DonnaFayeWrites

Mom/Air Force Vet/Author/Journalist

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Stella endured a terrible marriage and even worse mother. But she’s stronger now. Her time in the Air Force has taught her strength, courage, fortitude, and her true worth. Despite all this, her demons refuse to let go, unlike the contents of her tummy at the most unfortunate time. But Gabe’s love is steady and sure – even through physical altercations with her mother and sleazy ex. Gabe survived having been blown up and the subsequent, unending surgeries only to have his world turned upside down by a spitfire woman who loves him through nightmares, a blizzard, meeting each other’s family, and panic attacks. Too bad just the thought of putting a ring on it would send her running scared. #read #book 3 of the #takingflight series, #arrival by Donna Faye today at your favorite digital book seller! **Note this is not a stand-alone story. You'll want to start with Taking Flight: Departure, which is available for free pretty much everywhere you can buy digital books. #girlpower #military #woundedwarrior #romanticcomedy #airforce #marines #army #navy #coastguard #militaryhumor #chicksinboots #strongwoman #militarymen #sere #militarylife #militaryromance

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Free Book - Taking Flight: Departure

Stella di Imbrogliado has always made the most of bad situations – but when her life takes a major detour and her loved-ones betray her, she reroutes her journey altogether. With nothing left to lose, she departs her old life by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.

In this bizarre new world where orders are shouted, showers are a social event, and sweat is the ultimate beauty aid, she taps her unimagined strength and begins to see that her worst day may have been the biggest blessing of her life.

Read Taking Flight: Departure, available for free.

(Still trying to get Amazon to lower the price https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B076V92MDP/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509122708&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=taking+flight+departure )

https://www.books2read.com/u/mgr1O7

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Chapter 16: CND

#lastchapter "Operation Dam Trip is a go." Read #chapter 16 CND. https://wordpress.com/post/donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/620

#freebook #takingflight #Departure #military #airforce #army #marinecorps #navy #coastguard #chicklit #girlpower #chicksinboots #amwriting #holyshit #dundundun #clifhanger

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Chapter 15: Challenge Coin

Stella’s most distinguished compliment since earning her marksman ribbon had come the week prior when the wing commander stopped her in the hallway after his weekly wing staff agency meeting. He called her over to comment on her work, and there, in front of nearly all the unit commanders, he coined her.

She’d heard about being coined from Audrey, and admired her friend’s cool collection of enameled unit coins. But that hadn’t prepared Stella for the pride that swelled in her heart upon receiving the general’s impromptu award for a job well done.

She’d floated through the rest of her day afterward. Even Liz’s toxic glare hadn’t tarnished her mood.  Blue falcon? More like green … with envy!

Read Chapter 15: Challenge Coin here:

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/chapter-15-challenge-coin/

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Chapter 14: ASVAB Waiver

"An insult insinuating that someone is slow or stupid. The phrase refers to the military entrance exam, and alleges that their results were waived to allow their enlistment despite questionable intellect." Read Chapter 14: ASVB Waiver here:

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/chapter-14-asvab-waiver/

#dammitcarl #ASVAB #freebook #takingflight #Departure #airforce #army #Marines #navy #coastguard #chicksinBoots #girlpower #stress #chicklit #militarylife #ohshit #veteran

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Chapter 13: Chair Force

"A derogatory term for the Air Force, often given by members of other #military branches. This is in reference to the perception that many Air Force personnel spend their time “flying a desk,” i.e. doing office work of various sorts." Read #Chapter13 Chair Force here:

https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/134583397/posts/564

#inyourface #brrtt #freebook #takingflight #Departure #airforce #army #marinecorps #Marines #navy #coastguard #chicklit #girlpower #chicksinboots #amwriting

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Chapter 12: FPCON CHARLIE

As they strolled back to the car laughing and enjoying their last moments together, Stella turned the corner onto Main Street and froze.

Standing just a couple feet away with her face twisted into a mirthful smirk was Calista. Stella’s blood ran cold. God willing, she’d never have to lay eyes on that deceitful witch again.

“Hello, Stella,” Calista taunted.

How dare that woman speak to her? She had a lot of nerve!

Stella took a deep breath and looked through the woman but said nothing as she started walking again. Calista was a shallow and insecure woman who could never handle being ignored, which was why she probably stalked Stella to confront her.

“Oh, so you’re just going to ignore your own mother now? I’ve been trying to reach you for months,” Calista shouted at her back.

Stella was a private woman and downtown Wheaton was rather conservative and quiet, so this overt display garnered a considerable amount of uncomfortable attention from other pedestrians. Stella held no doubt that had factored into Calista’s plan. She played the wounded party far too well.

