What exactly should be in a toolbox? I’m talking the Essential items that every home should have?
Okay, I’m moving into my first place, and I know NOTHING about tools. Seriously, Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor would be shattered with how little I know about tools.
I understand that you need them (I’m always searching for a screwdriver at home), but past that – i got nothing! I need the “Toolbox Essentials” I’m sure, but a tool connoisseur, I am not… With Bunnings only click and collect thanks to lockdown right now, it means asking a hunky Bunnings staff member what to choose is out of the question.
When I move to my new apartment, I want to stock up on the Toolbox “essential” items. I have a set of screwdrivers, and a small hammer currently in the pile, but that’s it. Personally, I was hoping that once I get into the apartment, I’d realise what I needed – but it would be too late! It could be entirely possible that I’d end up with nothing helpful, or a giant hole in the wall that I can’t fix…
Because I am an absolute tool “newbie”, I decided to reach out for advice. Only people who already have the essentials, would know how to start! So, tool fanatics – What are the essential items that you need for a toolbox? Is a saw numero uno in the pack? Or how about a monkey wrench?
Tell me what to include in the comments, so I’m at least a little prepared! I’d love to hear your answers!
This podcast episode, I’m talking Part Time v Full Time writer! I’ve been on both sides (thanks to Covid) and I’m sharing my thoughts…
This BONUS CGSP: First Book Journey PODCAST episode, is going to share about the pros and cons of being a Full Time writer, and being a Part Time writer. What was different, and what worked/didn’t. Check out the episode >>HERE or by clicking on the image below.
This episode is only one of a bunch! I’ll be talking about Booktube, and my experience with a Professional Editor soon. I’m excited to share the writing journey with you.
For other CGSP: First Book Journey podcast episodes, head to the link >>>here
Pack up the moving boxes, and take me away from my comfortable home with family into a first time apartment! Yup, you heard me right – I’m moving out… During Covid-19 lockdown
Am I crazy? Starting a new season in the middle of a lockdown? I don’t think so. I’ve been considering moving into my own place for about a year, and I found the perfect one. It’s been a whirlwind of a choice. Yes, Covid is here and we’re still in Victorian archaic lockdowns, BUT things are looking up and I’m going for it! I’m moving during Covid!
I wasn’t planning this, but I happened to have a squiz online at what was around, and found the perfect place. It ticked ALL (and I mean all) the boxes, and the video walk through looked great. With it being only 5 minutes away, I decided to give it a drive by and got such a good feeling in the area, and about the place in general. So, with nothing to loose (and my job on temporary hiatus), I applied for the property, not expecting much.
I especially didn’t expect what happened next – I got it! They called up only a few days later, and offered me the apartment. I got a little walk through, and I’m heading out like a chick from the nest in just a little bit!
It’s certainly a big change, but it’s exciting… and scary… and ridiculous… It’s safe to say that I’m riding the rollercoaster of emotions right now.
I know I’m not alone in this situation, stepping out and being brave despite the world’s situation.
Are you doing something brave during 2020? Let me know in the comments and we’ll share out crazy, brave decisions together!
A killer loose at a Christmas gathering. Who did it, and what twist will turn your stomach at the end?
He walked through the small living room and eyed all of his suspects. Someone in that room was a killer. The Christmas celebration had been brought to an abrupt halt, and he’d been called in to find who did the deed.
He raised his hand and the murmurs around him stilled. “I believe I have discovered the culprit in this case, but there are still unanswered questions.”
He moved over to the grandmother. She was shaking, with her hand still over her chest as she tried to still her heartbeat.
“You arranged for the victim to be seated in the outer room with the younger guests?”
The frail woman nodded, then looked down at her shoes in shame. The detective moved on to one of her three daughters and pointed his finger at her.
“And you, you were in charge of providing the food for those in the outer room? Including the deceased?”
The woman also nodded but held his gaze. Nobody seemed talkative. Not a good sign. Perhaps his assessment had been wrong, and it had been a group effort. He shook his head; impossible.
There was only one responsible.
“Is this going to take much longer? We have other plans tonight.” One of the grandchildren asked from the other end of the room. He spun quickly and moved his finger onto his lips. Pushing the words out from underneath, he raised his voice. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you!” The young man straightened his shoulders and scowled.
