Linda Engel: Hi everyone, I haven't been around for awhile to read, write, or review. (taking a break) I have been working on my photography and dabbling down thoughts and tid bits in my journal. I certainly haven't forgotten all of my friends and your entertaining work. I so enjoy your stories. I'll still be around to review. Take care.


Linda Engel: Merry Christmas to All. I know I haven't posted anything in months but I do still read your work and enjoy the profile thoughts. Take care. Linda I'm buying myself a recorder because it seems that my best thoughts come while I am driving and are quickly forgotten when the car parks in the driveway. LOL
    damommy: A recorder is a great idea. 8-) -
    I am Cat: Try Siri on your phone... she might understand you... then again, I'm not sure she will. She has taken some very interesting notes from me. Ones I'm sure I never said. Lol -
    Linda Engel: Do you think she'll understand Southern? -
    Dean Kuch: Y'all darn straight she does, Linda. She ain't ne'er done failed me yet... -
    damommy: Understand Southern? Mine puts in words I never heard of. I'm having to speak like a dictionary. LOL. -


Linda Engel: Traveling to see the grand babies in Athens, GA. see you all in a few days. Be safe and be well.
    mrsmajor: Have a wonderful visit with your family...
    Take Care! -


Linda Engel: I am behind in reviewing and responding. We have a new computer system at work and it is driving everyone crazy. So far behind at work. Will get caught up soon. :D
    I am Cat: I think we all are, Linda... no worries. ;) -
    --Turtle.: Life has a way of leaving a huge todo pile, some days more than others. -
    I am Cat: Did you say, todo? or dodo? ;) -


Linda Engel: Going to Athens, Georgia this weekend to see the grand kids and to pick up 85 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. (What we do for the babies) No, they aren't all for me. My friends in my dentist office bought most of them.
Do you eat Girl Scout cookies and which ones are your favorite ? :)
    evilynne: My gang likes Thin Mints. Evi -
    mrsmajor: Yes indeed I eat Girl Scout cookies, the problem is I love all of them.. -
    I am Cat: Happy Birthday Linda! Sending love and kisses and lots of love! Be careful on your trip and have fun!

    Let them eat cake! ;)
    -
    ~Dovey: Tagalongs and Thin Mints are the best!
    -
    MelB: Thin mints and peanut butter. -
    MelB: Happy Birthday, Linda! Hope you have a great day! -


Linda Engel: My goal for February is to read two to three new people every week. These are people on Fan Story that are not on my fan list. I have read recently the work of a lot of people who have been on this site for years that I have not read nor heard of. Thanks to Jax and Tab That's Me for starting the Picture This group and giving us a chance to meet and read new people. So I will read and review a few those work I am not familiar with. If you have a suggestion, let me know.
    mrsmajor:
    Hi Linda,

    This may not be what you're asking for...but I have gone to the lowest poets on the list, and began to read some of their work...many have not posted much, but it is a way that I can read those writer's and see if there is some that I can encourage, even help!

    After I try to keep up with my fans, I do take a few moments to read those writers that are not... -
    Linda Engel: Yes that is a great suggestion. There are so many on this site and it would be nice to seek out talent outside of our comfortable circles. Thank you. Cat sent me a list of four people and what I have read , I am not disappointed. -
    I am Cat: Awesome! Those are members who reviewed me, and I reviewed them back. I'm happy to pass them on as suggested reading! -
    Gypsy Blue Rose: Good goal! I found a lot of new writers since I joined "Picture This' group. Good luck!
    *gypsy* -


Linda Engel: I'll be cooking my "good Luck and prosperity" dinner for New Years: Collard greens, black eye peas, cornbread, pork chops, slice tomatoes, dressing, and pumpkin pudding. wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year. I am so thankful for my Fan Story friends and have enjoyed your work so much. You've made my days in 2015 very happy.
    LIJ Red: In one stretch of mountains pork chops wouldn't do...had to be hog jowl. I think I know why I'm--well, other than rich. -
    michaelcahill: Hi! Thank you for all your wonderful help this year. You pass out as many 'made days' as you get and then some I'm sure. Happy New Year. See ya for dinner. mikey -
    mrsmajor: I may be late with this Holiday Greeting, but I'll come to your house for dinner anytime...I second that menu...the only difference, was sweet potato pie...instead of the pumpkin pudding...I wish you all the best for 2016, stay Healthy, and Safe...Hugs,
    Victoria -
    Gypsy Blue Rose: I apologize for not answering this sooner. Happy New Year!!! I just noticed you are a Virgo like me. my bday- 9/4/58 :) -


Linda Engel: Merry Christmas All. On my way to Athens to see the Grand kids. Take care and safe travels. See you on Sunday.


