“ON THE ROAD AGAIN…”

(in a little while)

 
I ventured into Hobby Lobby the other day, and they’d filled their shelves with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas décor. Trust me, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in there—it hasn’t been created yet. HA!!
 
Normally, I don’t fuss with decoration in the smaller space of the RV, but this year Christmas will look a little different. We’ll be able to decorate as much as we want now that we have a bigger place.
 
But we’ll still be “ON THE ROAD AGAIN…” come April. And in this month’s newsletter, I want to show you our RVs since the day we said, “I Do.” over forty years ago.  And as always, I have stories to tell you about each one.
 

 
This photo was taken in 1983 of our camper/panel truck combination. And boy did we have asperation for both. After we bought them and filled each with all of our belongings, we traveled to our destination of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Ray to attend ORU.
 
However, fifteen miles from where we’d taken off, Ray’s brother (he’s following us) passed us and pulled over. We followed him, and he came up to the window and said, “No. No. No. No. Your camper was airborne after you hit the last bump.”
 
Ray determined we’d not distributed the load evenly. Too heavy in the back. We unloaded all of our belongings into a rental truck and left our panel truck and camper in Colorado for his brother to sell. So much for that hair-brained idea.
 
Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, we owned an array of campers. They ranged from fifteen to eighteen footers. Small, but lots of fun to take into the mountains. On one trip, my niece and nephew came along in our fifteen footer. Cozy, to say the least.
 
We parked, and unbeknownst to me, Ray had forgotten to hook the gas line back up to the stove. I smoked back then, and when I tried to light the cigarette from one of the burners, I’m here to tell you a flame shot clear across the camper. Not sure if any hair got singed, but Ray’s backside was a tad thinner.
 

 
But, in 1993, we graduated to a Class A Bounder. If I let Ray tell the story, he says, “She took me to an RV dealership one too many times.” So, yes, we walked out owning the RV, but we had a blast traveling with friends and family.
 
And speaking of family, one weekend, we took my parents to Cripple Creek, Colorado. Side Note to the story: The closest my folks got to camping was going to an RV Show in Wichita. So, I’m a little leery about us using this mode of transportation for the weekend, but Mom and Dad were game.
 
We packed everything into the RV, and we got on I-25. All of a sudden, my mother stood up and said, “Now, this is my way of camping.” She sat down and buckled in with a huge smile on her face. Our time with my parents that weekend is a memory I cherish.    
                  

 
Fast forward to our time in Houston. We never owned a camper in those twelve years in the 4^th Largest City but always talked about full-time RVing when we retired. And when the time came, we went shopping.

I don’t know if you’ve heard this saying, but it goes like this, “Buy your third RV first.” What that means is: you buy the one you think you’ll want down the road—not the one with all the bells and whistles for your first one.
 
Who listens to old sayings? We don’t, and in 2013 we took off in our 5^th wheel and dually truck and officially was on the road again. The Fiver worked, had plenty of room, but caused my already gray hair to turn grayer because it was HUGE. It also had hydraulic problems—too many issues for newbies.
 
Next came the Minnie Winnie. I’ve written stories in previous newsletters about our time in Winnie B, but our trip to Tionesta State Park stands out as our most favorite. I was writing Book #2 in the Early Birds series, and I told Ray, “Park it, and you and Maggie go fish or something.”
 
I finished Southbound Birds and still had time to spend with my hubby and pooch. We met a daughter and mom at the park, who came to celebrate the mom’s birthday every year. They pulled in next to us, and we became fast friends. They even took us to their secret fishing hole. Such sweet people!!!
 
After three and a half years in the Minnie Winnie, it was time to move up to a bigger one. We soon found out that having a slide mattered more than we thought. When it’s out, Ray and I avoid bumping into each other when we move around.
 
And our home on wheels awaits our return to it for more travels in the Spring, but for right now, we’re in our ‘new’ place. And we’re loving the extra space.
 
So, there you have our forty years of our on the road adventures. More to come in the future. How about your campers? Share pics and stories about your time RVing.
 
WRITING NEWS: 
I’m continuing to write on my latest book, but I have to tell you – it’s on my NEW, NEW desk (see pictures below). If you ask Ray, he will tell you I bought it for him (which I did). But after getting it home, I had to renege on the offer and take it as my own. And, for the last two weeks, I’ve been working on it. I love it!!!

        

Until next time…
 
PS: Last Tuesday, our RV got broken into in storage at our new house. They ransacked the place after breaking the locks to get inside. Thankfully, we’d cleared out anything of value. Nothing was stolen or damaged. Thank You, Lord.
 
Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance
“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

                                                            SERIES OF EVENTS

(Life is precious and full of surprises)
 

In 2001, on our drive back to Colorado, I wondered if anyone would miss me if I suddenly disappeared. After the back-to-back events that happened to my family and me, I did consider going into hiding for a little while.
 
