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The Keys To Happiness – mydangblog
(Here’s a little throwback from a several years ago): A few days ago, I was in the kitchen and I happened to look up at the really cute key holder on the wall that I’d made out of an old breadboard and antique keys to hold not-antique keys. My brow furrowed. “Ken!” I called. “Did…
Make Alignments Great Again – mydangblog
Before I start, I'd like to just express my eternal and deeply felt gratitude to the wonderful Susan Richardson of Flowering Ink's Stories from the Edge of Blindness, and most importantly for today’s purpose, the podcast A Thousand Shades of Green. Many weeks ago, Susan undertook to feature my short story collection Dark Nocturnes on…
Breaking The Mold – mydangblog
Update: I posted the following, and then went to Wordpress and saw all the comments--from NOVEMBER 2023! I have no idea what's going in. I literally couldn't find any evidence that this post had EVER gone live, until I published it, seemingly for the first time, and discovered that it had, indeed been previously posted,…
I Just Want What I’m Owed; Book Advice – mydangblog
Whenever I go anywhere, I like to take back country roads. But the more I do, the more there’s something I’ve noticed, something I’ve become painfully, jealously aware of: Me: I want to move to the country.Ken: Why?Me: Because I want a camper and a boat.Ken: What?Me: Because when you move to the country, you…
I Am A Delight – mydangblog
As you may or may not know, I’ve been hosting a radio show once a month since March-ish. And while I love the idea of being a radio host, you also may remember that I find it extremely stressful. The studio is about 45 minutes away, in an old, run-down factory that is most definitely…
No One Expects… – mydangblog
And if you finished the title of this post with ...The Spanish Inquisition! then you know I wrote this for you. It's been a slow week, so here's a Monty Python flashback... A couple of years ago, I wrote about watching a woman walk up to the front of a train, hitting everyone in the…
Robots Everywhere – mydangblog
Last week, my parents moved, and as part of the process, they did a lot of downsizing, which meant Ken and I scored big time. A new Keurig, a salad spinner, a TV for our newly renovated attic, a LOT of salt, a container of the best silver cleaner I’ve ever used, and a ton…
Getting An Earful – mydangblog
A couple of weeks ago, Atlas started shaking his head violently and scratching at his ears. We'd been down this road before so we took him to the vet right away--it was an ear infection. Two hundred dollars, eardrops, and a dose of antibiotics later, he was right as rain in a couple of days.…
Clocked Again – mydangblog
The story this week begins and ends with a clock. Oh no! I hear you say. Did Mydangblog buy ANOTHER CLOCK?! Indeed, I did, and stop judging me. It wasn’t my fault, and the saga is complex and convoluted to say the least… On Friday, Ken and I went to the antique market to stock…
The Butler Did It – mydangblog
Big news first! A few days ago, I finished my new manuscript, the one I got the grant to write. It's called Murder Most Novel, and it's a humorous murder mystery. All I need now are some good blurbs and a publisher, so if you know anyone who likes funny books about people getting killed,…
Over Rated – mydangblog
Ken and I began doing jigsaw puzzles during the pandemic when we were super bored and found one in a cupboard that belonged to Kate. It was Niagara Falls, all lit up, and by the time we were finished, we were hooked. Up to that point, I’d never done a jigsaw puzzle in my life…
Dem Bones, Dem Bones – mydangblog
One Saturday morning last fall, Ken said to me, “Hey, let’s go to the Christie Antique Show.” I did what I always do and immediately said, “Yes! Let’s do that.” Then I did the next thing I always do and immediately had second thoughts and regrets, especially after looking on the website which said that…
That’s Not My Name – mydangblog
It’ll be a quick one today—I’m up to my eyeballs in things to do and of course, today is radio show day. Last month was better, and I’m hoping I make it through the whole show without any glitches—I’ll keep you posted. And of course, I just got back from an overnight stay at a…
It Is What It Is – mydangblog
