To help you find a book to celebrate, you can find my entire collection at a promotional price at @Smashwords from March 3dd to March 9th. Find my books and many more at https://www.smashwords.com/ebookweek #ebookweek24 #smashwords

If you want to view my collection on Smashwords, go to https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view.BrendaColbath

Thank you for helping me and all Smashwords Authors celebrate Read an Ebook Week! Did I mention I am giving a 25% discount? Most of us Authors are giving discounts;

Here is a list of my books, most of them are on Smashwords or will be soon.

Maye West Mysteries Book 1 Murder on Lake Haverly

Maye West Mysteries Book 2 Options

Immortal Enemies

Spirited One Book 1 The Protector

Spirited One Book 2 James

The end of the Road

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 1 The Science Project

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 2 Dragon Flight

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 3 The Keep

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 4 The Others

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 5 Wormhole

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 6 Merpeople

Ruby & Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book: 7 Decisions

Sleep Travelers Book: 1 The Story of Ning, Dog, & Boss

Sleep Travelers Book: 2 The Amusement Park

Thanks again, and happy reading!

I’ve just added this book to the Read an Ebook Week from Mar. 3rd. to Mar. 9th. for a 25% discount. This book along with other authors books will be available at various discounts during that week. So go ahead and gather Ebooks for the weeks ahead.

How does a family cope with making life-changing decisions?  Does the family become closer or drift apart?   Let’s peek inside the lives of a family of four that makes a decision not many will ever make.  They agreed to leave the comfort of their home, families, and earth and journey to an uninhabited planet many light-years away.  The entire family makes the journey.  However, this story is mainly about their two pre-teens’ adventures. Ruby and Nolan Weller make their weekly climb up the hill by their home to check the Solar Panels.  They are shocked to find two of them mangled and broken beyond repair.  Searching for tracks of the animal that did the damage, they discover a large, brightly colored rock.  Deciding it would be a great science project, they slide it down the hill with one small mishap and hide it in their play fort’s wood box.  For the next few weeks, they conduct their scientific study.  When it starts growing, they realize it isn’t a rock at all; it is an egg!  They know back on earth, eggs do not grow!  Whatever is in that egg, it is big!  And it is hatching! Nolan hopes it is a pony, even though he knows ponies do not hatch from eggs.  Ruby thinks it might be a chicken or a bird but is concerned with its size!  What could go wrong?  After all, it will be a baby.  This is book one of a series of 7 young adult adventures.

Hello, Friends and avid Readers!

We are fast approaching Read an Ebook Week, March 3^rd to the 9^th! That is the week that I hope will encourage readers to pick up the digital device of their choice and download a new ebook to read.

I’m excited to announce that my books will be discounted 25% as part of the promotion on Smashwords to celebrate 2024 Read an Ebook Week! This is a chance to get my book, along with books from many other great authors, at a discount so you can get right to reading.

Maye West Mysteries, “Murder on Lake Haverly” Book 1,

“Options” Book 2

Spirited One “The Protector” Book 1

“James” Book 2,

“Immortal Enemies”

“The End of the Road,”

Sleep Travelers, Book 1 “The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss,”  

“The Amusement Park” Book 2

will be discounted 25% as part of the promotion on Smashwords to celebrate 2024 Read an Ebook Week! This is a chance to get my book, along with books from many other great authors, at a discount so you can get right to reading.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/BrendaColbath

If you would like to take part in promoting this celebration of Ebooks and reading, please feel free to share this promo with your friends and family. Just forward this email to anyone who would love a chance to find their next favorite book and, as the name suggests, read an eBook at 25% discount!

Thank you for your help and support!

Happy reading!

Brenda Colbath

Bio

Creating worlds and characters and wielding power like a madwoman makes my characters happy, sad, angry, and have no redeeming qualities. I laugh aloud when writing a scene, and I have been known to cry when one of my favorites dies.

I am a left-handed Gemini; what do you expect?

Happy Holidays To you for this glorious season of Love, Singing, Joy, and laughter!

Having a White Christmas is a wonderful, joyous time if you love the cold and fun in the white stuff! We just moved to Kingman, AZ, from Phoenix, AZ, and are looking forward to seeing a light skift of snow. Not enough to inhibit a jaunt in the car, but enough to get the feel of “A White Christmas,” just like the ones we used to have back home in Maine.

Kingman, by the way, is a small town compared to Phoenix. It is not as small as the town where we grew up in Maine. Dexter had one main street and one stop light.

We would love to do all the traditional things that one does when they have a “Home,” like Christmas lights, outside and inside on the tree. We will get to those in time, but this year, we have a tree with lights. I crocheted an Angel for the top! We’ll see how great she looks later! We are constructing a Gazebo! I will write a blog about that later. And we will put my hot tub inside the Gazebo. My arthritic joints are looking forward to that hot tub!

Many years ago, when we first came to Phoenix from Montesano, Washington, we changed our traditional Christmas dinner to homemade Pizza! Our kids were living near us in the city and would come to dinner, inviting several of their friends who were alone in the city and missing the folks back home.

The first year, we had 6 or 7 kids; it grew to quite a few more later! We asked that they bring their favorite topping, and to our surprise, we got several cans of black olives, and strangely, NO ONE  wanted them on their Pizza! From then to today, we purchased the toppings and tried to have a wide variety of toppings available. I arrange them in small dishes so we can allow everyone to pick any topping or variety of toppings. We have some strange-looking pizzas,  but it is all fun!

We usually arrange them in dishes so that putting them together doesn’t interfere with games. Shirl and I make the dough from scratch! By the way, use less yeast if you like a thinner crust. Pizza dough is easy. It is just like bread dough, but you do not have to let it rise and beat it down. It will rise in the pans before you put them in the oven.

This year will be fun as we have an extra large island in the kitchen and a big gas stove, and we can probably cook three or four at a time! In our little apartment, we had one small oven and had to cook one at a time. We love to put as many toppings as we can get on top without them falling off in the oven. There is nothing like a bunch of people, young and older, gathering around the Island with Pizza and beer, wine or soft drinks, munching, laughing, and talking! Usually, games will be played, and more Pizza to snack!

Later, we will gather on the patio and enjoy the stars, toast some s’mores over our fire pit, tell tall tales of our past escapades, laugh, eat, and just enjoy

I truly hope that you all have a wonderful time this holiday and hope for Peace on Earth soon.

This is a picture of our new home in Kingman. Later I will post another picture of our patio with the gazebo.

Remember the song, Old Shep, sung by Red Foley? When I hear it, I don’t just tear up; I bawl like a baby. Give a listen for a good cry.

The reason I cry is old Shep reminds me of my childhood dog. Rex was just a tiny ball of fur when he became a member of our family. He was the family dog, but Rex was my dog! Poor Rex became a member in name only for a long time. My mother took an instant dislike to Rex and would not let him inside the house.

He was not allowed in the house even in the dead of winter! Our Stepdad pleaded and finally got Poor Rex a place behind the stove on the worst cold nights. Nights in Maine could get below freezing.

We lived in one half of a big run-down mansion behind the stores in the little town of Dexter, Maine. The name of the road to our mansion was “Middlesex Ave,” no kidding, and it was located in an alley behind the stores. The back nearly touched the steep hill, on top of which the train traveled twice daily. Living behind the stores was a great place to have imaginary adventures. It was a treasure trove of things the merchants were discarding, and we confiscated. We had houses fashioned out of Refrigerator boxes. On one side of the “Duplex” was an abandoned business building supposedly locked. Not! On the other side was a big field.

We used to think if you placed a penny on the track, it would derail the train, but it only flattened it. We never thought if our pennies actually derailed the train, it would land on our house!  

My Stepdad believed if you paid for your dog, it would be a good dog. The person giving the dog away had to accept a dollar.

Rex’s breed was Dawg! He had Light Brown, long wavy hair, big brown eyes, and was tall and incredibly strong. 

We begged to have him inside; we were sure he would freeze. Mom declared he had fur and would not freeze. No amount of tears or begging by all of us moved her even a little bit! So out he stayed in the attached shed. 

When Lloyd (Stepdad) came home from working on the railroad and saw all our sad faces, he went to bat for us. Saying, “Now, Allie, look at their faces. Can’t we just have Rex in for a little while to warm up?” Wow! She relented and said, “He stays behind the stove; if he comes out, he goes out.”  So we got him in for several nights while it was below-freezing. We were thrilled! If Mom had let us, we would have slept there with him.

Rex was with us for many years, and I remember many wonderful things about him. He was so big that his back would scrape on the underside of the table on the very few times he was allowed in, probably when Mom wasn’t home. 

Everyone loved him, and he traveled all over town when we were in school. All the store merchants loved him and gave him scraps; he would come home with a bone nearly every day, which was good as he only got table scraps. 

He was a big, friendly dog, and we never gave it a thought about him defending us. We kinda thought of him as “The Cowardly Lion like in the Wizard of Oz.”  No matter, we loved him anyway. Mom would make my older brothers take me along to the swimming hole. They hated it, and I suspect me, too! There were no lifeguards or adults to watch us, and I couldn’t swim a stroke. My two brothers were not a lot older than me. They were supposed to take care of me! There were two places to go swimming: one was a beach, and the other was “the old swimming hole,” The boys always wanted to go to the latter, so they could dive off the rocks into the deep water.

I remember the day the boys were diving in and having a great time; I was sitting on the ledge crying because I wanted to go to the beach. They refused to take me to the beach so I could play in the water. They finally had enough of my crying and told me,  “Jump in, or we will throw you in!”  They promised to save me if I couldn’t swim enough to get to the shallow place to climb out. I was getting up enough courage to jump when they pushed me in. I tread water and dog paddled, screaming for help! They laughed as they yelled, “Sink or swim!”  Panicked, I drank a gallon of water! Suddenly, out of nowhere, Rex came to my rescue, swimming to me so I could grab his tail and pull me to shore. I, of course, never told Mom how kind they were to me.

On the way to and from the lake, we had to go by the store renting boats. Sometimes, the mean dog would chase us all the way by his property. We were terrified, and the owner thought it was funny seeing us run for our lives. Rex usually ran ahead of us, but one day, when the dog came charging, barking and snarling, Rex growled and charged the dog. He put the dog back in his yard cowering, and it never came back out barking at us again. I swear Rex smiled, walked taller, and puffed his chest out as he marched us home.

I was 8 years old when I was admitted to the hospital for an emergency appendicectomy. After two boring weeks flat on my back, I was finally released. I missed many school days, but I had my buddy to play with and was happy. It snowed, and Mom allowed me to go out and play “As long as I did not attempt to slide on my belly on a sled!”  I put the sled rope in Rex’s mouth, and he pulled me around the yard for hours. He was my hero that day and forever!

I remember the sad day Rex came crawling home after he was hit by a car. The Vet said there was nothing he could do for him. I begged and pleaded to hold him when he passed because I knew the Vet would give him a shot to put him to sleep forever. Lloyd didn’t think I should see him die. I was sent away, but I watched from a hiding place as the Vet gave him the shot, and Rex, my buddy, my hero, went to sleep forever. There was never another REXdog like Rex for me.

Her name was Alice, and I looked in the mirror; I see her looking back at me.  She was one of the strongest and smartest people I have ever met.  I am proud to have known her. 

She was funny and kind in her own way!  If she had been allowed to continue beyond grade school, she would probably have been a Doctor or Attorney.  She had to quit school to help care for her 2 brothers and 4 sisters. 

She consistently beat me, playing Double Solitaire and Double Nine Dominos.  She could find a 4-leaf clover in a field without searching.

She grew up on a farm in East Corinth, Maine. She was immune to every childhood disease. I got some of her immunity to childhood diseases; I had all of them so light it was hard to tell I had them at all! Not so with my two older brothers; they looked like chipmunks or some horribly diseased people with mumps and scarlet fever. 

She found herself alone in a small cabin in the middle of winter with 3 little kids; she managed to keep us warm, clothed, and fed by doing men’s jobs.  She picked beans, peas, potatoes, and cut seed. I watched her once; it was the scariest job ever! She straddled a barrel with a wicked knife upright attached to the barrel, facing her. She swished potatoes on that knife, making sure there was one eye on each potato chip! One slip, and there goes a finger or hand!

If you know anything about picking potatoes, imagine this! My Mamma picked 100 barrels a day.  Each barrel holds, I think, 4 or 5 bushels, and she did this and still watched 3 kids.  The owners of the fields told her that they would pay her half of what the men got because she was a woman!  She challenged them!  “I will work for one day, and if I don’t beat every man, you don’t have to pay me anything, but if I beat them, I get paid the same.”  She beat them all!  From that day on, she was paid the same as the men. 

As a teenager, I could pick 20 barrels on my best day!  

One of my fondest memories of her was, one day, she was walking back to the field when one of the young men, who had obviously drank his lunch, came walking over to her saying, “Hey, sweetheart, how about a kiss?” And as he swung his arm around her shoulders, she never lost momentum; she coldcocked him and laughed as he stumbled over three rows of potatoes and fell on his ass.  None of the guys approached her or us again. 

She loved to fish! She fished every chance she could.  One of her favorites was Brook fishing. We fished together many times.  One time, we stopped at a farmhouse and asked the farmer, sitting on his porch, for permission to cross his land to go brook fishing. He smiled and said, “Sure, Sweetheart!” He held the barbed wire fence up so Mom could safely climb under. As she crawled between the vicious prongs, he patted her on the ass, and I nearly fell over, trying to keep from laughing out loud. But I also knew that my turn was next! I was amazed that he didn’t get his head knocked off. 

The last time we went brook fishing, I was about 6 months pregnant, and we got lost. I fell in the brook, and we had to walk about 5 miles back to the car.  We usually caught a few “pocket fish,” we were lucky we never got stopped by a game warden.  When I laughed and told my Doctor about my adventure, he about choked. He told me all the bad things that could have happened to me. I answered him with, “How much trouble could I get in, I was with my Mother!!!!

I told her my teacher wanted to know how old she was. Bending over a ringer washer, she was not in a great mood. She said, “Tell her I am 104!”  That is exactly what I did!  And no amount of talking from the teacher could convince me she wasn’t.  If my Mother said she was 104, she was 104!!!

She met the love of her life when I was a very young child, and Lloyd was the best!  He took on the responsibility of three little kids and a wife without hesitation!  His job was working on the railroad, laying and repairing tracks.  It was hard physical work! Lloyd wasn’t very tall; he and Mon were about the same height. Popeye would be envious of his set of shoulders and arms! 

They bought a 15-acre farm when I was in the 6^th grade.  The seller had sold it many times and repossessed it each time!  They were the last ones to buy it, which I am sure disappointed him a lot.  We lived off that land!  Until then, I was the smallest kid in class; however, I gained so much weight the next year that I got stretch marks.  Mother had an acre garden, and we kept a cow, had chickens, and raised a steer for beef.  Lloyd hunted, and we always had Deer meat.  We sold the hay from the field and stored some in the barn. My job was to stomp the hay in the mow to pack it down because I was the only kid who did not have hay fever. 

The farmhouse was over 100 years old, and after I was married and had a daughter, the farmhouse burned down.  They put a Single-wide Mobile home on the foundation and added a room.  A few years later, when visiting Maine, I drove back by our farm and was disappointed that the owners had let the field grow up to trees.  

You can never go back!  

We will never forgive you for stealing four years of our lives! You created 4 years of misery for people guilty of nothing but being born poor! They did nothing wrong, but you didn’t give a damn about the millions that were unlucky enough not to be born with a silver spoon in their mouths. We did not ask for or want charity; we only wanted the chance to make our lives better than our parents. How could you be so small-minded as to hate the former President for being black, brilliant, and a moral man? I understand your jealousy of someone who had an easy road to success even though he worked hard to succeed. We have all felt that green-eyed monster sitting on our shoulders, whispering in our ears. We have heard it screaming vile invectives in our ears! “How it is fair for that person to have everything, and I have nothing.” You did have something, didn’t you? Dear Daddy gave you a million dollars, frittered away. How could someone NOT make a Casino a success? The one business that is guaranteed to make piles of dough! Did you enjoy being adored by shallow, wealthy, greedy old white men? Did you really think that those uber-wealthy individuals needed more money? Nor did you? Did you think they would be forever grateful to you for the massive tax cut?? Well, I am here to tell you they won’t! They will throw you in the trash like yesterday’s newspaper when you are useless to them. The time will come when the world will be laughing at you and your downfall. You may very well “get even” with some of those that hurt your little feelings! But in the end, your generosity to the “chosen few” will be rewarded with contempt! Not one of them will reach down when you are lying in the gutter and give you a hand. They will spit in your face and walk over and on you to get to the next person who will flatter their ego and pad their pocket! Sound familiar? They didn’t love you then and won’t love you when you are yesterday’s news! They will make fun of you, just like you made fun of the “Lesser humans!” All those who fawn over your golden image will drop you like a hot potato the minute you cannot help them step up the ladder or fly to the moon! And the rest of us will not feel even somewhat sorry for you! My mother used to say, “You reap what you sow!”  You should listen to her; she would have boxed your ears, even better, taken you by your shirt collar and marched you out to the woodshed!  I read somewhere that you should be nice to the people you meet climbing up the ladder of success because you may have to kiss their ass’s on the swift fall back down. So, “Pucker up, buttercup!” You’d better hope the ghosts of the thousands of people who died of COVID-19 for lack of adequate medicine and prevention don’t decide to visit you some Christmas Eve to remind you of their suffering. You just might get your just desserts! Keep in mind, no matter how many stumbling blocks you set up when we get inside that voting booth, we can choose any way we want, and you will not stop us! Remember 2020!