For those who are curious – our Series of Events in September 2001 goes something like this: 

• September 11, 2001, began like any other, with one difference—I had a doctor's appointment. Ray and I turned on the news and saw the devastation. I called my sister to check on her. I leave for my appointment, then head to work. Guess no one needed building signs that day because the phones didn't ring.
• I clocked out at 4:30, and the phone was ringing when I got home. I picked it up, and it was my sister, saying, "Larry died." I asked her to repeat it. "Larry died. He had a massive heart attack." I assured her I'd call our family. The next day, I went to work and told my boss. She gave me the week off. "Janetta, you need to be with your family."
• But we couldn't head to Kansas City yet. On September 15, our niece was getting married. During the terrible storm surrounding us, we had a respite. Yes, September 11 cast a shadow on the couple's big day, but the joyous occasion took our mind off of the tragedies, even if it was for a little while.
• Sunday morning, we headed to Linda's to help. Doing whatever she needed us to do. On our last day in KC, she and I ran an errand. On our way back home, a vehicle pulling out right in front of us. She couldn't stop on the rain-slick roads and crashed into the Jeep. Thankfully, we didn't get hurt. While waiting for the police, I thought the rest of the trip should just sail through without a hitch. 

NOT SO FAST… 

• Ray and I left KC to visit my parents on the way home. We're not in their house an hour, and Dad had a stroke. Mom rushed him to the hospital, which was five minutes away. By the time we arrived, Dad knew current events and where he was at that moment. He appeared back to normal. Thank You, Lord.
• They admitted Dad for observation. Later, the doctor visited and said, "Mr. Fudge, you're a very lucky man. Most people in their late eighties don't recover from strokes, especially as fast as you have. Pretty remarkable. Right now, get some rest." 

After making sure Dad was on the road to recovery, we headed home. During our ten-hour trip, my mind relived the last eleven days. I couldn't believe what had happened. And I did consider going into hiding, but then I realized in our series of events, we'd witnessed a miracle.
 
Yes, a miracle. And it was finding out how precious life really is. We're given each day to enjoy our loved one, and those God has put in our paths. My advice—love on them like there is no tomorrow because another day is never guaranteed. Truly, life is precious.
 
WRITING NEWS/AND THE DESK REVEAL (I hope you've read this far):
 
I've got a DESK (see below picture), and it's not in the motorhome. Yes, we've bought a place. Ray's been redoing cabinets (see below picture too) while I've been busy on my next book project. 
 
But back to our 'new-to-us' abode – it means we won't be full-time RVers anymore. Our plan is to travel in the summer to get out of the heat of Arizona. Never fear, my OTRA (on the road again) adventures will continue. Here are a few pictures of our home.
                        

AND MY DESK: 
                                                       
LET THE FUN (AND WRITING) BEGIN

Until next time…

Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance
“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

 

MURPHY TRAVELED ALONG (and it's all good)   Last week we returned from a trip to Colorado. Have I ever mentioned it is my favorite state? If I haven’t – it is. We drove up from Arizona to surprise Ray’s brother for his 80th birthday. And boy was he surprised.   We found out at the party that my sister-in-law and their kids had to fib to get him to stop asking questions about plans for a party. This news made us chuckle. Aren’t we all a little like my brother-in-law? I know I am.   Has someone surprised you with a special party? Or have you pulled off a surprise for a family member or friend? Please tell me all about it.   Now a little about our travels to the Silver State. I don’t mean to grumble, but getting there proved agonizing. What do I mean by that statement? Murphy’s Law joined us in our journey, and the first thing he did – he told every driver in front of us to slow it down.   In all my days on this earth, I have never followed pokier drivers. I’m not talking five miles under the speed limit. In some cases, they were lollygagging at fifteen miles below what was posted on the signs.   Since most of our time was on two-lane roads, getting around the slowpokes became the norm. God bless my hubby. He stayed the course and got us to the town where we THOUGHT we’d be staying the night.   Oh, but Murphy swooped in and changed our plans the second we drove into the motel. The shape the building was in shouted, “Construction in Progress.” And when we ventured into the room, the lipstick on the pig didn’t cover the dilapidated interior.   Next…   Our trek to find a hotel continued. While Ray drove, I called on hotels. Either they didn’t answer, had no vacancies, or the price made the decision for us. Not to mention a specific chain, but they can leave the light on for someone else. We’re not paying $180. WOWZER!!!   We finally arrived in Fairplay, Colorado. Thankfully, Murphy stayed out of our business this time. When the woman said they had a room at the inn, I almost heard the angels singing. Finally, after our arduous drive of twelve hours, we laid our heads on the pillows and fell fast asleep.   For the rest of our trip, Murphy stayed out of our hair. Our visit with family and friends couldn’t have been better. Lots of hugs and of course the surprise!!! God is good. WRITING NEWS:  I'm still editing a memoir for a client, but I wanted to let you in on a little secret. In the very near future, I'll have my very own desk again. Stay tuned for details in my next newsletter.    Until next time… Blessings! Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance “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

 ARE WE A WORM OR BUTTERFLY?

(the answer to this strange question is below)

 
This morning at breakfast, I thought of such a brilliant idea for this month’s newsletter. However, twenty minutes later, when I sat down to write it, it was gone out of my mind. I hate when that happens.

