tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55822492670599330672024-02-02T01:48:13.507-05:00Shirley Is Not My Name!Traveler. Writer. Day Dreamer. Bibliophile. Encourager. Overcomer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-73750985018805418602018-10-03T21:21:00.001-04:002018-10-05T13:56:56.763-04:00Oh the Reasons to Love Christmas Cruises!<div>
<h1 class="ace-copy-paste-skip-this-tag">
</h1>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dpsvCzyn4-r7aA-ruZ_wwsXg8z34wxs66EPEVmSA7fsm9IBS60VbWFyJc3n_hyrWsYUhU6ZWJUpoVtMYI_MZWb19PzCU5Qqs7XlLIvK0iCSI7hQf7qFFu5t07mTf293bYX-DA7kMw0U/s1600/unspecified.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dpsvCzyn4-r7aA-ruZ_wwsXg8z34wxs66EPEVmSA7fsm9IBS60VbWFyJc3n_hyrWsYUhU6ZWJUpoVtMYI_MZWb19PzCU5Qqs7XlLIvK0iCSI7hQf7qFFu5t07mTf293bYX-DA7kMw0U/s320/unspecified.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A Christmas cruise can be a wonderful experience for you and your family! Especially if you’ve grown weary of snow-laden Christmases! Trade in snow boots for flip flops as you cruise destinations such as Mexico, The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Enjoy twinkling stars, sparkling lights, beautiful holiday decorations and all the festivities of the season. Christmas cruises are packed with lots to do onboard and at the incredible ports of call.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Family Time</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When families typically get together for the holidays, it always involves work. Cooking, cleaning, decorating, driving out-of-town family around. But when you’re on a cruise, you actually get to enjoy each other’s company.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Sunshine</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you ask most people if they’d rather shovel snow or go snorkeling, we’re betting most would opt to go snorkeling! While your neighbors may be buried under a foot of snow, you can soak up the sun poolside or enjoy a tropical cocktail underneath a palm tree.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Onboard Entertainment</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We think holiday entertainment at sea is the best! Watching all your favorite Christmas movies, enjoying Holiday Shows put on by talented dancers and singers. It really does make for great family memories!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Christmas Shopping</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you didn’t get all of your Christmas shopping before your cruise, no worries! Grab a few bottles of Tequila in Cozumel and bags of coffee from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica for the coffee lovers on your list. The gift ideas are limitless as you visit various ports of call!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Christmas Traditions</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You don’t have to miss timeless Christmas traditions while at sea. Non-denominational services are usually offered and you can even sing carols around the tree before Christmas Dinner is served.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Decorations</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the holiday with all your cruise ship is sure to offer. Beautiful wreaths, trees—large and small, will make your holiday festive and bright! And the best thing is you don’t have to take any of it down after the holidays!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Memories</b></div>
<div>
We’re pretty certain that your Christmas cruise will be one of your family favorites for years to come. Children and grandchildren will remember the time they built sand castles on the beach on Christmas Eve.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Room Service</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What a Christmas gift! Christmas breakfast in bed! You can order the perfect cup of coffee or order in pizza while you watch your favorite Christmas movie in your stateroom. Room service is the ultimate Christmas gift for the mom who does it all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's time to book your Christmas Cruise with <a href="http://haventravelagency.com/" target="_blank">Haven Travel</a>. Call us at 833-243-0555. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your Haven Awaits</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-11655589641972451072014-08-18T15:22:00.000-04:002014-08-18T15:22:29.239-04:00The Year is Almost Gone Goal Review!!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Um....what happened?? I blinked and the entire year has almost slipped by. I had big plans for 2014. Big plans. Well, life had goals and plans of it's own!! (rolling eyes)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gG2uz_7r2Q_gzK25rXo6nfwzSufhxDoyK0J5qvOKxdq6Qqr1wcl9eE-BtPCqCHuETodbGd7OZKfMBmB4Fr6VhwUZfh7oB8Gm_7NAEOWbEymNQLtyqrM_S1kn359KcSqyqi9fo_ptC7s/s1600/0390b3bb724745fa6711ff8ec61c95a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gG2uz_7r2Q_gzK25rXo6nfwzSufhxDoyK0J5qvOKxdq6Qqr1wcl9eE-BtPCqCHuETodbGd7OZKfMBmB4Fr6VhwUZfh7oB8Gm_7NAEOWbEymNQLtyqrM_S1kn359KcSqyqi9fo_ptC7s/s1600/0390b3bb724745fa6711ff8ec61c95a3.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Flashback to January</b>: Life is going as planned. I am writing. Can you believe it?! Enjoying my time with family in the States. Since I'm here I may as well go visit the doctor. Smart move, but not a smart move!! "Honey," she says "I can't believe you are still walking. Do you realize you could have had a stroke or a heart attack?" Blank stare. Well of course I didn't realize that I was a walking time bomb!! "So, I need you to go see the surgery scheduler." Oh fun I think to myself. This is NOT how I envisioned my New Year! Did I mention both father-in-laws (the father and step father) were diagnosed with cancer, one having stage 3. Really?! (more eye rolling)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrcoFcb0GA2tOxHd7lErDDdiS1rG3d1F53CtMR3zfzpTD6AMqdO2Q46J7PvgSQbr7JgJHs5M_pEjlNkVIgy-hdhmDTQAyD_xlwhKzJjJ9AOw4u6jGim_cpLytsHl4u8NZsetb0i7eLrA/s1600/d8a1ceda17061baeee3b42b628ec5723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrcoFcb0GA2tOxHd7lErDDdiS1rG3d1F53CtMR3zfzpTD6AMqdO2Q46J7PvgSQbr7JgJHs5M_pEjlNkVIgy-hdhmDTQAyD_xlwhKzJjJ9AOw4u6jGim_cpLytsHl4u8NZsetb0i7eLrA/s1600/d8a1ceda17061baeee3b42b628ec5723.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Needless </b>to say I am way behind the eight ball on my writing goals. But the good thing is, I am an overcomer!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh7445pNDmOTfblKI7rS45lGczjDTxMwPCbTFalyr2cTlQuaSvDAQYoVzPQMkSaNCN9JZqSr9tszIE2zWYqYdhgNGRE_PAMA6fcKfZXenMkY9oQA2jj7woqU7eM2nxsTbdP71tgfCAsg/s1600/d78c954fdbb16af77fbd27e41627094c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh7445pNDmOTfblKI7rS45lGczjDTxMwPCbTFalyr2cTlQuaSvDAQYoVzPQMkSaNCN9JZqSr9tszIE2zWYqYdhgNGRE_PAMA6fcKfZXenMkY9oQA2jj7woqU7eM2nxsTbdP71tgfCAsg/s1600/d78c954fdbb16af77fbd27e41627094c.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The</b> first few months of 2014 were more than challenging. During this crazy time something wonderful happened. I found me! I was tucked deep inside a cocoon much like a caterpillar. The woman who has emerged is stronger, wiser, more focused and committed to making my dreams a reality. The caterpillar is now a beautiful butterfly! What a rebirth!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How about you? Have you experienced some challenges to your personal, spiritual or writing goals this year? Are you still a caterpillar or have you blossomed into a beautiful butterfly?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-39630100968953296672014-01-17T18:11:00.001-05:002014-01-17T18:11:12.158-05:00It's a New Year Y'all!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWchj98SpTWzCHKT_xjHTKyfoTKuJsCiKzQzL9nFsxfl_i-1WZBfP0PtZw-onfszy7GxCV9IIhYYpkhTt_BEGOGzbW0hZ4EyNOdFnSNIZsNWnPr69BoHaTmstxYQWzPkhFrpMevrjzQ1Q/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWchj98SpTWzCHKT_xjHTKyfoTKuJsCiKzQzL9nFsxfl_i-1WZBfP0PtZw-onfszy7GxCV9IIhYYpkhTt_BEGOGzbW0hZ4EyNOdFnSNIZsNWnPr69BoHaTmstxYQWzPkhFrpMevrjzQ1Q/s1600/2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's the 17th day of the New Year and I am finally posting my goals on the blog. It took a lot of thought, planning and praying. Let's face it, goals are important and I believe they (goals) should not be done just for the heck of it! <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB84BUsq_gJ-AedPFZ3jr-Kwmz1nsKiRC-uG465FBlFL9ajxic3TxnBoKl6qyquKkOMPBouhJk4ontFDYc-FPYrVZpE_G29AH7Sqm3qEa4Yx-mjBm6HBOx7P4XetyMGgmR_angTRvbHs/s1600/write+the+goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB84BUsq_gJ-AedPFZ3jr-Kwmz1nsKiRC-uG465FBlFL9ajxic3TxnBoKl6qyquKkOMPBouhJk4ontFDYc-FPYrVZpE_G29AH7Sqm3qEa4Yx-mjBm6HBOx7P4XetyMGgmR_angTRvbHs/s1600/write+the+goals.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think my goals need to reflect each aspect of my humanism: body, soul and spirit so I grabbed my handy-dandy notebook and labeled three pages in the following manner: "Physical Goals", "Spiritual Goals" and "Personal Goals." I then divided my personal goals into "Writing Goals" and "Other Personal Goals." These are my personal writing goals. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Writing Goals</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Write daily for 10 minutes three times a day</li>
<li>Write a story weekly</li>
<li>Write a poem weekly</li>
<li>Complete 1 - 4 books by December</li>
<li>Publish 1-4 books by December </li>
<li>Improve my blog</li>
<li>Host a blog-o-versary extravaganza </li>
</ul>
After I created the goals I made a second list outlining how I would accomplish the goals. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNZoPZaZTMFP9jRtA-tvmNYBFa4o43_0mlG5zSm4WVdFxI7G-qCUGxxfR58wcaMtjTxZoipId4dc-XZgV3OykyKK6Nj8IEUoyLHRyEOpfclxm_Qdko4DBST607VA4EbiCwdRJvXbG1g0/s1600/keep+calm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNZoPZaZTMFP9jRtA-tvmNYBFa4o43_0mlG5zSm4WVdFxI7G-qCUGxxfR58wcaMtjTxZoipId4dc-XZgV3OykyKK6Nj8IEUoyLHRyEOpfclxm_Qdko4DBST607VA4EbiCwdRJvXbG1g0/s1600/keep+calm.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are your writing goals for this year? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-37253042136299174072013-12-31T16:50:00.002-05:002015-07-24T07:59:31.969-04:00Top 5 Blog Posts of 2013 - Andrea Buginsky, The Chosen (#1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What would New Years Eve be without a countdown? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the tradition of every media that has ever done an ode to a countdown, I present to you the ShirleyIsNotMyName Top 5 Blog
Posts of 2013!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our countdown winds down with the number 1 post for 2013 by author/blogger, Andrea Buginsky. I hope her inspirational and soulful post on "The Chosen" will spark a revival in your heart, mind and soul as we close the chapter on another year. May her words help lead you toward a Wonderful 2014!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
Today's guest poster is
author and blogger, Andrea Buginsky. I am very excited to have her here
at the blog and helping me launch a new chapter in my little blog world.
So, without further hesitation let's go! Grab a cup of coffee and
enjoy!<br />
<div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fUuWuthy1IUVl3qgElJ8zUJG4VzdVUh4VRJZt-Mu2HNFgFW9F_gnznBSNmDUq9JWY1UHq1ij0R0VaqQrpDByY5fCrq6gCCmDuNGCZVWknCtj4laL4RF2eBGlepjhboWF2iGKVHIL8to/s1600/My+Headshot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fUuWuthy1IUVl3qgElJ8zUJG4VzdVUh4VRJZt-Mu2HNFgFW9F_gnznBSNmDUq9JWY1UHq1ij0R0VaqQrpDByY5fCrq6gCCmDuNGCZVWknCtj4laL4RF2eBGlepjhboWF2iGKVHIL8to/s200/My+Headshot.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
The Chosen</h2>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever felt a calling? Like you were meant to be
“something?” I’ve had this twitch in my belly for years now telling me I’m mean
to do “something,” but I could never figure out what it was.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For years, I thought it was to work with children who had
heart disease. I grew up with a heart condition, and I used to dream that when
I was older, I would work with kids who were going through the same situations
as I did, and be someone who can say to them, “I know what you’re going
through. I survived this, and so will you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, alas, life had other plans for me. I tried to make it
in the world of pediatric cardiology as an ultrasound tech, but couldn’t pass
the math and science classes I needed in college to save my life. So, it was
back to the drawing board. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What do I want to be when I grow up?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My sister had the answer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You love to write, why don’t you do that?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thousand-watt light bulb! Of course! I could go to school
for journalism! I was already taking writing courses in my first two years of
college, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved</i> those classes. So
I talked about it with my English teacher, and she thought it was a great
choice for me. She even sponsored me in an independent study course called
“Introduction to Mass Communications,” which introduced me to the journalism
world and the many aspects of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through the course, I was able to see that my heart
definitely lied with magazine feature writing. That’s the course of study I
followed when I transferred from St. Petersburg Jr. College to the University
of S. Florida.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved the program and my teachers. I learned all about
becoming a journalist, writing and editing stories, and even freelancing.
