Facebook

Showing posts with label Oddities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oddities. Show all posts

09 October 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Are They Out There?




Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:
 
1 - I bought a copy of Contact for a dollar at a thrift store last week. It's one of my favorite movies, but I've never read the book. I wonder how much they "Hollywoodized" it? Was Carl Sagan happy with the outcome?

2 - According to this Gallup survey, 60% of Americans think that UFO sightings can be explained by human activity or natural phenomenon. 16% claim that they've personally seen a UFO.

3 - What about you - do you believe in UFOs? Do you believe there's life out there in the universe?

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 

 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!




Get a FREE copy of Robbery at the Roller Derby by signing up for my newsletter HERE.

Or you can buy a copy for 99c/99p at your favorite retailer HERE

Also available in paperback and large print.

This prequel novella is set around twelve years before Murder at the Marina and tells the story of Mollie's roller derby days and how she and Scooter met. Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

25 September 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Autumnal Thoughts




Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:
 
1 - I can't believe the fall season is already upon us in the northern hemisphere.

2 - Being in Florida, we don't get the full autumnal experience that you do up north.

3 - I can live without winter, but I do miss fall.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 

 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.




18 September 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Scrabble



Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:
 
1 - For someone who spends a lot of time writing down words and rearranging them into sentences, paragraphs, and chapters, you'd think I'd be better at Scrabble.

2 - If I had a favorite letter, I think it'd be "i" - but only the lower case version, not the upper case version.

3 - I used to only like writing in lower case letters when I was younger. I wonder if I'd be better at Scrabble if they used lower case letters instead.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 
 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.


19 August 2019

How To Jazz Up Your Life With Zeke {Or Biking The El Rio Trail}

Remember that blog post about sweat? No? Don't worry, here's a recap:
"We went biking. It was hot. There was a lot of sweat. And some lizards."
Ah, but there's more to the story than that. Despite the sweat dripping off my face and my frizzy hair, we had a great time. Here's how it all went down.

We drove to the train station in West Palm. Or, I should say, my hubby drove. I don't like to drive. Except to get ice cream. Then I don't mind driving cause, you know, ice cream.

Neither of us likes to drive in Florida. People are insane here. Double yellow lines? Why let that stop you passing with another car barreling down toward you in the other lane. Speed limit? Totally optional. Bonus points if you tailgate the person in front of you who is driving the speed limit. Turn signals? Those are for sissies. And then there's the traffic. Far more relaxing to take the train then drive.

Speaking of, here's the Tri-Rail train. It runs from West Palm to Miami. It's a pretty boring picture, wouldn't you agree? That's where Zeke comes in. Let's see what magic he can work on it.


This one's so much better. Who knew that they had filters you could put on pictures to change how they look. Okay, everyone knew except me. I'm a little late to the party. Did you know they give filters names, like Zeke? What I want to know is what you have to do to have a filter named after you. When is there going to be an "Ellen" filter? I'm trying to imagine what it would look like. I think there would be sparkles.


Tri-Rail is bike friendly. There are racks in each compartment to stow your ride. I put a filter on this one too, but I can't remember its name. So, I'm going to call it the Gertrude filter. My bike is the one in front. You might recall that I plastered it with Star Wars stickers. They've faded in the sun. That makes me sad.


After a pleasant ride (made even more pleasant by the fact that an all-day ticket on the weekend only costs $5) we got off at Boca Raton and onto the El Rio Trail. Yes, that's another filter. It's called Burlesque. Honestly, I expected more. Like tassels or something.


It's a great trail. Paved and flat. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised by the flatness cause this is Florida after all. No filter this time. I wouldn't want you to become too accustomed to them.


There were some honking huge lizards. If you squint really hard, you can make one out in this photo.


Nah, I was kidding. There's no lizard there. Man, those things can scurry away fast. You'll just have to trust me on the fact that it was there just a few seconds prior.

Okay, time for one more Zeke-enhanced photo. I'll tell you more about this dude next time.


Do you use filters on your photos? What's your favorite one? If there was a filter named after you, what would it look like?

