UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS  (OTRA to Colorado)    “Spring makes me want to sing!” I’m not sure who wrote this quote, but you DO NOT WANT ME TO SING. I’d have lots of subscribers opting out of my newsletter if I included audio of me doing that. HA!!!   As you know, I always have a story to tell you. This one includes an unexpected trip to Colorado. While there, the weather people predicted high winds for the area. Since they’d had the devastating fires a few years ago, the electric company turned off the gird to over 150,000 people. They didn’t want the chance of sparks from downed powerlines to start other fires.   And where we stayed while in Colorado was in the middle of the outage. And we made the best of the almost two-day shutdown. But as with any power outage – you can count of funnies happening. I’m sure you’ve done some of the same things. HA!!! 1) I put something in the microwave to heat it up. But when I pressed the buttons, it didn’t turn on. I finally realized that nothing was showing on the display. I turned around and Ray and our friends were staring at me. Yes, I’m fun to watch. 2) Someone mentioned later in the day that the Colorado Rockies were playing. Our friend said, “Let me go in and get the clock radio. Then we can listen to the ballgame…NOT! 3) The four of us are avid card players, and the lack of lighting didn’t stop us from playing. We got out candles, lanterns, and anything else that illuminated the area where we played. I thought maybe me and my partner would win under these darkened circumstances, but our losing streak continues.   Tell me a funny story about when the lights went out in your neighborhood…   I mentioned above that we were in Colorado for a while. And before I tell you the reason, I almost feel like I need to write out my hubby’s family tree to make this part clearer.   All I can say is a lot has gone on since my last newsletter. On March 17, our sister-in-law, Diana, passed away. She was married to Ray’s middle brother, Rich. It wasn’t totally unexpected, but it still surprised us. I do wish everyone could have met Diana then you would understand her sense of humor. Let me give you one example of her funniness:   We were on a girl’s weekend years ago. I’m probably in my mid-twenties. I ran out of money, for whatever reason, and I don’t have my checkbook. On our way down the mountain on I-70, Diana said, “Janetta, I’ll give you $50 if you moon the car that’s coming up on the right.”   For a nanosecond, I considered it. Then I looked over to the person sitting next to me, and it was our mother-in-law. I thanked Diana but declined her offer. I believe souls were saved that day when I didn’t share my wherewithals on a major highway. Thank you, Lord.   I still laugh whenever I remember that story, and I almost shared it at her memorial. But I didn’t. It’s our story. I hope it made you chuckle too. Oh, and I must say—her funeral was one for the record books. Not a dry eye in the house. The tears were from laughing at her antics.   Now, to the second part of why we were in Colorado – Ray’s oldest brother, Jim, passed away on April 1, two weeks and one day after Rich’s wife, Diana, died. Ray and I both said at this point, “You cannot make this stuff up. WOW!!!”   Again, I wish you had met my brother-in-law. Joseph James (Jim) Messmer, Sr. was my biggest cheerleader concerning my books. He loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to share his faith with those he met.   His funeral fit the man. Tears fell, but everyone in the pews heard the gospel preached that day. My sister-in-law, Donna, sat at a table after the service and told me later, “People came up to me and shared how Jim impacted their lives. Some said they came to know Jesus because of him.”   That’s the testimony I want at the end of my days.   FYI: I didn’t share the above to depress you but to introduce you to two of the best family members God graced me with for over 43 years. Rest in peace Diana and Jim. You will be missed.   And please pray for our family. As we all know, grief is hard. But memories of our loved ones help carry us through. AMEN!!!     Yes, Pigtails and a Tool Belt is ON SALE for .99 cents until May 1. Hurry and get a copy before it’s too late. https://amzn.to/3sa1KNP   And if you missed last month’s newsletter, here it is. STRIKE A POSE - http://mailchi.mp/8d23354b834e/janettas-march-almost-springtime-newsletter-6720239     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

   

STRIKE A POSE
(With friends and surprises!)

