Ian Fleming's The Penguin Complete 007 Centenary James Bond Book Collection Review

Here for your review is a popular set of books that celebrated the 100th birthday or centennial of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books. Called The Penguin Complete 007 James Bond Centenary Collection, it came attractively packaged in a red box with a cut out in the form of 007.

James Bond Fact Files said, “Every so often in the sea of marketed mediocrity perpetrated in the name of James Bond 007, something of worth is produced which is not only a joy to behold and own, but in time will also become a desirable and much sought-after collectable.”

This series definitely fits that description. The books were paperbacks with new and interesting vintage-style covers and this release made the books exciting for new and old readers alike. Many years later, these books are indeed desirable and a sought-after collectable.

The set included 14 books as shown here on this list, presented here in alphabetical order:

Casino Royale
Diamonds are Forever
Doctor No
For Your Eyes Only
From Russia with Love
Goldfinger
Live and Let Die
Man with the Golden Gun, The
Moonraker
Octopussy
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Spy Who Loved Me, The
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice

It was a wonderful way to gift the whole set, perfect for anyone who loved the stories or for an introduction to the series. My dad was gifted a set around the release date, which I believe was 2008 here in Canada. The books would still make a wonderful gift set but they are long out of production and as mentioned above, much sought after. For those who don't know, this means that the sales price has risen. Dramatically.

If you are, however, a really big fan and want to add the set to your collection or if you are just curious, you can find The James Bond Centenary Collection here on eBay or sometimes here on Amazon. Occasionally, you will even see a new, sealed set on the resale market. However, you will have to have deep pockets to add it to your collection today.

The picture of the row of books shown above was kindly provided by eBay seller Bushido_108. Check out all of the great sets of books he has in store for you here, on eBay.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING:

Gift Ideas for Dad

Steve Berry's The Amber Room Reviewed

The Man with the Golden Typewriter by Ian Fleming

Discover Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection

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Gardien Decorative Stepping Stones Review

Have you ever wanted to DIY a garden path or foot path in your yard? Yet the thought of bringing in stones seems ... like alot of work! Enter the resin Gardien stepping stones which are lightweight faux stepping stones attached to the ground with stakes. Yes, stakes! 

The stones are textured to resemble limestone and can be used as separately or spaced together depending upon the desired look or use.

Colors

 Gardien 15.5” Decorative Stepping Stones That Stake Into The GroundCheck Price

Light Beige Limestone and Slate Grey

Quantities

The stepping stones can be ordered in packs of 4, 8, 16 stones

Size

The size of each stone is 15.5" X 15.5"

The stones do require minor installation of the four stakes to adhere stone into the ground. The stakes are attached to the back of each stone. After the stakes are removed from the back of the stone the stakes need to be clipped into the back of each stone (that did require hand strength.)

Installation

The stones are very easy to install on soft ground, grass or mulch. Simply place the stone and stand on the stone to lower stone into the ground. The stones are easily detached also to move or realign.

I love this idea and the flexibility to DIY a space. The stones are not inexpensive especially if a large area is to be designed and work better on level land.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Why Put a Spring Wreath on Your Front Door?

I've always loved a seasonal wreath on a front door. There's just something about walking up to a house and being greeted by a cheerful wreath that feels warm and inviting. 

It's like the house itself is smiling at you. When spring rolls around, a bright, floral wreath is the perfect way to welcome the season of renewal right at your doorstep.

1. The Meaning Behind a Spring Wreath

Spring wreaths aren't just pretty; they carry symbolic meaning as well. Wreaths, in general, have long been symbols of growth, renewal, and the cycle of life, which makes them a perfect match for spring. 

Flowers represent the blooming of new beginnings, while greenery symbolizes life and vitality.

A spring wreath can be a quiet but meaningful reminder to embrace change, fresh starts, and the beauty of nature awakening around us.