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!

Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.


14 August 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Empty Seats



Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:
 
1 - At the beginning of August, we went to see the Minnesota Twins play the Marlins in Miami.

2 - There was hardly anyone there.

3 - The Twins lost. Boo.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 
 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.

12 August 2019

Random Thoughts About Sweat & Biking In Florida

We went biking on the El Rio bike trail in Boca Raton yesterday. Three things ran through my head while I was pedaling away:

1 - There sure are a lot of lizards in Florida.

2 - Lizards are lucky because they don't sweat.

3 - Sweat above your upper lip is truly annoying.

Yes, I thought a lot about all things sweat-related. Probably because it was a gazillion degrees outside in the shade. It was even hotter in the sun, but I have no idea what number is bigger than a gazillion, so we'll just say it was a gazillion plus degrees.

Now that I'm back inside next to the air conditioning, here's what I want to know - do good things come to those who sweat? At first, I thought the sweating was good. I was shedding calories left and right. I could see them flying off my body as I wiped sweat off of my face.

Then I had a refreshing can of soda pop, which I wouldn't have had if I hadn't been dying from the heat. The calories giggled as they flowed down my throat encased in fizzy cola-flavored carbonated bubbles. "We're back!" they said gleefully.


Here's another question about sweat for you - can you drown in your own sweat?

It sure felt like it yesterday, especially with all that sweat under my upper lip. Does that kind of sweat have it's own name, like "lip sweat"? If it doesn't, it should. But maybe something cuter than "lip sweat."


Maybe it's all about perception when it comes to sweat. Maybe I don't even sweat at all. Maybe I sparkle. Yep, that's it. I sparkle. At least that's what I going to tell myself on our next bike ride.


What about you - do you sweat or do you sparkle? Any idea what the sweat over your upper lip is called? Do you exercise in the sweltering heat?

Want to find out more about my books? Check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get updates on new releases, sales and promos, and other fun stuff.




22 July 2019

Thoughts On Being Boring & A Blogging Break

 
As I sat down to write a post for you all today, all I could do was yawn. And that wasn't just because I hadn't had any coffee yet. It's because life on our boat is pretty BORING lately. Tickety Boo is still broken and until we get her keel repaired, all other boat projects are on hold. No point in spending time and money on other stuff if we're not sure if she'll float again.

So that means that there's nothing exciting to report. Not that boat projects are all that exciting, but they're a lot more interesting than telling you all about what I've been working on in the meantime. {Spoiler alert: It's a Mollie McGhie prequel novella all about how she met Scooter at the roller derby. Yes, Mollie used to be on a roller derby team. Scary thought.}

Because I don't want to BORE you and I don't want to keep on yawning as I write blog posts, I'm going to take a little summer blogging break. I'll be back on Wednesday, August 7th for IWSG day. Hopefully, we have some forward momentum on our boat by then and I'll have exciting things to report.

Hope everyone is having a great summer (or winter if you're in the southern hemisphere) and I'll see you back here next month.



Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!



Have you read MURDER AT THE MARINA yet? If not, now's the perfect time as the ebook is on sale for only 99c/99p.

Pick up your copy of this humorous sailing mystery at https://books2read.com/MurderAtTheMarina

Find out more at https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

10 July 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Tropical Drinks


Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:

1 - What is it about tiny umbrellas in drinks that makes them so much fun?

2 - I remember getting Shirley Temples when I went out to eat as a little girl. Ginger ale, a splash of grenadine, and a maraschino cherry. It all seemed so fancy, especially when there was a umbrella adorning the drink or the cherry was skewered on a tiny plastic sword.

3 - I don't think I've ever had a drink out of a coconut before. Must get to a tropical island soon and try one.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 
 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!




Have you read MURDER AT THE MARINA yet? If not, now's the perfect time as the ebook is on sale for only 99c/99p.

Pick up your copy of this humorous sailing mystery at https://books2read.com/MurderAtTheMarina

Find out more at https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

01 July 2019

Happy Canada Day!


