Taking A Peek Into November #Gratitude #AEDM2018 #Thanksgiving #arteverydaymonth2018

YAY! November is here! I am sorry that I went MIA at the end of last month but I got sick and then life just went batty. (ok, so that was a last-ditch Halloween reference)

So, moving on, I am looking forward to the Thanksgiving festivities, parades, and Hallmark Christmas movies. I know, I know, I am one of THOSE people, but I love it all!  I am also going to be flying out to visit family and a new grandbaby. Whoo hoo!

This month also begins again the annual Art Every Day Month. This annual event has been going on for 17 years now. It encourages those of us that wish to participate to be creative every day. It does not have to be "art" per se...maybe you like to cook, write, photography, or scrapbook. It is all creativity and that is the whole point Do you want to join in? Great! It is not too late. Link up is 3 lines up! :)

I cannot wait to see what you are doing this month and being grateful for as well. Happy Novemeber!

Michelle

PS>Sorry for the overuse of exclamation points. I guess I just love this season so much, I need to use them!

Boo-ya! #MondaysMusicMovesMe #CryptKeeper #Halloween #music

Hello, you boo-tiful people! I am creeping out of the crypt today to hang out with a friend but before I do, I want to share Monday's Music Moves Me with you. I know it is Sunday but I am posting early so not to miss it.

Those fine creep-eeze...I mean people...at the 4M's co-host this dance floor every Monday. You should know them by now: Xmas Dolly, Cathy, Stacy, Callie, and Alana are fabulous!
This week is a freebie week which is great for me as I spin the tunes of Halloween all month long. Make sure you link up below to follow along with others today.

This week I am beginning my homage to ghost or ghostly.
My first selection is from the well-known singer, Michael Jackson. This song, however, is not as well known for his repertoire. Here Michael is a ghost with epic dancing that he is so well-known for. Michael Jackson in "Ghost"

This last one I just had to add because the video is so ridiculous it made me laugh but this upbeat disco version of the song will be quite familiar. I give you the freaky ghosts of "Ghost Busters"!

See you this week with ghostly music and matters.

Your Crypt Keeper,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

The Week of the WItch Continues. #Halloween #music #CryptKeeper

*Cackles* Welcome back my ghoulish fiends. This week in the crypt I have been spinning the tunes about the witches. I missed out yesterday as I found myself being awful sleepy. Could it have been a spell put on me? Nah!

So to strike up a match under the cauldron, let me start out with this first song about a "Witches Rave"
This singer is new to me but he has an upbeat song that is pretty good. He is singing about missing out on the rave.

Rave: a lively party or gathering involving dancing and drinking

This next song has the subject in the title, "The Swamp Witch". Jim Stafford does not sing through the song but rather talks to music. The music has a throwback rockabilly sound to it. The video was made independently but goes quite well with the song. 
This is a song of a witch who gets accused and then is welcomed by a town near the swamp.

Bonus song because I missed yesterday.

This final song of the day is by a Native American band named Redbone. The beginning of the song has the guitar player playing with a drumstick. He makes the guitar sing as much as the song does. 

This song tells the tale of a witch in New Orleans who has potions of many people see her for but ultimately, she disappears.

Have a great evening. Leave me a comment on which (witch) song you like the most.

Your Crypt Keeper,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

Day 10 #CryptKeeper #Halloween #Music

Welcome to back to my crypt. This week I have welcomed the witches into the crypt to take a spin or two around the room. I am honoring them by playing a couple of tunes each day they can dance to.

I did not realize how late in the evening it was but that is okay, I hear they like to dance by the light of the moon. hee hee...

My first selection is an oldie by a crooner who could bewitch you just looking into his eyes. I am talking about none other than Frank Sinatra, who sings about none other than, "Witchcraft"

Wrapping it up for the night, if you are in love, you can always call the "Witch Doctor" for what to do.

Goodnight, sweet dreams from your Crypt Keeper,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

Which Witch Is Witch? #Halloween #Music #CryptKeeper Day 9

Hello, it is I, your most lovely Crypt Keeper, Michelle aka Naila Moon. It is another full week of Halloween music and I am spinning the tunes about witches.

