Dinner was on the menu… until the reindeer showed up.I trotted into the living room, kibble still waiting in my bowl, and there they were — a whole herd of reindeer on Dr. Pol. Ears up, nose twitching, I froze. When they drifted off the edge of the screen, I knew what I had to do: check the next room. Back and forth I paced, from TV to bedroom, convinced the herd had escaped.Then it happened. A massive male with giant antlers filled the screen. My paws left the ground, tail straight, chest proud — I stood tall, nose to …
Author: jimtturner
The Spoo Spa Experience
Some dogs run when they hear the word “grooming.” Not me. I love spa day.Mom’s a certified all-breed groomer, so our kitchen transforms into what I like to call The Spoo Spa. She sets up the table with a soft pad — very professional, five stars — and usually lifts the dogs up herself. But not me.At my very first grooming session, before she could even bend down, I jumped right up on the table and faced her square on. “I’m ready now,” I told her with my eyes. And I’ve done it ever since. Once I’m up there, I …
The Horse Photo Incident
🐴The Horse Photo Incident Hoomans do the strangest things. One day they came home with new decorations — big pictures from their trip out west. Every single one showed them sitting on horses. Horses. In my living room. I stared at those pictures hard. They weren’t moving, but I wasn’t fooled. Any second now, one of those giant hooved beasts could trot right across the rug. I hopped onto the chair beneath one, stretching as tall as I could to get a closer look. Still no movement… but I wasn’t taking any chances. If there’s a potential intruder — even …
How It All Began
Welcome to my written legacy — the official record of all my misadventures, dramatic discoveries, and highly important household investigations. These stories prove that chaos isn’t just a hobby for me — it’s a calling. Grab a treat, get comfy, and dive into the daily drama of my dog life. I wasn’t always the confident chaos coordinator you see today. Before I landed here — with my fluffy topknot, full belly, and a toy basket overflowing — life looked pretty different. I started out as a neglect case. By the time I arrived at Carolina Poodle Rescue, I was …
Know Your Numbers
Know Your Numbers—It Could Save a Life We’ve all been there—when a loved one falls ill and the world stops turning. But what if I told you that something as simple as knowing a few key numbers could make all the difference? In mid-August, my family member came home from the golf course looking unusually pale. He skipped lunch, went straight to bed, and didn’t eat another bite that day. Late that night, the vomiting started, followed by diarrhea. The first thought? A nasty GI bug that would clear up in a day or two. But when seven days passed …
Did You Get Your Hug Today?
As we emerge from our quarantine caves, one thing is certain: we suffer from Hug Deprivation. Yep, I’ve just created a new diagnosis. More important, the cure is cheap and totally awesome. Of course as a romance writer, I’m all over the cure. Plus, scientific research has validated hugging provides the following benefits: Reduces stress. Boosts immune response. Reduces blood pressure. Boosts happiness. Reduces fear. Improves pain tolerance. Improves communication. More important, the cure doesn’t come with a string of side-effects guaranteed to give you nightmares, and it won’t throw you into abject poverty. Multiple sources reference a quote from …
Must Have Fun
Fun Improves Health! Did you know that having fun is good for you? Studies show having fun reduces stress, increases serotonin, boosts energy, improves memory/concentration, and improves sleep. Children instinctively understand without conscious thought. Adults sometimes require reminders. That’s why I held a pet contest on Book Mates. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m writing my next Clocktower Romance about Kyle Murphy, the teen from my first book, Home to Stay. Kyle is busting his chops finishing up his oncology fellowship, so he’s overworked and a little sad. When my character is sad, I get that way too. What’s …
Healthier You for 2021
Hey there! Becke Turner, romance author and health advocate, here. I have a little help for my friends who want a health boost for 2021. Don’t stop reading. You know you want to get healthy. Besides, a healthy lifestyle isn’t just a way to look better. You want to feel better. Of course, it’s free because it’s my gift to you. So, read on. Take a chance. Want to downsize your skinny jeans? Despise special foods, weird powders, shakes, and pills? Like games with friends? QUICK START is the FREE plan for you. Better yet, nothing is required except your …
Healthcare Emergency Plan
Since I’ve spent over twenty years in healthcare with an emphasis on Medicare fraud, today’s contribution is healthcare. Everyone needs an emergency plan for an accident or sudden onset of illness. Because you can’t plan for the specific illness/injury, the plan will not prevent all high financial risk outcomes. However, a plan can mitigate your financial risk. Bottom line: you need to take care of your health first, but when possible, help direct your care. Stuff happens. It’s just a matter of when and where. Develop a plan before you test out your new knife on your pinky or miss …
A Change in Perspective
While perusing the current news articles, I came across Screaming into the Void: Outrage is Hijacking Our Culture and Our Minds. This Hidden Brain episode challenged my perspective. I’ve focused on articles that address egregious injustice, issues that need correction, and opinions different from mine. Like many others, I’ve picked up the outrage ball and sprinted to the goal line eager to point out areas of similar concern. Here’s the problem: talking about issues, griping about issues, arguing about issues doesn’t resolve issues. My great grandfather said, “Stirring a bucket of s*** doesn’t eliminate the s***, it only makes it …