Why I’m unsubscribing from Democrats’ emails!   I would love to read about how the polls are stacking up, who did the poll when it was done, and what part of the country or state where it was done. I am disgusted with the language used to try to convince me to donate and how much I should donate to EVERY democrat that is running in every part of this state and the country. Another thing that really pisses me off big time is the mythical HAMMER that everybody and their brother or sister is dropping on whoever! I would love to know WHEN the damn thing will actually drop! I am tired of hearing that McConnel and McCarthy had just raised $$$$65 billion to make sure that the Repuglicans are elected. I am supposed to give, give, GIVE, and GIVE until it hurts to prevent repuglicans from being elected in droves, and if I don’t, my measly Medicare will be snatched out of my bank account! I have been invited to the Democrats Convention; if I donate so that MAYBE I will be Picked to go and be near Biden Harris! Uh, guys, I know that they will be nominated, and to be honest, I am busy trying to scratch a few extra dollars sewing for people and having yard sales to have the time to go to a loud, chest-pounding convention with a bunch of people I don’t know, and probably will never know! I am not entirely sure they give a damn about me! I am insulted by the rhetoric used to browbeat me into letting loose with my tiny Medicare stipend so that tons of TV ads interrupt my evening and raise my blood pressure. How about some truthful ads??? Show WHY nothing is getting done! How about showing some of the shameful results of what is happening? Get as graphic as the other side, only truthful. I don’t want you to be NICE to politicians, Supreme Court Justices, and turncoats that profess to be “for the people’s rights until they get their ass in a Senate or House seat then vote the exact opposite of what they shouted to get their cushy seat! A seat, by the way, that is almost impossible to get them un-elected. Don’t believe me? What about our favorite ex-president? Impeached twice and indicted, but probably won’t see jail time and MIGHT get elected again. If any of us did the things that were proven that he has done, our ass would be grass! In a heartbeat! Almost nobody looks good in Orange, but he might! Why don’t you hire someone like Dan Rather that can write? Or any other journalist? Please, please give me a logical reason why I should give my hard-earned money to help you do nothing. Tell the truth about what you are going to do with it! How much are you paying for rent on your offices, the salary of the people working there, your printing costs of mailers, etc. And why aren’t you using the emails and the U.S. mail? Do you know something we don’t? I do not need to have you clog my emails with tons of solicitations! Understand the BIG reason I am not donating to all or some of you is that I worked and contributed to Social Insecurity for 50 years, and because some nitwits in Washington thought that because I pee sitting down, my labor was only worth ½ of what the other half that could stand up to pee was getting paid. Hence, I get less than half of what men get, BUT still, I am contributing the SAME amount of Co-pay for Medicare Insurance. I don’t have enough dough to shell out money to a do-nothing congress! Get your “you know what together,” and pass legislature that benefits everyone, not just big corporations! Everyone agreed on the  BIG tax breaks for them, but at the same time agreed that the common people should pay income tax on our Social Insecurity!! Good Job! You may see the light at the end of the tunnel, but some of us are sure it is a train!

Book 1 Ning, Dog, and Boss

Chapter 13 Daddy to the Rescue, Chapter 14 Time to Wake up, and Chapter 15 Goodbye Ning, Dog, and Boss

Hello, friends! Today I would like to share the last three chapters of my book Sleep Traveler with you.

This book was featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to post one chapter daily of this book and, when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward! I apologize for the delay in posting chapters; we have been moving into our new house.

Shirl laughed and said, “Not to worry.  Remember you are sleep travelers and can “think” whatever you need, so think yourselves and the kitchen “clean.”  In the blink of an eye, suddenly, they and the kitchen were all clean.  Shirl carefully put everything away until the Food Shack was the same way they found it; no one would know a food fight had been held in the middle of the night, with a Bear, Tiger, Panther, and an Elephant as guests of honor.  The friends were still talking about eating the food and how much fun they had together. 

“We have to do this again sometime.” Tigger and Beauty said. 

“The good thing is now that you know how to “think travel” you can visit each other and won’t be lonely anymore.”  A happy Dawnie said.

“Thank you so much, Miss Dawnie, for helping us to have fun. You and your friends must come back to visit us soon.”

Beauty looked at Tigger with her beautiful Yellow eyes and said, “Tigger, please don’t forget me.” 

“Not a chance, I will be visiting you so much you will get tired of me.”

This made her smile as she said,  “Goodbye, everyone, I had a great time, and thanks again, Mr. Shirl, for the French Fries!”  Beauty closed her eyes and poofed out.

Tigger said, “Guess I will run along now, too.  Thanks for everything, and come visit again.” He said as he poofed out too.

Ella, now back to her original size, yawned a little and said, “I had the time of my life and can’t wait to go to sleep again tonight so I can go visiting again.  It will make me happier during the day, knowing I will be having fun at night. Thanks again for everything.”  She said as she poofed out.

Blackie yawned and said, “Thanks for everything but I guess I will wander home now, see you later.”

This left Ning, Dog, Boss, Dawnie, and Mr. Shirl sitting around a table. 

“Dawnie, this was certainly one of the most interesting adventures we have ever had.”  Ning said, looking at Boss, continued, “Don’t you think, Boss?”

“It was sure fun riding on Orchid’s children around the pool.  It was really nice of them to do that, I sure was sorry we couldn’t talk Princess into going down deep too.  Weren’t you Ning?”

“Oh yes, Cats love to get their fur wet.” Was her snarky reply.  

This brought smiles to all the faces, even Ning’s.

Dawnie said with a little yawn, “I had a marvelous time meeting everyone including you Ning and Boss.  I hope we get a chance to go on more adventures together.  That is if you are staying with Dog for a while.”

“I have invited you both for the night, but I have room for you to stay as long as you like. I would enjoy the company, and we can go on more adventures with my Dawnie when she is ready. How about it?”

“Let us talk it over, and we will let you know tomorrow morning,” Ning said looking at Boss for his approval.

“We are going to head back to your digs, Dog if you don’t mind, and we will see you tomorrow.  Dawnie we will see you on our next adventure.”  They both poofed out at the same time.

Chapter 14 Time to wake up

Dawnie was sitting between Mr. Shirl and Dog as her friends “poofed” out and she was looking a little sad that her adventure was over. 

She looked up at Mr. Shirl and was thinking how much he looked like her Daddy.  Then he spoke to her. “Dawnie, this will be our little secret, your Mother would worry if she knew about your real adventures. Of course, you know that your Mother and I will always show up when you need us, you only have to ask.  Actually, if you think you need us, we will come.”

“You look like my Daddy; you sound like him too! Is it really you, Daddy?  But you can’t be here, you are home asleep.” Dawnie said trying to understand. 

Mr. Shirl hugged Dawnie and said, “I have to go now, and I think you and Dog are ready to go too!”

“Yes we are ready to go home, but if you are really here, can Mother come with me sometime?” 

Dawnie didn’t get her answer that night, as she and Dog poofed back to his digs.

Chapter 15 Goodbye Ning, Dog, and Boss

Arriving at Dog’s digs, they poofed in without waking up Ning and Boss. 

Dog and Dawnie whispered their good nights, but before Dawn poofed back to her bed, she just had to find out what Dog knew about Mr. Shirl and how he appeared. 

“Dog, please tell me how my Daddy was able to sleep travel and be on my adventure?”

“Dawnie, you needed help, someone to cook for you, that is what parents do for their children, they take care of them.  Your parents will always try to be there for you now and when you are all grown up.”

“Will Ning and Boss stay with you and come on more adventures with us?” A sleepy Dawnie asked.

“Only time will tell, but I think they had a good time.  I hope they will stay and the four of us have many more adventures.”

With a big sleepy yawn, Dawnie “poofed” back to her comfy bed hugging her big stuffed dog once again. She was smiling in her sleep when her Daddy, Shirl, kissed her forehead and tucked her in.

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The Story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book was featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to post one chapter daily of this book and, when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park. You can purchase this book in eBook or paperback form by going to Amazon, com and typing Brenda Colbath in the search area, and all of my 14 books will pop up. enjoy reading them to your children! Don’t forget to leave me a review. Or you can click on the book below, and it will take you to Amazon, where you can purchase this book.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward! I apologize for the delay in posting chapters; we have been moving into our new house.

Today we will read Chapter 12, Mr. Shirl Cooks!

Just as they were closing their eyes to “think inside,” a tall man appeared in a Brown uniform and hat with the Zoo Park insignia on the front. He looked amused at the sight of the animals and a little girl all standing around looking longingly at the firmly closed door of the Cook Shack. 

“What are you doing here in the middle of the night, Young Lady? And what are all of you animals doing out of your cages?” He said, sounding friendly and curious. 

Dawnie again stepped in front of the group and said, “We came to visit the Zoo animals and have had an absolutely grand time. These are my friends Beauty, Blackie, Tigger, Ella, Ning, Dog, and Boss, pointing to each one and finally to herself, “I am Dawnie. We are all sleep travelers and are hungry, but I am the only one with hands and not allowed near a real stove. We need some help.” She said, looking up at him with those big brown/green eyes and a sweet smile.

With a gentle smile on his face, he scooched down to be close to her height, “Well, we will have to do something about that, won’t we, Little Lady?” And with a big smile on his face, he got up, unlocked the door, opening it wide for everyone to come in. 

“My name is Shirley, but everyone calls me Shirl.”

“That is my Daddy’s name too!” Said an excited Dawnie.

“That is interesting.” He said as he rolled up his sleeves, putting on an apron in preparation to start cooking.

What do you all want to eat?” He asked. 

He was bombarded with shouts of “French Fries! Hot dogs! Burgers! Something to drink!

He lit the grill and the fryers for french fries. As he worked, the whole group stood in rapt fascination. After all, they had never had any of this food, and they were amazed watching Shirl prepare it for them. Mr. Shirl worked quickly, producing everything they asked for. 

When he had dished out food for everyone, including himself, they all sat down at the booths or stood at the tables and munched the food until they were so full they knew another bite would make them burst.

“Oh, Mr. Shirl, thank you so much; we enjoyed the food.”  Miss Dawnie said as she jumped up on his lap and threw her arms around his neck, planting a big kiss on his cheek. Looking up into his blue eyes, she thought, “His eyes are just like my Daddy’s. As a matter of fact, he looks just like him. But it can’t be him; he is home sleeping.

Tigger grabbed a ketchup bottle in his paws and squeezed it until a heavy stream of red sprayed Blackie in the face. He laughed hysterically at the look on Blackie’s face. Blackie not to be outdone, grabbed a bottle of mustard and, squeezing, was pleased to see the thick stream of Yellow flowing down the front of Tigger. Soon everyone, including Shirl, was grabbing bottles of ketchup and mustard, and throwing food at each other, shouting and laughing until there was nothing left to throw. 

“I’ve never done anything like that before, but now we not only made a mess of ourselves, but we messed up the kitchen. Mister Shirl, we are so sorry; what can we do to help you clean up?” Everyone said, kinda hanging their heads.

Stay tuned for Chapter 13, Daddy to the Rescue. I promise it won’t be so long, we are all moved in, and we have found almost everything.

The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book was featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to post one chapter daily of this book and, when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward! I apologize for the delay in posting chapters; we have been moving into our new house.

Chapter 12  Mr. Shirl cooks

Just as they were closing their eyes to “think inside,” a tall man appeared in a Brown uniform and hat with the Zoo Park insignia on the front. He looked amused at the sight of the animals and a little girl all standing around looking longingly at the firmly closed door of the Cook Shack. 

“What are you doing here in the middle of the night, Young Lady? And what are all of you animals doing out of your cages?” He said, sounding friendly and curious. 

Dawnie again stepped in front of the group and said, “We came to visit the Zoo animals and have had an absolutely grand time. These are my friends Beauty, Blackie, Tigger, Ella, Ning, Dog, and Boss, pointing to each one and finally to herself, “I am Dawnie. We are all sleep travelers and are hungry, but I am the only one with hands and not allowed near a real stove. We need some help.” She said, looking up at him with those big brown/green eyes and a sweet smile.

With a gentle smile on his face, he scooched down to be close to her height, “Well, we will have to do something about that, won’t we, Little Lady?” And with a big smile on his face, he got up, unlocked the door, opening it wide for everyone to come in. 

“My name is Shirley, but everyone calls me Shirl.”

“That is my Daddy’s name too!” Said an excited Dawnie.

“That is interesting.” He said as he rolled up his sleeves, putting on an apron in preparation to start cooking.

What do you all want to eat?” He asked. 

He was bombarded with shouts of “French Fries! Hot dogs! Burgers! Something to drink!

He lit the grill and the fryers for french fries. As he worked, the whole group stood in rapt fascination. After all, they had never had any of this food, and they were amazed watching Shirl prepare it for them. Mr. Shirl worked quickly, producing everything they asked for. 

When he had dished out food for everyone, including himself, they all sat down at the booths or stood at the tables and munched the food until they were so full they knew another bite would make them burst.

“Oh, Mr. Shirl, thank you so much; we enjoyed the food.”  Miss Dawnie said as she jumped up on his lap and threw her arms around his neck, planting a big kiss on his cheek. Looking up into his blue eyes, she thought, “His eyes are just like my Daddy’s. As a matter of fact, he looks just like him. But it can’t be him; he is home sleeping.

Tigger grabbed a ketchup bottle in his paws and squeezed it until a heavy stream of red sprayed Blackie in the face. He laughed hysterically at the look on Blackie’s face. Blackie not to be outdone, grabbed a bottle of mustard and, squeezing, was pleased to see the thick stream of Yellow flowing down the front of Tigger. Soon everyone, including Shirl, was grabbing bottles of ketchup and mustard, and throwing food at each other, shouting and laughing until there was nothing left to throw.  

“I’ve never done anything like that before, but now we not only made a mess of ourselves, but we messed up the kitchen. Mister Shirl, we are so sorry; what can we do to help you clean up?” Everyone said, kinda hanging their heads.

Stay tuned for Chapter 13, Daddy to the Rescue.

Book 1 The Story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and, when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward!

These chapters are so short I have included 2 Chapters

Chapter 10  Hunger strikes

 “Beauty, that sounds like fun, but in our sleep state, I don’t know if we can eat anything,” Dog said sadly.

“Now, wait a minute.  We are able to think of ourselves in any place we want to be, swim underwater and not worry about breathing, and make ourselves smaller to fit in Orchid’s pool.  Shouldn’t we be able to eat stuff, too?” Tigger insisted.

“I wonder?” Thought Dog.

“It would be wonderful eating hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and sweet drinks, and no one telling us that they aren’t nutritious enough for us or limiting how much we eat.” Said a determined Dawnie.

Dog, still thinking about food, said, “I agree that sounds great, but there is one tiny flaw in your plans.”

“I don’t see any problem.  We raid the food court and eat everything in sight.” Said Tigger standing on his hind legs with his front paws crossed in front of his chest. That sight should have given Dog food for thought (pun intended), but his objection was pushed to the back of his mind. He became caught up in the idea of a food frenzy, so he laughed and decided to go with the flow.  

Chapter 11 The race is on 

The crew ran through the Zoo to the Food Shack, screeching to a stop in front of the closed doors creating a pileup of bodies. Good thing no one could be hurt.   

“Oh shucks, I didn’t think about it being closed.” Said Tigger with a disappointed look on his face, finally untangling himself from the heap.

“That was one of the tiny flaws I was trying to tell you about when you all took off running.” Said Dog.

“Who is going to do the cooking? I was so looking forward to some of those french fries you talked about.” said a sad Beauty.

“Yeah, and one of those juicy Burgers sounds so good I can almost taste it,” Said Tigger with a hungry look on his face.  Beauty had the same look.

“Dawnie is the only one that has hands, and she is NOT going near the stove to cook! And that is that!” Said Dog standing firmly beside a panicked-looking Dawnie.  The only cooking she had ever done was the imaginary kind on her play cook stove. She buried her face in Dog’s fur and put her arms around his neck.

“Oh, Dawnie, we wouldn’t want you to do anything that would hurt you.” The group said.  “Please don’t cry; we will find another way.

Dawnie brushed her tears away with one of Dog’s big ears, and with her tears dried up, she was smiling again.  “Why don’t we go inside and see what is  available to eat without cooking.” She said.   

Everyone agreed, sounding cheerful so Dawnie’s smile would stay on her face. Seeing her cry broke everyone’s heart.

Facing her friends, she cried, “I am so sorry, I can’t cook for you.  I am hungry too; there are probably lots of potato chips and popcorn inside.  We just have to think inside!”  She said hopefully.

Book 1 The Story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and, when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward!

Chapter 9. Harold goes Home

It must have been quite a sight with Harold the Hippo, Blackie the Bear, Ella the Elephant, Ning the Siamese Cat, Boss the African Gray Parrot, and Dog poofing into the Aquarium all at once. 

Dog quickly realized the size of  Harold, Ella, and Blackie was taking up so much space they could hardly move. 

Hopping up on Ella’s back, Dog said, “Everyone, please close your eyes.” They closed their eyes, and Dog did a quick “think small,” and instantly, everyone was one-third of their original size, “Thanks, Dog, that is much better,” everyone said as they enjoyed the breathing room.  

Harold’s eyes became huge as he looked through the glass pool in front of him and saw an enormous Orca Whale swim by. All eyes were on the huge Orca whale leisurely floating around its vast pool. Suddenly the Orca screeched to a stop and did an about-face, rapidly swimming back; it pushed its face up against the glass, looking at the group with sharp eyes. 

“Who are you? I’ve never seen anything like you visiting me before, except for the tiny human.”

Dawnie stepped up to the front and said, “Hello, Miss Orca; it’s nice to meet you. My friends and I are here to visit you.”

“Thanks; I’ve never seen people like the ones with you; what are they?” 

Dawnie introduced everyone by their new names and what they were. Orca said, “Nice to meet you all,” and looking a little sad, said, “I wish I had a name.”

“I think your name should be Orchid because you are so beautiful.” Harold Hippo said shyly.

Orchid actually blushed and batted her eyes, saying, “Thank you. I love it. Hey, I’ve got a great idea! Why don’t you all come in swimming with my children?”

The crew looked at each other in confusion, but Dawnie broke the silence. “Miss Orchid, only Harold Hippo is a water dweller by nature. The rest of us may be able to swim, but we need to breathe air.”

“Oh, I didn’t know. That must be why the humans sputter so much when I swish a tail full of water on them when they get right up against the glass of my pool,” Orchid said, laughing. This got the rest of the gang laughing with her.

