Kiwi Crate

Yesterday, I wrote an article about a new subscription-based service called Kiwi Crate. Each month, Kiwi Crate will send you a hands-on craft project to create with your child complete with all the materials needed and detailed instructions. The cost is $19.95 and that includes shipping.

I immediately signed up. As most of you know, I work from home while caring for my 3-year-old, Jack. And while he’s no stranger to toys, games, and puzzles to occupy his time while I work, he also knows how to pull up Netflix on the BluRay player and watch any of over 100 children’s programs in our instant queue. Hey, don’t judge me. I ease my self-applied guilt by telling myself that we need my income and this is what I have to do in order to feed him and buy all those Toy Story PJs he likes so much.

That doesn’t mean, though, that I don’t recognize the importance of taking the time to have one-on-one interactions with my toddler. I’ve already made an effort to completely step away from the laptop at mealtimes. No more eating while I work, leaving Jack to eat at his little table and watch TV. I balance my big butt on one of the chairs at his table and we eat together.

So, Thursday I signed up for Kiwi Crate and Jack’s (yes, the crates are addressed to your child) first crate arrived today. They already get major kudos from me for fast delivery. It could be a coincidence that I happened to sign up shortly before the boxes were going out. I belong to Birchbox (same set-up except for $10/month I get deluxe samples of beauty products) and their boxes go out around the beginning of each month. If you join mid-month, you have to wait about two to three weeks to get your first box. Either way, I was happy to get my first Kiwi Crate so quickly.

Jack already thinks that every piece of mail that arrives is his and even calls a walk to the mailbox a trip to “get my mail.” (You know, like he can pay any of the bills that cross the threshold. ) The first month you get a Kiwi Crate should be fine, but once your child understands what’s in those green boxes, I would suggest you not let them know it has arrived until you’re ready to open it up and start creating and exploring. But if you have a kid that will wait patiently and not bug the crap out of you the moment the box arrives, (wait, they make those?), then don’t worry about. Anyway, Jack had no idea what the package was so I was able to tuck the box away until later with no issues.

He’d napped a little later than I’d liked today so I cut the nap short and busted out the Kiwi Crate to curb his sleepy crankiness. The first box contained two craft projects and a bonus project. It also came with a pair of child scissors as a lot of their future projects will require them. I thought that was a really nice touch.

I decided we’d do the Stained Glass project first. I was happy to see there were enough materials to make three frames. So, really, that’s like five activities right there. Worth the $20 so far. The project entailed cutting colored tissue paper and film into shapes, and sticking them on framed contact paper. A pair of blue-tinted paper glasses were included to add to your child’s viewing pleasure and prompt discussion on colors and how they interact with one another.

We had a shocking moment when, after I diagonally cut a square piece of tissue paper in half, Jack pointed to one of the pieces and said, “Triangle!” He also later correctly identified a diamond-shaped piece of film. (See, TV’s good for something.)

Of course the time spent together wasn’t entirely technology free cause I had to take photos and videos because, well, he was just so happy, excited, and cute!

(Yes, that’s his pizza on the arm of the love seat. And, yes, those are puzzle pieces all over the floor *sigh* Uh, you have to tilt your head to watch this ’cause I’m an idiot. And you have to go to YouTube to watch it because the embedding on this new version of WordPress sucks ass.)

Jack’s First Kiwi Crate

Here’s the finished product. We’re gonna hang it in his bedroom window:

Then we did the bonus project: They gave us a canvas tote and plastic dropper. Wet the tote, place the colored tissue paper on it, use the dropper to get the tissue paper wet so it bleeds on the tote, and then remove the paper once the bag is dry. The bag can be used to carry toys, craft items, snacks, etc.

As you can see from the video below (which you don’t have to tilt your head to view), it became a family affair as Kali wanted to help as well.

Painting Canvas Tote

I am beyond pleased with our first Kiwi Crate. I love that the boxes are themed (they may be centered around a season or holiday) and this one was based around colors. In my article yesterday, I thought that you might be able to buy the supplies for less by visiting a hobby store, but now I’m not so sure. There are plenty of materials provided, and it’s good quality stuff. I was happy to see two activities (though I’m not sure if that’s because it’s the first one) because that means that Donny can take the lead and do a craft with Jack as well. Also, as I mentioned earlier, they gave enough materials for the stained glass project to make more than one.

