SCOTLAND SOCCER-PASSION and PARTY! SKYE IN JUNE

 You gotta love the Scots!-my people

The Scots have taken over the laughs and parties!

The Scots are incredibly passionate fitba (football) fans—so passionate, in fact, that I just had to feature their love for the game in both of my novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption.

This wee bit from "The Skye in June" about fitba, as the Scots call football, and the Americans, soccer. It also had a personal bit of history about myself, but I won't go into that now.

The MacDonald family finally arrived in their new country in the city of San Francisco, California.

The men began talking about football. Sandy told Jimmy that in America, football was played differently and that Americans called Scottish football soccer. For a Glaswegian man, soccer was a passionate subject. 

Arguments between the two rival teams, the Protestant Rangers and the Catholic Celtics, could easily lead to fistfights. 

Sandy said there were many football teams in the States and that religion wasn’t associated with them. He went on to say that American football was reserved for “pansies” who needed gear. “They’re afraid they’ll get hurt, poor, wee lassies,” he added, laughing.

Jimmy told Sandy the story about when Peter’s wife, Janet, gave birth. The doctor, who was also a Rangers player, had rushed from his game to deliver the baby without taking time to change from his soccer uniform. When he arrived at Janet’s bedside, she screamed at him to get away from her. She didn’t want any Protestant touching her body, let alone her baby!

With tears of laughter streaming down his face, Sandy choked out between laughs, “Och, away with you. You’re full of it, man!’

“I am not! I’m telling you the truth,” Jimmy could hardly talk for laughing. “They had to call in a Catholic doctor. But I never did find out if he was a Celtic fan.”

Listen to the intro, Chapter 1 - meet the mother, Cathy MacDonald. Read by June Ahern

___________________________________________________________________________________

Learn more about me and my works- please buy this book in print, eBook, or listen to the audiobook. I am an Indie Author. June Ahern website.

KIDS RESONATE WITH TAROT CARDS

                               Kids Resonate with the Tarot Cards 

Rider/Waite Deck

The Tarot changed my life path thus included in my first novel, The Skye in June.

My study of the tarot began in 1973 as an interest, which lead to practicing on anyone willing. Others heard about the accuracy of those readings hence strangers contacted me wanting a tarot reading. By 1975 I had my first three clients and in 1980 I taught my first tarot class. My career was established and flourished in ways that still amazes me.

Featured in The Skye in June, a novel.

Mrs. G, an elderly downstairs neighbor, befriends the protagonist, June, and encourages in the art of magic and the tarot cards. Mrs G, a Polish woman, is a most colorful and interesting woman surviving WWII Nazi occupation before emigrating to the USA.

The tarot cards were easy and fun for June . She enjoyed giving voice to the colorful pictures, which were different on each of the seventy-eight cards. One day Mrs. G fanned all the cards out across the table and told her to choose one and peer into it. June picked one with a boy presenting a large goblet holding a white flower to a little girl. The children stood in a blooming garden. The card had bright and lively yellow and red colors. In the background was a large stone house, and in the foreground five more cups with a white flower in each one. Quickly, June described it as getting a present from someone who loves you. The old woman encouraged her student to go beyond her first thoughts and tell a story about it. 

“Play this game. Look at the card,” Mrs. G instructed her. “Now close eyes. Pretend you in the card. Do what the person is doing in it.” 

June’s story of the card, the Six of Cups, started hesitantly. “The boy and girl are good friends for a long time. The boy has a special present for the girl, but it’s not a thing. I think the girl is me and the boy is a new friend. He believes in my angel.” June saw a man in the background of the card, walking away. “When everybody is mad at me, the boy will still like me. Am I right?”

“Probably. Later you find the truth,” said Mrs. G. 

