Poems/Food For Thought/New Stories and Speaking At The Library by BJ Neblett

Below you will find a couple of new poems plus some thoughts/musings. Enjoy. And as we move into a new season and a new year let's make them joyous and peaceful!
My friend and fellow author KJ McPike and I have new stories in the newest edition of Paradox Ethereal Magazine. It is a free read and download so be sure to share the love and the link.
And join me December 10 at the Ballard Branch Library in Seattle for this month's It's About Time. I will speaking about the art of Flash Fiction, plus there will be guests and an open mike. It starts at 6 PM, runs a couple of hours and is free and open to all. If you are in the area please plan to stop by and say hello.
Till I see you next time, peace and love,
BJ Neblett


You are who I see
When I first open my eyes
My love has arrived

                   BJ Neblett


                                                               It's not what is said
                                                               It's how it's stated;
                                                               It's not what you write
                                                               It's how it's written;
                                                               It's not what's implied
                                                               It's what's inferred.

                                                                                       BJ Neblett

My severed heart cries
Your razor desire cuts
Love pools at my feet

                     BJ Neblett

                                                           The lives of a man are measure in his dreams.

                                                                                                                  BJ Neblett

Recovery, New Story and Library Talk by BJ Neblett

Well I am still here, although there were times this past week when I thought I might feel better dead. I now have a greater appreciation for my friend Kristin and what she must have gone through. Having your gallbladder out is no picnic, no matter what the doctor or anyone else may tell you. I had the ‘simple’ procedure on Monday, five days ago, and am still very sore and achy. I was off work all week and when I return I am on light duty, no heavy lifting for three weeks. And here I thought I’d be up and about, doing well in a couple of days! Anywho, the doc says everything went well and it was the wise decision to have the operation now as I had quite a few stones built up and they were partially blocking one of the tubes… whatever that means. Thanks to everyone at Swedish Hospital First Hill in Seattle for making my stay an easy one, and to my friend Alissa for being there for me. And thanks to all of you out there in blogland for the wishes and prayers.

I didn’t get as much work done while off as I had hoped, meaning basically none. I did manage to finish a new story; more on that another time. Also, as mentioned before, I will be guest speaker at December’s It’s About Time, at the Ballard (Seattle) Branch Library. I did manage to get my talk on Flash Fiction finalized. Those of you in the area please plan to stop by Thursday, December 10^th, at 6 PM. It’s free and only lasts about two hours, with a Q&A period and an open mike segment.

December 1^st the new edition of Paradox Ethereal Magazine hits the ether, available on line as a free download for all. It will feature a story by me as well as a powerful, touching short story by my friend and fellow author KJ McPike. Be sure to check it out and leave comments for the magazine’s wonderful and hard working publisher Mary. If you are not familiar with KJ McPike and her new young adult fantasy Xodus, justclick here.

Thanks for taking time out to read my blogs and for putting up with my ranting and ramblings. As always, link, like, comment and be sure to share the love. C’ya next time.

Peace,

BJ

Surgery, Gallbladders and Reviews by BJ Neblett

From the good news and, well… not too bad news department. Below you will find two recent reviews to my books, Ice Cream Camelot and Elysian Dreams. Both books are still doing well, thank you, and I look forward to the paperback release of my memoir, Ice Cream Camelot, sometime late next spring or early summer. (In publishing speak that means probably mid-summer). Stay tuned! By the way, both of my books as well as all of the magazines my stories are featured in are available by clicking the link to the right: BJ Publications.

As for the rest… yes, I am not crazy about hospitals, and yes, I will be having Tommy John surgery before year’s end. But closer to home, I will be having my gallbladder out next Monday, November 9. The good folks at Swedish Hospital, First Hill, in Seattle will be taking care of me. This is the same place that did my facial surgery and metal implants last year. Despite my dislike of being in hospitals, they really do a good job of making patients feel at ease. My stay should be a short on… hopefully, with surgery at noon on the 9^th, and released late Tuesday or possibly Wednesday. I live alone and they will be keeping me captive until they are certain I can take care of myself. Afterwards I should have plenty of time to do some serious writing.

Thanks loyal readers. As always, link, like comment and share the love.