There are so many nice touches (a sticker, discussion prompts for each project, etc.) that I know I’m missing stuff. Oh, another thought about the cost. When I add a new monthly expense, if I’m really worried about it, I try to think of other areas where I can cut back to make up the amount. Well, if I wanted to, we could cook dinner one Friday out of the month instead of doing our regular Friday Pizza Night. We spend $20.13 on that. Boom. There you go.

P.S. You guys know how I roll. I’m never paid to say nice things about the products, TV shows, food, etc., I get you hooked on (I really need to figure out what I’m doing wrong there…) Instead, this is all about me sharing the things that make me happy. And watching Jack giggle, attempt to use kid scissors, and correctly identify shapes and colors made me very happy. I know some of you have already signed up. I’d love to hear about your Kiwi Crate experiences. I’ll continue to share mine. 

5 Shows That Make Netflix Worth It and Some Other Stuff

This blog serves no purpose other than to give me an opportunity to experiment with some social sharing and commenting plugins.

So, please comment below and tell me what you like (don’t like) about the new system.

But since I have you here…

I’m one of the few people not upset with Netflix’s recent changes (and aborted changes) and quite satisfied with their instant streaming selection. Here are a few of my favorite instant viewing titles:

Doctor Who – Duh! Five of the six available seasons of the best show on televisions on either side of the pond.

Torchwood – The great Who spinoff following Captain Jack Harkness (yum!) and his merry band of hunters of the strange and alien. The latest season (4), Miracle Day, aired on STARZ in the States and it was just added.

The Vampire Diaries – I know, I know. It sounds hokey, but this show is surprisingly good. I’ve been watching from the beginning (it’s now in season 3) and it’s fantastic. The writing is witty and every other episode is as exciting as a season finale. Check out the first two seasons.

Luther – As if starring the yummy Idris Elba isn’t enough, Luther – a British crime drama – has the nerve to be engaging, and at times, scary as hell. Elba stars as the pushed-too-far police detective John Luther. The first season is only 6-episodes, but they each pack a punch. The second season (not on instant viewing yet) is called a mini-series at only 4 episodes and concludes on BBCA this Wednesday night.

Sherlock – Yes, more British TV. Deal with it. Only 3 episodes in season one, each 90-minutes long, this modern take on Sherlock Holmes and his partner Watson.

Misfits – OK, this is British, too, but it’s not on instant viewing. Both seasons are available on Hulu, though. It’s probably my most favorite recent TV discovery after Doctor Who.

Seriously, this show will change your life.

Breaking Bad – Season 4 just concluded last week and it was one of the best season finales I’ve ever seen. Get caught up on the first three seasons on instant viewing. You won’t be sorry.

If if white teen angst if your thing, they’ve recently added Felicity, Gossip Girl, and One Tree Hill. 

Now for a show not on Netflix, but just premiering this fall season.

American Horror Story – So far, this is our favorite new show. A family of three – cheating, but remorseful psychiatrist, his wife who just suffered a miscarriage, and their conflicted teenage daughter – move into a house with a dark past. Of course, instead of moving, they investigate strange noises and put up with creepy, intrusive neighbors. The opening credits scare the hell out of me, the other 59 minutes do, too.

Returning favorite:

The Walking Dead – Season 2 premiered on AMC last night with a 90-minute ass clenching, stomach turning episode that did not disappoint.

So what are you watching? Have you found any gems on Netflix instant viewing I should know about?

Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch by Angel Haze

Throughout the month I’ll be participating in a blog hop with fellow writers. In the spirit of Halloween, all of the books are horror/supernatural-themed. You can go here for a chance to win copies of the featured books. Hopefully, you’ll find titles you’d like for yourself or as gifts.

Today’s selection…

Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch by Angel Haze

 

Debonair, a witch from the Unspoken Lands, has meddled in the forbidden practice of magic and created an army of nightmarish proportions. When sixteen-year-old Astanyx and his two best friends return from a hunting trip to find their small town of Polca reduced to smoke and ash, they find themselves thrust into a battle for which they haven’t been trained.