Happy Canada Day to all of our Canadian friends out there! In honor of this auspicious day, I'm rerunning a post that I originally wrote in 2017. The same sentiments hold true today.

* * *

During the winter season at Indiantown Marina, Canadians probably outnumber Americans by a sizable margin. It's quite a popular place for Canadians to store their boats during hurricane season. Once the snow starts to fly, they make their way down south to Indiantown and get their boats ready to head out cruising or just hang out here at the marina for the season enjoying the sunshine and palm trees.

You've heard all of the stereotypes about Canadians before. They say "eh" a lot (true for some), they have unibrows (no comment), they say "a-boot" and not "about" (yes, and it's adorable), they live off a diet of maple syrup and Tim Horton's donuts (sounds good to me), they're all lumberjacks (uh, no) and they're super nice (very true).

I can't emphasize how much that last one is true. Canadians are some of the nicest, helpful and most generous people you'll ever meet. They're all around good eggs. Okay, maybe there's some bad Canadians out there, but you won't find them at Indiantown Marina.

Honestly, they've restored my faith in humanity. After a bruising and divisive election cycle (no matter what side you were on), I kind of started to lose hope in the basic goodness in humanity. You know, the "do unto others, as you would have them do unto you" way of approaching each other. It seemed like it was becoming more of a "who cares about you, it's all about me" kind of a place.

Then along came the Canadians with their help, support and "pay it forward" mentality. Don't get me wrong, the Americans here are wonderful too and we'd be lost without the support and help of our dear Yankee friends (not to mention their "tool shed" and acrylic expertise). That just goes without saying.

But this is about the Canadians and how much they've been instrumental in getting our boat ready to go cruising. (I should say "somewhat ready to go cruising" just in case I jinx things and more stuff breaks.) These guys might not be lumberjacks, but they sure are geniuses when it comes to electrical systems, engines, solar arrays, you name it. And they share their knowledge freely. They even come poke around in the murky depths of our engine room or in the confines of the lazarette to help us chase down issues and sort out problems.

And when you apologize for taking up so much of their time and pestering them with annoying questions, they just shrug their shoulders and say, "Don't worry. Just pay it forward."

I always knew I loved Canadians. But now I love them even more because they've reminded me that humans (at least most of them) are good at heart and genuinely want to do unto others as they would have them do unto them.

What's your favorite things about Canada or Canadians? And for a more controversial question - only 100% genuine maple syrup on your pancakes or will Mrs. Butterworth's do?

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


Poisoned by the Pier, the latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery, is now available!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble Nook | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com


19 June 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Geography & Maps



Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:

1 - I love looking at maps and nautical charts and daydreaming about traveling to exotic destinations.

2 - When we're in the car, my job is Chief Navigator. I'm not very good at  it. Probably because I can't tell my left from my right. I have to physically turn the map around in my hands to try to figure out which way is which.

3 - Why yes, our car is really old and we don't have a built-in GPS navigator thingamajig. So we rely on my map-reading abilities. Let's just say that we would be wise to leave early for our destinations so that we can factor turning around time.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it? 
 
For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.


Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


The latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery is coming soon! 

Pre-order >>Poisoned by the Pier<< on Amazon | Barnes & Noble Nook | Apple Books | Google Play

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

12 June 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Evil Popsicle Sticks




Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:

1 - The thought of popsicle sticks makes me shudder and break out into a cold sweat. I freak out at the thought of putting wooden sticks in my mouth, whether that be a popsicle stick, chopsticks, or a bamboo skewer.

2 - Thanks to the trusty internet, I've self diagnosed myself. I have xylophobia. No, that's not the fear of xylophones, it's the fear of wooden objects. Don't believe me? See for yourself here. Fortunately, my phobia is limited to evil popsicle sticks and their cousins. I can happily touch wooden objects and hug trees.

3 - No, that doesn't stop me from eating a popsicle or an ice cream bar. I just eat around the edges and leave the middle part untouched. Bonus: you save calories that way.

What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it?

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


The latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery is coming soon! 

