weekend wrap-up

Weekend Wrap-up: For the Birds

/ Leon Stevens / Leave a comment

I was at my parent’s place, sitting having my morning coffee, when a bird (Grey Jay/Whiskey Jack) flew up to the window and hit its wings on the glass a few times before perching on the deck railing.

“It wants to be fed,” my mother said as she handed me a slice of bread.

So, bread in hand, I walked out and torn off a small piece, held it out, and waited. The bird hopped over and took a look at the meager offering. It then hopped over my hand to the other which held the large piece of bread and proceeded to fill its beak.

Smart.

From my blog this week:

Free Book Friday: In Conversation With Author C. Streetlights – What does that C stand for?

Thursday Thoughts: Internet Gratification – Quick enough for ya?

Weird Wednesday: Blast from the (not so distant) Past – Part 2 – The best of “The Day Before”.

Tuesday Tirade: Fruit Flies (and bonus mini-rant) – Post-election thoughts

Monday Musing: Election Day. – ‘Nuff said.

From the blogs of other’s:

Friday Spotlight – D.G Kaye – Stevie showcases D.G. Kaye.

#BookBloggerHop | Indie Published versus Traditionally Published

Have a good weekend!

-Leon

Contact me:

Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: No News is Good News?

/ Leon Stevens / 4 Comments

My coffee is done. I’m still kinda tired. I usually write something here, but this morning I’ll take a pass.

“You did write something, though.”

” I guess I did.”

“So, would you like to retract your previous statement?”

“Not really.”

“OK. Fair enough.”

From my blog this week:

Free Book Friday: On Friday this week!* – Yay!

Promote Yourself Thursdays: Two Options – We all need to do some shameless self-promotion sometimes

Thursday Thoughts: These Dreams. – Not the song by Heart.

Weird Wednesday: Blast from the (not so distant) Past – Revisiting “Hide-and-Seek”

Tuesday Tirade: Trash Talk – Not good natured chirping.

Monday Musing: Open Book Blog Hop – What the heck did I write about?

From the blogs of other’s:


Viognier (haiku)* – Poetry and wine in one glass!


Throwback Thursday #4 – Pets – I had some. Now I don’t.

Another Year Older… – Happy Birthday!


Robbie’s Inspiration – poetry Worth a read!

Have a good weekend!

-Leon

Contact me:

Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: The “Puffy Shirt” Phenomenon

/ Leon Stevens / 3 Comments

In reference to the Seinfeld episode – I agreed to what?

I received an email last night which thanked me for agreeing to promote a book sale for a fellow author. To be honest, I completely forgot about it, but did remember that I had.

With many of the promos that I have done, I have tried to read at least a sample of the author’s works, so I can decide whether or not to promote them. My reading preferences are fairly narrow, so I don’t often give a judgement on the work, but let my readership make that decision on their own. I’ll promote any genre as long as it is non-offensive.

Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to read any of Charles Yallowitz‘s works, but if you like vampires, maybe you will like:

His newest book will be on sale for 99 cents and you can read about it on his website:

https://legendsofwindemere.com/2021/09/03/war-of-nytefall-anarchy-available-on-amazon-for-99cents-vampires-fantasy/

-Leon

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: In Conversation With Nicole Pierman (and new promos!) – I’ve enjoyed doing more interviews with other authors.

Thursday Thoughts: Drawing a Blank -Inspiration

Weird Wednesday: Elections – Canadian politics explained?

Tuesday Tirade: People – Some people irk me…

Music Monday: If you haven’t heard it already… – Just letting you know that I’m not just all fun and games

From the blogs of other’s:


The challenge with living in the present – Interesting post. Is it really a challenge?

In Praise Of Honest Mechanics, And The NHS – Honest mechanics? There are still some around.


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: Last Weekend in August…Already?

/ Leon Stevens / 2 Comments

Last week I hit a blogging streak of 33 days and had 5000 views. Not bad…

-Leon

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: Oops, I did it again! – Only one free book: Mine!

Throwback Thursday: Learning to Drive – Found this prompt and ran (drove?) with it.

Thursday Thoughts: Here we go again! – The Paralympics begin.

Weird Wednesday: The Top Row (almost) – How do I come up with these?

Tuesday Tidbits: Collecting (dust) – Not quite hoarding.

Music Monday: A Poem – My first poem about music. (It’s about time…)

From the blogs of others:

R.I.P. Charlie Watts – We lost a legendary drummer. Thanks to Clive for this post.


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: Wet, Wet, Wet.

/ Leon Stevens / Leave a comment

(Note: I wrote this yesterday)

I walked in the rain today. I didn’t care that I got wet. The coolness of each drop as it hit my skin and seeped through the fabric of my clothing was a welcome respite from the weeks of hot, dry weather. Each puddle was like an old friend, not to be avoided, but to be reacquainted with once again (that means my feet got wet).

