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Ok, HOW did it get to the end of May? My vacation went by so fast! Here are the answers to the last #TuesdayTrivia. I know that some of them are repeats, but we have plenty of new people. How many did you get? Comment below!

Tower of London - The Ploum Prison serves as a reminder to mind your words and actions. The Tower of London in England was the inspiration behind the fictional location. It too holds a sinister history, much like the real life structure, and already held burnings and beheadings.

United Nations - The worldwide organization situated in NYC was the spark for the United Front. The idea of a group keeping world order became more complicated than I initially dreamt. The real UN is not just a complicated web of alliances. Like the United Front, it works for international peace and security, the promotion of humanity's wellbeing and international cooperation.

Empress Elizabeth of Austria - This mythological historical figure was part of the dream for Through the Meadow. The idea of Miranda and Julia came to me in a dream, in medieval garb. But it was this empress that captured Miranda's spirit. The image of a lonely woman with only a maid came to mind when I woke up. Elizabeth of Austria was known for her constant traveling. She often did not tell anyone who she was and only stayed with...her maid. No lesbian relationship, of course.

Namaste, everyone! Have a great day!

#InRealLife #FictionalCounter #InternationalPeace #Security #GoodOfHumanity #Prisons #RoyalFamily

Chronic illnesses are often invisible. Many people can look normal by talking and walking. For all you know, it's taking all of their energy to do that. They could be hiding it behind the smiles and laughs.

This edition of "Chronically Writing" looks to address that, by example actually.

This incident happened a few weeks ago. Brian and I took Calvin to Brickfest, which was being held at the CT Convention Center in Hartford. We planned to take the bus and then walk to the destination, which can be far too much for me. I chose to use my walker (which can convert into a wheelchair) and off we went. Every time we use public transportation, though, I feel self-conscious and have to make room for people. It was no different that day. There were times I had to lift the walker in order for someone to pass with their carts or walkers. Folding it makes it smaller, but not by much.

There were some accommodations on the buses. There was only so much space in the front, though, where the seating was meant for the handicapped or the elderly. Being a Saturday morning, there were a lot of elderly, coming out to shop. On the Fastrak bus going to the capital, it was no different. I was sitting in the rear, where the bike racks were. That was the most space I could get with the walker and still watch my child and be with my husband.

Just as we got off near the Wadsworth, it got better to move with the walker. But as soon as we got into the Convention Center, checked in, and saw the displays, it was super obvious that this was made with small kids in mind. I get it, that was part of the show. But parents were in line too, and I am the mother of a special needs child. How was I supposed to fit the walker through aisles and displays so tiny that several people have to step aside for me to come in?

Misunderstanding ensued, even on my part.

The first (of many) came at a play station. Kids were at tables, making pictures out of Legos. Calvin wanted to do it and we went in line. The line was getting too long for me and I was getting tired. Worse, kids were running around me and bumping into me and the walker. I was getting nervous that one of them would trip and tried to keep moving away.

This continued when a spot was supposed to be opened for us. A family kept invading the small corner we were given, to the point where there was no space for me to sit and make a Lego design, even after asking them to move several times. I gave up my Lego plate and told my hubby to take Calvin in, there was no way for me to do the activity. He understood.

So, I sat it out and watched my son design.

As a parent, you know how it feels to watch your child and not be able to participate?

It made me cry a few tears.

A gentleman who worked for the company cleared a path for me once. He said his wife was handicapped and he understood. Soon, the same thing happened. I was soon catching the wheels of the walker against the boards holding the Lego designs because everyone crowded around me and demanded that I move. The biggest offender was the same family whose kids did not move in the first place.

I was not gracious. I mean, after asking someone to move and they don't, and then they ask you to move? When you have nowhere to go except against a wall? I wanted to cry again. I lashed out like a wounded lion instead.

But then, I remembered that this was not about me, it was about my son.

I made the best out of the small slights. At our break, the cafe tables were high enough that I almost could not reach sitting on the wheelchair side of the walker. Children ran into me or the walker countless more times. When I escaped a specific child because he was hurting me by running into me hard, his mother accused me of thinking her son was "contagious".

No, ma'am, he was not. He was a sweet kid who did not understand boundaries. And I was not calling you a bad parent either.

I decided not to argue with anybody. This was not about me, remember. I did manage to squeeze in for a few activities. Displays of Legos laid scattered across the floor. Not to mention, my son was psyched having a picture with the Lego Masters from Season 1. He has signed Lego bricks and his VIP badge.

Again, all of it with a lot of pushing into small spaces.

The joy on Calvin's face made the trip more bearable.

I could have counted my annoyance at lifting the walker for someone. I could have been sighing over the rush to take the next bus, waiting until the stampede had subsided. There were so many people who could have considered empathy for their fellow neighbor and I could have judged them all.

But that would put me on the same level as they were.

I am a person of stories, not the almighty power that looks down.

I had more tact. When we got home, I sent an email to the corporation who heads Brickfest. I was kinder than I was in public. They acknowledged receipt and review, which was what I expected.