Whether you choose a floral design, a greenery wreath, or something whimsical like one made with Easter eggs or butterflies, it's a lovely way to mark the season.

2. Decorative Impact That Elevates Your Curb Appeal

Let's be honest — a spring wreath just makes your home look good!

It's a simple yet powerful way to add color and personality to your front door. Even if your porch is basic, a vibrant wreath can instantly brighten things up.

I've found that a spring wreath can also tie together other decorative elements. 

If you enjoy putting out a welcome mat, potted plants, or seasonal decor on your porch, a wreath can pull the whole look together. The combination creates a cohesive and inviting entryway that leaves a lasting impression.

Check out this collection of spring wreaths for unique ideas on different wreath styles. Whether you prefer bold colors or soft pastels, there's something to suit various styles.

3. Practical Tips for Choosing and Hanging a Spring Wreath

If you're like me, you want a wreath that not only looks great but holds up well. Here are some quick tips I've learned over the years:

• Go Artificial for Longevity: While fresh flower wreaths are stunning, they don't last long. Artificial options can look just as beautiful and will stay vibrant all season.

• Choose Weather-Resistant Materials: If your front door is exposed to the elements, look for UV-protected or weather-resistant wreaths to prevent fading.

• Pick the Right Size: A wreath that's too small can get lost on the door, while one that's too big may overwhelm it. Aim for a size that fits comfortably within the door's center.

• Use a Sturdy Hanger: Over-the-door wreath hangers are easy to use, but adhesive hooks can work well if you'd rather avoid a visible hook on top. I prefer the over-the-door hanger, but that's just a personal thing. Check out both hanging devices and decide which works best for your door.

As a reminder, if you're ready to find the perfect wreath for your door, I've gathered some wonderful ideas in this spring wreath roundup. There's something for many tastes and styles.

Final Thoughts

Putting a spring wreath on your front door is such a simple way to celebrate the season and make your home feel warm and welcoming.

Whether you choose a floral masterpiece, a greenery-inspired design, or something playful and fun, it's a beautiful way to show off your style and greet guests with a smile before they even step inside.

Happy spring decorating!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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National Alfred Hitchcock Day Reviewed

March 12 has been selected as the day we honor the Master of Suspense - Alfred Hitchcock.

Alfred Hitchcock Day is a holiday in the category of Arts & Entertainment. On March 12 we celebrate the life, times and work of this master filmmaker.

Presenting Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock (Wikipedia)

Hitchcock was an English film director who became one of the  most influential figures in the world of cinema.

In a career that spanned six decades, Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films, many of which are still watched and well known today.  Some of his most famous were Strangers on a Train,  Dial M for Murder, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, North by Northwest, The Birds and Psycho. The actors in these, and other, Hitchcock films were some of the top names of the day, including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman.

Hitchcock became as well known as any of his actors due to his cameo appearances in most of his films, his many interviews, and his television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. 

Born in Essex (near East London), Alfred Hitchcock grew up in a rather austere and strict environment without much joy. He had no real friends and developed many fears over the years. Perhaps his background helped bring out the suspenseful and fearful ideas he had for his many films.

Hitchcock's favorite subject was geography and he loved maps and timetables of trains, trams and buses. He had a particular interest in London trams and, fans of Hitchcock films will note, a large percentage of his films included rail or tram scenes. 

Alfred Hitchcock married Alma Reville, an English screenwriter, in 1926 and they had one daughter, Pat. Alma became his closest collaborator and wrote or co-wrote many of Hitchcock's films. 

One of Hitchcock’s most famous movies was Psycho. The violence (shower scene) and the early death of the heroine by a disturbed murderer became the hallmarks of a new horror-film genre and became very popular with audiences. 

Alfred Hitchcock’s films showed recurring themes and plot devices throughout his directing career. The "Hitchcockian" style included the use of "editing and camera movement to mimic a person's gaze, thereby turning viewers into voyeurs, and framing shots to maximise anxiety and fear."