Annoyance snapped her resolve to ignore the woman. Stella turned on her heels and stormed over to her. Venom dripped from her words, “You’ve got some nerve, Calista.”

At the shock that flashed across the other woman’s face, supreme enjoyment hummed through Stella. She’d never called her mother by her given name to her face.

“The only mother I have is standing over there.” She pointed at Nina. “You are no longer my mother, you good-for-nothing whore.”

The color drained from Calista’s face as she flinched from the words. “I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of this. Fabian told me about all the money you’re getting from him,” she countered.

Stella pinned her with a look of disgust. “You slept with my husband, and you don’t know why I’m making a big deal out of it?” Stella roared. She didn’t care who watched at that point. “Get this through your thick skull: You. Are. Dead. To. Me. Do not call me. Don’t write. If you see me, don’t acknowledge my existence. I hope he was worth it to you because you and I are through.” Stella held her head high as she did an about face and marched back back to her real family.

Read the rest of Chapter 12 FPCON CHARLIE here : https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/chapter-12-fpcon-charlie/

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Chapter 11: AFSC

Soon it was time to break the seal, so Stella excused herself to the ladies room. She tended to her business, washed her hands, and headed out the door. As she turned the corner, a large man stepped into her path. “Hey beautiful, how about you dance with me,” -Warren or Warry, something like that- said to Stella. She’d met him once or twice, but they’d never had a real conversation. He leaned in far too close for her liking.

Suddenly extremely alert, Stella’s fight-or-flight instinct kicked in.

The man’s body language screamed danger. Then he leaned forward and attempted to cage her against the wall. “Aww sweetie I don’t bite…much,” he winked at her and pressed in further to block her attempts to get back to her group.

He forced her closer still, and let his hands slip down to her rear where he gave a rough squeeze. He used this grip to pull her against his arousal.

Gross.

She put her hands on his shoulders and shoved, but he was much stronger and didn’t budge. “Get your hands off me,” she growled. “Sweetheart you’ve been asking for this all night with your flirty little smiles.” Stella ducked under his arm, but he immediately countered by grabbing a handful of her hair.

He slammed her back against the corner behind her. Dazed, Stella groaned and blinked away the involuntary tears that sprang up from the pain as he held her upright by her hair. “You think you’re so hot coming in here every week. Stupid little cocktease,” his breath was hot and foul in her face.

She shook her head no, unable to move much, and watched his every move, waiting for her opportunity. Remember, your hands are free, hit him where it hurts!

Finally, he released her hair and grabbed for her throat, but Stella struck fast with an open palm to his nose, followed quickly by a knee to his groin. He grunted and was momentarily distracted. She broke his grasp on her throat, and bolted away. She darted for the crowd and yelled for help.

The #Marines charged, with Jones and Moore leading a swarm of angry Marines and a few #soldiers.... Read the rest of #Chapter11 AFSC here: https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/chapter-11-afsc/

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Chapter 10: Airman's Creed

"The following day Stella participated in the Graduation Parade, where the trainees reaffirmed their Oath of Enlistment on the parade grounds. The size of the grounds and the huge variety of aircraft on exhibit surrounding the field instilled awe – it was unfathomable that she was part of something so enormous and important.

Blood pounded in her ears, almost as loudly as the percussion of the marching feet surrounding her, and the bass drum of the band playing at the end of the field. And that was all she could hear in the vast space, other than the brief bellows of her TI as he directed them.

The number of attendees was staggering – both graduates on field, and their families who watched from the stands. After the pomp and circumstance of flights marching to present themselves to the leadership, they repeated after their TI, one final time. Stella’s heart pounded in her chest and tears stabbed at her eyes as she raised her right arm and affirmed her Oath of Enlistment.

“I, Stella di Imbrogliado, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Holy crap! She did it! She was finally an airman!"

#Read #chapter10 Airman's #creed #TakingFlight #Departure my #freebook here: https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/14/chapter-10-airmans-creed/

#military #airforce #army #marinecorps #navy #coastguard #femaleveteran #basictraining #chicksinboots #girlpower #graduation #whatnow #proud #oathofenlistment

[donnafayewrites-blog]

Cheers to the U.S Navy on their 242nd Birthday!

[donnafayewrites-blog]

Chapter 9: Asses and Elbows

New Chapter Alert!

"Stella and Elaina nervously checked and rechecked their MOPP gear. As wingmen, they looked out for each other, making sure everything was in place on their Mission Oriented Protective Posture, aka chemical warfare suits. It was some seriously intimidating stuff, particularly the gas mask, which she was about to put to good use.