Peace,

BJ

Elysian Dreams

BJ Neblett

Brighton Publishing

ISBN: 9781936587735

Reviewed By Margaret Dolan

Official Apex Reviews Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

Elysian Dreams, by BJ Neblett, is an intriguing offering of fantasy fiction. Though it may seem difficult to combine such disparate elements as mob violence and space/time travel, Neblett pulls it off with aplomb. Add to that a motley mix of characters and their curious backstories, and you have a page-turning literary delight.

Elysian Dreams chronicles the lives of a trio of individuals from various different backgrounds – lives that are about to change in ways they could never imagine. Whereas the answers to most of life’s problems tend to lie in either our past or future, the protagonists in Neblett’s tale are drawn to the solutions they seek in another time and place altogether. As their lives repeatedly intersect, the unwitting characters find themselves drawn together for reasons only a mysterious, mystical figure seems to understand, and their resulting adventure soon reaches multi-dimensional proportions.

The telling of such a fantastical tale as Elysian Dreams is not an easy task, particularly when it comes to character development, but Neblett does an excellent job of providing just enough detail and crafting compelling, convincing characters in the weaving of a winding narrative sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. The variety of issues Neblett addresses, along with his highly skillful storytelling, sets Elysian Dreams apart as an insightful volume worthy of longstanding reflection. Sure to create a healthy following of fans eagerly anticipating Neblett’s future works.

Ice Cream Camelot

BJ Neblett

Brighton Publishing

ISBN: 9781621830924

Reviewed By Margaret Dolan

Official Apex Reviews Rating: ***** (5 Stars)

There’s a famous saying that goes, “If you remember the ‘60s, then you weren’t really there.” While that may be true for many who came of age during the turbulent decade, B.J. Neblett is the exception. Throughout the pages of Ice Cream Camelot, Neblett introduces the reader to his own personal journey through an era that reshaped an entire nation – both for good and bad.

Touching on everything from his first school boy crush to his forays into substance abuse and juvenile delinquency, Neblett bears no shame in revealing some of the most intimate moments and events of his young life; however, rather than just serve as an anecdotal retelling of his formative years, Ice Cream Camelot skillfully intermingles Neblett’s personal sojourn with the prevailing cultural and political events of the time. As such, not only does the reader get to witness the developments that caused Neblett to lose his personal naiveté, we also bear firsthand witness to the “waking up” of a collective nation.

As a bonus treat, some readers may be surprised to learn that Neblett’s sundry youthful adventures ultimately led him to become DJ Billy James, the popular radio DJ who still carries much sway throughout the music industry.

One doesn’t have to be a fan of the ‘60s to appreciate the lasting impact the decade has left on our nation’s history. Likewise, you don’t have to be a fan of memoirs to enjoy Ice Cream Camelot; you need only be open to taking an introspective look at your own impactful history

Two New Poems, New Story, New Talk and Gallbladders by BJ Neblett

Things

BJ Neblett

© 2015

Things I miss the most:

Walks, talks, tears, sighs, holding hands;

the touch of your breath.

Things I’ll never know:

Youth, innocence, childish dreams;

the warmth of your smile.

Things I can’t forget:

Yesterday, the day before;

all that we once shared.


                                                         Untitled
                                                         BJ Neblett
                                                         © 2015

                                                         My severed heart cries
                                                         Your razor desire cuts
                                                         Love pools at my feet

I have a new story in October’s Romance Magazine. Just click the image to the right!

Recently, I had a fairly serious gall bladder attack. This came almost exactly two years to the day to a similar incident which I spoke of right here. (Blog: Saturday23, 2013, Stepping Out Of Format For A Moment) Regular readers of mine know well the large part irony plays in my life. I’ll leave the comments, like sleeping dogs, lie, and simply say I believe my altruism that day two years ago was not only tested but cursed. That curse has come to fruition. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. I have an appointment with a surgeon this week and we’ll discuss possible dates. At this point I am sure it would be wish full thinking to expect the young lady in question to return the favor. I am not a fan of spending time in hospitals, visitor or otherwise, and yes, all things considered, am a bit apprehensive.

I have been asked once again to speak at the Ballard (Seattle) Branch Library’s excellent monthly series, It’s About Time. I’ll be the lead speaker and will talk on the art of Flash Fiction. If you are in the area, please come join us. It is free, lasting just a couple of hours, and will be on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at 6 PM.

Also, in December, the new issue of Paradox Ethereal Magazine will feature a powerful fiction story of mine. I’ll post a reminder as time gets closer for both events.

Thanks, and as always be sure to like, link, comment and share the love. We love to hear from you.

