The Miller Report 11072024

 
Hello, Mindmyst Tales readers!

As we dive into November, I hope you’re all ready for a month filled with cozy vibes and plenty of pumpkin spice. Just remember, if you see a cat lounging in the sun, it’s not being lazy; it’s just practicing for its upcoming role as a professional napper. And speaking of naps, did you hear about the goat who took a nap on the roof? It was a real “baa-lcony” situation!

As we embrace the chillier days, let’s not forget to keep our spirits high. To add a little excitement to your November, how about a fun lotto pick? Here are six numbers to consider: 3, 12, 19, 24, 35, and 42. Who knows? Maybe you’ll hit the jackpot and be able to buy a lifetime supply of catnip or goat yoga classes!



Across my Desk

KelDel Creations
Not many pictures today, but we had a great time. It was our best show yet. Thanks for a great event Main St. Torrington. Until next year!


ENCOUNTERED BIGFOOT ON THE TRAIN TRACKS IN CONNECTICUT (PAUGUSSETT STATE FOREST) #bigfoot
SASQUATCH THEORY  [bottom of blog]

The Reader
As dusk settled in, casting a soft glow over her bedroom, Emma curled up in bed with a fluffy comforter. She poured herself a glass of herbal tea, the calming scent of chamomile wafting through the air. With her laptop balanced on her lap, she navigated to the Mindmyst Tales Blog, eager to explore new stories. A sketchbook and pencil lay beside her, ready for her to illustrate any ideas that came to mind. The combination of warmth and creativity enveloped her as she lost herself in the blog’s enchanting narratives.


 • Game of the Week --- your chance to win a prize ... Michele says, "This is hurting my head!"

Cheese & Pretzel Fondue – Pack a small pot and melt cheese over the fire for dipping pretzels, cubed bread, and apple slices. You can prepare the cheese mix in advance for easy melting.

Cool Drink Algebra
At the tailgate party, Nina is preparing a batch of her signature autumn apple cider mocktail, with a secret mix of juice and soda. The recipe calls for 4 cups of apple cider for every 3 cups of sparkling soda. If she has 20 cups of apple cider, how many cups of sparkling soda does she need to maintain the same ratio?

Bonus question: How many full servings will she make if each serving is 2 cups of the mocktail?


 • Now, I present to you this week's amazing story!!  Enjoy.


The Diary (part 2)

As they drove down the winding country road, Emily was animatedly discussing the next clue in the diary when Jack’s eyes caught something unusual in the backseat. He squinted, leaning over to get a better look. “Uh, Emily? I think we might have a problem.”

“What is it?” she asked, her excitement momentarily fading as she turned to see what he was pointing at.

Jack reached back and pulled out a small, black device with blinking lights. “I found this remote tracker back here. Do you think it’s a sign that we’re being followed? Or worse, that we’re in a spy movie?”

Emily’s eyes widened. “A tracker? Like, someone is tracking us? This is getting serious! What if it’s the treasure hunters from the reality show? They probably want to steal our treasure map!”

“Or maybe it’s a secret government agency,” Jack said, trying to keep a straight face. “They’ve caught wind of our treasure-hunting escapades and want to recruit us for a top-secret mission.”

“Great! Just what I need—more pressure,” Emily replied, rolling her eyes. “I can barely handle deciphering riddles, let alone saving the world.”

Jack chuckled, but then his expression turned serious. “Okay, but really, what do we do with this thing? Should we throw it out the window? Or maybe we should call the cops?”

“Let’s not panic just yet,” Emily said, her mind racing. “What if it’s just a mistake? Maybe it fell out of someone’s bag during the estate sale. We should investigate first.”

“Right, because that’s what every good treasure hunter does—investigate suspicious devices,” Jack said, raising an eyebrow. “What’s next? We’re going to find a secret lair and have to fight off ninjas?”

“Only if they’re wearing stylish outfits,” Emily quipped, trying to lighten the mood. “But seriously, let’s check the diary. Maybe there’s a clue about this tracker hidden in there.”

Jack nodded, still holding the tracker. “Okay, but if we find a clue that leads us to a secret lair, I’m definitely not going in without my ‘X marks the spot’ hat.”

“Deal! And I’ll bring the pirate eye patch,” Emily said, flipping through the pages of the diary. “Let’s see… Ah! Here’s something interesting: ‘Beware of those who seek the treasure for themselves, for they may not be what they seem.’”

