If you’re a fan of Stream of Consciousness Saturday, you know that Linda G. Hill is going to be visiting the bar today. You may also be aware that she trusted me to establish the prompt this week. I’m sure she meant well. The prompt I chose is:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘inspire/aspire/expire.’ Use them in any form you like. Use one, use two or use them all if you want. If you use two, you get bonus points! If you use all three, Cheryl will put your next drink on David’s tab. Enjoy!”
I am certainly going to enjoy this post. Linda and I are collaborating live. So, without my droning on any longer…If we were having a beer.
“For crying out loud, Dan. Close your pie hole and let Linda order a drink.”
“Since you put it so nicely, David. Linda, what…”
“Hey, that’s my job. Linda, ignore these two clowns. It’s so good to see you in my bar. What can I get you?”
“Thanks, Cheryl. I’d love a glass of red. Whatever you have open.”
“When David isn’t drinking John Howell’s Bourbon, he has Meiomi. I’ll pour you a glass of that.”
“Linda, I’m trying to remember the first thing of yours that I read. I think it was “All Good Stories” – it was an interesting exploration of friendship between men and women. You visited that question again in “Saddled: A Romantic Comedy” – is this a question we still need to ask?”
“How long have you two bozos been coming here, Dan? Are we not good friends without any romantic interest getting in the way?”
“Cheryl, that’s different. I mean, Linda’s writing fiction.”
“Ah, if only things worked out between men and women – or couples in general! – as well as they do in romance every single time. Nah, romance is just an escape from real life. Men and women in general are on their own, unfortunately. As are non-binary people. I’m just here to deliver the fantasy.”
“Is that what drew you to paranormal romance, the quest for an even bigger escape?”
“Wait, before you answer Dan’s question, Linda, what on earth is Paranormal Romance – or should I have left the ‘on earth’ part out of that question?”
“Paranormal romance usually happens on earth, yeah. But with unearthly beings. Woooo! To answer your question, Dan, I’m a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction. Paranormal romance just opens up the possibilities of love beyond the norm.”
“I stopped by to see if the wine is OK, but I need to chime in. I like fantasy and science fiction, too, Linda. There’s a widget at the bottom of your blog that says, ‘There’s a writer in here, clawing her way out.’ Is that aspirational or a steady-state kind of thing? It strikes me that you have written a lot.”
“Haha! I’d forgotten about that. I’ve been writing all my life. Started writing my first book when I was five years old. I wish my parents had kept it. And yes, thanks very much, Cheryl. The wine is excellent. Is it a Merlot?”
“It’s a Pinot Noir but I first served it to David when he asked for Merlot. We had run out of Merlot, and I didn’t want to run downstairs.”
“Cheryl, you never told me that.”
“Guys, you can fight about the wine later. Linda, I don’t know if you remember, but in twenty-nineteen, I was trying to submit a prompt for Just Jot it January. You rejected it because it was similar to one submitted earlier by Pam. I followed up with ‘How about testify?’ and you rejected that because the submissions were supposed to be one word. I was driving in rush hour, pulling over to peck out a comment on my phone. I think you were enjoying yourself – is there an impish side to Linda G Hill?”
“Mmmaybe a little. But if I play favorites and let a friend get away with not following the rules, Just Jot it January would be chaos. Can you imagine?”
“I get that. Speaking of rules, the first two rules of One Liner Wednesday are one, Make it one sentence. Two, Try to make it either funny or inspirational. I’m going to skip rule number one.”
“Since he can’t so much as order a beer in one sentence.”
“Thanks David. Regarding rule number two, which do you prefer to write, funny or inspirational?”
“Thanks for asking, Dan. I love to make people laugh, so funny is always my first choice. Inspirational quotes and things are usually my last resort when I can’t come up with anything on the fly.”
“You have a bunch of prompts, One-Liner Wednesday; Stream of Consciousness Saturday; Just Jot it January; Escapist Coloring Club; What Day is it Anyway. I know how hard it is to manage one prompt, how do you manage all of these?”
“It used to be easy. But work’s gotta come first these days, which is why I’m down to just the first two now. I miss blogging. Hope I can manage Just Jot it January next year.”
