You'll never guess what I took in college...
Spoiler: It involved swords.
Were you as traumatized by public school gym class as I was? By the time I had to choose a physical education credit during my freshman year of college, I was nervous.
But then I saw the list of options, and I was suddenly more hopeful. The options went beyond typical gym class. Swimming and roller skating clashed with my schedule, but then I saw the perfect choice—fencing!
Did it matter that the class started at 7:00 A.M.? That I was one of three females in the class? That I’d never held a sword in my life? No, nope, and not a bit. I didn’t have to be the world’s best fencer. I just had to get good enough to pass.
On the first day of class, I realized what a horrible decision I’d made. I was never meant to be an early bird. My 8:00 A.M. drawing class required two cans of Pepsi and a cherry pastry from the bakery down the block from where the class was held.
Being alert a whole hour early would require something stronger. Hello, espresso. These demi cups of magically caffeinated brew gave me the strength to endure several months of early morning fencing classes. I learned to en-garde with even the most mediocre students, well enough to earn a passing grade at the end of the term.
A few years after we were married, my husband bought a rapier as my birthday gift. Even though I never fenced after college, I love watching the sport and movies that feature it, such as The Princess Bride, The Mask of Zorro, and The Three Musketeers.
But one thing I did get from fencing was a love of coffee. If you enjoy supporting small-batch coffee roasters, I’d like to introduce you to my friends at Toasty Dog Coffee.
As I write this, I’m enjoying a mug of their Pyrenees Peaks: Medium French Vanilla Blend, which is freaking delicious. The best part is that 20% of all profits go toward animal welfare organizations.
And in case you were wondering, my college major was graphic design. I’ve always been fascinated by art, which is why I’m also excited to introduce you to Brush Strokes of Deception, a free art-themed cozy mystery from L.B. Dayton. Keep reading for all the details!
Who wants a FREE cozy mystery? Spoiler: It’s YOU!
A legacy tainted with deceit. A secret hidden in plain sight. And a burning truth that will set fire to the world of art.
In the wake of her father's sudden passing, Sadie Stewart struggles to manage both her grief and the gallery she has inherited.
When the charismatic real estate magnate, JD Larocca, presents evidence of a counterfeit painting her father had sold to him, Sadie’s already brittle world comes crashing down.
Fueled by her grief and determined to clear her father’s name, Sadie sets out on her own investigation, hoping to uncover the mastermind behind the forgery.
And discovers something much darker than a mere fabricated piece of art.
In a race against time, Sadie must navigate the dark and dangerous terrain of the art world's underbelly and solve the mystery before it's too late.
If she doesn't succeed, the gallery's reputation and her legacy will be at risk.
Along with her life.
That's all for now. I hope your day is filled with books and coffee (or whatever you’ve got in your favorite mug). Happy reading!
Until next time,
Becky
P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, please show it a little love by clicking the ❤️ heart below. You can use the “Leave a comment” button to let me know your thoughts!
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En garde! Ha! I never played with swords. Knives...yes! LOL!
We'd make a good pair, Becky, with your sword fighting and my bow and quiver. ;)
I took archery and loved it! But for fencing, I think I'd rather watch. Sword play makes me want to draw those bodies in motion.