Sold at your favorite bookstore and online paperback, ebook and audio book. Amazon link below. Learn about June Ahern's 3 other books on communicating with spirits and how to get a successful psychic reading at juneahern.com   

Amazon

TALKING MY FOUR BOOKS: INTRO VIDEO

How to Talk With Spirits by June Ahern

 

Introducing my four books 

Two non-fictions on paranormal and parapsychology subjects 

The Timeless Counselor by June Ahern

Two fictions about Scottish immigrants

Watch this video introducing my books are on YouTube 

(link) https://youtu.be/EboHgqlXu30?si=d7aRItW1hhYLpNdh

Review more about me at my website https://www.juneahern.com

Novels by June Ahern
Scottish Immigrants 
San Francisco, Ca
circa 1950s & 1960s

#scottishimmigrants #scotland #glasgow #summeroflove #san francisco #thecastro #paranormal #ghosts

JUNE'S BACK: UPDATES ON LIFE WITHOUT MASKS

 Frolicking once again.

Celebrating getting out and enjoying friends once again - 

Went dancing TWICE! in one week. 

This senior sure can boogie. 💃

I haven't been posting because..... ..(fill in the blank).

Still, my psychic picks up information swirling around and truth be told, even if I'm like...nah, or really? time proves, yes, it came to be. 

How clear are your psychic impressions?

My monthly presentations resume in September, 2021.

More than in a long time I"m asked when I'll give a Kids Only Psychic talk.

Soon, I say.

I think that'll be separate from my usual scheduled monthly talk - perhaps October. 

Let the kids get off Zoom classes for a while. 

What do you think?

Although, I've had a few interviews. The latest has been made into a short video. If you're interested in the full talk, let me know. I have a link.

 If the video doesn't open, it'll be on YouTube soon and I'll redo with  that link.

Always something to learn, right?

 Some days I don't like the idea of "learning" - but truth be told, good, bad or ugly, there's usually some kind of Aha! or Oh shit.  Learning as I go. What did you learn today?

And, still waiting for updates on the proposed movie featuring one of my murder cases. Here's where we're at with the project: https://variety.com/2021/film/asia/naff-project-market-second-virtual-edition-1234980048/

Ok, my readers, off I go. Suns out, no masks (yet) requirement, CARPE DIEM!

Check out my books and about me: june ahern site.  How about buying one or more of my books, eh? 

The current most popular of my non-fictions How to Talk With Spirits, 

                                                   and the most popular beloved fiction is,

The Skye in June

                                                                                                                                

REMEMBERING TRAVELING "SKYE"

REMEMBER TRAVELING?

A TIME WE FREELY MOVED AROUND?

On a Face Book post a woman displayed my novel, The Skye in June.

The woman in pink holding up a copy of my first novel, The Skye in June,had hosted a book party for me and since a trip to Scotland was already planned decided she'd read the story there.

Her first stop was in Glasgow where the story begins for the MacDonald family (see excerpt below).

The last time I visited Scotland was 14 years ago with my husband who'd not been there beforehand.

The Unexpected Magic of Travel: One never knows what or who will be experienced.

Funny story...as we walked the main thorough way named Dumbarton Road of a district called Partick where I lived as a child before emigrating to San Francisco, we heard "JUNE! JUNE!" shouted out behind us.

Confused to who'd know we'd be there?

Turing around a cousin of mine raced toward us. She no longer lives in Glasgow bur had heard we were in own, although not any particular day nor time. She followed a "feeling" that if she went that day, at that time she'd meet me.

Is she "fey" like me? Can she see and know what others cannot? "Skye" is about a young girl who is fey as a gypsy character reveals.

"Skye" is a historical story set mostly in San Francisco, California but begins in Glasgow. It's about a family who emigrates after a family tragedy in the 1950s and how they change over time. The a poignant story often hilarious with tactics the sisters take to deter their father control especially as the early days of the 1960s threatened to implode them.

A review: Not since author Amy Tan's early writings has a woman's voice so strongly resonated from one of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods. - Jim Toland,  author, Fire and Fog and In and Out of Ireland

Enjoy an excerpt from the opening chapter.

Chapter 1

Glasgow, Scotland

May 31, 1950

The rain drizzling down the windows of the taxi shrouded the riders inside. Cathy MacDonald, the sole passenger, leaned her head against the misted window. She was bound for St. Andrew's Infirmary to deliver yet another wean.

Her fingers dug into her seat as she readjusted her bulky body. No position seemed to bring relief to her discomfort. She let her head fall forward onto the back of the driver's seat. 

“Does he have to hit every bloody stone in the road?” she muttered under her breath as the taxi bumped along.

