Still wondering what to give to your friends, family, and yourself this holiday season? Look no more.
Give YOURSELF a Gift of LOVE and Friendship!
Get your ass over to the local county or city animal shelter and bring home the gift of love. Not only will you GIVE a home to an animal in need, but you’ll get the best return on a gift you’ve ever had. We went to the Bradshaw Animal Shelter (Sacramento County) and adopted the little tabby shown below. It was only $50 and we were in and out of there in less than an hour APPROVED. Sometimes shelters even have free adoption days. AND if you’re a senior many county and city shelters and SPCA shelters have discounted or free adoptions for senior people adoption senior cats and dogs.
Over the years we’ve adopted many animals from the Bradshaw shelter and other shelters. Best thing we’ve ever done. And the Bradshaw Shelter is open on Christmas Eve!
Have an adventure, or give an adventure without leaving home!
Don’t you love it when one of your FAVORITE authors does it again! By that I mean something wonderful and over the top entertaining.
Vacation on Planet Glor by L.A. Guettler is a do it yourself, pick your own direction, adventure in the fantastic universe of Red Darkling. And check out that cover art by Jason Kemp! It is a win win all around. Also check out the Red Darkling Series (links below). All are available in paperback and as e-books.
Oh yes, there are cats and hot guys in these books.
Speaking of cats and hot guys, and over the top cuteness, urban fantasy, romance, horror, humor, and profound thoughts on current events, culture, and history…
Of Immortality and Deathly Cuteness
The Secret Diary of Vlad Winter as Transcribed by Juliette Kings
Now out in paperback and as an eBook. And like the two books above the cover is by the amazing Jason Kemp.
Of Immortality and Deathly Cuteness
The Secret Diary of Vlad Winter as Transcribed by Juliette Kings
Vlad Winter has it all, head-turning good looks, a beautiful girlfriend, faithful friends, a luxurious castle, and adoring subjects. This charmed existence ends one night in 1715 when Vlad is brutally attacked by unseen foes. Vlad might never find an answer to who tried to kill him, but that isn’t his only problem.
After being left for dead and locked in a crypt for three hundred years, Vlad Winter is rescued by his longtime friends and relocated to suburban California. In this confusing new world, he finds himself navigating more unsavory subjects such as pop culture, politics, vampire hunters, the recent pandemic, and his ex-wife. Yet, the former Vampire King comes to appreciate the joys of cats, chainsaws, insightful teenagers, humor, and perhaps the true meaning of cute.
Of Immortality and Deathly Cuteness: The Secret Diary of Vlad Winter is a personal journal written in real time, from 2015-2022.
Yes, this is based on Vlad’s Vampire Diary with new never seen before material.
For your favorite Horror and Gothic fans on your list who are always looking for something new and unique…
I really loved this one – and it isn’t what I usually read.
Terror and ruin await those who trespass upon the palatial repository of Alizarin Soranus, self-appointed Emperor of Ordeal and Death, and the Novelties of Sorrow. For two very different groups of explorers the verbosity will become horrifically succinct.
In the wake of Soranus’ mysterious disappearance, the estate sales team of Lander and Rhoe are retained to list his extravagant collection of macabre and historical artefacts. Consequently their research rouses a dormant malevolence, hidden in the depths of the eccentric structure, one hungry for fear and pain.
When a team of paranormal investigators arrives unexpectedly, the malignance intensifies and culminates in the murderous manifestations of the interlopers’ darkest fears.
And look, more amazing and spectacular art by Jason Kemp.
More Living Gifts (that won’t crap on your lawn)
For years Eleora has been looking at the Kumquat tree in my backyard, and asking me for a cutting. I have never successfully rooted a citrus tree so this year I went to the local nursery (for me it is Green Acres in Folsom, CA – yes right down the street from the Prison where Johnny Cash sang his famous song, – anyway, I went to the local nursery and got Eleora her own Kumquat tree. I also got a Ketchup & Mustard rose for my brother Aaron (he never reads my blog so the surprise won’t be given away), and another blueberry bush for me. Plants and garden tools are favorite gifts of mine, as well as bird feeders and other backyard items.
I have a Ketchup & Mustard rose and it blooms 9-11 months out of the year. I kid you not. The roses aren’t huge but it is a largish and spectacular bush covered with two toned red and yellow flowers. It is just fabulous and makes a great gift. Any rose bush is a great gift.
Art
Go to your local art galleries, which are all open through Christmas Eve and find beautiful works done by local artists. Yes, there is affordable art out there. From $25 – 2,500 you’ll find the right piece for your budget, in the right media (paint, collage, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, fiber art and textiles, woodwork) and the perfect artwork for someone you love. Plus NOBODY else will have it, and it will be a one of a kind gift of love. All of the pieces below are artist who have or are showing work at the Archival Gallery in East Sacramento (they do all of my framing too). Check out your local galleries for wonderful work and support local artists and feel good about it.
Have fun everyone. Merry Christmas, Yule, and Happy Every Other Celebration/Holiday. Stay safe. Check in on those who are alone, elderly, or might need extra help. Talk to your kids. Hug your dogs and cats and all of your other critters. And of course, kiss a Vampire (you’ll thank me for it later.
~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman
Vampire Maman 