Summary

Alfred Hitchcock received many awards for his work over the years, and frequent accolades.  Life magazine called him the "greatest master of melodrama in screen history". The holiday of National Alfred Hitchcock Day celebrates this outstanding Master of Suspense.

Related Reviews:

• Alfred Hitchcock Suspense Films Collection Reviewed by Sylvestermouse Cynthia

For more Holiday Reviews, Check out

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

A Few of the Many Favorite & Most Well-Known Hitchcock Films:

The Birds [DVD]

Psycho (1960) - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]

North By Northwest (4K UHD + Digital)

Rear Window - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]

*Review of the Holiday ‘National Alfred Hitchcock Day’ was written by Wednesday Elf.

 

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Pork Chops with Gravy Crock-Pot Recipe

I love cooking in my crock pot.  It is so nice to be able to start a meal in the morning and have it ready to serve at dinnertime without too much additional fuss.  I am constantly seeking new crock pot recipes that my family will enjoy.  

Not all of my new recipe experiments have been well received in our home.  Due to varying ingredient preferences, it is not unusual for one of us to like a particular meal while others simply do not care for it and start rutting in the refrigerator for last night's leftovers.  When I plan to try a new recipe, I make sure there is an alternative meal available.  I've learned that is a necessity.  

Due to my own childhood experiences with tomatoes, I've never required my children, or anyone, to eat a meal that did not appeal to them, simply because it was set before them.  Of course, I cook with tomatoes, but my personal preference is either tomato sauce or petite diced tomatoes.  I cannot eat a tomato alone or sliced on a hamburger like my parents, siblings & husband.  Therefore, I completely understand when someone doesn't like a specific ingredient or presentation.

A few years ago, my mother started cooking pork chops in her crock pot.  I have cooked pork loin in my crock pot for decades, but not the chops and I hesitated to try the pork chops in gravy.  However, Mom was kind enough to share one of her cooked pork chops with me and I loved them.  They are awesome!    

She gave me her recipe and with a few very simple changes based on my household preferences, I now cook pork chops in gravy for my family.  Everyone, except our vegans, love these chops.

 

Crock Pot Recipe for Pork Chops with Gravy

• 5 Pork Chops  (any size – I use the breakfast chops)
• 1 Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup 
• 1 pkg of Pork Gravy Mix   (I use Pioneer Roasted Pork Gravy Mix)
• ½ Cup Water or Chicken Broth 
• ½ teaspoon Pepper 
• Butter 

Note: Can add a pkg of onion dip mix if desired (I don’t use this)

 

Directions

Mix together the soup, gravy mix, water and pepper. Pour into the crock pot. 

Layer the pork chops on top of the mixture. 

Lightly pepper and add a pat of butter on each pork chop. 

Cook for 7 ½ hours on low. 

Finishing sauce thickener after chops are cooked:  In a cup, stir together 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch & 2 Tablespoons Water to make a sauce thickener.  Temporarily remove pork chops and stir mixture into sauce in the crock pot.  Add the chops back to the crock pot and cook chops in the sauce for another 30 minutes. 

During that additional 30 of cooking in the crockpot, I prepare a box of Uncle Ben's Wild Rice and serve the cooked pork chops over the wild rice.

 

My Crock-Pot

I own two crock-pots.  My original crock pot is over 40 years old, but it still works like new.  However, during the holidays, I found I needed a second crock-pot to carry meals to my parent's home when my siblings and their families are in town.  I chose one that has latches on the top for easy transporting.

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Oval Manual Portable Slow Cooker, Red - SCCPVL600-R

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
ReviewThisRecipes.com

Pork Chops with Gravy Crock Pot Recipe Written by:

© 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Using Affirmations - A Review

When I first started using affirmations, I was a novice. I had worked through a book and came up with ten affirmations that I would write down, and then read and recite daily.