To begin, it’s Father’s Day here, so a heartfelt Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful husband, Ken, who’s an amazing dad, and same to my own awesome father—I love you both so much! And now, on with the show! Here are three quick stories, a tiny trilogy if you will: 1) This morning, I was…
Euphemistically Speaking – mydangblog
I belong to a Writers’ Group that meets twice a month. I don’t always get to go because my schedule is nuts, but they’re really nice people so whenever I can, I attend. It’s always fun—everyone gets to share what they’re working on, and do a little reading out loud if they like, which is…
Ode To The Smelly Chair – mydangblog
You all know how much I love a good bargain but sometimes, it can be a problem. In the past, I've been given the eyeroll by my daughter at the grocery store when I buy 30 rolls of toilet paper just to get the extra points. And I only ever buy something from Lancome if…
As I Was Saying – mydangblog
The other day, I was out shopping, buying designer purses and vintage lamps, as one does. When it came time to pay, I had a couple of coupons but wasn't sure how to use both of them for the transaction. I asked the store worker at the self-checkout, and she said, “It's easier if I…
A Million Ways To Die (Or At Least 60, Or 23 I Guess) – mydangblog
For at least 4 years now, I’ve had a piece of paper on my desk that I can’t bring myself to throw away. On one side is some official receipt to do with my pension, but that’s not why I can’t just toss it in the trash. No, it’s because on the OTHER side, there’s…
Skin Game – mydangblog
Before I start, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to a couple of people. First to D. Wallace Peach of Myths of the Mirror, a wonderful writer and supporter of writers who just posted an awesome review of my new short story collection Dark Nocturnes, which you can read here. And second,…
Radio Goo-Goo; Fun With Facebook Ads – mydangblog
It’s been an insane week. I’ve barely recovered from my inaugural radio show hosting gig—it could have been a total disaster but the previous host, Richard, generously offered to join me just in case. Things were going swimmingly—the first two guests were friends, and we’d discussed some topics for conversation before they did their readings.…
Creative Wednesday: A Thousand Shades Of Green Story Sessions Featuring Dark Nocturnes – mydangblog
10 years ago when I started this blog, I was fortunate enough to connect with a lot of people that have continually supported me and my writing. One of my biggest cheerleaders has always been the incredibly talented Susan Richardson of Flowering Ink, home of her blog Stories From The Edge Of Blindness as well…
Frankly My Dear, I Don’t Give A F*ck – mydangblog
As a writer, it’s always interesting when you read reviews of your work. And I say ‘read’, because most of the time, it’s someone who’s purchased your book and writes a review on Amazon or Goodreads or whatnot. Usually, people really like my books, but I’ve certainly had my share of interesting reviews, and by ‘interesting’,…
Car Go Beep Beep – mydangblog
Why is it, whenever things finally seem to be going well, that your car breaks down or needs a major repair? It’s like Murphy’s Law or something, if Murphy was a mechanic. I was already due to get my winter tires swapped out, an appointment I made this past week for 2 weeks from now…
Gonedaddy – mydangblog
Last Thursday marked an anniversary for me. But not one that should ever be celebrated; one that taught me an important lesson. A year ago, I opened my inbox and saw an email from Godaddy, a domain hosting service. The email said, “Your domain is about to renew.” And I said, “Nice try, ‘Godaddy’. How…
Saturday Special: My New Book Is Out!! – mydangblog
This is a special Saturday post for you because I'm so happy--my second short story collection, Dark Nocturnes is officially released, thanks to Jane Cornwell and JC Studio Press! Here again is the synopsis: Step into the shadows and explore the hidden corners of existence in Suzanne Craig-Whytock’s captivating collection Dark Nocturnes, where ordinary lives…
Go Westie, Young Man – mydangblog
In the evenings, Ken and I like to settle in and watch a little TV. One of the channels we frequently watch has some excellent shows, but the commercials? Every commercial break, it’s literally the same damn commercials, over and over again all night long. Most of them I can ignore, but there are a…