“Don't you worry, Missus. I'll get you there in time. “The rough sandpaper voice of the taxi driver startled her, and she wondered if he had heard her question. “I know all about how fast those weans want out. Got six bairns of my own,” he said laughing loudly.

Cathy didn’t dare tell him that her labor pains were coming very close together and that this might be the first time that a baby would be born in his taxi.  

“Your man's Jimmy MacDonald, right?” he inquired. 

His talking only irritated her, but not wanting to appear unfriendly she tried to focus on what he had asked. Her response came as a muffled sound that could have been an answer or a retreat from the question. She caught him peeking a glance at her in the rearview mirror. She braced herself for the next question, knowing what it would be. 

“You Mr. B's daughter?” The driver, along with so many others in Glasgow, deeply respected Willie Buchanan, or Mr. B, as he had been known for as far back as anyone could remember. Mr. B had earned a reputation for being a fair man. Years ago he had rallied a group of well-off citizens to provide funds to support youth soccer teams for the town's underprivileged children. He had insisted that the money be shared equally between Catholic and Protestant teams-–an unusual act, since prejudice between the two religious groups was still very intense in Scotland. Although some people protested, most citizens supported his efforts.

The taxi swerved sharply to avoid a pile of building rubble. Cathy moaned in protest, which made the driver wish her husband was there to help with the situation. 

“Where's Jimmy?” he asked.

“Working,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. 

She fell away from the driver's seat and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath in and then blew out sharply as jolting cramps came one after another. If Jimmy hadn't been so worried about getting to his second job, he could've been with me. He'd tell the driver to slow down, Cathy thought. She didn't want this ride to be over too quickly. She wasn't ready to walk up the four broad stone steps to St. Andrew's Infirmary to lie on a bed under a sheet, waiting. Not wanting to sound demanding, she stopped short of asking the driver to slow down. Instead she moved her hands over her belly and whispered hoarsely, “Wait, wee one. Just a bit longer.” 

Read more about The Skye in June and my other books at june ahern DOT com. 

#Isle of Skye #historicalnovels #psychickids #storiesaboutScotland #immigrantsories

TIMELY ARTICLE: 1960S REBELLIONS: THE DARK UNDERBELLY

WHEN FLOWER POWER ERUPTS INTO FIRE POWER

In the novel City of Redemption

It wasn't all groovy love, great music, wild dancing - 

there was a dark underbelly of the time I lived.

Someone sent me an article from the Mercury News, California they found while 

searching the internet about my novel about my second novel, City of Redemption.

 
Curiously there's been a surge of interest recently in this story 

with people asking how was it in the sixties with all the social 

and political upheavals?  The same happening today, right?

  yes, it is did. 

With what is going on presently only the now it's even bigger 

and more violent, with the rebellions around the world, standing 

up to the dominate regimes. The youth of today being heard, taking 

action, protests, and all.

I'm really glad the article linking City of Redemption to those interested in a culture, time 

and place story - San Francisco - to many throughout the world. Cool, far out, groovy....

City of Redemption is about free love, sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, lies, betrayal and murder 

during a most memorable time and  place  The Summer of Love.  

You probably thought it was all peace man, get high - there was a 

lot of that and....well, the article will cover it.

Having lived in San Francisco - yes I was a Flower Power Child 

with an edge, being more of a City chick to the peace and flower 

youth that came to San Francisco - ah the memories of all the 

great happenings like the free concerts at Golden Gate Park:  

the whole shabang.

Black Panthers on the scene, LSD awakening and expanding the mind. Sadly, for some, 

destroying minds.

It was a crazy time for sure! - Janis Joplin lived in my neighborhood, zooming around 

in her psychedelic Porsche. The same neighborhood the story takes place which is

known now to many as The Castro. 

And the fashion! Love them colorful bellbottoms

I've seen fashion in 2019 resembling that era. Haven't you?

Read more about the book and me.  
Article link  Mercury News, California. 

Certainly with the world's cultural, social beliefs and political fights 

this crazy time of great upheaval? 

Amazon: City of Redemption

ebook at Smashwords.com

Paperback autographed copy for USA readers and upcoming talks, classes  at

 my website www.juneahern.com

HI. I'M JUNE AHERN AUTHOR OF FOUR BOOKS.

