GOODBYE TO ARIZONA HEAT (Hello to cooler temps…not!)   Ray and I want to thank everyone for your kind words concerning the loss of our sweet Maggie last month. We loved hearing how she touched others’ lives as much as ours.    As you can see by the title, we’re on the road…again. The day we left Arizona, the thermometer read 117 degrees. WOOZER. That’s hot. And on this trip, we’re couch surfing our way across Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and beyond.   Now, if you’re wondering why we’re not taking the RV, it’s because we sold it. I know that comes as a surprise to some of you, but after we bought the ‘new to us’ park model, it felt like the Lord told us to settle down.   That was until the weather got a little too toasty. Then we hightailed it out of there, but we can officially say we made it through most of the summer before we bailed. HA! And it’s okay if you want to call us wimps.     I had to laugh when I realized that the above photo is the ONLY photo I took in Colorado. My excuse: we were too busy visiting family and friends. We also attended Ray’s class reunion while we were there. It was the first time he’d ever gone to one. Oh, and did I mention it was hot while we were there? Guess we brought the heat with us.     Next stop: Nebraska to visit our friends, Bruce and Diane. Temps were better there. Along with playing cards, we went to the Museum of American Speed (see above photos). All I can say, if you’re ever in Lincoln, go see it. It’s filled with automotive memorabilia from early 20th-century racing to modern Indy cars. Interesting place.     Then it was time to head north to South Dakota to visit more friends. The weather was spectacular. Thank You, Lord! And we had a blast catching up with Kim and Sam. Thank you for the great burgers! Yum!   WRITING NEWS: It actually doesn’t have to do with my writing. I acquired an editing job on the way to Colorado. All I can say, when the Bible study is released, you’ll be the first to know about it. It’s another outstanding study from my friend, Donna Snow. Stay tuned… More Writing News: Let me introduce you to a friend of mine. Hallie Lee's latest book, Paint Me Faithful, is Book #5 in the Shady Gully series, which released last month. I’ve read the series, and it's a powerful story of friendship and family. And they’re outstanding!     Hallie’s Thoughts on Series I’m excited to share the final book in my Shady Gully series—returning to the characters who began their journey in book one. If you enjoy character-driven women’s fiction with themes of faith, redemption, and friendship, this series is for you. Short Blurb: Nearly forty years after Paint Me Fearless, Desi and Robin return—older, wiser, and firmly rooted as the matriarchs of Shady Gully, Louisiana. Mothers, entrepreneurs, and podcast powerhouses, they face a summer thick with heat, secrets, and reckoning. As Desi’s daughter Micah turns thirty, a love she’s always relied on begins to slip away just as an unexpected invitation awakens new desire. Robin, meanwhile, arrives unsettled by her children’s response to her marriage proposal—only to be blindsided by news that threatens everything she holds dear. And when an old foe resurfaces, Desi and Lenny’s rock-solid marriage is threatened as old jealousies and long-buried resentments flare. In a town where loyalty is sacred and memories never stay buried, love, truth, and faith are pushed to their limits as everything comes full circle in an unforgettable town called Shady Gully.     Hallie Lee’s Bio: Born and raised in Louisiana, Hallie Lee's writing is inspired by the southern landscape, which she says is rich with "cantankerous, salt-of-the-earth folks" destined to be on the page. Her first novel, Paint Me Fearless, debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release List, was Bookfest 2022’s #1 Contemporary Christian Fiction winner, and blossomed into a successful, bestselling series. Links: Website: Hallie Lee, Author - Home Books: The Shady Gully Series (5-book series) Kindle Edition   I can’t forget to include my book, Pigtails and a Toolbelt. It is ON SALE for $0.99 the rest of August. You don’t want to miss out…   Samantha realizes the business she’s taken over from her dad is one leaky faucet away from a total flush. And when she employs her ex-fiancé, sparks fly, and it has nothing to do with electricity. Will her business survive with them working together, or is the Lord orchestrating her ‘happily ever after’? Thank you for all the new subscribers this past month!    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 my newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