I was floored when I noticed that some of them were coming true. I continued on a bit more, and became flabbergasted. I really started watching what I was saying; so much so, that I became very quiet. I didn't want to let words slip out that were not affirmative of what I wanted and or liked.

But then I also began to miss having conversations. I didn't know how to be discerning of what I watched on TV or listened to as background noise, etc.

Having been raised as a Christian, I also began to wonder if this what was God wanted me to do. I wrote about that in another blog, and will share a link to that at the bottom of this post.

My main point of writing about using affirmations, is that I have found and also developed some tips and tricks that have helped me out in my continuing journey.

As much as possible, I try to notice more of what I do like.

As much as possible, I try to see the good. If that didn't seem to be working, I would leave a certain situation, and continue to work on me.

If it is a situation I want to stay in and make the best of, I have tried to state more of what it is I want, and only sticking to that. Sometimes I might rephrase something in a more positive way. I have found that to be helpful.

When it comes to reading, I take the time to transform the word I, used by others to refer to themselves, to they, he, she, etc. I have become more conscientious of when I use the word I, so I don't want to take on that word when I am reading in regards to someone else's I. So yes, I book has to really sound good for me to want to read it. Or, if the writer is coming from a place that I would like to be, then I can be okay with reading their I as also my I. Hope that makes sense.

When it comes to singing, I have found that singing words, has actually created more energy for those words as I sing them. So when my favorite tunes come on and I want to sing, I either replace the words with more positive words that I can align to, or just think my replacement words in my head, or just repeat a string of syllables to go along with the tune. Like lots of la la la, do rah do, etc.

Yes, these are all things that I have done to help me in my journey of using affirmations, without having to resort to a very quiet life. I don't like the idea of becoming a monk or be monk like. Did you notice what I just did, I used the word like with a derivative of not. I read about someone else doing that, to get out of the habit of using less positive descriptions.

I have also done quiet self talk. Early on in my affirmation journey, when I was out in a restaurant and the person across from me had said something I didn't like and I wanted things to go better, I cupped my hand up over my mouth and would quietly say the affirmation that I was trying to foster. I knew that what they were saying was triggering my old beliefs, so it was nothing I had to try and get them to change in that moment. This was my own personal way of working on me. I learned later that I could also say to myself, I dissolve this energy, and would mentally just think it to the area that I was feeling it in my body.

Another thing I have decided to do, is when I am with others who may not be talking very affirmatively, I have asked them, "What is it that you do want to happen?" Sometimes I have responded with what I may like to have happen, to give them an idea of what I mean. Sometimes, this has proven helpful.

I have found that I like various ways of doing affirmations. Sometimes I just like to chill and listen to them as background. Other times I follow along and repeat what I am listening to. If there is enough time, I repeat each one out loud and then again silently to myself.

I also like saying affirmations while doing physical activity. An example is saying that "I am strong," while exercising. I can find that quite invigorating. Physical activity can also be beneficial by itself.

You may not equate massage with affirmations, however our bodies can store energy of our beliefs. Massage from another or even one's self can help to release that stored energy through massage. It doesn't have to be a whole body massage, it can be as simple as massaging one's hands or feet. When I do that, sometimes I feel like I just need to take a deeper breath and let it go. I find it very helpful. Physical exercise can also loosen up stored energy.

Those are some of the things that I have done to improve my self well-being. I am glad that I pursued this journey of affirmations. I hope that you have found some help here, either with new tools that you may find helpful, and also that if you are going through anything similar, that you know you are with others who are on a path of transformation as well.

If you would like to read more about my transitioning went as far as me wondering what God wanted to me do, you can check that out here. It's my blog on Proverbs as Affirmations.

If you'd like some books that foster a more affirmative life, check these out. They are on Amazon.

Proverbs as Affirmations: An Affirmation Journal for Self Transformation This is especially good for those who want to experience the lessons in Proverbs said in a kind manner.