This month the season for the witches and how appropriate I would have a song with the same title. In fact, this time I have three different versions. I have the original by Donovan.

Then I have this one by Joan Jett.

And finally, this version by John 5 who is totally new to me. If you like heavy metal you will like him.

Which version did you like most? Tell me in comment.

See you tomorrow.

Cackling yours,

Michelle aka Naila Moon

Monday's #Music Moves Me In A Snap! #CryptKeeper #Halloween

photo credit could not be found

Welcome back to my spook-tacular blog. It is time for Monday's Music Moves Me with those fab-boo-less ghouls, Xmas Dolly, Cathy, Alana, Callie, and Stacy. 

Today they have a theme but as you know, I am posting Halloween music so, I try to incorporate their themes with my spooky music. It so happens, their theme this week is "Snaps or Clap." I am working on the theme of witches.

What better way to incorporate my first song that with the snaps of Morticia.

This next song does not meet my theme per se but for sure the 4M's and still keeping with the overall Halloween theme. I do love a good light show. This is appropriately called, "Handclap"

Make sure you link up your music with the 4M gals and tune in tomorrow as I continue on with my daily Halloween musical postings.  Don't forget to leave me a comment too.

Your Crypt Keeper,

Michelle aka Naila Moon  

Classic #Halloween Thriller! #CryptKeeper #music

Hello again! I missed a couple of days because I have been on grandbaby watch. My daughter is pregnant and she went into labor two days ago. She is too early and so they were watching here and trying to stop labor.  They managed to do so but are still on alert. I am excited to welcome another grandbaby to our family but we still need to wait just a little bit.

So forgive me for not posting Halloween music. However, I am here today and finishing up the week of monsters and zombies with the classic from Michael Jackson.

Enjoy and stay tuned later on this evening because Monday's Music Moves Me is right around the corner.

B-R-A-I-N-S!!!! #Zombies #Halloween #Music Day 4 #CryptKeeper

One of the things I love about music is its total diversity. Seriously, there is something for everyone unless you live under a rock. This is true for Halloween music too.

Today I am spinning tunes about zombies. I find zombies fascinating even though they might want to eat my brains! Ha! Zombies come from all walks of life...um, dead and so does the music about them.

This first song is hardcore rock. I have not heard of the group before but I did enjoy rocking out with them. I hope you do too.  Here is Wednesday 13 with, "I Walked With  A Zombie"

This next song is by the group HorrorPop. They have a funky mix of sound that truly makes this song fun. The song is all about acceptance. She enjoys the fact the person she is singing about is a zombie.

"Walk Like A Zombie" resonates with me.

Stay tuned for more music to make your toes curl!
Your Crypt Keeper,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

Watch Out For the Monsters! #CryptKeeper #Halloween #music

Hello, again boils and ghouls! I am moving on to day 3 of creep-tastic music for Halloween.
This week I am working on monsters and zombies. Today's selections are new to me but very different.

The first song speaks about the monster growing within himself. This is not necessarily "Halloween-ish" but fits. Here is Imagine Dragons with "Monster"

This second song is a hilarious take on the monster, Freddy Kreuger, complete with scenes from the Nightmare movie. The singer is quite familiar, Will Smith, along with his long-time friend, DJ Jazzy Smith. Here is "Nightmare On My Street"

Enjoy and see you tomorrow.

Howling at the moon!
Michelle, Crypt Keeper

#Halloween Music Day 2 #CryptKeeper

Hey ya, all! I am a bit late for day two today but sometimes, that is just how I have to roll. For those new to my blog, I always do 31 days of something to celebrate the Fall/Halloween season. This year as I have done in the past is to post each day one or two songs related to Halloween.

This week's postings are all about monsters and zombies. So, on this rainy night, let me spin this tune for you. This tune may not sound like what we would traditionally think of as Halloween music but the drops in music are eerie. This is a new piece to me and I want to share it with you. I give you..."Scary Monsters and Nice Spirits."

