Kim McMahill

This Monday’s meme is from Marked in Mexico, which continues to be one of my best sellers.

I feel very fortunate to live where I do, especially now. The populations density is low and my favorite seasons, spring and summer, are a treat during any year. A recent drive over Beartooth Pass and along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway was spectacular. The high elevations contained plenty of snow, giving the more adventurous types some extreme sport opportunities.

Here’s this Monday’s meme from the third novel in the Risky Research Series, A Foundation of Fear. Book four, A Measure of Madness is with my publisher and I expect it to be released in 2021.

For those who follow my various social media venues, you already know that I love summer and sunlight, so the Summer Solstice is a time for me to celebrate. The Summer Solstice is the meteorological start of summer and marks the longest day of the year (June 20 this year). Unfortunately, the amount of daylight goes down from here.

Special Spaces, Unique Places by Gayle M. Irwin I relish open spaces. I may enjoy a trip to a big city now and then, but my heart belongs to the plains, mountains, and woodlands. Childhood was spent in Iowa’s forests and fields, and early adulthood found me on Wyoming’s plains and Montana’s mountains. I’m called to be a writer and a woodswoman, much like the late freelance writer and conservationist, Anne LaBastille . Decades ago, I read her first memoir, Woodswoman . This tale of her life in New York’s Adirondack Mountains opened my eyes and touched my heart; I discovered a kindred spirit. Inspired by Thoreau , Anne lived in a log cabin without modern conveniences, relying on a boat for transportation and neighbors to help with things she couldn’t do herself. However, she accomplished much alone. I admired Anne’s fortitude and independent spirit, the way she sustained herself through freelance writing and conservation work and cared for her property and friends. Alas, my...

Here’s this Monday’s meme from the second novel in the Risky Research Series, A Taste of Tragedy.

Flag Day is a time for Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers, and makers. Our flag represents our independence and our unity as a nation. Though Americans should feel pride and respect for our flag every day, hopefully today (June 14) all citizens can put aside petty politics and focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.

We recently made our first trip into Yellowstone National Park. Winter snow still lingered in the trees, shaded areas, and in the highest elevations. The scenery and wildlife were amazing and Yellowstone Lake was especially majestic. The surface was like glass, reflecting the clouds. Near the shoreline ice had been forced in by the wind and steam rose from thermal vents. Simply stunning.

I’ve designed a number of memes for most of my books and decided I should try and share those a little more regularly. So, when I can fit them in, I’ll post a “Monday Meme.” I hope I haven’t already posted too many of these. If a few repeats find their way in, sorry. This first one is from the first novel in the Risky Research Series, A Dose of Danger.

On June 6, 1944, Allied troops invaded the beaches of Normandy, France. It was the largest amphibious assault in world history and was the turning point of the war in the European theater. 156,000 troops from the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada stormed five beaches. American troops landed on Omaha and Utah beaches at the same time British troops landed on Gold and Sword beach, and the Canadian forces landed on Juno Beach. 4,000 allied troops died on these beaches on D-day, half of which were American. Never forget the sacrifices of our military for our freedom.

Heart Mountain is one of the most iconic views from Cody, Wyoming, and gazing at it from the McCullough Peaks is especially rewarding. This spring the McCullough Peaks were stunning. Due to seasonal rains the otherwise dry, rugged, and unforgiving landscape was awash in green and an abundance of wildflowers. It’s hard to plan for such a spectacular show with the unpredictable moisture, but when the Peaks are at its best it is amazing.