“Yeah, that’s why I asked.” His sarcastic tone washed over the detective, and he turned back to his next suspect. The only son was sitting with his wife, and the detective pointed at her.
“You complained about the noise in the outer room, did you not?”
She shrugged. “I guess.”
“You guess! Well, I think there were various people complaining tonight about the noise in the outer room.”
Turning once again, he moved across the room to the person he was sure had committed the murder. “You were the most angered by what went down tonight, weren’t you!” The girlfriend of the only male grandson let her mouth gape open. She stuttered, not finding the words at his accusation. The boy who had given him lip earlier crossed his arms and scowled harder.
“How dare you!”
He ignored the youngster and continued staring down his opponent. “You lashed out, and killed Steve! You’re the reason he’s dead, aren’t you?”
The girl cowered and glanced around the room at the eyes now focussed on her. Finally, she threw her arms into the air. “Yes, yes it’s true. It was me! I killed him. I’m so sorry.”
The detective stood straighter and crossed his arms, smiling at his win. The rest of the family relaxed slightly and one by one, they left the room and gathered their coats.
The Christmas gathering had been ruined with Steve’s death, but he still felt satisfied. He’d solved the crime.
When all the other guests had left, the young man and woman finally stood. They moved over to their grandmother. The girl took her hand and lowered her voice. “I’m very sorry I killed your parrot. Steve really was a good bird. I honestly didn’t realise he’d get so scared.”
When they too, had gone, the detective moved over to his grandmother and sat beside her.
“What a way to end Christmas. Want me to get rid of the body?” he asked.
The woman turned a wrinkly head towards him and sighed. “Shut up Ted.”
I hope you enjoyed this short story by Christy Grace! For another story, check back every week!
Human Trafficking is recruitment, control and use of people for their bodies and labor. People all over the world, are being bought and sold against their will. Through force, fraud and coercion criminals are able to get rich at the expense of a human life.
That’s happening right now, in the 21st century! There are MILLIONS of slaves in the world today. That’s more than ever before in human history, but we don’t hear much about it. Unfortunately, only 1% of human trafficking victims are rescued, and 99% of people who are enslaved right now, will NEVER be free. Unless we do something.
Trafficking is a 150 billion dollar industry. It’s the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Trafficking includes sex trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor, involuntarily domestic servitude, and child soldiers.
Victims are trafficked is various methods. Methods like false job ads, by family members or a friend, abductions, and false immigration.
Here are some SIGNS to look out for:
Controlled by another person
There are physical abuse signs
Controlled movements
There’s a lack of earnings
Substance abuse
A lack of trust
They are unfamiliar with the language
They have a lack of personal belongings
Signs of dependence
They seem overly fearful, depressed and have submissive behaviour
They’re in bad health and/or malnutrition
A false job offer
Feelings of being trapped
There’s a lack of official documentation
If you suspect it REPORT IT. We can abolish slavery everywhere by speaking up for those who can’t!
There are so many amazing books out there. So, where do you start, and how do you find the good from the bad in the sea of confusion? According to the Goodreads List (October 2020), these were the best books in the Crime and Mystery Book section:
1. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A disappearance and unusual partnership to find the truth and expose corruption.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
A curious assortment of strangers at a private island getaway. A possible murder, and every guest holding secrets that will seal their fate.
3. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
A cryptic symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist, deadly vendetta against the Catholic Church, and the Illuminati.
4. Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
Swept off her feet by a dashing widower, but a shadow of his late wife could cost their lives.
5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
A murder in 1959, and no apparent motive for the crime with almost no clues.
6. The Godfather by Mario Puzo
The Mafia underworld, first family of American crime fiction, and their powerful legacy of tradition, blood, and honour.
7. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
A home in heaven that isn’t what she expected, and life on earth continuing without her. Her killer trying to cover his tracks, and her grief-stricken family unraveling.
8. The Name Of The Rose by Umberto Eco
A wealthy Italian abbey suspected of heresy, and an investigation overshadowed by seven bizarre deaths.
9. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
10. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Shutter Island is the home of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. An investigation into the disappearance of a patient will reveal that nothing is what it seems.