Dog spoke up and said, “Dawnie, in our sleep state, I bet we will be able to do anything we want to do. I’m up for swimming with Orchid and her children,” He said as he bounded up the steps to the top of the pool, jumping in and making a big splash. Sure enough, he could swim like he was born to the water; breathing was not a problem. Orchid swam under Dog, lifting him, and they swam all around the pool over and under water laughing, having a great time.

Orchid brought Dog back to the edge of the pool, and the others jumped in, and Orchid called several of her children over to meet her new friends. Harold Hippo, of course, needed no help; he was at home in the water and enjoyed playing with the children but spent more time happily swimming alongside Orchid. It was evident that he liked her very much and she liked him too! They talked about more visits when Harold would “think” about a trip to Orchid’s pool. Harold wasn’t sure Orchid and her children would fit in his pool, but after seeing the “think shrinking,” maybe they could visit him, and this pleased him very much.

It would have been a sight to see a Bear, Tiger, Elephant, Dog, Cat, Bird, and a tiny girl in pajamas clinging to the backs of the baby whales swimming around over and under the water. Ella was the hit of the party when she rode on Orchid’s back and sprayed everyone she passed with water from her trunk; she even got Harold, making him roar with laughter. There was a lot of laughing and shouting. It was a good thing no workers were there to hear and see it. Of course, all anyone would see Orchid and her children playing happily in their pool. 

Ning and Boss rode together on one of Orchid’s babies named Princess. The name suited her as she refused to take them underwater for fear of losing them at the bottom of the pool, no matter how many times they told Princess they couldn’t drown. In truth, neither Ning nor Boss was that thrilled about going deep in the water.

Everyone had a great time, but eventually, they decided that since their time was limited, they should go see the other occupants of the Zoo. Orchid thanked them for their visit and invited them to come again. She decided not to go along with them and visit this time but promised she and her family would next time.  

Orchid and her children waved goodbye with their tails as the group climbed the stairs to continue their tour.

Brenda Colbath, here; thanks for listening when we read the next chapter. Chapter 10 Hunger Strikes

If you want to own the book, go to www.brendacolbathbooks.com, and you will see all 14 of my currently published books. Click on the book covers, and you will be taken to Amazon.com, where you can read several chapters and purchase any of my books in eBook or paperback form. I will be posting the links to my podcasts for your enjoyment.

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Okay, onward and upward!

Chapter 7 Harold the Hippo

They all appeared beside the Hippo pool and stood there looking at the smooth water. “Where are they?  All I can see is water.” Squeaked Ella. 

A huge head with big bulging eyes and tiny ears popped out of the water, and an angry voice said, “Who’s disturbing my morning nap?”

“Morning nap? Don’t you know it is night?” A snarky Boss retorted.

“A lot, you know. When I am in my pool world, it is whatever time I want it to be.  Right now, I want it to be nap time, now go away and quit pestering me.” He shouted. 

Boss said quietly under his breath, or so he thought, “I’ve got a good mind to land on his head and pluck out his eyes.”

“I heard that!  Hippos have perfect hearing, and we also have quick, powerful jaws.” Turning his head in Boss’s direction, continued, “Although you wouldn’t even be a mouthful,” looking at Ella, “By the way, why do you have a little girl, a cat, and a parrot on your back?”

Dog spoke up before Boss decided to tangle with the Hippo and said, “Look, guys, this is supposed to be a fun trip, and we ALL need to be mindful that our little Dawnie is present.”

Upon seeing the look on her face, Boss said, “Sorry, Mr. Hippo,” and the Hippo said, “I’m Sorry too,  it was hot today, and people were bugging me, trying to get me to stay on the surface.  And when I did, they threw stuff at me until finally; I just went under until they got bored waiting for me to surface. I apologize for my rudeness, Miss Dawnie. 

Dawnie looked at him with her big brown/green eyes, her long light brown hair framing her cute round face, her smile lighting up the area.  “Mister Hippo, I would like you to meet my friends, Blackie, Tigger, Ella, Ning, Dog, and Boss. We all have a name; I think you need a name, too.  What would you like to be called?”

Mr. Hippo nodded and said, “I am pleased to meet all of you, too,” thinking a few minutes, he said, “I think I would like to be called Harold. The only thing I ask, don’t start singing that song about wanting a Hippopotamus for Christmas.  Once someone starts singing it, it gets stuck in my head, and I hear it over and over forever.  It drives me mad. Lately, that is the first thing visitors do when they see me, and the only thing I can do is stay underwater until they are gone.

Dog spoke up and said, “Harold, we promise we won’t sing to you.  Would you like to go with us to visit the other animals in the Zoo?”

“Could I?” You are the only animals that I have ever seen.  I spend most of my time in the water.  I am very agile in water; on land, not so much.”

Dog said, “I know where I would like to go next.

Everybody close your eyes and think about visiting the Aquarium.”

“Uh, what’s an Aquarium?” Asked Harold. 

“It will be a surprise to you; just come along with us.”

“Okay, let’s get this show on the road.” He said.

See you next time for Chapter 8. Swimming with the fishes

Brenda Colbath, here; thanks for listening when we read the next chapter.

If you want to own the book, go to http://www.brendacolbathbooks.com, and you will see all 14 of my currently published books. Click on the book covers, and you will be taken to Amazon.com, where you can read several chapters and purchase any of my books in eBook or paperback form. I will be posting the links to my podcasts for your enjoyment.

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder.  Okay, onward and upward!

Okay, onward and upward! Chapter 6. Ella, the Elephant

Standing in front of them was an unhappy looking Elephant, her head and trunk drooping to the ground. 

Startled she lifted her head up when the group suddenly appeared in front of her.  Her eyes grew wide when she saw a bear and a tiger standing beside a dog, a cat, a bird, and a tiny girl in pajamas!

“Who are all you people? What are you doing in my cage?” Backing as far away from them as she could she continued, “Don’t come near me!  No one comes near me anymore. I am vicious.” She said unhappily, her head drooping to the ground again.

“What makes you say that?” Asked the tiny girl walking right up to Ella. 

“Everyone says I am vicious, so I guess I am. I stepped on one of the keeper’s foot when he was

brushing and washing me.  Honestly, I didn’ t mean

too, it was an accident!”

“Well, of course, it was an accident, he should have been more careful.” said the Bear and the Tiger at the same time.”

“Yes, but I broke his foot, and he was out of work for weeks.  He howled to everyone that would listen, that I was mean and I stepped on him deliberately. He told the story over and over until he convinced the other workers it was true. Now, no one will come near me. No one washes me or talks to me anymore.  My food is pushed in, and the keepers run away when I approach them. I am so lonesome.” She said, tears streaming down her face. 

“We are so sorry, but we came to visit you, and if you want, we will take you with us to visit the other animals.”  Said Ning, barely holding back the tears herself seeing the Elephant so sad.

Ella put her head up and roared through her trunk, “Really! Yahoo!” And she began to dance around, which made the visitors scurry out of her way. When she realized she was stepping all over them before they could run for cover, she stopped and lowered her head, saying, “I am so sorry, I just got so excited, I lost control.”

“No harm was done, we are okay.  You didn’t hurt us, even though you stepped on us.” Said Dog.

“Really? How come?”

“We are here, but we are not here.  We are all Sleep Travelers.  By the way, so are you.  Just look over there.  Do you see yourself lying down sleeping?” Said Dog.

Ella looked in the direction he indicated, and there she was softly snoring. “But how can that be?” How can I be in two places at the same time?”

“It will take too long to explain it all to you; for now,  just take my word that we are all sleeping and having an adventure, and if you believe, you can come with us and meet the other Zoo animals too!”

“Mr. Dog, I don’t care how it is done, I just know I am FREE! I love it, and all of you, too!”

Miss Dawnie, spoke up and said, “Miss elephant I would like to name you Ella if you don’t mind.”

“I like having a name. Thanks.” And to herself, she said, “Ella Elephant, I like it.”

Dawnie looked up at Ella and shyly said, “I have always wanted to ride on elephants back. Would you  mind letting me ride on yours?” Boss and Ning echoed with nods.   

“I would be happy to give all three of you a ride.”  She tucked her front legs under her body and lowered her head to the ground and using her trunk allowed them to climb up on her back, helping Dawnie more than the cat and bird, who walked right up her trunk. It was a sight to see, a bird, cat and a little girl in pajamas on Ella’s back.  Ella said the cat and bird’s feet tickled her a little, but she liked it.

Once they were aboard, Ella said, “You know where I would like to go? I have heard about the Hippopotamus and would love to see them.”

“For you Ella,” Dog said closing his eyes, and

with everyone following his lead, suddenly they were standing beside the Hippopotamus pool.

Book 1 The Story of Ning, Dog, & Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Chapter 6 Ella the Elephant

Standing in front of them was an unhappy looking Elephant, her head and trunk drooping to the ground. 

Startled she lifted her head up when the group suddenly appeared in front of her.  Her eyes grew wide when she saw a bear and a tiger standing beside a dog, a cat, a bird, and a tiny girl in pajamas!

“Who are all you people? What are you doing in my cage?” Backing as far away from them as she could she continued, “Don’t come near me!  No one comes near me anymore. I am vicious.” She said unhappily, her head drooping to the ground again.

“What makes you say that?” Asked the tiny girl walking right up to Ella. 

“Everyone says I am vicious, so I guess I am. I stepped on one of the keeper’s foot when he was brushing and washing me.  Honestly, I didn’ t mean too, it was an accident!”

“Well, of course, it was an accident, he should have been more careful.” said the Bear and the Tiger at the same time.”

“Yes, but I broke his foot, and he was out of work for weeks.  He howled to everyone that would listen, that I was mean and I stepped on him deliberately. He told the story over and over until he convinced the other workers it was true. Now, no one will come near me. No one washes me or talks to me anymore.  My food is pushed in, and the keepers run away when I approach them. I am so lonesome.” She said, tears streaming down her face. 

“We are so sorry, but we came to visit you, and if you want, we will take you with us to visit the other animals.”  Said Ning, barely holding back the tears herself seeing the Elephant so sad.

Ella put her head up and roared through her trunk, “Really! Yahoo!” And she began to dance around, which made the visitors scurry out of her way. When she realized she was stepping all over them before they could run for cover, she stopped and lowered her head, saying, “I am so sorry, I just got so excited, I lost control.”

“No harm was done, we are okay.  You didn’t hurt us, even though you stepped on us.” Said Dog.

“Really? How come?”

“We are here, but we are not here.  We are all Sleep Travelers.  By the way, so are you.  Just look over there.  Do you see yourself laying down sleeping.” Said Dog.

Ella looked in the direction he indicated, and there she was softly snoring. “But how can that be?” How can I be in two places at the same time?”

“It will take too long to explain it all to you, for now,  just take my word that we are all sleeping, and having an adventure, and if you believe, you can come with us and meet the other Zoo animals too!”

“Mr. Dog, I don’t care how it is done, I just know I am FREE! I love it, and all of you, too!”

Miss Dawnie, spoke up and said, “Miss elephant I would like to name you Ella if you don’t mind.”

“I like having a name. Thanks.” And to herself, she said, “Ella Elephant, I like it.”

Dawnie looked up at Ella and shyly said, “I have always wanted to ride on elephants back. Would you  mind letting me ride on yours?” Boss and Ning echoed with nods.   

“I would be happy to give all three of you a ride.”  She tucked her front legs under her body and lowered her head to the ground and using her trunk allowed them to climb up on her back, helping Dawnie more than the cat and bird, who walked right up her trunk. It was a sight to see, a bird, cat and a little girl in pajamas on Ella’s back.  Ella said the cat and bird’s feet tickled her a little, but she liked it.

Once they were aboard, Ella said, “You know where I would like to go? I have heard about the Hippopotamus and would love to see them.”

“For you Ella,” Dog said closing his eyes, and with everyone following his lead, suddenly they were standing beside the Hippopotamus pool.

The Story of Ning, Dog, and Boss Book 1

By Brenda Colbath

Hello, friends! Today I want to introduce you to my book titled

Sleep Travelers  Book 1 The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss

This book will be featured at the LA Times Book Festival on the campus of UCLA. On April 22-23. I plan to read one chapter daily of this book and when finished, a chapter a day of the sequel called Sleep Travelers Book 2, The Amusement Park.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged. They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong. They conquer the world and do anything and everything. The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder! It is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood. This is the story of a young girl named Dawnie, who will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Chapter 5 Bears and Tigers Oh My! 

In the blink of an eye, all 5 of them stood in front of the mighty Bengal Tiger’s cage, which wasn’t a cage at all, but a large thick glass and bar enclosure. It was designed so the public could observe the Tigers in a more natural habitat. 

The group looked around in amazement seeing the many trees and the large pool in the middle and were excited to spot several colorful Bengal Tigers.  One was lying on a large low branch of the biggest tree.  He was snoring softly but feeling the whoosh of air when the group appeared, opened his eyes, looking surprised. His asleep-self jumped down from the tree branch and ambled towards the intruders.   

When he realized that his visitors were inside his cage, not outside like tourists should be, his eyes grew wide. He walked around the group licking his lips, looking them up and down.  It appeared he was sizing them up trying to decide which one he would eat first.  He didn’t want to eat them, he wanted to scare them away before anyone saw them in his cage.

Dawnie stepped forward and said, “Hello Mister Tiger, I am happy to meet you.  My name is Dawnie,” and pointing to each one of her friends gave their names.  To say he was startled to have a tiny girl child greet him unafraid would be an understatement. He stood still staring at this brave girl walking right up to him and talking to him like they were friends.  He looked around hoping none of the Rangers were near.  He decided he liked her.  

“My name is Tigger.” He said his eyes downcast.

At the giggle from Dawnie, he growled, “It is a name the keepers gave me, and it’s not funny.”

“Oh! But Mister Tiger, it’s a perfectly wonderful name, you share a name with a famous Tiger.  Books have been written about him. We are very pleased to meet you Tigger.”

“Yeah, thanks.”  He said, not sounding very happy about it. “By the way, what are you doing INSIDE my cage?” He growled the word “inside.”

“We came to visit and play with all the animals.”

“That’s nice, but how did you get inside?” And looking at Blackie, he said, “I heard that you Black Bears are strong, but, how did you get out of your cage? And what are you doing here? ”

“My friends took me with them.  Look, Tigger, all we have to do is “think, ”and we can go anywhere we want to.  Want to come with us to see the Elephants?”

“Can I?” His eyes grew wide, and a real smile replaced the hungry look as he glanced back at the tree and saw himself still sleeping. “I have been here forever, and many people pound on the glass or throw horrible food at me.  Without any of those awful people in the Zoo, present company not excluded, of course, it would be fun.”

“My life hasn’t been easy, a few months ago a naughty kid climbed over the old fence and wanted me to give him a ride on my back!  Can you imagine that? I tried to get away from the little bugger, but he was fast.  Before I could hide in the tree, three Rangers rushed in with guns, and they shot me! I slept for a whole day.  It was not my fault. Why didn’t they shoot him? I didn’t bother him, he was annoying me!”

At this statement, the others laughed but agreed with him.  This calmed him down a bit, and he said, “That won’t happen again, my cage is much taller now.  I feel safer from the gawking public, and most of the time I try to ignore them.”  He said with a big sigh, then pushed himself up to his full height, which made him larger than Dog but smaller than Blackie, said, “ Let’s go, I can’t wait to get out of here.”

They all closed their eyes and poof, they found themselves face to face with a sad looking elephant.

The story of Ning, Dog, & Boss

Book 1 by Brenda Colbath

Good Morning, friends. Today I present Chapter 4 of one of my favorite books. This book is one of the featured books at the LA Times Book Festival at UCLA on April 22 and 23rd. It will also be added to my podcasts soon.

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged.  They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong.  They conquer the world and do anything and everything.  The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder; it is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood.  This is the beginning of the story of a young girl that will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Chapter 4. The adventure begins

Ning opened her eyes first, followed by Boss; they all saw the big sign proclaiming “Wonderland Zoo.”

“Whee, this is wonderful; we are here!” Dawnie squealed.  Throwing her arms around Dog’s neck, hugging him.

“This is great, but have you thought of how we are going to get inside?  In case you didn’t notice, the gate is locked.”  The snarky voice came from Ning.

“No problem; we got here by thinking this is where we wanted to go. All together now, think, “We want to go inside.”

“Right,” said Ning and Boss, both sounding snarky. But they played along and closed their eyes, and before they knew it, they were standing alongside their new friends inside the Zoo. 

Ning’s back arched with her tail shot straight up, walking up close to Dog, staring him right in the face, “You tell me the truth! Are sure we are still back in our beds sleeping and not getting up close and personal with wild animals?”

Dog lowered his head, so he was looking right into Ning’s eyes, “Ning, I know you haven’t known me very long, but I would never let anything happen to my sweet Dawnie! Even though her parents don’t believe I am real, they trust their precious child with me or the concept they have of me. I promise I will protect all of you with my life.” Dog continued looking at his new friends with a sincere look on his face.

Little Dawnie broke the tension by saying, “What are we waiting for? Let’s go! I want to see the Bears first! Don’t you think it will be fun walking  through the Zoo, not “thinking” everywhere we want to go?” An excited Dawnie exclaimed.

Dog explained to the startled Boss and Ning, “Since we are in a sleep state, we won’t be using the energy of our bodies. We can walk or run all night and not  tire.”

“This will be fun, we’ll all walk hand in hand,” said an excited Dawnie.

“Uh, sweetie, have you noticed that you are the only one with hands?” Boss retorted.

“Oh goodness, I forgot! I was thinking we are all friends and it seemed natural.  Oh well, we’ll just walk together.”

Ning and Boss couldn’t help smiling. If the Zoo had been open, the group would have made an interesting site: A Huge shaggy dog, a little girl in with padded foot pajamas, a lovely Siamese cat, and an African Gray Parrot walking side by side looking in the cages for animals. 

“The animals appear to be asleep,” Ning suggested.  “Maybe visiting them in the daytime would be a better idea.”