“Great, now I’m really starting to feel like we’re in a spy movie,” Jack said, glancing nervously around. “What if we’re being watched right now?”

“Then we’ll just have to outsmart them,” Emily replied, her determination returning. “We’ll use the tracker to our advantage. Let’s follow it and see where it leads us. Who knows? It might just lead us to the treasure!”

“Or to a very awkward confrontation with whoever is tracking us,” Jack said, smirking. “But hey, at least we’ll have a good story to tell.”

“Exactly! Now, let’s figure out how to turn this adventure into a blockbuster,” Emily said, her excitement reigniting. “First stop: the nearest coffee shop for some fuel. We’ll need all the caffeine we can get for this mission!”

“Coffee and treasure hunting—now that’s a winning combination,” Jack agreed, turning the Mustang around. “Let’s see where this wild ride takes us!”

As they sped off, the tracker continued to blink ominously in Jack’s hand, hinting that their adventure was about to take an unexpected turn.

After a quick stop for coffee and a few more laughs about their “spy” situation, Emily and Jack followed the tracker’s signal, which led them deep into the countryside. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the fields as they pulled up to a clearing where an old barn was supposed to stand.

“According to the diary, this is the place,” Emily said, her voice filled with anticipation as she hopped out of the Mustang, clutching the leather-bound book. “This is where the treasure is hidden!”

Jack stepped out, looking around. “Uh, Emily? I don’t see a barn. Just… a lot of grass and some old fence posts.” He squinted at the empty space. “Are you sure this is the right spot?”

Emily flipped through the pages of the diary, her excitement waning. “It has to be! The clues all point here. ‘Where the barn once stood, the treasure lies beneath the old oak tree.’” She looked around, spotting a gnarled oak tree in the distance. “That tree! It must be it!”

They hurried over to the oak, but as they approached, Jack’s heart sank. “Emily, look at this.” He pointed to a weathered sign that had been partially buried in the grass. It read: “Barn Demolished – 2015.”

Emily’s face fell as she read the sign. “No… it can’t be. This can’t be happening!” She flipped through the diary again, desperately searching for any mention of the barn’s fate. “There has to be something in here about it being torn down!”

Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I think we might have missed our window of opportunity. This treasure could have been buried years ago, and now… it’s just gone.”

Emily leaned against the oak tree, her excitement deflating like a balloon. “So, we drove all this way for nothing? Just to find an empty field?”

“Not nothing,” Jack said, trying to lighten the mood. “We got a great coffee, some quality time together, and a story about how we almost found treasure. Plus, we can still blame the duck if we get caught by the ‘spy’ people.”

Emily couldn’t help but chuckle through her disappointment. “You’re right. At least we have that. But I was really hoping for a treasure map that led to something more than just a demolished barn.”

“Hey, who knows?” Jack said, nudging her playfully. “Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way.”

“Very cheesy, Jack,” Emily replied, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless. “But I appreciate the effort.”

As they stood there, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the field. Emily sighed, looking at the oak tree one last time. “Well, I guess it’s time to head back. We can always try again another day.”

“Absolutely,” Jack agreed, turning to walk back to the car. “And next time, we’ll make sure to check if the barn is still standing before we go on a wild goose chase.”

With one last glance at the empty space where the barn had once stood, Emily followed Jack back to the Mustang. As they drove away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that their adventure wasn’t over yet. There were still plenty of estate sales to explore, and who knew what other treasures awaited them in the future?

“Next time, let’s aim for something a little less… demolished,” she said, grinning at Jack.

“Deal,” he replied, laughing as they sped off into the twilight, ready for whatever adventure awaited them next.

💕


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Unlock the chilling secrets of "Street Tales" by Joseph Miller, an anthology of 13 unforgettable short stories. Each tale delves deep into the realms of the paranormal, the otherworldly, and the macabre, offering a unique blend of murder, mystery, and abduction. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Street Tales" will captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat. Ready for a journey into the unknown? Grab your copy today!

"Street Tales" by Joseph Miller
Now available on Amazon Kindle and paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D94X4F8Q

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Perfect for Romance and Adventure Fans – If you love romance, adventure, and intrigue, 

After Dark by Joseph Miller is your next must-read.
 Detective Jack Dark and Emily Harper’s chemistry lights up the book as they dive into a world filled with danger and passion.