Linda Engel: Christmas time should be a happy time. This one is a little sad for me. My best friend's mother passed away . Ms. Betty made the best sweet bread and butter pickles. I won't be spending Christmas with my hubby. I have to go to Athens and he can not travel that far. And I just found out that my best friend in Vermont is not well. So I didn't get to finish my poem this week and I am behind on reviewing because at work we are short handed and it's demanding. *sigh* I need lots of cookies.
    I am Cat: ((((((So sorry honey... Sending hugs))))) -
    TAB_that's me: Linda, I am so sorry. It is even harder to lose someone this time of year. My prayers for you. -


Linda Engel: I'm sick and ache all over. I'll be back soon.
    TAB_that's me: Take care dear. I know how you feel, I've had it all weekend. Get lots of rest. -
    I am Cat: (((((hugs Linda)))) feel better soon -
    mrsmajor: Sorry to hear that, take it easy, and get plenty of rest...feel better soon...we can wait!...
    Big Hugs! -


Linda Engel: had a big yard sale today My sister and I made over $600.00 and will have another next week. (I'm pooped)


Linda Engel: This weekend I'll head to the north Georgia mountains for apples, cool weather and my grand children. I'll have five hours to compose a poem for the next challenge. I think better when I'm driving the back roads . There is no straight shot from Valdosta to Athens, GA and I hate the Interstate.
I'm leaving hubby home with the cat.
    I am Cat: Ohhhh... so that's who is in the corner over there... ;)
    If you go through Donaldsonville, wave to my Aunt and Uncle. ;)
    Hugs and be safe! wait... when is the next challenge? -
    ByeByeBirdie: Yay for you! Seeing the sweetest little ones always inspires me! Have lots of fun, you deserve it! Be blessed
    -ERC -
    DLyons: How romantic. I came from the desert, definitely not romantic. Good luck with the poem. Diana -


Linda Engel: Finally, the air is cool this morning. 56 degrees and breathable. Fall is in the air for today, at least. In south Georgia we will still have warm weather until middle of October.
Thanks to everyone who has followed our photo challenge group. The poems are awesome. Look them up.
    ciliverde: I'd like to join the photo challenge group, if I could. How does one do that? Do I need to get people to review my work?
    -Carol
    -
    Joy Graham: Contact Jax Franklin and Bob's your uncle. You're in the group just like that :) -


Linda Engel: I am so far behind in reviewing. My husband, Fred, had back surgery on Thursday and is having a rough time with pain and discomfort. Today he was able to get up and shower and wash his hair. I big accomplishment. He is sleeping now and my eyes are about closed as well. It's like having a 230 lb baby but I love him. Exhausted and need more time...Linda
    Annette Gulliver: It is exhausting looking after a loved one after such invasive surgery, but we do it with love, gladly putting aside our own daily routines. I hope he recovers soon, and that we see you again on FS. You take care and rest as well.
    Annette
    PS- and thank you for your kind thoughts re my black eye.
    -
    Michaelk: Like I said earlier, take care of you and yours, Fanstory will be here.
    Here's hoping he feels better soon. -
    ciliverde: How's it going with your hubby? Better, I hope!
    -Carol -
    scd41: Pray for quick recovery of your husband. SCD -
    Ginnygray: Linda, my husband just had his fifth back surgery last April with three spinal fusions, so my heart goes out to you both! In time, which is what it takes a lot of, hopefully, he will be feeling his normal self again! -


Linda Engel: today is my birthday and I am so happy to be here with my Fan Story friends. We are a fun bunch of people. HAve a fun day to all.
    TAB_that's me: good things in September - my birthday is the 6th:) -
    michaelcahill: Hey everybody! It's September 2nd. That's the day Linda Engel was born!!! Yay!!!!!! -
    Linda Engel: Thanks for the birthday wishes. September babies are fun. -
    I am Cat: Happy Birthday Linda! Let's go celebrate! I said celebrate, NOT celebate! Lol -
    I am Cat: Well? Where are we going? Hey! Did you leave without me? :( -
    I am Cat: She DID leave without me... :(
    harumf! -
    ciliverde: Happy Birthday! It's my birthday today (the 3rd). Enjoying being here too!! -


Linda Engel: Can't wait for cool weather to arrive. I've been busy in a musical for our community theatre and it has worn me out. Will be back to reviewing soon and hopefully a new post, too. take care, my friends.