The suit itself was heavy rubberized fabric that felt more like a walking sauna, especially in the Texas heat. Adding insult to injury, the bulky rubber gloves made the task of donning her mask nothing short of awkward, but she needed to master this now so her body could do it later, without thought in an emergency situation.

Her nerves buzzed with anxiety and anticipation of the impending task. It didn’t help that they could hear the current group’s gasps, coughs, and occasional yells as they stood there waiting to voluntarily gas themselves.

With a nod from the instructor, it was her group’s turn to step into the gas chamber. She said a silent prayer and crossed herself before she stepped into the smoke shack...."

Read Chapter 9 here:

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/12/chapter-9-asses-and-elbows/

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Chapter 8: Customs and Courtesies

“Oh my…” Stella muttered, as Elaina grunted a few choice words beside her.

It was beyond comprehension. As if a tornado had struck their dorm, the entire room was utterly devastated and upended. There were mattresses, blankets and sheets, as well as the bedframes, thrown about everywhere! And the emergency exit door was open at the other end of the bay. Stella gingerly made her way through the debris and glanced out the door only to find the devastation hadn’t been contained. Mattresses and pillows had been thrown out the open door, and nearby there were would-be piles of their running shoes strewn about as if the TIs had been playing games using shoes rather than ski-balls. And there were wall lockers upended and tipped across some of the bed pileups.

The girls stood with shocked expressions, spinning in circles as if daring their brains to believe their eyes, unsure they’d entered the right dorm, much less why this had happened or how they’d ever set it right. A few began to sob violently.

Stella looked to Elaina and they rolled their eyes....

New #chapter alert! #read #Chapter8 #customs and #courtesies https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/134583397/posts/471

#military101 #veteran #femaleveteran #airforce #basictraining #chicksinboots #girlpower #takingflight #Departure #chicklit #freebook #amwriting #ohshit

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Chapter 7: GI Party

With all hands on deck, the flight deep cleaned the bays. This was slightly more relaxed than most days in training, as they could talk and even sing while they worked. However, the greatest source of entertainment entered with the floor buffer.

“Just hold it steady!” someone shouted as Stella found herself being flung in circles by the evil scrubber as it spiraled out of control. “I’m trying,” Stella harrumphed as Elaina grabbed the bar, too, in an attempt to bring the thing under control. “I need some leverage.” Somebody else yelled for her to turn it off. After much trial and error, they managed to shine the floors by taking turns with one person riding on top of the machine’s body while two or three others operated the handle.

But that soon deteriorated into games when they took bets on who could stay on the longest in their buffer rodeo. As with most fun things, it all ended gloriously with the machine bucking one of the tiny chicks into the wall locker, then the squawk box sounded as the attending TI howled at them to shut up.

As she stretched and massaged her achy arms and shoulders later that night – the afternoon’s and days of PT had her body screaming at her – Stella snickered at herself. She was sore everywhere. But it was the kind of pain that brought pride – she’d earned those aches and that was the best kind of hurt."

https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/134583397/posts/455

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Chapter 6: Detail

“Hey! Hey, you! You…with the brown hair and the big mouth!” The girl looked at her, surprise evident on her face as Stella snapped her fingers at her. “Yeah, you…shut your ignorant trap! That man runs circles around all of us out here, and we have both feet. You don’t get to question his ability to wear a uniform or serve our country. Don’t you dare!”

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/06/chapter-6-detail/

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Chapter 5: SNAFU

"Stella tried to become as small as humanly possible so as to not accidentally bump into any other naked women. They all stood, jam-packed as if riding on a Tokyo subway, while more and more women joined them in a steaming tiled room that measured about eight feet square. The area contained three shower heads on opposite walls. No doubt, if an award existed for most uncomfortable and awkward shower, this would take the cake."

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/04/chapter-5-snafu/

[donnafayewrites-blog]

Chapter Four: Meat Gazer is now available!

The MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) experience is bizarre, like a trip down the rabbit hole, except there's a lot more swearing. "They herded them from station to station, including an uncomfortable physical examination that rounded out her top five list of most humiliating experiences...." https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/chapter-4-meat-gazer/ If you're new to this adventure, I'm sharing Departure, the first book in my Taking Flight Series, free, posting chapters every other day.

You join Stella at the beginning of her journey here: https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/departure/

[donnafayewrites-blog]

Chapter 3: BFO - Blinding Flash of the Obvious She imagined the shower washing the pollution and stink from her old life down the drain. Sure she was sad and her heart hurt, but it was time to stop moping and figure out what to do next... https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/chapter-3-bfo/ If you're just tuning in, you can find the beginning here:

https://donnafayewrites.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/departure/