“Wait? You hope you can manage? Linda, we need JusJoJan. January is such a horrible month. Business is slow here, and I’m stuck with these guys.”
“I feel for you, Cheryl. This wine is certainly inspiring me to get at it.”
“Well then, let me give you another splash on the house. Dan, David I’ll get you another round as well. I know I’ve been picking on you.”
“While you get that, Cheryl, I’m going to segue off of Linda’s original answer. I’ve been wondering if working as an editor has changed the way you write, or if it has influenced your desire to write?”
“My first drafts are better now that grammar is at the front of my mind all the time. But aside from that? I don’t think so. As for the desire to write, I’m not even sure it’s a desire. It’s more of a compulsion. I can’t not write. Even if it’s just to entertain myself.”
“When Dan told me you were coming to visit, Linda, I looked into your work. You’ve written novels, novellas – by the way, I did buy the one Dan mentioned earlier. You have several short stories published in anthologies, and you’ve had short series on your blog. Is there a favorite form of writing for you?”
“Thanks so much for buying my book, David. Much appreciated. I’m not sure if I have a favorite type of story, lengthwise. When I start writing, the story itself or the characters will tell me how long it’s going to be. I just go with the flow. I should probably mention, if you don’t mind, Dan, that the first book in my paranormal romance series is free right now for anyone who just wants to download it.”
“I think I read about that offer in your newsletter. I didn’t know it was still free. That’s a very nice way for people to get to check out that series.”
“How many books are in that series, Linda?”
“Very kind of you to ask, David. The series is a trilogy with a prequel that’s only available to my newsletter subscribers. They’re very special to me.”
“I was recently speaking with someone about the value of being part of a community through blogging and writing. About the way we become friends and establish relationships. It sounds like you feel the same way, Linda.”
“Absolutely, Dan. The blogging community is what I miss most now that I don’t do it much. I’ve made a lot of friends on WordPress. Some I’ve even met up with in person, present company included, of course.”
“Haha – I do hope to make it back to Canada for a visit, once travel is easier, to return the favor.”
“I’ll look forward to that, Dan. Maybe we can meet up with Norm and Pam, too.”
“That would be wonderful. I have so many friends in Canada, and it’s not that far.”
“Dan, I don’t want to embarrass you, but your credit card is expired.”
“Oh, how silly of me, I left the new one on the kitchen table. I guess David will have to pay.”
“I think I’ve been had, But I enjoyed visiting with you, Linda and it’s my pleasure to pick up this tab.”
“Thanks so much, David. And Cheryl, too. It’s been lovely meeting you both in person. And Dan, I appreciate the invite.”
“It’s been fun visiting with you, Linda. I know you are very busy. I’m glad you could steal some time to join us.” “Good friends, good conversation, and good wine. What more could a girl ask for? It’s been a lot of fun. Thanks again.”
| Books by Linda G. Hill |
|---|
| All Good Stories (A Romantic Comedy novelette) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JQWMQAE Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc. & Kobo: https://books2read.com/AllGoodStories |
| The Magician’s Curse (A Paranormal Romance novel, Book 1 in the series) IT’S FREE! Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721ZH2KN Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: https://books2read.com/TheMagiciansCurse |
| The Magician’s Blood (Book 2) Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FKZMVLS Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: https://books2read.com/TheMagiciansBlood |
| The Magician’s Soul (Book 3) Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FF5CY9B Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: https://books2read.com/The-Magicians-Soul |
| Saddled (A Romantic Comedy novel, Book 1 in the series Once a Week at Woody’s) Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0879DXVVG Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: https://books2read.com/saddled |
| Rocked (Book 2 in the series Once a Week at Woody’s) AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HHMQQCH Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: Coming soon! |
| Pixy (A Light Paranormal Romance short story) Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088CPSG9R Amazon CA, AU, UK, etc.; Kobo; Apple Books; Barnes & Noble: https://books2read.com/PIXY |
| And my newsletter, where you can now get two exclusive ebooks for free! The Magician’s Sire (Prequel in the series The Great Dagmaru) Swallowed (Prequel in the series Once a Week at Woody’s) Get them both here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i1s4g2 |
No Facilities 
What a fun interview!
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I’m glad you like it, Rita. It’s easy when you have a nice guest
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😊
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Bet!