But no worries, I found another subject to talk about this month. And it came from an email my hubby read to me about discontentment. Like me, you probably think being discontent is a bad thing, but you might change your mind (as I did) after you read this short blurb:
 
“Alright, you're not really satisfied with your walk, not real happy with the way you act. You're sick and tired of living less than joyous, less than holy, less than consistent, and less than victorious. It's not a bad thing. It's a good thing. The sin isn't good, nor is the defeat. What is good is that you're not content with it. Suppose you spent your life something like a worm, crawling around, eating dirt. You're doing all this, but you're not happy with crawling, and you don't even like dirt. It means you're not a worm. If you were, you would have no problem with it; you'd enjoy it. If you're not content with it, it points to something else. Are you not content with your present life, or that sin, that compromise, that failure? Good. Because you're not a worm. You're a butterfly. You're not of this world. You're born from above. You're a beloved child of God. That raging discontent in your spirit is that of the new self: victorious, waiting to break free. So be discontented, but be encouraged and rage through to victory. Your very struggle is proof of your heavenly call.” (written by: Jonathan Khan - http://www.hopeoftheworld.org 
 
Phew, I don’t know about you, but that cleared up a whole lot of things for me. I can now quit trying to be a better person and be the person God created me to be. I have no doubt He is orchestrating the wacky personality He gave me as only He can. Guess I just needed a short article to wake me up to see it.
 
How about you? How do you deal with discontentment in your life? I hope this article helped you, as it did me.
 
WRITING NEWS:
As you know - It’s a Mystery…Birds (Book #5) is out. Can I ask you a favor? For those who have read my latest (and my other books), will you please go on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub, and give me a review. Writers love to hear from their readers.
 
And before I forget, right now I’m running some specials on my books. Go to Amazon to find the bargains.
 
One last question: How is the weather where you are? The heat in most of the country is unbelievable. We had high temperatures, but these last five days we’ve gotten quite a bit of rain and wind. Wherever you are, please stay safe out there!
 
Oh, and I almost forgot – Happy Belated 4^th of July!!! FYI: Ray and I celebrated our 40^th Anniversary on the big day.
 

Until next time…

Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance
“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

 LIFE LESSONS LEARNED 

Before I forget again, I want to wish a Happy Belated Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. Hope all of you had a super-duper time celebrating. And now that it’s June – allow me to extend a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Have a fantabulous day!!!
 

 
In the almost two years since I received my Fitbit from Ray, I’ve discovered I’m more competitive than I thought I was. And I’ll bet some of you, reading this, can relate to what I’m saying? We don’t like to lose…at anything!
 

 
 

With me, that includes playing pool too. You may remember I told you I signed up for a women’s billiard league the first winter we spent in Arizona. I even wrote in my blog last year about the contest I’d been part of with these fine ladies. But there’s more to the story…

 
When I showed up to play pool that first day, I thought I’d waltz in and show them the female version of Minnesota Fats had arrived. (I hope you know I’m kidding?)

But, I’m not in the room five minutes, and a woman said to me, “Janetta, we play a different version of 8-ball. Before you can get the 8-ball in to end the game, your object ball has to go in first.”
 
I’ll guarantee right now you’re asking the same question as I did – what is an object ball? Their answer: “If you get a solid ball in – you have to put the ONE ball in the side pocket marked (1). And vice versa for the striped balls - you have to get the FIFTEEN ball into the hole marked (15).

If I didn’t love pool as much as I do, I’d have run out of the room cussing and screaming, never to return. But I stuck around, and it’s incredible how many lessons the ladies taught me that I can use in my daily life.

1. I’ve learned to slow my shots down. No need to try and slam the balls into the pocket. As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race.” Same in life – what’s the rush?
2. I’ve learned patience. When a person breaks – the balls aren’t always in the position for a good shot. I have to hit them (especially the object ball) to get them where I can make it into the hole. In life, it’s better when we practice patience too.
3. I’ve learned it’s not always about getting your balls in and claiming victory. It’s realizing how much fun you can have with others – whatever you’re doing. If I’d ran out that day, I’d have missed meeting some of the friendliest people on earth.

I tease Ray that he taught me Pool 101, but these ladies here in Arizona have helped me graduate to Pool 202. And all it took was learning to play a game I’ve played for years, but this one came with a twist. Guess you are never get too old to learn something new.
 
WRITING NEWS:
 

 
 

To celebrate the release of It’s A Mystery…Birds (Book #5 in the Early Birds series), I’ve lower the price on the series. Early Birds Adventures (Book #1 through #4) is .99 cents. Click on www.amzn.to/2GsgehA to order the series.

My suggestion, if you haven’t read the 4-book series, please do so before you get your copy of Book #5. It’s easier to keep track of my crazy characters that way. HA!!!  

PS: FYI: The e-book of It’s a Mystery…Birds will be ON SALE June 26 thru June 30. Click on the book cover above.

PSS: My devotional, God’s Grace in Our Grumbling is also ON SALE for .99 cents through June 21. Click on www.amzn.to/35dG6dG.
 