Because of my heart condition, I knew freelancing would be my best option. I
joined the Society of Professional Journalists, and learned even more about my
career field. I even had the opportunity to meet several professional
journalists in all of the fields. One of them was a great freelance journalist.
She became my inspiration.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I graduated, I slowly started my freelance writing
career. I found some websites that offered writing opportunities to freelance
writers via the Internet and started writing for them. Over the last few years,
these websites have been growing, and so has my career.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along the way, I also decided I wanted to write a book. I
tried several different genres, and finally found that I was chosen to write
fantasy for young adults and middle-grade readers. My first book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Chosen</i>, was born, and I was a
published author. It was a dream come true, and finally showed me what I had
been chosen for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the next time you start wondering what you’ve been chosen
for, simply let life take you on your path, and you will soon discover your
answer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHRrA7hF0VpmaWiu2j-lWXV-8BMMUxh7oxr1oxyb1oQhuz6WMUvlF8rBskaI7tT_bjVR6G47Na-B7WiN825lBVvojf0KVNWknUxOveiHux1IW-k0sAqf8RVbikJBJLMvPMxASD3OJvJ8/s1600/The+Chosen+Cover+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHRrA7hF0VpmaWiu2j-lWXV-8BMMUxh7oxr1oxyb1oQhuz6WMUvlF8rBskaI7tT_bjVR6G47Na-B7WiN825lBVvojf0KVNWknUxOveiHux1IW-k0sAqf8RVbikJBJLMvPMxASD3OJvJ8/s200/The+Chosen+Cover+2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. “The Chosen” was
her first book, and was followed by “My Open Heart,” an autobiography about
growing up with heart disease. “Nature’s Unbalance” is the second story in THE
CHOSEN series. Andrea plans to write more in the series. She’s already done
with the first draft of book 3 and has a concept for book 4. You can find
Andrea on her website, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://andisrealm.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Andi’s Realm</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Her
books are available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Buginsky/e/B005C4NJJS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1341675227&sr=8-1"><span style="color: blue;">Amazon</span></a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/andrea-buginsky?keyword=andrea+buginsky&store=allproducts"><span style="color: blue;">Barnes & Noble</span></a>. Remember to sign up for
Andrea’s <a href="http://eepurl.com/p8jEj"><span style="color: blue;">newsletter</span></a> to
stay up-to-date on all of her exciting events.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-6137006859476818622013-12-31T16:37:00.000-05:002013-12-31T16:37:09.608-05:00Top 5 Blog Post - MJ Kane, Stay-at-home-mom and Amazon Bestseller (#2)<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What would New Years Eve be without a countdown? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the tradition of every media that will show a countdown of some sort on
television tonight, I present to you the ShirleyIsNotMyName Top 5 Blog
Posts of 2013!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This young lady is one of my favorite authors. Although she would not reveal the name behind the "MJ", Ms. Kane did offer some great advice for all writers. I hope her wisdom will help you reach your writing and life goals as you strive to have a Wonderful
2014!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>From Stay at Home Mom to Amazon Bestseller! </b></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Yes</b>, you read that right; I am a stay at home mom who has
managed to make the time in-between cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, field
trips, and homework into a means of profitable employment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, I have created my own job. I am the owner, and author
of M.J. Kane Books. I am signed with an Indie Publisher, 5 Prince Publishing,
and I have a business manager, (my cousin) and a marketing and promotions
manager (my husband).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCCYhMKezyoXHS_hwo8BaImli4pTsEZJ9DhTOnL3HdElomwVjIKWcuVs_G03lQs7oPOYvCGnRyOLfpOIB47VjxlyGX0cY3A58_h_qKpBpT0bCZjxwT1zo97zqrUGVl18bWukrMTy3nwA/s1600/MJ+Kane+pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCCYhMKezyoXHS_hwo8BaImli4pTsEZJ9DhTOnL3HdElomwVjIKWcuVs_G03lQs7oPOYvCGnRyOLfpOIB47VjxlyGX0cY3A58_h_qKpBpT0bCZjxwT1zo97zqrUGVl18bWukrMTy3nwA/s200/MJ+Kane+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Did </b>I mention I am
also the mother of four beautiful children and caregiver to five dogs?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep, I am a busy woman, and honestly some day’s things flow
like butter and I am on top of my game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Others, I’m flying by the seat of my pants!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But</b> the question a lot of mom’s want to know is, ‘How did
you get there?’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me give you the short version:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have held jobs working as a Dispatcher, in Customer
Service, and as Ten-Key Operator for companies such as UPS, Safelight Auto
Glass, Bank South, and Mellon Financial. I have been an Assistant Supervisor,
as well as in charge of the shipping and managing of goods from ten warehouses
in five states while managing over fifty drivers. I have also managed the back
office for several of our family owned businesses, so my Stay at Home title has
not always meant that I wasn’t busy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Several</b> years ago, I survived a series of strokes that left
me partially paralyzed for several days and in ICU for two weeks. Since then, I
have been able to make a miraculous recovery, but I can no longer handle the stress
of the jobs held in my ‘pre-stroke’ days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>After</b> several years of nothing to do with my time besides manage my
household, read, and play video games (The Sims addict!), my husband suggested
I try writing. I thought he was crazy because I never considered myself a
writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried keeping a diary, but it
got old fast because I didn’t have much to write about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ6-2VF671oWbM4fCdujeRySxsX5jNDNIB0N_BrMvnusJDwbWFGc_K1YbMBT3bvgSHilQ7B9lnjVJxVdUawXI4LqTkKG0DYkaFqQ4I2j2dUM3myplQ4LV94eWuSfu4vFnJELEOXoacEY/s1600/AHNEB+FINAL+COVER.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ6-2VF671oWbM4fCdujeRySxsX5jNDNIB0N_BrMvnusJDwbWFGc_K1YbMBT3bvgSHilQ7B9lnjVJxVdUawXI4LqTkKG0DYkaFqQ4I2j2dUM3myplQ4LV94eWuSfu4vFnJELEOXoacEY/s1600/AHNEB+FINAL+COVER.jpg" /></a><b>He</b> reminded me of a short FanFic I’d written
for the show LOST (pre-stroke).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled
it out, dusted it off and decided to add to it. An hour later, I realized I no
longer wanted to tell the story of a side character based on a TV show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there, Ebony Campbell, the heroine in
my novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Heart Not Easily Broken</i>,
grew. And man, did we have some growing pains! Several name changes, age progression,
and evolution of the plot….and that’s just to name a few. Four years later, her
story was published by 5 Prince Publishing and became an immediate Amazon
Bestseller.<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span>Notice</b>, it took <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FOUR
YEARS </b>to get here, not overnight.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Four</b> years of daydreaming, reading books on writing,
practicing, giving up, trying again, and taking a writer’s workshop. All of this
was done between shuttling my oldest son who had the opportunity of a life time
to play in the Youth Orchestra for the Alliance Theater during their
reproduction of the Broadway musical, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into
the Woods</i>, for three months (three days a week from school to the theater
twenty miles away).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote while waiting
backstage while the play took place,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>while sitting in the laundry mat, waiting for after school pickup from
orchestra rehearsals in the school parking lot, while cooking, at the park, in
the middle of the night, and yep, even in the bathroom. I pulled out my voice
recorder and took memos of scenes while in the car on the way to the grocery
store, to pay bills, in-between stops to drop off and pick up my family. I
never used the excuse that I didn’t have time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I made time</i>. A few minutes here and there add up. The more
dedication I put into making time for writing, the more my family began to
support me because they saw it was something I was taking seriously.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Having</b>
their support meant more help with household chores, cooking, and cleaning
(they already had their responsibilities, but now they began to volunteer
without me having to ask). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But most importantly, writing, even before I became a
published author, helped me find myself again. I have been married for nineteen-years
to my high school sweetheart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our oldest
son graduates high school this year, one daughter will become a junior next
year, and my youngest daughter will be joining her other brother in middle
school next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all of my kids at
the age where mom isn’t needed all the time because they can cook and clean
(yes, we started them early!) That means more free time to do the things
that define me.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wife</b>. Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazon
Bestselling Author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All before the age
of 40….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I can do it, so can you! Follow my writing journey by
visiting my blog: <a href="http://authormjkanebooks.wordpress.com/">AuthorMJKaneBooks</a>.
If you’re interested in writing tips, check out <a href="http://authormjkanebooks.wordpress.com/m-j-on-writing-helpful-advice-for-aspiring-authors/">M.J.
on Writing- Helpful Advice for Aspiring Authors</a>. Want to know more about
the <a href="http://authormjkanebooks.wordpress.com/the-butterfly-memoirs-series/">Amazon
Bestselling novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, and The Butterfly Memoirs</a>?
Stop by and check it out!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I</b> wish you much success in finding a way to find yourself as
you ‘stay at home!’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
MJ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/mjbutterflybooks">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MJKaneBooks">Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535811.M_J_Kane">Goodreads</a> <a href="http://authormjkanebooks.wordpress.com/">AuthorM.J. Kane Blog and Website</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/111337870949730559736/posts">Google+</a> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=158838578&trk=tab_pro">Linkedin</a> </span></div>
<u>
</u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphA_zpglUebejyiY_i53_2j9AZPPvsg2oJENgxEufUB8hWCUULsp5GskbrGH7v12WVHoUYxiDL-A5qoepQLTpjqnoFhGBx3c47eTI89z813rCMVz2AayhgdEovXfnVhtnk9Yo2Ylbp9g/s1600/Jaded-3.Final.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphA_zpglUebejyiY_i53_2j9AZPPvsg2oJENgxEufUB8hWCUULsp5GskbrGH7v12WVHoUYxiDL-A5qoepQLTpjqnoFhGBx3c47eTI89z813rCMVz2AayhgdEovXfnVhtnk9Yo2Ylbp9g/s320/Jaded-3.Final.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A devastating breakup
leaves Yasmine Phillips in shambles. Unable to trust another man with her
heart, she focuses on the one thing she can control—starting her own
business. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When her computer
crashes, taking months of hard work with it, she must rely on computer genius
Zachariah Givens to save her. A complete opposite of men from her past, she
doesn't expect the passion that ensues. But just as she finds happiness, she
learns the truth about the other women in Zachariah's life. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-40615382180932963602013-12-31T16:26:00.001-05:002013-12-31T16:26:32.205-05:00Top 5 Blog Post - Kathy Lapeyre, Chester's Tales (#3)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What would New Years Eve be without a countdown? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the tradition of every media that has ever done an ode to a countdown, I present to you the ShirleyIsNotMyName Top 5 Blog
Posts of 2013!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coming
in at #3 on the countdown is author/editor, Kathy Lapeyre's sweet story of being rescued by Chester, the rescue dog! Maybe you're Wonderful 2014 starts with an animal rescue.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Chester's Tales</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQKKDZC-GAvQzI48YwoSnqPcVqV8x8n4NLprHSv1jrs_YyVEcA8r9nEn1ndcGZ3J4uNqbdwaO8iwtluV8cxc2gyTejwFkIpNRQB3Oa1c2br0WyQLZbZhHiddE-eoNluNBJJ813KXm09M/s1600/Kathy+2-4-12+003b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQKKDZC-GAvQzI48YwoSnqPcVqV8x8n4NLprHSv1jrs_YyVEcA8r9nEn1ndcGZ3J4uNqbdwaO8iwtluV8cxc2gyTejwFkIpNRQB3Oa1c2br0WyQLZbZhHiddE-eoNluNBJJ813KXm09M/s1600/Kathy+2-4-12+003b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m Kathy Lapeyre, also known as “levarti2” on Twitter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a child my ambition was to teach English and write short
stories and although I didn’t do either of those things, I did work for over 25
years in the printing and publishing business. <br />
My career started out at small
weekly newspaper where I learned to do everything except run the presses. From
there my husband and I and our toddler moved to a metropolitan area where I
served a two-year apprenticeship in printing. Over the years I worked for several
publishers in a variety of capacities, including staff and features writer for
four magazines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been almost 15 years since any of my work was published,
but I never stopped writing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I retired and although we’ve always talked
about getting a Golden Retriever dog, we hadn’t had any pets since our children
were living at home. They each have families and/or pets of their own now but
Glenn and I were traveling and our lives seemed too busy to share with another
being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, by chance, I spotted a cardboard sign by the
grocery store “Golden Retriever puppies for sale”. I called the phone number
listed and eventually ended up with a weaned female puppy. We named her Casey
and she was to be my pet. I would take her for walks, train her to be an obedient
and constant companion. Casey: my jogging buddy and friend to cuddle while I
read a book or watched a movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day after I brought Casey home, tragedy struck. Glenn
fell from a ladder in the garage and was hit, broadside, by a stack of 2x4s
from top shelf. He broke his sternum in three places and was laid up for almost
nine months. Casey, not knowing any better, assumed her purpose in life was to
protect and care for Glenn. They are side-by-side companions and have been
every day since the accident. She whines mercilessly if he leaves her view for
more than a few minutes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although Casey is my dog too, there’s no comparison to the
attachment she has with Glenn. I was ready for my own dog. We made a conscious
decision to adopt a rescue dog and began researching various agencies and
volunteer organizations. There are so many animals out there in need of good
homes and we could provide that safe haven for the right dog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-lCtttmNeopr275gPIepfvtjLmToSeKXGN0M7h3pbdWOwB7Mp-wtE_SJc7AZIJFhA1icq9DFiyQJnktOO6-ihWlZSuvCuNOZnsd8UV3P4plZqjX98v0N4zhlAUJtmUC1Ht7kMpbeS3Y/s1600/chester.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-lCtttmNeopr275gPIepfvtjLmToSeKXGN0M7h3pbdWOwB7Mp-wtE_SJc7AZIJFhA1icq9DFiyQJnktOO6-ihWlZSuvCuNOZnsd8UV3P4plZqjX98v0N4zhlAUJtmUC1Ht7kMpbeS3Y/s1600/chester.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then we found Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His short biography on the web page was heart-wrenching. He
had been a puppy mill dog, kept in confined quarters with other dogs and was
alive for the express purpose to father puppies for sale. He was a cash machine
for people who starved and abused him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he found us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve had Chester for six months and he continues to have
typical fearful dog issues. He’s the most gentle soul I’ve ever encountered,
but his rehabilitation will continue to be long and frustrating — for him and for
us. He doesn’t wag his tail … he doesn’t play ball or tug-of-war … he won’t
tell anyone he needs to go outside. Chester’s life revolves around a series of
fears, everything from a printer starting the first page to a knock at the
door. Every normal sight and sound are potential dangers to Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully
we found the right dog, and vice versa, because we now have the time
and patience to help him become the best dog he can be.