BJ

Chaos, Quotes, Farewell To A Friend And A New Story Published by BJ Neblett

This used to be my playground...

I've been doing a lot of thinking here recently... one of the perks of having time on your hands. Only sometimes the things that I get to think about are not always pleasant or happy... one of the perks of life. A quote I stumbled upon sometime ago popped into my mind as I was dealing with some personal issues. Why such a quote would make its presence so powerfully and literally at such a time is another question to ponder at another time. The only thing I've managed to come up with in the last 3 or 4 weeks is another quote from American poet John Greenleaf Whittier:
                       "Of all sad words of tongue and pen
                        The saddest are these: It might have been."
Powerful words indeed. Give them a ponder yourself sometime along with the ones that seem to have taken up residence inside of my brain:
                        "And I'd chose you; in a hundred lifetimes; in a hundred worlds;
                         in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd chose you."
                                            The Chaos Of Stars
In the meantime, enjoy my latest offering in eFiction magazine, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the publisher, fictionmagazines.com Just click the image to the right.
I've got more thinking to do...
Peace,
BJ

6-24-13

6-24-15

New Stories, New Magazine!

Hello again! While beautiful weather, softball and other outdoor activities are claiming a lot of my time these days, I nevertheless have been finding plenty of time as well as inspiration for my writing. Several new short stories are either in mind or in the works. A couple of new romance stories for Romance Magazine as well pieces for eFiction Magazine are coming up in the next few of months. But the big news for June is a new story being published in a new magazine. Paradox Ethereal Magazine is a free online publication exploring art, culture, romance and all things beautiful. It is an interesting, intriguing, well conceived and beautifully presented publication, available monthly for free download in either html or pdf formats. I have a short story in June's issue, which is slated to hit the internet about Monday, June 1st. I have included a direct link below. I hope you enjoy this offering as well as the entire magazine. Please be sure to leave comments here, as well as for the editors letting them know what you think. I am looking forward to a long association with Paradox Ethereal Magazine as well as continuing to publish stories in Romance and eFiction Magazine. As always, I will continue to keep you posted on new releases right here.
Thanks for your continued support and comments. Look for a new short story as well as new poetry published right here. See you on the softball fields and at the Mariners/Tampa Bay games this weekend!
Peace,
BJ
Paradox Ethereal Magazine Just click here!

Happy Easter!

Wishing all a happy and peaceful Easter! The rest kinda speaks for itself!
Peace,
BJ

Saturday February 28 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Friday February 27 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Love is a gift... to be given everyday...

Love like ours is heaven sent/

Each day a day to remember/

I feel so safe, feel secure with you/

You give me love, you keep right on giving/

                                                                     Picture unattributed

"Angel" Anita Baker

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Thursday February 26 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Love is a marathon... not a sprint...

I'll make love to you like you want me to/

And I'll hold you tight baby all through the night/

"I'll Make Love To You" Boyz 2 Men

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Wednesday February 25 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Love... is worth the effort...

You'll be there between each line of pain and glory/

'Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me/

                                 ...sometimes both!

"Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" Gladys Knight & The Pips 1974

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Tuesday February 24 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

After enjoying today's love nod, click over to my writer's blog for this week's romance story.

Love may falter... but never fails...

I'm stuck on you, been a fool too long guess it's time for me to come on home/

Guess I'm on my way/

So hard to see that a woman like you could wait around for a man like me/

Guess I'm on my way/

Mighty glad you stayed/

"Stuck On You" Lionel Richie 1984

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Monday February 23 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Make the most of your Monday with the one you love. Enjoy today's love bog, then click over to my writer's blog for this week's romance story.

Love is never ending...

You are my reason to live/

All I own I would give/

Just to have you adore me/

"Till" The Angels 1961

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

'Though we never kissed

Of all my loves come and gone

I miss you the most

                 BJ Neblett

Sunday February 22 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

The month is winding down... never let the love run out. Re-new it each and every day. Share today's love nod with someone. Then click the link on the right to my writer's blog for this week's new romance story.

Love is a priceless treasure...

I know that I'll have nothing/

If you should go away/

But to know that you love me brings/

Fame and fortune my way/

"Fame And Fortune" Elvis Presley 1960

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Saturday February 21 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett & A Poem from CA Griffin

Hope you are enjoying this month's postings on love and romance. Tomorrow I will have a new romance story posted to my writer's blog... you can click the link to the right. But for now please enjoy another offering from my friend, writer Carol Griffin. You can follow Carol's writings by clicking the links below.

CA Griffin:
Facebook
Twitter is @mammacee
Books and writings
Blog

Love is multifaceted...

Girl you are to me/

All that a woman should be/

And I dedicate my life to you always/

                                                                     Photo unattributed

"Always" Atlantic Starr

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

By CA Griffin

We are lovely in our pain

Individually sparkling like diamonds hewn by pressure

Capturing light and glowing

Glistening with the dew of our tears

Beautiful in our despair

Raw and open

Passionate and honest

Ah the purity of truth as revealed in conflict

How revealing it is

Sloughing the detritus

Removing the shell

Exposing what we feel

And growing

There is no value in only joy

Endless sun scorches the flesh

And evolving

There is no value in only pain

Swirling waters drown the body

But in balance

We welcome who we are meant to be

CAG 2/5/15

Friday February 20 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Sometimes all it takes is just a look...

You're lovely with your smile so warm/

And your cheek so soft/

There is nothing for me but to love you/

And the way you look tonight/

"The Way You Look Tonight" The Jaguars 1959

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Thursday February 19 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Wherever you may be I hope you are enjoying these special postings with someone you love. If not, hang in there... and remember the chidings of my friend Selena Gomez. Enjoy today's love nod and this week's romance story on my writer's blog. And look for a new story this Sunday.

Sometimes the heart does what it wants without asking the brain... often that's a good thing...

You can save your breath 'cause I can't hear/

You may be right but I don't care/

There's a million reasons why I should give you up/

But the heart wants what it wants/

                                                                     Photo unattributed

"The Heart Wants What It Wants" Selena Gomez 2014

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Wednesday February 18 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Love can indeed be blind...

My love must be a kind of blind love/

I can't see anyone but you/

                                                                      Photo unattributed

"I Only Have Eyes For You" Flamingos 1959

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Tuesday February 17 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

A new day, a new love blog, a new chance to express your love...

Love has no need of a watch... nor a calendar...

At last the skies above are blue/

My heart was wrapped in clover/

The night I looked at you/

"At Last" Etta James 1961

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Monday February 16 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Another week... if you are one of the lucky ones to have the day off, why not share it with that special someone? Enjoy todays love blog, then click over to this week's romance story... together! I am sure George and Abe would approve.

When it's right... you know it...

Your body feels so gentle and my passion's rising high/

You're lovin' me so easy, your wish is my command/

Just hold me close and love me, tell me it won't end/

Mmmm mmmm mmmm, feels so right/

                                                    Unattributed

"Feels So Right" Alabama 1981

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Sunday February 15 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Here's hoping your day was as wonderful as the one you made for him or her. Now keep the magic going. It's easy. Just keep in mind one simple word: sharing. Enjoy today's love blog and this week's romance story... together! (click my writer's blog link on the right).

Love surprises...

My yesterday was blue dear/

Today I'm a part of you dear/

My lonely nights are through dear/

Since you said you were mine/

                                                               Photo: BJ Neblett 2010

"What A Difference A Day Makes" Dinah Washington 1959

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

            “We are the sum total of our experiences. Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives. And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become. None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow.”

            from George by BJ Neblett

Saturday February 14 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett "Inside You"

Happy Valentine's Day! Here is today's love nod. And there is a new romance story posted to my writer's blog. Just click the link to the right. Enjoy both with someone you love!
BJ

Love...

Have I told you lately that I love you/

Have I told you there's no one else above you/

"Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" Rod Stewart 1991

(Click the title for the YouTube Link)

Inside You

BJ Neblett

© 2015

I want to be inside you

Inside your mind

To know how you feel

Inside your thoughts

Your hopes your dreams and fears

Inside your arms

Protected and warm

Inside your eyes

To see and touch your world

Inside your laugh

Know you as a child

Inside your heart

And know the things you hide

I want to be inside you

And fill your life with love

Friday February 13 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Make Friday the 13th your lucky day! Pick up the goodies for your loved one today! And what could be better than a romantic murder mystery? In honor of Valentine's Day and my month long salute to love, my friend Lisa Fernow has made her terrific short story Death Of A Tango Dancer free for all thru Feb. 28. Simply click the title! And enjoy today's nod to love here, then click over to my writer's blog for this week's romance story.

Sometimes words just aren't enough... sometimes they are just right...

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before/

In my dreams I couldn't love you more/

I will give you my heart until the end of time/

You're all I need my love my Valentine/

"Valentine" Martina McBride 1997

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Mi Amor Es Tuyo

BJ Neblett

© 2013, 2015

Whatever you do wherever you go

You will always know

My love is yours

Though near though far I’ll be by your side

A heart to abide

My love is yours

Thru space and thru time although we’re apart

You stay in my heart

My love is yours

From valley below to rainbow on high

I’ll shout and I’ll sigh

My love is yours

            As tender as a kiss

            My empty arms enfold you

            And as strong as a tear

            My empty heart longs for you

By day or by night you’ll never regret

Please never forget

My love is yours

I pledge and I vow the words of my song

To never do wrong

My love is yours

Whatever you do wherever you go

May you always know

My love is yours

Whatever you do wherever you go

So you’ll always know

Mi amor es tuyo

Thursday February 12 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Just two days away, why not make Valentine's Day every day for that certain someone? Enjoy today's love posting, then click my writer's blog to the right for this week's romance story.

Love knows no boundaries... seeks no guidance... obeys no rules... 

If a man could be in two places at one time/

I'd be with you/

Tomorrow and today/

Beside you all the way/

                                                                       Photo unattributed

"If" by Bread 1971

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Said Spring To Winter

BJ Neblett

© 2013, 2014

                                 Said Spring to Winter            Said Winter to Spring

                                      In silence we meet              Don’t ask me my name

                                  Specter of my dreams                   I am just a man

                                The future in your eyes            Do not seek tomorrow

                                    Uncertain but true                   And it will be yours

                                    How am I to know                  Ask me no questions

                                 What truths will I find                 I’ll tell you no lies

                                        Your gift to me                          Take all I offer

                                        Afraid to open                        As long as it lasts

                                   The longings inside             Don’t question your heart

                                Untouched and frozen                And love will be ours

                                                                                                            For Kristin

Wednesday February 11 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

This week's romance story on my writer's blog was featured in the August 2014 issue of Romance Magazine. Check out my other romance stories by clicking the BJ's Publications link on the right. Meanwhile, here is a hump-day nod to love. Be sure to link, like, comment and share the love.

There are as many different things to love about someone as there are some ones to love...

I love how your eyes close whenever you kiss me/

And when I'm away from you I love how you miss me/

I love the way you always treat me tenderly/

But darling most of all I love how you love me/

                                           Photo Source: Capture-Shoot-Dream

"I Love How You Love Me" Paris Sisters 1961

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Tuesday February 10 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Thanks so much for the wonderful response to the postings here this month. We continue today with a very special posting for a very special lady, including this week's romance story on my writer's blog.

When it's right... you just know it...

And she's everything I ever wanted/

And everything I need/

I talk about her I go on and on and on/

'Cause she's everything to me/

                                       Photo: BJ Neblett 2014

"She's Everything" Brad Paisley

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Monday February 9 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

A new week, a new posting, a new chance for love. Enjoy today's love nod and then click my writer's blog to the right for this week's new romance story.

Love is one step at a time... towards one another... 

All along I believed I would find you/

Time has brought heart to me I have loved you/

For a thousand years/

I'll love you for a thousand more/

                                             Unattributed

"A Thousand Years" Christina Perry 2011

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Sunday February 8 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Six days till V-Day! To help you cope here's a new love post. And, click my writer's blog on the right for a new romance story!

Sometimes even true love can be trying... but we keep trying...

Wherever you go whatever you do/

I will be right here waiting for you/

Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks/

I will be right here waiting for you/

                Quote: BJ Neblett 2013                                   Photo: Unattributed

"Right Here Waiting" Richard Marx 1989

(Click the title for the YouTube link)

Saturday February 7 A Month Of Love from BJ Neblett

Saturday... one week to go. Ladies, do you have your day planned? Guys, know what you need to do... say? While you work out the details of next Saturday's Valentine's Day, enjoy today's love break here, and a romance story on my writer's blog. Tomorrow look for a new romance story!

Love doesn't ask much... simple things like a gentle touch...

I just want you close where you can stay forever/

You can be sure that it will only get better/

You and me together through the days and nights/

I don't worry cuz everything's gonna be alright/

"No One" Alicia Keys 2007

(Click the title for the YouTube link)