Linda Engel: Today was a good day. no back and leg pain. Felt so good I cooked: baked fish, with homemade dill sauce, grilled asparagus, garlic potatoes with sour cream, grilled shrimp and crab cake. Can you say nap time? Now back to reviewing. I've got some things to post , maybe tomorrow.
    Michaelk: Glad you're feeling better. :) Look at the bright side, at least no one broke your nose with a crowbar. :) -


Linda Engel: Today is my fifteenth wedding anniversary. We got married on the stage of our community theater 15 years ago. What a party. We met at the theater during the musical "Anything Goes" and dated four years before getting married. Fred wanted to wait til the year 2000 so he could always remember how many years we've been married. What a guy. He's a keeper! I got a new camper for my present. Now I can sit in the woods in my camper and write. (and be afraid of rabid raccoons).
    michaelcahill: Congratulations! Every guy here is thinking to themselves, "That's genius. Why didn't I think of that!" -
    Michaelk: Awesome! Congrats! Here's hoping for many more to come. :) -
    Debra White: Happy Anniversary to you and Fred :) x -
    mrsmajor: Congratulations to both of you, and many more years to come... -
    granny goes viral: Wow. Friends of mine did the same thing. Married at the community theater. Congrads to you. -


Linda Engel: I'm ready for Spring . (sigh) cabin fever.
    adewpearl: With close to a couple of feet of snow predicted by tomorrow morning, I'm ready for spring too, and ready to have my knight in shining armor come whisk me off to our own private island in the South Pacific. -
    mrsmajor: It has been snowing since around 3 this morning, and still coming down quite heavy...from my bedroom window, I can see the trees are all covered, and the winds are moving the branches...yes indeed I'm really ready for Spring...even a nice autumn day would be good, right now... -


Linda Engel: Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year. Good health to all .
    rama devi: Thank you, dear Linda. Wish you the same. As a standard member, I cannot send PMs, so want to thank you here for your gracious response to my review. :) -


Linda Engel: great forums and prompts on Fan Story discussions.


Linda Engel: I don't like the idea of not being able to get to Fan Art quickly like I used to. I am a member of both and I really liked that feature.
    Imogen JH: Linda. Put your cursor over the home title. You'll find it in the drop down menu. -
    Imogen JH: Fanartreview is still in the old format, so everyone can go there to calm their nerves and reminisce about the good old days. -


Linda Engel: Happy Thanksgiving all. Only working half a day today and will enjoy weekend. It is supposed to STOP raining. It has rained six straight days. Even the ducks and squirrels are wearing raincoats.
    Erys: Is 10 pm now, there are still two hours of this day. Wish you happy Thanksgiving too and sunny days! For ducks and squirrels to sunbathe. -


Linda Engel: going camping this weekend with children and grand kids. Should be fun. quiet. Need a change of scenery.
    rosehill (Wendy): I'm so confused. You said children and grand kids in the same breath with the word quiet. -
    Linda Engel: children will be quiet, grands will be outside the cabin playing. I'm going for a walk. -
    granny goes viral: Cabin camping. No tent? Smart move. I used to love camping with the kids. -
    Erys: I wish you to have fun and beautiful weather! -
    granny goes viral: How did the camping go?
    Funny camping story...
    Taking two small grandies camping in a nice lovely on site camping trailer upstate NY.
    So, lovely three year old grandson very quietly looking out little dinette window, for a long time. "No I don't want to go outside and look around!" Grandma... "what are you doing?" Grandson..."watching TV!"
    Grandma..."we have no TV in here, remember?"
    Grandson..."but they do!",he says as he points to trailer parked next to ours, with TV on. Grandchildren were not impressed with mountains, fresh air, lake. The lived in Western Mass, on mountain, had lake, fresh air. Mom rationed TV. -


Linda Engel: House is torn up. We are taking out old carpet in foyer and hall for new tile. Grandbabies are coming to spend the night Saturday . I bought pumpkins for us to paint. I think I'll read my "Creepers in My Hall" poem to them. :)


Linda Engel: Raining here in Georgia, dark and gloomy. Good day to write but I think my muse is still sleeping. Cheers


Linda Engel: Birthday weekend was great. Beach was gorgeous. Seafood was scrumptious. Hated to come home but the cat called and said he was hungry. (I knew he was lying because my sister was feeding him.)


Linda Engel: Going to Pensacola Beach this weekend, It's my birthday on the 2nd Going to let my muse play in the ocean.
    mrsmajor: Have a Happy Birthday at the beach!
    My birthday is on the 1st....I'm going shopping!..... -
    Linda Engel: I have two friends whose bd is on the 1st September babies are the best -
    mrsmajor: I hope you had a wonderful Birthday....it was a beautiful day for going to the ocean...My daughter took me to the boardwalk...I just sat and enjoyed the salt sea air...I'm 80 years old today! Hugs.. -


Linda Engel: I know Fall is hiding in the tree tops ready to pounce upon my head. And I wait patiently for that first cool breath and look towards the sky for those falling leaves.