See you tomorrow.
Michelle aka Naila Moon, Crypt Keeper 2018

31 Days of #Halloween Music #MondaysMusicMovesMe #CryptKeeper

Hello everyone and welcome all Crypt Keepers to my blog. As in years past, October is the time of year when I spin the tunes of all things Halloween. This year is no different.
As it turns out, since it is Monday's Music Moves Me, the gals are having a freebie day. Whoot!

So, let's start out with a few fun tunes for the 2018 Halloween season.

Let's start off with...a spell? From Screamin' Jay Hawkins...

Watch out as the days go by because the living dead have arrived.

All for now...make sure you link up!
Michelle, Crypt Keeper

Happy National Coffee Day #Giveaway ends Oct. 15th

I am surrounded by coffee drinkers and home and work. Everyone seems to have their own way to make their coffee as well. Certain people like flavored coffee and others like good 'ole black coffee.

Happy National Coffee Day! 

 With the variety samplers that could be won in this giveaway, everyone would be sure to find one that is perfect for them. Which coffee will be your new favorite?

Stop by our reviews and learn more about the coffee and storage drawer you can win HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

How would you like a chance to enjoy one of the 40 count variety boxes of Two Rivers Coffee that the bloggers reviewed for FREE? If you said YES, you’re in luck! Thanks to this awesome sponsor, THREE lucky readers will not only receive a BOX to call their own but they will win a single serve coffee drawer that holds 36 k-cups to put it in. Just enter the giveaway on the widget below for your chance to be one of the lucky winners of these prize packages. Remember the more entries you do the better your chances are to win!

Welcome to the
Coffee Lover Prize Package Giveaway

Ends Monday, October 15, 2018, at 11:59 pm EST

Prize: Three lucky winners will receive a 40-count sampler pack of coffee and a single serve coffee drawer that holds 36 k-cups!

Hosted By Sweet Southern Savings, Love, Mama Dews, Modern Day Gramma, and A Sampling Bee

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This exciting giveaway is for a 40 count sampler pack of Single Serve Two Rivers Coffee and a single serve coffee drawer that holds 36 k-cups. This giveaway will run through 10/15/2018 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time and is open to residents of the US ages 18+. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 90 days. The winner is subject to eligibility verification and will have 24 hours to confirm before a new winner will be drawn. For any questions or concerns please email paula_stewart (at) ymail (dot) com. Please consider adding this email to your “Safe List” as the winning email notification will be sent from this email.

We would like to give a big shout out to all the blogs participating in this giveaway! 

By following us on our social networks and by email we are able to bring you the best giveaways on the internet! Please take a minute to follow us! Thanks!

Can't Wait for the giveaway to end to get some of this coffee?
Two Rivers Coffee is Available on Amazon!

Coffee Lover Prize Package Giveaway

Disclaimer: This blog (Musings & Merriment with Michelle) nor any blog promoting this giveaway, is not responsible for the awarding of the prize. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Each of your giveaway hosts have received the prize package mentioned above for free to facilitate the writing of a review. *Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may, at no cost to you, receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, this blog only recommends products or services that we believe will be of value to our readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#Spotlight & #Giveaway: Plot Your Health, A Journey To Wellness Planner @CJEllison #Health

Genre: health/medical non-fiction

Publisher: Red Hot Publishing

Date of Publication: September 25, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-938601-583

ISBN: 978-1-938601-590

Number of pages: 220

Cover Artist: C.J. Ellisson

NOTE: I will be reviewing this planner at a later date. Stay tuned for that review!

Are you struggling to stay on top of multiple medications and supplements throughout your day? Or maybe your doctor has asked for daily details on your symptoms? Do you miss treatment appointments, or have problems juggling all the details? If you need space to log your steps, moods, hours of sleep, blood sugar levels, or even foods — we've got you covered!

