nettie-fudges-world

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

FINDING FUNNIES IN THE FIASCOS

We’re officially OTRA (on the road again). And before I continue, the reason for the explanation – I have some new subscribers. WOOHOO!!! Thank you for joining us and to those who have been with me a while, I’m sending virtual hugs your way. Oh, how I appreciate all of you!!!

Since I mentioned we’re traveling, I have to tell you it hasn’t come without a few pitfalls. But you know me—I always find funnies in the fiascos.

Hubby found us a camping spot at the Junkyard on 66 Brewery. After fighting high winds, we pulled in and parked among junked vehicles. I told Ray, “I didn’t think it’d be a literal junkyard.” He laughed, and we ventured inside. BTW: Good food, beer, and we met a friendly couple.
We heard a loud noise going down the highway. A trucker motioned to the side of our RV. Ray stopped, and I started to pray. He returned and, in a calm voice, said, “One of the outside doors flew open. We lost our white plastic table, and it’s nowhere to be found.” (Side Note: We thanked the Lord and ate chicken fried steak at Cracker Barrel to calm down.)
We arrived at the campground in South Dakota, and Ray hooked up the water. Everything worked but the bathroom sink. After we both tried to solve the problem, a neighbor suggested we check the mesh screen on the faucet. Ray didn’t, but after another hour, he admitted defeat and unscrewed the end of the spout. He found it was clogged and rinsed it out. With the issue solved, he walked over to our neighbor and thanked her.

RVing is an adventure, and when it comes to Ray and me – we continue Turning Life into Comedy!!!

WRITING NEWS:
I’m in the editing phase on both books. I’ll finish the first run through this week on my novel and start on the edits on my novella in May.

WRITER’S CORNER:
This month I’m featuring one of my fellow authors from Winged Publications. Sherri Stewart has a new book and she wanted to tell you all about it.

The Everyday Heroine
By
Sherri Stewart

What does it take to make a heroine? I wish women didn’t have to share the word with a deadly narcotic! My answer to this question came as I wrote the book, A Song for Her Enemies. Prior to that book, if you’d have asked me what a female hero was, I’d have given you a list of examples: Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, Joan of Arc, Corrie ten Boom—women who rose to a challenge and did amazing things. But now I realize a heroine doesn’t have to slay dragons; she just has to do the little thing that’s required at the moment when life becomes difficult.

In the book, Tamar was a Jewish twenty-year-old singer in Haarlem when the Nazis took over the town and closed the opera house. She had no skills other than her voice, but she joined the Dutch Resistance as a messenger because her blond hair allowed her to walk past the Nazi guards to leave the ghetto she lived in. Here’s the first clue. Heroines have something to offer, even if it’s just hair color. On one of her walks, she entered a home full of refugees where one of them was in labor. The atmosphere was tense, so she was asked to sing a song to quiet the children. Here’s clue number two. Heroines never know when they’ll be called upon to do something heroic, even if it’s just singing a children’s song.

Sometimes the very thing that blesses others also causes unanticipated results. It was Tamar’s blond hair and her beautiful singing voice that caused a Nazi officer in the sequel that I’ve just finished writing—In Her Enemies’ House—to become obsessed with her. Clue number three—whatever God calls a heroine to do may have consequences she cannot control, still God calls us to be everyday heroines, to look for those little things that will bless someone else. That’s the definition of a heroine.

Blurb
After Nazi soldiers close the opera and destroy Tamar Kaplan’s dream of becoming a professional singer, she joins the Dutch Resistance, her fair coloring concealing her Jewish heritage. Tamar partners with Dr. Daniel Feldman, and they risk their lives to help escaping refugees. When they are forced to flee themselves, violinist Neelie Visser takes them into hiding.

Tamar’s love for Daniel flowers in hardship, but she struggles with the paradox that a loving God would allow the atrocities around her. When Tamar resists the advances of a Third Reich officer, he exacts his revenge by betraying the secrets hidden behind the walls of Neelie’s house. From a prison hospital to a Nazi celebration to a concentration camp, will the three of them survive to tell the world the secrets behind barbed wire? https://amzn.to/3NY2VXg

Bio
Sherri Stewart loves to write a clean novel, sprinkled with romance and a strong message that challenges her faith. She spends her working hours with books—either editing others’ manuscripts or writing her own. Her passion is traveling to the settings of her books, sampling the food, and visiting the sites. She loves the Netherlands, and she’s still learning Dutch, although she doesn’t need to since everyone seems to speak perfect English. A recent widow, Sherri lives in the Orlando area with her lazy dog, Lily, and her son, Joshua, who can fix anything. She shares recipes, tidbits of her books’ locations, and pix in her newsletter. Subscribe at http://eepurl.com/gZ-mv9
https://www.amazon.com/author/sherristewart
https://www.facebook.com/sherristewartauthor/

Thank you, Sherri. Reminder: You can find Sherri's books on Amazon.

