Summer is almost over in my part of the world.  Kids in North Carolina (US) are headed back to school in one week.  Our summer garden is peaking, and we haven't seen any more copperheads slithering up from the woods for a visit.  Oh, you didn't know about our copperheads?  No worries...JM slew them all with his trusty shovel.

The best weather is still ahead as August wanes and cooler September  comes a-knocking.  I long to leave the office and enjoy it.  

So, I'm putting this blog to sleep for the next few weeks and taking end-of-summer R&R.  Though I will also stay busy working on book 3 and cooking up some fun for YOU, Lovely Readers.

I'll return on 14 September with details about a celebration to mark the start of my THIRD YEAR of blogging.  Holy Moly, Bat Man...48 months flew by!

Before I leave, I'm guest-posting on a lovely blog, my good friends at Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Perfect topic for this time of year: a summer escape to Asheville, North Carolina. 

I love the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I'm exited to have you join me on a virtual visit to my home state.  Plus, I'm over the moon to be a guest on Mother Daughter Book Reviews, an awesome online community for finding great books, authors, and all things Kid Lit.

Please pop over to Mother Daughter Book Reviews.
Easy-peasy to check out my guest post: 
click on the button below
and give them some readerly love.

See you in September! 
Hey...isn't that the title of a 60s rock song?

I'll be back with  ... 
* more blog goodies 
* updates on Book 3
* and a special announcement 
   <drum roll here, please >
about a wee celebration to mark the start of my third year of blogging.  Gobsmacked and thankful for this milestone!

You'll have a chance to enter a giveaway to win prizes, too.  

It's my way of saying THANKS for following my writerly journey.  I am beyond-grateful!

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 a free downloadable tale I wrote just for the young at heart. 
Driving Down to Dillon:
A Very Short Story of Love and New Beginnings.

In honor of Book Lovers' Day on 9 August, my writerly pals and I are having fun this week by sharing all the ways we adore reading with the #BookLuvHop.  Here’s what you’ll find on a special Cat’s Corners:

1.  Ode to Books, a RAP (Really-Awful Poem) <wink, wink>
2.  Unread Book, a video rap by Orange Library
3.  Book Lovers' Blog Hop: Spread the love!
Visit the awesome bloggers listed at the end of this post who share their libre passion. And hey, share your family-friendly blog link, along with a like or comment, and we'll spread the love your way!

Ode to Books
A RAP, Really-Awful Poem
By Cat Michaels
apologies to Gertude Stein, the Bard, Dr. Seuss and true poets everywhere


BOOKS! 
How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.
Hmm.  At least thrice: A book, is a book, is a book.

I love reading books here and there.
I love reading almost everywhere
Using all kinds of clever devices
Which take away my breath and suffices 
as my brain's creative spices.

Alas, I could not read them on a boat....I get sea sick.  
Nor on a goat....I am a city girl.  I only do goat cheese.

I love books most when they talk to me.  
In fact, they even walk with me! 
Earbuds, sweat, and all.

Books in print are longtime pals 
Ever since elementary school locales.
Dick and Jane started it all.
Then the Grinch and Nancy Drew as I grew tall.
Now it's sci-fi.  Mysteries. Historical fiction.  
But Kid Lit and  JK's HP is still my addiction.

And what delight 
      to share laptop prose 
With that special little one 
      who knows
A great kidlit story
     makes playtime hunky-dory.

Ah, tablet reading!
You turn me on
when I plug you in.

Your font and light controls are awesome.

You make 
my book world spin.

And my deepest readerly secret?  

I am a proud librocubicularist!
   No way I can rhyme it,
so I'll just say instead
I love to read in bed!
Isn't that peculiarist?!?!

Video Rap: Unread Books
Orange Public Library

Meet the Guybrarian and the good folk from Orange Public Library, whose Unread Book  sets literary hearts a-beating. They show what happens when the library closes at night. Hint: a toe-tapping original score, hilarious literary references, dancing librarians, and choir of book character singers.

 Thanks to author Dorothy Hardin for leading me to this video.

There's more!
Thanks for stopping by on the #BookLuvHop.  
I love sharing book luv with YOU!  

Please visit these awesome bloggers
 for more book loving.

Auden Johnson
Dark Treasury
Books showed me I wasn't alone.

Carmela Dutra
A Blog for Your Thoughts
Did you ever read a book that just made you fall madly in love with it? 

Corrina Holyoake
Venturing into the Unknown
Corrina marks Book Lovers' Day by popping the paintbrushes away and putting her feet up to indulge in one of her favourite pastimes.

Karen Emma Hall
KidLiterature Blogspot
Enjoy Book Lovers' Day by making time to read.

Leigh Shearin
Leigh Shearin, Writer
How I found the secret to life on the big oak bookcase.

Söndra N. Rymer
Fairy Tales Imagery, Inc.
Fairy Tales Imagery
Söndra marks Book Lover's Day by slipping into the past to pick up a beloved children's book and quietly obsess over "This is where it all BEGAN!"

Julie Gorges
Baby Boomer Bliss
Looking for ways to lighten up and be happier? Julie offers do-able tips to make life more fun that work for any generation.

Welcome all from the Mother Daughter Book Review Linky Hop!

Please join the conversation.
What ways do YOU love books and reading?

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AND receive my free downloadable tale for the young at heart. 
Driving Down to Dillon:
A Very Short Story of Love and New Beginnings.