I sat in the doorway drinking coffee, watching the sky shed it’s tears. I assume it’s tears of joy because it didn’t feel sad. Sometimes the rain has a somber quality. Not today.

The thunder grumbles like that guy you know that always has something to complain about which never comes across as angry, just comical.

You forget how good the rain smells. It freshens up the earth. It beats down the smell of smoke from all the forest fires. If there happens to be a thunderstorm, you can smell the ozone from the lightning (I think that’s what it is). There isn’t any lightning that I can see. Maybe tonight.

It is supposed to rain steady for the next few days, and I’ll probably go for a run and a ride. 

The Little Things

Stop. Feel that?
The warmth of the sun
The breeze on your face
Rain, it has its own unique smell
Feels like tiny punches when it lands
Wherever you are
There is beauty and wonder about
Even if seemingly insignificant
A smell, a color, a sight, a feel
There is always something to appreciate
Like cool grass under bare feet


-From Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures

-Have a good weekend. I know I will.

-Leon

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: Author’s Newsletters- Worth the free book? – Well is it?

Weird Wednesday: What was I going to write about? – Memory, I think…

Tuesday Tirade: The Egg. – Who doesn’t like a good egg rant?

Music Monday: The Folly of Youth – I heard a song which reminded me of many years ago.


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: Hot, Hot, Hot.

/ Leon Stevens / 2 Comments

On Thursday, I wrote about the ongoing climate crisis. This morning I woke up to hear that July was the hottest month. In the entire world. Ever (well, in the last 2000 years at least). I assumed that they (the scientists) kinda guessed at the global temperatures that long ago. I don’t doubt them since they have been right about a lot of things.

Not the news we wanted to hear. I expect this will be the norm for the near future. The Covid crisis showed that we are a global society, that we are not isolated counties.

Is this the next wake-up call, or do we hit the snooze button once again?

From my blog this week

Bad Luck Free Book Friday the 13th?

Thursday Thoughts: Fires, Floods, and Droughts. Oh My. – My thoughts on the environmental crisis

Weird Wednesday: Now What? – Post-Olympics

Tuesday Tidbits: Book Updates and Sale – What else have I been doing?

Music Monday: In Conversation With Abigail de Niverville – A different feature that I enjoyed doing

OK. Now it’s the final day… – The end of the Olympics

From other blogs:


Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Podcast – Book Marketing and PR for authors – Branding your Blog or your Writing by Sally Cronin – Sally is always informative.


Promote a Poet/Writer Thursday, August 12, 2021 – What a great idea!

I Know Science Fiction and Fantasy Can be Daunting – Can it?

Just a reminder:

Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: Last Day

/ Leon Stevens / 2 Comments

What am I going to write about? Today is the last day of the sporting events in the 2020ne Olympic Games. I suppose that one the plus side, the Paralympics are next, then football season starts, hockey is in two months, and it’s only one year before the Winter Olympics. Not to worry, though, my blog hasn’t become a sportscast, and I’ll be going back to my usual mish-mash of topics. Nothing unites the world like the Olympics, does it?

So, here are some final thoughts:

  • A personal best is as good as a gold
  • Everyone suddenly becomes an expert in techniques: “That half-pike had a slight over-rotation“
  • Some sports get more coverage than others
  • It’s a shame that in team sports the silver medal is a disappointment (watch the Swedish women’s soccer team)
  • There’s a kinship between all the athletes across all borders. It’s nice to see the handshakes and hugs (we can hug again?) after the competition.
  • Higher, Faster, Stronger. Let’s add Longer, Insyncer (that’s an awkward word?), Jumpier. Well, maybe not.
  • I liked watching the Mountain biking, but didn’t get to see much of it
  • Race walking, even though it is technically and mentally more difficult than distance running, still looks funny

Will I watch the closing ceremonies? Perhaps.

-Leon

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: BookFunnel makes its debut! – New platform for readers/authors

Thursday Thoughts: The Return – A Poem (and The Olympics – Part 10) – Finally inspired to write a poem (not about the Olympics)

Weird Wednesday: The Olympics – Part 9?

Tuesday Tidbits: The Olympics Part 8: That’s just mean.

Music Monday/Monday Musings: Now for something completely different. – What could that be?

The Olympics: An unofficial history. – The origin of the sports.

(Are you sensing a theme?)

