Author: Bridgette

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Holiday Book Special

Are you looking for a unique gift for your friends and family? Consider buying a Holiday bundle from me. Watering Words: 52 Short Stories is perfect for avid readers looking for unique short stories, for busy readers who are tip-toeing back into reading, and everyone in between. With 52 short stories ranging from serious to silly, readers are sure to find a story they will love.

What you’ll get:

  • Autographed book
  • Framed photograph
  • Bookmark
  • Vintage Christmas stickers
  • Gift wrapping
  • Shipping

Order before Dec. 17 and your gift will arrive in time for Christmas.

Need a bit more convincing? Here’s some recent reviews from Goodreads and Amazon:

I’ve never really delved into the world of short stories, but if this is what they’re like, man, I’ve been missing out! Each and every one of these stories grabbed me in one way or another, with vivid depictions of different worlds and great character development, in so few pages! If any of these were made into full-length novels, I’d gladly read them all!

—Carla Hart, 5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed Watering Words. As a “busy” reader, to have a collection of short stories that I can pick up and put down easily is wonderful, but to have one like this that is so very well written and so varied in the stories told is a real treasure. The back of the cover says this collection “explores the complexities of being human,” and I couldn’t agree more. I have had the pleasure of reading Bridgette’s work online for several years now, and can’t wait to read more.

—Amy H., 5 stars

The tales in Watering Words travel across genres, tones, and themes, and yet each story– even the more far-flung, clearly fantastical tales– are imbued with a deep sense of the personal. If a story doesn’t speak to you on a deeper level, there’s more than a good chance it will help you see another’s experience with more of an open heart. At the core of Kay’s writing is an achingly tender yet tenacious humanity striving for connection.

The stories that stood out the most for me were “Waiting for the Bus”, “Final Goodbye”, “Water in a Dish”, “Dani and the Queen”, “One Thing”, “A Child Like Me”, “Carrots and Muffins”, “Chocolate Kisses”, “Island Blue”, “Apple Stars”, “The Peacock Effect”, “Inside the Trees”, “Coffee and Cloves”, “Stitches in the Woods”, and “The Mask”.

—Lennox Rex, 5 stars

Short stories are somewhat out of fashion. De Maupassant, Joyce, O’Connor are from generations long past. Their stories are observational, based on the world around them. But the longer form of the novel has long held sway and its genres are many. Here Ms Kay returns us to the short form, and her collection is impressive. Each stands alone so the volume can be appreciated over time. Many of her 52 stories are infused with magical realism, and her imagination is impressive, as is her descriptive work. There are spirits here, there are demons. Animals talk and fly, inanimate objects spring to life. Often the main character or narrator is a young person, troubled by the world and finding answers in another dimension. The endings are generally happy, or at least hopeful. Some leave you wondering. But always there is worry and fear – few of these stories are cosy though they may lead to redemption.

Creating these remarkable stories is one thing, but the author’s observation, especially of nature in all its forms, is often breath-taking. Word choices and combinations enhance the offerings and one is immersed in each story.

The end of days, and post-apocalypse scenarios are also featured with the remaining humans trying to survive. Usually we are left hopeful.

Hard to choose favourites here but to pick a few:

  • The Old Man. Sick, confused, he is called to the light by his mother.
  • Something in the Water. Quite beautiful writing.
  • Island Blue. Disturbing.
  • The Peacock Effect. A crotchety old pair learn to love again by an old memory.

This collection, and Ms Kay herself, deserves much more attention.

—Roy McCarthy, 5 stars

Bridgette Kay offers a massive debut collection of stories which cover a gambit of genres from the more speculative to the more mundane, but always remaining engaging. This feels like an incredible buffet which will continue to bring new readers to Kay’s work as the years go on. From stories which feel like classic American short stories to retellings of classic fairy tales–there is something in this collection for every readers who enjoys a delightfully crafted taste of the fantastique!

—SirReadsalot, 5 stars

I began reading this book knowing I would enjoy every page. Bridgette Kay doesn’t disappoint with Watering Words.

