Tale of a mule tail

                              

    In military terms a Shavetail usually refers to a Second Lieutenant who is not very experienced in Army matters.  

   The saying came from the practice in the army of shaving the tails of newly broken pack mules to distinguish them from seasoned ones. Good to know an animal's ability when you were singling one out from the herd. 

Bell Sharps is another grading system, 

and another whole fashion statement!

  As the mules were trained and passed muster for performing various duties, their achievements were noted by again altering their tails. When needed, the soldier knew which animal to chose for which specific task. 
  One bell was a pack mule, two bells was pack and ride, three meant he'd pack, ride, and drive.

In this image, it appears the one on the left is training the one on the right as to the proper etiquette of driving. 

    Bell Sharps is not to be confused with Bellwether, 

               literally a whole different animal. 

                                       

   Originally, the bellwether goat would be the one to lead the other animals back to the barn at night. Today, a bellwether is a person who actively leads or establishes a trend that is taken up by others. 

   The word is formed by a combination of the Middle English words belle (meaning “bell”) and wether (a noun that refers to a male sheep or goat who has been castrated).This usage first appeared in English in the 15th century and has remained in the language ever since. 

   

                           My Bellwether, Cowboy. 

                  This big boy was rescued from a petting zoo.

                                       Miss you sweetie.

Western Romance: Break Heart Canyon * Undercover Outlaw * Cowboys, Cattle and Cutthroats * A Cowboy’s Fate * Special Delivery. 

Contemporary Romantic Thriller: Fatal Recall

Medieval Romance: The Dragon and The Rose * Iron Heart                                 *Promise Me Christmas. 

Victorian Romance: Lady Gallant * Victorian Dream 

Fantasy: The Fae Warriors Trilogy: Solace * Bliss * Portence 

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Promise Me Christmas takes home the Bronze!

              

                My little romantic Medieval Christmas story won      

Third place at 

                       NATIONAL EXCELLENCE

                        IN STORY TELLING

           Available here ...https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

Blurb:  The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

                          

                            https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

                                          

Don't miss 99 Cent Sale

            

Last weekend to chillout with

Promise Me Christmas.

Colorado Authors' League finalist.

On sale for Christmas in July.

                                 https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

  The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

   Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

    As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

    On Christmas Eve, when a battle to the death begins, Guy faces his greatest challenge. Now Vespa’s wish for a happy Yule celebration turns to a prayer for her beloved’s safety. 

****

   Promise Me Christmas is a heartwarming story of love and honor and keeping one’s promise, all wrapped in a medieval adventure sprinkled with humor and sweet romantic moments.

****

Between The Pages--Still Moments Magazine: I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 5 Stars Reviewed by Darlene

****

 Promise Me Christmas is a Medieval sensuous heat level romance, with a dollop of history and adventure, and a respectful nod to PTSD. With Castle Darkenwald under siege, and an enemy housed within, my characters must work together to survive, yet they are able find a bit of humor along the way. As an added twist, my hero and heroine are already married, but their love and passion for one another has only grown stronger since saying “I do”.  As Yule approaches they must outsmart the enemy attempting to take over the castle. And when a battle to the death ensues, Lady Vespa’s hope for a festive holiday, turns to a prayer for the safety of her beloved. 

https://books2read.com/u/mKVOwE

Christmas in July 99 Cent Sale and $100 Giveaway

Chillout this July with a 

5 star Medieval Romance  

"Promise Me Christmas"

Finalist Colorado Authors' League 

best novella 2024

Available here only 99 cents  

  Enter $100 giveaway here

(Scroll down)

   The nights are growing longer and the winter snows are coming—Darkenwald Castle is under siege.  

Lord Guy Blackthorne is prepared to lay down his life for his children, his wife, and all who seek his protection. But as renegades, mercenaries, and political intrigue surround his ancient family stronghold, he’s forced to stay his hand against those who would dare to attack his fortress.  

   As supplies and hope dwindle, Lady Vespa fears Yule will not be one of good cheer, and the children shall have no gifts this year. At least she and Guy have one another, for that she is thankful. But there are few private moments to share their love, and every endeavor to satisfy their passion is interrupted when the enemy attempts to invade the castle. 

5 Stars/Mistress of Book Reviews Promise Me Christmas is a heartwarming story of love and honor and keeping one’s promise, all wrapped in a medieval adventure sprinkled with humor and sweet romantic moments.

5+ Stars N.N. Light/I love medieval romance and this medieval holiday romance spoke to my heart. Brilliant from start to finish, Promise Me Christmas took my breath away. The descriptive narration is poignant and draws the reader into the story. The setting is historically accurate. The world-building is immersive. The characters, though, are what make Promise Me Christmas a book worth reading this holiday season. Even with the threat of war, their love is unwavering. I can honestly confess it’s a gem and a reread. 