SWEET MAGGIE (A Goodbye to Our Precious Pooch!) It’s with a sad heart that I let you know Maggie trotted over the Rainbow Bridge on July 17th. We’re heartbroken, but the memories (and photos) will help my hubby and me navigate this difficult time. Here are a few of the photos of her we'll always cherish:   Maggie's smile says it all. She loved to travel! As you can see, she could sleep standing up while enjoying a treat.   The earmuffs are adorable on our pup, and they helped her tolerate fireworks. Maggie rocked her Halloween costume that year. Don't you think?     And as we say, Maggie's claim to fame came shortly after we adopted her. She gave me the idea for the Early Birds Adventures series. She said, “Mom and Dad, you need to quit your jobs, sell everything, buy an RV, and hit the road.”? We listened to her and loved every minute traveling with our pooch. And that’s why I’m offering the e-book of Early Birds Adventures (5-book series) for FREE July 28 through July 31. And because it’s FREE, now is the time for you to get your copy (if you haven’t already). Or, you can send copies as gifts to your friends and family. 5-books for the price of one! It's a steal. And if you haven’t gotten your fill of our beloved pet yet. Here are more pictures:     In closing, Ray and I believe our lives wouldn’t have been the same if Maggie hadn’t come into our lives. She will be forever missed.   Maggie's favorite place! Dogs never really leave us. They simply take up residence in our hearts, where they continue to greet us every day. 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 my newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

 

DOGS and CATS…

(And too many projects!)

Thank you for sharing your pets with me. And as I promised, here they are. Enjoy! And as you can see, the first one talks. HA!
 

Susie says, “Really, Mom? A coat and a sweater?
We're in Houston, not Alaska.")


Sheila - is a squirrel involved here?

Piper - he helps his mom write her newsletters.


Melvin - that's a great name for a cat!


Jay looks like he wants a treat.
 

June FUNNY:
I told Ray about a girl I’d been praying for, and that she had gotten her Make-A-Wish request of spending the day with the Chicago Cubs. Then I said, “I wonder if they have a Make-A-Wish for seniors?” Ray said, “It’s called Make A Will.” You can imagine the laughter that filled our living room. HA!!!
 

 

One day, brilliance fell out of my lips, and it sounded like this: “Why don’t we get a projector and a screen as the TV in our bedroom? Then you don’t have to worry about knocking it off the wall when you get in and out of bed.”

Ray agreed wholeheartedly and went to work finding said items. Our reasoning: When you live in smaller spaces, and your bedroom measures 10x10, you tend to look for more unconventional items.

And my hubby found what we were looking for. And the night we installed the screen above our closet; we watched our new TV. It worked perfectly. Now, when one of us wants to watch a different show, we have the ideal setup to do it. Yay!

What is a job you’ve done around the house that leaned toward unconventional? You know, I always love hearing your stories!

Writing News:
I mentioned that I let Ray read what I had so far in Journaling To Love. Remember, he found a few boo-boos, one of which I shared with you last month.

While he was reading it, I spent time rethinking the story I was writing. One day, while on my walk, it hit me. My main character needed something to work for.

That meant I had to go back to the beginning and add in the new idea I’d come up with. And that’s what I did. When I finished revamping the 16,000+ words, I could see that it had improved the story.

But, instead of adding more words to Book #13, I've helped Ray with projects for our ‘new’ house. So far this month, we’ve added storage shelves in the laundry room, a ceiling fan in the kitchen, the TV in our bedroom, and put together a new bed with drawers. As they say, “You can never have enough storage.”

I believe we’re almost done with our projects, but who knows with us. But I am going to start scheduling writing time. Maybe that will get me to sit down and increase my word count. And I give anyone permission to email and ask me if I'm actually writing again. 

Pray for me!
 

Rekindled for Christmas Eve is ON SALE for $0.99!
 
In Rekindled for Christmas Eve, Reese learns he has a daughter. A chance meeting brings them together. Soon, they uncover the lies that have kept Kim’s parents apart. Can the truth finally convince Madison (Kim’s mother) to trust in Reese and the Lord again? Or will deceit win once again? Get your copy before the price goes up.
 

 

 

I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Donna Snow. As you can see, she writes Bible studies. I've had the privilege of editing a few of them for her, and I've loved every minute of it.   

The good news, she now has an Etsy site, where you can purchase her Bible studies. Trust me, you will enjoy them as much as I have. Click the picture above to visit her site. 
 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine 

upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face 

toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
 

Until next time… 

P.S.: Welcome to all the new subscribers to my newsletter over the last few months. Thank you so much. 