Introducing a one-year wellness planner for managing severe and chronic health concerns! Terrific for parents managing a child’s complex care, teenagers or adults who need to organize their health concerns, or for caregivers and adults managing the care of senior patients.

220 pages in length, with a repeat of multiple tracking pages for twelve months.

Notebook Contents:

-Owner’s Info page with room for doctor info, personal data, emergency contacts, allergies and more!

-Two pages for Condition Details, room to list six per page.

-Four pages of Medicine and Supplement Records, six per page.

- Four pages for tracking test results, scans, and blood work throughout the year.

Twelve monthly sections, each with the following:

• Undated monthly calendar pages, for jotting down doctor appointments, wellness visits, physical therapy, IV infusions, or whatever you need.
• Two Doctor/ Wellness visit pages, for questions to ask at each appointment, room for notes, and an area to jot down tests needed.
• Treatment Record pages, with room to track nine treatments per month, plus an extra lined page for notes or more appointments.
• Two-page Symptom trackers, each with room to track twenty symptoms for an entire month.
• Three-pages per month of Medicine and Supplement tracking grids. Each contains room to track four meds that need to be taken three times a day and room to track twenty-one meds required twice a day. (This area can be customized for more meds if they are taken only once per day).
• Mood-tracking coloring image. Assign a color to a mood and color each section per day according to how you feel.
• Additional two-page grid for tracking sleep, food, blood pressure, habits, blood sugar, oxygen levels... pretty much anything you need! Eighteen spaces to track for each month.
• Two lined pages per month for additional needs.
• Future planning area on the last page for appointments and scheduling for the next year.

PURCHASE

About the Author:

C.J. Ellison is an NYT and USA Today bestselling author who writes urban fantasy, mystery, romance, and has ventured into non-fiction with Plot Your Work, the Writer’s Project Planner and Plot Your Health, a Journey to Wellness Planner. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two teenagers, three dogs, and two cats—reporting to love the energetic zoo that’s become their home.

C.J. turned to writing in 2009 when she could no longer work outside the home due to chronic illness and claims the escape of writing fiction helped save her sanity. A self-proclaimed Lupus and Lyme Warrior, she is working toward getting stronger, putting her Lupus back into remission, and staying healthy.

Instead of dozens of pills, IVs, exhaustion, and pain, C.J.’s days are now filled with writing, walking dogs, exercising, eating healthy, and leading a novel-writing club in her daughter’s school. It all leads to a fun-filled, busy day, and she’s incredibly grateful to be so involved in life again.

 FB User Group

Disclosure: Michelle aka Naila Moon of Michelle's Musings & Merriment/ Reading Authors is not responsible for this giveaway. See tour hostess for further details of the giveaway.

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I Have Had A (Somewhat Secret) Love Affair For Years...

This is a story about how one woman, me, who has a love affair with Scholastic Books.
Before you ask, I am not an affiliate or getting any compensation.

So, the story.

As many of you may or may not know. I have a love for books. I love to read them and review them. I personally have an affinity for children's books but that is not all I read. I just happen to love the colorful illustrations, poetry, and the variety of seriousness to silliness.

Like many kids, I started receiving Scholastic book pages at school. Note: I had books in my hands way before this but this is an explanation.  Anyway,  when I brought the pages home, my Mom and I would look them over and I got to pick out a couple or so. She excited me about having new books to read.

Back then, (Omgsh that sounds old) Scholastic also sold posters and as I liked them, Mom would usually let me buy one or I would get one free with the order. I loved everything about Scholastic. This went on until I reached the age when I could no longer get them. Even though I grew up, I missed being able to peruse the pages.

Then, I had kids!

Once again, I was giddy because I sat down with my own kids and we would order. I would always order even if they did not want something. If I did not order, my Mom would for them but that was a rare occasion. Then Scholastic was big on stickers. Both kids had sticker books I started for them and so we always got those too. There again, the kids grew up and I was left with no more Scholastic pages. What was a girl to do?