In finding this list, there was one really important thing I learnt – I haven’t read ANY of them! I guess I have some reading to do…
How many of the above books have you read on the Goodreads List, and what didn’t make the list that should have?! Share them in the comments below.
I smooshed August and September reading into ONE video.
In the latest CGSP Booktube video, I’m going over the books I read, and what I thought! I can’t wait to share about the great writing that’s out there (besides my own!). Check out the video below:
I hope you enjoyed the video, and I can’t wait to get the results on my October reading list.
If you want to check out WHAT I’m reading during October, you can watch the game that I went with to decide what made it, and what didn’t!
For other Booktube videos, head to the CGSP Youtube page!
A serial killer, technology, and a detective determined to find the truth. Come along on a murder mystery adventure, with The Murder App – Chapter four!
Ella Strong stared at the scrolling men as she flicked through her options. This dating app was like all the others. The only difference was that a killer stalked this one for his victims. Or her victims. That had been a consideration early on; that women could murder women. They’d quickly moved past it with the discovery of the ties at the crime scenes.
Her profile donned an actual image of herself, but the rest was fictional. They’d looked at the other profiles, and tried to include things that the killer would want in his next victim. Her likes and dislikes contained things like hiking in the outdoors – something she hated – and adventure sports, but also things like baking and dancing in her living room. That last one, she had to admit, was something she liked to do on occasion.
The keys jingled in the door, and Ted called out for her. She told him she was in her home office, and a few moments later, he popped his head through the door.
“Hey, hon. How was your day?” He moved the rest of his body into the doorway.
Ella sighed. “It was okay. How was yours?”
Ted frowned and crossed his arms over his broad chest. “My day was okay. It didn’t sound like yours was.”
She rolled her eyes and went back to her screen. “It’s just this murder case. It’s taking a toll.”
He moved into the room behind her and kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arms around her and leaning his chin on her shoulder.
“Oh, come on, I can’t be so annoying that you’re looking for another husband already.” The false whine made her giggle and she shrugged, bouncing his chin off balance as she did.
“I’m just checking my options, in case.”
Ted scoffed and stood straighter. She turned and smiled wide as he put his hand over his heart like he had been struck by an arrow. “Ugh! That got me, right here.”
She chuckled then shook her head. “I’ve set up a catfish profile for my killer. We’re hoping he’ll take the bait and we can catch him when he goes after me, instead of another innocent woman.”
Ted dropped his hand, and his smile and frowned. “Is that safe?” The humour was gone from his tone, but his voice was still soft and caring. One of the things she loved about him.
“As safe as any other sting I go on. We’ve got things in place to make sure of it. We need to catch this guy, and this could be the best way.”
Ted stood for a moment, staring at her, then finally nodded slowly. “You know what you’re doing.” He moved over to her and kissed her gently, then pulled back and smiled. “I trust you. Want some dinner?” he asked over his shoulder as he left the office.
“Love some,” she said, the smile still on her face. As he moved out to say hello to Samson and start on dinner. He was a better cook than she was anyway.
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She turned back to the screen, just as her phone buzzed with her partner, Steve Evan’s number.
“Strong,” she answered.
“Hey Ella, we got a hit on those ties.”
Her eyes shot up. “Really?”
“Yeah. You were right about bulk orders. There were only a few in recent months leading up to the first killing. Two were from clothing houses, and another was a personal buyer. We’re heading to the store where he purchased the order tomorrow. We can question the staff and get a clue as to who it was.”
“Maybe they’ll still have security footage,” Ella said as she processed the information.
Steve scoffed, “From months ago? I doubt it. At the least, we as for a description.”
She nodded and was about to request a lift to the store when a notification on her dating profile dinged through the computer.
“Hang on Steve, that’s my profile notifications.”
Steve was silent on the other end, waiting as she clicked onto the icon and sifted through to the right section of the program.
Clicking onto the notification carefully, Ella sucked in a breath.
“What?” Steve asked.
“Someone just sent me a wink.”
“Is it him?”
She rolled her eyes. There would be at least a few normal people to sift through before they found the killer, but this would be a start. “Maybe. I guess I’ll have to wink back.”
Come back next month for chapter five, in The Murder App!
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