There’s no rush. We encourage Chester as it seems appropriate. Other
times we
simply let him do his thing. Our level of involvement in Chester’s daily
rehabilitation depends on how traumatic his day has been, because every
day is
fraught with trauma of some type for Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I never expected was that Chester would rescue me as
well. Like most people, I thought we were doing a good and noble thing by
adopting a pet who needed a respite from the evil and neglect he’d experienced.
In the process I’d hoped Chester would evolve into the pet I “wanted”. Yes,
we’d provided all of his needs, but Chester has become the first pet I ever
“needed”. He’s taught me things about myself I never knew. I have more patience
than I ever believed. I’ve always had compassion, but the love I feel for this
7-year-old dog is unlike any other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVgPnTjPNwOSK3glHKwJYc9ne9M1CP477wPFi7mTaTjUt5TI4zPFOzlAVlyIBEd7k3v1PlGgz_8ibtY7MjRKiD_lG59oPuSK1-dY91oRQYo-TKCYnrruz1FZrJVsULtc5j0oazg-F7s0/s1600/in+bed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVgPnTjPNwOSK3glHKwJYc9ne9M1CP477wPFi7mTaTjUt5TI4zPFOzlAVlyIBEd7k3v1PlGgz_8ibtY7MjRKiD_lG59oPuSK1-dY91oRQYo-TKCYnrruz1FZrJVsULtc5j0oazg-F7s0/s1600/in+bed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chester is solely responsible for my return to writing. At
first he inspired Facebook posts. That became a blog and then my own domain,
followed by a website with weekly posts about Chester. He has a large daily following
from people all over the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, in addition to writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chester’s Tales, diary of a Golden Retriever rescue dog</i>, I’ve begun
a fiction novel that may end up being published before Chester’s story is
complete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can catch me any day, at any time on Facebook or
Twitter. Chester will be curled up at my feet or sitting beside me. He always
knows where to find me too … writing … it means he can nap undisturbed for long
periods of time … lying on my foot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUtbWTyCm7BUuzCcSD7uDPC6WEAO75XAOLUc2iSH3n7YipS13-JnCw3cGORB1iR8INz64_cnxJe4oRtZetBP9hkW9aWlZ07Da1lUnEG1Sa1i_6eDH8uCHR_nQlb207NKxP-oK5qsuBY/s1600/dog+treats.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUtbWTyCm7BUuzCcSD7uDPC6WEAO75XAOLUc2iSH3n7YipS13-JnCw3cGORB1iR8INz64_cnxJe4oRtZetBP9hkW9aWlZ07Da1lUnEG1Sa1i_6eDH8uCHR_nQlb207NKxP-oK5qsuBY/s1600/dog+treats.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kathy Lapeyre</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.kathylapeyre.com/">http://www.kathylapeyre.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KathyLapeyreAuthor?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/KathyLapeyreAuthor?ref=hl</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-18547970174377065082013-12-31T15:36:00.003-05:002013-12-31T15:36:50.223-05:00Top 5 Blog Posts of 2013 - G.E. Johnson, Shameless in the South (#4)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What would New Years Eve be without a countdown? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the tradition of every media that has ever done an ode to a countdown, I present to you the ShirleyIsNotMyName Top 5 Blog
Posts of 2013!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coming in at #4 on the countdown is author, G.E. Johson. My fellow Southerner gives her take on life in the south as she reviews best-selling author, Melissa Foster's "Have No Shame." </span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Shameless in the South</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjEpQ4M1lSpTm0MEEBXBgTtlAko9vRAQkpH6l6xYRyMOXF5QI_qlR3_ic2FWFKlxu506SMNjSYuNBuncaePyvee7keO_C5Z5mx-v51iESzlS2pRDGtUR5DjYIdcpoefAAb9f4HUFvLxE/s1600/authorge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjEpQ4M1lSpTm0MEEBXBgTtlAko9vRAQkpH6l6xYRyMOXF5QI_qlR3_ic2FWFKlxu506SMNjSYuNBuncaePyvee7keO_C5Z5mx-v51iESzlS2pRDGtUR5DjYIdcpoefAAb9f4HUFvLxE/s200/authorge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I
recently read and reviewed a novel titled “Have No Shame” by author
Melissa Foster. It’s a wonderful story of forbidden love set against the
background of 1960’s Arkansas and despite the progress made on paper,
southern society was still very much holding fast to racism, bigotry,
and outright segregation.<br />
I imagine that
everybody who reads this novel will be stirred by it emotionally.
Whether you feel anger, sorrow, or surprise, the storyline and vivid
imagery will evoke some feeling or passion, even if it is one that is as
forgotten within you as the Civil Rights era seems to be forgotten in
the minds of modern Americans.<br />
<br />
One thing that I hope
people do not experience when reading this novel is shame. I was born in
Indiana, but moved to Arkansas at a very young age and was raised
there, later moving to Tennessee for the high school years. I currently
live in Georgia so I very much consider myself a southerner. I was
raised in a culture that teaches that every meal should be followed by
dessert, that tea should always be sweetened, and that children taking
part in adult conversation are rude and out of place. I also grew up
right across the road from a place that served my mother ice cream as a
child out of their back door. I am not ashamed of those things and I am
not ashamed of the south.<br />
<br />
I was raised in a culture
where every adult had a right to correct you if you were caught doing
wrong. Paddles didn’t leave the principal’s office until I was in the
6th grade. I sat side by side with my white classmates and stressed over
exams and book reports. Then I went to college and saw a Confederate
flag up close for the first time. I learned what it is like to be
invisible, the minority in a crowd that places no value on who you are
or what you have to offer. I am not ashamed of those things, though, and
I am not ashamed of the south.<br />
<br />
If anything, what the
painful yet truthful themes of “Have No Shame” have done is show me just
how unashamed I am of my roots, my culture, and my southern heritage.
My history is blemished with hatred, but I share love every day. My
roots rattle with chains and are stained with blood, but I fly in
freedom every day. My heritage is one of separation, but today I share
my life with people from all over the world. I am a crusader for
diversity. I am a lover of all mankind. I am shameless in my pursuit for
equality among all men. I am a southerner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
Connect with GE Johnson through Social Media </h4>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gejohnson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Facebook Twitter Blog </a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfivzFbIB56FUOWb-oU7CwSlLdwtgXgEs_0fQOTqwPjZS7HEqfcVqF94tjTn7vrDh0-vuFRygwGql84oC6L0YyqZXgu3rHMkqBrqpaR0ItggD4TA7u50cU0rI3VC8dtqXToR6tRiYl0/s1600/love+and+wrath+confessions.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfivzFbIB56FUOWb-oU7CwSlLdwtgXgEs_0fQOTqwPjZS7HEqfcVqF94tjTn7vrDh0-vuFRygwGql84oC6L0YyqZXgu3rHMkqBrqpaR0ItggD4TA7u50cU0rI3VC8dtqXToR6tRiYl0/s200/love+and+wrath+confessions.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsZwDYx7Qmgwj0B8ZWnOJpQ3ylhyphenhyphenuj67OycLwxLjIczSwT_-nE64iUQDfFC4oqTp6rL49ZCAUfWYBLd9uf9Zma8X50HaOHwz_C8z2W_jXQhDxYSm7rewepa5zXjZ5FhEHHA12jdqGURU/s1600/love+and+wrath.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsZwDYx7Qmgwj0B8ZWnOJpQ3ylhyphenhyphenuj67OycLwxLjIczSwT_-nE64iUQDfFC4oqTp6rL49ZCAUfWYBLd9uf9Zma8X50HaOHwz_C8z2W_jXQhDxYSm7rewepa5zXjZ5FhEHHA12jdqGURU/s200/love+and+wrath.jpg" width="128" /></a>GE is the author of the "Love & Wrath" fiction series,
including her best selling debut novella and the best selling epilogue
to the series with complimentary audio. She was also previously
published as a contributing author to the non-fiction, inspirational
anthology "Super Singles Activate! Testimonies to Inspire and Uplift the
Single Woman". She is the content provider for the "L.O.V.E. -
Lyricism, Oration, Verse, Expression" blog featuring articles about
writing, publishing, and other great writers.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18.1875px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18.1875px;">
G.E.
is also a member of the World Literary Café, an online community that
brings together readers, authors, reviewers, bloggers, and other members
of the literary community in an effort to promote great literature. Her
interests include reading, photography, spiritual outreach, and helping
others to develop entrepreneurial ideas. G.E. is available to chat with
readers and welcomes comments and emails from her readers through her
website gejohnsonmedia dot com. She currently resides outside of
Atlanta, GA.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-69529961187741437202013-12-31T15:16:00.002-05:002013-12-31T15:16:40.893-05:00Top 5 Blog Posts of 2013 - Randi Fine, Leaving the Past Behind (#5)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What would New Years Eve be without a countdown? </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the tradition of every media that will show a countdown of some sort on television tonight, I present to you the ShirleyIsNotMyName Top 5 Blog Posts of 2013!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Starting out our Top 5 countdown at number 5 is Randi Fine. Life can be painful and often times cruel but Randi will stops by to give advice on the leaving the pain of the past behind and moving forward to a Wonderful 2014!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leaving the Past Behin<span style="font-size: medium;">d</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAyK1W-ZGt7ihDcNaJjwY_vlaQ7A3qFqDtSPVr0cM0oc2Lq4KT_QNr6MGHz3UHKXxyiHMp3hILMqJDNKs_gkGtyEmxixRPHnwHtoQ7sl3Xx49GW7zEb6VVxadoZYzx4NJxa76AzkjaT8/s1600/head+shot+copy+4+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAyK1W-ZGt7ihDcNaJjwY_vlaQ7A3qFqDtSPVr0cM0oc2Lq4KT_QNr6MGHz3UHKXxyiHMp3hILMqJDNKs_gkGtyEmxixRPHnwHtoQ7sl3Xx49GW7zEb6VVxadoZYzx4NJxa76AzkjaT8/s200/head+shot+copy+4+small.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The human experience is not an easy one. When we enter
this world we are given few guarantees about what awaits us on our journey. We
are promised times of joy and times of sorrow, times of thriving and times of
suffering, time of hope and times of despair. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pain is unavoidable. No one escapes life without
enduring their share of it. It may seem as if some have larger burdens than
others, but that is not true. It is one’s perception that determines the weight
of an experience. No two people have the same reality so no two people will
experience adversity the same way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many factors that contribute to our
interpretation of life’s challenges. Upbringing plays a significant role in
preparing us for the road that lies ahead. We navigate that road through the use
of coping skills, healthy or unhealthy, attained in our impressionable
years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Healthy coping skills are not innate; they are
learned behaviors. Some of us will have the advantage of proper parental
modeling, some of us will not. I did not. The skills I have today were realized
through much trial and error—mostly error. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our instincts take over where our inability to
cope leaves off. When emotional pain hurts too much to feel we instinctively react
as we do to physical pain—ignore it, medicate it, deny and compartmentalize it,
or bandage it. These makeshift survival skills allow us to move on to the next
thing without having to accept what is right before us. They help us build
walls of protection. The higher these walls go, the more shielded we are from the
pulse of life. Over time these walls imprison us along with all the pain we
have held on to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A great deal of energy is expended in suppressing
the pain we carry with us. It becomes a dam of feelings that pushes harder and
harder against the wall, trying to break free. We can only suppress it, mask
it, or numb it for so long before it starts seeping through the cracks in ways
we do not intend. We may have believed that we controlled the pain, but
eventually the pain begins to control us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The pain may turn to bitterness and then bitterness
provides a self-righteous rationale to take a victim stance, to justify holding
on to the hurt. If we do not believe we caused it then why should we be the one
to let it go? We walk around proudly wearing a badge that says, “I am hurt and
entitled to it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our pain becomes an integral part of our identity;
there comes a time when we do not know who we are without it. We find ourselves
stuck—trying to move forward while looking backwards. Every moment is impacted
by the pain of our past, and the future looks bleak. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is very hard to let the past go; there is a
sense of comfort in clinging to it, scary to imagine life without it. But clinging
to the past is self-sabotage. We must let it go. We must move past our fear and
discover the wonderful life that that we are entitled to—the one that is
waiting for us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The process of changing, letting our past go, may
be frightening and difficult even when we truly desire it. It requires
redefining our identity and changing our patterns. But that should never deter
us. Everyone can heal their past. All that is required is courage and
determination. Whether aware or unaware that we have it within us, we all
possess those inner-strengths. It is said that only the bravest souls choose to
incarnate into life. We are here because we are incredibly courageous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first steps to healing are acknowledging that
a problem exists and desiring change. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since it may take time to excavate through the
dense accumulation of emotions, it is best to chip away at them little by
little. It helps to have a professional guide us through this process, help us
to identify our self-defeating patterns, and help us accept our feelings as
they come up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feelings never before felt can be very
disconcerting. But feeling pain means feeling human. By allowing ourselves to
feel we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to manage other
adversity. We learn that when we face our pain with acceptance we will be led
through it and then out of it. That understanding stretches our comfort zones. The
ever-lengthening chain of positive outcomes teaches us to have hope and faith. We
desire more for ourselves then we ever felt worthy of before. We live with
intent and our confidence soars. We are prideful knowing that we hold the power
over pain—pain does not hold the power over us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What happened in the past is real, but the past is
meant to teach us. We are supposed to learn from the past, not live in it. Our
experiences, good and bad, will always be a part of our personal story, just as
history will always be part of the story of the world we live in. And our story
never ends; we continue to add chapters because our realities are constantly
changing. It is not possible to live in the past—the person we are today is not
the person we were ten or twenty years ago. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is full of countless blessings and infinite
possibilities. Every moment is a lesson in inspiration. We need only be
present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Randi G. Fine, Author, Radio Show Host<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEymH4Ni3bUoehTp6Ln9YMNknN-ryKeHnlTPxy9rWiUVS0ycohugMqQb02FPzeV82UO73ul5aQgX01G3wiXjM_ds4WJ8kvdS4P1JjwuK2ysh-h54KV-bUTSeolp2cQhhq7yxf_gUrLUA/s1600/finely.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEymH4Ni3bUoehTp6Ln9YMNknN-ryKeHnlTPxy9rWiUVS0ycohugMqQb02FPzeV82UO73ul5aQgX01G3wiXjM_ds4WJ8kvdS4P1JjwuK2ysh-h54KV-bUTSeolp2cQhhq7yxf_gUrLUA/s400/finely.jpg" width="290" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Randi G.