“But, I don’t take naps during the day anymore,” pleaded Dawnie. 

“Don’t you worry, Dawnie, “We will just wake them up.” Dog said.

“They won’t be mad at us, will they?”

“Many of the big animals sleep in the heat of the day and probably are in their dens, we just have to let them know we are here and want to talk to them.” Said  Dog.  He closed his eyes, “thinking” his way through the enclosure of the Black Bears and walked to the cave entrance.  Speaking in a friendly voice, he asked, “Hello, is anybody home? My friends and I came to visit. Would you like some company?”

A roar answered him, and for several minutes he waited to see if the bear would charge or invite him in. Finally, a large Black Bear sauntered out of the cave, walked around Dog, eying him and up down. He turned his attention to the others huddled next to the bars for a closer look. 

For a few tense minutes, everyone stood motionless until the bear started chuckling and motioned with his big clawed paw, “Aww, come on in, I won’t bite you. A visit would be fun, it gets lonely here at night after a day of noisy people staring at us, expecting us to entertain them.  Boring!”

Dog introduced his friends and learned his new friend’s name is Blackie.

“I know Blackie isn’t very original, but what do you expect? I was born in captivity, and as soon as I was introduced to the public, everyone started shouting, “Blackie, Blackie” at me; the name stuck.  They expected me to do tricks for them. Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, I don’t do tricks.” Blackie said sitting on his haunches leaning down to look them in the eye.

“We don’t expect or want you to do tricks, we would like to visit and get to know you. We can’t-do any tricks, either.” Said Dog.

“I don’t know, that trick of yours of going through the bars is pretty neat! Care to teach me that one?”

“It isn’t something we can teach, it is just something we do when we are asleep in our beds. You see, we aren’t really here in the flesh.”

“But, I see you, and I can touch you,” Blackie said putting his giant paw on the dog’s hind end lightly pushing him ahead several feet, knocking him end over end. Blackie dropped to the ground and began to roll back and forth laughing at the look on Dog’s face as he righted himself.  Ning, Dawnie, and Boss laughed too!

Finally getting up Blackie said, “Come on into my den. I am kept supplied with more food than I can eat, help yourselves.” Motioning to the tray of vegetables. 

The group looked around the large rock enclosure with several rock ledges and observed that Blackie’s family sound asleep. Blackie and the group noticed that Blackie was indeed asleep in his bed. The Blackie they were talking to was the  “asleep Blackie.”

Dawnie proudly proclaimed, “We are going to go visit all the animals.”

“Gee, that sure sounds like fun, I’ve never been out of this cage.”

“Hey Blackie, all you have to do is “think” about going, and you can come with us to visit the other animals,” said Dawnie.

“Could I really?” Blackie asked, thrilled to get out of his cage and go visiting.

“Sure, all we have to do is “think” where we want to go and “Shazam” we appear there, and we will take you with us.”

“Darn, you mean I can go anywhere I want to by myself?”

“I don’t know if you can go by yourself, but this is our dream, and we can take you with us.” Said Dog.

“Alrighty, then, let’s go.  Where are you going next?”

Dawnie spoke up, “I want to see the tigers.”

“Okay everybody, close your eyes and think “Tigers.” Said Dog, hoping that Blackie would be with them when they arrived at the Tiger’s cage.

The Story of Ning, Dog, & Boss Book 1

by Brenda Colbath

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged.  They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong.  They conquer the world and do anything and everything.  The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder; it is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood.  This is the beginning of the story of a young girl that will never lose that childhood wonder. 

Today we will read Chapter 3, which will become a podcast soon. So come along, and let’s go play and talk to the Animals!

Chapter 3 Bedtime for Dawnzella aka “Little Dawnie”

Little Dawnzella, or Dawnie to her parents and Dog, finished her play time in a warm bubble bath with several of her many toys.  Mother carefully lifted her out of the tub, wrapped in a large, thirsty towel, carried Dawnie to her to bed.  She gently dried her and applied sweet smelling lotion to her tender skin.  When she was snuggled in her adorable footed pajamas with teddy bears frolicking in trees, hugging her huge soft dog, she crawled between the covers of her sweet smelling bed.

Mother always sprinkled her sheets with “magic powder” to hasten sleep.  She loved listening to Mother or Father read stories until the magic powder lulled her to sleep dreaming of fun adventures with her friend, Dog.

Dawnie being an only child was indulged and encouraged to have fantasy adventures with her friend Dog. Of course, they couldn’t see him, but they knew Dawnie needed imaginary playmates to keep her company.  Mother and Father were pleased that she was a happy little girl with an active imagination.   

As she drifted off to sleep, she mumbled something about visiting the Zoo and playing with many animals which made Mother smile.  Dawnie longed to play with the animals not separated by bars.  No sooner had her eyes closed in a deep sleep, she immediately opened them lying next to Dog, leaving herself and her toy dog home in her bed.

She looked around Dog’s digs and was pleased to see a beautiful Siamese cat and a large gray bird with a beautiful red tail, sleeping across from Dog.  She remembered Father reading to her about birds and recognized this one as an African Gray Parrot.  Rubbing her eyes, she poked Dog saying, “Hey Dog, you have company tonight.  Do you think your friends will want to go to the Zoo?

“Dawnie, I don’t know, perhaps we should ask

them.  Let me introduce you to Ning and Boss.” Dog said as his guests sat up leaving their sleeping selves behind.  They were a little surprised to see a young girl leaning against Dog.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ning and Boss.” She said smiling. Then she clapped her hands saying, “Now that everyone is awake, tonight, would you like to visit the Zoo?”

 “Young Lady, the Zoo is closed at night so the animals can rest.” Said Boss.

“Nonsense, the animals are waiting for us to come visit.” She turned to Dog saying, “Aren’t they, Dog?”

Ning and Boss looked at each other and waited for Dog to explain how this little girl in pajamas could be here in his digs in the middle of the night and how they were going to get into a locked Zoo.

Dog chuckled as he stood, “Sure Dawnie, we can do anything we want, anytime we are asleep, and if you want to go to the Zoo and visit the animals, that’s what we will do!”

“We are NOT asleep!” Retorted Ning, stamping her foot, which didn’t make a sound.  

“Really? Look over in the corner.  Can you see that beautiful cat and the bird snoring?” Dog said.

“First of all, I do not snore, and we can’t be in two places at the same time.”  She snorted, refusing to believe her eyes, even though she could plainly see herself and Boss still sleeping in their beds. However, she was pleased he thought she was beautiful.

“Remember, I told you that you only have to want to have fun; you can do anything.  If you want to come along, to see and play with the Zoo animals, you can, or you can stay here and sleep.”

Dawnie was standing next to Dog, gently tapping her foot on the leaf floor, waiting for them to make up their minds.  Boss nudged Ning a little, “Come on Ning, it might be fun.”

Ning thought for a few minutes and threw up her paws, as far as a cat can and said, “Okay, I’m in, let’s get this show on the road.” Suddenly a look of confusion passed over her face as she said, “How will we get there? The Zoo is miles from here.  We can’t exactly call Uber.” She said with a smirk on her face.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered, haven’t we Dog?” Dawnie replied clapping her hands and hopping up and down.

“Absolutely!” he said, with a big smile on his face.

Boss felt that Dog was looking right at him.  He started backing up, his feathers beginning to fluff out around his neck and body, saying, “Guys, In case you haven’t noticed, I am not a Gryffindor nor a Phoenix, so get the idea of me flying all three of you on my back right out of your minds!”  

Dog and Dawnie burst out laughing, while Ning stood smirking, picturing the scenes in Harry Potter;  Boss not so much.

“Dog, you had better tell them about our adventures, Boss looks like he is about ready to back out.”

“Guys, it is really quite simple, all we have to do is “think” about where we want to go and “Poof” we will be there.  Coming back to our bodies works the same way.  We just “think” about home again and we will be back here.  My only caution is: Be careful what you think about because everything you think of in your “Dreamer State,” actually happens.”  

“You mean if we believe that a Lion is eating us, it could actually happen?” Ning said with a stricken look on her face.  Boss started backing up again.  

“Not exactly!” If that happened, the second its jaws clamped on you, you’d wake up back in my digs, uninjured.  Silently he thought, “I think!  Nothing like that has ever happened before, so we don’t know for certain.”  He continued out loud, “When we decide it is time to go home, we just think “home” and next thing we know we are in our beds, safe and sound.”

“Oh, yes,” said Dawnie, “It is all good fun.  Come on let’s get going, I want to see the bears, elephants, and tigers!” 

“Okay, everyone, close your eyes and think “Zoo” and in the blink of an eye we will be there.”

The story of Ning, Dog, & Boss Book 1

Good Morning my friends, let’s continue to share the adventures of “Little Dawnie” and her friends as they meet new friends and have fun! Look for the chapters on my podcasts! Sleep Travelers book will be one of the featured books at the LA Times Book Festival at UCLA!

Chapter 2 Dogs Digs

“Now that my belly is almost full, a bath and rest are in order.” Dog said, pausing a few seconds, he continued, “If you have no place to crash, tonight, I invite you both to my digs by the river.” 

“We wouldn’t want to crowd you, after all, there are two of us,” Ning offered, “Although Boss sometimes prefers sleeping in a tree, so he can watch over me.”

“No problem, my digs will be big enough for all of us. Follow me and see for yourself. If you decide to stay or go, it’s your choice.”

The three possible new friends walked together until Boss decided flying would be easier.  He flew high enough to make sure Ning was safe.  She could take care of herself, but he knew she could be a little testy, and trouble should be her middle name.

Arriving at Dog’s “digs,” they were pleasantly surprised.  A tremendously tall fir tree stood a short distance from the edge of a meandering brook with several deep spots that Dog used for his baths.  He appeared anxious to jump in the swirling water to get the filth off his fur as, if truth be known, he also didn’t like being dirty.

Next to the base of the tree was an overgrowth of bushes that appeared to be woven tightly together to form a round dwelling. Covered with large leaves outside and inside making it snug and warm with an opening big enough for Dog to squeeze through.

Dog stood looking at them waiting for them to be impressed.  When they remained quiet, he was sure they were disappointed.  He hung his head a little saying, “Look, guys, I know it ain’t Buckingham Palace, but it stays dry when it rains, it’s close to water and big enough so we won’t get in each other’s way.” His eyes lit up when he continued, “And the best thing is, it’s not far from Miss Dawnzella’s house.”

“Dog, I am so sorry, I was surprised at the size, I honestly love it,” Ning said.  Boss standing close to the opening said, “Mr. Dog, this is quite nice, I would also enjoy a bath, and maybe catch a fish or two to share with you.   

“Hey, no need for the Mr. stuff, just call me Dog. I’d better hurry, the sun will be setting soon it can get quite chilly. Make yourselves at home, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”  He turned and ran to the river, jumping into the nearest pool, splashing and occasionally dipping his head under the water to clean his face and huge ears.   

Emerging dripping wet he walked a discrete distance from his “digs” and shook much of the water from his thick fur coat.  “I need to go for a run to dry off before I come inside.”

Ning and Boss watched him take off on a dead run and disappear from sight. Ning remarked to Boss, “He seems kinda nice, and he did offer us a safe place to sleep.”

“Yeah, he could have insisted on fighting over that salmon instead of sharing.  By the way, I happened to witness that fight he mentioned, and he is a scrapper. It would have been quite a match between you and him.”

“I would have won!” Ning bristled.

“Probably, but your beauty would have taken a beating.”

“He would have been the biggest opponent I have ever taken on, it would have been a challenge.  I am glad he decided to give in to my demands.”

Boss smiled, at the thought of that huge dog giving into Ning’s demands.  (Ning couldn’t see him smile,of course, birds don’t have lips, so any smiling was to himself.)

“Now that he is clean he doesn’t look half bad.  He certainly is big, but, has kind eyes peeking out of the fur that doesn’t quite fall over his face. The wavy gold and brown of his coat is quite handsome.”

“Let’s check  out his ‘digs’ after all,  he did invite

us.” Said Boss.

They walked through the opening and looking around, were surprised at how big it was.  The large leaves would indeed keep them warm and dry.  They staked out two spots on the far side from where they were confident Dog slept.  Ning found several large leaves and between her and Boss positioned them to make a soft bed.

As soon as Boss was sure Ning was happy and comfortable, he left for a quick swim and a short flight to dry himself. When he returned, Dog was back, curled up ready to sleep, and Ning had settled down on her bed.  Everyone said goodnight.

Stay tuned for Chapter 3 soon!

The story of Ning, Dog, & Boss Book 1 by Brenda Colbath

Good Morning, Friends; I hope you are having a good day. I would like to introduce you to some friends of my Dawta in my Children’s Book.

This book has been a Labor of Love.  Dawnzella is my Dawta and my firstborn and holds a special place in my heart.  She is my Rock; she picks me up when I fall on my face and kicks me in the butt when it is needed. 

She is the lonely little girl this story is about.  Most children have one imaginary playmate; my Dawta had three.  She spent many hours playing with them, having imaginary adventures on our Sun Porch in Fairfield, Maine.  

She does not remember what they were, she remembers their names: Ning, Dog, and Boss, and they were her imaginary playmates; after all, she was three years old. 

My imagination created this version to fit my concept of what they might have been.  When Dawnzella was little, we did have a Siamese cat, and as an adult, she fostered an African Gray Parrot.  There is always some truth in fiction, so it is possible her fellow adventurers were a Dog, a Cat, and a Parrot.  

I thank her for allowing me to delve into her precious childhood memories and share them and for editing and proofreading.  

Also, my thanks and admiration go to my faithful husband, Shirl, portrayed as Ranger Shirl in this book.  He also does my covers, edits, and proofreads, too.  He never tries to bring me “down to earth” with my crazy ideas for books.  His encouragement is what keeps me going.  

I value the encouragement of my entire “family unit,” which includes Jazz, our talented Grandchild, and our Son Christopher, without whose love and encouragement I would never write another word.  I Love You More!  

I wanted to introduce you to this book, so keep reading and read the first chapter! Be sure to watch for my reading of that chapter and more on Spotify podcasts. It will be one of the featured books at the LA Times Book Festival at UCLA on April 22 and 23rd.

Prologue:

A child’s imagination is a wonderful thing and must be encouraged.  They vividly imagine being the Captain of their Pirate ship, the hero of their adventure, handsome, beautiful, brilliant, and strong.  They conquer the world and do anything and everything.  The lucky ones keep that childhood wonder; it is so sad many adults lose it on the long bumpy road to adulthood.  This is the beginning of the story of a young girl that will never lose that childhood wonder.  

Her adventure begins when she goes to sleep!  Dog and Dawnzella (Dawnie) take her new friends Ning and Boss on their adventure visiting the animals at the Zoo.  

Come along and meet Ning and Boss as they hopefully become friends with Dog and our heroine and learn what it is like for the animals to live in captivity. 

Chapter 1 The Meeting

Ning strolled regally along the sidewalk, head and tail held high like the queen, she imagined herself to be.  Her dark brown face highlighted her luminous blue eyes that moved from side to side, missing nothing.  Dark brown pointed ears stood at attention, hearing every sound.  Pride of her perfect Siamese coloring, trim body, and delicate beige feet was evident as Ning kept her ears, face, tail, and glorious silver fur spotless.  The only thing missing was a jewel-encrusted gold crown. 

This day her well-tuned nose detected her favorite food: Salmon!  Her empty belly beckoned her to dispel with her regal march; instead, hastened toward her intended feast.  Nearing her heart’s desire, her ears shot forward, detecting the odorous scent of a dawg (that’s how she pronounced dog).  Ugh!  Ning had no desire to come in contact with a common dawg, but the anticipation of a delectable salmon feast spurred her onward to her goal.  

She rounded a corner, nearly bumping into the face of an enormous shaggy dawg that smelled like he had not been in contact with water for a long time. 

It had been several days since Ning had been lucky enough to find anything that suited her sophisticated taste buds; if necessary, she would fight for her dinner, but that would be her second choice.

Her back arched high, her tail shot straight up, and looking down her nose, she spit out, “Exactly, what are you are doing?  This is my Salmon!”  She lifted her paw in an attempt to shoo him away.  “Dawgs have no taste and will eat anything, so go find something to fill your stomach and leave this meal to someone who will appreciate its delicious flavor.”  

“Whoa there, little kitty, wait just a minute!  Perhaps you didn’t notice, I got here first, and I am bigger than you.  Why don’t you run along and find something else to eat?  This filleted half a salmon will just about fill my empty belly.”  The dog said, baring his large teeth in what looked like a big smile.  However, it was evident he was not smiling.

“I can see that you have fallen on hard times by

the look of your matted, filthy coat, but I need sustenance, and this salmon will do nicely.”  She hissed as she arched her back higher, baring her sharp teeth.  

“Look, you seem like a sweet little kitty; tell you what, how about I share my dinner with you?”  With a sigh, he sat back on his haunches showing her he didn’t want to fight.

“Share?”  Ning said cocking her head to one side; thinking it over, she decided that winning a battle with this huge beast would surely ruin her beautiful coat, and she detested getting dirty.  In any event, she knew no matter how famished she was; her tiny belly could only hold a small amount of food.  

“Yeah, share!  You do know how to share, don’t you?”  He said, getting a little impatient, lowering his head, looking her straight in the eye.  

“Of course I do.  How about this?  I will start eating at this end; you start at the other.  But don’t gulp it all down at once before I get my portion.”  

“Tell you what, my dear, why don’t you eat what you want first?  I will take my turn after you are full.  How does that sound?” 

“That is very generous of you, sir.  Thank you,” Ning said, her hackles now relaxed as she crouched down and proceeded to daintily eat from the tail until she was satisfied.  Moving back and sitting down, she proceeded to start cleaning her paws and face as she watched Dawg eat his portion of the salmon, which was the rest of it.  Ning was a little surprised that he didn’t gulp it down like most dawgs would.  She had her face and paws spotless by the time he finished.

The dog sat back, licking his face and looking at this beautiful cat, pleased with himself for negotiating this arrangement. 

