Kim McMahill

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. - Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain -

Sometimes adventure can be experienced by simply taking the time to enjoy a place or activity, like fishing on a dock in southern Florida as the sun slowly slips below the horizon. When I think of all the amazing and exciting places I’ve been and the things I’ve done, one of my fondest memories is still of this peaceful evening on a hot, humid night in Florida.

Compromising silence for speed, she picked up the pace. If Aaron made it to the road, he would be much more difficult to find. She had no intention of letting that happen. Here, in response to the break-in, she was well within her rights to act. Once he left the area, the Phoenix Field office would take over, forcing her to operate in the background. The night was surprisingly cool. Devyn wore only light-weight shorts and a t-shirt, but sweat still trickled down her back as she ran. It was awkward running with her gun in hand, but she really didn’t have any place to stow it with her current attire. As she rounded a bend in the creek, she saw a flash of something dark. She stopped and took in her surroundings. Had he heard her gaining on him? If so, and she darted around the blind corner, he’d likely be waiting and be able to get a bead on her. Devyn scrambled out of the gully and cut across the raised ground above the bend in the creek. Inching out toward the edge, she peered ov...

I’ve gotten a great deal of enjoyment out of my yard this summer. It is so full of fragrant and beautiful flowers and trees that I wanted to share it with all of you. Unfortunately, a mere photo is powerless to convey the color, aromas, and feeling of serenity that I feel as I wander the stone paths winding through the vibrant blossoms.

“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.” - Eudora Welty, One Writer's Beginnings -

The unmistakable haze of smoke filled the valley below. Snow covered the ground and weighed heavily on the pine boughs lining the highway, ruling out a forest fire as the source of the dark billows. The old rancher rolled down his window despite the bitter cold, and inhaled deeply. The air smelled of fire, death, destruction . With the last switchback navigated, he shifted up and pressed the accelerator down as far as he dared while driving on icy roads. He tried not to let his imagination get the best of him, but he couldn’t help but fear the worst. Someone, maybe him, was suffering a loss. As he approached the turnoff to his ranch he realized immediately that the nightmare belonged to him. To purchase this book directly from Amazon for your Kindle, click here .

July is not only National Hot Dog Month, it’s also National Anti-Boredom Month. Fortunately there is no need to worry because I have a prescription for boredom, A Dose of Danger, and if mystery meat isn’t your thing try  A Taste of Tragedy . Glad I could help. Happy July!

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste it, to experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” - Eleanor Roosevelt" 

Every day is “National” something day. Some are pretty interesting and there are often more than one per day. There are too many in July to list here, so I’ll just offer up those that were designated the entire month. The designees are… Ice Cream, Blueberry, Anti-Boredom, Hot Dog, and I hope everyone pays special attention as July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. 

“There are many paths through the Ring of Life. They are a constant movement toward self-fulfillment through growth of your mind, expansion of your experiences, widening of your senses and growing your spirit. It’s ceaseless and constant throughout one’s life.” - Frosty Wooldridge, Golden, Colorado- 

Here are a few interesting events that occurred this month in history. U.S. postage stamps went on sale for the first time July 1, 1847 Alfred Nobel demonstrated dynamite on July 14, 1867 Jesse James and his gang robbed their first train on July 21, 1873

Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. Have a wonderful day with family and friends, and remember those who continue to ensure our freedom.