Every story is an in-depth look into the lives of characters that morph into their very own pieces of beauty, beast, friend, and foe. I took my time reading this one, savoring it for close to a month.

I wanted to become one with the words, and I did.

I appreciated several things I recognized reoccurring in different stories as symbols or perhaps themes: the name “Theo,” the number thirteen, and familial struggles brought about from the mother/matriarch of the family.

You will find tales focusing on love, loss, and grief with hints of magic, witchcraft, and religion sprinkled in. To say that many of the stories had me on the edge of my seat is a crippling understatement.

Beginning the book with Waiting for the Bus and ending it with Rainy Day Recruit is pure unadulterated genius. Most, if not all of these stories are extremely powerful, they can stand perfectly on their own, but these two stories are placed exactly where they should be, and I believe they entice the reader to come back for additional reads.

I know I will.

—Tre L. Loadholt, 5 stars

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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Photography: The Sacramento Zoo


You might not know this, but I raised and bred guinea pigs when I was a kid. At one point I think I had over a dozen in my bedroom (my room also had a pair of breeding doves and some fish). Not to brag or anything, but I made it to showmanship championships in Bakersfield one year. Yeah, I was a big deal with my piggies. Enjoy this very out-of-focus photo of me and my champion Teddy (breed of guinea pig) named Chippy.

I share this to say, when I found out they had baby capybaras at The Sacramento Zoo…I got pretty excited. For those who don’t know, capybaras are part of the Caviidae family and are considered distant relatives of the guinea pig. I got my 6-year-old nephew hyped up and when we saw the five little babies, well, we might have squealed just a bit. Not only are they adorable, but we saw them learning to swim! I think I got him hooked.


Here are my favorite capybara photos, along with some other beautiful Sacramento Zoo animals. Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a fantastic rest of your week!

#1 *the momma capybara

#2 *one of five cute babies!

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#5 *don’t tell the others, but this little one is my favorite

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#9 *see if you can spot the third baby in the water

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#13 *serious side-eye happening

#14 *love the meerkat lookout

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#16 *isn’t he gorgeous!

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#20 *love the red pandas

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
  • Thank you Vanessa for the awesome face painting! Check her out if you need to hire someone. She’s fantastic.

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Photography: Apple Picking

It’s my favorite time of year—apple picking, pumpkin patches, fun tights, caramel apples, popcorn, beeswax candles and costumes. It’s the time of year I’m happy to linger beneath a tree or chase the setting sun. It’s also a time of change, letting go, and setting new goals.

I won a pitch session with an agent last week, and it didn’t go as planned. In fact, I learned it’s impossible to sell middle-grade novels at the moment and on the fly I pitched my YA novel from years ago. She loved the idea and agreed to read it when it’s ready. I’m proud of how I shifted gears in the moment, with only a brief stumbling of my words, but that story isn’t where my heart is right now. Should I pivot anyway? Is selling my books the goal? What if it takes me another ten years to write anything?

Obviously, this sent me into a creative existential crisis for a few days, but with the help of my incredibly creative friends, I found my way back to the truth. I want to write cool shit that makes me happy. My middle-grade novel is for my daughter. If nobody else reads it, then it’s okay. It’s her story, for her. Maybe when it’s ready the industry might be interested, and maybe not. If I start trying to write what I think will sell, then I’m going to be forever chasing a shadow that’s moving quickly across the ground. No thanks.

So, while I’m forever reinventing myself and changing, I do know wonderful things are happening all around me. I hosted a Halloween party at my home for the first time in years and it was a blast! My talented friend, who I’ve known since her birth, will be releasing her book on Halloween (CHECK IT OUT). I’m making strides toward my new health goals. I just listened to a story that reminded me how much I love twisted fairytales and writing weird things. I’ve got a bowl full of fresh apples on my counter and I cleaned out my garage.

So come with me to the apple orchard. Let’s see how the light hits the apples and hear the crunching of the leaves beneath our feet.