“Hello Kitty, by the way, my friends call me Dog.”  Bowing like a gentleman, he continued, “Whom do I have the pleasure of dining with?” 

“My friends call me Ning.”  She said, a little surprised at the reference to “friend.”  

“Ning, tell me the truth, would you have fought me for the salmon?” 

“My belly was growling; fighting was not my first choice; getting dirty and/or injured would be painful, even though I would win,”  Ning said, sitting up straight and lifting her chin a little higher.  

“I can see that you take pride in your appearance.  It is hard to tell right now, but I do too.  Tangling with a determined wolf over possession of my digs, even though I was the victor, left me in this disgusting condition.  The need for food outweighed my desire for cleanliness, but a long swim in the river will take care of that, and maybe my friend Dawnzella will brush me.” 

“What’s a Dawnzella?”  

“She is a little girl that loves me, and we have adventures together.”  

“Uh, you take a little girl on adventures?”  

“Yeah, her parents think I am her imaginary playmate.  When she is asleep, we have fun adventures together.”  

“Does she know you are real?” 

“I am only real to her when she is asleep; when she is awake, I am her imaginary playmate.  Her parents are aware of me as her imaginary playmate but unaware of our adventures when Dawnie is asleep.  As a matter of fact, only she can see me, awake or asleep.” 

“I don’t understand.  If I can see you, and Dawnie can see you, why can’t Dawnie’s parents see you too?”  

“You don’t have to understand; you just have to believe and want to come along and have fun.” 

“My friend Boss and I have many adventures together, too.  As a matter of fact,” she said, looking up, “He is probably perched high in a tree somewhere, watching over me, making sure I don’t get hurt or in trouble.” 

“Tell him to come on down.  I would like to

meet your “Boss.”  I am having a hard time thinking of

you allowing anyone to be your Boss.”  Dog looked up too, and this time Ning was pretty sure that he was smiling.  

“He is NOT my boss; his name is Boss!”  She said, stomping her delicate foot.  

About that time, the sound of small branches cracking and air moving violently above his head startled Dog, and he couldn’t help stepping back a little when a large gray bird with red tail feathers landed between him and Ning,  “Hi, what’s up?”  He said.  

Ning couldn’t help it; she laughed at the startled look on Dog’s face as he jumped back at the sudden appearance of swiftly moving gray wings in front of his face. 

Boss landed and walked closer to Dog cocking his head to the side and looking at him with his large beady eyes.  He turned to Ning and said,  “Ning, is this brute bothering you?  Want me to pluck his eyes out?”  

If Ning could have brought herself to roll on the ground laughing, she would have, seeing the look on Dog’s face.  

Finally regaining his senses, Dog said, “You must be Boss.  Pleased to meet you.”  Although inside his head, he was thinking, “I am not sure I am pleased.  I will make that decision after I get to know you.” 

by Brenda Colbath

Prologue:

Imagine if you will, waking up in the Ladies Restroom stall wrapped in a musty blanket, on I-5 in Southern Oregon.  You are wearing ragged jeans, flip-flops, a big red t-shirt with a smiley face on the front.  You have no memory of how you got there or who you are. 

You sometimes have flashes of being in a white nightgown, and a beach.

You don’t know where you are going, or where you have been.  Your body continues walking south, always south.  The day’s blend into each other, until after three days without food, you finally have to beg.  You ask for a meal in exchange for work at a Truck Stop.  A nasty cashier tells you they don’t give handouts to homeless people, and screams at you to get out.

Humiliated, head down walking for the exit, you get smacked in the face with the door. 

Getting hit in the head is the best thing that happens to you in months.  It could turn out to be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Chapter 1  Wake up and smell the Roses.

My eyes open slowly, and I see the gray ceiling and concrete walls surrounding me.  Where am I?  How did I get here?  Slowly consciousness creeps into my brain, my body and the memory of having spent another night wrapped in a musty old blanket comes into focus.  My weary body drags itself to an upright position.  Looking around my makeshift camp, in the Woman’s Restroom in a rest area on I-5 dawns on my mind.  Camping the night in the handicapped stall is my choice; it’s the biggest and farthest from the door; it makes me feel a little safer even though the door is not locked.

My body yearns for a long hot shower, hot breakfast, and clean clothes; but that comfort can only be recalled from dreams.  Showers only happen when it rains, and they are cold.   A hot shower is only available in my dreams, my body shudders through another frigid cleansing in the tiny metal sink.  With disdain, I pump the vile green soap to cleanse my skin, which I am sure will never be the same.  My shoulder length red hair looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket.  I rinse until my head is nearly frozen and it doesn’t help.  

My need to be clean overrides my desire to look and feel human and pretty.  That desire has been shoved roughly into the past I can’t remember.  I dry my body and blot my hair on the soft brown paper towels and cringe at the damage they are doing.  I can’t remember having smooth skin and soft waves in my hair.  After some acrobatic maneuvering I semi-dry my Red curly hair with the hand dryer. After finger-combing my unruly hair into a ponytail held in place by my last elastic band, no point in looking in the sort of mirror.  Looking will only make me feel worse.

My outer clothes could use some washing in the small sink.  However, it is too cold now for then to totally dry hanging over the stall.  The thought of putting wet or damp clothes on my body sends shivers

down my spine.  Drying them using the hand dryer would be possible, but time is prohibitive. Moving on appears to be my only option.

The face that looks back at me in the crappy mirror is not a teenager, nor is she old.  There are a few tiny lines around her eyes when she smiles, but there is nothing to smile about these days.  The once oval shape now looks gaunt, with dark circles under the Greenish Brown eyes.  That stark face resembles no one, and that is who I am… No one. 

It feels like I have been walking down this road forever.  I am having trouble putting times together: my recollection of when and where I have been comes and goes.  What happened before waking up in the first stall is a frightening blank slate.  Daydreaming of what my past could have been is giving me something to think about mechanically placing one foot in front of the other. 

Once, in my daydreams, a curtain in my mind suddenly opened.  I saw a tall, sandy-haired man.  He is calling me and knows me, but I do not recognize him.  I feel like I should know that face.  Unfortunately, no sound comes through the curtain, and I strain to hear what he is saying.  As fast as it opens, the curtain slams shut and no matter how hard I concentrate,  it will not open.  It remains locked.  The whole curtain vision thing is frightening and at the same time comforting hopefully someone is looking for me.

My grumbling stomach starts demanding food; I choke down the last of my stale bread.  I clean out my small jar of peanut butter and wash it down with water from the sink.  I use my finger to get the last little bit out of the jar; wish my tongue is long enough to lick it clean.  Peanut butter is protein and bread; even stale is grain.  Wonder if I was a health nut in my former life?  I try to drink as much water as I can from the fountain; I don’t have a bottle to fill for my daily trek. 

Life is strange, just when I feel lost, and alone my luck changes.  I find a discarded water bottle, after rinsing it out, fill it from the fountain, I feel better about the day ahead.  Yeah, I know it isn’t sanitary to use a discarded water bottle.  Not a lot about my life that I can remember is sanitary.  One thing I learned the hard way, make-do with what you have, at least that is my new motto. 

Walking all day on my sore feet in worn out flip-flops is not a fun excursion.  Dressed in a pair of ragged jeans, a large faded red T-shirt with a big yellow Smiley Face on the front is not a fashion statement.  It beats the hell out of what I was wearing when I was dropped off on a beach in Oregon.  The feeling of kindness lingers in my memory, and I vaguely recall someone speaking a language I did not understand or recognize.  I remember being from a dinghy in my nightgown wrapped in an old blanket. 

 My memory seems to come and go; some days I can remember the beach and some days I can only remember waking up in the restroom stall.

 Suddenly it starts to rain hard and soaks me to my skin in a few minutes.  It’s amazing that it can be raining, and the Sun is peeking out from behind the clouds.  I start looking for shelter until it stops raining if it is going to stop today.  Damn, my stomach is growling again or is it still?  Lately, I am unable to scrounge enough to satisfy its always demanding needs.  As I walk my mind starts to daydream about a blazing fire, soft blankets, huge comfy overstuffed chair, and a good book.  I can almost smell the hot chocolate and taste soft sugar cookies with white icing and colored sprinkles.

 Suddenly I realize that I can smell the coffee, hot chocolate, and sweets.  This rest area has a booth in an open area next to the restrooms.  It is a small square building with a large door that is pulled up and braced with two posts, making the door a shelter from the rain, thankfully.  My body is drawn toward the smell, and soon I am standing in front of the window.  A woman with a kind face is saying something to me.  I am so hungry, tired, and nervous that I have to ask her to repeat it twice.  “Hello, there, you look hungry.  Have a nice big cup of hot chocolate and a couple of cookies, or donuts.”  says the sweet lady.  The sign says a donation is appreciated, but of course, my pockets are empty. 

I smile as I peruse the goodies.  The minute the woman turns her back my hand snakes out, and snatches as many cookies and donuts as can be stuffed into the plastic bag, I’m hiding.  When she turns around again, I accept the large cup of hot chocolate.  I thank her and scurry off to eat.  I think she knows what I did but feels sorry for me.  Why wouldn’t she?  I must look a fright, soaking wet in filthy clothes.  

One of my better judgment calls is to spend the night right here in yet another handicapped bathroom stall.  Making myself at home, I take huge handfuls of paper towels in the stall.  After stripping off my clothes and drying my body, I wring them out and hang them over the stall hoping they will dry by morning.  Confiscating nearly all of the paper towels makes a pad on my blanket hoping to keep the dampness from soaking through.  I drink my hot chocolate right away to warm my insides and eat about half of my donuts and cookies. My belly is full, and the hot chocolate has warmed my insides.  I lean back against the wall to relax for a minute or two; the next thing I know, its morning.  My body is curled in a ball with the blanket over me.  Guess the wet/cold blanket was better than nothing.  

I discover I am in southern Oregon approaching the mountains that separate Oregon from Northern California.  The maps in the rest area are helpful; finding out where I am is good and not good at the same time.  The need to travel south to escape the freezing weather is becoming more pressing.  The thought of walking over Grants Pass and the Siskiyou mountains in freezing weather; the possibility of snow is not a comforting thought.  I fondly look at the Pop and Candy machines, but those goodies are not on my menu today.  I have eaten my free goodies, and as I said my pockets are empty.

The rain has let up, and my plan is to walk throughout the day.  I notice that the snack building is open again this morning.  I get another big Styrofoam cup of hot chocolate, and the sweet lady makes me take a whole bag of goodies, guess I didn’t fool her last night.  With the help of the hand dryer, my clothes are nearly dry.  I stop feeling the cold as the hot drink warms me from the inside out.  I walk fast on my worn out flip-flops, ignoring the pain even though my poor feet are begging for sneakers.  My stomach continues to growl loud I sound like a wild animal after munching most of the cookies.  Gritting my teeth my mind is resolved to leave the half dozen donuts for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow in case I can’t scrounge anything else.

Begging is out of the question, however, sometimes strangers give me a dollar or two or a bottle of water.  When that happens, I hit the vending machines and get goodies to quiet my always ravenous

stomach.  After a short rest, my body continues my never ending trek.  To where I do not know, I feel the need to go south.

I have shied away from people unless I am so hungry that my stomach overrides my fear.  I do not know what makes me afraid.  People have offered to give me a ride; therein lies the rub.  How can they drive me somewhere when I don’t know where I am going and not at all sure where I have been.  Hell, most of the time, my mind can’t recall how I got from the beach to the first Ladies bathroom stall.  There are memories of waking up naked under tons of blankets in a strange beach house and the next instant I am in a restroom stall.  My mind plays tricks on me and causes panic to set in when that happens.  For a few days, there haven’t been any lapses, least any that I can remember, but how would I know?

by Brenda Colbath

This book is dedicated to my Husband, Shirl for reading and re-reading this Sexy Si/Fi book again and again after each re-writing. He took my ideas of what I wanted for a cover and produced a finished product by learning Gimp.

To my Dawta, Dawnzella for her editing skills, even though she had to read the sexy stuff with her eyes closed. She said it wasn’t easy reading sexy stuff that her Mother wrote. I don’t know why she is complaining, her Dad listened to me read it out loud.

Most readers don’t know this, but writers want to know that you liked reading their books. If you liked this book or one of my other books, be kind and go to Amazon.com and leave me a review. If you would like to know when my next book is due to be published, email me at hotshower@colbath.net. 

Prologue:

Think for a minute, and try to imagine being immortal? Living long after your friends and lovers are gone? Would you look at life differently or would you be immune to feelings of regret?

Will Marissa forgive sexy Dr. Carl Sanderson and housekeeper Francesca Montenegro for trying to save her from herself? She can’t see the danger right under her nose.

What’s a girl to do when she is in lust; wants to stay young and beautiful forever? Marissa Mahoney is that girl! Unfortunately, keeping her in that condition could be fatal. This is a sexy romp through a “who’s fooling who” Sci/Fi fantasy.

Here is a small excerpt from the first chapter!

What’s a girl to do when she is in lust; wants to stay young and beautiful forever? Unfortunately for Marissa, keeping her body in that condition could be fatal. Dr. Sanderson’s exam rooms were bigger and more luxurious than most Doctors; Marissa was surprised to see soft beige carpet with deep padding had been installed since her last visit. “Has it been that long?” Marissa wondered as she hopped up on the deeply padded exam table; covered with a white linen cover. Dr. Sanderson would never subject his patients to those stiff paper covers that inevitably stuck to your most vulnerable body part. His practice was small by choice, he enjoyed other pursuits, martial arts, snow, and water skiing. Being the head of RAFT (Regenerist’s are people too) required much of his time. He spent two months every winter usually December and January attending to the business of the SAROS (South American Regenerist’s Organization Spa) checking the health of the workers; relaxing in his luxurious private suite.

“Hi, Carl, how have you been?” She said, hopping down from the table, her gown, slipping off one shoulder; barely clinging to the other, “It has been too long since we have had any time to together; I’ve missed you. We must have dinner together soon.”  At his smile of agreement, she said, “How about this Sunday, say 8:00? Mario is planning dinner, and he is keeping the menu a huge surprise, you just have to come.” Snaking her arms around his neck her luscious lips caressed him until their caressing deepened; his arms tightened around her pulling her closer, enjoying the feel of her spectacular body through the short, thin gown. Enjoying their prolonged hug and kiss they nearly became lost in each other’s arms.

“Marissa, what must I do to make you realize that you cannot wait until the last minute to make preparations for your appointment at SAROS? You know very well that everyone must undergo a complete regeneration once our carbon dioxide level reaches a dangerous level, which is where you are now.

, “You have been neglecting your health. I will use the infuser today, but it can only bring you to a bare minimum level.” He said as he again stepped close and gently cupped her hands in his. “Marissa, darling, must I remind you that we are not native to this planet; our scientists discovered many years ago that none of its inhabitants are native. We chose to migrate here; they came from worlds in several other universes. These earthlings were brought here as a scientific experiment; when it failed, they were abandoned; left scattered across the planet to live or die; many evolved: many became extinct.”

Read the rest of the book to discover the “Who’s foolin’ Who” in this sexy romp through the immortals that just want to have fun and survive and the earthlings that don’t want those “things” in their world!

Maye West Mysteries Sequel to Murder on Lake Haverly

Alone in my office, my chin resting between cupped hands, my eyes closed, I was daydreaming about the good old days. After signing up for Real Estate School, my temporary Real Estate Permit clutched in my hot little hands, I showed up at my new office. My broker, Sam Jones, said, “There’s your desk; there’s your phone; get to work!”  Armed with that through training,  enthusiasm, and a desire to make money, I dove headfirst into the dog-eat-dog Real Estate business.

Real Estate was a “Man’s Profession.”  My three fellow agents assumed I would love to cook, clean the bathroom, and assume secretarial duties. They supplied a salmon for the “little woman” to cook. I said, “You guys are gonna get mighty hungry waiting for me to prepare your food; I am here to work just like you!” It went over like a lead balloon.

I might have had a few second thoughts after I learned what my new profession’s practice entailed. “I know what you’re thinking!”  The ‘Good old Days’ of Real Estate were a piece of cake, right?  

And it was! No cell phones, no lockboxes, no computer or MLS printouts! Want to show three houses to your client? No problem! Call three offices, reserve three keys, drive to three offices, pick up three keys, show three homes, take three keys back, and repeat day after day. The average commission was $300.00 to $800.00, and you worked your ass off to get one or two every month. Damn, it was fun, and I loved every minute of it! 

The contract was one legal page with carbons, which evolved into 9 pages, no carbons plus addendums and CYA (Cover your ass) forms.

Shaking myself awake, time to do something productive. The problem was; my personal production was as dry as the Arizona desert since my once-in-a-lifetime Lake Haverly sale closed escrow. You remember that one, don’t you? My company listed and sold the four properties surrounding a Shangri-La lake, locally known as Lake Haverly, to my clients from New York City. 

Ed (Fast Eddie) McGinley and I worked together, closing the Lake Haverly sale. His dry humor makes me laugh. To give you an example, Ed’s pain-in-the-ass client Mr. Willoby called Ed several times a day complaining about something wrong with his house. I heard Ed say, “Mr. Willoby, the inspection doesn’t cover every little thing. Ed reached his breaking point and said, “Mr. Willoby, it’s a UFO!”  After a short pause,  he said, “You fucking own it!”  He hung up the phone, and I fell off my chair, laughing!

James Crandall was our resident hothead client, challenging our patience with the Lake Haverly transaction. He was also Frank Singleton’s and Coroner George Green’s biggest headache! James showed up to his memorial service alive, well, and mad as hell! When James’ long-lost son, John Kinney, showed up, James turned over a new leaf. 

My best girlfriend, Lavonne Hall, an interior decorator, hitched her wagon to mine and followed me from Washington State to Arizona. She uses my office for estimates and plays receptionist, answering the phones when needed. She decorated my office and once a year kidnaps me and takes me shopping for clothes. She has more taste in her little finger than I have in my whole body. When John Kinney and Lavonne met, they fell madly in love and are now planning a big wedding. I am happy for them, but he is going to take her to Texas: Dammit!