What was one of the best part of writing The Skye in June 

about a Scottish immigrant family living in 

San Francisco, California circa 1960s? 

Which character do I most identify with?

Why did I dedicate to ....

Listen to my 15 minute book interview

YouTube

Readers have a lot to say why they love this story over 600 overwhelming positive reviews.

My words of inspiration to any of you reading this is, record something special - that one time, maybe one day of your life and share it with a friend or two, a family member. 

Maybe it was something funny, or a chance meeting of a special person or you revived an award - what makes you an interesting person?

Another suggestion is look for colorful, enticing words - that means read other books for ideas and/or "listen"- yes, listen o conversations - like in ears drop. What word catches your ear? 

It's fun writing - you don't have to think about publishing but do think about cleaning up your story so grammarica errors don't override the enjoyment of the story.

Okay, on to listening to why I wrote my most loved story (over 600 overwhelming positive reviews from various book sites. Check them out, Amazon, US, UK,Japan, France, Goodreads, Barns&Noble,Smashwords, june ahern dot come to name some. 

Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E-3rw7zMpKk
About my other books june ahern dot com

7 MINUTES: MY BOOKS VIDEO

Don't blog in same day but this just came together today so here I go.

My YouTube video introducing my four books - barely seven minutes of your time.

Two non-fictional - parapsychology, paranormal subjects.

Two fictional - Scottish immigrants, mystery, psychic child and the other, Summer of Love: When flower power erupts into fire power!

In it I also talk about the brain's pleasure center - same region where sex stimulates.

Would you please watch this short video? https://youtu.be/EboHgqlXu30 

Thanks June

CHARACTERS + DIALOGUE = GOOD STORIES

WHAT IS IT ABOUT A  FICTIONAL CHARACTER 

THAT IS MEMORABLE TO YOU? 

Does he or she pop into your mind now and then? 

Can you feel yourself reacting as she or he would? 

Today during a radio interview (link below) we talked about my four books with a focus on the fictional two and their strong characters, which readers have given thumbs up to along with the stories dialogue.

For many if not all, the characters writers create are not just imaginary people, they are real. Writers know everything about them and at times as the story moves on new aspects develop even surprising the writer.

Creating each character was a pure joy to my imagination, using a few people I've met over a life time and at times mixed and matched personalities and characteristics morphing them into one character in the story.

Think of some characters you've met in life. Why would you describe them as "a real character"? What made them memorable? How they spoke? Dressed? Wore their hair? What? Take note - you might at some time describe that character to another. 

In the The Skye in June the father, Jimmy MacDonald, is a hardworking, hard drinking dour man, husband and father to all girls. He dominates his family and in return they find ways to deter his control. Readers' reviews comment how they could hear Jimmy bellow and the girls plot how to get rid of their father. 

A feather in my cap: "Skye" was also chosen for a college class talk (read below Amazon review.)

In my second novel, City of Redemption, you'll meet a Toni, a smart, gutsy woman in love with her Black Panther man, Bobby, a rather brooding, serious man. Toni's studying to be a lawyer while taking a role in the Panther's cause. A noble woman with deep value for the legal system. She's loyal to those who gain her trust like Liz the stories protagonist. Now there's a complicated woman.

During the interview on Off The Shelf radio show we also talked about my non-fictions - listen to the show here.  Please leave a comment here or after listening to the show. 

Please leave a comment - word or two and learn more about my books and me at juneahern.com   Thank you. 

Amazon Review in part:

Michelle Brockmeier

5.0 out of 5 starsDifferent slice of life story September 3, 2013 

As a historian and women's studies professor, I often look for books that my students 
might enjoy. 

I finished this novel yesterday and used it as a jump off point in class today when 
discussing witchcraft.  

The story is multi-faceted with many threads for different type of readers. You have 
the classic immigrant tale of coming to America. Or you can enjoy the context of a 
Scottish Catholic family in San Francisco in the 1950s. You have a story of a seriously
dysfunctional family, an abusive father and a depressed mother and how the children 
learn to cope. 

You have a wonderful story of sisterhood and the constant struggle to create those 
bonds even in early childhood. And then there is the story of June, the center of the 
novel. June, from her earliest years, was different from her siblings. 