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

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

DISTURBANCES AREN'T ALL BAD!

I’ll begin this month’s newsletter with WRITING NEWS. And it’s huge!!! I wrote THE END on my novella on Friday, and I’m surprised the seismologists in Arizona didn’t register an earthquake from my dancing around.

As I reported two months ago in my newsletter, computer problems stopped my forward motion with the book I was writing. But that’s not all—Covid knocked on our door too? I remember yelling, “Can I catch a break here? I need to finish this novella.”

Our symptoms consisted of aches and pains, a slight fever, and we averaged nine to ten hours of sleep a night. I am surprised Fitbit didn’t email us and ask if we’d given them to someone else or thrown them away. HA!!! And we never lost our smell or taste.

During our ten days of quarantine, we played Cribbage, watched way too much HGTV, took naps, AND I thought about this disturbance that took me away from writing.

In the end, I found out it worked in my favor. It gave me time to rest. Don’t we all need to refresh, take a breather, and have an adult version of time out occasionally to regroup?

Here are a few ideas I came up with to help you face those hectic days:

Remember to take a break. Say no. The world won’t end if we’re not participating for a day or two.
Relax and read a book (preferably one of mine – HA!!!).
Take a mini vacation, even if it’s for an hour in your living room. Let the worries of this world melt away. At the end of the time, leave your anxieties at the Lord’s feet…where they belong.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

PS: Please let me know how you plan to rest and relax. I’d love to hear your ideas!!!

Until next time...

Blessings!

Thursday, February 24, 2022

WAITING FOR NEWS FROM A DISTANT LAND

(and it was BIG)

This week’s homework for the class I teach was: Write about a time you won BIG!!! I told the participants that it could be about anything. I had a story in mind and got busy writing it.

Here’s my contribution:

I’d always dreamed of hitting it big in writing. When I started putting pen to paper—my favorite joke was that I’d have an article in Guideposts Magazine someday. “Yeah, right, Janetta. You write poems. That’ll happen when pigs fly.”

Yes, I talked to myself, but when we moved to the Houston area, I decided to pursue writing. And boy did I land in a goldmine. First, I found a writing group at Barnes and Noble on Monday night. And through them, I found a Christian writing group that met on Thursdays.

Each week I’d go to these meetings and read my stories. Some weeks the critiques curled my hair, but I learned valuable lessons from their questions about my story. I used their suggestions to polish my work in progress.

During this time, I also joined Toastmasters. One speech I wrote had to do with Ray and me owning an auto repair shop. It talked about our ups and downs as a couple, working together. I fine-tuned it and, on a whim, sent it to Guideposts.

From this point forward, I’ll have you read the speech I wrote about the experience:

WAITING FOR NEWS FROM A DISTANT LAND

I pressed the SEND button. Now I’d wait to hear whether they accepted or rejected the short story I sent.
            Madame Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters, and Honored Guests – I waited but knew the news from a distant land (New York) could take weeks before I heard anything.
            After dinner that night, Ray and I went into my office. Since we were in there, I told him to check my emails. I spied one from the place I'd sent to earlier in the day. Sure didn’t take them long to reject my story. I thought.
            I asked Ray to open it, and the words astounded me. “Thanks for sending your story. It’s not right as it is, but maybe there’s a story here about spouses working together. We’ll have one of our editors call and pick your brain.”
Sincerely,
Rick Hamlin
            I danced around my desk, stopping only to reread the note. “Someone to pick my brain. Ray, I can’t believe this.” He congratulated me, and I got right to work on my new-and-improved story. In a few days, with it polished to perfection, I sent it back to them.
Then I waited and waited and waited. Not a single word from Guideposts came. I all but gave up and decided to make a trip to see my folks.
            A week into my trip, Ray called and sounded a little too cheery. He told me to call home and get messages. Before I could say anything—he hung up.
            Toastmasters, I tried five different times, but I couldn’t remember how to check messages. Finally, I called Ray back and said, “Just tell me.”
            “Guideposts called, and they are going to publish your story. Congratulations, honey.”
            I hung up and turned to my folks, asking if they minded if I screamed. My 82-year-old mom and 90-year-old dad nodded. They had no clue the reason for my exuberance.
            I’m certain I yelled, but not as loud as if I’d been in my own house, but I did express my profound happiness.
            The following week I returned home and received the phone call in which the editor “picked my brain.” I shared countless stories of our time at Baseline Auto Service--certain not to forget the part where Ray fired me. This must have shocked him because I heard nothing on the other end of the line. Thought he might have hung up on me.
            He finally spoke and said he couldn’t believe Ray had fired me. I assured him it happened and, even with the tiny hiccup, remained happily married.
After we hung up, I again waited. And trust me—when they did call, we weren’t ready for what they proposed. Guideposts informed us they were sending out a photographer to take pictures of us. I reminded them we didn’t own the shop anymore. The woman on the other end of the line suggested we do something together – like plant something.
The photographer arrived, and she took pictures of us planting bushes. One shot, she had me put my arm around Ray while he patted the ground. It took every part of my being not to laugh because I couldn’t remember the last time we’d gotten romantic while digging in the dirt.
Then we moved inside – and changed clothes. The woman had us play peek-a-book with our chenille throw. Do you know how hard it is to frolic around when someone is pointing a camera at you? Relief flooded over me when she announced she was finished.
Now I waited, but this time, in the end, I’d hold the actual magazine in my hand. And once I held the publication in my hand, it was worth the wait. The Lord knew the perfect time.
Toastmasters, “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” (Prov. 25:25)