Fine is a Ft. Lauderdale writer, radio show host, speaker, and published author
of the 2010 memoir, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fine-ly-Story-Hope-Love-Destiny/dp/160264649X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364841032&sr=8-1&keywords=fine...ly"><i>Fine…ly: My Story ofHope, Love, and Destiny </i></a>and the 2012 spiritual/inspirational/self-<wbr></wbr>help
book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Life-Lessons-Discovering-Personal/dp/1621370720/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364841118&sr=1-1&keywords=awaken+from+life"><i>Awaken from Life: Lessons forDiscovering Your Personal Truths</i></a>. As the host of the self-help, podcasted
radio show, <i>A Fine Time for Healing</i>, Ms.
Fine captures worldwide audiences with topics aimed to revive her listeners’
emotional and spiritual well beings. She is an inspirational speaker who specializes
in relationship addiction, healing from emotional trauma, and the power of the
human spirit. Randi is the journal editor of <i>Love Your Life</i>; a blog she writes to connect with others who share
in her mission to spread light, love, and healing to the world. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Connect with Randi through Social Media</b></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><b>Website/Blog</b> - <i><span style="color: #d24726;">Randi G. Fine's</span></i> <span style="color: #d24726;"><i>Love Your Life! </i>-</span><i> <u> </u></i><a href="http://www.randigfine.com/" target="_blank">http://www.randigfine.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><b>Radio Show </b>- <i><span style="color: #d24726;">A Fine Time for Healing -</span></i> <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/randi-fine" target="_blank">http://www.blogtalkradio.<wbr></wbr>com/randi-fine</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Like" me on <a href="http://alturl.com/xi37r"><span style="color: #c00000;">Facebook</span></a>! </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;">"Follow" me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/RandiGFineloveyourlife@randigfine.com"><span style="color: #c00000;">Twitter</span></a></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span>
</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-25776678611451865482013-06-12T06:41:00.000-04:002013-06-12T06:41:15.079-04:00Guest Post - 5 Tips for Writers by Author, G.E. Johnson<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKyrfcKY3X1SY0WzjLj_1XfDlK8nRQwa9XfYpa52jgbQg104i6jqs1-d11EGTtbjg3BfNXhpSEQizTEYa3mQLtPOHDPSnIsDNPiUG_2PMz6Sw-LlluVeRRKxeccVRHHh3J09wf8q_qGk/s1600/authorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKyrfcKY3X1SY0WzjLj_1XfDlK8nRQwa9XfYpa52jgbQg104i6jqs1-d11EGTtbjg3BfNXhpSEQizTEYa3mQLtPOHDPSnIsDNPiUG_2PMz6Sw-LlluVeRRKxeccVRHHh3J09wf8q_qGk/s200/authorge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you've written a book... congratulations! Those hours
that you spent hunched over your keyboard have finally paid off!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Your work has
been professionally edited (hopefully), wrapped in a beautiful cover, and is
now ready to find its way into the hands of all the readers anxiously awaiting
your debut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are 5 tips on what to
do to get your sales rolling:<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Become
familiar with social media outlets and learn how to work them! Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., can be great ways to reach family, friends, and new
readers who may be interested in your work.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Book a blog tour. Find a reputable blog tour
company or contact bloggers who feature books in your genre and schedule
interviews, guest posts, and/or book reviews.</li>
<li>Become familiar with book clubs in your area and
with online book clubs that read your genre. Offer to attend a meeting or join
in via the internet if the book club decides to read your book.</li>
<li>Place promotional ads. Where and how often you
place ads will depend on your budget, but be sure to research the promotional
outlet before paying any money to make sure it’s worth the investment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Attend local literary events. Conferences and
other events that invite open participation are great places to network with
readers and other authors. Be sure to have business cards, bookmarks, and BOOKS
on hand.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember to be patient when building your platform. Your
book wasn’t written overnight, so don’t expect your sales to skyrocket
overnight either. Continue to find new ways to introduce your work to potential
readers and most importantly, keep writing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
G.E. Johnson</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/gejohnsonfans" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>gejohnsonfans</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/writermom2011" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>writermom2011</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://gejohnson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://gejohnson.blogspot.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18.1875px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">G.E.
Johnson is the author of the "Love & Wrath" fiction series,
including her best selling debut novella and the best selling epilogue
to the series with complimentary audio. She was also previously
published as a contributing author to the non-fiction, inspirational
anthology "Super Singles Activate! Testimonies to Inspire and Uplift the
Single Woman". She is the content provider for the "L.O.V.E. -
Lyricism, Oration, Verse, Expression" blog featuring articles about
writing, publishing, and other great writers.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18.1875px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">G.E.
is also a member of the World Literary Café, an online community that
brings together readers, authors, reviewers, bloggers, and other members
of the literary community in an effort to promote great literature. Her
interests include reading, photography, spiritual outreach, and helping
others to develop entrepreneurial ideas. G.E. is available to chat with
readers and welcomes comments and emails from her readers through her
website gejohnsonmedia dot com. She currently resides outside of
Atlanta, GA.</span></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":11z" role="button" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-22186031041601703172013-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-05T08:52:39.961-04:00Guest Post - Chester's Tale by Kathy Lapeyre<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQKKDZC-GAvQzI48YwoSnqPcVqV8x8n4NLprHSv1jrs_YyVEcA8r9nEn1ndcGZ3J4uNqbdwaO8iwtluV8cxc2gyTejwFkIpNRQB3Oa1c2br0WyQLZbZhHiddE-eoNluNBJJ813KXm09M/s1600/Kathy+2-4-12+003b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQKKDZC-GAvQzI48YwoSnqPcVqV8x8n4NLprHSv1jrs_YyVEcA8r9nEn1ndcGZ3J4uNqbdwaO8iwtluV8cxc2gyTejwFkIpNRQB3Oa1c2br0WyQLZbZhHiddE-eoNluNBJJ813KXm09M/s1600/Kathy+2-4-12+003b.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m Kathy Lapeyre, also known as “levarti2” on Twitter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a child my ambition was to teach English and write short
stories and although I didn’t do either of those things, I did work for over 25
years in the printing and publishing business. <br />
<a name='more'></a>My career started out at small
weekly newspaper where I learned to do everything except run the presses. From
there my husband and I and our toddler moved to a metropolitan area where I
served a two-year apprenticeship in printing. Over the years I worked for several
publishers in a variety of capacities, including staff and features writer for
four magazines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been almost 15 years since any of my work was published,
but I never stopped writing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I retired and although we’ve always talked
about getting a Golden Retriever dog, we hadn’t had any pets since our children
were living at home. They each have families and/or pets of their own now but
Glenn and I were traveling and our lives seemed too busy to share with another
being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day, by chance, I spotted a cardboard sign by the
grocery store “Golden Retriever puppies for sale”. I called the phone number
listed and eventually ended up with a weaned female puppy. We named her Casey
and she was to be my pet. I would take her for walks, train her to be an obedient
and constant companion. Casey: my jogging buddy and friend to cuddle while I
read a book or watched a movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day after I brought Casey home, tragedy struck. Glenn
fell from a ladder in the garage and was hit, broadside, by a stack of 2x4s
from top shelf. He broke his sternum in three places and was laid up for almost
nine months. Casey, not knowing any better, assumed her purpose in life was to
protect and care for Glenn. They are side-by-side companions and have been
every day since the accident. She whines mercilessly if he leaves her view for
more than a few minutes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although Casey is my dog too, there’s no comparison to the
attachment she has with Glenn. I was ready for my own dog. We made a conscious
decision to adopt a rescue dog and began researching various agencies and
volunteer organizations. There are so many animals out there in need of good
homes and we could provide that safe haven for the right dog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-lCtttmNeopr275gPIepfvtjLmToSeKXGN0M7h3pbdWOwB7Mp-wtE_SJc7AZIJFhA1icq9DFiyQJnktOO6-ihWlZSuvCuNOZnsd8UV3P4plZqjX98v0N4zhlAUJtmUC1Ht7kMpbeS3Y/s1600/chester.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-lCtttmNeopr275gPIepfvtjLmToSeKXGN0M7h3pbdWOwB7Mp-wtE_SJc7AZIJFhA1icq9DFiyQJnktOO6-ihWlZSuvCuNOZnsd8UV3P4plZqjX98v0N4zhlAUJtmUC1Ht7kMpbeS3Y/s1600/chester.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Then we found Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His short biography on the web page was heart-wrenching. He
had been a puppy mill dog, kept in confined quarters with other dogs and was
alive for the express purpose to father puppies for sale. He was a cash machine
for people who starved and abused him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he found us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve had Chester for six months and he continues to have
typical fearful dog issues. He’s the most gentle soul I’ve ever encountered,
but his rehabilitation will continue to be long and frustrating — for him and for
us. He doesn’t wag his tail … he doesn’t play ball or tug-of-war … he won’t
tell anyone he needs to go outside. Chester’s life revolves around a series of
fears, everything from a printer starting the first page to a knock at the
door. Every normal sight and sound are potential dangers to Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully we found the right dog, and vice versa, because we now have the time and patience to help him become the best dog he can be.
There’s no rush. We encourage Chester as it seems appropriate. Other times we
simply let him do his thing. Our level of involvement in Chester’s daily
rehabilitation depends on how traumatic his day has been, because every day is
fraught with trauma of some type for Chester.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I never expected was that Chester would rescue me as
well. Like most people, I thought we were doing a good and noble thing by
adopting a pet who needed a respite from the evil and neglect he’d experienced.