She saw and heard things, strange ethereal things. Originally cast off as a child's 
wild imagination, her behavior created serious problems with her family, her faith, 
and ultimately within herself.

I'M TALKING: INDIE AUTHORS INSPIRING WORDS

SO, YOU HAVE A STORY, EH? 

WRITE ON!

LISTEN TO MY STORY

SATURDAY, 8/10/19

(scroll to bottom for Radio Interview info 8/10/19 when I'll talk about The Skye in June

My first novel, The Skye in June, didn't start out as a novel. I wrote it as a screenplay. Every movement, every word - the conversations between the characters I spoke out loud. 

Turns out readers of the book comment on how much they enjoy the dialogue.

You want to write? Make it real - r-e-a-l - even the fantasy ones - how real is that fantasy? Can another get into it? Be a part of you fantasy place, characters, story?

Even if you don't want to publish (that's a whole other story) you have a story to tell, to share. 

Here's a few suggestions. 

• Find an important time in your life. A particular event that had an impact upon you - good, bad or ugly - something that added to who you are today,

• Talk it out loud with real emotions. 

now....

• Tell it again - think you're telling the story to an audience of any size you imagine. 

• Are you ready to say it a third time? While telling it, record your story.

• Listen back. How does your story sound? Is it impactful? Humorous? Enticing? Clear?
How do you feel listening to it? Do you think another could relate? Want to hear your story?

• Ready to write it? If you found words you stumbled over, weren't true expressions of your emotions, find words either in other books, or perhaps another has voiced. Remember, your story is a picture created through your words.

My first and readers most beloved story is "The Skye in June". 

I'll be talking about why I wrote & the challenges of publishing as an indie (independent author). Listen in please: Saturday, 8/10/19 - Radio Interview on Off The Shelf @11 a.m. EST (New York Time) - 10 CST (Chicago Time) and 8 a.m. PST (San Francisco Time)  

Live: 347-994-3490 or via internet http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Denise-Turney- to connect. 

"The Skye in June" is also printed in Japanese.

More about me, my four books, my psychic/medium profession and YouTube videos paranormal investigations
www.juneahern.com

FREE PSYCHIC EBOOK: A COMPETE CONSUMER'S GUIDE

EBOOKS BY JUNE AHERN 

SMASHWORDS.COM 

FREE UNTIL 7/31/19 

Share with other book readers!

Enjoy reading. Leave a Review or Comment. Each One Counts. 

Review on smashwords.com; Amazon.com; Goodreads.com

The Timeless Counselor: 

The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading

A Complete Consumer's Guide to Get the Best Benefits from a Psychic Reading.

46 reviews rated 4.98/5  

"I highly recommend this book: very  well written and informative for the beginner or a refresher for those already in tune with their psychic. This is a tool for everyone who is looking to expand their spiritual side and become more enlightened." 

 Use the code SSW75 at checkout FREE until 7/31/19

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/36292?ref=JuneA

Reduced Price: 

How To Talk With Spirits: 

Séances • Mediums • Ghost Hunts

 

5 reviews rated 5.00/5  

"I have found this book to be especially helpful after a dear friend passed unexpectedly. Desperately searching for answers of what his spirit was going through, this book helped answer so many questions." 

Use the code SSW50  at checkout NOW ONLY $1.27 to 7/31/19

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The Skye in June - Novel 

 

22 reviews rated 4.91/5 

"The Skye in June" is one of those books that will capture your heart and your mind. - Kristi (Books N Beans)  reviewed on on July 3, 2011

Use the code SSW50  at checkout  NOW ONLY  $1.38  USD until 7/31/19

 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/36285?ref=JuneA

City of Redemption - Novel 

 Reduced price $1.27 until 7/31/19

2 reviews rated  5.00/5 

"City of Redemption was an interesting trip back in time... the history of the Black Panther movement and in history in San Francisco. The characters were interesting and the plot kept me interested and intrigued. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in a few days. Great read!" 

Use the code SSW50  at checkout NOW ONLY $1.27 7/31/19

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/160158?ref=JuneA

Many more reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com plus at June Ahern's website.