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It was a lot of fun to do! :D
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I’ll net!
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Good shot of the sunset rays Dan.
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Thanks!
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My thought exactly!
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The photo of the woodchuck gave me pause. I am happy to say I haven’t had to deal with him or his friend the skunk this year, yet. :-) Happy weekend, Dan.
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Fortunately, the woodchuck was in Colt Park on the south end of Hartford. I did not leave him a map.
I hope you have a great weekend, Judy.
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Glad the woodchuck isn’t in my yard! Of course you’re going to bother MiMi. You’re genetically predisposed! Nice shot of Old Glory.
Have a great weekend.
Ginger
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Some (ahem, perhaps all) around here would add that it’s not just MiMi I bother ;)
Have a nice weekend. Ginger.
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I don’t know Linda, but now feel as if I do. Of course I was waiting for my bunny fix, but a surprise woodchuck is a satisfactory replacement.
😉
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Bunnies have been sighted, perhaps even a baby, but they’re scurrying around in the dark now. I keep trying. I did think of you when I saw this poor chuck living in the park. I told him maybe he should visit his cousins in Maine.
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The buffet has been suspended due to lack of chucks. But there’s always next year….
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Don’t mistake me for a cat person, but those cat captions rouse a laugh out of me regularly. As did a few of the lines in the above dialogue — much fun to read. I am inspired to aspire before I expire. Congratulations to Linda G. Hill on her literary accomplishments, and thanks for the good time at the bar!
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Thanks Maureen. It’s pretty easy to guess what those little girls are thinking,
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Thanks so much! :D
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What a great post this morning! I was so entertained, I forgot to look for the prompt words…now I’m inspired to go scan it again, lol!
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Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Linda was keeping track of the prompts as we were working on this. I had a lot of fun preparing this post live.
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‘Hey Blogger boy’–gotta love cats with a sense of humor. I so admire writers, and the words Linda comes up with for One-Liner Wednesday and Stream of Consciousness Saturday always amaze me. I enjoy all the guests you bring to the bar, Dan. Always a fun and interesting time. Have a great weekend.
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Thanks Lois. I appreciate the regulars who visit the bar. I’m glad you liked this post. MuMu visits that shelf with one of two things in mind – sleeping in the sun and getting brushed by her man-servant. My production at the keyboard is irrelevant,
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Thank you, Lois! :D
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I think my favorite part of your challenges, Linda, is when Dan says, “Linda says to have fun with it!” I can almost hear his eyes rolling back in his head as he has fun with it! 😆🙄
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Some of them are hard!
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Which is why I enjoy your effort so much! You make it look easy.
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🙂
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Haha! Me too! :D
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I really enjoyed the banter at the bar this morning, Dan. I have missed seeing Linda in blogland so it was nice to have some focused moments with her. I know she’s extremely busy. I have a couple of her books and I subscribe to her newsletter, too. I don’t know how she does it all.
You did a right decent job filling in for Linda on SoCS. Now let’s see if I feel the same way after I’ve written mine. 😉
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Thanks Maggie. It was fun writing this with Linda. I learned a lot about her and quite a bit about working on a blog post together. I am so glad she took the time to visit.
You always do a good job with the prompts. Hopefully, David will be buying you a beer ;-)
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I learned a lot, too, Dan, and I really appreciated all the Amazon links. It was fun and I was glad to collect my beer from David.
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David is happy to oblige. At least I think that’s what he said ;-)
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Thanks, Maggie! :D I miss being around and having the opportunity to catch up on everyone’s lives. Gotta pay the bills, unfortunately. I hope you’ve enjoyed the books! Thank you so much for picking them up. <3
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They were great, Linda. I appreciated the Amazon links so I can check out a few more. ❤️
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Dan, you are a wonderful blogging buddy to share the works of Linda and other author friends. I’m not sure how Linda sat still long enough to enjoy her wine with The Two Clowns at the Bar, but it might make for an excellent novel. Lots of laughs and fantasy conversations…
Oh, the girls are too cute this morning, even when MuMu shows you her claws and asks for/demands a brushing. Have a wonderful Saturday and weekend!
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Yeah, that David…what can I say ;-)
I was happy when Linda accepted the invitation. I know how busy she is, and she was even bold enough to do this live. That was so much fun.
