#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 629

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth discusses more of the trials and tribulations associated with living with hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day Six-Hundred-Twenty-Nine:

Today, the level of food in my bowl dropped so low that I was actually able to see the bottom! All my non-violent efforts to draw attention to this travesty were met with scorn or incomprehension, so I resorted to using my teeth! Horribly uncivilized, I know, but how else was I to command my hominid-servant's attention when she seemed so determined to ignore my pleas?

I had no desire to cause actual harm to my hominid-servant, so I nipped her gently on her lower leg just to attract her notice. Unfortunately, I miscalculated slightly on the amount of force needed and pierced a small hole in her epidermis drawing a minor amount of blood. Predictably, her reaction was all out of proportion to the severity of the injury.

In spite of the fact that the wound was miniscule, ceasing to bleed almost as soon as it had begun, my hominid-servant behaved as though I had amputated her limb. She jumped away from me, screeching at the top of her lungs. Naturally, at this point, I determined that discretion was the better part of valor and I attempted to flee, but she chased me and grabbed me by the lose skin at the base of my skull, lifting me into the air.

I must state for the record that being hoisted in such a manner hurt! However, it was the wound to my dignity that was the most painful. To add insult to injury, she shook her finger in my face repeatedly while lecturing me about the unacceptability of my behavior! Then, she stuffed me in the punishment box and stalked away muttering to herself about "bad cats."

Eventually, she did free me from my prison, but by then I had decided that I would treat her with the coldness she deserves until she apologizes. It seems she may have made a similar, though completely unjustified, resolution towards me, which has resulted in us both ignoring the other. And my food bowl has still not been filled!

Hominids are so unreasonable! ;-) You may have noticed that Agent Thoth has a new look. I hope you like his new picture as much as I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, either way. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. ;-) Happy reading, everyone!

The Complexities Of The Why...

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Happy Halloween!! I hope you're all having a delightfully spooky holiday. To brighten your All Hallow's Eve, I thought I'd share another peek at what Alyce is up to. Enjoy! :-)

Excerpt from sci-fi satire novel:
"Our records indicate there were some violent conflicts surrounding this incident," said Squid-boy.

I nodded. "There were. But the violence came from the government and from the corporation. The people protecting the water were largely peaceful in their tactics."

"If they weren't violent, what did they do?" asked Yax.

"Well, they formed a large camp near where the pipeline was being built and thousands of people congregated there." I pointed at the exhibit. "That's what you seem to be trying to portray here, but the people in the camp were there to protect the water and the rights of the native people. Not to destroy anything."

"So they just built temporary housing near where the pipeline was being built? Why would your government react violently to that?"

I snorted. "The government tends to react violently anytime anyone points out that what they're doing is wrong. But, no, they didn't just camp near the pipeline. They took action to try to stop construction. Some of them chained themselves to equipment so it couldn't be used. Some of them stood in groups, blocking the way of the construction. There were also marches to try to draw attention to what was going on. Also, after the corporation destroyed the tribe's ancestral burial ground, there was a prayer march."

"Your government allowed this corporation to disturb these people's dead? That's heartless!" cried Squid-boy.

"Why did the corporation object to prayer?" asked Yax.

"They objected to anything that brought attention to what they were doing," I answered. "And considering what the government has done to indigenous people in the past, does it really surprise you that it has no respect when it comes to native cemeteries?"

"But common decency…" objected Squid-boy.

"Isn't something our government concerns itself with too often," I interrupted.

He made a buzzing sound in the back of his throat but didn't reply.

"And all this is the result of the corruption you told us about?" asked Yax.

I nodded. "Probably. The Governor and both Senators of the state the native reservation is in have taken a lot of money from the oil and gas industry." I shrugged. "'One hand washes the other', as they say."

"And this happens often?" asked Squid-boy.

I sighed. "It used to happen all the time, then the laws got stricter and the protections against corporate abuse got stronger. But lately the laws have been going in the other direction again." I gestured at the exhibit, again. "What happened here with private corporate security working hand in glove with the police reminds me a lot of what the Pinkerton Gang used to get away with. These fossil fuel companies are pretty aggressive when it comes to fighting dirty to get what they want from land that belongs to other people. Heck, the fracking boys have even been after me and my land."

"After you? They're trying to take your property?" asked Yax.

"What is this 'Pinkerton Gang'?" asked Squid-boy.

"They're trying to force me to give them permission to put a pipeline under my land. I don't want to, but they're pretty persistent."

"Will they win?"

I looked at Yax and shrugged. "Dunno. I like to think I can protect what's mine, but it's hard to fight people who have billions of dollars and the government behind them. I guess it'll depend on if the people in my country are able to take back control of our government or if we fold and just let the corporations run everything."

"Which do you think will happen?"

I shrugged again. "The jury's still out. Things like this," I pointed at the exhibit that had already been shifted to better show how a group of regular citizens had joined together in peace to stand up against those who wanted to take their rights from them, "will answer that question."

I turned to Squid-boy who was looking at the exhibit with a strange expression on his face. When he realized I was looking at him, he turned his eyes to meet mine. "Your species is at an interesting crossroads. You are a complex people, capable of both astonishing selflessness and devastating selfishness. I hope, for your sake, that the better parts of your nature prevail."

I reached down to pat him on his back. "Me too, Squid-boy. Me too." I took a last look at the representation of some of my fellow citizens' stand against tyranny and turned away.