Sara MacLanahan, my second agent, is a kick-in-the-pants little ball of fire. It’s a miracle that she didn’t jump ship the first week! It hardly fazed her when she found her new client’s bloody bodies in her first listing! She re-listed the property with the relatives of her murdered clients. I could see a little of me in her.

Chapter 1. Go west young woman.

Maye West is my name, and Real Estate is my game.  If you are old enough, you will remember the real Mae West, a big Blonde potty-mouth bombshell.  You will be able to tell the difference between her and me.  At five ft. 4 ½ inches tall, Red Clairol # 44R hair; eyes that turn totally green if you piss me off.  Anyone that knows me will tell you that I go from Sweetheart to Bitch in 60 seconds.  I have to admit they are right.

After two snowstorms dumped 5 feet of snow on my sleepy little town in Corinna, Maine, I bugged out, and upon arriving in the small rain-soaked town of Montesano, Washington, I thought “what now?”  Real Estate seemed like a viable option; the only requirement; high school diploma or GED.  Because of some brilliant Bureaucratic Lunacy, I was allowed to start selling Real Estate with a Temporary Permit.  Eventually, I passed the Washington Real Estate Exam, which, by the way, was not rocket science, and I passed it on the first try.  All the hopefuls were allowed a pencil, ballpoint pen, one sheet of paper, no books, and no calculator.  A monitor circulated the room to make sure you weren’t cheating.  Two weeks later you received a postcard with an X showing that you passed or failed. 

I was thrilled to be hired by Smith & Smith Realty (the

the name has been changed to protect the guilty).  Sam Wiggins, the Broker, a short chubby guy with thinning brown hair and gray eyes behind large thick glasses, always sat at his computer two-finger typing and a cigarette dangling from his mouth.  He greeted me with the encouraging words, “There’s your desk, there’s your phone; get to work!  Nothing to this business, just fill in the blanks.”  When I asked, “What exactly do I put in the blanks?”  He said, “Just look in the Closed Files and copy what other Agents put in them.”

 “Right, This is gonna be fun.”

 Later in my career, I would learn just how bad that advice was; sales are never alike.  Sammy’s only other helpful words were, “Take a different route to work every day.  When you see a FISBO (For Sale by Owner) sign stop and ask if you can list the property.”  Armed with all that wisdom on my first day, I spotted a FISBO sign and pulled into the driveway in my blue VW bus.

 “Hey, it was what I had to drive.” 

I confidently knocked on the door.  An elderly man with a full head of pure white hair and big blue eyes, dressed in jeans and a not so white t-shirt, opened the door.  I said with a smile on my face, “I’m Maye West with Smith & Smith Realty, and I noticed your For Sale sign and  would like to talk to you about listing your property.”  He screamed “I hate Smith & Smith Realty.  They screwed me over on my last house, and I wouldn’t deal with them for all the rice in China.”  For the next half hour, he hollered at me while I stood there with my mouth hanging open.  Probably, seeing the look of horror on my face, he stopped screaming and started laughing and said: “Oh, what the hell, come on in, and we’ll talk.” 

The house had two small rooms that appeared to be in the final stages of being remodeled.  I would later learn, it was a “tearer-downer” rather than a “fixer upper.”  We chatted for about an hour, and before I knew it, he agreed to list with me. 

 “Hot Damn!” 

Now the fun began; I realized that I did not have a clue what to do next.  All those contracts that I was supposed to copy to fill in the blanks were all the way back at the office.

“Help, Mamma, come get your baby girl!”

Together we filled in the blanks with the aid of the gentleman that was getting an agreement to widen the road.  I shot back to the office lickety split to ask Sammy to look over the contract before I got the signature.  He hollered at me, and not for the last time in my short career with Smith & Smith Realty, “You did what?  Get your ass back out there and get that signature.”  When I insisted Sammy look over the contract, he quickly glanced at the paper and hollered, “It looks fine, now get the hell out and go get that damn signature.” 

“Why does everyone, holler at me?”

Not bad for my first day in Real Estate.  Sammy was thrilled because; I got a full 7 % commission.  Commissions are supposed to be negotiable.  However, that doesn’t mean all Realtors will negotiate, or their Brokers will be happy if their agents bring in lower percent listings.  I recall one Broker being pissed at me because I didn’t write an Agreement for Sale (private contract-no Banker) at 18% interest.  The usury was 12% in Washington, with some stiff penalties and jail time.  What pissed him off more was that knowing his greedy nature, I had both buyer and seller sign before he got his hands on it.  Once the contract had both the seller and buyers signatures, it was a deal, and he had to live unhappily with it.  Another shouting match and another short career with that Real Estate Company. BTW when you leave one broker, you can’t take your listings or sales with you.  He owns all of the listings and sales, not closed.  But early on I learned how to make the change at the right time; I had no listings on paper, and all my sales were closed, and the checks were in the bank.

Book 1: Murder on Lake Haverly

Can Maye West, an ethical, ambitious woman, survive the unscrupulous, dishonest, and incompetent Agents and Mortgage Brokers of the Real Estate profession? Women were not wanted or welcomed into that all-male club!

Maye West survived in spite of the dirty, underhanded “help” of her fellow realtors! When introduced to the crew, she was met with, “Great, we have a woman to cook for us. Not!”

One glorious day, she sold the deal of a lifetime! All the properties around Lake Haverly to a New York attorney and her wannabe writer husband. May and her best friend Eddie closed the deal. Before they could celebrate their victory, bodies started showing up in listings, impaled with cross-bow bolts, and in the much-loved Lake Haverly!

What’s a poor Realtor to do? Her lover Frank, a deputy with the Arizona Sheriff’s department, has his hands full, hunting the bad guys who are just lucky or damned smart!

I admit I was a Realtor for 30 years, and many events and characters are from real life! I changed the names to protect the guilty! I wrote this book the year I retired. If you knew me in Real Estate, you might recognize many Maye West traits, but the Sherrif’s deputy was fiction; my hubby of 62 years would not allow it.

I enjoyed this light-hearted murder mystery. The characters were quirky, fun, and some, even sassy. I look forward to more Maye West adventures. A good first novel by a new author…or as my Mom often says…it’s a start! DZ

This author has a very unique way of writing. Very refreshing. Really held my interest, and look forward to reading more books from this author. I recommend it for others to read. Frances

A description by Bob eager

Murder on Lake Haverly is a fast-moving murder mystery as told by Realtor Maye West set in Arizona, featuring characters you will love to hate. 

Maye’s main interest is selling Real Estate, but her life is complicated by her sexy best friend with benefits Frank Singleton, Sheriff’s Deputy trying to solve several murders connected to her business.  Her quirky side-kick BBF Lavonne Hall may make her Red Hair turn grey. Lavonne designed her Real Estate Office in a folksy, business style and wants to re-design Maye, too!

Maye is selling the deal of a lifetime; the entire property surrounding Lake Haverly, with her second in command Fast Eddie McGinley, she is met with resistance by the lone holdout property owner James Crandall!  Clients murdered by cross-bow, and the body in the lake are a slight bother too!

  I hope you enjoy reading this book, and thank you for leaving a review.

  Chapter # 1. Go west, young woman.

Maye West is my name, and Real Estate is my game. You may remember the real Mae West, a big Blonde potty-mouth bombshell if you are old enough. You will be able to tell the difference between her and me. At five feet 4 ½ inches tall, with Red Clairol # 44R hair, my eyes turn totally green if you piss me off. Anyone that knows me will tell you that I go from Sweetheart to Bitch in 60 seconds. I have to admit they are right.

After two snowstorms dumped 5 feet of snow on my sleepy little town in Corinna, Maine, I bugged out. Upon arriving in the small rain-soaked town of Montesano, Washington, “I thought, what now?”  Real Estate seemed like a viable option; the only requirement was; a high school diploma or GED. Because of some brilliant Bureaucratic Lunacy, I was allowed to start selling Real Estate with a Temporary Permit. Eventually, I passed the Washington Real Estate Exam, which, by the way, was not rocket science. I passed it on the first try. All the hopefuls were allowed a pencil, ballpoint pen, one sheet of paper, no books, and no calculator. A monitor circulated the room to make sure you weren’t cheating. You received a postcard with an X two weeks later showing that you passed or failed.  

I was thrilled to be hired by Smith & Smith Realty (the name has been changed to protect the guilty). Sam Wiggins, the Broker, was a short chubby guy with thinning brown hair and gray eyes behind large thick glasses. He always sat at his computer two-finger typing with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He greeted me with these encouraging words, “There’s your desk, there’s your phone; get to work, nothing to this business, just fill in the blanks.”  When I asked, “What exactly do I put in the blanks?”  He said, “Just look in the Closed Files and copy what other Agents put in them.”

 “Right, This is gonna be fun.”

 Later in my career, I would learn just how bad that advice was; sales are never alike. Sammy’s only other helpful words were, “Take a different route to work every day. When you see a FISBO (For Sale by Owner) sign, stop and ask if you can list the property.” So armed with all that wisdom on my first day, I spotted a FISBO sign and pulled into the driveway in my blue VW bus.

 “Hey, it was what I had to drive.” 

I confidently knocked on the door. An elderly man, with a full head of pure white hair and big blue eyes, dressed in jeans and a not-so-white t-shirt, opened the door. I said with a smile on my face, “I’m Maye West with Smith & Smith Realty, and I noticed your For Sale sign and  would like to talk to you about listing your property.”  He screamed, “I hate Smith & Smith Realty! They screwed me over on my last house, and I wouldn’t deal with them for all the rice in China!  For the next half hour, he hollered at me while I stood there with my mouth hanging open. Probably, seeing the look of horror on my face, he stopped screaming and started laughing and said: “Oh, what the hell, come on in, and we’ll talk.” 

The house had two small rooms that appeared to be in the final stages of remodeling. I would later learn that it was a “tearer-downer” rather than a “fixer-upper.”  We chatted for about an hour, and before I knew it, he agreed to list with me. 

 “Hot Damn!” 

Now the fun began; I realized that I did not have a clue what to do next. All those contracts that I was supposed to copy to fill in the blanks were all the way back in the office.

“Help, Mamma, come get your baby girl.”

Together, we filled in the blanks with the gentleman’s aid, who was getting an agreement to widen the road. I shot back to the office lickety-split to ask Sammy to look over the contract before I got the signature. He hollered at me, and not for the last time in my short career with Smith & Smith Realty, “You did what?  Get your ass back out there and get that signature.”  When I insisted Sammy look over the contract, he quickly glanced at the paper and hollered, “It looks fine, now get the hell out and go get that damn signature.” 

“Why does everyone holler at me?”

Not bad for my first day in Real Estate. Sammy was thrilled because; I got a full 7 % commission. Commissions are supposed to be negotiable. However, that doesn’t mean all Realtors will negotiate, or their Brokers will be happy if their agents bring in lower percent listings. I recall one Broker being pissed at me because I didn’t write an Agreement for Sale (private contract-no Banker) at 18% interest. In Washington, the usury was 12%, with stiff penalties and jail time. It pissed him off more; knowing his greedy nature, I had both buyer and seller sign before getting his hands on it. Once the contract had both signatures, it was a deal, and he had to live unhappily with it. Another shouting match and another short career with that Real Estate Company.

Book 7: Decisions

Prologue

The Weller family has given me permission to fling them out into space to settle a new planet that is supposed to be “Uninhabited.” Since they arrived, they have met the Dragon Clan, the Others, and the Merpeople!

The Dragons are not the firebreathing scaled beast of earth fantasy stories but intelligent beings. Donzereli, the son of Rainbow and Sunset, is best friends with Ruby and Nolan. The Others are a race of people that only look like fierce “Yeti’s” when they wear their white fursuits to keep them warm in the frigid south climate.  However, the Merpeople need no explanation. As the result of the last adventure, Ruby and Nolan are now Merpeople, permanently! Nolan is thrilled that he can’t drown, but Ruby not so much.  What young woman wants gills on her neck?

Remember, in the last book, our adventurers settled down to accept their punishment for deciding to “visit” Bri and Tig’s home under the sea.  This time we will focus on the adult problems a little, but we won’t forget that teens will be teens.

Things are heating up between the Consortium and the New Earth. Hopefully, before it reaches the boiling point, all parties can come to an understanding.  Just what that will be is up in the air.

 The youngsters want nothing to do with adult problems.  Donzereli asks permission to explore the continent across the ocean as a summer project.  He had the support of Councilor Klethand, who was enthusiastic one day and the next, saying, “It’s too dangerous!”  Donzereli is not going to let anything stop him from a fun summer!  He plans the trip and invites all the youngsters to go with him. 

Donzereli’s perfect plan goes off without a hitch.  Hang on, this is gonna be a bumpy ride!

Chapter 1. The meeting before the meeting.

Maps, surveys, and inventory lists haphazardly stacked in separate piles covered the Wellers kitchen table.  Floor retrieval was a frequent form of exercise and exasperation.

“Figuring a way to fit the representatives from Old and New Earth into our existing meeting house is an unsolvable problem!  Expanding the building is impossible; we just don’t have the time.  In less than two weeks, the ship will arrive!” Ty said, running his fingers through his hair.

“I have shuffled sleeping arrangements until I am blue in the face.  If we knew how many are arriving, it would make it easier?  Somehow, we are going to have to make do with what we have!” Said an equally exasperated Robin!

“The meeting in the too-small meeting hall will cause tempers to flare to the burning point!  We should expand the meeting room and make adequate sleeping arrangements for the representatives.  But there is no time!” Ty said.

“We will have to give up our three bedrooms and camp out with the teens in the fort or pitch a tent,”  Robin said.

Laying their heads in their hands on the table, they lapsed into silence.

The dragons and the others of New Earth were listening.  Everyone becomes telepathic to some degree after living on New Earth for a few months.  Sunset and Rainbow heard their friend’s thoughts; another perk, done only under dire circumstances.  Hearing the exasperation in their friend’s voices Sunset and Rainbow decided to help.

“Hello, friends, how are the preparations coming?”

“Oh, Hi Sunset, Rainbow, good to hear from you,” Ty said.  Ty related an edited version of what they already heard telepathically.

“Our workers are fabricating tents to house our attendees.  Would it be helpful if we added a temporary expansion to your meeting house?” Sunset said. 

Before Ty could answer, Councilor Damon of the “Others” asked, We would be happy to contribute a 4 bedroom house to accommodate the visitors from Old Earth?”

“Thank you, friends!  Your help is a lifesaver.  We were just talking about how could we would keep tempers in check in our crowded meeting room.  But you heard us, didn’t you?” Robin and Ty laughed.

Sunset and Rainbow, Donzereli’s parents, were leaders of the Dragon clan, which meant that Donzereli, Ruby, and Nolan’s best friend, would be coming with them.  Councilor Armando Klethand and Councilor Juger Walkegon completed the attending Dragon Clan.  The Dragon’s work crew had already assembled a massive “tent” made of thin metal.  Upon entering the structure, one would think they were inside Sunset and Rainbow’s home in the north mountain  

Unlike the fire-breathing carnivores in Old Earth’s literature, these Dragons are an intelligent, industrial clan.  They invented and built solar-powered flying cars, driven by Artificial Intelligence, that park themselves in the garages.  If you recall, the younger dragons flew four youngsters and Dr. Allen to the North Mountain home of Donzereli in Book 2 called Dragonflight.

The Others Clan, the race from another galaxy, were constructing tents of snowy white fur-like material.  The material was similar to the suits they wore in the frigid south where their spaceship crashed.  The Dragons of the north saw the crash and did not offer assistance and were surprised they survived and flourished despite the severe climate.  The weather would seem balmy to the Others, and theywould not need their natural white fur body-garments nd eye shields.  Those outfits looking like Snow Yeti’s and scared the bejesus out of the youngsters and

Dr. Allen, when they were netted and hauled up into the Other’s skyship in book 4 called “The Others.” 

Their tents featured a meeting area and accommodations for Damon, Jazz, and Angel.  Councilor’s Octavius and Maridan accompanied Damon, who had not yet been voted in as Councilor.  Angel begged and was allowed to sleep in Ruby and Nolan’s fort.  Jazz, taking the role of Angel’s protector, insisted she stay in the fort, too!

The Merpeople, Master Cyraeneus, and Mistress Marinella decided to attend.  They were pleased with the invitation to stay with the Wellers.  Ruby and Nolan would be staying in the fort; they insisted that they had plenty of room for Briauna and Tigran.  Since the children’s bedrooms would be empty, the Wellers intended to invite Xavier and Janet to stay with them. 

The Merpeople (book 6) had no need for flying ships and shared the trip with Others.  Ty and Robin came to terms with Bri’s “gift” to Ruby and Nolan, making them Merpeople.  When Bri realized her “gift” was irreversible, she was afraid she would never be forgiven by Ruby and Nolan.  Mistress Marinella showed the Wellers that Merpeople were humans, evolved into sea dwellers.  She showed Ty and Robinhow her gills closed, looking like tiny scars on her neck.

Robin and Ty envisioned hundreds of people camping at their house and by the landing strip.  They politely tried to convince the settlements not to attend the ship’s landing.  They promised the meetings would be recorded and sent live to each colony.  Angus and Isabella McPherson decided to bunk in the meeting room.  Nolan’s best friend, Shamus, their son, would be staying at the fort.  Shaunesy and Marguerite O’Flaherty were bunking with the McPherson’s in the meeting room.  Their daughter Bonnie, Ruby’s best friend, would bunk at the fort.

It would be interesting to see the reaction from Old Earth to the latest inhabitants, the Merpeople!  Hendricks met the Others and the Dragons with disdain at his last visit.  The teenagers were not attending the meetings and were looking forward to camping in the fort more than the adults were attending the big meeting.

Ty and Robin planned a meeting the day before the ship would drop out of orbit from the Wormhole connecting Old Earth with the New Earth.  The colonists were anxious for the Dragons to reveal their plans to protect New Earth.  They knew the Dragons could collapse the Wormhole temporarily or permanently if it became necessary.  That would not prevent Earthlings from traveling to their planet, but it would increase the travel time to years. 