Linda Engel: What a week! So glad tomorrow is Friday so I can get caught up reviewing. Hang in their folks!
    costellsgirl33: I too am glad tomorrow is Friday! It has been quite the week...... -
    Selina Stambi: Thank God it's Friday ... in three days' time! -


Linda Engel: I need some energy and a change of scenery. (cabin fever)
    overstride: I hope it is better. I understand as I've been helping a sick brother while he recovered. Much better as I hope you are too. Cabin Fever can drive a person nuts. I have a new chapter out on Tainted blood, I will try to keep them coming more frequently -
    Linda Engel: so glad you are back, I've missed my story. (and you) -


Linda Engel: Wonder why more people don't vote in the contest?
    nor84: Because in the time it takes to hang out in the voting booths, they can obtain more member dollars by reviewing in up next or from the front page. There is no incentive to vote, and often the entries in the contests pay as little as two cents because their certificates have expired before the booth opens. -
    Michaelk: I sent Tom an email suggesting the voting reward you and I had discussed. He thanked me for the idea and said he'd put it on the wish list. -
    Linda Engel: thanks, Michaelk.. I think that is a good idea. Did you see where Dean beat me out in the state contest? -


Linda Engel: Just finished Mike Battaglia's "The Danforth State Mental Hospital...3". Excellent work and a must read for you Sci-Fi, off the wall, no holes bard fans of mental disabilities. But...who are the sane ones ? Each room filled with someone you know. Good job Mike


Linda Engel: It has been a good week got some new fans, some of my photographs were selected for your writings, a frog got loose in the office (can't find him), cat brought a squirrel into the house and dropped him in the hallway, alive, and running, hubby left town, my shower broke last night (can still use other shower, and can't work the #$@& remotes in the living room to turn on tv, (it only works for hubby), Other than that , I'm still happy (sigh) going to mow the grass


Linda Engel: so excited when I get new chapters from the stories I am following. It's like having you own private kindle. My computer screen is 23" so I can read the large print. keep 'em coming.
    nor84: Did you know that both Kindle (Amazon) and Nook (Barnes and Noble)have free apps that will let you read their books on your computer? -
    Linda Engel: no. but the stories here are great. there is a lot of potential and here I can say.."I know the author" which makes reading more important -
    overstride: Night begins: the next chapter in Tainted blood is in. Sorry for the delay. overload of work. John -


Linda Engel: looking forward to a nice long weekend. should be nice. more Spring cleaning. Happy Easter to everyone


Linda Engel: had to buy a new computer and I'm having my old stuff transferred to it. hope to have it back today or Friday. I miss you guys.
    overstride: I hope the transfer of information onto your new computer went perfectly. I had lost my PC?s hard-drive just a week before I came back, lost some photos, but all in all, everything worked.
    Also just an FYI, chapter 7 is now in from Tainted Blood.
    Oh by the way, how did that bottle of wine and a rainy day with your typing fingers go?
    John
    -
    Linda Engel: wine and fingers worked great. still figuring out what all Windows * does and where everything is. At least it will let me edit my pictures. thanks for the new chapter...Linda -


Linda Engel: this will be a good weekend. I have the house to myself. Just me and the cat. A bottle of wine, nice music and typing fingers. let the writing begin......
    overstride: My net post on Tainted Blood and the start of a second book My Black Shoes are in. I hope you enjoy.
    John C -
    Julie000: Hello , How are you doing today? I picked interest on you after going through your short profile now. My name is Juliana, I really want to have a good friendship with you.
    I have something very important I really want to discuss with you okay.
    Please my dear, I want you to write me back through this my email address okay: juliana4love_direk@hotmail.com -


Linda Engel: today is a good day. will be working on new stuff and polishing some old. what a great site for the creative mind.


Linda Engel: working on some new projects as I listen to music at work. music inspires me a lot. today is a good day.


Linda Engel: Today I pack up my other love. My antiques and collectibles, clean out the booth and say goodbye. Have to start downsizing my belongings. If it is not attached to a story, I'm not keeping it. Oh well.......


Linda Engel: wonderful day today. been reading the contest entries and wishing I had entered. Wrote a new poem yesterday but needs the edit button.
going out to dinner and a movie with hubby. will write more in my head.


Linda Engel: I keep several journals for different reasons. One I write for my granddaughter about my life as a child and events that go on today. The others are more personal. haven't written much since 1995 untill last year. Feels good to be back in touch with myself.
    Tsukuyomi969: That sounds like a really nice idea, keeping a journal for your grandchild. It would be so cool to read something like that from my grandparents.

    I keep a personal journal, and one for story ideas. -
    Linda Engel: I keep one for story ideas, thoughts, and poems. and I keep one for personal writings on the people in my life. The one for Natalie has the best of...recipes, songs, movies, etc. thanks for sharing. -


Linda Engel: Today will be interesting. must get started...


Linda Engel: Be the muse that moves me.......