Monthly Archives: April 2021

April 27, 2021 · 9:00 am

Tarot Tuesday! Pick Your Card from The Good Tarot

Are you ready for Tarot Tuesday? I know I am!

This week’s pull is from The Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid. These cards are just gorgeous and have so much energy when I’m working with them!

If you’re interested in a reading of your own, please see the bottom of this post or come visit me on eBay.

Study the photo below and see which card calls to you (1, 2, or 3). You may want to know what the week holds for you in general, or you may have a specific question in mind. Regardless of what you want to know, let your spirit guide you on your card. You’ll find the cards and their meanings below.

Are you ready? Scroll down to find your card!

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#1 – Six of Water: While there’s nothing wrong with looking back on the past, it’s important to remember that these memories are colored by time and emotions. Enjoy those memories, but don’t let them distort what’s happening today. You’re creating a better reality right now than you may realize, so heal up those old wounds and embrace the future.

#2 – Ten of Water: This card is all about serenity, peace, and well-being. All is well in the world. Feel your joy and share it with the world around you. Whether you do or don’t get the things you’d like, you’re happy in knowing that you’re where you’re meant to be.

#3 – Justice: Things are balancing out. Everyone gets what’s coming to them, whether that’s good or bad. What goes around comes around, so carefully consider your own actions as well as those of the people around you. If you’re facing a legal battle, spirit is aligned in your favor.

Which card did you pick? Did it mean anything for you? I’d love to know, so feel free to leave me a comment!

Interested in a reading of your own?

You’ll receive a photo of the actual cards drawn and a thorough explanation of their meaning. The readings are done through email, so please ensure a valid email address is included with your payment! This is for a generalized reading with a deck that calls to me. If you have a specific question or needs, please feel free to email me at ashley@ashleyomelia.com or visit me on eBay (see link below) and we can get it arranged easily. Thank you!

$10.00

Come visit me on eBay!

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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keeping and The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

Please note that I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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April 20, 2021 · 9:00 am

Tarot Tuesday: Pick Your Card!

Monday’s over, and it’s time for Tarot Tuesday! This week’s draw is from the Animal Tarot deck by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine. I love all the beautiful animals in this deck and the way that everything is connected to nature. If you’re interested in a personal reading, please see the bottom of this post or come see me on eBay.

Study the picture below. If you have a question or situation you’re concerned about, hold that in the front of your mind as you choose your card. You can also simply pick the one that calls to you. When you’re ready, scroll down to find the meaning of your card.

Ready?

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#1 – Four of Summer: Life moves so quickly, but it’s time to slow down and take notice of what’s around you! It’s easy to get caught up in your work and responsibilities and completely miss all the wonderful things happening around you. Relax a little and take it all in!

#2 – The Hermit: Though the name of this card implies being alone, it’s really not quite like that. It may be telling you to reflect and meditate to grow or enhance your spirituality, but it can also symbolize learning from an enlightened teacher. If you’re looking for the light of inspiration, this is it! Take up that light and share it with others!

#3 – Seven of Spring: Geckos can climb just about anything, which means nothing stands in their way. This card is telling you to do the same. Keep going, no matter how challenging a task may seem. If you’re experiencing an issue with another person, take some time to step back and figure out whether your problem is truly with them or with something inside yourself.

Which card did you pick? What did it mean for you? I’d love to know, so feel free to leave a comment.

Interested in a tarot reading?

You’ll receive a photo of the actual cards drawn and a thorough explanation of their meaning. The readings are done through email, so please ensure a valid email address is included with your payment! This is for a generalized reading. If you have a specific question or needs, please feel free to email me at ashley@ashleyomelia.com or come visit me on eBay (see link below) and we can arrange it easily. Thank you!

$10.00

Come find me on eBay!

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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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April 10, 2021 · 9:00 am

Book Review: Moonfall by Jack McDevitt

The last two books I read (reviews here and here) left a lot to be desired, so I was feeling a little gun-shy when I went to grab something else from my shelf. I’ve been really trying to get through the massive amount of books I’ve acquired in my Bookshelf Cleanout project!

The universe decided to make it up to me when I grabbed Moonfall by Jack McDevitt. Right off the bat, I got excited that the opening scene takes place during the solar eclipse of April 2024. Our location in Southern Illinois was dubbed the “Eclipse Crossroads” back in 2017, because both that eclipse and the one in 2024 will be fully visible here. To boot, I was even wearing my commemorative eclipse t-shirt!

Okay, personal coincidences aside, it’s important to talk a little bit about the plot (without giving too much away, of course). A comet is discovered, and it’s heading straight for the Moon, where Moonbase has just been officially opened in a ceremony that includes the Vice President of the U.S. The story is told from multiple POVs, just like any good disaster movie.

I couldn’t help but note as I read all the similarities to our current times that McDevitt predicted way back in 1999. The book is only three years ahead of the present, after all! There is talk about increased mileage on electric car batteries, everyone has cell phones, and all the news is online. Unfortunately, Moonfall mentions the Arecibo telescope, which didn’t make it, and yet it predicts that Sears will still be around.

I was definitly impressed with how well McDevitt predicted the divisive political climate that surrounds a global disaster. Some think the coming comet is only a political stunt to gain votes. Those in charge are forced to contemplate whether they should let the populace know just how bad things are and risk panic, or play it cool and risk lives. There was so much more, and it was all shockingly familiar.

Overall, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t liked about Moonfall. The characters were deep and relatable, the technology was fantastic, and I got so wrapped up in the suspense sometimes that I thought I might have a panic attack. 5 stars! While my ultimate goal is to pare down the sheer number of books I have, this one is going on the Keep shelf!

Have you read Moonfall or another book by Jack McDevitt? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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Close up hot cappuccino white coffee cup with heart shape latte art on dark brown old wood table at cafe,food and drink concept.