5 Stars Between /The Pages

This medieval historical romance was a captivating read. I enjoyed the twist of having the main characters married. Their lives were already intertwined, but during war-filled times, they had to always be prepared to defend their home and livelihood, which created a distance they longed to fill. The plot and characters were well-developed, giving the story a smooth reading flow. The author has a great descriptive voice that places you in the scenes. Guy listening and taking Vespa’s ideas into consideration on how to help defeat the enemy shows his love, devotion, and respect for his wife, which strengthens their relationship, and makes this story a perfect holiday read. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. 

  

Available here only 99 cents  

  Enter giveaway here

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#99centsaleromance 

#medievalromance99cents

 #castleunderseigeromance 

#100dollargiveaway

What's in your Pocket?

 There are hot pockets, pill pockets, even Lacrosse pockets, but what about the ones in your clothing? 
                   

I'm so glad pockets are finally more routinely included in women's clothing. Still always use more of them, and the idea started long ago with the pouch-pocket theory. 

 

    Ancient people used leather or cloth pouches to hold valuables, the forerunner of the pocket. Even Ötzi (also called the "Iceman"), who lived around 3,300 BCE, had a belt with a pouch sewn to it that contained a cache of useful items: a scraper, drill, flint flake, bone awl, and a dried tinder fungus.

     According to historian Rebecca Unsworth, it was in the late 15th century that pockets became more noticeable. The pockets began by being hung like purses from a belt accessible through a slit in the outer garment. Being concealed beneath a coat or jerkin, help to discourage pickpocketing. 

The word pocket appears in Middle English, and is taken from a Norman diminutive of Old French poke, pouque, or pouch. The form "poke" is now only used in dialect, or in such proverbial sayings as "a pig in a poke".

   Historically, the term "pocket" referred to a pouch worn around the waist by women, as mentioned in the rhyme Lucy Locket. In these pockets, women would carry items needed in their daily lives, such as scissors, pins and needles, and keys.

Lucy Locket lost her pocket.

Kitty Fisher found it;

Not a penny was there in it,

Only ribbon round it.

  The rhyme was first noted by James Orchard Halliwell in 1842 (Some accountings hint at Lucy and Kitty being rival courtesans of the time of Charles II", making it a much older and more interesting nursery rhyme)  

   In the 17th century, pockets began to be sewn into men's clothing, but not women's. In more modern clothing, women still sometimes have a Potemkin pocket, which is a fake slit sewn shut.

    A watch pocket or fob pocket is a small pocket designed to hold a pocket watch, in men's trousers and waistcoats and found in traditional blue jeans.

                                Thank you Reader's Digest 

   A besom pocket or slit pocket is cut into a garment instead of being sewn on. often with reinforced stitching. Besom pockets are found on a tuxedo jacket or trousers and may be accented with a flap or button closure.

  Camp pockets or cargo pockets are sewn to the outside of the garment. They are usually squared off and are characterized by seaming.

During Prohibition hip pockets became a handy place for hiding flasks and this practice contributed to the curved shape of the vessel to fit snuggly against the body and be less obvious. Supposedly, people who wore hip flasks became known as hipsters and thus the term was born. 

Like people, pockets come in all shapes and sizes. Hopefully there is one just right for you!

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Western Romance Roundup and Giveaway!

 Join the fun, meet new authors and old friends at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Western Fiction/Romance Bookish Event. While you're there enter the giveaway to win a $20 Amazon gift card:

                         Break Heart Canyon: 

A man for hire and a widowed goat rancher. Will the total eclipse unite more than the sun and moon? And why does the old prospector keep tabs on the town and show up just when needed?

                        Break Heart Canyon

winner of Colorado Authors' League Excellence in Writing Award for Best Historical of the Year.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/western-fiction-romance-event #western #westernromance #giveaway
 

Blurb:

   Unearthing artifacts in Colorado sounded like easy money to Ryker Landry. Then he met the woman who owned the land.

   Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, she has enough to worry about.

   Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her Deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most, the woman or the artifacts?

   When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Now only daring and blind trust can save them.

 

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/western-fiction-romance-event #western #westernromance #giveaway

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Tartan Festival and Farmers Market

          This weekend, Longmont Boulder County Fair Grounds 

                                   was a hive of activity. 

                        The weather was perfect with lots of fun booths

Clothes, long dresses, oh my, but I resisted!

Beautiful horn drinking cups

      

And great live music!

            The folks from the Scottie Dog Rescue were there.

                        This little guy had his own kilt.

   

Wearing authentic chainmail, 

 Brave knights were on hand defending the land. 

Mary, Queen of Scotts graced us with a visit

 with her ladies in waiting.

The costumes were gorgeous and the ladies were 

elegant and welcoming. 

They make appearances all over Colorado. 

You can read more about this group at 
Mary Queen of Scots of the Highland Rockies

   A dazzling array of fresh produce. I couldn't believe the     mushrooms available from Hazel Dell's farm. 

                               

              I bought King Oyster and Cinnamon Cap mushrooms 

                                   and they were delicious

     

A fun day and sad to say Good Bye....

  

#HazelDell #maryqueenofscotsofthehighlandrockies #tartandays

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