Heartsick for Ilia Malinin. The pressure everyone- the press, the team, the fans- put on him must be unbearable. But he will learn from this and come back stronger. He's done what no one else COULD do; his legacy is secure. Rest & recup, Ilia! we love you and you are the QUAD GOD!

The ISU and the Olympic committee refuse to investigate the suspect scoring of the French judge, despite protests from other countries. They are either cowardly or complicit. It's the 2002 scandal all over again...

Evan Bates & Madison Chock deserved the gold; perfect twizzles, a dynamic skate. The French, who had a glitch in their twizzles, and a sedate skate, won gold. The fix was in. It's like the 2018s fixed win scandal all over. #GoldforChock&Bates

Blog day! Giveaway winner! charlottebennardo.com

it's 30 F. feels like 24. Cat sleeps in cold basement (his choice) SO WHY IS HE SHEDDING LIKE A MAD DOG???

ok, my team lost. But they weren't expected to make the playoffs, never mind the SB. Young QB, 1st year with this coach, rookies, weak O-line. all in all, they did well. Better than a lot of other so-called 'superior' teams. Now, moving onto spring- 97 days till we open the pool!

welp... I had only hoped for a winning season- over 50%. My Patriots made it to the Super Bowl with a first year coach, lots of freshman players. Drake Maye was a babe in the woods. Overall, a great season. Learn from mistakes-and don't repeat them next year.

Giveaway day tomorrow! Don't miss it!

Just a reminder! On Feb 9th, I will draw a winner for The Excalibur Vow (w/a nifty sword bookmark) from my subscribers. See my blog for details & to subscribe! charlottebennardo.com

Congrats Italy! on your first gold medal at the Olympics!

Another 5-star review on Goodreads for The Excalibur Vow! www.goodreads.com/book/show/23...

Thank you, Italy, for sharing your treasure, Andrea Bocelli with us. Your cauldron was fire and art! Thank you for your warm welcome! (and thanks for booing vance! ha ha !)

yes, jd vance, the WORLD was booing you. They cheered our athletes. you & your boss are truly hated, despised, and reviled the world over.

It's #FriendlyFriday! Our nation is such a freaking mess, so I'm sending out good vibes! & KUDOS to the city of Minneapolis for their Nobel Peace Prize nomination! Thank you Norway for the nom! "Blessed are the peacemakers...."

Blog Day! Feb 9th giveaway details! charlottebennardo.com/blogs-2/

Yes, world, our American president is insane, and wants to be a dictator. Pray for all of us.

that damn groundhog. Where's my soup pot? 6 more weeks of winter!!!

What's up, Bluesky peeps? It's freaking cold here in NE US. 10 F, but now it's a balmy 24 F (with wind, so colder). I'd go visit my son in Jacksonville, but they had SNOW. So I'll stay by my fireplace and work on revisions. later, peeps! Stay warm!

I hope the governors of all the blue states hide all their voter rolls & election info so the corrupt FBI & DOJ can't seize them and make more false claims about stolen elections.

It's #FriendlyFriday and effin cold! (13F, may go down to 6, set a record). Sending you all warm thoughts!

Fare thee well, #CatherineO'Hara. We are all the poorer being without you and your light.

Need an uplifting moment? I throw bird seed out every morning, which feeds them and amuses my cat who watches from the window. Today a beautiful cardinal showed up, He and cat stared at each other.

How's everyone doing? It's so damn FRIGID out there! I don't know how anyone can live in N Dakota, Montana, or Canada. You people are tough, I'm impressed.

Blog Day! I know the list could be longer... charlottebennardo.com/2026/01/26/5...

The good news: We weathered Winter Storm Fern and my New England Patriots are AFC Champs! They're going to the Super Bowl! The bad news: Alex Pretti won't be the last innocent person to be murdered by ice. 25th amendment, bring them all down.

In solidarity with today's ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA blackout, MinnMax is donating $1 to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota for every share of this Bluesky post for the next hour.

It's #FriendlyFriday so sending hugs & prayers to all those affected by the winter storm, terrorized by ice, are without food, shelter, medical care, are sick or dying, feel lonely or depressed. We see you...

well, had a rejection today. But that's the publishing business. I'm still waiting to hear on another submission, and I'm checking the list and resubbing... gotta keep the faith.

It's 19 degrees F, and I have to remind myself that we'll be opening the pool in 116 days....

First one, then the other:

Every day I wake up and wonder what fresh hell there will be. And every day, there is a fresh hell, and he's still in the WH.

123 days until I open my pool....

More head rolls in the NFL. But, my Patriots won!

Ok, my Patriots scored a TD, have a bit of a cushion. Just have to hang on for 6 1/2 minutes.

I'm going to have heartburn by the time the game ends. Maye just gave up the ball. damn!

back to revisions and writing. Keep it going, writing peeps! I'll be doing a video tomorrow, so tune in. Reading an excerpt from: (and giving details about Valentine's Day giveaway!)

Mark your calendars! 128 days until we open the pool!

Those so called economic 'experts' who are saying the economy is pretty good- all have jobs, investments, & money. son is job searching and there's nothing out there for a recent college grad in comp science.

Didn't get writing done- need eye treatment- chlorine from the pool is damaging my eyes. Maybe no more swimming... but better than going blind. So I made ice cream. I may eat the whole gallon myself.

Back to marketing videos/emails. I kept up very well before the holidays, now I'm inundated. Gotta sort and listen. It'll give me a short break over the horror that America has become. Stay strong, warriors!

Wrote a short story, pubbed in online mag, 101 Words. No payment but I used it to keep my name out there. Find out I can't post MY story on MY website although was pubbed 1-2 years ago... So not submitting there again.

Well, it's 'clear the desk day'- all those annoying little tasks that need doing: clearing email, handling those notes I made, checking websites, etc. What are YOU doing?

Crit group. It's always thought-provoking to get 5 opinions on your work, consider them, and decide which work well with your vision. Shows you how we all think differently.

National Traitors Day: fotus, ashley babbitt, maga, cowardly gop refusing to impeach trump. #Jan6thinsurrection. #NeverForget

So what are you all up to? Back to the regular diet of more veggies, very few carbs, and a bit of protein. Did a mile in the pool. Got 2 lbs from Christmas to shed!

Blog Day! charlottebennardo.com/2026/01/05/g...

Got 3 chaps revised yesterday. Today... I'm procrastinating. But all the Christmas stuff is put away, I swam a mile. But I'm... here instead of writing...

managed to get 3 chapters revised in my contemp romance. Jotting down ideas for the sequel to my NA fantasy "The Excalibur Vow" (Arthurian mythology, time slip, modern magic, monarchy mashup).

was invited to family's get together, but 2 are 'feeling under the weather' so we're staying home. (not worth it to get sick). jammie time! amaretto at midnight! snacks! & hopes/prayers for a better 2026. Peace and safety to all.