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. With all the calls from the Democratic Party leadership for "unity," I thought this was important. Obviously, they don't want unity; they want obedience. And I, for one, am not interested in obeying people who are supposed to work for me. Please take a few minutes to watch this video, and then click on the links below to sign the petition telling the DNC to stop trying to suppress the Will of The People and then check out the candidates he's talking about. Since the powers that be are so set against giving us what we need, it's up to us to promote and support the people who will if we have any hope of getting actual change. So, watch, share, and then, please, think about what else you might be able to do to help this movement. It's our country; it's up to us to take it back from the oligarchy. Peace!

https://now.justicedemocrats.com/petition/end-the-voter-file-lockout?ref=shortlink


https://justicedemocrats.com/

Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole #Recipe!

Hey Everyone! :-)

Today, I'd like to share one of my favorite cheesy potato recipes with you. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
10 baking potatoes peeled and sliced thin
3 large tomatoes sliced
2 onions sliced thin
2 cups mozzarella and cheddar cheese mix shredded (or your favorite melty cheese combo)

1 4 oz package garlic herb cream cheese spread

1/4 cup Pecorino Ramano cheese grated

2 cups milk

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

4 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, melt three tablespoons of butter and add the onions. Sautee until onions caramelize. Remove the onions and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the flour and stir together continuously until flour browns. Add milk, salt, and a good amount of black pepper, and whisk until smooth. Add shredded cheese mix a handful at a time, stirring continuously, until all of it is melted and the sauce is smooth.

In a buttered baking dish, spread a layer of the sliced potatoes. Spread with herb cheese spread and sprinkle with black pepper. Add a layer of sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with Pecorino Ramano. Ladle a little of the sauce over it. Repeat for as many layers as you have ingredients for, ending with a layer of potatoes. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the last of the Pecorino Ramano.

Bake casserole for 40-45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until top is golden brown, potatoes are soft, and center is bubbly. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Bon appetit!

Spooktacular #Author #Giveaway! $150 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Halloween!  Please take a moment to check out the Spooktacular Author Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 100 prizes, and the grand prize is $150 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

Exploring #Taboos And #Trust ;-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Happy Friday!  Today, I thought I'd help you start the weekend off right with a little snippet from the Winter Court. Enjoy! :-)

Excerpt From Captivated By The Winter King:
Turning back to his mate, he said, "Come here." When she approached, he ordered, "Remove your clothing."

In spite of the warmer air, Kate shivered. There was something deliciously naughty about the idea of being naked outside. They were alone and the area was remote, but it was not a private space. Anyone might happen by.

Reaching behind her neck, she tugged at the closure that sealed the dress in back. It had been spelled to release when she pulled at it, and the bodice dropped away from her body. Sliding the sleeves down her arms, she allowed it to pool at her waist as she unfastened the top of the skirt. Once freed, she allowed the dress to fall to the ground and stepped out of it. Seeing that Ankou held his hand out for it, she picked it up and handed it to him.

Standing under the cloudless sky in nothing but her lacy underwear, she felt free. She looked at her mate, who just raised his eyebrows and said, "Those as well."

After sliding the bra straps down her arms, she reached behind herself to unhook it. The cool air caressed her skin and her nipples puckered. She shivered as she handed the bra to Ankou. Taking a deep breath, she removed her boots and stockings. The cold of the snow under her feet was noticeable, but not unbearable. She realized Ankou was using magic to protect her there as well and she smiled. Sliding her panties down her legs, she stepped out of them and handed them to her mate.

"Stay there," ordered Ankou, who took Kate's clothing and laid it on the platform they had slept on to keep it from getting wet in the snow. Walking around the small clearing, he looked for things he could use. He found the remnants of a tree that had broken and fell. Using magic, he smoothed and shaped the stump into a wooden platform. After making sure the surface was polished and free of any splinters or sharp edges, he ordered Kate to join him.

As she padded across the snow, Kate couldn't help but wonder what Ankou had planned. Looking at the stump he had prepared, she was confused. It looked sturdy and came up to her belly button, but she didn't see what it could be used for.

Walking a few feet away, Ankou selected a large stick from the pile of wood Kate had collected the night before. Using magic again, he shaped it into a long, thin, smooth cane. He used both hands to bend it, testing how much give was in the wood. Satisfied, he returned to where his Anamchara waited for him.

When Kate saw what Ankou had in his hand, her eyes widened. Did he intend to use that on her? Searching his face, she found no clues in his blank expression.

Standing in front of her, the Winter king saw the trepidation in his mate's eyes. Cupping his hand behind her head, he threaded his fingers through her hair and drew her body against his. He leaned down, claiming her lips in a possessive kiss. Skimming his lips along her cheek, he nipped at her ear and whispered, "Do you trust me?"

Want more? Join Kate and Ankou in exploring the magic of Fairie by grabbing your copy here:

Captivated by the Winter King

#APC #Spotlight: In The Presence Of Knowing by Valarie Savage Kinney!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Valarie Kinney in my APC spotlight, today! Valarie is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and her fantasy romance novel, In The Presence of Knowing, looks great! Here's the description:

Keisha is pregnant and on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend. Hiding out at Windy Springs Renaissance Festival, she discovers a world of magic.
Stepping into new and unfamiliar territory, she finds herself among people different from any she’s met before. Though she feels she’ll never fit in, Keisha finds hope when she meets Rogan, who plays the troll. As friendship blossoms into romance, she soon discovers that Rogan, as well as others at Windy Springs, have abilities beyond the average individual – abilities that the child growing within her shares as well. When danger comes to Windy Springs, she’ll need the combined powers of Rogan and his friends to keep her and the baby safe.

If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)