In the process I’d hoped Chester would evolve into the pet I “wanted”. Yes,
we’d provided all of his needs, but Chester has become the first pet I ever
“needed”. He’s taught me things about myself I never knew. I have more patience
than I ever believed. I’ve always had compassion, but the love I feel for this
7-year-old dog is unlike any other.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVgPnTjPNwOSK3glHKwJYc9ne9M1CP477wPFi7mTaTjUt5TI4zPFOzlAVlyIBEd7k3v1PlGgz_8ibtY7MjRKiD_lG59oPuSK1-dY91oRQYo-TKCYnrruz1FZrJVsULtc5j0oazg-F7s0/s1600/in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVgPnTjPNwOSK3glHKwJYc9ne9M1CP477wPFi7mTaTjUt5TI4zPFOzlAVlyIBEd7k3v1PlGgz_8ibtY7MjRKiD_lG59oPuSK1-dY91oRQYo-TKCYnrruz1FZrJVsULtc5j0oazg-F7s0/s1600/in+bed.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chester is solely responsible for my return to writing. At
first he inspired Facebook posts. That became a blog and then my own domain,
followed by a website with weekly posts about Chester. He has a large daily following
from people all over the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, in addition to writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chester’s Tales, diary of a Golden Retriever rescue dog</i>, I’ve begun
a fiction novel that may end up being published before Chester’s story is
complete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can catch me any day, at any time on Facebook or
Twitter. Chester will be curled up at my feet or sitting beside me. He always
knows where to find me too … writing … it means he can nap undisturbed for long
periods of time … lying on my foot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUtbWTyCm7BUuzCcSD7uDPC6WEAO75XAOLUc2iSH3n7YipS13-JnCw3cGORB1iR8INz64_cnxJe4oRtZetBP9hkW9aWlZ07Da1lUnEG1Sa1i_6eDH8uCHR_nQlb207NKxP-oK5qsuBY/s1600/dog+treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHUtbWTyCm7BUuzCcSD7uDPC6WEAO75XAOLUc2iSH3n7YipS13-JnCw3cGORB1iR8INz64_cnxJe4oRtZetBP9hkW9aWlZ07Da1lUnEG1Sa1i_6eDH8uCHR_nQlb207NKxP-oK5qsuBY/s1600/dog+treats.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kathy Lapeyre</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.kathylapeyre.com/">http://www.kathylapeyre.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KathyLapeyreAuthor?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/KathyLapeyreAuthor?ref=hl</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-24438692611780880702013-04-30T23:11:00.001-04:002013-04-30T23:11:27.142-04:00Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: QUICK! Let's Do Something Now! (#atozchallenge) Although the challenge is officially over (for me anyway, 'cause I'm in the M.E.) there are many, many blogs I still would like to visit. Here is a great post highlighting a few blogs. I'm sure, you, my wonderful followers will enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2013/04/quick-lets-do-something-now.html?spref=tw">Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: QUICK! Let's Do Something Now! (#atozchallenge)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-61504764836105307342013-04-29T15:29:00.002-04:002013-04-29T15:29:58.121-04:00ZooThe letter for today my little lovelies is Z. This is Final Day of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixS0XRq06jWgfU88yxgoFqVRzu-Dhoy-G_-RzD_W5xeYkwO8-m5VQaI92LGUEeobW99qpcyG_5rYaVQEHAfh7qk6A6ijMBrQke6zBuLV1YUTnRvZbdPihAWxRhNRjbTqBbJ8kfjHmTjo/s1600/zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixS0XRq06jWgfU88yxgoFqVRzu-Dhoy-G_-RzD_W5xeYkwO8-m5VQaI92LGUEeobW99qpcyG_5rYaVQEHAfh7qk6A6ijMBrQke6zBuLV1YUTnRvZbdPihAWxRhNRjbTqBbJ8kfjHmTjo/s1600/zoo.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Zoo</b> </h3>
<br />
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
<i>We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you. You can come to, to to. We're going to the zoo. Zoo. Zoo!</i></div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
While this post is not based on an emotion, telling a preschool girl of an upcoming trip to the zoo has evoked an emotion of happiness and lots of talking. No matter how many times we visit a zoo she is always excited. Aren't kids great?! Well, most of the time. </div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
The innocence of my little one is so refreshing, her little mind open to learning and exploring. A bad day for her is, well I don't think she has any bad days. Her life is filled with apples, bubbles, crayons, Dora, Elmo, fairies, glitter, pixies, make believe costumes, pirates, riding her bike, Zou, playing in the dirt and lots of laughs, hugs and kisses. </div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
As she grows older I pray she will have fond memories of visits to the zoo and the excitement, wonder and joy of each day!</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1" style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
Zoo on the Bookshelf</h3>
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7ii5jJw1l5lr0KoTNDpSrdAJCDD9FIi0K5l8ahRTPuslqorOnXPPLwGAqKwh2xvNNjnZ45Uy_LcrE3xRWQHzRaO5Y16Ng_GV7KtCT7GqOQqHED46_2ZhNzwrkkH1E47oXbuKZbcE_vw/s1600/if+i+ran+the+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7ii5jJw1l5lr0KoTNDpSrdAJCDD9FIi0K5l8ahRTPuslqorOnXPPLwGAqKwh2xvNNjnZ45Uy_LcrE3xRWQHzRaO5Y16Ng_GV7KtCT7GqOQqHED46_2ZhNzwrkkH1E47oXbuKZbcE_vw/s1600/if+i+ran+the+zoo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
</div>
<div class="ft1">
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer2304893629576057810">Welcome to the <strong>crazy</strong> world of <strong>Gerald McGrew</strong> who <strong>dreams</strong> of transforming his local <strong>zoo</strong> into a <strong>madcap</strong> menagerie of <strong>weird</strong> and <strong>wonderful</strong> beasts.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi829iTDfHpwOuTTBObd5dj2JLQK398ZPrSEIftupLkYWDZ7Ovkj3PZ1o82qnXp8HUWf0JpxZ66bdC8gc2v5UaRCJDQge3aJhk2mLD08Ge2uucAStkJJ3m_svp1Tr38OgMBjjExo0giO3s/s1600/we+bought+a+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi829iTDfHpwOuTTBObd5dj2JLQK398ZPrSEIftupLkYWDZ7Ovkj3PZ1o82qnXp8HUWf0JpxZ66bdC8gc2v5UaRCJDQge3aJhk2mLD08Ge2uucAStkJJ3m_svp1Tr38OgMBjjExo0giO3s/s320/we+bought+a+zoo.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599">In the tradition of
"Marley & Me" comes an unforgettable memoir about the mysteries of
the animal kingdom, the power of family, and the triumph of hope over
tragedy in this chronicle of the Mee family's purchase of the Dartmoor
Wildlife Park, a dilapidated zoo in the English countryside.Weinstein
Books</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599">I like the zoo!</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"> </span><span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599">What about you? </span></h3>
<h3>
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span id="freeTextContainer18014979891160630599"><br /></span></h3>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-61420057308802176992013-04-29T08:23:00.001-04:002013-04-29T08:23:49.558-04:00XThe letter for today my little lovelies is X. This is Day of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXB1xlPdcUZN8SpaIpvKiiMQIzz8RiKBcNj5_HoTbt5BcPr8gol_nrxQrHNYo3g6edCqWTNlT99HfgD-6xI3ta4crgn2B3cDwxtRYHKW7mMN31HDQNB9Oxk7LIjOF1PZCUDEwB378KkQ/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXB1xlPdcUZN8SpaIpvKiiMQIzz8RiKBcNj5_HoTbt5BcPr8gol_nrxQrHNYo3g6edCqWTNlT99HfgD-6xI3ta4crgn2B3cDwxtRYHKW7mMN31HDQNB9Oxk7LIjOF1PZCUDEwB378KkQ/s1600/X.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
X </h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
X-citedly riding down the x-pressway in my new x-calade while the wind blows through my x-tremely long hair. I spot a billboard for the TV show X-Factor.<br />
<br />
I drive home quickly, filled with x-uburence because it's my favorite show. I arrive at home to find my son concentrating and looking intently at the graphing page methodically plotting the X axis joining Y to Z.<br />
<br />
I give him a quick peck on the cheek and notice an envelope on the counter. It is the results from my recent x-ray. I'm less than thrilled. I rip it open and read the finding from Dr. Xavier. Mrs. Alex-Xander is suffering from an acute case of S curve scoliosis. I x-hale loudly, tossing the papers on the counter and head to the den.<br />
<br />
It's a rerun and I find myself x-ceedinly bored! I flip the channels stopping to watch Star Trek. I can never get enough of the Klingons, gamma rays, x-ray bursters and transporters. As the episode comes to an end I remember the unfinished craft project awaiting me down the hall. I instead decide to put in the X-Men! Hugh Jackman! Need I say more? After watching him flip, jump, run and bare his chest I turn off the tv to complete my project.<br />
<br />
<br />
I grab my x-acto knife and begin making cut-outs of the letter X.This is too much fun! I am so x-cited! I carefully place each X along the very large map that covers the floor. At the end of the map, where the treasure awaits, I place the largest, the shiniest, the most gold X. This is the X that marks the spot!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
X on the Bookshelf</h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hC3Q7MTaJ41Rjl0TiFrmZ41y43hpsQ5trR_J7F_hwEnf73NafjTCTVmrdvhs4BR32v-qpNHKFpj2nOiOVGCwK0BJGeoNEsnp62QP5OCvkGkF8yrWV3STZLzgVAcLTPp2mTXYBDLwulM/s1600/x+clamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hC3Q7MTaJ41Rjl0TiFrmZ41y43hpsQ5trR_J7F_hwEnf73NafjTCTVmrdvhs4BR32v-qpNHKFpj2nOiOVGCwK0BJGeoNEsnp62QP5OCvkGkF8yrWV3STZLzgVAcLTPp2mTXYBDLwulM/s320/x+clamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Duality is a fact of Kamui’s prophecy-driven life, but he’s not the only
one—as the battle between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth
heats up, the warriors begin to realize who their opposite numbers are.
The members on both sides of the conflict all have their reasons for
wanting to save the world or destroy it, and the greatest of those is
love. For the sake of loved ones long lost, and of those still living,
decisions are made that will move heaven and earth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dKUTnxJOad4m08x66wEvZvIe9iVZBIufQxMndyjUHj0sPKaHYfqDd2XB04GnYN7KUvMIJpLXpNhGbZi51nRkz9n53xIOprGsUa_gUCw4lx5EANlY4YpPqUTyMNjujKOImgfzPzekHRU/s1600/x+matt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dKUTnxJOad4m08x66wEvZvIe9iVZBIufQxMndyjUHj0sPKaHYfqDd2XB04GnYN7KUvMIJpLXpNhGbZi51nRkz9n53xIOprGsUa_gUCw4lx5EANlY4YpPqUTyMNjujKOImgfzPzekHRU/s1600/x+matt.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cale is a young man who struggles with an unusual addiction and
eventually it makes him realize what really matters to him. This is his
narrative. It is often unreliable and unpredictable. He is occasionally
delusional, and always over thinks. Reality is grounded in the footnotes
that accompany his thoughts. It takes more than it should for Cale to
come back to that reality.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-29932601200063516902013-04-28T15:03:00.000-04:002013-04-28T15:03:18.006-04:00VoiceThe letter for today my little lovelies is V in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T-lbR_gjbZr3z1dPa0-dNoCpZf_LlPszQd-YeKPfhQKVkFCNH6QkyXFb27egSgGQt6cc-AGURsY_5m0qGuRc3MAmn6_fHVT5CvY2dvd3h7vseqii56ORz3JhAqaAvvIHGTfSUgDiEKc/s1600/voice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4T-lbR_gjbZr3z1dPa0-dNoCpZf_LlPszQd-YeKPfhQKVkFCNH6QkyXFb27egSgGQt6cc-AGURsY_5m0qGuRc3MAmn6_fHVT5CvY2dvd3h7vseqii56ORz3JhAqaAvvIHGTfSUgDiEKc/s1600/voice.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
V is for Voice</h3>
<br />
My children know the sound of my voice. They can tell from the timbre if something is askew, be it illness, anger, irritation or fatigue. In the womb, they felt the vibrations and "heard" my voice everyday for 9 months. Poor things! :)<br />
<br />
Our voices help identify us and distinguish us in a crowd. This amazing and beautiful instrument is composed of various organs and muscles working together to produce the sound waves.<br />
<br />
<i>The Little Mermaid</i> is a good example of the importance of your voice. Ursula the sea witch is so power hungry she offers Aerial the opportunity to become a human in an attempt to meet and fall in love with the Prince, Eric.<br />
<br />
After convincing Aerial she is actually caring and not the evil witch she has been labeled, she concocts a potion, while singing of course. Of course the young mermaid has no money. But don't worry, Ursula only requires....her voice! Gasp! How will she make the young prince fall in love with her if she is unable to speak? We all know in the end Aerial prevails and she and the prince sail off into the sunset to live happily ever after.<br />
<br />
For those of us who have the ability to speak (using our mouth) we often use our voices for silly or frivolus things. What about you? Do you have a voice, is it being heard?<br />
<br />
It's your voice. Use it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Voice on the Bookshelf</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS-SmVNs1NAkJK4gN1N-e5mGri1KNZbD-UTlnXu_88Iw3uLrVZemml6G08GAJ4MvP6LFnGaiSBhR0nvfVDAKpn8BkUwrXX6_TbVvEb2_uCnWLqmfMocRMeiijXb4KHMZj7I4ewb0HRCg/s1600/your+voice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirS-SmVNs1NAkJK4gN1N-e5mGri1KNZbD-UTlnXu_88Iw3uLrVZemml6G08GAJ4MvP6LFnGaiSBhR0nvfVDAKpn8BkUwrXX6_TbVvEb2_uCnWLqmfMocRMeiijXb4KHMZj7I4ewb0HRCg/s320/your+voice.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeText17364257823609008359">Emma Forrest, an
English journalist, was twenty-two and living in America when she
realised that her quirks had gone beyond eccentricity. A modern day
fairy tale of New York, <em>Your Voice in My Head</em> is a dazzling and
devastating memoir, clear-eyed and shot through with wit. In a voice
unlike any other, Emma Forrest explores depression and mania, but also
the beauty of love—and the heartbreak of loss.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP1WPsZ4G059FlzqCaxfdctkYq7OMklFN14haebK-grjQeS8Bkoj276SO80Q8SBkd5sq470TQqSheCSllOJiXAb3Ais0-VeearXfC1WLY1j2XRqUcx2yBOEAbDEbwagCYBPDtHvcayT8/s1600/voice+of+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVP1WPsZ4G059FlzqCaxfdctkYq7OMklFN14haebK-grjQeS8Bkoj276SO80Q8SBkd5sq470TQqSheCSllOJiXAb3Ais0-VeearXfC1WLY1j2XRqUcx2yBOEAbDEbwagCYBPDtHvcayT8/s320/voice+of+night.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeTextContainer16847185740250543605">Colin and Roy were
total opposites -- and had everyone wondering why they were friends.