MuMu was so funny. She’s been ignoring her shelf for a while, but she’s been back on it this week. Maybe because it’s getting cooler and she wants to sit in the sun. She tolerates me being beneath her, but she is certain that I’m there for one primary mission.
I hope you have a great weekend!
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I noticed Gibbs is also shifting positions in where he sleeps during the night. I think it has to do with less sun warmth and cooler nights, but who knows what’s involved with cat behavior. It tends to be mysteries for both of us, right?
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It does – I think they like it that way.
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There was a seatbelt on the bar stool. ;) Haha! But seriously, it was a lot of fun! And yes, it would make a great novel. Maybe Dan and I can write it together. :D
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That would be fun :)
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[…] in: Life in Progress – check out the rules and the contribution of other bloggers. (Pssst, Linda’s hanging out at the bar with Cheryl, Dan, and David so pop over there, too, especially if you meet the challenge and get to collect a free drink on […]
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What a fun visit! I am so thankful for SoCS and 1linerWeds. Linda, I hope you do get back to blogging some, just for fun. Dan, your photos are interesting as usual. I especially like the mushroom and Mimi reaching out a paw.
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Thanks, JoAnna! I hope so too. <3
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Dan, you inspire me to aspire to greater things… before I expire. :) Thanks for this fun intro to Linda. Cheers and hugs to you both.
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Cheers and hugs, Teagan! :D
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Thanks Teagan. I’ll slide you a few bonus points and David will pick up the tab on that martini that Cheryl is making for you ;-)
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Loved the interview with Linda, Dan. Of course, you know I’m a big fan of SoCS. I hope David understands that he needs to pony up with a Willett today since I used all three aspire/inspire/expire. Love the photos too. Thanks for the mention.
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I heard David complaining about the dwindling supply of his favorite bourbon, John but a deal is a deal. I’m glad you stopped by. We had a lot of fun doing this.
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Yes it was fun. 😁
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Thank you, John! :D
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😁
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I was looking forward to this #SoCS post with Linda Hill! Thank you for the introduction and for your Friday prompt: “inspire/aspire/expire.” Brilliant thought process and one that I will be thinking about today because you have identified the story of my day. I read a quote in the morning to inspire me, and I choose my thoughts and actions to aspire to the morning inspiration. At the end of my day, I am ready to expire and embrace sleep to prepare for the next day of inspire/aspire/expire.
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I am so glad you could join us Rebecca. Linda and I had such fun writing this. You know how I like to let people tell their stories, and Linda’s is a great one. You got the prompt words into your comment, that counts as far as I’m concerned.
I hope you have a great day!
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I love our conversations!!
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Hi, Linda! ::waves:: I love science fiction and fantasy too. And I do like a bit of romance dropped in. Dan, Clover Woodchuck didn’t tell me she was planning to visit you. I would have told her to say hey. I love that picture of the sun rays beneath the clouds. That’s magical!
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Thanks for stopping by, Marian. We had fun putting this together, and it was so generous of David to buy all these people drinks. I’m guessing he might have something to say about that next week – you know, how good it made him feel ;-)
I hope you have a nice weekend.
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Hi Marian! ::waves back:: I’ve often thought we had a lot in common. :D
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Dan I think you have met your match! I always knew Linda was witty but man she can hold her own with you. And if you meet up somewhere in Canada, I had better be on your call list!
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If I make it to Canada, Pam, you are definitely on the list!
Linda was so fun to work with on this. This is blogging at it best for me.
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Definitely! :D
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Hi Dan I am late to the party today, so sorry but the real world interfered and I was out all day!
That was such a great interview I loved every minute of it …Linda you held your own admirably and Dan showcased you well. Hugs to all and guys and dear Cheryl thanks for the Bacardi 💜💜💜
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This bar is open 24/7, Willow. We didn’t even close during the lock-down last year, so you can’t be late. I’m glad you enjoyed this. I had a lot of fun getting to know Linda better. She’s a very important part of this community. Her prompts helped me to find my voice.