Pre-order >>Poisoned by the Pier<< on Amazon | Barnes & Noble Nook | Apple Books | Google Play

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com


22 May 2019

Horses! | Wordless Wednesday


Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:

1 - I like horses, but only from afar. I'm deathly allergic.

2 - We saw these ones on the banks of the St. Lucie Canal on our way back to Indiantown Marina.

3 - They were drinking the water. Gross. I'd be scared to get that water on my skin. Drinking it - no way.
 
What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it?

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!


The latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery is now available! Pick up a copy of >>Bodies in the Boatyard<< at:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (AU) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBooks | Google Play

Paperback available at: Amazon

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com

25 March 2019

Random Thoughts In GIFs

I'm what you might call a slow adopter when it comes to technology. My cell phone is over five years old and I still can't figure out how to text more than one person at a time. I get excited about discovering new things I can do with my computer long after everyone else has - like adding GIFs to my blog. How cool is that!

Yeah, I see you out there shaking your head thinking, "Duh, Ellen. That's really old news. Kids master that skill be the age of three."

So, guess what? I'm going to subject you to a entire blog post full of GIFs that represent the random thoughts running through my brain.

I'm in the midst of rewriting my latest book. When Scott comes in to check on me and I'm stuck on a plot point, I do this. . .



via GIPHY

Does it count if you're cat is imaginary?


via GIPHY

I did wash this morning. Very disappointed to find only lint in the dryer and not an adorable cat.


via GIPHY


 I did a search for GIFs related to hating math. This is what came up at the top of the results. Oh, internet, you know me so well.


via GIPHY

Enough goofing off. I better get back to the writing.


via GIPHY

What are your biggest technological challenges? Do you like GIFs?


13 February 2019

Wordless Wednesday | Valentine's Day Tree




Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be about posting a photo(s) without any words. But, I'm a rule breaker, so here are a few words:

1 - Do any of you still have your Christmas tree up? Hate the thought of taking it down? Well, here's an idea - turn it into a Valentine's Day tree. Then when March rolls around, you can turn it into a St. Patrick's Day tree.

2 - We saw this tree at the Kin-Doo Family Center here in Indiantown. The two nuns who run it are such lovely ladies doing great things in the community.

3 - You know what I love about Valentine's Day? The day after Valentine's Day when all the candy goes on sale!


What words does this picture(s) bring to your mind when you look at it?

For more Wordless Wednesday fun, click here and here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog - we love it when people come visit! We're also on Facebook - pop by and say hi!

The latest Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery is now available! Pick up a copy of >>Bodies in the Boatyard<< at:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (AU) | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBooks | Google Play

Paperback available at: Amazon

Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com 

11 February 2019

Ballroom Dancing With Two Left Feet



Someone sent me an email late last week which said:
"I think a post on ballroom dancing is in order. You can't passively mention something like that and leave your faithful readers wondering. Can you?"
My first reaction was:
"What the heck is he talking about?" 
After a few minutes, I remembered that I had mentioned ballroom dancing in my IWSG post on creativity last week.

Then I felt old. Honestly, I can't remember anything anymore. Thank goodness for Scott. He's like my human hard drive. I've backed up all my memories into his brain and when I need to remember something, he tells me what happened and when.

He told me all about taking ballroom dancing lessons when we lived in Scotland, and then later how we tried it again when we lived in New Zealand.

After a while, the memories came flooding back. Memories of having two left feet. Memories of constantly stepping on Scott's toes. Memories of barely being able to walk in heels, let alone dance in them. Memories of the instructor trying to tell me diplomatically that I shouldn't quit my day job.

Here's the danger of having a human hard drive - how do you know if what they're telling you is true? Maybe I was actually the star of the class. Maybe I was so good at ballroom dancing that I intimidated all of the other students. Maybe I don't have two left feet. Maybe. . .

Okay, maybe I should stop deluding myself. The fact that I routinely trip while walking on flat surfaces while wearing flat shoes should be a clue that I'm never going to be the next star of the ballroom dancing circuit. But a girl can dream, right?

Do you have a good memory? Have you ever tried ballroom dancing? What do you wish you were good at?