Positive Affirmation Coloring Book Coloring while focusing on an affirmation can be a relaxing and calm way to incorporate affirmations.

Proverbs as Affirmations Coloring Book: Words to Live By

May you have a great and blessed day.

Do you have an affirmation tip to share? Please do.

Cheryl Paton

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There Are Days Just Meant For Fun! A Holiday Review

 As Mid-March arrives, if anyone asks what your favorite color is, the answer better be GREEN!

Why?  Well everyone knows that on the 17th of March, the whole world seems to be Irish!  St. Patrick's Day is the one day of the year where GREEN is the mandatory color in everyone's attire or their accessories!

It doesn't matter if its Kelly Green, pale Green, Bold Emerald Green or any combination, the most important part is that it belongs to the family of Green! 

Now let's get down to a bit of history!  St. Patrick became the Patron Saint of the Green Isle when he was sent to proclaim Christ to the people in the 5th century.  Yes you read that right, he is a very old Patron Saint. He was born in Britain and at the age of 16 was taken from his village and placed into slavery in Ireland.  Yes, the times he lived in were barbarous and slavery was not uncommon. He did manage to escape, but felt a calling to return to Ireland. 

He was a very spiritual man, who during his travels around Ireland, baptized many people into the Catholic Christian Church.  He was very careful to keep the peace with all the chieftains in the region so that he was welcomed by all.  He gave gifts and took none in return.  Many legends surround St. Patrick, the most popular is the Shamrock which helped Patrick explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. 

St. Patrick is also credited with getting all the snakes, demons and practitioners of magic to leave Ireland.  These "miracles" cannot be authenticated, but many still believe them.

But let's get to the fun part, current day celebrations of St. Patrick's Day are attributed to the European immigrants in the 18th century.  Boston celebrated the first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737.  The large Irish population enjoyed the celebrations so much that many new ways to celebrate the day came about.  The color GREEN not only celebrates St. Patrick, but rather is a way to celebrate the country of Ireland.  

Today we see everyone as Irish on March 17th and many people enjoy adding to the mirth and merriment of the day by adding something GREEN  to their clothing.  People will enjoy Irish foods and even color their beer for the day. 

Now I've given you fair warning that this holiday is coming up shortly and to that end have furnished you with a page from Amazon.com where you can find anything your little heart could desire to make this St. Patty's Day fun for you and your family. 

Just imagine a day without any strife and everyone wishing everyone else a Happy St. Patty's Day!  A little fun goes a long way. 

Here's an Irish Blessing Just for You!

May love and laughter

light your days

and warm your heart and home,

may good and faithful friends be yours 

wherever you may roam,

May peace and plenty bless your world 

with joy that long endures,

May all life's 

passing seasons 

bring the best

to you and yours!  

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL!  MAY YOU ENJOY YOUR IRISH ON THE 17TH!

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Air Fryer Lightly Breaded Haddock Fillets

 These air fryer haddock fish fillets are crispy on the outside with flaky, tender fish on the inside. Here is proof that you don't need your oven to make a delicious healthy meal.

Air Fryer fish fillets - Reviewed

A couple of weeks ago the bottom element in our oven blew out leaving us with no oven. Fran picked up these haddock fish fillets at our local grocery store. They were already lightly breaded and ready for the oven.

Since we didn't have a working oven and didn't want to fry the fish on our stovetop, we decided to use our air fryer and cook the potatoes in our microwave. The Fish came out so crispy and tender that we have since made these again.

Since then, I have replaced the bottom bake element on our oven, so it is in working order again. However, I don't think I'll ever use the oven to bake fish again.

If your local grocery store doesn't have breaded fish fillets ready to cook, the following is a recipe for lightly breaded fish and our method of air frying.