PS: My winning BIG at the beginning of my writing career (in 2005) changed my life. And it spurred me on to write novels, which I never thought I even wanted to do. Thank you to my readers for your encouragement (and loyalty). It’s invaluable!!! Love ya!!!

Until next time...

Blessings!

Thursday, January 27, 2022

NOVEL or NOVELLA

(it’s taken on a mind of its own)

January has seemed to slip away without me noticing. The only excuses I can come up with for my delay in writing is my computer acting up. One day it worked. The next, hubby is checking online to purchase me a new machine.

From the living room, I yelled, “But I love this one. I’ve had it six years.”

“Dear, it’s outstayed its welcome. You’ll learn to love the new one too.”

After a visit with the Geeks, I’m happy to report I’m still using the original one. Who needs a new computer? Not me. And from this point forward, I’ll save my work. Don’t want to lose my work in progress.

And this brings me to a story about my WIP. It was supposed to be a novella (20,000-25,000 words) due October 1, 2022, and set at Christmas time. I started it and at the close of 2021 – I’d typed almost 43,000 words on it.

Yes, 43,000 words. I tried to shush my characters when I reached around 23,000 words, but they kept chattering. I finally had to admit that I’d written a novel. The next step was to turn my attention to writing another book (the novella) to fulfill my October deadline.

I started on it, and that’s when my computer died. This is the life of an author. Surprises at every turn. I don’t know when the novel will be published. Still have to edit it countless times, but I’ll keep you posted on a release date. And finish the other one. Help!!!

FAMILY/FRIENDS NEWS:
Our family and friends’ homes weren’t touched by the fires in Colorado, but please continue to lift the state in your prayers. The people who lost their homes find it almost impossible to locate new places.

We’ve all been touched by something difficult over the last two years, but this verse is what I cling to each day. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Until next time...

Blessings!

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

PEACE ON EARTH

(let it begin with me!)

From our home to yours: Merry Christmas to everyone. Ray and I hope your holiday gives you time to enjoy your family and friends. December can get hectic, but always remember the Reason for the Season: Jesus Christ the Lord.

As promised last month, this newsletter will be all about the Rusty Moose Bed and Breakfast we owned and operated from 1999 to 2001. Unfortunately, our beloved B&B ended too soon, but it’s all good. The wonderful memories from there live on.

We purchased the property (see above photo) in about four hours. On a drive outside of Montrose, Colorado, I spotted the barn-style house, and it was for sale. We called the realtor, and after a quick look-through, we bought it that day.

In our first year, most of our guests arrived at our doorstep when the hotels in Montrose filled up. Our philosophy: business is business. We opened our home to an array of interesting people. Some had never stayed at a B&B before, but we sold them on the concept.

Guests from England, Germany, the Middle East, Canada, and the United States came to stay at our place. One family, I remember, had four young girls. They entertained us with their songs after breakfast. The littlest one sang Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and brought the house down.

A couple stayed with us, and two months later, we received Rusty in the mail (above photo). The gentleman said, “This is what you look like after you’ve served all of your bed and breakfast guests.” And he wasn’t kidding. We were tuckered out but loved every minute of it.