Yes, I think I’ve covered everything, so until next time…

Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance
“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

 

BOTHERSOME BLUNDERS OF LIFE   The title of last month’s newsletter was Making Lemonade out of Lemons. And this month, our saga continued. But the bothersome blunder gave us quite a chuckle when we found the cause of our problem.   We’re not in our new home a week (if you didn’t know about our temporary abode—read April’s posting), and I noticed a light switch in the bathroom. I flipped it on and off, but nothing happened (or so I thought). A day later, Ray mentioned we didn’t have hot water, so the first thing he did was check the hot water heater. He gave me an update. “It’s not brand new, but it doesn’t look bad. And it’s not leaking.”   He then got out his trusty voltmeter to confirm electricity was going to it. I followed him outside. Within seconds, he announced, “The gauge reads ZERO.” His words must have jarred my memory, and I said, “Does the light switch in the bathroom have anything to do with this?”   It did, and we again had hot water. Thank goodness Ray is a handyman, or our landlord would have gotten a brand new hot water heater if he wasn’t.   A few days later, I’m on Facebook, and I see a post on this lemon/lemonade topic:     People, I’m not promoting violence, but some days wouldn’t we all love to toss a few lemons at the bothersome blunders of life.   WRITING NEWS: I’m inching closer every day to finishing my latest novel. Seems like I’ve been at this forever. The working title for my new book is – It’s a Mystery…Birds. Stay tuned…   Remember – I love to hear your stories. Do you have any bothersome blunders you’d like to share?   Until next time…   Blessings! Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romance “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

 MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS

A month ago, hubby was at work and zigged when he was supposed to zag while moving a keg of beer. He said when it happened, “It popped, and I couldn’t put weight on it.” Our plans to leave Arizona came to a screeching halt.
 
So much for getting on the road the first of April, but there’s good news to report – Ray had an MRI, and the doc assured him therapy would fix his problem. We’ll commence our travels the first week of May.
 
I don’t know about you, but Ray and I are not fans when our plans change. Do I hear a few “amens” out there? It’s true with all of us – when we’ve made arrangements for XYZ to happen…we don’t want anything or anybody to step in and modify them.
 
I guess it’s human nature.
 

 
 

While we're here, we're able to enjoy the blooms of AZ. And we're relishing in the miracles the Lord has placed in front of us: 

1. No surgery for Ray. PT is doing the trick. 

2. Four people offered us their park models to stay in since temps can reach the high 90s in April/May. Our RV has one A/C unit and gets toasty in the extreme heat of the day. 

3. Spending extra time with friends who live here year-round, which is always a plus. 

Yes, I guess what I’m saying is we are making lemonade out of lemons. And, we’re cool as cucumbers in our new “home.” Life is good!!!
 
WRITING NEWS:
I’ve finished the first round of edits on my newest novel. WOOHOO!!! The red marks my editors made caused my heart to palpitate, but I repeated to myself while correcting them, “They’ll make my work in progress a masterpiece.” I don’t have a date for publication yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.
 

 

Look real close at the above picture. I had to share a strange sighting from a couple of weeks ago. How many times have you ever seen a goat sitting in the front seat of a truck? In my case, never until that day. If you’ve spotted an oddity while on the road, and have a photo, please share it with me.  
 
Until next time…

Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy
“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

 

DIY - DESK DILEMMA - DOODLES My hubby and I may live in a home on wheels, but we still want to change things up on occasion. Our DIY project this week: we hung our kitchen utensils on the wall. Doing it cleared clutter off of our counter and gave us extra room in a drawer. We love the less-is-more look.   This isn’t the first remodeling job in one of our RVs. In the fifth wheel, Ray built me a desk. If you read Early Birds (Book #1), the main character built his wife one in place of their couch. Who needs a place to sit when you have a book to write?    I have to say I don’t miss the fifth wheel (I called it fifty-five feet of Oh My Goodness), but I must confess – I do miss my desk sometimes. Then I remember why we sold the fiver. The model had too many issues that kept breaking.       Yes, I’m deskless, but writing happens in our tiny abode. Most days, my computer sits on my lap. Notes from the project I’m working on are strewn around me on the couch. On them are lists of character names, locations, phrases I’ve used that I’ll check on later, etc.   Since I don’t have a designated work area, these notes (chicken scratches to anyone else reading them) keep my mind focused, on track, and organized. At the end of my day, I collect them and put them in a safe place for the next time I sit down to write.   SideNote to the above topic: I’ve told my CEO (Ray) I’m keeping these scraps of paper that resemble doodling. When I become a New York Best Selling author – I hope someone will pay big $$$ for my scribbles.   And back to DIY projects – have you undertaken any? Please show me pictures of your makeovers. I’d love to see them.   WRITING NEWS: I'm featuring J. Carol Nemeth's book, Glacier of Secrets!