Ingredients:

• 2 haddock fillets fresh or thawed, or your favorite fish fillets
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray
• Lemon wedges
• Tarter sauce or your favorite for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip the fish fillets in the beaten egg mixture. Then dredge the fillets in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure you coat the fillets.
3. Lightly spray the air fry basket with cooking spray.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 325 degrees. Place the fillets side by side, not touching each other. Air Fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Our haddock fillets in the air fry basket, We added a lemon slice while they were cooking for some added flavor.

The air fryer is an excellent tool for achieving a crispy texture with minimal oil. In fact, all we did was spray the air fry basket with cooking spray. Air frying reduces fat and calories while still delivering a satisfying crunch. It's also known that an air fryer uses less energy than an oven.

We have a combination Ninja Foodi Grill and Air Fryer and just love it. You can find a large selection of Air Fryers on Amazon.

Ninja Foodi 4qt 5-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer - AG301Check the Price

 

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Book Review: Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller by Kyla Stone

The Edge of Collapse series is a binge-worthy, 7 book set in the post-apocalyptic genre. After the attack on the US, knocking out the power grid, communications, planes, vehicles, and most everything that is modernized, the big picture focus for everyone is to shake off the confusion and try to survive. Edge of Collapse Book One narrows in on a much more personal level. This national crisis presents Hannah a slim opportunity to escape her captor years after her abduction. Hannah's broken, pregnant body is no match for the sociopathic predator but her need to return to her son is strong. This moment is her only chance to return home.

Hannah is a devoted mother to a beautiful 3 year old son and was living a good life in a small Southwest Michigan town. She loved her husband, Noah, but they had been having some minor bumpy spots in their marriage. Then Hannah suddenly disappears.  Of course, everyone had their theories. Maybe her husband murdered her. Maybe she just ran away. Perhaps she was dead. People who knew her well knew that she would have never left her child. Regardless, the years passed without her return.

Now. Maimed and nearing the end of her pregnancy, the locked door of her basement prison unlatches. Hannah has tried to mark the days, months, and years in chalk marks on the wall but she is not sure of what month it is. She is sure that it is winter and brutally cold outside. Trying to push past her physical difficulties, paranoia, and panic attacks she intends to leave. Doing so means entering the forested area during a snowstorm with no idea where she is and how to get back home.

Edge of Collapse series Book One by Kyla Stone on Amazon

Gavin Pike is a hunter. A hunter of humans. Shortly after he put her in the basement, and during the time she was still trying to actively defend herself, he brought a photo to her on his next visit. A photo of her son and her husband in his Fall Creek patrolman uniform, standing in front of their home. This monster knew where her family lived. And knew her husband enough to obtain a current photo. With that unspoken threat, Gavin Pike had effectively ended her desire to physically fight back. A county correctional officer, Gavin wore a uniform and carried a badge that he often used to obtain things, power, and women. 

Liam is a sullen, loner Veteran who lives in an isolated cabin in the forests of Michigan. He had been visiting his twin brother and pregnant sister-in-law when the attack occurred.  With cars crashing and planes falling from the sky, Lincoln and Jessa die. Liam's sole focus is to return to his cabin as soon as possible.  During his trek toward home, in a remote wooded area, he encounters a pregnant women who hysterically screams at him to stay away from her. Liam is initially relieved to obey her and continue on his journey alone.  

But Liam is a good guy despite his stoney exterior. And he returns to retrieve her. Which places him directly in a predators sights. A predator who views killing others as a game which he always wins.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention the dog. The monster, Gavin Pike, keeps a large guard dog chained up at the cabin. Presumably to keep Hannah from being discovered in the rare event someone would come to the remote cabin. Terrified of being bitten, but empathetic, Hannah releases the huge Great Pyrenees from it's own prison. And, as guardian dogs do, this dog decides to actively protects his family. 

