But to really enjoy this next phase I have to pull it together and put down the chocolate.
Frankly, I want to do things differently this time and get all the corners of my life in fine working order. Physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. That’s all of them, right?
I’ve been taking assessments of different things and become willing to look at areas I can improve with a lot of rigorous honesty. The biggest result is letting go of some entrenched habits, taking on some new ones and being willing to change and ask for help along the way.
I’ll be honest – I’m 58 years old and entering the last large segment of my life.
If age brings wisdom, what I’ve figured out is that I can write it to be the way I want it to be. Only thing it’s going to take is some hard-won courage mixed in with all that honesty and the willingness to just keep going. I’m looking forward to it… Kind of explains where the ideas for all those bad-ass women like Shay or Leira come from… right?
I’m off to keep writing my chapter – rewriting when necessary and making it just as bold as Shay’s (without the killing parts and more easily letting people in to celebrate). I’ll keep reporting back here in the author notes about the progress I make. Until then… enjoy the stories and thank you for being the best fans ever – very grateful! More adventures to follow.
Author Notes - Michael Anderle
Written June 17, 2018
I appreciate the fact that you worked your way through all of the book to make it here to my Notes!
Right now, I’m in La Puente, California. The birds are chirping and the temperature (according to SIRI) is 69 degrees with a light breeze. The sun hides behind some clouds and someone just exploded what sounds like a small stick of dynamite.
WTF?
The Author’s Wife ™ explains that it is because Mexico beat Germany in the World Cup.
(Mexico – 1, Germany – 0)
In Texas, when you hear sounds that loud, someone was jacking around and fired a gun into the air. I’m in a neighborhood in a city. Normally, no one in Texas fires a gun into the air in the middle of a neighborhood inside a city.
Out in the country? Sure, no problem.
For the most part, this neighborhood is pretty quiet. The birds are chirping, a baby is crying in the distance and I hear a dog barking.
Until a stick of dynamite is exploded… For a soccer game.
I know, I know, I should be ‘meh’ about this and I will get to that point. It was just a surreal experience - for the record I was talking with my Father here on Father’s day out in the back yard, trying to coax him into coming to California to witness the packed earth, bricks, and stones that litter the backyard.
I think I was explaining that we had a ‘blank canvas’ with which to work. He could come over and provide me his thoughts on what I could do with it. You know, as I watch him go out and move a few things as he putters around fixing stuff, ‘cause that is what my dad likes to do.
I don’t think he bought it.
I’m going to have to futz with this backyard myself.
Well…shit.
I like to work out in the yard. About two point three days in the year. The rest of the time, I like to enjoy the yard. Working in the yard is not enjoyment.
Reading a book on a comfy chair out in the cool breeze is enjoying the yard. That I can do a hundred days out of the year.
Hmmph.
I’m apparently going to have to work harder, make more book money so that I can hire someone to futz around in my backyard.
Apparently, my Dad has seen that tactic somewhere before…
I wish ALL of you dads a Happy Father’s Day (2018) and as long as this book is in print, and available have a massively great Father’s Day for each of the years following!
Ad Aeternitatem,
Michael Anderle
Dead In Plain Sight
I Fear No Evil Book 4
Dead In Plain Sight
Chapter One
Shay parked the van on a darkened street a couple of blocks away from the massive wrought-iron fence surrounding their target, an elegant old Victorian mansion.
She sighed and shook her head as she looked over at the young gray elf. It was a hard sell, but Shay eventually relented and let her come on the mission. Somehow Lily had talked Peyton into pitching the idea to Shay, too.
Besides, Shay knew this one was going to be tricky. An extra body along who had some magical abilities could tip the scale.
“Not as cool as your Fiat,” said Lily. Lily slipped out of the car, pulling on the slim backpack that had been resting at her feet.
“Stands out far less, especially at night,” said Shay.
Shay grabbed a pair of binoculars from behind the front seat. Getting spotted wearing AR goggles would be hard to explain.
She snickered. “I’ll just tell everyone we’re practicing for a movie role. Spies who bird watch. At night.”
“This is L.A. They’d not only believe you, they’d want to steal the idea.”
“And ask for a part.” Shay smiled, surprising herself. Missions of any kind required focus, not that Shay wasn’t aware of every nearby movement. But she was actually having fun… Fun without shooting someone. That was new.
She still wondered if her big experiment with having a life could end up being great short term and hazardous for her longevity.
“You remember your part?” Shay crouched down as they got closer to the edge of the small estate. Lily took a similar stance not too far from her.
“Keep an eye on the