Then one day Roy asked Colin, "You ever killed anything?" And from that
moment on, the two were bound together in a game too terrifying to
imagine -- and to irresistible to stop...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-13118694521833369412013-04-28T14:18:00.002-04:002013-04-28T14:18:47.976-04:00When Darkness FellThe letter for today my little lovelies is W of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9InajePTOKaEvPb9hkpgkJtVZZsU5bDgnaCRciZAiOjsbmwSEVIJ_231SsR-r2nq-8Pqx3tVr71zvNPiMYYis2voMrSuV4tSBW8lxX_4NxOru_lnvz2pC0Dr_MY7Jv3Tu7LnHqBtKgos/s1600/darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9InajePTOKaEvPb9hkpgkJtVZZsU5bDgnaCRciZAiOjsbmwSEVIJ_231SsR-r2nq-8Pqx3tVr71zvNPiMYYis2voMrSuV4tSBW8lxX_4NxOru_lnvz2pC0Dr_MY7Jv3Tu7LnHqBtKgos/s1600/darkness.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
W is for When Darkness Fell</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
(from my poetry book Paintings, Poetry & Prose) </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
darkness walked into the room</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
sat down beside me along with his friend gloom.</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
and there we were joined by sorrow and despair.</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
I didn't realize I enjoyed being there</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
with this party of pain and misery</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
blinded by pity I was unable to see</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
how they feasted on my heartache and my tears was sweet nectar</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
and the more tears I shed</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
I fell deeper and deeper into a never ending existence in that room sitting there with</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
sorrow, darkness, gloom and despair. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Darkness on the Bookshelf</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihau1f6qi4-4jFTBZW1v6INciOXIb_sz8oPnOJjZkkIgNph-LkXftxs_3x4GBQoyG-F338FMiG0-V8J5mRPfYekUYR4WSmpetQlHzfWuf5_0MzpwtcMwZToIUHw_cc7KL4UoviwmYzD64/s1600/darkness+my+old+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihau1f6qi4-4jFTBZW1v6INciOXIb_sz8oPnOJjZkkIgNph-LkXftxs_3x4GBQoyG-F338FMiG0-V8J5mRPfYekUYR4WSmpetQlHzfWuf5_0MzpwtcMwZToIUHw_cc7KL4UoviwmYzD64/s320/darkness+my+old+friend.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeText4184574995242366021">After giving up his post
at The Hollows Police Department, Jones Cooper is at loose ends. He is
having trouble facing a horrible event from the past, and finding a
second act. He’s in therapy. Then, on a brisk October morning, he has a
visitor. Eloise Montgomery, the psychic who plays a key role in
FRAGILE, comes to him with predictions about his future, some of them
dire.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe9bAo0Ft-iMhmx_zlXM35k-MyIdZkhAG-DqFqxQH0Cy9nZsesEJCkli-rpqpKG7OHOk6Fhh5Ngw33L6AbM2P3ZuR2qrFnRFoe26gV4xxq2hDPpeYiP_e7v9ZHu54irmSjxTbMG018Bk/s1600/darkness+sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe9bAo0Ft-iMhmx_zlXM35k-MyIdZkhAG-DqFqxQH0Cy9nZsesEJCkli-rpqpKG7OHOk6Fhh5Ngw33L6AbM2P3ZuR2qrFnRFoe26gV4xxq2hDPpeYiP_e7v9ZHu54irmSjxTbMG018Bk/s1600/darkness+sticks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tom Hennen gives voice to the prairie and to rural communities,
celebrating—with sadness, praise, and astute observations—the land,
weather, and inhabitants. In short lyrics and prose poems, he reveals
the detailed strangeness of ordinary things. Gathered from six chapbooks
that were regionally distributed, this volume is Hennen's long-overdue
introduction to a national audience. Includes an introduction by Jim
Harrison and an afterword by Thomas R. Smith.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
What about you?</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Did darkness ever descend on you? </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-86723676427790798262013-04-28T13:57:00.002-04:002013-04-28T13:57:46.697-04:00You are BeautifulThe letter for today my little lovelies is Y of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxhPDeYKBTkLY8ZAEOhbsdKUjQWLL3Ho7y9BrjqhFiDy26SJ_Xln7wyWHI1CPYZGQm-Jy7KuMJnQcAZ8RX2FYGs4wqjnBIHqlbchofk1rV3EykccEX4YDfWB-6NlmL9LYp548Y3kHgGE/s1600/you+are+beautiful+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxhPDeYKBTkLY8ZAEOhbsdKUjQWLL3Ho7y9BrjqhFiDy26SJ_Xln7wyWHI1CPYZGQm-Jy7KuMJnQcAZ8RX2FYGs4wqjnBIHqlbchofk1rV3EykccEX4YDfWB-6NlmL9LYp548Y3kHgGE/s1600/you+are+beautiful+hands.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
You are Beautiful</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dear sisters beauty is not defined by the color, complexion or clarity of your skin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
real beauty,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
true beauty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is found within.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it is knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by a God who doesn't make mistakes and loves your shade.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are His and He is yours and you are loved just the way you are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sun-kissed skin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
mocha, caramel hue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knows best</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He made you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your smile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your laugh</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
more refreshing than morning dew</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the beauty my dear is all over you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
brown, black or the deepest blue</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are beautiful my sister</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beautiful. brown. black. dark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beautiful you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
You are Beautiful on the Bookshelf</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrkYROELwpni9M_DTZ1Ng1sIteCoqMASyS1nODQ89QxoNEvm_HosP3vbyt73SgtW1ktHOXJ_XFf1eCNBJoqJiGZiNDGKcZbV4EQh5aLGrwQs8R5NlgsIcCEa05IaKepR7L6wRuscPdu4/s1600/you+are+beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrkYROELwpni9M_DTZ1Ng1sIteCoqMASyS1nODQ89QxoNEvm_HosP3vbyt73SgtW1ktHOXJ_XFf1eCNBJoqJiGZiNDGKcZbV4EQh5aLGrwQs8R5NlgsIcCEa05IaKepR7L6wRuscPdu4/s320/you+are+beautiful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867">Each child is precious,
valuable...and beautiful. With simple words and detailed illustrations
that relate to children's everyday lives, You Are Beautiful lets very
young children know they are beautiful on the outside-and the inside</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsNeTyuAV_PT992deFkrnW9VWifir0tPyC021urbfFVno3gTXWVu64YMjrzoOtb3qHlvAUCYcOHvF_K572pfAP6cUQDG3dM9LwBjJgpetlrI45rGPnc2dNIfVyTiSRF4gBr2Su-8YV7o/s1600/joy+francis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsNeTyuAV_PT992deFkrnW9VWifir0tPyC021urbfFVno3gTXWVu64YMjrzoOtb3qHlvAUCYcOHvF_K572pfAP6cUQDG3dM9LwBjJgpetlrI45rGPnc2dNIfVyTiSRF4gBr2Su-8YV7o/s320/joy+francis.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeTextContainer4774898014052053867"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699">Have you ever felt
unworthy? Ugly? Unwanted? Ashamed? Then this book is for you. Learn how
journeys lead to destiny. Feel what it's like to walk in the promises of
God after years in the wilderness. Discover that you are truly valuable
and loved. Walk in freedom! "Dr. Joy's book You Are Beautiful is a
reminder of a simple truth that is often too easy to forget: we are
valuable to God and cherished by Him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699">How about you?</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"></span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699">Have you ever felt less than beautiful? </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"> </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="freeText6266591571320051699"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-42202938577740248412013-04-28T02:56:00.000-04:002013-04-28T02:56:19.528-04:00Leaving the Past Behind by Randi Fine (Repost)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the A to Z <span style="font-size: medium;">Challenge comes to a<span style="font-size: medium;">n <span style="font-size: medium;">end <span style="font-size: medium;">the few remaining cells of my brain are slowly fizzing to non-existenc<span style="font-size: medium;">e.<span style="font-size: medium;"> I have enjoyed the challenge and look forward to returning to our regularly sched<span style="font-size: medium;">u<span style="font-size: medium;">led program. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's re-vis<span style="font-size: medium;">it the Soulful Word Sunday post from Author, Ra<span style="font-size: medium;">ndi Fine. I believe many of us struggle daily with <span style="font-size: medium;">demons from the past and the words of inspi<span style="font-size: medium;">ration she gives are timeless. Enjoy!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leaving the Past Behin<span style="font-size: medium;">d</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAyK1W-ZGt7ihDcNaJjwY_vlaQ7A3qFqDtSPVr0cM0oc2Lq4KT_QNr6MGHz3UHKXxyiHMp3hILMqJDNKs_gkGtyEmxixRPHnwHtoQ7sl3Xx49GW7zEb6VVxadoZYzx4NJxa76AzkjaT8/s1600/head+shot+copy+4+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAyK1W-ZGt7ihDcNaJjwY_vlaQ7A3qFqDtSPVr0cM0oc2Lq4KT_QNr6MGHz3UHKXxyiHMp3hILMqJDNKs_gkGtyEmxixRPHnwHtoQ7sl3Xx49GW7zEb6VVxadoZYzx4NJxa76AzkjaT8/s200/head+shot+copy+4+small.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The human experience is not an easy one. When we enter
this world we are given few guarantees about what awaits us on our journey. We
are promised times of joy and times of sorrow, times of thriving and times of
suffering, time of hope and times of despair. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pain is unavoidable. No one escapes life without
enduring their share of it. It may seem as if some have larger burdens than
others, but that is not true. It is one’s perception that determines the weight
of an experience. No two people have the same reality so no two people will
experience adversity the same way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many factors that contribute to our
interpretation of life’s challenges. Upbringing plays a significant role in
preparing us for the road that lies ahead. We navigate that road through the use
of coping skills, healthy or unhealthy, attained in our impressionable
years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Healthy coping skills are not innate; they are
learned behaviors. Some of us will have the advantage of proper parental
modeling, some of us will not. I did not. The skills I have today were realized
through much trial and error—mostly error. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our instincts take over where our inability to
cope leaves off. When emotional pain hurts too much to feel we instinctively react
as we do to physical pain—ignore it, medicate it, deny and compartmentalize it,
or bandage it. These makeshift survival skills allow us to move on to the next
thing without having to accept what is right before us. They help us build
walls of protection. The higher these walls go, the more shielded we are from the
pulse of life. Over time these walls imprison us along with all the pain we
have held on to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A great deal of energy is expended in suppressing
the pain we carry with us. It becomes a dam of feelings that pushes harder and
harder against the wall, trying to break free. We can only suppress it, mask
it, or numb it for so long before it starts seeping through the cracks in ways
we do not intend. We may have believed that we controlled the pain, but
eventually the pain begins to control us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The pain may turn to bitterness and then bitterness
provides a self-righteous rationale to take a victim stance, to justify holding
on to the hurt. If we do not believe we caused it then why should we be the one
to let it go? We walk around proudly wearing a badge that says, “I am hurt and
entitled to it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our pain becomes an integral part of our identity;
there comes a time when we do not know who we are without it. We find ourselves
stuck—trying to move forward while looking backwards. Every moment is impacted
by the pain of our past, and the future looks bleak. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is very hard to let the past go; there is a
sense of comfort in clinging to it, scary to imagine life without it. But clinging
to the past is self-sabotage. We must let it go. We must move past our fear and
discover the wonderful life that that we are entitled to—the one that is
waiting for us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The process of changing, letting our past go, may
be frightening and difficult even when we truly desire it. It requires
redefining our identity and changing our patterns. But that should never deter
us. Everyone can heal their past. All that is required is courage and
determination. Whether aware or unaware that we have it within us, we all
possess those inner-strengths. It is said that only the bravest souls choose to
incarnate into life. We are here because we are incredibly courageous.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first steps to healing are acknowledging that
a problem exists and desiring change. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Since it may take time to excavate through the
dense accumulation of emotions, it is best to chip away at them little by
little. It helps to have a professional guide us through this process, help us
to identify our self-defeating patterns, and help us accept our feelings as
they come up. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feelings never before felt can be very
disconcerting. But feeling pain means feeling human. By allowing ourselves to
feel we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to manage other
adversity. We learn that when we face our pain with acceptance we will be led
through it and then out of it. That understanding stretches our comfort zones. The
ever-lengthening chain of positive outcomes teaches us to have hope and faith. We
desire more for ourselves then we ever felt worthy of before. We live with
intent and our confidence soars. We are prideful knowing that we hold the power
over pain—pain does not hold the power over us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What happened in the past is real, but the past is
meant to teach us. We are supposed to learn from the past, not live in it. Our
experiences, good and bad, will always be a part of our personal story, just as
history will always be part of the story of the world we live in. And our story
never ends; we continue to add chapters because our realities are constantly
changing. It is not possible to live in the past—the person we are today is not
the person we were ten or twenty years ago. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is full of countless blessings and infinite
possibilities. Every moment is a lesson in inspiration. We need only be
present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Randi G. Fine, Author, Radio Show Host<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEymH4Ni3bUoehTp6Ln9YMNknN-ryKeHnlTPxy9rWiUVS0ycohugMqQb02FPzeV82UO73ul5aQgX01G3wiXjM_ds4WJ8kvdS4P1JjwuK2ysh-h54KV-bUTSeolp2cQhhq7yxf_gUrLUA/s1600/finely.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEymH4Ni3bUoehTp6Ln9YMNknN-ryKeHnlTPxy9rWiUVS0ycohugMqQb02FPzeV82UO73ul5aQgX01G3wiXjM_ds4WJ8kvdS4P1JjwuK2ysh-h54KV-bUTSeolp2cQhhq7yxf_gUrLUA/s400/finely.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";">Randi G.