Fredrick Hendricks staying and overseeing the colonization was not an option!  He had made his intentions plain when he was overheard talking to Dr’s. Schmidt and Mayweather.  Ty and Robin had never revealed the telepathic ability or reading of thoughts to Hendricks.  That secret would not be revealed now or any time in the future!  It would be advantageous during the meeting.

Book 5: Wormhole by Brenda Colbath

My eternal thanks to the Weller family for allowing me to publish these stories about their families fabled adventures in outer space.

Ruby and Nolan adopted us the first day we parked our RV in their driveway in Seattle, Washington for a couple of weeks one summer while visiting our Daughter Dawnzella Gearhart.  They knew when our RV curtains opened; it was okay to come down and visit with us and imagine driving our Motor Home on imaginary adventures.  

 I loved sewing and crocheting the Barbie and G. I. Joe clothes for Ruby and Nolan.  As Ruby and Nolan out-grew them, finding the right thing for their Christmas presents became difficult.  One year I got a wild idea and had a blast sending their whole family into space, traveling several light years from Earth, via a wormhole, and settling on a new planet.  That was five years ago and five books later they are still asking for more chapters.

Ruby and Nolan’s nickname for my daughter Dawnzella as Uncle Dawnzereli.  When I was looking for a name for the children’s dragon friend, I chose Donzereli.  Like the dragon in our story, she is brave and strong.   Thank you, Dawnzella, for allowing me to turn you into a dragon, a boy dragon!   

As a reader, you may not know that writers love to hear that you appreciate their hard work, so if you enjoyed this book, please leave a review.  Thank you. 

I will notify you when a new book is published.  Email me at hotshower@colbath.net, for notice of pre-sales, contest and special offers.  

Text Copyright © 2018  Brenda Colbath all rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the author. All characters in this book are fictitious, except the Weller family, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Other Children’s Books: by Brenda Colbath

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 1: The Hatchling  

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book2: Dragon Flight

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 3: The Keep

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 4: The “Others,”

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 5: Wormhole 

My latest children’s book

Sleep Travelers Book 1: The story of Ning, Dog, and Boss A story of a young girl’s nighttime adventures with her imaginary friends, a dog, a parrot, and a Siamese cat.  In this book they go to the Zoo and play with the animals.

Prologue:

If you have read the four previous books, you can skip right over this and go to Chapter 1 of the story. 

The Weller family agreed to be part of a settlement on a newly discovered uninhabited planet several light years from Earth, via a newly discovered wormhole.   Ruby and Nolan found a pretty rock; discovering it was an egg they were surprised to find out that the chicken they thought was inside was something else!  As a result, the intelligent beings living in the north mountain became friends.  Donzereli, their friend, invited them to his home. Unfortunately, no one thought to tell their parents!  They also didn’t tell anyone about their fishing trip, when the “Others” kidnapped them, the introduction of another group of inhabitants resulted. Ruby, Nolan, Bonnie, Shamus, and Dr. Allen try, but can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

In this book, three people show up via the wormhole to view the progress of the settlement.  The Weller family must find a way to introduce two clan’s of indigenous inhabitants to a group of Consortium representatives, who recently learned their uninhabited planet is inhabited by more than the settlers they transplanted.

Convincing corporate representatives that making friends will give them a more significant return on their investment than taking the rich resources by force if necessary is the desire of the Settlers. 

After months of uncertainty about their future, the Weller family decide they need a fun week at the beach.  While Mom and Dad sleep in the shade, our two adventurers play in a sheltered cove with warmish water only waist deep.

What could go wrong with a week camping at the beach?  Could someone we know and love stumble into another adventure on New Earth?  

         Chapter 1  Assignments   

Ty and Robin Weller sat quietly discussing their presentation to the representative of the Consortium, Mr. Hendricks, who will arrive in a few days.  They agreed on the extent of Ruby, Nolan’s, and the other youngster’s involvement in the adult discussions concerning the fate of the colonies on New Earth.  

Fear and uncertainty weighed heavily on the minds of Ruby and Nolan, perched on each end of the couch to say goodnight to their parents.  “We will have the history of our meeting the dragons finished tomorrow, but, I am curious about why we are leaving the Others out of the story.  They are as friendly as the dragons and have tons of information about the southern part of the planet to share.” Ruby said.  Nolan nodded his head in agreement.

“We don’t know why Mr. Hendricks is coming here, and what the Consortium’s plans are for our planet.  Your report is important because we need to show Mr. Hendricks how much progress we have made and that the inhabitants we have encountered are friendly.  We plan to present your report of the Others to him once he accepts the dragons as friends and allies to us.” Ty answered.

Ruby and Nolan said, “Okay, we understand your explanation, and it makes sense.  We worked hard on our report, and hope Mr. Hendricks understands and  believes it too.” 

Ruby and Nolan said as they both started yawning.

“We know you worked hard on the report and are anxious to preview it, tomorrow night.  We are sorry you could not show our entire history and had to be brief, we want Mr. Hendricks and the Consortium to understand that we not in danger.” Ty said.  

As they headed to bed, Robin said, “Don’t stay up all night talking, you need your sleep.”

“Okay, see you in the morning.” 

Once the kids were in their rooms, Robin turned to Ty and said, “It’s the time to come clean; you must have an idea of why the Consortium is sending Mr. Hendricks.” 

“All I know for sure is that the Consortium is not happy learning about the Dragons.  Mr. Hendricks doesn’t believe they are intelligent beings and can cloak their bodies.  From the questions, he asked I think he is expecting to see huge fire-breathing dragons flying all over our planet.  I opted not to share with him that we can “talk” with them telepathically, or that we have also acquired the ability to talk to each other, and I have to admit it took me by surprise,” He said.

Me too; I think we will discover many things about New Earth; if we get the chance.  I believe we have merely scratched the surface, and  I am looking forward to learning more about both of our neighbors

and other secrets to be unearthed.” Robin said. 

“Counselor Juger and Damon have allowed us to discover their secrets, up to a point.  I wish we knew what the Consortium’s motives are for this unexpected visit. I am convinced Mr. Hendricks will not be forthcoming about the Consortium’s plans for New Earth and us.” Ty said.

“I hardly think Mr. Hendricks is visiting us for pleasure; wouldn’t it be helpful if we could read his mind?” She said with a wicked grin. 

“Oh No!  How would I ever keep your Birthday and Christmas presents a secret?”

“Were you ever trying to do that?” she answered sweetly.

Book:4 The Others

My eternal thanks for to Ruby, Nolan, Ty, and Robin Weller for allowing me to publish these stories. It pleases me so much that you like the stories about your fabled adventures in outer space.  I loved making the Barbie and G.I. Joe clothes for Ruby and Nolan, but putting you all in space was a blast.  You asked me to publish this before Christmas, so maybe I will have to create a whole different adventure??

I am so proud of the Thank You notes sent to me by Ruby and Nolan that I wanted to share them with you.

Dear Brenda and Shirl

Thank you so much for the books! I really liked in the last book the part about the dragon mall. The ending surprised me a lot!! I would’ve never guessed that they were going to be kidnapped!! I thank you so much again, and I can’t wait for the next one! RUBY

Dear Brenda and Shirl

Thank you so much for the books that you wrote on the Amazon Book Store. I really enjoyed the first one, and I am working on the second one I love you so much.

Sincerely, Nolan

Thanks again to my Dawta, Dawnzella for allowing me to turn her into a dragon, and a boy dragon at that!  She edits each time I re-write and seems pleased to be the first one after her Fatha to read my stories.

Also my thanks to our Son Chris Colbath and Granddaughter Jazz P. Colbath for allowing me to have them become the “Other” characters: Damon and Jazz. 

My love and thanks go to my talented Husband Shirl, who reads, and edits, again and again.  He is learning Gimp to create my covers.  

As a reader, you may not know this, but writers need and want to know you appreciate their hard work. Writing is fun, satisfying, and I hope you have enjoyed reading about Ruby and Nolan and their parents’ adventures as much as I have loved creating them. 

Please go to Amazon.com and leave me a review. I appreciate it and thank you very much.

If you would like to be notified when my new books are published email me at hotshower@colbath.net

Other books on Kindle and Paperback:

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 1

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 2

Ruby and Nolan’s Great Adventures in Space Book 3

The End of the Road

Murder on Lake Haverly – Maye West Mysteries Book 1

Also available as Audio

And a new Book:  Immortal Enemies – Soon to be published on Kindle and Paperback

Prologue

Our intrepid adventurers happily accept an invitation from their friend Donzereli to visit his Keep in the North Mountains. Secretly they make plans along with Dr. Allen, who bribes his invitation to ride along. 

 Their plan is to travel quietly leaving the settlement without asking their parent’s permission. Arriving at Donzereli’s home, they are greeted by his parents not looking happy. Later they discover they were not only expected, but their visit was well planned by Donzereli’s parents. The kids wonder if their parents were in on it, too?

After a fun filled tour of Donzereli’s mountain home, which includes a trip to an amazing Shopping Mall.  They were relaxed and happy until they are informed that their parents are coming to take them home. Oh! Oh!

Donzereli decides to take them on a deep sea fishing trip, without his parent’s knowledge or permission. He “borrows” his parents flying car to add to the excitement! They invite Dr. Allen along.

It’s just a fishing trip, everyone has fun fishing. 

What could go wrong? 

Being kidnapped by the “Others” could be one thing. Now our story begins…

Chapter 1 Where are we? 

“Ahoy, ye Mateys!  Welcome aboard the Jolly Roger. Mighty Pirates are we.” Donzereli said as he tossed a brightly colored scarf folded with an eye patch wrapped around them to Ruby, Nolan, Bonnie, Shamus and Dr. Allen. He put his eye patch over one eye and bent down for Ruby to tie his scarf. She had a hard time, not giggling at the sight of Donzereli with an eye patch and the scarf tied around his head. Pirate talk abounded, and Dr. Allen kept them enthralled with several tales scary enough to hold their interest until time to get down to the serious business of catching fish.

The ship that Master Algonen captained was massive, with a crew of 30 adult dragons and a 20-ton hold for filling with the many sea creatures that satisfied Dragons appetites. The engine room housed large solar batteries, plus the added wind power harnessed by unfurling the sturdy sails snuggly wrapped around the rigging.  

This trip promised to be a fun fishing experience for his “guests, ” not so much for Master Algonen, he was anxious to be heading back to the sea cavern in a few hours.  Master Algonen did not relish having the responsibility of these puny humans for any longer than was required.

Nolan struggled for the longest 20 minutes of his life to reel in a Sea Bass that he was positive weighed a ton. He was beyond exhausted but exhilarated when he fought it close enough to the boat that one of the worker dragons quickly netted it and brought aboard his prize.

Catching his breath, he shouted, “Wow! Did you see the size of that guy? He put up a good fight. I want pictures.”

There were shouts of “congratulations and good job” along with back slapping and high fives, everyone in a tight group. No one noticed the craft hovering above them until a net fell surrounding Donzereli and his friends. The net tightened; suddenly they were airborne. Fortunately, Donzereli landed on the bottom with everyone piled on top and on each side of him. It appeared that they were being hauled up into the clouds.

“Donzereli, what the heck is happening?” Sputtered Nolan as they realized they were being raised into the sky so fast the ship’s crew were unable to do anything to stop them.

“I think we have been kidnapped, and you are about to meet “the Others,” Dr. Allen was able to mumble around Shamus’s back. 

Dr. Allen, Ruby, Nolan, Shamus, and Bonnie were pressed beside and on top of Donzereli, as the net was pulled tighter under him leaving his tail swinging below the net. As they tumbled together, they scrambled to maneuver into upright positions trying to see who and what had captured them. 

“What is happening to us? Donzereli, if this is a joke, it isn’t funny.” Several voices screamed at once.

“I don’t know any more than you do; I can’t see anything. Someone’s body is on top of my face.”

“Opps! Sorry,” Shamus said as he slid to the right, asking, “Donzereli, can you see better now?”

“Darn, all I can see is thick netting and blue sky, but I think that is a flying ship above us.” He said.

“As I said, we have been kidnapped by the “Others” for what purpose, I don’t know.” Dr. Allen supplied. “From my position, I can see what’s happening. It looks like the bottom of a boat or ship painted sky blue with white sails that would look like clouds from a distance.”  His curiosity was aroused more than fear. He thought “The blue paint on the bottom of the ship and the white sails,  camouflaged it so well, the dragons must have been unaware it was floating above them. I am looking forward to meeting the “Others,” it will be interesting.”  

The occupants of the flying ship swung them aboard and gently deposited them on the deck removing the net. Dr. Allen was first getting to his feet and couldn’t help staring at the beings he knew to be the ones the dragons secretly called the “Others.” His curiosity was peaked, but his natural fear of the unknown kept him from a closer examination.

Everyone scrambled to his/her feet and stood stock still frozen in shock; staring wide-eyed at the legendary Abominable Snowmen of European folklore. The huge white furry creatures were looking back at them through pairs of huge blank bubble eyes. Dr. Allen did not believe in such fantasies, reasoning to himself, “This shouldn’t be possible, but, I suppose anything is possible, after all, we are in another galaxy in another solar system, on a planet inhabited by dragons technically advanced beyond the Earth we left behind. But still, I believe these are humanoids.”   

His natural curiosity prompted him to move closer. As he approached the lead “Other.” it became evident these were not animals he was lead to believe, by the dragons, but humanoid creatures. The bubble eyes appeared to be part of a mask, probably to protect them from the harsh environment. As scared as he was for the safety of the kids, in his charge, he was thrilled to meet the “Others” and couldn’t understand why the dragons kept them a secret. 

Before he could speculate about what was hiding beneath those coats of white fur Donzereli rolled to his feet and looked around. Donzereli and the kids became frozen by the sight of the dozen big bug-eyed white furry creatures surrounding them.

Standing 8 and 10 feet tall, covered in white fur from head to foot, not moving, staring at their captives with those sinister looking eyes. The most massive one stood close to 11 feet: dwarfing Dr. Allen, it motioned for them to follow. They had little choice as the other creatures got close to them they instinctively moved forward.

The creature walked briskly towards the bow of the “Boat” to a door which swished open as it walked close. Stepping through the door, the creature stepped aside motioning for them to enter. Dr. Allen walked ahead of the hesitant kids and entered purposely with the kids following reluctantly, Donzereli last. 

Getting out of the blustery bone-chilling weather was a relief and terrifying at the same time. As the group felt the warm air, they realized how cold they were, and couldn’t stop shivering. 

The creature motioned for them to warm themselves by the large fireplace. Dr. Allen stepped in front of the kids with his arms stretched protectively asking, “Who are you? Why have you kidnapped us?”

To everyone’s, surprise, it answered in their language, “We know that until this minute, you have been unaware of our existence.  We will not keep you long, we brought you here because we want to show you our home and learn more about you.”  As it talked, to everyone’s shock, it pulled off furry gloves, revealing human hands with five long digits and a thumb.

Before they recovered from this shock, it reached up and pulled off its head! Well, not really it’s head, a sort of helmet. Before mouths could close, it put a hand up to its neck, grabbed the zipper buried in the fur of its “suit” and quickly unzipped and stepped out of it.

Standing before them was a tall, slim human with green/brown eyes. His wavy dark brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail at the base of his neck. The child-like smile showed strong white teeth. Dr. Allen couldn’t help being relieved that they were not pointed. The shirt was a metallic cloth blend material loose fitting over snug dark cotton slacks, complimenting moccasins of smooth leather decorated with tiny shells. Standing quietly to give the kids, Dr. Allen and Donzereli time to accept what their eyes were witnessing.

“Our clan or the “Others” as the dragons call us, have lived in the southernmost mountain region of this planet for hundreds of years. Our “Keep” is much like the one you have been visiting, with all the comforts you have enjoyed from the Northern dragon clan. From the shocked look on your faces, I can tell the dragons didn’t say much if anything about us.” 

 When no one spoke, it continued speaking,“The Elders probably indicated that you were the first and only people to find their world.” Seeing the look of recognition on their faces, he continued. “They are scared their peaceful existence will be spoiled. They did not want us to stay, but since we crash landed in the coldest part of the planet, we could not leave. We were “encouraged” not to venture outside of this area. I am surprised that they allowed you to stay.” 

“I overheard several of the Elders talking about the “Others,” as soon as they were aware that I was listening, they pretended not to know I had heard anything. I chose not to confront them, but do my own research. They gave us free access to their computer system, but I learned almost nothing of your existence.” Looking up at him with a smile, he said, “They portrayed you to be the fabled “Abominable Snowmen.” There was no reference at all of you being humanoid.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. After you warm up and we arrive at our Keep, we will answer all your questions. Now please go over to the fire, and we will bring you food and hot drinks.”   

Dr. Allen could hardly contain himself, he had a million questions forming in his mind. However, he decided to table his curiosity and make sure the kids were warm and fed. On the positive side, if the others wanted to hurt them, they had ample opportunity, and learning more about the “Others” up close and personal was positive.  Eventually, the dragons will have to swallow their pride and admit knowledge of the “Others.” He worried how the “Others” would treat Donzereli, after all, he is a dragon and was happy Donzereli wasn’t separated from the kids.

Prologue:

Ruby, Nolan, Bonnie, and Shamus tell their parents they are going for a picnic.  They meet Donzereli in a secluded spot to be flown up to Donzereli’s home on the backs of dragons.  Dr. Allen figures out their little scheme and hitches a ride by bribery.

This adventure begins when they arrive at the mountain greeted by Donzereli’s parents, who look not pleased to see them, but the unease starts when the kids realize the dragons have prepared for an extended stay.  

Donzereli gives them a tour of the “keep” thrilling them with the marvels of the sky mall and the solar-powered flying cars.  The thrill comes to an end when the kids learn their parents are arriving to take them home the next day. 

Without asking his parents, Donzereli borrows a flying car; arranges another exciting adventure before they go home, and are “grounded for life.”  Dr. Allen didn’t have to bribe his invitation this time; the kids realized he was a big kid.  

What could go wrong with a fishing trip? 

After all, they have an adult along.

Could it be getting kidnapped? 