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances

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

 

I’M IN LOVE… (and hubby agrees) Last month, I mentioned that we had moved. And the picture above shows that Maggie is enjoying parts of it that are normally off-limits to dogs.   She climbed up there when I went back to the bedroom to put something away. When I walked back and saw her posing, I had to take a photo. Ray and I had quite a chuckle.   If you have a picture of one of your animals posing, send it to me. You know I’d love to see them. And if it’s okay, I’ll feature them in my June newsletter so others can see your pet’s antics too.   Our park in Mesa has a board where you can put a Kudo up for an employee or resident, thanking them for something they’ve done. This one is from someone who has taken my Creative Writing Class.   I have to give Marion kudos, too, because she’s been attending my class for 3 years. And I will say, without her in my class, it wouldn’t be the same. Thank you, my friend.   May Funny: One day, while running errands, Ray and I dropped off a box of items at Goodwill. Ray handed it to the man and said, “You’ll find assorted glassware under the towels.”   We headed home and, when we got there, we discovered we’d given them the box that contained the contents of our RV's junk drawer, not the above-mentioned items. We raced back to the store.   The same gentleman approached our car, carrying our box. He must have suspected we’d come back for it. Ray got out, and the man handed it to him. I thanked him for not dumping it out, and he said, “I took the towels, but wondered where the glasses were.” We had a good laugh, but my advice to you is: Next time you’re taking a box to a resale shop, check it before you go. It could save you from a frantic trip back to the store to retrieve something you didn’t want to give away.     As you can see, we purchased a shed. And it arrived last week. I can honestly say, I thought we’d have to call in reinforcements, but who was I kidding? Mr. Ray is in the house.   Ever since the trucker delivered the pallet, we’ve worked on the behemoth. Surprisingly, the directions were easy to follow. There was one corner that gave Ray a fit, but he put on his thinking cap and solved it.   So, if you’re in the market for a shed for your backyard, we recommend Lifetime Products. Look them up at www.lifetime.com. They’ll get a 5-Star review from the Messmers.   Side Note: Don’t judge us, but we may have said “love” while telling people about our new shed. WRITING NEWS: You may remember that, while editing Mouse in Your Pocket, I shared a few bloopers with you. From your responses, I decided to do it again with Book #13 – Journaling to Love.   But this time, I’ll be sharing them with you while I’m writing the book. Reason being: I hit a point where I needed an extra set of eyes, so I called upon Ray to read the RAW first draft.   I’m happy (sort of) to report that he found a couple of real doozers. So, here is this month’s blunder:      But as I open the door, Jack rushes over to me. “Alison, is this a good time to talk about what happened at the open house?” Newsletter readers, this sentence doesn’t look as if anything is the matter with it. However, Jack cannot be talking to Alison because FOUR paragraphs above this sentence, he announced that he was leaving the office to show a house.   Stay tuned, I’m positive there’s more boo-boos to come…     I enjoy writing my contemporary romances, but this devotional helped me to reflect on my belief in the Lord. And that’s always a good thing.   If you haven’t gotten your copy of God’s Grace in Our Grumbling, now is the time. The 30-Day Devotional is ON SALE for $0.99 through May. Remember to click on the book cover. It'll take you to Amazon.  A 5-Star Review: A delightful devotional book: “Janetta’s devotionals are delightful snippets of real life. The scriptures, application questions, and prayers complete the short daily readings. Your ‘grumbles’ will diminish, and your praises will increase after each one.” I’ll leave you with a favorite verse of mine from God’s Grace in Our Grumbling:   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) 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 my newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