Fine is a Ft. Lauderdale writer, radio show host, speaker, and published author
of the 2010 memoir, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fine-ly-Story-Hope-Love-Destiny/dp/160264649X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364841032&sr=8-1&keywords=fine...ly"><i>Fine…ly: My Story ofHope, Love, and Destiny </i></a>and the 2012 spiritual/inspirational/self-<wbr></wbr>help
book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Life-Lessons-Discovering-Personal/dp/1621370720/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364841118&sr=1-1&keywords=awaken+from+life"><i>Awaken from Life: Lessons forDiscovering Your Personal Truths</i></a>. As the host of the self-help, podcasted
radio show, <i>A Fine Time for Healing</i>, Ms.
Fine captures worldwide audiences with topics aimed to revive her listeners’
emotional and spiritual well beings. She is an inspirational speaker who specializes
in relationship addiction, healing from emotional trauma, and the power of the
human spirit. Randi is the journal editor of <i>Love Your Life</i>; a blog she writes to connect with others who share
in her mission to spread light, love, and healing to the world. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Connect with Randi through Social Media</b></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><b>Website/Blog</b> - <i><span style="color: #d24726;">Randi G. Fine's</span></i> <span style="color: #d24726;"><i>Love Your Life! </i>-</span><i> <u> </u></i><a href="http://www.randigfine.com/" target="_blank">http://www.randigfine.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><b>Radio Show </b>- <i><span style="color: #d24726;">A Fine Time for Healing -</span></i> <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/randi-fine" target="_blank">http://www.blogtalkradio.<wbr></wbr>com/randi-fine</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Like" me on <a href="http://alturl.com/xi37r"><span style="color: #c00000;">Facebook</span></a>! </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;">"Follow" me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/RandiGFineloveyourlife@randigfine.com"><span style="color: #c00000;">Twitter</span></a></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium;">
</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif";"><span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Medium; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span>
</span> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-42416288047714926172013-04-24T13:35:00.004-04:002013-04-24T13:35:55.743-04:00U is for UThe letter for today my little lovelies is U.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeE9_C8zMbb7hudCGF9nf64kzJrKIDmbIVKgV9Vgvr6VniaRoOU8bX7iuyV_jJiHGi1ZgAtEcNZnaZlxYmiWV2td78tDlHdxmw_Piy48YCba8WoY8crUpBWQqO4xBy0H8K9no4km4r5Y/s1600/U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeE9_C8zMbb7hudCGF9nf64kzJrKIDmbIVKgV9Vgvr6VniaRoOU8bX7iuyV_jJiHGi1ZgAtEcNZnaZlxYmiWV2td78tDlHdxmw_Piy48YCba8WoY8crUpBWQqO4xBy0H8K9no4km4r5Y/s320/U.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
U is for U </h2>
<br />
yo<b>U</b> sit there staring at me. I know what you are thinking. What an absolute underachiever you are. A complete and utter waste of time and space. I grow tired of watching you walk down the street underneath an umbrella, even when there is no rain. I have grown weary of the unending song you constantly play on that stupid ukelele. I want to stuff it down your throat!<br />
<br />
Ah! You raise your eyebrow. You know that I can sense your thoughts. You ask for understanding and yet you give none. Your ubiquitous presence is driving me mad. Your smile has turned evil and wicked as you unabashedly continue to watch me. Are you looking for the beauty that lies deep within me? Are you searching for inspiration in my eyes? Or do you believe my existence is uninspiring, my hidden beauty mere ashes heaped on a pile of ugly nothingness? Why? Why do you continue to stare at me? Do you long to touch my face and kiss my lips and then in disgust throw me to the floor as unwanted rubbish? I do not have any answers only yo<b>U</b>, sitting staring at me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
U on the Bookshelf</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNzNrdjyHKpSpnrf9fFZl_uLs5cbl56FnFkjVjHoh3Gz-lGL9rm-Zy86USKxs7y57iBDWN6EE4ojysAKq7-NNKFazowSRW3iV-s0HS69mNGxmyjdQz_Dc0L0hyphenhyphen_lYuUCm2F6xZYfKyKQ/s1600/undertow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNzNrdjyHKpSpnrf9fFZl_uLs5cbl56FnFkjVjHoh3Gz-lGL9rm-Zy86USKxs7y57iBDWN6EE4ojysAKq7-NNKFazowSRW3iV-s0HS69mNGxmyjdQz_Dc0L0hyphenhyphen_lYuUCm2F6xZYfKyKQ/s200/undertow.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<span id="freeText6184225215451479736">Through twenty
excursions into the dark side of the human soul, Sue Grafton has never
written the same book twice. And so it is with this, her twenty-first.
Once again, she breaks genre formulas, giving us a twisting, complex,
surprise-filled, and totally satisfying thriller.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAcjs02j1rtEDywHX13j4e8SJGddDKRRcu9RuhdmDotmFj4xTS3Szoqj1DPvfxLr89cFFXpUalTn0NFu9S2lEVZk4BHE6JMxmoeUVoIj3J3QGdN9UrEXNzB9TBX8pzmstk0IKaPV204Q/s1600/the+big+u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAcjs02j1rtEDywHX13j4e8SJGddDKRRcu9RuhdmDotmFj4xTS3Szoqj1DPvfxLr89cFFXpUalTn0NFu9S2lEVZk4BHE6JMxmoeUVoIj3J3QGdN9UrEXNzB9TBX8pzmstk0IKaPV204Q/s200/the+big+u.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="freeText9842515249635107450">The New York Times Book
Review called Neal Stephenson's most recent novel "electrifying" and
"hilarious." but if you want to know Stephenson was doing twenty years
before he wrote the epic Cryptonomicon, it's back-to-school time. Back
to The Big U, that is, a hilarious send-up of American college life
starring after years our of print, The Big U is required reading for
anyone interested in the early work of this singular writer.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-89569551963110015872013-04-23T12:47:00.003-04:002013-04-27T11:25:48.225-04:00Tired The letter for today my little lovelies is T. This is Day 22 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
T is for Tired!</h3>
<br />
I will be much happier when my muse returns and when I shake this nagging tired feeling. I long for the quick step of the Energizer Bunny, yet find myself operating at the pace of the tortoise. I know, I know. In the end of the story the tortoise wins because he is persistent. But right now I could really use a big dose of hare-like exuberance!<br />
<br />
There is a plus side to being tired, it forces me to slow down and smell the roses. It has given me the opportunity to explore and find a few more interesting blogs within the challenge. Being tired has also forced me to rest, which is something I often push to the back burner.<br />
<br />
Our bodies are so amazing! When the flesh has had just about enough of the use and abuse, it is kind enough to send the sniffles, or the flu or any other ailment to remind us that life is a journey to be enjoyed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-66732128087316779732013-04-23T12:13:00.000-04:002013-04-23T12:15:07.966-04:00StruggleThe letter for today my little lovelies is S. This is Day 21 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>. Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related titles/themes.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
S is for Struggle</h4>
<br />
The past two days have been a struggle for me. I have struggled to get out of bed. Struggled to breathe and struggled to write my daily posts. I fear my muse has taken ill and like me she is in the bed, sneezing and sniffling, trying to will herself out of her mythical bed. She struggles to whisper in my ear. <br />
<br />
Well I need Ms. Muse to get herself together and get her rear in gear! <br />
I'm drowning here!!<br />
<br />
I'm finding pain and torture doing the things I really enjoy most, reading and writing. Maybe she needed a day or two off to sit on the beach, the mythical sands glistening and sparkling between her toes. <br />
<br />
Perhaps she has partied too much with her Sister Muses and has a killer hangover! <br />
<br />
Maybe like me, she is battling sinus/allergy issues and really is sick. <br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be I expect her to report for work immediately! <br />
<br />
The voices inside my head desperately need her presence.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-21294979631608029282013-04-19T14:10:00.003-04:002013-04-28T15:10:43.807-04:00QThe letter for today my little lovelies is Q. This is Day 19 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_amnaaN4jZTCYTnWm5Vu2VFdUmpR_PqsHav4n3rvjgqo9-A6GinK6mzQj20IOntoI5gpA0nPHeq0d6psRPQGuwXxb1z3vKbLmQn7lAlqJA_o1X7VCubZ8ZVi1jXgHY6SNXV6Od8T3QNg/s1600/theletterq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_amnaaN4jZTCYTnWm5Vu2VFdUmpR_PqsHav4n3rvjgqo9-A6GinK6mzQj20IOntoI5gpA0nPHeq0d6psRPQGuwXxb1z3vKbLmQn7lAlqJA_o1X7VCubZ8ZVi1jXgHY6SNXV6Od8T3QNg/s1600/theletterq.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Q is for Q</h3>
<br />
I quietly walk across the room. Each step becomes deliberate and quick. My heart is racing and my stomaching is turning . I feel queasy. The quinoa salad I ate for lunch is poised to crawl up my esophagus. I have forgotten about the vase that was shattered the night before. I swallow hard oblivious to the many quartz-like shards of glass that are beginning to pierce my feet. The pain quickly shoots up my leg. I curse under my breath as I look at the queen's lace flowers laying on the floor. I begin to hobble determined to complete my quest. I feel as if I'm in quicksand and my steps begin to slow. I will not quit! I lean against the quaint little coffee table and make a face at the couch that is covered with the ugly quilt. I grimace as I cross the threshold and lean against the counter. I have you now! Shaking, I quickly cram the cupcake into my mouth! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Q on the Bookshelf</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINr5rm_lhQhVxO4ZHy8KzqPVcSvp_1bSlKhVtKyI2J_i2rUST0ovAXQJQoFpF2rM878AH-Zn9Ws7G_84l_PC0GVRqnMxIzoLtcnzdtI1IcZEvqLG2wABe7pqOg9g0b8_zuRvASoWUpI/s1600/Q++a+novel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYINr5rm_lhQhVxO4ZHy8KzqPVcSvp_1bSlKhVtKyI2J_i2rUST0ovAXQJQoFpF2rM878AH-Zn9Ws7G_84l_PC0GVRqnMxIzoLtcnzdtI1IcZEvqLG2wABe7pqOg9g0b8_zuRvASoWUpI/s200/Q++a+novel.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Q, Quentina Elizabeth Deveril, is the love of my life." Shortly
before his wedding, the unnamed hero of this uncommon romance is
visited by a man who claims to be his future self and ominously
admonishes him that he must not marry the love of his life, Q. At first
the protagonist doubts this stranger, but in time he becomes convinced
of the authenticity of the warning and leaves his fiancée.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLrJl2P7BDz5hDUEZQ4G401mZZaidZq_c4cHpG-6y7N7HmqwBOxC0ZrQSO57ChdDAGglcKVanPuhygIWpJYXTZhAVNbKpgKPfnqw9SmKia0MEgwSVDLQ14vzvQGu8IQsIVb5PWDLbyUQ/s1600/Q.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLrJl2P7BDz5hDUEZQ4G401mZZaidZq_c4cHpG-6y7N7HmqwBOxC0ZrQSO57ChdDAGglcKVanPuhygIWpJYXTZhAVNbKpgKPfnqw9SmKia0MEgwSVDLQ14vzvQGu8IQsIVb5PWDLbyUQ/s200/Q.JPG" width="131" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In 1517, Martin Luther nails his ninety-five theses to the door of
Wittenburg Cathedral, and a dance of death begins between a radical
Anabaptist with many names and a loyal papal spy known mysteriously as
"Q." In this brilliantly conceived literary thriller set in the chaos of
the Reformation-an age devastated by wars of religion-a young theology
student adopts the cause of heretics and the disinherited and finds
himself pursued by a relentless papal informer and heretic hunter. What
begins as a personal struggle to reveal each other's identity becomes a
mission that can only end in death. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-87261675247238734332013-04-19T13:11:00.001-04:002013-04-23T08:58:11.414-04:00RespectThe letter for today my little lovelies is R. This is Day 20 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>. Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related titles/themes. <br />
<br />
R is for Respect<br />
<br />
Aretha Franklin's hit always comes to mind when i think of the word respect. Respect. Find out what it means to me. Respect. Take care. TCB. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. Sock it to me. <br />
Respect. Just a little bit. Just a little bit.<br />
<br />
As my kids would say, I have mad respect for the A to Z Challenge administrators, moderators and assistants. It is quite a challenge in itself, to live your daily life, write a daily blog post all while checking the progress of a few thousand bloggers. Daily!<br />
<br />
My recent question was answered efficiently and very quickly by Alex and the email administrator. Sorry I have forgotten your name, but that does not mean I've forgotten the help you afforded me. Thank you again to both of you.<br />
<br />