Photographer Maggie Lawrence is excited about her new assignment at Denali National Park, that is, until her excitement is damped by Ranger Troy Donovan’s refusal to escort her into the wilderness for photos. When an Alaskan senator arrives and Maggie’s assignment changes, Troy is ordered by the powers that be to help Maggie out. When things turn deadly and the senator’s life is at risk, Troy and Maggie find a connection between a thirty-three-year-old Soviet defector’s record and a photo Maggie took on her first day in Alaska. While Troy is investigating deep in the park, Maggie and the good senator are kidnapped. How can Troy rescue them when he must stay on mission? There are foreign operatives in pursuit, and he can’t stop now. This woman who once stirred his refusal of help has stirred other feelings he’s buried deep inside. Now all he can think of is rescuing and protecting Maggie Lawrence.

MORE WRITING NEWS:   For the third year in a row, my publisher at Winged Publications is offering want-a-be authors an opportunity. Go to www.wingedpublications.com and click on the Menu item for the Taking Flight Contest 2021. Here’s your chance at publishdom.  Until next time… Blessings! Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy “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

 

INTERESTING HAPPENINGS ALL AROUND Welcome to February, everyone. As most of you know, the Lenten season started the other day. Even though I grew up a Baptist, I’ve participated in the forty-day observance over the last few years. Honestly, I don’t know why I do it, but I find the structure works for me. It’s a cleansing of my soul, sort of thing.   A few years ago, I gave up playing games on my tablet. Another year, I wanted to read a book in the Bible. I laughed when I figured out Exodus was the only one with forty chapters. Who knew?   This year, hubby and I are giving up sweets and fried foods. What are we thinking? It’s all good, and we’ll strive to make healthier meals. And knowing Ray, he’ll find a recipe for cookies that don’t have sugar in them and will be eatable.   I’ll let you know how we’re doing in my March newsletter. Until then, pray for us – our arteries will thank you.   Do you observe Lent? Let me know what you are doing away with or doing differently for the next six weeks. We visited Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church last month (picture below), but I wanted to share one of the pictures with you. An oasis in the middle of Arizona.   WRITING NEWS: As a writer, I found out this week you better be ready for anything. Ray boosted my new devotional on Facebook, as he had all of my other books. But this time, I started getting strange messages from the group we’d boosted.   One man said, “it depends on how close we live to each other.”    Without delay, I took a gander at my author page on Facebook and found a small blue box at the top with a question that read, “Hi ****! Please let us know how I can help you.”   I love to help people, but shouldn’t Facebook give a little more details in the questions they ask for me. Suggestion: “Hi ***! I’m a writer. Are you interested in learning more about my books?”   Besides the craziness with my boost, in other writing news, editing is going well on Book #5 in the Early Birds series. I finally made it through the arduous task of deleting duplicate words. WOWZER!!!   In closing, since this has been a difficult week for many weatherwise, let's pray for those affected by the colder-than-normal temperatures. I know they'll appreciate it a whole lot.   Until next time…   Blessings! Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

                                                   

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And before I do anything else, it’s time to announce the winners from December's newsletter. Congratulations to: Dawn C., Connie R., Linda A., Judy M., and Lee F. Your books are on their way.
 
Thanks to the winners and everyone for entering my Christmas drawing. And there will be more opportunities to win prizes in 2021, but I’m not telling when I’ll offer more fun gifts/prizes. You’ll have to keep reading my newsletters. :)
 
As of a few days ago (January 3), I’m a year older. My Medicare card is in my wallet. Getting it in the mail came with mixed emotions. I do not feel old enough to receive it (Physically – maybe a little, but mentally – I’m still a teenager. HA!!!).
 
And the audacity of the government – I received the dreaded card two months before my birthday. It’s like they were trying to rub in the fact that I’m getting older. “Nah! Nah! Nah! Janetta, we didn’t want you to forget you’re turning the Big 65.”
 
I lived through the day, and have to give a shout out to my hubby for his choice of gifts. If there was an item that had Kansas City Chiefs logo on it – I now own it. The license plate holder is already on our Jeep. The K.C. sticker will go on the back of the RV. And I'm wearing the mask (see below). He’s the best.

Yes, I turned another year older (YIKES), but it’s only a number. I’ve decided to enjoy the days that the Lord has given me, and I hope you do the same. And let’s show kindness when given the chance. We may be an answer to someone’s prayer.
 
WRITING NEWS:
 
For the third year in a row, my published is offering want-a-be authors an opportunity. Go to www.wingedpublications.com and click on the Menu item for the Taking Flight Contest 2021. Here’s your chance at publishdom.
 
Also, I’m getting back to writing. My work in progress is in the editing out duplicate-word phase. Every time I do this, I’m amazed at how many times I use the same word. Then I'll send it off to hubby to read and he'll tell me if there’s hope for the manuscript.
 
Until next time…
 
Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

                                                           MONTH OF GIVING

(Details below)

As 2020 comes to a close, you will find me scrambling to get everything done. I’m one who likes to close one chapter (year) and begin the New Year with a clean slate. I’m already ahead of the game and have found my 2021 calendar online.
 
The other day I filled in the birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. And because I tend towards being organized, I wrote down jobs I needed to do too (i.e., date to send my newsletter, schedule what I’m working on, etc.).
 