Author Kyla Stone paints a vivid picture of the conditions and the risk. The chapters are written in the voice of each individual character, telling their own version of the events. She does this beautifully.  Other reviewers use phrases such as "unputdownable", "intense", and "nonstop action". These phrases are often over-used in book reviews but in this case, the praise fits.  I have difficulties feeling as though I adequately describe the really good writing of others. If you are at all curious, I hope you will consider reading the reviews others have written about Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller, Book One. If this isn't your usual genre, don't be put off. This story was more Silence of the Lambs with Buffalo Bill than a doomsday prepper's guide to beans, band-aids, and bullets. 

One final thought, fans of the Reacher series on Amazon and of the author will enjoy these characters; flawed good guys fighting against bad guys. If you aren't familiar with Reacher, you might want to take a peek at my Reviewing Reacher The Book and the Amazon Series  

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Gracie's Edge of Knowing - A Flash Fiction Story

My Flash Fiction Short Story

This story is about Gracie, an 82-year-old woman who reflects on the choices that shaped her life, wondering if she unknowingly chose hardship over ease or if each struggle was a lesson meant to expand her soul.

Gracie's Edge of Knowing

Gracie rocked gently on the front porch, the creak of the wooden boards beneath her chair keeping time with the rhythmic chirp of the crickets. The air was thick with the scent of earth and wildflowers, the sun dipping below the trees in a lazy surrender to dusk. 

She watched the world settle, the sky shifting from gold to deep violet, the colors blending like the years of her life—some vibrant, some shadowed, all layered upon each other.

Eighty-two years had come and gone, each one filled with choices—some deliberate, some made in haste, some dictated by circumstance. They all brought her to this porch, in this moment of reflection.

She had never been unhappy, not truly. Even when life was at its hardest, when the money ran thin, when loss hollowed her out, when the weight of responsibility pressed upon her shoulders—there had always been a quiet joy inside her. A knowing. An acceptance. 

But tonight, as the twilight deepened, a familiar question lingered on the edges of her thoughts, like the echo of a song she could never quite forget: Had she chosen wisely, or had she simply chosen difficulty? Had she spent her years intentionally growing or foolishly suffering?

You see, Gracie had never been one to take the easy road. Even as a girl, she felt drawn to the winding paths that made her think, feel, struggle, and stretch. 

Some had said she married young, too young. But she and Jack had built a life together, one of hard work, sacrifice, and victories that only they could fully understand. 

Jack had been gone for five years now, but his echo still lived in the walls of their home—a presence that whispered through every corner and crevice, like the wind moving through the trees.

Their children had grown, as children do, into lives of their own—busy lives, full of their own choices. She was never upset when they couldn't visit. She knew how it was; she had once been them, caught in the whirlwind of a young, on-the-go life. 

And she was not lonely. Loneliness was an emptiness, and she was not empty. She was simply wondering.

Had she wasted this trip to earth?

Her hands, wrinkled and wise, rested in her lap as she reflected upon her life. 

She had lived at the edge of outer peace, always on the periphery of the easy life. But inner peace? That she had. A deep well of it, a knowing that everything—every heartbreak, every struggle, every joy—had led her to an understanding that could not have come any other way. 

She had not walked the simplest path, but perhaps she had walked the one that mattered most for her needed life lessons.

Maybe that was the point of it all: To arrive at the end with a soul that had stretched and softened, that had learned love beyond self, that had carried burdens only to lay them down with grace. To have gathered wisdom not from ease but from experience.

She exhaled, long and slow, as if releasing the weight of the question into the evening air. The answer was not hers to fully grasp, not yet.

Perhaps she wouldn't understand until she left this place, until the universe whispered the truth into her soul as she crossed into whatever came next. And that was fine. She could wait.

For now, she lived with love in her heart, and that was enough. The night deepened, the stars blinking awake one by one, and Gracie rocked on, peaceful in the not knowing.

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I hope you've enjoyed my attempt at flash fiction 🕮

If you're into a longer story, I've penned this short story, The Gift of Knowing (can you sense a theme here?).

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50 Years of Poetry - We Will Have Morning Smiles, Available on Amazon (A lifetime of my personal poetry).

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