Since our business was seasonal, we came up with different ideas to generate income in the slower months. I spoke to the quilt shop in town, and the owner decided to hold their weekend quilt retreat at our place. Another time, a group of massage therapists came to learn new techniques with stone therapy. I’m happy to report they gave Ray and me a massage. Amazing!

One of the funniest stories in the almost three years in business had to do with mini muffins. We’d served larger muffins but found people didn’t finish them. So to solve the issue of waste, Ray bought tiny muffin tins, and the smaller ones did the trick.

One weekend, this family stayed with us. They came down for breakfast the next morning, and Carol sat down and started eating the muffins. I didn’t pay attention to the amount she ate, but I overheard her tell her sister, “I’m not sure, but I think I ate 19 mini muffins.”

I acted like I didn’t hear anything and informed the cook (Ray) we’d need more muffins the following morning. And, as with any great chef, he followed directions and fixed a triple batch. Carol sat down and grabbed a muffin. In no time, she broke her previous record and came in at 24 mini muffins—this fact, she announced to everyone as she headed upstairs.

We’ve retold Carol’s story more than once, and it still makes us laugh. And did I mention she threw a few mini muffins across the table? We’re almost sure she wanted someone else to eat as many as she did. Such a fun time.

As you can see, we’ve got stories to tell, but I’ll end with the lesson we learned. Pursue your dreams. Our dream was to own a B&B, but we never intended to buy it in four hours. We’re glad we did, though, because we had the time of our lives meeting people from all walks of life.

For those few hours (or days), our guests stayed at the Moose – it was like nothing else mattered in their world. No one had an opinion about who voted for who or any other hot topic of the day. Guess you could say we had Peace on Earth.

Let’s all give peace, kindness, and love a try this Christmas season and into 2022.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-11

PS: More pictures from the Moose!!!

Until next time…

Blessings!

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

IT ALL FITS!!!
(moving boxes, memorabilia, and moose)

All of us have moved sometime in our lives. Maybe across the country or around the block. With Ray and I, I’d wager we’d win the award for the most moves in forty years. Our biggie, though, is how many times we’ve put stuff in storage.

Until a few weeks ago, we had a unit in Florida, but it was time to go pick up our belongings. Hubby flew to the Sunshine State and drove a U-Haul back to Arizona with our possessions. I stayed home, trying to remember what we’d stored for almost three years ago.

When we unloaded, I knew I’d find Elvis tucked somewhere. Yes, his head cocks to one side, and he looks a little ratty, but I can’t part with him. I’d begged my parents for the brightly colored pooch, and they gave it to me at my surprise birthday party when I turned seven.

I have to share a cute story about Elvis and our neighbor. She watched our house while we’d gone on a cruise. After we returned, she showed me the above picture of her ‘walking’ Elvis. We laughed, and she told us, “I saw him in your spare bedroom, and he asked me to take him on a walk.” Priceless. See why I can’t get rid of him?

The above montage of moose is out of their box and on top of our dresser. Most are gifts from our guests at the bed and breakfast we owned. Ray bought me Rusty (see the second picture), and when we opened our bed and breakfast in 1999, we named it the Rusty Moose B&B.

We no longer have the bed and breakfast, and I promise to tell you all about it in a future newsletter. I do have to say since we’ve put the metal moose out at our new place in AZ – we’ve gotten some strange looks from people who walk by.

As I continued to unpack, I remembered Elvis and the variety of moose, but a wooden box filled with memorabilia from my dad stopped me. I had to check it out. I opened it and pictures from my father’s Navy days poured out.

He’d served on the U.S.S. Marblehead during World War II. The picture above is of my dad, his mother, and his father. He’s quite the dapper fellow in his uniform, don't you think? Oh, how I wish I’d taken the time to listen closer to Dad’s stories and written them down.

What creative ways have you handled your memorabilia? Let me know. I need ideas.

WRITING NEWS:
The novella I’m writing has more intrigue in it than I planned, but I’m loving it. My characters keep throwing me curveballs. Can anyone imagine a story that includes Africa, septic tanks, and a bed and breakfast? Stay tuned…

BTW: Wishing a HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! May it be filled with grace, peace, and love!!! And before I go, I have to tell my readers I'm so thankful for you. You are the BEST!!!

Until next time…

Blessings!

Thursday, October 21, 2021

“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!

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

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

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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 80^th 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

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

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.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

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.

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?
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.
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

Thursday, May 20, 2021

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…

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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:

No surgery for Ray. PT is doing the trick.

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.

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

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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

Friday, February 19, 2021

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