SIDE NOTE: I have to speak to the list makers. In 2020, I found a handy tool on my computer that screamed, “well done, good and faithful servant.” The item was a tiny checkmark. When I used it, after completing a task, I felt so accomplished. I’ll be implementing it again in 2021 because it’s helpful and so darn cute.
 
Another activity I will place on my calendar are days where hubby and I go scooterpooping. If I’ve not mentioned this word before – it’s a Messmer expression. It’s meaning: goofing off. One of my characters, Rose Wilford, likes to say, “stop and smell the petunias.”
 
Take it from me, it’s fun to set the important stuff aside and enjoy the day – whatever we decide to do. Hubby and I love to jump in the car and take a drive. Find new places to explore and take tons of pictures. 

Yes, it’s another Arizona sunset, but I can’t help myself when I see them. I take my phone out and click away, adding them to my other thousand, or so, I’ve already taken. What is your favorite subject to photograph? Kids, grandkids, pets, scenery?

Mine is our pooch. Last year, in my newsletter, I shared a picture of Maggie wearing earmuffs. But the one above is from a few weeks ago. Our friend snapped it, and we think it is the cutest photo EVER. You’re welcome. :)
 
Oh, there’s one more thing! Since it’s almost Christmas, I wanted to spread some cheer around. HO! HO! HO! Email me by December 31, and I’ll put you in a drawing to win one of my signed books. I’ll announce the FIVE winners in my January newsletter.
 
PS: In your email, tell me the name you want the book signed to and the address where to mail it. Easy Peasy!
 
Here’s the list to choose from:
Early Birds (or any in the series)
Pigtails and a Tool Belt
Waltzing with a Grease Monkey
God’s Grace in the Grumbling

Until next time…
 
Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 TEACHING MOMENTS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! And because it’s 2020, we know our festivities with family and friends will look a little different this year. But that’s okay, we can still make memories and thank the Lord for His many blessings.
 
In this newsletter, I’m starting with Writing News: Last month I asked you to email me about my latest devotional project. Lots of you answered the call and today I picked two winners who will receive a copy of God’s Grace in Our Grumbling.
 
THE WINNERS ARE – Jane Stubbs and Joan Hicks. Ladies, please email me your address so I can send you a copy of my new book. And thanks to everyone for your emails and encouraging words. HUGS to all!!!

And who knew I’d need your uplifting words. Since I announced the release of my devotional book on grumbling, I’ve done more complaining than I thought was possible for any human being. You may have heard me screaming, “Lord, if this is a test – I’m failing big time.”

If these words sound familiar, and we’re honest with ourselves, this year has thrown us under the bus, ran over us, and returned for a second shot. We’re frustrated and left to wonder what will happen next?

I don’t have a clue what’s next, but I know the One who does. Even when I’m over-the-top annoyed, the Lord gives me His grace, which I can then give to another person. Let me give you an example.

Ray and I stayed in a hotel last weekend. In the wee hours of the morning, we had the privilege of listening to our neighbor’s television. The sound loud enough for us to almost make out the words.

The next morning, any kindness I possessed flew out the sliding glass door. Grumbling and griping took up residence in our room. I planned to share my woes with the front desk and talked it over with Ray.

On our way there, I asked my hubby, “Now what did I tell you I was going to say.”

“You are going to ask for earplugs.”

Those wise words diverted a disaster and calmed me down. And they taught me that whatever I’m going through (good, bad, or indifferent), I can use it as a teaching moment. Thank You, Lord!

MORE WRITING NEWS: Please put these dates on your calendar!!!

The e-book of Pigtails and a Tool Belt is .99 cents until the end of November.
The e-book of Waltzing with a Grease Monkey is .99 cents December 15 - January 10
The e-book of Early Birds (Book #1) will be FREE January 4 thru January 8.
 
Go to www.janettafudgemessmer.com and order them. They’d make great Christmas presents. And you can see my updated website. 
 
Until next time…
 
Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 SURPRISES GALORE!!!

Can I just say I’ll be a happy camper when the 2020 election is over? Thank goodness the ads will end too!!! The mute button on our remote is wearing out from continual use. HA!!!

Enough talk on the elections. How about I share a SURPRISE with you? I hinted about this in one of my newsletters, but now it’s happening. My devotional book, God’s Grace in our Grumbling, will be out sometime in November. Stay tuned. Photo above is the cover (I hope).
 
And as always, funnies go along with anything I do. I gave Ray two titles and asked, “Do you like HOPE – Christ in the midst of our Chaos OR God’s Grace in our Grumbling.” No hesitation, Ray replied, “The grumbling one, it’s more you.”
 
Here is one of the devotionals. Enjoy!!!

    Be More Like Jesus

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love,
just as Christ loved us… (Ephesians 5:1)

 
I’ve come to the conclusion that LIFE is just one event after another. Most occurrences are ordinary and don’t take much thought to get through them. Others are more of a thrill ride. Thankfully the latter doesn’t happen often.
 
