The Case of the Fallen Christmas Tree

My husband, Michael wrote this poem about an incident that happened a few years ago. A little background information for those who don't already know...He is a professional pet groomer by profession...Abby was our sweet Westie dog...and Figgy was our cat. Read to the end. It will surely make you smile.

The Case of the Fallen Christmas Tree

T'was the night before Christmas

From work I did come

I was ready for dinner

And some Christmas fun

The dogs were all groomed

They were clean, they were pretty

Which was good because when they first got there

They all smelled pretty sh...y

The day was done

It was good to be home

Let Christmas begin

I'll wrap Abby's bone

I entered the living room, lively and quick

To plug in the lights for old Saint Nick

When what to my wondering eyes did appear

My Christmas tree had fallen and I lost all my cheer

The tree lay flat on the living room rug

It looked pretty ugly, like a Chinese Pug

The lights were tangled, and they were unplugged

Ornaments were scattered all over the rug

I scratched my head as I surveyed the scene

How could it have fallen, the pretty Christmas tree

Abby stood loyally by Uncle Mike's side

She knew what had happened, but a snitch she could not abide

She would keep this secret and she wouldn't tell

Even if it meant she would burn in ...(the really hot place)

Sandra came home and slowly began

To redecorate the tree like only she can

She re-hung the lights and re-strung the garland

She did a great job. She's such a darlin'.

When picking up ornaments, a bird she did find

A beautiful red bird, it was one of a kind.

But there was something different about this little bird

She handed it to me without saying a word

I looked at it closely, it was no longer smooth

I knew in an instant its head had been chewed

Its' beautiful red feathers had been torn and removed

As if a fat house cat had something to prove

The mystery solved, it all came together

Figgy had done it for love of a feather

She had climbed in the tree, her bird to pursue

A very bad thing for a fat cat to do

The tree had stood strong, of this I am sure

But fat Figgy's weight was too much to endure

So it had fallen, the pretty little tree

Knocking over the Playstation 3

Surrounded by chaos, old Figgy did sit

If they figure I did it, I'll be in deep s..t

So she lay on the couch as if nothing had happened

She just didn't care, she just lay there nappin'

Thus solves the case of the Fallen Down Tree

Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to thee

Michael Falcone   Dec. 2008

The Author Speaks - Louisiana Event

I just got back from my trip to Louisiana. It was a beautiful day for a drive.
   Thursday I spent most of the day with Mr. Allen's 4th grade class. We had a blast! The kids asked lots of great questions. They were gracious enough to let me read a bit from Marabella, Discovering Magics. Then I gave them a little from the next book, introducing Dorinda, Queen of the Pirates and her second mate, Salty William, named for William Salter. He is the student who named the Queen's ship. There were many excellent suggestions from the class but I decided to go with The Scarlett Mermaid.
   Mr. Curt Allen is a great teacher. Have a look at these pictures to see what a great time we all had.

William Salter and some of his "crew".

The Author Speaks - First Book Signing

Yesterday was my first book signing. There wasn't much of a turn out but I did get to spend some quality time with some of my favorite people. I want to thank all the folks who couldn't come but sent wonderful messages and texts in support. I truly appreciate the positive vibes you sent my way. And to those who did make it out, I love all six of you.
   Next week I will be in Louisiana. I have scheduled a reading for Mr. Allen's 4th grade class at Doyling High. I know the turn out will be good because they have to be in school. (a captive audience!) I will read a bit from Marabella, Discovering Magics. I will also be giving them a little taste of the next book. The student who came up with the name I will be using for the Pirate Queen's ship will also be rewarded.
   They are gracious enough to let me hang out with the class for part of the day. I am very excited. I think it is going to be a blast. I will also have an opportunity to interact with some of the other students during the lunch breaks.
   Thanks again to everyone who offered support.  

Just a peek!

It's no secret that I've had some great adventures. The Author has been quite busy lately working on other things but she knows my stories. In Marabella, Discovering Magics, she tells the story of how I grew up and some of the things I had to go through. In the next book (the one she should be writing now) she tells a few of my adventures. The picture above is just an example of the treasures I got my hands on when I traveled with Dorinda, the Pirate Queen. There will be more to come later.

Marabella is Back! National Cat Day

Hello everyone. I am back. I must tell you, the Author looks terrible. She keeps mumbling about mailing the postcards and booking a signing. Honestly I have no idea what she's talking about. She tells me that she's booked a signing at Nutrition World in Cabot, Arkansas on November 13.
   I have been traveling. Sebastian and I met some wonderful people. We went on a sea voyage. Though Sebastian says that if he never sees another boat it will be fine with him. He didn't exactly enjoy the ocean. But I should let the Author tell you all this. She is much better at telling my stories than I.
   The Author did inform me that today is National Cat Day. You people are strange. You have to have a special day to appreciate your feline friends? I know that some are too independent for their own good and others are just plain snooty.(a bit like Felanna) But cats are really great companions. And I am not just saying that because one of my best friends happens to be feline. They have unique personalities just like people. Some are feisty. Some are grumpy and some are extremely cuddly. Chances are that if you have a cat in your life, you know that most of them are a bit of each. In honor of National Cat Day, give your feline a special treat or at least an extra scratch. I know Sebastian really likes that under the chin scratch. (Though he hates to admit it.)
   Keep visiting us here at my blog. There will be more news about what the Author is doing and I may convince her to share a tidbit or two about her next book. I am sharing my adventures with her every day.

The Author Speaks About Self Promotion

While Marabella is off doing the things she does I am left here, marketing and promoting our book. You must understand, I am a writer. I imagine whole new worlds and attempt to put my imaginings down for you to read. I am not a natural sales person. I am an educator, a storyteller. I am very happy to have my work available at Amazon.com. Locally, you can find MARABELLA, DISCOVERING MAGICS  at Nutrition World in Cabot, Arkansas.
   The whole promotion thing is new to me. I tweet (@Sbfalcone), instagram (sbfalcone), and try to get folks to like our facebook page (Marabella, Book Series). I even have my own website (https://www.sbfalconewrites.wix.com/s-b-falcone).
   So, help me out. Check out the previews on Amazon and leave a comment or review. Scope us out on Goodreads and leave a comment or review. I know you are out there so let me hear from you.
   MY VERY FIRST BOOK SIGNING will be held at Nutrition World in Cabot, Arkansas on Thursday, November 13 from 4 to 6 pm. If you are in the neighborhood, come by, have chat and buy a book. I will be happy to sign it and maybe let you in on what comes next.
   As always, thanks so much for your support.

THE AUTHOR SPEAKS 

Today is October 16. MARABELLA; DISCOVERING MAGICS is now available at Amazon.com. It will be on eBook soon as well.

 Everyone out there, go to Amazon previews and check out the excerpts posted. Leave a comment or review. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much for your support. I am focusing all my energy on getting the word out about this book and of course writing the next one.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS, WIN A SIGNED COPY OF MARABELLA; DISCOVERING MAGICS

Are you an artist? Can you envision the characters in my adventures as you read about them? An artist named Claire drew this picture of a moor cat. What do you think? Pretty good, huh? The Author and I would love to see more artists interpretations. Below you will find some descriptions right from the book, MARABELLA; DISCOVERING MAGICS. Just leave a comment and send us an email with your artwork attached.(sbfalcone.writes@gmail.com) We will post all entries on this site. If we find one that is particularly accurate I'll get The Author to send you a copy of MARABELLA; DISCOVERING MAGICS. 

GEREMIAH

He was a big man clad in the heavy boots and leather breeches of a woodsman.  His thick coat was fastened against late winter’s chill and stretched tight across his broad shoulders. A close- cropped beard covered his strong jaw and squared chin.  His shaggy chestnut hair reached just below his upturned collar. He had a very expressive mouth (usually prone to smiling) and captivating green eyes

.... and there stood the most handsome man I had ever seen. Oh Marabella.” Mara smiled wide and bright. “He was magnificent. He was tall and broad-shouldered. His hair was full and kind of shaggy and he had a short scruffy beard, but his face was kind.  And of course, he had those bewitching green eyes. You have your father’s eyes, for certain. But what struck me dumb was his mouth. He had such a beautiful mouth. Sometimes he would chew his bottom lip, when he was thinking or reading. You do that some.” Mara gazed at her young daughter. “It brightened the world when he smiled. His eyes would crinkle up and oh my. He looked at me with his crooked grin and I had to smile back.

JOSEF

 There in the doorway stood a young Demalion. He was of average height and slight of build. Looking more closely, Belle surmised he was quite young, but his bearing was confident and authoritative. He had shining black hair, a prominent nose and sleepy brown eyes with dark lashes. His coat and trousers were of fine dark blue fabric and he wore an embroidered pale blue vest and spotless white silk cravat. His face was kind and his smile genuine. 

 RAGUS

He was fierce looking and quite tall when he stood to hop down from the wagon. He had pale skin and a smooth face. His long lustrous dark hair hung down his back. On each side of his head, his hair was braided and pulled back like a girl, but no one would mistake him for a girl. He wore the clothes of a warrior complete with a sword buckled to his hip. Ragus smiled and his whole countenance softened. The furrow in his brow smoothed and his fierce dark eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. The grim set of his strong jaw gave way to a perfect, white toothed smile and rosebud lips.

MARABELLA

It was a simple dress with a high waist, low rounded neckline, and puffed cap sleeves. An emerald velvet ribbon wound under her full bosom and danced down the front of the floor length dress, picking up the gleam in her emerald green eyes. Framed against the light from the window, Wesley could see the curve of her hips through the gossamer fabric. With gentle hands and deft fingers he pushed back her unruly hair. He twisted and secured each side with a comb, leaving the rest to flow down her back. A few tendrils escaped, creating a dark and delicate accent to her fair oval face. "There." He said, taking a small step back. "Lovely." Wesley looked up from her bare feet and was dumbstruck gazing at her face. For once, there was no smudge on her perfect features. Her high cheekbones blushed slightly pink, and contrasting with her strong jaw-line, her full mouth looked like ripe fruit. 

SEBASTIAN

Belle blinked again and finally took a look at the creature draped across Reading Rock. He was huge; his mass easily covering both the smooth indentures where she and Wesley usually reclined. His thick coat gleamed golden in the shafts of light from the rising sun. Each massive paw was the size of Belle’s head. His rounded ears occasionally turned this way and that to catch any sounds from the surrounding woods. And his face…his face was intelligent, full of expression, especially the eyes. His eyes were dark gold, almost amber and sparkled with calm wisdom.