I remember that my father was disabled himself. He taught me many things, most of them what not to be. One of them was that I could still be angry at the system and somehow find happiness in spending time with my family.

Please remember that not everyone has the same needs. The world has all creeds, colors, abilities and needs. Society should not have to have second thoughts about wider aisles, ramps, and tables low enough for wheelchairs. Let's address all of them without having the one making a "special case".

I have learned a lot about disability and ablism from a Facebook page, . Please check this page out. Also, leave everything you know about disability at the door. This is a different world and I hope you can understand it.

Oh, and my Lego guy's name is Levi, by the way.

Namaste!

#ChronicallyWriting #Mobiliy #Disabled #ChronicIllness #FUFibro #Arthritis #DisabilityRights #AbleDoesNotMeanAnything

Yes, today is my birthday!

I am going to extend my vacation from #BehindTheScenes and #TriviaTuesday as a present to myself. I won't be back for two more weeks. For my birthday, I want everyone to visit their favorite small business(es). If there is anything more personal and awesome, it's those who work for themselves and create one-of-a-kind items and food.

I am also going to enjoying the day with my family. Whatever the weather is like, there are always plans. It's not everyday somebody hits 35 and embraces life.

Namaste, everyone! Have a great day!

#BirthdayGirl #BirthdayWishes #SmallBusiness #SupportLocal #VocalForLocal #FamilyDay #MomAndWife #IndieAuthor #NewBritain

Just came up with a new batch today!

It's not a bad day. The sun is out and it's supposed to be warm out. Music and reading got me thinking too. Hope you enjoy these. Many thanks to Aretha Franklin, RHCP, Einstein, Linken Park, Bob Dylan and Dan Fogelberg .

If you draw the line and they keep crossing it, they never respected you to begin with.

Drop the pedal and go!

Real men don’t kill coyotes.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but you can use yours to do anything you want.

When asked who and what you love, will you name yourself first?

There is your truth and there is the truth.

Care about the flickering lights � you might be their savior.

The answer is sometimes blowing in the wind.

If you’re still fighting, it might not be yours to keep.

Meanings get lost and teachings get tossed � never forget them!

You were born with nothing and you will die the same way.

Sometimes, it’s better to rest and let it go.

#ChronicallyWriting #Truisms #ThoughtsAndPrayers #ThinkAboutIt #Science #Philosophy #IndieAuthor #NewBritain

Just announcing a break from #BehindTheScenes and #TriviaTuesday. It's not just chronic illness that has gotten me away from social media and the internet. Later this week is my wedding anniversary. I am spending it with my husband.

The weather is also getting better (for me anyway). I will return in a couple of weeks for my birthday. I am pretty sure I am penning in vacation time there too. There might be a few more weeks of #BehindTheScenes and #TriviaTuesday before I disappear (mostly) with Calvin in summer adventures.

Namaste, everyone! Have a great day!

#LongTerm #Married #Family #Vacation #Anniversary #Thankful #IndieAuthor #NewBritain

I mean, Monty Python had it down pat too. This #BehindTheScenes does not speak of anything specific. This edition will cover Douglas Adams explaining the meaning of life from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Obviously, I do not own this material and it is copyrighted. Enjoy!

"Good morning," said Deep Thought at last.

"Er... Good morning, O Deep Thought," said Loonquawl nervously, "do you have... er, that is..."

"An answer for you?" interrupted Deep Thought majestically. "Yes. I have."

The two men shivered with expectancy. Their waiting had not been in vain.

"There really is one?" breathed Phouchg.

"There really is one," confirmed Deep Thought.

"To Everything? To the great Question of Life, the Universe and Everything?"

"Yes."

Both of the men had been trained for this moment, their lives had been a preparation for it, they had been selected at birth as those who would witness the answer, but even so they found themselves gasping and squirming like excited children.

"And you're ready to give it to us?" urged Loonquawl.

"I am."

"Now?"

"Now," said Deep Thought.

They both licked their dry lips.

"Though I don't think," added Deep Thought, "that you're going to like it."

"Doesn't matter!" said Phouchg. "We must know it! Now!"

"Now?" inquired Deep Thought.

"Yes! Now..."

"Alright," said the computer and settled into silence again. The two men fidgeted. The tension was unbearable.

"You're really not going to like it," observed Deep Thought.

"Tell us!"

"Alright," said Deep Thought. "The Answer to the Great Question..."

"Yes...!"

"Of Life, the Universe and Everything..." said Deep Thought.

"Yes...!"

"Is..." said Deep Thought, and paused.

"Yes...!"

"Is..."

"Yes...!!!...?"

"Forty-two," said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.

~Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Chapter 27

Wow, I cannot believe I am seeing everything bloom. I am also excited about the upcoming release of Revolution. Soon, #FindOutFriday will be filled with references from that book. I cannot wait to share that with you! For now, I have some referencing...

Gunpowder - Other than the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, many references to the use of gunpowder in the 16th and 17th centuries were concerning burnings. If someone paid enough, gunpowder would be attached to a prisoner to hasten the end. It was supposed to help prepare them from the agonies of the fire. In Through the Meadow, this was talked about in an instance, where accused witches were burnt. This would not be the only time...