The one that got my (and my hubby’s) heart racing was when we found a tick on our precious pooch, Maggie. Before we called 911 (a definite thought), we removed the tick from Ms. M’s shoulder and headed to the vet’s office.
 
Much to our surprise, they seemed unconcerned about the tick, but they said we need extra medication to ward of the pesky varmints. Before I gave them a curt answer, I thought to myself, why isn’t she protected from them already?
 
My Type A personality husband must have had the same movie playing inside his head. He turned to me and I watched him take a couple of large breaths before he said, “You can go ahead and handle this. I’ll be in the car.”
 
It’s funny when Ray gave me the reigns, I calmed down. Maybe the Lord knew I didn’t want to spend the weekend in jail for overreacting. Maybe I realized it didn’t matter whose fault it was. What did matter - the situation called for me to be more like Jesus than a half-crazed lunatic.
 
In the end, Maggie did not have any adverse effects from the tick, but we learned a lesson that day – be more diligent in her care.
 
Questions:

1. How do you view your life most days – Ordinary or Eventful? 
2. Do you tend to blame others when things go awry? Have you ever considered you may have had some fault in the situation too? 
3. How do you handle a crisis when it occurs? Are there extra breaths needed for you to calm down?

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for helping me when LIFE seems to defy nature. Thank You for answering my unspoken prayers. Help to look inside of myself at those times and not blame others. Oh, and Father, can I ask you something else? Why did you create ticks? Can’t say I see much point to them. Just saying! AMEN!!!

Until next time…

PS: If you email me your thoughts on my latest project, there’s another surprise awaiting one of you.

Blessings!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 TRAVELING ON THE ROAD AGAIN 

As I’m writing this blog, we’re boondocking outside of the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The landscape looks like the moon and this morning we woke up to a herd of bighorn sheep. What an amazing place. I have to say – it’s nothing like I expected. 

 

Yes, we are on the road again. We left Fort Collins, Colorado the day after it snowed (see above picture). Thankfully, the white stuff didn’t stick on the roads, but the weather going from the 90s one day and waking up in the 30s the next, told us it was time to go.
 
And you may have gathered from my first paragraph, we headed to South Dakota. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STATE!!!
 

 
Friends joined us on our travels for a few days. They spent time with us in our RV. Maybe we’ll convince them they need an RV. We can only hope. I told them, “The characters in my books travel with their friends and it works for Ben, Betsy, Rose, and Larry. What do you think?”
 
I never got a definitive answer from them, but the four of us took in all the sights South Dakota had to offer: Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, and our final stop – Wall. We had to see the world-famous Wall Drug Store.
 
And it was worth the drive. We spent close to four hours in the drug store, perusing all it had to offer. I don’t know if the others felt it, but time slowed down as I walked around. The store seemed to capture the simple pleasure of life and I wasn’t sure I wanted to leave it behind.

 

Have to leave you with a funny. Before we left the drug store, we ventured outside. The minute I spied the oversized rabbit – my feet flew up the steps for a photo op. After I’m up there, I start to wonder if there’s a weight limit. Mr. Cottontail is still intact and rideable for another ‘child’.
 
WRITING NEWS:
It’s time I share the latest. I am in the process of editing Book #5 in the Early Birds series. WOOHOO!!! The working title is: We Have a Mystery Birds. It is full of funnies, a mystery to solve, and even a touch of romance. Projected release date: February 2021.

 

PS: Is it just Ray and I, or do other people take goofy pictures? Share one or two of your outrageous ones. It’ll make me feel better. HA!!!

Blessings!!!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

 

                     SUMMER FUN, SWIMMING POOLS, AND FRIENDS 

Who was your best friend as a child? What did you do together? Are you still friends?
 
I asked these questions to the participants of the writing class I taught in Arizona last year. As always, their tales entertained all of us. Here is the piece I wrote and it’s another of my get-to-know-me-stories:

My friend, Bonnie, estimates we’ve known each other for sixty years. I say it’s closer to fifty-eight. I’m pretty sure our moms wouldn’t have let us play outside at four years old. Whatever our age, we’ve been friends for a very long time.
 
We lived in the same neighborhood and when our mothers let us, we’d play outside all day. One such day, Bonnie and I decided we needed a swimming pool in my backyard. I hurried inside and grabbed two spoons from the utensil drawer.
 
She and I got to work and we weren’t two spoonfuls in and my mom yelled out of the kitchen window, “Janetta, bring the spoons back in here. Bonnie, you go on home.” We listened and scurried in the direction she told us to go.
 
Through the years Bonnie and I kept in touch, but a strange thing happened to us in 2002. Of all the places Ray could get a job, he got one in Houston. The city where my friend and her family lived. Once again we lived near each other and made many more cherished memories, which included our husbands.
 
How about you? Do have a friendship (or friendships) in your life that’s stood the test of time? Tell me about them. You know I love to hear your stories.
 
WRITING NEWS:
I’m working diligently on my next project, but for right now mums the word on what it is about. Trust me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you find out what I’m up to. Or I hope you are. HA!!!
 