As I’m writing this newsletter, I can hear the song, Play That Funky Music White Boy. It’s not on the radio—it’s down at our grill a quarter of a mile from our park model. Glad I love the song because it’s LOUD!!!

 

What were some of your favorite songs from when you were growing up? (I share mine at the end).

 

Speaking of growing up. I’m on Facebook three years ago and I saw a post from Bruce (see photo above), who was a classmate of mine. He and his wife were heading to Mesa, Arizona.
 
I had no idea they came to Arizona in the winter. We got together with them countless times that year and those that followed. Earlier this year, they bought a park model in where we live.
 
The other lady in the photo is Kathy. She, too, was a classmate of ours. When I talked to her on her b-day this past January, I invited her and her hubby down to Arizona. Lo and behold, they took me up on the offer. WOOHOO!
 
The three of us got together (with our spouses). We called it a Mini 50^th Class Reunion. What makes this so extraordinary is the three of us went through kindergarten to senior year together.
 
Besides that, Bruce and I can boast that we were in the 1^st Baptist Church’s nursery together. And with Kathy and I – our moms were in the same room at the hospital, getting ready to have us. I was born on January 3, and she came on January 4. Still hard to believe!!!
 
Fun was had by all!!!
 
I’ll ask you another questions – Do you have a story about a longtime friend from school that you’re still in touch with? If you do, please share it with me.  
 

Speaking of friends, we met a couple in the park the first year we came here. A few weeks ago, they delivered the above cribbage board to us. It was a Just Because gift. Can I hear some oohs and aahs out there? Derek made this beautiful work of art.
 
When he handed it to me, he pointed out the dark line on the moose and said, “You just never know what the wood will look like when you cut into it.” Ray and I told him at the same time, “We think it’s perfect.”
 
Derek, a job well done!
 

This part may be more geared toward the women in the group, but men, if you’ve had a Glamour Shot done, I’d like to see yours too. This photo was mine from almost thirty years ago.
 
A friend and I went together to have it done. We had a blast. What we laughed the most at was when she dressed up in a Wonder Woman costume. I wish I could find it and put it on here. HA!!!
 
Please, if you’ve had a Glamour Shot done and can find the picture, send it to me. I'd love to see it.
 
WRITING NEWS: 
I’m over 7,000 words on my WIP (work in progress). YEAH!!! I’m having fun with Miss Bell’s Bounty of Benevolence. Can’t wait to get it into your hands later this year.
 

 

March Madness: Instead of naming this section what I did, I should have titled it – Maggie’s Madness. The photo is her NOT waiting patiently for her dinner. Reason for my delay: I was trying to get in some extra steps that day, and she was having none of it. “Mom, bring me my food. Now! HA!!!
  
Until next time…

PS: My other favorite songs from the 60s and 70s were from the Eagles, the Guess Who, Lobo, Bread, Barry Manilow, and countless others. Yes, our generation had the BEST music.
 
PSS: If you didn’t see February’s newsletter, here is the link: http://mailchi.mp/b22ac004eb78/janettas-february-x0x0-newsletter-6691387
 

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

 

 

I’m beginning this month’s newsletter with ‘presents’ from me and my fellow Winged Publications authors. Starting February 12 and going through February 16 these books are FREE! FREE! FREE!!! Do you feel the LOVE! Grab yours before it’s too late. https://wingedpublications.com/free-promo-2024/
 
Other Writing News:
I told you last month that I’d share with you what my latest book is all about. Miss Bell’s Bounty of Benevolence is my working title for Book #12.
 
Friday afternoon, Rebecca Bell Conway retires from working on the light rail in Phoenix. Monday morning, she jumps back on the train with a new mission that the Lord has placed on her heart.
 
She’s going to show the people she meets on the train that they matter. Follow along with her antics as she gives gifts, plays matchmaker, and fills her new friends with hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day. And who knows – Becky may receive some bountiful blessing of her own.
 