With the help of his comrades, including an esteemed warrior, one of the last great wizards and a princess they’ve sworn to protect, Astanyx must fight to unite the kingdoms of the humans, dwarves and elves. He must ask forbidden questions that no one wants to answer, questions about Talimura’s dark history. As Debonair’s brutal warriors lay siege to the kingdoms, Astanyx is driven to pursue a fateful quest for a blade powerful enough to defeat the malevolent witch before she destroys the three kingdoms and unleashes an unspeakable ancient evil.

Halloween Q&A with the Author

Fave Halloween Prank: I love when someone hides in their graveyard or hangs from a noose, disguised as a dummy, only to come alive when trick-or-treaters come knocking. I love a good scare!

Fave Scary Movie: Nightmare on Elm Street (And not because I live on Elm Street. I create my own nightmares.

Fave Haunted Place: I’m not up on my ghost stories so I’m going to have to say Amityville. It’s like a real life version of Stephen King’s, The Shining.

About the Author:

Angel is a Canadian author who is an avid reader of fantasy, thriller, and mystery novels. She’s a writer of thriller and YA fantasy novels, a fitness enthusiast, and a chocolate fiend. Her free time is devoted to books, dancing, fitness training with P90x, movies and Game of Thrones. Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch is co-authored by her husband, Slade Sewell. Slade is a man who believes himself to have been born in the wrong century. A thousand years ago, he sees himself not as a conqueror, but a strategist. He is a gamer, a husband, a die-hard Leafs fan, and a brilliant storyboarder.

Connect with Angel on her Facebook page, her Facebook profile, Goodreads, Myspace, Twitter, her blog, and her site.

 

 

Invisible Dawn by Weston Kincade

Throughout the month I’ll be participating in a blog hop with fellow writers. In the spirit of Halloween, all of the books are horror/supernatural-themed. You can go here for a chance to win copies of the featured books. Hopefully, you’ll find titles you’d like for yourself or as gifts.

Today’s featured book is…

Invisible Dawn by Weston Kincade

To keep a promise and save his long-lost goddaughter, computer programmer Jedd Altran sacrificed everything, including his wife and newborn son. Now, they must pass through worlds far different than their own to escape the clutches of government killers.
In a world where rare individuals have evolved, the government kidnaps specific children to study and utilize their abilities. Madelin has been imprisoned in such a facility for thirteen years and suffers from medically induced amnesia. Facing a hopeless future, haunted dreams, and an invisible past, each morning is an Invisible Dawn and life holds no meaning, until she meets Jedd. Her newly discovered godfather becomes her beacon in tumultuous seas as they strive to find answers and allies.

 

An excerpt from Invisible Dawn…

 

 

Chapter – Prologue: Questionable Sanity

 

For the first few seconds of consciousness, Daniel Robertson sat on the edge of his bed staring at a ghastly image in the full length mirror. A child stared back through eyeless sockets, its skin seared to a charred remnant of its former self. Even in his waking moments, he saw the same nightmarish memory. It was as though sleep had not found him.

His digital clock glowed red, 5:04 a.m. The nightmares never let him sleep through the night. He groped for the most recent bottle he had haphazardly tossed aside the night before, but gave up when he spotted it on the floor.

His eyes returned to the wooden stand, but the phantom child was nowhere to be seen. Instead, his own depressed reflection peered back through aged eyes. A large X marred his cheek, long ago healed, but it was a reminder of his inescapable past. Sweat swelled from nowhere and grudgingly streamed down his forty-three-year-old, leathered face. At each wrinkle there was a split-second hesitation.

Fragments of his past flickered through his mind in a jumbled mess. Piecing them together while semi-conscious was like constructing a jigsaw puzzle. But suddenly the sequence of horrific events snapped into place like snapshots from someone else’s travels. Glimpses of unwanted memories returned that even alcohol could not drive away.

“As though I could ever forget,” he muttered, thinking back to the horrifying visage.

The dim glow of a streetlamp streamed through the window and cast tall shadows across the room. His yellow complexion melded with the aged bed sheets like a sickly chameleon. Even in El Paso, a heat wave like this was unusual.

A slight breeze startled the curtains to life and newspaper clippings fluttered on the wall before resigning to the push pins’ insistence. The sound drew his attention and he flicked on the nearest table lamp. It did little to illuminate the room, but was enough to see by. The victims stared out at him, their lives amounting to a small blurb. Above their heads, the articles announced, ‘Man Found Dead in Car Explosion’, and ‘Woman Killed in Foiled Carjacking’, among others.

He knew them by heart. Each represented a failed attempt to save his ex-employer’s targets. They were all that remained of his recent pursuit for salvation. He sniffed at the stale tobacco odor that permeated the apartment. It was as though the small space could never get clean; a feeling he was quite familiar with.

Lifting himself from the bed, he straightened and listened to the crack of his joints. He stretched his arms and crept over to the open window, his dark skin masking the muscular build beneath. With each footstep, the floor announced to his neighbors that he was awake. It was a reminder of the innocent lives he put in jeopardy by staying here for two months. Black Force was after him, and they were just as well trained as he. His old mercenary friends would not take hostages, and they had no qualms with eliminating witnesses.

He needed to move on before he was found, but it was difficult to give up such an ideal location. One reason he chose this dilapidated part of the city was the unfriendliness of the people. His weathered complexion helped him to blend in, and the fact that he spoke not a word of Spanish afforded him his solitude.

Daniel smiled as another faint breeze drifted through the window. Seeing an oncoming car, he stepped out of the moonlight and alongside the curtains. There was no need to broadcast his presence. Watching the sidewalk below, his attention was drawn to an interesting individual.

The man was different from other street inhabitants headed to work. He casually strode under the streetlamps holding an AK-47, but no one took notice. It was like the armed man was invisible. He passed the taco vendor Daniel frequented and even Marco failed to greet him. The old food salesman greeted everyone while grilling his morning breakfast burritos, but somehow he overlooked this man.

The oddity was barely visible at this distance, but the early risers on the streets should have spotted the gun. His clothes made him stand out like a leopard at a zebra party. Through the sporadic flow of traffic, Daniel watched the man’s russet coat and fedora bob behind passing cars. His checkered golf pants shone under the streetlamps and he walked with a slight spring in his step. He was like an armed ostrich bobbing down the city street, ready to go hunting.

Could he be with Black Force?

He doubted it, but what if his old employer had hired someone new? It was odd for a mercenary group to hire out to a competitor, but he might have eluded them too many times. Either way he needed answers to his questions, and this guy might be his key. They were questions that had plagued him for years, like ‘What could he do to stop Black Force or at least get them off his back?’ He just wanted a chance at redemption before he died. The pain he had caused was unforgettable, especially in his dreams.

His hand unconsciously went to the three scars crisscrossing his large bicep. He ran calloused fingers along the smooth skin. It was not until the last few years that he came to care about others. Up to then, he did what he wanted and what he was told without question.  The scars were just a reminder of one of his father’s early lessons on obedience; something his old boss and good-old dad had in common. They did not take ‘no’ for an answer.

Losing sight of the man behind a group of chatting women, Daniel was startled into action. He needed answers, and this guy was his best chance. He searched the sidewalk for the bounding pedestrian. Seconds later, the man appeared without having lost a step. Anticipating another disappearance, Daniel gave the street a cursory glance.

Satisfied, he threw a blue button-up over his sweat-stained undershirt. It trailed behind him like a cape as he crossed the room. His hand automatically grabbed his 9-millimeter off the end-table and tucked it into his pants before bringing the door to a close. He had to catch up before the guy vanished again.

Taking the stairs two at a time, he swept through the first floor foyer and onto the sidewalk. He searched the opposing walkway for the brown fedora. The hat materialized over a taxicab, and the yellow lamplight overhead illuminated its creases like the golden eyes of an animal peering through the shadows.

Daniel bolted across the busy road and narrowly avoided a rusted-out farm truck. The only warning of its approach was a deep, male voice crooning through its open windows “… oh, mi amor,” while a salsa melody plucked along in the background.

At least I won’t be the latest obituary in the Sun Herald, he thought as the guitar melody faded.

He leapt over the last car-length of asphalt and rushed up the sidewalk. Sidestepping the barrage of pedestrians, he weaved through more oncoming groups and attempted to gain on the odd man. Daniel pumped his muscled legs harder. He threaded his way through the sporadic traffic while keeping the man in sight. It still surprised him how many people walked to work on this side of town. He felt like a running-back for the local Panthers football team, dodging moving targets. Unfortunately, he could not remember a game they had won, and his progress was worthy of the same praise. Somehow, the bobbing fedora was still drifting further away. Daniel broke into a run. Passing men and women gave him sidelong glances. A few locals cursed as he shoved them aside, attempting to close the gap with his prey.

The loud shouts did not bother the man in the fedora. He never turned or glanced back. He just continued down the packed street, his dark hat bobbing over-top the crowd. As Daniel closed the distance, the unusual man walked directly into a father and daughter walking hand-in-hand. The stranger faded into a misty existence and phased through them. Without anyone realizing, the anomaly solidified on the other side and continued as though nothing had happened.

Daniel halted mid-step as his heart skipped a beat. “Whoa, this guy can’t be Black Force,” he muttered. “He’s like their hopped-up crooked cousin.”

The possibilities tumbled through his mind. Either way, this guy’s looking for trouble.

He was tired of waiting for them to find him. He had to act. “There’s no such thing as coincidence,” he whispered with renewed confidence.

The retired mercenary redoubled his pace and began gaining on the fedora. The old courthouse was around the next bend, and the sidewalk grew more congested. His broad shoulders cowed some people, but others he cast aside like scattered chess pieces. Faces whizzed by in a blur, man … man … woman … man … child, but his attention remained on the armed stranger.

Daniel made his way to the corner, but was unable to reach his prey before the man entered the busy street. Stepping out of the packed sidewalk, the ex-mercenary stopped at the curb edge to watch the man cross. The armed apparition passed through cars undetected, heading for the municipal building. The muzzle of his rapid-fire gun came up as he approached the building front, but still no one reacted.

The veteran’s gaze followed the apparition across as the sun peaked over the mountainous horizon. But his eyes stopped abruptly when the courthouse came into view. Around it was a dimly outlined building, much larger than the courthouse of his reality. It stood over-top the historic building like a spectral shadow. He tilted his head, attempting to find the pinnacle, but its towering peak disappeared into the dawn sky. The building was enormous, like those in larger cities. It was a phantom skyscraper attempting to exist in an already occupied space. Its edges stood out against the stone structure of the courthouse, glistening blue like the threads of shimmering spider webs.

He stood motionless, in awe of the sight. Much like the man he had followed, it gave no one else reason for pause. He looked around, but even the fedora in the distance did not break its casual stride. A moment later, the man disappeared into the miasmic building.

“How could such a thing exist?”

At the base of one luminescent thread appeared a woman dressed in an outlandish, white-belted kimono. She finished thumbing the wall before turning around. Daniel peered at the block wall, searching for what she had been holding, but nothing was there. He could have sworn something had moved under her hand, but it was gone. Unlike the man in the fedora and the spectral building, her presence did not go unnoticed. She stood out in her tattered, oriental gown. The shredded kimono swirled about her with every intention of hiding her graceful curves, but failed utterly.

Her auburn hair shone in the sun’s morning rays, framing a pale face and wild eyes. Over the years, Daniel had come to know the look of fear in others. Judging by her face and the way people avoided her, she was in full flight. His brain went into overdrive as he remembered that people were looking for him. He had made a huge display and left disgruntled pedestrians in his wake. They would have no problem identifying him now.

“Dammit!” he spat. He had to do something … He had to move. And right now, this woman needed his help.

Entering the road, Daniel allowed morality to guide his search for redemption.

 

About the Author

Creative writing has always been a passion, and I have helped invest in future writers throughout my teaching career at the middle and high school level. In my spare time I write poetry, short stories, and have completed two novels: A Life of Death and Invisible Dawn: Book One of Altered Realities. I am currently working on the sequel in the Altered Realities Series and am about to complete a short story anthology of twisted tales and flash fiction in cooperation with two other authors. Look for the anthology titled Strange Circumstances in early 2012. I also edit novels and technical documents for those interested in my services.

As the wordsmithing process continues, I find great ideas in the oddities of mundane life and take them to new heights.

Stalk me on:

Blogspot, Twitter, Facebook, GoodReads, Wattpad, and Authonomy.

Blog It Out, Bitch Scavenger Hunt

I like giving away prizes. For the release of The Twin Prophecies: Rebirth, I gave away a Kindle, an autographed copy of the book, and a role in the follow-up book, The Twin Prophecies: Origins (Spring 2012), and all you had to do then was just buy the book.

To celebrate the release of Blog It Out, Bitch, I’m giving away $50 to Amazon.com and this time, you have to do just a bit more than buy the book. After you’ve bought it, pay attention to what you read. You’ll need to be on your toes in order to find the ten items in the Blog It Out, Bitch Scavenger Hunt.

All ten answers can be found within the book. When you’ve found them all, send me an email with the answers (in order). I will randomly pick one winner from all qualifying entries. In order to qualify, your entry should be 1.) correct (all ten answers) and 2.) received before November 10th, 2011. For some of the questions I’ve included the month/date of the blog to make it easier to find within the book. Here are the clues to the ten items/answers you must find.

Blog It Out, Bitch Scavenger Hunt

 

1. The total amount of money (written in this format $0.00) mentioned in the blog, “Hookers Fascinate Me.”  (Jan 2007)
2. The soap opera mentioned in the blog, “Nina Does Goodwill.” (Jan 2007)
3. The blog in which I watch The Departed and The Prestige. (2007)
4. According to Kali, action is what? (2007)
5. The sum of the number of tips in “An Open Letter to White People” and the number of to-dos on “Kali’s List.” (March 2008/May 2008)
6. In “Picking Up Tips” I say what two things are two of my favorite things? (Jan 2007)
7. The number of blogs with Nina in the title + the number with Kali in the title + the number with Donny in the title + the number with Jack in the title =
8. In BIOB, I’m plagued by which two animals? (Hints: In the backyard/on the road.)
9. How many blogs are there in Blog It Out, Bitch?
10. How many parts are there to “The Ugly Truth?” (Jan 2008)

 

IMPERIUM by Nicholas Olivo

Throughout the month I’ll be participating in a blog hop with fellow writers. In the spirit of Halloween, all of the books are horror/supernatural-themed. You can go here for a chance to win copies of the featured books. Hopefully, you’ll find titles you’d like for yourself or as gifts.

 

Continuing the Halloween thrills and chills…

IMPERIUM by Nicholas Olivo

Blog It Out, Bitch Now Available on the Kindle

Blog It Out, Bitch is now available for download to your Kindle or Kindle app. The paperback will be available through Amazon.com in the next day or so. I’ll let you know.

Meanwhile, Kindle readers, happy reading! And pay attention to what you read. It will help you earn a chance to win a $50 Amazon.com e-gift card. Details coming soon.

If you’re not much of a detective, and still want a chance to win something, you can. Share this post on Facebook and Twitter and instruct your friends who buy the book to let me know you sent them. Whoever refers the most people will receive an autographed copy of Blog It Out, Bitch in paperback PLUS a secret mystery prize. Here’s what they need to do:

1. Buy the book.

2. Forward their purchase email confirmation from Amazon.com to nina@blogitoutb.com.

3. Put the words, “(insert your name here) sent me!” in the body of the email.

That’s it. I will keep track of how many people have listed you as a referral. You can check your standing with me at any time. The contest ends on November 6th and is good for purchases of the Kindle edition AND the paperback. The same person can enter you for every copy of the book (Kindle and paperback) they purchase. So, if someone you refer buys one Kindle copy and two paperbacks, you have three entries. The person with the most referrals as of midnight on November 6th wins.

(To win the $50 gift card, you’ll have to use your brain so read carefully. Again, details on that contest later.)

Buy the book now. (And make sure to “like” the Amazon page.)

The Devil’s Weekend by Jim Bronyaur

Throughout the month I’ll be participating in a blog hop with fellow writers. In the spirit of Halloween, all of the books are horror/supernatural-themed. You can go here for a chance to win copies of the featured books. Hopefully, you’ll find titles you’d like for yourself or as gifts.

The Devil’s Weekend by Jim Bronyaur

Meet Oliver Ignis.

A man desperate for his mother’s love with the constant urge to kill.

After years of killing, he’s been given the name The Anything Killer. But now the police, led by detective Ralph Samuels, are closing in.

After a fresh body is discovered and the town swells with fear, The Devil comes to make Oliver a deal: in exchange for his soul, Oliver will have the weekend to kill without having to hide. It he’s shot, bullets pass through with no wound. If he’s stabbed, the blade comes out clean. And if he’s cuffed, they slide right off.

It’s a serial killers dream.

It’s our nightmare.

When Ralph Samuels apprehends a teenager who claims to have shot Oliver multiple times, he begins to wonder what’s happening to the small town of Damon, Pennsylvania.

It was everything Oliver ever wanted, but what happens when Oliver kills the wrong person?

With The Devil in the background and the police surrounding him, Oliver makes his last stand and gives The Devil everything he wants, and more.

This is The Devil’s Weekend.

Halloween Q&A With Jim Bronyaur

Q. What’s your favorite scary movie?

A. The first movie to ever keep me up but yet inspire me to write horror… Pet Sematary
Q. How does your book fit into Halloween?

A. It’s a horror/thriller that involves a serial killer making a deal with The Devil
Q. Who’d win in a fight, a werewolf or a vampire?

A. I so want to say werewolf because of its size, but come on, vampires have time… and death on their side.

 

You can visit Jim’s site here.  And follow him on Twitter. The Devil’s Weekend is available in paperback and on Kindle, for the Nook, and at Smashwords.

 

 

Blog It Out, Bitch Trailer

And because I just had to use this music…

Poopy Fingerpainting

It’s not uncommon for Jack to completely trash his room soon after we’ve cleaned it. And by we’ve I mean, Donny, ’cause y’all know I don’t clean that much. And by that much I mean, hardly ever. So, it was understandable that when Donny came into our bedroom, sighed, and said, “That boy’s room is covered in shit,” just an hour or so after he’d cleaned it, I thought he meant it was covered in a bunch of toys, books, and clothes.

Then I saw this look in Donny’s eyes that I can only describe as a desperation to flee, run away from home, and I knew he meant shit shit.

“Ooooh! That’s what he was doing!” I said, proud of my deduction skills. Ten minutes before, Jack had come into our room and headed straight for the master bathroom where he stood on his tippy-toes and turned on the water, informing us he needed to “keen my hands.” Apparently, he’d pooped, then dug in his diaper and smeared it all over his room.

This was three weeks ago. Since then, we’ve had one other poop finger-painting incident and a few close calls. The other day he pooped and then proceeded to smear a small amount on the wall behind Kali’s bedroom door. What we think is happening is, he sticks his hand in his diaper for confirmation – “Yup. I shit alright.” – and then wipes his hand on the nearest surface with all the sophistication you’d expect from a 3-year-old.

Later in the day, after the poop had been cleaned from behind Kali’s door, I was in my bedroom, listening to music on my laptop while the TV was muted, and writing. Jack came into the room, saw that awful Yogi Bear movie on the TV, and asked me to turn up the volume so he could watch it. I called for Kali and asked that she bring me my headphones, the ones I’d let Jack use when she wouldn’t share hers. He wasn’t really using them, but he likes to copy whatever his big sis does.

 

Except when she brought them into my room, the white ear cushions were missing.

“What did he do with them, Kali?”

“I don’t know.”

Jack and Donny enter the room and I ask Jack, “Where are the cushions?” I point at the earbuds so he’ll know what I’m talking about.

“I eat them.”

Silence.

“No, really, Jack. Where are the cushions?”

“I eat them. In my tummy!” And he pats his baby belly.

What follows is about a solid minute of sputtering from me, Kali, and Donny.

“Did he… is he serious?” “How could he possibly…” “Holy fuck!”

That last one might have been Kali. I don’t know, there was a lot of panic and it’s all very confusing.

“Well,” Donny sighed. “We’ll have to wait to see if he shits them out.”

“He just shit! This could be a while.”

More silence.

Kali goes to her room and returns with my earbud cushions. “Where did you find them?”

“In my room… on the floor… behind the door.”

They were covered in shit.

“That’s probably why he was digging in his diaper. He was trying to get the cushions out!” Donny smiles, proud of his deduction skills. “You want me to wash them?”

“No. No. Just… throw them away.”

 

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