The Miller Report 11142024

 
Greetings, dear readers of Mindmyst Tales!

November is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to indulge in all things warm and cozy. Just like a cat who believes he’s the ruler of the house, we too can reign supreme over our blankets and hot cocoa. And let’s not forget about our goat friends—did you hear about the goat who joined a band? It was quite the “goat-tar” sensation!

As we gather around for Thanksgiving feasts, let’s keep the laughter flowing. Here’s a playful lotto pick to brighten your day: 7, 14, 21, 28, 33, and 44. Who knows, you might just win enough to fund a cat café or a goat sanctuary! Wishing you all a month filled with joy and laughter!

---  


 • Across my Desk

The Bible Found by Workers in NC Going VIRAL! |
 Buddy Brown
 rev 14 and rev 15
 
Not ALONE - Surrounded by Predators in a Foggy Forest Camp
The Outdoor Gear Review -- Luke and his mesh fire pit.

What Voyager Detected at the Edge of the Solar System That Shocks NASA

The answer is 42.  That's the number of research monkeys that have escaped in SC.  Questions remain:  what kind of monkeys?  and, what research?

Now, among the phrases no American wants to hear are: “You need to go to the DMV,” “Could you sign this certified letter from the IRS?” and “You’re going to have to go to the dealer.”

The Reader
It was a bright Sunday afternoon, and the sun streamed through the patio doors, illuminating the outdoor space. Michele settled into a comfortable lounge chair with a refreshing iced matcha latte in hand, its vibrant green color inviting her to take a sip. She opened her laptop to the Mindmyst Tales Blog, a notepad and pencil resting on her lap for jotting down thoughts. A small bowl of mixed nuts sat on the table beside her, providing a crunchy snack as she read. With each story, she felt her imagination flourish in the warm sunlight.

-----------

 • Game of the Week --- your chance to win a prize ...

Spicy Sausage Bites – Pre-cooked mini sausage bites served with a side of mustard or BBQ sauce for dipping. They’re easy to heat up over the fire and perfect for sharing.

Autumn Campfire Sandwich Proof
Rick is packing sandwiches for a cozy autumn campfire. He makes a total of 30 sandwiches: half of them are turkey and cheddar, and the other half are ham and Swiss. Prove that Rick made exactly 15 turkey and cheddar sandwiches using a basic algebraic proof, and then find out how many ham and Swiss sandwiches he made.


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

The Fog of Southington
by Joe Miller

As November descended upon the quaint New England town of Southington, an eerie fog rolled in, thick and impenetrable, shrouding the streets in an unsettling silence. The townsfolk went about their daily routines, but there was an underlying tension that hung in the air, palpable and heavy. Whispers of unease circulated among the residents—strange occurrences, shadows flitting just beyond the edges of vision, and an unshakable feeling of being watched.

Lily Harper, the town’s librarian, had always found solace among the shelves of her beloved library. But this November felt different. The fog seemed to seep into the very walls of the building, wrapping its tendrils around her thoughts as she cataloged dusty tomes and ancient manuscripts. As she flipped through the pages of an old book one afternoon, she stumbled upon a passage that sent chills down her spine:

"Beware the fog that comes with the chill of November. It harbors secrets and shadows, a curse that claims the lost souls of Southington."

Intrigued and alarmed, Lily decided to investigate. The next day, the fog thickened, and when she arrived at the library, she found it eerily empty. The usual chatter of children and the soft rustle of pages turning were replaced by an oppressive silence. As she searched for her fellow townsfolk, she learned the horrifying truth: several residents had vanished without a trace, swallowed by the fog.

Determined to uncover the mystery, Lily spent hours poring over the ancient book. The more she read, the more she discovered about a hidden society known as the Guardians of the Fog. They were tasked with protecting Southington from the dark forces that lurked within the mist, but their numbers had dwindled over the centuries, and now the fog threatened to reclaim the town.

As night fell, the fog thickened further, wrapping around the library like a shroud. Lily felt a chill race down her spine as she heard a faint whisper echoing through the stacks. “Help us…” It was a voice, distant yet familiar. Heart racing, she followed the sound, weaving through the shelves until she stumbled upon a hidden door, half-concealed behind a row of books.

With a deep breath, she pushed the door open, revealing a narrow staircase leading down into darkness. She descended cautiously, the air growing colder with each step. At the bottom, she found herself in a dimly lit chamber adorned with ancient symbols and artifacts—a secret meeting place of the Guardians.