Harmony; Smatterings of Cerulean – mydangblog
I’ve never had a problem going to the dentist. I mean, like most people, I don’t enjoy having someone else’s hands in my mouth (already I can hear the voices saying “Speak for yourself”—this is a PG site, so back off), but I’m not petrified, and I don’t avoid going like some people. In my…
Squirrel! Part Deux – mydangblog
Squirrel! For those who don’t know, is a reference to that easily distracted dog from the movie Up. And I f you read last week’s post, you’ll remember that I promised to tell you what happened when we picked up the car. Well, not too much—it was pretty straightforward. The furnace had been fixed (“Yeah,…
Squirrel!! – mydangblog
Last week, Ken’s 2011 GMC Terrain finally bit the dust. It had already had a complete engine rebuild a couple of years ago, but the repairs it needed now were too expensive to consider keeping it on the road. Thus began the search for another vehicle. We didn’t want something new—Ken used the Terrain as…
Un Bon Chien – mydangblog
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? I haven’t written too much about Atlas lately, but he’s really turned into a wonderful dog. He’s very affectionate and intelligent in a variety of ways. But most surprisingly, the other day we discovered that he speaks French. Yes, the language of amour, and he’s quite proficient at it. I was…
What? – mydangblog
It’s been a while since I shared some fun Facebook Marketplace ads with you, so given that not much has happened this week, aside from me taking on teaching a workshop series on writing short stories, getting ready to job shadow at the radio station, scoring the motherlode of designer bags to sell at the…
Radio Gaga – mydangblog
You may all remember a few weeks ago when I was interviewed on a local radio show. It was a lot of fun and I posted pictures of the haunted factory building where the station is located. Well…earlier this week, I received a newsletter from the organization that runs the show. It turns out that…
Hold Your Horses! – mydangblog
I like watching television. If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time, you’ll know that I’m at my most blissful when I’m horizontal, glass of wine in hand, bingeing on a mystery. And this week was no different—Netflix told me that a show called “Missing You” was right up my alley, based on…
Recent Movements – mydangblog
As I've gotten older, I've been having a harder time getting over jetlag. I'm fine going overseas--I can stay up as long as I need to and then my body adjusts to a new clock. But on the way home--it takes weeks before I readjust. And a certain bodily function seems to have a clock…
Third Time Ain’t The Charm – mydangblog
I’m finally back from my European adventure and what a time we had! The cities, the museums, the history—it was all incredible—except for the food. Now, don’t get me wrong—we ate on shore once in Amsterdam (because we were late back to the ship for lunch and they claimed they had ‘no more food’), and…
Wherefore Art Thou? – mydangblog
Currently, Ken and I are sailing along the Rhine River on a river boat cruise. It’s certainly been an interesting experience so far. There are approximately 180 passengers on board, and a restaurant and lounge with 30 tables of 6, so exactly 180 seats. Which means you are FORCED to eat with strangers. I don’t…
Deer Me – mydangblog
I’m feeling particularly lucky to be here right now after what almost happened to us last week. Ken and I were coming back from a family get together—it was dark and we were on a rural road, chatting and looking forward to being home. Ken was driving my little Sonic since he claims it gets…
New Year, New Disposition – mydangblog
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you had as much fun as Ken and me, as we hosted our annual neighbourhood “New Year’s Eve In Newfoundland” party. Newfoundland is an hour and a half ahead of us here in Ontario, which means we blow our horns and drink a champagne toast at 10:30 then everyone goes…
Not A Good Read – mydangblog
So I’m currently in a metaphorical battle to the death with “Tevin” from Goodreads. For anyone who is blissfully unaware of what Goodreads is, let me enlighten you. It’s a website where people can read a book and then post a review about it. I’m on there as an author—authors can have a “dashboard page”…