British Isles/Ireland - The interchangeable wars and governments that ruled the British Isles (Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) were my basis for Klenard and Tommel. There was one land, two kingdoms, and one king to rule them all ultimately. Liberation was generally in the hands of the government and not one monarch, like Nora dealt with in The Circle is Broken. In real life, I believe it's an act of Parliament and votes from the people.

Frances Walsingham - A spy in the first Elizabethan England (16th century), Walsingham was the inspiration for Jerry the Elmwood in the first three books. Skilled in espionage, Walsingham, much like Jerry, protected his mistress and uncovered several plots. The two characters also shared the complete faith their mistresses held for them. Death might have been their relief, but the women - queens real and fictional - were saddened by their passings.

That's all for now, everyone. Namaste! Have a great weekend!

#BackToHistory #EnglishHistory #GunpowderAndTreason #Heretics #HomeRule #Spies #IndieAuthor #NewBritain

I am beginning to realize that this is going to be a regular thing. Apologies to everyone who has read this again and again. With the onset of new followers, I have to remind myself that not everyone knows what is going on.

Easy part: I am Sara Ellie MacKenzie, indie author and owner of the nonprofit CT Authors Partnership. I write lots of things (you name it), currently an epic fantasy/action adventure series. I am going to be releasing book 4 in this series very soon.

I do many things on this blog: #BehindTheScenes, #FindOutFriday and more. I talk about my chronic illnesses. Sometimes, I put up spoilers from my upcoming books and tell some news. I like taking suggestions for what readers want to know too. And then, there are posts like this, where I talk about me.

I have hardly any rules here. Be kind. If you disagree, eye roll and scroll. If you must debate, be respectful. I do not answer direct messages on social media. I will comment here or on social media. You can also email me at [email protected].

I hope you find the happiness and peace within you. May you be blessed in light and love. Namaste!

#Welcome #YouAreSafe #IndieAuthor #MomAndWife #NewBritain

Yes. I was getting to this point. I have too many to name that have influenced me. Much like artists of all kinds, authors have shaped who I viewed the world and evolved my journey as an author. Early childhood saw epic fantasy mostly. Then, it moved to science fiction and doom. There were dreams and wishes in there too.

Frank Herbert - Dune...what a series. No, I have not seen the movies yet, but I have the original 6 books. Frank Herbert defined what science fiction was for me. Not coked up, 80's battles where you see Sting and Patrick Stewart. I am talking about the actual series, imagined in your head, and all of it discussing fate and free will. Who is going to prove that destiny does not exist? Or, is every decision bound to lead to one's fate? To me, Herbert was the godfather of George R.R. Martin, in the way that you have to concentrate or you will lose track.

Anne McCaffery - I don't remember who was into the world of Pern other than my father (I think a family friend). But I remember picking up Dragonriders of Pern and was fascinated by their fight against Thread. Never mind that the series spanned several books and off-series! I was challenged not only by the adult themes of love, betrayal, death and family, but also courage, integrity, sacrifice and new beginnings. Any series intrigued me!

Langston Hughes - I've mentioned this poet many times. I read much of his work in middle school. It was later on, in high school, that my appreciation grew. It began with A Raisin in the Sun, the play by Lorraine Hansberry. In the beginning, she explained that her inspiration was from the poem "Harlem (A Dream Deferred)". After that, I researched Hughes more and found his plights and commentary to be just as difficult and groundbreaking today as it was in his day. #BlackLivesDoMatter everyone.

There will be more lists like this in the future. Namaste, everyone! Have a great day!

#AuthorMusings #Inspiration #OtherAuthorsMatter #AMillionWorlds #EpicFantasy #Poetry #ScienceFiction #IndieAuthor #NewBritain

Hello, everyone, and Happy (Good) Friday! These are the answers to the #TuesdayTrivia questions. How many did you get right? Let me know in the comments section below!

Vlad III of Wallachia - I have said many times that King Gerald from Casting Shadows was like Henry VIII of England with his many wives. There was another ruler I used. I based some of his ruthlessness from the fabled Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. This vengeful ruler was not only the inspiration for the novel Dracula, but was historically ruthless. I think the nickname says it all. Ella Enchanted - The book, not the movie, of course. The story is a retelling of Cinderella and features the main character's friend and later love interest, Prince Char. Name sound familiar? It's because it's the nickname of the King Consort of Klenard, Charlemagne, Nora's husband. The name stuck with me for years. When I created the character of Charlemagne, I knew that the nickname was perfect. Caribbean - The area south of the US was the inspiration for the Kingdom of Jast. The warmth, central location, and people were mixed together to form the Jastese people. I borrowed from many cultures and the history of the indigenous peoples there. More of this will be featured in the upcoming novels, From Across the Sea and In Fiery Autumn Dress.

Namaste, everyone! Have a great day!

#History #Geography #Legends #FavoriteBooks #Childhood #Dracula #Horror #Honor