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She is a wonderful person, glad she brought you out ☺️💜
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Thanks so much, Willow! I had a great time at the bar. :D
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I am so pleased that you did 😊
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Ah, I’m so happy to meet you, Linda, in person. Thanks, Dan for setting this up at the bar. All of her books and stories sound intriguing. I feel the same way about my blogging friendships and have missed being as active and connected this past year due to so many extenuating circumstances. You guys behave. 👍🏻
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Behave? Cheryl, do we have to?
You guys are missed by all of us. I hope things work out to allow a bigger presence in the future.
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Well if you want that perfect lime wedge and some cherries for David. 😉 I’m working my way back to more blogging time. Don’t give up on me!
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I would never give up on you. You’re a good friend and the best bartender in the Internet.
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Thanks. I appreciate you!
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Dan, this was really, really nice! I’m glad you had Linda as a guest at the bar. Well done! On a side note, you have said before under your flag photo, ‘One flag, every American’. I wanted to tell you that it grabs me every time I read it. Thank you.
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Thank you, Jennie. I never want the flag to be co-opted for any specific purpose other than what it stands for.
I’ve wanted to invite Linda for a long time. I admire her and I appreciate all she has done for the blogging community. I’m glad she came and I had a lot of fun.
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You’re welcome! And, yes!
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Rowdy and good.
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I am delighted to see Linda front and centre at the “bar”. I’ve followed her blog from day one – nearly 8 years. Very early on I proofread one of her stories and enjoyed it very much (sorry, Linda, to my eternal embarrassment, I cannot remember the title!) I feel a certain kinship because we both live this side of the border, but more than that, because of her generous support with self-publishing.
Dan, both you and Linda epitomize the spirit of blogging – generosity, community, and global kinship. I appreciate all that you do!
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I’m so glad you joined us, Maggie. You are one of the first people I remember following, and you, too have added much to this community. Linda’s prompts have encouraged me to say something where I otherwise wouldn’t and they have helped me to build enough confidence to be able to invite someone to the bar. I am so glad she agreed to visit.
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[…] think I win bonus points on this post, right? For more excitement, join us over at Dan’s place to learn more about our lovely host for Stream of Consciousness […]
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Well, technically… Yes, you’re good.
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I so enjoyed learning more about Linda. I stumbled upon her blog via Mary’s blog and I can’t remember when that was? That’s how I found your blog too. Linda is so inspirational and so are you. Thank you for co-hosting with Linda. Lucky you – you won a free round at the bar next week. The photos are great – we seem to be at similar stages of the fall as you are having. Seeing all sorts of mushrooms and bees on Zinnias.
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I love the way this community was built from the ground up. Each of us introducing others to others and staying in touch. Linda has been a linchpin in that process. I’m so glad she agree to join us today. Thanks for your visit, Shelley.
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Me too! 😊😁😍
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Quick writing I’ve always envied. Fiction is a beautiful way to escape.
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It truly is
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♡
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Really enjoyed the interview. Great bar, btw. Linda was in good company? I did learn alot about Linda, and what makes her tick/write. Thanks, Linda, for sharing.
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It was so much fun having Linda visit. I’m glad you were able to learn something about her. I am amazed by her work and I am grateful for her prompts.
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Yes, she is such a wordsmith. Her output is amazing, and her posts/prompts fascintating.
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Hello Dan, it’s nice to see Linda featured here. I have read and enjoyed the first book in her paranormal romance series. Linda helped me write the blurb for my book, Through the Nethergate, which I really appreciated. Work does have a horrible way of getting in the way of our writing.
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Thanks for adding that, Robbie. She’s long been supportive of this community. I really enjoy her writing and her wit.
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[…] a little harsh, David. Oh, that’s right…you got stuck with the tab last week ‘cuz my card had […]
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Nicely done! I love Linda. I miss her. And Norm. And well, some others. Also I love Meomi Pinot Noir – it has an oak finish, mmm. Could drink a whole bottle for the flat oak finish. I miss it too. Should probably put some wine time on the calendar…
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Definitely need to add wine time. Meomi is good. I don’t drink wine often, but it’s a fav.
We miss you, too. It’s good to see you again.
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[…] the bar. We had five guests at the bar last year, Gwen Plano, Robbie Cheadle, Teagan R. Geneviene, Linda G. Hill, and John Mancini. I plan to continue to have guests visit in 2022, some new faces, some repeat […]
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