Hats off to all of you, standing ovation and thunderous applause as you faithfully and diligently execute your duties. <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-86910932622742904492013-04-18T13:56:00.004-04:002013-04-28T15:10:59.544-04:00PostThe letter for today my little lovelies is P. This is Day 18 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a>My posts are loosely based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL4w6eqLeDLNYbawfFjMd51H3GvlqvS49b8V1E8elOQi0482g5nG3yM7GB8Ev2pkSDtSkCRErXy6Yu3IYGZ2Sm87noCGHlaCbIixzDjwGfiCZJ0RYodZ0G3nuF86QWSehZyDCPKNGWPw/s1600/post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL4w6eqLeDLNYbawfFjMd51H3GvlqvS49b8V1E8elOQi0482g5nG3yM7GB8Ev2pkSDtSkCRErXy6Yu3IYGZ2Sm87noCGHlaCbIixzDjwGfiCZJ0RYodZ0G3nuF86QWSehZyDCPKNGWPw/s1600/post.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
P is for Post</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
P is for post of which I struggle to complete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twenty-six letters and not one can be incomplete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stare at the letters and scratch my head while I experience a sense of dread. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Panic and pressure overcome me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will finish this challenge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Defeat will not overtake me! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ponder and ponder waiting for the words to come. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace. Passion. Plumb. Precipice. I'm done!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pouting but the words do not become clear. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use my pinky to penetrate my eye hoping somewhere an inspiration lies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace. Passion. Precipice. Plumb. I'm done!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to get a doll and suck my thumb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pushing through because tomorrow is another day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The finish line is near for that I say hooray!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Post on the Bookshelf</h4>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU113EZItRUj9H_twMZLwIELZGom3_6QZvj1gVPdbI6oemyGOaWYlqONacJkGHXVK5YvaT-cejVWpTPaIOJ4xdH0T1AvFvMUSkHp4SNP3PxgBeDSCnnknOUlmLxBuylzGVS2b8tXkk23E/s1600/emily+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU113EZItRUj9H_twMZLwIELZGom3_6QZvj1gVPdbI6oemyGOaWYlqONacJkGHXVK5YvaT-cejVWpTPaIOJ4xdH0T1AvFvMUSkHp4SNP3PxgBeDSCnnknOUlmLxBuylzGVS2b8tXkk23E/s1600/emily+post.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For generations of Americans, the Emily Post Institute is the authoritative source on how to behave with confidence and tact. <i>Manners in a Digital World</i> is its up-to-the-minute, straight-talking guide that tackles how we should act when using a digital device or when online.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZyOaF9w_UsrURcRpj-WwwosO0YMoZyTmNLocRjbf7hyphenhyphenVZmfo44IhkFyeQFbcx5sh55u5NIMKFGKALpz_4knnwW8II6yzdkhY6_g9co3XvB12w3ZvwvNKfC6P5DIPt-vtxx-SuS0Unsw/s1600/how+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZyOaF9w_UsrURcRpj-WwwosO0YMoZyTmNLocRjbf7hyphenhyphenVZmfo44IhkFyeQFbcx5sh55u5NIMKFGKALpz_4knnwW8II6yzdkhY6_g9co3XvB12w3ZvwvNKfC6P5DIPt-vtxx-SuS0Unsw/s1600/how+to.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>What's the secret to blogging success?</i> It all starts with the
content you create. You see, it's impossible to build a profitable blog
if you're NOT providing value to visitors. <br />
<br />
In "<b>How to Write Great Blog Posts that Engage Readers</b>" you'll get a simple system for writing blog posts that readers love!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
What about you my fellow challenge-mates?</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
How are you doing with your daily posts?</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-58158150070414549342013-04-17T13:49:00.003-04:002013-04-28T15:11:18.378-04:00ObsessionThis is Day 17 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
My posts are based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes. The letter for today boys and girls is O!</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1Ljtr894HgwqQxHZwjTx7HwwezZx4w6QQ_GLTvqlMwjjc0Yh36eh7ToCJWEfOnNuh4_tlFzo_e4K3bGh0od39FyjRD5CABx_413A-lGG7Pd_hPfnQ7UNQnq2C9mQ6FiXFKL8qrvSTqY/s1600/obsession+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1Ljtr894HgwqQxHZwjTx7HwwezZx4w6QQ_GLTvqlMwjjc0Yh36eh7ToCJWEfOnNuh4_tlFzo_e4K3bGh0od39FyjRD5CABx_413A-lGG7Pd_hPfnQ7UNQnq2C9mQ6FiXFKL8qrvSTqY/s1600/obsession+1.jpg" /></a></div>
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
O is for Obsession</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must admit I have a new obsession.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the smell of the bathroom cleaner. Yes, I know it's beyond weird. I wish you could smell it, like smell-o-vision.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not one of those perfumery, sickly-sweet, over-floral scents, it's crisp!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's fresh. It's clean and I'm obsessed with it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk into the bathroom to get a band-aid or get the lotion or brush my teeth and then I spy it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The blue packaging beckoning. Calling. Taunting me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I try to resist but like the Borg says "resistance is futile."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I yield grabbing the bottle, inhaling feverishly like a mad woman.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I flush then spray again and continue to enjoy the intoxicating aroma. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As if possessed I spray the face bowls and all the counters. Inhaling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The smell filling all my senses, capturing me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I envision myself atop a mountain and break into song,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The hills are alive with the smell of Clorox Bathroom Cleaner!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, now that's just plain weird. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I'm sure I'm a good candidate for therapy but hey I'm pretty harmless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Obsessions on the Bookshelf</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZESmcO_Sp7ov_uIOhwOMZUKjDlyX8GQLSTIQXprW11xUujfoQmq09hwpX0I46VyQURtBdXpxqZjAMRZbXX0CZ3hJESUR_B8laFqWRNKYSpDK2n7l1tuCbZpFMv7muxDpeRlBlbdb8BE/s1600/obsession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZESmcO_Sp7ov_uIOhwOMZUKjDlyX8GQLSTIQXprW11xUujfoQmq09hwpX0I46VyQURtBdXpxqZjAMRZbXX0CZ3hJESUR_B8laFqWRNKYSpDK2n7l1tuCbZpFMv7muxDpeRlBlbdb8BE/s200/obsession.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She thought she'd left the murders-and his obsession-behind . . .</b><br />
<br />
Special
Agent Jess Harris has spent more than a decade studying the many faces
of evil. In her determination to stop a serial killer, she broke the
rules, and it cost her everything. With her career in need of
resuscitation and her love life dead and buried, Jess jumps at a chance
to advise on a case that has the top detectives of Birmingham, Alabama,
stumped. But the case forces her to confront all the reasons she put her
hometown-and her first love-in her rear-view mirror. </div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9bBGu6s_RpB6DeizhyphenhyphenL1R7PYzKoJkUBT5vuCVO14w_JfqBnCJrktVsz4furDyiQn1E4CcfENfQdC3oghXGioR22Ua2nH10gX3XsxmraF1cPYy58Kyg4F7Z_8Kbu72YydW42r0rVmEUo/s1600/shoe+obsession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9bBGu6s_RpB6DeizhyphenhyphenL1R7PYzKoJkUBT5vuCVO14w_JfqBnCJrktVsz4furDyiQn1E4CcfENfQdC3oghXGioR22Ua2nH10gX3XsxmraF1cPYy58Kyg4F7Z_8Kbu72YydW42r0rVmEUo/s200/shoe+obsession.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This fabulously illustrated book explores western culture’s fascination
with extravagant and fashionable shoes. Over the past decade, shoe
design has become increasingly central to fashion, with fashion
companies paying ever more attention to shoes and other accessories.
High-heeled shoes, in particular, have become the fashion accessory of
the 21st century.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
What is your weirdest obsession?</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582249267059933067.post-68620326557265465732013-04-16T05:27:00.000-04:002013-04-16T05:27:11.702-04:00Nervous <br />
This is Day 16 of the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a>.
Using the letters of the alphabet as a starting point, bloggers are
challenged to write a post everyday except Sunday. It's a good way to
meet new authors and bloggers, learn about interesting books and topics
and gain readership. If you stalk me (follow) I will stalk you!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5582249267059933067" name="more"></a><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
My posts are based on emotions/mental drama and anguish while
introducing you to some books bearing the same or closely related
titles/themes. The letter for today boys and girls is N!</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHgGyJ39KbWiaVf6_EiarDNsqlOnMtFQ_tC_A4yp7GxymfLPJ_pLjm_NjG1uwC49ft8SNewA34wv_IKv2s9hofUWEC-QCicFIevNKe8dM8rql5fmQ1UF7k1QHpzDkhVhvSYBjgMsu88s/s1600/nervous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHgGyJ39KbWiaVf6_EiarDNsqlOnMtFQ_tC_A4yp7GxymfLPJ_pLjm_NjG1uwC49ft8SNewA34wv_IKv2s9hofUWEC-QCicFIevNKe8dM8rql5fmQ1UF7k1QHpzDkhVhvSYBjgMsu88s/s1600/nervous.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
N is for Nervous</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You always did make me so nervous. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the first time I saw you, butterflies in my stomach doing somersaults. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dry mouth. Starry-eyed. Lovesick. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You glance at me and I would look away, not because I was shy, I've never been shy, I look away not wanting you to see how you've totally and completely captured my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you spoke to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to fan myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm more nervous. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can hear my heart beating in my ears. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you hear it too? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you sense the heat rising within me? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't breathe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I'm about to be sick, no I'm going to pass out! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That would be great! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I'd look like a complete an utter fool. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd probably fall on my face, breaking my nose, laying in a pool of blood, drool and snot. That's sexy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How embarassing! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ha! At least I wouldn't be nervous.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Nervous on the Bookshelf</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWD5wa9HblEV7Zum9Aisvy1hHiTOPvNez1OyiawrlX-cJuBPZlpHdj0p5pXKzauSGHRp8THDFOeiP1hPk8BAr1ITr6LzYgfH8fZzP-cQxQ5b7v5qx-_rAqCIxGhSmOYDvrZ1H2rPX0LY/s1600/nervous+flier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWD5wa9HblEV7Zum9Aisvy1hHiTOPvNez1OyiawrlX-cJuBPZlpHdj0p5pXKzauSGHRp8THDFOeiP1hPk8BAr1ITr6LzYgfH8fZzP-cQxQ5b7v5qx-_rAqCIxGhSmOYDvrZ1H2rPX0LY/s1600/nervous+flier.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Noel flies from Sydney, Australia all the way to Chicago to see her
boyfriend, Peter, she is shocked and heartbroken when she discovers
that he has a fiancé. She is distraught but is determined not to let a
man like Peter get in the way of her happiness. She takes a job as a
coffee shop barista and reunites with the man she met on the plane,
Dawson. The man had comforted her during the landing because she was
such a nervous flier. Soon she discovers that in her heartbreak she will
find something better—true love and a man strong enough to withstand
any turbulence.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-O55EIb-ApUZw2DIdW-2fFP21pF0qclajSmEx_u3AUvMS8NriM4fz2MmzPfpQukq0NlYnNYxdcFqOHGWSckb9g0m5Cnpqhg1arUFV1_GtiK01iYZr41YhPkcjg8smQcMzChSILJ84kI/s1600/nervous+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-O55EIb-ApUZw2DIdW-2fFP21pF0qclajSmEx_u3AUvMS8NriM4fz2MmzPfpQukq0NlYnNYxdcFqOHGWSckb9g0m5Cnpqhg1arUFV1_GtiK01iYZr41YhPkcjg8smQcMzChSILJ84kI/s200/nervous+night.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Katie Woo is so excited to spend the night at her grandparents' house.
But once she gets to their house, she feels a little nervous. How will
she ever spend a whole night in the strange house?</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
What makes you nervous?</h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08580865657596913448noreply@blogger.com2