That is when I got a job at a private elementary school and guess what I was in charge of? That's right, book orders! This was a total dream for me because not only did I get free books but I got all the points to get...MORE FREE BOOKS! I was in charge of book reports too. Guess where the books came from?  I seriously was in heaven!
This lasted only a couple of years though and once again, I found myself with nowhere to order from my beloved Scholastic books.

For years!

There was to be sunshine ahead though.

Eight years ago, my first grandchild was born. When she got old enough to go to kindergarten, I was excited as can be. So was her aunt, my daughter, because by now, she too had a love for Scholastic.
The first day my granddaughter came home with them, I felt like I was once again that young Michelle back in kindergarten that got to bring home her first pages to look at and buy.

Did I buy books and stuff for my granddaughter? You bet I did! I did for two years.
Then I moved away. sigh...

But TODAY happened...

Today my oldest grandson, who is now in Kindergarten, came home with his very first pages. His Mother sat down with him and they looked through everything. He has picked out games with ninjas, rock kits, and books with Peppa Pig and other older books that have been around. Yes, he is getting Pokemon stickers too for free! He also has a pending wish list. The kid wanted $60 worth!

Oh, what fun! All this could now be done online.

Guess who else ordered?

I love you Scholastic Book Club Pages!

Michelle aka Naila Moon
PS>Do you love them as much as I do? Tell me in comments.

10-4 Good Buddy

My post tonight will be short as I am not feeling up to par. However, I just wanted to pay homage to Burt Reynolds who passed away today at 82 years old. I loved him in so many movie roles.

It seems like many actors/ actresses and singers of which I grew up with are now passing on.  Last week it was Aretha Franklin.

sigh...It is kind of depressing really.

Bandit, you have taken The Longest Yard for your last ride on the Cannonball Run.
Rest in peace.



Michelle aka Naila Moon

Milk, Aliens and Why I Have Not Written In Four Days

Here it is, already day 5 and I have written only one day out of the 30. Do I have an excuse? Of course, I do!

You see, it is like this; I was on the way to the grocery store to get some milk. I mean, my gosh, I wanted cereal for breakfast and had no milk. 

So anyway, there I was in the milk aisle when all of a sudden this alien with grayish-green skin was looking at the milk. I am thinking, what does an alien need with milk. He or she (frankly I don't know the difference) says nothing to me just looking forward at the milk.

All of a sudden, I see this flash of light, you know the kind where the sun is in your face? Yeah, that kind. It was unbelievably bright. I was thinking maybe the store refrigerator light exploded in my eyes or something. It was totally weird.

The next thing I know, I am sitting it this greenish plastic recliner. It seemed like a throwback to the 70's color green. I was leaning back all comfortable like but I could not move! I wasn't strapped down or anything so I could not figure it out.

All of sudden I see this same alien. I asked him where I was and how did I get here?

He says, "Bloop blod keeperscud roger pug smap took."

Now since I did not have my alien translator with me as I left it in my other jeans, I had not a clue what he/she was saying.

I replied, "Huh?"

The alien starts flailing his or her hands (I think they were hands) around in some sort of alien sign language. I got the gist I was on his or her ship and that I was being studied. Or at least I think that is what was meant.

All I remember is seeing a spaghetti bowl with wires coming out of it being attached to my head. I was given some sort of drink that looked very much like Kool-Aid or Mad Dog20/20. Maybe it was both. I don't know, it tasted good. Then I was out.

I started dreaming of rainbows and unicorns and romps through the river of tulips. Wow, that was a far-out dream!

Next thing I know, I am in my kitchen, pouring milk into my cereal bowl. I wasn't really sure how I got there exactly. I also had some plastic sticky star stuck to my forehead. 

All I truly know is that it was four days later and it is now September 5th.

Michelle aka Naila Moon

30 Days Hath September...The Return!

Thirty days hath September,

April, June, and November;

February has twenty-eight alone,

All the rest have thirty-one,

Excepting leap year, that's the time

When February's days are twenty-nine.

Hello, my fellow friends and hopefully soon to be friends. I have been away awhile mostly just dealing with life but also reflecting on this blog and where it needs to go. Or if it needs to go anywhere and stop permanently.