Suddenly, she was not alone. Shadows flickered at the edges of the room, coalescing into forms that resembled the missing townsfolk. Their faces were pale and hollow, eyes wide with fear. “Lily,” one of them called, a woman she recognized as Mrs. Thompson, the local baker. “You must help us! The fog has taken us, but we can break the curse!”

“Break the curse?” Lily echoed, her voice trembling. “How?”

Mrs. Thompson pointed to a weathered stone altar at the center of the chamber. “You must perform the ritual of the Guardians. It requires a sacrifice—a piece of your own light. Only then can you confront the fog and free us.”

Lily’s heart raced. The thought of sacrificing part of herself was terrifying, yet the faces of her friends and neighbors urged her on. She stepped forward, feeling an overwhelming sense of purpose. “I’ll do it,” she declared, determination flooding her veins.

As she began the ritual, chanting the ancient words from the book, the fog outside roared in anger, swirling violently. The shadows of the missing townsfolk drew closer, their forms flickering like candle flames. With each word, Lily felt a warmth within her dimming, a piece of her essence merging with the energy of the chamber.

“Lily!” the voices cried, a chorus of desperation. “Don’t!”

But she pressed on, fueled by the hope of saving her town. The fog outside began to churn, and a blinding light erupted from the altar, illuminating the chamber. The shadows recoiled, and the fog dissipated, retreating like a wounded beast.

With a final incantation, the light surged through the room, enveloping the shadows. One by one, the missing townsfolk began to materialize, their forms solidifying as the fog released its grip. Lily felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, but relief flooded her heart as she saw the familiar faces of her friends, free at last.

As the fog lifted completely, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over Southington. The town, once shrouded in dread, now basked in the light of a new dawn. The townsfolk emerged from the library, bewildered but alive, their memories of the fog fading like a bad dream.

Lily, though weakened, smiled as she watched her friends reunite. She had broken the curse, but at a cost. The sacrifice she had made lingered within her, a reminder of the darkness that had threatened to consume them all.

As the townsfolk celebrated their newfound freedom, Lily knew that the fog might return one day. But she also knew that the spirit of the Guardians lived on within her, and she would always be ready to protect Southington from the shadows that lurked in the mist.


===========

Experience the thrill of "Street Tales" by Joseph Miller, a spine-tingling anthology of 13 short stories that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. From paranormal encounters to brutal murders and mysterious abductions, each story is crafted to keep you enthralled and eager for more. Fans of horror and suspense won't be able to put this book down. Embark on a journey where danger lurks at every turn. Order "Street Tales" now and prepare to be captivated!

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

==================

Solve Mysteries, Fall in Love – After Dark brings a fresh twist to the classic mystery novel with an irresistible romance. Follow Detective Jack Dark and Emily Harper as they solve cases with a side of sizzling tension, romance, mystery, and adventure.

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

============

Coming Soon!

Christmas Dad Jokes by Joseph Miller
A little book,  with big laughs. 🌲️
From reindeer puns that are sleigh-in' it to snowman jokes that are just too cool, "Christmas Dad Jokes" guarantees a merry time for all.

============

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
Celebrate Creativity
Come celebrate creativity with us at KelDel Creations! Our collection showcases the beauty of handmade crafts, from crochet wonders to fun fridge magnets. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. We invite you to support local artisans and discover unique items that you won't find anywhere else. Visit us at the craft fair and be part of our artistic journey!

===================


Need a break from the everyday grind? Southington, Connecticut is your ticket to tranquility! With scenic country roads that are so charming, you might just forget where you’re going—just don’t blame us if you end up at a pumpkin patch instead! The apple orchards are calling your name, but be careful not to get too competitive; nobody wants to see you trying to out-pick a family of enthusiastic toddlers. After a day of raking leaves that seem to have a personal vendetta against your yard, unwind by a crackling fire with a mug of warm cider, and remember: the only thing better than the cider is the fact that you can enjoy it without a single email notification in sight!


Thank you for stopping by this November! As we embrace the late autumn vibes, it’s hard not to appreciate the stunning scenery around us. The trees are putting on their best show, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a squirrel trying to hoard its winter snacks. Just remember, if you see one staring at you, it’s probably plotting its next move—those little guys are crafty!

After soaking in the beauty of the season, why not indulge in some shopping? November is a fantastic time to explore local markets and craft fairs. You can find everything from handmade scarves to artisanal jams. And when you’re ready to refuel, head over to that cozy diner down the street. Their seasonal menu features dishes that will make your taste buds dance—just be prepared for the inevitable food coma that follows!



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

---