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW

Here’s some bnus shots from my iPhone:

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Photography: Sacramento Historic City Cemetery

I’ve been struggling with some health stuff and things feel very hard. I’m still working on various projects, but in small doses. I did get to meet one of my fellow bloggers in person recently, which was amazing. I also continue to sell a few books a week and reviews are still coming in (thank you!)

While I’m focusing mostly on health right now, I did recently visit the historic Sacramento City Cemetery on a bright fall morning and take these photos. I hope you enjoy them and please let me know if you have a favorite.

As always, thank you for sticking around here. It means the world to me.

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#20: Taken on the night of the full moon
  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
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Happy Birthday, Neil

birthday soon
leaves begin their autumn dress
eager wind rushes to receive
only in dreams, summer remains
—Neil, 2021

As many of you know, my dear friend and fellow blogger, Neil Reid, left us last November. Today would have been his 78th birthday. In honor of his kind heart and beautiful writing, I’d like to share with you two poems that will be in our poetry collection coming out next spring. The first one I wrote in honor of Neil, and the second is a favorite poem of his. He had a way of stringing together many different ideas to make you understand a deep truth. The photo above is of his beloved dragon statue which made it’s way to me. It’s magical, like him.

I miss him so much.

If you have a favorite Neil memory, please share it. Or, if his writing is new to you, read more and let me know what you think.

farewell

you are my moose
four legs rooted in soil
stars dancing in dark pupils
sniffing for ripe plums
running from wolves

you hand me threads
wrapped around words
unraveling big pills
not wooden, real live boy
feet kissing earth

you turn toward light
living moss-covered verbs
bowls of ocean water
melt like sugar does
children need sunlight

you wanted Neverland
stories told under willows
hunger turned into warmth
forgetting ancient lost faces
harvest moon dancing

you call me mother
as in honey comb
solid tree branches
bend into dream blossoms
nests, fragile eggs

you remain soft bear
flowing tidal kindness
snuggling soft memories
chocolate cake, closed eyes
embrace salty breath

you return home
tail, fin, gills, scales
shyness turned into galaxies
unafraid of unknown shapes

love is a bucket
we keep filling
forever

—Bridgette

tell me words

when I can’t quite see you.   unclear.   obstructed.
cluttered by stray thought.   sound but no sight.
although more than an arm’s length away.   or,
maybe it’s just smoke.   fine bits of something
recently burnt.   a particulate suspended mass.

     describe smoke


when I called, you came to me.   only a few steps
measured away, but it meant you had to get up,
get out of bed.   something in the dark looked
awry.   my height marked in pencil, ascending
on the doorway jam.   yours by a calming hand.

     describe mother


she was always there.   more than anyone.   her.
feeder of stray cats, any cats.   hands that held
no threats, not to anyone.   a gingham dress.
always.   at least my always.   memory bigger
than me.   mother of mother.

     describe Janet


you come from out of the ground.   you come
from mountaintops.   you come from high and
grey and green and white and dark, clouds we
say.   one drop at a time still makes an ocean
to waiting watchful acolytes.   thirst.   we drink.

     describe water


 check mark all of the above.   a first beginning,
eagerly.   tell me all the stars.   tell me all the
worlds.   tell me about me and about you.   I’m
all ears.   I’ll bring the old cooking pot.

     describe everything

 
you come from the ground when I call.   you answer thirst.
you bake bread.   I comb your hair.   cat’s asleep on the bed.
you are rolling brown grass hills.   my hand knows the curves.
you are a bowl of soup.   you are inside when outside is rain.

     describe loving

—Neil

You’ll forever be my water, Neil. Happy Birthday.

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Photography: Corn Moon

A crane sat staring at the moon. I couldn’t stop my van to take its picture because several cars were behind me, but I saw how it lifted its elegant white neck to show reverence. A few minutes later I found a spot to pull over and startled a field of crows who took off noisily, letting me know I’d disturbed their quiet sunrise.