I decided that I did not want to let it go. I have spent too much of my life here letting my thoughts flow free. I have shared music, pain, laughter, family, products, and holidays I so love. How could I possibly let it go? As I said, I couldn't.

So, here I am another September is upon us and I have once again returned to the 30 Days Hath September idea. What is that you might ask? Well, it is the idea to take every day in September and improve yourself in some way. For me, one way was to blog for 30 days straight. I did not always get it right but I attempted.

Although this is technically September 2nd, I will be undeterred! After all, one of my one-word goals this year was determination so...

This month you will, of course, see music as I love to share with the 4M gals. You will also see photos and preparations for the upcoming Halloween month that I share followed by Thankful November and of course my favorite holiday, Christmas. It is making the attempt and I hope you will follow along.

If you are brand new to my page, consider following me here and my other social media place. Also, tell me where you are so I can come to visit. I love comments (as we all do) so, tell me you are here at least or comment on what I have had to say or what you would like to see from me. I do read the comments ya know. ;)

Happy September!

Michelle aka Naila Moon

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Signing In Monday's Music Moves Me #MondaysMusicMovesMe #music #signlanguage

Hello everyone! It is time once again for Monday's Music Moves Me. This is the day we all love to start out our work week by spinning some tunes. This shindig is always hosted by Xmas Dolly and co-hosted by Stacy, Alana, Cathy, and Colette.

This past month I have been an honorary host and it has been a blast. However, I am ready to hand over the reigns to our new honorary host. Before I do, I have a bit of a challenge theme for you this week.

If you have been following me for a while now, you would know that I am actually 95% deaf, It is that 5% that keeps me rocking out at the 4M's. I love music! So, knowing that tidbit, my challenge for you is to find only two songs that are in sign language, post those and then post the equivalent without. There are tons of songs out there, you just have to look for them.

Good luck and thanks for the dances this month. You all have risen to the challenges!
I will be around as soon as I can this week.  Make sure to link up.

Musically yours,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

My first selection...I love this singer and the sign language version makes it even more powerful than it already is.

My next selection...I love this singer as well. This song added to the movie Titanic so well and beautifully.

 ...and now for the original videos...

Rocking Out With Monday's #Music Moves Me #MondaysMusicMovesMe

Welcome back to another fabulous week. To start off every work week, the gals at Monday's Music Moves Me spins some tunes to get your work week going.  This week is a freebie week which means you play the tunes that suit your fancy.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT:

Follow me on my new Facebook Page HERE

I think I have an idea of where I want to go this week but I am not really sure. Let's see what I can come up with.

First up: My son posted this group on Facebook and I thought they were fantastic. So without further ado: Prima Nocta (Note: this is not the video my son posted, I could not find it but this is the group.

Moving on: I thought I would just keep on with a drum theme. Next, one of my favorite bands that had a great drummer and awesome lead singers was Genesis.

Finally, all though, I liked this next band, it was my twin brothers that loved them. It was not unusual to here them rockin' our house. I give you 6 whole minutes of RUSH.

Make sure you sign the linky so we can come to hear your music too.

Have a good week.

Musically inclined,

Michelle aka Naila Moon

Monday's Music Moves Me: Numbers! #MondaysMusicMovesMe #music #linkup

Welcome back to another fabulous week. To start off every work week, the gals at Monday's Music Moves Me spins some tunes to get you hoppin' and a-boppin'. Once again this week, I am the co-host with a new theme to play.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT:

Follow me on my new Facebook Page HERE

This week I have decided that the theme for the week should be numbers in the song titles. Now there are tons of songs out there. The first that came to mind when I was thinking about this theme was, "867-5309".  I have decided not to go with that one at all because I figured someone else would. So, I have come up with a few more.  Enjoy the music and have a good week.

Remember to add your linky and I will be by as soon as I can.

Musically inclined,
Michelle aka Naila Moon

First up:  Number 1

Next up: Number 8

Finally: Number 55