From other blogs:

https://storyempirecom.wordpress.com/2021/08/04/writing-and-people-watching/ – Made me think of this poem that I wrote last year:

Again Today

I saw that guy again on my walk today
We are at the point when we pass
That a pursed lip smile
Will suffice
Or a nod
When, I wonder, will the relationship progress
To where I have to say hello

I saw that woman with the cart today
Wearing all that she owns (clothes that is)
Tattered coat, even though it’s warm outside
Worn out shoes
On tired feet
When will I feel obliged
To offer…anything

I saw that child with the others today
With matching daycare vests
Tugging dandelions off to the side
With a smile
Only he knows
Why he is
The center of his own attention

I saw that girl with the dog today
We often pass each other
Today I was running
When I passed her she was crying
Only I kept going
Was none of my business I told myself
Though I wonder…


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: More Olympics? Maybe.

/ Leon Stevens / 2 Comments

Can I write about the Olympics everyday? I’m going to try.

What affect does technology have on athletic performance? In some sports not much, in others, much more. Any sport that relies heavily on speed such as cycling and rowing will benefit from lighter, more aerodynamic equipment/clothing. Track athletes have seen improvement in the track surface along with the shoes.

What sports are decided on physical prowess alone? Wrestling, judo/martial arts, gymnastics, weightlifting, field sports, and distance running come to mind. Distance runners to rely on shoes but since they are running on unprepared surfaces over a long time, I’ll include them here (plus, I’ve done a few marathons).

Let me know your thoughts.

-Leon

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: The Olympics – Part 5 Records

Thursday Thoughts: The Olympics – Part 4: Tired of them yet?

Weird Wednesday: The Olympics – Part 3

Tuesday Tidbits: The Olympics Part 2: Amateur vs. Professional

Monday Musings: The Olympics-Part One: What’s it all about?

(Are you sensing a theme?)

From other blogs:


It’s been a year… 1 year blogging anniversary!! – It goes by quickly.


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: My first 1-Star review!

/ Leon Stevens / 6 Comments

It was bound to happen. Not everyone is going to enjoy every author’s books. But I have to admit, my heart dropped a bit when I saw the rating.

1.0 out of 5 stars Boring Stories
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2021
Boring stories that don’t draw in the reader. Nothing really interesting happens.

Can I dispute the review? Not really, since this is the opinion of an individual, and there is nothing that I can say except thank them for their honesty. I suppose I could ask the question. “Did you read the whole thing?”

Hard to say. Here’s the KDP graphic:

Someone read the whole book on Kindle Unlimited on June 4th, and someone purchased the Kindle version on July 3rd.

I also took a look at what other books they reviewed to see what they enjoy. There wasn’t any other science fiction there, so I suppose it isn’t a surprise they did not care for it. It would have been nice to have my book turn them on to the genre, though.

On the plus side, it does give credibility to the reviews, not being all 5-Star glowing/gushing.

Hey, wait! I’m working on a straight! I just need a 2-star and I’m all in! No poker face here…

Am I over it?

Yeah.

-Leon

From my blog this week

Thursday Thoughts: Recipes – Just a serving suggestion? – I can’t remember what I wrote (and why), and I don’t feel like looking. Wow. That’s lazy, Leon.

Weird Wednesday: Spectator Sports – Hey look! The Olympics are on now.

Tuesday Tidbits: Weathering the Weather – Hot, hot, hot.

Monday Musings: Author’s Comments – Commenting on reviews

From other blogs:

Friday Review Share – Stevie’s weekly contribution to the author community.

My First Blog Interview – Not mine, Pete’s.

poem-other places – A very apt poem about the fire situation in BC.

Defining Moments – FromCavewalls

diversity in books // book talk #1 – A very good topic.


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

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Weekend Wrap-up: July 17

/ Leon Stevens / 2 Comments

The Road Trip

I made a trip that I haven’t made in over a year. Each turn and curve of the road revealed a familiar scene, barely changed. The highway is smoother in spots and rougher in others. Some of the roadside stores are overgrown, victims of the past year’s events.

Fuel is more expensive now, so I keep my speed slower than I did the last time and draft behind the transport trucks for added economy. Four hours later, I pull into the gravel driveway.

The house looks the same except for a fresh coat of paint, and a new patio. The occupants look the same, a little smaller maybe, but as spry as ever.

I hug my parents for the first time in over a year. I relax my embrace, but mother keeps a tight hold. I guess it’s not over yet, so we remain here a little while longer.

From my blog this week

Free Book Friday: The Little Library that Could

Thursday Thoughts: To be(ta) or not to be(ta) – Getting close to this next step

Weird Wednesday: July 14 – Food for Thought

Tuesday Tidbits: On the right track! – New reviews for my poetry book.

Monday Musings: Out of Touch – Away for the weekend

From other blogs: Poems

lapses in memory – From Shrubaboti


Rebirth (haiku) – From eob2


Leon Stevens is a blogger, composer, artist, and an author of three books (so far): Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures, Journeys: Eight Original Pieces for Classical Guitar and The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
www.linesbyleon.com

Purchase paperback directly for the author!