'FREE' TV AND CHEESE  (And moving boxes. Oh my!)   Every April, my newsletter isn’t complete without me including a photo of the flowering cacti in our park. As you can see, this year’s blooms haven’t disappointed with their bright, yellow colors.   WRITING NEWS: I have a title…maybe…it’s still growing on me. I’m tentatively calling Book #13: Journaling to Love. What do you think? Let me know…   And speaking of writing, this month I’m featuring Anne Greene, a fellow Winged Publications author, on my newsletter.       FOR SUCH A TIME, The Story of Jarrett Ross A life of danger. A love stronger than death. What would you do if you fell in love with the daughter of your family’s worst enemy? Jarrett Ross, son of John Ross, whose story is told in the Trail of Tears, the Story of John Ross, lives during one of the most turbulent times of America’s history. Caught in the middle of a fifty-year feud, Jarrett Ross and Delight Flint attempt to conquer the odds of star-crossed love. Jarrett’s faith and strength mature as he survives a hazardous buffalo hunt and Indian initiation rite, a deadly blizzard, the excitement of riding for the Pony Express on its most risky route, and as a pacifist inducted into the Union Army during the worst battles of the Civil War fought in the West.           His home destroyed.           His loved one missing.           His courage tested.           Will love win over hate?  BIO: Anne Greene writes about ordinary people who do extraordinary things. She delights in writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer and about gutsy heroines. She writes both historical and suspense novels. Plus, she’s written 34 exciting novellas. Anne and her hero husband, Army Special Forces Colonel Larry Greene, live in McKinney, Texas. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport you to awesome new worlds and touch your heart to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Anne is a multi-award-winning author. To learn more about Anne, visit her at AnneGreeneAuthor.com. April Funny from my friend: You may remember me mentioning Jeri in my January newsletter. She’s at it again, with funny things happening to her. These are her exact words that she posted on our resort’s Facebook page after this incident occurred:   “A big thank you to the lady who gave a chunk of cheese to a random stranger. I sent someone to my daughter's to pick up some cheese, and she couldn't find her house, so she just knocked on someone else's door and asked for cheese. The woman gave it to her and said, "Enjoy it."  This could only happen at The Good Life.”     I (we) have news. Drum roll please! We've sold the park model that we bought and lived in for the last two years. Our plan was to go back into the RV after selling it. However, while we waited to sell, we bought another one with an Arizona room (extra living space).   We closed on it on April 13. Hence, OUR APRIL FUNNY:   After closing, we went through the house, clearing out some of the previous owner’s stuff we didn’t want. One being her 2014 TV and stand. Ray posted them on Facebook, asking $30 for both. Then he left for a few minutes to pick up more boxes.   When he returned, he noticed that someone had taken the TV. Ray posted on the site where we live, saying, “Some jerk stole my TV.” A little while later, a man knocked on the door and said, “Is the TV stand free?”   Ray replied, “It is now" and repeated what he’s said on Facebook. Then the man said, “I’m the jerk. My wife told me it was free.”   At this point, I asked Ray if we knew the man. Yeppers! He’s a fellow pool player. I can’t wait to see him next Tuesday. As I’ve said before, you cannot make this stuff up. And this little tidbit sounds like it came straight out of one of my Early Birds books. HA!     April is Birthday Month for Mouse in Your Pocket, so it’s ON SALE for $0.99. Romance is the last thing Jessica Montgomery expected to find at the junkyard she inherited from her uncle—unless you count the mouse. During clean-up, her common sense flies out the window except when she deals with Jimmy Barnes. Can life get any more complicated? Yes, it can! Before I go, I want to thank my new subscribers. I'm a happy lady you've signed up. Also, thanks to those who continue to read my newsletter each month. Hugs! 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 my newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

CAN IT GET ANY HOTTER?  (And it's only March!)   Yes, it can. And it’s a lesson learned. Don’t wait until the end of March to go to a spring training game. The day we attended, IT WAS A 101. WOW! We stayed in the sun through the first inning, then moved to the shade. Each of us went to see the team we root for. Mine is the Kansas City Royals, and for Ray it's the Colorado Rockies. I'm happy to report that the Royals won. Oh, and we got to see Bobby Witt, Jr. in action. Yay!   WRITING NEWS (Part 1): I want to thank those of you who wrote me last month and complimented me on my new website. If you haven’t looked at it, please go to: www.janettafudgemessmer.com. And as with any new venture, there’s always a funny story attached to it.   Here it is: I published my newsletter last month, then waited for responses from my readers. Hours went by, and I didn’t see anything. I may have panicked a bit. But hubby came to my rescue. He found that we had skipped a crucial step when we switched over to the new website. Ray fixed it, and your emails arrived in my inbox. It was a Praise the Lord moment.   P.S. Because of the above hiccup, if you didn’t see February’s newsletter, go check your spam. It may be resting there.   WRITING NEWS (Part 2): Since I’m done with the website, it was time to get back to writing. As of right now, I have 9,500 words on Book #13. My character is a successful realtor who has signed up on a dating site. You may ask yourself, what can possibly go wrong? Plenty…   I've had help. Since we live in a 55+ community in the winter, I've told my friends that I'm writing a book about online dating. Their stories have poured forth about some of their disastrous dates.   Here's a little hint: One of the stories may include a three-legged squirrel. Stay tuned…   (Yes, another sunset picture)   I don’t know if the excessive heat (we have been in the 100s) has anything to do with more breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, but the one above ranks among my Top 10. If you take photos of sunrises or sunsets, send them to me. You know I’d love to see them.   Most of you know that I LOVE to play pool (billiards) and play twice a week with the ladies. However, a few weeks ago, we got together with the men and played six games. Since the men set it up, the ladies just came in and picked a card to see which gentleman they’d be with.   I picked the Ace (#1), so I was matched with Mike. Even though I turned 70 in January, I almost broke out into a happy dance because he’s a top-rated pool player. He and I tied for first place. What a fun day, learning from a pro. Waltzing with a Grease Monkey is ON SALE for $0.99 through March 31! Click the book cover to go to Amazon.     Penelope teaches ballroom dancing. At night, she moonlights as a mechanic alongside her ex-boyfriend, Derek. One day, her two professions collide. Will Harrison waltz into the studio and steal Penelope’s heart, or will Derek’s wit win her over?   Thank you for reading my offering each month and commenting. It means the world to me and puts a smile on my face!   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 my newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

