And the Winner Is...

7:00 AM Elizabeth Seckman 28 Comments



A few days ago, I was sitting in restaurant having lunch and eavesdropping like I am known to do. Seated behind me were two women. My first assumption was they were out for a day of fun and companionship, but as I listened more closely, I realized they were not there to enjoy each other's company or even to commiserate over each other's hardships. No, they were there to compete with each other for the title of Most Pitiful Person at the Table?

Okay, so it’s wasn’t an actual competition with official rules or cheering sections, but these two were definitely vying over who had the crappier life. During the entire lunch, they lobbed shots and returned volleys. One would toss a,  "My allergies are acting up." The other would smack it back with, "Well, you think that's bad, I just got over pneumonia.:

Back and forth they went with their ailments and complaints.

Gal One had bum knees, a bad back and grandchildren who never call or help. Gal Two needed her gall bladder removed and was prone to migraines. No grandkids yet, but her children were selfish asses who probably shouldn’t breed.

Gal One, not to be outdone, countered that her children were also selfish then slammed in an ace with the revelation that her kids were also unemployed and a drain on her wallet.

Gal Two, a scrappy little fighter scored big in DO (dessert overtime), seems Gal Two's children were also  broke-ass losers, BUT she didn’t have the good fortunes that Gal One had to help her lazy offspring out.

With that, there was a pause in the conversation, then a somber, "Check, please." which I took as Gal One forfeiting the match.

Gal Two with her bum gall bladder and empty bank account gets the crown. She can either wear it with pride or complain that it’s weight aggravates her migraines. Her choice.

My choice? I hope I never enjoy playing that game.

I’m off now to count my blessings and work on edits. I’m realizing not using my publisher causes me so much stress. Usually, I have an editor who says it’s good to go. But on this, it’s me. I think I’m on round 103 and still worried about what I’ve missed. Maybe I’ll finish tonight. Or tomorrow. Definitely by next week.

Coming Soon! (if only I could finish those pesky edits!)


Hayden Matthews isn’t looking for love—she was trying to get as far from it as possible. She's already wasted eight years in a failed marriage. She wants a good life. A peaceful life. One where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has loved Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart broken, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Leaving a husband like Tag, who has a hot temper, a badge, and a gun is tricky. When Hayden calls Cam for help, she isn’t trying to lure him into any romantic webs. She needs someone she can trust and knowing her soon-to-be ex fears his former NFL cousin is a bonus.


When Cam comes to her rescue, he isn’t doing it to win her love. He does it because it’s the right thing to do. But if she starts to feel the same for him…couldn’t it be fate?

Image by kannojiashreyak from Pixabay

28 comments:

  1. You'll get the edits done.
    I don't want to play that game either. I'm sure no one else in those two women's lives wants to play it with them which is why they play with each other.

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    1. I like to complain as much as the next person, but it was playing the one-up game with misery. No fun!

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  2. I'm finding that the older I get, the more I complain. And I don't mean legit complaints but whiney, petty ones that are out of my mouth before I even realize it. And that so needs to stop NOW. :)

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    1. Same here. You should hear me groan getting out of a chair. LOL. My kids started calling me Boomer every time I sound whiny. I suppose that's a good thing?

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  3. Don't you just love negative people like that?

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    1. There do seem to be those people who aren't happy unless they're miserable.

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  4. Did I tell you about all my ailments? Actually I feel very sorry for them if that's all they have to talk about. What a miserable life and they make it more miserable.

    You'll get your book done. Don't sweat it. It is a very good story.

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    1. I actually thought of you, Jo. You are a whole different sort of cat. You have your share of troubles, but you do your damnedest to keep a smile on your face and stay active. And I expect you to kick my fanny if I ever become too much of a whiner.

      Thanks for the encouragement. I wouldn't worry, since I know you proofed it, but I keep rewriting the doggone thing.

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  5. What? You didn't want to join in and mention that time you stubbed your toe? You could have won. lol people like that. Uggg know a few and avoid them we do.

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    1. I told you about the time I stubbed my toe so bad I thought I had broken it? That foot is still a half size larger than the other. True story. I need to go find them and share that...

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  6. I was laughing over the aches and pains since the HH and BIL can spend an inordinate amount of time discussing their various surgeries. But I stopped laughing when they started dissing their kids.
    I know those pesky edits are stressful but I also know you are going to turn out a beautiful story. Hang in there and keep me posted. Hugs

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence! Much appreciated.

      We all complain, but when it's done with the tenacity of a challenge to be the worst in the group, then I wonder if a person isn't enjoying their misery.

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  7. I wonder if they do that every time they get together? Maybe it's cheap therapy. I like to get together with people and laugh, and talk about stupid things, and pretend for a little while that everything's better than it is. But I have an aunt who will sit down, get settled, sigh, then get right down to all the stuff that's wrong with her.

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    1. I would bet they do complain often and profusely. Doesn't it seem like some people enjoy being miserable? Most people I know with real troubles would like nothing better than to rid themselves of worry and bothers.

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  8. I try not to be a complainer. Sometimes I win that battle and sometimes not.

    Good luck with the book! I know what you mean about never being sure when it comes to edits. If you're changing the same things back and forth, it's time to set it free. LOL

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    1. There is a huge difference in discussing a problem with friends. These gals weren't even listening to each other or offering any support or suggestions. It was like they were playing misery cards, each trying to trump the other.

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  9. Ugh! Nope, that isn't a game I ever want to play, either. Judging by those two, who seem to be masters at the game, misery really must love company. What they don't get is when they waste so much time concentrating on the negative, they miss out on all the good stuff. Like real friends. (I mean, who else would want to hang out with such Debby Downers?) Life's too short to spend it bellyaching.

    Hang in there! I KNOW you'll get that editing done, and you'll come out with yet another stellar book. Go, you!!!

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    1. You always have the best opinions on everything. And you are a role model of positive thinking. You have bad times. but still remember to laugh and enjoy the moment. I think that's why people like that bug me. Their troubles feel minor compared to other people who are battling things like cancer. My dad used to call it grumble, grumble, bitch, bitch. LOL

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  10. Good luck with the editing and congrats on the new book coming out.

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  11. Congratulations on the new book! Way to go, and I've no doubt you'll get it done and it'll be perfect!

    Those two remind me of several folks I know. It's easy to fall into that game, but it should get boring quick enough to end it fast and enjoy the time together.

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    1. I complain to myself that you're living on the beach and I'm on dry land. But that's just an internal gripe. LOL

      Thanks for the vote of confidence. It's always, always appreciated!

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  12. I have a feeling Gal Two instantly started complaining that the crown gives her migraines. I work with someone like this, and it can be so draining. It's a pathetic way to live. But the way you wrote this match made me laugh just the same! Also just the comment about eavesdropping as you are known to do LOL.
    Good luck with your edits!!

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    1. I used to pretend I wasn't an eavesdropper, but that's such a lie.

      You're right. Some people make misery a way of life.

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  13. Man, that sounds like a miserable conversation. I'm glad I'm not that bad!

    Woot for About Us! Looking forward to reading the whole thing. Best of luck on the edits. :)

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    1. Maybe that's what bugs me most- complaining about nothing is like stealing the thunder of people with real troubles.

      At your suggestion, I upped the kids age and tweaked her dialogue. I always fear making it too childish. My own kids never really baby talked, which I credit to listening to music when they were little. And chewing gum. Or maybe that was just meant to keep their mouths busy on something other than arguing.

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  14. I'm not saying don't vent to friends, but yeah, pepper in some laughs and some appreciation for the blessings in your life.

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  15. I'd be happy to check out your blog! Thanks for stopping by.

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