Like what you’re reading?

Consider making a small donation to help keep this blog going! Every bit makes a difference!

$10.00

Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

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April 6, 2021 · 8:30 am

Tarot Tuesday! Pick Your Card from The Sacred Traveler Oracle

It’s time once again for Tarot Tuesday to see what the rest of the week holds for us!

This week’s pull is from The Sacred Traveler Oracle by Denise Linn. The bold, otherworldly images on these cards really called out to me, and there’s just so much energy in these cards.

If you’re interested in a reading of your own, please see the bottom of this post or visit me on eBay.

Study the photo below and see which card calls to you (1, 2, or 3). You may want to know what the week holds for you in general, or you may have a specific question in mind. Regardless of what you want to know, let your spirit guide you on your card. You’ll find the cards and their meanings below.

Are you ready? Scroll down to find your card!

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#1 – Impasse: Is something stopping you on the path you believe you should be on? It may seem like a failure to turn back or change course, but that isn’t always the case. There are times when the wisest thing to do is to find a new route instead of railing yourself against a stone wall that isn’t ever going to move.

#2 – Great Adventure: It’s time for adventure! This could mean a literal adventure, like a trip or a business endeavor, or it could be telling you that right now is the time to take risks and expand your horizons. Either way, you’re not meant to stay where you’re at!

#3 – Gates of Triumph: Victory and success are yours! Even if you’ve stumbled a bit on the way there, you’re on the right path. Keep going, and know that everything will work out as it should.

Which card did you pick? Did it mean anything for you? I’d love to know, so feel free to leave me a comment!

Interested in a reading of your own?

You’ll receive a photo of the actual cards drawn and a thorough explanation of their meaning. The readings are done through email, so please ensure a valid email address is included with your payment! This is for a generalized reading with a deck that calls to me. If you have a specific question or needs, please feel free to email me at ashley@ashleyomelia.com or visit me on eBay (see link below) and we can get it arranged easily. Thank you!

$10.00

Visit me on eBay!

* * *

Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keeping and The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

Please note that I’m a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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April 3, 2021 · 9:00 am

Book Review: The Private Life of The Cat Who by Lillian Jackson Braun

I write a lot of cozy mysteries in my freelance work, so it would only make sense that I also read a lot of them, right? The Cat Who series by Lillian Jackson Braun is one that I’ve returned to over and over throughout the last several years. I managed to read the entire series (which at 30 books is no small challenge while working and raising a family). Even though I have plenty of other books on the shelves at home, I’ve gone to the library and turned to the internet to make sure I found every single one.

It seemed only fitting to also pick up The Private Life of the Cat Who: Tales of Koko and Yum Yum from the Journal of James Mackintosh Qwilleran. It’s a slim little volume of what I don’t even think I’d call short stories necessarily. They’re more like reflections of the main protagonist James Qwilleran on his cats. He recalls how he got them and reminisces on some of their adventures.

It’s a very quick and light read, and it serves as a fun refresher of many of the stories I’d already read in the series. While I highly recommend The Private Life for anyone who has read the other books, you may not want to pick this up if you haven’t already come to know Koko and Yum Yum quite well. I wouldn’t want you to spoil the fun for yourself!

Have you read any of That Cat Who series? What did you think? Feel free to use my link to purchase from Amazon, or you can find my copy for sale on eBay!

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Close up hot cappuccino white coffee cup with heart shape latte art on dark brown old wood table at cafe,food and drink concept.

Like what you’re reading?

Consider making a small donation to help keep this blog going! Every bit helps!

$1.00

Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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April 3, 2021 · 9:00 am

Fountain Pen Review: Pelikan M200 (My First Pelikan!)

If you follow this blog, then you probably know that I collect fountain pens. Although I’ve mostly just been buying vintage pens lately, I’m thrilled with the brand new Pelikan my husband bought me for Valentine’s Day! (Yes, I’m a lot late on getting this posted!)

The two things that first attracted me to this Pelikan M200 were the beautiful colors and the fact that it’s a piston filler. I get annoyed with converter pens, because they often don’t flow as quickly as I’d like them to. I hadn’t tried a piston yet, but I have several lever-fillers and a vac-fill that I love. (Those, however, are all vintage.) The piston is super easy to operate, and it allows the pen to hold tons of ink! The ink window and the semi-transparent barrel allow you to see that you sucked up all that ink. The flow is excellent, and I tend to be a pretty fast writer. I have a broad nib on this pen.

The steel nib felt a little odd at first, with more feedback than I’d expected, but either I got used to it or it got used to me. It’s a dream to write with on either high or low quality paper, which isn’t something I can say about all pens.

The dimensions of the Pelikan M200–paired with the large ink capacity–make it ideal for long writing sessions. It’s lightweight without feeling cheap, and it balances perfectly when posted. The grip is wide enough to prevent cramping, but it’s not bulky. Of my modern pens, this is the one I reach for the most!

Overall, I think this is a pretty great pen. I’ll be using it a lot to write to my pen pals or plot stories, and I’m happy to have it in my collection.

Do you have the M200 or another Pelikan? I’d love to hear about your experience!

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Ashley O’Melia is an independent author and freelancer from Southern Illinois.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University.  Her books include The Wanderer’s Guide to Dragon Keepingand The Graveside Detective.  Her short stories have been published in The Penmen Review, Siren’s Call, and Subcutaneous.  Ashley’s freelance work has spanned numerous genres for clients around the world.  You can find her on Facebook and Amazon.

Close up hot cappuccino white coffee cup with heart shape latte art on dark brown old wood table at cafe,food and drink concept.

Like what you’re reading?

Consider making a small donation to help keep me going! Every little bit means a whole lot!

$1.00

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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