AFTER DARK  by Joseph Miller
Available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHPSSTQ

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Please visit by my author's page to see what's new.
https://warlockpublishing.com/joseph-miller-author/joseph-miller


--------------- sponsor


KelDel Creations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090364412851

Discover Unique Treasures

A Whimsical Experience  
Join us at KelDel Creations for a delightful shopping experience! Our booth features an array of colorful crafts, including key chains and flower bucket magnets that brighten any space. Each item is crafted with care, making them perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes. We believe in the magic of handmade creations, and we can't wait to share that with you. Stop by and let your imagination run wild!

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Hello and a warm thank you for visiting us this November! As the leaves turn to shades of amber and gold, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the crisp air and the delightful crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. If you’re looking for a great late autumn scene, why not take a stroll through your local park? Just be careful not to step on a squirrel’s stash of acorns—those little critters can be quite territorial!

After your outdoor adventure, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy? November is the perfect month for shopping, especially with the holiday season just around the corner. Check out the charming boutiques downtown, where you can find unique gifts and maybe even a cozy sweater to keep warm. And don’t forget to stop by that new café for a pumpkin spice latte—because nothing says “I love autumn” quite like a drink that’s basically dessert in a cup!


Need a break from the everyday grind? Head to Southington, Connecticut. With its scenic country roads, apple orchards, and cozy inns, it’s the ultimate autumn destination for leaf raking and unwinding by a crackling fire with a mug of warm cider.

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Please do write a comment.  You could, if you dare, ask me a question... Play Stump The Host!

Until next Thursday,
Happy November,

Joe Miller

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Here are 12 humorous trivia questions, with a November twist, across the categories of geography, literature, and art and artists:
Geography:

    Question: What U.S. state is known for its pumpkin patches and is often called the “Pumpkin State” during November?

    Answer: Illinois (home to the famous Morton Pumpkin Festival!)

    Question: Which country is famous for its maple syrup and has a national holiday in November where people celebrate their love for pancakes?

    Answer: Canada (specifically on National Pancake Day!)

    Question: In which continent would you most likely find a country with a capital named “November”?

    Answer: None! There’s no capital called “November,” but if there were, I’m sure it would be a very “chilly” place!

Literature:

    Question: What famous author, known for their spooky tales, was born in January but wrote a story that is perfect for a chilly November night?

    Answer: Edgar Allan Poe (because who doesn’t love a good horror story with a side of pumpkin spice?)

    Question: Which classic novel features a character named “Ishmael” who would probably prefer a warm cup of cocoa over a cold November sea?

    Answer: Moby Dick by Herman Melville (because nobody wants to go whale watching in the cold!)

    Question: What book series features a wizard who might have a chilly November if he didn't have a cozy cloak to wear?

    Answer: Harry Potter (because Hogwarts in November is all about those warm sweaters!)

Art and Artists:

    Question: Which famous Dutch painter is known for his “Starry Night” and would probably paint a beautiful November night filled with falling leaves?

    Answer: Vincent van Gogh (because he loved swirling skies, especially in autumn!)

    Question: Which art movement is known for its bright colors and would definitely make a November landscape look like a Thanksgiving feast?

    Answer: Impressionism (because who wouldn’t want to paint a turkey in pastels?)

    Question: What famous artist is known for his surrealist works and might have painted a turkey with a mustache if he lived in November?

    Answer: Salvador Dalí (because why not make Thanksgiving more interesting?)

    Question: Which artist created a famous painting of a woman with a mysterious smile and would probably be smiling even more at a November feast?
        Answer: Leonardo da Vinci (because even the Mona Lisa loves a good turkey dinner!)

Bonus Questions:

    Question: What fruit is often mistaken for a vegetable and is the star of many November pies, but really just wants to be included in the salad?
        Answer: Pumpkin (because it’s got a lot of layers!)

    Question: Which famous painting features a group of people sitting around a table and might have been inspired by a Thanksgiving dinner?
        Answer: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (but I bet they didn’t have pumpkin pie!)

Feel free to use these questions for your trivia night or just to have some fun with friends!


My cat Nyx

"You keep saying I’m a ‘good kitty,’ but I’m starting to think you’re just trying to placate me. If I’m so good, why do I have to wait for you to open the door? I could easily be the ruler of this house if you’d just let me out!"


SASQUATCH THEORY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh1MxGjYEM0