February Funnies:
I’m teaching my ‘Tell Your Story’ Class again this year. Last week, I introduced myself (as I usually do for the newbies) then recapped what we’d talked about the previous week.
 
A lady in the front row raised her hand when I finished and said, “I think I’m in the wrong class. I wanted the Memory Class.”
 
Her statement cracked everyone up, including me. In a short while, we settled down and one of the students stated, “The Memory Class is next week.” Then I added, “You can stay for this one, if you’d like.”

She didn’t and announced as she headed to the door, “I’m an author of eleven books too.” Then she left. I looked at the class and said, “I don’t know how I’m going to top that one.”
 
I guess I must have done okay. No one else left the class.
 

 
You know from past newsletters around this time of year, I have to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs. They made it to the Super Bowl and won over the 49ers Sunday night.

I'll be honest with you; I am a little sad that Brock Purdy's team lost. But I'm glad I had the privilege to watch him share with the world how important his faith in God is. No doubt he will make a return trip (or two) to other Super Bowls. 
 
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

2024 - A FRESH START (And some exciting news too!)   2024 is upon us, and it’s time to make a fresh start. But wait, I’m not ready to let go of Christmas yet. And this month, I had to share a few of the pictures I took when we visited the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo with friends in December. What a spectacular display of colored lights.     And during our evening stroll around the zoo, we walked by flamingos, alligators, and koalas. Each was lit up for the visitors to enjoy. I can’t imagine the hours it took to decorate for such an extravaganza.     In the last section of the zoo, we spied a live animal—one lone elephant. Off in the distance were some of the twinkling lights, but he didn’t seem interested in anything other than standing around. I felt sorry for him and hoped his friends would show up after we left.     Speaking of friends showing up, the Snowbird migration is in full swing in Arizona. Our pals have arrived, and it’s like old home week around the park. I’d add photos of our shenanigans, but I’ve been too busy having fun! Maybe next month.     Now for some exciting news! Yes, we’ve bought another place. This time, it’s at the park Ray works at. It’s our fifth season in here, and I can’t imagine going anywhere else. (FYI: We'll still RV in the spring and summer.)   And you know us, a FUNNY came along for the ride. We’d decided on the place and had signed the papers to buy it, but we wouldn’t take possession in a few days. Imagine our surprise when we took Maggie for a walk by our soon-to-be-home, and it was all lit up. I said to Ray, “Our park model is decorated.” The next day, we talked to the previous owner, and he said, “I went ahead and decorated but didn’t go too crazy. I wasn’t sure how much you wanted to take back down.”   People never cease to amaze me!!! This time, it was in a good way.   WRITING NEWS: I have more great news. I have an idea for my next book!!! Glory Hallelujah!!! I’ll tell you more about it in February, after I write the synopsis. I’m excited. Here’s a hint…a train is involved.   I’ll leave you with another funny. Ray and I attended his employee Christmas Party. They had a hors d’oeuvre table set up. After we put our stuff down, we went over and helped ourselves. As some of you know, I love anything to do with pasta. There, right in front of me, was a humongous bowl of bowtie pasta salad.   I took a generous helping and enjoyed it. Then I went up and got more. If you talked to my hubby, he’d tell you I had another dollop before the night was over. I wish I could include a sample here, but I can’t. You’ll have to take my word for it.   What happened next is not my normal M.O. But at the end of the evening, I went up to Ray’s boss and asked him, “Do you know who I can talk to about taking the rest of the pasta salad home? I’m sure I can find a baggy to put it in.”   Now, before you question my sanity, I was half joking, but the assistant to the big boss heard my request and said, “Take the whole thing ‘cause it’s going in the trash.” I did, and the only thing Ray said as we walked out, “You do surprise me sometimes.” That’s his nice way of saying, I’m a nut. HA!!!   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