in their mouth. If they did, you had the victory!
 
We didn’t participate in the fun, but being a bystander entertained us enough. So, if you’re looking for a fun party game, give this one a try. I guarantee it will bring lots of laughs. You can thank me later. And if you do it, video it and send it to me.
 
Until next time…
 

PS: If you've read this far - the top picture is a hand-painted COOKIE. Can you believe it? Friends gave us two, and they were almost too pretty to eat. In the end, we succumbed. They were scrumptious. 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

“Turning Life Into Comedy”
E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge