Yes, poppies were the evil flowers that put Dorothy and her friends to sleep in the Wizard of Oz. They also bring to mind the killer seeds of the opium crisis. But the blood-red, starkly bright poppy blossom also represents something more: the memory of lives lost in battle. And maybe–just maybe–a bit of hope for those left behind. Continue reading Poppies – 2022 Edition
You know what they say…the more things change, the more we wish they didn’t. Or maybe that’s just me. I’ve never been a super-fan of change. In fact, I’m more than fine with same-old, same-old. There’s something comfortable in the predictable. Even the mundane. I once spent the better part of a decade having the EXACT same thing for lunch every day. Did I mind … Continue reading A chunk of change
Jennifer here. Please give a warm welcome to Krysti Meyer, a cozy mystery podcaster and an award-winning author! Here’s a fun conversation about her new Get Cozy podcast: How did you get into podcasting? I’ve been a fan of cozy mysteries ever since the pandemic started. They’ve been such a delightful escape from the serious issues we’ve been facing globally in the past few years. Before … Continue reading Guest Chick: Krysti Meyer
After two years of being mostly a homebody, I’m excited that we are planning a vacation this summer with my sister and her family. When I say “we,” I mean my sister is planning. We’ll mostly just pack a suitcase and show up, which is totally okay by me. My sister is a serious planner. Always has been. I’m more of a pantser, both in … Continue reading What a trip – planned or not
Over the years, I’ve had different ways of remembering important dates and duties. First, it was pen and hand—literally ink on palm. Then it progressed to sticky notes and a day planner. Eventually, I chose a wall calendar and then a dry erase board and now a phone. I honestly have to whip out my cell in the morning to double-check my schedule for the … Continue reading Queen of the Juggle
Jennifer here, and I’m welcoming J.C. back to the blog. Cheers for an ardent Chicks on the Case fan and a fun shirt enthusiast. Special congrats to J.C. on his 31st wedding anniversary! 31…and Counting! Hi, friends! It’s always a thrill to be back hanging out with the Chicks on the Case, especially today. You see, today is special because it is the 31st anniversary … Continue reading Guest Chick: J.C. Kenney
Hey, y’all! The “y’all” is due to me currently being in New Orleans. Which reminds me, we have to spend today getting Eliza’s car serviced, so apologies if I’m slow to respond to comments. So, about New Orleans. I’ve been here more times than I can count. And among the many things I love about the city is how in my wanderings I always discover … Continue reading Always something new in NOLA
There’s no denying humor is subjective. One person finds fart jokes hilarious (that would be Ellen) while someone else (well, everyone else) finds them puerile. So, how do we who purport to be “mystery writers with a killer sense of humor” determine what’s funny and what’s not – for ourselves and for our readers?
Continue reading “Chick Chat: Funny or not funny? Hmm…”
Ellen here, and I am so happy to welcome back my dear friend, the wonderful author Annette Dashofy. Annette’s post today both inspired and moved me to tears. I’m sure you’ll have the same reaction to it… Why We Write Every so often, the question comes up: Why do we write? The answer varies from one author to another. Writing is an outlet for the … Continue reading Guest Chick: Annette Dashofy
Dear Stores: When did everyone start saying “Welcome in” instead of just “Welcome”? And how did this begin? Was there a memo that I missed? Dear Designers: Can we please talk about the High-Low Hem concept? Sometimes it’s short in the front and long in the back (aka the “mullet of hemlines”) but sometimes it’s short in the back and long in the front. It’s … Continue reading Just a Friendly Note (curious edition)
I was busy doing Very Important Work—okay, fine, I was working the Sunday crosswords—when I heard birds squawking and the neighbor dogs barking up a storm. Nala was inside so she and I rushed to the patio door to see if Timmy fell in a well or something. It took a minute for me to see him, but the most elegant fox crossed our yard … Continue reading Where the Wild Things Are
The Chicks are happy to have Elizabeth Pantley back to visit today. She was here in November 2020 when she launched her first book in the Destiny Falls series, and today she’s gearing up to release book #6, OLD BONES AND ICE CREAM CONES. How I Pick my Next Book to Read I suspect I’m among a group of fellow bibliophiles here. So, you know … Continue reading Guest Chick: Elizabeth Pantley
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