My camera helped me worship the full corn moon, to capture it sitting on branches and bobbing between power lines. I was struck by how much of an outsider I was to this scene, but also how much I long to remember my connection to all things.

As the bright moon faded into the blue morning, the sun took over the sky. It blinked over the horizon blinding me temporarily, and my eyes fell on the plastic Superman dangling from my rearview mirror and it reminded me I’m doing my best. We all are.

“That is where you’ve always been wrong about me, Lex. I am as human as anyone. I love, I-I get scared. I wake up every morning, and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other, and I try to make the best choices that I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human, and that’s my greatest strength. And someday, I hope, for the sake of the world, you understand that it’s yours too.”
—Superman

Let me know if you have a favorite photo and I hope you have a fantastic day.

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
  • See more photos of the moon
  • Also, read my favorite poem I’ve written about the moon

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Photography: Chalk It Up

Over Labor Day weekend, I attended the 35th annual Chalk It Up event, a free open-art festival for families. My daughter had the privilege of opening the show with her G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento band, Wisteria. It was a lovely, albeit hot, morning filled with art and music.

Let me know if you have a favorite shot and have a fantastic day!

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Photography: Sea and Sand

My beautiful sister and her family invited me on a trip with them last weekend to the ocean. For a moment, all the worries of life were swept to the side. I got to be a kid with a camera. Dogs. Forts. Dance parties. Card games. Laughs. Deer. A hornet bite on my neck (not so fun). Reading in bed. Coffee on the balcony. Seagulls. Snuggles by the fire. A sea monster sighting (maybe). Salt water taffy. Mint tea. A stunning sunset.

I’m starting to feel words swirling inside me again. They seem almost ready to come forth. Yesterday, one of the local indie bookstores, Bloodstone Books, emailed “can you bring more books to the shop? We are officially out.” I can almost forget sometimes my book is in the world, but people are buying it. Slowly but surely. Taking more copies to them today, which feels fantastic.

My daughter is having some scary health struggles and my son is getting his wisdom teeth out tomorrow. Life continues to throw things at us, but damn, I sure do love seeing it all through the camera lens. For those taking the time to view all my photos lately, THANK YOU!

Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a fantastic day!

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  • These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
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Photography: Aerospace Museum of California

As summer winds down, I took my nephew to a few local museums. By far, the Aerospace Museum of California was his favorite. He loved seeing all the planes and playing with all the interactive materials (Legos and other type of building supplies). We spent almost four hours exploring and playing together.

The museum holds another special place for me. My father was in the Air Force and worked at McClellan Air Force Base my entire childhood. It’s also the place a budding journalist (16-year-old me) got to meet President Bill Clinton and see Air Force One.

Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a great day!

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#25: My nephew wanted to take my photo because I “looked like a toy” next to the giant plane.
Also, the Man of Steel now has a permanent place in my van.
  • These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
  • For tickets and information about special events, visit aerospaceca.org
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Photography: Beach Camping

A few weeks ago, I went camping with family. Our campsite was surrounded by large bushes which attracted birds, we spent an afternoon at the beach, and I hiked up some big sand dunes.

Although these might be some of my favorite photos, it’s hard not to beat myself up because I’m not writing. I made an attempt at working on my middle-grade novel recently, and it was rubbish. And although I’ve sold over 100 books, more than I thought I would, I can’t seem to get people to review it. My mind tells me it’s because people don’t like the book, which is fine, but the small hopeful part of me is a bit sad. But you know what? Two local bookstores carry my book and I’ve been selling about three copies a month in store, from people just browsing and liking it. That needs to be celebrated. As I’ve always told my kids—comparison is the thief of joy.

So, let me brush this all off and say, I’m not writing currently, but I’ll be back at it soon. In the meantime, enjoy all these photos. And as always, let me know if you have a favorite. Have a wonderful day!

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Bonus photos:

I’m in love with Superman (aka kindness).

Converted the back of my van into a sleeping area with fun lights.

My hiking buddy.
  • These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.