(Another Arizona sunset)    MY WEBSITE JOURNEY  (And I lived to talk about it!)   Happy Valentine’s Day. Sorry, it’s a few days late. I hope it was filled with lots of love and chocolate. Hubby and I attended a dance that evening at the place we are staying. They always do a Sock Hop. Great costumes. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any to share.   But I did get a photo of my 99-year-old friend (see below). She was the Grand Marshall of our Mardi Gras parade this year. She’s a special lady and quite the pool player. She is no longer able to play because of her eyesight, but we still go over to her place on Tuesday for Happy Hour and snacks.     Even though February is a short month, it’s been full of lots of activities. Along with the Sock Hop, I’ve gone to two shows. The first: Song, Sung Blue. Outstanding. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson… both should win an Academy Award. My friend Jeri insisted we go, and I’m glad she did. Well worth it.     The second movie: I went with Jeri again. It was EPIC (Elvis Presley In Concert). Amazing! His rendition of How Great Thou Art was worth the ticket price. IMAX makes you feel as if you’re there. And for almost two hours, the King of Rock and Roll serenaded us. If you’re a fan, it’s a must-see!   February Funny: This same friend had a birthday last month. I went over to visit her on her big day. I’m not sure how it ended up with her saying to me, “If you want to buy me a present, you can buy me potatoes to go with the broasted chicken our other friend brought me.” We both laughed.   As I walked home, I thought, “Why not get her different kinds of potatoes?” I told Ray about it, and we ran to the store to pick up hashbrowns, two potatoes to bake, and mashed potatoes. We went to her house and delivered her ‘present’. She got a kick out of the variety.     You might be asking, “Who gives a broasted chicken and potatoes as a birthday gift?” That would be our mutual friend and me!   News about Liver and Onion that you didn’t know you needed: I know you’ve waited patiently to find out how this turned out. Surprisingly, the people who wrote me about the aforementioned food were split 50/50 on whether they loved or hated it. And they gave good reasons for their answer.   One subscriber (Barbara) said: “As far as liver and onions, whenever my mom's side would get together for Christmas and my uncle was hosting, the meal was at The Machine Shed Restaurant. He always ordered liver and onions. When he and his wife passed away within days of each other last year, I told my cousins that I would go to Machine Shed and order the meal in his memory.”   That’s so sweet. Thanks for sharing your stories. If you missed last month’s Liver and Onion story, go to my BRAND NEW website at: www.janettafudgemessmer.com.     The above photo is what my Home Page looks like. Click on the two lines I’ve circled. It will take you to the different pages. Click on Ramblings, then go to the bottom of the page and click on the black button. Enjoy!   And when you’re done reading the story in Ramblings, click away on the other headings (About Janetta, Contact, Subscribe). Just know, I couldn’t have pulled this off without Janice and Ray (my hubby). In the end, the hills and valleys were worth it. Oh, and the prayers. I felt every one of them.   Please let me know what you think of my new website. You know I love to hear from you.   Writing News: You may have noticed that I haven’t included this heading in quite a few months. Yes, I am still a writer. And, yes, I can blame part of not writing on creating the new website. But you can only use that excuse for so long.   I’ve started working on one that I put away last year. I’ll keep you posted on the progress. And I always appreciate your prayers.   As always, thank you for your support. And I want to thank the new subscribers who have joined us. I appreciate all of you. Please tell your family and friends about my new website and to sign up for it on the Contact page.   https://amzn.to/3sa1KNP Pigtails and a Tool Belt is ON SALE for February. Who doesn’t want a love story that includes a female handy person, her ex-fiancé, and a guppy? Oh, and a surprise ending… 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