Or could it be meeting the “Others.”

Chapter 1  Time to face the music.

Nolan /Donzereli, Ruby /Windstar, Shamus /Octavius, Bonnie /Malaki, and Dr. Allen /Green pressing tightly with their knees to their dragons, now feeling comfortable enough to no longer have their hands locked onto the soft spines.  They assumed they were cloaked because Donzereli was told by an adult that was true.  They felt invisible flying close to the snow-capped peaks, Oohing and Ahhing seeing the magnificent view of the Keep of the dragons of the north mountain.  

Lucky no one fell off being startled, and scared; when suddenly popping into sight one at a time, was a dozen adult dragons surrounding the children with fierce, angry faces.  The contingent of dragons said nothing out loud or silent but gently herded the group by circling slowly, moving them toward the most massive veranda.  Seeing the looks on the faces of the adult dragons surrounding them, they reluctantly followed directions and landed on the terrace they indicated.  Donzereli saw the look on Rainbow and Sunset’s faces standing silently, tapping their feet in rhythm, and he knew it spelled trouble.

“How did they find out we were coming?” Donzereli shouted silently.  

“I don’t know; I didn’t tell anyone,” Everyone answered at once. 

“Are you sure that your folks can’t listen to our conversation?” Nolan asked

Donzereli. 

“I know we aren’t able to listen in on theirs if they don’t want us to, dang maybe that comes with age.  Guess the birth impression doesn’t tell me everything.”  He answered sadly.

“What are we going to do now?  Ruby, Bonnie, and Shamus, and I will be restricted for years when our parents get wind of our “trip,” Nolan moaned.

“Sorry, buddy, but I am sure they were informed by my parents as soon as they found out about our plans.  What about Dr. Allen?  Can’t he put in a good word for us?  After all, we did have an adult with us.”  Donzereli commented hoping that would help. 

“I suspect that he will be in that same hot water that we will be in; after all, he went along with us instead of turning us in, which is the adult thing to do,”  Ruby commented looking depressed.  

As they circled for a smooth landing in front of Donzereli’s parents, all of them including Dr. Allen looked like a bunch of kid’s caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Sunset and Rainbow were standing in front of the massive doors to their “Keep” with their arms folded in front, looking angry, and disappointed. 

When they had all landed, Rainbow said, “Ruby, Nolan, Bonnie, Shamus, and Dr. Allen, please dismount.  Octavius, Malaki, Windstar, Green, and the rest of you young dragons need to go home immediately, your parents are anxious to speak with you.  Not you, Donzereli, you will stay here and face the music with your friends.  All six bowed their heads and took flight, knowing they were in big trouble; if it were possible to have flown with their tails between their legs, they would have done so.

Turning to the group standing with their heads bowed including Dr. Allen, looking like that cookie jar smacked shut on their hands, Rainbow spoke, “Please come inside, this was your first trip and a long one at that, you are probably tired.”

They followed her into the first room, which was a large circular foyer, with doors set into three sides  Beautifully hand carved wood paneling reached to the children’s shoulders, the entire domed ceiling, was alive with colorful inlaid mosaic.  

Rainbow spoke, “You will be our guests for several days; arrangements have been made for you to be comfortable.  Donzereli will show you to your rooms, where you may want to rest for a little while.  We invite you to be our dinner guests tonight at 8:00.”  

“Tomorrow, Donzereli, we will talk.”  She silently gave him directions to the assigned rooms.  At this statement from his Mother, Donzereli hung his head.  “Mom, I am sorry, Nolan and Ruby were the only ones that were supposed to come with us; it got out of hand with the extra two people; Mr. Allen discovered our plan

and insisted on coming with us.  We agreed because we thought to have an adult

along, would be a good idea.”

“That is all well and good, but what do you think the impact on our relationship with the humans would be if someone fell off a dragon and got hurt, or worse?”

“Mom, we were careful and didn’t go up high until we were sure they were hanging on and they had a great time seeing the valley south of here with the big waterfall.  They brought a picnic lunch, and we rested until they were ready to mount up again and fly.  Windstar, Octavius, Malaki, Green and I were careful and made sure they were holding on tight before they flew higher, and you know that we could have flown down and scooped them up if they slipped off our backs.  They enjoyed flying and seeing the beauty of our planet from the air.  At the time we thought it was a good idea, but now I realize we may have put our relationship with the humans in jeopardy.”

“Donzereli, we will discuss this at length tomorrow, now please show your friends to their room, to rest before dinner.”

“Okay, Mom,” and turning to his fellow travelers, he said, “Please follow me.”  They could not listen in on the telepathic exchange between Donzereli and Rainbow, but they were familiar with the look on her face and the body language.

He led them through one of the large doors in the center of the foyer, and

down a wide corridor also with a domed mosaic ceiling and carved wood paneling at the bottom.  Dr. Allen, looked from left to right as he walked down the hall and was impressed with the quality of the wood carving and the placement of the colorful mosaic.  He kept stopping to carefully examined the woodworking on the bottom half of the walls, and his digital camera buzzed filming. 

At the first door on the left, Donzereli stopped; opened the door to Ruby and Bonnie’s room.  They both said, “Thank you, Donzereli, we think a rest before dinner, will be good, we are a bit tired.”  The rest of the group left them to continue to their rooms.  Of course, Bonnie and Ruby couldn’t help exploring the entire contents of the room.  Neither of them rested at all!  The decorations in Purple with Pink accents; their favorite colors delighted them, and with two full-sized four-poster beds, and sheer curtains tied back with purple bows, and an iridescent purple and pink bedspread, they couldn’t stop squealing, things like, “Look at this!”

Bonnie exclaimed, “Ruby, OMG,  look at this, we have a full bath, and there’s tons of everything we need.”

Ruby said, “Hurry up and come to see the lovely dresses for both of us, and  look, there are lots of other outfits, with matching shoes in the closet.”  Upon closer examination, she said, “Hmm, Bonnie, don’t you wonder just a little bit, how these are all in our sizes.”

Bonnie was beyond caring about minor details like sizes, exclaiming, “Wow,

look at the screen sizes of the computers on our desks.  Let’s get ready for dinner

tonight, right away so we can have lots of time to check out the internet.”

The next door opened to Nolan’s and Shamus’s room.  They noticed the furnishing in shades of green and blue; their Seahawks colors.  They immediately crossed the room to the desks with matching computers.  They would have got lost in them if Donzereli had not reminded them about dinner.  He mentioned that they would find outfits for dinner tonight and several comfortable outfits for each of them for the next few days.  

After  Donzereli left, Nolan suggested, “Let’s clean up, so we make a good impression at dinner.  We will have time to do a thorough search on the computers, and learn everything we can about this “Keep.”

Shamus looking around, thought of mentioning the fact that the dragons were ready for their visit, but decided to wait until Nolan came to the same conclusion.   

Donzereli showed Dr. Allen to the next room, and as soon as the door closed, he reacted like a kid, clapping his hands, amazed at the full wall of leather-bound books in an exquisitely carved bookcase.  He noticed several sets of clothes in his closet, and in his slim size too; he often forgot to eat when intrigued by a problem, he was trying to solve.  Pleased with the computer and set it to alarm so that he would not get lost in a book, or the computer and forget to come to dinner.  In the back of his mind, he also wondered at the elegant accommodations, for them if no one knew they were coming.

Book 2: Dragon Flight

Prologue: The Weller Family;

If you have read book 1: The Hatchling, you may skip right to Chapter 1.

Ty, Robin, Ruby, and Nolan Weller committed to being part of the exploration and settlement of a newly discovered planet in another Solar system 6 light years from Earth. 

Ruby and Nolan agreed to go but wanted to bring “Uncle Dawnzereli,” their dog Pebbles, and they wanted ponies.  Unfortunately, Uncle Dawnzereli and the ponies did not happen, but Ruby and Nolan were happy in their new home on New Earth.  

Inspecting Solar Panels on the hill above their home, Ruby and Nolan discover two were destroyed.  They found a pretty rock and were surprised that their science project was not a rock at all, but an egg. 

Yikes!  It hatches, and the baby is a relative of the clan of Dragons from the northern mountains.  They help the baby out of his shell, and after the shock wears off he bonds with them; they name him Donzereli after their Uncle Dawnzereli back on old earth.

Ty and Robin are very disappointed (this is an understatement) that the kids kept this secret.  Eventually, they and the other settlers accepted that there were real live Dragons on their planet, and everyday life settled into a routine.

Donzereli becomes the highlight of the Festival of Lights by flying all the children on his back, cementing the friendship between the two races.

Ruby, Nolan, their best friends Bonnie, and Shamus, tell their parents they would like to go on a picnic; the plan is approved by the parents.  No one notices that more food than four children can possibly eat is packed, maybe the parents are exhausted from two weeks of Festivities. 

The kids meet in the field surrounded by trees to meet up and travel by hovercraft for a day of goofing off and having fun. 

They are caught off guard by the appearance of  Dr. Rodney Allen, who insists on going along with them on their “picnic.”  Thinking he would be the fifth wheel on their wagon they try to discourage him, but he insists; (bribes) they take him along. 

What’s wrong with a picnic?  They have their parents permission and an adult along?  This is one of those, best-laid plans that can go wrong.  Amazing how hot water and adventure, go together, isn’t it?

Chapter 1  The Morning after

Mornings at the Weller household is family time and includes a healthy breakfast and a discussion of the day’s plans.  Today was like any other day with the added attraction of preparing to meet Donzereli’s parents.  They would arrive soon to take him home with them.  The arriving adult Dragons agreed to stay cloaked until they were inside the hideout fence.  It would not do to scare the community before Ty and Robin had a chance to introduce not only one family of Dragons; but a whole community of them. 

This is gonna be fun!  

Ruby and Nolan were bursting with excitement and anticipation at seeing Donzereli again this morning.  They had been daydreaming about how much fun they were going to have.  After all how many kids have a real live dragon as a friend? 

Ty and Robin were thinking of, how they were going to make everyone in their settlement and on earth believe that the Dragons are peaceful and not fire-breathing monsters. 

“Let’s get one thing straight, you are not going to spend all your time with Donzereli.  He is not to come down visiting you until we have introduced the Dragon clan to our people.  You have chores to do and your studies.  And by the way, those will be increased enough to keep you busy so you won’t have time to get into any more trouble.”  Ty admonished.

The kids knew that they were in for a stern lecture, and were prepared with the proper “Yes Sir, we promise” answers. 

What they weren’t prepared for was the next part of their punishment.  “You will both work together to put your journal with all its information into an essay form.  We need that to introduce Donzereli’s family and the whole clan of Dragons living up north to the community.  You will start on your project today as soon as Donzereli’s parents take him home.”  Ty said.

“And since you obviously are capable, I will be increasing your academic

levels of study to make sure you are not bored,” Robin added, received sighs, slumped shoulders, and sad eyes, but not a word or any whining. 

Nolan looked up at Ty and said, “Dad, Donzereli’s parents just landed inside the fence of our hideout, and they are waiting to meet us.” 

“How do you know that?  Of course, that telepathic thing.  I am not entirely comfortable with you having private conversations with Donzereli.  You will keep us informed when you talk to him, understand?”  

“Yes, Dad, we promise, can we go down to meet them now?  Please.

“Yes, I guess we should not keep them waiting.  No running ahead, we all go as a family.  I hope they stayed cloaked until they were inside the gate of the hideout,” Breathed a nervous Ty.

Seeing a baby Dragon is a whole different thing than seeing a full grown adult Dragon.  There was no way to prepare yourself to meet not one adult dragon, but two.  Ty and Robin tried and failed.

Book 1: The Science Project

By Brenda Colbath

Dedication

My eternal thanks go to the Weller family for allowing me to publish these stories.

This book came about because ideas for Christmas presents for our two young friends Ruby and Nolan were getting harder to find.  We have been friends with their family for many years and parked our Motor Home in their yard for several weeks one summer.  We had a blast playing with their kid’s, kind of re-live having our children with us again. 

One year out of desperation, I sat myself down at my computer and wrote a Fantasy Sci-Fi story; the Weller family became the leaders of a group of settlers picked to travel to a new planet discovered by the Consortium, and their many probes assured them the planet is uninhabited. 

Ruby, Nolan, Bonnie, and Shamus try, but can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Thanks to my Daughter, Dawnzella for editing and helping with covers, and allowing me to turn her into a Dragon.  A boy Dragon at that! 

Prologue:

This fictional story lets you peek inside the lives of one family of four that makes the decision not many families have ever had or ever will have to make.  They agreed to leave the comfort of their home, families, and Earth to journey to another planet many light years away. 

The whole family makes the journey together.  However, this story is mainly about two pre-teens adventures on New Earth.

Ruby and Nolan climb the hill by their home to check on the Solar Panels and find two of them mangled and broken beyond repair.  Checking, they discover a beautifully colored rock and decide it would be a great science project.  With a little difficulty, they slide it down the hill and hide it in their hideout wood box.

 When their rock starts growing, they realize it isn’t a rock: its an egg.  Nolan is hoping for a pony, even though he knows ponies do not hatch from eggs.  Ruby thought it might be a chicken, but she is a little concerned about its size.  What could go wrong with their science project?  After all, it is an egg, whatever is inside will be a baby? 

Chapter 1 The adventure begins

“Come on Ruby, hurry up.”  Nolan cried.

Frowning, she quickly turned from the sink; the front of her wet apron covered with soap bubbles which were falling to the floor.  “Keep your britches on, Nolan you know our chores have to be done before we can leave.”

Ruby was tall for her age, a little over 4 feet, with long wavy brown hair that fell nearly to her waist, big Blue eyes.  Her slim figure showed that she was on her way to becoming a beautiful woman, way too soon for her parents, especially for her Daddy Ty’s comfort.

 “Okay, okay, what do you what can I do to help?” He asked, a little-exasperated standing there trying not to look impatient, but, losing that battle. 

Nolan was not as tall as Ruby, but growing fast enough to overtake her in a year or less.  Standing with his hands on his hips; his blue eyes sparkling over an impish grin under a shock of curly light brown hair. 

“Why don’t you go and get our backpacks, swords, and sheaths?  I am nearly finished with the dishes and will pack a lunch for us so we won’t have to come home until dinner time”. 

He hurried to get everything Ruby asked for, as she finished the Breakfast dishes and prepared sandwiches, water, and treats.  Their parents Ty and Robin, were away helping a neighbor; they were the unofficial leaders of the New Seattle settlement. 

While Ruby and Nolan Weller are hurrying to get ready for their first adventure, how about we find out a little more about their beginning history on New Earth.

Next weekend I will be at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Small Biz Saturday with other small businesses! The address is Hilton Garden Inn-Happy Valley 1940 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85027. I will have my totes/carry-alls, my 14 books self-published on Amazon, and some surprises. Come on up and meet the 20-plus exhibitors!
Hope to see you there!

the sequel to Maye West Mysteries

Book 1 Murder on Lake Haverly

Alone in my office, my chin resting between cupped hands, my eyes closed, I was daydreaming about the good old days. After signing up for Real Estate School, my temporary Real Estate Permit clutched in my hot little hands, I showed up at my new office. My broker, Sam Jones, said, “There’s your desk; there’s your phone; get to work!”  Armed with that through training,  enthusiasm, and a desire to make money, I dove headfirst into the dog-eat-dog Real Estate business.

Real Estate was a “Man’s Profession.”  My three fellow agents assumed I would love to cook, clean the bathroom, and assume secretarial duties. They supplied a salmon for the “little woman” to cook. I said, “You guys are gonna get mighty hungry waiting for me to prepare your food; I am here to work just like you!” It went over like a lead balloon.

I might have had a few second thoughts after I learned what my new profession’s practice entailed. “I know what you’re thinking!”  The ‘Good old Days’ of Real Estate were a piece of cake, right?  

And it was! No cell phones, no lockboxes, no computer or MLS printouts! Want to show three houses to your client? No problem! Call three offices, reserve three keys, drive to three offices, pick up three keys, show three homes, take three keys back, and repeat day after day. The average commission was $300.00 to $800.00, and you worked your ass off to get one or two every month. Damn, it was fun, and I loved every minute of it! 

The contract was one legal page with carbons, which evolved into 9 pages, no carbons plus addendums and CYA (Cover your ass) forms.

Shaking myself awake, time to do something productive. The problem was; my personal production was as dry as the Arizona desert since my once-in-a-lifetime Lake Haverly sale closed escrow. You remember that one, don’t you? My company listed and sold the four properties surrounding a Shangri-La lake, locally known as Lake Haverly, to my clients from New York City. 

Ed (Fast Eddie) McGinley and I worked together, closing the Lake Haverly sale. His dry humor makes me laugh. To give you an example, Ed’s pain-in-the-ass client Mr. Willoby called Ed several times a day complaining about something wrong with his house. I heard Ed say, “Mr. Willoby, the inspection doesn’t cover every little thing. Ed reached his breaking point and said, “Mr. Willoby, it’s a UFO!”  After a short pause,  he said, “You fucking own it!”  He hung up the phone, and I fell off my chair, laughing!

James Crandall was our resident hothead client, challenging our patience with the Lake Haverly transaction. He was also Frank Singleton’s and Coroner George Green’s biggest headache! James showed up to his memorial service alive, well, and mad as hell! When James’ long-lost son, John Kinney, showed up, James turned over a new leaf. 

My best girlfriend, Lavonne Hall, an interior decorator, hitched her wagon to mine and followed me from Washington State to Arizona. She uses my office for estimates and plays receptionist, answering the phones when needed. She decorated my office and once a year kidnaps me and takes me shopping for clothes. She has more taste in her little finger than I have in my whole body. When John Kinney and Lavonne met, they fell madly in love and are now planning a big wedding. I am happy for them, but he is going to take her to Texas: Dammit!

Sara MacLanahan, my second agent, is a kick-in-the-pants little ball of fire. It’s a miracle that she didn’t jump ship the first week! It hardly fazed her when she found her new client’s bloody bodies in her first listing! She re-listed the property with the relatives of her murdered clients. I could see a little of me in her.