OTHER NEWS:
Please pray for the fires in Colorado, California, and all the other states experiencing them. Also, pray for safety for the people of the Gulf Coast with Hurricane Laura heading their way. Thanks!!!
 
Until next time…

Blessings!!!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. Thank you for sharing your mouse stories with me. I laughed at them but they creeped me out at the same time. HA!!! It’s amazing how a little creature can raise so much havoc and cause so much fear in human beings. Yikes!!!

 

No, I’m not going to talk about the pandemic, but the reason for the picture - I wanted to show how my hubby wears his mask when he’s eating. Sort of reminds me of a unicorn with a flat horn.

As you can see, Ray didn’t appear to care how he looked. He was enjoying a delicious crepe on our travels to Breckenridge for a few days with my cousins. And, as usual, wherever my hubby and I go, mayhem seems to follow us to our destination.

This isn’t the actual bear, but it was obvious one visited while we’re at the cabin. My cousin (Jenny) had gone outside the first afternoon we were there. She came back in and said, “the door to the shed is open.”

My other cousin (Ann) replied, “I must not have gotten it shut all the way when I took the trash. The lock is a little tricky.”

Ray jumped into the conversation, “I’ll go check it out.”

After supper he ventured down to close the door and Jenny went with him. They came back inside and she was laughing. “While Ray walked down to the shed, he’s waving his arms. ‘Bear, if you’re in there, go away. I’m shutting the door.’”

Oh, how I wished she’d taken a video of Ray’s theatrics.

Fast forward to the next morning. After I got up, I heard Jenny and Ann outside on the back deck and I joined them. I don’t have one foot on the deck and my cousin said, “Take a look down at the shed.”

I glanced in the direction Jenny pointed and not four feet from the shed door (which was still closed) sat a white garbage bag. The contents of it were strung all over the ground. I stood in complete shock. THERE WAS A BEAR!!!

Ray came out on the porch, and Jenny instructed him to look at the sight below. For a solid fifteen seconds, my hubby’s mouth stood wide open. I’m sure, at that moment, all of us wondered how close he’d come to encountering the bear.

We’ll never know, but we know our time in Breckinridge was an adventure that we’ll talk (and laugh about) for years to come.

SIDE NOTE: Ann alerted her son (who owns the house) to tell him the bear news. He called and asked, “Is Ray packing?” Turned out when she VOICE texted him, the phrase “Ray shut the door.” came out as “Ray shot the door.” We all had a good laugh at the miscommunication.

Have you had an experience with a wild animal? I’d love to hear your stories.

WRITING NEWS:

The e-book of my latest release - Waltzing with a Grease Monkey - is .99 cents until July 31. Don't miss out!!! Here is the link for it: www.amzn.to/3hJfJAL

Until next time…

Blessings!!!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge

GETTING TO KNOW ME

 

Part of me wanted to touch on the current events in my newsletter, but since I write comedy I decided to do something different this month. I’m going to tell you a little bit about myself.

Yes, you can go to www.janettafudgemessmer.com and read my biography, but it doesn’t give you the whole story of what makes me who I am - the behind-the-scenes Janetta.

Most of you know I taught a writing class in Arizona last fall. Each week I gave the attendees writing assignments they’d read to me the following week. I joined in with them on the homework. One question I posed to them: What are three of your greatest fears?

I’m positive I didn’t blink before I came up with my #1 fear. MICE! (And the reason for the Mickey and Minnie pic above). Here is the story I penned for class.

I’ve been told that they are more scared of me than I am of them. And knowing this doesn’t change my opinion of them. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when we found mice in one of the houses we lived in.

Unbeknownst to me, our home on Sedge Way was prime real estate because we backed up to an open field. Another lure to our home, we had a dog and never thought once about putting her food in a closed container.

That’s until Ray pulled out the fridge one day and we found the floor covered with dog food. I have to stop and talk about the size of said morsels and I ask you, how does a tiny mouse (or mice) transport something a sixty-pound dog eats?

Trust me, they can. And, Mickey and Minnie can also hide dog food inside of a couch. They dug a hole and stashed their winter buffet right next to where I sat every night to watch TV. The thought of them being there still creeps me out.

To get rid of them, we tried the old standby – cheese. When it didn’t work, we found our mice loved peanut butter. I don’t remember now how many we caught, but Ray was in charge of that part of the operation. All I know, I didn’t want those pesky varmints inside my house.

Oh, and about the dog food. We went out that afternoon and bought a trash can with a lid on it. Problem solved.

Did I mention I HATE MICE? And in my world, they don’t climb stairs either.

WRITING NEWS:

1) BLESSING BIRDS (Book #4 in the Early Birds series) is FREE 6/29 thru 7/3. Click on the link and get a copy.  www.amzn.to/2Xj66gW

2) The e-book of my latest release - Waltzing with a Grease Monkey - will be .99 cents July thru end of month. Here is the link for it: www.amzn.to/3hJfJAL

Until next time…

Blessings!!!

Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy

“Turning Life Into Comedy”

E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com
Website and sign up for newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge