Some parts of the world are venturing forth after the quarantine. Here in So. California, we’re taking it slowly, but definitely expanding our routines. So far, it hasn’t changed my life much. I’ve gone to the post office, the CVS, always with a mask on. But mostly I’m staying around my house, writing Xavier’s story, which is almost finished.
When my gym reopens, I’ll believe we’re on the road back to normal. Or at least the new normal. Mostly I miss my family and friends. Miss being able to hold them close, and know love still exists.
I’m doing a 5K this week as a fundraiser for the World Wildlife Foundation. I went past my fundraising goal, so all that’s left is for me to hike my 5K. And I do mean hike. The parks are open, so that’s what I’ll be doing, in my boots (snakes!) and carrying my walking stick (creatures!) Good exercise, since I KNOW I’ve lost some ground while my gym has been closed.
Two more winners randomly selected and prizes sent out. If you haven’t already entered, and you’d like to be part of the giveaway, here are the rules.
How to enter…
1. Send an email to dbreynoldswriter@gmail.com with HOME 1 on the subject line.
2. Return email address MUST BE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS.
3. Include your first and last name in the body of the email.
4. I WILL SELECT A WINNER EVERY SATURDAY AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT PST. All entries received by that time will be eligible for the drawing. One (1) winner will be selected EACH WEEK at random from among the entries received by the deadline.
REMEMBER: YOU ONLY NEED TO ENTER ONCE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE WEEKLY GIVEAWAY. PLEASE DON’T SEND ME A WEEKLY EMAIL!!!
5. The winner will be notified by return email. She/he will then have five (5) days to respond, after which a new winner will be chosen.
6. One (1) entry per person. ALL duplicate entries will be deleted (and yes, I’ve already had a few. You may think you’re slick, but they’re easy to spot. 😁 )
7. The weekly prize will be an Amazon e-gift card. The amount will vary randomly every week. Even I won’t know what it will be until it happens.
But for now I’m heading for the cave to finish XAVIER’s story. I feel old today, and tired. I can’t watch any more news, can’t see or hear any more hatred. So, stay safe out there, and remember to be kind and to act with love.
xoxo
DBR
When this COVID plague first hit, I didn’t own a single mask. And then, of course, they were nearly impossible to find. But now, everyone is making them. They’re all over Etsy, one of my fellow UCLA alumni is offering them to Bruins at a discount, they’re available in Scottish tartans, your favorite sports teams, superheroes, cartoons, and so many more. And let’s not forget the ordinary medical disposables which are once again available. The picture above is my current collection, although of course I have more on order, because at the beginning, we couldn’t be sure when the ordered masks would arrive.
Here you have me outside the Red Cross donation center, where I gave blood this week. The mask is stylish, though you’ll notice I’m not bothering to blow dry/style my hair. It needs a cut, though I’m not willing to risk anyone’s life to make that happen. No one sees it except me and my niece who stops by every week to make sure I’m still alive and functioning.
To answer the question…yep, I’m still very much alive and writing every night. XAVIER’s story is coming along very nicely, and just for kicks, I’m posting a snippet for your reading pleasure. Note that this is from the unedited manuscript, and may read differently in the final version. This snippet is protected by copyright, and is not to be copied, recopied, shared, or transmitted in any way.
Yep, we’re all still here. And it looks like we might be here a while longer. So…….
The quarantine isn’t the only thing rolling at my house, though. So is XAVIER’s story! I’m definitely on track for my June 1 deadline, and I might not have to hide in a cave, either. Of course, we’re all sort of hiding in a cave anyway. I’m really happy with XAVIER, and I think my readers will like his mate Layla. She might just be tougher than Cyn. Hard to believe, but true. lol I was supposed to visit Barcelona in March, mostly for location research on XAVIER’s story, but that was cancelled, of course. So, I’m relying on the internet to help me out, and as always, it doesn’t disappoint. Everything can be found if you use the right search parameters. Even some things you’d rather not see. Yikes.
But first, Nick. As soon as I turn in XAVIER’s story, I’ll be turning to Nick, aka Nicodemus. His will be the last book of the Stone Warriors, and he’s been waiting since RAPHAEL for his story to be told, so I have to do him justice. I’m excited about it. I’ve always loved Nick.
I’m assuming “a man” refers to the human race. lol In any event, this human is busy writing Xavier’s story. Things are moving along smoothly, or as smoothly as things can get in the midst of murder and mayhem.
Wow. I intended to write this two days ago, but every day is the same now. It’s tough to remember which day it really is! Onward!
Today is the first night of Passover, which is usually a happy occasion, with family and friends, and an amazing variety of food. That won’t be happening this year, at least not on the same scale. Still, I want to wish all my family, friends, and readers a Gut Yontif, and a wish for next year, if not in Jerusalem, then at least out from under COVID 19. 
Heart of the Wolf, an e-novella available in